Inner Space/Outer Space

Psychedelic cultures in the West often link inner consciousness with perceptions of extraterrestrial outer space. Terence McKenna, a key psychedelic thinker since the 1960s, synthesized ideas from esotericism, shamanism, and science fiction to build an occult theory called psychedelic ufology. This article argues that McKenna was deeply influenced by Carl Jung, and that this Jungian foundation shapes much of later psychedelic ufology.

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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.