General Question

RedDeerGuy1's avatar

How do I go deeper into learning about the paranormal?

Asked by RedDeerGuy1 (24453points) December 12th, 2015

Without getting mixed up again?

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

11 Answers

Hawaii_Jake's avatar

I would read books from the library. Look for books you want to read on the Internet. When you find one, check your library for it. If they don’t have it, ask if there’s a way for them to get it for you.

msh's avatar

A couple of words you used are interesting.
What level of ‘deeper’?
From what point?
Mixed up again?
As in repeating what?
If it didn’t work once, you left off for a reason?
You may wish to revisit as to why, and then
remain as you are right now.
There are a lot of sources
if you research. @Hawaii_Jake
has the best ideas for you.

Seek's avatar

The subject isn’t deep enough to get your feet wet.

I’m pretty sure the checklist for “Paranormal Expert” goes something like:

1. Make up a bunch of hokum using wooey buzzwords
2. Develop a crowd-pleasing character complete with costume and stage name
3. Publish several books of wooey hokum buzzwords
4. Appear on Oprah
5. Profit!

syz's avatar

Learning what? How to debunk the frauds?

LostInParadise's avatar

Look into the scientific research on the paranormal. There have been a number of experiments and they have all been shown to be inconclusive. As the article states, scientists are willing to consider the paranormal, but they are forced to go where the data takes them, and so far the data does not lead anywhere. Since there is not much fame and glory in conducting inconclusive studies, most scientists have moved on to more promising areas. You can look into the paranormal if you want, but there are so many other interesting areas with actual provable results. The universe really is quite extraordinary without having to look for paranormal events.

Buttonstc's avatar

If you’d like something not connected to charlatinism, look into the work of Ian Stevenson, a Psychiatrist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

He was director of the Division of Perceptial Studies until his death in 2007.

And that section is doing ongoing studies on the paranormal, particularly the possibility of reincarnation. So, they’ve written quite a bit about the subject.

Stevenson himself authored two books and there have been books published regarding his efforts and research.

Even tho his work was polarizing, Stevenson was respected by his colleagues. Some found his work compelling while others felt he was gullible.

You can draw your own conclusions. But at least the Univ. Of Virginia is a reputable place to start.

If you want a general outline, the Wiki article on Stevenson is quite thorough and a good place to start and then you can proceed to the website for the University’s School of Medicine and the Division of Perceptual Studies.

There are a number of books listed in the article and in all likelihood could be available through your local library.

BTW: Even tho he was with UVA for over fifty years, Stevenson was originally a Canadian.

flutherother's avatar

Keep your windows closed, your curtains drawn and your door locked for long enough and who knows what might happen.

ARE_you_kidding_me's avatar

Mixed up again?

Apparently_Im_The_Grumpy_One's avatar

The very definition of “paranormal” rules out science as a viable tool.

What you are left with is empirical evidence or wild speculation.

Darth_Algar's avatar

Read books written by James Randi.

msh's avatar

IMO
You don’t need to be ridiculed about interests. It is a field that despite so many nay-sayers and scientific studies, they can’t seem to stop and stay away from it. Think of it that way.
Research, as suggested, is a safety zone worth thinking on. I stated my two concerns with your wording in the question. It is none of anyone’s beeswax what you believe. However, if you have had a questionable or negative experience as you followed your queries, then that is not how to go about it again- right?
Read. Knowledge is everything. The subject, sub-categories, various ideas, etc. You are then informed and better-able to apply that knowledge to whatever you wish to do with that ‘power’. You can’t make a car run, if you don’t look under the hood/bonnet. Right? Study in order to apply. One doesn’t have to rediscover a known idea or premise. Right? But, you must know the basics before you can improve upon them.
Some research or suggestions, such as various listed here, might lead to opposite or varying opinions to what you may believe. Which is also positive! If you don’t know what challenges exist towards one’s beliefs or interests that are out there, then that is just as close-minded as someone’s refusal to believe what they cannot envision or touch. It becomes ‘I Know’ from ‘I believe’, which came from ‘I’m interested in’ to ‘I think about’ to the beginning: ‘Hey! Look at that! How cool!’ People move away from the invigorating; What if?
Don’t ever lose the wonder of it all, no matter the subject.
Good luck. :)

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