FROM THE FEBRUARY
MIND STATES E-MAILING
1) MIND STATES COSTA RICA TICKET REMINDER
Just a quick reminder of the forthcoming deadline for the additional 10% discount off of the early bird price to Mind States Costa Rica for those people willing to put down a 50% deposit ($585) on or before February 15, and pay the remaining 50% on or before April 1. For more information or to make a payment, see http://www.mindstates.org
2) THC COMEDY TOUR, SAN FRANCISCO • FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEB. 2 & 3
Cobb's Comedy Club and Comedy Nights, Inc. are proud to present the "THC COMEDY TOUR." Featuring comedians Doug Benson (VH1, Conan), Marc Maron (Morning Sedition, Comedy Central), and Ngaio Bealum (Wonders of Cannabis, High Times Comedy Fest, Occasional Cannabis Comedy Festival, Amsterdam Cannabis Cup). Held at Cobb's Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave, San Francisco CA, 94133. Two shows per night; the early show starts at 8:00 pm, the late show at 10:15 pm. Venue only admits ages 18 and over. Friday night is $18.00, Saturday night is $20.00, and a portion of the proceeds go to NORML. Support a good cause and have a great time while you do so. To purchase tickets, go to: http://www.cobbscomedyclub.com
3) THOMAS ROBERTS LECTURE ON ENTHEOGENS, PHILADELPHIA • WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7
The Templeton Research Lectureship Program on the Constructive Engagement Between Science and Religion (2005-2008) offers a special presentation in association with the Spirituality, Religion, and Health Interest Group: "Entheogens, Enlightenment, and Experimental Humanities" by Thomas B. Roberts, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus at Northern Illinois University and editor of Psychoactive Sacramentals. From 10:00 am until 12:00 noon in the Medical Alumni Hall. Pizza will be provided after the lecture. Held at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, 1st Floor Maloney, Philadelphia, PA 19104. For more information, please contact 215-614-0332 or go to http://www.mindreligion.com
4) PENDELL'S INSPIRED MADNESS RELEASE PARTY, OAKLAND • SATURDAY, FEB. 10
Join Dale Pendell and friends in Oakland, CA, at a Costume (optional) Book Release Celebration for his lates offering, Inspired Madness: The Gifts of Burning Man. Featuring a Reading by Dale Pendell, a special guest appearance by Erik Davis, assorted Freaks and Oracular Denizens, Eye-catching Beauties, Green Fairies, Rednecks, Punks, Hippies, Scarlet Women, Sundry refreshments and comestibles (please bring drinks & other offerings), and Books for Sale. Doors open at 7:00 pm, Readings at around 9:00 pm. For address and directions, please e-mail inspiredmadness@hotmail.com
5) SUSAN BLACKMORE'S LAST FLIGHT TO SPEAK, BASEL, SWITZERLAND • SATURDAY, FEB. 10
I was sad to read today that Mind States' beloved and inspiring mistress of ceremonies and lecturer, Susan Blackmore, has decided to eschew any future air travel after this month. We'll miss you on this side of the pond--and perhaps now a future conference will have to take place in England! Her final "via plane" lecture, "Biological Bases of Religion," will take place Saturday 10th February at the Universitat Basel in Switzerland. For more information, call +44(0)61267-494 or see http://www.susanblackmore.co.uk/lectures.html
Sue's book Conversations on Consciousness, which Nature calls "the intellectual analogue of...speed dating," was recently published in the United States. Within its pages, Sue engages in lively conversation with the leading philosophers and neuroscientists of our time, to find out what they really think about the mind/brain, free will, consciousness, and more. Those interviewed include Bernard Baars, Ned Block, David Chalmers, Pat Churchland, Paul Churchland, Francis Crick, Daniel Dennett, Susan Greenfield, Richard Gregory, Stuart Hameroff, Christof Koch, Stephen LaBerge, Thomas Metzinger, Roger Penrose, Kevin O'Regan, Vilayanur S. Ramachandran, John Searle, Petra Stoerig, Francisco Varela, Max Velmans, and Daniel Wegner. The result is a lively, readable, and accessible introduction to what some of the world's best minds think about some of the deepest problems of human existence. The book can be ordered online here: http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Consciousness-about-Brain-Means/dp/0195179587
6) ROLLING FILM PREMIERE, SAN FRANCISCO • SUNDAY, FEB. 11
"A med student, a teenage runaway, a lawyer, a drag queen, a high school basketball player, a drug dealer, and a teacher all cross paths in the Ecstasy-riddled L.A. underground party scene. Rolling is a turbulent journey that takes a tough yet entertaining look at this unique drug phenomenon. With the pace and style of a documentary, Rolling captures the essence of Ecstasy culture, exposing the delicate balance of relationships and responsibilities with chasing this drug-induced euphoria."
