I don't believe in chance, I believe in Destiny— Alex Tanous
Noetic Science
Climate Change Psychology
Because the work of IONS is about subjective reality, transformations in consciousness, and emerging worldviews, the phenomenon of climate change and its impact on human behavior is an area of particular interest. Few issues have stirred up emotions like climate change, especially in the wake of the recent conference in Copenhagen. But rather than focus on the science, the scenarios, or the politics, we want to look at the response of individual and collective consciousness.
Let's assume for the moment that the vast majority of climate scientists are correct in their assessment that CO2 levels are rising and the overall climate is getting warmer, affecting numerous ecosystems and human societies in various destabilizing ways. How is this convergent analysis being received? Not surprisingly, it depends on how close the threat feels and, more importantly, on one's belief system.
An excellent discussion of how people are responding—or not—to the evolving story of climate change is featured in “The Greatest Story Never Told,” posted in the Science section of The New York Times online. The piece includes comments by sociologist Robert Brulle of Drexel University on why coverage and response has been so, well, lukewarm. As Brulle points out, a variety of factors conspire to keep the reality of climate change at a distance. In large part, he says, it's about how, over generations, “we've become progressively more accustomed to degraded environmental conditions.”
Also mentioned in the story is the Millennium Assessment of Human Behavior (MAHB), a new initiative being organized by Brulle, Stanford biologist Paul Ehrlich, and other researchers. As described by Ehrlich, “The central problem is clearly not a need for more natural science (although in many areas it would be helpful), but rather a need for better understanding of human behaviors and how they can be altered to direct humanity onto a course toward a sustainable society...” The MAHB website, still in early development stage, is here.
Also of interest is this fascinating article by science writer Jonah Lehrer (“Accept Defeat: The Neuroscience of Screwing Up”). It reports on a study by University of Toronto psychology professor Kevin Dunbar on what happens when scientists don't get the results they expect. The answer may trouble you, and explain in part our conflicted feelings about global climate change. As Lehrer writes, "Over the past few decades, psychologists have dismantled the myth of objectivity." It has to do with the fact that our brains actually inhibit our ability to take in new information that conflicts with our existing belief systems. For another perspective on the prevailing patterns of human consciousness, see To Believe or not to Believe: The Social and Neurological Consequences of Belief Systems by Rahasya Poe, whose interviews of numerous thought leaders and scientists address the many impacts of our psychological and emotional conditioning.
Other Resources
“Seven Answers to Climate Contrarian Nonsense”: Scientific American's detailed examination of seven “disputes” over the scientific reality of climate change.
Tread Lightly on the Earth: Religion, the Environment and the Human Future: A new report from the World Future Council, which identifies common principles across the world's great religions regarding the environment and global sustainability.
Media Spotlight
"The Noetic Science behind The Lost Symbol" teleseminar series has been extended for an additional two weeks! If you haven't had the opportunity to participate yet, now is the time. As an added benefit, the lively small group discussions that follow each teleseminar provide a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals around the world in intimate conversation to explore these fascinating topics.
We will announce our next live teleseminar series in the February issue of iShift.
We invite you to become a monthly member of IONS and participate in this series. If you sign up now, you can listen to past sessions and join in for all the teleseminars still to come.
Wednesday, January 6 at 5pm PST - "The Function and Power of the Quantum Hologram (part 1)" with Edgar Mitchell, DSc
Wednesday, January 13 at 5pm PST - "Intention" with Lynne McTaggart
Wednesday, January 20 at 5pm PST - "Collective Consciousness" with Dean Radin
Wednesday, January 27 at 5pm PST - No teleseminar
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A New Year Message from IONS' President Marilyn Mandala Schlitz
“As always, the change of years offers both an important and a sacred opportunity to reflect on our lives and the times in which we live. 2009 was certainly a dynamic and eventful year for our world, difficult for many but also hopeful, and for the evolution of IONS as well...” more
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New Books
Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation by Daniel J. Siegel. The popular UCLA educator-psychiatrist, who reached mainstream audiences with his 2007 bestseller The Mindful Brain, presents a theory of well being and brain-mind balance that draws from contemplative practice, contemporary neuroscience, and clinical psychology. Siegel also shows up with Diana Fosha and Marion Solomon as editors of the new academic title, The Healing Power of Emotion: Affective Neuroscience, Development & Clinical Practice.
The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis by Jeremy Rifkin. The influential author-educator, social critic, and international policy advisor traces the history of empathic development while confronting the paradox of an increasingly interconnected world coexisting with persistent, planet-level problems. “The disconnect,” he says, “between our vision for the world and our ability to realize that vision lies in the current state of human consciousness.”
Anomalous Experiences: Essays from Parapsychological and Psychological Perspectives edited by Matthew D. Smith. This UK psychologist, long-time parapsychology researcher, and resident “expert” for the popular British television show Most Haunted presents 13 papers from a one-day conference that took place in 2005. Go here for more information on the book.
Bridge between Worlds: Extraordinary Experiences that Changed Lives by Dan Millman and Doug Childers (revised from the 2000 original, Divine Interventions). Fifty life-changing stories of miraculous events and encounters with the divine that feature such disparate figures as Muhammad, Carl Jung, Walt Whitman, and “ordinary” people like you and me.
In the News
More on Psychedelic Research
Not mentioned in our coverage of psychedelic research in the last issue of iShift was the Heffter Research Institute, which has been supporting this work for the past 16 years and published more than 50 reports on projects supported in whole or in part by HRI funds. Four of their projects were featured in the Spring 2009 issue of Shift magazine (see “The Return of Psychedelic Research”), and many of the researchers they've supported appeared in a recent National Geographic “Explorer” special on LSD.
Last month the Czech government approved a list (subject to Justice Ministry approval) of hallucinogenic plants, including hemp, coca, mescaline, cactus, and mushrooms, that people would be allowed to grow at home—up to five pieces each, as well as 40 mushrooms caps. Read the article here.
Edgar Mitchell on Sustainability
Now in his eightieth year, IONS founder and Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell has made global sustainability his priority concern and taken that passion on the road. In this presentation at a recent seminar on carbon neutrality at Fordham University, he offers his thoughts on what is needed to prevent systemic collapse.
The Science of Happiness
Filmmaker John de Graaf (Affluenza) reports on the 5th International Gross National Happiness Conference, held December 2009 in Brazil. Also of interest: "This Emotional Life," a three-part PBS series hosted by Daniel Gilbert, Harvard psychologist and author of Stumbling on Happiness.
"Human Potential" Pioneer Leaves Legacy
George Leonard, who gave a name to what soon became the moniker of new-paradigm thinking—"the human potential movement"—recently passed away at the age of 86. An award-winning editor and writer for Look magazine, Leonard co-founded Integral Transformative Practice (ITP) with Esalen Institute founder Michael Murphy, was president of the Association for Humanistic Psychology and President Emeritus of Esalen Institute, and wrote numerous books on the nature of personal transformation, including The Transformation, The Life We Are Given (with Murphy), and The Way of Aikido. The San Francisco Chronicle once described him as having "been right so many times about prevailing zeitgeists that you have to wonder if he has a third eye." Contributions in Mr. Leonard's name may be made to ITP-International.org.
Member Spotlight
Sandra Hobson
Sandra has been on the IONS Board since 1997, serving in many roles including Board Chair, Capital Campaign Co-Chair, and Executive Committee member. She strongly believes that the work of IONS "is helping to create a more compassionate and conscious world." Over the last three decades she has served on numerous nonprofit boards throughout the Bay Area. Sandra sees her life as one devoted to service, and has combined her interests in art and healing into a counseling and consulting practice for individuals and organizations that are interested in personal, community, and environmental healing. Traveling widely, she has studied with shamans throughout the world to gain knowledge and experience of indigenous wisdom, and has integrated those experiences into her practice.
Her first book, Rituals for Life Milestones, has just been published, featuring simple rituals for meaningful life transitions and events that draw on those travels and encounters. “Rituals,” says Sandra, “are a way of giving depth and meaning to important life passages. They create the form for acknowledging what's important in our lives.” The unique design of the book reflects the connection to simple ingredients, especially stones and string, which are used in each ritual. For more information, e-mail sshobson@aol.com or visit www.charleshobson.com and click on “Artist Book List.” She and her husband Charles have two grown children and live by the sea in Stinson Beach, California.
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In Memoriam
The IONS community mourns the passing of a very special lady, Sandra Wright. With a passion for understanding our human potential, Sandra supported the work of IONS for many years, and before its founding in 1973 was helping to fund early investigations into the phenomenon of anomalous experiences, including the ESP research of Uri Geller, Russell Targ, and Harold Puthoff. One of her last tributes to the Institute's work was distributing copies of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, featuring noetic science, to friends and family members. A woman of stature and grace, she leaves behind a legacy of good works and heartfelt memories.
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To learn more about IONS' Circle membership, contact Deborah Breitbach at 707.779.8216 / dbreitbach@noetic.org.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Institute often uses volunteers for a variety of tasks and projects, and you don't have to live in the area to be helpful. Many kinds of skills are appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jamila Gulick at volunteer@noetic.org or call 707-779-8219.
Contact Us
101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma, California 94952
Tel: 707 775 3500 Fax: 707 781 7420 www.noetic.org info@noetic.org
The Institute of Noetic Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization located in Northern California that conducts and sponsors leading-edge research into the potentials and powers of consciousness—including perceptions, beliefs, attention, intention, and intuition. The Institute explores phenomena that do not necessarily fit conventional scientific models, while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor.
We depend on and gratefully accept your financial support.
Event Spotlight
The Emerging New Story: Cosmos and Consciousness
February 20, 2010
Chabot Space and Science Center
Oakland, California
Join Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Edgar Mitchell, Nancy Maryboy, Brian Swimme, and Siddha Master Sri Dattatreya Siva Baba as we explore ancient cosmology, map the cosmos, and give tribute to Edgar's 80th year.
Transformative Learning Workshops
Expand your mind, open your heart, and activate your full potential.
January 29-31, 2010 – Speaking the Soul: The Transformative Power of Words with Kim Rosen
February 5-7, 2010 – Women in Transition: Climbing into Your Authentic Self with Suze Allen & Jnana Gowan
March 5-7, 2010 – Live from Your Strengths: A Journey Toward Increased Engagement and Meaning in Life with Lauren Vanett, MA
March 19-21, 2010 – Green in Spirit: Healing through Permaculture and Biosynamic Gardening with Brenda Sanders
April 16-18, 2010 – Cells and the Sacred: Discovering the Cell as Messenger for the Marriage of Science and Spirituality with Sondra Barrett, PhD
April 16-18, 2010 – From Science to God: A Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness with Peter Russell, MA
April 23-25, 2010 – Learning Telekinesis:Your Gateway to Mind Over Matter and April 26, 2010 – Developing Subtle Energy Awareness and Telekinesis: One-Day Intensive, both with Natalia Shareyko, MD, PhD, of the Institute for Biosensory Psychology in Saint Petersberg, Russia
May 21-23, 2010 – The Six Life-paths of the Human Soul and the Imprints of Conception with Ralph Metzner, part of the six-part Alchemical Divination Series
May 29-31, 2010 – Shakti Awakening with Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Dennis Harness, and Shambhavi Chopra
June 25-27, 2010 – Primordial Qigong: A Gem from the Treasure Chest of Taoist Mystical Qigong with Donald and Cheryl Lynne Rubbo
Register online, email workshops@noetic.org, or call 707-779-8224.
The Retreat Center at the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Located on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills just 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, we offer meeting facilities, cuisine, and accommodations for up to 120 people. Our clients offer educational programs, workshops, and retreats, with a broad focus on health, personal growth, and transformation. We also welcome weekend workshops and retreats for small groups (less than 25). Many programs are open to the public.
For more information and an Events Schedule: www.noetic.org/retreat.cfm
events@noetic.org
Sign up here
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iShift
IONS Retreat Center Events
Speaking the Soul: The Transformative Power of Words
with Kim Rosen, MFA
January 29–31, 2010
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Veriditas Labyrinth Dinner, Lecture, and Walk
with Lauren Artress
January 31, 2010
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Women in Transition: Climbing into Your Authentic Self
with Suze Allen and Jnana Gowan
February 5-7, 2010
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Translucent Beings: Toni Littlejohn Artist Reception
January 31, 2010
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New Equations – "The Physical Expression of the Soul" Training Program
February 7–17, 2010
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Ransom Stephens, PhD – The Low-Faith Concept of the Soul from The God Patent
February 23, 2010
A Friendly Favors Event
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All-Day Awakening Intensive
with David Spero
February 27, 2010
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Live from Your Strengths: A Journey toward Increased Engagement and Meaning in Life
with Lauren Vannett, MA
March 5-7, 2010
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Ken Jenkins – The Enneagram of Personality
March 9, 2010
A Friendly Favors Event
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Green in Spirit: Healing through Permaculture and Biodynamic Gardening
with Brenda Sanders, PhD
March 19–21, 2010
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The Psychology of the Chakras: A Journey into Core Awakening
with Anodea Judith
March 29–April 4, 2010
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Two Week Intensive in Advanced Shamanic Healing
April 11–22, 2010
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Cells and the Sacred: Discovering the Cell as Messenger for the Marriage of Science and Spirituality
with Sondra Barrett, PhD
April 16-18, 2010
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From Science to God: A Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness
with Peter Russell, MA
April 16-18, 2010
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Natalia Shareyko, MD - How to Develop and Apply Telekinesis
April 22, 2010
A Friendly Favors Event
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Learning Telekinesis: Your Gateway to Mind over Matter
with Natalia Shareyko, MD, PhD
April 23-25 2010
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Developing Subtle Energy Awareness and Telekinesis (One-Day Intensive)
with Natalia Shareyko, MD, PhD
April 26, 2010
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The Six Life-Paths of the Human Soul and the Imprints of Conception
with Ralph Metzner, PhD
May 21-23, 2010
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Nine Gates Youth Mystery School
July 2-7, 2010
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Foundation for Shamanic Studies (Journeywork) – Three-Year Program in Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing
October 17–22, 2010
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Special Events
Spirituality in Action: Bringing Transpersonal Psychology to a World in Crisis
February 12-14, 2010
Atherton, California
presented by the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and the Association for Transpersonal Psychology
Presentations, papers, workshops, panels and speakers will highlight engaged transpersonal approaches to psychotherapy, health, healing trauma, social relationships and global consciousness. Keynote presenters will include Charles Tart, Fred Luskin, Jenny Wade, Olga Louchakova, Ed Bruce Bynum, Marilyn Mandala Schlitz, Dean Radin, and Donald Rothberg.
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New Life Expo
March 26-28, 2010
New York, New York
Includes special events with Jean Houston and Dr. David Simon, plus an IONS overview lecture by Lisa VanderBoom.
