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Nina Graboi: A Trailblazer of the Psychedelic Revolution

Nina Graboi: A Trailblazer of the Psychedelic Revolution

by | March 9, 2025 | Books, Consciousness & Psychedelics, Social Justice

The Untold Story of a Psychedelic Pioneer and Consciousness Explorer

 In the rich tapestry of the psychedelic movement, certain figures loom large—Timothy Leary, Aldous Huxley, Stanislav Grof. But among them was a woman whose influence quietly shaped the very core of the psychedelic consciousness revolution. Nina Graboi was more than an observer of this era; she was an architect of its ideals, a guide to its seekers, and a bridge between mystical experience and grounded wisdom.

A Life of Transformation

Born in Vienna in the aftermath of World War I, Nina Graboi’s early years were marked by the shadow of war. A Holocaust survivor, she fled Nazi-occupied Europe, endured the trials of displacement, and eventually rebuilt her life in the United States. From the confines of a Moroccan detention camp to the grandeur of Long Island high society, her journey was one of stark contrasts.

Though she had achieved what many considered the American Dream, something within her remained restless. The call of a deeper truth, a world beyond the material, grew louder. She encountered the psychedelic movement at a time when it was still a fringe exploration, yet it resonated with her lifelong search for meaning. Her autobiography, One Foot in the Future, captures this moment of awakening, where the carefully structured reality she had built gave way to an entirely new perception of existence.

A Guide to the Psychedelic Experience

Unlike many of her contemporaries, who approached psychedelics through the lens of academia or rebellion, Graboi brought a deeply intuitive and nurturing perspective to the space. She became a key figure in Timothy Leary’s League for Spiritual Discovery, leading its New York center and creating an environment where seekers could approach psychedelics with preparation, intention, and respect.

The center was not simply a place for experimentation; it was a sanctuary. With incense drifting through the air and the sounds of Indian music in the background, Graboi ensured that those who walked through its doors were not just indulging in a countercultural movement but stepping into a transformative process. She believed that psychedelics were tools, not toys, and she devoted herself to educating others on their potential for true inner exploration.

 

A Feminine Presence in a Male-Dominated Sphere

In an era where the psychedelic movement was often dominated by male voices, Graboi stood as a testament to the essential role of women in the evolution of consciousness. While others made headlines with grand proclamations, she was doing the quiet, necessary work—helping individuals navigate their experiences, integrating their insights, and ensuring that the psychedelic journey was not one of recklessness but of profound personal growth.

Her presence was one of both wisdom and humor. She saw through the rigid dogmas that sometimes emerged within the movement, understanding that true enlightenment could not be dictated but must be discovered through experience. Her work laid the foundation for many of the practices now considered essential in psychedelic-assisted therapy and spiritual guidance.

A Legacy That Endures

Graboi’s contributions remain woven into the fabric of today’s psychedelic renaissance. The principles she upheld—intentional use, responsible guidance, and integration—are now cornerstones of modern psychedelic therapy and research. She understood, long before it was widely accepted, that psychedelics held the power not just for personal transformation but for collective healing.

While her name may not be as widely known as some of her peers, her influence is undeniable. Today, as the psychedelic movement re-emerges into mainstream consciousness, it is essential to recognize the women who helped shape it. Organizations like Chacruna are working to bring these stories to light, ensuring that figures like Graboi are honored for their invaluable contributions.

Her story is not just one of psychedelic history—it is a story of resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the human potential for growth. For those who seek to understand the true essence of the psychedelic experience, Nina Graboi’s life offers a profound lesson: the journey is not just about the substance but about the wisdom, care, and intention with which it is approached.

In One Foot in the Future: A Woman’s Spiritual Journey, Nina Graboi shares her remarkable path through the psychedelic revolution, weaving together personal transformation, consciousness exploration, and the pursuit of deeper spiritual truth.

Because Nina Graboi was not merely a participant in the psychedelic revolution—she was one of its quiet but powerful guides. And her legacy continues to unfold in every seeker who approaches the journey with the same depth of heart and mind that she once did.

