Paranthropology - Vol 2 No 1 - 2011 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: January 2011
Publisher: Paranthropology
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology, titled "Mediumship & Spirit Possession," offers a comprehensive exploration of mediumship from a variety of perspectives, including anthropological, parapsychological, historical, and experiential. The journal aims to provide a holistic approach to understanding this complex social phenomenon.

Key Articles and Features

The Importance of Mediumship Research

The cover prominently features "The Importance of Mediumship Research," with a list of numerous contributors, including Dr. Julie Beischel, Dr. David Luke, Prof. Patric Giesler, Robin P. Foy, Rosemarie Pilkington, PhD., Yves Marton, PhD., Michael Roll, Dr. Hannah Gilbert, Prof. Etzel Cardena, Dr. Fiona Bowie, Paul D. Biscop, PhD., Dr. Carlos Alvarado, Zeljko Jokic, PhD., Dr. Ciaran O'Keefe, and Prof. Charles F. Emmons. This section underscores the significance of investigating mediumship.

Clairvoyance, Class & Convention

This article by Sophie Louise Drennan explores the intersection of clairvoyance, social class, and convention.

In Possession of My Senses? Reflections from Social Science on Engaging with the Otherworldly

Sara Mackian offers reflections from the perspective of social science on how to engage with the otherworldly.

The Science and Struggle of Psi Research

Callum E. Cooper discusses the challenges and scientific aspects of psi research.

The Autonomy and Morphology of the Felix Experimental Group's Ectoplasm

Jochen Soederling provides a detailed account of ectoplasm purportedly produced by the Felix Experimental Group in Germany.

The History of Survival Research

Michael E. Tymn presents a timeline of key events and turning points in survival research, tracing its origins from the 11th century AD to the late 20th century. The article highlights significant figures and organizations like the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), the Fox Sisters, Daniel Dunglas Home, and the development of concepts like telepathy and the survival hypothesis.

Towards a Social History of Spiritualism in Bristol

Jack Hunter investigates the historical context of contemporary Spiritualist practice and belief in Bristol, examining its development from the 19th century and its adherence to or divergence from traditional Spiritualist principles.

Candomblé, Umbanda, and Kardecismo: Mediums in Recife, Brazil

Stanley Krippner explores the spiritistic religions of Brazil, focusing on mediumship within Candomblé, Umbanda, and Kardecismo in Recife. The article delves into the cultural background, the concept of orixás, and the syncretization of these movements.

Pragmatics and Intention in Automatic Writing Compositions: the Chico Xavier case

Ademir Xavier examines the case of Chico Xavier, focusing on the pragmatic aspects and intentions behind his automatic writing compositions.

The Art of the Medium: Encounters with the Past in the Boundless Unknown

Aysa Braceau discusses the art of the medium and encounters with the past in the context of the unknown.

The Disparity of a "Standards of Care" for Spirit Mediumship as a Permissible Behavioral Health Care Profession

August Goforth analyzes the disparity in standards of care for spirit mediumship when considered as a behavioral health care profession.

Images of a South Indian Theyyam Performance

David Luke provides insights into a South Indian Theyyam performance.

A Trance Mediumship Demonstration in Singapore

Fabian Graham describes an unusual trance mediumship demonstration in Singapore.

Contents and Editorial

The contents page lists all the articles, including "Survival Research Timeline" by Michael Tymn, "Towards a Social History of Spiritualism in Bristol" by Jack Hunter, "Learning from the Spirits: Investigating Candomblé, Umbanda, and Kardecismo Mediums in Recife, Brazil" by Stanley Krippner, "Report of a Physical Mediumship Seance" by Jon Mees, "A Trance Mediumship Demonstration in Singapore" by Fabian Graham, and "Experiences with Mediumship" by Michael Evans. The editorial, penned by Jack Hunter, emphasizes the rich and varied nature of mediumship and the issue's aim to examine it from multiple perspectives for a holistic approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around mediumship, spirit possession, spiritualism, and the scientific and anthropological investigation of these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, presenting diverse research and experiential accounts to foster a deeper understanding of mediumship and its place in human society and belief systems. The journal advocates for a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the paranormal.

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: 2007
Publisher: Saybrook Graduate School
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Paranthropology, a journal focusing on anthropological approaches to the paranormal, explores the complex field of spirit mediumship from various perspectives. It features academic articles, personal accounts, and quotes from researchers, delving into the cultural, psychological, and neurobiological dimensions of trance, possession, and spirit incorporation.

The Pathologizing of Spiritistic Practices

The article "The Pathologizing of Spiritistic Practices" examines how African-Brazilian religions, which encourage spirit incorporation, were historically viewed as "ecstatic religions." These movements, including Candomblé, Kardecismo, and Umbanda, were often pathologized by the Brazilian psychiatric establishment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Psychiatrists like Nina Rodrigues and Xavier de Oliveira considered mediumistic practices as outcomes of "hysterical phenomena" or "neuropathic" and "superstitious" personalities. This perspective was influenced by a desire to create a modern, Eurocentric nation and the prevailing views of Roman Catholic or secular materialist psychiatrists. However, Roger Bastide's work shifted the focus, suggesting that "possession trance is sociological before pathological." Modern transcultural psychiatry and ethnopsychiatry now view mediumship as a skill that can empower practitioners and provide community support.

Possession and Dissociation

This section clarifies the terminology used in spiritistic contexts. "Incorporation" refers to practitioners allowing themselves to be "taken over" by a spirit entity, often voluntarily. In contrast, "possession" describes an involuntary, distressful takeover that may require intervention from a religious specialist. The article distinguishes between "possession" as a belief and "possession" as an experience. It also notes that possession can occur without "dissociative trance" patterns, citing the Ethiopian zâr cult as an example. "Trance-possession" is defined as the experience of spirit incorporation concurrent with psychophysiological changes characteristic of dissociative trance. Anthropologist Erika Bourguignon differentiates between "possession" (spirit produces changes without loss of awareness), "possession trance" (loss of awareness with spirit taking over), and "trance" (altered state of consciousness without spirit presence).

From a psychophysiological perspective, "dissociation" involves the disengagement of cognitive processes, favoring right hemisphere activity associated with intuitive and emotive thought. This can lead to generalized parasympathetic dominance and high-voltage, slow-wave EEG patterns originating in the limbic system. The limbic system's involvement is crucial for dissociative trance, influencing basic survival drives and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which controls sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Rituals involving drumming, dancing, and chanting are seen as mechanisms that tune the nervous system through hemispheric lateralization and parasympathetic dominance, providing psychological relief from stressors.

