Throughout history, there has been a growing human fascination with unexplainable phenomena. People have consistently wondered about these events and tried to confirm their validity. However, it is only in recent years that scientists and others have actively investigated these mysteries. Their main focus has been on paranormal occurrences, which has resulted in the development of parapsychology as a specialized field of study.
Parapsychology, also referred to as the scientific study of apparent new means of communication or exchange of influence between organisms and their environment, extends beyond psychology. It explores certain unusual events associated with human experience, commonly known as “psychic” experiments. These experiments delve into unique human experiences and an unknown capacity of the human mind, suggesting that consciousness can interact with the physical world in ways not recognized by mainstream science. However, these phenomena can be examined and understood within the realm of scientific investigation. Parapsychology is sometimes labeled as “an anomalous cognition and clairsentience” and is often abbreviated as PSI.
Parapsychology is a field that concentrates on phenomena which are not deemed normal or explicable by conventional science. It does not encompass the examination of astrology, UFO’s, Bigfoot, paganism, vampires, alchemy or witchcraft. It is frequently linked inaccurately with various “psychic” entertainers, magicians and individuals who assert to be “paranormal investigators” (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 3). Numerous instances that are seen as psychic abilities are actually deceptive actions, delusions or fantasies (Consciousness Research Laboratory Home Page 1).
The realm of PSI includes different topics like telepathy, ESP, Premonition/Precognition, NDE, Clairvoyance, Reincarnation, Haunting, OBE, Psychokinesis/Telekinesis, Poltergeist, and channeling.
Telepathy, also known as distant feeling/perception, involves the transfer of energy between sentient beings. It entails one entity absorbing the thoughts/feelings of another into its mind (Psychic Phenomena [The Omniverse] 2). While often associated with mind reading, telepathy rarely includes perceiving thoughts and does not necessarily require communication between two minds (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 2). Unlike an out-of-body experience, telepathy does not involve transcending the physical body; instead, it brings thought processes or energies toward the mind and body. Some perceive telepathy as a means of communicating with the “other side” or afterlife. Furthermore, it can be seen as a form of remote viewing (Psychic Phenomena [The Omniverse] 4) or explained through clairvoyance or precognition (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 4). It is important to note that practicing telepathy alone is not possible; one must adapt to it and engage in interaction with another person for full participation in telepathic communication (Telepathy 2).
Telepathy is not something that happens spontaneously and can take a long time to develop. Interestingly, it can be seen as a symptom of a psychological disorder, which makes studying it complicated. Telepathy is often associated with individuals who have suffered childhood abuse, leading to the buildup of anger in their brain’s cortex. After around 25 years, their natural defense mechanism weakens, causing “inner thoughts” that resemble telepathic experiences to emerge intensely. To differentiate these thoughts from their traumatic origins, the person convinces themselves that they are genuinely experiencing telepathy. It is important to note that while this belief can be effective in certain cases, it may also contribute to mental illness.
ESP, which stands for Extra-Sensory Perception, is the ability to gain information about events that go beyond our regular senses (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 2). It includes telepathy, clairvoyance, precognition, and other psychic phenomena (Some common terms in Parapsychology 1).
Premonition or precognition is the capability to obtain knowledge about future events that cannot be anticipated through normal means. Many people claim to have dreams that appear to reveal information about upcoming happenings (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 3). This is often understood as perceiving “visions,” where the observer witnesses a possible event. Although it is taken seriously by many, there is a lack of scientific evidence backing it up. On the other hand, postcognition is the opposite concept (Psychic Phenomena [The Omniverse] 4).
Psychokinesis/Telekinesis, also known as PK, is the power to manipulate objects or disrupt their molecular composition using the mind. It includes various phenomena like levitation, spoon bending, and pyrokinesis. Pyrokinesis specifically involves causing spontaneous combustion in objects or people. Bio-PK is a sub-topic within this field. While some cases show visible object movement, most modern research focuses on studying how PK influences atomic or electrical processes (Psychic Phenomena [The Omniverse] 3; CRL Parapsychology FAQ 3; Some Common terms in Parapsychology 1).
The term Near Death Experiences (NDE) typically encompasses a fundamental encounter that encompasses sensations of tranquility, out-of-body experiences (OBE), witnessing lights, and other phenomena. Individuals who have been revived from the brink of death frequently recount these encounters. It is essential to acknowledge that throughout history, humanity has consistently exhibited a belief in life after death. However, advancements in science during this century has altered this belief (Parapsychology and Survival after Death – Psychical Research 2).
