Paranthropology - Vol 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 4
Date: October 2012
Publisher: Paranthropology
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology, the last for 2012, marks the journal's second anniversary and highlights its growth in scope and involvement. It features a diverse range of articles exploring consciousness, the paranormal, and anthropological perspectives.

Featured Articles

Clock System or Cloud System?: Applying Popper's Metaphor to the Study of Human Consciousness - Hillary S. Webb

Hillary S. Webb's article introduces Karl Popper's metaphor of "clock systems" versus "cloud systems" to discuss approaches to studying human consciousness. Webb argues that the prevailing scientific paradigm overly favors quantitative, "clock system" approaches, potentially leading to a stunted understanding. She advocates for the inclusion of qualitative, "cloud system" approaches, emphasizing their value in exploring the subjective, lived experience of consciousness and its nature, function, and potential. Webb draws on her work as an anthropologist and that of her colleagues, urging researchers to embrace the "double nature" of consciousness as a positive quality and to recognize their shared meta-mission of illuminating this mystery.

Commentary: Cultural Evolution and Technological Evolution in Consciousness Studies - Mark A. Schroll

Mark A. Schroll provides a commentary on Hillary S. Webb's paper, questioning whether humanity is prepared to fully understand the mechanisms of consciousness. This piece serves as a response and extension to Webb's exploration of different research methodologies.

In Search of Higher Intelligence: The Daemonic Muse(s) of Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson - Matt Cardin

Matt Cardin, a creative writer and essayist, delves into the connections between Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson, exploring the concept of a "Daemonic Muse." Cardin's work examines the ontology of this muse and offers a unique perspective on the influences that shaped these figures.

Magic, Science and Religion: A Conversation With Eugene Burger (Part 1) - Jack Hunter

In the first part of an ongoing dialogue, Jack Hunter, the editor, converses with master stage magician Eugene Burger. They discuss stage magic as a method for connecting with existential mysteries and explore the intersections of consciousness, performance, belief, and the body.

'Get thee enhurued!': Magic Mushrooms, Time and the End of the World - Andy Letcher

Andy Letcher critically examines the psychedelic elements associated with the 2012 "end of the world" phenomenon. His article presents an alternative perspective on psychedelics by analyzing their connection to contemporary eschatological beliefs.

A Letter to Anthropologists - John R. Swanton

This section features a groundbreaking letter, originally published in *The Journal of Parapsychology* in 1953 by anthropologist John R. Swanton (1873-1958). The letter is a significant call for anthropologists to give serious consideration to the research and findings within psychical research and parapsychology, highlighting its influence on many in the field.

Review: An Historical Review of a Notable Physical Medium in the Tropics: 'Anna Prado: a Mulher que Falava com os Mortos' - Ademir Xavier

Ademir Xavier provides a review of a work concerning a notable physical medium in the tropics, 'Anna Prado: a Mulher que Falava com os Mortos.'

Editorial Welcome and Future Issues

Jack Hunter, the editor, welcomes readers to the final issue of 2012, reflecting on the journal's successful year and its expansion. He expresses anticipation for future edited volumes. Hunter also announces that the next issue (January 2013) will focus on the theme of 'Thinking About Experience,' with submission details provided on page 17.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of consciousness, the methodologies used to study it (particularly the contrast between quantitative and qualitative approaches), and the exploration of altered states of consciousness and their implications. The journal's stance appears to be one that values interdisciplinary approaches, particularly integrating anthropological perspectives with the study of the paranormal and consciousness, and encourages a broader, more inclusive view of research methodologies beyond purely empirical and quantitative methods. There is a clear interest in exploring subjective experience, cultural beliefs, and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific paradigms.

This issue of *Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal*, Volume 3, Number 4, published in 2012, focuses on the multifaceted nature of consciousness and its study. The cover story, "In Search of Higher Intelligence: The Daemonic Muse(s) of Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson," by Matt Cardin, delves into the concept of creative intelligence as an external entity.

Articles and Commentary

"Clock System or Cloud System: Applying Popper's Metaphor to the Study of Human Consciousness" by Hillary S. Webb

Webb argues that anomalous experiences require their own set of principles and procedures, distinct from the 'clock' system of Newtonian physics. She advocates for a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative procedures, to reach the 'event horizon' of consciousness. Qualitative inquiry, she posits, offers a framework for understanding how individuals experience, understand, and utilize anomalous experiences, providing a unique perspective beyond the current paradigm.

