Paranthropology - Vol 3 No 2 - 2012 04

Magazine Overview

Title: Paranthropology
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 2
Date: April 2012
Publisher: Paranthropology
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology, the Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal, presents a diverse collection of articles exploring the intersection of anthropology and the study of anomalous phenomena. The issue is characterized by a strong advocacy for first-person, experiential research methods within parapsychology, challenging the more detached, skeptical approach often termed 'anomalistic psychology'.

Featured Articles

Experiential Reclamation and First Person Parapsychology

This lead article by David Luke argues for the importance of reclaiming the 'experience' from anomalistic psychology. Luke critiques the tendency of anomalistic psychology to pathologize experiencers, framing anomalous experiences as mere misperceptions or delusions. He contrasts this with a call for a radical empiricism, inspired by William James, which embraces direct, lived experience. Luke highlights Brazil as a country with an open approach to paranormal phenomena and spiritual practices, where parapsychology is often lived as a dimension of personal belief. He discusses the limitations of purely objective methodologies and advocates for participant-observation and self-experimentation, citing examples from anthropology and parapsychology where researchers have 'gone native' or engaged in self-study to gain deeper insights. The article also touches upon the historical development of the Parapsychological Association (PA) and the challenges of maintaining an international focus.

The Effect of Meditation Attainment on Psychic Awareness: Research With Yogis and Tibetan Buddhists

Serena Roney-Dougal's article, previously published in Paranormal Review, outlines research into the psychic development of Tibetan Buddhists and Yogi meditators. This piece likely explores how meditative practices influence and potentially enhance psychic awareness.

Shamanism, Transpersonal Ecosophy, and John E. Mack's Investigations of Encounters with Extraterrestrial Consciousness

Co-authored by John E. Mack and Mark A. Schroll, this article delves into the connections between shamanism, transpersonal ecosophy, and Mack's research on extraterrestrial encounters. It suggests a link between these phenomena and the ecological crisis facing the planet.

Souls and Spirit-Deities

Bob Trubshaw's article examines the similarities and differences between various traditional concepts of spirits, gods, and ghosts across different cultures, likely drawing on anthropological perspectives.

Soundscape and the Culture of War on an American Civil War Battlefield: An Ethnography of Communication with Past Presences

John G. Sabol presents his methodology for conducting 'ghost excavations' on American Civil War battlefields. The article explores the role of soundscapes and communication with 'past presences' in understanding the cultural impact of war and its lingering effects.

Reviews

The issue includes two book reviews: Margaret Gouin reviews 'Words Matter: Hermeneutics in the Study of Religion' by Rene Gothóni, and Robert M. Schoch reviews 'The Forbidden Book' by Guido di Sospiro and Joscelyn Godwin.

Editor's Note and Future Plans

Editor Jack Hunter welcomes readers to the issue, highlighting the featured articles and their significance. He notes that this issue marks the journal's second anniversary and announces plans for a special hardback book compiling selected articles. Furthermore, the journal will be implementing a new editorial team, with John W. Morehead as Interviews Editor, Anthony Kelly as News/Events Editor, and Douglas Farrer as Reviews Editor, aiming to enhance the journal's quality and content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of research methodologies in parapsychology and related fields. There is a clear editorial stance favoring qualitative, experiential, and first-person approaches over purely quantitative or skeptical methods. The critique of 'anomalistic psychology' and its tendency to dismiss subjective experience is a central argument. The journal champions the idea that understanding anomalous phenomena requires engaging with the lived experience of individuals and exploring the potential for transformation through such engagement. The issue also reflects a broader anthropological interest in cultural beliefs, practices, and the interpretation of subjective realities, particularly in relation to consciousness and the paranormal.

This issue of *Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal*, Volume 3, Number 2, published by Heart of Albion, focuses on the complex topic of "Souls and Spirit-Deities." The issue is dated implicitly to around 2012, based on the publication dates of cited works and the online publication of the featured article.

Souls and Spirit-Deities by Bob Trubshaw

The central article, "Souls and Spirit-Deities" by Bob Trubshaw, explores the anthropological understanding of souls and spirits across various cultures, contrasting them with modern Western perspectives. Trubshaw argues that modern Western thought, influenced by secularized Christianity, has a singular concept of a soul, which is a departure from many traditional worldviews that recognize multiple souls. He notes that while Western thinking separates the physical from the metaphysical, older cultures often integrated these realms more fluidly.

Trubshaw highlights that in traditional worldviews, there are often several souls and various types of spirits, with distinctions that may not always be consistent but are generally clearer than the Western concept of a single soul. He cites Clive Tolley's summary of the beliefs of the Nanai people of Siberia, who believe in three souls: 'boa' (soultree), 'omija' (a spirit that may impregnate a woman), and 'yergeni' (which replaces the 'omija' in the second year of an infant's life and can transform into a sparrow), and 'fania' (which appears after death).

