Scientist Explains What Happens When People Channel
When you hear the word channeling, what comes to mind? Many of us would think of Bashar, Seth, Barbara Marciniak, Edgar Cayce, etc. In other words, most people think of trance channeling, where a person allows a supposed entity (deceased spirits, aliens, angels, higher self, etc.) to use their body as a vehicle to communicate.
I am a trained clinician, naturopathic physician, and Director of Research at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. I also happen to come from a long line of trance channelers and received a BIAL grant for researching the physiological effects of full-trance channeling:
As someone who bridges the worlds of scientific inquiry and the esoteric, I have a more encompassing definition for channeling:
“Channeling is the process of revealing information and energy not limited by our conventional notions of space and time that can appear receptive or expressive.” – from The Science of Channeling
One of the most confusing things about channeling is its name. Many people associate it with trance channeling. Others use it interchangeably with terms like psychic, medium, psi, ESP, etc. When I first engaged in conversation with people about these phenomena, I found that the terms meant different things to different people.
For example, as a naïve new researcher in the field, I formally reviewed the literature to understand the terms used for trance channeling. There were 29 different terms used to describe this form of channeling and the people who do it.
Multiple research studies show that channeling is experienced on a spectrum. On one side, you have widespread experiences like intuition and gut hunches. Telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition lie somewhere in the middle. Rarer experiences like trance channeling and out-of-body experiences are on the far side of the spectrum. Channeling comes in so many forms.
At IONS, we call your unique way of channeling your Noetic Signature™. There is no right or wrong signature. All are beautiful and unique. Just as each snowflake is different yet equal in its exquisite beauty, each person’s Noetic Signature™ has inherent value.
An Overview of Channeling
In my book, The Science of Channeling: Why You Should Trust Your Intuition and Embrace the Force That Connects Us All, I share about the IONS Channeling Research Program and what we’ve learned by investigating these research questions:
- How common is channeling, and what are its characteristics?
- How does channeling work?
- Are there defining characteristics of someone who channels easily?
- Can we verify the information?
- Is the content useful?
In this blog post, I’d like to share an overview of these findings with you. You can also watch a video about some of our findings here.
How Common Is Channeling?
Not only are channeling abilities found in perfectly healthy people, but the experience of channeling is actually quite common.
In another study conducted by IONS, we surveyed scientists, engineers, the general public, and IONS members about their channeling experiences. We were surprised to find that of the 900 participants, a whopping 90% (93-99%) had at least one channeling experience in their lifetime.
This suggests that channeling experiences are common. In fact, Rapoport, Leiby-Clark, and Czyzewicz put out a survey each year to gather information on the number of Americans that believe in paranormal phenomena. What’s interesting is that this number has increased year over year.
One overarching theme in parapsychological research is that the more we believe in phenomena, the more likely we are to experience them. This could account for that growing number. That being said, some channeling experiences are more common than others.
I think of channeling as being like a spectrum. On the subtler side, people experience clairempathy, claircognizance, lucid dreaming, and telepathy. Somewhere toward the middle are precognition and mediumship. And at the far end of the spectrum are rarer experiences like trance channeling, geomancy, psychic healing, pyrokinesis, and levitation.
Is Channeled Information Real?
Channeling may be common — but is it real? “Real” would mean that channeling can be observed with objective measures rather than just anecdotal accounts.
Jessica Utts published an interesting statistic in a study featured in the Journal of Scientific Exploration. She showed us that the effects observed in ESP research are significantly larger than the effect size of 81 mg of aspirin therapy.
In other words: Many channeling phenomena appear to be very real.
Some evidence for channeling can be found in the work of Rupert Sheldrake. Sheldrake has compiled a database of 4,000 case histories, 2,000 questionnaires, 1,500 interviews, and more than a decade of controlled experiments — all of which indicate that consciousness is nonlocal and fundamental. He and many other scientists have conducted direct mental interactions with living systems (DMILS) experiments that show us a person (the sender) can remotely influence another person’s (the receiver’s) physiology.
In these studies, a sender directs positive intention toward the receiver. Both participants’ bodies are measured for physiological changes. The results are consistent: Small but significant effects can be observed in the physiology of the receiver. DMILS is probably why, for example, we can sense when someone is staring at us.
And yet the evidence for channeled information goes beyond any individual study. In the scientific world, a meta-analysis is the pinnacle of proof. A meta-analysis looks at general trends across many studies and yields an integrated result. These types of analyses are critical because they give a more precise estimate of effect size and may give us conclusive results where individual studies cannot.
Meta-analyses related to channeling illustrate that the evidence for psychic experiences are comparable to that of established phenomena in psychology.
So yes, we have good reason to believe that channeling is real. Which leads us to yet another question: How does channeling work?
How Does Channeling Work?