Commentary: "Cultural Evolution and Technological Evolution in Consciousness Studies" by Mark A. Schroll

Schroll responds to Webb's paper, defending the use of qualitative methodologies which he notes are often marginalized. He agrees that anomalous experiences and consciousness studies require unique approaches, referencing his own work and that of Charles T. Tart. Schroll discusses the historical focus of science on function and objectivity, tracing its roots to Descartes' emphasis on mathematics. He questions whether humankind is ethically ready for a technical understanding of consciousness, given the prevalence of aggression and violence. Schroll defines consciousness as "The immediacy of the continually emerging effort to establish an awareness of the reciprocal interaction taking place between the person-the-environment-and-the fundamental unifying principle bonding this relationship together at any given moment." He also introduces David Bohm's concept of the "holoflux" as a fundamental unifying principle.

"The Mind/Body Problem and Encouragement Toward Further Inquiry"

This section, part of Schroll's commentary, addresses the mind-body problem, citing Gregory Bateson's view of it as an "epistemological nightmare." Schroll contrasts materialist and idealist viewpoints, suggesting that both extremes are epistemologically flawed. He references Nick Herbert's idea that mind and matter are complementary aspects of a larger truth. Schroll concludes that Bohm's implicate order offers a worldview where psyche and earth are a continuum, avoiding the pitfalls of exclusively material or mental perspectives.

"In Search of Higher Intelligence: The Daemonic Muse(s) of Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson" by Matt Cardin

Cardin explores the concept of the "daemonic muse" as a source of creativity, arguing that personifying creativity as an autonomous entity is an effective tactic for enhancing it and discovering one's life direction. He examines the ontological status of this creative intelligence, questioning whether it is a separate being or a metaphor for the unconscious mind. Cardin highlights the line of influence connecting Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson, noting how their experiences and interpretations illuminate the objective versus subjective divide. He emphasizes Wilson's "anti-belief system" as a way to embrace indeterminacy.

"The Great Beast and His Holy Guardian Angel" by Mark A. Schroll

This section, likely a continuation or related piece by Schroll, focuses on Aleister Crowley and his concept of the Holy Guardian Angel, which is presented as a specific iteration of the muse or daemon concept. Crowley's foundational text, *The Book of the Law*, dictated by Aiwass, marked a shift from the "Aeon of Osiris" to the "Aeon of Horus," emphasizing individual liberty and the discovery of one's "True Will." Crowley's interpretation of his experience evolved, oscillating between viewing the Angel as his "Secret Self" and as an independent, superhuman intelligence. The text notes that Robert Anton Wilson also explored this concept, experiencing "Jungian archetypes" and a sense of "external reality and alien intelligence" after listening to an invocation of the Holy Guardian Angel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature and study of consciousness, the validity and importance of qualitative research methods, the mind-body problem, and the exploration of paranormal and esoteric phenomena through historical and philosophical lenses. The journal's stance appears to be one that advocates for interdisciplinary approaches, open inquiry into subjective experience, and a critical yet respectful examination of unconventional ideas, particularly those related to consciousness and the paranormal.

Book Review/Advertisement

An advertisement for *Darklore Volume VII* is featured, highlighting its content on hidden history, fringe science, and Forteana, with contributions covering topics like the Slenderman, Area 51, language as magic, and psychedelic mushrooms.

Upcoming Issue

The January 2013 issue of *Paranthropology* will have the theme "Thinking About Experience," covering various aspects of personal and social experience, consciousness, and their consequences.

References

The issue includes extensive reference lists for the articles by Webb, Schroll, Cardin, and others, citing works on consciousness studies, anthropology, philosophy, and the paranormal.

This issue of Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal, Volume 3, Number 4, delves into the complex relationships between occultism, psychology, and the paranormal, focusing on the experiences of Aleister Crowley, Timothy Leary, and Robert Anton Wilson. It explores their individual journeys in seeking and interpreting contact with perceived 'higher intelligences,' whether labeled as Holy Guardian Angels, daemons, or extraterrestrials.

The Influence of Aleister Crowley

The issue begins by tracing the influence of Aleister Crowley, noting how his disciple Frank Bennett experienced a profound revelation after a conversation with him in 1921. The concept of the subconscious mind as the 'Holy Guardian Angel' is highlighted, drawing from editorial notes by John Symonds and Kenneth Grant. Israel Regardie's perspective is also presented, suggesting that the origin of Crowley's 'The Book of the Law'—whether supernatural or psychological—is less important than its impact as an expression of the 'Zeitgeist.'

