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Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom
Decomposing The Shadow presents a psychological model for the experience of the magic psilocybin mushroom. It explores what the experience of this psychedelic medicine exposes to us about the nature of mind, emotion, society, psychospiritual maturity, and reality itself. This book is about facing the darkness within each of us, developing the courage of emotional honesty, and investigating how the unacknowledged aspects of self, the shadow, can make the grounds of personal growth fertile again.
The psilocybin mushroom offers us the opportunity to experience life from a point of amplified emotional, psychological, and spiritual significance. It unlocks a perspective of self and other that is naturally occurring within us, but culturally suppressed to the point of nearly complete omission. When we begin to navigate the vastly novel experiences this substance can provide us, we further enable its potential for not only exposing, but healing the unconscious narratives that hold us back from being our fullest, most courageous, most honest self.
The psilocybin mushroom offers us the opportunity to experience life from a point of amplified emotional, psychological, and spiritual significance. It unlocks a perspective of self and other that is naturally occurring within us, but culturally suppressed to the point of nearly complete omission. When we begin to navigate the vastly novel experiences this substance can provide us, we further enable its potential for not only exposing, but healing the unconscious narratives that hold us back from being our fullest, most courageous, most honest self.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2013
52 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
James W. Jesso
4 books55 followersJames W. Jesso is a public speaker and author who pulls apart his psyche to weave stories out of the process. Deeply versed in the psychedelic experience, his work draws on the wisdom and insight distilled in facing the turbulent reality of his own darkness.
He has authored numerous articles, essays, and videos, done radio, podcast, and print interviews, and toured across the world giving lectures and facilitating public discussions on a variety of subjects. Jesso has given over 60 public presentations since the start of 2013. He is also the host of ATTMind Radio podcast (on iTunes), interviewing people on the cutting edge of new psychedelic culture.
He has independently published three books, Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom (2013), Soundscapes & Psychedelics (2014) and The True Light Of Darkness (2015). He is also the host of the patron-funded podcast ATTMind Radio.
He has authored numerous articles, essays, and videos, done radio, podcast, and print interviews, and toured across the world giving lectures and facilitating public discussions on a variety of subjects. Jesso has given over 60 public presentations since the start of 2013. He is also the host of ATTMind Radio podcast (on iTunes), interviewing people on the cutting edge of new psychedelic culture.
He has independently published three books, Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons From The Psilocybin Mushroom (2013), Soundscapes & Psychedelics (2014) and The True Light Of Darkness (2015). He is also the host of the patron-funded podcast ATTMind Radio.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 11, 2013
After a quick investigation into the research being shared surrounding mycelium and this unique organism's ability to decompose and re-balance our planet, it is easy to see mushrooms as an emerging solution to many of the challenges we are facing. Pioneers such as Paul Stamets are showing how mushrooms can be used for everything from cleaning toxic soils to creating natural insecticides, providing alternative fuel to treating small pox and the flu. Mushrooms are the decomposers of the planet; a fundamental key to transforming our linear consumption model into a regenerative circle. One particular type of mushroom could open the doors to a deeply personal inner transformation that has the potential to affect the larger community; the psilocybin mushroom.
Author James Jesso has recently released an invaluable contribution to the planetary healing process with his book, Decomposing the Shadow: Lessons from the Psilocybin Mushroom. In its pages he weaves together research and personal experience into a conceptual map of the inner psilocybin terrain. Jesso presents a convincing argument for the untapped and culturally suppressed potential of the 'magic mushroom' as a tool for cultivating psychospiritual maturity - a process of integrating all aspects of self into a fuller, authentic expression of one's whole self. Framed within the backdrop of his personal story and a brief history of the mushroom's role in Western society, Decomposing the Shadow addresses much of the negative and misdirected language surrounding the psilocybin experience.
In harmony with the role of mushrooms as decomposers of this world (and even the cosmos), Jesso illustrates how, when used properly, the psilocybin mushroom can be a teacher and guide through the healing process of decomposing our shadow. The magic mushroom can provide us with an opportunity to face our shadow (aspects of self we associate as being negative and often repress or project onto others as judgement) and in doing so, discover our courage through the practice of active surrender and acceptance to the experience as it is. This unique teacher acts as a catalyst in providing experiences that reveal a path for personal healing; it is we who then must walk it.
