Maps of Consciousness

First published in 1971, this classic text has been reissued with a foreword by David Presti. Metzner was only 35 when he published this book as one of the pioneers of consciousness studies and the exploration of psychedelics. Presti observes that the deep interconnectivity of mind and world was abandoned by post-Enlightenment science, but is now making a necessary comeback. It was interesting to learn that the author studied linguistic philosophy at Oxford in the 1950s, and he took his first psychedelic drug in 1961, which he describes as an extremely educational experience (!). After an extensive introduction on the New Renaissance, the book examines six maps interpreted as phases of evolutionary development of consciousness: I Ching, Tantra, Tarot, alchemy, astrology and the actualism of Agni Yoga. He notes that despite our sophisticated understanding of the external forces of nature, 'we have made no corresponding progress in our understanding of the laws of our own inner nature' – a point even more generally evident today despite the intervening rise of consciousness studies.

Metzner demonstrates an in-depth understanding of key figures and concepts in the history of psychology – including Wilhelm Reich and John Lilly - and perhaps one of his most interesting observations is that Jung neglected the role of the body. The author questions the goal of psychological change as normality or adjustment, as his interest is in the path of transformation; he was already aware of TV as mass-mind programming in action 'dominated by programs imposed from without, based on fear, profit, and power motives, instead of being programmed from within to actualise [our] highest potential.' (p. 22) In contrast to Western thought, Orientals begin from the experienced unity of the universe (Tao) within which differentiation arises. Readers derive a thorough background to all the main approaches discussed within the overall exposition, with extensive notes and references. There is a pervasive understanding of the interplay of masculine and feminine energies in both Chinese and Indian cultures.

Similarly, the chapter on alchemy highlights the hieros gamos as the progressive unification of male and female as the wisdom of wholeness and 'inner union on all levels of consciousness, separately and conjoined.' (p. 183) Again, the fundamental importance of astrology lies within in terms of integration of polarities and transmutation. This also applies to Russell Schofield's actualism as a means of experiencing human evolutionary processes and purposes. Here, fire brings light into darkened consciousness, especially the relationship between individual consciousness and mass-mind where we are currently subject to 'the inversion of wisdom to fear-separation… instead of the organising power of love.' (p. 263) We need to remind ourselves that thought directs energy, energy follows thought, and obstructions to energy flow produce dis-ease. Actualism also distinguishes three levels of nourishment: physical food, psychological food and what they call prime-order food as life-light energies. We are understood as two-way transformers of energy on a journey towards freedom and wholeness – a perennially important message.