The article discusses how early Christian writers often struggled to accurately describe cultures with multiple souls, sometimes imposing their own worldview. It mentions various terms used by ethnographers for different types of souls, such as 'life soul,' 'free soul,' 'shadow soul,' 'mirror soul,' 'alter ego,' and 'fylgia.' Plutarch's description of souls as 'multilayered' from the first century AD is presented as an early example of this complexity.

Trubshaw also touches upon the concept of 'other-than-human-persons,' a term coined by Irving Hallowell, to describe entities like souls, spirits, and deities in non-Western cultures. He connects this to Graham Harvey's reappraisal of animistic religions, suggesting that animism is more than a dismissal of 'belief in spirits.'

The article then delves into the complexity of Christianity, which asserts one God but also includes the Holy Trinity and the Holy Ghost/Spirit. It notes that Christianity has inherited some pre-Christian complexity, with classical Greek religious beliefs showing traces of earlier Thracian and Iranian influences, and Christianity synthesizing with ideas it claims to have superseded.

Medieval Christian beliefs about the resurrection, where bones are reunited with souls, are discussed as being similar to the 'bone soul'/'breath soul' dualism found in non-Western cultures.

The Spirit-Deities of the Orient

Trubshaw then shifts to explore Eastern perspectives, starting with ancient Indian Buddhism. He references Robert DeCaroli's book "Haunting the Buddha," which examines Buddhist texts and statues from the centuries before the Christian era. DeCaroli identified Sanskrit names for ghosts and spirits that blurred into 'devas' (gods or demigods) and 'yaksas' (local spirits of place), collectively referred to as 'spirit-deities.' These practices, known as 'laukika,' are described as village religious practices that predate Buddhism and involve the worship of chthonic local spirit-deities, such as the Mother Goddess.

He then moves to China, discussing Taoism and the practices described by scholar Kristofer Schipper. Taoist customary practices, unlike Buddhism or Christianity, do not have a creed or offer enlightenment. They involve rituals honoring local godsaints, analogous to DeCaroli's spirit-deities and the worship of Mata/Devi in India. The term 'Taoism' itself is noted as a Western imposition on nameless localized Chinese customary practices.

Similarly, the term 'Shinto' is presented as a name imposed on the originally unnamed spirit-worship in Japan. Shinto has no gods, scriptures, or a founder, and its rituals honor 'kami,' which represent transcendent power and otherness. Kami are the most powerful of four types of spirits, which also include ancestral ghosts, neglected ghosts, and 'witch-animals.' Shinto coexists with Buddhism and has been adopted as a 'national religion' at times, but is fundamentally a 'grass roots' tradition.

Kami, óðr and Potentia

Trubshaw draws parallels between 'other-than-human-persons' and the concept of 'potency' that is materialized through spirit-deities, humans, trees, and rocks. He links this to the Scandinavian concept of 'óðr' (energy) manifesting in Óðinn and other gods, and to the doctrines of 'potentia' in early British Christianity, which represented the power of Christ manifesting through saints and relics. He argues that there is a continuity between 'pagan' and early Christian worldviews, suggesting that early Christianity was not a radical break but a shift in meaning and significance of existing concepts.

He also discusses the Anglo-Saxon worldview and the concept of 'ond' (related to 'óðr'), noting that understanding this requires stripping away changes in Christian belief over centuries, while being careful not to remove too much of the underlying continuity.

Other Content

The issue also includes a comprehensive bibliography of cited works, spanning a wide range of anthropological, psychological, and parapsychological research. Notable authors and their works are listed, providing a resource for further study.

A brief biographical note on Bob Trubshaw is included, detailing his interest in photography, landscape, geology, archaeology, and his involvement in local history and folklore. It mentions his background as an industrial designer and his return to Leicestershire, leading to his deep involvement in local history and folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the comparative study of religious beliefs, particularly concerning souls, spirits, and deities, across different cultures. The editorial stance appears to be one of anthropological inquiry, seeking to understand and present diverse worldviews without necessarily endorsing any particular belief system. It emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural understanding and challenges the ethnocentric biases that can arise when studying non-Western cultures from a Western perspective. The journal aims to approach the paranormal from an anthropological viewpoint, integrating it into broader discussions of human belief and experience.

This issue of Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal features a lead article titled "Soundscape and the Culture of War on an American Civil War Battlefield: An Ethnography of Communication with Past Presences" by John G. Sabol. The issue is identified as Vol. 3 No. 2, with a submission deadline for the July 2012 issue.

