Astrology

Introduction

Astrology is according to http://skepdic.com/astrology.html "...a type of divination based on the theory that the positions and movements of celestial bodies (stars, planets [except the one you are born on or those in other solar systems], Sun, and Moon) at the time of birth profoundly influence a person's life." It is supposed to be where one's personality can be read, aided only by the date of when the person was born (e.g. 16th August 1945). There are 12 astrological 'Sun' signs which are assigned to specific months. For example, February 20th - March 21st is ruled by Pisces, the two fish. 

    If someone was born on 19th March 1978, their personality would be described by the astrologist according to the description given to people born under Pisces. Furthermore, the exact date is required in order to state what 'Houses' the person belongs to. For example, Pisces belongs to the House of Secrets, but the person would belong to a second house if they were born at a particular time (e.g. 7am). The description given for people whose signs belong to a particular house, combined with the description given for those whose birth time falls under a particular house may also be given to further "describe" the person's personality. 

The 12 astrological sun signs

According to David Wells' Complete Guide to Developing Your Psychic Skills p. 13:

Aries

21 March - 20 April

"You are the first born, the start of the wheel, and therefore the sign most likely to be like a baby, demanding attention and constant feeding. That's true to a certain extent! But here we are interested in what makes you tick as far as your spirituality is concerned and not necessarily the way you would approach relationships, career etc. If there is going to be trouble with your psychic development it's going to come from rushing into things rather than stopping and looking where you are going. Hurrying isn't a good idea when you are dealing with the subtle energies of your psychic self, so slow down, you don't want to miss anything! I know patience isn't an easy thing for you and you are probably going to be frustrated when things won't go at the pace you want. That's why you should consciously take a step back when you find those frustrations moving in on you. Just try it and see! Meditation isn't likely to be easy for you, as you would rather be up and doing than sitting thinking, which is why you may do better with contemplation. ... You are likely to be both very creative and very argumentative ... Aries is meant to be in front - just make sure you stay there and aren't overtaken by those who may have been slower at the start but are more thorough with their preparation. 

Aries character traits

Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive, foolhardy."

Taurus
21 April - 21 May

"...beauty, inner and outer. It's one where the word 'voluptuous' comes into its own. You have a richness of spirit and an appreciation of the forces of nature that warm those you come across, and on a psychic level you are more likely to be in tune with Mother Earth and Goddess energy than most. That simply means you have more of an acceptance of a female almighty force than a male and applies whether you yourself are male or female. Practical expression of your beliefs is important and you are likely to warm to rituals such as burning incense, lighting candles and ringing bells. ... You crave the safety and security of routine and this can work in your favour in your development if you set aside specific times to study, to meditate or to attend courses about something you are interested in. You do very well with the Tarot, as the stories contained in the deck stimulate all of your senses, making the cards something you can understand quickly and compassionately. Emotion is the key that unlocks the Tarot's secrets. A relationship is something that seems to provide you with the stability and security you crave. Some signs can function very well in their own, but not you. Those who have you in their life will find you a loyal and supportive partner, someone they can trust and build strong foundations with. This support is doubly important in your own psychic growth, as having that security around you makes it easier for you to relax and to focus. If you do find yourself single, enlist the help of some like-minded mates, as you simply work better when you feel the protection of others around you. Short cuts are not for you, something that may exasperate the swifter-moving signs, but don't let that bother you. You really must do things at your own pace. ... You are not that great at change, but you may cause ripples in your own pond as you grow from being a little fish into a big one, so as you progress, be ready to confront things you would once have left alone.

Aries character traits

Trustworthy, reliable, patient, methodical, determined, possessive, inflexible, jealous."

The other Signs are the following:

Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagitarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces 

Queer questions

The personality readings of Aries and Taurus raises some questions:

1. If Aries people are "adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive and foolhardy", how many of these words need to fit an Aries person in order to diagnose them as being born under Aries?

2. Is it possible to diagnose people as being born under Aries (without knowing their birth date) if their character fits the description of an Aries person (for example, that they are "Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive and foolhardy")?

3. If Aries people are "Adventurous, courageous, enthusiastic, confident, creative, selfish, impulsive, and foolhardy", does this mean that other people belonging to other signs, such as Taurus people, do not have any of Aries' traits?

4. How does astrology work?

5. Are the description really taken from the astrological signs and, if so, how?

6. Why is it that sceptics can easily conjure up as astrological reading replication without referring to the heavens for guidance?

7. Why is it that the descriptions given for a particular star sign can fit almost anyone?

(Still being updated.)

Spirits

Introduction

Spirits, or spiritual entities, are beings which do not reside in physical form; but, rather, in a form that is energetic. It is the form which the soul is believed to be before it incarnates into a physical body as either a mineral or rock, plant, animal or insect, tree or human. A spirit is said to be an entity which animates or objects living or non-living. However, some spirits do not ever incarnate into a physical body. These types of spirits are known as elemental spirits, angels or archangels, and devas. Someone who channels the spirits of the deceased (people) are called mediums.

Spirits

Is there a place that people go to when they die physically? That is a question that has niggled at man's curious mind for centuries. What happens when people die physically? Does their spirit rise out of their dead body, to enter the ether? Or is physical death really the end? Many cultures share a fundamental belief in the afterlife and the place where spirits reside after having finished their physical lifetime (called the Spirit World). Is it mere fantasy or wishful thinking that our existence lives on even if physical life doesn't? 

    At the end of the physical lifetime the soul is believed to exit the body, to enter the Spirit World. Here, the soul (or spirit) converses with their spirit guides or helpers, discussing with them what lessons they had learned in their previous lifetime and what lessons they must learn in the next. It is at this point that the soul "downloads" necessary skills or knowledge ready for their next lifetime.

    It is said that young children can remember details of their 'past lives'. However, as they get older, these memories disappear and by the time they become teenagers, these are forgotten. Some people believe that through past life regression, it is possible to "access" some of these past lives. Furthermore, some think that physical illness is a result of trauma of some sort from a previous lifetime. Could this be a suitable explanation for defected babies and if so, what sort of trauma cause the condition they were born with and why? Did their soul wish to have the condition in order to learn specific lessons? 

   Spiritually speaking, nothing just "happens". Everything happens for a reason. Not by coincidence. We have lives according to the choices our souls made prior to our birth (choices made with the assistance and perhaps the suggestion or advice of our spirit guides). We chose to have particular souls as our members of family in this lifetime prior to birth. We chose our parents. We chose our friends. The people one meets along their spiritual path during their lifetime, under whose guidance they might learn about particular things, were not met by coincidence, but because the person's soul had arranged to meet them previously. Family, friends, boyfriends or girlfriends in this lifetime are souls who belong to one's "soul group", the group of souls with which one has many countless lives with. A soul who may be someone's mother in this lifetime may have been that person's son in a previous lifetime. If everything happens because the soul had meant for it to be so, then life has some sort of purpose which only the individual soul knows.
  According to http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2014/10/30/how-to-distinguish-between-ghost-spirits-and-other-types-of-hauntings/, a spirit "...is someone who has passed, crossed the great dived, and now lives peacefully in the upper layers… to put it simply they are in Heaven. These beings are completely aware of who they are, where they have come from, and where they are currently. When they passed, they accepted the transition and walked peacefully through the tunnel to the Other Side.
When a person transitions to the Other Side, and becomes a “spirit” they have complete awareness. Moving freely between levels, they are not stuck, bound or attached… rather they are able to communicate with us, visit us, and send us healing and messages. And even give us proof of their survival and life after death."

