The Yellow Stainer

Yellow Stainer mushroom (Agaricus xanthodermus), it’s a mushroom with powerful symbolism because it looks edible but is toxic and reveals its true nature only when bruised or cut, turning yellow.

This mushroom isn’t for beginners, it has many harmless, edible lookalikes so is especially difficult to identify if foraging for culinary reasons. You will need to engage your sense of smell for this one as it gives off a strong chemical odour, especially when warmed in a microwave. My advice, do a lot of research on this one before you pick it, so you are sure that your ID is correct.

Magickal Correspondences of Agaricus xanthodermus (Yellow Stainer)

Element: Air + Fire, Air for discernment, insight, and intellect; Fire for the sudden “flare” of revelation (yellow stain).

Planetary: Mercury + Saturn, Mercury governs perception, cunning, trickster energy; Saturn governs poison, boundaries, karmic lessons.

Zodiac: Virgo & Scorpio, Virgo for discernment and analysis (is this safe?); Scorpio for shadow work and hidden dangers.

Colour: Yellow, personal power, decision-making, clarity. Helps with trusting your gut instincts.

Numerology: 7, Number of wisdom, hidden knowledge, testing, and spiritual lessons.

Deities/Spirits: Hermes, Loki, Hekate (as a guide through danger), trickster and psychopomp spirits. The mushroom is a “teacher through trial” – it tests you and reveals truth.

Magical Themes: Discernment, Deception Revealed, Protection, Warding, Cunning, Shadow Work. The poisonous nature forces careful attention, the yellow stain is a sign that exposes danger

Baneful Magick: The yellow staining on this mushroom reminds me of the colour of bile, acidic and bitter as it creeps up your throat, leaving a sharp stinging your mouth for hours after you have thrown up. If you are so inclined this mushroom could be used as a way to hex, causing the recipient to spew all of their hatred and show their true colours to those around them.

Protection Magick: Excellent for spells of reversal (sending harm back), exposing lies, or creating a spiritual ‘warning sign’ around you.