Original Research - Special Collection: Graham Duncan Dedication
Mythology, Weltanschauung, symbolic universe and states of consciousness
Submitted: 05 November 2015 | Published: 15 July 2016
About the author(s)
Gert Malan, Department of New Testament Studies, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria, South AfricaAbstract
This article investigates whether different religious (mythological) worldviews can be described as alternative and altered states of consciousness (ASCs). Differences between conscious and unconscious motivations for behaviour are discussed before looking at ASCs, Weltanschauung and symbolic universes. Mythology can be described both as Weltanschauung and symbolic universe, functioning on all levels of consciousness. Different Weltanschauungen constitute alternative states of consciousness. Compared to secular worldviews, religious worldviews may be described as ASCs. Thanks to our globalised modern societies, the issue is even more complex, as alternate modernities lead to a symbolic multiverse, with individuals living in a social multiverse.
Keyowrds: mythology; Weltanschauung; worldview; symbolic universe; states of consciousness; altered states of consciousness; alternative states of consciousness; symbolic multiverse; social multiverse
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