Watch a trailer at http://www.guba.com/watch/3000034946 or see http://www.rollingmovie.com for more information. The world premiere of Rolling will be held at 7:00 pm at the Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street, San Francisco. A second showing will be held at 4:30 pm on Saturday, February 17.
7) DOUBLE YOUR DONATION: EROWID'S MATCHING GRANT DEADLINE • FEB. 13
As a generous and challenging "3K in Three Weeks" offer, an Erowid supporter is matching any donations of $300 or higher made before February 14, Valentine's Day (up to a total of $3,000 in matching funds). Have a heart and donate today; donors at this level are eligible to receive a glass molecule or other membership gift. Details of the matching grant are described at: http://www.erowid.org/donations/membership_special1.php
8) PINCHBECK & GREY: "INITIATION INTO THE VISIONARY WORLD," NEW YORK CITY • SATURDAY, FEB. 24
A conversation with author Daniel Pinchbeck and artist Alex Grey, held Saturday, February 24, at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, 540 West 27 Street, 4th Floor, NYC. $20.00 admission. For more information, see: http://www.cosm.org
9) THE WAY OF THE SHAMAN WORKSHOP WITH THE HARNERS, SAN FRANCISCO • SATURDAY & SUNDAY, FEB. 24-25
Michael and Sandra Harner introduce workshop participants to core shamanism--the universal and near-universal basic methods that shamans use to enter non-ordinary realities for problem solving, well-being, and healing. This is an experiential workshop, aided by drumming and other techniques. Held Saturday from 10:00 am until 5:30 pm, and Sunday from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm, at the Cathedral Hill Hotel in San Francisco. $250.00 for both full days of instruction. For more information, see http://www.ciis.edu/publicprograms/spring07/sp07feb.html#harner
10) R.U. SIRIUS TEACHES ON TIMOTHY LEARY ONLINE • FEB. 26 THROUGH APRIL 27
Take the Timothy Leary trip with R.U. Sirius. This six week course will deal with Timothy Leary's personal and intellectual history, focusing on how he changed culture. We will look at the controversies around his life and person. And we will understand Leary's role as one of the first Transhumanists. The course will also incorporate exercises suggested by Leary himself in exploring his evolutionary circuits in his book, The Game Of Life. Most reading material will be provided online, but serious students are encouraged to read the course texts (True Mutations by R.U. Sirius; The Intelligence Agents by Timothy Leary) and recommended books (The Game of Life by Timothy Leary; Timothy Leary: A Biography by Robert Greenfield; What Does Woman Want by Timothy Leary; and I Have America Surrounded: A Biography of Timothy Leary by John Higg). Course cost is $120; to sign up, see http://www.maybelogic.org/courses.htm
11) "WHAT DO MEN WANT? HOT CLOTHES!," NEW YORK • TUESDAY, FEB. 27
An evening with Howard Bloom, Bruce Damer, Carter Emmart, Leonid Gurevich, and Second Life--part of Daria Dorosh's new gallery show The Changing Room at A.I.R. Gallery in New York City. Held Tuesday, February 27, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, at 511 West 25th Street, Suite 301, New York, NY 10001. For more information, call (212) 255-6651 or see http://www.digitalspace.com/events/index.html or http://www.airnyc.org
12) HUSTON SMITH LECTURE, SAN FRANCISCO • THURSDAY, MARCH 8
Huston Smith discusses "Stories that Have Changed the World" on March 8, from 7:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the California Institute of Integral Studies main building, 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco. $15.00 at the door. For more information, call (451) 575-6175.
