In early 2022, I decided to launch a multimedia company specializing in psychedelics and psychedelic therapeutics. I needed to choose a name for the company as part of this decision. After some thought, I settled on the name Yage Media Group. This name was chosen in part to pay homage to ayahuasca, also known as yage.
However, in November of that year, I had a conversation with two representatives from the International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research, and Service (ICEERS). They pointed out that the word yage is a sacred word to the indigenous people of Colombia and using it in the way I had planned could be perceived as offensive. This was not my intention. I then reached out to my mentor and discussed it with him as well. I quickly made the decision to re-brand the production company and it was one of the best decisions I could have made.
After careful consideration, I decided to name the company Blue Honey Media. In the late 1990s, I created a website called bluehoney.org, which was one of the first online platforms dedicated to the topic of psychedelics. I ran the site for 20 years before shutting it down and moving to Finland. The term "blue honey" refers to the process of soaking mushrooms in honey for a few months. While the honey does not actually turn blue, it can absorb the psychedelic properties of the mushrooms. Honey is the oldest known natural preservative, and it is believed that "blue honey" has a long history, with some evidence suggesting that it may have even been mentioned in certain key biblical stories. However, that is a topic for another day.
And so, Blue Honey Media was born.
I wanted to share this information and explain the reasoning behind the rebranding because I didn't want to appear indecisive by changing the name of the company just as the website was launching. It is important to me to admit when I have made a mistake and to avoid causing offense to those whom I respect and hold in high regard. Rebranding is not an easy process, but my commitment to the global psychedelic community is strong and I want to ensure that my actions do not create any animosity towards myself or my efforts.
Thank you for your understanding and your continued support.
Sincerely,
Andy S
Director / Editor / Founder of Blue Honey Media