A Trance Mediumship Demonstration

Fabian Graham recounts his visit to a temple in Singapore to observe the Tua Ya Pek medium. His initial purpose was to record the chanting that summons the spirit. However, he witnessed a ritual performed for a couple who had recently had an abortion, aimed at helping the aborted foetus transition to its next reincarnation. The ritual involved the medium entering a trance state, followed by symbolic offerings such as baby shoes, baby clothes, milk, candy, "Hell money," and porridge, all placed on a green chair representing the deceased. The ritual concluded with the burning of these objects. Graham notes the use of coins for divination instead of the traditional "bua bue" and describes the solemn atmosphere, leaving him with a "cold chill."

The Importance of Mediumship Research

This section features perspectives from various contemporary investigators of mediumship. Professor Charles F. Emmons emphasizes that studying spirit mediumship can help investigate questions about consciousness, survival, and the social/cultural context of coping with grief and seeking advice. He highlights the potential for insights into neuroscience and psychology, and crucially, into consciousness and survival itself.

Robin P. Foy shares his experience with physical mediumship, citing a communication from Winston Churchill as evidence for the importance of studying the "spirit world" as a preparation for what awaits us after death. He asserts that after 37 years of research, he knows "life after death" exists.

Paul D. Biscop argues that anthropological interest in consciousness associated with shamanism and spiritism has been limited to non-western cultures, with a bias against "real" mediumship. He advocates for a cross-discipline, holistic study of human species and consciousness in home cultures, emphasizing the potential for providing support for the possibility of survival of bodily death.

Michael Roll focuses on materialization mediums as a source of "crushing scientific proof of survival after death," aiming to replicate historical experiments with modern recording equipment to capture physical reunions of deceased individuals with their living relatives.

Dr. Ciaran O'Keefe discusses the importance of studying mediumship for providing evidence for survival, challenging neuropsychological assumptions about consciousness being dependent on a living brain. He also notes the significant impact of mediumship demonstrations on public belief and behavior, citing opinion polls and media trends. He suggests that understanding the methods used to test mediumship can also inform the examination of claims made in non-paranormal contexts.

Zeljko Jokic, PhD, views mediumship research as integral to understanding consciousness, the link between the living and the dead, and as a window into the culture and history of a people. He suggests it allows for comparisons with other phenomena of consciousness and abnormal psychology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the anthropological and psychological study of spirit mediumship, trance, and possession. There is a strong emphasis on moving beyond historical pathologization towards a more nuanced understanding of these phenomena as culturally significant practices and potential indicators of consciousness and survival beyond bodily death. The journal's stance appears to be one of open, scientific inquiry into the paranormal, encouraging cross-disciplinary research and challenging existing biases. The issue advocates for the investigation of mediumship as a valid area of study with profound implications for our understanding of human consciousness and existence.

Title: PARANTHROPOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: 2009
Publisher: Paranthropology
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This issue of Paranthropology, a journal focusing on anthropological approaches to the paranormal, delves deeply into the concept and practice of mediumship. It explores its historical roots, its role in various cultures and religions, and the challenges and methodologies involved in its academic study.

The Nature and History of Mediumship

The issue opens with an exploration of the term "expression" or "idiom of distress" as it relates to mediumship, suggesting it can be used to express social protest or individual psychic distress. Professor Patric Giesler notes that mediumship may be conducive to "psi-functioning" and that anomalous phenomena have been observed and studied across various cultures, with some researchers employing "psi-in-process" approaches to examine claims of psi-functioning within their natural magico-religious contexts.

Dr. David Luke, President of the Parapsychological Association, traces the practice of mediumship back thousands of years, highlighting its fundamental role in the origins of many religions and occult doctrines, including shamanism. He notes that the scientific study of mediumship gave rise to psychical research and parapsychology, with debates around survival after death becoming increasingly refined. Luke also points out the broad scope of parapsychology, spanning psychology, physics, anthropology, and even politics, citing Madagascar as an example where mediumship influences political decisions.

Yves Marton, PhD, emphasizes the importance of mediumship as a concept that clarifies many elements of spiritual activity. He suggests that it can make obscure and mystified aspects of religion and world rituals understandable, offering a comparative perspective that can enlighten materialistically inclined researchers and society away from the fear of the unknown.

Researching Mediumship: Challenges and Methodologies

Dr. Hannah Gilbert from the University of York discusses the historical and contemporary study of spirit mediums, noting that while anthropology has provided data on non-Western cultures, Western spirit mediums have often been poorly represented and studied as if easily debunked. She calls for serious consideration of mediumship and related beliefs as an important current in contemporary Western society, urging researchers to take mediums seriously and explore the vast scope for research.

Dr. Julie Beischel, Director of Research at The Windbridge Institute, stresses the need for rigorous, modern-day research with trained investigators and mediums whose abilities have been demonstrated under blinded laboratory conditions. She believes that data from current research participants can help reframe concepts of consciousness and information transfer, and that the reported information may be socially useful in areas like criminal investigations and grief counseling.

Sara Mackian, in her article "In possession of my senses? Reflections from Social Science on Engaging with the Otherworldly," shares her experiences as a social scientist researching contemporary spirituality without religion. She discusses the concept of the "boundary" between the living and the dead, and the suspicion faced by those who transgress it. Mackian highlights the challenges of representing the "otherworldly" to skeptical academic peers, who often question the researcher's own beliefs. She advocates for participatory fieldwork, arguing that direct experience is crucial for understanding phenomena that are "intangible" and otherworldly, and that these experiences, while perhaps not explainable in conventional terms, are important to "understand" as people's natural way of experiencing the world.

Thomas Ots's rejection of 'observation' in favor of 'experiencing participation' is mentioned as a methodological approach that aligns with Mackian's research. She recounts a trance workshop experience where she witnessed physical changes in a participant, emphasizing that such moments legitimize spiritual experiences. Mackian also discusses the difficulty of presenting such research to skeptical audiences and the ethical considerations involved.

Historical Contributions and Conceptual Issues

The issue revisits the historical impact of mediumship on psychical research. It is noted that the performances of early mediums, particularly in Spiritualism, fostered belief and skepticism, and provided teachings about life after death. The contributions of mediums like D.D. Home and Leonora E. Piper are highlighted as instrumental in the development of psychical research as an organized field. The investigation of mediums also led to the development of various research methods, including verbatim recording and statistical techniques.

Furthermore, mediumship has been important for developing conceptual issues, such as the question of survival of bodily death and ideas about the subconscious mind and dissociation, as explored by Pierre Janet. The article by Dr. Carlos Alvarado suggests that mediumship, like hysteria and hypnosis, was more than a curiosity and played a role in advancing psychical research, dynamic psychology, and psychiatry.

Rosemarie Pilkington, PhD, discusses "seance phenomena" and argues that understanding how these phenomena are produced, whether by spirits or living energies, is less important than understanding their implications for science, particularly physics, and for comprehending the connections between the mind and body. She posits that these phenomena prove the incompleteness of current scientific understanding and may have profound implications for healing and understanding life's basic elements.

Identity and the Otherworldly

Professor Etzel Cardena discusses how, throughout history, humans have experienced identity being replaced or altered by another being, or have been in contact with such entities. He notes that some well-researched mediums have produced precise information that challenges conventional explanations, suggesting that serious consideration of these phenomena is central to understanding the construction, nature, and range of personal identity.

