Yeah, there's a lot of negative word out on Soma. I can't tell you why, but Soma will tell you, if you eat it. I first ate Soma in 1980. After a long break, during November through December, 2004, I harvested, dried and ate Soma on about 20 occasions. I'm not familiar with other entheogens, so I can't compare its effect. Like many, I researched the subject on the Internet. I also read books by Donald Teeter, James Arthur, Clark Heinrich, and Hawk and Venus. Each of these, I believe, convey important information about the use of Soma. I also believe that "The Quest of the Holy Grail", written in about 1225, describes the Spiritual preparation necessary to effectively bemushroomed, and to gain enlightment on that path. I believe that Soma is the Holy Grail, for many, many, many reasons. It is also the true sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church. My preferred method is to eat small pieces of dried Soma, washed down with milk. As wisely recommended by Donald Teeter, I refrain from carbonated beverages before, during and after the Soma experience, as this can increase the potential for vomiting. The only time I've ever vomited after eating Soma was when I washed it down with a carbonated soft drink. My typical dose is from a quarter to a half ounce. I started small and found that for myself only, the threshold is about 1/2 ounce, dried. On the other hand, when prepared in an infused tea, a smaller amount (maybe 1/3 ounce, dried) seems to be my threshold. I'm a male, 43 years old, and weigh about 200 lbs. Tea is prepared by putting the dried caps in a cup, and then pouring boiling water over the Soma and letting it steep. The resulting tea is then strained, and honey and milk mixed with the clear filtered tea. (The rehydrated mushrooms are tossed out or mixed in with soil near a compatible tree.) Soma, for me, seems to vary in intensity more that I first expected. Usually, the first sign of effect is a slight trembling to my hands. Hawk and Venus have recommended Manganese (not Magnesium) to help with the trembling. But, I haven't been bothered to the point where I have felt that was needed. On one occasion, the twitches and convulsions were a bit frightening (having gone beyond the hands to the legs and arms). However, on that occasion -- the high point of my life -- I wasn't concerned because I realized that Soma would not hurt me, because Soma is the Counselor and the Protector, sent from Heaven. Other times, Soma doesn't seem to have much of an affect, at all. But that's part of the Mystery. I look forward to the next few months, when the rains return to Humboldt County. P.S., I believe the original poster is from Michigan. You might be interested to know that the Native People of that great state have eaten Soma since time immemorial. (See Clark Heinrich's Book, for just one example.) "The bus came by, and I got on, That's when it all began..." Hail, Soma! Soma is the Spirit of God.
Edited by BobHumboldt (09/01/04 03:25 PM)
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