Isis Aquarian is a notable figure best known as a member of The Source Family, a group of white-clad hippies living in the Hollywood Hills during the 1970s. They followed the teachings of Jim Baker, also known as Father Yod, a reformed bank robber and judo expert who led a cult psych band, served salads to stars, took fourteen wives, and eventually died in a hang gliding accident.
Today, Isis, now known as Charlene Peters, lives in Hawaii. Her life has taken her across the United States. She worked for a senator in Washington D.C., mingled with famous personalities like Salvador Dalí and Andy Warhol in New York, and almost married renowned music photographer Ron Raffaelli.
After leaving the Source Family, Isis wrote a book, produced a documentary, and created one of the most extensive archives of 1970s commune life. She recently shared her experiences with ATI in a conversation that lasted almost two hours, marking the 40th anniversary of Father Yod’s death. Here are some highlights:
Isis’s Childhood and Family Bonds
Isis grew up with seven siblings, and her father was in the Air Force. Though they moved frequently, Hawaii always held a special place in her heart. While her family grew apart after she left home in the 60s and 70s, the recent death of her sister Roberta has brought them closer.
From DC to New York: A Journey of Adventures
After high school, Isis left home and worked for a senator in Washington D.C. She later served as a White House Social Aide under Johnson, experiencing a bustling social scene with parties and titles like Miss U.S. Savings Bonds and Cherry Blossom Princess.
The appeal of cocktail parties faded, and Isis moved to New York. There, she worked with an airline called Braniff and became part of the mod culture, mingling with Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí, and experiencing a fair share of drug use.
From New York to LA: A Search for Light and Spirituality
Feeling a sense of darkness in New York, Isis saw Los Angeles as a place of light, fun, and spirituality. She embraced the flower-child movement, becoming a hippie and integrating into social circles of the time. She even dated Rob Reiner and Richard Dreyfuss.
Meeting Jim Baker and Joining The Source Family
Isis first met Jim Baker, later Father Yod, through his wife Dora. At the time, Jim was a Hollywood legend with famous restaurants on Sunset. Although there was a connection, it wasn’t the right time for Isis to fully embrace Jim’s life.
A few years later, Isis visited Jim at his new restaurant, The Source. This time, Jim appeared different, resembling Moses. Feeling it was destiny, Isis left everything to join The Source Family.
Documenting The Source Family Through Photography
After joining The Source Family in early 1972, Isis documented her experiences through photography. She captured the beauty of the people, the wisdom in Father’s meditation classes, and the music played. Father appointed her as the Family Historian and Archive Keeper, recognizing her dedication. She preserved the legacy of their commune life, a role she remained committed to even as other members began taking photos.
Isis Aquarian’s journey took her across the United States and into a fascinating and controversial movement. Through her photographs and stories, she preserves the history of The Source Family and provides a unique window into an era of cultural exploration and self-discovery.