Eight-circuit model of consciousness

The Eight-Circuit Model of Consciousness is a hypothesis by Timothy Leary, and later expanded on by Robert Anton Wilson and
Antero Alli, that "suggested eight periods [circuits] and twenty-four stages of neurological evolution".[1] The eight circuits, or eight
"brains" as referred by other authors, operate within the human nervous system, each corresponding to its own imprint and direct
experience of reality.[2] Leary and Alli include three stages for each circuit that details developmental points for each level of
consciousness.[3][4][5]

The first four circuits deal with life on earth, and survival of the species. The last four circuits are post-terrestrial, and deal with the
evolution of the species,altered states of consciousness, enlightenment, mystical experiences, psychedelic states of mind, and psychic
abilities. The proposal suggests that these altered states of consciousness are recently realized, but not widely utilized. Leary
describes the first four as "larval circuits", necessary for surviving and functioning in a terrestrial human society, and proposed that
the post terrestrial circuits will be useful for future humans who, through a predetermined script, continue to act on their urge to
migrate to outer space and live extra-terrestrially.[6] Leary, Wilson, and Alli have written about the idea in depth, and have explored
and attempted to define how each circuit operates, both in the lives of individual people and in societies and civilization.

The term "circuit" is equated to a metaphor of the brain beingcomputer hardware, and that the wiring of the brain ascircuitry.[7][8]

Leary uses the eight circuits along withrecapitulation theory to explain the evolution of the human species, the personal development
of an individual, and thebiological evolution of all life.[9][10]

Contents
The Eight Circuits
[14][15][16]
1. (Leary)The vegetative-invertebrate circuit (Wilson)The oral bio-survival circuit
[18][19]
2. (Leary)The emotional-locomotion circuit (Wilson)The anal territorial circuit
[24][25]
3. (Leary)The laryngeal-manual symbolic circuit (Wilson)The semantic time-binding circuit
[26][27]
4. (Leary)The socio-sexual domestication circuit (Wilson)The socio-sexual circuit
[28][29]
5. (Leary and Wilson)The neurosomatic circuit
[35][36]
6. (Leary)The neuro-electric circuit (Wilson)The metaprogramming circuit
[40][41]
7. (Leary)The neurogenetic circuit (Wilson)The morphogenetic circuit
[45][46]
8. (Leary)The neuro-atomic metaphysiological (Wilson)The non-local quantum circuit
Leary's contribution
Other authors on the eight circuits
Bibliography
See also
References
External links

The Eight Circuits

Each circuit listed has each name from Leary's book "Exo-Psychology" after the preface,[11][12] and Wilson's book "Quantum
Psychology" pgs.196-201.[13] Note:In other books from Leary, Wilson, and Alli, the eight circuits have different names due to
different interpretations and findings of each author. Please reference bibliography section for other works on labeling of each
circuit.
1. (Leary)The vegetative-invertebrate circuit (Wilson)The oral bio-survival
circuit[14][15][16]
This circuit is concerned with nourishment, physical safety, comfort and survival, suckling, cuddling, etc. It begins with one spatial
dimension, forward/back.

This circuit is imprinted early in infancy. The imprint will normally last for life unless it is re-imprinted by a powerful experience.
Depending on the nature of the imprint, the organism will tend towards one of two basic attitudes:

A positive imprint sets up a basic attitude of trust. The organism generally considers the environment benign and
accepts and approaches. This is equivalent to a default life position of "you're ok" in the 'life positions' model of
Transactional analysis.
A negative imprint sets up a basic attitude of suspicion. The organism generally regards the environment as hostile
and flees and avoids. This is equivalent to a default life position of "you're not ok" in the
'life positions' model of
Transactional analysis.
This circuit is said to have appeared in the earliest evolution of the invertebrate brain and corresponds to the reptilian brain of triune
brain theory. This circuit operates in essentially the same way across mammals, reptiles, fish, primates and humans.

Robert Anton Wilson equated this circuit with the oral stage in the Freudian theory of psychosexual development, and proposed that
this circuit is activated in adults by strongopioids.[17]

2. (Leary)The emotional-locomotion circuit (Wilson)The anal territorial circuit[18][19]

The emotional-territorial circuit is imprinted in the toddler stage. It is concerned with domination and submission, territoriality
, etc.

The imprint on this circuit will trigger one of two states:

Dominant, aggressive behavior. This imprint creates an 'alpha' social attitude. Equivalent to the 'top dog' position in
the model of Fritz Perls, to 'I'm OK' in the 'life positions' model of Transactional analysis, and to master morality in
the model of Friedrich Nietzsche.[20]
Submissive, co-operative behavior. Equivalent to the 'bottom dog' position in the model of Fritz Perls, to 'I'm not OK'
in the life positions model and to Nietzschean 'slave morality'.
This circuit is activated by depressant drugs such as alcohol, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines. This circuit appeared first in
territorial vertebrate animals and is preserved across all mammals. It corresponds to the mammalian brain of triune brain theory.
Robert Anton Wilson equated this circuit with the anal stage in the Freudian theory of psycho-sexual development. This circuit
introduces a 2nd spatial dimension; up/down.

