Metaphysical Technologies
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org,
please feel free to visit the school website)
Introduction
Brain Waves
Light & Sound Machines
Biofeedback
Kirlian Photography
Magnetic Therapy
Orgone Energy
Electro-Acupuncture
Cranial-Electro Stimulation
Lucid Dreaming
Full Spectrum Lighting
Hemi-Synch
Rife Machine
Dicyanin Screen
Conclusion
Written by Joseph Shermis
Introduction
One's state of mind is in direct relation to the stimulation that the brain is experiencing in any given moment. There are many technologies specifically designed to affect that brain activity. The brain responds to visual and auditory stimulus in a variety of ways. Experimentation with light and sound have given rise to a plethora of devices that provide the consumer of metaphysical technologies with a multiplicity of pathways to altered states, self-healing, and even access to other dimensions of consciousness.
Evidence from the ancient Mayan civilization indicates an understanding of the universal principles that create and sustain the world. These "first principles" appear to underlie the physical laws that modern science has used to create technological miracles. However, the first principles of Mayan sacred science embraced a much larger universe. In the Mayan culture, human beings were seen to be multi-dimensional and capable of traveling beyond time and space. Modern science, with its "laws" that are valid only in the physical three-dimensional plane, fails to take into account the metaphysical realities that make up the true human experience. Cultures from the ancient Vedic to the Native American, Mayan to African tribal groups, all take into account the spiritual nature of the human being. Even modern spiritual research, with its emphasis on our capacity for supra-sensory spiritual vision, credits humans with so much more than a three-dimensional existence. The thrust of modern research has been to examine the relationship between the brain and all its complex workings. This has led to some very important and vital exploration into the spirit's capacity to function both within and independently of the body.
Modern historical investigation continues to push back the dating of material technologies origins. Technology inside the Great Pyramid of Egypt, at Stonehenge, in Peru, and at other perplexing ancient sites might become recognizable to the culture at large in a way that doesn't deny the deeper metaphysical significance of, for example, the Great Pyramid, as intended by its builders. The arguments of modern independent researchers for advanced technology in ancient times are highly significant for our modern culture in that they increase respect for these ancient cultures among those who value these kinds of achievements. However, it misses the point of an individual's spiritual search in and of itself.
The problem of perceiving ancient cultures and their capabilities in the context of modern times is similar to the quest for the lost cities of Atlantis or the Himalayan Shambhalla that disappeared into the shadows as humanity descended into an increasingly materialistic age. The fact that Atlantis or Shambhalla may lie hidden in some remote valley or underwater grave is not the salient point. The important thing is that humanity, in this day and age, has forgotten how to be in the heart space, where Atlantis and Shambhalla once existed and are again possible. This course, in its examination of modern day technology, hopes to be part of the individual soul's spiritual search for a place and time where, again, all things are discoverable.
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Brain Waves
The brain contains some 100 billion neurons. These neurons operate by generating and passing electrical signals, or electrical activity that can be detected and recorded outside the brain. Recording of brain activity is done by a device called an electroencephalogram (EEG). It is the recording of this pattern that is popularly referred to as "brain waves." Brain waves appear as irregular, somewhat repetitive waveforms, and are a mixture of many frequencies. The frequencies have a variety of names, divided and labeled according to the speeds at which they flow from the brain.
Brain waves are the voltage patterns generated by the brain. The waves are measured in individual units called Hertz, meaning the number of times a repetitive event occurs per second. Named after physicist Heinrich Hertz (1857-94), they used to be called "cycles per second." One Hertz is the individual wave that one sees on either a screen or a print out of recorded brain waves.
The slowest brain waves, called Delta waves, are measured at .5 to 3 Hertz per second, and are associated with sleep. The next measurable rate of brain waves is 3 to 7 Hertz per second; these are called Theta waves. Theta waves are associated with imagery and suggestibility. They occur during the dream state, and also during hypnosis. Following Theta is the term for relaxed awareness, at 7 to 13 hertz per second. These are called Alpha waves. Within the next state, the Low Beta, 13 to 18 hertz per second, is the Sensory Motor Rhythm state, at 12 – 15 Hertz per second. Low Beta is characterized by alert awareness, and the Sensory Motor Rhythm state is the range at which one usually operates machinery. Following the Low Beta is the High Beta, which entails a rate of 18 to 30 Hertz and is characterized by being tense and super alert. The final state that has been named is the Gamma state at 30 Hertz per second and up, which entails being hyper alert and possibly creative in specific ways.