The Strange Case of Timothy Leary

The narrative then shifts to Timothy Leary, drawing a cultural parallel between Edwardian England and 1960s America. Leary's early career as a mainstream psychologist at Berkeley and Harvard is detailed, including his development of the 'Leary circumplex' personality analysis. His turn towards psychedelics, beginning with psilocybin mushrooms in Mexico in 1960, is described as a pivotal moment. Leary's subsequent dismissal from Harvard in 1963, alongside Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), and the government ban on psychedelic drugs are discussed. Leary's transformation into a countercultural figure, famously labeled 'the most dangerous man in America' by Richard Nixon, is recounted. His life path involved imprisonment, escape, and entanglement with various groups, leading to his return to the U.S. and further incarceration.

Channeling and the 8-Circuit Model

During his imprisonment, Leary began channeling experiments, aiming to contact 'Higher Intelligence' and developing his influential '8-circuit model of consciousness.' This model, introduced in works like 'Neurologic' and 'Terra II,' posits an extraterrestrial origin for life and humanity's destiny to colonize space. Leary's experiences led him to see himself as continuing Crowley's 'Great Work.' A significant event was his LSD experience in the Sahara desert with Brian Barritt in 1971, which mirrored visions previously reported by Crowley and Victor Neuberg at the same location, suggesting a 'mysterious force' guiding their lives.

Robert Anton Wilson and Neurological Agnosticism

The issue then explores Robert Anton Wilson's resonance with the ideas of both Leary and Crowley. Wilson's 'Cosmic Trigger' is presented as a deeply personal account of his own experiences with 'initiation' and 'vision quests' from 1962-1976, involving deliberately induced brain changes. He describes perceived contact with external intelligences, including entities from the planet Sirius, during a period from 1973 to 1974. Wilson's viewpoint is characterized by 'neurological model agnosticism,' influenced by his meeting with UFOlogist Jacques Vallee, who suggested that such phenomena might be culturally conditioned interpretations of older archetypes.

Wilson's stance of 'I DO NOT BELIEVE ANYTHING' is explained as a form of agnosticism that acknowledges the reality of the experience of inner communication without necessarily affirming a specific ontological explanation. He views these perceived intelligences as potential 'working tools' for accessing and altering fundamental psychological imprints.

The Nature of Inner Experience

The article emphasizes that regardless of the interpretation—whether paranormal, psychological, or supernatural—the experience of being in perceived contact with a 'higher intelligence' is presented as a real phenomenon that has occurred throughout history and can happen to anyone. This experience, often felt as an external force driving creativity, is described as a constant psychic undercurrent that can lead to 'creative vibrancy.' Wilson himself equated this autonomous force with the 'Higher Intelligence' that communicated with him, Leary, and Crowley, citing examples from his writings on Raymond Chandler and in an interview about his writing process.

Magic, Science, and Religion: A Conversation with Eugene Burger

The latter part of the issue features a conversation between Jack Hunter and Eugene Burger, a writer and college teacher interested in magic, science, and religion. Burger discusses the historical interconnectedness of these fields, emphasizing the sense of 'Mystery' they all evoke. He distinguishes between theatrical magic and ceremonial magic, suggesting the former points to the latter and to a larger 'life magic.' Burger expresses openness to 'psi' phenomena but identifies as a skeptic. He believes that while theatrical magic can create illusions of psi, it is primarily useful for investigators in identifying fraud. He also touches upon the performative aspect of mediumship and shamanism, citing Kenneth Batcheldor's findings on table-tipping experiments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the exploration of perceived contact with non-ordinary intelligence, examined through the lenses of occultism, psychology, and parapsychology. The authors and interviewees grapple with the ontological status of these experiences, whether they originate from within the psyche, from external entities, or from a combination thereof. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the subjective reality of these experiences and their potential impact on creativity and consciousness, while maintaining a critical, yet not dismissive, approach to the phenomena discussed. The issue highlights the ongoing human quest to understand the nature of consciousness and reality, bridging historical esoteric traditions with modern psychological and scientific perspectives.

This issue of *Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal* (Vol. 3 No. 4) features a cover story by Andy Letcher titled "'Get thee enhurued!': Magic Mushrooms, Time and the End of the World." The issue is dated August 14, 2012, and includes contributions from various researchers and figures in the fields of anthropology, psychology, and the paranormal.

