Geophysical Variables and Behavior: Xcii. Experimental Elicitation of the Experience of a Sentient Being by Right Hemispheric,Weak Magnetic Fields: Interaction with Temporal Lobe Sensitivity

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that proportionally more people with above average numbers of complex partial epileptic-like experiences before the experiment would report a proximal presence during applications of a weak (1 microTesla), frequency-modulated magnetic field over the right hemisphere. Each of 16 subjects sat in a darkened, quiet room and was exposed for 20 min. to complex fields, applied through a helmet, either along the right hemisphere or across both hemispheres. None of the 8 subjects with below average scores reported a presence during the applications of the magnetic fields while 75% and 60% of the 8 subjects with above average scores reported a presence during right hemispheric and bilateral stimulation, respectively.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Persinger

M. A.

(1993) Vectorial cerebral hemisphericiry as differential sources for the sensed presence, mystical experiences, and religious conversions. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 76, 915–930.

Persinger

M. A.

Makarec

(1993) Complex partial epileptic-like signs as a continuum from normals to epileptics: Normative data. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 49, 33–45.

Persinger

M. A.

Richards

P. M.

(1995) Vestibular experiences of humans during brief periods of partial sensory deprivation are enhanced when daily geomagnetic activity exceeds 15–20 nT. Neuroscience Letters, 194, 69–72.

Persinger

M. A.

Tiller

S. G.

Koren

S. A.

(2000) Experimental simulation of a haunt experience and paroxysmal electroencephalographic activity by transcerebral complex magnetic fields: Induction of a synthetic gnost? Perceptual and Motor Skills, 90, 659–674.