The first and second circuits both imprint in a binary fashion: trust/suspicion and dominance/submission.[21] Thus there are four
possible ways of imprinting the first two circuits:

Trusting 1st circuit and dominant 2nd circuit.I'm OK; you're OK. Friendly strength in theInterpersonal Circumplex.
Fire in the four elements model.[22] Choleric in the four humors model.[23]
Trusting 1st circuit and submissive 2nd circuit. I'm not OK; you're OK. Friendly weakness. Water in the four elements
model. Phlegmatic humor.
Suspicious 1st circuit and dominant 2nd circuit.I'm OK; you're not OK. Unfriendly strength. Air in the four elements
model. Sanguine humor.
Suspicious 1st circuit and submissive 2nd circuit.I'm not OK; you're not OK. Unfriendly weakness.Earth in the four
elements model. Melancholic humor.

3. (Leary)The laryngeal-manual symbolic circuit (Wilson)The semantic time-binding

circuit[24][25]
This circuit is imprinted by human symbol systems. It is concerned with language, handling the environment, invention, calculation,
prediction, building a mental "map" of the universe, physical dexterity
, etc.
This circuit is activated by stimulant drugs such as amphetamines, cathinones, cocaine, and caffeine. This circuit supposedly
appeared first when hominids started differentiating from the rest of theprimates.

Robert Anton Wilson, being heavily influenced by General Semantics, writes of this circuit as the 'time-binding circuit'. This means
that this circuit's contents – including human know-how, technology, science etc. - are preserved memetically and passed on from
generation to generation, constantly mutating and increasing in sophistication.

4. (Leary)The socio-sexual domestication circuit (Wilson)The socio-sexual

circuit[26][27]
This fourth circuit is imprinted by the first orgasm-mating experiences and tribal "morals". It is concerned with sexual pleasure
(instead of sexual reproduction), local definitions of "moral" and "immoral", reproduction, rearing of the young, etc. The fourth
circuit concerns itself with cultural values and operating within social networks. This circuit is said to have first appeared with the
development of tribes. Some have pointed out that entactogens such as MDMA seem to meet some of the requirements needed to
activate this circuit.

5. (Leary and Wilson)The neurosomatic circuit[28][29]

This is concerned with neurological-somatic feedbacks, feeling high and blissful, somatic reprogramming, etc. It may be called the
rapture circuit.[30]

When this circuit is activated, a non-conceptual feeling of well-being arises. This has a beneficial effect on the health of the physical
body.[31]

The fifth circuit is consciousness of the body. There is a marked shift from linear visual space to an all-encompassing aesthetic
, but for their aesthetic qualities.[32] Experience of this
sensory space. Perceptions are judged not so much for their meaning and utility
circuit often accompanies anhedonistic turn-on, a rapturous amusement, a detachment from the previously compulsive mechanism of
the first four circuits.

This circuit is activated by ecstatic experiences via physiological effects of cannabis, Hatha Yoga, tantra and Zen meditation. Robert
Anton Wilson writes, "Tantra yoga is concerned with shifting consciousness entirely into this circuit"[33] and that "Prolonged sexual
play without orgasm always triggers some CircuitV consciousness".[34]

Leary describes that this circuit first appeared in the upper classes, with the development of leisure-class civilizations around 2000
BC.

6. (Leary)The neuro-electric circuit (Wilson)The metaprogramming circuit[35][36]

Note: Timothy Leary lists this circuit as the sixth, and the neurogenetic circuit as the seventh.[37] In "Prometheus Rising", Robert
Anton Wilson reversed the order of these two circuits,[38] describing the neurogenetic circuit as the sixth circuit, and the
metaprogramming circuit as the seventh. In the subsequently published "Quantum Psychology", he reverted this back to the order
proposed by Leary.[39]

This circuit is concerned with re-imprinting and re-programming all earlier circuits and the relativity of "realities" perceived. The
sixth circuit consists of the nervous system becoming aware of itself. Leary says this circuit enables telepathic communicationand is
activated by low-to-moderate doses of LSD (50-150 µg), moderate doses of peyote, psilocybin mushrooms and meditation/chanting
especially when used in a group or ritual setting. This circuit is traced by Leary back to 500 BC.

7. (Leary)The neurogenetic circuit (Wilson)The morphogenetic circuit[40][41]

This circuit is the connection of the individual's mind to the whole sweep of evolution and life as a whole. It is the part of
consciousness that echoes the experiences of the previous generations that have brought the individual's brain-mind to its present
level.

