The Story of Santa Claus Might Come From Mushroom-Eating Shamans
Is it possible that the folktale we know and love about Santa Claus finds its roots in the psychedelic mushroom-eating shamanism of people living in boreal regions of Europe? While there is some contention around this theory, there are a number of undeniable motifs connecting Santa’s yearly trip drawn by flying reindeer, and the analogous rituals of an isolated peoples’ use of the psychedelic Amanita muscaria mushroom.
For those unfamiliar with Amanita muscaria or Fly Agaric as it’s also known, you’ve probably seen it depicted in pop culture from Super Mario to Alice in Wonderland, to the toadstool your average garden gnome is seen akimbo beneath.
Known for its distinctive red and white speckled cap, Amanita muscaria is one of the most recognized mushrooms in the world. Though it can be deadly when consumed improperly, some cultures eat it for sustenance after boiling away its toxins. For those looking for an otherworldly experience, its ibotenic acid-rich contents have led many on psychedelic journeys over the thousands of years of its known use.
If you live in a wooded area in the Northern hemisphere, there’s a good chance you’ve seen it growing near an evergreen tree, especially a pine or fir. In fact, the mycelia of the mushroom intertwine with the roots of the tree in a mycorrhizal relationship—in this case, a positive symbiosis. And it’s here that we find the first instance of Amanita’s connection to the story of Santa Claus—the mushroom growing under the Christmas Tree.
Siberian Shamans and the Christmas Mushroom Story
Of course, one could draw the connection between Santa’s red and white outfit and the red and white splotches on Amanitas, but that’s not necessarily enough… if we dig deeper it becomes clear there is a multitude of links.
To the Sami people in the Lapland region of Northern Scandinavia, as well as other nomadic tribes throughout Siberia, Amanita was an incredibly valuable commodity said to be worth as much as a reindeer.
And that perception of value transcends these nomadic humans all the way down to their reindeer, who are known to dig through the snow in search of the mushrooms or come running from miles away when the pungent scent of the fungi’s chemicals are picked up in the urine of a human ingesting it.
In fact, drinking the urine of someone, or some animal, that has ingested Amanita was the preferred method of consumption, as the aforementioned ibotenic acid must be filtered through the kidneys into a compound called muscimol, in order to attain the psychedelic trip. And whether or not they trip too, reindeer love to consume muscimol.
Reindeer sledding in Finland in Lapland in winter.
Once imbibed and the psychedelic trip initiated, it was said the consumer of Amanita began to look like the red and white mushroom itself, hence Santa’s trademark colors. Typically, this was the shaman who began his ceremony, transcending worlds above and below the Axis Mundi to speak with ancestors and return with wisdom and advice as a type of gift bestowed on each household.
In exchange for such wisdom, as well as his psychoactive urine, the shaman was shown gratitude in the form of food and drink—the primordial milk and cookies that fattened him up.
Some say it was also normal for the shaman to enter through a hole in the roof of the nomads’ tents in lieu of its main entrance, as it was regularly covered by mounting snowdrifts. The shaman would also bring a sack full of dried Amanita as gifts to families, which he gathered during treks in nearby forests throughout the day.
Another way to bypass or convert the amount of ibotenic acid in Amanita is to dry the mushrooms, similarly done with “magic” mushrooms to increase the potency of their psychoactive compound, psilocybin. The shaman’s sack of Amanita was distributed to his community, who would then dry out the mushrooms by hanging them in their socks over the fire, much like stockings hung on the mantle at Christmas.
Digging Deeper Into Santa Claus’ Mushrooms
Critics of the Santa Claus mushroom shaman connection insist the story of Kris Kringle actually derives from the story of the Christian St. Nicholas—a bishop who donned a red and white robe and was known for his extensive generosity and altruism. And to an extent, there may be some validity to this, in that it may have been the original impetus behind the archetype of Santa. However, it does nothing to explain the flying reindeer and other bizarre fairytale elements of Santa.
One reconciliation proposed by some is that elements of the story of Santa Claus might draw from both sources, with the shamanistic aspects possibly becoming incorporated through the collective unconscious, or through storytelling that transcended cultures over time.
The late Terrence McKenna was a proponent of the shamanic Amanita muscaria Santa story and even tied it into one of his more well-known archetypes he regularly experienced on psychedelic tryptamines.