Read more of these wonderful stories in Women and Psychedelics by Chacruna Institute

Women and Psychedelics: Uncovering Invisible Voices: Dyck, E., Farrell, P., Labate, B. C., Cavnar, C., Gabriell, I., & Loures de Assis, G. (Eds.). (2024). Women and psychedelics: Uncovering invisible voices. Synergetic Press.

 

Wisdom of the Leaf: A Visionary Gathering in the Sacred Valley

Wisdom of the Leaf: A Visionary Gathering in the Sacred Valley

by | February 21, 2025 | Books, Ecotechnics, Present & Past Events, Social Justice, Sustainability & Ecology

Exploring Ancestral Knowledge and the future of the Coca Leaf

with Dennis McKenna, Wade Davis, and Global Thinkers at Xaipiri Grounds

Article written by Fernanda Baraybar 

As the sun dipped behind the towering peaks of the Sacred Valley, a remarkable gathering took shape at Xaipiri Grounds in Cusco, Peru. On February 8th, a constellation of visionaries, activists, researchers, and storytellers came together to honor the Wisdom of the Leaf Coca Summit’s conclusion—a week of profound dialogue surrounding the future of coca and its role beyond its current uses. The evening was a celebration of knowledge, community, and ancestral wisdom, hosted in the spirit of curiosity and preservation.

Among the honored guests were Dennis McKenna, the McKenna Academy team, and the legendary ethnobotanist Wade Davis. As fate would have it, the McKenna Academy team found themselves in the very home of Synergetic Press’ marketing team, a serendipitous convergence that underscored the deep ties between our shared missions. This event was not just about the screenings—it was a meeting of minds, a rare and remarkable opportunity for thinkers and seekers to exchange ideas in an intimate and inspiring setting.

“Water is life,” they say, and in Bundelkhand, this is not a metaphor but a reality.

The evening featured a series of extraordinary documentary screenings. One film, Biognosis: Bridges to Ancestral Wisdom, a McKenna Academy project, aims to digitize and preserve a collection of 150,000 botanical specimens at the Amazonian Herbarium in Iquitos. This work safeguards the invaluable ancestral knowledge of Indigenous plant medicine for generations to come. Following the screening, a discussion with co-director Greg Hemmings and Dennis McKenna illuminated the urgency of protecting this botanical wisdom.

Another screening, Dissolution, directed by Luis Solarat, took the audience on a deeply personal journey of transformation. Solarat, a longtime collaborator with the McKenna Academy, shared his own story—leaving behind a fast-paced career in London only to find himself quarantined in the jungles of Iquitos during the COVID-19 pandemic. His film captured the essence of dissolution and rebirth, mirroring the profound transitions that so many seekers experience on their own paths of self-discovery.

Beyond the films, the event itself was a masterful weaving of perspectives and energies. Artists, healers, scientists, and storytellers from around the world filled the space, each bringing their own unique threads to the collective tapestry of the evening. Conversations flowed effortlessly—from the scientific intricacies of ethnobotany to the spiritual dimensions of plant intelligence—creating an atmosphere that felt both electric and deeply grounded.

This gathering also reflected a broader legacy of exploration and collaboration. Decades earlier, Dennis McKenna, Terence McKenna, and Wade Davis had embarked on a pioneering journey through the Amazon aboard the RV Heraclitus, a research vessel built by the Institute of Ecotechnics, Synergetic Press’ sister organization. This extraordinary ship, a floating laboratory of science and philosophy, carried these explorers into the heart of the rainforest, where they deepened their understanding of the plants and cultures that would shape their lifework. Today, this spirit of inquiry and adventure lives on through the work of Synergetic Press and the McKenna Academy, ensuring that the wisdom of the natural world continues to be shared and preserved.

As the evening at Xaipiri Grounds drew to a close, the resonance of the conversations and connections lingered in the air. This was more than just an event; it was a spark, igniting new ideas and reinforcing old bonds. The Wisdom of the Leaf gathering served as a testament to the power of coming together—to learn, to share, and to dream of a future where ancestral knowledge and scientific inquiry walk hand in hand.

