Psychomanteum – or mirror gazing – is an immersive method of introspection that was once a bridge between worlds, used by ancient Greeks for divination and communion with the deceased. Now, it lies largely in the footnotes of the pages of history, waiting to be rediscovered.
Here we unravel the intriguing roots of this mysterious practice, tracing it from its origins in the ancient world. We attempt to understand this process of mirror gazing, and explore its modern applications and implications in the realm of spirituality as well as within the disciplines of psychology and consciousness studies.
Contents
Introduction to Psychomanteum (Mirror Gazing)
The practice of mirror gazing, often known by its formal term ‘psychomanteum’, is an ancient ritual that has been mostly lost to modern society. Yet, this forgotten ritual, deeply embedded in the tapestry of human spirituality, holds an intriguing potential for introspection and personal exploration.
Definition of Psychomanteum
Psychomanteum comes from the ancient Greek word ‘psychomanteia’, which refers to a method of divination involving a form of necromancy – or communion with the spirits of the deceased. Traditionally, it involved an isolated, dimly lit room, fitted with a reflective surface, such as a pool of water or a mirror. The individual, after a period of fasting and ritual purification, would enter this chamber to gaze upon the mirror or reflective surface in the hopes of receiving visions or communicating with spirits.
Today, psychomanteum has taken on a broader definition, evolving from its initial necromantic applications into a tool for introspection, grief therapy, and consciousness exploration. It’s no longer limited to an arcane or religious context but has found its way into therapeutic and self-discovery practices.
Brief History of Psychomanteum
Psychomanteum, like many spiritual practices, has a rich and diverse history. It originates from ancient Greece, where it was used in conjunction with ritualistic oracles and prophetic ceremonies. From these beginnings, the practice survived in various forms and interpretations throughout the centuries.
However, with the advent of Christianity and its condemnation of divinatory practices, psychomanteum fell out of favor. It experienced a brief revival during the 19th-century occult revival but remained relatively unknown to the broader public.
It wasn’t until the late 20th century, when Dr. Raymond Moody – renowned for his work on near-death experiences – rediscovered and modernized the practice, that psychomanteum began to gain recognition. Moody’s work reframed psychomanteum from a divination tool into a therapeutic technique, paving the way for its integration into modern consciousness studies and psychological practices.
Origins of Psychomanteum
To fully grasp the intricacies of psychomanteum, it’s essential to understand its historical roots.
Ancient Greek Influence
The seeds of psychomanteum were sown in the rich soil of ancient Greek civilization, which harbored a deep connection to the spiritual world. Let’s delve deeper into this era and understand how psychomanteum was interwoven with the fabric of Greek society.
Connection with Oracles and Prophecies
In ancient Greece, the psychomanteum was a chamber of prophecy, often found in holy sanctuaries or near oracle sites. Pilgrims would journey to these sacred places, seeking guidance or answers from the spirit world. The psychomanteum was a conduit for this spiritual communication, providing a reflective surface, usually a calm body of water, for the seeker to gaze upon in solitude. The visions and apparitions that emerged were considered messages from the gods or the spirits of the deceased [1].
Role in the Cult of Necromancy
Apart from its role in prophecy, the psychomanteum was also central to the practice of necromancy in ancient Greece. Necromancy, derived from the Greek words ‘nekros’ (dead) and ‘manteia’ (divination), involved communicating with the spirits of the dead for consultation or prophecy. The isolated, dimly lit environment of the psychomanteum chamber created a liminal space where the boundaries between the living and the dead were believed to blur.
Transition Through the Ages
After its heyday in ancient Greece, psychomanteum experienced significant transformations and adaptations across time. Its journey took a drastic turn with the rise of Christianity, but it managed to surface again during the occult revival.
Christian Influence and Decline
With the advent of Christianity, the practice of psychomanteum, like many pagan rituals, faced severe criticism. The Christian Church condemned divination practices as heretical, leading to a significant decline in the use of psychomanteum. This spiritual tool, once a revered method of connecting with the divine, was increasingly marginalized and forgotten.
