Many years ago, the established media ran a very successful smear campaign on David Icke, reporting his ideas in such a way as to render them, and by association him, utterly crazy. He claimed, they said, to be the New Messiah; that a secret World Order of human/reptile shapeshifters had an agenda for total domination. And it worked, to an extent, at the time. And now? He is officially "a phenomenon". In those days, I joined the braying throng and laughed openly. Now I distrust mass media for the reasons Icke himself elucidates, so I thought it high time to investigate directly and not let the filters of others decide how I receive information.
Initially, it's worth considering the combination of elements which ensure that Icke is considered fair game for ridicule:
As well as being considered barking, he's also been labelled as dangerous. As usual, the all-too-many want to have their cake and eat it. How can anybody so obviously crazy have an influence? (Bush, Blair anyone?) But then they point out that the gullible will be taken in and must be protected "for their own good" (it's difficult not to laugh). And why is he "dangerous"? Well, he's been labelled "anti-Semitic" and said to have possible connections with white supremacist groups. From a man who preaches that love is the answer? Very strange indeed! A cursory reading of this book provides the answers to this outrageous distortion of facts.
He chooses Judaism as an example for a satirical lampooning, yet states that the same rules apply to all the major religions. Specifically, he looks critically at an example of the Kosher 'laws' in food production which state that at all times, foods must only be handled by Jews: if the same rule applied to white Caucasians, he points out, it would be labelled as "white supremacist". And this is the sum total of information that gives rise to the allegations! Another example provided in the book concerning absolute lack of public accountability for, or interest in, media inaccuracy is the story concerning his proposed appearance on 'Celebrity Big Brother'. Facts (according to Icke): he was approached by the producers, said he'd consider, looked into the nature of the program and (wisely) decided against. What happened was that the sumpier sheets printed a 'story' of his impending appearance. And this kept running right up to the 'scheduled' showing, after which they could no longer casually report that particular fiction and so concocted another, that Icke had pulled out at the last minute and let down the producers!
But the book: what are its central ideas? To attempt the soundbite summary is to fail to represent the content even inadequately. This way lies the path of ridicule. But since the reptiles are what gets everyone going, perhaps I should start there.
Essentially, the idea is that there exists a disembodied reptilian 'intelligence' (RI) that has for millennia exerted a subtle degree of control over humanity by, to an extent, 'possessing' the minds of those in power and 'feeding' off the fear of the rest. Hence, it manipulates our leaders to engineer division, conflict, war... All of which breed fear and suitably subjugate the masses whilst providing nourishment to the RI. What is perhaps missing is an explanation of how this RI came to exist in the first place. Here I offer a possible theory, drawing on Jungian archetypes, Leary's neurological circuits and the fall of the dinosaurs!
Dinosaurs were the historical apogee of reptilian existence. It is always said that they "ruled the earth", and effectively they did. Their sudden demise is now generally attributed to an astronomical event, specifically a collision/near miss with an asteroid. Some ghosts are said to exist as trans-temporal imprints resulting from traumatic events. Combining the two ideas, maybe the trauma of a complete de-speciation was sufficient to actually lay down a Jungian archetype of the reptilian brain. Leary's circuits 1 and 2 are effectively equivalent to this brain-type (survival and domination), therefore those for whom power is important (circuit 1/2 fixators) are more likely to be affected by the RI (think in terms of resonance).
Additional to the reptiles is the Matrix, as in the films. What Icke asserts is that nothing material is truly 'real' in the normal sense of the word, rather the physical world is a virtual reality simulation. Here, there is a tie-in with both Quantum Theory and Rupert Sheldrake's theory of Morphic Resonance: the 'rules', maybe even what we know as physical laws, are all determined from, initially, random probabilistic factors, subsequently by habit (a kind of path-of-least-resistance principle). By correct reprogramming, one may resist the force of habit, thus wresting back control from the Matrix. Also, my own belief is that each individual has a personal propensity for being affected by various levels of group influence: the peer pressure of fashion-factions; regional/national identity; racial/cultural identity; even prehistoric behaviour patterns (see also Leary's neurological circuits). These are all a part of the Matrix, as even are the 'higher planes'. In controlling these aspects, the RI may exert a subtle but wide-ranging influence. And the means of control include, but are not limited to: religion; politics; money; education; work... all the usual 'fabric of society' stuff.
An area where I fundamentally disagree with Icke's analysis is, surprisingly, religion. He lumps Buddhism in with the major religions, yet it differs from them at its foundation: it worships no deity, but is based on practice. Granted, it isn't dogma-free, yet he would do well to study it with a little more care: there are some strong parallels with his own ideas! And he suggests that the figure of Jesus Christ is simply an allegory, a symbol; and that all the religions were essentially 'designed' as control structures. I think this does their roots a great disservice: at the heart of all the major religions, stripped bare of dogma and theology, are nuggets of meaning common to each other, and indeed to Icke's personal views. Even within the book's title we find some common points: "Infinite love is the only truth" - sounds like Christ or the Buddha; "all the rest is illusion" - sounds like the Hindu Maya, the Buddhist Samsara... Still, sometimes one may tread a little too carefully and Icke's relentless iconoclasm may be a necessary feature in ensuring that the message comes across with full force.
