The Roots of Consciousness: The Classic Encyclopedia of Consciousness Studies Revised and Expanded
by Jeffrey Mishlove, Ph.D.
1975

A clinical psychologist and expert on parapsychology looks at the way history, folklore, and science shape the understanding of psychic ability
-- Explores the idea that telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, psychokinesis, astral projection, and other such powers are latent within everyone
-- Illustrated with 100 black-and-white photographs and illustrations

The title for The Roots of Consciousness was inspired by a statement of cosmologist Arthur M. Young, who cautioned against seeking only the "flowers of consciousness," such as clairvoyance and telepathy, considering them no more than the "intriguing foliage" of psychology. Author Jeffrey Mishlove, however, believes that these and other psychic powers are not just for show, but are "rooted in the essential core of our existence."

In this thorough book, Young makes the case that, although alien to Western society's ways of thinking, psychic phenomena is deeply embedded within consciousness. He looks at:
-- History: studies shamanistic traditions; the ancient civilizations of India, China, Greece, Mesopotamia, and Rome; early Hebrews, Christians, and hermits; and Islamic beliefs and ideas in Medieval Europe, the Renaissance, and the Age of Enlightenment
-- Folklore: examines astrology; astral projection and out-of-body experiences; faith healing; auras; communication with angels and other spirits; contact with UFOs and aliens; near-death experiences; mind over matter; and practical applications like dowsing and psychic police work
-- Science: chronicles and evaluates formal research into psychic capacities, especially ESP; hypnosis; psychic performers such as Pavel Stepanek, Bill Delmore, and Uri Geller; psychokinesis

Throughout the book, Mishlove presents the viewpoints of both believers and nonbelievers as a further means of introducing the language and concepts of psychic functioning.