It deals with ancestral, societal and scientific DNA-RNA-brain feedbacks. Those who achieve this mutation may speak of past lives,
reincarnation, immortality etc.[42] It corresponds to the collective unconscious in the models of Carl Jung[43] where archetypes
reside.

Activation of this circuit may be equated with consciousness of the Great God Pan in his aspect as Life as a whole, or with
consciousness of Gaia, the biosphere considered as a single organism.[44]

This circuit is activated by moderate doses of LSD (200-500 µg), higher doses of peyote, higher doses of psilocybin mushrooms,
yoga and meditation.

The circuit first appeared among theHindus in the early first millennium and later reappeared among theSufi sects.

8. (Leary)The neuro-atomic metaphysiological (Wilson)The non-local quantum

circuit[45][46]
The eighth circuit is concerned with quantum consciousness, non-local awareness (information from beyond ordinary space-time
awareness which is limited by the speed of light), illumination. Some of the ways this circuit can get activated are: the awakening of
kundalini, shock, a near-death experience, DMT, etc. This circuit has even been compared to theBuddhist concept of Indra's net from
the Avatamsaka Sutra.

Leary's contribution
Leary stated "They[The theories presented in Info-Psychology] are scientific in that they are based on empirical findings from
physics, physiology, pharmacology, genetics, astronomy, behavioral psychology, information science, and most importantly,
neurology." [47]

Leary called his book "science faction" or "psi-phy" and noted he had written it "in various prisons to which the author had been
[48]
sentenced for dangerous ideology and violations of Newtonian and religious laws".

Although Leary propounded the basic premise of eight "brains" or brain circuits, he was inspired by sources such as the Hindu
chakra system.

Leary claimed that among other things this model explained the social conflict in the 1960s, where the mainstream was said to be
those with four circuits active and characterized by Leary as tribal moralists and clashed with the counter-culturists, who were then
said to be those with the fifth circuit active and characterized asindividualists and hedonists.

Leary's first book on the subject, Neurologic, only included seven circuits when it was published in 1973. Exo-Psychology, published
in 1977, expanded the number of circuits to eight and clarified the subject. In it, he puts forward the theory that the later four circuits
are "post terrestrial;" intended to develop as we migrate off this planet and colonize others.[49] Once we begin space migration,
according to Leary, we will have more ready access to these higher circuits. Exo-Psychology was re-published as revised by Timothy
Leary with additional material in 1989 under the titleInfo-Psychology (New Falcon Publishing).

Other authors on the eight circuits

Leary's ideas heavily influenced the work of Robert Anton Wilson. Wilson's book Prometheus Rising is an in-depth work
documenting Leary's eight-circuit model of consciousness. Wilson's published screenplay Reality Is What You Can Get Away With
uses and explains the model. Wilson, like Leary, wrote about the distinction between terrestrial andpost-terrestrial life.
Angel Tech by Antero Alli, is structured around the Eight-circuit model of consciousness. Alli defines
the word angel as "a being of light" and tech from the word "techne" meaning "art". The title is
defined as "the art of being light".[50] It includes suggested activities such as meditations and
construction of tarot-card collages associated with each circuit and imprint.

The model is fairly prominent in chaos magic. This concept has been detailed in "Chaotopia!" by
Dave Lee, a leading member of the magic society Illuminates of Thanateros. Leary and Wilson were
also members of the society. In chaos magic the
eight circuits are
Rolf Von Eckartsberg also appears to have been influenced by the model.[51][52] sometimes related to
the eight rays of the
Bibliography symbol of chaos

Alli, Antero. Angel Tech: A Modern Shaman's Guide to Reality Selection, The Original
Falcon Press; (1985)(Reprint - 2008).ISBN 978-1-935150-95-4.
Alli, Antero. The Eight-Circuit Brain: Navigational Strategies for the Energetic Body
, Vertical Pool Publishing; (2009).
ISBN 978-0-9657341-3-4.
Leary, Timothy. The Game of Life, (1979) (Second Edition, 1993), with contributions by Robert Anton Wilson.
ISBN 9781561840502
Leary, Timothy. The Politics of Ecstasy, (1970) ISBN 1-57951-031-0
Leary, Timothy. Neurologic, 1973, with Joanna Leary.
Leary, Timothy. Exo-Psychology, 1977.
Leary, Timothy. Info-Psychology, New Falcon Publications, (1987)(Seventh Print, 2011),ISBN 1-56184-105-6.
Leary, Timothy. What Does WoMan Want?, (1976), 88 books.
"Leary's 8 Calibre Brain",Psychic magazine, (April, 1976).
Lee, Dave. Chaotopia!, Mandrake of Oxford. ISBN 1-869928-88-1.
Valle, R. & von Eckarsberg, R.The metaphors of consciousness. New York: Plenum Press.
Wilson, Robert Anton.Prometheus Rising, (1983), New Falcon Publications (Reprint - 1992).ISBN 1-56184-056-4.
Wilson, Robert Anton.Quantum Psychology, (1990). ISBN 9781561840717.
Wilson, Robert Anton.Reality Is What You Can Get Away With, (1992)(new introduction added, 1996).

