Our little world of wonders has so many gifts, beautiful gems hidden in plain sight ... Some of these are magical plants and herbs that have been used ritually to invoke certain energies to further ones vision quests and develop psychic insight. Believe it or not but there are many plants growing around us which may endow its users with supernatural powers ... hence termed Psychedelic or Magickal ! Having used and abused tobacco in the form of toxic cigarettes ... also mixing tobacco with cannabis, I now realise is such a bad idea since it leads to more abuse of Cannabis as one craves nicotine every few hours however end up rolling many joints through the day to saitiate the craving. Thankfully with more awareness these days there are many herbal blends replacing tobacco as a mixer for many a pot/charas smoker around the world. Mullein and Mugwort are couple of such herbs known to be smokable with medicinal benefits and magickal qualities. In the Himalayas the locals refer to Mullein as "Wild Tobacco" which their ancestors used in their hookahs and pipes. Mullein is anti-inflamatory and is great to remove tar from the lungs, also helps with all kinds of respiratory illnesses ... either smoked or had as a tea. Verbascum thapsus, more commonly known as mullein, is a member of the snapdragon family. It’s considered a weed by some and godsent by others. Native Americans and colonists used it for various medicinal purposes, from helping with coughs and breathing to healing wounds. They used to: Smoke the leaves. Make a cough syrup out of boiled roots. Apply the leaves in a paste to the skin. Rub the leaves over inflamed skin. Mugwort is a dreaming herb, traditionally used by witches to make ointments, tinctures, brews ... also used to induce lucid dreaming and astral projection. Named after the goddess Artemis, mugwort was integral to the ancient Greek understanding of lunar cycles, fertility, divination, and protection. The Romans similarly revered mugwort, with soldiers and travelers often placing it into their shoes for safety and to ward off exhaustion. The Chinese revered this herb for its perceived ability to repel malevolent spirits, prevent diseases, and bestow blessings in the home. The Anglo-Saxons, too, considered mugwort as one of the "Nine Sacred Herbs," incorporating it into their healing charms and many other spiritual practices. In modern times, it's common to find mugwort in witches' cupboards, and understandably so. It serves a multitude of purposes in spells and spiritual practices. The plant is regularly incorporated in spells and rituals to enhance dreams, establish contact with other spiritual realms, bolster intuition, dispel negative energy, and protect against harmful influences. PROTECTION AND BANISHING Mugwort has long been considered a protective herb and is revered for its ability to banish negative energy and ward off evil spirits. It can be burned in the home to banish negative energy, or it can be burned outside the front door to create a protective barrier. Placing a bundle of Mugwort above your front door or windows can prevent negative people from entering the home. A tea made of mugwort can be lightly sprayed on personal objects you value and wish to keep protected. Magickal properties of Mugwort Mugwort is one of the most popular herbs for the Witch’s pantry. It’s known as a psychic/Lunar herb that’s also strongly protective. This article describes Artemisia vulgaris, common Mugwort. Mugwort’s magickal virtues (combined with its low cost) make it our best-selling loose herb. But how did this unassuming ditch-weed become the Witch Queen of the herb aisle? It started as long ago as the Iron Age, when early farmers gathered wild plants to fancy up their bland, grain-based diets. Certain plants became favored for their ability to prevent spoilage and repel insects—a seemingly magickal power. Almost every beer made today contains aromatic herbs known as hops. But before brewers in Britain and Europe discovered hops, Mugwort helped keep the beer fresh and provided the crucial bitter note. (Some people say the “mug” part of the plant’s name comes from its brewing history. But a more likely etymology is the Old Norse muggi, meaning marsh.) Mugwort was also used in medieval cooking to flavor fish and game dishes. Currently, Mugwort’s culinary uses have been completely overshadowed by its cousin Wormwood, the notorious herbal ingredient in absinthe. Mugwort grows abundantly in ditches and rocky soils. Mugwort has a sharp, bitter flavor and antimicrobial properties. In European folklore, Mugwort protects against fatigue, injury, and poisons. The Romans were said to put a sprig of Mugwort in their shoes to avoid tiring. Mugwort is mentioned in the Nine Herbs Charm, a 10th-century English rhyme of beneficial herbs. Later, it was associated with St. John the Baptist, and wreaths of Mugwort were worn to repel evil spirits. As a folk medicine, Mugwort was ingested, smoked, or applied to the skin in a poultice. Mugwort has anticoagulant and disinfectant properties, and has a nerve-calming effect. It was used as a poor man’s substitute for expensive tobacco, giving rise to the nickname “sailor’s tobacco.” Mugwort contains the chemical thujone, which is a mild intoxicant. (However, it’s a mystery whether medieval people would have noticed the effects of thujone, considering the amount of beer they drank!) Not many people have a taste for Mugwort brews these days. If you’re curious to try it, look for heritage recipes sold as “gruit beer” or “gruit ale.” Magickal Uses of Mugwort In modern witchcraft, Mugwort is used primarily as a visionary herb. Mugwort amplifies psychic vision and may induce prophetic dreams. An herb of the Goddess as Crone, Mugwort encourages wisdom and observation. When paired with a divinatory method of your choice, Mugwort is an excellent helper for confronting difficult truths. Mugwort appears in recipes for flying ointments, psychic teas, and divinatory incenses. Different people report vastly different experiences with using Mugwort. Thanks to internet drug culture, Mugwort became known as a “legal high,” prompting the state of Louisiana to ban possession and sale in 2005. Mugwort is not really a hallucinogen, but a way to stimulate lucid dreaming, astral travel, and visualization. The effects of Mugwort are more pronounced during sleep or trance states. But Mugwort does have real psychoactive effects. If you are very sensitive to thujone, remember that it can be absorbed transdermally (through the skin). I once found this out the hard way, when packaging up a pound of Mugwort for the shop. Witches may buy Mugwort dried (in occult and herb shops) or occasionally, fresh (in gourmet grocery stores). Alcoholic tinctures and essential oils are also available. Mugwort grows wild in many places. Be sure to get a positive ID—Mugwort looks a lot like Ragweed, a most un-magickal plant. Mugwort has a hay-like, herbal smell reminiscent of dried Sage and Chrysanthemum. When smoked, it has a tolerable aroma, but Mugwort tea is quite bitter to most people. Correspondences of Mugwort Mugwort is a member of the genus Artemisia, a group of plants named for the Greek Goddess of the moon. If that’s not evidence enough for a Lunar attribution, I don’t know what is. Mugwort also excels in the Lunar realm of divination and dreams. But occasionally someone makes an argument for Venus, the ruler of many healing herbs. This plain-looking, low-growing plant corresponds to the element of Earth. Spells and Formulas with Mugwort Hang a bundle near the front door to prevent evil from entering. Hung near the bed, Mugwort is said to aid in astral projection. Sleeping on a pillow or sachet stuffed with Mugwort (with Jasmine, Rose and/or Lavender) brings clear and memorable dreams. Burn Mugwort over charcoal as a divinatory and purifying incense. Mugwort is sometimes tied into bundles to make smudges. (It repels insects, too!) Mugwort may be prepared as an herb tea to aid in divination and scrying. A teaspoon of the dried leaves is steeped in one cup of hot water. Add honey and lemon, or combine with other herbs, if desired. From Scott Cunningham: “The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings.” Kindle magickal fires with Mugwort branches and stems. Mugwort may be incorporated into protective spells and charms. Gather Mugwort sprigs on St. John’s Eve (June 23) for protection throughout the year. Precautions : Mugwort is not suitable for pregnant or lactating women. Artemisia plants contain liver toxins that may build up if used in excess. If you use them regularly, take periodic breaks of at least a week. Don’t give them to young children or pets. Never ingest essential oils. That goes double for oils containing thujone. A single overdose can cause permanent damage to the liver and kidneys. Mugwort produces pollen which may aggravate seasonal allergies. The pollen is not a big problem if you plan to burn it or brew it in water. However, it’s something to think about when making dream pillows and wreaths. Some people have reported skin irritation from contact with the herb. While I don’t know if it’s possible to have a “bad trip” on Mugwort, those opposed to mind-altering substances should probably avoid it.