  

Ghosts

According to http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2014/10/30/how-to-distinguish-between-ghost-spirits-and-other-types-of-hauntings/  "A ghost is the spirit of a person who has passed on, but hasn’t moved on. For some reason they are “stuck” in the lower levels. Usually stemming from greed, guilt, pain, or a sudden death. Something has made them cling to the physical world, and not accept that they are meant to move on into the healing light of the Divine.

The presence of a ghost is actually sad to experience because they basically exist in a twilight space. We perceive them as shadows, kind of looming, creepy and intangible. They actually experience us in much the same way, perceiving us as strangers in their “world”."

 
Hauntings

According to http://shaheenmiroinsights.com/2014/10/30/how-to-distinguish-between-ghost-spirits-and-other-types-of-hauntings/ "The average Haunting is an Imprint. An imprint is the residual energy left over from a traumatic event that took place within a space, or the psychic impression left behind from high energy, or route people.

For example: if a person lived in a house for 30 years, and always practiced singing in the living room, you may experience some phantom singing in that same space. There is no ghost haunting the space, it is just the strong psychic impression left behind from the route… the event is basically on repeat.

Most hauntings tend to be this kind of energetic loop that continues to happen. The energy that is left behind is a cycle that continuously plays through, but it does NOT interact with people. If you are experiencing an imprint it will not interact with you. Interaction is a sign of a ghost."

   People, known as 'sensitives' (a medium or psychic), who are "sensitive" to the subtle psychic energies (and spirits too), can pick-up on or tune in to the energy imprint of hauntings and essentially read it like they would with psychometry.

 
The elemental spirits

According to the Orient's belief, there are elemental spirits in existence. These spirits look after the four different earth elements. Nymphs and mermaids tend to the element of water; dragons tend to the element of fire; undines and gnomes tend to the earth and reside in caves and underground places, whilst sylphs and fairies tend to the element of air. These beings cannot be seen. However, when there is imbalance on Earth, these elementals have their work cut out. It is their job to maintain the equilibrium or balance of the elements to which they are all assigned.

Devas

Every house, garden and piece of land, no matter how small, has its own spirit tending to it, according to spiritual philosophy. This spirit is called a "deva".

Orbs

Orbs: what are they? They appear on photographs; some people seem able to see them with their eyes, others see them with their eyes shut. Spirits; archangels, elementals, insects, dust particles on camera lens, floaters... There are so many different explanations for them! An interesting pdf all about orbs is available to download from the website, http://www.parascience.org.uk/articles/orbcombined.htm.
      When someone sees an orb, it is commonly seen whilst they are tired and/or relaxed. This state is called hypnogogia. But why do they appear?

The explanations

Floaters 

Floaters can look like tiny black dots, small shadowy dots, larger cloud-like spots, or long, narrow strands. They can also look like orbs of various sizes, from large (which appear to have a radius of a few centimetres), to small (with a radius of a couple of centimetres) to tiny (a radius of a few millimetres). But if orbs are really 'floaters', why can they come in different colours? Orbs (not the sort one can see with their eyes shut, but rather the sort some people see with their eyes open) can come in all sorts of colours, such as indigo, purple, cyan, pink, orange, white, yellow or emerald green. According to http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/floaters/Pages/Introduction.aspx floaters "...are small pieces of debris that float in the eye's vitreous humour. Vitreous humour is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the space in the middle of the eyeball. The debris casts shadows on to the retina (the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye). If you have floaters, it is these shadows you will see. Floaters can occur as your eyes change with age. In most cases, they do not cause significant problems and do not require treatment."
   Floaters (or orbs) can be seen during subdued lighting. When they cover one's vision during night time it is extremely annoying, as they adversely affect one's vision when it is dark.

Orbs as entities?

Some people - spiritualists, in fact - believe that orbs are actually spirits. Those who believe in angels and archangels may attribute particular meanings or interpretations to orbs that come in different colours. For example, Archangel Michael is associated with deep blue or indigo, so if someone who believes in his existence come across or sees indigo-coloured orbs they may believe them to be Archangel Michael's spirit in visitation. Or if they believe that Archangel Chamuel, who is represented with the colour of rose-pink (Unconditional Love), their belief in Archangel Chamuel's existence may be confirmed should they come across pink or rose-pink orbs, because, again, they believe that these orbs are Archangel Chamuel's spirit. Of course, this seems to involve symbolism, because indigo blue is symbolic, as it were, of the presence of Archangel Michael; whilst pink is symbolic of the presence of Archangel Chamuel. However, it doesn't matter to such people whether there is any scientific evidence or not that supports their belief because, obviously, they do not require it. They are content with believing things without scientific evidence. And even if they never did come across coloured orbs that they might associate with the presence of an archangel, it doesn't matter, as they will still believe in the existence of archangels. 

      The obvious pitfall of such a belief is that if the person has the condition known as "floaters" as mentioned above, should the condition worsen - resulting in seeing more "orbs" which the person believes to be actual angels or spiritual entities - to the extent that the person would be advised to seek medical help, the person seeing these may refuse, because they do not believe that the "orbs" are anything serious and are merely Archangel Michael or Chamuel visiting them more frequently. Of course, the person would seek treatment if they feel they must do so; and even then, the treatment must fit their belief system. If they do not believe that the orbs are actually floaters, then they are unlikely to take up medical treatment for them. But if they believe that the orbs are archangels or spirits, they will take up such treatment that fits that belief (such as 'angel therapy' which, believe it or not, DOES exist!). The danger in such a belief can cause the person to refuse much-needed medical attention and instead pursue other treatments that may not deal with the immediate problem. If the problem was psychological, not physical, then it may respond better to spiritual healing or treatment. However, if the condition is physical, such as floaters, would spiritual healing which deals with the spiritual body (and works psychologically) really treat the physical ailment of floaters? What if the condition worsens and cannot be treated in such a way?