Wisdom Unveiled in The Language of Water

Wisdom Unveiled in The Language of Water

by | January 29, 2025 | Books, Present & Past Events, Releases & Announcements, Sustainability & Ecology

The Launch of Language of Water:
Ancient Techniques and Community Stories for a Water-Secure Future

We are delighted to announce the launch of The Language of Water, a profoundly timely book that arrives at a critical moment in our global water crisis.

Now available for purchase on the Synergetic Press website, this book serves as both an urgent call to action and a beacon of hope, illuminating the deep and inextricable relationship between humanity and water. This extraordinary book offers profound insights into the timeless relationship between humanity and water, weaving ancient techniques with the inspiring stories of communities worldwide who are restoring water to the land.

Water is not merely a resource—it is a living force that sustains, nourishes, and connects us. The Language of Water intricately weaves together the stories of water bodies across the world and the cultures that depend on them, creating a unifying narrative that transcends borders. It reminds us that no matter how diverse our backgrounds, we all share the fundamental need for clean and accessible water.

At a time when resource depletion and climate change threaten ecosystems and communities, this book revives ancestral water knowledge and explores time-tested conservation practices—from the ancient johads of Rajasthan to the innovative rain gardens of Slovakia. By blending indigenous wisdom, ecological science, and community-led restoration efforts, it offers a vision of a future where water security is not only possible but thriving.

With its compelling stories of resilience and renewal, The Language of Water invites us to rethink our connection to this elemental force, inspiring us to become stewards of water and life itself. As you turn its pages, may you feel empowered to engage with water as a sacred, living entity—one that speaks to us all, if only we learn to listen.

 

Discover the Wisdom of Water: A Transformative Book on Ancient
Techniques and Community Stories – Order Your Copy Today!

“‘Water’ and ‘survival’ are pretty much the same thing, so it’s no wonder that local communities, facing record drought and heat, are taking matters into their own hands. These are stirring stories of the recovery of time-honored techniques that will be desperately important as the climate crisis keeps building.”

—Bill McKibben, Author of The End of Nature

“The Language of Water is a love story about humans and water, and the ways in which we are learning to keep this relationship healthy for the sake of future generations, reminding us that it takes people in our local communities and those at the macro level in cooperation to help care for Mother Earth’s waters. With cases from around the world as evidence, Minni Jain and Philip Franses show us that for the sake of Mother Earth’s future, community-led initiatives and traditional wisdom partnered with earth-based scientific practices and research are the path of hope. Sustainable relationship with the waters around us is essential if we are going to act in order to give future generations a chance—it’s all connected through kinship, community, action and care. Read this book as a reminder of the love story that is always unfolding, and the important part we have to play in it.” 

—Kaitlin B. Curtice, Potawatomi poet-storyteller and award-winning author of Native and Living Resistance

Whispers of the Waters: The Untold Stories of Bundelkhand’s Women Warriors

Whispers of the Waters: The Untold Stories of Bundelkhand’s Women Warriors

by | January 24, 2025 | Books, Social Justice, Sustainability & Ecology

The Untold Stories of Bundelkhand’s Women Warriors

Story told by Minni Jain in Language of Water 
Article written by Fernanda Baraybar 

Nestled in the heart of India, Bundelkhand is a land where the past lingers in the wind and whispers in the flowing rivers. Known for its arid plains and unforgiving climate, this region hides a tale of resilience and quiet rebellion—one that centers on its women. These women, often overlooked by history’s pen, have emerged as guardians of life in a land that thirsts for water and justice.

Their story is one of strength and determination, woven into the fabric of Bundelkhand’s struggles against water scarcity. Here, where cracked earth testifies to the unrelenting heat, the burden of fetching water has long rested on the shoulders of women. Yet, these women have risen beyond their circumstances, becoming leaders in the fight for survival and dignity.

Take, for instance, the story of the “Jal Sahelis” — women water warriors who have turned their collective pain into collective power. Jal Sahelis, or “Friends of Water,” is a grassroots movement that emerged from the desperation of Bundelkhand’s villages. These women banded together to restore water to their parched lands. They began by reviving traditional water-harvesting techniques, desilting dried-up ponds, and building check dams to preserve the precious monsoon rains. Their efforts have not only rejuvenated the land but also reshaped their communities.

