AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CLAIMS, FRAUDS, AND HOAXES OF THE OCCULT AND SUPERNATURAL – read online part 3 –
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by JAMES RANDI
D
Dactylomancy
See ‘table tipping’ and ‘Ouija board’.
Daemon
The same as demon (which see) but with this spelling, possibly referring to a Greek secondary divinity between gods and men.
Davenport Brothers
The American Davenport brothers, Ira (1839-1911) and William (1841-1877), caused a major sensation in the late 1800s with a spectacular and puzzling vaudeville stage act which seemed to support belief in spiritualist doctrine. It consisted of their being tied hand and foot and then being locked into a large cabinet with an assortment of props. Bells would sound, musical instruments would be played, strange hands would appear through openings in the cabinet, and a bewildered member taken from the audience would have his clothes turned inside out and various other indignities would be inflicted on him. The cabinet was often opened quickly right in the midst of these events, and the two Davenports were always found to be still securely bound and seemingly “in trance.”
The brothers had developed their act as teenagers, following the sensation caused by the Fox sisters.
Before long the father of the two “mediums” resigned his position with the Buffalo, New York, police force and took over managing what quickly got to be a very profitable operation. They were joined by William H. Fay, another Buffalo resident who became an important agent of their operation. They developed their tied-in-a-box routine and for the next ten years toured the United States with it. Then they arrived in England, a country that had accepted the idea of spiritualism enthusiastically and still embraced it even after it had begun to wane in the country where it was born. England was fully primed for belief in the Davenports.
The brothers had developed their act as teenagers, following the sensation caused by the Fox sisters.
Before long the father of the two “mediums” resigned his position with the Buffalo, New York, police force and took over managing what quickly got to be a very profitable operation. They were joined by William H. Fay, another Buffalo resident who became an important agent of their operation. They developed their tied-in-a-box routine and for the next ten years toured the United States with it. Then they arrived in England, a country that had accepted the idea of spiritualism enthusiastically and still embraced it even after it had begun to wane in the country where it was born. England was fully primed for belief in the Davenports.
Davis, Andrew Jackson
(1826-1910) Known as “The Poughkeepsie Seer,” Davis was the son of a shoemaker, with very little formal education. He claimed from age fourteen to be able to diagnose illnesses by clairvoyance. For a while, he made his living at this questionable profession, then in 1847 he published his major work among many that were to come, The Principles of Nature, Her Divine Revelations, and a Voice to Mankind. Some thirty-four editions of this book appeared in the next thirty years. A brief quotation will serve to illustrate the pretentious nature of this opus :
” In the beginning the Univercoelum was one boundless, undefinable, and unimaginable ocean of Liquid Fire. . . . Matter and Power were existing as a Whole, inseparable. The Matter contained the substance to produce all suns, all worlds, and systems of worlds, throughout the immensity of Space. It contained the qualities to produce all things that are existing upon each of those worlds.
The Power contained Wisdom and Goodness, Justice, Mercy and Truth. It contained the original and essential Principle that is displayed throughout the immensity of Space, controlling worlds and systems of worlds, and producing Motion, Life, Sensation and Intelligence, to be impartially
disseminated upon their surfaces as Ultimates.”
The Power contained Wisdom and Goodness, Justice, Mercy and Truth. It contained the original and essential Principle that is displayed throughout the immensity of Space, controlling worlds and systems of worlds, and producing Motion, Life, Sensation and Intelligence, to be impartially
disseminated upon their surfaces as Ultimates.”
This is typical of such literature, using undefined terms, generalities, and sweeping claims that are never further looked into. It has an appeal to the uneducated, who accept it as being equivalent to genuine philosophical and scientific works of which they have an equal lack of comprehension. And,
to some academics, this kind of writing can appear to be a step beyond their own abilities, especially if it seems to state something they wish to accept.
Some of the contents of The Principles of Nature were plagiarized from the works of Swedenborg, a mystic whose books had just been published as Davis began his own work. Davis in some cases used as his own, word for word, long passages from Swedenborg, both in this book and in his subsequent writings. This has been accepted by Davis’s followers as proof that he was inhabited by the spirit of Swedenborg while writing, rather than evidence that he might have been cheating. They reject the other, more parsimonious explanation.
to some academics, this kind of writing can appear to be a step beyond their own abilities, especially if it seems to state something they wish to accept.
Some of the contents of The Principles of Nature were plagiarized from the works of Swedenborg, a mystic whose books had just been published as Davis began his own work. Davis in some cases used as his own, word for word, long passages from Swedenborg, both in this book and in his subsequent writings. This has been accepted by Davis’s followers as proof that he was inhabited by the spirit of Swedenborg while writing, rather than evidence that he might have been cheating. They reject the other, more parsimonious explanation.
Davis also said that the planet Saturn was inhabited by humans more advanced than those here on Earth, with other human civilizations on Mars and Jupiter, and more primitive humans on Mercury and Venus. In 1847 he hardly had to worry about space probes revealing the facts about these matters.
Davis invented the term Summerland to designate the undefined place to which souls went after the death of the owners. This was an attractive and welcome terminology for some of the spiritualists,since it relieved the believers of any need for a religious connection.
In his last years, Davis ran a small bookshop in Boston.
Davis invented the term Summerland to designate the undefined place to which souls went after the death of the owners. This was an attractive and welcome terminology for some of the spiritualists,since it relieved the believers of any need for a religious connection.
In his last years, Davis ran a small bookshop in Boston.
Dee Dr. John
(1527-1608) Prophecy and other assorted supernatural abilities were attributed to a contemporary of Nostradamus, the brilliant Welshman Dr. John Dee. He was many things — mathematician, navigator,cartographer, prolific writer, master spy, astrologer, and most trusted adviser to Queen Elizabeth I of England. Described as a tall, thin, mysterious man with a long pointed beard, Dee was one of the most powerful but subtle political influences of his day.
A genuinely accomplished scholar who was never reluctant to mix a little attractive claptrap in with his otherwise valuable teachings, he practiced astrology and searched for the legendary philosopher’s stone that could heal all ills and transmute base metals into gold. It is believed that Dee was the model for Shakespeare’s character Prospero in The Tempest.
Beginning in 1581, Dee dabbled in almost all the magical arts, and early in his career he labored under the shady reputation of a sorcerer. Before Elizabeth Tudor ascended the throne, and while she was a reluctant resident of the Tower of London, he predicted for her a very long life and a very high position in the kingdom (a very successful prophecy!), and from that moment on, he enjoyed her considerable patronage and trust.
In spite of a certain amount of dismay she felt over Dee’s open association with acknowledged rascals and rumored practitioners of black magic, the Virgin Queen appointed him to ever more important positions. Elizabeth had in Dee a skilled cartographer, mathematician, and navigator who served her well, but she valued above all his purported abilities to predict the future.
Some of Dee’s magical paraphernalia are still preserved in London at the British Museum, and the prize object of the display is a magic black obsidian glass mirror seven inches in diameter fashioned in Mexico by the Aztec culture. In it, Dee claimed he could see future events by what is known as scrying. This is done by looking into a bowl of water, a crystal, or — as in Dee’s case — a special mirror or speculum he called his Angelical Stone. He said that it had been given him by the angels Raphael and Gabriel. (This was later owned by British author Horace Walpole and was sold at auction to an unknown buyer in 1842.) Dee said that an angel appeared to him in the crystal and with a wand pointed out numbers and letters in a chart which spelled out messages in a language he called Enochian, using twenty-one characters. Surprisingly, this language has a real syntax and grammar,though those aspects are closely related to English.
Dee himself did not actually use the mirror, and admitted that he’d never mastered the ability to scry; he left that to others such as an assistant named Barnabas Saul, who soon lost his power and was replaced by one Edward Kelley (1555-1595), a scoundrel who claimed mediumistic and magical abilities and who transmitted the mystical messages to Dee.
Edward Kelley, the charlatan who ruined the reputation and the life of Dr. John Dee. He was a convicted counterfeiter and thus had cropped ears, so he wore his hair long and full to hide this fact.
In the later years of his life, John Dee turned his ill-directed attention to alchemy. Worse still, from 1582 on, he furthered his acquaintance with Kelley to the point of dependence. That association was the downfall of the brilliant scholar, for at that point, he abandoned all his truly useful and productive work to seek the ever-elusive shortcut to wealth and to divine wisdom. He soon found himself betrayed by Kelley and others who fed upon what was left of his fast-fleeing fame and repute. In 1583, a mob raided his home at Mortlake and destroyed many of his books, manuscripts, talismans and magical devices.
A genuinely accomplished scholar who was never reluctant to mix a little attractive claptrap in with his otherwise valuable teachings, he practiced astrology and searched for the legendary philosopher’s stone that could heal all ills and transmute base metals into gold. It is believed that Dee was the model for Shakespeare’s character Prospero in The Tempest.
Beginning in 1581, Dee dabbled in almost all the magical arts, and early in his career he labored under the shady reputation of a sorcerer. Before Elizabeth Tudor ascended the throne, and while she was a reluctant resident of the Tower of London, he predicted for her a very long life and a very high position in the kingdom (a very successful prophecy!), and from that moment on, he enjoyed her considerable patronage and trust.
In spite of a certain amount of dismay she felt over Dee’s open association with acknowledged rascals and rumored practitioners of black magic, the Virgin Queen appointed him to ever more important positions. Elizabeth had in Dee a skilled cartographer, mathematician, and navigator who served her well, but she valued above all his purported abilities to predict the future.