Clairvoyance, also known as remote viewing, is the ability to gain information about events happening in distant locations beyond normal senses (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 4). It is commonly referred to as “clear seeing”. If it solely relied on auditory perception instead of visual perception, it would be named clairaudience. Despite lacking scientific proof, many individuals still believe in clairvoyance. This phenomenon has similarities with an Out of Body Experience (OBE) and may even involve remote viewing. In clairvoyance, people supposedly transcend their physical bodies and travel freely as energy, spirit, or at a quantum level. This variation is called controlled clairvoyance. Some view it as a way to communicate with the afterlife or the “other side”. Unlike telepathy, it doesn’t necessarily involve emotional connections between organisms (Psychic Phenomena [The Omniverse] 3).
According to the CRL Parapsychology FAQ 5, reincarnation is the belief that humans experience multiple lives, supported by the accounts of young children recalling their past lives.
Out of Body Experience (OBE) is the sensation of feeling detached from one’s physical body. This phenomenon is often accompanied by visual perceptions as if viewing one’s body from a higher vantage point (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 4). OBEs typically happen during sleep, narcosis, or similar situations. Some individuals have reported perceiving their own bodies from a distant location in space, while others have claimed to witness events taking place in their hospital rooms while in a comatose state (Parapsychology and Survival after Death – Psychical Research 2).
Haunting is a recurring phenomenon that is frequently reported to occur in specific locations. This phenomenon includes apparitions, sounds, the movement of objects, and various other effects (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 6).
There is often a connection between ghosts and hauntings. One frequently asked question is whether ghosts exist or not. Nowadays, it is believed that the perplexing physical occurrences that were traditionally associated with ghosts, like objects moving, strange sounds and smells, electrical equipment malfunctioning, are actually poltergeist phenomena (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 5).
Channeling, also known as mediumship in the late 1800s, is the belief that a sensitive person acts as a vessel through which a departed spirit or other non-physical being communicates. Throughout history and across cultures, similar claims of communication have emerged. Certain researchers propose that exceptional prodigies like Mozart in music or Ramanujan in mathematics provide evidence of genuine channeling. However, some stories are true while others are simply nonsensical. Variations of channeling information can be found in revealed religions and some visionary experiences. Whether this information originates from a paranormal source or the channeler’s unconscious remains unknown (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 4).
Poltergeists, commonly associated with spirits, are now believed to be caused by living individuals, often adolescents (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 4). The term “poltergeist” originates from the German word for “noisy ghosts” and is typically characterized by peculiar electrical phenomena and mysterious object movements. Occasionally, they are mistaken for actual ghosts. The term “RS PK,” short for Recurrent Spontaneous PK, was introduced to describe this phenomenon (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 6).
DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN HAUNTINGS AND POLTERGEISTS
Spirits of deceased humans are frequently seen in certain locations.
Usually associated with a particular location or a tragic manner of death
Ghost sightings occur in locations that were familiar to the deceased individuals before they died.
Activities persist over a period of time and are primarily located in a specific area.
(Poltergeists 3).
It is possible that poltergeists may not be spirits, but rather mass forms of energy that are being controlled unknowingly by a living person.
Generally, they are associated with an individual or thing.
Can occur from the trauma of a living individual in any area, at any given time.
– The intensity gradually increases until reaching a peak, and then it begins again, allowing for unlimited exploration.
Most individuals who are nearing the peak of their energy can pose a risk to others, as they may cause both mental and physical distress, especially in extreme situations.
There are different levels of a poltergeist, ranging from level one to level five, where they become dangerous.
Senses AttackEarly stages – the activity primarily focuses on the five senses of the human body including cold spots, noises, odors/smells, hearing footsteps, unusual animal activity, and the feeling of being watched.
Level 2 communication becomes more intense, with increased noises and smells. While still at a basic level, these sensations are magnified. This includes whispers, laughs or giggles, moans or shrieks, movement, shadows, and a breeze in enclosed spaces. Additionally, there may be visible clouds and marks on the floors or walls (not in the form of writing).
Level 3 Electrical controlPoltergeist starts to manifest itself, and it becomes difficult to ignore the fact that something genuine is occurring (the level at which traditional haunting occurs). Lights and electrical appliances switching on and off, unnoticeable hands grabbing and touching, doors that open and close, distinct voices or words being heard, complete apparitions or dark figures, and peculiar telephone calls.
Level 4 Trickster Stage – This stage may give the illusion that a mischievous ghost is becoming playful, but in actuality, it is gathering information. Some of the phenomena associated with this stage include flying objects, objects mysteriously vanishing and reappearing in different locations, furniture shaking, people being pushed or shaken, visions and illusions being created, fires starting, speaking in commanding tones, and household items breaking inexplicably.
The poltergeist becomes highly dangerous at its peak energy level, referred to as Level 5 Danger Level. The duration of this hazardous period can vary depending on the specific poltergeist and might endure for days, months, or even years. Once this intense phase subsides, the poltergeist enters a dormant state and the cycle starts anew. Throughout this perilous period, there are various potential occurrences including biting, slapping or punching, rape, fires and burning, blood appearing on walls, being attacked by unseen forces, having hair pulled, witnessing flying knives or other sharp objects, and encountering threatening writings or visual signs.
