| Abstract/Results: | ABSTRACT
This study explored the nature and correlates of experiences in a psychomanteum procedure (e.g., Moody, 1992; Moody & Perry, 1993) and is an extension of Radin and Rebman’s (1996) research. Our work explored several correlates of exceptional experiences (ExE) in the psychomanteum. Hypotheses compared synesthetes and non synesthetes on ExE and the rated vividness, reality and spatial nature of ExE. We also planned to explore correlations between the presence of anomalies and their experiential qualities and RNG output (Z scores), measures of electromagnetism (EMF meter output and AP values) and psychophysiology (Heart rate variability or HRV). Creativity and boundary thinness will correlate with the experiential qualities of ExE. The qualitative nature of ExE will also be explored. Participants completed the Fantasy Questionnaire (Weibel, Martarelli, Häberli, & Mast, 2017), the Rasch version of the revised Transliminality scale (Lange, Thalbourne, Houran, & Storm, 2000); the Boundary Questionnaire (short) (Hartmann, 1991), one question about synesthetic experiences (Hartmann, 1991). Synesthetes also provided details about their synesthesia and completed the Synesthesia Battery (Eagleman, Kagan, Nelson, Sagaram & Sarna, 2007). Materials included; an intention questionnaire, art materials, a post session questionnaire and a semi-structured interview schedule. Apparatus included a voice recorder, Emwave (by Heartmath) to measure HRV, a Psyleron RNG 3, a GQ electronics EMF meter (380), an infrared camera, a dimmable lamp, a small keyboard and simple experience sampling program that enabled a time stamp for experiences reported during the session; and a reclining chair and mirror (positioned at a 45 degree angle) that were placed into a psychomanteum chamber. A track playing nature sounds and the track Weightless by Marconi Union were employed and a house plant was placed outside the chamber. Thirty people participated (15 reported a prior experience with apparitions and 15 also had synesthetic tendencies). Baseline readings of EMF (in milliGauss) and RNG were taken and the empty chamber was filmed for 45 minutes. Nature sounds were played as the participant arrived. The study was described and participants signed a consent form. Then, baseline HRV measurements were taken. During a 15-minute intention session, participants listened to relaxing music and attempted to bring a deceased person into their mind. Suggestions and art materials were provided. Participants entered the psychomanteum and were fitted with the HRV sensor. A voice recorder was placed in the room. Participants were asked to relax and gaze at a tilted mirror, keeping the person they wanted to experience in mind and being open to experiences. They were given a small keyboard and invited to press a button if they had a sense of presence or visual experience. An infrared camera and RNG were started and the levels of electromagnetism were monitored for 45 minutes. Participants were interviewed and art materials were provided. Then, a post session questionnaire was completed. A follow up questionnaire was sent 1 week later. Data collection was completed at the end of April, 2019. The findings will shed light on individual differences, physiological and environmental correlates of intentional apparitional experiences.
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Reference:
| Simmonds-Moore, C., O’Gwin, C., & Steder, M. (2019). Using a psychomanteum to explore the nature and correlates of subjective apparitional experiences. Abstract book of the 62nd Annual Convention of the Parapsychological Association (pp. 63-64). Paris, France.
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