Paranthropology - Vol 1 No 2 - 2010 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2
Date: October 2010
Publisher: Paranthropology
Country: UK
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology, themed "Paranormal Encounters in the Field," delves into the intersection of anthropology and the study of the paranormal. It features a collection of articles that explore personal experiences, theoretical frameworks, and methodological challenges in understanding phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific paradigms.

Introduction

The editorial welcomes readers to the second issue, defining "the field" broadly to encompass anthropological fieldwork, ghost-hunting, and parapsychological research. The editor shares a personal experience from his undergraduate fieldwork at the Bristol Spirit Lodge, where he experienced an involuntary arm movement during a trance development session. This event led him to appreciate the physiological basis of mediumistic experiences, even without necessarily accepting a paranormal component.

Articles and Content

Castaneda's Controversy and Methodological Influences by Mark A. Schroll, PhD.

This article examines the enduring impact of Carlos Castaneda's work on anthropology. It begins with a personal reflection on Stanley Krippner and his relationship with Castaneda, leading to a discussion of Douglas Price-Williams. The piece highlights the methodological challenge Castaneda's approach posed to participant observation, particularly in 1973 when UCLA awarded him a Ph.D. in anthropology. Schroll argues that Castaneda's tales of power offered a sense of personal empowerment and an alternative paradigm to EuroAmerican science, leading to significant, though sometimes problematic, consequences. The article also touches upon the debate of whether Castaneda's work is anthropological or a form of fiction, and how it influenced research methodology by suggesting that understanding shamanism requires becoming a practitioner. It references key figures like Michael Harner and Joseph Long, and discusses the limitations of purely etic or emic approaches in studying shamanism.

The Anomalous Anthropologist: Field Experience As An Insider Medium/Anthropologist by Paul D. Biscop, Ph.D.

Biscop, who is both a Spiritualist Medium and a Cultural Anthropologist, discusses the challenges and unique perspective of conducting fieldwork as an insider. He contrasts his early experiences as an outsider ethnographer with his later work, where his insider status as a medium provided a "preponderance of evidence" supporting the hypothesis of consciousness continuing after death. Biscop addresses the cultural biases within Western society that tend to dismiss or pathologize spirit communication, attributing this to orthodox materialist science and religion. He notes a paucity of serious, open-minded anthropological fieldwork among Spiritualists and Kardecists, suggesting that existing research often serves as a medium for pre-existing theoretical positions rather than genuine engagement with phenomena.

An Experiential Paradigm for the Anthropology of Consciousness by Kim McCaul

McCaul argues for the development of an experientially based, etic model of consciousness to understand "extraordinary experiences" collected by anthropologists. He defines these experiences broadly, including dreams, trance, telepathy, and perceptions of non-physical beings. McCaul shares his own experiences, starting with meditation in Indonesia, which led to out-of-body experiences (OBEs), interactions with non-physical entities, and auditory and visual perceptions of non-physical communicators. He suggests that these experiences can be understood through a "consciential paradigm" that views consciousness as multidimensional and holosomatic, and emphasizes the role of bioenergies. McCaul advocates for anthropologists to move beyond theory and participate in these experiences, including OBEs and contact with spirits, to gain a deeper understanding of human consciousness and enrich both their own culture and the cultures they study. He provides a quote from a Western Desert ngangkari about spirit travel as an example of a phenomenon that requires such participatory investigation.

Other Featured Articles and Sections

• Contents: A detailed table of contents lists all articles, including "History of the SAC (Part 2)", "Ethnographic Encounters With the Paranormal", "Ganzfeld Experiences in the Laboratory", "From the Academy to the Street", "Impossible Things: Notes from Beyond the Boggle Threshold", "Towards a Cross-Cultural View of Parapsychology", and "Reviews".
• Castaneda: Shaman or Sorcerer? A brief section includes a quote from Rod Serling.
• Reviews: The issue includes reviews of books by Sophie Drennan, Jack Hunter, David Taylor, and David Woollatt.
• Notes: This section provides summaries of symposia and mentions related publications.
• References: Extensive bibliographies are provided for each article, citing numerous works on anthropology, consciousness, shamanism, and paranormal phenomena.
• Call for Submissions: The back cover announces that Issue 3 will focus on "Mediumship and Spirit Possession," with guidelines for article and review submissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the exploration of paranormal phenomena through an anthropological lens, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork, personal experience, and subjective understanding. The journal advocates for a more open-minded approach to studying consciousness and anomalous experiences, challenging reductionist perspectives and encouraging the development of new theoretical paradigms that can accommodate diverse forms of human experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, valuing both rigorous anthropological methods and the acceptance of phenomena that may lie beyond current scientific consensus. There is a clear emphasis on the value of experiential research and the potential for cross-cultural understanding through the study of altered states of consciousness and spirit phenomena.

