For those who were unable to attend the conference in London and for those who wanted a souvenir recording of all presentations, this is the limited edition 3-disk set.
Click on the image to order your set.
Spirit Influence on Mental Health Conference Report by Fiona Bowie
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”3″ gal_title=”SRF conference 2017″]
Scroll through for photos of the speakers
Follow this link for Dr Bowie’s report.
Sven Heck’s new book
Our dear friend and fellow traveller Sven Heck is releasing his new book soon. Reviewers are invited to download a free copy here.
Sex and the Paranormal
Reviews for The Science of Spirit Possession on Amazon
I have been horrified to learn that The Science of Spirit Possession 2nd ed is being offered for sale on Amazon for ridiculous prices, sometimes in the hundreds of pounds. This is absurd as the publisher’s recommended price is £52.99, and that is the price paid through the Amazon icon on this blog. This is still a little steep for many pockets, but the book is available straight from the publisher with a 20% discount by using the code ‘spirit20’. Here is the link. Should the discount code not work please let me know and I’ll contact the publisher.
I have a small stock of copies that I carry with me to conferences, lectures and workshops, where I sell signed copies for £25. So, if you want one at this price come to an event where I am speaking and ask me for one.
I also left a small stock at the Sokukoji Buddhist Monastery in Battle Creek, Michigan where I am confident that my friends there will let you have a copy at the 20% discounted price ($ converted) if you ask them. Here is their blog address.
Whilst checking out the price on Amazon, I was pleasantly surprised to find these excellent reviews and I sincerely thank all those who took the time and trouble to read the book and write them. Thank you all.
Amazon Reviews
“This book, based on Palmer’s Ph.D. thesis, is a scholarly and authoritative exploration into a little understood area of human experience. […] The book sets out to challenge the current orthodox position on the causes of mental problems, which it does more than adequately […] [and] for those interested in, or working with mental and psychological health, where a possible cause could be spirit intrusion in one form or another, it should be a must to have on the bookshelf.”
David Furlong, Director of the Spirit Release Forum and author of Illuminating the Shadow. Network Review: Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network, 121 (2016/2).
“The Science of Spirit Possession is a commendable book and I recommend it. […] It is refreshing to see such an erudite discourse, particularly when it comes to theory. Dr. Palmer knows the subject very well and it is evident.”
Erika A. Pratte. Journal of Exceptional Experiences and Psychology, 3: 1 (2015).
“This book contains so much valuable information for anyone who wishes to delve deeper into all aspects of the possession phenomenon, how it has been and is now being treated and all that this entails in various parts of the world.”
Martha Jette. Examiner.com, 10.1.2015.
“The Science of Spirit Possession is a book for anyone who seriously wants to examine the question of whether spirits exist and whether they can negatively affect a person emotionally and psychologically. In this book, Dr. Terence Palmer moves between the clinical evidence for the existence of spirits, on the one hand, and the search for a scientific conceptual model that can accommodate such phenomena, on the other. This book is an in-depth history of that search and argues for the model of mind and spirit developed by Cambridge scholar Frederic Myers, the 19th century co-founder of the British Society for Psychical Research. In this well-researched and well-reasoned work, Dr. Palmer offers psychology and psychiatry a scientific framework for recognizing and addressing metaphysical realities. The Science of Spirit Possession offers solid footing for those who are ready to look beyond the scientific materialism that holds us back.”
Thomas Zinser, Ed.D. Author of Soul-Centered Healing.
“This book is the longed-for sequel to the work of an illustrious line of pioneers and unnamed therapists around the world whose efforts have benefited countless sufferers of spirit possession. Now at last comes the scientific connection – so necessary for the establishment of spirit release as an accepted therapy.”
Dr. Alan Sanderson. Consultant psychiatrist, Founding chair of the Spirit Release Foundation.
“I perceive this book to be not only a compendium of a vast number of exciting ideas and findings by many of the most knowledgeable psychical researchers since Victorian times, but also a classic example of a book that is able to be read comfortably, not only by dedicated researchers but also by most members of the general public who find themselves becoming increasingly interested in psychical matters.”
Archibald A. Lawrie President, The Edinburgh Society for Psychical Research, Vice President, The Scottish Society for Psychical Research.
