Before you go, we want to remind you that the use of psilocybin mushrooms is illegal in Poland. Despite this, some people still decide to experiment with psychedelic substances. This text is purely educational and aims to reduce potential harm, not encourage the use of any psychoactive compounds.
Photo: Upklyak / Freepik
Everything you need to know about set & setting
Set & setting is one of the most important concepts when discussing psychedelic experiences in a safe and responsible way. The mental preparation of the individual and the physical environment in which the experience takes place largely determine the emotional direction and intensity of the journey. Natural anxiety before a psychedelic session is completely normal—it reflects our respect for the unpredictability of altered states of consciousness. Recklessness or lack of preparation can lead to overwhelming or dangerous experiences. For general safety information, see: https://www.psychodelicroom.pl/en/are-psilocybin-mushrooms-safe.
Planning ahead reduces risks, minimizes unpleasant surprises and allows the mind to embrace the experience with more clarity. With the right preparation, many people describe psychedelic journeys as deeply transformative, offering insights into personal struggles, emotional wounds, and inner conflicts. Others describe feelings of unity, clarity, compassion, and a profound sense of connection with nature or the universe.
Set — your mental attitude
Set refers to your internal state of mind and emotions at the moment you enter the psychedelic experience. Psychedelics tend to amplify whatever is already present within us. If someone is experiencing strong anxiety, exhaustion, emotional turmoil or heavy stress, the experience might become overwhelmingly intense. For this reason, the first session should take place in a stable emotional state. Calmness, lightness and a non-expectant attitude are essential. A relaxed walk, meditation, time in nature or simply spending a quiet afternoon alone can help you settle your thoughts.
It can also be useful to reflect on your intention—what matters to you right now, what you are struggling with, or what you wish to understand better. However, it is equally important to remain flexible. Psychedelics often uncover topics we were not consciously aware of. They bring to the surface what is unresolved, not necessarily what we expect.
In clinical settings—such as research conducted at Johns Hopkins University—intention-setting is guided by trained therapists. There, entering difficult emotional states is part of the therapeutic process and is done under professional supervision, not alone.
Setting — the place & external conditions
Setting describes the environment in which the experience occurs. Safety, comfort, and familiarity are essential. For a first voyage, the best option is your home or another peaceful space where you feel entirely secure. If it is somewhere unfamiliar, visit it earlier to become comfortable with the surroundings. Experiencing psychedelics outdoors in nature can be beautiful, but this is something to save for later, once you understand how your mind responds.
Prepare a cozy space with soft blankets, pillows and warm lighting. A lamp with gentle ambient light, a string of fairy lights, or warm-colored bulbs greatly increases comfort. Wear something soft and loose. Silence your phone and avoid unexpected visitors—interruptions can be destabilizing.
When is the best time? Day or night?
The answer depends on your intention. Daytime tends to amplify sensory perceptions—colors intensify, textures become fascinating, and the external world feels vivid and stimulating. Nighttime redirects the experience inward. With closed eyes, many people see complex geometric visions and symbolic imagery. The absence of visual distraction from the real world allows the mind to express itself more freely.
No matter which you choose, proper education is key. Many people spend months researching psychedelics before their first experience. Outdated myths and cultural stigma have created unnecessary fear, but curiosity must still be balanced with responsibility.
Recommended educational resources:
If someone wants to integrate the experience well, it is recommended to reserve around three days: one for preparation, one for the actual experience and one for post-session reflection. Many people report that the integration period—journaling, walking in nature, or simply sitting quietly with the emotions—can be as insightful as the psychedelic moment itself.
As for the legal aspect, note that all cultivation kits such as the Golden Teacher growkit must be disposed of before fruiting in countries where cultivation is prohibited.
Tripsitter — choosing the right person
A tripsitter is someone sober and emotionally grounded who watches over you during the session. Ideally this should be a trusted person with psychedelic experience, someone calm and supportive, capable of recognizing when reassurance or grounding is needed. Panic, fear or nausea can occur, and a well-selected tripsitter knows how to de-escalate tension. A sitter with no experience might unintentionally project their own anxiety, which can worsen the situation. If someone with no experience takes on this role, they should at least familiarize themselves with reliable educational material beforehand.
Music and sensory support
Music plays an extraordinary role during psychedelic sessions. It can guide emotions, produce feelings of elevation, bring comfort, or inspire profound introspection. Clinical studies at Imperial College London use carefully curated playlists to support therapeutic sessions. You can explore our playlist here: psychedelic playlist.
What to avoid during a psychedelic session
Do not use psychedelics under peer pressure. Never combine them with alcohol or other intoxicants. Avoid noisy places, crowded city areas, and situations that could lead to unpredictability. Avoid heavy meals—an empty stomach (with hydration) reduces nausea. And never encourage someone else to take psychedelics. A person must make that decision independently and with full awareness.
Set & setting — summary
If any of this sounds intimidating, that’s by design. It is better to be cautious and pleasantly surprised than to be careless and overwhelmed. Psychedelics are not recreational "party substances"—they interact deeply with unresolved emotions and can surface memories or fears we prefer to ignore. When handled consciously and with respect, they can offer profound psychological insight, but this requires preparation and mindfulness.
The text below expresses the private opinion of the author and is not an encouragement to use psychoactive substances.
The content on the psychodelicroom.pl website is educational, research-based, and expresses many opinions that should be treated with caution. We advise against using any substances that affect consciousness, as all of these substances can both heal and be very harmful. In particular, we advise against cultivating mushrooms from growkits in countries where it is illegal – including Poland – because it involves criminal liability. We recommend that you dispose of growkits purchased from us within 72 hours of receiving them.