 Hypnogogia

Another explanation is that of hypnogogia. The hypnogogic state occurs during tiredness, on the verge of waking to sleeping. Such spiritual experiences like seeing ghosts or orbs occur when the person is considered to be in this state. However, if seeing orbs occurs due to the witness or experient being in hypnogogia, does this mean that the orbs are not due to floaters or are not spirits? Regardless, in hypnogogia, the person may seem not fully awake and may hallucinate or see things that aren't really there. Is it possible that at least some orbs are seen as result of the person being in this state, or are orbs just floaters that just happen to be noticed when the person isn't fully alert and is perhaps a little sleepy (that is not to see that all orbs are apparently seen when the person is tired)?

Orbs on photographs

So far, orbs seen in one's vision has been discussed. However, what hasn't been discussed are the the orbs that are sometimes caught on camera. These can come in a variety of shapes. Some may be hexagonal, whilst other may just be circular. 

Problematic photos

What happens when a spiritualist who believes that orbs are spirits takes a photograph of someone or something and later discovers an orb in the photograph? They will believe that the orb is a spirit and, therefore, that they had taken a picture of a spiritual entity. Essentially, because they had believed that spirits exist - and indeed that orbs are spirits - the photograph of the orb (or "spirit"!) serves as evidence for their belief that:

a) spirits exist

and

b) orbs are spirits

What happens when that belief is challenged by a sceptic who suggests that the orb may have been due to a speck of dust on the camera lens? The person will stick to their belief, even if all the evidence points to the orb being something else other than a spirit. Beliefs give people security, so the person who thinks their belief is being challenged when, in actual fact, only their assumption or interpretation is being challenged, they may become agitated as they feel that their personal psychological security is being wrecked. Beliefs give people an understanding of the world, which helps them make sense of everything, including life. If they do not have them, the person may feel insecure and vulnerable because they cannot know anything for certain - such as whether there is life after death or not. Beliefs give people structure, in order to base their attitudes, behaviour, life and opinions. Metaphorically, the belief or belief system could be like a bike's inner tube. If a stone or other debris (metaphors for conflicting information or beliefs or opinions originating from themselves or others which are at odds or challenge the original belief) gets wedged into the bike's inner tube (the person's belief/system), the inner tube is punctured (and metaphorically, the belief system is 'punctured').

    What happens to an inner tube if it is punctured? For one thing, it is unreliable and cannot be used for a bike. It is damaged and needs replacing. Likewise, if a belief is punctured, it may need adjusting (if that is possible) or, if absolutely necessary, replacement. During the period of time when the belief is being replaced, the person may feel most vulnerable because they temporarily do not have a belief on which to hold (that relates to a particular area of thinking or understanding, really). Once the person has a new belief to replace the old one, they may feel secure once more, but potentially less or more. They may not feel as secure as previously. Then again, if the new belief is more suitable for them than the old one, they may have an increased feeling of security than before.

 

Precognition

Introduction

"Can information come to us from a future, either one that is predetermined or one that is probable? Can anything, whether it be information or objects or people travel from the future to the present, or the present to the past ? We usually think in terms of cause and effect with regard to things happening, where the event (the cause) brings about a particular happening or outcome (the effect). With precognition, it is suggested that the effect precedes the cause (the predicted event in the future). Is this possible?" - p.159, Psychic Dreaming, a Parapsychologist's Handbook, by Loyd Auerbach.

Dreaming of the future

Is it possible to dream of a future event? Let's take a look at an example. Someone, to whom we will refer as 'Person A', dreams one night that they enrolled on a course on Psychology. This dream seems very real - they see and, presumably, interact with, the other people on the course. It takes place in a room, with which Person A is familiar (perhaps it is a room of their own house, or another building they visit sometimes). Anyway, the dream seems rather brief and in places vague, but the person knows what it was about (a course on Psychology). When Person A wakes up, they have an unexplainable "knowing" that that is what they have got to do - to enrol onto a Psychology course.

      This, as usual, raises some important questions:

• If Person A follows their intuitive feeling, and consequently, they enrol onto an actual Psychology course, this could mean that their dream was a precognitive dream, because it was based on an event which was to occur in the future (enrolment onto a Psychology course).
• Consequently, Person A is likely to remember the dream as either a prcognitive dream, or as a dream which had a precognitive quality
• If Person A does not follow their intuitive feeling, and so does NOT actually enrol onto a Psychology course, it would mean that the dream was NOT precognitive, because the event it "predicted" did not happen. 
• Therefore, Person A would be unlikely to perceive or interpret the dream as being precognitive, since it did not happen as they did not act on it (i.e. they did not enrol themselves onto a Psychology course). Perhaps Person A would even forget about the dream as a result.

Does this mean that interpretation is the key to whether a dream is considered to be precognitive or not? The content of one's dreams is subjective, so they are also subject to subjectivity. Even if an individual unintentionally makes the event the dream apparently predicted come true through their belief that the dream was precognitive, so therefore they act on it even subconsciously, it does not mean that the dream was foretelling of a future event, because the circumstances or individual may not have necessarily allowed for the actual event to happen. Perhaps the dream was not precognitive in any way, and was 'just' a dream due to the person's imagination, but that the dreamer had wrongly assumed that the dream was precognitive and so had taken the initiative to act on its perceived message.
    The future is not substantial and its possibilities are always in motion. Constantly, the individual is changing their own future unconsciously through the alteration of their beliefs, attitudes, psychology, behaviour and values or opinions, or certain unexpected events. One day they may have a desire to be an author, then, sometime later, an event or change in their person psychology may force them to desire something else.

   

Energy Sensing

Introduction

Energy sensing involves sensing "energy". By this, what is meant is that the aura is sensed. Tingling, hot spots, impressions, intuitive feelings, anything may be interpreted as a symptom of sensing the aura. But is it really energy sensing, or is it all about psychology?

Energy sensing

In energy sensing, one person may feel that they are feeling another person's aura and this may be followed by someone else (like in the example below). However, just because something stated by one person is consequently repeated by someone else, does not mean that:

a) the first person's statement was correct or

b) the information was got through paranormal means (e.g. from a [perhaps the same] spiritual source)

Figure 1

This is also true for workshops and groups (including psychic and mediumship development groups that also do this activity occasionally) that involve trying to "feel" or "sense" energy. Whilst it is inappropriate in Reiki healing "share" sessions for Person 2 to place their hands in exactly the same places as Person 1 did, in order to give Reiki to the recipient, since Reiki had already been given to that area of the body, informative social conformity and social loafing can still occur in other situations involving energy work, which are focussed on sensing energy. 

    For example, imagine there is a workshop based in an ancient stone circle, with all involved trying to "feel" the energy of the standing stones, concentrating on one in particular (Stone 1). The host of the group, Mary, asks people (Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4) to individually try and "feel" the energy of the stone. Already, the suggestion has been given that Stone 1 has some sort of energy that can be felt - presumably thermic, since Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4 are asked to lay both hands on a different area of the stone to each other and are supposed to be sensing the energy with their hands (see Figure 1 which shows the different areas where Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4 placed their hands on the stone). Each person is asked to report back if they get anything. After a while:

• Person 1 notices that their hands are feeling very warm
• Person 2 feels tingling/pins and need sensations in their hands - the left more than the right
• Person 3 gets quite drowsy and sleepy
• Person 4 gets light-headed and thinks they can feel the kundalini running through their body

Each participant got an individual response which they each attributed to the stone.Furthermore, Persons 1, 2 and 4 report that the stone had 'hot spots' on which they'd placed their hands. However, this is perfectly explainable, since the stone had been heated by the sun earlier in the day and had retained the heat. 

