No offense to anyone affiliated with mysticweb, or the author of the topic, as they bring up many valid points, but I think there is some very odd fascination with older cultures, mainly Egyptian, Sumerian, and the classical (Roman and Greek); people sometimes read more into ancient texts than truly exists, and convince themselves that these ancients had all manner of magic we have "lost". Most of it is likely rubish one has to take with a grain of salt, even if there might be the occasional truth someplace.

It is a curious business to start speculating one's own idea of history from incomplete shreds. I have heard all manner of "Atlantis" stories, and for the life of me, I cannot think of where the information comes from at all. 

Don't mean to be a downer, lol, maybe there is something the ancients knew, no one can really say for sure...

[I thank you all for your patience with me, again, chiefly Adrian, and look forward to alternative explanations or other points anyone can add to this!]

Good posting Stillwater. I keep thinking if only there was a video recording of these events ( Findlay materialization) with in tandem with the audio recording then we could have all the evidence we need. Is there a specific reason why a video recording would not be considered?

Thank you 

The reason I have heard posited, which came up in the famous "Scole experiments" (which are, by the way, very convincing), is simply that video camera's "interfere" in some way shape or form with the seance. Now this sounds very weird, suspiciously like an excuse to prevent the exposure of fraudulent techniques, but I like to give the seance mediums the benefit of the doubt, in that perhaps there truly are reasons ( I don't remember, but I think cameras may actualy have been used briefly in the scole experiments).

But if a video recording of a Thompson Seance were released, it would be of the greatest value in validating the happenings.

What I am most interested in at this time, and you can call this odd (and I would agree, lol), is what the medium's body does during this time. I can accept vocies, materializations, and even objects being moved around the room, as these things can easily be reconciled with my beliefs, but of all things, as I posted above, the fact that Mr. Thompson's cardigan was reversed, and while he was wearing it with his wirsts bound by tie clamps to the chair, strikes me as utterly unexplainable!!!

I CAN ACCEPT THE VOICES AND INCARNATE ENTIES, BUT A SILLY JACKET IS BEYOND MY UNDERSTANDING!!!

My reasoning is this:

If Mr. Thompson was secured with is wrists attached to the chair with the clamp ties, than his body formed a closed loop with the chair- one could draw an imaginary circle that went through one arm, then the arm of the chair, the back of the chair, the other arm of the chair, his other arm, his back, and finally back to the first arm.

Now as an architect, I like to think geometrically, so I abstractly visualize a person wearing  a jacket in bound in a chair like Mr. Thompson as a four-linked chain connected in a circle, which obviously cannot be broken unless one of the links is altered.

Now this is very abstact, and some might not immediately see what I mean, so I will elaborate. We can all see how his body and the chair form a closed loop; now each of the sleaves of the jacket form a second and third closed loop- each of these loops is bound around the first loop at his arms, and the two loops of his sleeves are also linked themselves by his jacket back.

Now this is the thing- if the Medium remained physically bound, and the jacket was in no way altered, by the laws of euler geometry- it is physically IMPOSSIBLE for his jacket to be removed so it could be reversed, as he cannot phsyically remove either sleave!

Now given this, there are a few possibilities I see for how the jacket could have been removed (as it must have been to be reversed):

1. Mr. Thompson was in fact unbound, by spirit forces or otherwise, to remove his jacket

2. Some Force, spirit or otherwise, physically altered his jacket by undoing the seams, and resealing them (hard to imagine, but possible I guess)

3. Some force altered the normal physics of the jacket, allowing it either to teleport or cease to be solid (briefly enter another state of existence, like the astral, the possibility of physical matter being able to do so not yet proven), so it could pass though his body, and reverse itself, resolidifying

Now one can see how the cardigan issue makes me wary. I would like to completely embrace this with full faith, but minor issues like this force me, against my will I might add, to reserve my inner judgement.

I wish it were not so, but something inside me keeps screaming, "THE JACKET, THE JACKET". I would that the silly thing never existed, as I could all the more easily digest it. But look at the possibilities- 2 and 3 seem unlikely (but not impossible, I guess), but 1 is very peculiar, as if he was ever unbound, there is some hint of fraud.... but again, nothing conclusive can be drawn from this episode.