Article: 'Get thee enhurued!': Magic Mushrooms, Time and the End of the World by Andy Letcher

Letcher's article critically examines the 2012 phenomenon, a popular belief centered around an impending apocalypse or radical transformation predicted for December 21st, 2012. He traces the origins of this belief to the theories of Terence McKenna, who, inspired by psilocybin mushroom experiences and the ancient Maya calendar, developed the 'timewave' theory. This theory suggested a fractal pattern of increasing universal complexity culminating on that date. The movement gained further traction through figures like Daniel Pinchbeck, who linked it to ecological crisis and the need for a 'revolution in consciousness' potentially facilitated by psychedelics and indigenous lifeways.

Letcher argues that the 2012 phenomenon is largely a Western, Judaeo-Christian imposition onto ancient Maya culture, reflecting a millenarian mindset that views time as linear and purposeful, heading towards a definitive end. He contrasts this with a more pagan or indigenous perspective that might embrace cyclical or metaphorical understandings of time.

He draws on the philosophy of Henri Bergson to critique the conventional, spatialized understanding of time, advocating instead for 'duration'—an intuitive, direct experience of time's continuous flow. Letcher suggests that our obsession with linear time and apocalyptic narratives is a cultural construct, not an inherent truth.

The Origins of 2012

The article details how Terence McKenna, influenced by his brother Dennis and the 'process philosophy' of Alfred North Whitehead, developed the timewave theory. This theory was later integrated with the work of José Argüelles, who was studying the Maya calendar. Argüelles' interpretation of the Maya 'long count' calendar, which culminates on December 21st, 2012, became a cornerstone of the 2012 prophecy. The article notes that Argüelles claimed to channel messages from the Mayan King K'inich Janaab' Pakal and advocated for a shift away from the Gregorian calendar.

John Major Jenkins is also mentioned for his work on the Maya long count and the astronomical alignment predicted for December 21st, 2012, involving the sun, the Milky Way's center, and the precession of the equinoxes.

Letcher points out that the 2012 movement often jumbles together various elements: New Age prophecy, ancient wisdom, astronomical observation, and psychedelic utopianism, creating a 'self-validating set of ideas.' He critiques the film '2012: Time for Change' for its syncretic use of Mayan creation stories with psychedelic imagery and Judaeo-Christian eschatology.

Critiques of the Timewave and 2012

Letcher highlights criticisms of the timewave, including its lack of empirical testability and mathematical validity, as noted by mathematician Matthew Watkins. Even Dennis McKenna, Terence's brother, is cited as viewing the timewave as unscientific. The article questions the Maya's actual understanding of the long count and astronomical events, noting the significant gaps in our knowledge of their cosmology.

Furthermore, the article argues that the 2012 phenomenon represents a 'back-projection' of Western, linear, and apocalyptic thinking onto ancient cultures. It suggests that the obsession with time and the idea of a purposeful, finite timeline culminating in an end-event are characteristic of Judaeo-Christian thought, not necessarily of the Maya or other indigenous cultures.

Time's Arrow and the Pursuit of the Millennium

This section delves into the historical roots of millenarianism, referencing Norman Cohn's work on revolutionary millenarians in the Middle Ages. Cohn identified a common paradigm in these movements: the belief in a tyrannical, demonic power that will eventually be overthrown, leading to a culmination of history. Letcher connects this to Enlightenment thought, the French Terror, and even modern political ideologies, suggesting that Christian eschatology has deeply influenced Western conceptions of progress and historical destiny.

He posits that the 2012 movement is another expression of this Christian millenarianism, albeit with a transformed narrative where capitalism replaces the demonic power, and psychedelic redemption replaces divine judgment. This aligns with a Western mindset that sees time as a purposeful, albeit finite, progression.

Linear Time, Circular Time

Letcher contrasts the Western linear conception of time with alternative perspectives. He discusses the work of Hugh Lupton and Chris Wood, who explored the concept of 'circular' or 'resurrective' time through the Mummers' Play, a folk tradition celebrating cyclical renewal. This contrasts with the 'tragic' or linear time that binds the characters.

He proposes that the appeal of 2012 to psychedelic enthusiasts might stem from the idea of an 'internal apocalypse' associated with psychedelic experiences, a point of no return. However, he suggests reframing the psychedelic experience not as a discontinuous break but as episodic, enriching excursions into circular time, similar to how it's framed in indigenous cultures.

