Psychomanteum, mediums, John Edward, oracles, miss cleo, crossing over, afterlife, James Van Praagh, Sylvia Browne, spiritualists, becoming a medium, life after death, spirits, other worlds, psychics, psychic power, Nostradamus, predictions, prophesy

What is a Psychomanteum?

The ancient Greeks relied on "Oracles" to tell them their futures, contact the the Gods and the dead and provide insights to directions their society should develop. Whether it was where and what to plant for crops, or where and with whom to wage war, the Greeks sought advice from their seers. Basically, the Oracle was a subterranean version of what we would refer to as a sensory deprivation chamber, or a series or chambers surrounding a central room or "psychomanteum" in which there was usually a large cauldron filled with precious oil or water and illuminated by dim, indirect light.

After spending a suitable amount of time in meditation in one of the deprivation chambers, a seer would become available to answer mystical questions. In many cases pilgrims would travel to the oracles to seek their own answers. They would remain in the deprivation chambers, fasting and meditating until they felt they had a sign that it was time to enter the psychomanteum. At that point they would gaze into the depths of the liquid, discovering their own truths to the Universe.

The most famous psychomanteum was at the Oracle of Delphi, a site which has now been excavated and shown to have a prominent place through centuries of Greek society.

Nostradamus, perhaps the greatest psychic prophet of all time, used this technique to gaze into many verified future events. He sequestered himself in a dimly lit chamber with a large chalice or bowl filled with water. This is the key to what anyone needs to provide to construct their own psychomanteum.

Preparation and a proper state of mind are essential to the process. John Edward, who is easily the most accurate medium or our time meditates, shakes himself, stretches and recites the Rosary prior to readings. He says that you do not have to be Catholic to recite the Rosary and that it is not necessarily the only chant to use in preparation. Other mediums and psychics such as James Van Praagh, describe similar techniques in preparation, as does Raymond Moody, the world's foremost expert on psychomanteums.

Others, whom I tend to distrust are less forthcoming. Question anyone who says they have "The only path to spiritual knowledge." Sylvia Browne is one whom I instinctively shy away from...See:http://www.randi.org/sylvia/index.shtml (come back,though!). There are many ways to reach any given point in the Universe...you can find you own with a small amount of guidance. Above all, avoid the "advice" of the "Miss Cleos" and "Psychic Enemies" Networks of the world who are only out there to guide your money into their pockets. Remember, we are all able to reach higher levels of consciousness, if we accept the possibilities and are willing to make the preparations to do so.

The psychomanteum is only one of many tools such as meditation, chanting and prayer which you can use to reach higher states of consciousness and gain spiritual insights ("Many mansions with many doors...). Higher levels of being are attainable to all and as long as you follow your heart, you can't make a mistake.

If you are interested in further information on psychomanteums, mediumship as a practice for yourself, or just finding peace and your place in the Universe, read the work of Nostradamus, John Edward, Edgar Cayce, Raymond Moody, Dannion Brinkley, Depak Chopra, Leo Buscaglia or Wayne Dyer. Read biographies of Padre Pio, Peace Pilgrim, Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, Maria Esperanza, Mother Teresa or any number of other evolved spirits who have crossed our lives and made them richer. Read the the Bible, the Talmud or any great spiritual guide. Read Sidhartha or watch "The Legend of Bagger Vance," which are both the stories of the Buddha. Click to read: Desiderata. Open your mind and your heart and through meditation and prayer, find your path. Remember, the mystic experience is an important component of all great religions and philosophies of the world. It is there for us all.

Certainly, those such as John Edward are gifted beyond what most of us believe are our capabilities, but his gift is also his burden and he has a special soul with the strength to live in both worlds. If you do not know who he is, watch two or three episodes of his program, "Crossing Over," or visit his website: www.CrossingOver.TV.

I have written a detailed article on simple ways of constructing your own psychomanteum and how to prepare yourself for the experience. It is available by mail at a cost of $10.00 (check or money order) payable to:

April Vawter, 2270 S. Cherokee St. Denver, CO 80223

**Proceeds go to costs of materials, shipping and maintaining this website.** (Allow two weeks for delivery.)

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