Daniel Pinchbeck's "Reality Sandwich" and "Evolver" recently launched a series of Teleconferences with renowned Psychedelic Luminaries, Visionary Artists & Esoteric Authors where many people can call in and get to listen to the featured guests being interviewed live by a host. At the end of the interviews all the callers get to ask questions to both guest and host on the line.

The second Evolver Teleseminar series begins July 30th and is called "Forging Community Through Visionary Art : How You Can Awaken Your Spirit and Your Connection To Others". It's hosted by culture critic and author Erik Davis, and the guests include ritualist and filmmaker Antero Alli, Neo-Tribal Festival producer Jen Zariat, visionary artist Alex Grey, and founder of Burning Man, Larry Harvey.

A Short version of the Teleseminar announcement ...

How does visionary art help us create community? How can you express your creative truths and engage with visionary art to help evolve the world forward? Join acclaimed author Erik Davis for the Evolver Intensive teleseminar series: "Forging Community Through Visionary Art : How You Can Awaken Your Spirit and Your Connection To Others" ... 4 telephone interviews by Erik with featured guests: visionary painter Alex Grey, Ritualist and Filmmaker Antero Alli, Neo-Tribal Festival producer Jen Zariat, and the legendary Larry Harvey, founder of Burning Man. These calls will offer practical steps you can take today on the personal, local and planetary levels that you can integrate into your life so you can make a difference in our world. Not only will you participate in these calls, you'll have the chance to ask the questions that most challenge you.