Visual Content

The issue includes images related to "Images from a South Indian Theyyam Performance" by Dr. David Luke, showcasing vibrant cultural rituals and costumes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of mediumship, its historical and cultural significance, the challenges of studying it within academic frameworks, and its potential to expand our understanding of consciousness, identity, and reality. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more open and serious engagement with phenomena related to mediumship and the paranormal, urging social scientists and researchers to move beyond skepticism and embrace participatory and rigorous research methods to explore these complex areas.

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: October 8th, 2010

This issue of Paranthropology explores various facets of the paranormal, consciousness, and spiritual practices, featuring articles on lucid dreaming, mediumship, and the historical context of Spiritualism.

The Art of Dreaming and the Assemblage Point

The first section, presented as an excerpt, discusses the concept of the 'assemblage point' and its flexibility. It explains that as individuals learn and understand the world, their assemblage point becomes more fixed, leading to a loss of totality. Shamans and people of knowledge use various methods, including words, gestures, music, and love, to shift this point. The 'Art of Dreaming' is highlighted as a teaching of Totality, with four key practices: dreaming, stalking, hunting, and the art of the warrior. Mastering lucid dreaming is presented as crucial for reaching totality and experiencing oneself as the creator of reality. The author shares personal experiences, including a dreaming ceremony involving magic mushrooms and an entity named Mateeë, who is described as a signpost to a second reality and a cosmic relative, teaching how to shift the assemblage point with cosmic love, humor, and beauty.

The article also touches upon the dangers of exploring the unknown without guidance and the role of ancestors in spiritual initiation. The author recounts an initiation as a medium, guided by ancestors, and introduces an excerpt from Chapter 10 of a book, explaining the 'Art of the Medium'. The author's dreaming teacher, Running Deer (aka Vidar), explains that the mediumship training is according to the North-American tradition of his family and is a 'far advanced training'.

Vidar explains that a medium has the gift to tune into the past and pick up information, comparing it to a radio mast. This is achieved by tuning into the frequency of one's grandmother, who then connects to ancestors. This practice allows access to ancestral knowledge on healing, art, architecture, and philosophy. The past is described as a 'fingerprint on reality', and mediums retrieve stored memories, interpreted by some as past lives.

The Sorcerer's Dream

This section introduces "The Sorcerer's Dream," a book by Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield. The book is described as a true story of initiation into the Native American sorcerer's tradition, offering a glimpse into lucid dreaming and astral projection. It details direct experiences with a modern-day mystic, Running Deer, and presents unique steps for mastering lucid dreaming and traveling to the unknown. Alysa Braceau, based in the Netherlands, is a freelance journalist, publisher, and healer who conducts workshops on the Art of Dreaming. The book is available for purchase online through booklocker.com and Amazon.

Selections from the Revenant Archives

This section, authored by Kristen Gallerneaux Brooks, presents "I. Tools and Devices of Mediumship." It features a collection of images showcasing various historical tools and devices associated with mediumship and psychical research. These include a Head Telegraph Illustration, a Head Telegraph Device, a Movement Detection Device, and a Cross-Stitched Ouija Board. The accompanying text explains that these images represent artwork created from research conducted at the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) in New York City. The research involved exploring tools and devices used by physical mediums of the 19th and early 20th centuries. The author recreated visual facsimiles of machines that no longer existed, adding personal interpretations.

Further images display a spirit robe, a spirit bell box, and a psi testing device, with the caption noting that these are selections from the Revenant Archives. Another entry from "The Revenant Archives" details an event in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where a sailing ship was reportedly produced in three dimensions via ectoplasm during an eleven-sitting event, described as occurring under "the strictest of scientific conditions."

II. From the Vernacular Spirit Photograph Collection: Mediums and Anomalous Energies

This section explores the concept of visual belief through spirit photographs. It presents a collection of photographs, including images of individuals and a dog, with red arrows pointing to anomalies or areas of interest. The text explains that a visual memorate or legend is supported by material or visual artifacts, and that spirit photographs can be interpreted as a site for negotiating belief issues. The latent power of these images is discussed, suggesting that they become charged with "numinous power," as noted by Marina Warner.

Report of a Physical Mediumship Seance

Authored by Jon Mees, this report details a physical mediumship seance held on October 8th, 2010, at Jenny's Sanctuary in the UK, featuring mediums Tom and Kevin. The seance involved a rigorous body search of attendees and the medium. The phenomena reported include:

• Transfiguration: The medium, Tom, underwent significant physical changes, with his face transfiguring into representations of different people. His body size and shape also appeared to change.
• Spirit Communication: The primary spirit communicator was John Campbell Sloan, who answered questions on personal development and home circles. Later, a spirit named Irene communicated, engaging with sitters, playing music, and using a tambourine and tables that spun across the floor. Irene's voice was also heard singing along to John Lennon's "Imagine."
• Materialization: A trumpet, slide whistle, and ping pong balls were present in the cabinet. The trumpet rose vertically to the cabinet ceiling, not stopping as expected.
• Independent Movement: Tables spun independently and in synchronisation, flying across the room and turning.
• Spirit Touches: Several sitters reported feeling the hands of spirit people on their arms, legs, and faces.
• Music and Voices: Music was played throughout the seance, and spirit voices were heard, including a voice that sounded remarkably like John Lennon.

The report concludes by thanking the hosts, Ron and Jean, and the mediums Tom and Kevin for a powerful evening of evidence and spirit energy phenomena.

Clairvoyance, Class and Convention

Authored by Sophie Louise Drennan, this section discusses the Victorian age in Britain, characterized by rapid development in industry, culture, and science, alongside social contradictions. It highlights the emergence of Spiritualism in America in the 1850s and its introduction to Britain. The séance environment and the role of the medium are explored, noting how mediums communicated directly through trance states. The text mentions the imposition of standards by mediums for paying sitters and the use of 'spirit cabinets'.

The article delves into the apparent loss of volition by mediums, which was partly a way to avoid responsibility in a repressed culture with a sexually charged atmosphere. The emergence of spirits as sentient entities led to apprehension about being dominated by another's consciousness. The séance environment also facilitated the mingling of different social classes, with many female mediums coming from lower classes.

The text further discusses the control alleged mediums had over their physical bodies, citing the Davenport Brothers' ability to manipulate their muscles and joints. Phenomena could also be influenced by the medium's suggestion, linking back to mesmerism. The clairvoyance of mediums was defined as the ability to 'see' without eyes and channel spirits' voices and writings. D. D. Home is mentioned for his alleged mastery over physics, including levitation, which provoked the scientific community.