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Community Group Gathering in France
May 12-16, 2010
Champtocé-sur-Loire, France
For further information contact the coordinator, John Ogden (607-756-4580). This event is co-sponsored by the Institute of Noetic Sciences.
UPCOMING RRC PROGRAMS FOR WINTER/SPRING 2010
The Rhine Research Center is pleased to present some upcoming Programs
The Rhine Research Center is happy to host these and other educational events, but it does not endorse presenters' claims, as not all of these claims have been subjected to rigorous scientific validation.
Psi Games for Grownups Learn about your own PSI abilities and have fun doing it!
led by Bill Joines, Carl Blackman and Bonnie Albright
Tue, 02/02 Monthly Psychic Experiences Group
Wednesday 02/10 Monthly Book Discussion Group
Wednesday 02/10 Monthly Remote Viewing Group
Friday,
02/11 Is there a Psychic Detective in the house? Yes, there is! an evening with Anne Poole
Friday,
02/26 PSI & Photography, presented in two parts by Graham Watkins & María DeGuzmán
Thursday 03/04 The World of the Paranormal
an 8 week course with Phil Morse
Sunday, 03/07 Alex Tanous -
Friend, Healer, Artist, Musician, Professor & Psychic
a teleconferenced talk by Jennifer Allen
Friday 03/12 & Saturday
13/2010 Talk: Scientific and Spiritual Implications of Psychic Abilities: The Real X-Files. Workshop: Scientific and Spiritual Implication of Psychic Abilities: Learning Remote Viewing. with Russell Targ
Friday, March 26 A New Approach to Grieving - The Role of After-Death Communication (ADC) in Grief
by Beth Wechsler
June 25 & 26 Everything You Always Wanted to Know
About Déjà Vu and More
with Art Funkhouser
More Upcoming Programs in 2010
Ongoing Art Display in the Alex Tanous Library
We currently have a wonderful display of art works by Vandorn Hinnant in the Alex Tanous Library. If you get a chance please stop by to enjoy it.
This geometry, experienced through the senses, resonates with the underlying energetic substructures residing in and around each of us, and has the potential of activating the often dormant awareness we walk with of universal order, and the indwelling love, beauty, and grace of soul. -- Vandorn Hinnant May 2007
Lightweavings
PSI Games
Learn about your own PSI abilities and have fun doing it!
led by Bill Joines, Carl Blackman and Bonnie Albright
Friday, January 29, 2010
7:30-9pm
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
Ever wondered about your ESP ability? Or wanted to attend a Spoonbending Party? Here's a chance to test your ESP in an informal group setting with like-minded Rhine Center friends and/or the frankly curious. Bill Joines will lead the group in a variety of ESP guessing games using the well-known Zener cards followed by exercises in Remote Viewing of hidden target pictures. As a finale, you will have a chance to participate in one of our favorite but rare occasions a real live Spoonbending Party!! Spoons provided!
This experiential and experimental evening will be led by Bill Joines, Carl Blackman and Bonnie Albright, all of whom are members of the Board of Directors of the Rhine Research Center and all of whom like to have fun. For more information on their professional bios, visit the Board of Directors section on our website.
Limited spaces!
Members $15
Nonmembers $20
Select Price
Member $15.00 Non-Member $20.00
Monthly Psychic Experiences Group
(PEG) sharing and discussion around personal experiences
Ongoing: Every first Tuesday of the month
February 2nd
7:00 -9:00 PM
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
There is an open discussion group that meets at the Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center. As an informal group, participants share personal experiences involving psi (experiences outside our ordinary daily lives). At times, various topics may unfold, but the evening always begins with the sharing of experiences. We honor participants' privacy for their stories outside the meetings. Facilitators are Pamela St. John and Debi Pratt. For questions or information, please contact: Pamela St. John, or call (919) 929-1578
Rhine Members Free
Non-Members $10.00
Monthly Book Discussion Group
February 10th, 2010
12:00 -1:00 PM
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
Topic TBA
Rhine Members Free
Non-Members $10.00
Monthly Remote Viewing Group
led by Benton Bogle
Ongoing: Every second Wednesday of the month
Next meeting February 10, 2010
7:00 -9:00 PM
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
Interested in Remote Viewing Practice?
The Remote Viewing Practice Group meets regularly at the Rhine Center to do outbounder and other types of Remote Viewing that involve interaction. It is not be necessary to be trained as a Remote Viewer or to follow a particular method to participate. If you are interested in practicing Remote Viewing as a part of a small group of viewers and / or have questions, please contact Benton Bogle by email at bbogle@triad.rr.com.
Rhine Members Free
Non-Members * $10.00
Is there a Psychic Detective in the house? Yes, there is!
an evening with Anne Poole
Friday, February 12th
7:30 to 9 pm
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center and via teleconference
Anne Poole has presented on this topic for RRC before and is known to be a "crowd pleaser". Come join the crowd for this program and enjoy! Anne realized about thirty years ago that she had an ability to know where missing people, usually bodies, were located. She tells us that she tends to get most of this information from photographs of both the suspect and the victim, as well as by psychometry, that is, by holding objects which belong to them. Anne has worked successfully with several levels of law enforcement agencies. During this evening, she will explain how she works with law enforcement on cases and takes what she calls "the turban clad Miss Cleo" idea out of the concept. If any law enforcement agencies are attending this lecture and would so desire, Anne will be glad to hear about a case with which they are currently working and try to give them some helpful information towards solving that case.
You can see that the part of the content of this evening's session with Anne Poole will be defined by who is in the audience and what is current in their professional lives at that time. This is a chance to learn about and possibly observe a real psychic detective doing real work. This is a real opportunity!
Rhine Members Free
Non-Members * $10.00
PSI & Photography, presented in two parts
Presenters: Graham Watkins and María DeGuzmán
Friday, Feb 26, 2010
7:30-9pm
at the Stedman Auditorium
Directions
In this unusual evening, RRC will present two aspects which will stimulate your thinking on PSI & Photography. First, you will learn how to consider whether photographs may truly include a reflection of an element of PSI and why most photos do not. AND, you will see some photos which just might! Then you will be introduced to Camera Query, an approach to photography that just might generate psi-related images. As time allows, audience members will be able to present a few of their own photos for consideration. This is going to be a very full and very interesting evening. Please don't be late!!
When might it be real and how can you know?
Graham Watkins will offer a somewhat contrarian view about PSI and photography, including discussion of various ways people commonly interpret photos as being "paranormal" when they aren't. Often times the effects are the results of things such as lens artifacts, close objects/water droplets/insects out-of-focus (orbs/vortices), double exposures and other film/digital artifacts, pareidolia and deliberate fakes. He will also explain why he believes it to be unlikely that one will ever be able to photograph a "ghost" with a normal camera (including the Vic Tandy story). Just when you may be feeling discouraged, he will offer a (VERY) few pictures that might be genuinely of interest to parapsychologists. Those will be the photos that even the skeptics among us will not want to miss!
As time allows, audience members may offer their own photos for quick evaluation. To avoid previewing and prejudging photos, they will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. Pictures to be considered should be on a USB thumbnail drive in JPG or GIF format. Resolution must be at least 72 pixels/inch for us to tell much of anything about it, and the higher the better.
Conceptual Photography: The Work of "Camera Query" in Relation to Psi
María DeGuzmán will share some samples of her conceptual photography work with small figurines (minikins ) in which, to her surprise, some psi elements have seemed to appear. As a conceptual photographer who privileges ideas over the production of a finished product , she composes photographs that serve as inducements to fantasy and altered images of reality. Since 2003 she has been working with small figurines/minikins, prisms, mirrors, and other modalities to explore striking and often surprising interactions between sculptural forms, light, and the textures of material surfaces. María will focus on those images and moments that seem to cross into something more uncanny, anomalous, and potentially psi-related. DeGuzmán suggests that psycho-kinesis or the influence of thought on matter may be at work, among other possible forces.
Audience members will be invited to reflect on their own reactions to the exhibited images and to rank the images in terms of how anomalous they find them and according to what criteria. One of the goals of this presentation is to hone our collective awareness of photography as a complex and perplexingly hybrid practice of the simultaneous documentation and creation of reality and to ponder the implications of this awareness for the study of photography and psi. For many of us, this part of the presentation will be opening a door into a new way of thinking about photography. Let the adventure begin!
Graham Watkins attended the University of Kentucky and did graduate studies at Duke University, majoring in Zoology. In the early 1970s, he was a research associate at the Foundation for Research on the Nature of Man at the time that J. B. Rhine was the director. He is best known for the mouse-ether studies, which demonstrated the ability of "talented" subjects to cause mice to recover from ether anesthesia faster than they normally would. He has also worked in the fields of toxicology and electronics and is a published writer of both fiction and non-fiction.
A personal note of interest which may tell more about Graham is that JB Rhine had a habit of leaving "Memo to survivors if I don't return" notes when he left for a trip. On one such trip, in 1971, his note reads ""The Administrative Committee (Dr. Schmidt, Dr. Kantha and Graham Watkins ... is working well and promises to be the unit needed for such an emergency as would arise if this 'carload' fails to return from the trip." That note speaks volumes about JBR's respect for the views of Graham Watkins, as well as Graham's long association with Rhine Research.
María DeGuzmán is associate professor of English and Director of Latina/o Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is the author of the book Spains Long Shadow: The Black Legend, Off-Whiteness, and Anglo-American Empire published by the University of Minnesota Press August 2005. She has published numerous articles on Latina/o literature. Furthermore, she researches, writes about, and offers courses on the relationship between literature and various kinds of photographic practice. In addition to being a professor, she is a conceptual photographer who produces photo-text work as Camera Query, both solo and in collaboration with colleagues and friends. As both Camera Query and previously as part of SPIR: Conceptual Photography, she has shown in the Golden Belt Art Studios in Durham, North Carolina, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, the Watershed Media Centre in Bristol, England, Pulse Art Gallery in New York City, the Center for Exploratory and Perceptual Art (CEPA Gallery) in Buffalo, New York, and El Progreso Gallery in Madrid, Spain.
Rhine Members $10.00
Non-Members $15.00
Select Price
Member $10.00 Non-Member $15.00
The World of the Paranormal
with Phil S. Morse
an 8 week course in parapsychology
Thursdays at 6:30 - 8:30 pm
March 4th through April 22nd, 2010
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
One of the great, continuing mysteries of our time is the world of the paranormal. When people can apparently communicate with one another without words, when the form of a deceased loved one suddenly appears without warning, when otherwise sane, upstanding parents have a young child who begins to speak of a previous life which seemingly proves to be true, we are dealing with events which can often be incomprehensible and unsettling.
Sponsored by the Rhine Research Center in Durham, NC, Dr. Philip S. Morse will teach a course describing the areas of ESP, remote viewing, ghosts and poltergeists, near death experiences, mediums and channelers, and reincarnation together with some of the most compelling cases in each instance.
Participants will have an opportunity to ask about and discuss what they see and read about, share their own experiences, and be able to express what they think are possible explanations. We shall conclude by examining some of the latest attempts by quantum physicists to integrate both the paranormal and their own world into a grand design which they hope will ultimately explain what continues to be an elusive and mysterious realm.
Dr. Philip S. Morse is a professor emeritus at the State University of New York at Fredonia where he taught in the School of Education for thirty years. During that time, he was a visiting scholar at the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University and the University of California at Berkeley. He was also an adjunct professor at Cornell University.
Conducting more than one hundred presentations to international assemblies, national and state conferences, and local organizations, schools and interest groups, Dr. Morse is the author of numerous articles including one entitled Nonlocal Consciousness: What Is It and How Does It Relate to Psychic Phenomena? (InnerChange Magazine, Fall, 2006). He is the author or co-author of five books and has been listed in Whos Who in American Education, Men of Achievement, and Outstanding Americans.
Dr. Morse has served on the Board of Directors of the Rhine Research Center and was the co-chair of the 2006 conference sponsored by the center entitled, After Death: What Do We Know? He taught a course on the paranormal at Duke University in the fall of 2009. For further bio information, go to www.anteaterbooks.com.
Members - $100
Non-Members - $125
Active Volunteers - $80
Select Price
Member $100.00 Non-Member $125.00 Active Volunteer $80.00
Alex Tanous -
Friend, Healer, Artist, Musician, Professor & Psychic
a teleconferenced talk by Jennifer Allen
Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
Many people would like to know the Real Alex Tanous. Who was he? What was he like? Could he actually be seen in two places at once? Could he throw light? Did he really heal people? Was he approachable? Was he all that people said he was?
Jennifer Allen is coming to RRC to talk about Alex Tanous. During her years in Portsmouth, NH, Alex was her longtime friend and became Godfather to each of her four daughters. For years, she attended his parapsychology classes University of Southern Maine, where Alex taught students that they all had the ability to do what he did, if they would only open their minds and spirit to join in.
She will open with personal stories about his many abilities, including:
To find missing people.
To send healing energy to cancer patients who were far away and who went into remission within three days after he did so.
To Bilocate.
To see Auras.
To throw light from his eyes.
To search for UFOs with Betty Hill, written up in her last book.
To talk with Jesus, St. Anne, Isaac Newton, incredible people throughout history.
Alexs experiments in the Bermuda Triangle.
There will be plenty of time for questions and answers throughout the afternoon.
Jennifer Allens list of accomplishments is long and wide in the business community. She is currently President and Co-Founder of One Unlimited, Inc., dba/ Skin Wisdom Products. Her life philosophy shines through in the corporate motto: We are ONE, Unlimited in our potential.
While achieving these business successes, she has happily raised four daughters, two of whom are god-daughters to Alex Tanous and will attend this session. Utilizing her natural high energy, Jennifer has also studied and led explorations into personal spirituality throughout her life. Her approach to spirituality is quite practical and leads to direct impact in the lives of those who listen to her counsel.
Jennifer and her daughters bring personal knowledge of Alex Tanous, knowledge that affects their lives every day. RRC is extremely pleased to have them all here to share their stories, along with telling us about the Life of Alex Tanous.
PIONEERS OF THE PARANORMAL
Would you like an inside peek into the lives and development of some of the most successful psychics and mediums who have practiced in America over the last century? The Rhine Center is initiating a series of talks and readings by relatives, close friends and/or serious students of several gifted practitioners who have pioneered in Americas romance with the paranormal. We welcome the opportunity to gain insight into how Psi manifests itself in the natural world, channeled from the other side and/or from deep within the mediums own psyche, by learning more about the life and work by these incredible men and women.. And where better to get this wisdom than from the personal anecdotes or special selected life stories told by those who gained their own knowledge by close association?
The program described above, on Alex Tanous, for whom RRC's library is named, is the first in this series. Be watching for similar programs on Edgar Cayce and on Eileen Garrett later in 2010.