  Why did each person get a different reaction? For one thing, they were all different. Person 1 may have felt quite cool prior to touching the stone, so may have been more inclined to noticed the stone feeling very warm, whilst Person 2 was perhaps a little bit not quite down to earth - perhaps she is also quite sensitive and is rather meditative; Person 3 was probably quite tired and needed a good rest and was prone to getting into a drowsy, sleepy state during the energy-sensing activity; whilst, finally, Person 4 was probably rather spiritual and dream - maybe also a dedicated meditator.

   Of course, maybe the response to energy is subjective and perhaps its interpretation is subject to one's state of mind. Anyway, so Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4 remark on what they got. Persons 5, 6, 7 and 8 go and do energy sensing, but because they overheard what the others had got, they are prone to suggestion and informative social conformity. They heard that Person 1 had felt hot spots on a particular area of the stone, so at least one person will want to feel that for themselves and because they are open to the suggestion and perhaps due to believing that Person 1 is correct, they will find evidence to support Person 1's idea of a hot spot area. They will feel heat in their hands. Person 1 was correct! There is definitely a hot spot over here! They might think. It will strengthen their belief that Stone 1 has an energy and that they are feeling it now. This is called cognitive dissonance.
     So now another person (Person 5) has also felt the "hot spot" and he/she will mention it to the others - Persons 6, 7 and 8 who will also place their hands over the same area to see if they can feel it too.

Sensing the aura

Another example is the following. Imagine being a member of a psychic development circle. The host, a 46 year old woman who is a professional psychic, informs you of the activity that you all will be doing tonight. Although it is not, in any way relevant, the time is 7.30pm. There are seven other members of the circle tonight. She pairs everyone up. Then she asks for four people to stand up facing three of the walls of the room. Your partner wants to be one of them, so you let them. 

  

Fig. 2: Did YOU Feel That?

"Now, the people who are not standing by the walls, I want you to slowly and quietly approach your partner, with your palms facing forward, to feel their auras," the psychic instructs you clearly. Slowly, quietly, you walk towards your partner as the psychic had instructed. You try to breathe very quietly so your partner can't hear it, indicating that you are getting nearer and nearer to them...

    However, it's too late. Because the psychic had already said what you were supposed to be doing to the whole group, your partner is fully informed of the fact that you are getting closer to them. Therefore, their sensations are going to be biased, too. "I want the people who are standing facing the walls to tell their partners when they can feel their energies getting close," the psychic tells everyone.

    "I can feel your energy," your partner tells you. You are almost close enough to reach out and touch them. After a pause, you get nearer. Then you trace your hand a couple of inches over their head and spine, slowly and soundlessly. "Ooh! I can feel that! You're tracing over my spine!" your partner giggles. 

Now, the psychic is calling you all to swap. So now it is your turn to face the wall and energy-sense...

Is it energy or baloney?

Hopefully Figure 2 explains the example of energy sensing. Questions are: 

• Since the person who was standing facing the wall (Person A) knew that their partner (Person B) would be approaching them gradually and that they were supposed to be feeling their "energy" (aura) as they approached, did Person A REALLY sense the energy field (aura) of Person B?
•  Or did Person A imagine feeling Person B's aura?
• Or did Person A, through classical conditioning, attribute a random feeling (e.g. tingling down the back) that happened to present itself at the time Person B was close to them, to their sensing or feeling Person B's aura; and, furthermore, the random feeling was not, in fact, linked to the aura and had just been a coincidence?
• Did Person A "feel" Person B's aura merely due to the suggestion that had been planted by the host psychic who had explained what everyone would be doing that night and, in doing so, had told them what to expect (i.e. what to "feel")?
• When Person B traced Person A's spine with their hand, a couple of inches away from the physical body, was Person A aware, through the normal senses, of what Person B was doing?
• Could Person A have felt Person B's tracing through physically feeling their body heat due to their close proximity? 
• Could Person A not have felt what Person B was doing (such as tracing their spine), but was aware of their actions some other way (visually, not through paranormal or psychic means); yet had felt obliged to socially conform and through normative social influence had falsely claimed to "feel" Person B's energy as they came nearer or whilst they did tracing on their spine? Perhaps they felt guilty for Person B's, the host's or the group's sakes that they weren't feeling anything and wished to defend their status in the group by conforming with the rest of the group by claiming to feel the same as everyone else? Or maybe Person A felt guilty because they thought that because they weren't feeling anything and yet everyone else of the group did (or claimed to), they thought that they were doing something wrong, and that everyone else was doing the right thing as they were getting results? Essentially, because everyone else got results and Person A didn't, Person A thought they were wrong, or doing something wrong (informative social conformity).

 Conclusion

Perhaps the view of this post on the explanations of energy sensing are incorrect or incomplete and that it is, controversially, the sceptics who are wrong and that the believers/psychics are right? What if energy works and functions psychologically and that it can be felt by people such as Person A, who believe in or are not sceptical of its existence and, consequently, their mind is more open to interpreting (or sensing) the existence of energy? What if the sceptic's mind does not sense energy, because they are sceptical of its existence and so, therefore, their mind is less sensitive to interpreting or sensing energy? Perhaps because the sceptic does not believe in its existence, their mind does not wish to sense energy? Hence, is it possible that energy is sensitive to the observer's (e.g. Person A's) beliefs and mindset, whereas for sceptics, energy prefers to keep a low profile, so that its existence cannot be found? Maybe the believers/psychics are picking up on one side of energy sensing and the sceptics are exploring another side of it?

   Perhaps, if it is indeed energy at work in energy sensing, not purely psychology and the mind, understanding the psychology involved in energy sensing and investigating or exploring accounts of energy sensing may, unwittingly, provide insight into the processes, functions and characteristics of energy and how it works?

See also: Cognitive dissonance ;Classical conditioning; Informative social influence; 

Herbalism

Introduction

Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries to treat ailments. One of the earliest - and certainly a well-known - works regarding herbs and their uses is Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper. In the modern age, herbalism is still being practised today, with countless books on the subject. And, interestingly enough, a large portion of pharmaceutical drugs were originally obtained from herbs, through extracting the properties from the plant and patenting them as a drug. For example, the drug, digitalis, is from the poisonous foxglove plant. Furthermore, willow bark was traditionally used to combat arthritis, amongst other ailments and, in fact, an extract from the bark itself is the drug used today for arthritis, called aspirin.

