Fernanda Baraybar, Author at Synergetic Press

Warmest wishes for a Happy New Year

by Fernanda Baraybar | January 5, 2024 | Consciousness & Psychedelics

Embracing Joy, Growth, and Shared Resolutions for 2024

The Synergetic Press team extends warmest wishes for a Happy New Year filled with boundless joy and prosperity. We open our hearts to share our heartfelt hopes for a wholesome 2024. Join us in reflecting on the aspirations that shape our journey ahead, and feel free to share with us: What are you wishing for in the coming year?

“This turning of a new year gives us the opportunity to turn our attention where it is needed most. In the first days of 2024, consider donating to the Middle East Children’s Alliance, now collecting emergency relief for the 1.9 displaced people in Gaza. If you’ve been seeing the devastation on the ground there and haven’t known what to do, this is a tangible way to help with medical aid, food and clean water, and psychological support. For every donation, thank you.”

— Noelle

“As we come to a close of another Gregorian cycle and bid adieu to 2023, a year filled with much loss and grief on a global scale, I dream of a New Year that sings with love and tenderness for all life. May we awaken to the tendrils of our interbeing, knowing and embodying our interconnection with both human and more-than-human others. Our health is intimately intertwined with the health of the planet from the oceans to clouds to raindrops. I pray that we can step into the revolutionary shape of the collective and care for the multitude that we are.”

— Jasmine

“As we come to the close of 2023, a year with no shortage of challenges, many narratives convey the stories of separation, cynicism, and despair, feeding a hopelessness that can feel pervasive and suffocating. As we turn our gaze to 2024, it is my sincerest wish that humanity might collectively step back from despair, fear, and self-interest and allow our hearts to whisper the deeper wisdom of empathy, resilience, and hope. With these values binding us, we can continue to build bridges, cultivate understanding, and plant the seeds of a more just, equitable, and thriving world.”

— Doug

“To have less division and more rooted action towards a better future for all”

— Chloe

“Wishing infinite tenderness for our bodies, minds, and hearts in 2024! As we collectively strive for greater peace and abundant health for all beings, may we remember that our own selves must be included in the tally of all beings as well.”

— Allison

“As we step into the promise of a new year, my heartfelt wish is for a journey of regeneration, understanding, and co-creation. I wish for us to unite in our differences, to keep standing together to weave the reality we know exists in our most aspired dreams. May this be a year for transformation. “

— Fernanda

Winter Solstice Celebrations

by Fernanda Baraybar | December 22, 2023 | Cultural Studies

As winter’s frosty embrace descends upon the northern hemisphere and the southern lands bask in the warmth of summer’s glow, December 21st marks a pivotal moment in our cosmic dance with the universe—the Winter Solstice. Astronomically speaking, it is a day of extremes, symbolizing the shortest day and longest night in the north, and conversely, the longest day and shortest night in the south. Join us for the global winter solstice celebrations!

What is the heritage of the Winter Solstice?

The term “solstice,” derived from Latin, translates to “the Sun is still” or “the Sun has stopped.” Imagining the Sun’s celestial journey as akin to a thrown ball suspended at its zenith, astronomers have marveled at this transient moment when the Sun pauses before resuming its course. It is a cosmic spectacle that has inspired awe and celebration across cultures and continents.

This celestial phenomenon has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, emerging as one of the most celebrated holidays worldwide. From the northern reaches to the southern climes, people unite in acknowledging the significance of the Sun’s cyclical journey. December 21st is a moment of shared astronomical wonder that brings us all together, weaving a tapestry of shared experience across the globe.

In the Northern Hemisphere, winter solstice rituals abound. From crackling fires and mulled cider to winter solstice feasts and lantern-lit gatherings, communities honor the returning light. Yoga enthusiasts strike special poses, and individuals set intentions for the season ahead, fostering a sense of unity and renewal.

Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year is celebrated with equal fervor. It’s a time to welcome the Summer Solstice, a season of warmth and vitality. Each hemisphere’s celebration is a reflection of the unique connection between humans and the cosmos.

The Global Tapestry of Celestial Celebrations

Around the world, diverse cultures infuse the Winter Solstice with their own traditions. The Hopi Indians of Northern Arizona perform dances, craft prayer sticks, and welcome protective spirits during their Soyal celebration. In Iran, the Yalda festival marks the victory of light over dark, with families staying awake all night to welcome the sun and share special foods.

The ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia, a precursor to modern Christmas celebrations, is a time of games, feasts, and gift-giving. Scandinavians honor St. Lucia’s Day with light festivals, incorporating Norse solstice traditions to ward off spirits during the longest night.

The Incan Qhapaq Raymi celebrates the winter solstice with offerings of plants, flowers, and animals. In Machu Picchu, the Intihuatana stone is believed to connect the sun to the Earth during this celestial moment. Chinese families gather for Dong Zhi, celebrating the “arrival of winter” with festivities and reunions, reflecting on the fruits of the harvest season.

Through these diverse global winter solstice celebrations, a common thread emerges—humans finding connection with each other through the movement of our solar system. As we share in the dance of our celestial bodies, we recognize the universal need for celebration, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The Winter Solstice invites us to pause and reflect on our place in the cosmos, fostering a global sense of unity that transcends cultural and geographical differences. In these shared moments of celestial wonder, we find common ground, celebrating the beauty of our interconnectedness on this pale blue dot suspended in the vast cosmic expanse.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Celebrating Bodhi Day: A Journey to Enlightenment

by Fernanda Baraybar | December 12, 2023 | Books, Consciousness & Psychedelics

In the serene tapestry of spiritual observances, Bodhi Day, celebrated on December 8th, emerges as a reminder of enlightenment and compassion. It transports us to the pivotal moment when Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, attained profound insight under the Bodhi Tree. Let’s delve into the heartfelt essence of Bodhi Day, exploring the transformative journey of Siddhartha and the sincere observance of this sacred day in Japan.

At the heart of Bodhi Day lies the courageous decision of Siddhartha Gautama to renounce his princely life in pursuit of a deeper truth. The quiet town of Bodh Gaya witnessed his 49-day meditation beneath the sacred Peepal tree, culminating in enlightenment at the age of 35. Siddhartha, now the Buddha, unraveled the interconnectedness of all life, laying the foundation for the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path—a guide to a life of compassion and wisdom.

Buddhists worldwide commemorate Bodhi Day with a deeply heartfelt approach. It is a day of reflection, meditation, and introspection, emphasizing the study of ‘dharma’ (universal truth or law). The chanting of sutras and acts of kindness towards all living beings infuse the day with a spirit of compassion—a core aspect of the Buddha’s teachings.

In Japan, where Buddhism has woven itself into the fabric of the culture, Bodhi Day is observed with sincere reverence. While not an official holiday, approximately 34% of the population, who identify as Buddhists, engage in the observance of this sacred day.

Traditional celebrations in Japan embody a blend of reverence and cultural significance. Some choose to honor the day with a traditional meal of tea and cakes, symbolizing simplicity and humility. Throughout the month, Bodhi tree plantings and tea ceremonies bring communities together, fostering a sense of unity and connection.

In major cities like Tokyo and in towns across Japan, the post-celebration ambiance is adorned with incense and multi-colored lights, creating a visually striking representation of the enlightenment that Siddhartha experienced. This display is more than mere aesthetics; it symbolizes a collective commitment to illuminating the world with compassion and understanding.

Like the wise words echoing in Dionysian Buddhism “…although it may seem at first to be a sacrifice to open our eyes — for we have learned to lose touch with ourselves — we will discover that with enough attention to the transition to the external world, we can, when opening the eyes, become a little more awake, and by being more awake, we can also achieve great silence”. Its profound words gives us a guiding beacon on our spiritual journey.

Bodhi Day, beyond its historical significance, resonates as a heartfelt celebration of enlightenment and compassion. It is a time for self-reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness that echo the teachings of the Buddha. As we honor this day, let it serve as a reminder to illuminate our own lives and the lives of others with the radiant light of understanding.

Delve deeper into Buddhist themes by exploring our available collection of books —

Zig Zag Zen: Buddhism and Psychedelics Edited by Allan Badiner and Alex Grey

More than ever, people are in pursuit of greater fulfillment in their lives, seeking a deeper spiritual truth and strategies for liberation from suffering. Both Buddhism and psychedelics are inevitable subjects encountered on the journey to wisdom. Examined together, the reader may understand more deeply the essence of each. Edited by Tricycle contributing editor Allan Badiner and with art edited by renowned visionary artist Alex Grey, Zig Zag Zen features a foreword by Buddhist scholar Stephen Batchelor, a preface by religion historian Huston Smith, and numerous essays, interviews, and art, that lie outside the scope of mainstream anthologies.

