Facing what appears to be a spiritual crisis within our community I have chosen to attempt a critical analysis of the current situation on multiple levels and to offer some possible options and ideas that can be practically applied towards a new spiritual / magickal movement within the community.

I have observed numerous cyclical shifts within the larger spiritual movement but for the purposes of clarity and relevance I will direct this analysis at what could collectively be referred to as the spiritual post-rave movement. This movement dovetails into innumerable other cultural realms (new age, hip hop, occult etc) but I believe can be treated as a relatively autonomous entity due to its intensely familial nature and its general ambivalence towards other, or external cultural movements. The roots of rave can be traced back to the acid house days in the late 80's UK. In the early 90's the scene began to evolve towards a more shamanistic and psychedelic group experience, due to the arrival of ecstasy and the intervention of magikally inclined figures such as Genesis.P.Orridge. It continued to grow and expand and gradually the more spiritual element broke off and became an international movement unto itself whilst the rest of rave gradually slid towards commodification and legitimacy (i.e.. Club Culture as we know it). Mid nineties social utopianism and pre-millennial intoxication provided a fertile ground for the new spiritual rave movement to flourish as an underground entity with its emphasis on mass shifts in awareness and new models of community, language and technological integration. Things were looking good, albeit a little bit overly sincere. For some reason the movement grew without establishing a critical faculty or strong awareness of its place in the global paradigm, seeming to instead label most other movements as somehow "Babylonian" (a whole other issue in itself) and outside of the sacred space created within the "family" , thus unworthy of attention. This is obviously not the case in terms of individuals within the community who continued to feed the movement with outside inspiration in subtle ways. None the less, the community seemed to be unable or unwilling to create art or experiences palatable to the outside world, choosing instead to feed the massive gravitational pull of the movement itself in hopes of attracting and initiating outsiders through the creation of a sacred and inclusive atmosphere. Several problems arose:

1: Language: the language of the movement was too direct and "on the nose" as writers say. Something given to readily cannot be properly absorbed by the intended receivers. Spiritual teachings are effectively transmitted by allegory and symbolism, as well as by the energetic state and abilities of the transmitter him/herself. Something told too explicitly bounces of the ego of the receiver as they struggle with their personal identification with the ideas presented and the essential dualism of the human mind. In addition the language employed and the rituals (i.e.. structure and format of presentation) was one of absolute almost pious sincerity, lacking humor, challenge and erotic impulse. This not only turned off innumerable people due to an inability to relate to such sincerity, but also provided fodder for nay sayers and critics.

2: Cultural Appropriation: As the information age swelled into being, the symbol systems of the world became ripe for the plunder. The spirituality of the east, being readily understandable (thanks to the 60's, Star Wars etc) and still relatively exotic, provided a sense of a connection to history and tradition required for the movement. Perhaps due to "white guilt" or the spectacular corruption of christianity western spiritual traditions were considered relatively uninteresting. As the movement progressed some western ideas emerged and became integrated. Tarot and Celtic Pagan themes became accessible yet still were treated as interchangeable masks with minimal respect or care payed to the traditions the symbols arose from or their sheer living potency.

3: Denial: The movement denied and suppressed the chthonic or shadow forces at play within it. This was supposed to be about love, enlightenment and saving the world right? Why focus on all the negativity when "babylon" is constantly shoving it down our throat anyways? The attitude is understandable but only works in conjunction with a clear recognition (and respect for) of all facets of the spectrum. We are still at a dance party, on drugs, often surrounded by people we have intense emotional relations with (admiration, attraction, annoyance etc). Indeed the best way to become something is to act like you are it until you are (i.e.. enlightened, caring, aware) but the demons must be known, named and accounted for. This problem, in particular seems to be the reflexive cause of the current crisis situation.


So where are we now? It seems we have come full circle to embrace all the shadow elements wholeheartedly, although I believe, not consciously. Due to the relative success of certain individuals and endeavors within the scene (most notably music and fashion) the movement grudgingly opened its doors and allowed the outside world in. This influx of energy and new personnel brought with it a temporal window of change where community members were able to escape the dogmas and structures that had arisen. Finally we could all admit that we wanted a drink, wanted to look cool, wanted to get dirty on the dancefloor.
Black became the norm, Cynicism was indulged in like a long awaited exhale. Sounds got glitchy, edgy and rough. A schism seemed to arise at this point where community members chose to either continue with the program of enlightenment, or embrace the cathartic joy of the new school. This is a binary over-simplification, I recognize, but it still serves to illustrate the splitting of priorities of (or purposes) within the movement. We now seem to be at the other end of the pendulums arc. The spirit of the party is the afterthought, the unspoken and perhaps embarrassing sub truth. This is not all bad, as I believe a buried truth grows deep roots and will re-emerge stronger than before.

