Mushrooms & the Occult Imagination – Talk

Mushrooms have long occupied a curious place within myth, magic and the occult imagination.

In this online illustrated lecture, Julian Vayne explores the role of fungi in esoteric and magical culture. From ancient rites to modern visionary movements, he traces how mushrooms – particularly entheogenic species – have shaped myth, ritual and occult philosophy. Drawing on folklore, alchemy and witchcraft traditions, the session considers how mushrooms have been understood as teachers, tricksters, sacraments and symbols of transformation. The talk concludes with an open Q&A, inviting discussion on their evolving place within modern occultism.

Julian Vayne is an occultist with over 40 years' experience. A regular speaker at events, and facilitator of retreats and workshops, his work is informed by chaos magic, the Western Mystery Tradition, Wicca and eastern mysticism. He is a co-organiser of the psychedelic conference Breaking Convention, a founding member of the post-prohibition think-tank Transform, and sits on the…