Rhine Members free
Non-Members $10.00
Talk: Scientific and Spiritual Implications of Psychic Abilities:
The Real X-Files
Workshop: Scientific and Spiritual Implication of Psychic Abilities: Learning Remote Viewing with Russell Targ
Talk: Friday March 12, 2010
7:30-9pm
at the Stedman Auditorium
Directions
Workshop: Saturday March 13, 2010
What do the healer, the mystic, the psychic, and the spy all have in common? They are all in touch with their non-local mind and our community of spirit. During the 1970s and 80s, Stanford Research Institute (SRI) carried out investigations of our ability to experience and describe distant events blocked from ordinary perception. This intuitive capacity was named remote viewing, and the research was supported by the CIA and many other government organizations for gathering intelligence about world-wide activities during the Cold War.
Physicist Russell Targ, co-founder of this previously SECRET psychic research program, will describe the very best evidence for extrasensory perception, precognition, intuitive diagnosis and distant healing. In the workshop we will experience many of these applications, together with the spiritual implications of psychic abilities from the Hindu mystic Patanjali, and the Dzogchen dharma masters, down to the present time, as they might be applied to expanding ones timeless and nonlocal awareness. We will discuss how to recognize the actual psychic signal, and separate it from mental noise of memory, imagination, and analysis and why should we bother with ESP?
Finally, and most important, we will have individual lessons in remote viewing, just as we did in the successful Stanford Research Institute program, and discuss how this awareness can lead to a discovery of who we really are.
Russell Targ is a physicist and author who was a pioneer in the development of the laser and laser applications, and was co-founder of the Stanford Research Institutes investigation into psychic abilities in the 1970s and 1980s. His work in this new area, called remote viewing, has been widely published. His most recent book is Limitless Mind: A Guide to Remote Viewing and Transformation of Consciousness and his autobiography: Do You See What I see: Memoirs of a Blind Biker. In 1997 Targ retired from Lockheed Martin Missiles & Space Co. as a senior staff scientist. He now pursues ESP research in Palo Alto, California, and is publishing special editions of classic books is psychical research. Web site is ESP Research
Friday Night Rhine Members $10.00
Non-Members $15.00
Select Price
Members $10.00Non- Members $15.00
Saturday Workshop Rhine Members $100.00
Non-Members $125.00
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Members $100.00Non- Members $125.00
A New Approach to Grieving - The Role of After-Death Communication (ADC) in Grief
by Beth Wechsler
Friday March 26th
a talk 7:30-9pm
at the Stedman Auditorium
Directions
If someone you love has died, are you experiencing deep and painful feelings of loss and disconnection?
More than half of widows says that they have seen, smelled, heard the voice of, or experienced a "sign" from someone who has died. The experience dramatically softens grief.
In addition to talking about mediums, this program will also introduce the work of Allan Botkin, PsyD in Induced After Death Communication.
Beth Wechsler, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Massachusetts. She has presented on the role of psychic experiences in clinical care in more than 30 cities.
ADCs may happen spontaneously, but they can often be accessed in two other ways. The first is through a talented medium. In addition, a small but growing number of licensed psychotherapists have been trained in Induced After Death Therapy by Allan Botkin, Psy.D.
This 90-minute presentation on the ADC experience will explain what is involved in recognizing and finding a talented medium and will also provide an introduction to Induced After Death Therapy.
Beth Wechsler, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist in private practice in Massachusetts. She has presented on the role of psychic experiences in clinical care in more than 30 cities, as well as at the Rhine Research Center in 2009 where her program was extremely popular. Beth, whose work is on the leading edge of bringing PSI experiences back into healthcare, is the author of Psychic Moments Coming to Our Senses.
This presentation will be of interest to both clinicians and the public.
Rhine Members $10.00
Non-Members $15.00
Select Price
Member $10.00 Non-Member $15.00
Postmortem Survival: The State of the Debate
with Stephan Braude
Friday, April 30, 2010
7:30 to 9 pm
Location TBA
The evidence for survival of bodily death raises many interesting issues, both empirical and conceptual. Unfortunately, most people seem either to overestimate or underestimate the reliability and importance of the case material. Stephan Braude will sort through some of the major issues and focus in particular on one crucial question: whether we can distinguish evidence for survival from evidence of exotic (including paranormal) things done solely by the living.
Those who have attended presentations by Stephen Braude before know that this evening will be filled with interaction and liveliness. Those who are new, will be delighted to experience it, along with receiving substantial thought provoking information.
Steve's bio comes in three flavors. As he puts it, the brief bio is available at http://userpages.umbc.edu/~braude/. Some extracts from that bio are Stephen E. Braude is Professor of Philosophy and Chair of the Department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Scientific Exploration. and Prof. Braude is past President of the Parapsychological Association and is the recipient of several grants and fellowships, including Research Fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the BIAL Foundation in Portugal. He has published more than 60 philosophical essays and He has written five books. There are also several links from that page to additional bio information. If you are curious about the "real" Steve, visit http://JazzPhilosopher.com/ Does anything more need to be added to let you know that this will be an evening with a dynamic and multi-faceted person? Nope!
Rhine Members $10
Non-Members $15
Select Price
Member $10.00 Non-Member $15.00
Everything You Always Wanted to Know
About Déjà Vu and More
with Art Funkhouser
June 25 & 26
Friday evening talk 7:30 - 9:00 pm will be teleconferenced
& Saturday workshop 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Alex Tanous Library in the Rhine Center
On Saturday, bring your own lunch, or we'll order and pickup at Nosh, $10 each.
So many people have had déjà experiences (64% of the US adult population) that one can hardly call them "paranormal" and yet these uncanny happenings are still baffling and even troubling for some people. A few years ago Art created an on-line questionnaire at where those having such experiences could provide researchers with some very needed data. One important purpose of the survey is to see if it can be shown that déjà vécu (already lived through) and déjà visité (already visited) are separate experiences. Thus far over 2600 individuals from around the world have submitted answers and some results of the data analysis will be presented. There is also a Deja Experience Research Website where those seeking more information about such intriguing phenomena can acquaint themselves with what has been thought and hypothesized about such experiences by researchers in a number of scientific disciplines. Some information about goodly number of other items of interest, such as books, records, films and pictures, are also available there as well.
As Art has resided in Switzerland for over 35 years, it is a rare treat to have him available for an American audience. Friday evening's talk will include of space for informal interchange. Art has been described as being a "careful listener" as well as having a lot to share on what he describes as his "hobby and a major passion, deja experience research". This session will be teleconferenced.
In the Saturday workshop, those attending will have the opportunity of sharing their déjà experiences and we'll have a look at the possible types of such experiences (e.g., déjà rêve [already dreamt]) people are having. This session will not be available by teleconference.
Those of us who have wondered about deja experiences, have experienced them, have wondered if they have experienced them, or would just like to know more about this phenomenon will treasure these two events. Join us if you possibly can!
Art Funkhouser was born in 1940 in Indiana and grew up in Oklahoma. He has lived in Switzerland since 1973 and is the father of three children. His first degrees were in physics (MIT, '62) (coherent optics) and he was involved with the early work in holography (Univ. of MI '67). He worked in metrology for NBS (now NIST) from 1967 to 1971. He earned his doctorate in the field of digital picture processing at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in 1979. From 1981 to 1993 he worked as a physicist in the eye department of the Insel University Hospital in Bern, Switzerland.
In 1973 he began his training to be a psychotherapist at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zurich which he completed in 1981. Since then he has had a private practice as a therapist in Bern where, in addition to seeing clients, he leads a Tuesday evening dream group. Since 1989 he has led a seminar in dreamwork at the C. G. Jung Institute near Zurich. He has also led workshops in dreamwork in Switzerland, Australia and the U.S. A few years ago he was the co-director of a research project into the effects of dream-telling, supported by a grant from the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Art's hobby and a major passion, though, is déjà experience research. He has devoted over 35 years to learning as much as he can about it and, thanks to the Internet, is now able to share the fruits of that work with anyone who is interested.
Friday Evening Talk
Members $10.00
Non-members $15.00 Saturday Workshop
Members $30.00
Non-Members $40.00 Teleconference
Members $10.00
Non-members $15.00
More Upcoming Programs
Sunday, April 4 a talk by Rosemarie Pilkington "The Enigma of Séance Phenomena".
June 4 - 5: Joe McMoneagle, long time friend of RRC, will be coming to do a Friday evening presentation and Saturday workshop! Details to follow soon.
July 16: Edgar Mitchell, another long time friend of RRC, will be coming to do a Friday evening presentation! Details to follow soon.
September 10: Nancy L. Zingrone and Carlos S. Alvarado will be returning to RRC, this time to speak on "Investigating Aura Vision". Nancy and Carlos joined us last October, speaking on Out of Body Experiences. Their bios can be found on our Past Presenters page.
September 12: Carol Krucoff will hold a Yoga Discussion & Workshop in the Tanous Library. Her newest book, Healing Yoga for Neck & Shoulder Pain, will be published in May, 2010. www.yogaforneckpain.com.
September 24 - 25: Dale E. Graff, dear friend and RRC Advisory Board Member will give a Friday night talk and Saturday workshop on The Art of Psi: ESP, Remote Viewing and Precognitive Dreaming. Dale's bio Website: www.dalegraff.com.
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Anomalous Experiences Primer: Types of Apparitions
Apparitional Experiences: A Primer on Parapsychological Research and Perspectives
Part 2. Types of Apparitions
Although the two terms are often used synonymously, it is useful to initially define what we mean by “apparition.” The term apparition, from the Latin word apparere (meaning “to show oneself”), may be formally defined as:
An experience, usually visual but sometimes in other sense-modalities, in which there appears to be present a person or animal (deceased or living) ... who/which is in fact out of the sensory range of the [witness]” (Thalbourne, 2003).
In other words, it is the experience of the presence of a person or animal – living or dead – that is not actually there, which seems to occur primarily through sight, but at times can seem to occur through the other senses (sound, smell, taste, and touch). This term is a bit broader than the more popular term ghost (from the German word geist for “mind” or “spirit”), which refers to the apparition of a deceased person, usually in connection with a haunting. Although we will use both terms throughout this primer, we shall primarily use the term apparition, given its broader meaning.
There are actually several known types of apparitions that have been documented by psychical researchers and parapsychologists since the late 19th century.1 They include: crisis apparitions, post-mortem apparitions, deathbed visions, haunting apparitions, and apparitions of the bystander-type. In addition to describing each one below, we provide an illustrative case example of each to help the reader better grasp what each entails.
Crisis: As implied by its name, a crisis apparition appears to a witness at a time when the person whose apparition is seen is experiencing a state of crisis, whether it is an accident, an illness, or even the threat of death. A good example of a crisis apparition case is given by Dr. Sally Rhine Feather and author Michael Schmicker (2005) in their book The Gift:
A woman and her fifteen-year-old daughter had recently moved to California from their previous home in Washington D.C., where they had left the woman’s father very ill. One day not long after moving, they entered the dining room, and to the woman’s great surprise, there stood her father. “Why Dad, when did you get here?” she exclaimed.
At that point, her daughter turned around to look, and she, too, saw the figure of her grandfather, his hand upraised in a gesture of greeting or perhaps blessing, but he slowly faded away, and they both suddenly realized that he was not really in California in their house. Shortly afterward, they received the news that he had died (p. 254).
In addition to representing a crisis apparition, this case has three other interesting aspects to it. First, it is case where the apparition was collectively perceived, meaning that it was witnessed by more than one person. Second, the apparition was apparently so real looking to the woman that she actually mistook it for her real father at first. This goes against the folklore-based view that apparitions are often only misty, translucent outlines. Third, the apparition of the man seemed to acknowledge the presence of his daughter and granddaughter, suggesting that it had some degree of intelligent awareness. We shall discuss these aspects a bit more in future installments of this primer.
Post-mortem: As implied by its name, a post-mortem apparition appears after a person’s death, anywhere from several hours to several years after. As an example, we briefly recount a case documented by survival researcher Dianne Arcangel (2005, pp. 70 – 72):
About four months after her son Tommy had been tragically murdered, a woman was out walking Tommy’s dog in the daytime and they were passing by the parking lot where Tommy had kept his Jeep when the dog began barking and pulling on the leash. Looking up, the woman saw a young man standing in a blue outfit about 30 feet away, although she could not see him clearly because she was not wearing her glasses. When finally put them on, she recognized Tommy standing there on the sidewalk and smiling at her, wearing a blue outfit he had bought but never got to wear before he died. She immediately called out to him, and she and the dog began running toward him. But then, the image of Tommy seemed to slowly turn around and glide away, his feet being about an inch off the pavement. Despite how fast they ran, the woman and the dog could not catch up to him, even after pursuing him for three blocks. Then, the woman’s sight of her son was abruptly obstructed by some passing schoolgirls, and when she looked up again, the figure of Tommy was gone.
This case has two other interesting aspects to it. Similar to the crisis case, the apparition in this case was apparently witnessed not only by the woman, but also by the dog. It also seemed to suggest an optical effect, as the woman needed her glasses to see the apparition clearly.
Deathbed Vision: Near the moment of death, some terminally ill and dying patients have described seeing images of people and places that seem to relate to an afterlife existence, images known as deathbed visions. Reports of such visions have been recorded since the 19th century (Rogo, 1978), and are still occasionally reported today among healthcare and hospice workers (e.g., Arcangel, 2005, pp. 110, 116 – 120).
Among the images described by patients are apparitions of deceased friends and relatives. In the 1970s, Drs. Karlis Osis and Erlendur Haraldsson (1977) had surveyed and interviewed 877 medical doctors and nurses in India and the United States, whose patients had reported seeing deathbed apparitions. In one of the 418 cases they documented, a nurse recounts the deathbed vision related to her by an intelligent 76-year-old female patient who had suffered a heart attack:
[The patient’s] consciousness was very, very clear – no sedation, no hallucinogenic history. She was cheerful and confident that she would recover and return to her daughter who badly needed her at home. Suddenly she stretched out her arms and, smiling, called out to me. “Can’t you see Charlie [her dead husband] there with outstretched arms? I’m wondering why I haven’t ‘gone home’ before.” Describing the vision she said, “What a beautiful place with all the flowers and music. Don’t you hear it? Oh, girls, don’t you see Charlie?” She said he was waiting for her. I feel she definitely saw her husband (pp. 80 – 81).
During her experience, the woman had a feeling of peace and serenity reportedly come over her. She remained oriented to her surroundings, and was able to talk with the nurse and the family at her bedside during the vision.
This case has two aspects to it that are consistent with other cases of deathbed visions. First, as indicated in the narrative, the woman was not medicated or sedated at the time of her vision, indicating that it was not a drug-induced hallucination. Similarly, most of the patients in other cases were not found to be medicated, sedated, running a high fever, or in a delirium at the time of their vision (Osis, 1975; Osis & Haraldsson, 1977, pp. 70 – 73), arguing against a medical-related hallucination as the cause for their vision. Second, the apparition seen by the woman was that of a close relative (her husband). Similarly, a majority of the patients (90%) in other cases had seen close relatives (Osis & Haraldsson, 1977, p. 64). We’ll return to this second finding in the next installment.
