I have been extremely busy of late, finalising my Traditional Usui Ryoho Reiki Master/ Teacher course.  I have also been studying a range of comparative modalities, including Zen Reiki, Ama Deus Shamanic Healing, One Spirit Shamanism and Tiger Reiki.  All these energetic systems possess a rich cultural inheritance and need to be studied ideally in context of their original methods and practices, without making compromises from the original Chinese / Japanese origins, symbol systems, or for their compact conveyance of authentic knowledge.  There is definitely a balance to be struck however, between studying the original facets of these energy systems, with a tacit acceptance of the efficacy of their therapeutic benefits, absent of social context or analysis and unnecessary over- intellectualisation.  As a whole, I feel that my exploration of Reiki and Shamanic healing presents a beneficial comparative perspective, when considering the current identity I encountered in the emerging discipline of parapsychology, during my studies last year.

Here are the overviews of three journal articles I am currently researching and preparing: -

Overview Abstract: - (citations not included in précis text.)

Parapsychology.

Re-appraising Methodological Issues: The Efficacy of Allied Traditions.

By Rev. Dr. Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

The field of parapsychology would appear to have encountered an apparent philosophical crisis of confidence, both in respect to its status in the public domain and in relation to the scientific, academic community.  A series of consistent issues related to the conveyance of key epistemological aspects of parapsychology display an apparent disregard for the potential individuality and development of the discipline as an independent sphere of theory and practice for students and parapsychologists alike.  This conceptually disappointing outcome is at least in some substantial part, an inevitable response to the embracing of somewhat uniform methodological ideals shared by the contemporary social sciences. 

In my paper on parapsychological pedagogic issues, I have presented a series of comparative sociological models in relation to the allied areas of Reiki, shamanic healing, meditation and hypnosis.  Reflexive issues in connection to this paper relate firstly, to whether these traditions might be universally accepted as legitimate allies for conceptual analysis and conceptual/ ontological integration.  Further, my own inevitably subjective selection and interpretation of the available studies and methodological standpoints currently exhibited in the field of parapsychological theory would seem to present a further question within my own mind.   Researcher and theorist interpretive 'bias' are present in determining the formation of coherent discourses and critiques, amounting to what I believe is termed 'scholarship' or the conveyance of a distinct perspective in the academic domain, rather than simply a reappraisal or a recital of all existing facets to a debate.  My vested interest therefore is to respect the lessons that can be learned from the maintenance of scientific rigour to ensure components such as the sound validity, reliability and replicability of parapsychological studies. However, at a more qualitative level of analysis, I am attempting to represent a reasonably concise sociological theory of comparative esoteric traditions and emerging occupations such as hypnosis and Reiki in the postmodern context.   

There are some quite stark points of contrast between parapsychology and a range of alternative practices in relation to their respective social, ontological status and milieu.  As a whole, the uncompromising, authentic traditional cultural identity exhibited by increasingly popular 'new age' modalities such as Usui Ryoho Shiki Reiki and Ama Deus shamanism are at total variance with the relatively cautious and sometimes seemingly unchallenging face of parapsychology as presented by the most prevalent theorists such as Chris French and Susan Blackmore, when forwarding conventional parapsychological logical discourse within the public domain. Further, the phenomenon of the middle classes embracing the philosophies of the intangible, or the fundamentally esoteric aspects of such modalities such as Reiki would seem to be in direct contrast to the public and academic cynicism inhibiting the actualisation of parapsychology as a discipline.  It is via closer comparison of the ontological and epistemological 'defence mechanisms' inherently utilised by such esoteric practices as Reiki and shamanism, that I feel we may circumvent the limitations offered within existing discourses that seek to explain subjective paranormal phenomena and experiences.  Existing explanations of empathetic phenomenon, NDE's, OBE's have touched on feminist issues such as the acceptance of rejection of the gendered binaries of nature/ nurture and intuition as categories of explanation of para psychological experiences.  The employment of abnormal psychological frames of reference (i.e. disassociative tendancies, fantasy proness) and the exhaustive use of the scientific method in forming reductive neurobiological theories, are also popular categories of explanation and often dismissal of the legitimacy of the complexities of subjective para psychological phenomena. I believe that a number of these strategies have simply served to marginalise the discipline of parapsychology further and would make the subsequent assertion that the field of parapsychology would be far freer to explore a range of complementary perspectives, if its theorists would be more accommodating towards the incorporation of the heart, soul and epistemological lessons of more holistic spheres, such as Reiki and hypnosis both in respects to their pedagogic base and as legitimate subjects for study in themselves. 

