Evolver Spores: The Future of Psychedelics

Evolver.net, MAPS, the Beckley Foundation, and Brainwaving present

Evolvers Spores: The Future of Psychedelics

Wed, March 17 (Please look for your specific city as dates are subject to change)

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 this Spore, Evolver Regionals will explore and discuss the exciting new frontiers for psychedelics in our modern culture, as both scientifically verified medicines and intentional tools for personal development. Check the list below to find a Spore in your area. You can also email the regional host (via their group page) if you’d like to get involved in the planning of the event. If there is not yet a Spore in your community, email jonathan((at))evolver((dot))net to start your own.

AUSTRALIA

Evolver Sydney

CANADA

Evolver Ottawa

Evolver Vancouver

EUROPE

Evolver Stockholm

SOUTH AFRICA

Evolver Capetown

USA

Evolver Asheville

Evolver Atlanta

Evolver Austin

Evolver Baltimore

Evolver Boise

Evolver Boulder

Evolver Boston

Evolver Chicago

Evolver Chico

Evolver Columbus

Evolver Detroit

Evolver Inland Empire

Evolver Long Beach

Evolver Los Angeles (March 24)

Evolver Naples, FL

Evolver Nashville

Evolver New Orleans

Evolver New York City

Evolver Orange County

Evolver Philadelphia

Evolver Phoenix

Evolver Portland, OR

Evolver Princeton

Evolver Richmond

Evolver Sacramento

Evolver Salt Lake City

Evolver San Francisco

Evolver San Luis Obispo

Evovler Seattle

Evolver Venice Beach

Image: "into" by The Alieness on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.