Collective Wisdom Blogs
Welcome to the Polemics of Jack
The Polemics, as I lovingly refer to my writings, are intended to be a collection of short articles, art-i-facts, journey notes, diagrams, ecstatic poetry, slights-of-hand with Compass, Square and Pen, written exclusively under the influence of Mind-Soul-Manifesting Agents, secret and sacred. For those not familiar with the word ‘polemic,’ it means ‘WAR,’ and every man is Jack.
Entheogens: Master Plant Sacraments
Entheogens: Master Plant Sacraments poster is a printed 17″x 52″ high-resolution art poster that is a visual map and guide to the plant sacraments ayahuasca, iboga and ibogaine, psilocybin, san pedro, and peyote. It is a labor of love created by Awake Media. All proceeds go towards FEAT the Fund for Entheogenic Addiction Treatment.
Crucified on the Cross of Self-Perfectionism: An Interview with Rick Doblin
Crucified on the Cross of Self-Perfectionism: An Interview with Rick Doblin Rick Doblin founded MAPS.org (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), a non-profit organization that has spent the last 35 years in an effort to get MDMA approved for...
Patient D: Microdosing Ibogaine for Parkinson’s
Interviewed by Lakshmi Narayan and Eric SwensonAt the time of this interview in 2019, Patient D was a 76-year old individual who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years before and was able to manage and improve his symptoms by microdosing ibogaine. He passed away in...
A Journey in Word 2 by Jack Cross
There is a holographic awakening to be had from the words and letters of the English/Latin alphabet and author and psychonaut Jack Cross un-spells the Way in Part 2 of his series “A Journey in Word. The video is a mesmerizing visual experience that will put you...
Addiction and the Core Wound with Deanne Adamson
How does IBOGA work in a single treatment when traditional rehab and therapies fail? The answer is simple. It gets to the root cause. In the opinion of addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté, who has worked with hundreds of addicts in the course of his practice, addiction is...
Hacking Addiction with Ibogaine: An Interview with Patrick Kroupa
Patrick Kroupa, an early pioneer in the movement to medicalize ibogaine for opioid addiction with Howard Lotsof (right), the man who discovered as a young addict in 1962 NYC, that a “drug” from Africa called “ibogaine” had ended his addiction...
The Tree of Tough Love: An Interview with Ben De Loenen
Benjamin De Loenen is the founder of ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Research, Education & Service) a philanthropic non-profit whose mission is to educate humanity about the power of plant medicines through gathering, researching, and sharing...
AYA
I have slept, slumbering, yawning, and dreamt beautiful dreams. I have swallowed my own tears while salt parched lips, desert dry, cracking, crumbling, feared the next windy word would blow me away. My madness mumbling translucent traces of God. No arrogance would...
Chandni Rodriguez: Daughter of a Yogi • Episode 35 • Free •
Chandni Rodriguez was introduced to me by dear friends and our connection was immediate. In this episode Chandni shares her wealth of wisdom on the subject of yoga. In the first hour she begins by discussing the differences between classical yoga and the “modern postural yoga” of the west. The hour flows with her wisdom on samskaras, unhooking from the way we experience suffering, her childhood growing up with a traditional Indian mother, Gurani Anjali, who was a yogi in Amityville, New York, and later opened up an Ashram in Queens, her work with her teacher, yogi Ananda Viraj, and her own rich teaching and philosophy. There are so many gems here.
I begin the second hour by asking Chandni what she would advise for the many who are suffering from depression today. The conversation flows into the rift between the sexes and how yoga philosophy would speak to that and the conversation weaves from there. Chandni lives her yoga and flows her wisdom generously.
https://chandni.yoga/
An Ode to the Plant Kingdom
I saw an Amazon leaf kissing the ground,I felt the gravity’s graceful and tender bound,It whispered ancient tales of emerald seas,Where each and every fall is a flight that frees.I heard the Amazon brook’s melodious, enchanting sound,In silver ribbons, it...
The Fat Lady
I dance with my Mother beneath the blue flame of Her skin silently begging not to be born again, and She laughs, and She sings, and the Die Man...
Vijaya aka Cannabis
The discussion around whether Vijaya aka cannabis is an entheogen aka psychedelic is indeed rather nuanced and complex, as it intersects with varying definitions of entheogen aka psychedelic, (two-legged one aka) individual overall background, individual biological...