The lessons potentially learned from the plurality these alternative disciplines offer and their at least partial abandonment of western scientific methodological goals have proven liberating in the establishment of these alternative disciplines.  It would seem that the most powerful component in the success of esoteric modalities when integrating into mainstream accepted practice in our culture, has been their initial engagement with the purchase of cultural confidence and public resonance, prior to the establishment of successful profession, occupational acclaim.  Doubtless alternative therapies and skills such as hypnotherapy now also wield a degree of cultural capital for practitioners. I feel that parapsychologists might attend wisely to the ontological and epistemological issues I will attempted to overview in this paper on the efficacy of comparable, well established allied traditions to gain advantage and evolve in the context of contemporary postmodern culture. To augment this paper, I have drawn from the motifs offered by a number of current courses, such as the MA and PhD course structures from a range of learning providers, offering a plurality of approaches including the Californian Institute of Integral Studies and Coventry University (Parapsychology MSc), who draw from Shamanism, anthropology and transpersonal psychology in their course structures.

Undoubtedly, parapsychology benefits through its appeal as an interdisciplinary field. It is my hope that my own  research initiatives and perhaps more importantly, those already on offer by a range of divergent thinkers suggest positive models for further, future practice that might benefit the learning process of students and academic community at large in the development of the essentially human science of parapsychology.

 
Making A Positive Methodological Contribution To Emerging Discursive Spheres.

Rev Dr. Stephanie Lynne Thorburn
  
In my second paper on parapsychology, I am currently forming some thoughts on the key facets and components required in the forwarding of a methodologically sound, reflexively open system of engagement with conflicting discourses in emerging spheres such as parapsychology.  Despite its not inconsiderable history in British and US culture and evocative body of scientific research, parapsychology is still at an early stage in establishing its voice.  In this paper, I will explore the benefits of engaging with holistically informed methodological appraisals that might assist in the development and professional stability of disciplines, (with special reference to parapsychology!)  This paper is therefore a logically corollary to the first and formed via a concern that too often students are not offered the relevant methodological tools to make balanced, critical holistic observations pedagogically, rather encouraged into localised research based discourses pertaining to the continuation of the orthodoxy within specialist spheres of knowledge.

Reiki and Shamanic Energetic Systems:  In The Field With The Big Cats.

Rev. Dr Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Field research: breaking with the safety offered by academic papers and philosophy alone- I have been busy translating Reiki and shamanic energetic systems into workable modalities, directly applicable to feral beasts!  Ethical and methodologically challenging...  I will be undertaking this field research into the future and am currently selecting a suitable white tiger to bestow a 'One Spirit' therapeutic, healing attunement!

Music, Culture, Metaphysics, Spirituality..

Nuance Webzine. Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Stephanie Lynne Thorburn.

Wildlife photographer and information officer Derry Thorburn has collated a remarkable collection of images comprising rare or endangered big cats from wildlife parks in the UK, including London Zoo, Whipsnade and Broxbourne.  At this stage the photos are a copyright collection for non-commercial use, demonstrating a diverse selection of situations and emotions in the ethnography of the everydaylife of these beautiful big cats.  From the mercurial Sumatran tigers at London Zoo, to the new Zoological Society of London's pride- Abi and Lucifer's new lion cubs and the rare sight of Siberian tigers at Whipsnade, this delightful selection of photos should engage and entertain everyone..  Whilst endearing, we should however bear in mind that these spectacular cats are now in a very precarious situation outside captivity, and in some instances are facing extinction.  The European Endangered species programme is supported by significant zoos such as the London Zoological Society and Broxbourne Paradise Park and therefore has an important role of play.

Undoubtedly big cats have a remarkable instinct and are consistently linked to the paranormal through cultural myths and contemporary superstition.

Stephanie Lynne Thorburn. 

Pictured below:  the siberian tigers of Whipsnade, snow leopard at Broxbourne and Raika at London Zoo.  August 2009.  Photos:  Derry Thorburn.

Pureportals gallery link: -

http://www.pureportals.com/Default.aspx?tabid=232111

The paranormal scholar website was an excellent resource base, representing a range of media issues and sources related to the paranormal.  The site has recently been non-functional and not hosting content related to paranormal subjects..  The philosophy of the original site was however excellent and I am trying to rekindle the spirit a little via my webjam 'paranormal scholar' blogs with my Abstract Maxims weblog and hopefully in future, a range of parapsychological entries and entities!

I am a  writer and parapsychologist. My website is Nuance Webzine, which focusses on music, culture, metaphysics and spirituality. 

http://www.nuancewebzine.webs.com

In future, I will endeavour to share content between my webjam and Nuance webzine related to psychic issues and news.. 

Stephanie Lynne Thorburn's 'Abstract Maxims' weblog..

