Ralph Metzner, Explorer of Consciousness

Reviews / Votes

"This book will take you through the labyrinth to the origins of what it means to explore one's consciousness in its purest form. This is a beautiful testament to one of the great pioneers of our time. Today's psychedelic renaissance could have never existed if it weren't for the gift of life that was Ralph Metzner." * Zach Leary, writer, facilitator, and host of MAPS Podcast * "Ralph was able to explore and articulate an enormous range of both innovative and ancient ideas and practices in ways that continue to ripple out into the larger world. This is a worthy testament to a visionary scholar whose life has made a difference." * Richard Tarnas, Richard Ph.D., professor emeritus, California Institute of Integral Studies * "A remarkable and lovingly warm tribute to a true 20th-century pioneer in psychedelic, transpersonal, and consciousness studies whose cultural influence and scholarly contributions to our understanding of psychedelics and altered states have led to the reemergence of psychedelic research today. Ralph's incredible life is beautifully told in these pages." * Anthony P. Bossis, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman Sch * "Over the sixty years I knew Ralph, he remained the best educated, most curious, and most open man I've ever known. Where others saw walls, he not only saw doors but propped them open and urged us to follow him to experience new facets of our interconnections and underlying unity." * James Fadiman, Ph.D., microdose researcher and author of The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide * "A vibrant palette of inspiration and lived experience that documents Ralph Metzner's multifaceted legacy. This book will remain alive and vibrant as an influence on the field of psychedelics." * Janis Phelps, Ph.D., director of the Center for Psychedelic Therapies and Research, California Insti * "Ralph Metzner helped give birth to the psychedelic Sixties-witnessing, shaping, and intelligently commenting on this movement's tumultuous life for more than half a century. This collection of loving remembrances humanizes and deepens our understanding of him as a consciousness-raising pioneer." * Don Lattin, author of The Harvard Psychedelic Club and God on Psychedelics * "Ralph Metzner has been a mentor to countless psychedelic explorers, and this is an inspiring celebration of Ralph's influence on the many people whose lives were touched deeply by his mentorship. Ralph's legacy offers an important reminder of the visionary aspects of psychedelic use that cannot be contained within a medical model." * Mary Gomes, Ph.D., coeditor of Ecopsychology * "Ralph Metzner was a pioneer 'explorer of consciousness' who stood steadfastly for the integrity of psychedelic work, service, community, and right livelihood. This book, with contributions from other psychedelic pioneers, provides a wonderful opportunity for us all to keep learning from Ralph." * Michael Mithoefer, M.D., MDMA researcher * "The lifelong imprints left on those one touches with their presence, words, and actions make a person unforgettable. This book is a tribute to an unforgettable Ralph, whose unique and vast range of imprints is beautifully portrayed in this collection of writings by those who met him along their paths. May Ralph's legacy keep inspiring new generations committed to the ever-expanding dance of consciousness. In gratitude, Maestro!" * Susana Bustos, Ph.D., director of Escuela de Psicovegetalismo and coauthor of The Shamanic Odyssey * "It is with great pride and honor that I hold my position at the University of California San Francisco in Ralph's name. I so appreciate the depth and breadth of Ralph's knowledge and expertise as a scientist, artist, healer, and more." * Robin Carhart-Harris, Ph.D., Ralph Metzner Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry and Beha * "As a treasured professor, author, lecturer, mentor, therapist, and administrator, Ralph Metzner made significant contributions to transpersonal and psychedelic research and therapy. This volume is a complement to his vision and makes the case for his most important ideas on expansion and deepening of consciousness, alchemy, shamanism, human development, mythology, death and afterlife, family, and friendship." * Robert McDermott, Ph.D., president emeritus and professor emeritus, California Institute of Integral * "In the lineage he leaves behind, the fire of Ralph's commitment to ending suffering lives on. The potency of his alchemical divinatory practices as pathways for radical transformation reflect his unending passion for the liberation of awakened consciousness and the proactive co-creation of a more peaceful and just world." * Valeria McCarroll, Ph.D., LMFT, founder of Somadelics * "Reading this book, I am reminded again and again what a fabulous human being Ralph was. He was a holistic thinker, a courageous explorer, a comic who made us laugh, and a human being with an utterly dependable grasp on all levels of reality. This book captures so much of him and is a gift for all spiritual seekers." * Brian Thomas Swimme, Ph.D., professor emeritus, California Institute of Integral Studies and author * "This book highlights Ralph's academic and experiential contributions to healing and visionary states using various entheogens, meditations, and shamanic techniques. It describes his dedication to the field of green psychology for the preservation of the natural world. It is an indispensable read for all practitioners who are exploring altered states of consciousness." * Alexander Shester, M.D., author of Visionary Healing * "Ralph Metzner made a significant contribution to the exploration of psychedelic worlds. This book honors a great master, teacher, and humanitarian friend." * Roger Liggenstorfer, publisher, and Christine Heidrich, translator * "Like the shaman whose traditions he both studied and extended, Ralph was a traveler between worlds. And not only a traveler, but a guide, interpreter, and defender. A truly integral individual, his expertise and passions spanned the common divisions between science and spirituality, the personal and the political, the esoteric and the ecological. This volume of tributes will give the reader a tangible sense of the exceptional range of fields to which Ralph made significant and lasting contributions." * Sean Kelly, Ph.D., author of Becoming Gaia * "Ralph Metzner dedicated his life to the exploration of consciousness and the one energy that we all are. This book honors his great spirit and provides inspiration for our own explorations of the source from which we all spring." * Markus Berger, ethnobotanist, drug researcher, and editor-in-chief of Lucy's Rausch * "This tribute to Ralph Metzner's life conveys so eloquently how skillfully Ralph used his profound understanding of the world's wisdom traditions to touch so many so deeply. This book is an invitation to share in Ralph's journey to consciousness." * Allen Kanner, Ph.D., coeditor of Ecopsychology * "Ralph Metzner guided many people through profound experiences and altered states of consciousness. Here is a well-deserved tribute to this impressive intrepid pioneer, psychonaut, guide, and author." * Roger Walsh M.D., Ph.D., professor, University of California, and editor of Higher Wisdom * "A fitting tribute to a man who touched so many around the world with his wisdom, love, intellect, heart, and creative flow. So many wonderful voices reveal different aspects of Brother Raoul's self. Take the time to read them all and gain good medicine about a good medicine man that showed up and went for the gold of transformation." * Tom "tomas" Pinkson, Ph.D., psychotherapist and author of The Psychedelic Shaman * "Through a blend of personal stories, academic insights, and reflections on the psychedelic experience, the book seeks to honor Metzner's vision and inspire future generations to explore the frontiers of consciousness, and it does a great job! A highly recommended book." * The Fenris Wolf Newsletter *