Frederick Gimino asked:


If you have ever wondered “are psychics real?” you are not alone. Many people ask them selves this very same question every day. The answer is often not an easy one but for thousands of years, people have turned to psychics, and clairvoyants for love, romance, and life advice. Some say psychics even have the ability to communicate with the spirits of the departed.

However, over the years claims of spiritualism and psychic powers have been so widespread and the reports of its effects so numerous and impressive that it was inevitable that scientists would be attracted to the alleged phenomena. Parapsychology the science that studies these phenomena focused on many areas including telepathy, clairvoyance, hypnotism, spirits, spiritualism, and the history of spiritual manifestations.

Although Parapsychology is still considered a fringe science by many scientists it still merits the attention of renowned educational institutions such as Princeton University and Berkley. Princeton offers the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) degree and the University of Berkley in California awarded the only American accredited degree in Parapsychology to Jeffery Mishlove in 1980. But in saying this I am putting the cart before the horse.

The pioneers of modern Parapsychology began using the experimental approach to psychic phenomena at Duke University in the 1930s under the direction of Joseph Rhine. Subsequently Karl Zener one of J.Rhines associates developed the world renowned Zener card test for testing ESP abilities using the scientific method. These ESP tests were conducted at Duke University in one of the first Pavlovian conditioning laboratories.

Parapsychology progressed throughout the 20th century and adopted current technology as it became available. The use of more sophisticated methods of paranormal investigation advanced as technology did. In modern times advanced electronic equipment is often used to test for psychic phenomena. This is because paranormal events reportedly cause energy disturbances across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Some speculate that energy is drawn from the surrounding environment to power psychic events. Modern day paranormal investigators monitor these environmental energy changes with a variety of modern instruments including EMF detectors, temperature sensors, static electricity detectors, ionization detectors, motion detectors, EVP recording devices, RF detectors, and radiation monitors.

So, whether you believe in psychics, paranormal activity, or spiritualism the fact of the matter is there is currently hard scientific data documenting the anomalous psychic events which occur in the everyday world around us. In addition for thousands of years unexplained phenomena have been documented throughout history. Are millions of people crazy? I think not. I assure you that the spiritual realm does exist and I am not alone in that belief. Many scientists, layman, and spiritualists share the same views about our universe. Even some world renowned physicists speculate the need for more than one dimension to explain life as we know it.

My best advice is to try to keep an open mind and an objective outlook about things that we do not fully understand. that is unless you believe the sole criterion of reality is our limited human ability to quantify, tag, and label it. After all we can not see the wind but we do see the affect it has on the leaves as they blow about. Does this mean wind does not exist just because we cannot see it?

In closing I leave it up to you the reader to decide for your self the answer to the question at hand. But, know this my answer to the question “are psychics real?” is yes. Psychics, psychic abilities, spirits, and ESP are real whether you believe in them or not.

John W. Martin asked:


Psychology – Intriguing Phenomena of the Mind



http://www.yallways.com

Strictly defined, psychology is the study of mental processes and behaviors. Psychologists study everything from interpersonal relationships to unconscious habits of the mind. They also attempt to relate behaviors and thoughts to neurological processes. While most professionals in this field work within the realm of mainstream science, some have adopted a focus on “paranormal psychology,” commonly referred to as parapsychology.

Parapsychology first developed as a field in the 19th century. In 1882, the Society for Psychical Research was founded in London to promote the critical evaluation of paranormal psychic phenomena. Three years later, psychologists in the United States created the American Society for Psychical Research. Both organizations still exist today and continue to conduct prominent research. They are now joined by other interested institutions, like the Parapsychological Association, and sections of major universities.

Parapsychology focuses on several key phenomena. One of the most heavily studied is extrasensory perception (ESP). ESP refers to the ability to garner information without using any of the known physical senses. This can include precognition, telepathy, and clairvoyance. A key method of ESP study has involved sensory-deprivation. When unable to use other sense, subjects are able to test supposed ESP abilities. Results from these so-called “ganzfeld experiments” seem to prove the existence of some ESP phenomena. However, such findings have not been confirmed by the general scientific community.