Some of Dee’s magical paraphernalia are still preserved in London at the British Museum, and the prize object of the display is a magic black obsidian glass mirror seven inches in diameter fashioned in Mexico by the Aztec culture. In it, Dee claimed he could see future events by what is known as scrying. This is done by looking into a bowl of water, a crystal, or — as in Dee’s case — a special mirror or speculum he called his Angelical Stone. He said that it had been given him by the angels Raphael and Gabriel. (This was later owned by British author Horace Walpole and was sold at auction to an unknown buyer in 1842.) Dee said that an angel appeared to him in the crystal and with a wand pointed out numbers and letters in a chart which spelled out messages in a language he called Enochian, using twenty-one characters. Surprisingly, this language has a real syntax and grammar,though those aspects are closely related to English.
Dee himself did not actually use the mirror, and admitted that he’d never mastered the ability to scry; he left that to others such as an assistant named Barnabas Saul, who soon lost his power and was replaced by one Edward Kelley (1555-1595), a scoundrel who claimed mediumistic and magical abilities and who transmitted the mystical messages to Dee.
Edward Kelley, the charlatan who ruined the reputation and the life of Dr. John Dee. He was a convicted counterfeiter and thus had cropped ears, so he wore his hair long and full to hide this fact.
In the later years of his life, John Dee turned his ill-directed attention to alchemy. Worse still, from 1582 on, he furthered his acquaintance with Kelley to the point of dependence. That association was the downfall of the brilliant scholar, for at that point, he abandoned all his truly useful and productive work to seek the ever-elusive shortcut to wealth and to divine wisdom. He soon found himself betrayed by Kelley and others who fed upon what was left of his fast-fleeing fame and repute. In 1583, a mob raided his home at Mortlake and destroyed many of his books, manuscripts, talismans and magical devices.
He served his last really responsible position as warden of the Collegiate Church in Manchester and was active there during an infamous event known as The Six, in which a group of children in Manchester imagined themselves to be possessed by demons. What was then referred to as a “cunning man” was brought in to observe and report on their situation. This poor man was caught up in the hysteria and was eventually executed on suspicion of being a witch himself. John Dee’s only contribution to a solution was to advise the children to fast and pray. It was little comfort to the “cunning man,” whose cunning apparently deserted him when most needed.
Upon the death of Elizabeth in 1603, and the ascent to the throne of James I, who had no patience with anyone pretending to possess any sort of unorthodox (non-Christian) magical powers, Dr. Dee was stripped of his honors and his income and sent to live in the countryside incommunicado. He spent the final five years of his life in extreme poverty until his death in 1608 at the very remarkable age of eighty-one. His library of more than four thousand books on the occult, mathematics and cartography — the largest collection in Britain at that time — was dispersed soon after his death.
He is buried at Mortlake.
His assistant, Kelley, was convicted of counterfeiting (again) and was killed escaping prison.
British Museum visitors may also see Dee’s rose-tinted crystal, engraved gold and wax talisman tablets (in particular, the Golden Disc of the Four Castles), wands, and formula books on display.
Upon the death of Elizabeth in 1603, and the ascent to the throne of James I, who had no patience with anyone pretending to possess any sort of unorthodox (non-Christian) magical powers, Dr. Dee was stripped of his honors and his income and sent to live in the countryside incommunicado. He spent the final five years of his life in extreme poverty until his death in 1608 at the very remarkable age of eighty-one. His library of more than four thousand books on the occult, mathematics and cartography — the largest collection in Britain at that time — was dispersed soon after his death.
He is buried at Mortlake.
His assistant, Kelley, was convicted of counterfeiting (again) and was killed escaping prison.
British Museum visitors may also see Dee’s rose-tinted crystal, engraved gold and wax talisman tablets (in particular, the Golden Disc of the Four Castles), wands, and formula books on display.
de Freitas, José Pedro
See ‘Arigo’ ‘ Jose’.
Déjà vu
A psychological phenomenon in which the subject experiences a situation that he or she feels strongly has been experienced before. It is believed that a unique combination of sensory inputs (hearing an unusually worded phrase along with perceiving a distinctive odor, for example) may bring about recall of a previous similar or identical combination, thus creating the illusion that the entire experience has been previously encountered.
Since this is a strange experience, it is often enthusiastically brought up as an example of a probable psi phenomenon, which it is not.
See also ‘cryptomnesia’.
Since this is a strange experience, it is often enthusiastically brought up as an example of a probable psi phenomenon, which it is not.
See also ‘cryptomnesia’.
De la Warr, George
(1905-1969) A civil engineer from England who became wealthy by selling quack medical equipment.By stroking a rubber pad mounted on a mysterious black box modeled on that of another quack, Ruth Drown, De la Warr said he was able to diagnose and treat diseases. He made a fortune renting out the devices and training people to use them, and he might very well have believed that they really worked.
His boxes had a number of dials which were to be twisted until the stroking of the rubber pad seemed to change in character. The setting of the dials then gave the operator a number. Each box was accompanied by the Guide to Clinical Condition, a list of numbers that could be consulted to determine the medical condition of the subject. For example, 901 would mean “toxins” and 907 would be “fracture.” A “bruise” was indicated by 80799, and 60404 meant a “secretion imbalance.”
Other boxes designed and manufactured by De la Warr were used to actually treat patients, and one even photographed “thought forms.” A disastrous court case brought against De la Warr revealed testimony of just how silly his procedures were, and though he won the case, the event brought his practice to an end. By then he’d made his fortune and didn’t much care.
See also ‘Dr. Albert Abrams’ and ‘Ruth Drown’.
Delphi, ( also Delphos )
The Oracle of Delphi, probably the best known of the Greek divining agencies, was essentially a political force. The women in charge were not above accepting bribes to give appropriate answers to inquirers. It was believed that the god Apollo spoke through the Pythian priestesses while they were in various states of drug-induced trance.
The ambiguous nature of their utterances became a popular joke, as when they were asked to tell King Croesus the outcome of an upcoming battle to be fought across a river. The response: “When Croesus passes over the river he overthrows the strength of an empire.” The questioner was pleased and left a generous offering at the temple. A great empire did fall that day, but it was his own. Such procedures gave rise to the expression “Delphic statement,” used to designate anything that can be taken two or more ways.
Today, investment advisors and meteorologists are the tamer versions of the Oracle of Delphi.
The ambiguous nature of their utterances became a popular joke, as when they were asked to tell King Croesus the outcome of an upcoming battle to be fought across a river. The response: “When Croesus passes over the river he overthrows the strength of an empire.” The questioner was pleased and left a generous offering at the temple. A great empire did fall that day, but it was his own. Such procedures gave rise to the expression “Delphic statement,” used to designate anything that can be taken two or more ways.
Today, investment advisors and meteorologists are the tamer versions of the Oracle of Delphi.
Demon
(or daemon, from the Greek daimon) A malevolent spirit. Demons are often invisible, but can see,usually have wings and can fly, know the future, can propagate (with other demons or with humans),and can die. Demons come in all sizes, so they can enter and inhabit the bodies of humans and animals, but are inhibited from this by properly-selected charms and they fear fire, water, light, salt,and certain herbs. Sneezing is said to provide a demon with the opportunity of flying up one’s nose,thus the expression, “Bless you!” or “Bonne santé!” or “Gesundheit!” as a response to a sneeze. It’s
not known to help, but it can’t hurt.
The Lesser Key of Solomon, the Lemegeton manuscript now in the British Museum, lists seventy-three demons in hierarchial progression, but there are so many other menus to choose from, one is hard put to decide which listing to accept. These head demons, former rebellious angels, bring about storms,shipwreck, earthquakes, and other cataclysms.
not known to help, but it can’t hurt.
The Lesser Key of Solomon, the Lemegeton manuscript now in the British Museum, lists seventy-three demons in hierarchial progression, but there are so many other menus to choose from, one is hard put to decide which listing to accept. These head demons, former rebellious angels, bring about storms,shipwreck, earthquakes, and other cataclysms.
Occultists, with their uncanny wisdom, have estimated that there are 7,250,000 demons currently in action, who are controlled by some seventy-nine higher powers. The hierarchy of demons is as follows :
One emperor
Seven kings
Twenty-four dukes
Thirteen marquis demons
Ten counts
Eleven presidents.
Seven kings
Twenty-four dukes
Thirteen marquis demons
Ten counts
Eleven presidents.
There are thirteen other less fancy officers in this court, and the regular common demons are under the control of this royalty.
The Talmud, not to be outdone, declares that there are 7,405,926 demons in existence. The Greek philosophers Porphyry and Thales believed in demons. The Templars, a group of French knights dedicated to protecting Christians on their way to slaughter infidels during the Crusades, adopted the demon Baphomet as part of their strange religious rites, a fact all the more mysterious because the name is a corruption of Mahomet.
Demons are believed to inhabit deserts in preference to most other zones, perhaps favoring the closer resemblance to their home clime.
The Talmud, not to be outdone, declares that there are 7,405,926 demons in existence. The Greek philosophers Porphyry and Thales believed in demons. The Templars, a group of French knights dedicated to protecting Christians on their way to slaughter infidels during the Crusades, adopted the demon Baphomet as part of their strange religious rites, a fact all the more mysterious because the name is a corruption of Mahomet.
Demons are believed to inhabit deserts in preference to most other zones, perhaps favoring the closer resemblance to their home clime.
See also ‘Johannes Weyer’.
Demonology
The study and classification of the hierarchy of demons, their powers and limitations, attributes,multiple names, and derivations. Not considered a very useful pursuit, but a good conversation piece.