Many patients regard the deathbed apparitions they see as “take-away” figures, meaning that the apparition seemed to appear for the purpose of greeting, inviting, or leading the patient to the afterlife. This apparent purpose of the apparition was noted in nearly two-thirds (65%) of the cases documented by Osis and Haraldsson (1977, pp. 65 – 67). Reflecting on her experience as a hospice chaplain, Dianne Arcangel (2005) openly states: “I have never sat with a dying patient who was not in the accompaniment of an apparition as their time grew near. No one ever dies alone” (p. 120, her italics).
Haunting: As many paranormal enthusiasts are probably all too aware, most of the apparitions seen at allegedly haunted sites do not take the form of the classic ghost of folklore, instead appearing as shadowy forms, floating lights, and hazy mist-like clouds. It seems that, in most cases, these kinds of apparitions are more likely to have a geophysical and/or psychological explanation (for reviews, see Persinger, 1974, Pt. II; Persinger & Koren, 2001; Roll & Persinger, 2001), and are less likely to be indicators of survival. However, there have been a few rare cases in which apparently well-defined apparitions of deceased human individuals have been repeatedly seen over time in the places where they once lived or worked. One such case is the “Gordy” case, initially investigated in the late 1980s by Dr. William Roll (in Roll & Persinger, 2001, p. 160), which we briefly summarize here:
Soon after moving to a new home with her family, a little girl named Heidi Wyrick had met a man in her neighborhood named “Con,” who invited her to play on a swing. When Heidi asked for permission to do so, her mother asked about Con and Heidi described him as “having blood all over.” Concerned that Con may be a kidnapper or a child molester, Heidi’s parents had the neighborhood searched for the man, but were unable to find him. A short time later, Heidi began speaking of regularly meeting with another man in the neighborhood named “Mr. Gordy” to play on the swing, and her parents figure that Con and Mr. Gordy are the girl’s imaginary playmates. Eventually they discover that an elderly gentleman named James Gordy, as well as a man named “Lon,” had actually lived in the neighborhood many years back, and that Lon had lost his hand in a machinery accident. The descriptions that Heidi gave of the two men were later found to closely match photographs of them (she was also able to correctly pick them out of a random collection of old photos), and Roll could find no normal way in which Heidi could have learned about them prior to her family’s discovery of their identities.2
The Gordy case seems to contain a possible parapsychological component, in that it suggests that Heidi was able to somehow psychically perceive the apparitions of people who had once lived in her local surroundings. How might we come to better understand this? We’ll briefly look at some possible theories in a later installment of this primer.
Bystander-Type: It turns out that apparitions may not only be associated with a haunted location; in rare cases, they may be associated with a person. Rather than being seen in the place where they once lived or worked, some apparitions have been witnessed in close proximity to people who once knew them in life. Dr. Louisa Rhine (1957) had coined the term bystander-type case to label these kinds of cases, noting that, “...these cases are suggestive of the haunting cases, the main difference, however, being that in these the link is a person rather than a geographical location” (p. 39).
An example of an apparition of the bystander-type comes from a study by the late Dr. Ian Stevenson (1995), in which he had interviewed a medical doctor who had once witnessed such apparition while keeping vigil at the bedside of his mother-in-law, who was very ill, in a coma, and near death. According to the doctor:
I was standing by her bed and no one else was in the room. She had an agonal inspiration, and at that moment I had a very clear picture of G. C. [her late husband] standing across from me with his arms outstretched, and he said, “Flora, I’ve been waiting for you.”
I did not really have to look to see that my mother-in-law had died, but the physician in me pushed me to verify that (p. 362).
The doctor stated that the figure he saw of his late father-in-law was “...quite opaque, as he would have seen him in life” (p. 362). He was only able to see the figure from the waist up, but believed that the surrounding furniture had blocked his vision of the rest. Prior to his encounter, the doctor believed that he had only been able to see his father-in-law only once or twice while his father-in-law was still alive, but he was familiar with his father-in-law’s appearance from family photos. However, he had not expected to see his father-in-law at the time of his mother-in-law’s passing, stating that, “I was surprised but comforted by what I saw” (p. 363).
In this case, the doctor was able to see the apparition of a man in close proximity to the man’s dying wife, and thus the doctor was acting as a third person “bystander” witness (hence the term). One might notice that this case seems similar to a deathbed vision, but we should point out that it cannot be classified as one in the strictest sense because the mother-in-law was comatose and did not herself perceive the apparition of her deceased husband.
The case has three other interesting aspects to it. First, as in the crisis case, the apparition that the doctor saw appeared solid. Second, as in the deathbed case, the apparition he saw was of a relative in his family. Third, the doctor reportedly heard the apparition speak, suggesting it had some degree of intelligence. We’ll look more at these aspects in future installments.
Bryan Williams, University of New Mexico
Annalisa Ventola, CERCAP, Lund University
Mike Wilson, Psi Society
Notes
1.) For some readers unfamiliar with the history of parapsychology, the distinction between “psychical research” and “parapsychology” may be a bit unclear. Parapsychology actually owes its roots to psychical research, which began in 1882 when a group of scholars associated with Cambridge University in England had formed the Society for Psychical Research, which was devoted to the serious study of various psychic phenomena, including telepathy, clairvoyance, psychometry, mediumship, and hauntings. Parapsychology arrived on the scene in the 1930s when Dr. J. B. Rhine and his colleagues had formed the Duke University Parapsychology Laboratory in order to study psychic phenomena via controlled experimental work. A few recent books offering some accessible overviews of the history of parapsychology and psychical research for the interested reader are those by Dr. John Beloff (1993), Deborah Blum (2006), and Stacy Horn (2009). In addition, a useful list of additional print and Internet sources has recently been compiled by Dr. Carlos Alvarado (2009).
2.) In the early 1990s, the popular television show Unsolved Mysteries had aired a segment that profiled this case and Roll’s investigation of it. A two-part streaming video clip of this segment can be found on YouTube – Part 1 and Part 2.
References
Arcangel, D. (2005). Afterlife Encounters: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Experiences. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Company.
Feather, S. R., & Schmicker, M. (2005). The Gift: ESP, the Extraordinary Experiences of Ordinary People. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
Osis, K. (1975, Summer). What did the dying see? Theta, No. 45, 1 – 3.
Osis, K., & Haraldsson, E. (1977). At the Hour of Death. New York: Avon Books.
Persinger, M. A. (1974). The Paranormal (2 vols.). New York: M.S.S. Information Corporation.
Persinger, M. A., & Koren, S. A. (2001). Predicting the characteristics of haunt phenomena from geomagnetic factors and brain sensitivity: Evidence from field and experimental studies. In J. Houran & R. Lange (Eds.) Hauntings and Poltergeists: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 179 – 194). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Rhine, L. E. (1957). Hallucinatory psi experiences II. The initiative of the percipient in hallucinations of the living, the dying, and the dead. Journal of Parapsychology, 21, 13 – 46.
Rogo, D. S. (1978, January-February). Research on deathbed experiences: Some contemporary and historical perspectives. Parapsychology Review, 9, 20 – 27.
Roll, W. G., & Persinger, M. A. (2001). Investigations of poltergeists and haunts: A review and interpretation. In J. Houran & R. Lange (Eds.) Hauntings and Poltergeists: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (pp. 123 – 163). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, Inc.
Apparitional Experiences Primer: Characteristics of Apparitions
3. Characteristics of Apparitions
In looking at the various types of apparitions in the previous section, we also got a brief look at some of their characteristics. In this section, we provide a fuller summary of their characteristics, based on previous findings in parapsychology and psychical research (Irwin, 1994, Sect. 8; Roll, 1982, Sect. 2; Tyrrell, 1953/1961, Apparitions, Ch. 2).
The first characteristic naturally deals with physical appearance. Unlike the misty and translucent ghost of classic folklore, many apparitions are described by witnesses as being solid looking and life-like. For example in the "Morton Ghost" case, in which the Despard family repeatedly saw the figure of a spectral widow over the course of several years, Rosina Despard had stated that the figure "...was so solid and life-like that it was often mistaken for a real person" (Morton, 1892, p. 321).3 In a similar fashion, we saw in the crisis case (Section 2) that the woman and her daughter initially took the apparition to be the woman's real father. In the bystander case, the doctor described the image of his late father-in-law as being opaque and life-like.
While appearing solid, some apparitions can apparently exhibit physical or non-physical features. For instance, some appear to cast shadows and reflections. One curious example of an apparition casting a reflection is seen in one woman's personal account of a crisis case, which Feather and Schmicker (2005) present in their book The Gift:
"My mother lived in California and I lived in Wichita, Kansas. At 9:40 A.M. on February 17, I was sitting in my bedroom at my dressing room table, brushing my hair in front of the mirror. Suddenly the room was illuminated with the strangest light, one I can't fully describe. I then felt a rustle of wind across my shoulders, and a faint sound like the brushing of birds' wings. Then I looked in the mirror.
"My mother was standing behind my chair ... She just stood and smiled at me for a full thirty seconds. I finally said, 'Mom!' and rushed for her, but she disappeared, light and all. I was so upset by this that I shook for an hour. When my husband came home for lunch, I told him about it and got myself ready for a phone call that mother was dead ... Sure enough, about one P.M. that same day, the call came that my mother was gone ..." (pp. 261 – 262).
In other cases, apparitions have been seen to appear or disappear in enclosed rooms, and pass through doors and walls (Stevenson, 1982, p. 353; Tyrrell, 1953/1961, pp. 56 – 58). Attempts to touch an apparition have either resulted in the figure apparently eluding the hand to where it is unable to be touched, or the hands or arms simply passing through the figure. An example in which the apparition eludes the witness' hand can be found in the Morton Ghost case, in which Rosina Despard describes her attempts to touch the spectral widow. She noted that, "It was not that there was nothing there to touch, but that she always seemed to be beyond me, and if followed into a corner, simply disappeared" (p. 315). This latter statement may be valuable, in that it offers the hint that any non-physical features of an apparition may perhaps relate to distortions in perception on the part of the witness. If this is so, then it may suggest that, despite looking physical, apparitions may be mental forms, as well. That is, how the witness perceives the apparition may be partly determined by his or her own mental state at the time.
Although they traditionally represent deceased persons, we see in some cases that apparitions can also sometimes represent people who are still living. An example comes from an account given in a study of cases by Dr. Louisa Rhine (1957):
A little old lady came around every Thursday morning selling eggs from door to door and she always stopped at my house. This Thursday I had to go to town and as I was coming up the little road leading to my house I saw the egg lady standing on the porch. I noted that she was wearing a new pink dress and a sort of little bonnet to match. Just as I spied her, she turned to step off the porch and called to her to wait and then she just disappeared.
She never came out my gate, she didn't go anywhere, she just wasn't there. I was not more than 50 feet away when I first saw her and there were no bushes or plants to obstruct my vision. Later in the afternoon a knock sounded on my door and when I responded there stood the little egg lady dressed in pink and with her basket on her arm. I told her I was sorry I was not at home when she called about an hour earlier. She looked very surprised but smiled as she answered, "But this is the first time I have been here today. An hour ago I was just leaving the ranch. I was thinking about you and wondering if you wanted some eggs" (p. 22).
In addition, apparitions of the living may sometimes occur in crisis cases, when the person whose apparition is seen is ill or in an accident, but not faced with the threat of death. We shall also see in the next blog post that there have been a few rare cases in which living people have attempted to intentionally make themselves appear as an apparition to people they know.
Some apparitions may seem to exhibit behavior that suggests that they have some degree of awareness of their surroundings (Tyrrell, 1953/1961, pp. 60 – 66). Dr. Harvey Irwin (1994) offers the illustrative example that if a witness "... moves around the room the apparition's head may be said to have turned to follow these movements" (p. 58). Another interesting example comes from an account by Rosina Despard of an encounter with the spectral widow:
[The widow] crossed the drawing room, and took up her usual position behind the couch in the bow window. My father came in soon after, and I told him she was there. He could not see the figure, but went to where I showed him she was. She then swiftly went round behind him, across the room, out the door, and along the hall, disappearing as usual near the garden door, we both following her (Morton, 1892, p. 317, emphasis added).
This account suggests that, rather than simply passing through him, the spectral widow had moved to intentionally avoid Rosina's father as she exited the room. Rosina additionally noted that the widow would always move to avoid the light, leaving the witnesses unable to tell if she cast a shadow (p. 321). Apparent displays of awareness such as these tie into the issue of whether or not some apparitions are intelligent, an issue we shall discuss a bit more in Section 7.
Although the majority of apparitions have been witnessed by one person, there have been a small number of cases in which an apparition was collectively perceived by more than one witness. As we saw in the crisis and post-mortem cases (Section 2), two individuals may perceive the same apparition at one time. On the other hand, one witness may see the apparition, while another may not; this was apparently the case in the account by Rosina Despard involving her and her father, above.
Some apparitions of the dead tend to be seen in the geographical location where they once lived or worked (as in haunting cases), or around people who knew them in life (as in bystander-type cases). In addition to the Gordy case (Section 2), another example comes from Dianne Arcangel (2005, pp. 18 – 20), who relates a personal account of the experiences that workers at her family's dry cleaning business have had with the ghost of a man named Dyer. Employed with the business for about 30 years, Dyer worked diligently at his spotting board from morning till night, until his sudden death from a heart attack. Not long after, a female co-worker walked in and saw Dyer working behind his spotting board. She smiled and waved at him, and he waved back. The woman turned to put her things down, and when she turned back to him, Dyer was gone. Several other workers who were employed there later on reported similar incidents, and tenants of the apartment that was later built above the business by Arcangel's husband also reported seeing the spectral figure of a man resembling Dyer. Her husband noticed that one particular area of the apartment, located directly over the area of Dyer's spotting board, was constantly cold, even in the summer months. Arcangel says that neither her husband, the later workers, nor the tenants had ever known about Dyer prior to the experiences.
A comparison of four separate survey studies, shown in Table 1, suggests that more (non-haunting) apparitions tend to be of people with close family relation to the witnesses, rather than strangers.4
Table 1. Relationship Between the Apparition and the Witness in Apparition Cases (% Cases)
Values not cited are marked with a dash (-). All values are rounded to the nearest one percent.
In a later survey study, Dr. Haraldsson (1994) stated that nearly half of the figures seen in the 357 apparition cases he gathered were of a relative of the witness. In contrast, 29% of those cases involved the witness seeing the figure of a person unfamiliar to them. Similarly, in reviewing studies that compared apparitions of the dead with those of the living, Dr. Ian Stevenson (1982) had noted that: "No fewer than 78% of apparitions of the dead were perceived by a [witness] to whom the [deceased person] had had strong emotional ties, such as a husband, wife, or fiancé; and among apparitions of the living the percentage of such appearances rose even higher, to 92%" (p. 351).
