Review of Second Annual Exploring the Extraordinary Conference (Published in Paranthropology, Issue 2)
Building on the success of the initial Exploring the Extraordinary Conference last October at the University of York, this year has proved to be even more worthwhile in regards to the content, quality of speakers and the organisation of the event, which has now expanded into a welcome two day affair. Originated to explore divergent theories within the anomalistic field, speakers draw their inspiration from anthropology, sociology, transpersonal, spiritual, cultural and parapsychological areas, so creating a cosmopolitan mixture of interests and friendly debate, with invited speakers from a truly international community.
The sessions over the two days were split into themes and the first day focused on the more ‘experience’ based talks, beginning on a high note with a presentation from psychotherapist Josefine Speyer on the impact of extraordinary experiences within the bereavement process – a study conducted with Dr Mary Murray, who unfortunately was not able to attend. It was interesting to note that during her interviews, Josefine recognised the familiar reluctance individuals have in recounting strange experiences to others, although, in this instance, the overall impressions gained were of benefit. Following this was a talk by a very jet-lagged Michele Knight, who had flown directly from her home in Australia to attend – a sign of true dedication! She reviewed her current PhD project detailing how communication between the bereaved and deceased can positively impact on well-being and spiritual growth.
Directly after the coffee break, Alice Herron captured the audience’s attention again by sharing her personal experiences of being actively involved within a new religious movement and her subsequent investigation into whether spiritual leaders have distinctive personality aspects which enable them to develop into such roles.
Before lunch (and before stomachs began rumbling too loudly), Dr Jenny Hallam and Candice Sunney presented their joint research project which explores qualitatively the experiences of individuals involved in a (so-far) undefined ‘earth energy’ spirituality, and which generated many interested responses from the audience.
Following the lunch break, the sessions resumed with Dr Gerhard Mayer and Rene Grunder (who had travelled across from Germany), and a fascinating study of the impact of extraordinary experiences on the development of heterodox beliefs, especially neo-paganism and which aroused considerable interest. Unfortunately, Keith Beasley was not able to attend, and so his paper was presented by Tamlyn Ryan from the University of York, who successfully managed to direct any subsequent queries via email to the man himself!
The keynote lecture in the afternoon by Dr David Clarke on experiences involving UFOs proved to be highly entertaining and soon managed to energise any flagging souls within the audience. With such subject matter always garnering controversy, Dr Clarke, with a background in folkloric studies and journalism, demonstrated a unique knowledge of previously secret British Government files that had been amassed on UFOs – with apparently more still undisclosed....researchers form an orderly queue here, please! At the end of such an enervating first day, delegates were invited to attend a privately arranged Ghost Walk around the historic city of York, plus a meal at a local hostelry (which became unintentionally involved with an ‘A’ list celebrity party in the same building...who could have predicted that?), plus a spot of after-dinner storytelling.
As the second day commenced the weather changed for the worse, but which happily, did not manage to dampen the delegate’s enthusiasm. The general theme for the day encompassed more of the spiritual nature of anomalistic events and the morning began with an engaging talk by Sarah Metcalf from the University of York on her PhD research. This examined the contemporary concerns facing psychic practitioners and the consequences of the ‘emotional labour’ involved and produced obvious support from the audience. Sarah was followed by Jack Hunter, who presented his unique insight into a branch of the Spiritualist movement in Bristol, specifically within the Bristol Spirit Lodge. With a background in anthropology, his research strives to understand the experiences gained by both mediums and sitters within a spiritualist group as and when they occur. Having recently been awarded the Eileen J. Garrett grant from the Parapsychological Foundation, this year his research will continue to strengthen. Preceding the lunch break was an exploration of Lady Cynthia Sandys, aristocrat and medium, from Dr Fiona Bowie. Dr Bowie shared her fascination with this intriguing figure, particularly regarding the books that were published from the ‘channelling’ of deceased members of her family and acquaintances.
After another delicious lunch, the afternoon sessions were launched by Ann Davies, a professional artist just at the beginning of her PhD studies into phenomenological art. She also practices as a ‘psychic artist’ – channelling pictures and portraits of spirits. She provided the audience with a thought-provoking presentation which included a portrait of a young girl that had been verified by a bereaved family member as being incredibly accurate, and willingly discussed aspects of fraudulent medium behaviour with clarity and sincerity.
The late afternoon presentations began with another international traveller – Dr Yves Marton – discussing his long-term anthropological project in Brazil and Los Angeles. He succeeded in shocking the audience by revealing the latent prejudice towards certain working class communities and their beliefs, especially Santeria (the worship of Saints), in both Americas.
Next to the podium was the well-known current President of the Parapsychological Association, Dr David Luke, who offered a presentation on the relationship between anthropology and parapsychology. Although, fighting against the clock, he still managed to review how two apparently disparate fields often have close connections, exploring historic figures such as Andrew Lang, who championed such a worthwhile marriage in the face of hostility - possibly also echoing attitudes in the contemporary world? Last, but by no means least, Dr Paul Marshall as the final speaker of the event, discussed further the connections between what is defined as being either psychic or mystical in nature. With a relaxed style of presentation he was able to enthrall the audience one last time with his review of the comparisons that can be made between such extraordinary experiences, and how each area could actually learn from each other and utilise methodology in understanding such occurrences.
As is seen from the above programme, the diversity of the presentations is to be commended and it was gratifying to see so many delegates attending from such varied academic and interested perspectives. The two days generated so much discussion, both at the conference and socially, with many new acquaintances formed, that that the 3rd Conference in 2011 will no doubt prove to be even more popular and something very special, too.
