Science Research Committee
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Sir William Crookes
Credit: Wellcome Library, London. Wellcome Images |
Sir Oliver Lodge
Credit: Lafayette Ltd, via Wikimedia Commons |
Mission
To examine and disseminate past, recent, and ongoing scientific research concerning human consciousness after physical death, including communication from discarnate individuals.
To examine and disseminate past, recent, and ongoing scientific research concerning human consciousness after physical death, including communication from discarnate individuals.
Accuracy and Neural Correlates of Blinded Mediumship Compared to Controls
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Principal Investigator: Arnaud Delorme, Ph.D.
Program Areas: Consciousness and Healing
Research Focus: Can we access information not limited by space and time?
Research Question: Can mediums gain verifiable information using means not yet understood by modern science?
Genetics and Psychic Ability
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Investigators: Dean Radin and Helané Wahbeh
Implicit Beliefs in the Study of Experimenter Effects in the Replication of Psi Experiments
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Investigator: Arnaud Delorme
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Principal Investigator: Arnaud Delorme, Ph.D.
Program Areas: Consciousness and Healing
Research Focus: Can we access information not limited by space and time?
Research Question: Can mediums gain verifiable information using means not yet understood by modern science?
Genetics and Psychic Ability
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Investigators: Dean Radin and Helané Wahbeh
Implicit Beliefs in the Study of Experimenter Effects in the Replication of Psi Experiments
Institute of Noetic Sciences
Investigator: Arnaud Delorme
Spiritualism_and_science--reflections_on_the_first_decade_of_the_spirit_rappings.pdf
R. Laurence Moore, American Quarterly, Vol. 24, No. 4 (Oct., 1972), pp. 474-500
R. Laurence Moore, American Quarterly, Vol. 24, No. 4 (Oct., 1972), pp. 474-500
A physiological examination of perceived incorporation during trance
Helané Wahbeh, Cedric Cannard, Jennifer Okonsky, and Arnaud Delorme, F1000 Research, 8:67, 2019; last updated Feb. 21, 2019.
Helané Wahbeh, Cedric Cannard, Jennifer Okonsky, and Arnaud Delorme, F1000 Research, 8:67, 2019; last updated Feb. 21, 2019.
Exploring the Effects of Mediumship on Hope, Resilience, and Post-Traumatic Growth in the Bereaved
C. Cox, C. Cooper, and M. D. Smith, J. Exceptional Experiences and Psychology, 5(2), 6-15, 2017.
C. Cox, C. Cooper, and M. D. Smith, J. Exceptional Experiences and Psychology, 5(2), 6-15, 2017.
Diana and Alan Bennett ITC
09/ 2016 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
Extracted from The Spiritual Scientist Bulletin, Winter 2002.
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
09/ 2016 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
Extracted from The Spiritual Scientist Bulletin, Winter 2002.
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
Alan and Diana Bennett
Most people interested in physical phenomena know about the Scole Experiments. The four members of the Scole Experimental Group (Sandra and Robin Foy and Diana and Alan Bennett) sat over a period of four years. The Spirit Team at Scole was prolific, using a new spirit-world technology that did not require the use of ectoplasm for the production of physical phenomena. Phenomena included solid spirit beings and fifty small objects received as apports. People, such as psychic researchers from the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), witnessed physical phenomena, including pictures, handwriting, symbols, and messages that appeared on factory-sealed unopened photographic film.
The phenomenal success of the group and their Spirit Team resulted in the book The Scole Experiment, by Grant and Jane Solomon and 32 issues of The Spiritual Scientist Bulletin, a quarterly magazine, which was temporarily retired with the Winter 2002 issue.