There is some indication that the farther one gets from a person's time of death, the less frequently that person's apparition appears. In other words, sightings of the apparition of a deceased person tend to decline in frequency with increased time from the person's moment of death. Evidence for this initially surfaced in the late 1880s, when two prominent psychical researchers, Edmund Gurney and Frederic Myers (1888-89), had conducted a survey of early apparition cases they had gathered and published in a two-volume case anthology of psychic experiences entitled Phantasms of the Living (Gurney, Myers, & Podmore, 1886). They observed from these 211 cases that "... the recognised apparitions decrease rapidly in the few days after death, then more slowly; and after about a year's time they become so sporadic that we can no longer include them in a steadily descending line" (Gurney & Myers, 1888-89, p. 427). A similar decline in apparitional sightings was observed by Rosina Despard in the Morton Ghost case. She noted that from 1882 to 1884 she saw the spectral widow "... about half a dozen times" (Morton, 1892, p. 314), and it was also seen by several other members of her family during that time period. It was reportedly seen frequently throughout the year of 1885 (p. 318). By 1887, Rosina noted that "... we have few records; the appearances were less frequent" (p. 321). She added that from 1887 to 1889, the spectral widow was rarely seen, and then: "From 1889 to the present, so far as I know, the figure has not been seen at all" (p. 321).
The appearance of an apparition can sometimes be accompanied by certain kinds of subjective effects, such as feeling sensations of cold, wind, or touch. In the survey of apparition cases described in his classic book Apparitions, psychical researcher G. N. M. Tyrrell (1953/1961) observed that the experience of cold breezes and similar cooling sensations was fairly frequent across witness accounts. For instance, some witnesses gave the following statements: "I ... felt myself grow perfectly cold"; "A cold, shivering feeling came over me"; "The apparition 'laid a cold hand on his cheek'"; "As if a cool wind was blowing about me" (p. 73). Rosina Despard stated that similar cold sensations were sometimes felt in proximity to the spectral widow of the Morton Ghost case (Morton, 1892, p. 325).5
One final characteristic of apparitions is that, aside from being visual, some can be purely auditory, seeming to manifest as sounds reflective of human activity. An example of an auditory apparitional experience can be found in an investigation by Dr. William Roll (1991) of the alleged haunting phenomena witnessed by the tour staff and crew of the Queen Mary cruise ship, now permanently docked in Long Beach, CA. According to accounts by the staff and crew, sounds of loud metal impacts, voices, and rushing water are sometimes heard coming from the lower forward compartments near the ship's bow. However, when the compartments are checked, no one is found to be in the area, nor is there any sign of damage or a leak. To see if these sounds might represent an objective event rather than being purely subjective, Roll attempted to record them by leaving a voice-activated tape recorder overnight in the bow. When retrieved in the morning and played back, it was discovered that "... the tape recorder picked up a strange sequence of noises. You could hear heavy blows of metal, sounds of rushing water and voices, one of which, low pitched and gravelly, was almost intelligible" (p. 58). The recorded sounds were found to be strikingly similar to a description given by the ship's chief engineer, who heard the sounds on several occasions when he was in the bow area with no one else around. In addition, the nature of the sounds seemed consistent with a tragic event occurring early in the Queen Mary's sailing history, when it had been a military transport during World War II. During an evasion maneuver off the coast of Scotland in October of 1942, the bow of Queen Mary had accidentally collided with the British battle cruiser Curaçoa, tearing the smaller cruiser in half and resulting in the deaths of over 300 British sailors.6
Dr. Erlendur Haraldsson (1994) offers another example of an auditory apparition in his second survey of cases, which again seems to reflect the activity of a person:
Shortly after our father died, I came to his house with my brother. We knew that there was nobody in the house, and then we heard the old man at his desk. He was walking around, opened the door, and closed it again. Both of us stopped and listened when we entered, and then I remarked: "I guess there is no doubt who is up there." "No, there is no doubt about it," my brother replied. Both of us went upstairs; no one was there. We had heard this so clearly. He was 85 years old when he died, and he walked slowly, you know, had the typical old man's way of walking (p. 3).
Bryan Williams, University of New Mexico
Annalisa Ventola, CERCAP, Lund University
Mike Wilson, Psi Society
Notes
3.) The "Morton Ghost" case, documented by 19-year-old medical student Rosina Despard, is a classic in psychical research in that offers another good example of a haunting apparition. We previously alluded to this case in our second primer (Williams, Ventola, & Wilson, 2008), and refer the reader to that primer for a brief and convenient summary.
4.) Aside from the data of Persinger (1974) and Haraldsson (1988-1989), the results shown in Table 1 were calculated from data presented in Appendix Table 2 of Osis and Haraldsson (1977, p. 218), and the Appendix of Arcangel (2005, p. 284, 291). Cases in which the apparition was of a spiritual, historic, or unidentifiable figure are excluded.
5.) For additional discussion of cold sensations in relation to apparitions and haunt phenomena, see our second primer.
6.) In the late 1980s, Unsolved Mysteries had aired a segment on the alleged haunting of the Queen Mary and the investigation of it by Roll and British psychical researcher Tony Cornell. A two-part streaming video clip of this segment can be found on YouTube – Part 1 and Part 2. A sample of Roll's recording of the unusual sounds in the bow area can be heard in Part 2.
References
Arcangel, D. (2005). Afterlife Encounters: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Experiences. Charlottesville, VA: Hampton Roads Publishing Company.
Feather, S. R., & Schmicker, M. (2005). The Gift: ESP, the Extraordinary Experiences of Ordinary People. New York: St. Martin's Press.
Gurney, E., & Myers, F. W. H. (1888-89). On apparitions occurring soon after death. Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research, 5, 403 – 485.
Gurney, E., Myers, F. W. H., & Podmore, F. (1886). Phantasms of the Living (2 vols.). London: Trübner.
Haraldsson, E. (1988-1989). Survey of claimed encounters with the dead. Omega: Journal of Death & Dying, 19, 103 – 113.
Haraldsson, E. (1994). Apparitions of the dead: Analysis of a new collection of 357 reports. In E. W. Cook & D. L. Delanoy (Eds.) Research in Parapsychology 1991 (pp. 1 – 6). Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press.
Irwin, H. J. (1994). The phenomenology of parapsychological experiences. In S. Krippner (Ed.) Advances in Parapsychological Research 7 (pp. 10 – 76). Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company.
Morton, R. C. (1892). Record of a haunted house. Proceedings of the Society for Psychical Research, 8, 311 – 332.
Osis, K., & Haraldsson, E. (1977). At the Hour of Death. New York: Avon Books.
Persinger, M. A. (1974). The Paranormal (2 vols.). New York: M.S.S. Information Corporation.
Rhine, L. E. (1957). Hallucinatory psi experiences II. The initiative of the percipient in hallucinations of the living, the dying, and the dead. Journal of Parapsychology, 21, 13 – 46.
Roll, W. G. (1982). The changing perspective on life after death. In S. Krippner (Ed.) Advances in Parapsychological Research 3 (pp. 147 – 291). New York: Plenum Press.
Roll, W. G. (1991, May). Journey to the Grey Ghost. Fate, pp. 55 – 61.
Stevenson, I. (1982). The contribution of apparitions to the evidence for survival. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 76, 341 – 358.
Tyrrell, G. N. M. (1953/1961). Science and Psychical Phenomena/Apparitions. New Hyde Park, NY: University Books.
Is Your Child Psychic? A Guide to Developing Your Child’s Innate Abilities
By Alex Tanous and Katherine Fair Donnelly
Tarcher • 2009, 224 pages, $15.95
ISBN: 9781585427383
Reviewed by Brent Raynes Dr. Alex Tanous, the psychic superstar in paranormal laboratory work (best known for his out-of-body abilities) participated in numerous experiments conducted by the esteemed parapsychologist Dr. Karlis Osis of New York’s American Society for Psychical Research. Tanous wrote Is Your Child Psychic? to educate us about the psychic abilities and potentials of our children. Co-written with Katherine Fair Donnelly, the authors offered techniques to test and to awaken children to their so-called sixth sense, presenting documented case histories that demonstrate how common and useful those abilities can be. Dr. Tanous also provided glimpses into his own childhood psychic development and experiences, and the book quotes our long-time friend, pioneering parapsychologist and acclaimed psychiatrist Dr. Berthold Eric Schwarz on his own studies of psychic abilities among children, including his own son and daughter!
Originally published back in 1979, the book has just been republished again thanks to the determined efforts of Maine’s Alex Tanous Foundation to keep this knowledge and information alive and available to the public. This book explodes with such exciting and thought-provoking chapters as The Child from Conception to the Sixth Year, Imaginary Playmates, Out-of-Body Experiences, Educating the Two Sides of the Brain, Instructions and Tests for Telepathy, Clairvoyance Tests, and more. There are 50 pages of game-like tests created for children to test for various kinds of psychic ability and sensitivity. These pages were also prepared to act as a guide to both parents and teachers wishing to help children to evolve psychically.
(www.mysterious-america.net)
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Is Your Child Psychic?
Dr. Alex Tanous & Katherine Fair Donnelly
A straightforward and inspiring resource for parents searching for insight into their child's psychic experiences. In Is Your Child Psychic?, paranormal researchers Dr. Alex Tanous and Katherine Fair Donnelly suggest that people of all ages, including children, have psychic abilities. A comprehensive guide to understanding and developing a child's natural psychic perception, this book also shows parents how they can use these skills to bolster their child's creativity, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. Helpful and thought-provoking, Is Your Child Psychic? addresses such topics as: - imaginary playmates -"out-of-body" experiences - psychic dreams - left and right brain skills and how they impact psychic awareness - understanding the differences between coincidence and real psychic occurrence - how meditation can strengthen psychic ability - the dangers of suppressing a child's psychic talents With more than fifty pages of fun gamelike tests that will help parents to detect and develop their child's psychic abilities, Is Your Child Psychic? is an invaluable resource for parents.
For More Information on the book please visit:
http://us.penguingroup.com/
http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9781585427383,00.html?Is_Your_Child_Psychic?_Alex_Tanous
Alice Kelley, Research Assistant
AlexTanous Foundation for Scientific Research
P.O. Box 3818 Portland, Maine 04104-3818
207-773-8328
www.alextanous.org
NEW PF LYCEUM BLOG, NEW TITLE FROM HELIX PRESS, NEW GARRETT LIBRARY FELLOW, AND MORE ..
(Remember to tell your friends! The PF no longer sends postal
announcements of news and events.)
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THE PARAPSYCHOLOGY FOUNDATION is delighted to announce a new blog has been posted by Dr. Charles T. Tart, of the Institute for Transpersonal
Psychology on his new book, THE END OF MATERIALISM. Go to
http://www.pflyceum.org/10.html to read his charming blog (lists of his
publications are available in "click-offs" from his blog too).
NOW AVAILABLE FROM PSI-MART, is EILEEN GARRETT AND THE WORLD BEYOND THE SENSE, Allan Angoff's excellent biography of the principal founder of the
PF. To purchase a copy go to:
http://www.psi-mart.com/details.php?Id=&IdArt=441.
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Andreas Sommer, a history of science and medicine post-grad from University College London was this summer's Eileen J. Garrett Research Library Fellow.
To read more about Sommer and his work on the history of parapsychology and
psychology, go to the following page on the Library Section of the main
website: http://www.parapsychology.org/dynamic/030000.html
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SUSAN MACWILLIAM, THE PF'S FILM ARCHIVIST, IS REPRESENTING NORTHERN IRELAND
from June 7th, 2009 to November 22nd, 2009, at the 53rd Venice Biennale,
one of the art world's most prestigious events. In her solo exhibition,
REMOTE VIEWING, she is presenting three major works of film and
installation art based on her work with the Foundation: "Dermo Optics" (a
video installation examining the work of French parapsychologist Yvonne
Duplessis), "Eileen" (a three-channel video installation centering on PF's
founder Eileen J. Garrett), and "F-L-A-M-M-A-R-I-O-N" (a video installation
about the textual teleplasm that appeared in Winnipeg in 1931). For more
information about Susan's work and the book documenting her exhibition,
REMOTE VIEWING, go to the PF's Press Release at
http://www.parapsychology.org/dynamic/050200.html
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE PARAPSYCHOLOGY FOUNDATION, ITS NEWS, WEBSITES
AND PROGRAMS go to the following web page:
http://www.parapsychology.org/dynamic/050100.html or visit our educational
website, http://www.pflyceum.org, our Club website,
http://www.psychicexplorers.org, our on-line store,
http://www.psi-mart.com, or the website of the Exception Human Experiences
Network, http://www.ehe.org.
To: Alex Tanous Foundation
Fr: Laura Lee Perkins
Re: Grant Award
Date: July 24, 2009
Since receiving a May phone call from Alice, followed by the Alex Tanous
Foundation Scholarship Award letter dated June 1, I have felt spiritually
infused with your gift. After notifying more than 50 people about the free
spiritual exploration and development classes that I would offer as a
result, 41 respondents signed on for the project. Immediately I took 10-12
days to prepare the class handouts, including an intake assessment tool, and
to incrementally structure the classes for maximum exposure to a variety of
activities and information that was in alignment with Alex Tanous' work. The
much-appreciated gratis copy of Beyond Coincidence was a great help as I
read about some of his teaching methods.
When one begins to stir spiritually, there begins a process of moving from
separateness into unity. Spirituality is the seed that awakens and sprouts
social activism. Spiritual expansion pulsates in our soul, like breath
moving oxygen throughout our body. And just as the body needs air, the soul
needs love. Participating in deeper spiritual awareness experiential
learning leads us forward into an expanded awareness of the power of love.
Our soul responds to the influx of light, and we move closer into the arena
of enlightenment and connectivity.
Our classes have formed and began meeting some two months ago (before I
received the letter/check). Observations of participants' growth and
reactions to prepared class materials and activities include:
Ø Exploration of a variety of culturally diverse spiritual beliefs - Celtic,
Native American, and Hawaiian.
Ø Discussion of personal responsibility for the condition of our human
family.
Ø Experiential activities including dowsing rods, guided meditations,
automatic handwriting, pendulums, music based on the intervals P4th, P5th
and the octave to facilitate healing, rhythmic drumming, dream analysis and
journaling.
Ø A reduction in participants' level of fear; they move across their own
continuum, at their own rate, into expanded levels of trust in their earthly
life process.
Ø Much interest and discussion about the existence of life on the other side
of the veil.
Ø Deepening awareness of Nature as the expression of Spirit and our role as
the caretaker of Mother Earth.
