Psychic Abilities May Stem From a Field of Consciousness
Ever have the feeling that you know you’re being watched? Or the feeling of thinking about someone just before they call? Some believe these feelings are merely coincidental or just happenstance, but the fact that they are common and something everyone can relate to, leaves open the possibility that there could be a metaphysical mechanism at play. Now, researcher Rupert Sheldrake says he believes these occurrences are due to a psychic phenomenon that is evidence of a collective consciousness and he’s found this theory to show statistical significance.
Sheldrake is most famous for his theory of morphic resonance, a concept that revolves around psychic capability, which he believes is innate in humans and animals. Morphic resonance states that processes and behavior in nature, particularly learned behavior, can be inherited and transmitted psychically. This theory has made him somewhat of a pariah in the scientific community, which labelled him a heretic for entertaining such a seemingly nebulous concept. Nevertheless, he embraces the criticism and continues to pursue his research.
Sheldrake’s Evidence of a Collective Consciousness
In order to test his theory, Sheldrake conducted experiments on a group of subjects to see if they could accurately predict who was calling them on the phone. He ran the test with two groups of callers – one that was known to the subject and another who were complete strangers. The two groups tested against each other to see if there was a notable link between those with an emotional connection.
Sheldrake’s subjects in each test group consisted of four callers, providing for a one-in-four probability. In the group of callers with a strong personal connection to the subject, out of 332 trials among 37 participants, there was a 53 percent success rate of subjects correctly guessing who was calling — clearly better than mere chance. In the group where there was no familiarity, the subject predicted callers with a 25 percent likelihood – the same as chance.
Sheldrake noticed one area of the experiment that might have been flawed was that callers were given a schedule of when they would be calling and could potentially divulge when they’d be contacting the subject next. But when he looked at the results and controlled for this, he found no spikes in successful guessing. Does this hint at a psychic connection between people with a personal bond?
Sheldrake took the experiment a step further and decided to ask subjects to give their level of confidence on whether they would accurately guess a caller. They could either say they felt confident, not confident or just guessing. With this factor, results changed dramatically. When subjects felt confident, they responded correctly 82 percent of the time. When they were unconfident they were correct 35 percent of the time, and when they were just guessing their guess was only correct 25 percent of the time.
An interesting factor in the experiment is that subjects were sometimes thousands of miles away from their caller. Sheldrake found similar results when conducting tests regarding premonitions on email and text messages received. He also says he believes that while there might have been numerous factors skewing the results, intuition could have affected subjects who were told how they were doing. Overthinking can inhibit intuition and therefore in a scenario where a subject wasn’t being tested or didn’t know they were being tested, they would have possibly had a greater likelihood of knowing who was calling.
A Shared Consciousness with Animals?
Sheldrake conducted similar experiments testing the psychic intuition of dogs and whether they know when their owner is coming home. During one experiment to test this hypothesis, Sheldrake found that a dog went to the window looking for its owner four percent of the time she was out of the house, not intending to come home. However, once she started to make her way back home, the dog was at the window 55 percent of the time.
Sheldrake’s original theory of morphic resonance came from an experiment involving mice. The mice were put through a water maze before they progressively learned how to escape quicker. Their progeny, when put in the same maze, learned how to escape in fewer trials, and subsequently, mice on the other side of the world learned how to escape quickly when put through the same test. The experiment showed evidence that a group of mice could genetically pass down learned behavior and that this behavior could also be transmitted psychically throughout an entire species; almost as if it was being uploaded to the cloud where individual members could collectively download it. This is one premise of Sheldrake’s theory and he says he believes it to be inherent in all species.
What is the Collective Consciousness?
A commonly known theory that bears similarity to morphic resonance is the 100th monkey theory – an anecdotal observation showing signs of psychic learning among monkeys on various islands in the Pacific Ocean. Monkeys on one island purportedly learned behavior from monkeys on another island, once the 100th monkey learned the behavior. Sheldrake says this scenario is evidence of morphic resonance but based on an idea of having to reach a critical threshold. He says he sees the process as more gradual; the greater the number of individuals that learn, the easier a task becomes for the species.