The title is, of course, the conclusion. But the lesson does not, cannot, reside in the soundbite. The journey must be undertaken. And even if it's second-hand, there are at least fresh ideas on every page, something to stimulate the mind even if agreement doesn't follow. In short, don't read about David Icke, read him.
Prometheus Rising Cosmic Trigger I (The Final Secret of the Illuminati) Quantum Psychology
Undoubtedly, the 'discovery of the year' with respect to writing is Robert Anton Wilson. His writing style is unique, seemingly flippant yet rather as I see it, always retaining a slightly wry element of self-mockery, of tongue-in-cheek, an essential quality in the successful navigation of his chosen landscape. The opening book of the year was 'Prometheus Rising', a life-changer if ever. What comes across strongly over the course of the book is the deep level of understanding required to present the subject matter in this way. For more information, see what it inspired from me here and here.
Then came the deeply personal 'Cosmic Trigger I' (subtitled 'The Final Secret of the Illuminati'). Simultaneously a partial précis of Wilson's life and a fascinating trawl through modern so-called 'occult' practices and alternative states, this is an essential piece of literature for anyone interested in all that 'they' do not wish us to know. Psychedelic substances, Crowleyan and Chaos Magicks, his close friendship with Timothy Leary, communications from the star Sirius and the assassination of JFK all take their place beneath the singular proscenium of Wilson's life. Not a dipper, but one to read cover-to-cover.
Completing the trio was 'Quantum Psychology', focussing on the correspondence between quantum theory and brain function, but also full of many valuable asides, such as a detailed rationale of his oft-used 'E-prime' writing mode. Even some of the great names from quantum physics were convinced that Wilson had a relevant science degree with suitable specialisation, so well did his explanations convey the essence of what, at the time of writing, was regarded as extremely difficult conceptual material.
A very brief overview, then, of a small selection of Wilson's total output, but hopefully sufficient to encourage direct exploration - it always feels a privilege to read material at once so learned, wise, amusing and accessible.
Jung's most personal work, effectively a selective biography compiled and edited in conjunction with a trusted assistant, this is a mind-blowingly fascinating account of a part of the inner life of one of the 20th century's greatest minds. From an early age, Jung was marked by an intense internalising of personal experience that undoubtedly contributed to the foundation of independence required to steer his adult life on its self-determined course. The carefully serious manner in which he approaches dream analysis is an education, and the practice seems to open up so much that is repressed, whether actively or passively. One of his most intense personal visions (a near-death experience during a fever) tallies very closely with DMT-induced visions recorded in Strassman's experiments.
Jung was deeply religious, yet from a very young age rejected conventional Christian dogma: his own religiosity was founded on personal experience and its framing is no doubt due largely to cultural zeitgeist - what would he have made of knowledge now common, then either underground or undiscovered?
Even his travel writing is extremely illuminating, both culturally and psychologically. This is a must-read for anyone interested in consciousness.
Eagerly anticipated follow-up to Breaking Open The Head (BOTH), we'd already gleaned much of the content from Pinchbeck's Palenque Norte podcast. In keeping with BOTH, the account remains intensely personal and often candid (some feel the account of his relationship problems is too one-sided: duh! His book, his call). Fascinating material comes from the ideas of philosopher Jean Gebser and from speculation concerning the phenomenon of crop circles.
Less palatable is Pinchbeck's espousal of the Santo Daime religion with their attitude of "if you don't do what we say, you can't have any ayahuasca". Hmmm, sounds like a return of the all-too-familiar control structures of paternalistic hierarchical western society, surely one of the most fundamental ideas that a truly spiritual path should seek to avoid. And some may feel his sudden elevation to 'chosen emissary' to be a little too convenient, though my own view is to remain cautiously open.
So whilst there are one or two annoyances compared to BOTH, there is still much material, well-written of course, to provide cogitation for seekers towards the fateful date.
2005 has continued our research into forgotten and forbidden fields in a quest for answers to the most fundamental questions that must address themselves to any creature capable of self-awareness as an abstract concept. In our opinion, the kind of thinking exhibited in these volumes has a crucial common thread, that is the casting off of the straitjacket of absolute rationality for a more integrative approach that re-contextualises historically older consciousness structures within a much larger framework. Either/or is done for, even both/and is restrictive, bring on neither-and-both, the paradox-smashing era!
This is a perfect book for anyone dissatisfied with the bland material excesses of the consumerist society, anyone looking for some answers to the greater questions that religion fails miserably to provide. Pinchbeck begins from exactly this point and unstintingly records his personal quest down his chosen pathway, namely controlled exploration of his own consciousness with mind-altering substances.
