Consciousness
A manifesto for upshift
Philosopher Ervin László outlines how we can upshift consciousness to reach a higher phase in our evolution.
8 December 2023
This article first appeared in our Earth Day 2025 issue of My Green Pod Magazine, published 22 April. Click here to subscribe to our digital edition and get each issue delivered straight to your inbox
Main image: The FiVth venue, Quinta Bella Vista in Sintra, Portugal
In the heart of Portugal’s mystical landscape, a prophecy whispers through the ages – a vision of unity, enlightenment and a new era for humanity.
This vision, known as the Fifth Empire (Quinto Império), predicts a time when individuals across the globe will converge to awaken a higher consciousness and co-create a harmonious world.
‘The Fifth Empire is a visionary concept’, explains Luke Levene, founder and visionary director of The FiVth. ‘Unlike its predecessors – the Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman empires – the Fifth Empire is envisioned not as a territorial dominion but as a spiritual and cultural unification of humanity. It represents the culmination of human evolution, where material and spiritual knowledge harmoniously converge, leading to a global community united in consciousness and purpose.’
As we face collective challenges that transcend borders – from environmental crises and social inequalities to existential uncertainties – the vision of the Fifth Empire serves as a reminder of our potential to co-create a unified, compassionate and enlightened global society.
The visionary concept, rooted in Portuguese mysticism, was notably articulated by Father António Vieira in the 17th century and later explored by poet Fernando Pessoa.
Now this ancient prophecy will find its contemporary expression in The FiVth, a groundbreaking festival set amidst the enchanting surroundings of Quinta da Bella Vista in Sintra, Portugal on 04 May 2025.
‘The concept of The FiVth was conceived in early 2024 during a series of dialogues among a diverse group of visionaries who recognised the need for a unifying platform that transcends conventional paradigms’, says Luke.
‘Inspired by the Portuguese prophecy of the Fifth Empire and the global shifts occurring, we felt a calling to create an event that embodies the convergence of spirituality, science, art and community. The inaugural gathering this May will mark the beginning of what we envision to be an annual convergence of conscious pioneers.’
The FiVth is orchestrated by a collective of visionaries, creators and spiritual pioneers united by a shared mission: to catalyse a global awakening and usher in a new era of human potential.
The team comprises thought leaders, artists, technologists and healers dedicated to creating transformative experiences that unite ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
‘Our goal is to foster a community where individuals can explore consciousness, creativity and connection, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and enlightened world’, explains Luke.
At the helm of this transformative experience is Robert Edward Grant, a polymath whose work bridges the realms of mathematics, music theory and consciousness studies.
With over 80 patents to his name and a reputation for integrating ancient wisdom with modern science, Grant embodies the spirit of innovation and enlightenment that The FiVth seeks to cultivate.
His keynote address and immersive workshop promise to unlock new dimensions of thought and inspire actionable change.
Nestled within the lush gardens and historic charm of Quinta da Bella Vista – a venue once graced by luminaries like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – those attending The FiVth this May will immerse themselves in a day-long exploration of consciousness, creativity and community.
‘My personal mission is to serve as a conduit for collective transformation by creating spaces where individuals can reconnect with their true essence and the greater whole’, Luke tells us.
‘Through The FiVth, I aim to facilitate experiences that dissolve the illusion of separation, ignite the creative spirit and empower individuals to embody their highest potential. This event is a manifestation of my commitment to co-creating a world rooted in unity, love and conscious evolution.’
The FiVth has partnered with OMMM Presents, Conscious Health Summit and Meya to design a multisensory journey, weaving together diverse elements to create a transformative experience.
In addition to visionary speakers, participants can look forward to musical alchemy from Rave to Ritual.
This musical journey will traverse genres and cultures, featuring a live pianist whose melodies will weave through the fabric of the event and create spaces for reflection, dance and transcendence.
The aim of this sonic tapestry is to dissolve barriers and connect attendees to the universal rhythms that unite us all.
The festival’s Healing Zones and Conscious Tech activations will showcase cutting-edge modalities such as neurotechnology, frequency healing and AI-driven wellness tools.
These offerings invite participants to experience firsthand the synergies between ancient healing practices and contemporary technological advancements, opening pathways to holistic wellbeing.
The event will integrate elements from various cultural traditions, and feature rituals designed to foster connection, presence and collective intention-setting.
These ceremonies will serve as anchors to ground the transformative experiences within a sacred context.
‘Our collective consciousness is often constrained by deeply ingrained paradigms of separation, fear and scarcity’, Luke shares. ‘These limiting beliefs have been perpetuated over centuries through societal structures, cultural narratives and economic systems
that prioritise competition over collaboration, materialism over meaning and division over unity.’
For Luke and the collective behind The FiVth, this fragmentation has led to a disconnection from ourselves, each other and the natural world, stifling our innate potential for empathy, creativity and collective wellbeing.
In order to address the multifaceted crises we face as a species, we must transcend outdated paradigms and embrace interconnectedness, so we can foster the innovative solutions that honour the wellbeing of all life.
This evolution of our collective consciousness will require self-awareness, through the cultivation of mindfulness and introspection to recognise and transform limiting beliefs and behaviours.
At the same time we must build communities and create spaces for authentic connection, dialogue and collaboration across diverse perspectives.
Ancient spiritual practices must be united with contemporary knowledge to inform holistic approaches to living, and we must implement practices and policies that reflect our connection and commitment to the greater good.
The result of this collective evolution will be a more compassionate, sustainable and thriving world where individuals and communities flourish in harmony with the planet.
It will usher in a new era of human potential, where conscious innovation will thrive and holistic wellbeing will be prioritised.
Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health will be integrated into education, healthcare and daily life, and artistic and cultural expressions will be recognised as vital avenues for individual and collective growth.
Technological and scientific advancements will be developed and applied with mindfulness, ethics and a focus on enhancing life, and societies will operate in ways that restore and revitalise social and ecological systems, ensuring sustainability for future generations.
Differences will be honoured as strengths, fostering a global culture of empathy, respect and collaboration.
There’s a lot of work to do, but a rich tapestry of evidence, rooted in Portuguese mysticism, to suggest that Quinta da Bella Vista will be the place to do it – and the beginning of May will be the time.
The first weekend of May 2025 offers a profound journey of awakening and transformation in Portugal.
The Conscious Health Summit on 02-03 May, at Lisbon’s Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, will explore the fusion of ancestral wisdom and modern science, empowering participants to take charge of their health and wellbeing.
This wave of conscious exploration will culminate with The FiVth on 04 May in Sintra, where visionaries and pioneers will gather to co-create a new paradigm of unity and enlightenment.
Together, these events offer a seamless continuum of experiences designed to elevate consciousness and foster holistic transformation.
The FiVth is more than an event, it’s a collective endeavour to manifest the ideals of the Fifth Empire prophecy.
It beckons those who are ready to join the awakening and step into their roles as architects of a new paradigm, where spirituality, science, art and community are prioritised as we forge a future rooted in unity and enlightenment.
Philosopher Ervin László outlines how we can upshift consciousness to reach a higher phase in our evolution.
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