Written for those who have not experienced the magic mushroom and seasoned psychonaughts alike, Decomposing the Shadow is a courageous stand to dissolve the cultural stigma and blind dogma surrounding the psilocybin mushroom and "drugs" in general. Jesso is careful to explain that the psilocybin teacher is not for everyone and the often shared story of a 'bad trip' is a result of the anxiety and resistances to the experience that can accompany uninformed use. He provides tips, based on his own exploration, into creating a positive and lasting journey with the fungus - including setting intention, choosing a dose, dealing with gut rot, releasing expectations, integrating meditation and a detached observation of passing thoughts. The book is a must read for anyone seeking to dive into the healing potential of this teacher plant; through the lessons shared in its pages or through personal exploration with the mushroom.
As we all individually take responsibility for our personal healing and the integration of our fragmented and disowned aspects of self, we start to change the world around us. The magic mushroom is one avenue with which to explore this awareness and begin to decompose our shadow by unlocking "the nutrients contained within it to feed the soil of psychospiritual growth. They take us on a journey through and beyond the death and decay of repression, into the fertile grounds of budding maturity, courage, and confidence."
Decomposing the Shadow has provided me with a foundation with which to reference and language my exploration of the inner psilocybin terrain. I am inspired by the focus and dedication to this courageous and often culturally confrontational path that James has chosen. His gifts are planting many healthy seeds for the growth and blossoming of constructive relationships with this incredible healer, the psilocybin mushroom. I am personally inspired by his example and am grateful to have witnessed this book through its creation process. The project incorporated the gifts from many talented individuals and was financed through a beautifully executed crowdfunding campaign, both testaments to the bright light that James brings to his community.
Author James Jesso has recently released an invaluable contribution to the planetary healing process with his book, Decomposing the Shadow: Lessons from the Psilocybin Mushroom. In its pages he weaves together research and personal experience into a conceptual map of the inner psilocybin terrain. Jesso presents a convincing argument for the untapped and culturally suppressed potential of the 'magic mushroom' as a tool for cultivating psychospiritual maturity - a process of integrating all aspects of self into a fuller, authentic expression of one's whole self. Framed within the backdrop of his personal story and a brief history of the mushroom's role in Western society, Decomposing the Shadow addresses much of the negative and misdirected language surrounding the psilocybin experience.
In harmony with the role of mushrooms as decomposers of this world (and even the cosmos), Jesso illustrates how, when used properly, the psilocybin mushroom can be a teacher and guide through the healing process of decomposing our shadow. The magic mushroom can provide us with an opportunity to face our shadow (aspects of self we associate as being negative and often repress or project onto others as judgement) and in doing so, discover our courage through the practice of active surrender and acceptance to the experience as it is. This unique teacher acts as a catalyst in providing experiences that reveal a path for personal healing; it is we who then must walk it.
Written for those who have not experienced the magic mushroom and seasoned psychonaughts alike, Decomposing the Shadow is a courageous stand to dissolve the cultural stigma and blind dogma surrounding the psilocybin mushroom and "drugs" in general. Jesso is careful to explain that the psilocybin teacher is not for everyone and the often shared story of a 'bad trip' is a result of the anxiety and resistances to the experience that can accompany uninformed use. He provides tips, based on his own exploration, into creating a positive and lasting journey with the fungus - including setting intention, choosing a dose, dealing with gut rot, releasing expectations, integrating meditation and a detached observation of passing thoughts. The book is a must read for anyone seeking to dive into the healing potential of this teacher plant; through the lessons shared in its pages or through personal exploration with the mushroom.
As we all individually take responsibility for our personal healing and the integration of our fragmented and disowned aspects of self, we start to change the world around us. The magic mushroom is one avenue with which to explore this awareness and begin to decompose our shadow by unlocking "the nutrients contained within it to feed the soil of psychospiritual growth. They take us on a journey through and beyond the death and decay of repression, into the fertile grounds of budding maturity, courage, and confidence."