I ask the forgiveness of all those I upset with my ranting, chiefly Adrian, for I do not want to give others the impression by my musings that I am in opposition to either Mr. Thompson or Mr. Zammit; on the contrary, I am VERY MUCH for both of these gentlemen, and I think they are doing the best of work- it is simply that my perspective of the events (much removed from their happenings) is incomplete, and a few things about the seance strike me as odd probably because of my lack of knowledge.

As Doch pointed out, if we could ever be given a filming of these happenings aided by the "astral light", then I think many of the odd mechanics of the situation I am being tripped up on will be explained, like how his darn Jacket removes itself.

I admit that I could even accept a more complete account, given by a person like Zammit, as I do not doubt his honesty, of exactly how some of these phenomenon are preceding, if they succeed in the "astral light" technique.

I thank you all for your patience with me, again, chiefly Adrian, and look forward to alternative explanations or other points anyone can add to this!

This really is an issue of the greatest importance, in least in my view.

My peace to all 

We will all know what a UFO is - how it operates

Woah, I think you are taking your logic a page ahead of where I am, lol;
how is it that we "will all know what a UFO is"?

(Nice Krishna Avatar, by the way )

isn't that mantra from mysticweb? AKA beelzebub

Faraon or bananas?

True, the state of the psyche has a tremendous effect on astral experiences. One key is getting to the inner stillness (mental equilibrium). The reason why I posted this method is because it not only causes astral projection, but is very proficient in triggering lucid dreams. It's honestly one of the best methods that I've tried and the only method which has worked daily with tremendous efforts. Considering the different mental and psychic cicumstances that may be encountered, the method can be done long enough to exaust the rigid mind. Therefore, the purpose is mental equilibrium. Some people are going to look at this post and think "oh no, this mantra is going to make us bananas". For them, they'll just have to give it a good try, daily practice, till they get to the aim of meditation (mental equilibrium). With the mental equilibrium, as a natural consequence temporary equilibrium of the psyche should follow. Then the peace and ecstatic state spreads throughout the body. With this, they can verify their temporary awakendness and complete conscious control.

I don't deny this, I am merely saying it is probably the concentration value of the mantra, not the word itself, that holds power. I believe you could just as easily say Ba-nan-as and it would probably generate a similar response, don't you think?

Plus anytime some one presents the challange I feel obligated to find a way.  You know compition being what it is and all.  That and the whole alpha male syndrom.

Not necessarily something I would label as a bad trait; many advances in engineering, physics, medicine, and technology have resulted from inquisitive people taking on difficult challenges.

Well, I would like to thank you, Adrian, for response in good faith.

However, that said, we have to proceed with an open mind. Spirit communicators cannot materialize against negative energy.

I understand this and respect the condition entirely, as it makes perfect sense. The thought that living people might privy to something so special as to hear Louis Armstrong sing "Hello Dolly" from another plane, does nothing less than bring me to tears, but I am sad to say that I must be wary of even the greatest gifts, as there is unfortunately so much darkness and deceit in the world, that we must always search for the truth. If I could say, as others closer to the events seem to believe, that there is no possibility of fraud, then I would remove any reservations at all. I fully accept that this is possibly something momentous for mankind, and never intended any ill will, but rather give my thanks.

And what would be the point of David Thompson hoaxing it? He has been holding these seances for years in private, well out of the public eye, with nothing to gain by doing so except the intrinsic value.

I am not sure, he seems like a delightful fellow. Others before him have fakes seances in private (not that he is), mainly in the mid-1800s, and to what end I have no idea. I cannot think of a motive, but not every ill act has one, unfortunately.

Also, listening to these communicators it is clear to me they are genuine; only the identity to be verified.

I agree, there is something very inately charming about the voices' relfections of the earth predecessors; it would take sophisticated voice equipment or a whole slew of actors (both expensive) to fake them- this is one factor that seems to add credibility.

The Spirits also say that a top priority is to create light in the seance room, they mean Astral light so they can be seen and filmed; and they themselves say there will be no doubt then.

This idea pleases me immensely. With light in the room, it would be pretty hard for a medium to pull anything, or actors to play parts unknown. I know one could say that they could still merely animate the spirits into the film, but if such an authority like Zammit is there, who, for all his inborn inclinations and biases (as I, or anyone would have), still believes that this is genuine, then I suppose that may be my limit too. To see such a film sounds delightful, and I am very pleased that liasons on the other side put so much effort into their own validation- I very much hope that they may be successful.