Conversely, some mediums, like Eusapia Palladino, were accused of perpetrating fraud. The difficulty in replicating results and the mediums' claims of having no control over their abilities led to skepticism. The medical profession attempted to regain control by accusing Spiritualism of being the root of mental illnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of consciousness, reality, and the paranormal. There is a strong focus on mediumship, lucid dreaming, and the historical context of Spiritualism, particularly in the Victorian era. The journal appears to adopt an approach that is both investigative and appreciative of these phenomena, presenting personal experiences, historical accounts, and reports of seances. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into the nature of the spirit world and altered states of consciousness, while also acknowledging the skepticism and scientific scrutiny these topics have faced.

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Volume 1, Issue 2
Date: 2010
Publisher: Paranthropology
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of Paranthropology explores the multifaceted landscape of parapsychology, with a particular focus on Spiritualism, mediumship, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena, especially as they manifested during the Victorian era.

The Victorian Context of Spiritualism and Science

The opening sections delve into the Victorian age, highlighting the emergence of Spiritualism alongside significant scientific advancements. A key theme is the division between mediums and professional stage conjurors, with conjurors often attempting to debunk spiritualist phenomena to protect their own livelihoods. Despite this, audiences remained fascinated by both mechanical explanations and séance phenomena. The article notes the formation of a mediums' union in Lancashire, suggesting a growing professionalization and control within the movement. The séance environment is presented as a space for exploring the possibility of an afterlife, creating a tension with the prevailing scientific materialism. This era's interest in séance phenomena is posited as a precursor to contemporary parapsychology.

References and Academic Work

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive list of references, indicating a strong academic underpinning. These references span a wide range of topics including the history of Spiritualism, neurology, demonology, medicine, spectral sexualities, and the social psychology of pseudoscience. Authors like L. Barrow, E. M. Brown, A. Conan Doyle, W. C. Crookes, T. Frost, W. A. Hammond, R. Hayward, B. Inglis, J. E. Kennedy, P. Lamont, C. Marvin, S. H. Mauskopf, M. R. McGarry, F. W. Myers, R. Noakes, and J. Oppenheim are cited, reflecting a scholarly engagement with the subject matter.

Personal Experiences with Mediumship

Michael Evans shares his personal journey from skepticism to belief, initiated by a profound spiritual experience in Salisbury Cathedral. He recounts his healing at the Exeter Spiritualist Church in 1977 after a medium delivered a message from his deceased daughter. This experience led him and his wife to attend the church regularly and engage with mediumistic messages. He also describes their involvement in 'Rescue Work' to help servicemen dying in the First Gulf War, assisting lost souls to find their place in the Spirit World. Evans also shares an anecdote about a medium, Eileen Davey, who facilitated a physical demonstration involving a levitating table.

The Science and Struggle of Psi Research

Callum E. Cooper addresses the ongoing debate between field studies and laboratory studies in parapsychology. He argues that while laboratory research offers experimental control, field studies with observational designs are crucial for exploring spontaneous anomalous experiences. Cooper highlights the challenges in establishing 'hard evidence' for psi phenomena, noting that purely statistical evidence faces criticism and that ecological validity is often lacking in laboratory settings. He emphasizes the need for a drastic change in defining what constitutes scientific evidence for psi phenomena, citing Maher's argument that abandoning research would be a great defeat for science.

Cooper further discusses the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine psychic phenomena and misinterpretations or fraud, especially when dealing with subjective experiences. He points out that video footage alone does not prove the absence of trickery. The article suggests that parapsychology is at a point where it needs to 'shout out' to gain wider recognition beyond its own field, despite facing criticism.

Mediumship, Spirit Possession, and Reality

Kim McCaul explores the variety of cross-cultural mediumistic phenomena, including mass possessions, spirit mediums channeling divinities, and platform mediums conversing with the deceased. McCaul critiques skeptical viewpoints that dismiss these phenomena as delusion, mental illness, or exploitation. He advocates for a 'consciential paradigm' that accepts the existence of consciousness beyond the physical body, viewing mediums as potential intermediaries between dimensions. McCaul argues that a degree of personal experience with mediumistic phenomena is essential for a full understanding, and that widening the research focus can contribute significantly to understanding consciousness across cultures.

Automatic Writing and Chico Xavier

Ademir Xavier examines Chico Xavier, a prominent Brazilian spiritualist medium known for his automatic writing. Xavier's work, which produced over 400 books and thousands of letters, is analyzed through the lens of communication theory and linguistics. The article highlights the pragmatic competence required to identify the true nature of the information source in such communications. It details the phases of Xavier's mediumship, focusing on the period from 1960 to 1985 when he produced letters for grieving parents seeking information about recently departed relatives. The article presents an example of an English translation of an automatic writing by Chico Xavier, attributed to G. Patrick Castelnaud, which was addressed to his mother.

Exploring the Extraordinary Conference

An announcement for the 'Exploring the Extraordinary 3rd Conference' is included, scheduled for September 23-25, 2011, at the Holiday Inn Hotel in York. The conference aims to encourage the dissemination of knowledge and research on extraordinary phenomena and experiences from various disciplines. Keynote speakers are listed as Prof. Charles Emmons and Dr. Serena Roney-Dougal. A call for papers and exhibition submissions is issued, with deadlines in April 2011.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between scientific skepticism and the acceptance of anomalous phenomena, particularly those related to mediumship and the afterlife. There is a clear advocacy for a more open-minded, interdisciplinary approach to parapsychology, moving beyond purely materialistic explanations. The magazine champions the study of subjective experiences and cross-cultural phenomena, suggesting that a broader understanding of consciousness is necessary. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to rigorously investigate extraordinary claims while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific paradigms.

This issue of "Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal" (Vol. 2 No. 1) focuses on phenomena related to mediumship, ectoplasm, and electronic communication, alongside reviews of books on witchcraft and spiritualism. The issue is dated approximately 2010 based on the content of the articles and events listed.

The Autonomy and Morphology of the Felix Experimental Group's Ectoplasm

This article, authored by Dr. Jochen Soederling, a physician and clinician, details his personal experiences and research with the Felix Experimental Group (FEG). Soederling, who became a circle leader within the FEG, describes ectoplasm as a vaporous or solid mass released from a medium's body during a deep trance state. He recounts witnessing various phases of ectoplasmic transformation, including the emanation of white masses from the medium's mouth, the formation of hand-like structures, and veil-like cocoons. Soederling notes that while historical photographs of ectoplasm can be suspicious, the transformational process itself holds evidential value. He compares the observed phenomena to historical reports by researchers like Charles Richet and A. v. Schrenck-Notzing, stating his findings strengthen those historical accounts. The article includes photographic documentation of the phenomena, taken over 18 months.

References

The issue contains an extensive list of references, spanning linguistics, communication theory, parapsychology, spiritualism, and specific works related to mediums like Chico Xavier and Patience Worth. Key authors and works cited include Akmajian et al. on linguistics, various publications by F. C. Xavier, and research on anomalous information reception by Beischel and Rock.

Electronic Voices: Contact with Another Dimension?

