Encyclopaedia Psychedelica

Encyclopaedia Psychedelica was an independent London-based magazine in the late 1980s espousing a return to hippie values at a time when to call someone a 'Hippie' was considered an insult. This publication may be considered a rallying point for those who were looking for a greater degree of spirituality-based themes in everyday life, and a stepping stone towards more newsworthy efforts such as the Megatripolis nightclub.

Contributors included: Neil Oram, Charles Stephens, Timothy Leary, Ken Kesey, Pete Loveday, Tony Benn, Charles Bukowski, Robert Bly and Richard Allen who went on to establish the neo-psychedelic Delerium Records label.

A poetry issue was guest edited by the poet and magician Stuart Nolan.

It was created in 1986 by the late Scotsman Fraser Clark^[1] who remained its editor through all 15 volumes which were actually produced. The intention of creating 100 volumes was never realised.

The publication advocated a new form of hippie - the "Zippie" - who would follow Timothy Leary in his modern philosophy of "Drop out, and drop in again". In other words, embrace peace and love but also embrace technology and aspire towards the lifestyle that affords it. This was later taken to America and beyond as the Pronoia tour.

In 1989 Fraser Clark and deputy editor Marcus Pennell organised the first Zippie Picnic on Hampstead Heath in London, which continues to this day.

Also in 1989, the EP team were joined by northern graphic designers the Scooby Doobies who brought with them a love of rave culture. This led to the creation of Evolution magazine in 1990, and regular small underground parties which laid the way for the launch of the Megatripolis nightclub in 1993.

References

• Collin, Mathew & Godfrey, John: Altered State: The Story of Ecstasy Culture and Acid House, Serpent's Tail (London), 1998. ISBN 1-85242-604-7.