The Trickster and the Paranormal

[Christopher O'Brien]

George P. Hansen, author of The Trickster and the Paranormal, was employed in parapsychology laboratories for eight years-three at the Rhine Research Center in Durham, North Carolina, and five at Psychophysical Research Laboratories in Princeton, New Jersey. His research included remote viewing, ESP, psychokinesis on electronic random number generators, séance phenomena, and ghosts. His papers in professional journals also cover mathematical statistics, deception, skepticism, conjurors in parapsychology, and methodological criticisms. presented two lectures that are now on YouTube.

The first lecture, "History of Parapsychology," discusses the rise of psychical research from 1882 to the laboratory research of the 1980s. Some ganzfeld telepathy experiments are presented.

The second lecture, "The Decline of Parapsychology," focuses on 1989 to the present day. The decline is discussed in the context of history, sociology of religion, and secularization theory. Briefly, two thousand years ago cultural elites displayed strong antagonism to the paranormal, and they continue to do so today. The implications for the scientific acceptance of the field are considered. Although parapsychology is doing poorly, Hansen indicates promising areas for growth.

 

[Randall]

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[Solarion]

Quick Robin. It's time for a thread bump! dan dna dnaa aaa.

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

Yuk-yuk There is something to the role and involvement of this archetype than most of you could even fathom, let alone understand. Something, at some point—when you least expect it—will have the last laugh. And the joke will be on all of us.

 

[stonehart]

Yuk-yuk There is something to the role and involvement of this archetype than most of you could even fathom, let alone understand. Something, at some point—when you least expect it—will have the last laugh. And the joke will be on all of us.

Agreed.

Be careful what you laugh at in the dark for it may just be laughing at you.

 

[ALPHA ROMEO UNIFORM]

Agree the hooded images and long nails with no eyes . The knocking on the windows, walking steps, and the trickster will appear when least expect it ! Also the ones with deep red eyes could it all be sleep para? Cats staring at the celling when nothing there? It's all in eye of the beholder!

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

Agree the hooded images and long nails with no eyes . The knocking on the windows, walking steps, and the trickster will appear when least expect it ! Also the ones with deep red eyes could it all be sleep para? Cats staring at the celling when nothing there? It's all in eye of the beholder!

Yeah, whatever. It's a mechanism, not some sort of Hollywood stereotypical image or scenario. Don't pretend to project... what you banish, you might invoke.

 

[Randall]

Yeah, whatever. It's a mechanism, not some sort of Hollywood stereotypical image or scenario. Don't pretend to project... what you banish, you might invoke.

So Chris. Can you post an example of how the Trickster has manifested itself in your personal experience?

 

[Christopher O'Brien]

I've given several examples here, a couple of them many times. The '92 New Year's Eve party, the "yellow whirlybird," how I moved to the SLV, the New Paltz sightings in '77, the last I-Ching I threw...

 

[FilmguyLee]

Regarding the above picture...

...the PARROT EXORCISMS!?

Now THERE'S a film idea I'd like to see Hollywood try and tackle!

 

[Randall]

I've given several examples here, a couple of them many times. The '92 New Year's Eve party, the "yellow whirlybird," how I moved to the SLV, the New Paltz sightings in '77, the last I-Ching I threw...

When you say I-Ching do you mean like in this post: Beyond the Edge Radio, Gralien Report, and Monstertalk | The Paracast Community Forums

For me the Trickster element seems to manifest itself every time I either make a promise or am getting close to accomplishing something I find important. Even if it seems like it should be clear sailing and there should be no problems following through, virtually every time, the universe seems to conspire against me in some way shape or form that throws a wrench into whatever I'm doing. Consequently I've stopped making promises and I work on accomplishing things by multitasking and in small steps.

 

[Goggs Mackay]

I wonder if anyone in academia is studying 'paranormal' topics, but not calling it that, or parapsychology etc, due to the negative connotations? There have always been those interested and willing to look into these areas but I doubt there are many research grants given for such things. It's interesting just to imagine what might be being looked at and we don't even know it.

 

[Wade]

I suggested calling it parascience but it got rebuffed, even though upon googling it I see that term has gotten some acceptance, perhaps in order to sneak it past any board that would be in a position to grant any funding.

 

[Randall]

I wonder if anyone in academia is studying 'paranormal' topics, but not calling it that, or parapsychology etc, due to the negative connotations? There have always been those interested and willing to look into these areas but I doubt there are many research grants given for such things. It's interesting just to imagine what might be being looked at and we don't even know it.

Apparently there are a few accredited places that offer parapsychology programs and courses. Personally, I think the names are fine for the same reason I think the words UFO and ufology are fine. In fact the word parapsychology has been around even longer than the word UFO, and is an accepted part of the English language. I think it's a really interesting topic, but I also can't help poke fun at it once in while with my unrefined sense of humor .