What is Consciousness?

The perception of existence. In New Thought, consciousness is the primary reality, the medium through which Spirit expresses itself.

Consciousness represents the fundamental ground of all existence in esoteric philosophy, understood not merely as personal awareness but as the divine creative principle itself. In Neville Goddard's profound teaching, consciousness is both the cause and substance of the world, the very fabric from which all experience is woven. This understanding elevates consciousness far beyond the conventional psychological definition to reveal it as the ultimate reality from which all phenomena emerge. When we grasp that consciousness is the origin of creation, we begin to understand our true power as divine beings capable of shaping reality through the quality of our awareness.

The concept has deep roots in ancient wisdom traditions, appearing in various forms across Hermetic philosophy, Vedanta, and Christian mysticism. The Hermetic axiom "As above, so below" reflects this understanding that consciousness operates at both cosmic and individual levels. In Eastern philosophy, particularly Advaita Vedanta, consciousness (Chit) is recognized as one of the three fundamental aspects of ultimate reality, alongside existence (Sat) and bliss (Ananda). The Kabbalistic tradition speaks of consciousness as the divine light that emanates through the Tree of Life, while Christian mystics have long understood Christ Consciousness as the awakened awareness of our divine nature.

Different esoteric traditions offer varying perspectives on how consciousness operates as the creative force. New Thought pioneers like Emma Curtis Hopkins and Ernest Holmes emphasized consciousness as the medium through which divine ideas manifest in physical form. Neville Goddard's unique contribution lies in his emphasis on feeling as the secret to directing consciousness, teaching that our emotional states literally sculpt reality. The Hermetic tradition focuses on consciousness as the principle of mentalism, the idea that "all is mind," while Kabbalistic teachings describe consciousness as the divine emanation that flows through different levels of reality.

Consciousness connects intimately with other fundamental esoteric concepts, forming a web of interconnected principles. Imagination serves as consciousness in action, the creative faculty through which we shape our experience. Desire represents consciousness recognizing what it wishes to become, while feeling provides the emotional charge that activates consciousness's creative power. The concept of Christ Within points to the divine consciousness that is our true identity, and prayer becomes the conscious direction of this divine awareness toward specific outcomes. Understanding consciousness as primary helps us recognize that techniques like affirmations and visualization work not through external manipulation but through the fundamental creative nature of awareness itself.

For the modern seeker, understanding consciousness as the origin of creation offers both profound empowerment and deep responsibility. This knowledge transforms every moment of awareness into a creative act, making the quality of our consciousness the most important factor in our spiritual development. Rather than seeing ourselves as victims of circumstance, we begin to recognize ourselves as conscious creators, capable of transforming our experience through the disciplined direction of our awareness. This understanding bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary life, offering practical tools for conscious creation while maintaining the profound spiritual depth that characterizes authentic esoteric teaching.

The word consciousness derives from the Latin conscientius, meaning "knowing with" or "being aware together," formed from con- (with) and scire (to know). Originally, the term simply indicated shared knowledge or awareness, but its meaning expanded significantly during the philosophical developments of the 17th and 18th centuries. Philosophers like René Descartes and John Locke began using consciousness to describe the mind's capacity for self-awareness and reflection, establishing it as a central concern in Western philosophy.

Within esoteric traditions, consciousness underwent a profound transformation in meaning, evolving from a psychological phenomenon to a metaphysical principle. The New Thought movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries revolutionized the concept by identifying consciousness as the creative force behind all manifestation. Pioneers like Phineas Quimby and later teachers like Neville Goddard elevated consciousness from a human faculty to the divine creative principle itself, teaching that individual consciousness is actually the one universal consciousness expressing itself in seemingly separate forms. This evolution represents one of the most significant developments in modern esoteric thought, bridging Eastern non-dual philosophy with Western practical mysticism.

To work consciously with consciousness as the creative principle, begin each day with the recognition that your state of awareness is literally shaping your experience. Practice conscious feeling by deliberately cultivating the emotional state that corresponds to your desired reality, understanding that consciousness creates through the medium of feeling rather than mere thought. When facing challenges, instead of reacting from unconscious patterns, pause and ask yourself: "What quality of consciousness would create the outcome I desire?" This simple shift moves you from victim to creator, aligning you with your true power.

Develop a regular practice of conscious imagining, where you deliberately use your faculty of imagination to experience your desired reality as already accomplished. Neville taught that imagination is consciousness in action, so treat your imaginal acts with the same reality you give to physical events. Before sleep, which Neville called the "gateway to the subconscious," consciously direct your awareness toward the feeling of your wish fulfilled. This practice works because sleep represents a state where consciousness is less constrained by physical limitations, making it an optimal time for conscious creation. Remember that consciousness is always creating; the question is whether you are doing so consciously or unconsciously.