Jeff Merrifield - Damanhur: Social Alchemy, Magical Temples and the Superindividual

This edition first published in the UK and USA in 2021 by Watkins, an imprint of Watkins Media Limited

Unit 11, Shepperton House

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Design and typography copyright Watkins Media Limited 2021

Text copyright Jeff Merrifield 2021

Jeff Merrifield has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.

Picture and graphics copyright Damanhur archives, 69ers Pilgrims Group, and Jeff Merrifield. Used with permission.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in writing from the Publishers.

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A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-78678-370-7

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For Dawn.

I wrote a book, over 20 years ago, about a remarkable community I came across, in a synchronistic way, in the Italian Alps. That community was named Damanhur and it has enriched my life in unimaginable ways.

Thank you, Damanhur. Thank you very much. I have been fascinated and utterly intrigued by your deeds and exploits for almost a quarter of a century. Ive visited the community on countless occasions, yet the story of Damanhur, the social structure, the philosophy, including its esoteric or reserved aspects, are so intricately developed and decidedly complex that try as I might, as an outsider, I have had to struggle to fully comprehend everything. The deeper understanding of the initiate requires a strength of character and level of involvement that I found difficult to match.

This book is very much my story of revisiting Damanhur with the purpose of exploring the community two decades on, in the wake of the much-valued time and my many encounters there. However, my understanding of Damanhur, examined yet incomplete as it may be as an outside observer, could not have been possible without a considerable amount of help from a host of Damanhurians, many of whom have become friends over the years. Conversations, chats, discussions, sharing, informal interviews and many rich encounters have made for a most enjoyable and enlightening process. Whatever the level of language appreciation, something always seems to get lost in translation and I am grateful to all those who helped me through.

Without doubt, my meetings with the acknowledged founder of the community, Oberto Airaudi, were one of the highlights of my life. Oberto was his name for most of the time I knew him. He was latterly known as Falco Tarassaco, and he was an inspiration and without doubt the most kindly, enigmatic and deeply spiritual man I have ever met. Damanhur is his legacy and we are all blessed for that.

Many people had long travelled the journey with Falco, and I am also profoundly grateful for their wisdom and solace. The serenity of Sirena Ninfea, guardian of a deeply contemplated spiritual awareness; the insightful spiritual perceptions of Condor Girasole; the well-researched treasure chest of Selfic magic embraced by Cicogna Giunco; the calm dignity and considered insights of Caimano Salice; the radiant spirituality of Orango Riso; and the caring community consciousness and legal insights of Cormorano Sicomoro. These sages charged with guiding the future pathways of Damanhur have had an important influence on the writing of this book, and over the years, through their wise advice and shared contemplations.

Others have counselled with selfless introspections and shared experiences. Coboldo Melo, whose grasp of the social structure of Damanhur compared to ancient civilizations and internalized historical archives were invaluable to me; Capra Carruba, who arrived at Damanhur the same time I made my first visit and who has remained a friend and confidant ever since; Gazza Solidago, who is another long-time friend and source of some wiser discoveries about Damanhur; Anaconda Papaya gave me a perspective about Damanhur that was over and above the received wisdom; we shared adventures and laughed a lot. And of course, the intuitions elucidated by Piovra Caff were invaluable in helping me understand the deeper meanings of the temples and other artwork.

Respect to a few further friends, Facocero Radicchio for alerts about the superindividual, Capra Carruba for sharing her education initiatives, Betsy Poole and Formica Coriandolo for their inspired encouragement. Bertuccia Bietola, who was my valuable guide, interpreter, motivator and patient organizer. She headed a managing team that included Giaguaro Scilla and Coboldo Melo. Many thanks are also due to the Damanhur Foundation, for looking after me during my many visits, particularly to Rinoceronte Giuggiolo and Manta Max Ramaciotti, who helped sort out a few wrinkles along the way.

Damanhurs international ambassador, Esperide Ananas, was my veritable champion of deeper meanings and better understandings. She was a hard taskmaster, true to her own intentions, and at times I found it frustrating to convey that those outside the tent often find it difficult to grasp an equivalent level of understanding as initiates. However, her passion and commitment for her community are immeasurable, and Im beyond grateful for the help she gave me, also immeasurable. Im sure both our intents were sincere and genuine. And there was much love within the chafing.

My early researches into Damanhur, way back, were shared with the members of the McKee Group, a collaborative collection of writers, including Ken Campbell, Irving Rappaport, John Joyce, John Constable, Suzie Crawley, Janet Fielding and Daisy Campbell, all of whom had taken the Robert McKee Story Structure course. This group was an invaluable inspiration and greatly helped me in my writing endeavours. The late Ken Campbell was a mentor, guide, source of inspiration and loyal friend for over four decades. I miss him so much.

Another person who heavily influenced my thinking and for whom I held the most enormous respect, is the late Sir Ken Robinson. I worked with Ken for a number of years on a project called Artswork and I am indebted to him for helping me to find, in his terminology, being in my own Element. Ken, its a great place to be and I thank you.

At Watkins Books, I am eternally grateful for the confidence in me shown by owner Etan Ilfeld. He shared my desire to spread the word about Damanhur. Adam Gordon, my editor, was a tower of strength in seeing the project through COVID-19 lockdown and other unforeseen interruptions, whilst remaining cordial and supportive. Copy editor Steve Marshall proved to be an enthusiastic participant in the Damanhur phenomenon, pushing me to deeper understanding and greater clarity. I appreciated his enthusiasm greatly. Managing editor Daniel Culver put the icing on the cake, so to speak.

Finally, my rock, my anchor, my soul-mate and most reliable friend and partner Dawn Merrifield, whose inspiration and support I cannot measure, it being of infinite supply. Thank you for your faith and encouragement.

Damanhur has been an inspiration in my life for nearly three decades.

And I have Jeff Merrifield to thank.

It all began the day that two very unusual people walked into my London office (and life). One was Ken Campbell all eyebrows, growl and creative mischief. The other, in his wake, slightly out of breath and grinning, was Jeff.