13) GATHERING OF THE TRIBES, GERMANY • SATURDAY-MONDAY, APRIL 7-9
"Dance for Change" is an international Gathering of the Tribes festival, featuring music (Goa/PsyTrance/Techno/House/Electronica/Ambient/etc.), workshops, films, discussions, and more. Held in Frankfurt/Main over Easter, this event provides a forum to participate in and learn about a wide range of projects focused on alternative party culture. For more information, see http://gatheringofthetribes.de
14) MARK PESCE'S BECOMING TRANSHUMAN
Five and a half years ago, for his first Mind States presentation, Mark Pesce produced the feature length film, Becoming Transhuman, which ran in synchrony with his spoken-word presentation. Of all the talks and presentations Mark has created, this one is his favorite. He has recently created a torrent file of the film with his narration, which will give you your very own copy of Becoming Transhuman. Pop the torrent file into your favorite client -- Azureus http://azureus.sourceforge.net , or BitTorrent http://www.bittorrent.com , or whatever you like -- and you'll join a swarm of peers who are also downloading Becoming Transhuman. Mark entreats us to "download a copy of Becoming Transhuman; but, more than this, tell your friends about it. Have them download their own copy. And tell them to tell their friends, etc. The more something is shared, the more valuable it becomes. And it seems to me -- in times like these -- that the message of Becoming Transhuman is more relevant today than ever before." A link to the torrent file can be found in the media section at http://markpesce.com
15) SHERMER VS. CHOPRA: "THE GREAT AFTERLIFE DEBATE"
The second debate between Deepak Chopra and Michael Shermer came about after the widely read and referenced debate the two had last year on the virtues and value of skepticism. Deepak has a new book out on the subject, Life After Death: The Burden of Proof, and Michael has written extensively about claims of evidence for the afterlife, so the two of them thought it would be stimulating to have a debate on the topic. Michael read Deepak's book and goes first in the debate, offering his assessment of the "proofs" presented in Deepak's book, then Deepak responds. See http://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/debates/afterlife.html
16) THE INVISIBLE COLLEGE • NEW ENTHEOGEN 'ZINE
The first issue of The Invisible College features contributions from Cliff Anderson, Mike Crowley, Tim Daly, Diane Darling, Clark Heinrich, Martina Hoffmann, Gwyllm Llwydd, Spencer Moen, Muraco, Laura Pendell, Will Penna, and Graham St. John. To download a free PDF file of the magazine, visit http://www.earthrites.org/invisible-college.htm
FROM THE JANUARY
MIND STATES E-MAILING
1) UPDATE ON MIND STATES COSTA RICA • JUNE 13-17, 2007
HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK SESSIONS ADDED TO EVENT. Along with an incredible line-up of speakers--Joe Coleman, Erik Davis, Earth & Fire Erowid, Stan Grof, Liz McIntyre, Mark Pesce, Sasha & Ann Shulgin, Margaret Wertheim, and myself--this conference will also provide morning Holotropic Breathwork sessions in the resort's yoga studio, facilitated by Sheelo Bohm.
