Woodrew Update - Vol 2 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of The WOODREW Update, dated January/February 1983, Volume 2, Number 3, published by A.S.T.A.R. Foundation, focuses on the intersection of dreams and psi phenomena, alongside critical global issues like water scarcity and survival.

Dreams & Psi Phenomena

The lead article explores the relationship between dreams and telepathy, referencing early observations by Freud and research by Dr. Rhine at Duke University, who considered dreams a primary form of spontaneous para-psychological events like precognition. The text emphasizes that dreaming is a universal human experience, occurring during REM sleep, and that certain cultures, like the Lakoti Indians and the Senoi people of Malaysia, view dreams as a gateway to other dimensions or realities.

Modern researchers are presented as restating these ideas. Dr. James Hall's concept of 'lucid dreams' is explained, where the dreamer is aware they are dreaming and can exert control. Dr. Keith Hearne describes lucid dreaming as consciousness arising within the dream, granting free will and critical faculties in an artificial world. The article notes that lucid dreaming can be a spontaneous occurrence or a trainable reaction, with therapists teaching the technique.

Analysts agree that dreams affect the dreamer's future, and that the dream state can be a learning experience where problems are worked on and solutions are found, indicating a form of dream-state intelligence. Dr. Montague Ullman's work at Brooklyn's Maimonides Hospital is highlighted, where he induced 'telepathic dreams' and concluded that ESP occurs in the dream state, recording information from outside the dreamer's conscious knowledge. His studies covered telepathic, clairvoyant, and precognitive events, suggesting the dreamer can span linear time and space.

The article posits that telepathy might be masked by consciousness and surface when one's guard is down. During REM dreaming, the human mind is more susceptible to PSI impressions, which are incorporated into dreams. Ullman suggests that the human psyche possesses a latent ESP capacity that manifests during REM sleep, arguing that PSI is a normal part of human existence, not an exclusive gift. Dreams are seen as a way of releasing telepathic messages trapped in the unconscious, potentially explaining the 'deja vu' phenomenon.

Physical changes during sleep, such as shifts in pulse rate, blood pressure, and brainwave activity (moving towards alpha rhythms), are linked to ESP phenomena. Research suggests a direct relationship between shifts toward the alpha frequency and ESP.

PSI & Science

This section discusses how new ideas often face incredulity within scientific fields. It presents historical examples of revolutionary ideas that were initially met with resistance:

1. A. L. Lavosier's discovery that air is a mixture of gases, which was attacked by colleagues who believed air was one of the four basic elements.
2. Dr. William Harvey's demonstration of blood circulation in warm-blooded animals, which was derided by older physicians.
3. Edison's phonograph demonstration, which was met with disbelief by the French Academy, with one member accusing the demonstrator of ventriloquism.
4. Dr. Albert Einstein's dissatisfaction with the theory of random subatomic particle movements proposed by Max Planck and Neils Bohr. Einstein spent his life seeking an alternate explanation, though the theory ultimately stood.

The section concludes that science is filled with advances made by those who dared to take unpopular positions, referring to such individuals as "PSI-entists."

Current Systems

Michel Poniatowski, a member of the European Parliament, is quoted stating that the certainties of the industrial society are disintegrating, with ideologies, economic theories, and traditional culture eroding. He attributes this to assumptions and theories originating from the 19th-century industrial period, which no longer align with the current economy or the scientific age.

A Dream Sequence

This section traces the history of dreams in human records, from the Babylonian epic of Gilgamash to the Bible. It mentions the cult of Aesculapius, where sick people sought dreams for cures. Figures like Hesiods, Homer, Plutarch, and Abraham Lincoln are noted for their belief in dream interpretation. Plutarch is quoted: "Dreams are not without meaning. wherever they may come from. Dreams must be heeded and accepted, for a great many of them come true."

A quote from Chuang Tzu illustrates the nature of dreams: "Once upon a time I. dreamt I was a butterfly, fluttering hither and thither. I was conscious only of following my fancies as a butterfly, and was unconscious of my individuality as a man. Suddenly I awakened, and there I lay, myself again. Now I do not know whether I was then a man dreaming I was a butterfly, or whether I am now a butterfly dreaming I am a man."