Alanna Moore On the Invisible Dimensions • Episode 34 • Free •
Alanna Moore is an experienced geomancer, specializing in correcting geopathic stress created by underground streams and lines of magnetic energy. She is also a “sensitive” and communicates with spirits both human and of nature. She has authored 11 books, her latest, titled, Fairy Haunts of Ireland: A Guide to Magical, Uplifting and Supernatural Sites for Accessing the Ancient Spiritual Heritage of Ireland and Participating in her Ever-Luminous Otherworld Continuum.
In the first hour Alanna shares how she came into the art of dowsing and later founded Geomantica, the influential magazine on natural living, eco-awareness and psychic development through dowsing. She discusses the “yin” energies of the earth, the aboriginal people of Australia where she once lived, nature spirits, faerie haunts of Ireland, dowsing as communication system with the spirits of place, and more.
In the second hour Alanna focuses on the effects of electromagnetic radiation from wifi, cellphones, towers, etc. and offers ways to counter it. She is “electro-sensitive” and has researched extensively on the subject, providing an informed viewpoint on this very important issue.
Bobinsia
Servings 4 Ready In: 2hrs 45min Calories: 610 Good For: Lunch Bobinsia A wonderful Amazonian medicinal, healing and master teacher plant Local name(s): Bobinsana Origin of the local name (s): It appears that bobinsana might be a name that has been given to the plant...
Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue on His Roots, Feri, Mushrooms & More • Episode 33 • Free •
This multi-faceted man is a wisdom keeper, teacher, healer, author and poet. Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue is deeply connected and informed by his Irish lineage and candidly shares the rich stories of his Irish roots, weaving in the mystical lore of the land of Éire. He discusses the complex role of the Church in Ireland, then shares with us his experience growing up autistic and highly intuitive. He has been initiated in the Feri Tradition and there is a wonderful story he shares about Brighid’s message to him in the fire. The first hour ends with how Seán found his way to his calling as an herbalist.
In the second hour Seán discusses how he came into communication with the spirits of the plants, his teachings by the late master herbalist, Stephen Buhner, his wisdom on psilocybin as “Elders of Gaia” and more. What an honor to share his wisdom here with you. Time very well spent!
Website:
https://otherworldwell.com/pages/about-sean
Healing from Narcissistic Abuse: My Journey with Ibogaine Therapy at Awakening In The Dream Treatment Center
As I sit down to write this article, I am filled with a sense of both trepidation and liberation. For years, I have carried the heavy burden of growing up with a narcissistic father, enduring the emotional scars and deep-seated wounds inflicted by his abuse. Yet,...
Natalia Oganesyan: Good Medicine & the Shadow of Aya • Episode 32 • Free •
Natalia Oganesyan is a medicine woman hailing from Armenia. In the first hour of our interview she discusses her Armenian heritage, her journey on the plant medicine path, motherhood, the accrued wisdom in aging, her practice, and more. In the second hour Natalia opens up for the first time about her experience with her teacher, an ayahuasca shaman from a long traditional lineage. Here, she shares what is rarely talked about, and that is the psychological hold some shamans have on their students, and the black magic that is used in the process. It’s important to know this goes on, especially for those new to this path who are genuinely seeking help and spiritual guidance. With visionary plant and fungi so regaled today, we need to have the full story and that means the dark side too.
Veda Austin: Water As Healer • Episode 31 • Free •
I had the great privilege of interviewing water researcher, Veda Austin, recently and what she shared is nothing short of groundbreaking. The results of her research have extraordinary implications for healing in a way that can free humanity and this earth from so much suffering.
In the first hour Veda shares how she came to this research, and her backstory is truly inspiring. You will not believe what she went through before arriving at her work today. If you are unfamiliar with Veda’s work, you will learn things about water that you may never have thought possible.
In the second hour Veda focuses specifically on how to heal with water using the crystalization method she has developed. Veda is a treasure-trove of illumination for this time and what she offers is a quickening to the heart of mankind.
A Stirring Interpretation of The Tree of Knowledge Biblical Story • Episode 30 • Free •
I recently discovered the work of Alvin Boyd Kuhn, who was a writer, philosopher and esotericist who authored over 150 books, essays and published papers. With his years of dedicated study of symbolism, Theosophy, and the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, he has written a number of unique and profound essays on his interpretations of common bible stories that are unlike anything I have ever read. His essay on the Tree of Knowledge, the story of Adam and Eve, is one of the most healing pieces of writing I have ever experienced on this topic, as it takes the literal surface story and exposes the extraordinary symbolism within it that speaks to deep and profound principles of Truth on the nature of the soul. Having grown up Catholic and been unmoved by the catechism and the church experience, I can’t help but wonder how I would have responded if I’d been availed of this sublime wisdom.