Experimentation and published research on the altering of brain activity has been going on for decades. A vast amount of applicable data has been collected by researchers and scientists concerning the manipulation and influencing of brain waves and states of consciousness. One effect discovered by German scientists in the 1930's is called the Ganzfield effect. It is an effect in which the eyes are exposed to a totally uniform visual field, with no edges, color changes, or movement. This effect can be achieved by looking up at the sky on a clear, cloudless day, or with very specially constructed illuminated glasses. It affects the circuitry in the brain, which normally is constantly scanning the visual field for edges and movement. The eye responds primarily to changes, and with visual sensations shut off and the brain finding absolutely nothing, the subject cannot tell if his eyes are open or closed. This is an example of an altered state of consciousness resulting from the shift in brain waves to the Theta state.
The effects of flickering light stimulation have been known for centuries. Ancient shamans used flickering lights to achieve a trance state, a key component in the development of the spiritual practices of a wide variety of ancient cultures. In the literature of the common era, Ptolemy noted around 200 A.D. that the flickering of sunlight seen through the spokes of a spinning wheel could cause patterns and colors to appear to the observer, producing a feeling of lightheadedness and euphoria. The onset of modern times, (1940's and 50's) brought the research of neuroscientist W. Gray Walter. Walter used a strobe light to create flickering light stimulation, noting that the brain wave pattern of the cortex—just the area associated with vision—was changed. Ever since the adrenaline rush brought about by dancing around the tribal fire, the intent of scientists, researchers, and ancient religious practitioners has been to create relaxation and altered states by affecting the vibrational frequency of the brain waves. The use of technology is a modern day attempt to create desired changes in the brain's functioning, bringing about states of well-being and health.
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Light & Sound Machines
One purpose of such technology is to create a relaxed state through the use of sound and light stimulation. It was discovered in the 1930's that repetitive light stimulation (strobing) caused brain waves to follow and pulse at the same frequency. This discovery had profound implications for the human condition, giving rise to an entire industry that explores the possibilities in using outside stimulation to provide a functioning aide to the workings of the brain. The devices on the market today are set at predetermined frequencies of 1 to 40 Hertz per second. The user is then free to experiment on just how these vibrational frequencies influence their affect on the mind's eye. Most users report patterns of colors that pulse in sync with the frequency of the beats. The patterns are often quite psychedelic and geometrical.
Light and sound machines are often used for meditation assistance, or to aid the learning process. The technologies are referred to as audio−visual stimulation systems, light and sound machines, or mind machines. Varying patterns of light and sound are used to create different states of awareness, attention, relaxation, creativity, and receptivity to information. Most systems are controlled by a microprocessor. The sound and music sometimes comes on a CD, with the frequency patterns embedded in the music.
A typical system is made up of three components: a light/sound synthesizer, stereo headphones, and stimulation glasses with pulsating lights. A carefully composed sequence of rhythmic light and sound patterns direct the stimulation synthesis, creating light and or sound sessions for the desired effect. Some systems connect to your music CD player, or have one built in. The process employs a technology called an audio strobe system, which creates inaudible, high frequency beats that drive a light/sound system. Other systems have computer interface capabilities that allow the user to vary the tone, frequency, pitch and other parameters to tailor the program to individual needs. Some metaphysical technology companies have downloadable programs that allow for even more growth, variety, and individual tailoring. A few make a point of offering customer service where the company provides you with specifics that are designed to individual needs. The light and sound systems are designed to blank out the visual and auditory stimulation that the mind generally receives, and replaces it with very simple, rhythmic stimulation. Some light systems come with glasses that block certain colors so that the brain focuses on others to create the desired stimulation. The basic rhythms of light and sound cause the mental processes to change in response. Thus, the rate of brain waves adjusts to the desired vibrational rate.
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Biofeedback
Another technology designed to create specific body changes is biofeedback. Biofeedback is a non-invasive, painless, non-pharmaceutical method of teaching you to become aware of your body processes and help you learn to change them. Electrodes are placed on the skin and feed information into a small box attached to your computer via a serial port. The equipment feeds information back to you about your body. The feedback is usually auditory, a soft beep, and, by concentrating on this sound, the user can focus on specific bodily processes and learn to relax in very specific ways. The process is designed to provide the individual with an ongoing progress report as to how their body is responding to their own internal controls. In this way, one can learn to change heart rate, skin temperature, muscle tension, and certain brain wave patterns.
The difference between the two technologies is that light and sound machines provide direct stimulation that affects the rate of brain waves, whereas biofeedback places the impetus on the individual to control their body's processes themselves. The goal of biofeedback is to train oneself to respond to intrinsic cues, which contrasts to the light sound stimulation machine's purpose of matching one's brain frequencies to outside stimulation.
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Kirlian Photography
The purpose of the technologies discussed in this course is for healing, and affecting one's mental and physical state in a positive way. However, in order to best apply the technologies to one's personal circumstances, diagnostic processes may be needed in regards to one's individual circumstances. One such diagnostic tool is called Kirlian Photography.