Soundscape and the Culture of War on an American Civil War Battlefield: An Ethnography of Communication with Past Presences

This article by John G. Sabol explores the phenomenon of perceived auditory markers from past combat on historic battlefields, particularly those of the American Civil War. Sabol questions whether these perceptions are traces of material remains, misinterpretations, or configurations of imagination. He notes that many Civil War battlefields are perceived as 'hallowed ground,' with ritualized activities like reenactments and memorializations becoming habitual. This has led to questions about whether these activities have opened a 'portal' to the past, creating a 'morphogenetic field' or 'cumulative memory.' The author posits that widespread 'ghost hunting' may have expanded this field, leading to perceptions of 'ghost soldiers.'

The paper's purpose is to present the results of 'ghost excavations' conducted at the Antietam battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland, the site of the single bloodiest day in American history. The 'excavations' involved a phenomenological exploration of battlefield spaces, analyzing contextual 'soundmarks' and their effect when replayed in specific areas. This approach is based on the idea that auditory manifestations constitute over 60% of reported phenomena on battlefields, and that the 'life' of any period is immersed in acoustic information.

Methodology and Theory

Sabol's investigation merges several methodological avenues: soundscape analysis (following Truax), audio scene analysis (Bregman, Mills), an 'ethnography of communication' (Hymes, Fussell), and morphic resonance theory (Sheldrake). He critiques the common 'ghost hunt' approach, which relies on tech devices, arguing it is a limited, mechanistic view that overlooks cultural and sonic context. Sabol proposes that understanding anomalous sounds requires openness to new ideas and a combination of them.

He views the battlefield as a varied soundscape and proposes that perceiving it within the landscape of combat and non-combat zones provides a baseline for analyzing auditory manifestations. The soundscape is treated as 'communicational' to a specific acoustic community, defined by the pervasive role of acoustic information. For this study, the 'commonality' centered on 'Inherent Military Probability' (I.M.P.) behavior of the 'culture of war' during the American Civil War. I.M.P. behavior refers to how a soldier would react to contextual sounds ('soundmarks') in specific situations.

Sabol emphasizes that screening incoming information involves a 'reference to the memory of past experience.' He draws on Truax's work, suggesting that recalling context can revive memories of sounds, and hearing a sound again can bring the entire context back to life. The fieldwork involved a phenomenological exploration of this acoustical 'screening' to direct I.M.P. behavior in specific battlefield spaces.

The research became an ethnographic immersion into the American Civil War's 'culture of war.' Soundmarks were used to provide a sonic context for social interaction, screening information that might be received by lingering presences. The author contrasts this with the 'demand and command' mentality of contemporary ghost hunting. He questions if a 'sonic context' can establish identity and create social dialogue with the past, and if past sound is a recoverable category of data.

Auditory archaeology, as demonstrated by Mills, suggests that sounds are recoverable and critical to understanding past ways of life, with people generating acoustic information integral to creating and maintaining social relations. Following Truax, Sabol highlights the importance of context for acoustic communication, viewing it as a two-way exchange of information based on field resonance, not energy transfer. He argues that typical ghost hunting tech devices are outside the cultural and sonic context of the Civil War soldier and produce 'noise.'

Sabol stresses that battle was an emotional experience, not just a mechanical response to physical combat. He emphasizes understanding soldiers on their terms, as their 'culture of war' differs from modern reality. The fieldwork aims to recover the soundscape through resonating 'soundmarks' and contextual cultural scenarios, proposing that specific social and cultural fields of activity can be unearthed or reawakened through these soundmarks.

Morphic Resonance and Auditory Communication

Sabol proposes that past memory and presence can be 'unearthed' through morphic resonance. The continuous repetition of drills and combat behaviors, as elements of I.M.P. behavior, can create a morphic field framed by specific soundmarks. This field is built up and maintained by habits. The use of soundmarks and the enactment of contextual participatory cultural scenarios are hypothesized to act as a form of morphic resonance, allowing investigators to 'tune-in' to the sounds of past experiences of I.M.P. behavior.

Quoting Sheldrake, Sabol suggests that 'like upon like' (soundmarks and cultural scenarios imitating I.M.P. behavioral patterns initiated by auditory cues) can produce 'auditory communication' from past presences. Sheldrake's concept of morphic resonance suggests that 'what happened in the past can in some sense become present there again... and thus... can act as doorways to realms of experience that transcend the ordinary limitations of space and time.' This resonance is dependent on similarity; the more similar the acoustic cues are to the sounds that initiated I.M.P. behaviors, the more specific and effective the resonance. These soundmarks became habitual alerts to act in specific ways, embedding the link between soundmarks/habitual I.M.P. behaviors in personal and cultural memory patterns, creating a morphic field distributed in distinct topographical/militarily-defined battlefield zones, which constituted 'taskscapes.'

