by Seed SisA, Kaz
Growing up during the peak of rave culture was an experience that opened us up, forged connections with fellow seekers and saw up exploring the giant topic of consciousness. This adventure set the trajectory for everything that us Seed SistAs are about today.
It was the late ’80s and early ’90s, we missed the punk era, but our teenage world was on the cusp of something electric and transformative. The air was charged with a sense of rebellion, freedom, and sacred communion, all under the phat bass speakers of the sound systems. For us, coming of age in this era meant diving headfirst into the so called ‘new age traveller’ scene where camaraderie, political awareness, recreational drug taking and pulsating repetitive beats were staples.
Feeling the Beat
Jungle, break beats, techno, punk and of course, reggae and ska were the soundtrack of our lives. At times, the relentless beats created hypnotic states, or at times, rageful ones where we dreamt of pouring sugar in the generators just to make it STOP. We’d gather at makeshift venues—abandoned warehouses, open fields, festivals, technivals and underground clubs. The locations were often shrouded in secrecy, passed around by word of mouth or through coded messages on old skool tech (who remembers pagers?!)
The first time we walked into a rave, we stepped into another dimension (pay close attention). The dark space transformed by strobe lights and lasers, the music pumping and super loud bass reverberated through our bodies; the energy palpable. Pure chaotic beauty. Strangers became friends in an instant, united by the music, drugs and experience.
MDMA: The Choice Over Alcohol
While alcohol, the legal drug, was the go-to substance for most, and the preferred method of intoxication of our parents! The rave scene had its own elixir: MDMA, also known as ecstasy. What an uplifting treat that was, after early teens being drunk on Merrydown cider in public parks, vomiting at school discos and making seriously dubious choices whilst under the influence.
MDMA felt like a key that unlocked a deeper, more connected state of being. The first time we took MDMA, we felt an overwhelming sense of euphoria, empathy, and connection. It was as if all the barriers that kept us apart in our everyday lives melted away, leaving only love and unity. The drug made the music sound richer, the lights brighter, and the touch of a friend’s hand more comforting. It is an enhancer, elevating the already intense experience of a rave to something sacred and spiritual. We danced for days, lost in the rhythm, the sweat pouring off us as we moved as one collective entity.
Unlike alcohol, which often led to sloppy behaviour and hangovers, MDMA felt like it brought out the best in us. Conversations were deep and meaningful, laughter was pure and infectious, and the sense of community was unbreakable. There was a shared understanding that we were part of something bigger, a movement that was changing the cultural landscape. The afterglow made everything feel serene and beautiful. We’d often find ourselves in parks or at someone’s house, still talking and laughing, basking in the warmth of the shared experience.
Rave culture, rejecting mainstream norms, taught us a lot about the importance of community, and the beauty of living in the moment. The lessons of love, unity, freedom, resistance and anarchy that were learned on those fields and open spaces remain with us.
The Double-Edged Sword of MDMA
Our coming-of-age journey wasn’t without its darker moments. As we revelled in the euphoria and connection, we began to feel that all the drug taking and bingeing came with its own set of challenges and risks. The heightened emotions, the sense of unity, and the profound conversations were life-affirming. But the after effects began to take a toll on our mental health. The days following brought profound emotional crashes, a stark contrast to the blissful highs. It was a double-edged sword, agony and ecstasy – Tuesday mornings were at times, as low as you can go!
The “comedowns” were more than just feeling tired, bringing with them a deep, pervasive sense of emptiness. The serotonin depletion left us feeling irritable, anxious, and depressed. The vibrant connections would dissipate. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching, side effects of the drug, left a jaw sore and damaged teeth. Our cognitive functions suffered, concentrating on anything became nigh on impossible. At times, insomnia set in, making it necessary to take some time to help sleep… immune systems weakened, we got unwell, and even the allies that are the herbs couldn’t cut through the chemical devastation.
Getting pregnant at 20 was a game changer and brought about a total change of health and consciousness. Becoming a mother forced a change, a good one. Health became paramount and connecting with community, dancing and partying was and is part of that health – and it offered a sweet opportunity to explore other mind expansive and perception shifting substances but in a much more gentle and conscious way…
We still crave connection and euphoria, we just didn’t want the downside of the chemicals. And as medical herbalists, we are in a privileged place to explore more natural alternatives for herbal highs. A journey was sparked into the world of plant nature, enhancing our experience of life and music.
Searching for alternatives to MDMA
One of the plants we began to work with as a party potion was Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus) which is indirectly related to the original synthesis of MDMA through one of the plants active compounds, safrole.
Chemical Precursor: Safrole is a key precursor in the synthesis of MDMA. Safrole is a naturally occurring organic compound found in various plants, including sassafras, nutmeg, and calamus.
Unlike the intense peaks and valleys of MDMA, calamus root offers a subtle, steady uplifting and opening influence on the mind and body.
Clarity: calamus, helps enhance mental clarity and focus. Bringing a sense of feeling centred and alert, and feelings of mild euphoria, enhanced sensory perception and a sense of being grounded yet open.
We create Party Perception Potion with Calamus, Oats, Marshmallow, Inula and Datura flower essence .
Open to vibrancy shifting negative habits and patterns
Contains: Calamus (labyrinth), oats (protection), Inula (boundless), marshmallow root (nurse), moonflower essence (shape-shifting)
These drops support:
- Perception shifting
- Letting go of deep seated addiction
- Clearing negative patterns of behaviours
- Emotional or physical pain
- Understanding our dark side
- Low mood
- Releasing apathy
- Letting go of limitations
The wonderful aquatic calamus is a warming digestive with the potential to shift perceptions, gently visually stimulating. This herb warms the digestive earth elements and is uplifting and energising.
The nutritious, familiar oats, full of B vitamins protect and support the nerves.
The soothing and softening marshmallow roots, bringing a sense of self care and self love into the mix.
Inula or elecampane is a vast growing, richly aromatic root that is so powerful for the lungs and digestion. It has the power of nine mortals, supporting the adrenals and opens us up to the boundless possibilities of life.
We have used a drop of moonflower essence to bring a touch of magical shape shifting to the potion. And, reminds us all that we can be whomever we choose.