With the sadness of seeing the last publication of the Bulletin also came excitement. The Scole mediums Diana and Alan Bennett have been exploring their own particular interests in psychic phenomena and healing. They felt that they owed so much to those in the higher realms and knew in their hearts that they would continue to experiment in one way or another. Alan wrote,
“I have always seen in my mind’s eye, a phoenix rising from the ashes with renewed vigor to live through another cycle. Diana has always had that wonderful gift of ‘far sight’ and receiving guidance in her dreams, so it was no surprise when she told me that she had ‘seen’ the two of us working together again. She was told how we should take the first step in the form of a shared experience. We followed her vision of a simple experiment using a crystal, where the two of us linked together mentally and shared a journey of exploration.
“This experience was incredible; as we were both shown such wonders and places. We were guided by a sentient being through a wonderful ‘magical mystery tour’ where we met another being whom we conversed with. Through several other forms of communication, we were shown how to set up an experiment that would, they explained, enable us to glimpse into other worlds (dimensions). We found that it was necessary to continue to follow our intuition, and to be ‘guided’ by them, if we were to achieve satisfactory results. It has required total dedication and perseverance as well as an open but still discerning mind.
“Before I continue, I would like to mention one very important factor, and that is that old chestnut ‘total darkness.’ We were ‘guided’ to do this new work in full light. After so much criticism in the past regarding physical phenomena obtained in total darkness, we decided that we would only continue to work as mediums in full light. This has proven not to be prohibitive in anyway whatsoever, as we have achieved very encouraging results.
“These experiments are primarily attempts to see into, and capture, visions of other dimensions of existence. To be more precise, these visions are more like frozen images or pictures, of different moments in time as we look into these dimensions.”
Since that first experiment, the Bennetts have conducted many more experiments, progressing and building on what they have learned. Alan told us, “It seems that the possibilities are endless, as we modify and introduce other equipment into the experiments. The experiments are based on the idea that there are dimensions not only beyond our own but within them also. By using a combination of electronic and photographic equipment coupled to image-enhancement computer software (for magnification purposes only), we have been fortunate enough to obtain fleeting glimpses into these ‘other’ dimensions during our experimental sessions. The experiments also require focused visualization by the two of us to create a central focal point for the experiment.”
The phenomenal success of the group and their Spirit Team resulted in the book The Scole Experiment, by Grant and Jane Solomon and 32 issues of The Spiritual Scientist Bulletin, a quarterly magazine, which was temporarily retired with the Winter 2002 issue.
With the sadness of seeing the last publication of the Bulletin also came excitement. The Scole mediums Diana and Alan Bennett have been exploring their own particular interests in psychic phenomena and healing. They felt that they owed so much to those in the higher realms and knew in their hearts that they would continue to experiment in one way or another. Alan wrote,
“I have always seen in my mind’s eye, a phoenix rising from the ashes with renewed vigor to live through another cycle. Diana has always had that wonderful gift of ‘far sight’ and receiving guidance in her dreams, so it was no surprise when she told me that she had ‘seen’ the two of us working together again. She was told how we should take the first step in the form of a shared experience. We followed her vision of a simple experiment using a crystal, where the two of us linked together mentally and shared a journey of exploration.
“This experience was incredible; as we were both shown such wonders and places. We were guided by a sentient being through a wonderful ‘magical mystery tour’ where we met another being whom we conversed with. Through several other forms of communication, we were shown how to set up an experiment that would, they explained, enable us to glimpse into other worlds (dimensions). We found that it was necessary to continue to follow our intuition, and to be ‘guided’ by them, if we were to achieve satisfactory results. It has required total dedication and perseverance as well as an open but still discerning mind.
“Before I continue, I would like to mention one very important factor, and that is that old chestnut ‘total darkness.’ We were ‘guided’ to do this new work in full light. After so much criticism in the past regarding physical phenomena obtained in total darkness, we decided that we would only continue to work as mediums in full light. This has proven not to be prohibitive in anyway whatsoever, as we have achieved very encouraging results.
“These experiments are primarily attempts to see into, and capture, visions of other dimensions of existence. To be more precise, these visions are more like frozen images or pictures, of different moments in time as we look into these dimensions.”