Herbal applications

There are different ways herbs can be used. They include poultices which are applied externally to wounds, etc. and also as infusions (herbal teas). Chamomile tea just before bed, for example, is recommended for those who suffer from insomnia.  ...

 
Herbal healers

Arnica - externally can be used "(though not on broken skin) as antiseptic ointment to discourage infection in wounds and promote healing, to treat torn muscles and bruising and for rheumatic problems. Also used as a gargle to treat inflamed gums and mouth and throat infections. Internally to improve circulation and treat venous problems." (Herbs and Healing Plants - by Dieter Podlech, Collins nature guides)

Dandelion - drunk as a tea, is a diuretic. In fact, one old name for the plant is 'Piss in the bed' due to this action! It also supposed to detoxify the kidneys, liver, blood and spleen.

Yarrow - "One of the best fever remedies, Yarrow produces copious sweating, lowering blood pressure. Take an infusion of the flowers and leaves in the bath, and also drink hourly until the fever subsides (combine with elderflower and peppermint). Yarrow tones the blood vessels and aids digestion. It is a specfic in thrombotic conditions associated with high blood pressure. ... " (Herbal Healers - by Glennie Kindred p.52)

Folk names

Many herbs have folk names, which are useful for remembering their traditional uses. The word "wort" means 'herb, plant'.

Bloodwort - Yarrow
Boneset - Another name (as well as 'Knitbone') for comfrey. Comfrey was traditionally used for treating bones, sprains and bruises.

Bruisewort - Another name for the daisy.  The daisy was traditionally called 'bruisewort' in recognition of it use for treating bruises, using externally-applied poultices.
Eyebright - Used for treating eye problems
Feverfew - Is used for treating fevers.
Heartsease - Used for treating the heart

Knitbone - See 'Boneset'.
Liverwort - Used for treating the liver
Lungwort - Used for treating lung problems

Motherwort - This plant was traditionally used for treating all womanly ailments.

Pilewort - This plant was traditionally used for treating piles.

Wormwood - This plant is used for treating internal parasites, including worms.

Ailments

Catarrh - Bayberry, Elderflower, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Plaintain, Echinacea, Golden Seal (Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler p.33)
Cellulite - Agnus Castus, Ash, Birch, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne Pepper, Dandelion, Fennel, Poke Root, Red Clover, Yellow Dock (Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler p.35)

 

References

 

 Complete Herbal, by Nicholas Culpeper

Drugs, Grow Your Own - by James Wong

Healing Herbs - by William A.R. Thomson and Elizabeth Smith

Herbal Healers - by Glennie Kindred

Herbs and Healing Plants - by Dieter Podlech, Collins nature guides  
Magic of Herbs, The - by Riannon Ryall
Neal's Yard Natural Remedies - by Susan Curtis, Romy Fraser and Irene Kohler

Aromatherapy

Introduction

Aromatherapy, according to Aromatherapy, A guide for home use - by Christine Westwood, p.7 is "...the use of organic essences of aromatic plants for healing and the maintenance of vitality." These 'essences' (not to be confused with the Bach or flower remedies, which are quite different) are plant oils (called essential oils) which are derived from plants through a process called distillation. They are used in massaage and aromatherapy for their different health benefits and are often key ingredients in perfume and other health products. 

Essential oils

Essential oils are also known as 'aromatic oils' because they have an aroma. It is advised, however, that a couple of drops of essential oil should be diluted in a base or carrier oil before being applied to the skin. Carrier oils are vegetable oils such as sweet almond oil. Some essential oils can cause irritation to the skin. However, irritation can be avoided if the essential oil is diluted with carrier oil. It is not advisable to take essential or carrier oils internally. Nor is it pleasant, because pure essential oils are very strong and have an intense aroma.

     Essential oils are extracted through a process called distillation. Because the essential oil is found in varying quantities in different species of plant (e.g. tea tree and lavender), some essential oil production requires a greater amount of plant material to produce a sufficient amount of essential oil to sell. This means that it costs more to produce such an essential oil than one whose plant material contains more essential oil and requires less plant material. For example, according to Aromatherapy, A guide for home use - by Christine Westwood, p.7 "...it takes the petals from about 30 specially cultivated roses to produce one drop of Rose essential oil and several kilos of lavender to produce a small bottle of essential oil." This is why Rose essential oil is so expensive - because in order to produce a bottle's worth of the essential oil, a greater amount of plant material is required.

    The essential oil can sometimes only be found in the bark (such as with red cedar), so specially cultivated trees are needed. Of course, if the bark of the same tree/s was continually stripped off in order to extract its essential oil, the tree or trees would die. Hence, these trees are planted in plantation areas systematically, so that their bark can be stripped without stripped too much from any one tree. Obviously, if there was a certain boom in the business of selling this essential oil, it would put a strain on the production and tree plantation.

History of aromatherapy

According to Complementary Health, The Hamlyn Encyclopaedia to - by Nikki Bradford p.68 "The Greeks, Romans and ancient Egyptians all made use of aromatherapy oils. Nearly 6,000 years ago the Egyptian physician Imhotep, who became the god of medicine and healing, recommended fragrant oils for bathing and massage. Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine, recommended regular aromatherapy baths and scented massage and placed such store by the power of scent that he used aromatic fumigations to rid Athens of the plague. In England, essential oils were used to ward off the plague long before drugs and synthetic perfumes took their place. However, it was not until the 1930's that French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse developed the use of aromatherapy as we know it today. Gattefosse originated the term aromatherapy to define the therapeautic use of essential oils as a discipline in its own right. His interest in the therapy stemmed from his personal experience of the benefits of lavender oil. Apparently, according to the story, he burned his hand in a laboratory experiment and plunged it into the nearest liquid, which happened to be a container of lavender oil. His hand healed remarkably quickly, without infection and with no trace of scarring. This remarkable discovery left Gattefosse eager to find out more about the benefits of aromatherapy.

     "His work was expanded upon by French army surgeon Dr Jean Valnet, who used essential oils as antiseptics during World War II. But it was Madame  Marguerite Maury who developed the idea of aromatherapy as a holistic therapy. She introduced the concept of prescribing oils for the individual, and was the first to combine the effects of essential oils with massage."

    

Types of essential oil and health benefits

Aromatherapy oils

According to Essential oils, a guide to - by Jennie Harding p.34, lemon-grass essential oil is "...regarded as a potential irritant to already sensitive or allergic skin and is not advised for infants and young children. It should always be diluted in a carrier, even in bath blends." It can be used for easing "...muscular aches, pains and stiffness; eases stomach cramps, indigestion and constipation; lifts depression or anxiety and improves the mood." 

     In order to harness their benefits, essential oils can be inhaled or massaged in carrier oil into the skin. In fact, they can also be used to moisturise the skin should it be dry (or plain carrier oil can be used for this). Lavender is considered to be excellent for insomnia - a few drops either side of the pillow before sleep can be helpful, with its soothing, calming smell entering the nostrils. Some essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil, are believed to have antiseptic and healing properties. Tea tree is said to be good for treating athlete's foot.  