Dermo-optical Perception
(DOP; in Russia referred to as “bio-introscopy”) In the 1950s, this was a popular subject for sensational news stories and for parapsychology. It was claimed that some persons were able to “see” without using their eyes, scanning printed matter with their fingertips, with their noses, or even with their feet. At one point, in 1990, it was even claimed that some children in China were able to “read” bits of paper crumpled and placed in their armpits or their ears, or even by sitting on the paper!
In Mexico, the Instituto Mas Vida (“More Life Institute”) took up teaching DOP to the children of wealthy patrons. Blindfolded, the children specialized in reading large-type books opened at their feet while they were seated. It seems no accident that this is the perfect position in which to peek down the sides of the blindfold. When a piece of blocking paper was inserted below the chin, the child was always struck blind.
One famous practitioner of the art was a Russian psychic named Rosa Kuleshova, who, like the Chinese children, also read with her posterior. Another Russian, also famous for moving small objects with fine, invisible nylon threads, was Nina Kulagina, who can be seen in a black-and-white film made decades ago at a Leningrad laboratory, reading letter cards posted on the wall behind her. To a conjuror, the method is obvious: She brings her right hand up before her eyes, then it dips into her pocket, emerges and is casually shown empty. This suggests that she was peeking into a small mirror held in that hand, then the mirror was dumped when she’d had her glance. As if to verify this theory,she read off the cards — and even one two-digit number — in reverse order . Certainly there was no reason for her to have held her hand before her eyes, except to accomplish the trick as described.
The Chinese children were found at one point to be using a one-ahead method with the crumpled papers, and since the controls were nonexistent in any case, they had no problem cheating, if they had wanted to, when their magical powers failed them.
In Mexico, the Instituto Mas Vida (“More Life Institute”) took up teaching DOP to the children of wealthy patrons. Blindfolded, the children specialized in reading large-type books opened at their feet while they were seated. It seems no accident that this is the perfect position in which to peek down the sides of the blindfold. When a piece of blocking paper was inserted below the chin, the child was always struck blind.
One famous practitioner of the art was a Russian psychic named Rosa Kuleshova, who, like the Chinese children, also read with her posterior. Another Russian, also famous for moving small objects with fine, invisible nylon threads, was Nina Kulagina, who can be seen in a black-and-white film made decades ago at a Leningrad laboratory, reading letter cards posted on the wall behind her. To a conjuror, the method is obvious: She brings her right hand up before her eyes, then it dips into her pocket, emerges and is casually shown empty. This suggests that she was peeking into a small mirror held in that hand, then the mirror was dumped when she’d had her glance. As if to verify this theory,she read off the cards — and even one two-digit number — in reverse order . Certainly there was no reason for her to have held her hand before her eyes, except to accomplish the trick as described.
The Chinese children were found at one point to be using a one-ahead method with the crumpled papers, and since the controls were nonexistent in any case, they had no problem cheating, if they had wanted to, when their magical powers failed them.
Deva
A term referring to a sort of angel or Hindu god. Yet another class of minor spirits.
Devil
A figure in religious mysticism depicted as a man-figure with horns, a tail, and cloven feet.
Frequently, in Italian and French sculpture, the figure also has a conspicuous organ of procreation. The Devil is often synonymous with Satan.
Despite his usual evil reputation, he was credited in medieval times with some good deeds as well as bad. In anthropomorphic form, he was said to work in deep silver mines where human beings could not go, to build massive bridges, and to assist sailors in navigating through hazardous waters — in response to appropriate prayers or incantations, of course.
Some of the greatest support for belief in devils and demons was provided by St. Thomas Aquinas (circa 1225-1274), who endorsed as fact every fable that had ever been adopted by Christianity from other religions. Nothing, no matter how bizarre, was unacceptable to St. Thomas. He even claimed that devils could produce progeny.
Frequently, in Italian and French sculpture, the figure also has a conspicuous organ of procreation. The Devil is often synonymous with Satan.
Despite his usual evil reputation, he was credited in medieval times with some good deeds as well as bad. In anthropomorphic form, he was said to work in deep silver mines where human beings could not go, to build massive bridges, and to assist sailors in navigating through hazardous waters — in response to appropriate prayers or incantations, of course.
Some of the greatest support for belief in devils and demons was provided by St. Thomas Aquinas (circa 1225-1274), who endorsed as fact every fable that had ever been adopted by Christianity from other religions. Nothing, no matter how bizarre, was unacceptable to St. Thomas. He even claimed that devils could produce progeny.
” When children are born of the intercourse of devils with human beings, they do not come from the seed of the devil or of the human body he has assumed, but of the seed which he has extracted from another human being. The same devil, who, as a woman, has intercourse with a man can also, in the form of a man, have intercourse with a woman.”
Since no half-devils were extant, this explanation took care of that awkward fact; the devilish progeny would look just like real, regular persons.
Devil’s Mark
(also, witch’s mark) In books dedicated to the identification of witches, it is said that Satan places his mark upon the body of a witch, usually a red or blue spot, to more easily recognize his property. The mark was also believed to be insensitive to pain and to not bleed if pierced.
Tertullian (circa 155 -222), one of the Latin Fathers, certified that witches were so marked, and this became the official and convenient manner of recognizing these evil folks, since no one is free of some sort of scar, mole, crease, wart, or bump that can be elevated to the status of a Satanic brand mark, especially when substantial rewards are available to the one who discovers such a sign. As a result, witch-hunters eagerly examined every part of a suspect’s body, accepting the slightest suggestion of a mark as evidence. They were invariably successful.
Tertullian (circa 155 -222), one of the Latin Fathers, certified that witches were so marked, and this became the official and convenient manner of recognizing these evil folks, since no one is free of some sort of scar, mole, crease, wart, or bump that can be elevated to the status of a Satanic brand mark, especially when substantial rewards are available to the one who discovers such a sign. As a result, witch-hunters eagerly examined every part of a suspect’s body, accepting the slightest suggestion of a mark as evidence. They were invariably successful.
Devils of Loudun
See ‘Loudun, Devils of’.
Devil’s Triangle
See ‘Bermuda Triangle’.
De Wohl, Louis
(Ludwig Von Wohl-Musciny, 1903-1961) A Hungarian-born astrologer. Learning of the interest in astrology shown by the German Nazis, in 1940 the British put together their own — equally secret —group of astrologers, calling it their “black group,” within the Department of Psychological Warfare.
They put Captain Louis de Wohl in charge.
This man, who had arrived in England as a refugee in 1935, was chosen by the British because he said he knew the techniques used by Karl Ernst Krafft (the German Nazi astrologer) for making his forecasting, and it became his job to anticipate what their occultist might advise the warlords of Germany to do.
It appears that de Wohl had misrepresented and hyperbolized his talents to the British, and they did not retain his services for long. He wrote some fake astrological articles that contained discouraging predictions for Nazi Germany, for use in equally fake astrological magazines. These were distributed throughout Europe by various means.
Not ignoring the renewed German interest in the sixteenth-century French prophet Nostradamus either, de Wohl also invented some pro-British/anti-Nazi quatrains in an attempt to neutralize Krafft’s work. He created a 124-page book titled Nostradamus prophezeit den Kriegsverlauf (“Nostradamus Predicts the Course of the War”), which of course predicted the fall of the Reich. The book was printed in huge quantities and dropped over occupied territories by the Allies in 1943.
An interesting question is whether or not either side in this psychological World War II battle actually had any real belief in astrology or in Nostradamus; both sides have officially denied any such belief,even up to the present. In any case, the expensive and ludicrous campaign failed to have much effect for either of the warring factions.
They put Captain Louis de Wohl in charge.
This man, who had arrived in England as a refugee in 1935, was chosen by the British because he said he knew the techniques used by Karl Ernst Krafft (the German Nazi astrologer) for making his forecasting, and it became his job to anticipate what their occultist might advise the warlords of Germany to do.
It appears that de Wohl had misrepresented and hyperbolized his talents to the British, and they did not retain his services for long. He wrote some fake astrological articles that contained discouraging predictions for Nazi Germany, for use in equally fake astrological magazines. These were distributed throughout Europe by various means.
Not ignoring the renewed German interest in the sixteenth-century French prophet Nostradamus either, de Wohl also invented some pro-British/anti-Nazi quatrains in an attempt to neutralize Krafft’s work. He created a 124-page book titled Nostradamus prophezeit den Kriegsverlauf (“Nostradamus Predicts the Course of the War”), which of course predicted the fall of the Reich. The book was printed in huge quantities and dropped over occupied territories by the Allies in 1943.
An interesting question is whether or not either side in this psychological World War II battle actually had any real belief in astrology or in Nostradamus; both sides have officially denied any such belief,even up to the present. In any case, the expensive and ludicrous campaign failed to have much effect for either of the warring factions.
Diabolus
See ‘Satan’.
Dianetics
See ‘Hubbard’, ‘Lafayette Ronald’.
Dingwall, Dr. Eric J.
(1890-1986) Born in Sri Lanka, an anthropologist by training, British scientist Dr. Dingwall became interested in psychical and parapsychological research at an early age, and was renowned as a major investigator of psychic claims. He knew many of the major figures in the field and was highly respected by believers and skeptics. He was an expert in conjuring techniques, and was a member of the London Magic Circle as well as of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR). He was also associated with the Committee for Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal.
Dr. Dingwall was a major investigator of Margery Crandon and served as a general gadfly to the SPR.
In one instance, when he discovered that the SPR had developed incriminating data on the work of George Soal and had been withholding it, Dingwall insisted that they publish their findings or he would do so. Wisely, they did so.