The 'ghost excavations' were centered in these 'taskscapes.' Sabol hypothesizes that if interactive hauntings occur on Civil War battlefields, they may respond to soundmark/cultural scenario recreated events of I.M.P. behaviors. This communication is conceptualized through an 'ethnography of communication' (E.O.C.), which views communication as a continuous flow of information, contrasting with typical EVP recordings that often involve a non-contextual 'demand and command.' The E.O.C. approach uses ethnographic methods (participant-observation) to initiate auditory communication and continue dialogue through 'target' performances, focusing on a shared code (soundmarks), a channel setting (cultural scenarios), and an event (situational I.M.P. behavior).

This ethnographic process is termed 'P.O.P.' (Participate-Observe-Perform). Sabol proposes that P.O.P. can unearth auditory communications with past presences and can become iterative, building a morphic field of acoustical communication. The hypothesis tested is that if soundmarks, tied to contextual cultural scenarios recreating I.M.P. behavior, are enacted in specific militarily recognized spaces, then the probability of auditory manifestations from the past is greater than mere chance.

Excavations at Antietam

The excavations involved 10-12 fieldworkers, including males performing I.M.P. behaviors and females serving as observers/recorders, except in post-battle scenarios. The excavations took place at night, using lanterns and minimizing tech devices to maintain cultural resonance. The P.O.P. process was used, involving participatory acts, observations/recordings, and targeted performances.

The specific focus was the engagement at Burnside Bridge, part of the Antietam battle. This area was divided into K.O.C.O.A. (Key area, Observation areas, Cover and concealed areas, Obstacles, Avenues of approach) spaces. Various cultural scenarios and soundmarks were used, including bugle calls, drums, period music, battlefield commands, and dialogues. The goal was to test the validity of soundmarks as a form of morphic resonance.

One significant focus was the death and burial of Colonel Holmes of the 2nd Georgia. The goal was to use soundmarks and cultural scenarios to create resonance and enhance auditory communication with his potential presence. Scenarios recreated his death, burial, and a post-battle search for his body, with female investigators portraying his relatives.

Equipment and Findings

Typical ghost hunting equipment like EMF meters and thermal scans were avoided. Instead, audio recorders (with delay functions) and video cameras were used. Portable DVD players were used to playback period music, the 'Rebel Yell,' drums, bugle calls, and gunfire.

Two extensive ghost excavations were conducted at Antietam, each lasting approximately five hours. The first was on September 25, 2010, and the second on June 11, 2011. The team used the same soundmarks for both excavations to test their validity. They also added contextual scenarios with the same investigators in the second excavation to compare results.

During the 11th Connecticut roll-call scenario, a voice responded, "Dayton Present" to the name "Private Lewis Dayton." Upon research, "Stedman" was identified as a major in the 11th Connecticut who took command after Colonel Kingsbury was killed. A voice asked, "Are you Stedman?" which was considered a logical response given the context.

Another scenario involved reading a letter from an 11th Connecticut surgeon. This unearthed a 'live' audio scene with footsteps, rustling brush, and tactile sensations reported by investigators. A man began singing about home, joined by others, creating a homophonic communication distinct from typical monophonic EVPs. This occurred several times, suggesting individuals speaking to each other and to the investigators.

In summary, the multiple scenarios and soundmarks enacted for Colonel Holmes by different team members produced similar results. Colonel Holmes (or someone) answered approximately 75% of the time when prompted, a rate far above coincidence. The author proposes that this mediation of sound pattern and habitual response is Sheldrake's morphic resonance.

While the exact soundmarks of Civil War battle could not be recreated, the focus was on battlefield situations and outcomes that could produce a resonating field. The key to evocation is memory, where patterns in the incoming signal match those in storage. The soldiers were veterans, and their sound patterns had layers of association built up over years. The excavations at Burnside Bridge explored the auditory possibilities of the site through the excavation of potential morphic fields.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of history, anthropology, and the paranormal, specifically focusing on auditory phenomena at historical battlefields. The journal appears to adopt an academic and analytical approach to paranormal research, emphasizing rigorous methodology, theoretical frameworks (like morphic resonance and ethnography of communication), and a critical stance towards sensationalized approaches like typical ghost hunting. The editorial stance encourages submissions that explore these themes through scholarly research, news, events, interviews, and reviews, as indicated by the call for contributions for the July 2012 issue.

