Visionary Hollywood bus tour with Erik Davis October 4, 2008

Esotouric Presents Visionary Hollywood bus tour hosted by Erik Davis
When: Saturday, October 4, 11:00am-3:30pm
Where: Departs from the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in West Hollywood
Cost: $64, includes snack
More info: http://www.esotouric.com/vision or call 323-223-2767

"Erik Davis' mindblowing lectures are enlightening adventures to begin with — but put him on a luxury bus headed for five of Hollywood's best mystical historic sites and things get positively rapturous." - Steve Nalepa (Flavorpill's pick of the weekend)

California is famous for its diversity, its eccentricity, and its prophetic influence on popular culture. Since the 19th century, the Golden State has also been one of America’s most fertile climates for spiritual and religious movements. Visionary Hollywood is a new Esotouric bus adventure hosted by San Francisco-based writer Erik Davis and inspired by his acclaimed 2006 book The Visionary State. On this journey of exploration through the mystic realms of Los Angeles, you’ll join Erik on a guided tour of five extraordinary religious sites, meet followers of their respective faiths and explore the fascinating history of alternative religious practice in Southern California.

This tour departs from The Bodhi Tree in West Hollywood. We list some of the tour destinations below:

The Aetherius Society, a center for cosmic consciousness and healing founded in 1955 by UFO contactee Dr. George King, where we will hear actual recordings of an extraterrestrial voice conveying significant messages.

Krotona Apartments, a former Theosophical retreat founded in 1914, where we will have a rare opportunity to visit the central courtyard and view the Rosicrucian window of this now-private residence.

Parsonage of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson On the northern edge of Echo Park lake is the rock upon which Sister Aimee Semple McPherson built her Foursquare Church. One of Los Angeles’ most charismatic characters, Sister Aimee spread her technologically-inspired Pentecostal gospel from the Angelus Temple, while enjoying quiet moments in her adjoining Parsonage home. Recently restored, the Parsonage is now a museum of her life and work, which to this day contains to ring clear to millions of believers worldwide.

The Philosophical Research Society, founded in 1934 as a non-denominational repository for the wisdom of the world, where we will be greeted by librarian, lecturer and author Maja D’Aoust and given a guided tour of the Society’s remarkable library.

The Vedanta Society of Southern California, founded in 1930 to bring sacred Hindu philosophy to the West, where we will be given a presentation on the Society’s history and programming, and browse in its fine gift shop.

Tour cost includes a coffee break and snacks served at The Aetherius Society and a seat on a luxury coach class bus equipped with monitors, air conditioning and restroom. We encourage you to bring a boxed lunch along on the tour. As the tour date nears take-away specials from nearby cafes will be posted. Please note that on this special edition tour we cannot accept any discounts coupons, gift certificates or season passes.

ABOUT YOUR HOST: Erik Davis is a San Francisco-based writer, culture critic, and independent scholar. He is the author of "TechGnosis: Myth, Magic, and Mysticism in the Age of Information, as well as a short critical volume on "Led Zeppelin IV." In addition to his regular
column in Arthur Magazine, Davis contributes to scores of other magazines and his essays have been included in over a dozen books. He won a Maggie award for his "San Francisco Magazine" profile of the Internet entrepreneur and UFO contactee Joe Firmage, while "The New Yorker" has recognized his expertise in the works of the science fiction writer Philip K. Dick. He lectures frequently on topics ranging from electronic music to the evolution of consciousness.

Official Website: http://www.esotouric.com/vision