David Ritchey is an independent psychological researcher with a particular interest in creativity, altered states of consciousness and transpersonal, ("metaphysical"," "paranormal" or "psychic") experiences. Drawing on a diversified professional background in finance, the arts and psychotherapy, he has taken a synoptic approach in writing this book, addressing a general, rather than an academic, audience. He currently lives on Cape Cod with his Golden Retriever, Katherine, and exhibits his Fine Arts Photography at "Harperspace", his daughter's gallery in Wellfleet.