 
I have been working on my exopolitical blog for summer 2009 in view of assimilating a diverse selection of featured recommended web sources and links.  'Abstract Maxims' weblog airs some fresh, penetrating material that aims at holistically integrating the spheres of spirituality and metaphysics with contemporary scientific strands of thought.  Abstract Maxims is an exopolitical weblog offering a chronological summary of significant news/ perspectives on areas of the paranormal that are breaking news in the media.  My particular preference is for strong, creative and scientifically robust sources- especially those that deserve greater critical assessment and acclaim; I try to include cerebrally challenging concepts that resonate with both postmodern and traditional strands of thought from quantum physics to Taoism.
 
Here's a selection of my recommended weblog sources and themes: -  

 

 

1.  Environmental Equations:  evidence for global warming, a potential return to the ice age and disruption in earth's magnetic field. 

This open minds forum thread on environmental issues poses some important comparative evidence, debates and discussion:

http://lucianarchy.proboards21.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=4862

 

Pravda source:  Gregory F. Fegel, 'Earth On The Brink Of An Ice Age?'  reviews long term climate patterns in context of our current environmental concerns.

http://english.pravda.ru/science/earth/106922-2/

 

2.  UK National Archives:  Dr. David Clarke on the history of government UFO investigations. 

This National Archives source contains a diversity of material on key cases from the Foo Fighters of WWII, to Project Blue Book (US) which ran from 1947-69, concluding with the Rendlesham Forest case UK, 1980.  Information on the current UK data file releases by the MOD can be accessed from the National Archives: -

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ufos/ 

 

4.  Telegraph- Two years of Mars exploration may pave the way to human voyages..  The Telegraph reports on NASA's work the past two years, surveying Mars with the Spirit Rover.  The foundations of this research could ultimately lead to further human exploration. Jan '09.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/scienceandtechnology/science/sciencenews/4357217/Mars-facts-revealed-by-Nasas-Rovers.html

5.  Innovative Daily Mail source by Fiona Macrae on the possibility of unusual life forms on earth:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1146064/Alien-life-us--says-professor.html

 

6.  Chartering the immortal dimension:  the physical parameters of integrated consciousness and the chilled universe

The ever evocative India Daily review the 'quantum zeno effect' in relation to the conscious mind in cognitive psychological theory and place this phenomena in context also of their theoretical concept of the immortal dimension, 'chilled universe'.  The basis to this feature includes the work of Henry Stapp, professor of quantum physics at UC Berkeley, author of "Mindful Universe" (2007).  This text explores theories of the quantum Zeno effect within the field of cognitive psychology and the mind-body dichotomy:

http://www.indiadaily.com/editorial/20398.asp

For a more detailed discussion on Quantum Zeno effect, its measurement and potential application in cognitive science, please see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_Zeno_effect

7.  Scientists Unveil Missing Link in Evolution.  Sky News, Alex Watts.  May 2009.  The world of palaeontology has recently been enriched by the discovery of what has been described at the 'eight wonder of the world', comprising a fossil of a female lemur monkey, dating back some 47 million years.  The fossil is 95% complete and  the discovery is said to thus confirm more definitively Darwin's theory of evolution. 

Source:  http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Missing-Link-Scientists-In-New-York-Unveil-Fossil-Of-Lemur-Monkey-Hailed-As-Mans-Earliest-Ancestor/Article/200905315284582?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15284582_Missing_Link%3A_Scientists_In_New_York_Unveil_Fossil_Of_Lemur_Monkey_Hailed_As_Mans_Earliest_Ancestor

8.  Theory on Spirits of the Paranormal. by Edward Shanahan, May 2009 as featured on the resource site, www.supernaturalworld.co.uk, (hope this site is up and running again soon as it features a wealth of excellent sources!)

Simply a very perceptive, plausible parapsychology article, exploring concepts of the paranormal- from an analysis of energy and states of matter, to electromagnetic energy, Edward forms a persuasive body of evidence to explain our perceptions of spiritual phenomena in the everyday world.

http://www.thesupernaturalworld.com/index.php?s=85cd6663fedc5b0b6f8179cd15d4baf1&act=main&code=01&type=00&topic_id=24488

9.  Stellar Views From The Hubble Telescope- MSN News.

I love these simply spectacular photos captured via the Hubble telescope, as featured on MSN news:

http://news.uk.msn.com/in-pictures/gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=9773060

 

I'm working on updating my sources in my Nuance special features section, on Pureportals, (text below the template graphics):

 

http://www.pureportals.com/Default.aspx?alias=www.pureportals.com/nuance&PageContentID=1857

10.  NASA's Moon Landing Tapes Remastered- Times Online, 17th July.  Jacqui Goddard.  Some reportage on the restoration of the original moon landing tapes..

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article6717221.ece