A respected and much-loved researcher, Dr. Dingwall abandoned parapsychology in 1969 and died at age ninety-six in 1986 with the conviction that, even though he had failed, ever, to find real evidence of psychic phenomena — especially of survival-after-death, which was the important subject for him
— there was probably something there which he had merely failed to find.
Dr. Dingwall was a major investigator of Margery Crandon and served as a general gadfly to the SPR.
In one instance, when he discovered that the SPR had developed incriminating data on the work of George Soal and had been withholding it, Dingwall insisted that they publish their findings or he would do so. Wisely, they did so.
A respected and much-loved researcher, Dr. Dingwall abandoned parapsychology in 1969 and died at age ninety-six in 1986 with the conviction that, even though he had failed, ever, to find real evidence of psychic phenomena — especially of survival-after-death, which was the important subject for him
— there was probably something there which he had merely failed to find.
Discovery of Witchcraft, The
(original spelling was “Discoverie of Witchcraft”) See ‘Scot, Reginald’.
Divination
Also called the “Mantic Art.” The process of determining the future; discovering hidden or lost articles, persons, or substances; deciding guilt or innocence by various means; and generally of finding out required knowledge. Dr. Charles Mackay, author of the remarkable book Extraordinary Popular Delusions (1841), lists there fifty-two species of divination claimed by practitioners.
One form of divination is metoposcopy, determining one’s destiny by analyzing the lines of the forehead in relation to the sun, moon, and planets. The process is as successful as casting a horoscope or reading the lines of the palm.
Divination is attempted by means of forked sticks or pendulums (see also dowsing), by interpretation of almost any random event such as throwing dice, cloud formations, the configurations of the entrails of a sacrificed animal (known as augury), dreams, how a pack of cards is dealt out, the movements of insects and a great variety of other phenomena.
I n Genesis 44, there is a reference to a silver cup belonging to Joseph “in which [he] drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth,” which was another popular method similar to scrying, an art that involved looking into a bowl of water. Even today, crystal balls are used to try to see images of the
future.
See also ‘I Ching’, ‘numerology’, ‘omens’, ‘palmistry’, ‘police psychics’, ‘prophecy’, and ‘Tarot cards’.
Divination is attempted by means of forked sticks or pendulums (see also dowsing), by interpretation of almost any random event such as throwing dice, cloud formations, the configurations of the entrails of a sacrificed animal (known as augury), dreams, how a pack of cards is dealt out, the movements of insects and a great variety of other phenomena.
I n Genesis 44, there is a reference to a silver cup belonging to Joseph “in which [he] drinketh, and whereby indeed he divineth,” which was another popular method similar to scrying, an art that involved looking into a bowl of water. Even today, crystal balls are used to try to see images of the
future.
See also ‘I Ching’, ‘numerology’, ‘omens’, ‘palmistry’, ‘police psychics’, ‘prophecy’, and ‘Tarot cards’.
Divining
See ‘dowsing’.
Dixon, Jeane
n(née Pinckert, 1918?- ) Mrs. Dixon is a famous Washington seer who also claims healing powers. But her major claim to fame is that she is said to have predicted the assassination of President John F.
Kennedy. In its March 11, 1956, issue, Parade magazine reported, concerning the 1960 presidential election :
Kennedy. In its March 11, 1956, issue, Parade magazine reported, concerning the 1960 presidential election :
– Mrs. Dixon thinks it will be dominated by labor and won by a Democrat. He will be assassinated or die in office “though not necessarily in his first term.”
The election was not “dominated by labor.” She was correct on the winner’s party, and the death prediction was in line with the Presidential Curse (which see) since Kennedy fell into that pattern. But when 1960 arrived and the election was closer, Mrs. Dixon declared that Richard Nixon would win the presidency.
The election was not “dominated by labor.” She was correct on the winner’s party, and the death prediction was in line with the Presidential Curse (which see) since Kennedy fell into that pattern. But when 1960 arrived and the election was closer, Mrs. Dixon declared that Richard Nixon would win the presidency.
The endless chain of Dixon’s major failed predictions (such as Tom Dewey as “assistant president,”the fall of India’s Nehru that never happened, Richard Nixon’s return to office, germ warfare in 1958 with China, a monster comet striking the Earth, and the election of a female U.S. president — the last two to have taken place in the 1980s — and the dissolution of the Roman Catholic Church before 1990) establish that her actual, written record is hardly impressive. Nonetheless, she still has a large and enthusiastic following among credophiles.
Djinn
(plural noun, pronounced jinn; singular, djinni) In the Moslem religion, spirits with specific supernatural powers, the children of fire. They are corporeal, often taking the shapes of ostriches,snakes, or humans, and can become invisible. In Malaysian magic, there are 190 Black Djinn, evilmountain-dwelling spirits.
The alternate versions of the djinn are the genii. The differences are nonessential to any person’s knowledge of the real world.
Doomsday
See ‘end of the world’.
Doppelgänger
From the German, meaning “double walker.” A persistent fantasy is that each person has an identical “twin” somewhere, though they are unrelated. The chance of two identical DNA patterns existing at the same time, even if generated by the same two parents as the result of two different sperm/egg
fusings, is inadequately described by the term “astronomically small.” For that reason, an actual doppelgänger is very highly unlikely.
Legend says that if the two should meet, they will both die. That seems reasonable.
fusings, is inadequately described by the term “astronomically small.” For that reason, an actual doppelgänger is very highly unlikely.
Legend says that if the two should meet, they will both die. That seems reasonable.
Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan
See ‘Conan Doyle, Sir Arthur’.
Dragon Bones
Superstition and stupidity have scored victories against archaeology and anthropology in China, where dinosaur bones and other artifacts inscribed with historical records have been eagerly purchased from finders and ground to powder by apothecaries who then sell the useless substance as an aphrodisiac and general cure-all. It is called “dragon bone.”
Drawing Down the Moon
A witch’s ceremony held on or near December 12. It is dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine and fertility. Yet another reason for folks to get together for drinking, dancing and general carrying-on\.
Dreams
The Greek scholar/historian Xenophon wrote about dreams as a form of divination and in the second century Artemidorus of Daldis set about collecting dream lore and published a book on their interpretation. Dreams also served the Greeks as diagnostic tools, being messages from the gods.
It was also believed, in some cultures, that dreams resulted from divine visitations, demons or spirits of the dead. The Bible records that Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, and there are several other prognostications achieved through dreams, such as those in Genesis 20:3, 31:23, and 37:5; Job 33:15. Numbers 12:6; and 1 Kings 3:5.
In actuality, a dream appears to be the reaction of the brain to various sensory inputs experienced while asleep. It explains away what would otherwise be disturbing and/or misunderstood information.
The dream is not a supernatural phenomenon.
It was also believed, in some cultures, that dreams resulted from divine visitations, demons or spirits of the dead. The Bible records that Joseph interpreted dreams for Pharaoh, and there are several other prognostications achieved through dreams, such as those in Genesis 20:3, 31:23, and 37:5; Job 33:15. Numbers 12:6; and 1 Kings 3:5.
In actuality, a dream appears to be the reaction of the brain to various sensory inputs experienced while asleep. It explains away what would otherwise be disturbing and/or misunderstood information.
The dream is not a supernatural phenomenon.
Drown, Ruth
(1891?-1943) A Los Angeles chiropractor of the “sealed black box” school, Drown obtained a British patent for her “camera” device which she said produced a photographic image of an organ, from a drop of blood from the patient.
In England, Drown met “radionics” worker George De la Warr, who developed her ideas into a separate movement and caused a minor war between the two schools. Radionics dealt with various quack devices that were used for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Drown was called a fraud by the FDA when it looked into her practice, but that did little to slow her success.
In England, Drown met “radionics” worker George De la Warr, who developed her ideas into a separate movement and caused a minor war between the two schools. Radionics dealt with various quack devices that were used for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Drown was called a fraud by the FDA when it looked into her practice, but that did little to slow her success.
See also ‘Dr. Albert Abrams’ and ‘George De la Warr’.
Druids
(from the Celtic der, for “superior,” and wydd, for “priest;” Pliny claims the word derives from the Greek drus, but that is highly unlikely; also known as Semothees) Priest-magicians of Gaul, England,the north of Scotland, and the Hebrides. In the first century, the Roman emperor Tiberius issued a decree against the Druids “along with the whole pack of such physicians, prophets and wizards.”
Druids were written about by Julius Caesar in his Commentaries on the Gallic War , and by Celtic authors. In 1598, the tomb of a very famous Druid chief Chyndonax was discovered near Dijon,France, covered with Greek inscriptions.
Augury (see also divination) was a popular form of prognostication used in Druid ceremonies, and they were said to be competent at controlling the weather, producing visual illusions, fire walking, and speaking with animals.
Halloween is essentially a Druidic festival.
Druids were written about by Julius Caesar in his Commentaries on the Gallic War , and by Celtic authors. In 1598, the tomb of a very famous Druid chief Chyndonax was discovered near Dijon,France, covered with Greek inscriptions.
Augury (see also divination) was a popular form of prognostication used in Druid ceremonies, and they were said to be competent at controlling the weather, producing visual illusions, fire walking, and speaking with animals.
Halloween is essentially a Druidic festival.
Dunninger, Joseph
(1892-1975) One of the most famous and proficient mentalists of all time.
Born the son of a tailor on New York’s Lower East Side in 1892, Joe Dunninger was interested in conjuring as a boy. Among the many acts he went to see at that time, he was impressed by a twoperson mind-reading routine performed by Mr. & Mrs. John T. Fay. (John was the son of Anna Eva Fay, a spiritualist who had been very popular in vaudeville in the late 1800s and had attracted the interest of magician/investigator Harry Houdini. John’s wife was Anna Norman. After John’s death by suicide, Mrs. Fay went on with the act, billed as “The High Priestess of Mystery,” eventually headlining shows in 1908-1910.)