ECO-RESORT SETTING. The amazing eco-resort where the conference will be held is a 2,000 acre sanctuary of virgin rainforest positioned at the juncture of two rivers near the town of Horquetas of Sarapiqui, in the north region of Costa Rica. Swim by natural waterfalls or in the pool, relax in the hot tub, enjoy refreshing beverages at the bar, challenge one of the presenters to a paddle boat race, marvel at the botanical gardens, or arrange a zip-line canopy tour, horseback ride, white water rafting trip, or massage through the resort. To get a better sense of things, please visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouk0FneZc3c
ADDITIONAL DISCOUNT ON TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL MID-FEBRUARY. Mind States Costa Rica is now offering an additional 10% discount off of the early bird price to those people who are willing to put down a 50% deposit ($585) on or before February 15, and pay the remaining 50% on or before April 1. For more information or to make a payment, see http://www.mindstates.org
2) DR. ALBERT HOFMANN'S 101st BIRTHDAY • JANUARY 11, 2007
Wishing the good doctor a relaxing day, with fond recollections of last year's birthday bash produced by the Gaia Media Foundation. See http://www.lsd.info
3) HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK WITH GROF & SPARKS • JANUARY 12-14, 2007
This workshop is an opportunity to experience Holotropic Breathwork with its originator, Stanislav Grof, and the current director of Grof Transpersonal Training, Tav Sparks. Friday night's lecture, "The Healing Potential of Non-ordinary States of Consciousness" runs from 6:00 pm through 10:15 pm, costs $10.00, and is open to the public. The weekend experiential workshop runs 8:45 am through 8:00 pm on Saturday, and 9:00 am through 12:30 pm on Sunday, and costs $325. 16 CEU's are available, and the event counts toward facilitator certification. This event will be held at the San Francisco Airport Clarion Hotel. For more information, e-mail gtt@holotropic.com.
4) AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS CONFERENCE • JANUARY 12-14, 2007
Americans for Safe Access will be holding their conference "Implementation = Victory: Preparing for the Next 10 Years" on January 12th-14th in Burbank, CA. Basic registration is only $50, and if you register online for the conference by Thursday, January 11th, you will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a Volcano vaporizer (raffle will be held on the 14th).
Every aspect of the conference agenda is intended to make the most of the skills and resources you already have, while providing you direct, one-on-one support of some of the brightest minds in medical marijuana advocacy from ASA staff, chapters, allies and friends. During the conference, attendees will be splitting into their respective regions to strategize for the future implementation of California medical cannabis law and to build skills together. Represent your region and make sure your local concerns are heard and incorporated into a statewide plan for safe access. We are hopeful as we enter this new year that we will continue to advance safe access for medical cannabis patients in California and nationwide. Please join us to help develop the tools we need to secure safe access and to craft a plan to push medical Cannabis to the next level. To register see http://safeaccessnow.org and for more information, e-mail CAConference@SafeAccessNow.org or call (510) 251-1856 x 321.
5) ROBERT FORMAN ART SHOW • JANUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 28, 2007
The opening reception for visionary artist Robert Forman's show will be held on January 12 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. This show is at the Francis M. Naumann Fine Art gallery, 22 East 80th Street, NYC, NY 10021. For more information, see http://www.francisnaumann.com or http://www.glueyarn.com
6) BURNING MAN TICKETS GO ON SALE • JANUARY 17, 2007
Tickets for this year's Burning Man will be made available on January 17, 10AM PST. See http://www.burningman.com or http://tickets.burningman.com for more information.
7) THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE • FEBRUARY 1, 2007
Pink Floyd is rarely discussed without using words like "psychedelic," "conceptual" and "provocative." Their theatrical shows had mind-blowing lights and unsurpassed sound, and their music cannot be referred to without making mention of their record breaking status. Without question Pink Floyd remains one of the most influential rock bands of all time. No easy feat to bring such a story to the stage... yet Annerin Productions has endeavored to treat fans to the show they never thought they'd see. They searched the continent for committed and talented musicians who could really do it justice. This was a project that was not going to happen if it could not be done right. They nailed it. They found the band, the lights and the sound to create THE show for the ultimate Floyd fan. The Pink Floyd Experience is coming to East Lansing with: 270,000 watts of light, 20 tons of full quadraphonic sound, and 6 amazing musicians, to create one epic concert. Held at 7:30 pm in Wharton Center, Great Hall, Michigan State University. Tickets are $21.50 to $34.50. For more informataion, contact the Wharton Center Box Office at (517) 432-2000, or call (800) WHARTON for tickets.