This section reviews Anabela Cardoso's book on Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC), which focuses on electronically received voices of apparent communication. Cardoso, a Portuguese diplomat, aims to help readers receive these voices, understand the reception process, and encourage scientific study. The review highlights that the book includes a CD with numerous voices, mostly in Portuguese, and a detailed booklet. The reviewer notes the challenge of distinguishing meaningful phrases from meaningless sounds and discusses Cardoso's theories on the possible sources of these voices, including electromagnetic frequencies and the role of experimenter interest. Cardoso disagrees with the 'psychokinesis explanation' but speculates that experimenters' keen interest might facilitate the transfer of the signal.

Witchcraft: A Brief History of Demons, Folklore and Superstition

This review covers Lois Martin's book, which provides a historical overview of European witchcraft traditions from the Medieval period. The book examines the origins of witchcraft beliefs, including aspects like the devil's pacts, the witches' sabbat, and night flight. Martin draws upon various sources, including biblical references, the Malleus Maleficarum, and Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy, to explore the influence of Neo-Platonic philosophy and highlight parallels in witchcraft beliefs across Europe and Britain. The review notes that the book concludes with an overview of theories suggesting roots in pre-Christian pagan traditions and includes extracts from key historical texts.

Modern Spiritualism and the Church of England, 1850-1939

This review discusses Georgina Byrne's book, which offers a new perspective on the history of spiritualism and its relationship with the Church of England. Byrne's work demonstrates a consistency in spiritualist beliefs and examines how these ideas, particularly concerning the afterlife, influenced both the public and the Anglican church. The review highlights how Spiritualist themes gradually appeared in Anglican sermons, describing the afterlife in distinctly Spiritualist terms. The book is described as a valuable addition to the study of spiritualism, treating the subject seriously without simplistic interpretations or narrow-minded skepticism.

Occult Experiments in the Home: Personal Explorations of Magick and the Paranormal

Duncan Barford's short book is reviewed as a personal and experiential insight into the paranormal through magickal practice. The book attempts to construct theories about the nature of the paranormal, emphasizing the role of consciousness in its manifestation. It is structured around five essays covering childhood experiences, an after-death communication, psychogeography, meditative practices, and lucid dreaming. The reviewer found the book entertaining and hard to put down.

Events

The issue includes a calendar of upcoming events related to parapsychology, the paranormal, and related fields, including "Spooksfest" in York, "Breaking Convention" on Psychedelic Consciousness, "Daimonic Imagination: Uncanny Intelligence," the "54th Annual Parapsychological Association Convention" in Brazil, and "Weird Equinox" and "Weird 11" events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of anomalous phenomena, including physical manifestations like ectoplasm, electronic communication with purported discarnate entities, and historical and cultural perspectives on witchcraft and spiritualism. The journal's stance appears to be one of serious, scholarly inquiry into these subjects, encouraging scientific investigation and providing a platform for detailed research and reviews of relevant literature. There is a clear emphasis on documentation, analysis, and the exploration of both experiential and theoretical aspects of the paranormal.

Title: PARANTHROPOLOGY
Issue: Vol. 2 No. 1
Date: October 2010
Publisher: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal

This issue of Paranthropology delves into various aspects of the paranormal, featuring book reviews, event reports, and a significant academic paper on the integration of spirit mediumship into behavioral health care.

Book Reviews

"The English Ghost: Spectres Through Time" by Peter Ackroyd Published in time for Halloween 2010, Peter Ackroyd's "The English Ghost" compiles chilling ghostly encounter stories from British history. Ackroyd posits that the English are more prone to seeing ghosts due to a syncretistic blend of Germanic, Nordic, and native British traditions. The book is presented as ideal for casual reading, with short stories that can be dipped into.

"Spirits in a Teacup" by Christine Di Nucci This review highlights "Spirits in a Teacup" as a story about the founding and development of the Bristol Spirit Lodge Circle. The reviewer found solace in its non-sensational approach to spiritual and paranormal experiences, offering a template for investigating such phenomena without fear or religious dogma. It introduced the idea of spirit communication interacting with individuals and embraced both skepticism and spirituality.

"Charlie: Trance Communications and Spirit Teachings" by Christine Di Nucci & Jack Hunter This book is described as providing an overview of communications and teachings from a spirit named Charlie. It further explores physical mediumship, the concept of personality continuing beyond death, and the idea of a Spirit team working for personal and spiritual development. The reviewer found this perspective to be a refreshing departure from sensationalized portrayals of the spirit world.

"Randi's Prize: What Sceptics Say About the Paranormal, Why They are Wrong & Why it Matters" by Robert McLuhan Robert McLuhan uses James Randi's $1,000,000 prize as a basis for a broad discussion on paranormal evidence. The book introduces the history of psychical research and its key researchers, while also addressing skeptical arguments. The reviewer found the book to be an in-depth yet clear and concise read, suitable for both newcomers and those well-versed in parapsychology.

Other Titles Received

• "The Pot Book: A Complete Guide to Cannabis, Its Role in Medicine, Politics, Science, and Culture" edited by Julie Holland (Park Street Press, £16.99)
• "The Acid Diaries: A Psychonaut's Guide to the History and Use of LSD" by Christopher Gray (Park Street Press, £14.99)
• "Unruly Spirits: The Science of Psychic Phenomena in Modern France" by M. Brady Brower (University of Illinois Press, £20.99)
• "Witnessing the Impossible" by Robin P. Foy (Torcal Publications, £20.00)
• "Where Science and Magic Meet" by Serena Roney-Dougal (Green Magic, £12.99)
• "Summoning the Spirits: Possession and Invocation in Contemporary Religion" edited by Andrew Dawson (I.B. Tauris, £54.50)

Event Reports

Spooksfest 2011, York This section announces Spooksfest, a festival celebrating all things spooky, to be held in York from March 11th to 13th, 2011. It promises a range of events catering to ghost hunters and families, offering a chance to explore the mysterious world and enjoy the city's businesses and activities.

Swindon Ghostfest (Main Event) 30th October 2010 This report details a "Seriously Strange Afternoon" event in Swindon, organized by PSI and ASSAP. The event featured live parapsychological experiments and talks by paranormal investigators Peter Underwood and Lionel Fanthorpe, as well as skeptic Chris French. The main event took place at the Swindon Arts Centre, with a makeshift parapsychological laboratory set up for public experiments. Peter Underwood shared accounts of his 60+ years of paranormal investigations, while Lionel Fanthorpe discussed his investigation into the 'Creeping Coffins of Barbados' and the Croglin Grange Vampire legend. Chris French presented a skeptical perspective, discussing the psychology of ghosts and hauntings and offering non-paranormal explanations for anomalous events.