At this point, no one is sure exactly how channeling works. We understand bits and pieces but more research is needed.
Relative to other branches of science, psi research is notably lacking. On the one hand, this is exciting: Psi is a relatively untapped frontier. On the other hand, the field is underfunded. Additionally, these topics remain taboo in the scientific community.
With little funding (and the genuine possibility of staking one’s career), few scientists are willing to commit their time and energy to psi research (even though, behind the scenes, many are interested in this field!).
In any case, we are in the infancy of our understanding of extended human capacities. Right now, we just have ideas.
It appears as though channeling transcends time and space because the effects of psychic phenomena are instantaneous. For example, in Random Number Generator (RNG) studies, a generator produces random numbers. And yet, when a person directs their attention to the generator, the numbers become less random.
How is something like this possible?
All of parapsychology hinges on the idea that consciousness is nonlocal and fundamental; therefore, everything is interconnected. It’s as though we can all tap into a consciousness larger than the one we experience in our day-to-day life.
It also appears that our abilities to tap into this consciousness are limited by external stimuli. This is why meditation is often used to cultivate intuitive abilities: It’s about learning how to shut out the noise.
Where Does Channeled Information Come From?
We don’t understand all the mechanics of channeling yet…and we’re not sure where the information is coming from. We conducted a survey among channelers where participants were asked what they thought the source of their channeled information was. They were able to choose as many options as they wanted:
56% of participants thought the source of channeling was their higher self;
50% said the universal mind;
47% said the unconscious mind.
Fewer people reported channeling spirits, ETs, deities, or other entities.
Common Traits of Spiritual Channels
In our research, we have found that certain characteristics lend themselves to channeling.
First of all, believing that you can channel predicts that you will have more channeling experiences and do better on laboratory tests. In studies done in the West, women report stronger and more frequent experiences than men. This may be because women tend to carry more yin qualities. Yin is feminine energy. It is open, receptive, and connected. In these western studies, channelers also tend to describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” Other demographic information, such as age and race, have mixed results.
That being said, we believe that everyone can learn to channel.
What is your unique way of channeling? If you’re interested in discovering or further cultivating your channeling abilities, you can order a copy of The Science of Channeling. In it, I’ll show you how to identify and hone your own channeling skills, process the information you receive, and use your unique gift to improve your life — and the world around you.
About the Author
What Is Remote Viewing and How Is It Developed?
Can you imagine obtaining accurate information about a distant place or event without being physically present? Remote viewing is an ability that allows anyone to access this type of information without using the physical senses. In this article, we explore what remote viewing is, how it differs from clairvoyance, and how you can develop this fascinating ability.
Table of Contents
- What Is Remote Viewing?
- Stanford Research and the Origins of Remote Viewing
- Understanding the Difference Between Clairvoyance and Remote Viewing
- Remote Viewing Training: How to Practice and Actionable Techniques
- Can Everyone Develop Remote Viewing?
- Spiritual Benefits of Developing Remote Viewing
- Myths and Facts About the Art of Remote Viewing
- The Continuing Debate Around Remote Viewing
What Is Remote Viewing?
Remote viewing is one of the most advanced psychic abilities and a structured practice of extrasensory perception (ESP) that allows a remote viewer to describe or gather information about a distant target site using only the mind. Unlike traditional sensory perception, this technique seeks impressions of locations, objects, or events without relying on the five physical senses. Supporters view it as a disciplined method of accessing hidden information, while skeptics often consider it a form of psychic phenomena without scientific proof.
The concept of remote viewing has been explored in both spiritual and experimental settings, where researchers and practitioners alike have tested whether the human mind can access information beyond normal perception. Reports of successful sessions describe participants sketching landscapes, describing structures, or identifying key features of a location they have never physically visited.
The process follows a multi-stage protocol. A typical remote viewing session begins with relaxation or meditation to quiet mental distractions, followed by setting a clear intention to connect with the chosen target. During the session, the viewer records raw sensory impressions, such as shapes, textures, sounds, or temperatures, before attempting to interpret them. Patience, consistent training, and repeated sessions are considered essential for refining accuracy and building confidence in the results.
Stanford Research and the Origins of Remote Viewing
Remote viewing moved to formal study in the early 1970s when physicists Russell Targ and Harold Puthoff began experiments at the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) in California. Their work sought to determine whether the human mind could obtain information about distant places or objects without ordinary sensory input, a concept they referred to as “remote perception.”
At SRI, trained participants known as remote viewers attempted to describe hidden or distant target sites, locations, objects, or events, while shielded from all conventional cues. Sessions followed a controlled protocol in which viewers recorded mental impressions such as shapes, textures, and spatial relationships. According to reports, some results produced descriptions accurate enough to be statistically significant beyond chance, sparking interest from military and intelligence agencies.