This process was discovered in 1939 when Semyon Kirlian found that if a living object on a photographic plate is subjected to a high-voltage electric field, an image is created on that plate. The image looks like a colored halo or coronal discharge. This process captures what the spiritual community refers to as the "aura," and the scientific community calls the "Meissner" field. This field is the area of gas ionization that is produced when electricity enters a living object. The image of the moisture is transferred from the subject to the emulsion surface of the photographic film. The field is visible to the photographic process because of the exchange of photons, or light particles, which takes place as our cells communicate through the chemical process with each other and with the surrounding environment. The light particles the body produces carry information in the same way that fiber optics carry information from one point to the next. The color and densities that appear on the photo will vary due to the variances of energy output as a result of the different quantities and balances of acids and alkalis the body gives off as it attempts to optimize its chemical processes. The appearance of this gas ionization process on film varies in ways that are consistent. Thus, diagnosis of one's chemical balance can be inferred from the colors and densities that appear on the film. Therefore, a good interpreter can detect specific energy imbalances from the color variances in the field surrounding the image of the body. Aura photography is available at almost every metaphysical fair or expo.
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Magnetic Therapy
One technology that is used to treat imbalances has to do with the electromagnetic fields that are represented in Kirlian Photography. Pulsed electromagnetic fields, which induce measurable electric fields, have been demonstrated to be effective for treating slow-healing fractures and have shown promise for a number of other conditions. This has opened up a huge effort to market a wide variety of magnetic products to assist with the healing process. A whole range of products is available for what is referred to as "magnetic therapy." Small spot magnets can be used at the point of pain on the body. There are wraps, belts and pads, which are held on the body in some fashion. In addition, there are mattress pads that claim to balance the body's energies while one sleeps. Various types of jewelry incorporate magnets into their design, including a wide variety of bracelets and necklaces. Many magnetic necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are formed from silver and gold-rich magnetic alloys and are promoted as both fashionable and therapeutic. One catalog claims that magnetic earrings "stimulate nerve endings that are associated with head and neck pain," and magnetic bracelets "act upon the body's energy field" and "correct energy imbalances brought by electro-magnetic contamination or atmospheric changes."
Some suppliers of magnetic products recommend applying magnetic patches directly to your aches and pains, while others recommend applying small Band-Aid-like patches to acupuncture points. Magnetic belts containing sixteen or more magnets are purported to ease back pain, and similar magnetic wraps are offered for almost any part of the body, including hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet (magnetic insoles are particularly popular). For headaches you can wear magnetic headbands, magnetic earrings, or magnetic necklaces. Larger items include magnetic seat cushions, magnetic pillows, and magnetic mattress pads, the last claiming to produce an "energizing sleep field." One supplier offers a PCD—Prostate Comfort Device for older men. It works, the claim goes, if properly placed while watching television or driving a car. The presumed result is that one will no longer have to get out of bed several times a night to relieve oneself!
Despite broad evidence that magnetic fields affect the body, there are questions and serious challenges to the whole idea of using magnets in a healing context. One company marketing magnetic necklaces provides simple instructions: the necklace should be put on as soon as the headache appears and removed as soon as it goes away. Since most headaches come and go, following these instructions precisely will clearly produce persuasive evidence of the necklace's efficacy. In fact, few studies have been done to validate the claims associated with magnetic healing products. The use of magnets and magnetic therapies are not considered patentable, which means companies and agencies are not likely to gain large profits from their promotion and use.
The broadest explanation of the use of magnets in treating physical ailments was presented by Dr. Kyochi Nakagawa of Japan. Dr. Nakagawa claims that many of our modern ills result from "Magnetic Field Deficiency Syndrome." The earth's magnetic field is known to have decreased about 6 percent since 1830, and indirect evidence suggests that it may have decreased as much as 30 percent over the last millennium. He argues that magnetic therapy simply provides some of the magnetic field that the earth has lost.
Magnetic therapy is also prominent in the treatment of thoroughbred racehorses. The incentive to try "alternative medicine" to supplement mainstream veterinary treatment is considerable; an injured racehorse represents potential loss of a substantial investment. Magnetic pads, magnetic blankets, magnetic hoof pads, and more are used for a variety of leg problems. All get ringing endorsements from many horse trainers, and even some veterinarians. One marketer of magnetic products for humans reports that he first became convinced of their effectiveness when he used them on his llama. Some argue that the placebo effect might be taking place in these circumstances, but the psychological aspects of the healing treatments are obviously not happening with the animal. However, magnet therapy enthusiasts forget that it may influence the human who is interpreting the effect of magnetic therapy on the animal.