Ø Greater understanding of marriage between the soul and the personality,
and how they complement each other.
Ø The awareness that the inner life is revealed in the outer life, and that
"Like Attracts Like".
Ø Enlightenment is the key to our future as a world; we are all
interconnected, we all have a sacred responsibility to each other, which is
not a burden, but a privilege.
Thank you so very much for the opportunity to serve. Using the $500- to fund
free classes for 41 participants (in our Spiritual Haven building) is my way
of paying the award forward. If you would like to read my prepared class
materials (30-40 pages), I would be happy to send those along as
attachments. The preparation work for the classes was very engrossing and
spiritually energizing. Please know that I am grateful to you all for your
trust.
I shall look forward to meeting all of you at the 2010 Anniversary gala, and
I would be pleased to speak about my work if you have space in your program.
In addition, I would be delighted to have the opportunity to apply to serve
as a Foundation Board member when a vacancy becomes available.
In Spirit,
Laura Lee Perkins
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For more information on the Alex Tanous Scholarship Award please visit our Web page on the Award or contact the Foundation at (207) 773-8328 alextanous@myfairpoint.net
The Alex Tanous Foundation is very pleased to announce the recipient of its first Scholarship Award to Laura Lee Perkins.
The Board reviewed the applications for this years award and found that Mrs. Perkins outlined goals and missions toward her work to be aligned with the goals and missions of the Foundation. Therefore she was chosen to carry on this work and to provide her students with the gift of teaching.
Laura plans to use the Award to fund five weeks of classes for her Students in September and October. She teaches a Spiritual Development Class and the work is based on results, rather than on experimentation. Using their individual gifts, she presents unique situations for them to work on at home during the week, bringing their results back to the group the following week. There folks are experienced spiritual seeks who have each developed their own style of accessing Spirit.
Please check back for our Summer newsletter edition of "The Light"which will include more information on this and other upcoming events this year.
Have You Had a Near-Death Experience?
As many of you know, our office mates in our building include IANDS, the International Association for Near-Death Studies, Inc. IANDS is embarking on a project which may lead to a television series about near death experiences and their impact on people's lives. They are looking for experiencers who would like to share their stories. We are passing this notice along to you as we believe that many of you may be interested!
IANDS is cooperating with a television production company on a possible TV series about near-death experiences and their impact on people's lives. We are inviting experiencers to consider participating.
The producers are interested in the following types of experience:
• NDE
• Near-death-like experiences
• Shared near-death experiences
• Distressing near-death experiences
• Out-of-body experiences (without other elements of an NDE)
• Tunnel experiences
• Angel experiences
• Light beings experiences
• Light experiences (without other elements of an NDE)
• Life review experiences
• Meetings with dead relatives
• After-death communication
• Apparitions
If you have had an experience like any of these--especially if your life has been strongly affected by it--and would like to have it considered as the basis for an episode, please let IANDS know (see below).
This is a preliminary request for experiences, as there is no guarantee that the series will be picked up for broadcasting. Your willingness to participate does not ensure that your experience will be included, as we cannot guarantee that it will be selected. The producers, not IANDS, will select the accounts they wish to use. If your experience is selected, there is no guarantee that you will appear on camera.
We will review all experience accounts that come to the office. Someone will notify you if the TV producer wants to talk with you. Please DO NOT call the IANDS office to check on your status. If the producer wants to talk with you, you will be notified; if you do not receive a message that the producer wants to talk with you, the producer has decided not to use your experience.
We will post an announcement on the IANDS website when we know whether the series has been picked up for broadcasting.
Here's how to send your experience for consideration:
Send us an email or letter, including these four things:
• your name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one
• a full description of your experience and its impact on your life
• a statement that you agree to having your experience considered for a TV show
• a statement that you agree not to submit your experience to any other TV show unless it is not selected by these producers
If you are using email, send to office@iands.org.
If you use regular mail, send the letter to:
IANDS
2741 Campus Walk Ave
Durham, NC 27705-8878
USA
Be sure to include the description of your experience.
What's New?
We are continually looking at ways to improve our facilities and enhance the experience of our visitors—and we take your feedback seriously! One of many new initiatives is our commitment to making the Retreat Center as green and sustainable as possible, and for those values to inform our purchasing, upgrade, and other choices. Most recently, our two lovely chalets have received a fresh coat of paint—Wilderness Green. One now has a red door and one a black door, making it easier for you to distinguish between the different chalets. We've also improved the interiors of each dormitory by repainting each of the rooms and hallways and upgrading all sleeping rooms with new, organic, 100% cotton bedding, including natural-toned sheets, blanket, and duvet cover. Each bed now has two pillows plus an additional elegant accent pillow. We are also in the process of replacing mattresses, and so far have added 20 new ones from the Green Fusion Design Center. These are coil innerspring mattresses wrapped with organic cotton and pure wool.
What's Cooking?
The feedback we consistently receive is how much you enjoy and appreciate the Center's cuisine, and we often get requests for Chef Shannon's recipes (stay tuned!). Here are some of her favorite things to cook and the common ingredients she uses in her kitchen: Her staple ingredients are olive oil, garlic, leeks, olives, lemon, and salt (she believes that salt has healing properties). Her favorite breakfast consists of braised greens with poached eggs, lemon/saffron aioli, and roasted potatoes. A popular lunchtime choice is an eggplant sandwich with pickled beets, radishes, and a special marinara sauce. One of her favored dinner entrees is duck confit—a French dish made with the leg of the duck. These dishes epitomize the philosophy of "slow food," as Shannon has to begin preparing them the day before. This long but beautiful process results in a sumptuous and satisfying meal. Good quality ingredients have their own language; they can be so simple but can create the most delicious experiences!
Events
In March, the first of the Institute's new weekend workshops is launching with The Healer's Journey, presented by Lee Lipsenthal, M.D., and Cassandra Vieten, Ph.D. Lee is the founder of Finding Balance in a Medical Life. He has served as medical director of Lifestyle Advantage and HeartMath LLC as well as being vice president and medical director of The Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito California along with Dr. Dean Ornish. Cassandra is a licensed clinical psychologist, Associate Director of Research at the Institute of Noetic Sciences, an associate scientist and co-director of the Mind-Body Medicine Research Group at California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute in San Francisco, and vice president of the Institute for Spirituality and Psychology. This program is designed to enhance the life and capacity of all people in the healing arts. This would include massage therapists, yoga teachers, psychologists, physicians, naturopaths, social workers, nutritionists, teachers, and nurses, as well as anyone interested in personal growth.
This and upcoming weekend workshops focusing on consciousness & transformation, integral health & healing, and wisdom teachings will also offer continuing education credits.
Please join us on Thursday, March 12, from 6-8 pm on campus here in Petaluma for the Retreat Center's Dinner Series, featuring dinner and guest speaker Dr. Lee Lipsenthal, who will talk about "The Healer's Journey." Dinner is $25, or $35 with wine. If you would like to attend, email lisavanderboom@noetic.org with "Lipsenthal IONS dinner reservation request" in the subject line. (You will then receive a reservation link.) Please make your reservation early if possible, and no later than Monday, March 9. We look forward to seeing you!
Art, Culture & Consciousness
The Lucid Arts Foundation, in collaboration with IONS and the Retreat Center, will be co-sponsoring art programs and showings at the Center and will curate several gallery showings each year. The first co-sponsorship is the current show, Realms of Being, featuring artist Jeremy Morgan, which can be seen in our gallery in the community building through March 31st. Our next show, featuring painter Fritz Rauh, will be up April 1 - May 31.
Community News
Here at the Retreat Center we feel fortunate to be the stewards of 200 beautiful acres of rolling hills in Marin County. As such, our sense of community extends beyond the staff, volunteers, interns, and thousands of visitors we host each year to the indigenous flora and fauna that grace us with their beauty. This winter we welcome a new addition to our community of friends and visitors—a residential staff of approximately 300 hungry sheep and goats, including some babies and pregnant moms, along with their Peruvian shepherd and sheep dogs! These environmentally-friendly grazers munch on weeds and brush surrounding our facilities, specifically the areas near buildings and roads. Such managed grazing provides much-needed natural firebreaks and sustainable fire protection. The hungry herd will also reduce invasive plants by eating their way through thick star thistle growth. This increasingly popular green approach eliminates the need for CO2-producing machines, expensive manual labor, planned burning, and pesticides—all the while supporting the Institute of Noetic Sciences' ecological sustainability goals. Initially funded by Board member Betsy Gordon, the service is provided by San Francisco-based Living Systems Land Management.
What You Say
"We have been bringing groups from 10 to 40 people to the IONS Retreat Center in Petaluma, every few months for the past two years and have found it to be a beautiful, inspiring experience. The staff are very competent and helpful, the food is always delicious and healthy, and the facilities clean and well-kept. Our members always have nice things to say about the retreats there, and we are looking forward to having them even more frequently in the future."
Jeff Rice, Director
Center for Wellness & Achievement in Education
Contact Us
Lisa VanderBoom 707.779.8224
lvanderboom@noetic.org
The Retreat Center at the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Located on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills just 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, we offer meeting facilities, cuisine, and accommodations for 5-120. Our clients offer educational programs, workshops, and retreats, with a broad focus on health, personal growth, and transformation. We also welcome weekend workshops and retreats for small groups (fewer than 25). Many programs are open to the public.
The Institute of Noetic Sciences is a nonprofit membership organization located in Northern California that conducts and sponsors leading-edge research into the potentials and powers of consciousness—including perceptions, beliefs, attention, intention, and intuition. The Institute explores phenomena that do not necessarily fit conventional scientific models, while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor.
www.noetic.org/retreat.cfm
101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma, CA 94952
Are Parapsychologists Living or Are they Dead? A Review of the Utrecht II Conference
by Renaud Evrard
The first International Congress of Parapsychology in Utrecht, Netherlands, was in 1953. That conference helped to advance the field and to professionalize researchers. In October 2008, the Parapsychology Foundation organized a second Utrecht conference as a tribute to that conference and an assessment of the field. It was titled Utrecht II: Charting the Future of Parapsychology. As shown in the program, the topics approached covered many aspects of the field.
The Parapsychology Foundation has published an extensive review of Utrecht II. We can thank all the team for the great organization during the four day conference. Attending the conference was a great opportunity, especially for students like me who are quite newcomers in the field, to be able to allowed so much time for informal discussions with researchers who, for the most part, were just virtual names or inaccessible celebrities like the Nobel Prize winner Brian Josephson.
However, this conference was not perfect. Here are my impressions:
- There wasn’t enough time for peer-debates. There were five minute discussion periods at the end of each presentation, and after three presentations, a 30 minute discussion period with the three lecturers on the scene. By contrast, the Euro-PA Congress of October 2007 in Paris privileged discussion (2/3) over presentation (1/3). This format allowed everyone to develop their ideas, criticisms and responses (especially for non-native English speakers who need time to exceed their shyness!).
- There was a high heterogeneity between lecturers, maybe because of cultural differences. Methodological requirements, theories, stances in regard to the authenticity of psi phenomena, and personal involvements were not the same from one researcher to the other. Does parapsychology really have a community? It seems that the backgrounds of the presenters were very different. The gap was particularly noticeable between native and non-native English speakers. PF did, however, a marvellous work when putting all these researchers together, since 1953!
- Another problem is that some of the lectures were too introductory. A few of the lectures could have been made at least by ten people present at the conference.
- Most of the presentations were retrospective assessments, rarely asking ardent questions assessing the future of the discipline. This palette of assessments drew a fragmented field, each wanting to pull the cover in his or her direction. Is it because parapsychology seems to attract so creative personalities as even this small group of researchers can’t conform itself to a common orientation?
- Maybe as a consequence of previous points, I left the congress without any impression that pragmatic decisions were taken. That’s a big difference with Utrecht I, where researchers formed committees to bring more organization to the field making that earlier conference, as Carlos Alvarado remarked in his review, “a milestone in the 20th-century history of the field, helping to shape the 50 years that followed.”
Are parapsychologists living or are they dead? That’s the question I asked myself after the conference, even though I just have seen in real life some well-known personalities in the field. But this question rose from a specific definition of the parapsychologist as the scientist who challenges the issue of the authenticity of psi phenomena. This was not the case of all the researchers present at the conference. Some of the current major contributors in experimental parapsychology (Radin, Sheldrake, Bierman, Bem, and Parker) were not there, and their absence induced a strange atmosphere.
The challenge of proof-oriented research is difficult, because of the pressures that researchers face both inside and outside the field. Only a small group of scientists produce the majority of empirical data. They are psi-conducive experimenters with the time and money to ask the question, “Does psi exist?” The undecidability of the question maintains the interest of both the public and researchers. But for most parapsychologists, this question is not asserted directly. These researchers cautiously work on surroundings topics such as psychological variables.. Some scientists have no doubt about reality of psi, but at the conference their assertions made me feel some embarrassment, as if they had crossed the line of the current consensus. Is the parapsychologist dead when he or she stops asking if psi exists?
This problem increases in complexity when we take a sociological perspective. There is the issue of personal experiences and beliefs. Can a parapsychologist bracket aside his or her own life experiences while doing research? The necessity of personal distance is a strong requirement in the sciences, but it seemed to me stronger in Europe than in America. During the conference, it was my impression that many of the non-European researchers had a more “psi is proven” attitude, with more self-disclosure on their personal beliefs and experiences. While more academic opportunities in parapsychology emerge in Europe as American institutions close down, the original stance of a pragmatic pro-psi attitude appears to be breaking up. The living parapsychologist must enter in a dissociative state. Two types of research have emerged, as if two trends living side by side.
As Deborah Delanoy pointed it in her invited address, there are pros and cons of doing research in private institutes versus the university setting. Financing, broadcasting, recognition, constraints, and perpetuity vary completely from one institution to another. For somebody who wants to make a living while doing research in parapsychology, it is better to be known for something else than successful proof-oriented psi research. Robert Morris’s legacy at Koestler Parapsychology Unit is an academic success with 27 PhD students, with 18 working currently in universities, but at what price? Psi phenomena are still far from proved. Only surrounding approaches, like studies of altered states of consciousness, paranormal beliefs, anomalous experiences and historical studies assure these academic positions. I wonder if certain properties of the paranormal entail inevitably the dissolution of its subversive reach when it penetrates into strongly structured and conformist circles (such as universities) as suggested in George Hansen’s Trickster theory (Hansen, 2001).
But the differences between private and academic institutions do not completely describe the reality. The private Institute of Border Areas of Psychology and Mental Hygiene in Germany is probably the most active in private parapsychological research. Its stance is, however, both careful and brave. It asks differently the question of the authenticity of psi phenomena by basing itself on theoretical models (such as Generalized Quantum Theory), which goes at the same moment farther and less far than the common representations. This model, where the psi is not a physical signal, allows the construction of a new field where psi receives a positive operational definition.