If you believe an object in your possession is linked to a poltergeist, it is best to get rid of the object instead of trying to move or run away from it. Any attempts to do so would be pointless. If you come across any poltergeist activity, it is recommended that you seek help from a priest or a local paranormal research organization (Poltergeists 4).
Finding a job in the field of parapsychology is difficult because there are no accredited psi programs available in the United States. However, classes on this subject are still offered, although obtaining an accredited degree in parapsychology is not possible. Mainstream academic institutions do not provide many opportunities in this area, as psi is considered marginal by mainstream psychology. The situation is different in England and some other countries. Only a small number of parapsychologists worldwide actively engage in parapsychology, and even fewer receive reasonable salaries for their work. Many students pursue degrees in other subjects while secretly studying psi due to its stigmatized reputation (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 6).
There exist certain exceptions and requirements regarding what individuals can do while engaging in parapsychology.
Psychological and sociological studies on the belief in psychic phenomena are deemed acceptable subjects.
Anthropological studies of psychic practices and rituals expressed in societies are also important.
– In order to pursue psi as a career, one must possess strong entrepreneurial skills, immense persistence and creativity, resourcefulness, and solid training in mainstream sciences or scholarly disciplines. Additionally, one should have the ability to recognize but not adhere to conventional wisdom trends.
– If you are seeking quick solutions to simple problems or definite answers to direct questions, psi is not suitable for your needs.
– If you have an interest in delving into the complete spectrum of human potential and pushing against the conventional norms, then there is no discipline more fitting than psi (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 5).
There are colleges that study parapsychology, according to another source. Two such colleges are the Parapsychological Association (PA) and the American Association for the advancement in science. The PA is an international professional society established in 1957, while the American Association for the advancement in science was founded in 1969 (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 7).
Psychics can find employment with the CIA, known for its project titled “Project Grill Flame,” later renamed “Center Lane and Sunstreak.” Established in the early 1970s, the group was initially referred to as “Project Scanate,” meaning “Scan by coordinate,” and consisted of individuals with demonstrated psychic abilities. Placed in dimly lit rooms, these subjects were provided with latitude and longitude coordinates and asked to report their observations. Although the CIA found this practice beneficial, it was not heavily reliant on it (Psychic Spies Have a Home at the CIA 2).
According to the CIA, the psychics witnessed incredible things during their remote viewing sessions. One notable example was when a remote viewer described an airfield located in a foreign country. The CIA was both impressed and critical of this revelation, as it later emerged that the airfield was actually the highly classified nuclear testing area in Semipalatinsk, which belonged to the Soviet Union (source: “Psychic Spies Have a Home at the CIA 3”).
The CIA conducted another test involving a Soviet Tu-95 “Backfire Bomber”. The agency was aware that the bomber had crashed in Africa and sought to locate it before anyone else. As a result, a psychic was enlisted to find the bomber and was successful in pinpointing its approximate location within a few miles (Psychic Spies Have a Home at the CIA 3).
According to the article “Psychic Spies Have a Home at the CIA,” remote viewers have been utilized in numerous international crises in the past twenty years. These remote viewers claim that their success lies in simply sitting in a dark or lit room and focusing on events happening elsewhere. They do not experience trance or communicate with spirit entities. Despite the lack of mystical experiences, this method has proven to be valuable enough for the CIA and satellite agencies to consider it as a helpful resource (Psychic Spies Have a Home at the CIA 3).
Parapsychology has numerous implications.
Physicists are often intrigued by parapsychology due to the suggestion that our understanding of space, time, energy, and information may be fundamentally flawed.
Psychologists are interested in psi because it indicates something about perception and memory.
Biologists are intrigued by what psi implies about the presence of other undetermined ways of perceiving the world.
– Philosophers are interested in psi phenomena because they directly relate to long-standing philosophical concerns, such as the relationship between the mind and the physical world, and the distinction between the objective and subjective realms.
Both theologians and the general public have an interest in personal psi experiences, as they are often accompanied by profound ineffable meaning. This has led some to believe that psi has spiritual implications (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 5).
There is a multitude of reasons why people find parapsychology intriguing, primarily due to the fact that psi phenomena implies:
Science acknowledges that its understanding of the universe is not fully comprehensive.
It is believed that the abilities and constraints of human potential have been undervalued.
– it is possible that our basic assumptions and philosophical beliefs regarding the division between the mind and body are mistaken.
It is possible that religious beliefs about the supernatural nature of “miracles” could have been incorrect (CRL Parapsychology FAQ 5).