Clinical studies report between 75-85% of patients experience relief using magnetic therapy. Whether or not the placebo effect is taking place is always part of the debate. One point of contention in the argument is that the magnetic back braces used by many senior golfers may help ease their back pains through providing mechanical support, through localized warming, and through constant reminder to the aging athletes that they are no longer young and should not overexert their muscles. All these effects are helpful with or without magnets. One British study of pulsed-field bone-growth stimulators, which were approved decades ago by the FDA, found that they were equally successful when the devices were not activated (Barker 1984). It concluded that their effectiveness resulted from the enforced inactivity associated with their use rather than from the pulsed magnetic fields. The logical conclusion is that with circulation increased, the body's natural healing mechanism can work more efficiently. Some doctors believe that the magnetic field affects the iron component of blood, hemoglobin, thereby increasing circulation to the area where magnets are applied. Another theory is that the magnetic field energizes and oxygenates the white corpuscles in the blood stream, and these white corpuscles are nature's healing agents. In this regard, the charged ions increase the blood flow, which provides increased oxygenation to the blood. This increased oxygenation is the prevalent factor to enhancing your body's natural healing powers, and the results are less pain, decreased inflammation, and the possibility of increased energy levels. Other specialists believe that, since nervous signals travel via tiny electromagnetic charges, an electromagnetic field may actually tune out "false" signals. The actual pain relief mechanism of magnetic energy may never be truly understood, since it operates within the tissues at such a microscopic level. What is clear, however, is that belief is necessary for effective healing. Studies of magnetic therapy practices and results are more common in Eastern Europe and Asia where there is less access to pharmaceutical drugs. There is evidence that Magnetic therapy does improve circulation and oxygenation in the bloodstream, and thus it would serve the purpose of facilitating healing for areas of the body recovering from injury or weakened by age or disease.
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Orgone Energy
One property of magnetic energy is that it has no measurable mass. This is also true for another kind of energy relevant to this course, Orgone energy. Orgone energy was objectified and scientifically demonstrated by Dr. Wilheim Reich, a student of Sigmund Freud's, between 1936 and 1939. Reich built on Freud's early work, which strongly suggested that emotions and sexuality were expressions of a tangible energetic "something." It was Reich who provided the clearest evidence that the Freudian libido was a real energy, discharged during emotional expression and sexual orgasm. Reich discovered that this same discharging energy was present in a single cell, which apparently caused him to question whether that energy could be collected and harnessed.
In 1940 Reich discovered a way to accumulate that energy, and labeled it Orgone Energy. His work was not taken seriously at the time. There was no social context providing an atmosphere of acceptance for the idea of energy from repressed sexuality. However, a simple Internet search reveals 23 published articles on the treatment of a wide variety of ailments, from cancer to rheumatoid arthritis, by the application of Orgone energy. However, despite being used to treat specific ailments since at least 1971, there are numerous qualifiers in the dialogue on its applications. The point is frequently presented that science and society will have to go through some significant changes before its use will be accepted by the general public.
Orgone energy is the primordial life energy, the fundamental creative force long known to people who are in touch with nature. Perceived as "chi" by acupuncturists, Orgone energy is accumulated naturally in biological organisms by food, water, breathing, and through the skin. In 1940 Reich discovered a way to collect or "accumulate" Orgone energy from the atmosphere. Reich's research revealed that energy is attracted to and absorbed by organic substances, but is attracted to and instantly re-radiated by metallic substances. He developed a special enclosure developed from his experiments with the Faraday cage, a device built in 1836 by Michael Faraday to exclude energy. Reich's accumulator was made from layers of organic materials which absorb and hold the energy, and inorganic materials which attract and then rapidly repel Orgone energy. He found that the inside of a metal-lined enclosure that is layered with organic and inorganic materials contained a higher concentration of Orgone energy which was detectable by a higher temperature reading inside the accumulator. Reich's device allowed him to isolate Orgone radiation from its environment, and then accumulate the energy within his device. Orgone radiation is not foreign to the body. The Orgone energy in the atmosphere is just another form of the same Orgone energy within the human body. The accumulator concentrates that energy and helps the body to help itself. Reich discovered that the energy moves in the direction of a magnetic field. Thus, when a person with their own energy field comes into contact with an accumulating device, the two fields make contact and excite each other. This creates a stronger excitation called "lumination." This strong, orgonotic charge has been found to be very beneficial to living systems. It may help to strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and raise one's energy level. Investigations have shown that contact with energy from the accumulator stimulates the body's parasympathetic nervous system, inducing relaxation and a feeling of expansion. Modern research has found ways to manipulate and focus the energy, thus resulting in applications to the medical field. The motion is a pulsating expansion and contraction, and a flow normally along a curved path. Inside an accumulator, the energy is emitted as a spinning, pulsating wave. A wide range of devices, and even blankets, are available on the market that makes use of this technology.
