(excerpted from Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs, Harvest House,
1996)
Description: Altered
states of consciousness (ASCs) in a New Age context comprise unusual
conditions of perception achieved by the deliberate cultivation of often
abnormal mental states, states not normally experienced apart from
specific religious techniques and/or occult programs.
Founder: Not applicable.
How does it claim to work?
Most New Age practices or techniques (e.g. yoga, meditation, crystal
work), and New Age supernatural experiences (e.g. channeling) generally
claim to trigger or induce ASCs by stilling the mind, regulating psychic
energy, or by voluntary spirit possession. Proponents believe these
altered states of consciousness produce a "higher" and/or monistic state
of consciousness or "being" (e.g. the perception that "all is one")
leading to dramatic spiritual revelations and a positive restructuring
of the participant’s worldview.
Scientific evaluation:
Science cannot evaluate subjective claims concerning any state of
consciousness and ASCs in particular are highly subjective. Research
into altered states generally includes a mixture of the scientific
investigation of normal, marginally altered consciousness (the
sleep-state, dreams) and occult and parapsychological exploration of
mystical, occult states.
Examples of occult potential:
Spirit contact or possession; development of psychic abilities;
conversion to occultism; psychic quickening or regeneration.
Major problems: Frequent
connection to occult practices; dramatic alterations in one’s worldview
which often insulate a person against biblical truth.
Biblical/Christian
evaluation: New Age ASCs are prohibited on the basis of their occult
alliances.
Potential dangers: Mental
illness, occult bondage, spirit possession.