I would like to thank you again, Adrian, for adequetely addressing my statements, and the good work you do for us here at the astral pulse, and your efforts in building your new site.

I think making this topic cost me a karma point by someone, lol......

First off, I would like to thank Adrian for his work in building his new site, "The Direct Voice" for us, as it is a valuable resource for information relating to voice manifestation mediumship and other arts in general, and running a healthy and balanced forum here at the astralpulse where topics can be discussed in a healthy and objective fashion.

Furthermore, I would simply like to say that my statements and inqueries are not meant to be of any offense at all to the individuals in question, as on the contrary, I respect very highly the work Victor Zammit and David Thompson, and our admin Adrian, and think that they do respectable work in educating others about paranormal events. I am not trying to push any viewpoint, although I am general believer in many metaphysical concepts.

That said, my main issue is this:

On Adrian's new site, which focuses on the work of Mr Leslie Flint and David Thompson, the former being a fairly well respected medium, and the latter aparently an up and coming medium, there are some features which describe a seance involving Mr Thompson perfomring his direct voice mediumship, channeling Louis Armstrong, and Sir Arthur Connan Doyle, among others.

Now I think these precedings are of great value, for if they are what they appear to be, they can be of use in educating a grand number of people in the nature of the universe beyond the physical plane (ie.: the afterlife, from the direction the seance approaches it).

A chief concern, however, in making such claims, and distributing information, is offering validation, for otherwise any number of hateful and pernicious hoaxes can be inflicted on those poor individuals too ignorant to question appearances, or reaching out for something to believe in.

Mr Vicktor Zammit, whose work and credentials I respect, and whom I do not acuse of conspirancy, has graciously seen to watch over the seances and offer his knowledge in preventing fraud, and I think he probably covered the most common bases.

Now I of course am in no way involved, unlike those described, but I fear Mr. Zammit may perhaps be premature in proclaiming that David Thompson procedes without fraud.

I will admit that I myself have been convinced of countless hoaxes in earlier years, and may perhaps even still believe claims which are in fact  hoaxes; the best way to convince inquiring people of ficitious claims is to offer evidence and testimonials by apparently credible authorities.

Mr. Zammit would be the authority in question here; please do not think that I am suggesting Zammit knowingly passed on false information, as he appears to have very pure interest and the most well-developed intentions around; what I am saying is rather that the seal of approval by an authority like Zammit, even honestly given, is just the thing that regularly convinces intelligent people of fraudulent claims.

On first investigation, Zammit's methods appear very circumspect: the medium (Mr Thompson) was securely tied down with twist-clamps, and his person was supposedly inspected for cheating devices.

Several very difficult to explain events took place: what are purported to be the voices of spirits spoke through the medium, even materializng, and the medium's cardigan was actually reversed so he was wearing it backwards.

The problem, however, is mainly that the whole affair of a seance must happen in the dark. I am saddened to say that the vast majority of mediums (not necessarily all, as I cannot make such a bold claim, and will not be so arrogant) who worked in the dark were mere parlour magicians, employing cheap tricks. In cases when the medium was bound, they usually escaped by loosening the chair arms, and perfoming all manner of hokery in the dark, wiggling tables, and moving trumpets. In other cases, they had people dressed entirely in black come by and do these things for them.

I am not at all saying that the fact the seance occured in the dark invalidates it all, but rather that it hurts the case, as the proper precautions for getting around the unlit setting, and preventing fraud do not at all seem to have taken place, and for this reason, I do not think Mr. Zammit can make the claim he does at this time, namely that he is utterly certain that materializations and voice manifestations occurred, unless there is information that I am not aware of that would explain otherwise.

Additional precautions that I would have taken would have been to have mutiple nightvision infra-red cameras stationed at the medium, to observe his actions, and the activities he claims the "ectoplasm" engages in. This would also rule out the possibility of accomplices hoking around in the dark somehow. One could also line the ground with material that would make a sound if stepped on, so everyone could be confirmed to have remained seated. Audio technology also exists that allows one to determine the direction sound propogates from, and so this could be employed from multiple angles to determine the point at which the voices were emitted from. It would be fairly convincing for Mr. Thompson if the voices could be shown to emit from a space outside his body, showing that electronic equipment was not used.