Decomposing the Shadow has provided me with a foundation with which to reference and language my exploration of the inner psilocybin terrain. I am inspired by the focus and dedication to this courageous and often culturally confrontational path that James has chosen. His gifts are planting many healthy seeds for the growth and blossoming of constructive relationships with this incredible healer, the psilocybin mushroom. I am personally inspired by his example and am grateful to have witnessed this book through its creation process. The project incorporated the gifts from many talented individuals and was financed through a beautifully executed crowdfunding campaign, both testaments to the bright light that James brings to his community.
May 15, 2022
I wouldn't even know where to start or end quoting it.
it's refreshing. it talks about the labels of language shaping and, by definition, limiting our perception of reality - and our inability to process experiences that lack those labels.
it's short, slightly repetitive (though, I'd argue, just enough to let the point sink in) and damn insightful.
it's refreshing. it talks about the labels of language shaping and, by definition, limiting our perception of reality - and our inability to process experiences that lack those labels.
it's short, slightly repetitive (though, I'd argue, just enough to let the point sink in) and damn insightful.
June 29, 2017
After seeing James W. Jesso's byline on several articles on the web and stumbling across his podcast Adventures Through The Mind (highly recommended, by the way!), I decided to check out his book Decomposing The Shadow: Lessons from the Psilocybin Mushroom. I went into my reading experience with little understanding about what the book is all about, but from Jesso's descriptions of the book in the early podcast episodes, I knew that he considers psilocybin mushrooms to be his primary plant teacher and that the book is an attempt to develop a conceptual framework that can be used to better put into language the psychedelic experience.
The first part of the book covers his personal experiences with psychedelics, including a strong focus on the relationship that he has developed with psilocybin mushrooms. Jesso then goes into an brief explanation of magic mushrooms and a concise history of psychedelics, covering topics like Timothy Leary, Terence McKenna, the Good Friday Experiment, Ram Dass, and the psychedelic sixties. The middle section of the book is titled A Conceptual Framework, and it attempts to build a vocabulary of terms that can be used to define various aspects of the psychedelic experience. This section is definitely valuable, but it was a bit too academically-oriented for me and didn't hold my interest the same way a truly captivating piece of writing does. However, I did find it to be helpful for understanding various parts of a psychedelic experience and may incorporate some of the defined terms into my own psychedelic language. Ultimately, this particular section just felt a bit too textbook-like to me. The last few sections of the book focus on obtaining value from one's experiences and miscellaneous commentary about psychedelic-related topics, including an intriguing analogy between the psychedelic experience and the Dagobah scene from Empire Strikes Back that I quite enjoyed.
So—should you read this book? If you're interested in learning new terms to describe your psychedelic experiences, the history of psychedelics, spiritual work, or the formative psychedelic experiences that the author had, then the answer is yes. However, if you're not into any of those things then you may not get much out of this one. Ultimately, I found it to be a really well-written book and I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the author's works.
The first part of the book covers his personal experiences with psychedelics, including a strong focus on the relationship that he has developed with psilocybin mushrooms. Jesso then goes into an brief explanation of magic mushrooms and a concise history of psychedelics, covering topics like Timothy Leary, Terence McKenna, the Good Friday Experiment, Ram Dass, and the psychedelic sixties. The middle section of the book is titled A Conceptual Framework, and it attempts to build a vocabulary of terms that can be used to define various aspects of the psychedelic experience. This section is definitely valuable, but it was a bit too academically-oriented for me and didn't hold my interest the same way a truly captivating piece of writing does. However, I did find it to be helpful for understanding various parts of a psychedelic experience and may incorporate some of the defined terms into my own psychedelic language. Ultimately, this particular section just felt a bit too textbook-like to me. The last few sections of the book focus on obtaining value from one's experiences and miscellaneous commentary about psychedelic-related topics, including an intriguing analogy between the psychedelic experience and the Dagobah scene from Empire Strikes Back that I quite enjoyed.