    According to Essential oils, The encyclopaedia of - by Julia Lawless p.118, (true/European) lavender was traditionally used "... to 'comfort the stomach' but above all as a cosmetic water, and insect repellent, to scent linen and as a reviving yet soothing oil." It was also "...a tonic against faintness, palpitations of a nervous sort, weak giddiness, spasms and colic ... A few drops of lavender in a hot footbath has a marked influence in relieving fatigue. Outwardly applied, it relieves toothache, neuralgia, sprains and rheumatism. In hysteria, palsy and similar disorders of debility and lack of nerve power, lavender will act as a powerful stimulant."

     The oil's actions are "Analgesic, anti-convulsive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, anti-rheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-toxic, carminative, cholagogue, choleretic, cicatrisant, cordial, cytophylactic, deodorant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hypotensive, insecticide, nervine, parasiticide, rubefacient, sedative, stimulant, sudorific, tonic, vermifuge, vulnerary."
    According to Essential oils, a guide to - by Jennie Harding p.29, tea tree oil can be used for fighting "...bacterial, viral and fungal infections such as acne, athlete's foot, cold sores, impetigo, nailbed infections, thrush, ringworm, verrucas, warts and chicken pox; eases mild inflammatory conditions such as insect bites and stings, bronchitis, cystitis, and sinusitis. Teas tree oil is also an excellent supporting oil for the immune system, and helpful for people with post-viral fatigue or recurring glandular fever." It is "Extensively used by Australian aboriginal tribes for its effectiveness in clearing infections, coughs, cold and headaches. In particular, tea tree's ability to clear bacteria, now known worldwide, emerged when a Dr Penfold carried out research into the oil in 1923. He found it to be 12 times more effective at killing bacteria than the standard hospital disinfectant at the time - carbolic acid. For this reason, tea tree is also an increasingly popular component of shampoos, soaps and cosmetics."    

Using essential oils

Essential oils can be used for baths - a couple of drops of pure (non-diluted) lavender oil into a bath for example; steam inhalations - a few drops of essential oil (e.g. mint) into hot water that is inhaled; diffusers and vaporisers; massage.

 
References

Aromatherapy, A guide for home use - by Christine Westwood

Aromatherapy - by Nicola Jenkins

Aromatherapy - by Christine Wildwood
Complementary Health, The Hamlyn Encyclopaedia to - by Nikki Bradford [et al.]

Essential oils, a guide to - by Jennie Harding

Essential oils, The encyclopedia of - by Julia Lawless
Oil, Lavender - by Julia Lawless

Crystal Healing

Introduction

Do crystals have energies? If they do, can we feel them? Can we sense them? Do crystals have different energies? If so, can we identify these differences? The crystal therapist would answer "Yes" to all of these questions. Can anyone 'sense' crystal energies and therefore distinguish them from each other? What about sceptics? Would they be able to sense energies or is it just for people who believe in crystal energies? Crystals are supposed to work through energy. In crystal therapy, crystals which have spiritual significance (e.g. clear quartz is good for the crown chakra) or healing benefits are laid out in specific crystal 'layouts'. In this practice, crystals are used therapeutically to heal through facilitating their energies. 

Layouts

Chakras

In order to cleanse the seven chakras, particular groups of crystals are used. White or purple crystals are used for the crown chakra, because their colour is associated with that particular chakra. For example, clear quartz or amethyst. These crystals can also be used for the brow chakra, which is supposed to be located in the centre of the forehead. The crystals with the appropiate colour are laid down ontop of each chakra.

Chakra crystals

Red crystals are used for treating the root or base chakra, whilst orange crystals are used for treating the sacral chakra, yellow crystals for the solar plexus chakra, green crystals for the heart chakra, turquoise crystals for the throat chakra, indigo crystals for the brow chakra and, lastly, purple or white crystals for the crown chakra. 

     On the post on reflexology, it is discussed how physical illness and energy blockages are linked. In work with crystals, there are crystals that are supposed to be suitable for healing, or aiding the treatment of ailments, such as headaches. There are numerous books on the 'metaphysical' properties of different crystals, including what crystals can treat what ailments and chakras. However, if someone discovered in a book on crystals that red jasper was good for grounding and that it could also heal their joint pain, if the person believed in what the book said, they are susceptible to the suggestion that red jasper could help them feel more "grounded" and more susceptible to the suggestion that red jasper could heal their joint pain. Hence, the person may place a red jasper crystal on their ailed joint, and also a red jasper on top of their root chakra (which is supposed to be located in the reproductive region), and, some time later, they may believe that they feel more "grounded" and that their joint pain has gone or has improved. Yet it may not have been down to the crystal's "energy" at all, but rather down to psychological processes or principles, such as classical conditioning. In a social situation, more psychology may be apparent, including conformity, because the person may feel, even subconsciously, to feel obliged to "feel" or "sense" something when in a group, or feel obliged to report having had a similar response or sensation whilst holding a particular stone that is in accord to what the rest of the group thought they had experienced. If the person thinks that another member or members of the group is correct in their stating that a crystal gives a particular reaction (e.g. tingling in the fingers whilst the crystal is held), the person may be more inclined to have a similar experience with the same type of crystal. Or they may wish to report a similar experience to help with their position in the group (that he or she has a lot in common with everyone else as they have similar experiences to them), in order to be liked more.

Crystal 'wands'

 

 Crystal 'wands' (crystals with a point on the end/s) are used point-wise to channel energy into the person's body and aura. A number of these may be laid around the recipient, with all their points pointing towards the recipient's body to draw in energy in order to heal or energise them.

Does this crystal have an 'energy'?

If the crystal therapist feels that the recipient has an excess of energy in their body, they may reverse the wands so that their points face outwards, to draw excess energy out into space from the recipient's body. The wands can also be held by the crystal therapist who may decide that a chakra is blocked (such as the root chakra) and may circle over the chakra clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending on what chakra it is and the natural way of movement for it. Generally, the energy for chakras is thought to move clockwise (possibly this may only be attributed to the 'higher chakras' of the crown, brown, throat and heart and that the 'lower chakras' of the solar plexus, sacral and root have energy flowing in an anti-clockwise manner).

    Supposedly, if one was to hold a crystal wand with its point just above the centre of their palm, slowly moving the crystal wand clockwise, it is possible to "feel" the energy of the palm chakra, either as a moving prick or tracing sensation on the hand it is down over or as some sort of warmth or tingling in association of the movement. However, the person doing the crystal wand over their hand knows full well that it is happening, so may wrongly attribute the crystal wand's movements with sensations that they coincidentally feel with the hand it is done on, or they may imagine the physical sensations, especially if they believe that the crystal wand is doing something, at least something with crystal energy.