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Electro-Acupuncture
Another use of technology that has its roots in Asia is the adaptation of modern technology to the ancient art of acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture is the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles as a means of stimulating the acupoints. The acupoints connect the individual's body to the universal, cosmic energy that connects us all. The stimulation of these points has been an ancient healing tradition that reaches back through the millennia. In 1934, according to Subhuti Dharmananda, the Director of the Institute for Traditional Medicine in Portland, Oregon, Chinese healers added electronic stimulus to the process as an extension of hand manipulation of the acupuncture needles. The process is described, though only briefly, in most comprehensive texts of acupuncture.
The procedure for electro-acupuncture is to insert the acupuncture needle as would normally be done, attain the qi reaction by hand manipulation, and then attach an electrode to the needle to provide continued stimulation. The idea was to help ensure that the practitioner, who may otherwise pause due to fatigue, gives the patient the amount of stimulation needed. It was also thought that Electro-acupuncture could produce a stronger stimulation without causing tissue damage associated with the twirling and thrusting of a needle. The stronger stimulus provided by the electronic current is better for treating more difficult cases of paralysis. Positive results have also been seen from treating patients with the chronic pain and spasms associated with neurological diseases.
The device commonly used in China is the G6805, or G6805-2, electric stimulator. The application of modern day electronic technology to an ancient healing art was developed to reduce total treatment time by providing a specific continued stimulus. The assumption was that it would be easier to control the frequency of the stimulus and the amount of stimulus than with hand manipulation of the needles. An added benefit was that it would free the practitioner to attend to other patients. However, the subsequent inattention to the patient receiving the electro-acupuncture limits the opportunities to respond to changes that are taking place during treatment. In addition, the literature cautions against using the technique on patients with serious cardiac diseases. It is generally recommended to avoid placing electrodes near the heart, as the heart can respond adversely to electrical impulses.
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Cranial-Electro Stimulation
Another use of electrical impulses in the healing arts is Cranial-Electro Stimulation machines. The use of these machines involves placing sensors under the ears to send a minute electrical impulse. A slight tingling sensation on the skin is felt. The stimulation has the affect of tricking the brain into releasing the body chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the biochemistry of depression, migraine headaches, bipolar disorders, and anxiety. There is also evidence that its presence or absence in the body influences sexuality and the appetite. The serotonin released can help relieve anxiety, tension, and the feeling of being "on edge."
There are portable versions of this machine, powered by a 9 Volt battery, that are small enough to put in a pocket. The sensors are placed on the neck below the ears, and can be used while walking or using the computer. They are designed to be used once a day in response to feelings of anxiety. It generally provides adjustments to the body chemistry and the ensuing relief from anxiety within 5 to 10 minutes.
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Lucid Dreaming
Another device in the category of metaphysical technology facilitates lucid dreaming. Lucid dreaming is being aware of the fact that you are dreaming while you are doing so. This allows the dreamer to gain insight into the purpose and symbolic meanings behind the dream, thus facilitating their analysis and the ensuing psychological healing process.
The technology for this process was developed by Stephen LaBerge, Ph.D., during twenty years of research at Stanford University. Dr. LaBerge developed a device called the NovaDreamer, a mask-like device that detects the time that one is in REM sleep, the state of rapid eye movement that one experiences when dreaming. The device gives cues, such as flashing lights or specific sounds, that remind one to realize the state of dreaming. In other words, one "wakes up" while still in the dream. The purpose is to give the dreamer detachment from the dreaming process during the course of the dream. This provides the impetus for the analytical process of dream interpretation to take place during the course of the dream. Users have reported that having lucid dreams have allowed them to make spontaneous choices that enable them to learn from, and even guide, the dream to constructive ends. Anecdotal evidence of these choices includes suddenly deciding to fly away from situations, empowering the dreamer to feel safer and have more free choice. There are also reports of incidents of making an old friend appear and talking to that person about consequential matters or resolving conflicts. Dreamers report being able to feel textures, hear sounds and smell odors in the dreamscape. The users reported that these sensations were as real as any in the physical world, and they were able to make conscious decisions and choices.
The entire process of lucid dreaming gives the spiritual sojourner tools and techniques, developed deep within the psyche, to explore and use their dreams for self-discovery, creativity, fantasy fulfillment, emotional healing, and profound spiritual insights. In other words, lucid dreaming is like having your own virtual reality machine already built in! All you have to do is learn how to access it. Please see the UMS course Lucid Dreaming for techniques and methods for this phenomena.
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Full Spectrum Lighting
Another simple use of technology is the use of full spectrum lighting. Full spectrum lighting is a process that uses specifically designed lighting fixtures that mimic the full spectrum of colors provided by our sun's rays. The purpose is to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, a psychological malady that is brought on by the deprivation of light. This is generally a result of the changing of summer, with its bright sunshiny days, to the fall season, with its shorter and darker day-time periods. The onset of this change can result in depression and lack of energy. The use of full spectrum lighting fixtures allows for the same kind of light energy that the sun offers.
