The Society for the Reformation of Ancient Enchantment
Manifesto
Inspire, transcend, illuminate
To promote the appreciation of nature through art, music and media.
Provide, promote and facilitate the questioning process.
The Society for the Reformation of Ancient Enchantment was founded in 1999 by a group of people encompassing geomancers, urban shamans, saddhus, photographers,philosophers,producers, musicians, artists, curators, writers, forest woodmen, and druids,wicca priestesses,rabbis ,monks and mullahs.
A place for artists by artists. 'The Society is a group where 'artists' can network creatively together.Everyone is invited to share ideas and critiques as well as debate and discuss solutions to enviromental,political and spiritual problems today.What were the enchantments of the Ancients and do they have relevance today? Ancient societies were mostly tribal. Tribalism today has dark associations with the uglier side of nationalism; the fury of the football hooligan is but one example. But everybody has a need to belong and it is just a matter of how this is expressed. We believe that everyone has the potential to be an artist and to this extent we are dedicated to 'gatherings'. Creating a space where people can perform, read their poetry, display their pictures, a place where people can meet and exchange ideas. A place where people can feel they belong, an event they feel part of, a sacred space where real bonds are made.
In every culture around the world, the tribal gathering has been integral. And with the gathering comes another ancient enchantment, music. We are lucky enough to have many talented musicians in our ranks and at our parties, music is an essential pillar. Our society harks back to ancient traditions, but celebrates it through modernity. Thus we have had a huge range of different musicians and producers gracing our shows; from bards with their guitars to contemporary musicians with their computers.
The collecting of herbs and the preparation of potions is also an ancient enchantment. Altering states of consciousness through imbibing magical substances has a long history and was integral to many ancient societies. The outpourings of this science of self-transformation can be seen in Shamans, Yogis, Alchemists and Druids. All endeavoured to provided maps for anyone seeking to make that 'inner' journey. Nowadays the drug culture is omnipresent and yet very few people have the maps. At our gathering we value the spoken word and have organised a succession of guest speakers to talk on these and other associated topics, seeking through their experience (often gained at great personal sacrifice) to spread some of those 'inner maps'.
We are a society open to all; we welcome people from different traditions and cultures to share their knowledge. Stories, mantras, myths handed down; these too are ancient enchantments and things we revere and cherish. We seek to create a space where the visionary concepts of Joseph Beuys' meet the underground Avant Garde. Where the innocence of the 60's psychedelic revolution illuminates the brash instillationists of the contemporary art world. All incorporated art, music and magic as an integral part of their lives and work; to celebrate and enrich with joy.
We celebrate the planet, the magnificence of nature, the staggering complexity of the creation in total. We believe in the metaphysical and we believe in serving humanity and everything else as well. We believe everyone is an artist and we believe in bringing people together. Through our collective expression we aim to inspire.
Founder Members:
Youth - Music Producer, Artist, Writer
Paul Devereux - Leading Writer On Earth Mysteries
Jimmy Cauty - Founder Member Of The KLF & The K Foundation
Jaz Coleman - Composer, Geomancer, Adept
Susan Henssler - Healer, Musician, High Priestess
Brian Barritt - Writer, Psychonaut, Witness
Lee Harris - Underground Entrepreneur & Publisher
Chris Street - Writer & Master Geomancer
Barry Mason - Founder Of 'The Shamanic Institute'
Rufus Knight Webb - Successful Artist (No Mean Achievement)
Jeff Exley - Baba Of Brixton
Buggy G Riphead - Film-Maker & Renowned Digital Artist
Mark Neal - Graphic Designer & Film-Maker
Balin - Environmentalist, Poet & Renuncient