An exchange at the Utrecht II was very revealing of this aspect: in his lecture, Professor Harald Walach of the University of Northampton went so far as to say that parapsychology was dead, but Mario Varvoglis, president of the private Institut Métapsychique International in France, stated that if this model (GQT) of psi showed itself exact, it would be the death of one parapsychology, one view of psi accompanying one specific discourse. And it would be for that reason that parapsychologists still have a spark of life in the middle of a hostile world.
Hansen, G. (2001). The Trickster and the Paranormal. Philadelphia: Xlibris.
Renaud Evrard
Renaud Evrard is a French psychologist, preparing a Ph.D in clinical and differential aspects of exceptional experiences at the University of Rouen. He is an active member of the Student Group of Institut Métapsychique International since 2004, and a student affiliate of the Parapsychological Association since 2007. He co-founded in 2007 the Service for Orientation and Help of People with Exceptional Experiences (SOS-PSEE) in Paris.
Golden Gate Sufi Circle
The Retreat Center is currently hosting the space for The Golden Gate Sufi Circle's 7th annual 10-day sesshin. Participants come together to engage in Silent Meditation alternating with Zikr and Dances of Universal Peace, exploring this new way to integrate active practice with meditation. The retreats have been a deep and joyful success, often with nearly 100 participants. This potent practice combines the power and resonance of the Zikr Circle/Dance Circle with the profound calm and abiding insight of the meditative state. The goal is that this integrative approach will move us toward a grounded balance of serenity, insight and awareness. The teachings and transmission of Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel are woven into the retreat. Leaders are Pir Shabda Kahn, Murshid Wali Ali, MurshidaTaj Inayat, Sheikh Rahmat Moore and Gayan Long. In the spring the Retreat Center will be hosting the Federation of the Sufi Message (all the orders of Hazrat Inayat Khan) from April 28 to May 2. See www.suficircle.org.
Thank You to our December Retreat Center clients!
Jean Houston Mystery School
Veriditas
We host retreats, workshops and client events on an ongoing basis throughout the year at the Retreat Center. Please click here to see our detailed events schedule.
What's New?
The Retreat Center staff decided that two new storage units were top projects that would help them operate more efficiently. One storage unit, attached to the West Room, will be used for storing the chairs that are not in use. Managing the movement and storage of these chairs has been a time-consuming and labor-intensive job since these deluxe Herman Miller chairs are not stack-able. They were a generous donation several years ago, and are extremely comfortable chairs for our retreat groups to use. The second storage unit has also been completed and is located across from the Gordon Garden near the Community Building. This unit will be used for IONS books, publications, gift store inventory and facilities storage. The buildings were constructed using steel frame panels from Codding Steel Frame Solutions in Rohnert Park; follow this link to learn about steel as a green building product. The erection and construction has been done by Tomas Dupal Construction. These sheds were made possible by a donation from Daphne Crocker-White.
Events
Kim Rosen
Anodea Judith
Monthly Dinner Series, from 5:30-7:00 pm on campus here in Petaluma for dinner, with guest speakers.
Thursday, January 21: Dinner Salon featuring Kim Rosen and Anodea Judith
Pre-registration Required
Early Registration
Program and Dinner: $30
Program, Dinner & Wine: $35
After 48 hours prior to the events
Program and Dinner: $35
Program, Dinner & Wine: $40
Register now
Kim Rosen, MFA, author of Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words (Hay House, 2009), has touched listeners around the world with the spoken word's power to awaken, inspire and heal. She is the co-creator of four CDs of spoken poetry and music and has delivered poetry in a wide spectrum of venues from the crypt of Chartres Cathedral to the New Orleans Superdome. Combining her devotion to poetry with her background as a spiritual teacher and therapist, Kim has spent 30 years developing workshop environments that invite participants to discover new realms within—creatively, emotionally and spiritually. Kim has taught on the faculty of the Omega Institute, Wisdom University, Kripalu and the International Pathwork Foundation. An award winning poet and writer, her writing has been published in O Magazine, Huffington Post, Central Park, and The Texas Review, among other publications. Kim will be teaching a weekend workshop at IONS January 29-31. (See listing of Transformative Learning Workshops below).
Anodea Judith, PhD will talk about her lifetime of work with the chakra system, its application to psychological development and healing, and its political implications for our time. The Chakra System is an ancient map for both our personal development and our collective evolution. As a template for transformation, it describes the portals between the inner and outer worlds, the meeting points of matter and spirit, and the architecture of the human soul. Anodea is the author of several best-selling books on the chakras, including the classic Wheels of Life and the award-winning DVD, The Illuminated Chakras. She is the founder of Sacred Centers and a world renowned lecturer and workshop leader. Anodea will be teaching a 7-day workshop at IONS March 29–April 4. For more info go to www.SacredCenters.com.
Our February Dinner Salon will be a private event for members of Petaluma's Tara Firma Farms. The guest speaker for this event will be Joe Salatin. Tara Firma Farms offers healthy chemical-free, all-natural produce and meats from grass-fed, pasture-raised and humanely-treated pigs, cows, and chickens. Tara Firma Farms donates 10% of its income from IONS members back to IONS. Check them out at www.tarafirmafarms.com. We plan to collaborate with them on future events and that we'll keep readers informed through the newsletter.
Transformative Learning Workshops
January 29-31 – Speaking the Soul: The Transformative Power of Words with Kim Rosen
February 5-7 – Women in Transition: Climbing into Your Authentic Self with Suze Allen and Jnana Gowan
Lauren Vanett
March 5-7 – Live from Your Strengths: A Journey Toward Increased Engagement and Meaning in Life Lauren Vanett, MA
March 19-21 – Green in Spirit: Healing through Permaculture and Biosynamic Gardening with Brenda Sanders
April 16-18 – Cells and the Sacred: Discovering the Cell as Messenger for the Marriage of Science and Spirituality with Sondra Barrett, PhD
April 16-18 – From Science to God: A Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness with Peter Russell, MA
April 23-25 – Learning Telekinesis—Your Gateway to Mind Over Matter and
April 26 – Developing Subtle Energy Awareness and Telekinesis: One-day Intensive
both with Natalia Shareyko, MD, PhD, of the Institute for Biosensory Psychology in Saint Petersberg, Russia
Ralph Metzner
May 21-23 – The Six Life-paths of the Human Soul and the Imprints of Conception with Ralph Metzner, part of the six-part Alchemical Divination Series
May 29-31 – Shakti Awakening with Dr. David Frawley, Dr. Dennis Harness, and Shambhavi Chopra (online registration available soon)
June 25-27 – Primordial Qigong: A Gem from the Treasure Chest of Taoist Mystical Qigong with Donald and Cheryl Lynne Rubbo
Art, Culture, & Consciousness
Translucent Beings
Paintings by Toni Littlejohn
Exhibition: January 2-March 31, 2010
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 6th, 3-5 PM
Music by composer, Joyce Kouffman, of Point Reyes Music Retreats
Poetry readings by Nancy Bertelesen, Robin Leslie Jacobson and Devi Weisenberg
"Influenced by the Diamond Approach of integrating spiritual development with western psychology, my artwork is an experience in the practice of ego surrendering itself to the realm of being and then returning to self. The paintings in this exhibition reflect the impact of my recent trip to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya. Masai warriors dance, chant their way around the fire. Their tall sinewy bodies transpose into streams of color and light, forms dissolving into wholeness, humans becoming luminosity." —Toni Littlejohn
Toni Littlejohn has exhibited her work widely in the Bay Area. She is a founding member of Gallery Route One and has been leading artist workshops "Wild Carrots" since 1992.
More about the artists who will perform at the February 6 Opening Reception:
Poets
Devi Weisenberg lives in Inverness and her love affair with West Marin sizzles so hot that she's forced to live near water for safety. She considers herself a part of the oral tradition, gleefully clacking the bones of spoken words together. She self published Poems from around the Bend and her work has appeared in the West Marin Review and Joy No Matter What.
Robin Leslie Jacobson, whose poetry and prose have been published widely in literary journals and anthologies, is a two-time winner of Marin Arts Council individual artist grants and has been a resident at the Headlands Center for the Arts. Formerly a teacher for California Poets in the Schools and for Poets & Writers, she has collaborated with visual artists Toni Littlejohn and Judith Selby Lang in Gallery Route One's Artists in the Schools Program. At UC Berkeley, Robin is currently learning to teach English as a Second Language.
Nancy Bertelsen, a West Marin poet and former psychotherapist, combines narrative and lyrical modes in exploring the natural world, the human condition, and their points of intersection. Her work has been published in the West Marin Review.
Musician
Joyce Kouffman is a Bay Area composer who has spent decades studying and living with traditional rhythms of West Africa, including intensive study with drum masters of the National Ballet of Senegal. Having searched for the roots of American jazz in Africa, she is also a jazz drummer, improvisational cellist, and classical guitarist. Joyce teaches all ages and levels in the Bay Area and offers Point Reyes Music Retreats in classical and jazz. More info: www.JoyceJazz.com
You can enhance and support the Retreat Center by gifting us with some of our specific needs around the campus by visiting our Amazon.com "wish" list (click here). In small but significant ways, your help supports the Retreat Center, guests in their personal transformative journeys on the campus, and some of the animals that inhabit the land. We welcome your gift and invite you to make other suggestions.
Focus Project: Outdoor Furniture
Our focus project this month is to fund furniture and awnings for our chalets. There are fabulous views of the Petaluma hills from these porches. They call for furniture and awnings to give our guests comfortable spaces to hang out and relax. Click on the link to take you to the furniture and awnings we need. If you would like to contribute, we would be grateful, and not only will we honor your contribution in the newsletter, but we will honor you on a framed list in the chalets.
Thank You
Catherine Kyle of Groveland, CA
for a Star Resin Training Multipurpose Table
Community News
2009 IONS Holiday Open House
Neither rain, nor fog, nor a PG&E power outage could dampen the joyous spirits of over 200 of us who ventured out to enjoy an afternoon of holiday festivities including eating, drinking, dancing, caroling, and communing at our 2009 Holiday Open House. We send out a special thank you to all our musician friends; to Aldo Garibaldi on the piano and classical guitarist Giovanni Mandala for leading our Christmas Carol sing-a-long and to the Love Choir whose delightful harmonic gifts set the energetic tone for the day. Kudos to our chefs for their tasty delicacies paired with delicate wines and homemade desserts which were savored by all. One very lucky person won a free pass to our upcoming Chabot Space Center event in February and many others had the chance to take a tour of our infamous "Cube," or "Box" as our Senior Scientist Dr. Dean Radin prefers to call it, in the research lab.
We wish to make this magical moment in IONS history an annual event, and hope that next year you too will be able to join in the festivities!
Contact Us
Lisa VanderBoom 707.779.8224
events@noetic.org
The Retreat Center at the Institute of Noetic Sciences
Located on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills just 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, we offer meeting facilities, cuisine, and accommodations for 5-120. Our clients offer educational programs, workshops, and retreats, with a broad focus on health, personal growth, and transformation. We also welcome weekend workshops and retreats for small groups (fewer than 25). Many programs are open to the public.
The Institute of Noetic Sciences is a nonprofit membership organization located in Northern California that conducts and sponsors leading-edge research into the potentials and powers of consciousness—including perceptions, beliefs, attention, intention, and intuition. The Institute explores phenomena that do not necessarily fit conventional scientific models, while maintaining a commitment to scientific rigor.
www.noetic.org/retreat.cfm
101 San Antonio Road, Petaluma, CA 94952
Katherine Fair Donnelly
Katherine, one of Dr. Tanous' very close friend and colleuge has written nine books as well as articles for various magazines and periodicals. She co-authored the column entitled RECOVERING FROM GRIEF, which appeared regularly for seven years in The Dallas Morning News and other newspapers throughout the country.
In recognition of their work in this field, Donnelly and her co-author of the Recovering From Grief column, Judith Haimes, were featured in PEOPLE Magazine and on the front page of The Wall Street Journal. They have also appeared on innumerable national and local television programs.
Ms. Donnelly has lectured extensively throughout the United States and Canada to colleges and universities in an educational outreach program.
She has worked closely with mutual support groups for bereaved families, social workers, psychologists, teachers, and all those in the care- giving profession.
Her late husband, John H. Donnelly, was also a writer and co-author with Katherine Donnelly of the mystery entitled, The Secret of the Crystal Skull, [Published by iUniverse.com. ISBN # 0595-17021-8]. Donnelly resides in Texas.
Contact Information
General Information: kfdonnelly@juno.com
Grief Column: recovering-grief@juno.com
The Spiritual Envoy
A weekly program whose focus is crossing and bridging the "spiritual divide" to find common ground, inclusivity and civility among varying schools of spiritual thought and practice.
The host of the show, Eva Ravenwood invited Alice Kelley of the Alex Tanous Foundation for Scientific Research to her show on January 29, 2008.
Alice is the Administrative Director of the Foundation for the past 15 years. She talked about the work of the Alex Tanous Foundation, the famed scholar and psychic who left a collection of work to further research the fields of psychic and creative development. Click here to listen to the show
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thespiritualenvoy/2008/01/29/The-Spiritual-Envoy-Alice-Kelley-of-the-Alex-Tanous-Foundation and to learn more about the host, Eva Ravenwood and her work go to www.evaravenwood.com
Hello! I have recently joined ASD although I have been dreaming for
lifetimes and learning how to interpret dreams for 30 years this lifetime!
I am a student and teacher with the School of Metaphysics, a not-for-profit
educational and service organization in the United States.
We are conducting a research project to study the effect the moon has on our
dreams. We want as broad a spectrum of people as possible, to explore how
the full moon and the new moon influence dreams. This year there is a
unique sequence of events: a full moon, a new moon on a solar eclipse day,
and eclipsed full moon and a new moon occurring one after another within 48
days. We are asking people to remember and record their dreams on those
days so we can study the influences.
Would you like to participate? The study begins on January 21st and we need
participants to register in advance, to receive instructions and to send
demographic data. You can register at experiment@dreamschool.org and can
learn more at www.dreamschool.org. I am also pasting at the end of this
email a press release with more information about the study.
I've submitted a proposal to present the results of this research at the ASD
Conference in Montreal.
People throughout history have noted the effect of the moon as it relates to
imbalance, such as "lunacy" and increase in crime during times of full and
new moon.
Perhaps we can add more wholistic knowledge about how the moon influences
intuition, lucid dreaming, and other dreamstates...
Hope to meet you in Montreal in July!
Happy dreaming,
Dr. Laurel Clark
School of Metaphysics
www.som.org
www.dreamschool.org
417-345-8411
What effect does the moon have on our dreams?
This is the question a team of researchers at the College of Metaphysics
will be seeking to answer in the next two months as the positioning of the
earth, moon, and the sun move through a sequence rarely seen in human
history. Within 48 days, we will experience a full moon, a new moon on a
solar eclipse day, an
eclipsed full moon, and a new moon.