    

Chakra crystals

Crystals are mainly used in crystal therapy in accordance to their colours and perceived qualities, including for their supposed effect on the chakras. 

Red crystals

Anything that is red is said to be good for the root or base chakra. Red tomatoes or peppers, red apples, red plastic shelves perhaps (only joking - those aren't edible anyway!). However, it touches on the concept of colour healing, in which colour is used for its therapeutic effect on the chakras and also on the psychological state of the person. For some crystals that are used for the base chakra, please refer to Figure 2. Some crystals are unmarked as their identity is currently unknown. Red jasper, as pictured in Figure 2, according to Judy Hall's The Crystal Bible, p.156 "...is gently stimulating. It grounds energy and rectifies unjust situations. Red jasper brings problems to light before they become too big and provides insights into the most difficult situations. It makes an excellent "worry bead", calming the emotions when played with." 

This extract does raise some questions, however:

1. How did the author get the information about how the crystal can be used? 

2. Is the information based on the data from a survey of people, from the feedback they gave after their treatments with crystals?

3. Is the information based on personal opinion or experience?

4. What scientific evidence is there that the crystals do as the author claims?

5. In the final sentence, the author says that red jasper is an excellent "worry bead" when played with. But this may be due to the person playing absent-mindedly with the crystal whilst they are daydreaming or in a meditative state and consequently find it beneficial with regard to worry, without being associated with the crystal in any way. 

Also, when "Placed under the pillow, it helps dream recall. Red jasper stimulates the base chakras and assists rebirthing. It cleans and stabilizes the aura, and strengthens your boudaries. This is a stone of health, strengthening and detoxifying the circulatory system, the blood, and liver. It dissolves blockages in the liver or bile ducts." This raises the following questions:

1. If the crystal "helps dream recall", does this mean that when placed under a person's pillow each night, they will remember ALL the dreams they had each night?

2. In what way does red jasper "assist rebirthing"? What is the context? Emotionally? Spiritually? Physically? Psychologically?

3. What is the context of the "strengthening of your boundaries" (similar question to Question 2)?

4. If red jasper "is a stone of health", does this mean that anyone who uses red jasper becomes completely healthy? By "health" does it mean psychological, physical, mental, or/and psychological?

5. Have any of these claims been proved scientifically, such as improved dream recall and an improvement of health, in controlled experiments (unlikely)?

6. Why is it that the statements are rather vague, resulting in 'reading into' the statements?

7. What would happen if someone misunderstood or misinterpreted some of the statements and used the crystal assuming the crystal helped something slightly different?

8. What scientific evidence is there for any of the claims the author makes for red jasper, particularly for when they state that the crystal "strengthens and detoxifies the circulatory system, the blood, and liver" or that that crystal "dissolves blockages in the liver or bile ducts"?

9. In what way does the crystal "strengthens and detoxifies the circulatory system, the blood, and liver" or  "dissolves blockages in the liver or bile ducts"? Does it do these physically? Energetically (such as energy blockages associated with the liver, etc)? Or some other level?

   In meditations, people have different experiences. Some people may visualise themselves to be in a woodland, where they meet elves or fairies; others may visualise themselves underground, where they visit gnomes or aliens. Even if one person was to visualise themselves in a woodland, for example, whilst another person also saw themselves in a woodland, it is highly unlikely that, if they were each to draw what their woodlands looked like on a piece of paper, the drawings would be identical. In the same way, meditations with crystal result in different experiences. Some people may experience something with the crystal which is contrary to what the book says the crystal helps with or facilitates. Meditation is subjective; it cannot be entirely predicted what one person may experience in it. 

Programming crystals

Crystals, according to p.31,  The Power of Crystals by Denise Whichello Brown, can be programmed, although "The most suitable crystals for programming are clear quartz crystals, which are colourless. (Coloured crystals already have their own programmes of use - suggested by their colour - by virtue of their vibrational and mineral compositions.)"

     This suggests that crystals such as clear quartz and Herkimer diamond do not have a "program" for healing. It would also suggest that if someone had given a negative program for healing to, for example, a clear quartz crystal, before giving it to a charity shop or re-selling it, that whoever buys that crystal (maybe for healing purposes) will be affected by its negative "programme" in some way. But in practice, will that "programme" be picked up on somehow by its new owner, or will they assume that the crystal is reprogrammed, so will not be affected by its previous owner's negative programme - not that it should matter, because in this scenario the new owner will programme the crystal again with their own one?

     Why would someone want to "programme" a crystal? For healing purposes - particularly if the owner practices crystal healing on people; or for self-help purposes, such as to try and heal a wound or some other ailment; or for psychic or spiritual development (with regard to clairvoyance or intuition, etc.).  Whichello Brown explains on p.32 how to programme a crystal, after deciding on the particular thing you would want to programme it for. "Once you have decided on your intent, hold your crystal in front of your heat chakra ... and take a few deep breaths to focus your consciousness and feel your connection."

    Before moving onto the last step, there are some questions that must be considered:

1. What is 'consciousness'? Is it the mind? Usually, consciousness is described as the 'soul', but in this context, does the author mean the mind? If she doesn't then what does she mean by 'consciousness'?

2. How do you 'focus' your consciousness? 

   "Then lift the crystal to your third eye chakra ... and state your intention clearly, either aloud or non-verbally. Say, for example, 'I programme this crystal to be used for healing, meditation, manifestation and communication with the angelic realms.' Repeat your intention several times to make your purpose clear. You will know intuitively when the programming is complete. When it is, detach your consciousness from the programmed crystal and put it down.'" This raises some more questions:

1. Why do you need to lift the crystal "to your third eye chakra" and "state your intention clearly"? Is this so that the third eye chakra understands or acts on the intention for the crystal's purpose? Why? How?

2. Will the intention's effect be measurable scientifically or tangibly? If so, how?

3. How will it be possible to know 'intuitively' when the programming is complete? 

4. How do you 'detach your consciousness' from the "programmed crystal"?

Informative Social Conformity

Introduction

According to A Student's Dictionary of Psychology, by Nicky Hayes and Peter Stratton  p.61, conformity is "...The social process by which  people in a group or in a social situation engage in behaviour which appears to be socially acceptable, that is, they go along with the social expectations apparent at the time."
      Informative social conformity, according to http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/social-conformity-definition-social-vs-informational.html#lesson "...is conformity that occurs because of the desire to be correct. In Asch's experiment, some of the participants stated that they believed they must be wrong since no one else agreed with them. They changed their answer so that they would be 'right.' Informational conformity is so named because we believe that it gives us information that we did not previously have. For example, imagine you walk into a food court at a mall. There are three stalls open, yet the entire crowd is seated and eating in front of only one of them. Would you, as the newcomer, assume that that particular stall has the best food because everyone else is eating there?

