Father Yod

Father Yod

Father Yod
Born	James Edward Baker July 4, 1922 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Died	August 25, 1975 (aged 53) Hawaii, United States
Occupation	Spiritual leader, musician, restaurateur
Known for	Founder of the Source Family

Father Yod, born James Edward Baker on July 4, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was a spiritual leader, musician, and restaurateur. He is best known as the founder of the Source Family, a spiritual community that emerged in the 1970s in Los Angeles, California.

Early Life and Career

Father Yod was born as James Edward Baker on July 4, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He grew up in a traditional Christian family and had a deep interest in spirituality from a young age. In his early adulthood, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

After the war, Father Yod pursued a career in the entertainment industry. He worked as a stuntman and actor, appearing in several films and television shows. However, he felt unfulfilled by the materialistic nature of Hollywood and began searching for a deeper meaning in life.

The Source Family

In the early 1970s, Father Yod founded the Source Family, a spiritual community based in Los Angeles. The group followed a blend of Eastern and Western spiritual teachings, incorporating elements of yoga, meditation, and communal living.

Under Father Yod's leadership, the Source Family grew rapidly, attracting hundreds of followers who were drawn to his charismatic personality and spiritual teachings. The community lived together in a large mansion known as the "Mother House" and operated several businesses, including a popular vegetarian restaurant called the Source Restaurant.

Music Career

Father Yod was also a musician and formed a band called Ya Ho Wha 13 (also known as Yahowa 13) with members of the Source Family. The band's music was experimental and psychedelic, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and practices of the community.

Ya Ho Wha 13 released several albums, including "Penetration: An Aquarian Symphony" and "I'm Gonna Take You Home." Their music gained a cult following and continues to be appreciated by fans of psychedelic rock.

Later Life and Death

In 1974, Father Yod decided to move the Source Family to Hawaii, seeking a more secluded and natural environment for their spiritual practices. However, tragedy struck on August 25, 1975, when Father Yod died in a hang gliding accident. He was 53 years old at the time of his death.

Following Father Yod's death, the Source Family gradually disbanded, with many members returning to mainstream society. However, the legacy of the community and its teachings continues to inspire spiritual seekers and musicians to this day.

Legacy

Father Yod's influence on the counterculture movement of the 1970s cannot be overstated. His unique blend of spirituality, communal living, and experimental music resonated with many individuals seeking alternative lifestyles and spiritual enlightenment.

Today, the Source Family is remembered as a significant cultural phenomenon of the era. Their story has been documented in books, documentaries, and articles, ensuring that Father Yod's legacy lives on.

See Also

• Source Family
• Ya Ho Wha 13
• Communal living
• Counterculture