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Sheldrake’s theory has some basis in Carl Jung’s idea of a collective unconscious. Jung’s collective unconscious is essentially a foundation of archetypes and psychological motifs that are inherent in humans. It differs from our personal psyches and complexes that are developed individually. Jung even referred to it as a, “psychic system of a collective, universal and impersonal nature which is identical in all individuals.” Sheldrake expanded on this theory, by postulating that this collective psychic system is growing and learning in real-time.
Could this be evidence that as a species we are getting collectively smarter and that our collective consciousness is evolving? Or is the technology and the internet a physical extension of what Sheldrake is describing?
About the Author
What Are the Akashic Records and What Are They For?
The Akashic Records are the energetic archives where the information of every soul is recorded. Everything that has been said, done, and even thought leaves an imprint on this energetic field. What is most astonishing is that we all have the ability to connect with this impressive library of the soul to discover guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of our existence. In this article, we will explore what the Akashic Records are, how to access them, what benefits they can offer, and what is needed to begin this spiritual path.
Table of Contents
- What Are Akashic Records and Their Purpose?
- History and Origin of the Akashic Records
- What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
- What Kind of Questions Are Asked in an Akashic Reading?
- Is There Any Danger in Accessing the Akashic Records?
- Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
- How Do You Learn to Read the Akashic Records?
What Are Akashic Records and Their Purpose?
The Akashic Records are a universal memory of existence, an energetic, non-physical space where every event, thought, action, and emotion is recorded. This archive not only preserves the history of each individual life and its interpersonal connections but also captures universal dynamics, providing a comprehensive perspective on the soul’s journey and its evolution through time. These records are seen as a part of the universal consciousness, linking all beings and all levels of existence, and connecting the past, present, and potential future lives.
Accessible through specific meditation techniques and spiritual practices, the Akashic Records can be consulted for spiritual guidance, healing, and understanding of behavioral patterns, karmic relationships, and life’s purpose.
In addition to their role as a source of spiritual knowledge, the Akashic Records are used to facilitate personal and collective healing. By accessing this wisdom, individuals can explore a wide range of topics, from emotional and physical challenges to existential questions, discovering not only the roots of their difficulties but also paths to deep transformation and significant spiritual growth.
In the series Microdose, available on Gaia, the fascinating subject of the Akashic Records is explored, offering an accessible and practical perspective for those who wish to deepen their understanding and use of them.
History and Origin of the Akashic Records
The Akashic Records, as understood in the modern context, were first brought to prominence by Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical movement in the late 19th century. Blavatsky introduced the concept to the West after her studies and experiences in Tibet, where monks and mahatmas revealed to her that the records exist in the “akasha” or “akasa”—a Sanskrit word meaning astral light or the ether, the fifth element in Eastern belief systems, considered the fundamental fabric of reality.
Blavatsky, supported by what she called “Masters of Ancient Wisdom,” used her psychic abilities and astral projection to access these records. This knowledge allowed her to establish a theosophical foundation that proclaimed “there is no religion higher than truth.” Her teachings and revelations attracted many followers and helped solidify the idea that human actions, words, and thoughts leave lasting impressions on the etheric plane, influencing Western esoteric doctrine.
Rudolf Steiner, another influential metaphysician, also spoke about the Akashic Records, proposing that every human action and thought leaves a trace in the etheric realms. Steiner contributed to the conceptualization of the Records as a compendium that not only stores past events but also offers patterns for human ideals such as harmony and equity, influencing contemporary thought and applications in the field of human evolution.
Edgar Cayce, known as America’s “sleeping prophet,” further popularized the Akashic Records during the 20th century through his psychic readings. Cayce described in detail how each individual could access the records of their past, present, and future lives to facilitate healing and personal growth. According to Cayce, these records not only document every life but are also fundamental to the soul’s judgment process—an idea that resonated with the biblical notion of the Book of Life.
Contemporary exploration of the Akashic Records has been advanced by theorists such as Ervin Laszlo, who integrates the notion of Akasha with scientific theories to explain phenomena such as consciousness and synchronicity in his “Akashic Paradigm.” Laszlo and other researchers continue to explore how the universal memory of the Akasha can serve as a living archive that influences the life and evolution of every being in the universe, proposing a holistic approach that crosses the boundaries between science and spirituality.
What Is an Akashic Records Reading Like?