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2
Date: Undetermined, but likely around 2010 based on references.
Character: This issue delves into the intersection of anthropology and the paranormal, presenting a collection of ethnographic accounts, personal recollections, and research into anomalous phenomena.

Recolections of an Indian Magic Show

Richard Cardew recounts a vivid childhood memory from 1946 in Rawal Pindi, India, where he attended a magic show at the age of seven. He describes two striking events: a dramatic fire-lighting demonstration and a pigeon trick where the magician appeared to saw the bird's head off and then reattach it. Cardew reflects on his childhood desire to 'see what I should see,' drawing a parallel to how people in séances might will phenomena into being. He also provides a brief biography, noting his birth in Bombay and his academic background in mathematics and computing.

Ethnographic Encounters with the Paranormal

This section presents a series of short narratives from ethnographic literature, highlighting unusual encounters that challenge a purely materialistic worldview. The aim is to appreciate alternate modes of living and understanding.

Waldemar Bogoras

Bogoras recounts an experience with a shaman in an underground house. The shaman, using a blanket, seemingly manipulated the structure of the room, causing water to spill and objects to clang. Bogoras, feeling the house might collapse, let go of the blanket, which then skipped away, and the room returned to normal.

Sir E.E. Evans-Pritchard

Evans-Pritchard shares an account from the Zande people, where a mysterious light seen at night was interpreted as witchcraft, particularly as it coincided with the death of a household member the following morning. He suggests a more mundane explanation (a lit handful of grass) but acknowledges how the event fit Zande beliefs.

R.G. Trilles

Trilles describes an encounter with a witch-doctor who, using a magic mirror and incantations, accurately predicted the actions of his paddlers, including the successful hunting of a large bird.

Joseph K. Long

Long reports a bizarre incident during market day where a three-wheeled open coffin, steering itself, appeared in the crowd. A voice from within the coffin repeatedly asked for 'one Jim Brown'.

Bronislaw Malinowski

Malinowski recounts hearing the 'kosi' on a dark night while traveling with natives. The natives showed curiosity rather than fear, and Malinowski notes that the kosi is commonly seen or heard without causing alarm.

Tanya Luhrman

Luhrman describes a ritual involving rhythmic dancing and chanting that created a strange atmosphere, blurring ordinary reality. The experience evolved into a trance-like state, with the participants feeling connected to something larger.

David St. Clair

St. Clair details an experience with a boy whose feet were deformed. A figure named Palmerio prayed over the boy, then shouted and violently manipulated his feet. Afterward, the boy was able to walk normally.

Bruce T. Grindal

Grindal describes a ritual involving a corpse and a 'goka' (a figure associated with the corpse). The ritual involved singing, rhythmic movements, and flashes of light. The corpse then rose and danced, and strands of light played between the 'goka' and the corpse.

Ian Holfield

Holfield records a ganzfeld session where he experienced vivid, detailed imagery, including a vertical shape, a leaping figure, and an old house with specific architectural details. He later realized this imagery eerily matched the assassination of Airey Neave, which occurred around the same time.

Kristen Gallerneaux Brooks

Brooks traces the lineage of public representation of belief in paranormal investigative groups, from early psychical research societies to modern ghost hunting groups. She argues that these groups perpetuate 'visual legendry' and folkloric principles through material and visual evidence.

Callum E. Cooper

Cooper discusses the importance of reliable eyewitness testimony in investigating spontaneous anomalous experiences. He highlights that psychology can assist in memory recall and that researchers themselves witnessing events presents unique challenges.

Conclusions

The selection of accounts demonstrates the wide diversity of claims to paranormal experiences. The author suggests these can be treated as 'semi-empirical evidence' that can be analyzed to understand the nature of paranormal experience and the contributing factors. Key factors identified include altered states of consciousness, ritual, emotionally arousing circumstances, and the presence of magico-religious specialists.