However, unlike the “double” act done by the Fays, Dunninger’s was a one-person act, never using any assistants — or at least not so that anyone ever knew about it. He was very mindful to assure his audiences that he worked entirely alone, and published a carefully worded but quite genuine offer of $10,000 to anyone who could prove that he used paid confederates. Though many tried, no one ever collected, and for a very good reason: He never used any.
Becoming a very highly paid and fully booked mentalist at posh affairs all over the United States (though he had an overpowering fear of flying and traveled almost exclusively by train all of his life) Dunninger made most of his early fortune before income tax laws went into effect in this country, and he invested heavily in oriental artifacts, eventually amassing the largest collection of rare Tibetan art in the United States outside of a specialized museum in Staten Island, New York. His home in New Jersey was filled, wall-to-wall, with sculptures, wall hangings, exotic rugs, dozens of carved crystals,and gold figures of deities. In the basement was a mass of material from the Houdini home, most of which he eventually sold to the Houdini Hall of Fame Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada.
However, unlike the “double” act done by the Fays, Dunninger’s was a one-person act, never using any assistants — or at least not so that anyone ever knew about it. He was very mindful to assure his audiences that he worked entirely alone, and published a carefully worded but quite genuine offer of $10,000 to anyone who could prove that he used paid confederates. Though many tried, no one ever collected, and for a very good reason: He never used any.
Becoming a very highly paid and fully booked mentalist at posh affairs all over the United States (though he had an overpowering fear of flying and traveled almost exclusively by train all of his life) Dunninger made most of his early fortune before income tax laws went into effect in this country, and he invested heavily in oriental artifacts, eventually amassing the largest collection of rare Tibetan art in the United States outside of a specialized museum in Staten Island, New York. His home in New Jersey was filled, wall-to-wall, with sculptures, wall hangings, exotic rugs, dozens of carved crystals,and gold figures of deities. In the basement was a mass of material from the Houdini home, most of which he eventually sold to the Houdini Hall of Fame Museum in Niagara Falls, Canada.
With his elegant, commanding mannerisms onstage including a strange pseudo-Oxford accent affectation, Dunninger was known to the public only as a mentalist, “The Master Mind of Mental Radio.” He appeared on radio starting in 1943, and on television frequently in the fifties and sixties
performing the most astonishing series of stunts that were ever devised by anyone. The list of persons he used in these presentations read as a Who’s Who. Jack Dempsey, Bob Dunn, Harry Truman, the Duke of Windsor, and Babe Ruth — it seemed as if Joe Dunninger could reach into anyone’s mind at will.
On one occasion, Dunninger had the U.S. postmaster general in position at the main post office in New York City. On his live TV presentation, he asked that official to reach into the thousands of letters going by him on a conveyor belt and to choose just one. A few minutes of “concentration” and
Dunninger wrote down on a large pad of paper what he believed the address was on that letter. You guessed it: When the postmaster read out the address, it was the same one that appeared on Dunninger’s pad.
Joseph Dunninger maintained an enigmatic image all of his life. He never quite said that he read minds, but he didn’t say that he didn’t, or couldn’t. Publicly, he stayed away from magicians and seemed apart from their interests; personally, he loved to talk tricks and to root around in magic
shops. Though he always disclaimed any supernatural powers, he could leave an audience with absolutely no other explanation of what they’d seen. When asked for an answer to the enigma, he had several answers. “Any child of twelve could do what I do,” he might say, “with thirty years practice!”
Or “I’m not a mind-reader. I’m a thought-reader. If a man comes up to me an hits me in the eye, I don’t have to be a mind-reader to know his thoughts; he dislikes me.”
Dunninger’s final series of programs for ABC-TV, recorded in 1971, were never broadcast. By that time he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and could not summon up the strength of presentation he’d previously displayed.
performing the most astonishing series of stunts that were ever devised by anyone. The list of persons he used in these presentations read as a Who’s Who. Jack Dempsey, Bob Dunn, Harry Truman, the Duke of Windsor, and Babe Ruth — it seemed as if Joe Dunninger could reach into anyone’s mind at will.
On one occasion, Dunninger had the U.S. postmaster general in position at the main post office in New York City. On his live TV presentation, he asked that official to reach into the thousands of letters going by him on a conveyor belt and to choose just one. A few minutes of “concentration” and
Dunninger wrote down on a large pad of paper what he believed the address was on that letter. You guessed it: When the postmaster read out the address, it was the same one that appeared on Dunninger’s pad.
Joseph Dunninger maintained an enigmatic image all of his life. He never quite said that he read minds, but he didn’t say that he didn’t, or couldn’t. Publicly, he stayed away from magicians and seemed apart from their interests; personally, he loved to talk tricks and to root around in magic
shops. Though he always disclaimed any supernatural powers, he could leave an audience with absolutely no other explanation of what they’d seen. When asked for an answer to the enigma, he had several answers. “Any child of twelve could do what I do,” he might say, “with thirty years practice!”
Or “I’m not a mind-reader. I’m a thought-reader. If a man comes up to me an hits me in the eye, I don’t have to be a mind-reader to know his thoughts; he dislikes me.”
Dunninger’s final series of programs for ABC-TV, recorded in 1971, were never broadcast. By that time he was suffering from Parkinson’s disease and could not summon up the strength of presentation he’d previously displayed.
E
Ectenic Force
See ‘psychokinesis’.
Ectoplasm
(from the Greek ektos and plasma, meaning “exteriorized material”) A term originated either by wealthy amateur scientist Schrenck-Notzing or by physiologist Charles Richet, this designates the amorphous substance said to be extruded from all the bodily orifices of the spirit medium duringséances. It could assume the form of a hand or a face, but in photographs it generally resembles a piece of coarse net like cheesecloth. The resemblance is very close.
Ectoplasm, as generally described and photographed, could be simulated by means of netting coated with luminous paint, which in the heyday of spiritualism was usually water-based. Though early writers on spiritualism had actually solved the true nature of some of their experiences with
ectoplasm, they failed to realize that fact. Dr. Gustav Geley (1868-1924) described his encounter with the strange substance during a séance with Eva C. (Eva Carrière) during which a “luminous hand” touched and patted him. A “drop” of luminous substance, he reported, fell to his sleeve, where it continued to glow for about twenty minutes. This behavior is exactly what would be expected of cheesecloth coated in luminous paint.
A book on the subject complains that ectoplasm’s –
” resemblance to such materials as cheesecloth has often provoked allegations of fraud, as well as making it possible for fraudulent mediums to simulate ectoplasm. “
At risk of being thought rather difficult, one might suggest that the words ectoplasm and cheesecloth could be interchanged in that last paragraph, to produce an interesting comparison.
If it can be imagined that mediums might actually cheat, it would appear to be wise for a cheater to secure the luminous cheesecloth by means of a cord, so that it might not fall out of reach or be left behind when the lights came up in the séance room. Consider, then, the following naive account of a séance with medium Margery Crandon :
If it can be imagined that mediums might actually cheat, it would appear to be wise for a cheater to secure the luminous cheesecloth by means of a cord, so that it might not fall out of reach or be left behind when the lights came up in the séance room. Consider, then, the following naive account of a séance with medium Margery Crandon :
” In the “Margery” séances in Boston . . . ectoplasm was photographed. . . . In several of these photographs the ectoplasm is visible . . . [in] a form then reduced to a species of placenta attached to the medium by a cord which, in its turn, calls up the appearance of an umbilical cord. “
The possibilities are evident.
Sitters are prohibited from touching the ectoplasm, for fear that the medium may be harmed. It may be that the reputation of the medium might also suffer.
In illustrations of ectoplasm often-shown in credulous books, it is obvious that some cotton wool has been teased out and stuck on the medium’s chin. But to the spiritualists, this is ectoplasm or an etherial body in the process of forming.
Also often seen is a photo of a paper cutout with a length of white cloth fastened to it, stuck up on the wall with a thumbtack above the medium’s head. The believers describe this as a “spiritoid form draped in a white ectoplasmic veil.” Incredibly, they actually believe this.
Ectoplasm is differentiated from apport and ideoplast,’which see’.
Sitters are prohibited from touching the ectoplasm, for fear that the medium may be harmed. It may be that the reputation of the medium might also suffer.
In illustrations of ectoplasm often-shown in credulous books, it is obvious that some cotton wool has been teased out and stuck on the medium’s chin. But to the spiritualists, this is ectoplasm or an etherial body in the process of forming.
Also often seen is a photo of a paper cutout with a length of white cloth fastened to it, stuck up on the wall with a thumbtack above the medium’s head. The believers describe this as a “spiritoid form draped in a white ectoplasmic veil.” Incredibly, they actually believe this.
Ectoplasm is differentiated from apport and ideoplast,’which see’.
Eddy, Mary Morse Baker
(1821-1910) Though Mrs. Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science church, was said to be an illtempered,neurotic woman who suffered from chronic problems — what she called “nerve disorders” and “spinal inflammations” — all her life, she denied that illnesses were real, claiming that they all resided in the mind and were the result of “error.” That is the basic teaching of her church, that illness and death are malfunctions and can be avoided by proper conduct. All medical help, therapy,medication, or other such services are strictly forbidden to church members.
Nonetheless, Mrs. Eddy wore glasses and walked with a cane (though she was never photographed nor seen in public using them), had false teeth, and for most of her life took morphine for pain to the point where she became seriously addicted.
