Orgonon

Orgonon was the name given by Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich to his laboratory and estate in Rangeley, Maine, USA. Established in the late 1940s, it served as the central hub for his research into what he termed "orgone energy," a life force he believed to be universally present.

Purpose and Function:

Orgonon was intended to be a self-sufficient community dedicated to the study, development, and application of orgone energy. It housed various facilities, including:

• Laboratories: Where Reich and his assistants conducted experiments involving orgone accumulators, cloudbusters, and other devices.
• The Orgone Energy Observatory: Designed for observing atmospheric orgone energy phenomena.
• Residences: Living quarters for Reich, his family, and associates.
• Gardens and Farmlands: Intended to provide sustenance for the residents.
• Conference Center: For seminars and workshops on orgone therapy and related topics.

Reich's Orgone Theories:

Reich believed that orgone energy was essential for health and well-being. He claimed that its depletion or stagnation, known as "deadly orgone energy" (DOR), could lead to physical and psychological ailments. The Orgonon estate was designed to be a haven of healthy orgone energy, free from DOR.

Controversy and Legal Issues:

Reich's orgone theories and practices were met with skepticism and controversy within the scientific community. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigated Reich and his claims, eventually issuing an injunction prohibiting the interstate shipment of orgone accumulators and literature pertaining to orgone energy. Reich's refusal to comply with the injunction led to his imprisonment and subsequent death in 1957.

Legacy:

Following Reich's death, Orgonon continued to be maintained by the Wilhelm Reich Infant Trust. It is now a museum and educational center dedicated to preserving Reich's papers, research materials, and the history of orgone energy research. It is open to the public and provides a resource for those interested in Reich's work, regardless of their stance on the scientific validity of his theories.