Some parapsychologists specifically focus on the survival of consciousness beyond the death of a person’s physical body. Most research in this area involves exploration of near-death experiences. These refer to instances where a person has come close to death or been revived after cited as medically deceased. In many such cases, subjects describe an “out of body experience” in which he or she was able to observe the situation from outside their physical self. Other subjects have reported communicating with deceased loved ones or spiritual figures. Today, this phenomenon is widely studied in universities, such as at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and by the International Association for Near-Death Studies.

A more obscure segment of parapsychology is the study of psychokinesis, or the ability of the mind to influence physical matter. Although claims in this area are numerous, scientific study of such phenomena is difficult. One popular method of studying this phenomenon involves using computers as random number generators. A subject is then asked to try and influence the outcome of the device. Some results from these experiments seem to show that a person can influence a random event. Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to determine whether data is accurate or simply the result of chance success.

Despite some empirical findings, most scientists still consider parapsychology to be a pseudoscience. They do not support supposed experimental findings, and continue to debate the credibility of parapsychologists. However, this has not deterred researchers, and parapsychology continues to be studied by scholars around the world. Some projects have even received government funding and media support. However, more experimental findings are necessary before even a single parapsychology claim can be verified.

Leonard Lee asked:


The many theological hypotheses and theories regarding the survival of consciousness are without a basis from the scientific standpoint. Orthodox science even look askance towards the findings of parapsychology. Accounts such as Near-Death Experience, spontaneous past life recall, hypnotic regressions, Out-of-the-Body Experience, and psychic phenomena in general seemingly point to the immortality of the soul; however, conventional science still find such occurrences inconclusive. Fundamentally, science, however, does not oppose the notion of the existence of the soul or of its immortality; it is at present researching through empirical methods to prove or disprove it. However, it is realized that the phenomenon of the soul does not readily submit to objective analysis. Science realizes the limitations of its instruments in the detection of the existence of the soul.

There is another aspect to immortality and this concerns the physical form. Physical immortality is an ancient belief and is to be found in many cultures. In legends and in tales we find the theme of physical immortality repeatedly. The possibility of its attainment is well believed in among most metaphysicians. There are many highly spiritually developed yogis who are said to have reached the state of physical immortality. We personally possess the secret teachings that according to our preceptors in metaphysics, allow one to acquire immortality not only of the soul, but of the physical body as well–at least, it extends man’s life-span way beyond the norm.

In Taoism spiritual and physical immortality are both given careful consideration. Regarding physical immortality, there are many alchemical formulas supposed to immortalize the material body. Those who achieve physical immortality are called hsien. To the ignorant these alchemical formulas are supposedly made out of mineral or herbal substances; but to the knowledgeable, they refer to the internal processes of chi or energy. The methods for attaining spiritual immortality is associated with the spiritual realization of Tao, the Absolute, the “Mother,” the “Source of all things.” To Lao Tzu, death does not touch the one who has realized the Tao.

According to certain spiritual teachings immortality is the continuous awareness of Self-existence and being without ever lapsing into an unconscious state no matter what psychological and physical conditions or transformations take place such as sleep, concussions, or death. It is the state of realizing one’s divinity and unity with the Source of all. Immortality and the state of being eternal are associated with one’s divine Parent. Unless one recognizes and is aware of this unified state between one’s identity and the Divine Being, one is not immortal, one merely undergoes various changes and is subjected to the whimsical forces of nature. Immortality from this point of view is not something that we automatically acquire when we pass through transition. It is a state that we may acquire here and now. The realization of one’s unity with God is the confirmation of one’s perpetual existence. There are many systems that purport to teach the aspirant the methods of acquiring mystical realization and unification with the divine being, they usually belong to the esoteric section of our world-religions; like religion proper, some of these mystical schools believe theirs to be the best. Popular metaphysics as a whole, embraces many of the above concepts regarding immortality.

The desire for immortality have also taken hold on the minds of computer engineers. To these scientists the computer is analogous to the human brain. They hope that one day a super-computer would be created where every function of the brain would be duplicated, and that it would be possible to transfer or download the human mind and consciousness into it thus creating an artificial habitation for the soul-intelligence. This is their strategy for immortalizing the soul-”a ghost in the machine” reality. Related to this is the supposition that computers and micro-chips would be so advanced and sophisticated in the near future that it would probably generate artificial intelligence-that is, thoughts and feelings of their own.

