Founded
1981

This magazine was founded by Michael Rossoff as a local newsletter for the Washington, D.C. macrobiotic community, in the Fall of 1981. This was a time of increasing public awareness about many “alternative” healing approaches. Macrobiotics sprang forth into national prominence with the publication of Anthony Satillaro’s book, “Recalled By Life,” which was later condensed into a feature article in Life magazine.

After a year of producing a local newsletter, Michael was inspired to reach a larger audience. So began the seventh issue of MacroMuse, the first of 26 issues with color covers and full-scale magazine format. Michael’s inexperience in publishing and untested ability as a businessman were challenges that taught him many powerful lessons and cost him much. In retrospect he is still proud and grateful for his accomplishments during that time.

Beginning with a small readership in 1982, this “homespun” magazine quickly grew to over 5,000 subscribers, with an additional 7,000 copies sold on newsstands around America. During the next six years a small staff evolved; the professional quality and reputation of the magazine also grew.

The purpose of MacroMuse was to inform and educate the broad public about core concepts of the macrobiotic approach to healthy living. It was positive and encouraging. Another goal was to explore beyond the “standards” of macrobiotic limits — to probe and reflect, to learn and grow. This was a welcome cutting-edge for some and sometimes too radical for others. A regular column called “Forum” became the arena for this exploration and communication. There were other regular columms, too. “Getting Started With Macrobiotics,” “Hearthbeat” and “Book Reviews.”

Many fine people contributed articles, art, ideas and criticisms. Among the authors were Tom Monte, John and Jan Belleme, Herman Aihara, Rebecca Theurer Wood, Ron Kotzsch, Lenny Jacobs, Mark N. Mead and many others.

MacroMuse
# 7
October 1982

MacroMuse
# 8
December-
January 1983

We begin by posting two articles written about George Ohsawa, the modern originator of macrobiotics. These two articles, by Herman Aihara and Ron Kotzsch. were originally published in 1982.

“George Ohsawa” by Ron Kotzsch, published 1982

“The Most Important Concept George Ohsawa Taught” by Herman Aihara, published 1982

Here are excerpts from numerous George Ohsawa books. These quotations will give you a direct feeling of the man and his vision.

“The Spirit & Vision of George Ohsawa” by Ohsawa, published 1982

The following two articles, by Michael Rossoff, offer very different sides to macrobiotics--the first as an approach for self healing and the second as a reflection on the challenges for counselors.

“The Official View of Macrobiotics” by Michael Rossoff, published 1982

“A Challenge to Macrobiotic Healers” by Michael Rossoff, published 1982

MacroMuse
# 9
Feb-March 1983

MacroMuse
# 10
Summer 1983

In honor of Shizuko Yamamoto's 84th birthday in June, 2008, here is her life story as told to Carolyn Heidenry (now Carolyn Sharp).

“Life Journey of a Masseuse Extraordinaire” by Carolyn Heidenry (Sharp), published 1984

The following four articles are very different from each other and represent the variety of articles that Macromuse published.

“The Myth of Judgment” by Leonard Jacobs, published 1984 as part of the "Forum" on macrobiotics. Lenny was the long-time publisher of East West Journal, the premier magazine of macrobiotics and natural healing during the 1970s and 1980s. Lenny still lives in Massachusetts and works for Shambhala Publications.

“Shedding the Old 'You'” by Michael Rossoff, published 1988

“I'm Glad The Whole World Isn't Macrobiotic” by Frank Arcuri, published 1985

"The Art of Chewing" by Verne Varona, published in 1983. Verne continues writing, teaching and movie making and currently lives in Forida.

Soon, more than 70 of the best articles will be available for sale in either electronic form (.pdf) or in hard copy (printed) formats. Either way, you will find a wealth of understanding about macrobiotics. They will be available by mid-2010.