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Hemi-Synch
The purpose of using metaphysical technologies is to move past the limitations posed by our bodies. Whether that be the limitations that are present when one is in pain, or the basic limitations that come with having one's soul encased within a body, the technologies discussed in this course are all designed to assist one in moving past the confines that are part of the human condition. The ultimate achievement so far in modern day development of metaphysical technology is the Hemi-synch device, or Holistic Sensory Response Audio.
In 1956, Robert A. Monroe founded the Monroe Institute to study the effects of various sound patterns on human consciousness, including the feasibility of learning during sleep. Monroe was a highly successful businessman, the owner of several radio and television stations. In 1958 he began to have out of body experiences in which, while relaxing or attempting to fall asleep at night, he found himself hovering above his body. At the time, he thought he was having some kind of health problem, but was reticent to discuss it openly for fear it would interfere with his dealings with a very conservative business community. Monroe soon began to quietly but thoroughly examine the circumstances of his experiences. The discoveries made in exploring this phenomenon were validated later by the work of Dr. Melvin Morse and others in their work exploring Near Death Experiences. But as the work continued, and technology was developed to stimulate out of body experiences, the information gathered was to have a profound affect on the whole of our collective perception of the nature of reality.
In 1976 Monroe was issued an original patent for technology that altered brain states through sound. Hemi-synch produced binaural beats, which are a series of barely audible tones which play in the background of soft music, barely noticeable beneath the music. The beats are at one rhythm in one ear, and a different rhythm in the other, producing a combination that takes the brain to a specific output rate of brain waves. The two hemispheres of the brain act in unison to "hear" a third signal—the difference between the two tones. The tones counter balance each other in a way that forms an anchor, or a signal which helps you quickly and easily re-enter the trance state when your unconscious mind begins to hear them in the background. The tones begin by synchronizing with the brain waves associated with the normal awakened state of the mind, and then slowly changing them to assist the listener in reaching the "alpha" level. The signal can only be perceived within the brain by both brain hemispheres working together. The result is a focused, whole-brain state known as hemispheric synchronization, or "Hemi-Sync." This relaxed level was the exact state of mind, it was discovered, to facilitate not only healing, but out of body experiences.
The process has been subjected to decades of research and thousands of lab sessions, and has been refined with over 40 years of research and development. Ongoing experimentation, data collection, and analysis are conducted at the Institute's laboratory facilities to demonstrate the correlations between subjective experiential reports and objective electronic measurements. Healing benefits have been extensively documented, ranging from enhanced alertness to relief from insomnia and the myriad of circumstances that fall between.
There are also testimonials regarding profound healing experiences. One woman with an undiagnosed brain injury suffered in a car accident reports using Hemi-synch to reverse a very frustrating condition. After being released from the hospital the same day of an accident that totaled her car, she noticed a severe change in her ability to concentrate. After many months of forgetting how to cook, getting lost, and "losing her train of thought" in a middle of a conversation, she began using Hemi-synch to produce a state of relaxation. Within weeks, she became aware of regaining her sense of humor. From there she noticed a gradual regaining of her ability to concentrate.
The device, which looks like a bulky set of headphones, is designed to move one's consciousness past the limitation of being within a body. The spectacular success this device has had in facilitating astral travel has been documented in Omni magazine, amongst others, and experienced by thousands. The most profound research for Hemi-synch device was done by the founder of the Monroe Institute himself. Monroe said, "The greatest illusion is that mankind has limitations." This implies that we have limitless possibilities. The nature of these possibilities is the subject of his three books published between 1971 and 1994, Out of The Body, Far Journeys, and Ultimate Journey.
Monroe's work on the development of specific technologies to enable astral travel is highly significant in the context of human evolution. It is not only relevant to the entire purpose of humankind's enduring drive to be more aware of the big picture, but to the individual purpose that you, the taker of this course, has for enrolling in the University of Metaphysical Sciences. Monroe gives us detailed accounts of his journeys through space and time. The three books he wrote are done with the intent of illustrating that, in fact, there are no limitations. The evolution that Monroe achieves raises the questions that will inspire the reader to reach for the individual purposes chosen for this lifetime.
As soon as Monroe recognized that his out of body experiences were part of his life work, rather than accidental occurrences, the experiences became purposeful. In one of his initial journeys he meets a guide that facilitates the proper questioning for him to exceed all limitations for exploring the time space continuum. He finds himself choosing to explore specific purposes. Then, with specific intent in mind, he discovers the ability to go anywhere and meet anyone that serves those purposes.
His guide (whom Monroe refers to by the acronym INSPEC, for intelligent species), suggests that "you and your friends" will have the opportunity to help "clean up the mess" created by this civilization's current dominant paradigms. To that end, the guide suggests that Monroe visit a time and place where human organization is "different and conforms more to the way you believe it should be." This is their first time traveling together, and Monroe's guide uses the opportunity to teach him the techniques of astral travel.
