It is difficult to argue that the beginning of the 20th
century came with a massive change in the collective spirit of humanity.
Aleister Crowley called it the birth of the Aeon of Horus, and I find it hard
to dispute this prophetic vision. But while he saw it as a spirit analogous with
the nature of the child, this was wishful thinking on his part. Horus is the
Hawk of War. He was the deity of divine kingship. The strongman. The rule by
absolute might.
The 20th century came with a collective madness
that gripped the minds of men. Massive wars, like we have never seen before
spread across the planet like wildfire. The wars went beyond the contest of
nations but were methods of genocide that happened not only in Germany but on
every populated continent. This culminated in the discovery and use of the
first atomic bomb.
The splitting of the atom unleashed the potential for the
greatest evil the planet has ever known. Ever since our species has been on the
brink of ultimate destruction. This great spirit of fear and chaos created a
dysfunction that has filtered down to our communities, our families, and our
minds. It drives us to consume our planet, abuse our children, and shun our
neighbors.
But all is not lost.
Just two years before the first atomic bomb test, the countervailing
force that could save us from the atomic monster took form. Its inventor lived
in the only country in Europe that refused to fight. A gentle soul who often
rode his bicycle to work. I believe it is no coincidence the Albert Hoffman was
looking for a way to ease the pain of child birth when he discovered this new,
and yet ancient spirit. The creation of LSD was no accident. It was an act of
balance. The shaman’s medicine, distilled into its most potent form, was a gift
from Gaia. It calls out to the human race to rebuild its love for one another
and for the planet.
It has inspired others to call us back to the great meeting
place of the tribes. To recreate the rites that have healed our communities
since before history. Used in this context, it has the potential to save the
world.