SOUL FACULTIES

The soul has various psychic faculties though most of them are not being used by the average person. The use of these faculties often result in strange paranormal activities or phenomena. Most psychic phenomena associated with the dead are actually caused by the living. For instance, hauntings are often believed to be “dead persons” appearing to the living, while in most cases hauntings are caused by the astral forms of people who are asleep and inadvertently appearing to others.

Some of the various psychic faculties are: Clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, telepathy, psychokinesis, precognition, soul-travel, and bilocation. These psychic faculties may be developed. It is not merely a gift. Those who are born with them usually have acquired them through psychic-training programs in past-lives. The “powers” that we mentioned above are considered to be the lower faculties of the soul. These powers belong to the etheric, astral and lower mental bodies. There are higher spiritual faculties and these are associated with the higher components in the microcosm, such as the Higher Mental, Buddhi, and Atma.

SOUL CULTURE

Spiritual evolution, when left to nature, progresses at a snail’s pace. Plant-like consciousness may take millions of years just to reach the animal consciousness stage. Human beings, likewise, in the natural course of evolution would similarly require eons just to attain human perfection or godhood–the next kingdom above humankind. However, there are spiritual practices that assists one to shorten this time tremendously. What would take a million years could all unfold in a single lifetime. This was alchemy’s biggest secret discovery–the transformation of lead, which is symbolical of the imperfect human being, into gold, which represents the perfect man. Why wait for nature to transmute lead into gold when it could be done in the laboratory by duplicating and accelerating nature’s processes? This was the alchemist’s reasoning. Though they exoterically referred to metals as the subject of their transformation, they were actually referring to the human soul.

The acceleration of evolution was referred to by the Master Jesus when he mentioned the “strait and narrow path.” According to him only the few would discover this path. These are the teachings that the Master promised to give to his disciples at a time when they were totally prepared for it. These esoteric doctrines and mystical practices are “lost” in the present-day teachings of the Churches. We need not say any more of this.

At present there are many esoteric schools and organizations, both East and West, helping mankind to evolve at a rapid pace. Among the creatures of the four kingdoms, man is the only one able to take his evolution into his own hands. By working with nature, humanity would make much progress. If society en masse reaches the consciousness level attained by the saints there would be no more wars and needless conflicts. This is not an impossibility. Mortal, human thoughts make us believe in our limitations–limitations that actually do not exist.

Soul culture helps us to rapidly evolve and to reach the goal set for us human beings by our Progenitor. In soul-culture there are three basic practices to consider: meditation, energy-work, and soul-refinement.

Meditation

Meditation is the most basic practice in soul-culture. It has been engaged in by saints, prophets, sages, and mystics throughout the ages. There are many meditational methods designed for various purposes. The Hindu yogis have their own methods of meditation, just as the Buddhists and the Taoists have theirs. The Western Tradition also possesses its own forms of meditation.

The basic purpose of meditation is to attune one’s conscious mind with one’s Higher Self, one’s Soul, or one’s inner divinity. In prayer we speak and the higher Intelligences listen; in meditation, the higher Intelligences speak and we listen. Hence, meditation helps us to receive spiritual and divine impulses emanating from God and one’s highest being. Inspiration and self-empowerment are the result of true meditation.

In the more advance practices of meditation we are led gradually to higher and higher dimensions or planes of consciousness where we would ultimately unite or become aware of our Spirit–the Monad. This attainment is referred to by Western writers as “Cosmic Consciousness.” In an ancient scripture we are taught a method of meditation:

“The Self, the inner spirit, ever dwelleth within the hearts of men. Patiently separate Him thou from the cover of the body in which He liveth, even as thou takest off the blades of a reed-plant. Him know thou as pure and immortal; know thou, He is pure and immortal.” (Kathopanishad, II. 6.17)

Energy-Work

Before the advanced practices of meditation may be successfully carried-out, one’s whole force-field and energy-structure would have to be purified, strengthened, refined, awakened, restructured, and empowered. This practice is referred to as energy-work.

The various components of the microcosm that has to be worked upon in energy-work includes the physical body, the chakras, the aura, the etheric channels, the etheric webs, the electronic belt, and the subconscious mind. There are material and psychic toxins accumulated in the vehicles of the Personality that have to be eliminated; and karmic stains that have to be removed. These negative energies causes lots of problems, not only in one’s higher spiritual cultivation practices, but also in daily life. Many of our so-called bad-luck stems from these etheric rubbish accumulated upon our system.

