Episode 31: Robert Anton Wilson, Consciousness Change and the 8-Circuit Model of Consciousness

In this episode we discuss an interview with one of Alejandro’s heroes and most significant influences, Robert Anton Wilson. We give a brief introduction to Wilson’s life and briefly touch on a few important concepts: reality tunnels, the Copenhagen interpretation of Quantum Mechanics, and attachment theory, before we unpack Leary and Wilson’s 8 Circuit Model of Human Consciousness. In 2001, Wilson recorded a long-form, 6 hour interview, with Michael Taft, which gave him the opportunity to dive into his various areas of interest, including language & reality, conscious change, and politics & conspiracy theory. The recording is called “Robert Anton Wilson Explains Everything (Or Old Bob Exposes His Ignorance)”, and it provides an excellent introduction to Wilson's life and ideas. In today’s episode, we discuss Session Three from this recording, titled “Consciousness Change, And The Eight-Circuit Model Of Human Consciousness.” References Robert Anton Wilson Explains Everything: Or, Old Bob Exposes His Ignorance: Session Three - Consciousness Change, And The Eight-Circuit Model Of Human Consciousness (2001) Robert Anton Wilson — Prometheus Rising (1983) Robert Anton Wilson — Cosmic Trigger I (1977) Alfred Korzybski — Science and Sanity (1933) Susan Blackmore — Conversations on Consciousness (2007) Alejandro Tuama — The Occurrence at Herdsman’s Lake (2025) Grant Morrison — Live at DisInfo Convention 2000 Grant Morrison — Pop Magic! — from Book of Lies: The Disinformation Guide to Magick and the Occult Altered Mates — Episode 11 — Giving LSD to kids! (…to treat severe childhood schizophrenia) Links Altered Mates Website Altered Mates Instagram Altered Mates Substack Altered Mates Patreon Music for the show by Si Mulumby A Glimpse of Eternity by Alejandro Tuama Purchase the novel here. Listen to the serialised audiobook here.