Shamanic-Like Journeying and Psi: I. Imagery Cultivation, Paranormal Belief, and the Picture-Identification Task

<p>In a previous article (Storm & Rock, 2009) we proposed an <i>imagery cultivation model</i> to be at least as psi-conducive as the Ganzfeld, based on anthropological and parapsychological claims concerning alleged psi effects during shamanic practices. Imagery cultivation is associated with shamanic states during which state the percipient actively propagates or cultivates psi-related images. Since psi-modifying variables should also be investigated in psi research, paranormal belief/experience (as measured on Thalbourne's, 1995, Australian Sheep-Goat Scale), and Transliminality (the tendency for psychological material to cross into or out of consciousness; see Thalbourne & Houran, 2000) were tested in the present study as possible predictors of psi. Non-shaman participants (<i>N</i> = 108) were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (1) a control condition (<i>n</i> = 53) consisting of sitting quietly with eyes open; or (2) a treatment condition (<i>n</i> = 55) that involved shamanic-like journeying instructions followed by 15 minutes of monotonous drumming (8 b.p.s.). Participants were required to describe verbally, and then rank a randomly-selected concealed line-drawing, which they held throughout the condition. Number of direct hits (34.5% where PMCE = 25%) in the shamanic-like condition was significant, <i>z</i> = 1.66 (<i>p</i> = .048, one-tailed), but the hit rate for control-condition participants was at chance (22.6%, <i>z</i> = -0.40, <i>p</i> = .345, one-tailed). Post hoc, we found significant extreme effects—that is, preferences for ranks #1 and #4 independent of condition for the whole sample (<i>N</i> = 108, 65 hits, 60%, <i>p</i> = .042, two-tailed). Neither transliminality nor ASGS scores predicted hit rates.</p>