This issue of Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal, Volume 3, Number 2, published in 2012, features research on the intersection of meditation, psychic awareness, and consciousness, alongside an exploration of John E. Mack's work on UFO encounters and their connection to shamanism and the eco-crisis.

The Effect of Meditation Attainment on Psychic Awareness: Research With Yogis and Tibetan Buddhists by Serena Roney-Dougal

Serena Roney-Dougal's article delves into the relationship between meditation practices and the development of psychic awareness (psi). She notes the interest of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Swami Satyananda Saraswati in bridging science and spirituality, particularly in investigating Tibetan psychic traditions like the oracles and Mo divination.

The article explains that in Patanjali's yoga teachings, psychic abilities (siddhis) are said to manifest upon attainment of Samadhi, a state of consciousness beyond ordinary thought. Similarly, Buddhist teachings emphasize that enlightenment involves understanding 'clairvoyances.' While Western Buddhist practitioners often avoid psychic experiences, Tibetan traditions are more comfortable with them, integrating practices like divination, astrology, energy healing, and even exorcism into their culture. Monasteries often have practicing oracles and individuals who perform Mo divination.

Roney-Dougal distinguishes between two types of 'clairvoyance' recognized by Tibetans: a low-level, unreliable ability attributed to past-life karma, and a high-level, absolutely reliable ability attained through meditation. Buddhist meditation disciplines, shamatha (concentration) and vipassana (insight), are discussed in relation to psychic powers. Texts suggest that shamatha meditation is similar to yogic techniques and can lead to psychic development, but reliable clairvoyance requires both shamatha and vipassana, along with overcoming obstacles of the desire realm. Only highly realized lamas are believed to manifest this ability with 100% reliability at will.

The research program, conducted over two years in the Bihar ashram and later with Tibetan Buddhists, aimed to test the hypothesis that meditation practice influences psychic awareness. The methodology involved a laptop computer and a program called PreCOG, designed for clairvoyance and precognition trials with built-in fraud control, making it suitable for field research.

Four experiments were conducted: two in the ashram and two in Tibetan monasteries. Results from the ashram suggested that psychic awareness develops gradually with meditation practice. Monks and nuns with at least 20 years of meditation showed significantly higher and more consistent psi scoring compared to beginners. This aligns with parapsychological research on altered states of consciousness.

The research was extended to Tibetan Buddhists due to their tradition of psi use by advanced meditators, a request stemming from the Dalai Lama's interest in scientific research into Tibetan psychic traditions. The project involved collaboration with Geshe Jampel Dhakpa, principal of a Tibetan college near Dharamsala. Participants included Western students of Buddhist meditation, beginner monks at Sera Jey, advanced meditators from Nyingma Namdroling monastery, and an elderly lama from Ladakh.

Eighteen monks completed the minimum of 8 sessions. A meditation questionnaire assessed practice duration and intensity. The study noted that Tibetan participants, adhering to values of humility and secrecy, were reluctant to claim advanced meditation skills or psychic abilities. The research found a correlation between the number of years of practice and psi scoring, supporting the idea that consciousness changes gradually with consistent meditation.

Interestingly, there was no difference found between clairvoyance and precognition trials, which matches findings in parapsychology regarding spontaneous precognition reports. A chart illustrating psi scoring against years of meditation practice showed that lamas with 32 and 40 years of practice scored significantly higher. Beginners, however, tended towards 'psi-missing,' a phenomenon where participants score below chance, possibly related to attitude, defense mechanisms, or unconscious psychological processes.

The article discusses 'psi-missing' in the context of the monks' first exposure to scientific methodology, which they viewed with suspicion due to science's perceived role in the breakdown of spiritual traditions. Three participants, including a Geshe and two Rinpoches, scored strongly in the psi-missing direction and independently reported memories of past lives as monks in Tibet during the Chinese invasion, with two reports verified. This correlation between psi-missing and past-life memories in advanced meditators is presented as an unexpected and significant finding, warranting further investigation.

The conclusion supports the Yogic and Buddhist teachings that meditation attainment affects clairvoyance and precognitive levels. Four studies point to advanced meditators scoring better, though the interpretation is complicated by psi-missing in some studies. The article acknowledges financial support from the Perrot-Warwick Fund and Bial Foundation, and thanks numerous individuals and institutions for their assistance.

Shamanism, Transpersonal Ecosophy, and John E. Mack's Investigations of Encounters with Extraterrestrial Consciousness by Mark A. Schroll

This section features an article by Mark A. Schroll, reflecting on the work of psychiatrist John E. Mack, a Pulitzer Prize winner known for his book "Passport to the Cosmos: Human Transformation and Alien Encounters." Mack's work focused on the cross-cultural philosophical aspects of shamanism and its relationship to encounters with extraterrestrial consciousness, rather than solely proving the existence of UFOs.

