Beyond the Occult

1. Hidden Powers: The Seduction of the Occult

I had been possessed by a strong conviction, amounting to a certainty, that all human beings possess ‘hidden powers’.

The allure of the unknown. Colin Wilson begins his exploration of the occult with a personal conviction: that humans possess untapped potential beyond the ordinary. This conviction stems from both personal experiences and observations of others, sparking a lifelong quest to understand these "hidden powers."

Beyond ESP. Wilson's interest extends beyond simple extrasensory perception, delving into moments of intense joy and freedom, where individuals experience a god-like sensation of power. These moments suggest a faculty that can instantly distance us from present reality, offering a broader perspective on life's problems.

Lost faculties. Wilson posits that modern humans have lost touch with "occult faculties" once possessed by our ancestors. He cites examples of primitive peoples and animals with heightened senses and intuitive abilities, suggesting that civilization has dulled our innate potential.

2. Mediums and Mystics: Glimpses of a Timeless Reality

Is time an illusion?

Shared experiences. Wilson draws parallels between the experiences of mediums and mystics, suggesting that both tap into a different state of awareness. This state transcends the limitations of space and time, allowing access to information beyond the reach of ordinary perception.

Eileen Garrett's insights. The author highlights the work of researcher Lawrence LeShan with medium Eileen Garrett, whose abilities to psychometrize objects and perceive distant events convinced LeShan of the validity of paranormal phenomena. Garrett described her mediumship as a "turning inward," a withdrawal from the conscious self into a non-conscious realm.

Mystical illumination. Wilson connects Garrett's experiences to accounts of mystical illumination, where individuals experience a sudden shift in perspective and a sense of connection to a larger reality. These experiences often involve a feeling of timelessness and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all things.

3. The Other Self: Unlocking the Subconscious Mind

The power of the subjective mind seems to be practically limitless.

Two minds. Wilson explores the concept of the "two minds," drawing on the work of Thomson Jay Hudson. Hudson proposed that humans possess an objective mind, which deals with the external world through reason, and a subjective mind, which is intuitive and emotional.

Subjective mind's power. The subjective mind, according to Hudson, has access to vast stores of memory and possesses the power to influence the body and even heal illness. Wilson suggests that learning to access and harness the power of the subjective mind is key to unlocking our hidden potential.

Overcoming the robot. The author introduces the concept of the "robot," a metaphor for the automatic, habitual patterns that govern much of our daily lives. He argues that by consciously engaging with the world and breaking free from these patterns, we can raise our level of awareness and tap into the power of the subjective mind.

4. Down the Rabbit Hole: Time Slips and Altered States

Ordinary consciousness is a form of nausea.

Faculty X. Wilson introduces the concept of "Faculty X," an ability to "make real" other times and places. This faculty is the opposite of the feeling of being "mediocre, accidental, mortal," which often plagues individuals.

Time slips. The author explores accounts of "time slips," where individuals seem to experience events from the past or future. He cites examples from Arnold Toynbee's historical visions to Frank Smythe's experience of a past massacre.

Escaping the absurd. Wilson suggests that achieving Faculty X requires escaping the "nausea" of ordinary consciousness, a state characterized by boredom, meaninglessness, and a sense of being trapped in the present moment. By embracing optimism and engaging with the world, we can unlock Faculty X and experience a richer, more meaningful reality.

5. The Information Universe: Tapping into Cosmic Memory

The memory of the subjective mind seems to be practically limitless.

Tape recording theory. Wilson explores the "tape-recording" theory, which suggests that events leave an imprint on the environment, like a recording on a tape. He cites examples of psychometry, where individuals can hold an object and "read" its history.

Psychic bloodhounds. The author discusses the work of Joseph Rodes Buchanan and William Denton, who experimented with "psychic bloodhounds" that could sense the history of geological fragments and letters. These experiments suggest that objects possess a kind of memory that can be accessed by sensitive individuals.

Holographic universe. Wilson introduces the concept of the "holographic universe," a theory proposed by physicists Karl Pribram and David Bohm. This theory suggests that reality is not what it seems, but rather a kind of hologram projected from a deeper, more fundamental level of existence.

6. Intrusions?: Telepathy, Imagination, and the Spirit World

Thoughts are like animals in a forest.

Hypnagogic images. Wilson explores the phenomenon of hypnagogic images, the visions and voices that occur on the edge of sleep. He suggests that these images may be a form of telepathy, where we are picking up thoughts and emotions from others.

Akashic records. The author introduces the concept of the Akashic Records, a kind of cosmic memory bank that contains all the knowledge and experiences of the universe. He cites examples of individuals who have claimed to access the Akashic Records, including Rudolf Steiner and Edgar Cayce.

Synchronicity. Wilson explores the concept of synchronicity, meaningful coincidences that seem to defy explanation. He cites examples from Carl Jung's life and suggests that synchronicities may be a way for the universe to communicate with us, guiding us towards our true path.