8) ERIK DAVIS IN CONVERSATION WITH JONAH RASKIN • FEBRUARY 3, 2007
On Saturday, February 3, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Erik Davis will discuss his recent book The Visionary State: A Journey through California's Spiritual Landscape with Jonah Raskin at the Sonoma County Museum, 425 Seventh Street, Santa Rosa. There is no cost for this event, although donations to benefit the Book Festival gratefully accepted. For more information, call (707) 527-5412 or email info@socobookfest.org
9) CHAMBERLAIN PORTRAIT OF THE SHULGINS; SALES BENEFIT MITHOEFER'S MDMA RESEARCH
MAPS is pleased to present the third print in a special signed and numbered limited edition of prints selected from Dean Chamberlain's Psychedelic Pioneers Series http://www.maps.org/pioneers/index.html , his portrait of Ann & Sasha Shulgin. Dean created this portrait in 2000 at Ann & Sasha's home. This edition of prints was created to help fund MAPS-sponsored MDMA/PTSD research conducted by Dr. Michael Mithoefer. This is the first FDA-approved study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy. 50% of the income from the sale of these prints goes towards this research, the other 50% to the artist. Prints numbered 41-50 are offered at $1000 each. Prints numbered 11-40 are offered at $1500 each. Prints numbered 1-10 are offered at $2000 each.
10) SPIDER WEBS ON DRUGS
Some years ago scientists exposed spiders to different chemicals (LSD, caffeine, THC, etc.) and photographed the effect on their webs. While you may be familiar with that study, it is possible that you don't know the whole picture. (Thanks to Jason T. for pointing this out to us.) See http://www.break.com/index/effect_of_drugs_and_alcohol_on_spider_webs.html
FROM THE NOVEMBER
MIND STATES E-MAILING
1) CHEMICAL SALVATION?
Does the vengeful lightbulb-headed God of Jack Chick's born-again Christian comic books strike terror into the center of your heart? Could there be another, less frightening path? Religion in a pill? Consider the historic musings of this LSD-related parody of Chick tracts, created anonymously in honor of Albert Hofmann's 100th birthday.
2) HEFFTER RESEARCH INSTITUTE NEWS • FALL UPDATE
Dr. Dave Nichols' Fall 2006 update on the latest happenings with the Heffter Research Institute provides information about two exciting new cancer anxiety study proposals in the works--one with Dr. Stephen Ross at New York University, and one with Dr. Roland Griffiths of Johns Hopkins University. If Heffter can generate funding for these two studies (and presuming that the results are positive), then Nichols believes that "the statistical sample will be large enough to provide proof of efficacy of psilocybin in cancer patients." This should allow Heffter to initiate a dialogue with the FDA that may ultimately result in psilocybin having a legal use in medicine. Updates on current Heffter projects are included in this letter as well; it is posted to our web site here: (click on the word "download" to open the PDF) and more information about the Heffter Research Institute can be found at their web site, www.heffter.org
3) UNION: CELEBRATIONS OF SPIRIT, ART, AND COMMUNITY • NOVEMBER 17
The first of a new monthly experiential forum series sponsored by ArtsFest. Each themed evening invites attendees on an immersive journey, melding interactive performance ritual, sacred music, visionary art, spoken word, and lucid meditation. Within this intentional, living container, UNION activates and rejuvenates the spirit igniting the deepest potentials of our individual and collective paths. Featuring Ken Becker, Taressa Bell, Cohen, Gordon Davidson, E'lana, Jumana Fallenstar, Dwight Loop, Carol Luna, Mikael, Karma Moffett, Priscilla, Lenna Robinson, Stara, Ron Tofanelli, and others. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17, doors open at 6:00 pm. $10. To be held within the breathtaking space of Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street @ Taylor, San Francisco. For more information, see www.ArtSFestSF.org