As the "energy pattern of the earth dissolved into blackness," Monroe found himself some thousands of feet above a wide and beautiful valley. Within this valley he observed that there was a settlement with many pathways and a great variety of vegetation, but no sign of buildings. It is explained to Monroe that the inhabitants, some two million of them, are either underground or beneath the trees, performing the tasks that make their society work. They are the only inhabitants of the earth at this time.
Monroe makes contact with several of the inhabitants. The dialogue that takes place is tremendously enlightening as to what it means to live in balance and harmony with nature and each other. The inhabitants address the universal and timeless need to evolve and fulfill our purposes as a species and as individuals. The most surprising aspect in his discovery is their recognition of the transitory nature of their settlement. Their entire way of life, though sustainable and fulfilling, is temporary. The example given from this settlement, thriving in the very distant past, is one that is vital to understanding the needs of our own time.
A further step in Monroe's explorations comes when he expresses the desire to meet a non-human entity that is intelligent but non-physical in nature. Monroe finds himself traveling in the vastness of space, with the earth and moon visible in the distance. Looking up, he finds himself just outside of a massive flying saucer. A door opens up and a familiar looking figure walks out and traverses the space between them. As he comes closer, Monroe is astonished to see he is none other than a figure that entertained him throughout his childhood, W.C. Fields! The figure, which Monroe speculates is a replica, a projection, or perhaps a holograph, brings him on board his ship and shows him his cargo: pictures of comedians, cartoons, and thousands of scribbled jokes.
The cargo, he reveals to Monroe, is part of his purpose and reveals why his craft, occasionally glimpsed by unsuspecting individuals, is hovering about the earth. He is an exporter of the property that makes us unique in this universe: our sense of humor. The experience gives Monroe, as well as the reader of this account, an idea of just how valuable our ability to laugh at ourselves is. Not just to each other in our pursuit of enjoying the human condition, but to the entire universe!
These interactions have a profound impact on Monroe. It sets into motion the impetus for developing the technology of Hemi-synch. The work of the Institute, with its profound breakthroughs in the use technology for spiritual exploration, has the potential of enabling vital specifics in the evolution of humankind. Despite Monroe's death in 1995, his Institute continues to attract and change forever the visitors to its campus as well as the thousands who have visited the virtual reality of its web site. The implications of Monroe's work developing the hemi-synch device take on a whole new meaning when viewed as to the potential from learning from other times, places, and species. The development of this technology, a technology that enables astral travel and contact with guides and other beings with purposes that are highly relevant to both personal and planetary evolution, brings focus and significance to the whole idea of pursuing the potential ramifications of metaphysical technologies.
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Rife Machine
Royal Rife is the inventor of the Rife Machine. At http://www.rifehealth.com, it is said that "one day Royal Rife will be acknowledged as one of history's greatest medical geniuses." In 1902 he discovered the human cancer virus with a microscope that he had to invent himself, since no microscope at the time was powerful enough to detect it. Through endless and exhaustive experimentation and laboratory testing, he discovered that this virus could be killed using certain frequencies that were emitted from a prototype machine he created. He was then successful at destroying cancer in patients who sat within 10 feet of the machine. His legend built from there, and by 1931 he was the most honored among the medical society for his track record of being able to cure cancer almost 100% of the time. The cure for cancer has been found long ago! However, by 1939 these same doctors and scientists who so highly praised him denied that they had ever met Royal Rife.
A violent attack was set upon Rife by unseen forces, but they could most likely be identified as the drug companies (through the American Medical Association) who had the most to lose from the Rife Machine, and a miffed Morris Fishbein who tried to buy the rights to Rife's work unsuccessfully. After that, people who worked with him were harmed and poisoned, Rife's papers were mysteriously lost, and his labs were destroyed by arson. He was shortly indicted and taken to trial for "fraudulent medical practices," and for the most part, his life was undone. He became a ruined man. All the doctors who were associated with him lost their medical licenses if they did not stop using Rife's invention, even though they were having incredible success at curing people of cancer. Rife became an alcoholic in order to deal with the terrible turn of events his life has taken. Rife himself was later killed in 1971 by a very lethal dose of valium at a hospital which some do not believe was an accident.
This amazing man paid a very high price for his brilliance and inventiveness. He was a genius, a channeler of divine scientific inspiration. It is true that the heavens send messengers, but humans tend to kill them all and invalidate their work. Rife's is a very sad story, but we are very lucky that his work is quietly being resurrected. He had hoped to benefit from his work during his lifetime, but since he could not, and all his attempts to launch his work was met with death threats and obstacles, he decided to make his work publicly available for free by signing it all over to John Crane, who documented his work, created instructions for the construction of the machine, but who also never made a dime from it and ended up dying in destitution in 1996. There have been some heavy dues paid to bring the Rife Machine into the world!
