Whither Psi and Anthropology? An Incomplete History of SAC’s Origins, Its Relationship with Transpersonal Psychology and the Untold Stories of Castaneda’s Controversy

Abstract

This essay (written by Mark in dialogue with Stephan and including supporting commentary by Stanley Krippner and others1) is not a comprehensive survey of psi and anthropology, nor does it contain a thorough overview of Castaneda's work. Rather, it seeks to explore two primary questions. First, whatever became of the interest in psi and anthropology that led to the founding of the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness? Second, what is the relationship between the anthropology of consciousness and transpersonal psychology? Answers to these questions offer a glimpse into the historical origins of SAC as well as a historical understanding of the relationship between SAC and the Association for Transpersonal Psychology2.