This research eventually attracted funding from the U.S. government, including the CIA and the Department of Defense, under programs like the now-declassified Stargate Project. These initiatives explored whether remote viewing could aid intelligence gathering during the Cold War and led to decades of classified testing. While the studies generated intriguing data, critics highlighted issues with experimental controls and the often vague nature of the information obtained. Today, despite Targ’s continued advocacy and writings on the subject, mainstream science generally regards remote viewing as pseudoscience, noting that no reproducible evidence confirms it as a reliable phenomenon.
Understanding the Difference Between Clairvoyance and Remote Viewing
Clairvoyance and remote viewing are psychic abilities used to obtain information beyond the physical senses, yet their goals and methods differ in key ways. Clairvoyance is the ability to receive spontaneous or intentional visual impressions about people, places, or events outside normal sensory range. It can arise as a natural gift or be developed through training, allowing a person to perceive images, colors, symbols, or entire scenes that appear within the mind’s eye.
Remote viewing, by contrast, is a carefully structured form of remote perception designed to describe details of a distant target site without physical access. This skill follows a defined protocol to collect accurate and verifiable data. During a remote viewing session, the viewer records raw sensory impressions, such as shapes, sounds, textures, or spatial relationships, while using systematic methods to reduce conscious analysis and outside influence.
The range of information also differs. Clairvoyants may receive broad, symbolic visions or intuitive messages that require interpretation, including insights about a person’s emotions, potential future events, or abstract themes. Remote viewers, on the other hand, focus on describing specific, tangible characteristics of the target, such as geographic features, structural elements, or measurable details that can later be checked against reality.
Although both practices claim access to knowledge beyond the five senses, clairvoyance remains more subjective and open-ended, while remote viewing emphasizes repeatable steps and data that can be compared to actual outcomes. These distinctions give each practice its own set of applications and training approaches, offering different pathways for exploring extrasensory perception.
How to Remote View
Remote viewing is presented as a disciplined way to gather information about a distant target site through focused mental perception. Rather than waiting for spontaneous visions, a remote viewer follows structured steps to capture sensory impressions and record them for later verification. Training focuses on relaxing the body, calming the mind, and developing the ability to notice subtle impressions without letting analysis interfere.
Mental Preparation and Focus
Begin by creating a quiet environment where you can relax and settle your thoughts. Deep breathing or meditation reduces mental noise and strengthens concentration. Practitioners set a clear intent to perceive details about the target while keeping thoughts neutral. This focused state supports the reception of impressions that might otherwise be missed.
The Viewing Process
During a remote viewing session, a monitor or assistant may provide a neutral cue for the hidden target. Quickly note the first impressions—colors, shapes, sounds, or temperatures—without naming the object or trying to interpret it. Recording these raw perceptions before analysis helps preserve data that can later be matched to the target. Treat each sensation as information, even if it seems random.
Development and Refinement
Consistent practice strengthens accuracy and detail in remote viewing work. After each session, compare your notes with the actual target to identify patterns and improve precision. Over time, this routine builds confidence and reliability while helping you expand from basic impressions to more complex sensory details.
Beginner Practice Exercise
Developing remote viewing requires practice and a systematic approach. Here is a simple exercise you can do to start training this skill:
- Select Targets: Ask a friend or family member to choose 5–10 varied images from magazines, such as landscapes, people, or objects.
- Prepare the Envelopes: Have your assistant place each image face down in a sealed envelope and keep the contents secret.
- Calm Your Mind: Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and breathe deeply to reduce distractions.
- Set the Stage: Write down the date, time, and any distracting thoughts to clear your mind before you begin.
- Describe the Target: Without opening the envelope, write down the first basic impressions that arise, textures, colors, patterns, movements, without judgment or analysis.
- Draw a Sketch: Create a rough sketch of the shapes or structures you sensed. Artistic skill is not important; focus on capturing the essence of the impressions.
- Get Feedback: Open the envelope and compare your notes and sketch with the actual image. Reflect on similarities and differences to learn from the session.
This foundational exercise provides immediate feedback and helps develop the mental discipline that supports more advanced techniques. By repeating the process and reviewing your notes after every session, you begin to recognize subtle patterns, sharpen your attention to small sensory details, and train your mind to capture impressions before analysis sets in. Over time, these habits create the steady focus and self-awareness needed to attempt longer sessions, more complex target sites, and the structured protocols used by experienced remote viewers.
Can Everyone Develop Remote Viewing?
Remote viewing is a skill that most people can learn and improve with steady practice. While a few individuals may show natural sensitivity from the start, consistent training is what allows the majority of students to strengthen their abilities over time. Progress depends less on innate “psychic powers” and more on patience, focus, and regular sessions that teach the mind to notice subtle impressions.