Tribedelica

Letcher introduces 'tribedelica' as a subculture that emerged in Britain, influenced by the 1960s/70s hippy movement and the Stonehenge Free Festival. It gained prominence during the 1990s anti-roads protests and is characterized by a rejection of capitalism, a festive pagan worldview, and a focus on low-impact lifestyles and connection to the land. Tribedelica emphasizes music, dance, and the use of indigenous psychedelics like Psilocybe semilanceata, aiming for ecstatic tribal reconnection. It represents a move away from urban, industrialized rave culture towards a more organic, ritualistic engagement with time and community.

The article notes that while tribedelica had its moment, its legacy lies in the idea of consuming psychedelics within a circular framework at significant times of the year. This is exemplified by the growing popularity of celebrating the summer solstice at sites like Stonehenge, which is seen as a people's festival, free from capitalist marketing and offering a connection to nature and the ancestors.

Letcher concludes by suggesting that the psychedelic experience, when framed within indigenous frameworks and circular time, can offer a profound sense of connection and insight, moving beyond the apocalyptic narratives often associated with movements like 2012.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of time, the influence of millenarian and apocalyptic thinking on contemporary beliefs (particularly the 2012 phenomenon), the role of psychedelics in altered states of consciousness and cultural movements, and the contrast between Western linear conceptions of time and indigenous or alternative cyclical perspectives. The journal's stance appears to be critical and analytical, dissecting popular beliefs and movements through anthropological and philosophical lenses, questioning their origins, validity, and cultural underpinnings.

Other Content

The issue also includes a brief profile of Eugene Burger, an American magician, philosopher, and historian of religion, and mentions Jack Hunter as a PhD student in Social Anthropology whose research focuses on contemporary trance mediumship. An advertisement for "The Paranthropology Second Anniversary Anthology" is also present, listing various contributors and providing an order link.

This issue of Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal, Volume 3, Number 4, dated Summer 2012, explores the intersection of consciousness, psychedelics, anthropology, and the history of science. The cover features a striking design with the title 'PsypressUK' and highlights an article on Anna Prado, a Brazilian medium.

Article: Psychedelics and the 'Gaian Mind'

The issue opens with an exploration of the potential of psychedelic experiences, particularly with magic mushrooms, iboga, and ayahuasca, to foster a sense of communion with the natural world. The author discusses the concept of the 'noosphere' and speculates whether psychedelics could grant access to a 'Gaian mind' or 'psilosphere,' a planetary network linking plant and animal kingdoms. The author finds this idea inspiring, suggesting it offers an alternative framework to traditional apocalyptic interpretations of psychedelics in the West. Furthermore, the article posits that judicious use of psychedelics could play a role in helping humanity negotiate the challenges of climate change, stimulating creative solutions and promoting a more empathetic worldview, potentially leading to a more sustainable lifestyle or even a 'paragnostic encounter with the shamanistic Other.' However, the author stresses the importance of harnessing these experiences with reason, warning against the risks of entheogism and orthodox beliefs.

Article: The Resistance to New Scientific Facts

A significant portion of the journal is dedicated to a re-examination of historical scientific revolutions and the resistance they often encountered. The author, John R. Swanton, in a letter to anthropologists, argues that science, particularly psychology, has sometimes become dogmatic, akin to a sect, rather than a pursuit of truth. He cites examples like the initial resistance to Roentgen's X-rays, Copernicus's heliocentric model, Darwin's theory of evolution, and Sigmund Freud's work. Swanton highlights the challenges faced by investigators of parapsychological phenomena, such as extrasensory perception (ESP). He discusses the work of William James and his detailed examination of the medium Mrs. Leonora Piper, whose case James found compelling despite the lack of definitive proof and the prevalence of fraud in other mediums. Swanton criticizes the scientific establishment for its unwillingness to accept evidence that falls outside its preconceived notions, suggesting that prejudice and fear for reputation hinder scientific progress. He argues that science should be open to facts from any quarter and should adapt its framework to accommodate new discoveries, rather than dismissing them outright.

Article: Anna Prado: A Notable Physical Medium in the Tropics

This section provides a historical review of Anna Rebello Prado (1883-1923), a Brazilian physical medium from Paritins. The review is based on a new book by Samuel Magalhães, 'Anna Prado: a mulher que falava com os mortos.' The article details the historical context of Spiritualism in the Amazon region, noting that Paritins was the birthplace of one of Brazil's first physical mediums. It recounts the family's experiments with table turning and the contact made with a spirit entity named 'John,' who later identified himself as Felismino Olympio de Carvalho Rebello, Anna's uncle. This entity acted as a 'controller' during Anna's séances. The article describes various physical phenomena reported during Anna Prado's sittings, including raps, levitations, apports, direct writing, spirit surgeries, full materializations, and dematerialization. It references historical accounts and documents, such as Gabriel Delanne's 'La Réincarnation' and articles from the Revue Spirit and Revue Mètapsychique. Notable incidents include 'seed germination' observed after a sitting and Anna Prado's ability to describe distant events ('far seeing'). The article also extensively discusses the materialization accounts of Rachel Figner, given by Esther and Fred Figner, which are reproduced in Magalhães' book. Fred Figner is noted for introducing Edison's invention to Brazil.