So—should you read this book? If you're interested in learning new terms to describe your psychedelic experiences, the history of psychedelics, spiritual work, or the formative psychedelic experiences that the author had, then the answer is yes. However, if you're not into any of those things then you may not get much out of this one. Ultimately, I found it to be a really well-written book and I'll definitely be checking out the rest of the author's works.
July 7, 2013
This book is filled with some of the thoughts and feelings that I experience, but that I could not put into words (not as well as this book any way). It goes far beyond talking about a substance, it expands into philosophies and ways of life. An insightful read for the spiritual, the informed or the curious. Well done.
October 29, 2018
What I enjoyed about this book was the level of maturity that it approaches these powerful substances with. I found the book well placed, thorough, informative and well researched. I couldn't imagine being able to write a book on such a topic, due to the inexplicable nature of such experiences, but the Author pulls it off in a way that virtually anyone could connect with, regardless of their experience with psychedelics.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is already familiar with psilocybin mushrooms, and/or is open to the possibility that they can be used not just to 'get high' and 'see some weird shit', but to gain a better understanding of yourself, and the world.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who is already familiar with psilocybin mushrooms, and/or is open to the possibility that they can be used not just to 'get high' and 'see some weird shit', but to gain a better understanding of yourself, and the world.
March 18, 2017
Three and a half stars. While the writing style could use some serious polishing (numerous typos and awkward phrasings abound, and the chapters on the history of mushroom usage have the tenor of a high school book report), the ideas here about using psilocybin for emotional healing are clear and sound. Powell's thoughts on syntax, language, and "decomposition" of difficult, repressed emotions have all given me plenty to think about and adapt into my own practice as I move forward. Recommended.
January 15, 2018
As an Independent Scholar/Author/Editor who has been working on finding his writing voice in the plant medicine community, I have done alot of reading/research on the the topic. In reading ‘Decomposing the Shadow,’ I have found in the author a highly intellegent writer, well sourced, and very inspiring voice. From a critical standpoint I greatly admire an author who not only has insightful endnotes, but sourcing as well. In my reading of the book I find Jesso’s word craft and sentence structure incredibly valuable as it is well wrought, clear and highly understable from any perspective.
Since I began my journey with plant/fungi medicines a number of years ago I have always been self critical and asking myself tough questions on how to be a better functioning human being all around. This book, Jesso’s ‘Decomposing the Shadow,’ not just elaborates quite eloquently on questions I know to ask myself but those I have yet to ponder. It pushes the bounderies of thought, psychology, and reflection, which offers me not just food for thought but a whole banquet.
I cannot recommend this book more highly, it is in my top 10 of books to go back to time and again.
~~Anthony
Since I began my journey with plant/fungi medicines a number of years ago I have always been self critical and asking myself tough questions on how to be a better functioning human being all around. This book, Jesso’s ‘Decomposing the Shadow,’ not just elaborates quite eloquently on questions I know to ask myself but those I have yet to ponder. It pushes the bounderies of thought, psychology, and reflection, which offers me not just food for thought but a whole banquet.
I cannot recommend this book more highly, it is in my top 10 of books to go back to time and again.
~~Anthony
January 24, 2021
His ideas on how the mushroom heals by lowering ego defenses and promoting the processing of repressed emotions are great. But it feels a bit like there wasn't enough material for a whole book. Some of the fluff thrown in didn't please me much, including some quantum magic in one of the final chapters:
" The progress of quantum physics is beginning to show us in more complete detail that it is observation that creates the perpetuating reality around us. Morphic Resonance shows us how we may be unconsciously communicating that reality between each other to build a common ground. So as we approach a worldwide tension resulting from many poor choices of behavior from our society’s forefathers and elders, we need to be aware of what we are bringing out to our fellow (hu)man."
Telepathy through "morphic resonance"? No, thank you, I think the book would have been better without this. Still a very short and interesting read.
