League for Spiritual Discovery

Seal of the League of Spiritual Discovery

League for Spiritual Discovery

The League for Spiritual Discovery (LSD) was an American psychedelic organization founded in 1966 by Timothy Leary, a prominent psychologist and advocate for the use of psychedelic drugs. The organization was established as a religious group to legally protect the use of LSD and other psychedelic substances under the guise of religious freedom.

History

The League for Spiritual Discovery was founded during the height of the counterculture movement of the 1960s. Timothy Leary, who had been conducting research on the effects of psychedelic substances at Harvard University, became a vocal proponent of their use for spiritual and personal growth. After being dismissed from Harvard University in 1963, Leary continued his advocacy and sought ways to protect the use of LSD from legal restrictions.

In 1966, Leary established the League for Spiritual Discovery as a religious organization, claiming that the use of LSD was a sacrament that facilitated spiritual enlightenment. The organization operated under the motto "Turn on, tune in, drop out," which encapsulated Leary's philosophy of using psychedelics to achieve higher states of consciousness and disengage from conventional societal norms.

Activities

The League for Spiritual Discovery held various events and gatherings where members could partake in LSD and other psychedelic substances in a controlled and supportive environment. These events were often accompanied by meditation, yoga, and other spiritual practices aimed at enhancing the psychedelic experience.

The organization also produced literature and educational materials to promote the benefits of psychedelics and to provide guidance on their safe and effective use. Despite its efforts, the League for Spiritual Discovery faced significant legal challenges, particularly after the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, which classified LSD as a Schedule I drug, making its use and distribution illegal.

Legacy

Although the League for Spiritual Discovery was short-lived, its influence on the counterculture movement and the broader acceptance of psychedelics in spiritual and therapeutic contexts was significant. The organization's emphasis on the spiritual potential of psychedelics laid the groundwork for later movements and research into the use of these substances for mental health and personal growth.

Related Pages

• Timothy Leary
• Psychedelic
• Counterculture
• Harvard University
• Controlled Substances Act
• Mental health