Archaeologies of Consciousness

Spanning ten years of independent research into prehistoric art and monuments, altered states, folklore, mythology and occult practice, this is the first collection of writings by Gyrus, creator of Towards 2012 and Dreamflesh Journal.

The early in-depth essays ‘The Devil & The Goddess’ and ‘The Goddess in Wharfedale’ exemplify a “hands-on” approach to prehistory, combining practical magic with scholarly research in a loosely controlled orchestration of dreams, experiences in archaic landscapes, archaeology & anthropology, myths & archetypes.

‘Aspects of Shamanism’ and ‘Form & Meaning in Altered States & Rock Art’ attempt to draw lessons from these forays for the wider study of prehistoric art, culture and consciousness; ‘Aeons Past & Present’ presents a mythical understanding of the major periods of human history, and how they can be mapped to distinct modes of consciousness; and reviews of Steven Mithen’s The Singing Neanderthals and Andy Letcher’s Shroom present critical appraisals of two important recent works engaging with the archaic mind.

Exclusive to this collection are: a full index; an in-depth new introduction exploring the essays’ relationship to animism and our current ecological crisis; an appendix on the enigma of the “ladder motif” in carvings from Rombald’s Moor in Yorkshire (one of which is the basis for Andy Hemingway’s stunning cover art); new art and photographs, including contributions from The Modern Antiquarian online community; and a foreword by Julian Cope.