Soul-Refinement

Evolution requires soul-refinement. In order to raise one’s vibrations and improve the quality of one’s force-fields it is also necessary to refine one’s soul-nature, one’s character. It is a person’s low character that generates and attracts negative energies and it would be senseless to constantly perform energy-work when the time could be spent in more beneficial meditational practices. For this reason, aside from energy-work, one has also to work upon spiritualizing one’s character–getting to the root of the problem, so to speak. Almost all religions teaches this aspect of mysticism–a moral standard is set for us to follow. However, sometimes we find it difficult to live up to the standard laid out for us. Sometimes we may consciously know a thing to be right, but subconsciously we are impelled to think, feel or do the opposite. We experience an inner conflict. Metaphysics offer certain methods to overcoming this conflict, and to restructure the subconscious mind with positive energy patterns.

CONCLUSION

It is regrettable that this work could not be presented in a more perfect manner, and that it remains much to be desired. What we have written in this paper merely represents the tip of the iceberg. There is much more to be taken into consideration than what we have addressed in this paper. The Ancient Wisdom is a storehouse of metaphysical knowledge and we advise the interested reader in mystical matters to delve into its study. Certain aspects and knowledge concerning the whole immaterial part of man, as well as the destiny of the Soul goes way beyond the understanding and reach of conventional science and psychics. Nevertheless, There are many more things that could be said about the Soul, not only from the metaphysical point of view, but also from the anthropological, psychological, philosophical, and religious perspective. It is for this reason that we appeal to the reader to do some personal research and acquire the necessary information that would lead to a greater understanding of the Soul–not solely in an intellectual way, but also experientially in a mystical manner through spiritual cultivation. In the early stages of this paper we spelled the word Soul with a small first capital-letter; now we end this work using an upper-case. After studying this paper the reason should be obvious. One last advice: Know Thyself!

Copyright © 2006 Luxamore

Gabbie Chase asked:


Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) are electronically captured sounds that resemble speech, but are not the result of intentional voice recordings.

Gabbie Chase is a psychic medium detective, psychic lecturer, teacher, and free lance writer. At a very young age, Gabbie had three near-death experiences that brought about her awareness of the spiritual abilities that she inherited.

Gabbie Chase Investigations, GCI, is a resource for family members, law enforcement agencies, and private investigators who need assistance with a missing persons or unsolved homicide case through non-traditional means. It is her mission to serve as a connection for those who have exhausted other traditional means of investigation in such cases.

“After many years of using Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) as a tool to help with missing person cases and readings for those who have had family members who have passed away, I decided to use this as a way of finding information about events that has yet to happen.  I strongly believe that use of alternative communication as a tool to gather information can save time and money for those persons and companies seeking information to process time sensitive projects.”

Communication is a vital part of her psychic medium business and after many years studying the paranormal and parapsychology, she has found that EVP is a very strong and clear method of communication when solving crimes.  It is a highly effective method when used in combination with her medium skills.

“It is my life’s work to become more acute in finding and utilizing communication as a tool not only for readings and allowing others to hear and see those who have passed over, but to help solve missing persons cases.”

“This project has become a great success and continues to give me such information as: weather, current events, personal events, and thoughts of others.  EVP can warn us about an upcoming natural disaster, security issue, help find a missing person, or track down a criminal. The possibilities are endless, Law enforcement agencies ought to obtain the services of alternative investigators, this could open a whole new way of investigating and crime solving ” says Chase.

GCI uses non- traditional sources such as psychic seeing, remote viewing, EVP (electronic voice phenomena), intuitive investigation, psychometry, and psychic tracking. All information obtained by GCI is private and is not be shared with any other source other than those directly connected to the case.  All communication to and from GCI is not shared with anyone other than Gabbie Chase and her staff.

You can contact gabbie at www.gabbiechase.net or http://paranormalconnections.com/2012-isnt-paranormal-pandering/

Ernie Fitzpatrick asked:

Let’s define some terms from the get-go. While there are many web sites, books, and coming movies that are appealing to humanhoods lower state (pandering) the reality of 2012 appeals to one’s higher consciousness. And while there are potentially many physical abnormalities (unique events like coronal mass ejections and hyper volcanic activity) that the scientific community admits may occur, it’s the spiritual potentialities that give great promise.

