The Zero Current (an exerpt from “Way of the Dionysian” by The Dark F00L)

These theories that Sigmund Freud presented: The Eros and Thanatos instincts, the ‘fort-da’ game and the repetition-compulsion, share a commonality with the ancient Dionysian practice of the frenzied participant as well as the Apollonian practice of the stoic/detached observer. Whether the experience is painful or pleasurable, anyone demonstrating these behaviors or practicing these techniques get in touch with a primal part of themselves; hearkening back to an earlier state. This is a state of ‘no mind.’ On a microcosmic scale within one’s individual consciousness, this state of zero can be either the combined sensation of intoxication and clarity, or the combined sensation of intoxication and chaos. Throughout time, creative people – artists, musicians, writers, etc. have shared this state of mind in common with athletes; some of whom dubbed this state of consciousness as ‘being in the zone.’ When an individual attains this ‘zone,’ actions become automatic and inspiration is achieved instantly. Most importantly, the individual’s sense of self or ego is dissolved into whatever endeavor they are pursuing (be it sports, music, art, etc.).

Another example of The Zero Current at work on a microcosmic scale can be found within adversarial strife, warfare, and power struggles. Historically, those in positions of power have been reluctant towards change; social or political. On one side, there’s a desire to maintain control and to keep things the way they are. On the other side, there’s a need for change (whatever the reason may be). When social or political tensions reach their climax, war or civil unrest usually occurs. Regardless of how long this unrest occurs, there will usually be one outcome: either the conservative powers-that-be will win and regain control, or those fighting for change will win and achieve whatever goal they’ve been seeking. Again, there is this push/pull dynamic where the conservative side wishes to keep things at an earlier state whereas the progressive side wishes to move things forward. The tension and conflict between these powers gives rise to warfare and tragedy, and it is during this time of strife that the effects of the ‘zero mind’ is often felt negatively within the soldiers fighting in these wars. Going back to Freud’s example of repetition-compulsion, which by today’s standards would be classified as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), one suffering from these ailments find themselves regressing to a primal state due not only to the negative experience of combat, but also due to the intense mental conditioning and physical training they received.

On a macrocosmic scale, this Zero Current is a drive which pulls towards death and destruction; again hearkening back to an earlier state, while on a microcosmic level, evolving consciousness through tragedy. Biologically, the greatest example of The Zero Current is sex and the orgasm. On one level, an individual or individuals experiencing an orgasm regress to a primal state. The biological function of sex, regardless of whether one is heterosexual or homosexual, is meant for the procreation of life. Again, within sex and the orgasm, instincts revert while life propels. Secondly, nature has many different ways of restoring itself to a primal state. Scientists estimate that approximately 4 billion species have lived on this planet and that, due to disease, genetic obsolescence, or any number of environmental factors, (approximately) 3 billion 950 million have gone extinct; leaving about 50 million still alive to date. Some species strong enough to endure these numerous and harsh conditions end up adapting and evolving. There are a plethora of examples in which genetic adaptations have occurred. One such example (apart from Darwin’s finches) is frogs which have adapted to freezing temperatures by evolving a glycol-like substance. The Zero Current within nature is that adjustment which causes the death of certain species as well as what causes many species to progress, adapt, and evolve.

Regarding The Zero Current’s effects on the evolution of consciousness, mankind need look no further than himself and his own evolution. There are several biological and historical examples in which to examine and measure mankind’s growth throughout time. The Middle Ages in Europe, particularly during the outbreak of The Bubonic and Pneumonic Plagues, highlight The Zero Current’s effects upon nature and man both on a biological level as well as on a psychological level; macrocosmic and microcosmic.

At the time in which the Bubonic and Pneumonic Plagues (referred to as ‘The Black Plague’ or ‘The Black Death’) spread throughout medieval Europe, the Christian religion (along with its superstitions) dominated the worldview and the culture at that time. Many believed that God sent The Black Death as a punishment for man’s sins and transgressions, while others blamed the Jews for poisoning the drinking wells. Groups of people, known as The Flagellants, went from town to town whipping themselves publicly (simulating the death of Jesus Christ) in order to atone for their sins and praying that God would remove The Black Plague from the earth. Also, in their delusion, The Flagellants also claimed to have performed miracles; particularly through shedding their blood as a form of their own transubstantiation.

Most importantly, during the occurrence of The Black Death, a French physician and surgeon named Guy de Chauliac studied the plague and meticulously recorded his research; later to be published as the Chirurgia Magna. The Chirurgia Magna would become the most important medical manual for the next three centuries thereafter. In an era where religion, superstition and irrationality ruled the world-view of the population, the Chirurgia Magna broke new grounds not only by providing insight into a deadly disease that was rampant all throughout Europe, but also as an early scientific guide that was based solely off of observation and less on faith-based speculation. On a macrocosmic scale, The Zero Current, represented as The Black Death, wiped out half of Europe’s population; forcing both peasants and nobles alike to start their lives over again after its devastation. On a microcosmic scale, The Zero Current forced mankind to realize the faults in his perception; leading him away from faith-based theoretical approaches and directing him towards rational observation-based practices.

While the scientific approach proved to be a step in the right direction for mankind, The Zero Current has also shown that man’s greatest tool can also be his own undoing. Nothing has demonstrated this better than the era of The Cold War. When man developed nuclear weapons, he inadvertently created his own ‘reset button’ (if not, his own ‘game over’ button). In this case, man was not at the mercy of forces he could not control, but rather, at the mercy of his own creation. In the era of The Cold War, The Zero Current, on a macrocosmic level, threatened all life and all countries. On a microcosmic level, it forced countries like the United States and Russia into an arms race that benefited mankind in the form of space exploration. It also forced political figures to carefully evaluate foreign relationships and strategies that would prevent the occurrence of nuclear war. Again, we see this juxtaposition of the pull towards an earlier state (in the form of nuclear fallout), and a push towards advancement (demonstrated in the arms race and in building relations).

On a conscious and psychological level (microcosmic), The Zero Current has always been linked to tragedy. This was most understood by the ancient Greeks who created many rituals for Dionysus; the god of wine who, through his powers of intoxication, madness, and catharsis, could either relieve and save mankind or who could, by these very same powers, destroy them. Within the Apollonian and Dionysian dichotomy the Dionysian method of ritual, frenzy, and catharsis is a Left-Hand Path approach to tapping into The Zero Current whereas the Apollonian way of stoicism, detachment, and abstinence is a Right-Hand Path approach. The Middle Path ‘Dionysian’ does not necessarily limit themselves to either a Right or Left path, but rather, makes the entirety of both systems available to them for the purpose of tapping into The Zero Current.