McKenna would often speak of very specific entities met under a strong dose of psychedelics known as the self-transforming machine elves… elves?
In his book Breaking Open the Head, Daniel Pinchbeck talks about recurring experiences people have reported on Amanita in which mushroom entities come and directly speak to the person who consumed the mushroom, asking them why they decided to eat Amanita.
“They were visitors to our world, making their own journey through the cosmos. And to a limited extent, when it suited them, they involved themselves in human affairs. In his book on visionary plant use through history, The Long Trip, Paul Devereux describes common features of Amanita intoxication: ‘the spirits of the mushrooms might appear to the individual and converse with him directly. He might even feel himself turning into a mushroom spirit. The mushroom spirits tend to wear wide hats on heads that sit on stout cylindrical bodies without an intervening neck, and the number seen depends on the number of mushrooms eaten,’” Pinchbeck writes.
This account of the feeling of becoming a mushroom or seeing anthropomorphic mushrooms corroborates the idea that the image of Santa comes from the feeling or vision of seeing a red and white speckled being, induced by the psychotropic properties of Amanita.
In the classic Lewis Carroll novel Alice in Wonderland, upon eating what was certainly Amanita muscaria, Alice shrinks down or explodes to a size much larger than her normal stature. This is a common sensation reported by users of the mushroom who say they, or other objects, appear larger or smaller to them.
Similarly, on Christmas, Santa is able to shrink himself down and grow back to his normal size in order to fit down the chimney to drop off presents, despite constantly snacking and expanding in waist size. Could this also be a reference to the bizarre perceptions of depth experienced under the influence of muscimol?
It’s hard to say, but all of these pieces of evidence certainly seem to be subtle, or sometimes not so subtle, references to the sacramental use of Amanita muscaria by the medicine man of a group of people living in the Arctic.
Does this change anything about the way one should celebrate Christmas? Well, we’re definitely not going to encourage anyone to go eat Amanita, or worse, seek out and imbibe the urine of a shaman who ate it. Though, we might recommend using the holiday to focus and reflect on one’s mental, physical, and spiritual health, while remembering and honoring the life-giving, fungi-growing planet we call Mother Earth, Gaia, or just home. Happy Holidays!
Want more on Daniel Pinchbeck’s exploration in shamanism, psychedelics and religion? Check out this episode of Mind Shift with Alex Grey:
About the Author
How Do You Become a Shaman? A Beginner Practitioner’s Guide
Shamanism is one of the world’s oldest spiritual practices, with origins dating back thousands of years to Siberia, Central Asia, and Indigenous cultures across the Americas, Africa, and Australia. Its roots run deep with the natural and spirit worlds, shamanism has long served as a means of healing, guidance, and communion with unseen realms.
Today, many seekers feel called to explore this path not as a profession but as a profound journey of spiritual awakening and service. Whether inspired by ancient traditions or drawn by a modern sense of spiritual purpose, the path to becoming a shaman begins with an inner calling and a willingness to walk between worlds.
What is a Shaman?
A shaman is a spiritual practitioner and healer who bridges the physical and spiritual worlds to help others. In many Indigenous cultures, shamans are known for their ability to enter altered states of consciousness—often through trance, meditation, rhythmic drumming, or plant medicine—to communicate with spirits, receive guidance, and perform healing practices. They tap into the seen and unseen realms, using ancient techniques to restore harmony and well-being within individuals and communities.
Though shamanism varies across different cultures, the core principles remain consistent: shamans journey to the spirit world, retrieve lost knowledge or parts of the soul, and return with wisdom that promotes healing, clarity, and spiritual growth.
What Does a Shaman Do?
Shamans serve their communities in many vital roles, drawing upon their connection with the spirit world to offer healing, insight, and guidance. Their duties often include:
- Healing the Sick: Shamans believe illness may stem from spiritual imbalances, soul loss, or negative energies. Through rituals, energy healing, and soul retrieval, they work to restore health and wholeness.
- Spiritual Guidance: Shamans offer counsel, helping individuals navigate emotional challenges, life transitions, or spiritual crises by receiving messages from spirits or power animals.
- Conducting Rituals and Ceremonies: These may include blessings, purification, protection, or rites of passage to support individuals and communities.
