Foundation for a New Consciousness:
An Essay on Art, Science, and Meditation

digital image titled Foundation for a New Consciousness cover image

Using examples of modern literature, art, and music, Caris shows that the arts form the basis for meditation and have conveyed over centuries mystical knowledge. His cogent application of examples—including Mircea Eliade, e.e. cummings, Carl Jung, and M. C. Escher—presents the reader with thought-provoking ideas. Selecting alchemy as his guide, he blends ancient metaphysical beliefs with contemporary ones and demonstrates that at the center of consciousness is paradoxical thinking, which the author clarifies through an in-depth investigation. The new consciousness is based on a holistic and alchemical matrix that encourages the growth of a healthy mind. Enhanced by lively drawings, this book will help readers find their inner space, transform their consciousness, and reach a higher level of awareness.

An excerpt from the book.

Complete book online.


"Enjoyable and stimulating." The Small Press Book Review


The Classic First Edition
ALL ODERS WILL BE SHIPPED AFTER OCTOBER 20, 2008
Softcover, 138 pages, illustrations, bibliography, index. ISBN 0-9607320-1-2
$8.95 plus $3.00 shipping by US Postal media mail in the USA.
Caris Book Package: All three of Caris’ softcover books
Hermes Beckons, Foundation for a New Consciousness, and Reality Inspector
for $27 (a $6 savings) plus $4 for shipping
by US Postal media mail in the USA.
Autographed Copy, if requested.
For US Postal 3 Day Priority or for shipping outside of the USA,
please inquire about shipping costs.

All sales are in U.S. dollars.
To order, send a check drawn on a US bank or a US Postal or International money order
payable to John Caris, 56 Westgate Drive, San Francisco, CA 94127-2738.
For further information, send email to caris@westgatehouse.com

cover image and text
Copyright © 1987 John Caris


Entrance Hermes Beckons Reality Inspector

 Westgate House logo

Westgate House logo © 1987 John Caris