Subscriber Scribings

This section features contributions from readers. A letter from Tim Day of Arizona describes a personal experience of healing a young woman by channeling "white light energy" from his hands, which instantly made her feel completely well. He expresses a desire to master this healing power.

Greta Woodrew responds to Tim, calling his experience wonderful and noting that he participated with her in a remote-viewing healing a week prior.

From a Nobel Scientist: A POSITIVE PSIgn

Dr. Brian Josephson, a Nobel laureate in Physics, is interviewed about his shift in research focus to parapsychology. He states he is "99% convinced of the reality of the paranormal effects, notably 'remote viewing' and 'metal bending'." His discovery of the Josephson Effect, related to electrical conductivity, is mentioned as a basis for future super computers. Scientists are exploring if the rigorous thought process that led to his discovery is compatible with parapsychology.

Josephson expresses his belief that parapsychology may lie within physical law, or that physical law itself may need redefinition. He suggests that some parapsychological effects might be ordered-state effects not yet encompassed by physical theory. His interest extends to the nature of intelligence and consciousness, which he believes may lie outside the paradigm of physics and could be understood through meditative processes. He notes that satisfying a skeptic requires direct experimental participation.

Our Electronic Corset ... THE L-FIELD

This article discusses Dr. Harold S. Burr's research on "L-FIELDS" (Fields of Life), electro-dynamic fields that shape and control all living things, from the human body to the lowest life forms. Burr's theory suggests that the human body is constantly renewing itself, with only about 50% of cells in peak condition at any given time. The L-FIELD is described as the electronic mold that maintains our physical shape, acting as an "electronic corset" or "straight jacket." Without it, we would disintegrate. Burr's instruments detected fluctuations in L-FIELDS before they manifested physically. The article notes that L-FIELDS disappear before death, and that Burr's work, done in the 1930s, may lead to an enhanced understanding of physical life.

The other half of the set: THE T-FIELD

This section, building on Burr's work, introduces Edward W. Russell's concept of the "T-FIELD" (Field of Thought). Russell sought to prove the "life continuum" and debunk the "death" myth. He defined "field" as a distortion in space used by nature to build and maintain living things. He described the human body as a "temporary and perishable construction." Russell identified the "mind" as the builder and categorized it as a field of thought. The T-FIELD is described as electromagnetic, not weakened by distance, and manifesting instantaneously, exceeding the speed of light. It is unconstrained by linear time and can project into the future.

Russell reasoned that if "memory" survived the dissolution of brain cells, it also survived the dissolution of the entire body. He concluded that the T-FIELD of the human was independent of the ongoing rebuilding of the cellular body, making Mind-Memory indestructible. Dr. Wilder Penfield is cited, stating that the brain is a mechanism used by thoughts, and that thought can exist apart from the brain. Russell noted, "The mind is independent of the brain... It is programmed by something that is outside itself: the MIND."

The T-FIELD is said to be the mind-energy that healers employ to overcome others' imbalances. The article mentions a planned get-together with Mrs. Edward Russell (Barbara) to share more about her husband's work.

CRUNNNCH

This brief section references a World Press Review article about the global economic crunch. It cites "Wirtschaftswoche" of Dusseldorf predicting economic stagnation until the end of the decade, high unemployment in the 24 OECD nations, and a lack of credit-worthiness in many countries. "The Times" of London warns of governments potentially being unable to honor debts, and "The Times" of India foresees an inevitable crash by 1984, with the world's poor being crushed.

OUR BODY & MIND ... ON BALANCE

This article explores how the mind can affect physical strength. It describes an experiment where a person's muscle strength decreases when someone thinks negative thoughts about them and increases when they receive positive thoughts or encouragement. The article lists factors that weaken the body's energy (refined sugar, hard rock music, negative thoughts) and those that positively affect it (a cheery smile).

