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Well a lot of the credit has to go to my Maestro Huachumero don Choque Chincay under whose tutalage I have experienced the old ceremonial styles at the orginal ancient sites on the Peruvian north coast and central highlands, on numerous occassions, and who revived these ceremonial traditions through great personal effort and farsighted vision. Credit also to my Maestro Ayahuasquero don Rober Acho Jurema, who maintains the old style of ceremonial use of Ayahuasca in the Peruvian Amazon, par excellence. And even more so, much credit must be paid to the teacher plants themselves, which were so central to many ancient American cultures and from which infinite insight can be gained both about the past, the present, and the future. Beyond that, I have independently travelled to many of the most important archaeological sites in Peru, Bolivia, some in northern Chile and Argentina, the south-west of North America (ancient puebloan sites) and south from central Mexico (there's still alot missing, but here's hoping!). The rest is inferred from visits to museums and examiations of monumental and portable artworks, personal exploration of sacremental plants where legal, and reading books on archaeology and plant use, plant distribution, critical analysis of ancient art and architecture, studies of ecology, and sensibility to the forces within landscapes including in Australia. I suppose it is a matter of intellectual accumulation punctuated by visionary revelation and actual interaction with the sites themselves, and their surrounding environment. It has been particularly suitable for my personality being an absolute numbat when it comes to science, chemistry, physics and mathematics; I immediately found the archaic spiritual sciences to be considerably more comprehensible and viscerally compelling on a personal level. Most people would have bought a house (or at least half of one!) by now and maybe I should have but I quite simply found the knowledge irresistable. Unfortunately, finding a context for integration of these things has, and continues, to prove entirely difficult in this country, to say the least, as has the financial encumberances of funding such exploration over the last seven years which has decidedly set me back in a material sense. Further to that, only the tip of the ice-burge has been revealed to me, if even that much. I'm pretty slow on the up-take and especially in living true to the lessons. But I'm not sorry and I wouldn't know where one should begin. Probably, as most on this forum would have already, by asking the question. I am not particularly comfortable talking about my experiences on a forum as it does not communicate the nuances effectively nor allow a common ground to be found where differences of opinion may be evident, so that is all I will say for now about this. If you were looking to know more I would direct your attention to archaelogical books, particularly those that deal with art, land-use and architecture simultaneously, which can found for most ancient cultures worldwide, or books such as Plants of the Gods that gives a brief synopsis of the use of many sacred plants in many cultural contexts across the globe. Pre-columbian cultures may be a particularly fertile field for those interested in shamanic plant use. A specific book that fully explores and extrapolates how plants and landscape definitively shaped cultures is, as far as I know, waiting to be written for the general public.

Where is the logic in the scheduling anyhow? If there is to be a cost/benefit from the legislation surely there must be dollar figures to represent the emergent scourge of people presenting a public danger mugging grannys to fund their DMT habit to justify all the ( doubtless expensive ) government work that's been going into this ridiculous legislation Ok that last sentence was an exaggeration. But is this legislation based on an emergent trend of a defined existing harm, and if so, where are the figures- especially those which would compare the perceived threat proposed by scheduled plants compared to the currently accepted threat by currently illicit drug and alcohol use. They're happy enough to tout these figures in any yellow press article about the so called costs of illicit drug or alcohol use- where are the comparative figures for drugs that aren't illicit yet. How much is this costing the community? And how much more would enforcement increase that figure? If it's scheduling to protect us from a perceived threat, it's ridiculous. I'd like to see both the schedule *and* the justifications. Think of the cheeeeldren doesn't cover it

just a few pics of some of my favorite freaks and rare specimens from my growing collection (more pics to come later) enjoy Eulychnia Castanea spiralis Psycho x J3 crests Lophocereus Schottii monstrose Cereus Peruvianus crest Copiapoa Hypogea 2 headed Trichocereus Pachanoi monstrose Trichocereus Pachanoi crests Astrophytum Asterias Kikko crests Astrophytum Asterias Kikko crest (lizard skin / muscle form) (possibly also variegated) Astrophytum Asterias Vtype Kikko crest (multiheaded) Astrophytum Asterias variegated Lophophora Williamsii crest