The fact that his cardigan is reversed strikes me as a little goofy, as there are conceivable ways that this could easily be done, namely if the arms of the chair were not secure, and also for the fact that it seemed entirely hokey and unneccessary, for if what he claims is true, why would it be necessary to reverse his jacket? On the otherhand, I am utterly dumbfounded as to how the reversal could have taken place if his arms were secured- the physical action of it happening with his limbs tied is impossible for me to picture, unless the very seams were ripped and restitched by some spirit mechanism, as his body and the chair would have formed a loop which it would be impossible to remove the jacket from. This part of the account, being so hard for me to digest, unfortunately adds a suspicion of fraud for me.

Now this is the purpose of my topic:

I would earnestly like it if Adrian or someone deeply involved, or even someone more informed on the matter than myself could please graciously answer my statements. If Adrian or others could secure statements or contact with either Mr. Zammit or Mr. Thompson, that would be ideal, but I do not hope for so much.

I am chiefly concerned with the validation; if any means not discussed were actually used which more coherently prove the truth of the mediumship, or if there are plans in the future for more intensive tests, I would be very glad to hear it. Are there any infra-red tests? I think evidence like that is quite essential, given the fact that the procedings take place in the dark.

AGAIN, I MEAN ABSOLUTELY NO OFFENSE TO ADRIAN OR ANY OF THOSE IN QUESTION, AS I VERY MUCH RESPECT ALL INVOLVED.

I am simply looking for more information. If Mr Thompson could agree to undergo more rigorous testing in the future, I would be very grateful, but this is his elective; but if his claims are true, then we cannot afford to let doubt ruin so great a gift to mankind. I would not characterise myself as a hardcore skeptic, but rather as a person who likes to investigate seemingly incredible claims for validation. I have a firm belief in metaphysics and the afterlife, so I do not at all claim that Mr. Thompson's claims are sensational, but only that in order for them to be of value, they must be backed up.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to hearing from Adrian, any moderators in touch with Adrian, any person linked to the events in Sydney, or anyone at all with comments of information for this case.
Thanks  and peace to all!

that was my terrible guesstimation

I wouldn't worry about it, I am certainly not a doctor either. We all learned something(I wouldn't have thought a person could be physically alive at 82 degrees F), so we came out better for it.   

thanx lola, lol.....

I have no idea why that bugged me so much that I needed to post it mid-thread

when it typed the word "circumstances" and it read as "cirreleasestances", I thought something was wrong with my fingers!

...copy...note pad....patse...read...

I guess they're not.
But my brain works good enough to figure out the easy way to read

it. 

lol- I did not intend it to read as a scientific if >> then statement.....

Read: barring some technical issue slowing down the browser, or getting around the intended viewing mode, being able to read the text as it is designed to run on the forums suggest developed accomodational muscles, lol....

I was not trying to insult other's intelligence by saying there were not other ways to read it

I wouldn't worry unless it was like 92


I am usually at 97 and the doc says I am very healthy.

lol- at 92 you are probably dying of hypthermia

I have basically been deist since I was five, although I did not know the term until a few years ago. As of about 6 years ago, you could basically call me Buddhist, insofar as I believe in the core philosophy, although I do not think some of the auxiliary practices tacted on after the schism of mahayana and theravada are all that important. One of the main aspects that resonates with my deist personality is that you take beliefs one at a time, and accept only what makes sense to you, not what others, even Buddhist figures, proclaim.

Well, this all sounds like paranoid schizophrnenia to me, but it is surprising that so many people have similar experiences with these visions; not sure if that means they are some sort of psychological archetype, or perhaps even there, on some level.......

The answer often lies in the particular cirreleasestances that we were in at the moment of success…

When I type the word "cir*c*u*m*stances in another post, it changes to "cirreleasestances" too! Why on earth would that happen, lol???


And regarding the mantra, I do not think it is so much that particular mantra that yields results, but a mantra in general, as Solo says. THe power of concentration seems to be what is being generated; you would have extreme difficulty proving otherwise- it is just about impossible to test scientifically, as the scientific method of experimentation involves changing only one variable at a time, and whenever people, and especially their psychology is in effect, you can never be sure one variable at time is changed! For example: you tried other mantras, and you read about "FARAON"; perhaps the time you tried that mantra, you did so in a different mental state, perhaps expecting it to work, where you did not expect that of others; this alone can have an effect! It is difficult to control the psyche, and so one cannot say what variable gave the results.