Ganzfeld Experience in the Laboratory

Ian Holfield details his ganzfeld session, describing the visual field and the subsequent imagery. He notes the surprising accuracy of his descriptions, which later correlated with the assassination of Airey Neave, a precognitive event.

When Researchers Become Eyewitnesses to the Anomalous: Should Seeing be Believing?

Callum E. Cooper emphasizes the significance of eyewitness testimony in parapsychology, particularly for spontaneous events. He discusses how psychology can aid in memory recall and the challenges faced when researchers themselves become witnesses to anomalous phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the subjective and objective aspects of paranormal experiences, often through ethnographic and personal accounts. There is a recurring theme of how belief systems, cultural contexts, and psychological states influence the perception and interpretation of anomalous events. The journal appears to advocate for rigorous research methods, including detailed documentation and analysis of eyewitness testimony, while acknowledging the inherent challenges and the need for open-minded investigation into phenomena that may defy conventional scientific explanation. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious inquiry into the paranormal, grounded in anthropological and psychological perspectives.

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 2
Date: 2010 (implied by content)
Publisher: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal

This issue of Paranthropology explores various facets of paranormal phenomena through an anthropological lens, featuring articles on ghost hunting, spirit possession, personal experiences, and cross-cultural studies in parapsychology.

Article Summaries

III. Tactile and Tenuous Spaces

This section discusses the mechanics of haunted houses in folklore and parapsychology, focusing on liminal spaces and the concept of residual hauntings. It highlights the challenges ghost hunters face in gaining access to properties and the rise of 'armchair research' through paranormal webcams. A case study from September 2009 details the death of a woman illegally exploring a 'haunted' building at the University of Toronto, illustrating how the visual codification of a haunted location can have grave implications.

IV. Maps for Action

This section delves into the core of paranormal belief, emphasizing issues of authenticity and the ethical considerations for folklorists. It draws parallels between contemporary ghost hunting groups and historical psychical research movements. The article critiques paranormal television programming for its potential for 'pseudo-ostension' (hoaxing) and 'cinematic ostension' (dramatization). It notes that while ghost hunting expeditions often yield little evidence, the 'legend trip' serves as a ritualized pilgrimage for identity formation.

The "Spooky House" Case

This case study recounts an incident in 2006 where a group of teenagers trespassed on a property rumored to be haunted. The owner, Allen Davis, fired warning shots, leading to the accidental shooting and paralysis of seventeen-year-old Rachel Barezinsky. The case, known as the 'Spooky House' case, moved beyond a folkloric principle into a discussion of property protection rights.

V. Conclusion

The conclusion draws a direct philosophical lineage between vernacular ghost hunting groups and the historical psychical research movement, noting a shared drive for evidence of the afterlife. It suggests that Spiritualist mediums can be viewed as 'embodied legends' and that the fraudulent behavior of some mediums laid the groundwork for the need for heightened awareness of human interference with paranormal evidence. The issue of purposeful manipulation of evidence in contemporary ghost hunting is presented as not entirely new.

Maria Lionza and the Induction of Spirit Possession in Others – A First Person Account

Allan Marsden recounts his experience at a retreat in central Europe where he demonstrated the induction of spirit possession using the practices of the Cult of Maria Lionza from Venezuela. He describes the preparation, the ritual involving drumming, oils, and smoke, and the subsequent possession experiences of five volunteers. The article details the varying levels of possession (25% to 100%) and the specific messages or identities expressed by the possessing spirits, including angels and 'Stone People'. Marsden notes that even without belief, the work produced real effects, and one participant continued to experience the presence of an angel for some months.

Impossible Things: Notes from the boggle threshold

David Taylor shares a bizarre experience from the early 1990s where he received a mysterious phone call instructing him and a group of researchers to go to Avebury, Wiltshire, on a specific date and time. Upon arrival, they witnessed bright white flashes of light in the clouds. Taylor discusses the importance of informed skepticism and the anthropological value of studying paranormal experiences, suggesting they represent a form of initiation or a way of seeing the world differently.

