The Splitgill

The Splitgill (Schizophyllum commune) is a widespread small fan-shaped fungus that thrives on dead or dying hardwood with white, hairy skin and lengthwise split pseudo-gills. Usually 1–3(5) cm across, fan-shaped, soft when young, turns leathery with age. The upper surface is white or off-white, sometimes with pink tinge, often covered with algae (which makes it green), and it is extremely hairy.

The gills are rather delicate pseudo-gills or ridges, not real gills, The species got its scientific and common English names because these pseudo-gills are split lengthwise. These beautiful fungi grow dead branches, and already dead parts of weak but living deciduous trees. This tiny mushroom is one of the most common fungi in the world, so common in-fact that the only place it can’t be found is Antarctica.

It is also a known human pathogen, It’s mycelium has been found in several parts of the human body but cases are extremely rare, less than 100 cases have been identified since the 1980s.

Not only is this fungi common it is also resilient, the fruiting body can dry out completely and survive, it comes back to life with the addition of moisture and can survive multiple cycles of extreme dehydration and rehydration. It has been documented that the mushroom can stay dry for up to 50 years and still be revived.

Magickal Correspondences

• Due to this fungi being so prevalent and resilient it is an excellent ally when experiencing life changes, they are survivors, appearing dead but coming back to life when the timing is right, if you need to add some resilience, longevity, adaptability and even patience in to your practice this mushroom is a good one to use.

  
  

• Communication and Grounding are always key components of using fungi in Spellwork, they don’t just grow in the earth, they are the earth, their mycelium makes up 30% of the earths microbial biomass and they are essential for connecting 90% of all land plants in mutually beneficial relationships. Fungi are part of the vast underground mycelium network and are expert communicators so wether you need help asking a question, asking for help, connecting with another person or even connecting to spirit and ancestors, any mushroom will help.

  
  

• Transformation is another key theme for all fungi as they are decomposers, breaking down materials and returning them to the earth, any spell pertaining to transformation, rebirth and clearing a path would benefit from a fungi addition.

  
  

• Abundance is a theme of this particular mushroom, the Splitgill has over 23000 mating types (sexes) making reproduction almost guaranteed, because of this it is one of the most abundant mushrooms on earth and is an excellent representation of fertility, abundance and prosperity.

  
  

• Staying with the theme of reproduction, because of the vast number of sexes this mushroom had developed it is a wonderful ally for diversity, it celebrates non binary perspectives and is excellent when embracing Queer energy. Any magick that requires a creative approach would thrive with the addition of the Splitgill.

  
  

• The way the gills turn in on themselves as they dry out has very protective energy, the mushroom protects its spores until the conditions are just right, sometimes remaining closed for years. If you require some protection while you do inner workings this is the mushroom for you. It will help you create and strengthen personal and spiritual boundaries making you less vulnerable to magickal and mundane negativity.

The key words I would use for this mushroom are: Communication, Abundance, Adaptability, Resilience, Transformation, Protection, Boundaries, Creativity, Diversity, Rebirth and Grounding.

What does this mushroom feel like to you?

Disclaimer

I do feel like I need to pop a small caution on this blog post, this mushroom is harmless to the majority of people, however there is a small chance that if you breathe in the spores it may cause an infection. The Splitgill is a human pathogen which means that the mycelium can grow inside the body, mostly in the respiratory tract, sinuses and even the brain. It doesn’t just apply to immunocompromised people, it has also been found in healthy humans. I must stress that the cases are EXTREMELY rare, we have been living happily alongside this mushroom since the beginning of time so I don’t want anyone to panic if they see these fungi out in the wild, but if you are worried in any way I recommend using a picture of these mushrooms instead of the actual fruiting body, I’m going to create a sigil that can be used, I’ll post it in a separate blog, feel free to use it or create your own.