Other Things of Interest

Hamilton's Pharmacopeia: Nzambi A feature-length documentary exploring the Haitian Zombie phenomenon from anthropological, ethnobotanical, and neurochemical perspectives is highlighted. Hosted by Hamilton Morris, the documentary follows his trip to Haiti to procure samples of Vodou's zombie-creating concoctions for laboratory analysis. It references the work of anthropologist Wade Davis in the 1980s and explores the constituents of 'Zombie powder.'

Mysterious Universe Podcast This section recommends the weekly podcast "Mysterious Universe," hosted by Aaron Wright and Benjamin Grundy. The podcast explores paranormal topics from various perspectives with a sense of humor.

Special Feature: The Disparity of a "Standards of Care" for Spirit Mediumship as a Permissible Behavioral Health Care Profession

This paper, authored by August Goforth, addresses the significant disparities in practice among behavioral health care professionals who also identify as spirit mediums. The author proposes the development of a "Standards of Care" (SOC) for mediumship, particularly when it is integrated with mental health support or treatment. The paper explores whether mediumship, if recognized as a valid profession, should be part of a multidisciplinary SOC system and if such a system would aid in its acceptance into mainstream healthcare.

The author, a licensed clinical social worker in New York (LCSW-R) who also practices mediumship, uses a pseudonym for professional and personal privacy reasons. The paper argues that while the field of mediumship has seen increasing research and acceptance in recent decades, there have been no organized attempts to align it with standardized modern mental and medical health services. The author discusses the concept of "spiritually conscious care" and "spiritually directive psychotherapy" as identified in academic literature, and examines the work of psychiatrist Andrew Powell on spirituality in psychiatry.

The paper references studies on personal encounters with the dead, noting that such encounters are likely underreported due to fear of stigma. It suggests that beliefs in an afterlife and the desire to reconnect with lost loved ones can motivate individuals to seek alternative healers, including spirit mediums. The author emphasizes that the exploration of an SOC rests on two tenets: client self-informed decision-making and client self-determination.

The paper acknowledges the complexity of various healthcare systems globally and focuses on North American examples. It defines a "standard of care" as a medical or psychological treatment guideline based on scientific evidence and collaboration among professionals. The author posits that an SOC for mediumship could facilitate multidisciplinary interaction, ensuring appropriate and ethical care, and potentially lead to greater legitimacy within the broader healthcare landscape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Paranthropology revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, ghosts, mediumship, and the intersection of these phenomena with psychology, anthropology, and healthcare. The journal appears to adopt an academic yet open-minded stance, presenting research, reviews, and theoretical discussions on topics often considered fringe. There is a clear interest in bridging the gap between paranormal phenomena and established scientific and professional fields, as evidenced by the detailed paper on "Standards of Care" for spirit mediumship. The editorial stance seems to encourage rigorous investigation and thoughtful discussion of the unexplained, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints.

This document is an excerpt from an academic publication titled 'PARANTHROPOLOGY', focusing on the intersection of psychotherapy and spiritual or mediumistic practices. It delves into the ethical, professional, and regulatory challenges faced by practitioners who blend these fields.

Key Articles and Themes

Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) and Grief Therapy

The article begins by discussing how alternative, non-pathologizing modalities, such as Induced After-Death Communications (ADCs), can be successful in lessening grief. It specifically examines Allan Botkin's 'revolutionary therapy' for healing grief and trauma, which is based on 'significant changes to standard EMDR techniques.' Botkin's approach, branded as 'Induced After-Death Communication' (IADC), aims to induce after-life communications between a patient and the disembodied. The author notes that Botkin does not present himself as a medium and does not indicate a Code of Ethics or Standards of Care, though he emphasizes following the 'IADC Procedure' for reliability. Botkin's website states the therapy heals grief but does not endorse spiritual implications. The list of trained IADC practitioners includes various licensed professionals, but there's no indication they use mediumistic abilities. The article points out that while these professions have ethical codes, they are not necessarily united by any standards of care. The inclusion on Botkin's list is not an endorsement of professional or ethical competence.

Spirit Release Therapy and Related Modalities

The text then shifts to an article in 'The Searchlight' newsletter by Dr. Stafford Betty, discussing a 'new breed of therapist' and 'Spirit Release' as a form of alternative healing. It references Dr. William Baldwin's dissertation and book, 'Spirit Releasement Therapy: A Technique Manual,' which took spirit release seriously as a legitimate therapy. Dr. Betty also mentions psychiatrist Dr. Shakuntala Modi, who uses prayer to help release malevolent spirits from mental health pathologies. Kerry Pobanz's article compares Baldwin's 'Spirit Releasement Therapy' with Dae Mo Nim's 'Ancestor Liberation,' noting Modi's theory that spirit possession causes psychopathology. Modi's 'deposession technique' uses hypnotherapy, similar to Baldwin's, and shares similarities with Dae Mo Nim's shamanistic healing. These approaches assume psychopathology stems from spirit possession, and the clinical approach involves hypnotherapy and mediumship, seen as 'therapeutic treatment.' Baldwin refers to his modality as 'Spirit Releasement Therapy' (SRT). Dae Mo Nim's work also involves sending released spirits to a 'spiritual world' for repentance and cleansing.

Historical Perspectives and Early Practitioners

Carl A. Wickland, a psychiatrist in the early 1900s, was a proponent of the psychopathology of 'spiritual emergencies.' He believed reincarnation was incorrect and that such beliefs indicated psychopathology caused by spirit possession, which he treated with 'spirit release' with his wife, a medium. His book, 'Thirty Years Among The Dead,' details his work, but offers no clear indications regarding his wife's mediumistic standards or ethics, reflecting a historical tendency to overlook mediums' personal and psychological processes.

The Modern Landscape of Psychospiritual Providers

A recent internet search for 'psychotherapist, spirit, and medium' revealed individuals self-labeling as 'Psychic, Medium and Psychotherapist' or 'Shamanic Therapist,' often without professional licensing in behavioral health. A U.K. site lists 'Spiritual Counselling and Psychotherapy,' including 'Past Life Therapy & Psychotherapy' and 'Spiritcounsellor' who is also a trained spirit medium. Another individual self-labels as a 'Psychic Psychotherapist Prophet.' The Transformational Arts College in Toronto offers programs for 'Spiritual Psychotherapist' and 'Spiritual Director,' with faculty holding various designations like 'Psychospiritual Facilitator.' The 'Body Mind Spirit Directory' lists numerous providers, with few having licensed designations; many have 'new age' or 'holistic' diplomas. Some self-labeled as 'psychologist' or 'psychotherapist turned spiritual healer' without credentials, mentioning mediumship sessions.

Licensing and Certification Issues

The article highlights that in the U.S., individuals can be certified as mediums but not as therapists. Julie Beischel's research at The Windbridge Institute focuses on survival and mediumship research and certification, with 'Windbridge Certified Research Mediums' (WCRMs) adhering to a code of spiritual ethics. The Forever Family Foundation also offers a certification program for mediums. While mediums often state they are not therapists, knowledge of the spirit world is considered effective for grief therapy. The Arthur Findlay College in the U.K. trains mediums under the Spiritualists' National Union, which has a 'Code of Conduct' for award-holders, emphasizing they must not imply professional qualifications they do not possess and must clarify the category of their award. Trance mediumship is not recognized in law, with responsibility resting with the medium.