The federal model schedules are coming in via a back door. we have been waiting for the criminal code act amendments to hit parliament so that we can fight the stupid plant laws that were proposed. Roxon has avoided this by removing the schedules from the act and putting them in the regulations. Regulations do not need to go through parliament. This means they can be done much quicker and do not get scrutinised by the parliament. The amendment for this to happen has already passed. Not sure when it comes into force and at this stage we also do not know what the version of the schedules will be. Sorry for the lack of detail. hopefully someone else can fill in more. I am too busy dealing with the stupid Qld laws and a NSW forensics fuck up for the next week. If you want to know what the proposed model schedules are and how they affect plants please have a look at www gardenfreedom.com I don't think they know about the changes yet as there is no update.

Learning Train safety has never been so catchy

I don't think that's the issue, as T is aware of the proposed changes and has time to adapt. What about all the small nurseries, Landcare nurseries, people with ordinary ornamental plants in their gardens... I know from experience it's hard to convince a lot of people that these ridiculous changes are pending. And even when they do take it on board there is still the belief that they couldn't possibly be targeted. Until of course they are This totally fucks research. Get a permit, huh. I've seen how much time these things take to apply for and admin necessary to run them ( and to make the sort of changes in direction that usually happen during the course of any research project ). They're prohibitively extensive. And you need to make sure all staff are aware of them, tracking changes as the project progresses iinto new processes as they almost always do. Things like- arranging or building extra secure space for the most trivial and brief of procedures. Rearranging entire security access to allow for a new process to take place in a previously open-access area ( and finding new work areas for those affected-get your work out of here, take the gear with you, find bench space, and wipe card access for the new space for all staff but those listed ). And making sure all staff know and respect the guidelines (I don't believe you, so I'm going to do it my way anyhow. I had to read a lot of legislation and I can't get it right. We have to pay the lawyers to check this out before we can evaluate the project. Hey I store my samples in that fridge, I need them now, where's the dude with the key? I wasn't listening at the meeting etc ). This is the very opposite of incentive to undertake research And given the species which will be quickly listed which could also have potential clinical applications, the whole thing horrifies me Back when kratom was legal ( I know.. I've said this before but it's still the best example I can think of ) I've seen firsthand how a simple mild infusion reduced the swelling and pain of crippling rheumatoid arthritis. We'll never have that option as an available treatment. This is what we lost last time. Now we face losing more If the schedules they're proposing this time are anything like the last lot, congratulations Roxon, you're fucked. Stupidest. Law. Ever

This God of yours is a bad influence on you reptyle, I want you to stop hanging out with him.

To reward my eldest pedro for flowering for the first time i gave her some bright yellow pebbles, now she is looking sharp Before After

Communities like this, and the psychedelic movement in general, have at their foundations the premise that entheogenic substances, when used correctly, can have a positive impact on the lives of individuals and life in general on this planet. In the past few decades, much emphasis has been placed on rediscovering the practices of cultures with shamanic traditions and incorporating these into contemporary rituals. A common view amongst members of this contemporary psychedelic community is that when these shamanic techniques and plants are implemented in the traditional ritual setting, a positive experience reconnecting oneself to the natural world will ensue. This seems to be based on the view that the ancient shamanic cultures where nature worshiping people and their practices were built around this. This, however, may be a simplification of the extremely complex spiritual topology that entheogenic plants and substances allow access to. There are numerous examples of entheogenic plants being used in seemingly malevolent ways. The practice of brujeria in the amazon basin, and the imbibing of mushrooms by the upper classes at human sacrifice festivals in the aztec society, are two examples that immediately spring to mind. In these situations, especially in the case of the aztecs, entheogens are still living up to the namesake in that they are manifesting a god within, but what kind of god? These substances can manifest the full spectrum of desires within the human heart, including the will to bring suffering on others. It seems important therefore to carefully examine the context of entheogenic traditions before incorporating then into our lives. Perhaps more importantly, those who do use these powerful sacraments should create their own rituals and belief structures to emphasise positive qualities such as love and respect for nature and fellow beings, if that is what they seek.

balm for my eye's, you got an incredible collection.

Haha yup defs a problem with the post count. Makes me look like a fool lol I'll just upoad to photobucket or something similar.

Fuck x 3 ...

Ochna sp. bad bad weed

It's two for the vote of Fuck.....