Mack's investigations suggested that these encounters impart knowledge about the 'fate of the Earth' and the need for a new psychology of human-Earth relationships, leading Schroll to develop the concept of 'transpersonal ecosophy.' The article begins with a quote from Edgar, highlighting the perceived conflict between science and poetry, and the stars belonging to science.

A brief historical overview traces the fracture between religion and science, originating around the time of Descartes and the formation of the Royal Society in 1662. This separation is attributed to the growing influence of rationalism and possibly fear, leading science to focus on material reality and avoid discussions of religion.

Schroll recounts his response to a lecture by Charles T. Tart, "Proceeding With Caution: What Went Wrong? The Death and Rebirth of Essential Science," which discussed the historical separation of science and religion and the challenges of studying phenomena that are neither purely internal nor external but exist as a resonance of the whole reality system.

Mack's response to Tart's lecture is presented, posing the question of how science can study phenomena that are not simply inner or outer but a resonance of the whole reality system. Tart suggests reactivating curiosity and examining prejudices, noting that critics often dismiss work outside the established paradigm.

Schroll shares his first meeting with John E. Mack at a 2004 ITA meeting, where they discussed their respective research. Mack's paper emphasized that the most important truths for culture may lie in the extraordinary nature and power of the experiencers' encounters, opening up deeper dimensions of reality, rather than focusing on whether UFOs are material objects or if people are physically taken aboard spaceships.

Mack's reflections on the eco-crisis are detailed, stemming from a dream he had in 1990 about a drastically changed Japan. The dream conveyed a visceral connection to the Earth and a sense of its desecration by industrialization. He noted the lack of attention paid to environmental issues and the disconnect between scientific discourse and the lived experience of reality.

Mack discusses his work with 'experiencers' of UFO encounters, who often receive information about the Earth's distress. He describes these beings as a fabric of intelligence that reminds people of their connection to the Earth and their responsibility to it. Some experiencers are shown places of extraordinary beauty, experiencing the life force in nature vividly. The distress about the Earth conveyed by these beings can be apocalyptic, serving to awaken consciousness.

An example is given of Jim, a real estate developer whose consciousness was transformed by his abduction encounters. He experienced visions of pristine landscapes that faded with a low hum, highlighting the emotional impact of these experiences.

The article concludes by discussing the consistent pattern of 'experiencers' receiving information about the Earth's state and becoming active advocates for the planet. The 'beings' are described as entities that communicate the Earth's stress, sometimes in apocalyptic terms, to awaken consciousness. The article touches upon the concept of 'transpersonal ecosophy' as a framework for understanding our relationship with the Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Paranthropology consistently explores the boundaries of conventional scientific understanding, focusing on phenomena that challenge materialist paradigms. The articles highlight the potential for expanded consciousness through practices like meditation and the profound, transformative nature of experiences such as UFO encounters and shamanic journeys. There is a clear editorial stance favoring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate spiritual, psychological, and anthropological perspectives to understand complex human experiences and their implications for our relationship with the planet. The journal appears to advocate for a more open-minded and curious approach to investigating phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific acceptance, emphasizing the importance of subjective experience and cross-cultural understanding.

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 2
Date: 2012

This issue of Paranthropology delves into profound experiences, the nature of consciousness, and the study of religion through anthropological and philosophical lenses.

Witness Testimonies and Earth Changes

The issue begins with accounts of individuals experiencing visions of the Earth's future and ecological transformations. One witness, referred to as 'Jim,' describes a series of scenes depicting a pristine ocean, a clean lake, a waterfall, and a gorgeous mountain setting, followed by a starkly contrasting vision of a dying forest, dead fish, and a polluted atmosphere. This experience, though deeply saddening, radically transformed his consciousness.

Another witness, Andrea, a mother of two teenage girls, recounts a telepathic message from 'Beings' about a Hawaiian island that was going to explode, triggering a chain reaction of eruptions. She was urged to warn people and was shown images of the Earth's magnetic poles and grid lines, foretelling 'Earth changes' and static electricity covering the planet, preventing entry. She also saw a 'ring-of-fire' to the left of Japan and a predicted shift in the Earth's axis in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to depression and chaos unless people become grounded and connected to the Earth.

Carlos Vejes, a Mexican, shares that these 'Beings' express little but have shown him consciousness at work in the biosphere, with creatures cooperating to maintain the planet. He has witnessed the complex yet simple nature of ecosystems and their interconnectedness, noting that this cooperation has occurred for millions of years, but current dominating forces are working against the natural flow of life.

