Psychedelic Santa: The Origins of Santa Claus, Amanita Muscaria and Shamanic Traditions

The classic figure of Santa Claus that we know and love, with his red-and-white suit, flying reindeer, coming down our chimneys, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Modern Christmas.

However, beneath the layers of American commercialization and consumerism lies a fascinating and lesser-known origin story that intertwines sacred plants, ancient traditions, and shamanic practices…

At the heart of this tale is the Amanita Muscaria Mushroom, a red-and-white toadstool with hallucinogenic properties, revered by the indigenous peoples of the Arctic and Siberia…