Informational conformity typically comes from the thought of, 'They must know something I don't know.' In many situations, we are unsure of how to act or what to say. So, another example of informational conformity is when we travel to other countries. Typically, we're unsure of how to act and rely on our observations of others to point us in the right direction. When we change our behaviour based on the actions of the locals, we are demonstrating informational conformity."
    
      

            Informative Social Conformity: Applications 

                                                      Mediumship and psychic development circles

 Mediumship (and psychic) development circles are not secluded from involving psychology. Indeed, it is an interesting area to study psychology in a social-type context. Informative social conformity is no different. During a mediumship circle, in which different people give someone a mediumistic reading, informative social conformity can occur, even if it is not necessarily intended. Whilst it could be seen by spiritualists that a particular feature is picked up on by more than one person and so, therefore, is "evidence" that it came from a spiritual source, it is seen very differently from a psychologist's perspective and is an example of 'informative social conformity'. 

     For example, imagine that one person saw a deceased person and began to describe what they looked like to the recipient (another member of the circle). "She's got brown hair, shoulder-length and is a very feminine lady," Person 1 (a developing medium) tells the recipient. The host medium then asks another person - Person 2 - to give the recipient a reading. Most likely, Person 2 will have taken in what details Person 1 had given and will shape their reading to the recipient as to fit what Person 1 had said (so they are assuming that the details given by Person 1 were correct and do not attempt to give information that would go against Person 1's reading). "She likes to wear necklaces, high-shoes and ..." Person 2 states. Essentially, Person 1 gave Person 2's reading a sort of "structure" on which they could base their reading. There may also be some overlap or even repetition. Because it has been said that the deceased person was rather feminine, Person 2 does not need to try too hard, because they could just not try at the "real" mediumship (acquiring information with the mind through getting into a meditative, relaxed state of mind or trance with a mind empty of mundane thoughts and 'open' to information that may present itself through mental imagery -'clairvoyance' - or mental sounds - 'clairaudience' - or intuitive impressions or feelings. Not necessarily from a spiritual source, as the information could just come from the medium's subconscious mind.) and, in fact, the Person 2 could describe a rather stereotypical feminine lady without even attempting 'proper' mediumship (described above). So if Person does not try too hard and bases their information on what Person 1 had said, it is not only an example of informative social conformity but, also, is a case of social loafing, in which one person works harder or puts more effort into an activity (Person 1), than other people who put less effort in (Person 2). 

      After Person 2, informative social conformity and social loafing become increasingly likely to occur, because as the previous people described the spirit person, the people after don't need to try to hard and base their information on that given, for instance, by Persons A and B who had been before them. Of course, it would be impossible for the host medium to pick up on this happening (if he or she has any knowledge of psychology, of course) because it is in a setting in which each individual is supposed to be doing mediumship (channelling spirits) and since each person uses their mind to do so, if they use some other process or technique to that of mediumship, the medium would not know. The developing mediums, such as Person 2, may not be aware of it, either, because they may be giving information that 'comes' to their mind (which their mind may have acquired, based on information given by Person 1) and so Person 2 may just get 'information' that appears in their mind that may not have come from their subconscious mind or a mind of an incarnate entity. Essentially, the information may have come, instead, from the conscious mind or a part of the mind to do with memory - the hippocampus perhaps - that is involved in short term memory. 

    Mediumistic readings become easier to do for Persons 3, 4, 5 and 6, for the reasons given above. Whether they do use mediumship or not is up to their own minds and they may not even be aware of it if they are not using mediumship. Person 6's reading should be easiest, because, as with all of the Persons 3, 4 and 5, they can repeat certain bits - such as the shoes and femininity - regardless of whether they actually picked up on them or not, because it makes it easier to do the reading. For someone who doesn't do it properly, they can do this 'hot reading' deliberately to make it seem that they are doing mediumship properly - making it appear that they are picking up on the same information from/about the spirit like the others. 

    

Energy sensing

As already been stated, just because something stated by one person is consequently repeated by someone else, does not mean that:

a) the first person's statement was correct

b) the information was got through paranormal means (e.g. from a spiritual source)

Figure 1

This is also true for workshops and groups (including psychic and mediumship development groups that also do this activity occasionally) that involve trying to "feel" or "sense" energy. Whilst it is inappropriate in Reiki healing "share" sessions for Person 2 to place their hands in exactly the same places as Person 1 did, in order to give Reiki to the recipient, since Reiki had already been given to that area of the body, informative social conformity and social loafing can still occur in other situations involving energy work, which are focussed on sensing energy. 

    For example, imagine there is a workshop based in an ancient stone circle, with all involved trying to "feel" the energy of the standing stones, concentrating on one in particular (Stone 1). The host of the group, Mary, asks people (Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4) to individually try and "feel" the energy of the stone. Already, the suggestion has been given that Stone 1 has some sort of energy that can be felt - presumably thermic, since Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4 are asked to lay both hands on a different area of the stone to each other and are supposed to be sensing the energy with their hands (see Figure 1). Each person is asked to report back if they get anything. After a while:

• Person 1 notices that their hands are feeling very warm
• Person 2 feels tingling/pins and need sensations in their hands - the left more than the right
• Person 3 gets quite drowsy and sleepy
• Person 4 gets light-headed and thinks they can feel the kundalini running through their body

Each participant got an individual response which they each attributed to the stone.Furthermore, Persons 1, 2 and 4 report that the stone had 'hot spots' on which they'd placed their hands. However, this is perfectly explainable, since the stone had been heated by the sun earlier in the day and had retained the heat. 

  Why did each person get a different reaction? For one thing, they were all different. Person 1 may have felt quite cool prior to touching the stone, so may have been more inclined to noticed the stone feeling very warm, whilst Person 2 was perhaps a little bit not quite down to earth - perhaps she is also quite sensitive and is rather meditative; Person 3 was probably quite tired and needed a good rest and was prone to getting into a drowsy, sleepy state during the energy-sensing activity; whilst, finally, Person 4 was probably rather spiritual and dream - maybe also a dedicated meditator.

   Of course, maybe the response to energy is subjective and perhaps its interpretation is subject to one's state of mind. Anyway, so Persons 1, 2, 3 and 4 remark on what they got. Persons 5, 6, 7 and 8 go and do energy sensing, but because they overheard what ther others had got, they are prone to suggestion and informative social conformity. They heard that Person 1 had felt hot spots on a particular area of the stone, so at least one person will want to feel that for themselves and because they are open to the suggestion and perhaps due to believing that Person 1 is correct, they will find evidence to support Person 1's idea of a hot spot area. They will feel heat in their hands. Person 1 was correct! There is definitely a hot spot over here! They might think. It will strengthen their belief that Stone 1 has an energy and that they are feeling it now.
     So now another person (Person 5) has also felt the "hot spot" and he/she will mention it to the others - Persons 6, 7 and 8 who will also place their hands over the same area to see if they can feel it too.


See also: Psychology