An Akashic Records reading is an intimate encounter in which a trained reader accesses this energetic dimension to transmit to the seeker the messages that emerge from there. Traditionally, readings were conducted in person, but in recent years, online Akashic Records readings have become increasingly popular, as well as written versions.
The session is carried out through guided meditation and the use of specific prayers, allowing the reader to reach a deep state of concentration and connection to access the seeker’s records. During this process, the reader uses their sensitivity and training to perceive and convey the visions and messages received.
A typical session is structured as follows:
- Session Preparation: Before beginning, the reader and seeker prepare the space, often creating a peaceful and respectful environment, free from interruptions.
- Opening Invocation: The reader uses a specific prayer to open the seeker’s records, requesting permission to access and reveal the necessary information.
- Reception of Information: While in a meditative state, the reader receives images, words, emotions, or even physical sensations that are relevant to the seeker’s inquiries.
- Dialogue and Clarification: As the information flows, the seeker may ask additional questions, and the reader helps interpret the messages received, ensuring clarity and understanding.
- Closing the Records: At the end of the session, the reader performs another prayer to formally close the records, ensuring that the spiritual connection is properly closed.
What Kind of Questions Are Asked in an Akashic Reading?
The questions for an Akashic Records reading can be as varied and profound as the concerns of the seeker. Ideally, the questions should be open-ended and oriented toward guidance and personal growth, avoiding those that require simple yes or no answers.
Here are some common questions that can be asked during a reading:
- What is my purpose in this life?
- What lessons do I need to learn from my past experiences?
- How can I improve my relationships with family and friends?
- Are there any energetic blockages that are preventing me from moving forward?
- How can I use my talents to serve others?
- What can I do to improve my financial situation?
- How can I achieve greater balance in my life?
- What do I need to release in order to heal emotionally?
- Are there any messages from my spirit guides or deceased loved ones?
- How can I prepare for the important changes that are coming into my life?
Is There Any Danger in Accessing the Akashic Records?
Accessing the Akashic Records is a safe practice. Nevertheless, it is common for questions to arise about the potential dangers of the Akashic Records, especially among those who are new to this path. This spiritual practice is based on the opening of a sacred and protected space through specific prayers and meditations that ensure a pure and clear connection with the source of all Akashic wisdom. The process of access is guided by the intention of benevolence and respect for universal wisdom, which ensures that only the information that serves the highest good of the person involved is revealed.
In addition, the guardians of the Akashic Records—beings of light and ascended masters—are always present to ensure that the interactions are for the growth and benefit of the seeker. Therefore, as long as the person approaches the records with respect, humility, and an open mind, there is no risk of adverse effects. On the contrary, access to the Akashic Records can provide a profound understanding that fosters personal and spiritual growth, freeing the individual from old attachments and facilitating a clearer path forward.
Who Can Read the Akashic Records?
Reading the Akashic Records is not an ability reserved exclusively for mediums or people with psychic gifts. In fact, anyone interested in their spiritual development can learn to access this source of wisdom. Special talents are not required—what matters is sincere commitment, proper preparation, and a clear intention. For those beginning this path, a valuable option is to consult with an experienced Akashic Records reader, as this allows one to become familiar with the process, understand how a session is structured, and perceive more clearly how the information is revealed.
Over time and with practice, many people discover that they can also open their own records, or even accompany others in this type of reading. There are workshops, courses, and training programs led by specialized teachers that teach not only access techniques but also the ethical principles that should guide this spiritual work. Learning to read the Akashic Records is, in itself, a path of self-knowledge and responsibility, allowing each individual to reconnect with their purpose and actively contribute to their inner transformation.
How Do You Learn to Read the Akashic Records?
Many practitioners begin their learning by attending workshops and courses offered by experts, who teach access techniques, opening and closing prayers, and methods for interpreting the information received. These courses also emphasize the importance of ethics and responsibility when reading the records of others.
In addition to in-person courses, there are numerous online resources, such as books, videos, and webinars, that provide detailed instructions on how to access and read the Akashic Records. Ongoing practice is essential, as each reading session helps refine the ability to perceive and communicate the subtle energies and information of the Akashic field. Many readers experience significant growth in their personal and spiritual understanding as they continue working with the records.
