Free the Psychedelic Elders from the Golden Cage

I define the Elders of the psychedelic movement as those who put their shoulder to the wheel during the 1960s and 70s. Thanks be to those that helped shield the flame during those dark days of Nixon’s War on Drugs. Some labored in the fields of academia and research and paid the price of derailed professional careers. Some worked in hidden labs where the last step of synthesis was made sacred by prayer. From the meadows of Millbrook to the shores of Laguna Beach their actions were taken in ways that benefit us today. We are elevated by those that came before us.

It is not up to me to say the names of the Elders. Everyone can decide for themselves who they are. Some of them are household names while others lived in total anonymity and remain nameless. Some died young yet their spirit still ripples across the landscape and infuses the movement. Some disappeared into the underground and others were given life sentences in federal prison. Some had feet of clay, most felt they were contributing to a greater good that could bring hope and balm to a weary world.

There is no need to idolize them, their actions alone bring sufficient credit to their unspoken names. They don’t owe the current movement anything but we owe them immense gratitude for their contributions during a time of significant risk and danger.

Respect is owed, and a little space. If the living Elders want to take a victory lap by attending psychedelic conferences and be heralded by applause, that is fine with me. But I think we should not pull on them too much. They deserve to be listened to, but also an opportunity to rest after their labor. Rather than tempting them with speaker fees and using them as attractions like aging rock stars on a reunion tour, let’s have a little respect. Seeing some of these individuals on stage recounting anecdotes for psychedelic entrepreneurs strikes me as a little sad. These are important people who should not be used or trivialized. If they have something to say, we should listen. They are not here to entertain us.

The ecosystem owes them thanks. Let’s give them a little space and not continue to ask them or tempt them to be part of a side show. Whatever the Elders want to do is fine with me. God knows they sure have earned it. But let’s hold off dragging them from Alaska to Antarctica with a cast of characters that include comedians and the latest gaggle of lifestyle influencers.

To the Elders, I offer gratitude and hope you can be allowed to move forward with all the dignity and respect that is your due. Thank you for your work that touched my life when I first encountered your philosophy and compounds. If I wish anything for you, it was best expressed by the Incredible String Band at the high-water mark of the counterculture in 1968.

May the long time sun shine upon you,

All love surround you,

And the pure light within you

Guide you all the way home.