Therefore, the renowned inquiry arises – “Why do psychics fail to amass large amounts of money in Las Vegas casinos?” The atmosphere in casinos is deliberately created to be loud and visually overwhelming. In order for a psychic to generate any earnings, they are required to:
They should comprehend the strategies utilized in each game they participate in.
Consistently adhere to those strategies when playing.
Consistently apply strong reliable psi (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 7).
Psychics typically require a calm environment with minimal distractions in order to concentrate. This explains why they do not thrive in busy surroundings like Las Vegas casinos, but it does not provide a definitive reason as to why they do not win the lottery. However, it is impossible to determine if any past lottery winners possessed psychic abilities.
Many individuals believe that experimenters utilize the popular ESP cards, which consist of a deck of 25 cards featuring repetitions of five symbols: a square, circle, wavy line, cross, and star. These cards were widely employed between the 1930s and 1960s and yielded compelling evidence for ESP. However, professionals in the field of parapsychology seldom employ them in current times (Parapsychology FAQ2 3).
Today, several psi experiments are conducted, including PK on random number generators (RNG). In this experiment, individuals try to alter the distribution of random numbers using their mental abilities (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 5).
The next one is ESP in the ganzfeld. Ganzfeld, which means whale field, involves a telepathic “sender” and “receiver”. Both individuals are isolated, with the receiver being put into a ganzfeld state. Meanwhile, the sender is shown a picture. After a sending period of 20-40 minutes, the receiver is shown pictures and must predict or guess the correct one. The results indicate that the correct target is chosen 34% of the time, which is considered favorable (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 6).
Remote viewing is a phenomenon where a person is asked by a third party to draw a selected picture (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 6).
Parapsychology faces numerous criticisms.
The apparent success of experimental results is attributed to a variety of factors including sloppy procedures, inadequate training of researchers, methodological flaws, selective reporting, and statistical issues.
Response: These criticisms cannot explain why the results were successful.
Researchers from Harvard University have found that psi research is being conducted in accordance with appropriate scientific protocols.
2) Psi phenomena are considered impossible because they violate fundamental principles of science.
Response: Two decades ago, it was often noted as a common critique when discussing psi claims.
The global scientific perspective is undergoing rapid change.
3) Psi lacks an experiment that can be repeated.
Response: When it comes to repeatable, what people think about are the elementary physics classes that demonstrate the acceleration of gravity and similar concepts (Telepathy 2).
Parapsychology is controversial due to various factors.
Firstly, it is quite common for the public to mistakenly associate psi with unscientific beliefs and anecdotes regarding “the paranormal”.
– Many scientists have dismissed the topic as unworthy.
– Consequently, they neglect the opportunity to thoroughly examine the available evidence.
Specialized knowledge is necessary for understanding.
Misunderstanding (which is a misunderstanding) arises when people do not understand or believe statistics.
“They search for prominent proof or ‘big stuff’ and will uncover very little reliable information.”
– According to the CRL Parapsychology FAQ2, the scientific evidence supporting certain forms of psi is highly convincing.
Secondly, it can be challenging to obtain the evidence even if someone is interested in studying it (CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 4).
Thirdly, there are individuals who have concerns about the potential truth of psi. These fears regarding psi stem from the following reasons:
It is connected to diabolical forces, magic, and witchcraft.
The loss of typical ego boundaries is indicated.
– It is possible that individuals have the ability to perceive your thoughts and discover your hidden sexual or aggressive intentions, or even worse.
– Mentioning it could make others perceive you as insane.
– If you are experiencing psi, it is possible that you might be considered crazy.
Before the age of six, your parents used negative reinforcement to discourage your displays of telepathy.
– The contemplation of psi results in a mindset resembling medieval superstition, ultimately aiding the emergence of perilous primitive thinking.
With ESP, you have the ability to gain knowledge about yourself and others that may be unwanted.
– The interference of Psi with the normal human process of ego separation and development has led us to develop subtle strategies for cultural inhibition.
– Suppose you possess telepathy, how would you differentiate between your own thoughts and those of others? It is plausible that this could result in the development of mental disorders.
– If psi were used to cater to this aspect, what kind of harm would it cause in individuals with a self-destructive streak in their personality?
– The existence of psi makes me question how many other beloved beliefs I will need to relinquish.
Does the existence of psi imply that a psychic can observe me while I am using the bathroom?
According to the CRL Parapsychology FAQ2 7, if psi is real, it may not be possible for me to isolate myself from the pain and suffering in the world.
Parapsychology does not involve the investigation of all things paranormal or related to witchcraft. Instead, it focuses on the examination of specific extraordinary occurrences connected to human experience. Numerous scientists believe in and have scientifically verified many aspects of parapsychology. At some point in the future, parapsychology will likely receive the acknowledgement it deserves.