Gidday there Zaka and in_spirit! Delighted to make your acquaintance. I can certainly offer a few details about the uses of the Tonka bean from the perspective of a tobacco connoisseur and practitioner. I take it you are in a former French colony? - as the delicious, musky, vanilla fragrance of the powdered, dare I say, 'spice' has long been esteemed in their perfumery and cuisine as a top note that rivals even the great Vanilla orchid and the precious Tonquin deer's unguent. When powdered it not only enhances the flavour of 'Virginian' tobacco snuff it "creates" it! To say - the clumpy, heavy body of mere pulverised tobacco leaf is transformed into a silky, free flowing powdery "mist" that delights the nose when blessed with the addition of this magical seed's dust! But like all things to good to be, its time came to an end:- Dear Dr Poschl. pioneer of Smokeless Tobacco, efforts to remove any cancer creating agent from tobacco consumption identified, not only the carcinogens of its pyrolysis, but the essential coumarin of the wondrous titular bean. "The devil we know" however fondly, was replaced with "the devil we don't" and we were denied the divinity of its sensuous use - at least in large quantities. Not to mention a capitalism driven artificial chemical industry felt its petrochemicals could replace, profitably, this gift from Nature! Indeed anything from Nature - oh! the vanity of man. A cruel, heartless hypocrisy - for coumarin is equally found in cinnamon but thankfully they didn't get their meddling into its availability...yet! But the hostile bureaucratic memory is pathetically short, their pomp and power impotent and rarely, all to rarely, the Tonka bean graces us again occasionally from the most noble French perfumers to the ranks of the most elite tobacco products. I write here from deepest, darkest Australia where every bit of tobacco, from cradle to grave, seems viciously guarded by the filthiest of power hungry fascists - their grasp tightening all the time. But in every other mature and rational country tobacco growing and manufacture is a civil liberty and the Tobacco companies are forced to compete on a level playing field against common sense domestic backyard production. Snuff production, amongst all other forms of tobacco manufacture, is as facile as baking bread - but not here! Until recently I could import Tonka bean from Tim and Julie Love of Snuffstore UK, who had private sources - but alas! Big Tobacco forced them out of business. Hence, my dear Zaka, my considerable interest in your endeavours. If fruitful I assure you an international niche market through my contacts and fellow snuff partakers - the pleasure all ours! Traditionally it has a fantastic history amongst the Venezuelan natives amongst whom I have secure bonds. Oh, the stories I could tell - but another time. Even now I remember the penetrating overwhelming allure of their e'pana snuff - so augmented by toasted kumaru which is their version of Guyanese Tonka. I look forward with great anticipation to more of your posts!

Monday - picked mushrooms, washed jars Tuesday - prepared grain, washed jars Wednesday - cooked grain, inoculated jars Thursday - spawned bulk subs, washed more fucking jars Friday - picked mushrooms, cooked grain, washed jars, slept, washed more jars, cooked grain, inoculated jars. Saturday - thought about the social life I had before I had to wash all those fucking jars. Sunday - decided to switch to bags I started out with intentions of logging everything but in the end I really didn't have time for it and I just used stick on labels with dates on them.

Here are my top three to find: 1) Psychotria poepiggiana 2) Psychotria poepiggiana 3) Psychotria poepiggiana Should be easy to ID when in flower, and a highly promising species that needs to be in cultivation.

very exciting! there are a bunch of things there. not sure if the ayahuasca culture is there, but some plants are. http://www.botanicus.org/item/31753003566376

just start here. Order from sab or members here. You'll never find them much better priced and good selection.

in my experience markets are cheaper than chain stores for fruit/veg anyway, and that's before factoring in the vile capitalist mentality of coles and woolworths.

