There’s a lot that’s been said in the mainstream media about the counter-cultural movement, about it’s roots, meaning, impact – often confusing and apparently contradictory. One thing that I’d suggest is difficult to dispute is that it involved a significant shift in attitudes towards consciousness. Widely acknowledged is how the use of mind-altering drugs (besides alcohol) became popular, and sometimes was viewed as a means towards spiritual enlightenment and growth. What’s not often discussed is that this usage was understood as a shortcut, alternative or complement to various traditions with a similar aim, including Western ceremonial magick. The influence of Aleister Crowley is noted in many accounts of the era looking at such matters. SO… yeah, a new book about the complex grouping of utopian ideals could be pertinent to modern magicians’ ongoing contemplation of their roots to wit, The Last Great Dream by Dennis McNally (the Grateful Dead’s publicist for many years. I was looking at a review in Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journalist and was struck by its thoroughly dismissive stance — and thought “well, that’s on brand.” Concerns about communal welfare, kindness, transcendentalism – all affronts to Conservative ideals.
I will say that viewing the 60’s as the “Last” great dream — well every generation falls into that trap that when their particular vision of the future doesn’t materialize as they expected of feeling that it dies with them – rather than morphing to suit changing circumstances in society.
More info on de book: https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/dennis-mcnally/the-last-great-dream/9780306835667/