She was married three times. Her first husband was a Mason named George Washington Glover, and thereafter membership in the Masonic Order was the one single “outside” affiliation that was allowed to church members by Mrs. Eddy. Six months after their marriage, Glover died of (imaginary) yellow fever. Her second husband was Daniel Patterson, a dentist (and thus a medical man!) and a homeopath (thus almost a physician), who left her after twenty years of stormy marriage. The third was Asa Gilbert Eddy, a spiritualist who died of (imaginary) heart failure six years after their marriage. Mrs.Eddy, despite the results of a careful autopsy, maintained that her husband had actually been poisoned by malicious animal magnetism,’which see’.
The church specializes, to this day, in the treatment of diseases solely by means of the consultations and prayers of “practitioners.”
Nonetheless, Mrs. Eddy wore glasses and walked with a cane (though she was never photographed nor seen in public using them), had false teeth, and for most of her life took morphine for pain to the point where she became seriously addicted.
She was married three times. Her first husband was a Mason named George Washington Glover, and thereafter membership in the Masonic Order was the one single “outside” affiliation that was allowed to church members by Mrs. Eddy. Six months after their marriage, Glover died of (imaginary) yellow fever. Her second husband was Daniel Patterson, a dentist (and thus a medical man!) and a homeopath (thus almost a physician), who left her after twenty years of stormy marriage. The third was Asa Gilbert Eddy, a spiritualist who died of (imaginary) heart failure six years after their marriage. Mrs.Eddy, despite the results of a careful autopsy, maintained that her husband had actually been poisoned by malicious animal magnetism,’which see’.
The church specializes, to this day, in the treatment of diseases solely by means of the consultations and prayers of “practitioners.”
Edwards, Michael
See ‘psychokinete’.
Egely, György
Often, the evidence offered in support of psychic powers has to be examined critically, and in particular credentials of those endorsing such matters. A good example is the Hungarian would-be parapsychologist György Egely, who has enthusiastically endorsed the powers of such psychics as Uri Geller. He has stated that he is a Ph.D. professor and physicist at the Central Research Institute for Physics (CRIP), in Budapest. He also says that he “examined by electron beam scattering” a spoon bent by Mr. Geller and that he has no explanation for the event.
A simple inquiry at the Research Institute for Atomic Energy (RIAE), CRIP’s successor, resulted in information that :
1. Mr. Egely “is not and never was a professor at the Institute [CRIP].” He once worked at CRIP briefly as a mechanical engineer, but was dismissed “because he failed to produce any useful work.”
2. he “is not a professor of anything at any Hungarian university.”
3. he has received a “doctorate” — but under Russian standards which are no longer recognized in Hungary — and by Hungarian standards is not considered to be a Ph.D.
4. he “is not a physicist.”
5. the “electron beam scattering” examination could not have taken place at CRIP because “the Institute does not have, and never has had, the equipment for such a test.”
A further inquiry to Dr. Gyula Bencze of Budapest reveals that :
“ for several months Mr. Egely was a guest lecturer at the Eotvos University in Hungary, where he began lecturing on paranormal subjects and, as a result, the Dean of the Science Faculty banned him from doing any further teaching activity there. “
How often are such inquiries made? Not often, and though an endorsement of a psychic event may come from individuals with excellent, genuine, qualifications, unless their expertise includes certain special talents needed for proper investigation of such matters, it is often useless.
Eglinton, William
(1857-1933) An English materialization medium and, from 1884 on, a slate writer contemporary with Henry Slade. He enjoyed a certain period of success beginning in 1876, mostly because of the endorsement of Dr. Charles Richet, but almost immediately he was caught cheating when wigs,beards, and cheesecloth “ghosts” were discovered on his person during a séance. Then in 1886 he was thoroughly exposed as a fake by Professor Lewis Cargill. Such reversals did little to affect the belief of his followers, however.
Eisenbud, dr. Jule
See ‘thoughtography’.
Elemental / Elementary spirits
Entities said to inhabit the four medieval elements. Salamanders inhabit fire, sylphs the air, gnomes the earth, and nymphs the water. It is not stated which ones frequent discos.
Elements
Certain materials (such as carbon, iron, oxygen, and gold) are themselves unique substances which are not combinations of other ingredients. These are the proper chemical elements.The alchemists believed that all substances were combinations of sulfur, mercury, and common salt,which they said were themselves composed of the four basic “elements”: fire, air, earth, and water.
(Sulfur and mercury actually are proper elements, but salt is a combination of the metal sodium and the gas chlorine, each of them elements.) Every element, to the alchemists, had specific attributes.
These were :
Fire: colors red and orange, hot and dry conditions, motion, light, and heat, animals, strength.
Air: color yellow, hot and damp conditions, light, activity,bravery, intellect.
Earth: colors brown and black, cold and dry conditions, fertility, passivity, silence.
Water: colors blue and green, cold and damp conditions, intuition, wisdom, cleansing.
Early Tibetan scholars recognized, in addition to these four basic elements, a fifth which they called “ether.” The five elements of the early Chinese were fire, earth, water, wood, and metal.
In medieval times, only 10 of the real elements were known to occur in a natural, uncombined state.
We now know of 107 elements, 90 of which occur on Earth naturally, 17 of which are created during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay.
In medieval times, only 10 of the real elements were known to occur in a natural, uncombined state.
We now know of 107 elements, 90 of which occur on Earth naturally, 17 of which are created during nuclear reactions or radioactive decay.
Elixir of life
See ‘philosopher’s stone’.
E- meter
A device consisting of a sensitive electric meter, a battery, a “resistor bridge,” and two metal handles.
These are connected in parallel so that touching the handles together causes a maximum deflection of the meter, indicating a resistance of zero. In effect, when the handles are held by a subject, one in each hand, the device measures the resistance of his body. The reading will decrease or increase depending on the pressure of the grip and the moisture present, as well as the emotional state of the subject, via a phenomenon known as “galvanic skin effect.”
Another version of this idea attempts to be a diagnostic tool. In this mode, one electrode is “grounded” to the arm of the patient, and the other is a probe that is used to explore the hand, which serves as a homunculus, the thumb representing the head and neck, the index finger the right arm, etc. The harder one presses down on the probe, and the damper the precise spot on the hand, the lower the resistance reading.
In 1950, Volney Mathison demonstrated a “galvonomic box” to later-Scientology guru L. Ron Hubbard. (Interestingly enough the patent number stamped on that machine turned out to belong to a variety of threshing machine patented in 1860 with the U.S. Patent Office.)
A Dr. Reinhold Voll of Germany claims to have discovered the principle of using the “galvanic skin effect” as a diagnostic tool. Dr. Ernst Roscher of Frankfurt also claimed to have invented a slightly different version of this diagnostic application designed to determine whether medicine would be
effective for a patient. An attempt by Roscher to market his Probe in the United States through JS&A Products was made in 1983.
In all of these applications the “galvanic skin effect” is ineffective in determining anything except skin resistance.
These are connected in parallel so that touching the handles together causes a maximum deflection of the meter, indicating a resistance of zero. In effect, when the handles are held by a subject, one in each hand, the device measures the resistance of his body. The reading will decrease or increase depending on the pressure of the grip and the moisture present, as well as the emotional state of the subject, via a phenomenon known as “galvanic skin effect.”
Another version of this idea attempts to be a diagnostic tool. In this mode, one electrode is “grounded” to the arm of the patient, and the other is a probe that is used to explore the hand, which serves as a homunculus, the thumb representing the head and neck, the index finger the right arm, etc. The harder one presses down on the probe, and the damper the precise spot on the hand, the lower the resistance reading.
In 1950, Volney Mathison demonstrated a “galvonomic box” to later-Scientology guru L. Ron Hubbard. (Interestingly enough the patent number stamped on that machine turned out to belong to a variety of threshing machine patented in 1860 with the U.S. Patent Office.)
A Dr. Reinhold Voll of Germany claims to have discovered the principle of using the “galvanic skin effect” as a diagnostic tool. Dr. Ernst Roscher of Frankfurt also claimed to have invented a slightly different version of this diagnostic application designed to determine whether medicine would be
effective for a patient. An attempt by Roscher to market his Probe in the United States through JS&A Products was made in 1983.
In all of these applications the “galvanic skin effect” is ineffective in determining anything except skin resistance.
End of the world
A notion preached endlessly by religious fanatics and almost always said to be due “soon.” The cartoon eccentric parading about with the sign saying THE END IS NIGH actually exists, an unreal character mislocated in the real world.
The predictions of a final cataclysm are numerous; see Appendix III of this encyclopedia for a listing of forty-four of them.
The predictions of a final cataclysm are numerous; see Appendix III of this encyclopedia for a listing of forty-four of them.
See also ‘Armageddon’.
Enochian
A language and alphabet of angels which Dr. John Dee said was used to communicate prophecies to him. It actually has a syntax and though very cumbersome could serve as a means of communication.
E- Rays
These are known in Germany, where the idea originated, as “Erdstrahlen” or “earth rays.” E-rays are the German equivalent of the French discovery, N-rays, and are just as real. They are said to be radiations that are emitted from unknown sources deep in the ground, giving rise to “hot spots,” and
causing cancer. These rays, say the believers, cannot be detected by any sort of instruments, but are believed to exist because dowsers — and only dowsers — can sense them.
In Germany, these invisible rays and hot spots are accepted by almost everyone, even governmental agencies, who pay dowsers to indicate to them how to relocate the desks of federal employees away from the positions where E-rays can intercept them; hospital beds are similarly moved about to protect patients from cancer.