" The progress of quantum physics is beginning to show us in more complete detail that it is observation that creates the perpetuating reality around us. Morphic Resonance shows us how we may be unconsciously communicating that reality between each other to build a common ground. So as we approach a worldwide tension resulting from many poor choices of behavior from our society’s forefathers and elders, we need to be aware of what we are bringing out to our fellow (hu)man."
Telepathy through "morphic resonance"? No, thank you, I think the book would have been better without this. Still a very short and interesting read.
September 21, 2018
In my humble opinion, this is one of THE BEST books ever written!
Word to the wise, this is a very deep book....but so worth the read!
James Jesso draws a parallel between the enlightenment that comes with the break-down of our shadow self and the formation of psilocybin mushrooms from the decomposition of wood. In short, it is only through the destruction of one element that we can achieve balance and a sense of being whole or complete.
With inclement weather on the way for many of us, I cannot think of a better book to snuggle in with!
It will unequivocally change your life!
Word to the wise, this is a very deep book....but so worth the read!
James Jesso draws a parallel between the enlightenment that comes with the break-down of our shadow self and the formation of psilocybin mushrooms from the decomposition of wood. In short, it is only through the destruction of one element that we can achieve balance and a sense of being whole or complete.
With inclement weather on the way for many of us, I cannot think of a better book to snuggle in with!
It will unequivocally change your life!
February 26, 2018
This is a good intro book on the entheogenic and therapeutic properties of psilocybin. I enjoyed his personal story as well as insights gained. Wished it had gone a little deeper and incorporated other peoples journeys, but as a beginners guide it does a good job.
September 29, 2018
Subject was highly interesting but somehow the way it was written didn’t get me much into it. Book is very short and I guess people who have no clue about psychedelics can learn things that may change their attitude a bit.
May 19, 2020
I don’t have the words.
I feel like this was the book I needed right in this moment. I am so grateful to the author. What he has committed to paper spoke to my soul on some level that made me feel like I am finding my way down the right path.
I feel like this was the book I needed right in this moment. I am so grateful to the author. What he has committed to paper spoke to my soul on some level that made me feel like I am finding my way down the right path.
October 18, 2021
Excellent!
I loved the book and the depth it brings to the relationship between “The Shadow” and psilocybin. It brings knowledge to self in an effort to guide in the most effective and safe manner through the “ceremony”.
I loved the book and the depth it brings to the relationship between “The Shadow” and psilocybin. It brings knowledge to self in an effort to guide in the most effective and safe manner through the “ceremony”.
January 23, 2024
Great book, explaining the power of mushrooms to evade the ego defenses and achieve emotive-psychosynthesis
February 13, 2024
Great primer for my upcoming retreat. The Shadow is real!
October 14, 2016
The insight into true psychological healing that James Jesso provides in this book is amazingly profound and on point! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in ‘Psychospiritual Maturation’ regardless of their interest in psilocybin. The truths in this book regarding Language, Surrender, Shadow, Manifested Judgement and Fear are so valuable. I appreciate that Jesso includes ways to explore our psyche WITHOUT psychedelics. In my experience, it is entirely possible to do much of this work by practicing mindfulness and emotional honesty as long as we have the insight and courage to face our shadow and surrender to our fears.
February 20, 2022
An incredibly cathartic experience. A few typos in the Kindle edition, but luckily nothing so bad as to make the passages ineligible. I'd recommend this book to anyone struggling with making sense of a heavy psychedelic experience, or anyone wishing to make sense of psychospirituality in general.
Note: The author seems to be a tad misinformed on the Jungian concept of "shadow" or "Id" which DOES also contain positive aspects of the individual personality/psyche. Jung refers to this as the Golden Shadow.
Note: The author seems to be a tad misinformed on the Jungian concept of "shadow" or "Id" which DOES also contain positive aspects of the individual personality/psyche. Jung refers to this as the Golden Shadow.
November 4, 2023
A bit too esoteric and wordy for me but otherwise I found this a helpful guide to prepare me for my first psilocybin experience in a few months. James is clearly very passionate about the healing power of mushrooms and I appreciate his enthusiasm for sharing his own insight to help others.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews