Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind

Written by Graham Hancock

Less than fifty thousand years ago mankind had no art, no religion, no sophisticated symbolism, no innovative thinking. Then, in a dramatic and electrifying change, described by scientists as "the greatest riddle in human history," all the skills and qualities that we value most highly in ourselves appeared already fully formed, as though bestowed on us by hidden powers.

In Supernatural Graham Hancock sets out to investigate this mysterious "before-and-after moment" and to discover the truth about the influences that gave birth to the modern human mind. His quest takes him on a detective journey from the stunningly beautiful painted caves of prehistoric France, Spain, and Italy to rock shelters in the mountains of South Africa, where he finds extraordinary Stone Age art. He uncovers clues that lead him to the depths of the Amazon rainforest to drink the powerful hallucinogen Ayahuasca with shamans, whose paintings contain images of "supernatural beings" identical to the animal-human hybrids depicted in prehistoric caves. Hallucinogens such as mescaline also produce visionary encounters with exactly the same beings. Scientists at the cutting edge of consciousness research have begun to consider the possibility that such hallucinations may be real perceptions of other "dimensions." Could the "supernaturals" first depicted in the painted caves be the ancient teachers of mankind? Could it be that human evolution is not just the "meaningless" process that Darwin identified, but something more purposive and intelligent that we have barely begun to understand?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Oct 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781491534328

Graham Hancock

Graham Hancock is the author of the international bestsellers The Sign and The Seal, Fingerprints of the Gods, and Heaven's Mirror. His books have sold more than five million copies.

Reviews for Supernatural

[Paige U · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is such a wonderfully written book; well researched and well presented. I found the information contained within extremely useful within context to my own studies pertaining to world religions and world philosophies.

[Neal Marincak · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked the scientific references and all the info on the caves but it went on and on about alien abductions and the endless folk stories almost killed me

[Raymond Doyle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I didn’t like this book as much as I did Fingerprints of the Gods. It was okay but I was hoping for more information on terrestrial matters and less about the Greys etc. I look forward to reading other books by Graham Hancock.

[zane tolleson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book. Very underrated. Fuck the haters. Graham’s the man.

[Kristie Maria Blevins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

To say that this book was absolutely captivating is an understatement

[Marcus Aurelius · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another Graham Hancock classic. The questions he poses about religion must be asked and with a serious mind, thought about.

[Richard Marcelo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An interesting and extensive look into the world on psychedelics as a gateway to exploring inner workings of the mind. Hancock poses some interesting questions about why such substances even interact with our psyche, the evolutionary reasons for such affinity to such substances, and the historical significance of such substances, culturally, in attaining a higher understanding of the material world and our place in it. Although no solid conclusions are lain out as the result off this work, the questions in and of themselves are fascinating in that these questions are wholly ignored in modern science, and society, for that mater. Definitely worth a read or listen.

[George Almaraz · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Boring asf....talk about stretching out stories to write a long ass book.

[Rob Francis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought it was a great read. It was fascinating to learn that all the experiences were consistent through all of history.

[KevTheHeff747 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Excellent book, well-written and provocative. I plan to read more by Hancock.

[wild_druids · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An interesting book on the spirit world as accessed with DMT. The author makes the case that theriomorphic cave art, Otherworld visions, and UFOs are actually different cultural views of the same place. Lots of detail and information on these periods, as well as entheogens.

[kvhardy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I actually the entire book from cover to cover back in 2010, mostly because my mother had read one of his other books and had really liked it.

My honest opinion? Maybe he should stop with the Ayahuasca...? Seriously, he presents some very intriguing ideas, and I might even agree with him on some points. Understand, I don't believe in any god, but I don't think I want to follow the teachings of beings from another universe who want to better the human race either.

But, I do like his ideas of reaching parts of the brain and parts of the mind (because they are not really the same thing) and learning from those experiences. Wish I could try it, without the mind-altering drugs.

With an open mind, this is a very interesting read.

[arten60 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you want to know why hallucinogenics are banned this book helps you understand the reasons for it. The revelations should shock you out of the lies you have been fed by the powers that be. Most people believe the lie that the ban is imposed because these type of drugs are dangerous. Well if they were that concerned about us all why have they not banned guns, knives,alcohol, tobacco and cars.No the reason is because under the influence of hallucinogenics people are able to see the deeper nature of our reality, and the world is not how it seems to our five sense world of perception.I think Hancock makes the excellent point, that when the government tells you, what you can and cannot ingest, then you are not in control of your own mind. Anyone claiming that they are can really be called deluded.This book is a must read book and needs to be on your bookshelves!

[bastet_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most amazing books of the year, this nonfiction tome travels the road of science and then departs where science dares not to tread--psychedelia. Hancock, a sterling reporter and writer, goes around the world sampling shamanic brews and finds a link between the visions the cause and the markings in early Cro-Magnon caves. He surmises, is this where religion came from? Is this the sudden jump that mankind made from Neanderthal to Cro-Magnon superiority.I was fascinated from cover to cover--and I don't do drugs. I think Hancock is on to something that our government and establishment scientists don't want us to know.A dangerous and necessary book.

[skywolf_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fascinating. Brilliant. This book will change the way you think - about yourself, about history, about religion, about the paranormal, about the world. Highly recommended.