Professors H.L. König and H. D. Betz of Munich, two German authors of a highly supportive 1989 book on the German government tests, have refused to identify any of the dowsers they tested in preparing their book, or even to put the dowsers in touch with other researchers. Their reasons for this lack of cooperation are not clear.
causing cancer. These rays, say the believers, cannot be detected by any sort of instruments, but are believed to exist because dowsers — and only dowsers — can sense them.
In Germany, these invisible rays and hot spots are accepted by almost everyone, even governmental agencies, who pay dowsers to indicate to them how to relocate the desks of federal employees away from the positions where E-rays can intercept them; hospital beds are similarly moved about to protect patients from cancer.
Professors H.L. König and H. D. Betz of Munich, two German authors of a highly supportive 1989 book on the German government tests, have refused to identify any of the dowsers they tested in preparing their book, or even to put the dowsers in touch with other researchers. Their reasons for this lack of cooperation are not clear.
See also ‘N-rays’.
Erdstrahlen
See ‘E-rays’.
ESP
See ‘Extrasensory Perception’.
ESP cards
See ‘Zener, Dr. Karl’.
Eva C.
See ‘Carrière, Eva’.
Evil Eye
The glance of certain individuals, described in the Malleus Maleficarum as “fiery and baleful eyes,” was said to induce curses and even death. The Latin term was fascinatio, and it was said to be prevented from doing damage to any intended victim about whose neck a band of multicolored threads
had been fastened.
Pliny the Elder prescribed spittle as an antidote to the evil eye, and the wearing of a fleur-de-lis amulet was believed to be effective for that same purpose. In modern Italy, the evil eye is generally known as mal d’occhio, but in the south, especially in Naples, it is jettatura, and in Corsica,
innochiatura. Along the Mediterranean and in the Arab countries, the effect is taken quite seriously.
The Frankish queen of the sixth century, Fredegund, was said to be endowed with the evil eye. Perhaps she merely lacked regal charm.
had been fastened.
Pliny the Elder prescribed spittle as an antidote to the evil eye, and the wearing of a fleur-de-lis amulet was believed to be effective for that same purpose. In modern Italy, the evil eye is generally known as mal d’occhio, but in the south, especially in Naples, it is jettatura, and in Corsica,
innochiatura. Along the Mediterranean and in the Arab countries, the effect is taken quite seriously.
The Frankish queen of the sixth century, Fredegund, was said to be endowed with the evil eye. Perhaps she merely lacked regal charm.
Exorcism
The expulsion of the Devil, spirits, and demons from persons, animals, or places by occult or religious rites.
The Roman Catholic exorcism rite first came into use at the end of the third century, and in A.D. 341 it is mentioned in church writings. A specifically ordained order of exorcising priests was created, and the process is still practiced by the Roman Catholic church today.
As recently as 1972, Pope Paul VI affirmed the existence of demons and the Devil :
The Roman Catholic exorcism rite first came into use at the end of the third century, and in A.D. 341 it is mentioned in church writings. A specifically ordained order of exorcising priests was created, and the process is still practiced by the Roman Catholic church today.
As recently as 1972, Pope Paul VI affirmed the existence of demons and the Devil :
” Sin, on its part, affords a dark, aggressive evildoer, the Devil, an opportunity to act in us and in our world. . . . Anyone who disputes the existence of this reality places himself outside biblical and Church teachings. “
Perhaps inspired by this declaration, in 1976 Germany’s Bishop Stangl instructed two priests to perform the rite of exorcism upon a twenty-three-year-old epileptic Bavarian girl, Anneliese Michel.
The local newspapers reported that the church had decided her body was being inhabited by various demons, including Lucifer, Adolf Hitler, Judas Iscariot, and Emperor Nero. Anneliese, an epileptic,died in the process of being exorcised, and the autopsy showed she suffered beating and starvation.
Her parents and the two priests were convicted of negligent homicide and given suspended sentences.
Significantly, when Bishop Stangl died during the trial, his death was attributed to a stroke, not to demonic possession.
In recent years, similar exorcism farces have taken the lives of children in the United States, too.
Christians who believe in the Holy Bible must also believe in demons, devils, and other such creatures,and they must believe that those entities cause disease and that they can be “cast out” by proper ceremonies — exorcism — simply because it’s in the Book. If they deny the reality of those entities,
they deny the Bible, and thus their faith. It is not a matter of choice, but dogma.
The local newspapers reported that the church had decided her body was being inhabited by various demons, including Lucifer, Adolf Hitler, Judas Iscariot, and Emperor Nero. Anneliese, an epileptic,died in the process of being exorcised, and the autopsy showed she suffered beating and starvation.
Her parents and the two priests were convicted of negligent homicide and given suspended sentences.
Significantly, when Bishop Stangl died during the trial, his death was attributed to a stroke, not to demonic possession.
In recent years, similar exorcism farces have taken the lives of children in the United States, too.
Christians who believe in the Holy Bible must also believe in demons, devils, and other such creatures,and they must believe that those entities cause disease and that they can be “cast out” by proper ceremonies — exorcism — simply because it’s in the Book. If they deny the reality of those entities,
they deny the Bible, and thus their faith. It is not a matter of choice, but dogma.
Extrasensory Perception
(ESP) A term invented by Dr. J.B. Rhine and used by him to refer to supposed abilities such as telepathy, which involves being able to tell the thoughts of another person without the use of the recognized senses. Clairaudience, clairvoyance, and precognition (all of which see) also fall under this term.
See also ‘parapsychology’.
Eyeless Vision
See ‘blindfold vision’.
Eysenck, Dr. Hans J.
(1916 – ) Psychologist Eysenck studied in the U.K. with Sir Cyril Burt and invented the “Eysenck Personality Scale,” which is believed to measure a subject’s basic temperament for purposes of evaluating results obtained in parapsychological tests.
In 1983, Eysenck, with Dr. Carl Sargent, produced Know Your Own Psi-IQ, a naive book designed to enable the layperson to design and perform extrasensory perception (ESP) tests. Attempting to provide a simple, convenient randomization method, for example, the authors instead gave users a highly biased procedure that would make experiments meaningless and certainly discourage further investigation by the amateur.
In 1957, before very much was known about the poor control and sometimes devious methods used by some scientists to develop their evidence for paranormal phenomena, Dr. Eysenck wrote :
In 1983, Eysenck, with Dr. Carl Sargent, produced Know Your Own Psi-IQ, a naive book designed to enable the layperson to design and perform extrasensory perception (ESP) tests. Attempting to provide a simple, convenient randomization method, for example, the authors instead gave users a highly biased procedure that would make experiments meaningless and certainly discourage further investigation by the amateur.
In 1957, before very much was known about the poor control and sometimes devious methods used by some scientists to develop their evidence for paranormal phenomena, Dr. Eysenck wrote :
” Unless there is a gigantic conspiracy involving some thirty University departments all over the
world, and several hundred highly respected scientists in various fields, many of them originally
hostile to the claims of the psychical researchers, the only conclusion the unbiased observer can
come to must be that there does exist a small number of people who obtain knowledge existing
either in other people’s minds, or in the outer world, by means yet unknown to science. ”
world, and several hundred highly respected scientists in various fields, many of them originally
hostile to the claims of the psychical researchers, the only conclusion the unbiased observer can
come to must be that there does exist a small number of people who obtain knowledge existing
either in other people’s minds, or in the outer world, by means yet unknown to science. ”
Such a “gigantic conspiracy” is not at all necessary to explain the fact that some scientists have seen what they expected and wanted to see and have accepted the conclusions of others without question.
The fact that none of the findings of the paranormalists have been established but like the work of Soal, Lévy, Rhine, and so many others have instead fallen out of serious consideration upon subsequent examination, has apparently not altered Dr. Eysenck’s conclusion.
The fact that none of the findings of the paranormalists have been established but like the work of Soal, Lévy, Rhine, and so many others have instead fallen out of serious consideration upon subsequent examination, has apparently not altered Dr. Eysenck’s conclusion.
F
Fairies
Miniature supernatural beings in the form of humans. The pixies of England and the brownies of Scotland are essentially the same creatures, and just as real. Specific fairies such as Robin Goodfellow (also known as Puck) are said to be helpful though mischievous and can be called upon to perform
domestic services.
Incredibly, the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle accepted the existence of fairies, elves, and other such creatures.
There is no agreement on the origins of the many varieties of fairies. One definition says they are the dispossessed spirits of humans not yet ready for heaven. Another describes them as a distinct lifeform capable of the usual reproductive process, and in Devonshire, England, they are “pixies,” the
spirits of infants who died before baptism.
The English version wears a red conical cap, a green cloak interwoven with flowers, green trousers,and silver slippers. Others are winged like dragonflies and dressed in filmy negligees. Some are said to dress in perfect miniatures of regular human clothing of the current period. Ones choice of fairy appears to be a matter of taste.
In various cultures, there are both good and bad fairies. The Koran describes the delicate “peri” as the offspring of “fallen spirits,” and such a fairy is always benevolent, pointing out to the faithful the way to heaven. In contrast, a malevolent fairy lives in the mines of England, causing accidents and misleading the miners.
In general, fairies (and witches) fear iron.
domestic services.
Incredibly, the famous author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle accepted the existence of fairies, elves, and other such creatures.
There is no agreement on the origins of the many varieties of fairies. One definition says they are the dispossessed spirits of humans not yet ready for heaven. Another describes them as a distinct lifeform capable of the usual reproductive process, and in Devonshire, England, they are “pixies,” the
spirits of infants who died before baptism.