But this is not a tale of bravado or debauchery - the author takes great care to approach each substance with the respect it deserves, either by travelling to the native regions (iboga in Africa, ayahuasca* in the Amazon) and partaking in traditional rituals, or at least with suitable guidance from experienced users.
Gradually, the layers of cynicism and resistance fall away, and the author's own conclusions are inspirational. Honest and thought-provoking, this is a very timely book. Our 'Book of the Year' for its life-changing ability.
Furthering my own investigations into the psychedelic experience, this book is a detailed account of the most comprehensive research study of recent times into the substance N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT). Author and Study Director Rick Strassman outlines first the background to the study, along with his reasons for wishing to conduct it. The bureaucratic ballet required to obtain permission is painstakingly detailed (DMT is in the most restricted category of controlled substances), then further background concerning the setting and the nature of the subjects (all experienced users of hallucinogens) is provided before the subjective experiences of the participants are recorded.
The commonality amongst the actual experiences is most revealing: one of Strassman's hypotheses is that DMT is endogenous (naturally produced by the human body) and produced by the pineal gland, and is released at times of extreme duress (e.g. potentially fatal experiences), giving rise to OBEs (out-of-body experiences). Many participants record similar feelings at the onset of the trip. Also common are alien abduction experiences - many participants encountered other entities during their trips, some of which seemed actually to be carrying out tests. Could this be, therefore, an explanation of such experiences in general: are those people who claim such experiences actually producing random slugs of DMT?
Not easy to prove the hypotheses, but this kind of speculation is what should be driving Science forward, instead of the timid brown-nosing don't-rock-the-boat gradualism that mainstream science has become.
Written by an anthropologist originally carrying out work to help native peoples retain the land of their birthright in the face of predatory global capitalism, this is a delightfully speculative but very persuasive examination of correspondences between shamanic and scientific knowledge. After sampling the Amazon's most famous hallucinogenic brew, ayahuasca*, Narby wonders about the prevalence of the cross-cultural serpent myth - one of the standard ayahuasca visions, experienced by Narby himself, is a pair of gigantic snakes.
His 'trick' in working up a meaningful hypothesis is to take the shamans at their word: one of their terms for ayahuasca translates as "jungle television" - based on this thinking, the knowledge of shamans is gained from direct contact with plant spirits. In scientific terms, this translates as consciousness able to gain direct informational access at the molecular level - the serpents of mythology are the twin strands of DNA.
Clearly way outside the realms of 'real science', and therefore not to be taken seriously by the Establishment, this kind of thinking is of the future.
*a mixture of DMT-containing plant matter and others containing members of a group of chemicals known as beta-carbolines which act as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, enabling DMT uptake via the oral route normally closed to it as well as having their own mind-altering effects - the experience is said to be gentler than the rush of pure smoked or intravenous DMT.
This book, appropriately, 'called out' to me whilst walking round York. Crowley has, naturally, always interested me, but I'd never got round to reading anything in-depth about the man, content to let the more lurid stories that are fodder for the hoi-polloi rest lightly in memory. So this was the chance to put the record straight. Crowley's charisma is evident on the cover - a gently intense stare that seems to look beyond the skin, yet in many other photographs, he looks rather commonplace. But have you noticed that the most successful people often possess this oddly chameleonic characteristic?
His childhood is clearly what largely determined the vector of his later life: raised in a strictly religious disciplinarian atmosphere that was extreme even for the day, he nevertheless became something of a polymath, excelling throughout his life at such divers pastimes as mountaineering and chess. But his obsession was magick (his spelling) influencing the material world though acts of will alone. There is no doubt that he achieved a great deal in this pursuit, though the book doesn't dwell so much on this, aiming more at constructing a picture of his life.
Yes, he indulged in 'deviant' sexual practices and took whatever drugs he could lay his hands on (he became a heroin addict, kicking the habit only after many unsuccessful attempts - the reader may be permitted a wry smile at this, from the man who prided himself on his willpower), but he was always serious about what he was aiming for, even if he often failed. The best summary is given by an old friend who later became a Buddhist monk, that Crowley could have done much good in the world, but somewhere had taken a wrong turning.
A collection of essays from younger practitioners covering a considerable range of the field of magick. There seems to be a growing contra-tide to the relentless battering of consumerist excess that at one time seemed poised to firmly take over the western world, and this is, to switch metaphors, another brick in materialism's wall. Often challenging, sometimes downright weird, but always fresh, the essays give tantalising personal insights into the actual practice of magick in a modern context. No 'high magick' here, nor exactly a 'how-to' manual, but a set of signposts, a treasure-map of clues providing a sufficiency of hints for the dedicated seeker to get started. And yes, I have dabbled in that I've subtly re-oriented certain methods and mental techniques, and found that, even if in a relatively minor way, it is possible to influence the world for the positive without material intervention.