Philly's March Spore: The Future of Psychedelics

For millennia, cultures around the world expanded minds and visions with “teacher plants” – what we commonly know today as psychedelics. The widespread popularity of LSD during the 1960s awakened the Western psyche to these powerful substances, ushering in a period of wild experimentation that revolutionized art and music, inspired social movements, and opened new vistas of possibility for psychotherapy. But a swift backlash from the establishment made psychedelics illegal, repressing and marginalizing them as “dangerous drugs.”

Today, there is new potential for psychedelics to be reintroduced into mainstream culture, not as drastic catalysts of social upheaval but as tools that can help people overcome serious problems, explore mystical experiences, find inspiration, and understand more about consciousness and the brain. Psychedelic research with human subjects is underway again after a 35-year blockade, thanks to the efforts of non-profit organizations like MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies) and the Beckley Foundation. Prominent newspapers and magazines are giving these substances another look, acknowledging their potential for therapeutic and spiritual breakthroughs if used with care. At the same time, the worldwide resurgence of interest in indigenous shamanism indicates a deeper maturity and respect emerging toward these ancient sacraments.

In the absence of our beloved host Rob, this month's Spore will be co-hosted by Joe Graff and Mike Henderson, who are both eager to share and explore with you the state of the stone in 2010 - Exciting Developments in Psychedelic Research, Vast Cultural Implications, Renewed Possibilities of Healing and Transformation on a mass scale ... and, oh yes, the Psychedelic Experience itself ...

Truly, in this most dire of times, it seems the summer of love is soon to be upon us once again ...

As always, Feel free to bring anything you wish to share. We are all very much looking forward to this one.