Occult Revival in the 19th Century
Despite the shadow cast over psychomanteum during the Christian era, the practice experienced a resurgence during the 19th-century occult revival. This period, marked by a renewed interest in spiritualism and the esoteric, saw the re-emergence of many ancient practices, including mirror gazing. Psychomanteum, however, was still largely confined to esoteric circles and was not widely practiced or recognized by the public [2].
In this historical exploration, we’ve unearthed the birth and evolution of psychomanteum. From a prophetic tool in ancient Greece to a marginalized practice under Christianity, and its fleeting resurgence during the occult revival, psychomanteum’s journey is as fascinating as it is complex.
Psychomanteum in Modern Times
Psychomanteum, a practice deeply rooted in ancient spirituality, has traversed through time, evolving and transforming with each epoch.
Rediscovery by Dr. Raymond Moody
The story of psychomanteum in the modern age is intertwined with the pioneering work of Dr. Raymond Moody, an esteemed psychologist and researcher of near-death experiences. Let’s delve into Dr. Moody’s personal journey and his pivotal role in reviving this forgotten practice.
Dr. Moody’s Background and Interest
Dr. Raymond Moody is best known for coining the term ‘near-death experience’ in his 1975 book “Life After Life”. However, his interest in life after death and the spiritual realm didn’t stop there. Intrigued by accounts of ancient Greeks using reflective surfaces for communicating with the deceased, Moody embarked on a quest to rediscover and understand this practice. His extensive research eventually led him to psychomanteum [3].
His Contributions to Modern Psychomanteum
Through his experiments and studies, Moody adapted the ancient practice to modern sensibilities, developing a procedure that individuals could use for personal exploration or therapeutic purposes. Moody’s method involves a dimly lit, mirror-equipped room, where individuals spend extended periods in quiet contemplation.
His work reframed psychomanteum as a tool for self-reflection and exploring the boundaries of consciousness, shifting its purpose from a divination tool to a method for introspection and grief resolution.
The Mirror Gazing Process
Following Moody’s guidelines, the modern mirror gazing process has evolved into a method of deep self-reflection and introspection. Let’s take a look at how this process is usually conducted.
Preparation for the Ritual
Preparation for the psychomanteum ritual begins with creating a quiet, undisturbed space, ideally with low lighting. The person sits facing a mirror, which should not reflect anything but darkness. The room should be quiet, with the potential addition of soft, ambient music to aid in relaxation.
Steps in the Mirror Gazing Ritual
Once the space is prepared, the person sits comfortably, relaxes, and starts gazing into the mirror. The aim is not to focus on one’s reflection but to look past it, almost as if looking into the distance. The session can last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the individual’s comfort and experience [4].
Contemporary Applications
Psychomanteum’s contemporary applications are as diverse as they are intriguing, extending beyond the personal realm and into the spheres of therapy and consciousness exploration.
Use in Grief Therapy
One of the most profound applications of psychomanteum is in grief therapy. Individuals grieving the loss of a loved one often report comforting experiences during mirror gazing sessions, sometimes perceiving communication with the deceased. These experiences can aid in the resolution of grief and provide a sense of closure.
Exploration of Self and Consciousness
Beyond grief therapy, psychomanteum is also used as a tool for self-exploration and consciousness studies. The introspective nature of the process allows individuals to delve into their subconscious mind, often leading to insightful revelations about themselves and their place in the world.
Potential Parapsychological Applications
From a parapsychological perspective, psychomanteum has potential implications for understanding phenomena like apparitions and hallucinations.
Scientific and Psychological Perspectives of Psychomanteum
It’s crucial to look at psychomanteum from scientific and psychological perspectives. This lends credibility to the practice and helps us understand the psychological phenomena at play during mirror gazing sessions.
Understanding the Psychological Phenomena
Psychomanteum, being an introspective and experiential practice, often evokes unique psychological phenomena. Let’s delve into the science behind these occurrences and explore the role of sensory deprivation and the subconscious mind.
Role of Sensory Deprivation
One key factor in the psychomanteum process is the environment: a dimly lit room that fosters a state of sensory deprivation. According to the ganzfeld effect, a phenomenon of perception caused by exposure to an unstructured, uniform stimulation field, sensory deprivation can lead to hallucinations. This may explain some of the visions and apparitions reported during mirror gazing sessions [5].