5) SYNERGENESIS • NOVEMBER 18-19, 2006
The third annual Synergenesis visionary art and culture gathering will be held on November 18-19 at Red Ink Studios on 9th Street between Market and Mission. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, will feature presentations by Mark Lakeman, Sobonfu Some, Paul Laffoley, and a special secret guest metapoet. Art, music, and prayerformance will be downloaded from over 60 participants. 11:00 am through midnight. Tickets are $65 (regular), $35 (student/artist) in advance, $80/$40 day of event. LATE NIGHT GALACATE after-party by False Profit and Dub Beautiful Collective from 10:00 pm until 4:00 am at Jelly's. $15 at door; $10 before midnight; $10 for Synergenesis conference attendees. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, is a TRIBAL MARKET TRUNK SHOW with DJs and live performances all day. Featuring original collections of jewelry, clothing, and accessories from independent world-class designers: Alien Ambassador, Ben Ben Stone, CARAUCCI, Carob, Compound, Crystal and Spore, Crystal Mafia, GlobalEyes, Holistic Body Therapy, Jan Hilmer, Krsangi Devi Dasa, Phoenix Rising, Raven Creations, Sasha Rose, S'elf Designs, and others. 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Free to attend. For more information, see: www.synergenesis.org. SYNERGENESIS will be the San Francisco book release party for the first offering from CoSM Press: Damanhur—Temples of Humankind. This sumptuously illustrated volume presents the astonishing art and architecture created by devoted members of the communal village of Damanhur. Merging ancient mystic customs with contemporary principles from philosophy and consciousness studies, this tiny utopia has manifested an eco-conscious, self-sustaining society. For more information on this book, see: www.cosm.org
6) TWO ALBERT HOFMANN PORTRAITS AVAILABLE • AUCTION THROUGH 11/19/06
FIRST: An eBay auction for the last-available print of Alex Grey's portrait St. Albert and the LSD Revelation Revolution is happening through November 19. Only 50 of these numbered prints were created and autographed by both Dr. Albert Hofmann and Alex Grey, and 49 of them have been sold. For more information, see http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130046367968 SECOND: A new signed and limited edition series of Robert Venosa's portrait of Dr. Albert Hofmann is also now available. Over half of the 50 printed have already been sold. Prices range between $1500-$3000, depending on the print's number. Customers may select any available numbered print from the tier of their choice (1-10: $3000 / 11-20: $2500 / 21-30: $2000 / 31-40: $1500). For more information, see http://www.maps.org/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_39&products_id=119 Profits from the sales of these portraits are divided between MAPS and the artists, with funds restricted for MAPS-sponsored LSD/psilocybin research and for promoting Dr. Hofmann's writings.
7) 19th ANNUAL HIGH TIMES CANNABIS CUP • NOVEMBER 19-23, 2006
The classic Amsterdam holiday season event returns with lectures, workshops, fashion shows, musical performances, and a multitude of herb to sample. Featuring: Adam, Barry "Plunker" Adams, Arjan, Jet Baker, Garrick Beck, Bongguru "Spector", Deejay Maestro & Co., DNA Genetics, Electric Fans, Stephen Gaskin, Grand Daddy Purple, Alex Grey, The Grey Area, Jefferson Starship, Kottonmouth Kings, Richard Lee, Les Vegas, Melkweg Max, Muck Sticky, Tim Pate, John Sinclair, The Skeletones, Dan Skye, Soma, Ilene Spain, Super Dude, Vinny Vega, The Wizard, and others. For more information, see www.cannabiscup.com
8) CANCELLED - SACRED VINE OF SPIRITS AND SACRED MUSHROOM OF VISIONS • NOVEMBER 21, 2006 (The MSSF hopes to reschedule D. Metzner in the future.)