“A serious scientific book on the subject of spirit possession, which has long been a subject of cultural curiosity for anthropologists and derision by psychiatrists.”
Dr. Erlendur Haraldsson. Professor Emeritus, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland.
“The proposed research project protocol in this book could bring very important findings.”
Alexander Moreira-Almeida Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
“Spirit possession is a widespread phenomenon and has received a good deal of attention in anthropology, with a focus on indigenous tribal societies. It is much rarer to find it treated in Western society and moreover in a rigorous analytic way. Particularly welcome is Terence Palmer’s use of materials from the early Society for Psychical Research, especially the work and theories of F. W. H Myers.”
James G. Matlock, Ph.D. Associated Scholar, Rhine Research Center.
This review from Sven Heck is previously unpublished:
With The Science of Spirit Possession Dr Terence Palmer brings into sharp focus the reality that there are mental phenomena that we as therapists have to deal with in a practical way that cannot be sufficiently explained by today’s mechanistic scientific paradigm. In exploring the scientific framework of 19th century researcher F W H Myers’ comprehensive model of mind, and linking it with modern theories of quantum physics, hypnosis, spirit release therapy (SRT) and the traditional knowledge of Shamanism, past and present, Palmer provides a conceptional framework that is grounded in robust scientific theoretical principles that can accommodate therapeutic interventions that do work with phenomena that may be labeled as ‘paranormal’ on a solid, pragmatic foundation.
Palmer elucidates the fact that just because some phenomena are sometimes labeled ‘paranormal’ it does not mean that we should reject them because of our own biased belief system and deny their impact on our patients’ subjective ‘reality’. Palmer supports and reinforces Myers’ contention that ‘everything that exists is normal’ and all that is needed is an expanded approach to what is ‘natural’ and a greater understanding that fits the beneficial outcomes of the practical work. Spirit Release Therapy is such an approach. Its powerful, and sometimes seemingly miraculous, results make it very clear that now is the time for an attitude to mental health that does not limit the exploration and use of our consciousness to models that are constrained solely within a neurological framework.
Sven Heck – Transpersonal Regression Therapist / Hypnotherapist, Berlin
Demand for exorcisms increases in the US
In the US, over the past 10 years, the number of official priest exorcists has more than quadrupled from 12 to 50.
But for two of America’s most active exorcists – Father Gary Thomas, whose training in Rome was chronicled in Matt Baglio’s book The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, and Father Vincent Lampert, whose work was depicted on Paranormal Witness – it is an ongoing struggle to keep up with the demand.
A quote from John McGinnis, co-author of The Resurrection of Clifford McGinnis
On the validity of evidence of a spirit world and the value of channelled information, John McGinnis writes:
“My confirmation of the reality of the spirits comes from several sources. We begin with relatives who can talk about early years and events unknown to the medium. I also examine the quality of the information, does it help in a pragmatic way? With historical figures you can compare the commentary to the history books. From a psychologist’s perspective, it is good to look for pragmatic results, changes in mood and mentality, dissipation of grief and depression, loss of fear of death. A big flood of joy comes from these channelled readings.” John McGinnis.
The Resurrection of Clifford McGinnis
The Resurrection of Clifford McGinnis is the eighth book in the series Heaven Can Help by John and Martha McGinnis.
Here are some comments from critics and reviewers:
CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE SPIRITUAL READINGS OF JOHN AND MARTHA McGINNIS
“Why should we lose contact with the world’s great thinkers just because they happen to be dead? John and Martha McGinnis show that the conversation can go on and on. This book is a great feat of invention and a remarkable re-knowing of the past, and as provocative as it is delightful.”
Richard Brodhead, President and William Preston Few Professor of English, Duke University, formerly Dean of Yale College.
“I find these passages frankly astonishing. It happens that a number of these are authors I know fairly deeply, from their works and from having read so many biographical studies and memoirs about them. To me the speakers’ reflections on their own life situations and work ring true—and at the same time open new doors, in places, in my own understanding and experience of them, their times, and their work. As a remarkable form of reflective literary criticism alone, these passages are valuable and valid.”
Gordon Wheeler, PhD, President, Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California.