ballzac, we recently ahd wollies move into Mullum. There was a big promise of jobs for young people because jobs would be transferred from the existing small supermarkets to woolies as well as extra jobs created because those who were going to woolies in the nearest bigger town would start shopping in mullum instead. Then the self checkouts opened and the normal check out lanes are rarely staffed. Suddenly there are a shitload less jobs in mullum. I understand that we need to move with the times and evolving technologies, but I think if the only thing that ever matters to us is the labelled price of goods rather than the social costs attached to it then we are doomed. So now unemployment in mullum is higher, but our food is a little cheaper. What's more important though? Also, what bothers me more is the financial drain these huge corporations cause. The purpose that woolies serves was previous served by 3 butchers, 2 greengrocers, 2 supermarkets, a farmer's market, lots of local farmgate sales, a healthfood shop, and all of their many staff. Many of these businesses are no longer viable and their extra jobs are gone. The majority of the money that was previously earned or brought into the area would be distributed via wages and local investment back into the local community. Kids had casual jobs with caring employers. And many shops would buy from local producers because it was cheaper for them to do so. Woolies on the other hand buys nothing local and pulls all the money out of the local economy. Nothing stays here unless locals have shares in woolies or are directly employed by woolies. In the late 90's banks started closing rural branches because they found it was too expensive to maintain them. 8 years later they realised it was too expensive NOT to have them. ANZ was one of the earliest to move out, but decided at some stage to move back into many towns that the other banks deserted and thus their market share rose dramatically. Now the major banks have almost as many rural branches as they used to before the closures started. The customers voted with their feet and their dollars. I don't think the same thing will happen with supermarkets because our society is obsessed with the concept that we are doing it tough and that we need to save every dollar possible so we can buy more pointless crap and luxury items. I am not on of them. I prefer to take my money to businesses that buy local, employ local, pay fair prices for their produce and charge fair prices for their produce. That usually means spending a little more, but at least I know I am contributing to the health of my commnity rather than just looking after my own wallet and feeding the leeches. If you remove all the real jobs you end up with an economy like the UK which is based on the financial sector and really doesn't produce anything much. Ask them how that is working out for them for the last few years....

We have all been pushed and shoved into the thinking that we are getting lower prices by taking the service out of retail and all the time the big retailers are telling us the service is still there along with lower prices. Bollacks do you remember when Bunnings warehouses first opened they advertized the fact that each section had a trades person or at least a knowledgeable person that you could get assistance from which they did until they wiped out the opposition. Now you will be lucky to find a person that actually wants to speak to you and you sure as hell wont want to ask a question because the have know idea. I don't do self service if I can help it especially not in a a place like WW or Coles I have to wander around to find what I want if I ask someone were something is they shrug there shoulders and send me down the front of the store to ask someone else and then they want me to scan and pay for the products that I have in my trolley all with no service at all but they still charge the same. I am certain that there margins have not come down if anything they will be up because they have screwed the suppliers so hard that a lot of them have given up and ether rolled over and branded there products as Coles or WW products. Has any one noticed how many small suppliers still have products on the shelves in the big retailers ( including bunnings ) Has any one been to a service station lately and actually got any service other than some lone person taking your money of you. Ever tried asking what sort of oil to put in your car or ask for assistance because your car has broken down on the forecourt. I used to work in a service station after school and pump petrol and later in life I worked rosters week ends and security was always a priority we always had at least 2 people on at all times. In my engineering shop we always have two people here. The policy is so a worker is never on his own in case something goes wrong yet servo's operate with one person in the middle of the night and that is ok ? What about the safety of the worker Bollocks that would cost to much and there margins would suffer. I never have got the attitude of they will have to find a different job. What is wrong with there old one other than it is cheaper to get the customer to do it. How long will it be before some old lady is charged with stealing from one of these diy self serve registers when the poor old dear has made an honest mistake. I could go on but I might start going on about the good old times I will say one more thing I worked in many positions over my working life and most involved dealing with customers in retail positions and managerial positions. The philosophy was always offer quality products at each price point at a competitive price and if you offer great service you will have customers return again and again. And I still follow the much same in my business now with quality of work and service being the most impotant. If I do both of those well then most of my customers are quite happy to pay extra for the job. Cheers Got

Awesome. Price over all else. This is why we are heading for a Depression, because people don't make an ethical stand when they can save a few measly bob. While youre at it, fuck buying Australian produce too, when overseas-owned products are cheaper. Tough luck to Aussie companies, they can go work in the mines too !

That last pic is nuts Explorer! looks like on of those lures deep sea fish have

they prepared it the same way they prepared salvia...blumei & pumila well as was said by indians.. http://www.sagewisdom.org/wasson1.html maybe coleus has to be tweaked with some kinda indian shamanic backwards upside down handstand rain dance to be active?