As I realize that many people prefer to listen than read, I begin the first hour with some of my thoughts and then read 2/3’s of Kuhn’s essay, and I think many of you will find his meaningful interpretations of the tree and its leaves, among other elements to be very stirring. The second hour completes his essay, and wait till you hear his interpretation of Eve! Kuhn’s sagacious insights and depth of knowledge shatter the purblindness of the conventional interpreters and open the gates of knowledge, wisdom and understanding to the intrepid reader.
A Psychedelic Facilitator with Heart and Wisdom • Episode 29 • Free •
A Conversation with Vanese McNeill • Episode 28 • Free •
Happy New Year to you! For this year’s first episode I’m sharing a 2-hour recording from a little podcast my friend, Vanese McNeill, and I set out to do back in 2021, called The Bright Knowledge.
The first hour discusses sunlight, light therapy and water and there are some good gems in there to ponder on your health and healing journey. Hour two begins with a poetic transmission Vanese had asked me to share and that got the conversation going where we talked about getting your mind right, working with an archetype for healing, the virus of fear, initiation and more. The sound on my end for this is not great as I was working with a computer that really should have had the heave-ho a couple of years prior. That said, it is a lively discussion and I hope you’ll enjoy it.
Rak Razam: Psychedelic Elder & Man of Wisdom • Episode 27 • Free •
I had the pleasure of meeting Rak Razam over ten years ago when he interviewed me for his podcast, In A Perfect World. I was taken by his warmth and generous spirit and impressed with his accomplishments in journalism, filmmaking, public speaking, and his intrepid spirit in exploring the psychedelic world. He is an elder voice in the psychedelic community and an inspiring and engaging speaker on the reverent use of these medicines and their potential to assist us in shaping our world for the better.
In the first hour Rak discusses the revolutionary potential of psychedelics, touching on their possible co-opting by those in power who would utilize them as a kind of Soma for the masses. He speaks to the importance of cultivating a relationship with nature to where it is actually felt rather than simply mediated through technology, comparing the modern mindset to that of the traditional healers found in intact indigenous communities. He weaves his words thoughtfully and I know you will appreciate what he has to say.
Hour two continues with more good words of wisdom on opening to a path of expansion, recognizing and responding to the needs of the planet and one’s communities, and so much more. Rak brings so much to the table and I think you will very much enjoy this episode.
Ibogaine for Addiction and Psycho-Spiritual Transformation • Episode 26 • Free •
I am honored to introduce you to Richie Ogulnick, who has dedicated his life to helping people heal with Ibogaine. Very few people realize there is a natural cure for opioid addiction and other addictions like alcohol, cocaine, kratom, fentanyl, etc. Ibogaine has also helped many people who suffer from PTSD, depression, and a host of other challenges. It is a naturally occurring psychoactive compound found in the root bark of the Tabernanthe iboga, a shrub native to Central and West Africa.
Richie has been working with Ibogaine for almost 30 years and has much to share on the subject. In the first hour he begins by explaining the difference between Ibogaine and Iboga, then shares how he came to into connection with this powerful medicine and how it is used.
Hour two discusses the precautions as there are contraindications, and specific health requirements must be met in order to safely use Ibogaine. With his depth of experience I asked Richie to share stories of his work with people over the years, which was hugely educational and gave me great hope for the future. Truly, nature in her genius has the cure for every ill. Please share this episode with anyone you know who suffers from addiction, PTSD, depression, etc. This man is a national treasure!
Truth Beauty and the Good • Episode 25 • Free •
Crowds, Propaganda, State Schooling, Oh MY! • Episode 24 • Free •
The Great American Eclipse Cycle • Episode 23 • Free •
This is my second time interviewing astrologist, Robert Phoenix, and he did not disappoint. Robert gave his listeners a big head’s up in fall of 2019 that something major and debilitating was coming in 2020. That information inspired me to prepare practically and mentally/emotionally for what was coming and I weathered that storm. We are now two eclipses into a notable eclipse cycle, with the third and final eclipse occurring in April of 2024. The above image is the path of these 3 eclipses happening right on the U.S.A. These particular eclipses mark massive upheaval in this country, rippling outward to the rest of the world.
AIMS vs DEA: Right to Try Psilocybin for End of Life: Court hearing of DEA’s denial on petition to reschedule psilocybin, Friday Oct 20, 2023, 9 am Phoenix,
Lakshmi Narayan: I’m interviewing Dr. Sunil Aggarwal, the co-founder of the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute. He is suing the DEA for the right of end-of-life patients to have access to psilocybin. We’ll talk about the October 20 trial that will decide...
FEATURED AUTHOR: JACK CROSS
The Polemics of Jack
by Jack Cross
