Inner Space/Outer Space
Nova Religio The Journal of Alternative and Emergent Religions February 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1525/nr.2020.23.3.31 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Writings and lectures of Terence McKenna |
| Citations | 119 |
| Key points | Argues that Terence McKenna synthesized esoteric, shamanic, and science fiction ideas to develop "psychedelic ufology," and that his Jungian influence shaped much subsequent work in this area. |
Abstract
This article discusses the relationship between inner space (the mind/consciousness) and perceptions of outer space (the extraterrestrial) in Western psychedelic cultures. In particular, it analyses the writings and lectures of Terence McKenna, the most influential psychedelic thinker since the 1960s. Assimilating a broad range of ideas taken from esotericism, shamanism, and science fiction, McKenna became the principal architect of an occult theory of psychedelic experiences referred to here as psychedelic ufology. The article further argues that McKenna was formatively influenced by the ideas of Carl Jung and that, as such, much subsequent psychedelic ufology tends to be Jungian.