Credo Mutwa, a Zulu medicine man, speaks of Earth as 'mother earth,' a nurturing place for life's development. He explains that in African culture, there are 24 mother worlds in the sky, with Earth being the 25th. These mother worlds are rare, and Earth is guarded by ancient entities like whales.

John E. Mack and the Legitimacy of Encounter Phenomena

The journal highlights the work of John E. Mack, M.D. (1929-2004), a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Mack dedicated years to understanding encounter phenomena, aiming to legitimize the experiences of witnesses. His research was met with significant disturbance from Harvard Medical School, but he was ultimately deemed a scholar in good standing. When Mack faced criticism for seeking to legitimize these experiences, he was supported by Standing Elk, a Dakota Sioux medicine man, who, along with other native leaders, pledged to 'stand by' him.

The author of this section emphasizes the need for courage and foresight to support Mack's investigations, stating that the research's meaning extends beyond the data of encounters to questioning our scientific paradigms, governmental policies, and corporate practices that endanger lives. The issue suggests that the universe itself is calling for help.

Review: 'Words Matter: Hermeneutics in the Study of Religion' by Rene Gothóni

This section reviews Rene Gothóni's book, which critiques cognitive scientists of religion for their 'utterly unconvincing' arguments and their 'blind and infatuated fascination with the exact sciences.' Gothóni, drawing on the philosophical hermeneutics of Hans-Georg Gadamer, argues that understanding religion requires more than instrumental processes; it involves a hermeneutical experience of speaking and listening, where truth is revealed through dialogue. He posits that human sciences, like the study of religions, fall under the domain of 'knowledge of quality,' distinct from the 'knowledge of quantity' typically associated with natural sciences. Gothóni emphasizes that scholars are historical beings, conditioned by their past, and that scientific understanding is not separate from ordinary understanding. The review notes that Gothóni effectively presents Gadamer's complex ideas and grounds his arguments with field work, advocating for a dialogue between cognitive scientists and those who seek less rigid research methods.

Review: 'The Forbidden Book' by Guido di Sospiro and Joscelyn Godwin

This review examines 'The Forbidden Book,' a novel that is also described as having multiple layers of meaning related to the perennial philosophy and occult levels. The novel incorporates elements of adventure, love, intrigue, and violence, with primary characters including Leonard Kavenaugh and the Italian Baroness Orsina Riviera della Motta. The central element of the novel is a secret, uncensored edition of 'Il Mondo Magico de gli Heroi' by Cesare della Riviera, first published in the early seventeenth century. This 'forbidden book' is presented as a primer on magical thinking, incorporating alchemical-magical practices and paranormal phenomena.

The review discusses the historical context of 'Il Mondo Magico,' noting its reprinting in the 1930s by Baron Julius Evola, a right-wing traditionalist philosopher. Evola's influence and ideas, particularly his elitist and anti-materialistic views, are reflected in the character of Baron Emanuele in the novel. The review also touches upon the concept of allegory and the 'Language of the Gods' as a method of encipherment for spiritual truths, referencing Roy Norvill's 'The Language of the Gods.' The novel is seen as providing an introduction to the alchemical-magical practices of the Italian Renaissance.

Call for Papers: Psychical Research in the History of Medicine and the Sciences

This section announces a call for papers for a two-day conference organized by the UCL Centre for the History of Psychological Disciplines. The conference, titled 'Psychical Research in the History of Medicine and the Sciences,' is scheduled for 14-15 September 2012 at University College London. Keynote speakers include Prof. Ivor Grattan-Guinness and Prof. Sonu Shamdasani. The conference aims to explore social, intellectual, epistemological, and methodological aspects of psychical research and parapsychology in relation to orthodox medicine and sciences in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Abstracts for 20-minute papers were due by 15 June 2012, and a selection of papers will be published in an edited volume.

The Religious Studies Project

This section promotes 'The Religious Studies Project,' an online initiative offering weekly half-hour podcasts featuring leading scholars discussing research, methodologies, and topical themes in the contemporary social scientific study of religion. The website also hosts essays, academic resources, and information on publishing and conference opportunities, presented in association with the British Association for the Study of Religions (BASR). Contact information for Twitter, iTunes, Facebook, and email submissions is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of anthropology, consciousness, and the study of religion, with a particular focus on paranormal phenomena, witness testimonies, and the philosophical underpinnings of research. The journal appears to advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to understanding human experience, challenging the limitations of purely scientific or materialistic paradigms. There is a strong emphasis on the validity of subjective experience and the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue, particularly between traditional anthropological methods and more unconventional fields like parapsychology and the study of consciousness. The editorial stance seems to support the exploration and legitimization of phenomena that fall outside mainstream scientific acceptance, encouraging a deeper inquiry into the nature of reality and human potential.