Since that first experiment, the Bennetts have conducted many more experiments, progressing and building on what they have learned. Alan told us, “It seems that the possibilities are endless, as we modify and introduce other equipment into the experiments. The experiments are based on the idea that there are dimensions not only beyond our own but within them also. By using a combination of electronic and photographic equipment coupled to image-enhancement computer software (for magnification purposes only), we have been fortunate enough to obtain fleeting glimpses into these ‘other’ dimensions during our experimental sessions. The experiments also require focused visualization by the two of us to create a central focal point for the experiment.”
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Diana writes, “The images pictured here were obtained with the use of an ordinary camera and a good lens (not digital). The process requires us to strategically place crystals, according to instructions given by spirit. (This varies with each experiment.) Light is focused over the crystal area, some through mirrors, colored filters, and/or reflective surfaces. We intuitively know when it is the optimum time to take the picture. When the pictures are developed, they are digitized, enlarged, and then examined using Photoshop®. As you can see, the images and colors are fascinating. Sometimes, the images take up most of the frame, sometimes only a small part.”
What excites Alan is that, “this new approach is only now possible with the advancement in electronics and the related computer technologies. Therefore, where will we be and what will we discover in the years ahead?” We are very excited to be able to report on Diana and Alan’s work and thank them for sharing some of the results that they have achieved. |
Articles continued
Diana and Alan Bennett ITC
09/ 2016 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
From https://atransc.org/visual-itc-bennett2/
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
We are pleased to be able to share with you some of our more recent work in the field of ITC imaging.
Since our Scole Group days, Diana and I have been continuing our work in trans-dimensional imaging. As some of you may know, this new work has taken us on quite a different path from those interesting experiments back in 1996–1997. In those days, we relied entirely on spirit communication for direction. Now it is a combination of communication and (more recently) allowing our “higher minds” to guide us.
We have felt for some time that the chances of getting good results are greatly improved if we offer as many variables as possible within the experimental framework. By this we mean, thinking of the experiments themselves as multidimensional and not just a singular attempt to get a singular result. We firmly believe that by supplying a randomized source of material for the “other side” to use, we (and they) stand a far greater chance of success. Having found a working ‘formula, we then attempt to get repeatable results until inspired to change direction.
Faces seem to be the most common results up to this time. From the many images we have, around 90% are faces or parts of faces. Sometimes the images are very small, so we cannot overemphasize the importance of studying in detail when checking the results.
Our current experiments mainly take the form of a joint meditative session, where we raise our consciousness and focus together on our objective for that experiment. The equipment is preconfigured and ready to run, allowing us to focus on providing the best energy conditions. We usually have several “takes” during a typical session, again leaving it to what feels right.
09/ 2016 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
From https://atransc.org/visual-itc-bennett2/
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
We are pleased to be able to share with you some of our more recent work in the field of ITC imaging.
Since our Scole Group days, Diana and I have been continuing our work in trans-dimensional imaging. As some of you may know, this new work has taken us on quite a different path from those interesting experiments back in 1996–1997. In those days, we relied entirely on spirit communication for direction. Now it is a combination of communication and (more recently) allowing our “higher minds” to guide us.
We have felt for some time that the chances of getting good results are greatly improved if we offer as many variables as possible within the experimental framework. By this we mean, thinking of the experiments themselves as multidimensional and not just a singular attempt to get a singular result. We firmly believe that by supplying a randomized source of material for the “other side” to use, we (and they) stand a far greater chance of success. Having found a working ‘formula, we then attempt to get repeatable results until inspired to change direction.
Faces seem to be the most common results up to this time. From the many images we have, around 90% are faces or parts of faces. Sometimes the images are very small, so we cannot overemphasize the importance of studying in detail when checking the results.
Our current experiments mainly take the form of a joint meditative session, where we raise our consciousness and focus together on our objective for that experiment. The equipment is preconfigured and ready to run, allowing us to focus on providing the best energy conditions. We usually have several “takes” during a typical session, again leaving it to what feels right.
Man with beard created
using a mirror; left side
is reflection of right.