"Nature's Plan"

BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

This article discusses the potential for Israel to acquire water from the Litani River in Lebanon to meet the demands of its growing population. It mentions past Israeli cabinet debates on acquiring the Litani River and quotes Dr. Yuval Ne'eman, Israel's top nuclear scientist, suggesting the river could be exploited by both countries and that Israel might integrate the southern strip of the Litani into its development plans. The article links man's needs and behavior, emphasizing water as a crucial resource and predicting future international confrontations may be over limited resources rather than borders.

Water Problems Closer to Home

Washington water policy analyst David Weiman is quoted warning of a real water crisis hitting the US later in the decade. A Council of Environmental Quality study indicates that about 225 million acres of US land are undergoing severe desertification. Water consumption in the US has risen significantly, from 300 billion gallons per day in 1965 to 400 billion gallons per day in 1980, with projections showing a daily consumption of 900 billion gallons by the year 2000.

A Saga of Water

The article details water problems in southern California and highlights that states like Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona face potentially worse issues. The Colorado River has been dammed and drained, and the Central Arizona Project is set to divert more water to Tucson and Phoenix. The Ogallala Aquifer, underlying the High Plains states, is nearly depleted, threatening these desert cities with becoming wastelands.

Glaciers ... A mountain of H2O

Glaciers, covering 11% of the world's land and containing 90% of the earth's fresh water, are presented as a potential future resource. An Arab businessman's plan to haul an iceberg to the Middle East for water is mentioned, though engineering problems halted progress. The article notes that glaciers could play a significant role in the future due to looming water problems. It also discusses the potential impact of the "greenhouse effect" on the West Antarctic ice sheet, predicting a 70-foot sea level rise that could submerge 20% of the earth's land mass, flooding coastal cities worldwide.

In The Search for Solutions

Nobel laureate in Physics, William Lipscomb, is quoted stating that life first assembled in the primeval sea and that humans are 90% water. Water is described as essential for carrying nutrients, dissolving toxins, and regulating body temperature and climate.

SURVIVAL UPDATE

Lewis Thomas is quoted from a 1979 article in which he states that humanity is a "spectacularly juvenile species" and that "SURVIVAL" is the hard assignment for this century. He expresses hope that the species will "begin to grow up" after passing this challenge.

ON TOOLS

This section, referencing Thomas Huxley, emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in survival. It lists essential tools for survival situations, including a multi-bit screwdriver set, hammers, saws, pliers, wrenches, sockets, nuts, bolts, nails, glue, a steel square, sharpening stone, knives, files, tape, and a magnesium fire-starter. The importance of awareness and preparedness is stressed, echoing the Boy Scout motto.

COSMIC TELEPATHY

This article recounts a telepathic experience with Harold and Martha Sherman. During a search for a facility and home, Harold Sherman, after resting his hands on a table, telepathically predicted that the couple would buy their property between October 5th and 10th. He then provided a perfect description of the Waynesville, N.C. place they had bid on, despite their offer having been firmly rejected. Later, on October 5th, the broker reopened negotiations, and they bought the house on October 10th. They confirmed Harold's prediction, and Tauri (associated with "high energy") communicated that they had found "Reisha Way" (Ogattan for "high energy") and that they sometimes don't listen to all the clues. The Shermans' telepathic prediction of the date and description of the property is highlighted.

Dear Updater:

Greta and Dick Woodrew announce they have found their place in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, near Waynesville. They describe the location, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, with quartz and water on their 45 acres. They plan to convert a new 5000-square-foot barn into a S.T.A.R. facility before 1984, including a lake and a telescope. They express confidence in their new homestead and mention being conveniently located near Ashville airport and major interstates. They invite readers to visit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the paranormal (psi phenomena, telepathy, dreams, consciousness) with scientific inquiry, often highlighting research that challenges conventional scientific paradigms. There is a strong emphasis on personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, particularly in the "Subscriber Scribings" and "Cosmic Telepathy" sections. The publication also addresses pressing global concerns such as resource scarcity (water) and the need for individual preparedness and survival, suggesting a holistic view of human existence that encompasses both the physical and the metaphysical. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging exploration of unconventional ideas and promoting a proactive approach to personal and global challenges.