“Water is life,” they say, and in Bundelkhand, this is not a metaphor but a reality.

For decades, women have walked miles to fetch water, a task that chained them to the harsh rhythms of survival. But the Jal Sahelis have rewritten this narrative, taking on roles traditionally reserved for men in patriarchal societies. They have become decision-makers, engineers, and protectors of the land. Their work has inspired the formation of water councils, where women’s voices are finally heard.

The mystical essence of Bundelkhand’s story lies not only in its enduring landscapes but in the way its women embody the sacred connection between humanity and nature. In their hands, water becomes more than a resource; it becomes a sacred thread that binds the community together. “When we save water, we save ourselves,” one Jal Saheli shared, her words echoing with the profound wisdom of someone who understands that nature’s balance is intertwined with our own.

This movement has also illuminated an intellectual truth: that indigenous knowledge holds the keys to ecological regeneration. The women of Bundelkhand have harnessed ancient practices, blending them with modern techniques to solve today’s crises. Their success is a testament to the power of local solutions in a world grappling with global climate challenges.

Despite their achievements, the women of Bundelkhand remain unsung heroes. Their work often goes unnoticed in the mainstream narratives of development and progress. Yet, their impact is undeniable. They have not only restored water but have also restored hope, proving that even in the most desolate landscapes, life can flourish with care and community.

The story of Bundelkhand’s women is more than a tale of survival; it is a hymn to resilience and the enduring spirit of humanity. As the waters return to their land, so too does the promise of a better future, carried on the whispers of the winds and the flowing streams. These women are not just warriors; they are custodians of life, bearing the torch of hope for generations to come.

Rewilding the Holidays

Rewilding the Holidays

by | December 24, 2024 | Books, Present & Past Events, Social Justice

Rewilding the Holidays through Ritual and Ecological Renewal

 In our home, the season of Christmas has transformed into a time for reflection, connection, and honoring the cycles of nature. Instead of rushing through crowded shops for last-minute gifts, we gather under winter’s quiet blanket, turning to traditions and cosmic phenomena that remind us of the shared story of humanity. Christmas, in its essence, is not just about giving and receiving material gifts but about rekindling the light within us and celebrating our connections—to the Earth, the stars, and each other.

This time of year offers a cosmic guide that has long inspired human rituals. In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice marks the longest night, a moment when the Sun seems to pause before returning on its journey to longer days. Indigenous cultures, deeply attuned to these celestial rhythms, recognized this as a time to honor renewal and transformation. These seasonal shifts remind us to slow down, reflect, and embrace the transitions within ourselves and our world.

The Historical Importance of Ritual

Rituals have long served as sacred markers of time, anchoring us to the natural cycles that govern our existence. They invite us to pause, to honor both endings and beginnings, and to weave moments of reflection into the ever-turning wheel of life. In ancient times, ceremonies like Saturnalia and Yule emerged from a deep reverence for the land and sky, reminding us of our place within the vast rhythm of nature.

Saturnalia, the Roman celebration of Saturn, the god of time and harvest, was a jubilant disruption of the ordinary. For days, societal roles dissolved—masters served slaves, gifts were exchanged, and laughter filled the streets. It was a time to honor the cyclic nature of existence, to revel in the abundance of the past year, and to welcome the quiet promise of renewal. Yule, rooted in Norse and Germanic traditions, celebrated the rebirth of the Sun after the longest night. Fires blazed brightly through the dark, their warmth a beacon of hope and protection for the year ahead. The Yule log, burned for twelve sacred nights, symbolized resilience, light, and the continuity of life, its ashes treasured as blessings for the soil and home.

Across cultures, the Winter Solstice has inspired rituals that reflect the interplay of darkness and light, decay and renewal. The ancient Druids, guardians of wisdom and lore, gathered at stone circles like Stonehenge, their alignment with the solstice sunrise a testament to the enduring bond between earth and sky. Around these stones, songs of gratitude rose like the flames of their ceremonial fires, illuminating the longest night with hope for the returning Sun.

