Ralph Metzner

Ralph Metzner

Ralph Metzner (1936-2019) was a renowned psychologist, writer, and researcher, known for his extensive work in the field of psychedelic, holotropic breathwork, and shamanism. He was one of the pioneers in the study of consciousness and its alterations, contributing significantly to the understanding of the human mind and its potential.

Early Life and Education

Metzner was born in Germany in 1936. He moved to the United States for his higher education, earning a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard University in 1962. During his time at Harvard, he collaborated with Timothy Leary and Richard Alpert (later known as Ram Dass) on the Harvard Psilocybin Project, which aimed to study the effects of psilocybin on human consciousness.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Metzner served as a professor of psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) for several years. He was also the co-founder and president of the Green Earth Foundation, an organization dedicated to healing and harmonizing the relationship between humans and the Earth.

Metzner authored numerous books and papers on psychedelics, consciousness, and shamanism, including "The Psychedelic Experience," "Green Psychology," and "The Unfolding Self." His work has been influential in the fields of transpersonal psychology and psychedelic therapy.

Legacy

Metzner's work has had a profound impact on the study of consciousness and the therapeutic use of psychedelics. His research has helped to legitimize the field of psychedelic therapy and has paved the way for the current renaissance in psychedelic research.

See Also

• Psychedelic therapy
• Transpersonal psychology
• Timothy Leary
• Richard Alpert