- Divination: Using tools such as stones, bones, or direct spirit communication, shamans interpret signs to provide insight into present or future concerns.
- Psychopomp Work: Some shamans guide the souls of the deceased to the afterlife, ensuring a peaceful transition between worlds.
- Maintaining Harmony with Nature: Shamans often act as stewards of the Earth, communicating with natural forces and emphasizing balance with the natural world.
Whether in Indigenous cultures or modern spiritual communities, the role of the shaman is one of deep responsibility—offering healing and preserving sacred knowledge.
Hearing the Call: Can Anyone Be a Shaman?
Traditionally, becoming a shaman is not considered a personal choice but a spiritual calling. Many shamanic cultures believe individuals are chosen by the spirits, often through a “shaman illness,” near-death experience, or vivid dreams that signify an awakening to their path. This transformative event initiates the potential shaman into a journey of self-discovery and service.
While some modern seekers pursue shamanism as a spiritual practice or personal development path, the traditional view holds that ignoring the call can lead to emotional or physical turmoil. Acceptance of this calling often marks the beginning of shamanic training.
The Journey to Becoming a Shaman
The shamanic path to becoming a practitioner is both inward and outward—marked by spiritual awakening, mentorship, and disciplined practice. While each path is unique, there are common steps that many follow to cultivate the skills and wisdom needed for this sacred role.
Seek a Teacher or Mentor
True shamanic training often begins with mentorship. In Indigenous cultures, aspiring shamans undergo long apprenticeships under experienced elders. Today, some may train in person or through a reputable program, such as those offered by The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, founded by anthropologist Michael Harner. These training programs teach core shamanism and fundamental techniques like shamanic journeying, soul retrieval, and divination.
Mentorship is essential not just for safety in navigating the unseen world, but for transmitting sacred knowledge with integrity. A teacher with real experience can guide the student through deep personal transformation and spiritual initiation.
Training and Initiation
Shamanic training may involve years of disciplined practice, including:
- Learning to connect with spirit guides and power animals
- Practicing soul retrieval and energy healing
- Participating in sacred ceremonies and rituals
- Engaging in deep personal healing and shadow work
- Studying the natural world and spirit realms
This path may also include working with plant medicine such as ayahuasca, under proper guidance, to access spirit realms and accelerate healing. However, this is not required by all traditions.
Tools and Techniques of a Shaman
Modern and traditional shamans alike use tools that assist in entering trance states and performing healing work:
- Drums and Rattles: Induce altered states and guide shamanic journeys
- Feathers: Used in energy clearing and as symbols of connection to bird spirits
- Crystals: Amplify energy healing and spiritual insight
- Plant Allies: Include sacred herbs like sage or ceremonial plant medicine like ayahuasca
- Sacred Songs and Chants (Icaros): Invoked to call on spirits and enhance healing
- Gongs and Singing Bowls: Create vibrational frequencies that open energy channels
Shamanic Practices and Responsibilities
The practice of shamanism includes a wide range of spiritual and healing techniques:
- Shamanic Journeying: Traveling to the spirit world to receive guidance or retrieve knowledge
- Soul Retrieval: Reintegrating fragmented parts of the soul to restore wholeness
- Divination: Gaining insight through spiritual tools or spirit communication
- Spiritual Healing: Using energy healing, ceremony, or guidance from spirit allies to promote well-being
A shaman is also a guardian of their community, often tasked with preserving shamanic traditions, facilitating rites of passage, and maintaining harmony with the natural world.
A Way of Life, Not a Title
Being a shamanic practitioner is a lifelong spiritual path, not a profession or weekend pursuit. It requires humility, personal integrity, and a sincere devotion to the healing of others and the Earth. The shaman must undergo continual personal growth, learn to navigate the unseen world safely, and remain grounded in service.
In the Western world, those who practice shamanism may also integrate complementary healing modalities such as Reiki or energy work. The path of a shamanic healer is one of ongoing spiritual development, often requiring the courage to stand apart from societal norms in order to serve a greater spiritual truth.
If you feel the call, know that the path may be challenging—but also deeply rewarding. Through commitment, proper guidance, and an open heart, anyone drawn to this path can begin the journey into shamanic practice and explore the mysteries of the spirit world.