Recently I taught a seminar entitled, “Normal or Paranormal”.

The question(s) these days are what is paranormal? And in a larger practical sense what in the world is NORMAL? Who knows? Our world has become so wacky that a few days of normalcy (defined as without crisis or trauma) would be greatly appreciated. What is paranormal though? In the broader sense, PARAPSYCHOLOGY (alongside psychology) was made popular by J. B. Rhine some 80 years ago. Today, all of the so-called “not normal’ activities comes under the more sophisticated three letters known as PSI!

Let’s come out of the closet gang!

I’m talking to all of you who are bored with normal and see the whole PARA thing as a misnomer indeed. Weird stuff HAPPENS. You’ve seen the bumper stickers, right? When stuff happens, it’s real! It’s not PARA-something. As the Zen master said, “If it happens, it’s possible”. 

British biologist Rupert Sheldrake said, “Being a biologist, I wouldn’t have much use for a field called parabiology.” Strange but that’s what a lot of people call the word of cell biologist, Bruce Lipton, a parabiologist, and a lot of other not complimentary names. Is there such a thing as paramedicine, paraphysics (maybe quantum physics?), and the such? That which we’re not comfortable with gets a PARA tag or worse. So, think it not strange that any discussions of 2012 and the potential possibilities coming there from that are outside of our current comprehension are…..PARA!

The events following the Harmonic Convergence (1987) have received a lot of PARA commentaries. Time will tell what’s normal and what’s REAL, which after all is the ultimate goal of life isn’t it? Let’s GET REAL!

John W. Martin asked:


The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science



http://www.yallways.com

The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.

Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.

Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.

Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.

Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.

Meg Tallon asked:


The thought of someone having psychic or telepathic abilities has captivated and mesmerized humanity, since the beginning of time. Exploring history, you will find that different cultures from around the world boast tales of rich, traditional legends, which include witches, wizards, mediums, seers, shamans, priests and priestesses who claimed to have psychic abilities. Pick up any book about ancient societies and you are sure to find stories of people who claimed they could use their telepathic abilities to tell the future or interpret signs.

The value of psychics in today’s society is still very high despite the advances in modern science and the answers that it provides. Many industries seek out psychics, such as movies, television and book authors. Once a criminal case has exhausted all possible leads, for example, the case may become a psychic job as police and detectives search for more insight and clues.

People who want some extra guidance or counsel in their personal life or career may also hire those reported to have psychic abilities. However, con artists and charlatans can also use their advanced powers of intuition, charm, and understanding of human behavior to take advantage of grieving, scared, or otherwise vulnerable people. They can easily pass a desperate person’s informal psychic ability test.

Parapsychology is a field of study that focuses on paranormal psychological phenomena and those that display paranormal abilities. These abilities can be classified by group. Then, the individuals are evaluated for the strength of the ability. There isn’t one ultimate psychic ability test. However, numerous ESP tests exist and can adequately measure people’s extrasensory perception skills.

A psychic ability test can be designed to check for telepathy, extrasensory perception abilities, or psychokinetic abilities. Since the ability to read thoughts or feelings, send thoughts or feelings, or control the minds of others without the use of physical senses could be highly useful, mental telepathy is a popular ability for science fiction and parapsychology tests. Two or more people can be asked to think of a series of colors or objects, and the degree to which their answers agree without any exchange of sensory information can indicate telepathic ability.

Some extrasensory perception skills which can be tested for include clairvoyance, precognition, and remote viewing. Someone with the trait of clairvoyance will be able to learn about places or events in distant locations. If someone possesses the trait of precognition, he or she will be able to describe future events and places in advance. Remote viewing is a skill analogous to clairvoyance, and refers to someone able to visualize an event or place without needing to be in attendance physically.

Studies often test psychic abilities. Psychokinetic abilities are just one group of these psychic abilities that are tested. These abilities include powers of mind over matter. With telekinesis, one can move an object or project force with powers of the mind. Psychokinetic abilities can also control temperatures, weather, and electrical energy.