Materialism and psychical research are often viewed as antithetical. But psychic phenomena and the occult have been with us all throughout the development of science, and—like it or not—they have their place in modern science.
In a state-of-the-art lab at the University of Virginia’s Division of Perceptual Studies (DOPS), psychokinesis isn’t a sensationalized magic-show talent. Its subtle forms are studied and scientifically measured in various ways.
While quick and simple “tests” are often highly publicized, the more technical data that could support the existence of psychic abilities is easily buried in academic papers.
Studies show that people seem to be able to sense when someone is looking at them even when no sensory information around them could give them an indication.
Jesse Bravo is a high-profile psychic in New York City. He trades stocks by day, and holds séances by night. He channels the dead loved ones of a variety of clients—though he won’t say which celebrities knock on his door, maintaining psychic-client confidentiality.
“Perhaps children are more open-minded about such experiences and do not yet accept as impossible what our society deems to be so, not accepting skepticism,” wrote child psychologist Athena A. Drewes, Psy.D., and Sally Feather, Ph.D., in an article for the Rhine Research Center.
Dean Radin has heard many synchronicity stories, but one of the strangest he has ever heard happened to him. The coincidences in his story pile up one after another.