In the snowy Andean peaks, the Inca revered the Sun as a divine source of life. While Inti Raymi is most celebrated at the June solstice in their calendar, remnants of their traditions suggest a quiet reverence for the Sun’s return during their winter months. Ceremonies of offerings and dance were woven with the sacred intention of balance, vitality, and harmony with the cosmos. Meanwhile, in the Far East, the Dongzhi Festival welcomed the shift of yin to yang. Families gathered to honor ancestors and share warm bowls of tangyuan—sweet rice balls symbolizing unity and the sweetness of life.

These ancient acts of devotion remind us that we are not separate from the turning seasons or the celestial dance overhead. The Winter Solstice, often called the “darkest night,” holds within it the quiet promise of light’s return. It whispers that endings are but new beginnings, and the cycles of the earth mirror the cycles of the soul.

To light a candle on this sacred night is to participate in an ancient legacy. The flame represents the Sun’s gentle ascent, but also the light within us—a spark of resilience, creativity, and hope. In this stillness, we are invited to reflect on what we will release to the darkness and what we will nurture as the light grows stronger. It is a time to align with nature’s rhythms, to rekindle our connection to the cosmos, and to honor the shared journey of all beings on this earth.

The Winter Solstice is more than a moment in time; it is a bridge between worlds—the seen and unseen, the past and the future, the earth and the heavens. It reminds us that even in the depth of darkness, there is an eternal turning, a renewal waiting to unfold. Through our rituals, whether humble or grand, we step into this cosmic dance, finding unity, meaning, and wonder in the cycles that shape us all.

Ecological Renewal as an Antidote to Consumerism 

In today’s world, however, these meaningful traditions are often overshadowed by consumerism. The holiday season has become a whirlwind of material pursuits, with little room for reflection. Yet, by reclaiming rituals that focus on ecological renewal and communal connection, we can create a more meaningful and sustainable celebration. Instead of purchasing plastic decorations, we can craft ornaments from natural materials, weave wreaths from holly and ivy, and light candles to honor the returning Sun. These simple acts not only reduce waste but also deepen our connection to nature and each other.

Ecological renewal during the holidays is a powerful antidote to consumerism. Bringing natural elements into our homes, such as greenery, berries, and handmade decorations, aligns us with ancient traditions that celebrated life’s continuity. These gestures are more than symbolic; they are a call to care for our planet and recognize the interconnectedness of all life. By choosing sustainable practices and emphasizing presence over presents, we honor the cycles of nature and pave the way for a collective shift toward mindful living.

Rituals that mark time are essential not just for personal growth but for cultural renewal. They remind us to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. Psychedelics, long used in sacred ceremonies worldwide, offer another dimension to this reflection. Substances like ayahuasca and psilocybin have been used to journey inward, mirroring the introspection invited by the long winter nights. These sacred medicines can illuminate our inner landscapes, helping us confront shadows, shed old patterns, and emerge renewed—much like the Sun’s return after the solstice.

This year, we are Rewilding the Holidays by embracing traditions that foster connection rather than consumerism

As we gather in this season of reflection and renewal, aligning our rituals with the rhythms of the Earth and the heavens allows us to transcend personal beliefs and rediscover a shared humanity. The act of coming together—whether through traditional ceremonies, shared meals, or quiet introspection—becomes a powerful reminder of the love and unity that underpin our existence. Through these acts, we honor life’s cycles, celebrate the light within and without, and step forward into the new year reconnected and revitalized.

This Christmas, let us embrace the wisdom of the stars and the Earth. By creating new traditions that focus on renewal, connection, and sustainability, we honor the timeless rhythms of life. Let the gentle glow of candles replace the harshness of screens, and the simple joys of presence and love take precedence over material pursuits. Let us read good books, savor quiet moments, and reconnect with what nourishes our spirits.

The most profound gift we can offer is not something that can be wrapped or bought. It is the gift of time, presence, and love—a gift that unites us all and sustains us as we journey through the cycles of life together. In doing so, we not only celebrate the season but also plant seeds for a future rooted in mindfulness, renewal, and ecological harmony.

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