The English version wears a red conical cap, a green cloak interwoven with flowers, green trousers,and silver slippers. Others are winged like dragonflies and dressed in filmy negligees. Some are said to dress in perfect miniatures of regular human clothing of the current period. Ones choice of fairy appears to be a matter of taste.
In various cultures, there are both good and bad fairies. The Koran describes the delicate “peri” as the offspring of “fallen spirits,” and such a fairy is always benevolent, pointing out to the faithful the way to heaven. In contrast, a malevolent fairy lives in the mines of England, causing accidents and misleading the miners.
In general, fairies (and witches) fear iron.
See also ‘Cottingley fairies’.
Fairy rings
Also known as “hag tracks.” Mushrooms found in the forest sometimes tend to grow in the form of circles, due to the fact that the old growths tend to die off from a central point, and often leave behind chemical residues that inhibit growth of other plants. Tradition has it that fairies or witches danced in these circles.
In Shakespeare’s Tempest, he referred to the fairies and their artifact :
In Shakespeare’s Tempest, he referred to the fairies and their artifact :
” . . . You demi-puppets,that
By moonshine do the green-sour ringlets make,
Whereof the ewe not bites.”
By moonshine do the green-sour ringlets make,
Whereof the ewe not bites.”
Today, some of these rings have been labeled as sites of UFO landings, bringing a natural phenomenon up to date in the nonsense business.
Faith Healing
When organized medicine fails to supply a satisfactory answer, either through inadequate technology,the simple inability to provide a cure at that time, or the fact that not enough is presently known about the ailment, other modalities which promise miraculous results are often sought.
There are several religious sects who base their entire philosophy on healing modalities. It is found that the “cure rate” experienced by the believers is no higher than that of persons who receive no treatment whatsoever, and often much less. For example, the Christian Scientists forbid their followers to utilize any regular medical care or medication. A recent U.S. survey of students at the college level showed a significantly lower life expectancy for those who attended Christian Science schools than for those who did not. Faced by such revelations, the believers turn their backs on further examination of their convictions.
Faith healers have often answered, when asked for proper evidence of their claims, “God doesn’t need to be examined or challenged.” The healers say, when the disease doesn’t go away, that the subject has lost faith and thus has failed to “hold” his or her blessing. The guilt is borne by the subject. Saddest of all is the realization that these people subject their children to these restrictions as well, often with crippling or fatal results.
Reformer Martin Luther, among others in the sixteenth century, took credit for spontaneous,miraculous cures while Paracelsus and other savants were attempting — with highly varying degrees of success — to bring out of the superstition of magic, what we know today as the science of medicine. The Mormons and Episcopalians established a history of faith cures as part of their theologies.
In the 1600s, one practitioner known as “Greatraks the Stroker” (or Greatrakes, b. 1628) was astounding England with his performances. A remarkable English author, Charles MacKay, who in 1841 wrote his classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, observed in that book that :
There are several religious sects who base their entire philosophy on healing modalities. It is found that the “cure rate” experienced by the believers is no higher than that of persons who receive no treatment whatsoever, and often much less. For example, the Christian Scientists forbid their followers to utilize any regular medical care or medication. A recent U.S. survey of students at the college level showed a significantly lower life expectancy for those who attended Christian Science schools than for those who did not. Faced by such revelations, the believers turn their backs on further examination of their convictions.
Faith healers have often answered, when asked for proper evidence of their claims, “God doesn’t need to be examined or challenged.” The healers say, when the disease doesn’t go away, that the subject has lost faith and thus has failed to “hold” his or her blessing. The guilt is borne by the subject. Saddest of all is the realization that these people subject their children to these restrictions as well, often with crippling or fatal results.
Reformer Martin Luther, among others in the sixteenth century, took credit for spontaneous,miraculous cures while Paracelsus and other savants were attempting — with highly varying degrees of success — to bring out of the superstition of magic, what we know today as the science of medicine. The Mormons and Episcopalians established a history of faith cures as part of their theologies.
In the 1600s, one practitioner known as “Greatraks the Stroker” (or Greatrakes, b. 1628) was astounding England with his performances. A remarkable English author, Charles MacKay, who in 1841 wrote his classic Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds, observed in that book that :
” Mr. Valentine Greatraks . . . practised upon himself and others a deception . . . that God had given him the power of curing the king’s evil. . . . In the course of time he extended his powers to the curing of epilepsy, ulcers, aches, and lameness. . . . Crowds which thronged around him were so great, that the neighboring towns were not able to accommodate them. “
(MacKay’s reference to the “king’s evil” refers to scrofula.)
One can be grateful that MacKay recognized that Greatraks was deceiving both his patients and himself. As with fortune-tellers, healers often begin to believe in their own powers because their subjects tend to give them only positive feedback. Thus they can excuse and forget their many failures, and their legends grow.
Greatraks made a huge impression on the public and accumulated a fortune in the process. In this respect, he helped to establish the precedent for modern faith healers. And in several other important respects he mirrored the modern faith healers, as evidenced in an account written by a contemporary in 1665 :
One can be grateful that MacKay recognized that Greatraks was deceiving both his patients and himself. As with fortune-tellers, healers often begin to believe in their own powers because their subjects tend to give them only positive feedback. Thus they can excuse and forget their many failures, and their legends grow.
Greatraks made a huge impression on the public and accumulated a fortune in the process. In this respect, he helped to establish the precedent for modern faith healers. And in several other important respects he mirrored the modern faith healers, as evidenced in an account written by a contemporary in 1665 :
” A rumour of the prophet’s coming soon spread all over the town, and the hotel . . . was crowded by sick persons, who came full of confidence in their speedy cure. [Greatraks] made them wait a considerable time for him, but came at last, in the middle of their impatience, with a grave and simple countenance, that shewed no signs of his being a cheat. [The host] prepared to question him strictly, hoping to discourse with him on matters that he had heard of. . . . But he was not able to do so, much to his regret, for the crowd became so great, and cripples and others pressed around so impatiently to be first cured, that the servants were obliged to use threats, and even force, before they could establish order among them. . . . The prophet affirmed that all diseases were caused by evil spirits. Every infirmity was with him a case of diabolical possession. . . . He boasted of being much better acquainted with the intrigues of demons than he was with the affairs of men. . . . Catholics and Protestants visited him from every part, all believing that power from heaven was in his hands. . . . So great was the confidence in him, that the blind fancied they saw the light which they could not see — the deaf imagined that they heard — the lame that they walked straight, and the paralytic that they had recovered the use of their limbs. “
To anyone who has actually witnessed a modern faith healer in action with crowds of worshipers around and about, that scenario will be familiar.
Sometimes psychics who do the usual ESP, reading, prophecy, and clairvoyance demonstrations eventually turn to claims of healing powers.
Sometimes psychics who do the usual ESP, reading, prophecy, and clairvoyance demonstrations eventually turn to claims of healing powers.
See also ‘royal touch’.
Fakir
(also, fakeer) From the Arabic word for “poor man,” a fakir is technically a person who begs professionally. Itinerant fakirs in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka often perform conjuring tricks to earn their gifts. On occasion, one may be charismatic and adept enough to become a “god-man” such as Sai Baba.
Fakirs are better known for their self-mutilation stunts, sitting on beds of nails and otherwise invoking the astonishment and contributions of generous tourists. The bed-of-nails trick depends upon the number of nails per square unit of fakir posterior. Sometimes there are a sufficient number of nails that the area is hardly more than a rough spot and a piece of leather judiciously placed in a loincloth can provide considerable comfort to the performer. Suggestions that the demonstration should begin with only one nail are not looked upon favorably by the fakirs.
Fakirs are better known for their self-mutilation stunts, sitting on beds of nails and otherwise invoking the astonishment and contributions of generous tourists. The bed-of-nails trick depends upon the number of nails per square unit of fakir posterior. Sometimes there are a sufficient number of nails that the area is hardly more than a rough spot and a piece of leather judiciously placed in a loincloth can provide considerable comfort to the performer. Suggestions that the demonstration should begin with only one nail are not looked upon favorably by the fakirs.
Falkenstein, Glenn
See ‘Davenport brothers’.
Familiar
A demon, usually assuming the form of a cat, dog, spider, pig, rat, rabbit, or toad, that acts as companion and assistant to a witch or magician. Trials of witches often included a pet as codefendant,and these animals were just as often executed along with the condemned human. A silly concept cannot be made sillier by expanding it; the quality of silliness is totally saturating and allencompassing.Oliver Cromwell, accused by the British Royalists of being a wizard, was said by them to have a familiar named Grimoald. Agrippa’s familiar was a black dog named Monsieur, and Simon Magus had a similar companion. It was said that these familiars could be kept in a hollow ring worn by the magician and released upon command. Apollonius of Tyana wore several such rings, and Paracelsus (Bombastus) carried about his familiar in the hilt of his sword :
” Bombastus kept a devil’s bird
Shut in the pommel of his sword,
That taught him all the cunning pranks
Of past and future mountebanks.”
Shut in the pommel of his sword,
That taught him all the cunning pranks
Of past and future mountebanks.”
— Hudibras, Samuel Butler.
The Malaysians say that their magicians each have an hereditary spirit/familiar inherited from generation to generation. In Egyptian demonology, a familiar known as a “karina” is assigned to each child at birth.
In medieval times, ventriloquism was explained by assuming the existence of a familiar — known as a “kobold” — accompanying the performer. There are better explanations available.
In medieval times, ventriloquism was explained by assuming the existence of a familiar — known as a “kobold” — accompanying the performer. There are better explanations available.
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