A witch sitting on a broomstick is a popular image associated with Halloween and witchcraft. This imagery is often depicted in various forms of media, including books, movies, and decorations. The concept of a witch riding a broomstick can be traced back to ancient folklore and mythology. In folklore, witches were believed to be able to magically travel through the air using broomsticks or other objects as transportation devices. It was believed that the broomstick allowed them to fly to secret gatherings known as Sabbaths or covens, where they would meet with other witches and participate in various rituals and ceremonies. The association of witches with broomsticks is often linked to the use of hallucinogenic plants and herbs in ancient witchcraft practices.
"Magic mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs are not typically an enforcement priority for the VPD, given the ongoing opioid epidemic, unless there are aggravating factors such as trafficking to children, or near schools and playgrounds," said Const. Steve Addison in an email.
Many of them tout the benefits of psilocybin, an hallucinogenic compound found in mushrooms that the medical community has been studying for its therapeutic use in treating mental health conditions and end-of-life distress. Magic mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs are not typically an enforcement priority for the VPD, given the ongoing opioid epidemic, unless there are aggravating factors such as trafficking to children, or near schools and playgrounds, said Const.
The association of witches with broomsticks is often linked to the use of hallucinogenic plants and herbs in ancient witchcraft practices. These substances would be mixed with oils and applied to the broomstick, which the witch would then straddle and ride. The hallucinogens would be absorbed through the witch's skin, creating a feeling of flying or travel.
Vancouver drug advocate launches online magic mushroom dispensary
People in Canada can now order and ship magic mushrooms right to their doorsteps, thanks to a Vancouver activist.
Long-time pot advocate Dana Larsen launched his latest venture, Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary, selling microdoses of psilocybin mushrooms.
"I think that just like cannabis, it is time to start to change the perception of psilocybin mushrooms," Larsen told CTV News.
The virtual store sells capsules containing 25mg, 50mg and 100mg of the drug.
Larsen knows his latest business is breaking the law, but said that is the point and he even has lawyers on standby.
"I think it needs to be done openly as a matter of civil disobedience to defy the law in an open way and hopefully that can make the law change, ultimately," he said.
Denver and Oakland have both recently decriminalized magic mushrooms.
Laren said he wants to help destigmatize the drug, adding microdoses provide a medicinal and therapeutic purpose for those suffering from various ailments.
He said it can also help treat stress associated with cancer, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses.
"The general feelings you will get is a reduction in anxiety, feelings of calmness and relaxation. It can help you sleep better. It can help you put your life, and maybe your problems, in a better perspective and it can alleviate a depression for people."
But the sale of the psychedelic drug is still very much against the law in Canada.
"Mushrooms that contain the chemical psilocybin are illegal under the Federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the possession and trafficking of this drug is illegal," a spokesperson with the Ministry of Public Safety and the Solicitor General said in an email statement. "Police will continue to investigate and submit cases for charge approval for those who prey on vulnerable people by selling illegal drugs."
The Vancouver Police Department said it is aware of Larsen's online shop and is looking into it.
"Magic mushrooms and other psychedelic drugs are not typically an enforcement priority for the VPD, given the ongoing opioid epidemic, unless there are aggravating factors such as trafficking to children, or near schools and playgrounds," said Const. Steve Addison in an email.
Larsen plans on opening a brick-and-mortar shop in the next couple of months and has already started scouting for a spot.
But he knows there may be challenges with the City of Vancouver.
The city officials echo the sentiment from the province, saying the sale of psilocybe mushrooms are against the law.
"We do not have a licence category for this type of business," said Chief Licence Inspector Kathryn Holm. "(It) is prohibited under federal statute and enforcement would be determined by the federal government."
For now, Larsen is content cashing in the sales from his online store. Within five days of running it, he claims to already have 40 customers.
The image of a witch sitting on a broomstick has become a staple of Halloween decorations and costumes. It is often depicted as a caricature, with a pointy hat, a hunched back, and a sinister expression. This imagery has been popularized in numerous movies and TV shows, including the classic film "The Wizard of Oz" and the television show "Bewitched." While the concept of a witch riding a broomstick may seem fantastical, it plays an essential role in the mythos and folklore associated with witches. It continues to captivate our imagination and adds a sense of mystery and allure to the concept of witchcraft..
Reviews for "The Intriguing Origins of the Witch Sitting on the Moon"
1. John - 1/5 stars - "Witch sitting on moob" was a complete waste of time. The plot was confusing, the characters were poorly developed, and the overall story just didn't make any sense. The title itself is misleading and has no relevance to the actual content of the book. I was highly disappointed and would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I found "Witch sitting on moob" to be quite disappointing. The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The writing style was choppy and the dialogue felt forced. The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. Overall, it didn't live up to my expectations and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars - "Witch sitting on moob" was a confusing and nonsensical read. The plot was convoluted, with no clear direction or purpose. The characters were unrelatable and there was a lack of character development throughout the book. Additionally, the writing style was difficult to follow, making it even more challenging to engage with the story. I was left scratching my head and feeling dissatisfied.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - I regret reading "Witch sitting on moob." The story felt disjointed and lacked any coherent structure. It was hard to establish a connection with the characters as they were poorly developed and inconsistent. The language used was also overly flowery and seemed out of place. Overall, this book was a disappointing and confusing experience that I would not recommend to others.
5. Mark - 2/5 stars - "Witch sitting on moob" was a letdown. The plot was hard to follow and the pacing was uneven. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fate. The writing style, while attempting to be poetic, came off as pretentious and forced. Overall, this book failed to captivate me and left me feeling unsatisfied.