There is a particular shaman (a shaman is a specialist that uses pyschoactive plants and fungi to further their knowledge or aid in healing) that we have all come to know and love-his name is Santa Claus. Dr. McKenna presented some quite convincing evidence that traces the origins of the Santa myth to Siberian Shamanism, in which Amanita muscaria plays a central role. The Siberian shaman, accompanied by his familiar reindeers, consumes the sacred red and white (Santa’s colors) mushroom and has the experience of flying away into the spirit world. In order to return to this world he has to pass through a long tubular passage (think chimney). The Siberian shaman is often depicted carrying a bag containing his precious mushrooms slung over his shoulders. Well, What do you think? I think I believe in Santa again! (The Toadstool Review June 2003, italics mine)