The Source: The Untold Story of Father Yod, Ya Ho Wa 13, and The Source Family (Paperback)

by Isis Aquarian (Author), Electricity Aquarian (Author), Erik Davis (Introduction) "ONCE UPON A TIME....." (more)
Key Phrases: sacred herb, circumvent force, star exercise, The Source, Jim Baker, Father Yod (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

“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

About the Author
Isis Aquarian was one of Father Yod's 13 "women" and designated Keeper of the Records at the commune. Her massive photographic archive and close relationship with Father Yod and the other Source family members give her a unique and intimate perspective to tell the story of the Source Family.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Process; Paperback with CD edition (October 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0976082292
• ISBN-13: 978-0976082293
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #249,456 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For anyone interested in cults, occultism, and psychedelia happening in Los Angeles circa the 1970's, this book is a must read., September 24, 2007

By	Maria Demopoulos (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

It's the story of judo master, bank robber, and accused murderer, Jim Baker, who experiences an intense yogic conversion and one day reinvents himself as the charismatic leader, Father Yod. (You couldn't make this stuff up.) As spiritual 'Father', he plays host to a bevy of beautiful Sons and Daughters who collectively form the Family. This book challenges your preconceived notions of cults and digs deeper into the nuanced meanings of living in a grand social experiment. The photographs alone make this book well worth the purchase. Written and photographed meticulously by one of Father's polyamorous wives, Isis Aquarian, it's a treasure trove of memoir writing, memorabilia, recipes, meditations, and CD.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book!, September 2, 2007

By	Astara (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How far charisma can take you in following your muse., September 23, 2007

By	S. Cvar (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.