Professional Boundaries and Ethical Dilemmas

The writer, a licensed psychotherapist, discusses their own ethical resolution regarding using mediumship abilities. Having been an established psychotherapist before their mediumship became apparent, they chose to keep it private to avoid impacting current therapy patients. They emphasize maintaining clear ethical boundaries and not using mediumship to relay messages from spirits to clients, viewing their role as providing support and exploration within a safe space. The writer contrasts this with another therapist who openly promotes mediumistic talents, raising concerns about the potential for blurring professional lines and the lack of oversight from regulatory bodies.

Challenges in Regulating Psychospiritual Care

The article points out the significant lack of professionally recognized licensing and credentialing among many self-styled psychospiritual providers. This raises questions about their training, licensure, supervision, and accountability. The writer, a licensed clinical social worker, emphasizes the strict regulations, training, and ethical codes governing licensed mental health professions. It is illegal to practice psychotherapy without a license in any U.S. state. The article notes that historically, some individuals practiced as 'therapists' without official licensure or higher education, circumventing requirements by obtaining certifications from post-graduate institutes.

Consumer Responsibility and Information

The text stresses the consumer's responsibility to be informed about services and providers in the psychospiritual realm, especially given the lack of official licensure and Standards of Care. It highlights the importance of client self-informed decision-making and self-determination. While systems like the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) exist to help locate and verify healthcare providers, they do not currently encompass mediumistic providers. The article suggests that future systems might help identify licensed therapists who also offer certified mediumship services.

Case Illustration: Cultural and Spiritual Needs

A case example illustrates how a licensed provider can covertly use mediumistic skills. The writer was contacted by a colleague seeking help for an individual whose wife exhibited symptoms suggestive of 'spirit possession,' possibly linked to their African cultural background. The writer, using psychospiritual skills without disclosing mediumship, connected with the husband and facilitated a connection with a local licensed psychotherapist who understood the cultural implications and could research appropriate local resources. This example shows how a licensed provider can appropriately use mediumistic skills in a clinical manner, respecting cultural beliefs and avoiding pathologizing them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this document are the ethical complexities, regulatory gaps, and professional challenges at the intersection of psychotherapy and mediumship. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to inform readers about the current landscape of psychospiritual care, highlighting the importance of professional standards, ethical boundaries, and consumer awareness in a field that is largely unregulated and often lacks clear credentialing. The author advocates for caution and restraint when integrating such practices, emphasizing the need for accountability and ethical practice, while acknowledging the potential benefits of these modalities when approached responsibly.

This issue of PARANTHROPOLOGY explores the complex intersection of mediumship and mental health, questioning how mediums are perceived and diagnosed within current psychiatric frameworks. It highlights the limitations of diagnostic manuals like the DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10, which often presume pathology, and advocates for a shift towards a non-pathologizing, holistic approach. The text emphasizes the need for developing Standards of Care (SOC) for psychospiritual behavioral health professionals and discusses the challenges and potential models for this integration.

The Pathologizing Tendency in Mental Health

The article begins by describing the author's experiential approach to developing clinical responses and treatment models, noting how early theories sometimes obfuscated practical treatment. It introduces a global organization of professionals with advanced degrees and experience, which has developed a Standards of Care (SOC). While not legally binding, these SOCs aim to guide and support treatment approaches, demonstrating success when implemented consistently. A significant clinical achievement noted is the shift from pathologizing clients to embracing difference as a positive aspect of well-being, suggesting that mediumship could be beneficial for mental health interventions.

Initial discussions by Mosher et al. (2010) on the anecdotal positive effects of mediumship readings for grief and bereavement are mentioned. The regulated structure of a reading, combined with a nonjudgmental medium, may reduce fear and promote understanding. This aligns with the observation that individuals often seek mediums to avoid the stigma associated with psychotherapy.

Misinterpreting Mediumship as Mental Illness

The text then delves into how experiences associated with mediumship, such as seeing and hearing transitioned persons, could be misinterpreted as symptoms of mental illness. It questions whether a practicing medium would be accepted as a mental health provider without being pathologized. Current medical and behavioral health professions rely on diagnostic manuals (DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10) that primarily focus on pathology. Dissociate trance disorder is listed under "Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified" in the DSM-IV, described as a state of consciousness indigenous to particular cultures, but not a "normal part" of accepted practice. The proposed DSM-V aims to subsume this into Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), suggesting that mediums might be seen as contacting other personalities of their own rather than disembodied entities.

Stephen E. Braude's research on parapsychology suggests that mediums might display "non-pathological forms" of dissociation. However, the challenge remains for academics to view mediumship as a manifestation of health, given the tendency to pathologize. The current diagnostic approach is described as "disconnective," breaking the person down into parts and potentially overestimating pathology. Distress is often treated as a disorder, even when it's a normal response to stressful situations.

Critiques of Diagnostic Systems and Alternative Approaches

Near-death experiences are often categorized as "dissociative events." While the DSM-IV-TR states that dissociative states are not inherently pathological, it lacks a category for non-pathological dissociation, which Morse suggests is best understood as a spectrum state of consciousness. Appropriate psychospiritual providers could benefit from Standards of Care that promote this viewpoint.

Powell (2007) asserts that mediums should be seen as nondisordered, noting that the ICD-10 acknowledges cultural issues. However, the general mindset of allopathic medicine tends to view things through a lens of pathology. The ICD-10 describes trance states involving a temporary loss of identity and awareness, with individuals acting as if taken over by another personality or force. Powell suggests that the issue lies in the phrase "as if," as Western science does not countenance the possibility of consciousness communicating across space-time. He reassures mediums that they won't be diagnosed with a mental disorder unless they are genuinely ill.

The upcoming DSM-5 is intended to introduce a "dimensional approach" to supersede the current prototype, allowing for a more personalized depiction of a patient. However, concerns are raised about potential "serious mistakes" in the DSM-IV that may have led to an epidemic of diagnoses and over-treatment. The Psychodynamic Diagnostic Manual (PDM) is presented as an alternative that includes descriptions of healthy functional patterns and personality, asserting that symptoms cannot be assessed without understanding healthy mental processes.

Towards a Holistic and Non-Pathologizing Model

Providers are encouraged to adapt their methods to the phenomena rather than assuming the patient should adjust to their method. Dr. Melvin Morse's approach to dissociation as a "healing tool" is cited, where individuals use dissociation to interact with spirits and other realities to help others. The book "The Risen: Dialogues of Love, Grief, & Survival Beyond Death" offers a "spirit inspired" non-pathologizing approach to behavioral health, empowering individuals to activate their mediumship abilities for self-healing.

