At 7 Gates Sanctuary, we believe in the wisdom of the earth—that the natural world holds keys to profound healing and personal transformation. Plant medicine, including psilocybin mushrooms, offers a unique pathway to reconnect with this ancient intelligence and heal at the deepest levels.
In this exploration, Michele Solemani, LCSW, one of our experienced facilitators who works extensively with both ketamine and psilocybin, shares insights into why psilocybin is often the preferred choice for those seeking deep, transformative healing—especially when experienced in group settings.
Psilocybin: A Journey Rooted in Nature’s Intelligence
Psilocybin, the active compound in certain species of mushrooms, has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Often referred to as “magic mushrooms,” psilocybin offers a gateway to the subconscious, inviting individuals to unravel long-held patterns, rediscover inner truths, and reconnect with the natural world.
Michele describes psilocybin as more than just a psychedelic—it’s a teacher, a guide.
“With psilocybin, I’m connecting to the wisdom of the earth, to the most vast network of intelligence that exists: guidance from our original, billion-year-old grandmother,” Michele reflects.
This connection to bio-intelligence—the natural intelligence present in the evolution of the earth—creates a unique quality of healing that feels organic, grounding, and expansive.
Why Psilocybin Offers a Deeper Healing Experience
For many, the depth of the psilocybin experience far surpasses what ketamine can offer. While ketamine can be effective in addressing certain mental health conditions, it often acts as a surface-level tool—touching the outer edges of the psyche but rarely diving deep into the core wounds that drive patterns of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Michele explains this difference clearly:
“Ketamine is less intense, psychically. It’s a kind of scratching the surface, as if we don’t really get to the root but skate around it. Psilocybin, on the other hand, is a deeper dive—allowing for a longer and fuller exploration.”
A typical psilocybin session lasts between 4 to 6 hours, while ketamine journeys are often only 1 to 2 hours long. This extended timeframe allows participants to fully immerse in the experience, making space for more profound insights, emotional release, and transformative healing.
Psilocybin as Medicine for Uncertain Times
The world is facing unprecedented challenges— from systemic crises to personal isolation. In this environment, psilocybin serves as more than just a healing modality; it becomes a tool for surrender, trust, and reconnection.
“In the wake of the pandemic, people are living with heightened uncertainty. Psilocybin helps us let go of the need to control and reconnect to the flow of life,” Michele shares.
This reconnection—to the earth, to ourselves, and to each other—helps restore a sense of peace and acceptance, vital qualities for navigating times of uncertainty.
The Unique Role of Group Psilocybin Experiences
While personal journeys are powerful, group psilocybin experiences bring an added layer of transformation. Michele describes the potency of group healing circles, where participants share space, intention, and energy throughout the journey.
“I’ve facilitated circles of 4 to 12 people, and the healing potential is incredible. There’s a sense of being witnessed and held—like the DNA remembers the power of group ritual. Sometimes people are crying, others are laughing, but the shared bond creates exponential healing.”
These group experiences foster collective connection and amplify the impact of the medicine, helping individuals process their emotions within a supportive community.
Why Some Choose Ketamine Over Psilocybin
While psilocybin offers profound depth, ketamine remains an important tool for many—particularly for those new to psychedelics or needing a gentler introduction.
Ketamine offers:
- Shorter sessions (1-2 hours)
- Rapid antidepressant effects
- A synthetic, controlled experience
- Less intense psychological exploration
For some, ketamine provides an accessible first step into psychedelic healing. However, Michele notes that while ketamine can be effective, it rarely brings participants to the transformational depths psilocybin can unlock.
The Role of Psilocybin Facilitator in psilocybin Healing
One key distinction between psilocybin and ketamine is the role of the facilitator. Ketamine is legally available in take-home kits, allowing individuals to self-administer. Psilocybin, by contrast, requires a trained facilitator to guide and hold space for the journey.
Michele recounts moments where her presence during psilocybin journeys became essential:
“I’ve had people say, ‘This is terrifying, what’s happening to me?’ In those moments, having a facilitator to hold the space, offer reassurance, and remind them to breathe makes all the difference.”
The facilitator’s role is to offer grounding, safety, and emotional support, allowing participants to fully surrender without fear of getting lost in the experience.
Embracing Psilocybin’s Wisdom
At 7 Gates Sanctuary, we believe psilocybin holds the power to reconnect us to the deepest parts of ourselves and the living earth. While both psilocybin and ketamine have their place, psilocybin’s natural origins and capacity for profound healing make it an essential part of the work we do.
For those ready to embark on a deeper healing journey, the experience of psilocybin—guided by skilled facilitators like Michele Solemani—offers an unparalleled opportunity to transform and grow.
If you feel called to explore psilocybin healing, reach out today to learn more about our individual and group experiences.