7. Memories of the Future: Precognition and the Nature of Time

A dog is going to bark a long way off.

Precognitive dreams. Wilson delves into the phenomenon of precognitive dreams, where individuals dream of events that later come to pass. He cites examples from Wilbur Wright's life, including his dreams of winning horse races and a red airliner crashing.

Serial time. The author explores J.W. Dunne's theory of "serial time," which suggests that time is not linear but rather a series of interconnected moments. Dunne believed that we can access the future through our dreams because our minds are not bound by the limitations of linear time.

Bell's inequality theorem. Wilson introduces Bell's inequality theorem, a concept from quantum physics that suggests that two particles can be linked together in such a way that they instantaneously affect each other, even across vast distances. This theorem challenges our understanding of causality and raises questions about the nature of reality.

8. Minds Without Bodies?: Astral Projection and Divided Consciousness

Seeing with the eyes of the spirit.

Out-of-body experiences. Wilson explores the phenomenon of out-of-body experiences (OBEs), where individuals feel as if their consciousness has separated from their physical body. He cites examples from Sylvan Muldoon and Robert Monroe, who both claimed to be able to travel to distant locations while in an OBE state.

Divided consciousness. The author discusses the concept of divided consciousness, where individuals seem to possess multiple personalities or selves. He cites examples from the Doris Fischer case and the work of Ralph Allison, who both encountered patients with a wide range of alter egos.

In betweenness. Wilson introduces the concept of "in-betweenness," a state of mind that combines relaxation with deliberate purpose. He suggests that this state is key to accessing paranormal abilities and experiencing a deeper connection to the universe.

9. The Search for Evidence: Multiple Personalities and Spirit Possession

To be free is nothing; to become free is heavenly.

The Outsider problem. Wilson revisits the "Outsider problem," the feeling of alienation and meaninglessness that plagues many individuals. He suggests that this feeling stems from a lack of connection to a larger purpose and a sense of being trapped in the triviality of everyday life.

Multiple personality. The author explores the phenomenon of multiple personality, examining cases like Clara Fowler and Billy Milligan. He questions whether multiple personalities are simply psychological constructs or whether they could be a form of spirit possession.

The Huna theory. Wilson introduces the Huna theory of the "three selves," a concept from Hawaiian shamanism that suggests that humans possess three distinct levels of consciousness: the low self, the middle self, and the high self. He explores whether this theory could offer insights into the nature of multiple personality and spirit possession.

10. The Truth About Magic: Witchcraft, Poltergeists, and Invisible Entities

The human body is a magnetic detector.

Spiritism. Wilson delves into the history of spiritism, a religious movement founded by Allan Kardec that emphasizes communication with spirits. He explores the spirit healers of Brazil and the black magic centers that have emerged in some parts of the world.

Witchcraft. The author reassesses witchcraft, examining the North Berwick witches and the views of Margaret Murray, who argued that witchcraft was a survival of an ancient pagan religion. He also explores the case of the Rosenheim poltergeist and questions whether it could have been the spirit of a murdered girl.

The paranormal. Wilson grapples with the question of why the "paranormal" is always unbelievable. He suggests that it may be because it challenges our fundamental assumptions about the nature of reality and our place in the universe.

11. The World of Spirits: Possession, Obsession, and Beyond Rationalism

As above, so below.

Spirit possession. Wilson explores the phenomenon of spirit possession, examining cases from various cultures and historical periods. He cites examples from the nuns of Loudun to the case of Anna Ecklund, a girl who was allegedly possessed by multiple demons.

Swedenborg. The author discusses the work of Emanuel Swedenborg, a Swedish scientist and mystic who claimed to be able to communicate with spirits. He explores Swedenborg's influence on Wilson Van Dusen, a psychiatrist who learned to talk to "spirits" in his patients.

Rationalism. Wilson challenges the limitations of rationalism, arguing that it cannot fully account for the complexities of human experience. He suggests that we must be open to the possibility of realities beyond the grasp of reason.

12. Completing the Picture: Mystical Experiences and the Path to Divinity

Psychic powers are evidence of man’s evolutionary potential.

Mystical experience. Wilson returns to the theme of mystical experience, exploring accounts from Daly King, Compton Mackenzie, and others. He suggests that mystical experiences offer glimpses of a deeper, more connected reality.

The weak anthropic principle. The author introduces the weak anthropic principle, which states that the universe must be compatible with the existence of intelligent life. He also explores the strong anthropic principle, which suggests that the universe had to bring life into existence.

The Outsider problem. Wilson concludes by revisiting the "Outsider problem," the feeling of alienation and meaninglessness that plagues many individuals. He suggests that "psychic powers" are evidence of man's evolutionary potential and that by grasping the mechanisms of the peak experience, we can unlock our hidden potential and live more fulfilling lives.

Last updated: April 13, 2025