Ghostly Experiences: More Than Imagination, More Than Just a Good Story

Rosalyn Dyne argues for a greater acceptance of paranormal phenomena within the social sciences and humanities, moving beyond a purely scientific approach. She highlights how personal experience narratives, like those studied by Gillian Bennett, offer valuable insights into beliefs about death and the afterlife. Dyne's research on the ghostly experiences of non-Indigenous Australians suggests that these stories can provide a means for studying history, social issues, and cultural beliefs, offering hope and a sense of meaning.

Toward a cross-cultural view of parapsychology

This section introduces the website 'World of Parapsychology' (WoP), launched in July 2010, which aims to aggregate information on parapsychology worldwide and foster collaboration among researchers. It discusses the disparities in the acceptance and development of parapsychology across different countries and cultures, noting the role of individual researchers as ambassadors and the challenges of overcoming language and cultural barriers. The project seeks to provide a basis for a global ethnography of parapsychology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently adopts an anthropological and folkloric approach to the study of the paranormal, emphasizing the importance of cultural context, belief systems, and personal experiences. There is a clear stance advocating for the inclusion of paranormal phenomena within academic discourse, particularly in the social sciences and humanities, moving beyond purely scientific or skeptical dismissals. The articles collectively suggest that paranormal experiences, whether interpreted as supernatural events or as cultural expressions, offer valuable insights into human psychology, societal beliefs, and historical narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous study of these phenomena while acknowledging their complex and often ambiguous nature.

This issue of Paranthropology, Vol. 1 No. 2, published around November 2010, focuses on reviews of books and events related to the paranormal and anthropological approaches to the unexplained. The cover features a stylized illustration with the journal's title.

Events

The 'Events' section lists several upcoming and recent gatherings in 2010 and 2011:

• 2010:
• October 23rd-24th: Fortean Times Unconvention at the University of Westminster, London.
• October 25th-30th: Swindon Ghostfest (details at http://hswin.moonfruit.com).
• June 2nd-4th: Academy of Spirituality and Paranormal Studies Conference, "Spirituality, Science and the Paranormal" at Kutztown University, Pennsylvania, USA (www.aspsi.org).
• 2011:
• March 11th-13th: Spooksfest, York 2011 (www.spooksfest.co.uk).

Reviews

"Magic: A Beginner's Guide" by Robert Ralley

This review by Jack Hunter discusses Robert Ralley's book, which is described as a breakthrough in the academic exploration of magic. The book offers an accessible introduction to Western Esotericism, tracing the history of magical traditions from figures like Paracelsus and Cornelius Agrippa to contemporary stage magicians. It also charts the development of modern occultism, mentioning Eliphas Levi, Aleister Crowley, and Gerald Gardner. The final chapter examines anthropological approaches to the study of magic, referencing E.B. Tylor, J.G. Frazer, Durkheim, Mauss, Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, and Evans-Pritchard. The reviewer notes that the chapter could have explored more current anthropological investigations, such as the anthropology of consciousness or ethnographers' experiences in the field, but commends Ralley's inclusion of an anthropological perspective alongside the historical approach.

• Publisher: Oneworld
• ISBN: 9781851687138
• Price: £9.99/$14.95

"SLIders: The Enigma of Streetlight Interference" by Hilary Evans

David Taylor reviews Hilary Evans' book, which investigates the phenomenon of "Street Light Interference" (SLI), the apparent ability of some people to make street lights go out. Evans, a veteran investigator, has coordinated the SLIDE Street Light Interference Data Exchange. The book explores various theories, from faulty bulbs to psychokinesis, and presents a collection of global reports. Taylor expresses personal interest, having experienced similar phenomena himself. He concludes that the book demonstrates SLI is a real phenomenon and is destined to become a classic as the first full-length book on the subject.

• Publisher: Anomalist Books
• ISBN: 1933665475
• Price: £10.95/$14.95

"Grimoires: A History of Magic Books" by Owen Davies

Jack Hunter reviews Owen Davies' book, which delves into the world of Western Esotericism, focusing on grimoires – books of conjurations and charms. Davies explores the development and spread of these magical texts, linking them to social and historical themes like science, slavery, religious interactions, and witchcraft trials. The review highlights the tracing of key magical texts such as the Greater and Lesser Keys of Solomon, Picatrix, and works by Agrippa. Despite historical condemnation and destruction, these books have maintained popular interest, offering insights into medieval magical beliefs and practices. The book also examines the influence of magic books on popular culture, citing H.P. Lovecraft's Necronomicon. The reviewer describes the book as a gripping read, full of exciting characters and fascinating stories.