“These spiritual readings provide moving and encouraging accounts that are sensitive to the scholarship of our times as well as to the needs of our age. Reflective readers, believers and skeptics alike, will enjoy their contribution to the interior life.”
Bruce Chilton, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion at Bard College, formerly Lillian Claus Professor of New Testament at Yale, author of Rabbi Jesus: An Intimate Biography, Rabbi Paul: An Intellectual Biography, and Mary Magdalene: A Biography.
“The work of John and Martha McGinnis raises fundamental questions about the nature of consciousness and the relationship (or lack thereof) to the brain. Evidence is abundant that human beings can acquire information non-locally, beyond the confines of the brain, body, and the present. This book demands thoughtful consideration by anyone interested in the most complex entity we know: our own minds.”
Larry Dossey, MD, author of One Mind.
“The word ‘interspiritual’ is not yet in your dictionary—but it is written on the heart of every religious and spiritual tradition. Interspiritual is a word that points to the deep unity that is the source of all religious and spiritual traditions. This deep and luminous core is manifest in the life and teachings of Jesus, Saint Francis, and Lao Tzu. It also resonates throughout the teachings of the Buddha, Swami Vivekananda and Guru Nanuk. These readings point to the interspiritual truth that beats in the heart of all religious thought. I find these readings not only interesting but also provocative and inspiring. If your mind and heart are open, I’m willing to bet you will agree.”
Reverend Robert V. Thompson, author of A Voluptuous God.
“What a wonderful piece! I was delighted by the whole construct, convinced by Aristophanes’ tone, and struck by some of his answers (my favorite is the comparison between heaven and his writing). The engagement with some hotly debated issues in drama (size of theater and relationship with ritual) is just right. And I loved of course the references to the voices of nature. I also loved Juvenal the sports fan and the exchange about the British! The part about his view of comedy and satire today rings very true.”
Professor Pauline LeVen, Yale University, Department of Classics, author of The Many-Headed Muse: Tradition And Innovation In Late-Classical Greek Lyric Poetry.
“Ask anyone; whether they are a believer or a skeptic, if they have ever had an unexplained mystical or spiritual experience and they will probably admit to it (quietly) despite mainstream Western science’s denial that a spirit realm exists. For those who are intrigued and seek explanations this book provides answers with remarkable clarity. My own education in such matters began with a personal encounter with the spirit of Lao Tzu who took possession of a client whilst in a hypnotic trance. For the scholar of mystical experiences, this volume offers valuable opportunities for detailed study, and I sincerely hope that one day the academic world will embrace the opportunity to examine these writings with the true scientific rigour of objective enquiry that they warrant—to the benefit of us all.”
Terence Palmer, PhD, Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine, author of The Tao Of Natural Cycles.
“What would the great thinkers and spiritual leaders of the past have to say about the present world? Something very much like the conversations contained in this volume. Decide for yourself their ultimate source, but there is no denying that these remarkable discussions offer interesting insights into the featured speakers and also a fascinating account of worlds beyond this one.”
Kermit Roosevelt III, Professor of Law, University of Pennsylvania Law School, author of Conflict Of Laws, The Myth Of Judicial Activism, and In The Shadow Of The Law.
“In this profound and brilliant volume, you will learn the answers to questions asked throughout history, as well as receive insights to live your best life now. I highly recommend this fascinating collection of interviews.”
Randy Peyser, author of The Power Of Miracle Thinking.
“John, Martha and Clifford McGinnis continue to offer us comfort and hope through
their uplifting books, reminding us that we do not die, because our consciousness lives on.” Susan R. Dolan RN, JD, coauthor of The End-of-Life Advisor: Personal, Legal and
Medical Considerations for a Peaceful, Dignified Death.
“Who needs pollsters to gather what people are thinking when there are psychics available instead?”
Patrick Gavin, Politico book review, discussing the “historical icons” interviewed by John and Martha McGinnis.
“A wide-ranging discussion that will help readers discover a richer spiritual life.” Kirkus Review.
A talk to explain the origins of the book The Tao of Natural Cycles
2nd edition of The Science of Spirit Possession released
This second edition includes an additional chapter on neuro-imaging and automatic writing, together with a draft research protect protocol to test the efficacy of remote spirit release therapy under strictly controlled conditions.
Click on the image to purchase direct from the publisher.