Welcome to Scorpio season.

As we journey with each mushroom, think about the qualities and healing effects they have and how can we integrate them more into our lives. Whether that be through ritual, ingestion or just learning and building more awareness about their incredible capabilities and role they play in our world.

When we time the embodiment of each mushroom with the energies of the sky, this alchemizes a deeper connection and understanding of the earth and our physical vessels.

Mushrooms are nature's alchemists and we get to dive deep into our next fungi below. Also, refer to the Astrological Planner as your navigational tool where you will find an intro to each and fungi archetype for each zodiac season.

Cordyceps (Grifola frondosa)

Cordyceps is the vampire-zombie of fungi, consuming its host from the inside out to transform into a mushroom known to the ancient Chinese for 'immortalizing the dead'. A traditional aphrodisiac, the ghost moth larvae-eating fungus was also used to treat asthma, protecting the lungs, and expelling upper respiratory tract infections.

It is immune-enhancing, anti-tumoral, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-asthmatic, a stress and cholesterol reducer, circulation and menstruation regulator, sexual potentiator, and a kidney, liver, lung, and nerve tonic.

It is well known for its improvements on stamina, endurance, libido, and longevity. It helps deliver energy to muscles, relaxes blood vessels, improving circulation, and lowering blood pressure. It supports metabolism regulation, progesterone production, gonad health, builds bone marrow, and reduces excess phlegm. It also protects against asthma, depression, diabetes, fatigue, high cholesterol, cancer, hypertension, boosts immunity, and balances blood sugar levels. Pretty incredible for a parasitic fungus that transforms through life and death into an super-powered supplement.

Main modern use:

Endurance, stamina, fatigue, progesterone, kidney tonic, libido, general health, anti-aging.

PLANET:

PLUTO - Governs transformation, regeneration, mutation, repair, intensity, and DNA replication.

SIGN: 

SCORPIO - Intensity, depth, desire, sex, and internal power are Scorpio traits. It rules the nose, reproductive system, genitals, cervix, portion of the uterus, pelvis, sweat glands, and elimination system.

Pairing notes:

Regenerative energy, life stamina. Pluto governs transformation. Scorpio as a fixed water sign rules desire, reproduction, and intensity for life and death. This shroom can also be paired with Aries (Mars ruled - blood focused, fire energy), Gemini (governs respiratory system), Leo (governs heart/cardiovascular system, life force), Sagittarius (rules arterial circulation), Aquarius (governs circulation).

 If you are interested in medicinal mushrooms to deepen your relationship with Scorpio this season check out Chaga, Red Belted Conk, and Cordyceps from Feral Fungi. Use code MAGICOFI for 20% off at check-out!

Alchemist, Ethnobotanist, Mycologist & Spagyricist, Jason Scott, shares his wisdom of Cordyceps and Scorpio.

Cordyceps in Scorpio

A way through the depths

Common Name: Cordyceps, Yarsagumba
Latin Name:  Cordyceps Militaris & Ophiocordyceps sinensis
Family: Cordicipitaceae & Ophiocordycipitaceae
Tastes: Sweet
Affinities: Vitality, Adrenals, Sexual Health, Immune
Energetics: Warm & Dry
Planetary Rulership: Mars, Sun

Navigating the Depths of Change

Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps are two genera of the most prolific entomopathogenic fungi. Ophiocordyceps sinenses (formerly Cordyceps sinensis) was the first species I personally got to interact with while travelling in Nepal.

Typically found in meadows above 3,500m or 11,500ft high in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau. Ophiocordyceps sinensis parasitizes the larvae of ghost moths (Hepialus humuli), though different species in the genera Ophiocordyceps and Cordyceps parasitize different insects. As of 2019, researchers have identified over 200 species of Ophiocordyceps that can infect hosts from 10 different insect orders and spiders.

The first time I got to see Cordyceps in person was in the frantic streets of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. I was there studying Ayurveda, so naturally, my fascination with herbs and mushrooms was at the root of my journey. I knew cordyceps, what they called yarsagumba, grew up in the Himalayas and inquired through many small tea shops around town.

Many of the vendors would point me here or there to another similar shop until one could produce a small quantity of mildewy-looking dried Cordyceps sinensis mushrooms growing out of the head of the small Hepialus worm. “1000 rupees per piece” was the mantra that followed as I checked in on many of these similar shops. That amounted to about $10 USD at the time.

I procured a few small pieces for the novelty; the specimens were not mildewy but still not the finest I could find. Eventually, I found them at my favorite “herb shop” in one of Kathmandu's many twisting back alleys. I got them for 500 rupees a piece, about $5 USD. I brought back a small bag.