Dionysian Buddhism by Claudio Naranjo

Dionysian Buddhism: Guided Interpersonal Meditations in the Three Yanas will assist readers in exploring their own emotional landscapes. This sequence of guided interpersonal meditations by the renowned spiritual teacher and psychotherapist Dr. Claudio Naranjo is structured to guide individuals towards acceptance of what is and to be fully present — to meet pain with joy, expand awareness into consciousness and to learn how to share in the full presence of others.

Secret Drugs of Buddhism by Mike Crowley

Secret Drugs of Buddhism is the first book to explore the historical evidence for the use of entheogenic plants within the Buddhist tradition. Drawing on scriptural sources, botany, pharmacology, and religious iconography, this book calls attention to the central role which psychedelics played in Indian religions. It traces their history from the mysterious soma potion, celebrated in the most ancient Hindu scriptures, to amrita, the sacramental drink of Vajrayana Buddhism. Although amrita used in modern Vajrayana ceremonies lacks any psychoactivity, there is copious evidence that the amrita used by the earliest Vajrayana practitioners was a potent entheogen.

Celebrating 35+ Years of Synergetic Press

by Fernanda Baraybar | November 10, 2023 | Ecotechnics, Featured, Sustainability & Ecology

A Legacy of Regeneration, Consciousness Expansion & Ecotechnic Innovation

Celebrating 35+ years of Synergetic Press as an independent publishing company, we at Synergetic Press have been at the forefront of publishing works on the study of consciousness and planetary health. As a visionary press we have continued to publish groundbreaking works in fields like ecology, sustainability, cultural studies, social justice and psychedelics, with the aim of inspiring both individual and collective transformation.

However, Synergetic Press is more than a publisher. We are also a partner in a collective of enterprising projects that have worked to shape culture, art, and research over the years.

This collective of projects started by the Institute of Ecotechnics range from the Research Vessel Heraclitus to the landmark Biosphere 2 facility, Synergia Ranch, The October Gallery in London, Las Casas de la Selva rainforest project in Puerto Rico are all fruits of collaborative effort from pioneers in the fields of ecotechnology, regenerative agriculture, and the arts.

The origins of Synergetic Press can be traced back to the early activists and the cofounder and Publisher, Deborah Parrish Snyder. It all began with the founding of the Institute of Ecotechnics in 1973, a collaborative effort involving luminaries such as Mark Nelson, a Biosphere 2 crew member; John Allen, co-founder of Biosphere 2; Christine Handte, a director of the Institute of Ecotechnics; and many others, including the cofounder and artistic director of Theatre of All Possibilities, Kathelin Gray, who started Synergetic Press back then to publish some of their early plays

The Institute of Ecotechnics

These projects were the result of a shared vision to explore complex dynamics of biospherics techniques and cultures. The Institute of Ecotechnics stands as a beacon of innovation and collaboration, with a profound impact on the world being at the forefront of pioneering ecological and sustainable initiatives. This visionary organization developed groundbreaking models for understanding complex dynamics in biosphere management, including dreaming and developing the scientific feat that was the Biosphere 2 project, the world’s largest closed systems ecological system.

Collaborating with experts from various fields, the Institute has been instrumental in addressing critical environmental challenges, from restoring overgrazed lands to setting up wastewater recycling systems in diverse biomes around the world. Its international conferences and project workshops have brought together some of the brightest minds to envision solutions that speak to the inherent complexities of our times. The Institute of Ecotechnics’ contributions have had a far-reaching impact on the world, advancing our understanding of ecology, sustainability, and the intricate web of interactions that sustain life on our planet.

Biosphere 2 and Synergia Ranch

One of the most iconic achievements is Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona. A 3.14-acre closed ecological system designed to demonstrate the possibility of sustaining human life in space and understanding how to tend to life on Earth with more awareness. This monumental project, constructed between 1987 and 1991, remains the largest closed ecological system ever created. While it faced initial challenges and criticisms, the project successfully demonstrated the viability of closed ecological systems. Also providing lessons on sustainable practices, ecological conservation, and resource management. The research conducted within Biosphere 2 has left a lasting impact on our understanding of our planet’s delicate balance and the potential for self-sustaining habitats in space exploration.