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Refraction and Reflection
We have used mirrors in a variety of ways. For example, reflecting a light source back into the point of focus (where we capture the images) to give the subject depth. Have you ever looked through a simple microscope and seen how adjusting the mirror (light source) gives the object greater depth and makes it stand out against its background? This is similar to what the camera sees during our experiments. Within our light experiments, we generate a vast spectrum of color and light intensities. Some of the light frequencies generated are, of course, beyond our own visible spectrum, so the resulting light contains much more information than we realize. We may include a mirror between the source and the subject or even beyond the focal point, allowing the light to flood back onto the subject. Apart from ordinary mirrors, we have used convex and concave types to very good effect. We have also experimented with polished metallic disks such as brass (yellow) and copper (red), which have created some of the more striking images. |
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Clarity We are now experimenting with other cameras and video, trying to increase the clarity of the images. Without getting too technical, it is the resolution of the captured image that governs the quality. If you haven’t captured a particularly clear image to start with, enlarging it (often necessary) only makes it worse not better. We have found that most video cameras “off the shelf” offer a far too low resolution for what we need. Having said that, they certainly have their place and do allow us to capture a “stream” of frames all in one go. As a point of interest, we have captured at 25 frames per second but get better results at 10 fps. The reasoning behind this, again, is image (frame) quality. We also capture as a stream of individual bitmaps and not frames (more on this perhaps another time). Another factor that governs resolution and image quality is transferring your images into your computer. This requires imaging software and a “capture card” to be installed. We have found that some of these capture devices can be insufficient in their capture capabilities, so it’s money well spent when buying the best you can. Some of our best images have been obtained using ordinary photographic film. The results, whether transparencies or not, can be magnified many times without losing quality, allowing for a very fine image definition. This is due to fact we’re working with the “grain” of a film and not pixels as in digital photography. In an ideal world, we need the best of both systems, and it is to this end that we are now working toward with new equipment. |
Man looking down, apparently with his hand near his face.
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Articles continued
Diana and Alan Bennett ITC--Crystal Imaging
01/ 2020 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
First published in the Fall 2006 ATransC NewsJournal.
01/ 2020 by The Revs. Lisa and Tom Butler
Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
First published in the Fall 2006 ATransC NewsJournal.
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Interdimensional Experiments of Diana and Alan Bennett
The Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC) work of the Scole mediums Diana and Alan Bennett has been covered in the AtransC NewsJournal (no longer being published) done by The Revs. Tom and Lisa Butler a number of times. Through the presentation of the Bennetts at their Association’s conference and through the updated edition of The Scole Experiment: Scientific Evidence for Life After Death, they are able to share more of the fantastic results and experimental methods of these two famous mediums. |
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The Bennetts reflect light off of crystals and then take images. Here is a picture of their setup (right). Paranormal faces are found in resulting images. The examples shown here display the flaws, facets, and textures of the natural quartz crystal used in the experiment. Keep in mind that these characteristics of the crystal may help to make the phenomenal features possible, so a perfect crystal may not be as desirable. |
A film camera mounted on a tripod and pointing down at an illuminated crystal. Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
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Diagram of the crystal experiment. Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
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The apparent scale of the imperfections should give you some sense of how much the photograph has been enlarged to display the phenomenal feature. Also, the great enlargement is supported by very high resolution cameras. While the Bennetts are recording files of 12Mb per picture, a video camera will only produce a file of 0.9 Mb, which will not support such drastic enlargement.
During the conference, the Bennetts strongly suggested that people who plan to work with this technique should also consider the spiritual aspect of the experiment. As world-class mediums, they have learned that contact is often a function of the experimenter’s spiritual attunement. At this time, the updated version of The Scole Experiment is not available in the United States and must be purchased on Amazon.co.uk. Grant and Jane Solomon are writing a book called The Norfolk Experiment and for updates on their work visit www.thescoleexperiment.com. |
Man's face. Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
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An image of a person facing you. Copyright © Diana and Alan Bennett. All Rights Reserved.