Sophie Drennan
Building on the success of the initial Exploring the Extraordinary Conference last October at the University of York, this year has proved to be even more worthwhile in regards to the content, quality of speakers and the organisation of the event, which has now expanded into a welcome two day affair. Originated to explore divergent theories within the anomalistic field, speakers draw their inspiration from anthropology, sociology, transpersonal, spiritual, cultural and parapsychological areas, so creating a cosmopolitan mixture of interests and friendly debate, with invited speakers from a truly international community.
The sessions over the two days were split into themes and the first day focused on the more ‘experience’ based talks, beginning on a high note with a presentation from psychotherapist Josefine Speyer on the impact of extraordinary experiences within the bereavement process – a study conducted with Dr Mary Murray, who unfortunately was not able to attend. It was interesting to note that during her interviews, Josefine recognised the familiar reluctance individuals have in recounting strange experiences to others, although, in this instance, the overall impressions gained were of benefit. Following this was a talk by a very jet-lagged Michele Knight, who had flown directly from her home in Australia to attend – a sign of true dedication! She reviewed her current PhD project detailing how communication between the bereaved and deceased can positively impact on well-being and spiritual growth.
Directly after the coffee break, Alice Herron captured the audience’s attention again by sharing her personal experiences of being actively involved within a new religious movement and her subsequent investigation into whether spiritual leaders have distinctive personality aspects which enable them to develop into such roles.
Before lunch (and before stomachs began rumbling too loudly), Dr Jenny Hallam and Candice Sunney presented their joint research project which explores qualitatively the experiences of individuals involved in a (so-far) undefined ‘earth energy’ spirituality, and which generated many interested responses from the audience.
Following the lunch break, the sessions resumed with Dr Gerhard Mayer and Rene Grunder (who had travelled across from Germany), and a fascinating study of the impact of extraordinary experiences on the development of heterodox beliefs, especially neo-paganism and which aroused considerable interest. Unfortunately, Keith Beasley was not able to attend, and so his paper was presented by Tamlyn Ryan from the University of York, who successfully managed to direct any subsequent queries via email to the man himself!
The keynote lecture in the afternoon by Dr David Clarke on experiences involving UFOs proved to be highly entertaining and soon managed to energise any flagging souls within the audience. With such subject matter always garnering controversy, Dr Clarke, with a background in folkloric studies and journalism, demonstrated a unique knowledge of previously secret British Government files that had been amassed on UFOs – with apparently more still undisclosed....researchers form an orderly queue here, please! At the end of such an enervating first day, delegates were invited to attend a privately arranged Ghost Walk around the historic city of York, plus a meal at a local hostelry (which became unintentionally involved with an ‘A’ list celebrity party in the same building...who could have predicted that?), plus a spot of after-dinner storytelling.
As the second day commenced the weather changed for the worse, but which happily, did not manage to dampen the delegate’s enthusiasm. The general theme for the day encompassed more of the spiritual nature of anomalistic events and the morning began with an engaging talk by Sarah Metcalf from the University of York on her PhD research. This examined the contemporary concerns facing psychic practitioners and the consequences of the ‘emotional labour’ involved and produced obvious support from the audience. Sarah was followed by Jack Hunter, who presented his unique insight into a branch of the Spiritualist movement in Bristol, specifically within the Bristol Spirit Lodge. With a background in anthropology, his research strives to understand the experiences gained by both mediums and sitters within a spiritualist group as and when they occur. Having recently been awarded the Eileen J. Garrett grant from the Parapsychological Foundation, this year his research will continue to strengthen. Preceding the lunch break was an exploration of Lady Cynthia Sandys, aristocrat and medium, from Dr Fiona Bowie. Dr Bowie shared her fascination with this intriguing figure, particularly regarding the books that were published from the ‘channelling’ of deceased members of her family and acquaintances.
After another delicious lunch, the afternoon sessions were launched by Ann Davies, a professional artist just at the beginning of her PhD studies into phenomenological art. She also practices as a ‘psychic artist’ – channelling pictures and portraits of spirits. She provided the audience with a thought-provoking presentation which included a portrait of a young girl that had been verified by a bereaved family member as being incredibly accurate, and willingly discussed aspects of fraudulent medium behaviour with clarity and sincerity.
The late afternoon presentations began with another international traveller – Dr Yves Marton – discussing his long-term anthropological project in Brazil and Los Angeles. He succeeded in shocking the audience by revealing the latent prejudice towards certain working class communities and their beliefs, especially Santeria (the worship of Saints), in both Americas.
Next to the podium was the well-known current President of the Parapsychological Association, Dr David Luke, who offered a presentation on the relationship between anthropology and parapsychology. Although, fighting against the clock, he still managed to review how two apparently disparate fields often have close connections, exploring historic figures such as Andrew Lang, who championed such a worthwhile marriage in the face of hostility - possibly also echoing attitudes in the contemporary world? Last, but by no means least, Dr Paul Marshall as the final speaker of the event, discussed further the connections between what is defined as being either psychic or mystical in nature. With a relaxed style of presentation he was able to enthrall the audience one last time with his review of the comparisons that can be made between such extraordinary experiences, and how each area could actually learn from each other and utilise methodology in understanding such occurrences.
As is seen from the above programme, the diversity of the presentations is to be commended and it was gratifying to see so many delegates attending from such varied academic and interested perspectives. The two days generated so much discussion, both at the conference and socially, with many new acquaintances formed, that that the 3rd Conference in 2011 will no doubt prove to be even more popular and something very special, too.
Sophie Drennan