Some Scientific Aspects of Mediumship

The Hypothesis at Hand:

Science is defined as the objective search for truth.  In the past and even present states of science many researchers have had a difficulty seeing the line of objective research and subjective experiences and for this exact reason Mediumistic and Psychic phenomena have had a 'pseudo-science' label placed on it.  That said, one can only see so many reports of subjective paranormal experiences before one has to ask the question:

 'If so many people have experienced the hereafter through their own eyes or the eyes of a Medium, is there something measurable being overlooked within this phenomena and if so; what is it?'

The quest for truth has never been more pertinent and as accessible in the history of the earth as it is right now.  We have machines and instruments for measuring brain waves, brain function, electromagnetism, levels of consciousness and biofeedback.  We also have devices that can alter the perception of the mind and systems that can allow the mind to do things that we never thought were capable.  However what is often overlooked is how none of these things (ie: brain harmonics, hypnosis, consciousness altering sound) would even be possible if the seeds or the ability wasn't already present within every person.  I have always believed that if we can do something spectacular one time - we can do it again. 

The Brain Map of Extra Sensory Perception:

There are three parts of the brain that are theorized to control extra-sensory perception.  These are the temporal and frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex as well as the pineal gland.  Below I have outlined where these parts of the brain are anatomically and have defined them physiologically as well as how they correspond to the faculty of ESP and Mediumship.

The Anatomy:

   

The Physiology:

The Frontal Lobe

Sensory Physiology

The Frontal Lobe is the part of the brain which retains memory and regulates which memories are formed from repetitive tasks versus which memories are formed from emotional experiences.  The frontal lobe also helps us to determine how to respond to certain situations appropriately and what the 'good and bad, better and best' choices are for how we interact with the universe around us. 

Extra-Sensory Physiology

I would suggest that the ability to discern which type of experience one is having would be derived from the function of this part of the brain.  The very first aspect of a mediumistic connection is to realize that the experience at hand differs from the normative experiences the individual is used to having on a daily basis.  As a mediumistic experience begins to unfold The person may feel slightly different.  They may notice changes within their body that include a change in perception, vision, smell, hearing etc.  They may also get a sensation throughout their body.  These changes are often subtle and for many may go un-noticed.  However, to someone who takes time to realize these changes occur it may mean connection with the Spirit World.

The Temporal Lobe

Sensory Physiology

At the physical level the temporal lobe is the house of our subjective experiences. Both sides (right and left) have a large impact on how we perceive our environment.  For example in the pathophysiology of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy many doctors notice that patients who suffer from this condition experience unexplained 'clairvoyant or clairaudient' sensations. In the case of migraine headaches which originate in the temporal lobes many patients experience aura visibility and light sensitivity.  While these two conditions aren't directly implicated in psychic and mediumistic phenomena they are still speculated as a sideline or associate indicator of psychic phenomena. The greatest historical example of an individual experiencing Temporal Lobe Dysfunction with both epilepsy and migraine headaches is Joan of Arc (1412-1431 ACE) who was able to make major predictions about the future of France.

Extra-Sensory Physiology

Because the Temporal Lobes house our subjective experiences and are hardwired for being the 'interpreter' of our environment we automatically see that any sentient abilities or extra-sensory perceptions would be associated with this particular area of the brain.  This part of the brain would be the part that would allow us to interpret the messages of Spirit.

The Pineal Gland 

Sensory Physiology

The Pineal Gland helps us to regulate our sleep and waking cycles through the release of Melatonin as well as conducts or directs our levels of consciousness.  When the Pineal gland is more active it invigorates the body and mind for action for any given purpose.  When it is less active is creates the optimal physiological environment for sleep, meditation or shifts in consciousness.  At the end of life (or near death experiences) the Pineal gland has the ability to release the compound DMT or Dimethyltriptamine - a powerful neurotransmitter that can have psychedelic effects including hallucinations, or perceived extensions of reality.

Extra-Sensory Physiology

The combination of melatonin,seratonin and DMT production would make the Pineal Gland the optimal part of the brain to elongate a psychic experience.  When someone induces a mediumistic trance their melatonin production would begin to raise - deepening their own level of consciousness usually from Alpha Waves to Theta Waves.  The Theta waves are theorized to be the level of consciousness one is operating at while having a psychic or mediumistic experience. 

The Physiological Flow of a Mediumistic Experience

1)Melatonin production raises: The boundaries between the conscious mind and subconscious mind begin to blur allowing the persons perceived limitations of their own abilities to lower. 

2) DMT Release Takes Place: With the release of a minute amount of DMT the extended view of reality is allowed to take place. 

3) The Mind Notices The Body's Changes:The Frontal Lobe would then begin to notice a change in environment or physiological changes within the body.

4) The Experience Unfolds: The Temporal Lobe would house the subjective experience allowing the Medium to communicate with the departed.  The Spirit World's messages would be superimposed on the common reality with the following faculties:

·         Clairvoyance: Seeing

·         Clairaudience: Hearing

·         Clairsentience: Feeling

·         Clairgustance: Tasting

·         Clairambience: Smelling

·         Claircognizance: Knowing

·         and others.

Traumatic Experiences and Psychic Phenomena

It is absolutely shown that in individuals who have experienced trauma or near death occurrences psychic and mediumistic ability is seen to be more readily accessed.  This may be because of a raised level of DMT and Cortisol (Stress Hormone) making it easier for the person to experience the changes in consciousness or perceived extensions of reality. 

The Superimposition of The Spirit World

Everything in our world works on the principles of vibration, frequency and resonance.  When Spirit lowers their vibration and we begin to raise our own we can often meet half-way. The physiological or scientific changes that take place within our body raise the vibration of our mind.  Because the Spirit World is so close to our own the Clair abilities or Extra-Sensory Faculties do not appear physically, they are superimposed visions, sounds or sensations.

The Development of The Extra-Sensory Faculty

All sentient beings have the capacity to develop extra-sensory perception.  If a person chooses to become more sensitive to the subtle messages that their body gives them and to trust those sensitivities then they have the connection to Spirit.  The training of how one becomes a Medium is often more so training in how to deliver the messages that they are already perceiving.

 

Animals and Extra-Sensory Perception

The eye sees 90% more than what we consciously perceive.  If the brain doesn't have believe in limitation the mind will have no judgment of it.

Animals do not discriminate their experiences like we, as humans, do.  Because they have no judgment of what they believe they can do versus what they can actually do they are mentally more capable of having psychic experiences. 

Conclusion

Modern science is at the verge of beginning to see what our ancestral and anthropological science discovered eons ago.  As stated at the beginning of this paper, one can only have so many subjective experiences before the mind begins to look for objective evidence.  We as humans are constantly searching for definitions, reasoning and facts however as all of life's experiences are seen we must first look within ourselves.

By: Matthew Stapley

For: Rev. Judy Merrill, Church of Spiritual Wisdom.