The article notes that some licensed professionals incorporate "psychic" or "psychospiritualized" theories. However, some utilize unproven or risky approaches like non-accredited hypnotherapy. The distinction between a Code of Ethics (COE) and a Standards of Care (SOC) is clarified: a COE provides principles of conduct, while an SOC refers to a specific professional approach to care, and they can be mutually exclusive.

Developing a Standards of Care for Psychospiritual Behavioral Health

A "global web clearing-house" called Body Mind Spirit is mentioned as an example of a system with diverse disciplines. It is suggested that a professional medium could utilize an appropriate SOC developed with psychotherapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The development of an SOC for psychospiritual behavioral health professionals is proposed, drawing inspiration from holistic perspectives and the PDM. Key considerations for such an SOC include:

1. Psychospiritual health of providers: How is the health of a provider using mediumistic skills determined?
2. Societal assimilation: How can mediums be integrated into society as accepted healthcare providers?
3. Multilevel integration: What modalities indicate a good fit with other health care systems?
4. Quality of care: What parameters determine appropriate referrals to a medium, and how do non-mediumistic professionals make these decisions?

Careful testing of mediumship providers is required, potentially informed by protocols from experimental programs treating psychopathology with alternative healing methods. The Windbridge Institute's ethical guidelines are also mentioned as potentially useful.

The suggested outline for Standards of Care for Psychospiritual Behavioral Health Professionals includes sections on Introductory Concepts (Purpose, Treatment Goals, Clinical Guidelines, Clinical Thresholds), Epidemiological Considerations (History, Etiology, Prevalence, Natural History, Cultural Variance), Nomenclature (terminology, alternative language, developmental differentiation, comorbidity), The Psychospiritual Behavioral Health Professional (PBHP), Psychospiritual Psychotherapy with Adults, Psychospiritual Psychotherapy with Adolescents and Children, and Follow-up and Aftercare.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The conclusion states that there are no firm conclusions, only more questions. If "psychotherapeutic mediumship" becomes professionally licensed, how would it be received? How would malpractice be defined? The Grofs' work on "Spiritual Emergency" is referenced as a collection of essays exploring alternative methodologies. SN Chiu notes a trend to attribute "possession phenomenon" to mental disorder, but advocates for a holistic view. Powell highlights the reluctance of psychiatrists to engage with religious/spiritual concerns and the need to distinguish mental illness from spiritual crisis. Andrew Powell developed a "Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group" (SIG) to help psychiatrists distinguish between normal and pathological experiences.

Arnold Mindell's "Rainbow Medicine" integrates physics, psychology, and biology with ancient wisdom, proposing "awareness specialists." The idea is that a medium's awareness of other-dimensional realities would be as valid as a pediatrician's awareness of children's inner and outer worlds. The article concludes by suggesting that increasing acknowledgment of non-visible energies in health, fueled by advancements in science and technology, may lead to mediumistic services becoming recognized and legitimized, promoting appropriate standards of care for psychospiritual behavioral health.

Appendix: Clarification of Terms

The appendix defines channeling and mediumship based on "The Risen: Dialogues of Love, Grief, & Survival After Death." Channelers are described as individuals utilized by consciousnesses outside three-dimensional awareness for teaching and inspiration, often from higher levels of evolved intelligence. These entities are without material bodies and seek to impart spiritual information. Channelers may be unaware of the experience while in an altered state of consciousness or trance.

Mediums are described as having similar conditions of awareness. Some are unaware of what's happening, while others maintain full conscious awareness. Discarnate beings utilizing a medium are usually humans who once lived on Earth, often friends or family, seeking to reassure loved ones that they are alive and well and closer than perceived. The term "newly Risen Ones" is used for these spirit people.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the tension between the pathologizing tendencies of mainstream Western psychiatry and psychology and the potential for mediumship and psychospiritual practices to be viewed as valid and beneficial aspects of mental and behavioral health. The editorial stance clearly advocates for a shift away from a purely pathological model towards a more holistic, integrated, and non-pathologizing approach that recognizes the value of diverse forms of consciousness and healing modalities. There is a strong emphasis on the need for professionalization, ethical guidelines, and the development of Standards of Care to legitimize and regulate psychospiritual practices within the broader healthcare landscape.

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 1 No. 1
Date: July 2010
Theme: Methodologies & Approaches

This issue of Paranthropology, subtitled "Methodologies & Approaches," delves into the interdisciplinary study of the paranormal, drawing from a wide array of academic and personal accounts. The journal presents itself as a platform for "Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal," indicating a focus on cultural, psychological, and experiential perspectives.

Content and Articles

The primary content of this issue is reflected in its extensive reference list, which spans fields such as psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, and spirituality. Key areas of focus suggested by the references include:

• Grief Counseling and After-Death Communication: Several entries point to research and therapies related to processing grief and the potential for communication with the deceased. This includes works on "Induced After-Death Communication" and "Spirit release."
• Psychotherapy and Consciousness: The journal references various therapeutic modalities and explorations of consciousness, such as "psychodynamic diagnostic manual," "psychiatric comorbidity," and "dissociative states of consciousness."
• Spirituality and Near-Death Experiences: References to "Spiritual emergency," "Consciousness beyond life: the science of the near-death experience," and "Spiritually conscious psychological care" suggest an exploration of spiritual experiences and their impact on mental well-being.
• Methodological Approaches: The title itself, "Methodologies & Approaches," implies a critical examination of how the paranormal is studied, potentially including discussions on research methods, diagnostic criteria (like the DSM), and the challenges of integrating subjective experiences into scientific frameworks.

While specific article titles are not detailed on the scanned pages, the reference list provides a strong indication of the topics and scholarly rigor employed. The journal appears to engage with contemporary research and established literature in psychology and parapsychology.

Contact and Future Issues

Information is provided for readers interested in contributing to the journal or commenting on its content. Contact can be made via email at [email protected]. The journal also announces its upcoming issue, scheduled for April 2011, with the theme "Psi and the Psychedelic Experience." Potential contributors are invited to submit short articles (500-2,000 words) or book/event reviews (up to 1,000 words).

Previous Issues and Availability

Two previous issues are highlighted:

• Vol. 1 No. 1 (July 2010): "Methodologies & Approaches"
• Vol. 1 No. 2 (October 2010): "Paranormal Encounters in the Field"

These previous issues, along with the current one, are available for free download from the website: http://www.paranthropology.weebly.com/newsletter.html.

Acknowledgements

The editorial team expresses gratitude to all contributors for their time and effort in producing the first issue of 2011. Special thanks are given to Gavin Nelson for the front cover artwork. The journal also thanks its readers, stating that they make the endeavor worthwhile.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of psychology, spirituality, and the study of anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to apply rigorous methodologies and anthropological perspectives to topics often relegated to the fringes of mainstream science. The journal aims to bridge the gap between subjective experience and academic research, fostering a deeper understanding of the paranormal through diverse approaches.