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISBN: 9780199590049
• Price: £9.99/$16.95

Weird 10 Conference

David Woollatt reviews the Weird 10 Conference held in Warminster, Wiltshire, on August 21st-22nd, 2010. The conference focused on paranormal events and parapsychological research.

• Dr. Ciaran O'Keefe's Talk: O'Keefe discussed parapsychology, extra-sensory perception, and psychokinesis. He explored mind trickery and how the mind can believe it has experienced something unexplainable. An experiment with the audience demonstrated telepathy. O'Keefe emphasized the need for more field research rather than laboratory conditions, noting that TV shows like "Most Haunted" can sometimes prioritize spectacularization over analysis. He also discussed group hysteria and how suggestion can influence perceptions of paranormal events. While some events on "Most Haunted" remain unexplained, many have scientific explanations. His talk aimed to provide a broad introduction to parapsychology, highlighting the need for more research in real-world situations.
• Nicky Sewell and Dave Wood's Talk: Representatives from ASSAP (Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) discussed the epidemic of ghost hunting groups, often linked to television programs. They criticized the lack of rigorous standards and authenticity in hobbyist ghost hunting, where individuals may engage in activities with little research or scientific framework. The use of EMF meters to detect spirits was highlighted as an unfounded practice, leading to futile data collection. ASSAP suggests a need to re-evaluate ghost hunting practices and methodologies.

The conference was described as well-organized, bringing together renowned speakers and fostering interdisciplinary debate. More information can be found at www.mystical-county.org.uk.

Second Annual Exploring the Extraordinary Conference

This review covers the conference held at the University of York on September 24th-25th, 2010. The event explored divergent theories within the anomalistic field, drawing from anthropology, sociology, transpersonal, spiritual, cultural, and parapsychological areas.

• Day 1 (Experience-Based Talks):
• Josefine Speyer presented on the impact of extraordinary experiences within the bereavement process.
• Michele Knight discussed her PhD project on communication between the bereaved and deceased.
• Alice Herron shared personal experiences within a new religious movement.
• Dr. Jenny Hallam and Candice Sunney presented research on "earth energy" spirituality.
• Dr. Gerhard Mayer and Rene Grunder discussed the impact of extraordinary experiences on the development of heterodox beliefs, particularly neo-paganism.
• Dr. David Clarke gave a keynote lecture on UFO experiences, referencing previously secret British Government files.
• The day concluded with a Ghost Walk and dinner in York.
• Day 2 (Spiritual Nature of Anomalistic Events):
• Sarah Metcalf discussed contemporary concerns facing psychic practitioners and "emotional labour."
• Jack Hunter presented research on the Spiritualist movement in Bristol.
• Dr. Fiona Bowie explored the life of Lady Cynthia Sandys, an aristocrat and medium.
• Ann Davies, a "psychic artist," presented on channeling pictures and portraits of spirits.
• Dr. Yves Marton discussed his anthropological project in Brazil and Los Angeles, highlighting prejudice against communities like Santeria.
• Dr. David Luke presented on the relationship between anthropology and parapsychology, referencing Andrew Lang.
• Dr. Paul Marshall discussed connections between psychic and mystical experiences.

The diversity of presentations was commended, leading to much discussion and new acquaintances. The 3rd Conference in 2011 was anticipated to be even more popular.

Next Issue

The next issue, available in January 2011, will have the theme "Mediumship and Spirit Possession." Contributions are welcomed.

Contact

Contact details are provided for submitting articles, reviews, event publicity, suggestions, or comments via [email protected].

Acknowledgements

Thanks are extended to all contributors. The cover artwork was created by Gavin Nelson ([email protected]).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of anthropology with paranormal phenomena, including magic, spiritualism, UFOs, and parapsychology. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research, questioning methodologies (particularly in ghost hunting), and bridging academic study with personal experiences. The journal appears to advocate for a scientific yet open-minded approach to anomalous phenomena, encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue and critical analysis. The reviews highlight books that attempt to academicize or historically contextualize subjects often relegated to fringe interest. The editorial stance seems to be one of promoting scholarly investigation into the paranormal from an anthropological perspective.