To learn more, just go to http://www.EvolverIntensives.com/VisionaryArt !

A special promotion has been offered to all our readers on Starship 'Psychedelic Adventure' ...

The first 2 people to email me get to register for the series for FREE !

✿ [email protected]

* This promotional offer is now closed as we have the first 2 to respond who would be on the forthcoming Evolver series ... Michael & Kristen ... Have a Good One :) ...

Come September ... The 3rd edition of the Evolver series begins !


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Liquid Crystal Vision is a movie about our psychedelic world and the magical alchemy of consciousness with the sacred ritualistic use of plant based psychedelics to invoke mystical vibrations of the trance dance experience. Liquid Crystal Vision fuses the ancient and the future. It blends scenes of exotic places such as Angkor Wat, Goa, Laos, Japan, and others with superb graphics, sounds, performances, and channeled interviews.

Liquid Crystal Vision presents dancing as one of the means to initiate a far-reaching personal evolution. It contrasts control versus freedom. The impact of the mystical arts movement on planetary consciousness is highlighted during the 60 minutes play time. Liquid Crystal Vision makes an artistic and political statement that leaves a strong imprint on the audience.

Liquid Crystal Vision was inspired by the controversy of the incredible magic experienced during the psychedelic experience and the conditioned fear programming among the general public about psychedelic drugs.


Shamans, Pagans and Mystics used sacred medicines in ritual all over the world for centuries to communicate with higher forces. Psychedelics have the ability to wake people up to the fundamental truth of life. They can induce a deep mystical understanding and inspire a spiritual evolution in human beings when used in the right environment with proper guidance!

The filmmakers believe that through the use of entheogenic substances one can find liberation from the "known"! Anthropological studies suggest that most of our religions originated from a mystical experience that was most likely induced by the ingestion of psychedelic plants, such as mushrooms, cacti, fungi etc. Psychedelics can create blissful feelings when used and not abused! In the Vedic text (Sanskrit writings) it is suggested that union with GOD can be achieved through psychedelic drugs as well.

Unfortunately even today the world is still ruled by power, money, ignorance, and greed, instead common sense, love, and wisdom! Governments control the media that spreads bogus propaganda to support unreasonable laws - just to brainwash the taxpayer and consumer population. This creates global turmoil, destruction and religious wars that need to end NOW! It is overtime for a mystical evolution that brings global unity! Time to be honest and truthful! Time to transcend differences, time to celebrate beauty! Eat a mushroom and dance. To prohibit self-discovery is madness! This is why Liquid Crystal Vision was created!


A Sadhu gives an initiatory explanation about a mystical dance ritual that has its roots in India, but spread all over the world today. Followed by Raja Ram from Shpongle, the Infinity Project, and the Yeti, who gives an explanation about healing and higher consciousness, magnificent images of carved Apsaras and Monks in Angkor Wat (Cambodia) flash by. A beautiful dancer is moving to the rhythm of the music while a holy man from India gives a great description of the mystical state. Famous musicians and key figures of the scene explain scientifically what it all means to them. Gregory Sams articulates how people have their own spiritual experiences when going into trance.


Famous Youth from Killing Joke explains how it all started years ago in Goa. Through a 3-D visual gate the film changes drastically into a part that is called: "Globalization". Pagans sing magical songs at the historical opening on summer solstice in Stonehenge, before the imagery blows the audience away with a mind-expanding interview of Alex Grey! A visual interlude of 3-D graphics leads to Dr. Spook, who says exactly what the filmmakers are trying to get across to the public! Images of people wildly dancing to undomesticated drumming rhythms with sculptures of burning skulls and a Shaman talking to the audience brings us to the legendary musicians of System 7, who explain in incredible detail how sound is used in the music to manipulate brainwaves and to entrain people.

Liquid Crystal Vision goes backwards as it comes towards the ending, because it's created as a geometrical fractal, so sounds begin to repeat and characters come back to finish their story. Various individuals explain what effect partying has on them. This gives the viewer a feeling of how great the unity experience really is! Liquid Crystal Vision tells us that the visions experienced during the mystical experience have to be integrated into daily life to really have a lasting effect! The final rap is to a live set of Banco de Gaia, where a fire spinner is projected onto the oldest Buddhist temple in Laos. Suddenly, the film turns backwards at light speed until it reaches the first image of the film, where the final question is asked !