It was amazing that these delicate parasitic fungi fetched such a high price. These cordyceps sold for over $35,000 USD per kilogram at that time. The market in Nepal was predominantly sold to the Chinese, who have used this mushroom traditionally for thousands of years. In China the pricy Cordyceps sinensis is used primarily as an aphrodisiac and ‘fountain of youth’ tonic for the elite.

For many years, Cordyceps sinensis mycelium has been grown out on substrate and used as a cheap alternative to the prized wild fruit. While the mycelium proved itself commercially viable, getting the fungi to fruit did not carry the same potential. However, another species of cordyceps, Cordyceps militaris, has been commercially grown and used for its medicinal benefits.

While Cordyceps militaris has been grown in the East for decades, there has been a surge in North American wild harvesters and cultivators who have isolated many commercially viable strains. Ryan Paul Gates of Terestrial Fungi is one of the most well-known and trusted sources for quality culture, and many cultures available in North America are derivatives of his original strains.

Cordyceps spp. and Ophiocordyceps spp. can effectively be used interchangeably for their medicinal virtue. Cordyceps has become one of my most trusted allies because it is highly effective in multiple areas. Cordycepin, adenosine, and cordycepic acid, along with many other amino acids and beta-glucans, are notably present in cordyceps mushrooms.

Cordyceps is a great tonic remedy with a specific affinity for renal health and one of the best sources of natural energy. Cordyceps is also highly renowned for its affinity to the respiratory system, used ostensibly for athletes looking for an edge on their opponents. One of the most revered properties of this coveted mushroom is as an aphrodisiac and “sexual potentiator” with effects on vitality and fertility, especially in men.

Cordyceps has been one of my favorite remedies for kidney health, with the potential to bring people and animals back from the brink of kidney failure. Beyond these key uses, Cordyceps has also been shown to be immune-modulating, anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, neuro-protective, neuro-regenerative, anti-tumor, and anti-angiogenic.

Doctrine of Signatures in Cordyceps

Imagining the spore setting in an unsuspecting insect as it spreads into hyphae and eventually a web of mycelia that takes over the nervous system and function of the unsuspecting victim is iconically martial.

I think of Mars, especially with the wild varieties of cordyceps, but its affinity with vitality and the immune system also suits it to cultivated cordyceps. The long-standing use as an aphrodisiac and “sexual potentiator” indicates Mars in Scorpio. Thinking of the mysterious way cordyceps takes over the whole being of the insect and affecting its entire being also echoes the depth of consciousness present and parallels the depths of Scorpio’s waters.

Beyond its strong martial qualities, Cordyceps also has a strong relationship to the Sun and Mercury for its overall vital force both on its own and how it behaves medicinally for the immune system, energy as it relates to central vitality and nervous system health.

Its mycelial growth moving through living insects and arachnids is martial, while the orange sometimes brown fruit with its stromata can nod to Mars, the Sun, and Mercury depending on the species and its particular growth habits. 
While I often work with wild cordyceps under Mars, I often work with cultivated cordyceps under the Sun, and Albino cordyceps (a cultivated variety) under Mercury.

Guiding Scorpio

Scorpio is about traversing the depths. My good friend at The Chironium and School of Living Astrology, Tyler Penor, refers to Scorpio as the deep waters, exploring the mystery of nature often as a symbol of the occult. The Scorpio offers an emotional depth and intensity.

Their thoughtful approach towards reality can often lead to a stoic and distrustful disposition, but once the trust of the Scorpio has been gained, it is hard lost. When it is lost, however, it is seldom won back. That said, the Scorpio oftentimes internalizes this depth of feeling, and wrestles with it internally.

That internal reflection in a negative aspect presents itself as jealousy, resentment and stubbornness. When in balance, it is strong, loyal, honest, and ambitious. The challenge for the Scorpio is to not get stuck in the lower realms of its consciousness.

Cordyceps can provide the energy and vitality to move Scorpio confidently into its own power, and balance the archetype in and of itself to create harmony where there might otherwise be imbalance.

The cordyceps mushroom can also help channel the Scorpio’s innate intensity into meaningful tasks and ambitious desires. Directing Scorpio to lead with the depth of its emotion and empathetic insight.

Cordyceps also feeds the primal desires that are often associated with Scorpio and give the virility to one looking to step into their core confidence. This mushroom is one of the core allies for Scorpio, wherever it resides in ones chart.

Other Scorpio-Supporting Fungi

Chaga, Red Belted Conk, Psilocybin

If you are interested in medicinal mushrooms to deepen your relationship with Scorpio this season check out Chaga, Red Belted Conk, and Cordyceps from Feral Fungi. Use code MAGICOFI for 20% off at check-out!