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 2
Date: 2012
Publisher: Paranthropology
Country: United Kingdom
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology delves into the esoteric and paranormal through anthropological lenses. It features a detailed allegorical interpretation of Norvill's "The Forbidden Book," alongside information about the "Body & Beyond 3" conference and a review of Callum E. Cooper's "Telephone Calls from the Dead."

The Forbidden Book: An Allegorical Interpretation

The lead article provides an in-depth analysis of "The Forbidden Book," presenting it as a profound allegory for the mental and spiritual development of an individual, referred to as an adept. The allegorical pattern typically involves a hero who embarks on a quest for secret wisdom, often discovering an ancient book, facing trials, and undergoing a symbolic death and rebirth to achieve a new state of being and paranormal abilities.

The process of mental work is depicted in three major stages, each associated with a standard color: black, white, and red.

• Black: Represents the initial stage, characterized by doubt and skepticism towards the spiritual world. It requires a long and difficult period of concentration and meditation to still the mind, control the conscious thought stream, and access higher consciousness. This stage involves cleansing the psyche of erroneous ideas and assumptions, and the would-be adept may face persecution and ridicule.
• White: Signifies the second stage, where mastery over thought is achieved through willpower.
• Red: Symbolizes the final stage, representing complete mastery of one's own mind and the attainment of powers and gifts associated with pure consciousness.

The article then applies this framework to the characters and elements within "The Forbidden Book."

• Leonard Kavenaugh: The hero, described with black hair (first stage) and blue eyes (potential for insight). His name suggests bravery. His past represents the untamed mental thought stream that needs taming.
• The Baron: Described with white hair, indicating he has reached the second stage, but uses his abilities for negative purposes. His name, Emanuele, suggests an attempt to harness spiritual powers.
• Angela: Described as blonde, she has unconsciously achieved the second stage. Her beauty symbolizes mental reflection. She acts as a messenger and a sacrificial lamb, representing the death of the old mentality.
• Orsina: Characterized by red hair and green eyes, she embodies the third stage. Red signifies the third stage, while green can indicate initiation. The Sun represents pure consciousness. Her name alludes to the Great Bear constellation.

The article also touches upon other characters and symbols, such as Nigel MacPherson, who represents materialism, and the Riviera heraldic shield with its Tree of Life motif and mottos like "CRESCIT OCCVLTO" (it grows/increases by or from a hidden source/knowledge).

The reviewer, Robert M. Schoch, acknowledges that while the authors' intent for a Hermetic allegory may not be definitively confirmed, they demonstrate a deep understanding and sympathy for esoteric Hermeticism. Dr. Joscelyn Godwin is mentioned as an authority in this field.

"The Forbidden Book" has been published in multiple languages, and its English edition is welcomed.

Review: Telephone Calls from the Dead

The issue also features a review of Callum E. Cooper's "Telephone Calls from the Dead," which is described as a revised look at the phenomenon thirty years after the publication of a 1979 book by D. Scott Rogo & Raymond Bayless. The book is available from www.calcooper.com and www.amazon.co.uk.

Body & Beyond 3 Conference

An advertisement for "BODY & BEYOND 3" is included, a conference on "Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives on the Subtle Body" held from August 24th-26th, 2012, at Latimer Place, Chesham. It lists speakers such as Prof. Carlos Alvarado, Dr. Edi Bilimoria, Sandie Gustus, Prof. David Hufford, and Prof. Geoffrey Samuel, with Prof. Bernard Carr, Dr. Peter Fenwick, and David Lorimer serving as chairs. More information is available at www.scimednet.org/subtle-body-conference/.

Back Issues and Journal Content

Page 4 displays a collection of past Paranthropology journal covers, showcasing a variety of topics covered in previous issues. These include "Methodologies & Approaches," "Paranormal Encounters in the Field," "Mediumship & Spirit Possession," "PSI & The Psychedelic Experience," "The Anthropology of the Possible," "Dreams and Telepathic Communication," "Neo-Shamanism, Psi," "Crop Circles as Psychic Manifestation," and "What's Wrong With Paraphenanthropology?" The page also highlights that back issues can be downloaded for free from www.paranthropology.co.uk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The journal consistently explores the intersection of anthropology and the paranormal, with a focus on esoteric traditions, consciousness studies, and anomalous experiences. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious academic inquiry into phenomena often relegated to the fringes of mainstream science, demonstrating a sympathetic yet analytical approach to subjects like Hermeticism, mediumship, and UFOs. The publication aims to provide a platform for rigorous research and thoughtful discussion on these complex topics.