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  • Inner Space Outer Space

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Inner Space/Outer Space: Terence McKenna’s Jungian Psychedelic Ufology

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Published
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>1/02/2020
<mark>Journal</mark>Nova Religio
Issue number3
Volume23
Number of pages28
Pages (from-to)31-59
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

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, subsequent psychedelic ufology tends to be Jungian.