Furthermore, Synergia Ranch, the homebase of Synergetic Press, has played a vital role in contributing to the Institute’s pioneering work. Purchased in 1969, the ranch has evolved into a hub of innovation and collaboration. It was not only the original home of several of the inventors and creators of the Biosphere 2 project but also a center for producing “biotechnic” products. As well as raising llamas and sheep for textiles. Synergia Ranch’s existing structures were transformed into workshops and studios for crafting fine wood furniture and architectural items. This dynamic environment has nurtured ecotechnic and artistic endeavors, fostering a wealth of collective knowledge and experience that continues to influence the Institute of Ecotechnics’ groundbreaking work in ecological research and sustainability.

The Research Vessel Heraclitus

Likewise, the Research Vessel Heraclitus, a Chinese-junk research ship built in 1975, has sailed the world’s oceans for over four decades, serving as a platform for arts, science, and ecological research. With over 270,000 nautical miles traveled, this ship has been an instrumental part of the Institute’s collaborative efforts, making invaluable contributions to marine ecologies, documenting cultural oral history in coastal regions, and collecting crucial data on the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems. The partnership between the Heraclitus and the Institute of Ecotechnics has led to numerous expeditions. Its scientific research spans the entire globe, with the ship serving as a home to seafarers from diverse backgrounds and countries. Their collaboration represents a powerful commitment to understanding and preserving our oceans while exploring the boundaries of ecological research and sustainable practices.

The October Gallery

And finally, The October Gallery, an art space that has achieved remarkable recognition as a prominent art gallery in central London, has significantly contributed to the global art scene. Since its establishment in 1979, the gallery has been at the forefront of showcasing leading international artists, including El Anatsui, Rachid Koraïchi, Romuald Hazoumè, Nnenna Okore, Laila Shawa, and Kenji Yoshida. Its promotion of the Transvangarde, featuring the best in contemporary art from around the world, has solidified its reputation as an artistic powerhouse. Beyond art, the gallery serves as a cultural hub, fostering intellectual exchange among poets, writers, and artists through talks, performances, and seminars. This achievement extends beyond the art world, as the October Gallery’s charitable trust status and dedicated support from artists, musicians, and writers have created a lasting impact. Likewise, The October Gallery offers inclusive educational programs for individuals of all ages and providing an inspiring and dynamic space for creativity and cultural exchange.

In closing, Synergetic Press and its family of cutting edge associated projects stand as a testament to the incredible capacity of human creativity, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. They have opened our eyes to new horizons, sparking a passion for ecological stewardship, artistic expression, and the exploration of consciousness. As we reflect on their collective journey, we are reminded that when brilliant minds come together with a shared vision, the possibilities are limitless.

Synergetic Press at Illinois Psychedelic Science 2023

by Fernanda Baraybar | November 10, 2023 | Books, Consciousness & Psychedelics, Present & Past Events

Midwestern psychonauts, assemble!

After the triumph of the Psychedelic Science 2023 conference this past summer in Denver, it felt more important than ever to continue to find ways to be in community among other psychedelically minded folks. So it was an utter delight to be able to show up and share Synergetic Press’s books at the Illinois Psychedelic Society’s first-ever symposium in Chicago on Saturday, September 30.

The day was packed with incredible speakers and presenters, but just as importantly, it was attended by so many beautiful people eager to engage in conversation. From newbies to seasoned practitioners, the crowd was instantly willing to go deep within the safe container of the day that was established by IPS’s powerhouse founder and executive director Jean Lacy and her incredible network of colleagues and volunteers.

A good handful of attendees had also been present at PS23 and immediately recognized Synergetic Press as the team that had been running the bookstore there–a gratifying recognition! Other new friends were wide-eyed as they browsed our selection of titles for sale. Many had heard of Sasha and Ann Shulgin’s classics PIHKAL and TIHKAL but were excited to thumb through them for the first time. The glorious Donna Torres illustrations on the covers of both volumes of Sasha’s The Nature of Drugs were instant conversation-starters. Chacruna Institute’s essay collections Queering Psychedelics and Psychedelic Justice seemed tailor-made for keeping the trenchant discussions on best practices around the use of psychedelic medicine going. And copies of Saga Briggs’s How to Change Your Body sold out almost instantly–her warm and approachable writing style serving as a welcoming open door for getting us all to consider how we can take effective next steps into more holistic ways of healing.

We at Synergetic Press are so grateful for the opportunity to share the cutting-edge work of our authors with seekers wherever we find them–online, of course, but also increasingly again in person as we come together in the shared space of community.

Warmest wishes for a Happy New Year

Embracing Joy, Growth, and Shared Resolutions for 2024

Winter Solstice Celebrations

What is the heritage of the Winter Solstice?

The Global Tapestry of Celestial Celebrations