Hosted by the Mycological Society of San Francisco, Dr. Ralph Metzner will address how ayahuasca and Psilocybe mushrooms are two shamanic entheogens that have entered underground, like illegal immigrants, into Western societies in the late 20th century. Their use has spread, vine-like and mycelium-like, through the psychedelic subculture of individuals and groups interested in consciousness expansion, psychospiritual healing and growth, and the restoration of a more direct relationship with the sacred dimensions of the natural world. Metzner will present findings regarding these two mind-assisting medicines, and how they relate to psychotherapy, shamanic journey practices, and alchemical divination. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, starting at 8:00 pm. Free to attend. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Held at The Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114. For more information, see www.mssf.org
9) PSYCHEDELIC HORIZONS • NOVEMBER 28, 2006
Can we go beyond discovering, describing and domesticating "mind/body" states as they now exist, and start designing new states? In Psychedelic Horizons (foreword by Roger Walsh), author Tom Roberts answers, "Yes, we can!" But only if we embark on a new kind of scientific endeavor, exploiting and embracing the potential benefits of psychedelics for humanity. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 28, Roberts will be discussing his new book at Transitions Bookplace, 1000 W. North Avenue Chicago, IL 60622. For more information, see www.transitionsbookplace.com
10) VISIONARY ART & ARCHITECTURE • DECEMBER 7, 2006
Visionary artist Alex Grey and cultural critic Erik Davis will engage in a spirited dialogue about the role of visionary art and architecture. Grey will discuss the history of sacred art and the aspirations embedded in his own work, ranging from his extraordinary paintings and sculptures to his multi-media forays to his design of the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors. Davis will draw from his new book, The Visionary State: A Journey through California's Spiritual Landscape, which weaves deeply informed text and stunning images into a compelling narrative of religion, architecture, and consciousness explorations in California. Don't miss this meeting of two dazzling minds. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, starting at 7:00 pm. $20. Held at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, 540 West 27 Street, 4th Floor, NYC. For more information, see: www.cosm.org
11) THE VISIONARY STATE • DECEMBER 8, 2006
California has served as ground zero for an emerging spirituality based on ecology, the body, and the technology of human transformation. The state's ebullient spiritual landscape has spawned the likes of neopaganism, televangelism, UFO cults, austere Zen Buddhism, Esalen, mavericks such as Alan Watts and Aldous Huxley, popular visionaries such as Carlos Castaneda, and the nightmarish Charles Manson and Jim Jones. In this slideshow and talk, Erik Davis will take us on a wild ride, exploring the history and legacy of "California consciousness." FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, starting at 8:00 pm. $20. Held at the New York Open Center, 83 Spring Street, New York City. See http://mail.opencenter.org/webdev/index.php#pt=programs&se=06FEC16P
12) INCREASING SPIRITUAL INTELLIGENCE: CHEMICAL INPUT, RELIGIOUS OUTPUT • DECEMBER 14, 2006
Under special circumstances, the spiritual uses of psychedelics can lead to spiritual understanding, primary religious experience, and higher levels of social responsibility. From the Eleusinian rites of ancient Greece, to Vedic soma, to the contemporary use of sacred mushrooms and ayahuasca, can the use of psychoactive drugs open doors to the spiritual aspects of human nature? According to Dr. Tom Roberts, it can. Hosted by the Theosophical Society in America, this event presents talks by Dr. Roberts and Bruce Sewick, MA, LCPC, a Clinical Supervisor at a community mental health center and an adjunct professor at the College of DuPage, Triton, and Wright Community Colleges. Sewick seeks to share a better understanding of the spiritual and therapeutic potential of entheogens. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, starting at 7:30 pm. $8 guests, $6 members. Held at the National Center of the Theosophical Society in America, 1926 North Main Street, Wheaton, IL. For more information, see www.theosophical.org
13) PSYCHOPTICON ANIMATRIS • DECEMBER 22, 2006
Less than 50 years after the invention of the motion picture, the first animated movie was produced. Cartoonist Émile Cohl's 1908 film Fantasmagorie depicted a stick figure dancing across the screen, encountering a multitude of morphing objects; could a wine bottle transformed into a flower symbolize the transcendent potential of inebriation? One of the earliest animated film stars, created in 1919, was Otto Messmer's Felix the Cat. In 1928, Felix's mug was the first image ever to be broadcast on television, heralding an era of hypnotic trance states in viewers since that time. Yet it was two years earlier that Felix himself spaced out on film. Soused on moonshine, the cat hallucinates malevolent demons and flying elephants. Beginning from the 1920s, and with at least one clip per decade since then, this 90-minute collection--presented by Jon Hanna--showcases diverse hallucinatory content and inspiration in pop-culture animation. Whether induced by alcohol or other drugs, dreams, meditation, or mental illness, these psychedelic depictions of crossing liminal boundaries are frequently beautiful, often humorous, and always entertaining. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, starting at 7:30 pm. $10 includes popcorn and bottled water. Held at the Chapel of Sacred Mirrors, 540 West 27 Street, 4th Floor, NYC. For more information, see: www.cosm.org
