There have been lots of people who retain memories of past lives and even the world in between incarnations. It doesn't necessarily change their circumstances.

I myself remember the last few moments in the other world before I incarnated. I remember being on a high point looking down on the lights of a big city(Los Angeles, where I was born.) I remember absolutley dreading coming here. I clearly saw what a fucked up place this is and that I wasn't up to the task that was set before me. The being next to me kept telling me that it was the only way and I had no other choice.

I don't believe the archons are the ones responsible for our memory loss. I think it might be some sort of protection mechanism, at least in my case, since I'm pretty sure I did horrible things in other lives.

I am grateful that I either was allowed or had enough personal power to remember those last few moments. It has helped me know that we are more than we appear to be and that with enough work we can become whole again.

I can tell you that time runs much slower in that realm.
Also I remember my body was pure energy that was vaguely shaped like an upside down bell, just as Casteneda says.
The being that was next to me was much larger and felt older and wiser than I.

It seems to me that Casteneda was right that shutting off the internal dialog is the only way to become whole again and reclaim the power that is rightfully ours, and I think deep meditation and self observation are the best ways to do that.

Keep at it Op. We need more fully conscious people in this world if we're ever to turn things around.