Hypotheses about the Role of Subconscious Mind
Psychomanteum also provides a gateway to the subconscious mind. Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist, spoke of the subconscious as a reservoir of memories, experiences, and archetypes. By gazing into the mirror, an individual might access this reservoir, giving rise to images and narratives that may appear as visions or apparitions.
Current Scientific Research
Despite its ancient roots and the lack of widespread scientific recognition, psychomanteum has recently captured the attention of several researchers, thanks to its potential therapeutic applications and its contribution to the study of consciousness.
Studies on Mirror Gazing
Several studies have been conducted on mirror gazing and related practices, focusing on their impact on perception, mental state, and therapeutic outcomes. For instance, a study published in “Perception” in 2010 found that prolonged mirror gazing in a dimly lit room could induce mild alterations of consciousness.
Limitations and Critiques of Current Research
While research has been promising, it’s also essential to note the limitations and critiques of existing studies. These include small sample sizes, subjective reporting of experiences, and the lack of controlled conditions. Hence, while the current research has helped shed light on psychomanteum, there’s still much to understand about this practice.
Ethical Considerations and Warnings
Despite the potential benefits of psychomanteum, it’s important to approach it with care. Given the intensity of some experiences, it’s generally advised that individuals with a history of severe mental illness, or those prone to anxiety or panic attacks, should practice psychomanteum under professional guidance or avoid it altogether. Furthermore, ethical considerations call for respect for the practice, using it responsibly and not treating it as a novelty or a source of entertainment.
Personal Experiences and Anecdotes of Psychomanteum
The exploration of psychomanteum wouldn’t be complete without touching upon the deeply personal and subjective experiences it can evoke. From profound visions to cathartic emotional releases, the narratives that arise from mirror gazing sessions are as varied as the individuals who undertake the practice.
Experiences from Psychomanteum Practitioners
Those who have participated in psychomanteum rituals offer a rich tapestry of experiences that provide valuable insight into the nature of the practice. Let’s explore some of these accounts, bearing in mind that each person’s experience with mirror gazing is highly individual and subjective.
Visionary and Mystical Experiences
Many participants describe having visionary experiences during their mirror gazing sessions. These visions can range from simple geometric patterns and color shifts to intricate, dream-like narratives. Some even recount seeing the faces of deceased loved ones or mystical entities, which can be both emotionally profound and deeply comforting.
Emotional Release and Catharsis
Another common theme in psychomanteum experiences is the opportunity for emotional release. Participants often report feeling a surge of emotions during the process. These may be linked to unresolved issues or suppressed feelings that surface during the introspective journey. The safe and tranquil environment of the psychomanteum allows for a cathartic release, often leading to feelings of relief and healing.
Therapists’ Observations
Therapists who have incorporated psychomanteum in their practice offer another perspective on these experiences. Their observations provide valuable insight into the therapeutic potential and benefits of mirror gazing.
Grief Resolution
One of the most notable observations from therapists is the potential for psychomanteum to assist in resolving grief. Clients often report having perceived communication with their deceased loved ones, which brings comfort and promotes healing. This provides a sense of closure and helps individuals move forward in their grieving process.
Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
Therapists also note that psychomanteum can foster self-reflection and personal growth. The practice encourages individuals to delve into their inner world, often bringing to light previously unacknowledged aspects of the self. This increased self-awareness can foster personal growth and improved mental health.
From the personal narratives of practitioners to the observations of therapists, these firsthand accounts underscore the potential benefits and profound experiences that psychomanteum can evoke. These personal experiences, combined with the historical, scientific, and psychological perspectives discussed earlier, provide a comprehensive understanding of this ancient, forgotten practice.
References
[1] Experiencing the Psychomanteum
[2] Psychomanteum Research: Experiences and Effects on Bereavement
[3] Psychomanteum research: A pilot study
[4] Exploring Psychomanteum as a Psi-Conducive State of Consciousness
[5] Psychomanteum: Ancient walk to our unconscious