Other Content

The issue also includes a list of references for the articles, a section on an upcoming lecture series titled 'Anthropology, Consciousness and Culture' featuring various speakers at Blackwell's Bookshop in Bristol, and information about the first edition of the 'Psychedelic Press UK' magazine with a list of its contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of consciousness, altered states of awareness (particularly through psychedelics), and the challenges faced by unconventional ideas within the scientific community. There is a strong emphasis on the historical context of these phenomena, examining past scientific paradigms and the resistance to new evidence. The editorial stance appears to advocate for a more open and less dogmatic approach to science, one that is willing to investigate and integrate phenomena that challenge existing frameworks, particularly in the realms of parapsychology and spiritualism. The journal champions the idea that science should be a method for discovering truth, rather than a rigid set of accepted results.

Title: Paranthropology: Journal of Anthropological Approaches to the Paranormal
Issue: Vol. 3 No. 4
Date: 2012 (implied by cover date and context of other issues shown)
Publisher: Ademir Xavier, PhD.
Country: UK
ISSN: 2044-9216

This issue of Paranthropology Journal focuses on physical mediumship and controversial paranormal phenomena, particularly the alleged 'dematerialization' of mediums. The main article, authored by Ademir Xavier, PhD., delves into the case of Rachel and Mrs. Prado, examining séance phenomena, photographic evidence, and the historical context of spiritualism.

The Case of Rachel and the Prado Family

The article begins by detailing séances involving a medium named Rachel, which were considered by her parents to be highly successful. Fred Figner's testimony, published in the newspaper 'O Estado do Pará,' described Rachel as appearing 'fully alive' and 'exactly as she used to be while on earth.' These séances, held on May 4th and 6th, were witnessed by ten people in addition to family members in a partially illuminated room. During these sittings, physical objects were created, including a paraffin glove of Rachel's hand and several paraffin flowers. These items are now part of the séance relics held by Mrs. Marta Prochnik, who is interviewed elsewhere in the book.

The strong opposition from the Catholic Church to the Prado family and their spiritualist activities is also noted.

'Dematerialization' Phenomena of Mrs. Prado

The most controversial aspects discussed are the pictures and descriptions of Mrs. Prado's 'dematerialization' instances, previously published in other works and illustrated on the cover of Magalhães' book. The author questions the authenticity of images showing parts of Mrs. Prado's transparent body on a rocking chair, suggesting that such effects could be reproduced using mirrors and software trickery. However, the narratives from Bosio and Magalhães insist on the reality of these phenomena, first obtained on September 13th, 1921.

According to Bosio, the medium's controller suggested the experiment under restricted illumination conditions, allowing the medium to enter a deep trance. The magnesium light was flashed multiple times. The success of the experiment was reportedly assured by 'John.' Some images reportedly show only parts of the medium's body in transparent form, such as feet and arms, with the chair visible through them. Bosio also reported a gradual process where bones and flesh became visible as the upper skin turned transparent.

Another photograph depicts an empty chair, with a diaphanous image of the medium's body visible on the left, suggesting her disappearance. The author notes that while reports of changes in a medium's weight exist, this account of dematerialization is unique in psychic literature.

Anna Prado's Death

The article briefly mentions the death of Anna Prado at home on April 23rd, 1923, due to a fire accident that partially burned her body. A short note about her death was published in the October 1923 issue of 'Revue Spirite,' page 378, as described by Magalhães.

Visuals and Relics

Figure 54 on page 181 shows a still existing paraffin glove of Rachel's hand. The cover image itself is a cliché by Ettore Bosio, illustrating the 'dematerialization' phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly engages with the themes of physical mediumship, dematerialization, and the challenges of verifying paranormal claims, particularly through photographic evidence. The author adopts a critical yet open stance, acknowledging the historical significance of these cases while also pointing out potential methods of deception and the need for rigorous investigation. The journal's overall stance appears to be one of exploring and analyzing anomalous phenomena from an anthropological perspective, encouraging critical inquiry into subjective experiences and their cultural contexts.