In 1980, the AMA (American Medical Association) was found guilty of "conspiracy to restrain competition... New methods of health care have been discouraged, restricted and in some instances eliminated." The AMA was Rife's (and the public's) greatest enemy, protecting the drug companies and denying the public of the latest inventions. Unfortunately, this vindication came too late for Rife, but not the rest of us. At least it has opened the doorway for work with the Rife Machine to begin again, but no one touched the topic, perhaps out of fear of the AMA and its tactics, until 1988. However, the Rife Machine is still not allowed to be used by doctors. At least it can be purchased for personal use, but this must be kept quiet or you might find yourself in a tangle with legal issues and the AMA if you live within the United States. Why is the AMA the only agency that does not want you to have the Rife Machine? It is because they want to treat illnesses with expensive procedures that don't work, not cure diseases for pennies.
For a long time, Rife's work lay dormant. However, it has been recently re-visited. Others are picking up where he left off. It has been discovered that far more than just the cancer virus can be killed with the Rife technology. Any virus can be killed. It just has to be identified and the right frequency that kills it must be found. Others have begun to catalog this list. Work on cataloging viruses and the frequencies that kill them has begun again. There are now thousands of viruses that can be addressed using the Rife Machine. It is not that expensive, either, compared to what the medical costs of drugs, doctor's visits, surgeries and hospitalizations would cost. A Rife Machice could be purchased for anywhere between $500 and $5000, depending on how many bells and whistles you want it to come with. If you do an internet search on Rife Machine, there will be plenty of results to peruse, but the only place you will be able to purchase one is from overseas. It is still illegal to use them in the United States. Almost all other countries in the world allow the use of the Rife Machine, at least for personal purposes or experimental purposes, if not for the public. This does seem quite strange.
A Rife Machine works by generating a field of frequency, or frequencies, and anything within that field that it has been discovered to kill will be killed. It works one of two ways. Some of the less expensive machines entail two metal, or glass, cylinders that you grasp in your hands while frequencies pulse through them, and thus into your body. Some of the more expensive machines entail detailed digital readouts and the ability to diagnose your condition by finding out which viruses are present. You also do not have to hold onto cylinders and you are able to go about your business in the room as the machine generates the frequency field that addresses the virus. Why is this a metaphysical technology? Soon, all illness will be cured through means other than those used by Western medicine. This is only a beginning. Sound is a powerful force, not only for healing but many other endeavors as well. This is all that the Rife Machine is using. It is believed that the Pyramids were built using sound, that possibly the first thing that existed was sound as an utterance of "the word" from the mouth of God, and that sound is a universal language that we can all understand. The Rife Machine has discovered that everything, even viruses have their own unique "sound" and that another sound can even destroy it! This is a powerful discovery on many levels!
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Dicyanin Screen
This device is described in the Dreams & Dreaming course. It is a way for the naked eye to see the first three layers of the human aura. The device consists of two plates of glass with a dycanin dyed liquid between them. Dicyanin is a coal tar dye. Some say that a subject's aura can be seen through the screen, while others say that one must look at a bright light first, and then look at the subject through the screen.
There have been several doctors in the past years who have used this technology for discerning illnesses in their patients and diagnosing their condition. This could be another advance in medical practices that would meet with a terrible end with the AMA if it was as precise as the Rife Machine, but up to this point, there is still much mapping of the human aura that needs to be done. Humans have only touched the tip of the iceberg on this huge and limitless subject!
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Conclusion
Only a few metaphysical technologies are covered in this course. There are multitudes of them. There are others being invented even in this moment! This course is only an introduction to the fact that there are ways to alter your consciousness, your health and your emotions using tried and true methods that have metaphysical beginnings.
It might be quite useful on your spiritual path to purchase some of these gadgets that have been described, it might not. It is not necessary to have them, but they are able to create states of mind that you have been struggling for in meditation and spiritual endeavors. Meditation tapes are a great way to go of course, but manipulating brainwaves is also a useful medium. It depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are trying to learn lucid dreaming, perhaps the Nova-Dreamer is for you, but you will need a lot of money to get one. If you are trying to learn how to relax, perhaps the bio-feedback machine is for you. If you are trying to resist the urge to do psychedelic drugs that harm your body, but you want to see the trippy patterns people report on them, perhaps the sound and light machine is for you.
There is a movement toward higher states of mind through technology. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to achieve a quiet state of mind without having to sit in the lotus position for 20 years? It can be that easy for some people with the metaphysical technologies that are coming out into public. If you have the money, it might be worth exploration, but if not, the tried and true practice of sitting in meditation will get you there too!