Goa Gil

For me when I come to the party and I set up the altar and I sprinkle the Ganga water and say the mantra and make the offering to the cosmic spirit, the whole party becomes the offering, the music becomes the offering, the dance becomes the offering. The cosmic spirit should come to the place and bless all of us! The longer it goes on the more the trance comes and it comes to a point where every song is so perfect in the moment - it's timelessness. So perfect you start to get chills up your spinal column and up your skin and everybody's getting it all at once - it’s like a cosmic orgasm! Then at some point it comes like a bolt of lightning, like a shock of lightening through everybody all at once —cccchhhhh… and that’s when the seed is being planted in everyone’s subconscious that will hopefully grow and flower and make people more aware of themselves, there surroundings, the crossroads of humanity, and the needs of the planet. This is what our Goa party, our holy ritual is all about. And this is what we are trying to achieve with it!



This piece is about ten years old. It's called Theologue - the union of human and divine consciousness weaving the fabric of space and time in which the self and its surroundings are embedded. That’s the subtitle... Rather long...

What I try to do in the work is to show the interpenetration between the physical dimension and the more metaphysical dimensions. In the body it shows up as the acupuncture meridians points and chakras auras and halos and things like that. This particular painting is one of my favorites because it came from an experience I had some time ago, it was a high dose LSD experience and I was wearing a blindfold seated in a lotus posture. I was staring into this… it was a device I invented called a mind fold. It's just a light type blindfold with space to open your eyes, so you look into total darkness, but somehow I was seeing an electric grid that was all along the horizon - just this incredible kind of perspective grid.

And it seemed that I was projecting this at the same time as I was seeing it outside, but I was in my head, so it was very confusing, but I felt like this is the loom of space and time. This is like when you dream! You are dreaming in space and so you are always creating space. Somehow our mind is creating the space that we are surrounded by, so how to visualize that? It was solved by putting this kind of seated Buddha there and having the horizon line - the vanishing point of the horizon line of the perspective be synonymous with the cone of perception that’s spreading out. It’s appearing to project the space that he is seated in.


Raja Ram

This is a search to find ways of changing our own minds and triggering our inner feelings that are going to come out one way or another... If you want to be a yogi — be a yogi! If you are going to take drugs, that’s what you are going to do, if you want to be straight that’s what you are going to be!

The main thing is, the whole game is to alter our consciousness to get higher and to go to those other dimensions, to fulfill our potential. And one of the ways we can do this is through music, because it’s healing and elevating, and it will take people to a higher realm of consciousness, if they let it!


Source : Liquid Crystal Vision


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Vision Productions was established in 1996 in Tokyo, Japan By Tania (Tanis) Miller and Shimon Biton. The company goal is to promote electronic music created by computers and digital instruments, like synthesizers, V-drums and electronic keyboards.

In addition to producing a yearly festival, called "Vision Quest: The Gathering", Vision Productions also produces monthly events in Tokyo and Osaka promoting new artists like Ami, Mitsumoto and Alternative Control. The company also produces from time to time events overseas in Mexico, Israel, Thailand and India. The goal of the company is to strive towards getting the electronic music into mainstream.

In order to promote young artists the company also started to produce CDs and DVDs under the label Vision Quest Records. The company sold more than 50,000. copies in Japan alone during the last fiscal year. Another 20,000 copies were sold overseas.

The company works with File records (Sony Music), HMV, Tower Records, Virgin Music, Cisco, Quintrix, Acoustic (Sound Company) Egg House (Lights) M.M.Delight (VJ’s) Inter FM (Radio) Space Shower TV (Television) and advertises regularly in trade magazines like Floor, Loud and Club Juice.

What does Vision Quest refer to ...

In many Inuit and other Native American groups, the vision quest is a turning point in life taken before puberty to find oneself and the intended spiritual and life direction. When an older child is ready, he or she will go on a personal, spiritual quest alone in the wilderness. This usually lasts for a number of days while the child is tuned into the spirit world. Usually, a Guardian animal will come in a vision or dream, and the child's life direction will appear at some point. Once the child has grown into his- or her- self, s/he will return to the tribe and pursue that direction in life. After a vision quest, the child may apprentice an adult in the tribe of the shown direction (Medicine Man, boatmaker, etc).

The vision quest may be a part of shamanism, more exactly, the learning and initiation process of the apprentice for achieving the ability for shamanizing, mostly under the guidance of an older shaman.

The vision quest may be said to make the initiated establish contact with a spirit or force. Psychologically, it may have effected hallucinations.

The technique may be similar to sensory deprivation methods. It may include long walking on uninhabited, monotonous areas (tundra, inland, mountain); fasting; sleep deprivation; being closed in a small room (e.g. igloo).





Vision Quest Gathering 2002


Vision Quest Gathering 2005


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