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An image of a man’s face found in a crystal photo (above right). The top of the face is very clear, even showing his hair. He appears to have a beard. The facets of the crystal can be seen, although blurred (out of focus). This blurring is sometimes the result of the magnification, as we have to enlarge some of these images quite a lot.
The Bennetts are experimenting with refraction and reflection of light as a means of conditioning optical energy for image formation. As they explained in the updated version of the postscript of The Scole Experiment, “With our light experiments, we generate a vast spectrum of color and intensities by passing the light source through a crystal. This source itself is variable, which, in turn, causes many different light patterns and colors to be formed. Some of the light frequencies generated are, of course, beyond our own visible spectrum, so the resulting light contains much more information than we realize. We may include a mirror between the source and the crystal (focus) or beyond the focal point, allowing the light to flood back onto the subject. Apart from ordinary mirrors, we have used convex and concave mirrors to very good effect. We have also experimented with polished metallic disks such as brass (yellow) and copper (red), which have created some of the more striking images.” |
Interesting News and Other Items Concerning the Afterlife
"Death is Not Final" Debate: https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debates/death-not-final
June 16–19, 2020: 2020 Vision: Looking Forward
Hilton Durham, near Duke University
2020 Vision, a combined conference of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) and the Parapsychological Association (PA), will address the past, the present, and the future, and lay a foundation from which we can step forward in discovery. Join us for three full days of presentations, posters, panels, and networking opportunities by scholars at the vanguard of science. Open to academics and the public alike, this event will expose attendees to the latest and most rigorous research on a wide variety of conventional and unconventional topics.
For more information, go to https://meetings.parapsych.org/meeting/2020
Hilton Durham, near Duke University
2020 Vision, a combined conference of the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) and the Parapsychological Association (PA), will address the past, the present, and the future, and lay a foundation from which we can step forward in discovery. Join us for three full days of presentations, posters, panels, and networking opportunities by scholars at the vanguard of science. Open to academics and the public alike, this event will expose attendees to the latest and most rigorous research on a wide variety of conventional and unconventional topics.
For more information, go to https://meetings.parapsych.org/meeting/2020
Institutions
Academy for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies; http://ascsi.org/
Afterlife Research and Education Institute; https://www.afterlifeinstitute.org/
American Society for Psychical Research; http://www.aspr.com/index.html
Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology; http://cercaplund.blogspot.com/2010/01/about-cercap.html
Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS); https://noetic.org/
International Association for Near Death Studies, Inc.; https://iands.org/
Rhine Research Center; https://www.rhine.org/
Society for Psychical Research; https://www.spr.ac.uk/
The Search for Life After Death; https://thesearchforlifeafterdeath.com/
Journals
Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research; http://www.aspr.com/jaspr.htm
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research; http://jcer.com/index.php/jcj/index
Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology; https://exceptionalpsychology.org/
Journal of Parapsychology; https://www.parapsych.org/
Journal of Scientific Exploration; https://www.scientificexploration.org/journal
Paranormal Review; http://www.paranormalreview.com/
Institutions
Academy for Spiritual and Consciousness Studies; http://ascsi.org/
Afterlife Research and Education Institute; https://www.afterlifeinstitute.org/
American Society for Psychical Research; http://www.aspr.com/index.html
Center for Research on Consciousness and Anomalous Psychology; http://cercaplund.blogspot.com/2010/01/about-cercap.html
Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS); https://noetic.org/
International Association for Near Death Studies, Inc.; https://iands.org/
Rhine Research Center; https://www.rhine.org/
Society for Psychical Research; https://www.spr.ac.uk/
The Search for Life After Death; https://thesearchforlifeafterdeath.com/
Journals
Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research; http://www.aspr.com/jaspr.htm
Journal of Consciousness Exploration & Research; http://jcer.com/index.php/jcj/index
Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology; https://exceptionalpsychology.org/
Journal of Parapsychology; https://www.parapsych.org/
Journal of Scientific Exploration; https://www.scientificexploration.org/journal
Paranormal Review; http://www.paranormalreview.com/