What to do next? As this movement still contains the essential seed meme of liberation and has built strong familial / emotional connections, I believe it still has value and the potential for global change. I believe by addressing the aforementioned problems and providing possible antidotes the cultural engineers amongst us will be able to revitalize the movements power and effectiveness.

1: New Language: We can no longer tell people what to do or believe. We can only imply through poetic allegory and right action (attained via honest self reflection) a new way. The art we create and the language we use to contextualise it must be accessible, relevant and artistically alluring. Very few are excited by a lengthy and academic exegesis of the structures of taoist thought but everybody wants to watch The Matrix because its cool. This leads into the second possible strategy...

2: New Myths: We must create (or rather re-create) archetypes and stories in a new relevant context. The rituals and stories of old and far away provide powerful transformative and healing experiences for people but can often become separated from daily life and encapsulated in a "spiritual" or "natural" realm, thus empowering the schism of within the western paradigm. If a holistic and global transformation is to be made then every aspect of our life and experience should perhaps be recognized as sacred. Everybody knows the buddha (look around, I bet there is one in the room with you right now) and may think they know his teachings. When his image arises it seems to evoke a sense of comfortable familiarity in many. "Ah yes, spiritual, calm, enlightened, Chill". The image can be invoked often without any crisis arising, on shirts and flyers. The Buddha seems to represent (to the community at least) an end in itself. Completion, enlightenment. I believe a new fundamental myth must be evoked in order to better reflect the lives of people and the global situation. The Heroes Journey of Initiation provides a model of constant growth and transformation. The cycle does not end. 2012 will not bring about a world of endless paradise and perfection. The hero must be constantly vigilant and aware in order to explore and chart the unknown and return with new insight to the world above. As most of us grew up on TV and movies our minds are formed and attuned according to theses modes of mythscaping. By utilizing the tools of the modern worlds storytelling machines we are able to penetrate the subconscious more effectively because these tools or techniques have been absorbed by most of us through our youth. The archetypes are eternal but not unchanging. It is far easier ( i.e.. more fun and digestible) to hear the voice of the initiator when he is cloaked as Morpheus, rather than sitting robed on a throne bellowing at us in latin. The new myths dress up the old in novel and interesting ways without being hung up on the cross of spiritual dogma. If we can evoke the heroes journey through powerful well crafted artworks, those who are ready will hear.

3: A Declaration of Honesty: An individual and collective recognition of all that we are. Sounds flaky and seems near impossible but it is the essence of the work our community is dedicated to. Practically speaking this begins with the individual being willing to observe and explore every aspect of there being and feeling empowered to bring their authentic self into their community. Cynicism is a healthy reaction to a hypocritical, fear worshipping culture but is also a horribly addictive reality tunnel, creating an illusion of superiority in the user. This is not to say we need to revert to the creepy 20 minute enforced eye gazing techniques of yesterday nor the grudging acceptance of all expression regardless of its relevance, grace or beauty (or lack thereof). It means being able to say something is good or that it sucks but being well prepared to say why based on genuine inference in regards to its power and effective transformational abilities and not simply due to cycles of fashion or personal stylistic preference. It doesn't matter if you didn't like the music in the ritual. If it worked, it worked and that is what is important. If it didn't, for the sake of all that we are attempting to do, say something.


All this was written from the perspective of one who wishes to see our community assist in initiating powerful and positive transformations globally. This intention is, I believe, something we all share and part of what makes this movement special and important right now. Im sure there are those who see the current state of the community differently than I and perhaps will bemoan what may seem to an overly critical tone. Restated, my intention is simply to see our efforts as a group develop and succeed. No disrespect or rejection of ideas is intended. This is simply a possible re-contextualisation and re-formating of approaches and techniques that can be employed by all of the brilliant artists within our community for the purpose of mutual evolution and liberation.