Editorial Review
“While the boho scene has never completely disappeared from L.A., Father Yod and the Source Family are enjoying a new era of notoriety, inspiring indie-folk musicians like Devendra Banhart and mega-producers like Rick Rubin. Aquarian’s book has become a style bible of sorts, with its dreamy images of the comely cult.”—T-Style, The New York Times
It was 1972, time of the cult-occult-commune explosion. By day, the Source Family dressed in colorful robes and served organic cuisine to John Lennon, Julie Chistie, Frank Zappa, and many other celebrities at the famed Source restaurant. By night, in their mansion in the Hollywood Hills, they explored the cosmos with their spiritual leader, Father Yod.
Yod was an outlandish figure who had 14 wives, drove a Rolls-Royce, and fronted his own psychedelic rock band, Ya Ho Wa 13, now considered one of the most singular psychedelic bands of all time. He surprised many by suddenly morphing from health food restaurateur into mystical leader of what many considered a cult: a group of young people who lived strictly devoted to his esoteric teachings, unusual sexual practices, and philosophies of natural living and dying.
Still, as controversial as he was to outsiders, Father Yod was, by inside accounts, a deeply loving and spiritually powerful magus who taught his Family to recognize their divinity within and their innate connectedness to all of creation.
The Source Family’s astonishing and moving true story—kept secret for over 30 years after Father’s hang-gliding accident and death in 1975—is revealed here for the first time by the Family members themselves, offering readers an insider’s perspective into this vital utopian social experiment.
Illustrated with over 200 color and black and white period photographs, this book contains a bonus CD of never-before-heard Source Family music, interviews and changes, including an extremely rare recording of Ya Ho Wa 13 performing live at Beverly Hills High School in 1973.
"...a mesmerizing look at a time that might as well have been a thousand years in the past...I can't help but marvel that a spiritual movement of such idealism could ever have existed in our uber-materialistic world." — Ann Magnuson, PAPER Magazine
"The Source Family contributed a powerful chapter to our communal history, and having Isis Aquarian's empathetic recording of it enriches us all." — Timothy Miller, Author of America's Alternative Religions
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Customer Reviews
the BEST book on a commune ever! 
2008-06-10
I have collected a large number of books on communes and hands down, this book is the most interesting, the most informative and the most open story about the experiences The Source group has had. If you're only going to buy one book to learn about life in a cooperative and collaborative society, BUY THIS ONE. You will learn more from this book than you can in most conversations with people who have "been there." That the group designated a historian to annotate their experiences solidifies an authenticity of experience you won't find outside of the other commune book experiences. A terrific read.
Amazing 2008-01-18
This book is most amazing. It has opened up a belief in me that there is some light on this planet that has been in the hands of darkness and the grip of greed by those who have the power. This group made a difference and I hope they keep going. The writing was supurb and the story timeless.
A breath of fresh air 2008-01-05
Oh how good it is to have a refreshing, honest reflection of a time when pushing the limits, opening the senses and growing past traditional norms was a way of life. This book presents beautiful photographs and true accounts of a unique period of our history.
Beyond judgements and discussions of this "family" being a cult, are woven in truths which have become mainstream in our society today. Father, Jim Baker was a revolutionary, visionary, luminary who opened the door for healthy living.
Thank you so much for creating this body of work. It just goes to show that The Secret and those who we look to today for enlightment have roots in a time which was not as receptive as we are today. It is truly an amazing reflection and a breath of fresh air.
A Great Saga... 2008-01-05
This book was fascinating. I couldn't put it down and when it was finished I wanted more. There was lots of great information and stories of a bygone era...a magical time in history, a magical time in Los Angeles, and a magical time in the lives of those who lived being part of The Source Family. The pictures of a that era and the family were great...definitely recommended for anyone interested in spirituality, group living, and that unique time of the early 70's.
What a trip! 2008-01-04
I truly enjoyed this book...fascinating! What a journey the Source Family took through those years! What is interesting is that they were a very clean tribe and financially successful....compared to so many "dirty hippies" of that day and age. The photos are gems of a by-gone era. A real insight into commune life.
For anyone interested in cults, occultism, and psychedelia happening in Los Angeles circa the 1970's, this book is a must read. 2007-09-25
“While the boho scene has never completely disappeared from L.A., Father Yod and the Source Family are enjoying a new era of notoriety, inspiring indie-folk musicians like Devendra Banhart and mega-producers like Rick Rubin. Aquarian’s book has become a style bible of sorts, with its dreamy images of the comely cult.”—T-Style, The New York Times
It was 1972, time of the cult-occult-commune explosion. By day, the Source Family dressed in colorful robes and served organic cuisine to John Lennon, Julie Chistie, Frank Zappa, and many other celebrities at the famed Source restaurant. By night, in their mansion in the Hollywood Hills, they explored the cosmos with their spiritual leader, Father Yod.
Yod was an outlandish figure who had 14 wives, drove a Rolls-Royce, and fronted his own psychedelic rock band, Ya Ho Wa 13, now considered one of the most singular psychedelic bands of all time. He surprised many by suddenly morphing from health food restaurateur into mystical leader of what many considered a cult: a group of young people who lived strictly devoted to his esoteric teachings, unusual sexual practices, and philosophies of natural living and dying.
Still, as controversial as he was to outsiders, Father Yod was, by inside accounts, a deeply loving and spiritually powerful magus who taught his Family to recognize their divinity within and their innate connectedness to all of creation.
The Source Family’s astonishing and moving true story—kept secret for over 30 years after Father’s hang-gliding accident and death in 1975—is revealed here for the first time by the Family members themselves, offering readers an insider’s perspective into this vital utopian social experiment.
Illustrated with over 200 color and black and white period photographs, this book contains a bonus CD of never-before-heard Source Family music, interviews and changes, including an extremely rare recording of Ya Ho Wa 13 performing live at Beverly Hills High School in 1973.
"...a mesmerizing look at a time that might as well have been a thousand years in the past...I can't help but marvel that a spiritual movement of such idealism could ever have existed in our uber-materialistic world." — Ann Magnuson, PAPER Magazine
"The Source Family contributed a powerful chapter to our communal history, and having Isis Aquarian's empathetic recording of it enriches us all." — Timothy Miller, Author of America's Alternative Religions
How far charisma can take you in following your muse. 2007-09-23
This is a great parable about the seventies that you could not make-up. The story of a man that you either loved or hated. His charisma enabled him to entice others to follow him on a journey that inspired some to achieve great things. He brought out great admiration in some and great hatred in others. He believed he could do anything and almost did.
The story is written by one of his early followers and historian. She includes the good and the bad and although she admits her devotion, she leaves it up to you to form an opinion.
Love this book! 2007-09-02
This book was such a joy to read. It was an honor to be let into the secret world of The Source family for a short time and I was honestly sad when it was over. I loved every part of my time with their vibrant experiences. In a way, its strangely inspired me more than any self help or spiritual text ever has. I strongly recommend this book if you need an infusion of free spirited fun and light.
