Altered consciousness is one of humanity’s most mystical and life-altering aspects, an interest that has stimulated human curiosity across time. From prehistoric rituals and ancient drugs to current raves and virtual reality technology, humanity has always sought to alter its consciousness. Altered states of consciousness can be achieved through dreaming, drumming, dancing, meditation, hypnosis, fasting, sex, and numerous other activities, including drugs. These strategies affect consciousness by mimicking and extending the natural responses of our nervous system and give indications of the underlying roles of brain processes in the manifestations of consciousness.

Now there is a growing scientific interest in studies focused upon altered consciousness that can also bring valuable insights into the nature of these experiences in terms of their biological and cultural dimensions. This unprecedented set of books will intrigue anyone interested in psychology, biology and neurology, science, history, arts and the humanities, and literature on consciousness, from general readers to scholar and researchers. An impressive collection of international contributors addresses altered states of consciousness from the perspectives of history, evolution, psychology, culture, literature, human biology, contemporary science, and society, seeking to illuminate the causes, effects, and meanings of altered consciousness. 

The first volume provides an introduction to the roles of altered consciousness in history, culture, and the humanities, while the second volume presents biological and psychological perspectives on altered consciousness and examines their potential for understanding emotions, pathology and healing.