Key factors that support development include:
- Regular practice: Short, frequent sessions help train attention and reduce mental noise.
- Strong concentration: The ability to maintain a quiet, alert mind is critical for receiving accurate impressions.
- Open mindset: Curiosity and a willingness to record even faint or unexpected impressions prevent early filtering.
- Structured methods: Following a step-by-step protocol or guided training provides consistent feedback and measurable improvement.
- Patience and perseverance: Results may start small, but skill grows as the mind learns to separate fleeting thoughts from genuine target information.
Spiritual Benefits of Developing Remote Viewing
Remote viewing is more than a method for gathering impressions about a distant target site. Practicing it over time can transform the way you experience the world and your inner self. Training as a remote viewer calls for quiet focus, disciplined attention, and regular sessions, and these habits naturally foster deeper awareness and a stronger sense of connection. Many people find that the mental discipline required for remote viewing work carries over into everyday life, creating benefits that go far beyond the sessions themselves.
Below are some of the most frequently reported spiritual and personal gains:
- Spiritual connection: Regular practice encourages a stronger bond with the universe and with your own inner life. This deeper connection can spark insight into personal purpose and the larger patterns of existence.
- Expanded awareness: Reaching for information beyond ordinary senses stretches perception and helps you recognize the interdependence of all things. Over time, many viewers describe a heightened sensitivity to subtle patterns in daily life.
- Sharper intuition: Recording and reviewing impressions during a remote viewing session strengthens subtle perception. Many practitioners notice clearer gut feelings and more confidence when making important choices.
- Relaxation and balance: The quiet, focused state required for each session naturally promotes deep relaxation. This meditative practice can reduce stress and support steady emotional balance.
- Personal growth: Working with remote viewing often reveals self-imposed limits. Meeting those challenges builds patience, resilience, and a broader perspective on the capabilities of the human mind.
Myths and Facts About the Art of Remote Viewing
Remote viewing has always carried an air of mystery, which makes it easy for rumors and misconceptions to spread. Sorting myth from reality helps anyone interested in the practice approach it with realistic expectations and a clear understanding of what this remote perception technique can and cannot do.
Remote Viewing Myths
- For psychics only: Many believe that only gifted psychics or psychic mediums can succeed as remote viewers. In truth, structured training protocols show that people without any prior extrasensory experience can learn the process.
- Dangerous to the mind: Some worry that remote viewing might cause mental harm or invite negative forces. When practiced with proper guidance, it is no more harmful than meditation or focused visualization.
- Unlimited access: A frequent claim is that a skilled viewer can observe anything, anywhere, at any time. In practice, sessions often yield partial impressions, symbolic fragments, or ambiguous details rather than unlimited surveillance.
- Guaranteed accuracy: Movies and sensational reports sometimes suggest that trained viewers always describe a target site with perfect precision. In reality, even experienced practitioners have sessions where impressions are vague, contradictory, or incorrect.
- Proof of supernatural powers: Supporters sometimes frame successful sessions as unquestionable evidence of psychic powers. Skeptics counter that hits can stem from coincidence, selective memory, or subconscious pattern recognition, so results remain open to debate.
Remote Viewing Facts
- Requires steady practice: Consistent training, patience, and honest feedback are essential. Progress comes from refining mental discipline and learning to separate subtle impressions from imagination.
- Documented research history: Programs at institutions like the Stanford Research Institute (SRI) and government projects such as Stargate show that the topic has been tested under controlled conditions, even though the scientific community remains divided on its validity.
- Not infallible: A single session may contain both accurate and inaccurate details. Statistical studies have found results better than chance in some cases, but no protocol eliminates human error or subjective interpretation.
- Often labeled a pseudoscience: Despite decades of experiments, remote viewing lacks a mechanism recognized by mainstream science. Researchers describe it as a form of extrasensory perception (ESP), but its status remains unproven and controversial.
The Continuing Debate Around Remote Viewing
Remote viewing remains a topic that straddles the line between curiosity, research, and controversy. Decades after the early experiments at SRI and the CIA’s Stargate Project, interest in the practice continues in spiritual circles, private training groups, and online communities. Supporters point to statistically significant studies and personal experiences as evidence that the human mind may have abilities beyond ordinary senses. Skeptics view those same results as chance, methodological flaws, or creative interpretation rather than proof of genuine psychic phenomena.
Whether approached as a meditative discipline, a tool for exploring consciousness, or simply a historical curiosity, remote viewing invites people to test the limits of perception for themselves. Practicing relaxation, careful observation, and structured feedback can strengthen focus and intuition even if no “psychic spy” skills emerge. By understanding the myths, research history, and training methods, readers can decide how much of this psychic phenomenon feels meaningful while maintaining a grounded perspective on what remains unverified.