See also
Psychedelic experience
Human Biocomputer
Metasystem transition
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs
Erik Erikson's "Eight stages of man" (1950)
Eight Consciousnesses

References
1. Leary, T. (1987). Info-Psychology. New Falcon Press, Los Angeles. Page xii
2. Leary, Wilson, Alli, et al. (1977-95)
3. Leary, T. (1987). Info-Psychology. New Falcon Press, Los Angeles. Seventh Printing, (2011). Page 16.
4. Alli, A. (2009). The Eight-Circuit Brain. Vertical Pool publishing, Berkeley, CA. Page 42.
5. Leary, T. (1979) Game of Life. New Falcon Publications. Phoenix, AZ. 2nd Ed. (1993). Pg. 48.
6. "Info-Psychology," Chapter 12, Timothy Leary, 1994, New Falcon Publications, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
7. Wilson, R.A.(1983). Prometheus Rising. New Falcon Publications, Reno, NV. Twenty-first Printing, (2009). Pgs. 33-
41.
8. Leary, T. (1979) Game of Life. New Falcon Publications. Phoenix, AZ. 2nd Ed. (1993). Pg. 4.
9. Leary, T. (1979) Game of Life. New Falcon Publications. Phoenix, AZ. 2nd Ed. (1993). Pg. 86.
10. Leary, T. (1987). Info-Psychology. New Falcon Press, Los Angeles. Seventh Printing, (2011). Pg. 5.
11. Leary, T. (1977). Exo-Psychology. Starseed/Peace Press, Los Angeles. Pg. 14 not numbered
12. https://archive.org/stream/exopsychologyman00learrich#page/n15/mode/2up
13. Wilson, R.A. (1990). Quantum Psychology
. New Falcon Press, Tempe, AZ. Page 196-201
14. Leary, T. (1977). Exo-Psychology. Starseed/Peace Press, Los Angeles. Pg. 14 not numbered
15. https://archive.org/stream/exopsychologyman00learrich#page/n15/mode/2up
16. Wilson, R.A. (1990). Quantum Psychology
. New Falcon Press, Tempe, AZ. Page 196-201
17. Prometheus Rising, pg. 47-48
18. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
19. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
20. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 79.
21. http://deoxy.org/raw1.htm
22. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 73.
23. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 73.
24. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
25. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
26. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
27. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
28. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
29. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
30. Leary, T., "Neurologic" (1973). Starseed Publications, San Francisco.
31. Wilson, R.A., "Quantum Psychology" (1990). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 198
32. Leary, T., "Neurologic" (1973). Starseed Publications, San Francisco. Page -1.
V
33. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 41.
34. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 184.
35. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
36. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
37. Leary, T. (1977). "Neuropolitics". Starseed Peace Press, Los Angeles.
38. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T
39. Wilson, R.A. (1990). Quantum Psychology
. New Falcon Press, Tempe, AZ. Seventh Printing, (2003). Page 199-200
40. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
41. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
42. http://deoxy.org/cc-chap4.htm
43. Wilson, R.A. "Prometheus Rising" (1983). New Falcon Publications,empe.
T Page 41.
44. http://deoxy.org/cc-chap4.htm
45. Exo-Psychology, table of contents
46. Quantum Psychology, pgs. 196-201
47. Info-Psychology, pg 8., seventh printing, 2011or Info-Psychology, pg. 7, third printing, 1992
48. Info-Psychology, p7.
49. Leary, Timothy (1977). Exo-Psychology. Los Angeles: Starseed/Peace Press Inc. p. 103.ISBN 0-915238-16-0.
50. Alli, Antero. (1985) "Angel Tech: A Modern Shaman's Guide to Reality Selection" New Falcon Publications, empe.
T
51. Von Eckartsberg, R. (1981a). "Maps of the mind". In Valle, R. & von Eckarsberg, R.The metaphors of
consciousness. New York: Plenum Press.
52. http://www.earthportals.com/Portal_Messenger/bohm2.html

External links
Leary's Eight Circuit Model of Consciousness
 The 8-Circuit Model of Timothy Leary and Robert Anton Wilson
The Eight Winner and Loser Scripts
Totem Pill - Animated Interpretation of the 8 Circuit Model by Marc Ngui
Wikibook on consciousness studies

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