"Our task is to receive, tabulate and analyze records of dream activity on
each of these days," says project creator Barbara Condron. "Physical
science is exploring what females have known for millennia -- that the pull
of the earth's moon affects our biological cycles. The data we collect in
the next three months will open dialogue on the moon's effect
on the consciousness we call dreaming."
Condron and others have been researching the field of dreams for 40 years
through classes and seminars sponsored by the School of Metaphysics, a
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) educational institute devoted to the exploration
and development of mental technology. Ten years ago www.dreamschool.org
opened the research to a worldwide audience with a steady stream of dreamers
reporting their personal night time
movies.
"Every day we receive dreams for analysis and interpretation," Condron says.
"They come from across the U.S., of course, and they can come from Germany,
Australia, Nigeria, even Vietnam. The internet enables us to verify a
longstanding hypothesis: Homo Sapiens dream, in every country, in every
culture.
Collecting these dreams gives us a unique window into the nature of
humankind's consciousness that some call soul.
"Through our Global Lucid Dreaming Experiments we hope to advance scientific
knowledge and awareness of consciousness,"? Condron says. Her documentary
TEN POWERS OF DREAMING details how individuals' dreams -- from scientists
and artists to inventors and warriors
-- often find a place in our everyday lives. "From the Periodic Table of
Elements to Gandhi's nonviolent resistance to British colonization to Mary
Shelley's Frankenstein, dreams have helped shape the course of human history
and it's time we understand how and why."
School of Metaphysics
2606 Oakview Terrace
Maplewood, MO 63143
314-645-0036
sommaplewood@yahoo.com
World Headquarters website: http://www.som.org
CERTIFICATE IN PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES
HCH Institute, Lafayette, CA
Parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach has teamed up with HCH Institute in Lafayette, CA to present a Certificate Course in Parapsychological Studies!!! This course is registered with the California Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education is approved for CE Units for MFTs, LCSWs and RNs.
Parapsychological Studies: The Study of Psychic Phenomena ( the Basics)
Contrary to what so many believe, the field of Parapsychology studies much more than ghosts and hauntings. Parapsychologists are generally not very psychic (and psychics are rarely parapsychologists). Parapsychology is not "paranormal psychology." So, what’s the field all about? Just who are the parapsychologists and what do they do?
This 60 hour course series is an overview to the field of Parapsychology, and the main areas of research and investigation: ESP, PsychoKinesis (mind over matter), and Survival of Bodily Death. Included will be a general discussion of where the field came from, where the major centers of research are today, and where the field might be headed. Students will have an opportunity to review some of the basic research in the field and to apply the theories and applications to their current helping profession or to pursue parapsychological field investigations on their own.
All courses may be taken individually for Continuing Education Credit or just for fun!
The program and course descriptions, schedule of classes, and costs can be found at: http://www.hypnotherapytraining.com/parapsych.cfm
Course titles are:
Introduction to Parapsychology
PK & Precognition: Mind, Matter & Time
Being Psychic
The Search for Life After Death
Theories and Models of Psychic Experience: How It Might Work
Parapsychology: The Cross-Over Science
Ghost Hunting: How to Investigate the Paranormal
This is a basic certificate program -- in the foundations of Parapsychology. If this is successful, we plan to expand the program to a more extensive group of classes (and higher level of state certification).
Finally, we have audio-recorded the classes, so the courses -- and certification -- can be offered to Distance Learners and for those wanting to finish up sooner! Classes are also available Live via Telephone. See BELOW.
Classes are held at HCH Institute, 3702 Mt Diablo Blvd Lafayette, California 94549 For more info on course content, contact Loyd Auerbach at esper@california.com or 925-518-4071.
For more info from HCH or to register: 925-283-3941 (Tues - Fri, 10 AM - 4 PM) or email: Info@hypnotherapytraining.com
------------------------------------------------------
Distance Learning
CERTIFICATE IN PARAPSYCHOLOGICAL STUDIES
HCH Institute, Lafayette, CA
Parapsychological Studies: The Study of Psychic Phenomena ( the Basics)
The Certificate program or individual classes may be taken via a distance learning option. All courses have been audio-taped, live. This includes lectures, discussion and questions/answers between students and the instructor.
To participate in the distance learning option for the certification program, students pay full tuition and fees. Students receive all course CDs (mp3 format of class recordings), handouts, required books, and additional materials. Individual courses are available without entering the program.
In addition, distance learning students will be scheduled for a one to two hour tele-class (via telephone) with the instructor per course. Longer courses get two hours, shorter classes get one hour. In this way, students will still be able to interact and ask questions of the instructor without having to be in the classroom. Naturally, students may interact via email as well.
Distance learning students are invited to participate by conference call (via an in-classroom speakerphone) in the class sessions as they are held at HCH (generally Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 9:30 PM Pacific time). This is not a requirement for certification however.
For each certificate-related course, attending the additional tele-classes and interacting with the instructor will ensure the material has been understood by the students.
Distance-learning students completing the entire program will be entitled to the same Certificate received by local students attending in-person.
COURSE CDs ONLY
CDs of each of the classes will also be made available at a reduced price for those people who simply want the information, and do not want to participate in the Certificate program, tele-classes or “attend” classes by conference call.
See the HCH website at www.hypnotherapytraining.com/parapsych.cfm for information on pricing for individual classes, with (full price) or without (generally half price) participation.
Besides the above listed curriculum, additional classes as they occur will also be available in mp3 format on CD.
The International Association for the Study of Dreams
Business Office: MON-THUR
Richard Wilkerson
1672 University Avenue Berkeley, CA 94703
phone/fax: 1-209-724-0889
Web: www.asdreams.org
e-mail: office@asdreams.org
The International Association for the Study of Dreams is a non-profit, international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the pure and applied investigation of dreams and dreaming. Our purposes are to promote an awareness and appreciation of dreams in both professional and public arenas; to encourage research into the nature, function, and significance of dreaming; to advance the application of the study of dreams; and to provide a forum for the eclectic and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and information.
Eileen J. Garrett's AWARENESS in print again! PF goes to Book Expo!
Literally hot off the presses! The Parapsychology Foundation has published
a new edition of Eileen J. Garrett's classic AWARENESS with contributions
before and after the book by the late Exceptional Human Experiences
theorist Rhea A. White and by the Foundation's Executive Director, Mrs.
Garrett's grand-daughter, Lisette Coly. In AWARENESS, Mrs. Garrett
thoughtfully considered her psychic abilities, what they were, how they
worked and what they implied about consciousness. A must read for psychics
and mediums, and for students, teachers and researchers of psychic
functioning. A DVD Audio book version is in production with its
availability to be announced. The new paperback version is available on
Psi-Mart by clicking on this page:
http://www.psi-mart.com/details.php?IdArt=391
The Parapsychology Foundation is now making a selected list of its titles
available to bookstores and book wholesalers through the AtlasBooks program
of our distributor, Bookmasters, Inc. Now you'll be able to get Helix Press
books, ADVENTURES IN THE SUPERNORMAL and AWARENESS by Eileen J. Garrett and
INVESTIGATING THE PARANORMAL by Tony Cornell; all the titles in our
"Primers in Parapsychology" pamphlet series among them GETTING STARTED IN
PARAPSYCHOLOGY by Carlos S. Alvarado; and a selection of our best-selling
proceedings in your local bookstore! To kick off the new program,
Bookmasters has taken our books and brochures to the annual international
convention for the book industry, BOOKEXPO, which opens to the public
tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City
and continues on through Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. For more information
on BookExpo go to the following page:
http://bookexpoamerica.com/App/homepage.cfm?moduleid=42&appname=288
Today was the deadline for the Eileen J. Garrett Summer Library Fellowship.
The Committee met just after 5:00 p.m. and chose PF International
Affiliate, Greek physicist Dr. Fotini Pallikari as this summer's Library
Fellow. Dr. Pallikari has been working on the papers of Greek naval hero,
physician and psychical researcher Admiral Angelos Tanagras and will be
using her week in Greenport to make copies of materials available by and
about Tanagras in our archives. Congratulations to Dr. Pallikari!
For those interested in Tanagras' work, the Foundation published his
monograph entitled "Psychophysical Elements in Parapsychological
Traditions" in 1967. It is available for sale by going to the following Web Site:
page: http://www.psi-mart.com/details.php?Id=&IdArt=47
******************************************************
THE PARAPSYCHOLOGY FOUNDATION is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to
the scientific study of psychic phenomena.
www.parapsychology.org
www.pflyceum.org
www.psychicexplorers.org
www.psi-mart.com
Sweet Dreams -
The International Association for the Study of Dreams Launched a New Weekly Radio Program on Dreams in February 2007.
San Francisco, CA - The International Association for the Study of Dreams in conjunction with the DreamScience foundation, is launching a weekly live Internet Radio program on Dreams and Dreaming called DREAMTIME. This new show will focus on IASD’s support of dream studies and dreamwork. Bob Hoss, IASD Past President and Executive Officer will host this hour-long show. DreamTime will air live on the VoiceAmerica™ Health & Wellness Channel every Wednesday at 9AM PST with an encore broadcast at 9PM PST.
According to Bob Hoss, “The show is designed to be educational as well as entertaining. It is theme based, and includes dream experts from the IASD organization. The weekly radio show format will include guest interviews along with the opportunity for listener’s to call-in or e-mail questions.”
Beginning February 14, 2007 and broadcasting each Wednesday at 9AM PST / 12PM EST, “Dream Time” with Bob Hoss on the VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel will air live, with a rebroadcast 12 hours later. All past shows will be available on demand and podcast ready. The internet radio program is available to Internet users worldwide from the IASD, (www.asdreams.org), Dream Science Foundation (www.dreamscience.org/idx_radio.htm) or the VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel (www.health.voiceamerica.com ) - periodically check the IASD site for updates to the weekly programs.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE:
2-May Working in Dream Groups - Jeremy Taylor, Bob Haden
9-May Closing Show
ABOUT IASD:
IASD is a nonprofit, international, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the pure and applied investigation of dreams and dreaming. Its purpose is to promote an awareness and appreciation of dreams in both professional and public arenas; to encourage research into the nature, function, and significance of dreaming; to advance the application of the study of dreams; and to provide a forum for the eclectic and interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and information. IASD is open to anyone who studies, explores, or works with dreams. Membership represents about 30 countries and people from all disciplines. For more information visit: http://www.asdreams.org.
ABOUT Modavox:
Modavox, Inc. (www.modavox.com) is a pioneer in internet broadcasting, producing and syndicating online audio and video, and offering innovative, effective and comprehensive online tools for reaching targeted niche communities worldwide. Modavox is the leading producer and distributor of online, talk radio content, streaming approximately 250 hours of live programs and scheduled replays weekly on its Modavox VoiceAmerica™ Network (www.voiceamerica.com) and the 7th Wave Network (www.7thwavenetwork.com). Through its patented Modavox Central™ technology, Modavox "takes the search out of search," delivering content straight to desktops and internet-enabled devices. Through its proprietary StreamSafe™, WebcastWizard™ and Stream Syndicate™ tools, Modavox provides managed access for live and on-demand internet broadcasting and syndication; content management; and online meeting, event management, enterprise communications and distance learning.
Parapsychology is the scientific and scholarly study of certain unusual events associated with human experience. These experiences have been called "psychic" for want of a better term.
Please note: A common misconception is that a parapsychologist is a psychic. Not so. Likewise, a child psychiatrist is not a child! Instead, a parapsychologist is a scientist or scholar who is seriously interested in the "paranormal." Unfortunately, many telephone books and on-line sites use "parapsychologist" as a synonym for psychic entertainer, mentalist, conjurer, astrologer, or psychic reader. This is an inappropriate use of the term "parapsychologist."
What does it mean to study psychic phenomena?
A long-held, common-sense assumption is that the worlds of the subjective and objective are completely distinct, with no overlap. Subjective is "here, in the head," and objective is "there, out in the world." Parapsychology then is the study of phenomena suggesting that the assumption of a strict separation between subjective and objective may be wrong. Human experience suggests that some phenomena occasionally fall between the cracks, and are not purely subjective nor purely objective. From a scientific perspective, such phenomena are called "anomalous" because they are difficult to explain within current scientific models.
These anomalies fall into three general categories: ESP (terms are defined below),
PK, and phenomena suggestive of survival after bodily death, including near-death experiences, apparitions, and reincarnation. Most parapsychologists today expect that further research will eventually explain these anomalies in scientific terms, although it is not clear whether they can be adequately understood without significant (indeed, probably revolutionary) expansions of the current state of scientific knowledge. Other researchers take the stance that existing scientific models of perception and memory are adequate to explain some or all parapsychological phenomena.
What is not parapsychology?
In spite of what the media often imply, parapsychology is not the study of anything considered weird or bizarre. Nor is parapsychology concerned with astrology, searching for Bigfoot, paganism, vampires, alchemy, or witchcraft.
Many scientists have viewed parapsychology with great suspicion because the term has come to be associated with a huge variety of mysterious phenomena, fringe topics, and pseudoscience. Parapsychology is also often linked, again inappropriately, with a broad range of "psychic" entertainers, magicians, and so-called "paranormal investigators."
What do parapsychologists study?
Many feel that the strangest, and most interesting, aspect of parapsychological phenomena is that they do not appear to be limited by the known boundaries of space or time. In addition, they blur the sharp distinction usually made between mind and matter. In popular usage, the basic parapsychological phenomena are categorized as follows:
Psi : A neutral term for parapsychological phenomena. Psi, psychic, and psychical are synonyms.
Telepathy : Direct mind-to-mind communication.
Precognition: Also called premonition. Obtaining information about future events, where the information could not be inferred through normal means. Many people report dreams that appear to be precognitive.
Clairvoyance : Sometimes called remote viewing; obtaining information about events at remote locations, beyond the reach of the normal senses.
ESP: Extra-sensory perception; a general term for obtaining information about events beyond the reach of the normal senses. This term subsumes telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition.
Psychokinesis : Also called PK; direct mental interaction with physical objects, animate or inanimate.
Bio-PK : Direct mental interactions with living systems.
NDE : Near death experience; an experience reported by those who were revived from nearly dying. Often refers to a core experience that includes feelings of peace, OBE, seeing lights and other phenomena.
OBE : Out-of-body experience; the experience of feeling separated from the body, often accompanied by visual perceptions as though from above the body.
Reincarnation: The belief that we live successive lives, with primarily evidence coming from the apparent recollections of previous lives by very small children.
Haunting : Recurrent phenomena reported to occur in particular locations that include apparitions, sounds, movement of objects, and other effects.
Poltergeist: Large-scale PK phenomena often attributed to spirits, but which are now thought to be due to a living person, frequently an adolescent.