From India to the Planet Mars: A Study of a Case of Somnambulism — Folk Magic

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From India to the Planet Mars: A Study of a Case of Somnambulism

Name: From India to the Planet Mars: A Study of a Case of Somnambulism
Price: 26.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781015689053

✍️ Flournoy, Théodore

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

$26.95

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historical study of somnambulism linking psychology with Indian and Martian metaphysical traditions.

This publication preserves a specific moment in the history of mind studies. It records how early researchers categorized experiences that might now be viewed differently. The work connects literary analysis with social science, specifically folklore and mythology. It examines psychic phenomena as they were understood during Flournoy’s era. The content serves as a primary source for understanding past attitudes toward spiritualism. It does not validate these views but documents their existence and structure within the intellectual landscape of the time.

Key Themes

somnambulism study Indian metaphysical traditions Mars planetary mythology

Literary Context

This text originates from a period when spiritualism and psychology were closely linked. It reflects early twentieth-century academic interest in the supernatural. The work is now part of the public domain, allowing it to be reprinted for modern study of historical occult thought.

Flournoy, Théodore

📚 all books by this author (2) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Carl Jung · William James · Arthur Conan Doyle

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Folk Magic

🏛 Legare Street Press 📅 2022 📖 480 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781015689053

Fun Fact

Flournoy's "From India to the Planet Mars" remains a cornerstone in the history of psychology and psychical research. It excels at meticulously documenting a fascinating case, offering invaluable insight into early psychological methodology and the cultural milieu of spiritualism. Those seeking definitive proof of psychic powers will be disappointed; its strength lies in its detached, analytical approach. Essential for understanding parapsychology's origins.

📝 Description: From India to the Planet Mars: A Study of a Case of Somnambulism

Theodore Flournoy presents a detailed examination of somnambulism in From India to the Planet Mars. As a scholar, he analyzes cases that bridge psychology and spiritualism, offering readers a look into historical understandings of the mind. The text falls under categories such as literary collections, folklore, and psychic phenomena including clairvoyance and telepathy. It addresses subjects within the broader context of mysticism and occult studies without relying on modern diagnostic frameworks. This volume explores the intersection of personal experience and metaphysical inquiry. Readers interested in the history of psychology will find value in its documentation of early twentieth-century perspectives on altered states of consciousness. The work touches upon traditions involving India and Mars, reflecting a period when such topics were subjects of serious academic and public debate. It is suitable for those studying the evolution of spiritualist thought or the historical roots of parapsychology. Those seeking contemporary clinical advice will not find it here. The book stands as a record of its time. It documents how scholars once approached the boundary between mental health and supernatural claims. The physical edition contains four hundred eighty pages, providing ample space for Flournoy’s arguments. It is published by Legare Street Press and remains in the public domain. This allows for wide access to this specific cultural artifact. The text does not offer new theories but preserves existing ones for study.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Flournoy presents a compelling case study that bridges the gap between spiritualism and scientific rationality. However, readers seeking modern empirical evidence or straightforward supernatural validation may find the historical context and psychological framing insufficient. The book is dense with clinical observation rather than narrative excitement, which might bore those looking for quick occult thrills. It is best suited for academics or serious enthusiasts of esoteric history who appreciate a candid, rational examination of trance states and cosmic visions without embellishment.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the historical roots of parapsychology and the development of clinical psychology will find this work immensely rewarding. It offers a rare, detailed look at how early scholars approached somnambulism and alleged psychic abilities without immediate dismissal. Those interested in the cultural history of the occult, particularly the blend of Eastern mysticism with Western scientific inquiry, will appreciate Flournoy’s meticulous documentation. It serves as an essential primary source for understanding how the boundary between the supernatural and the psychological was navigated during the late nineteenth century.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

Seekers of historical psychological insights into spiritualism will find this compelling. If you're fascinated by early attempts to scientifically examine psychic phenomena, the complexities of the human subconscious, or the cultural landscape of late 19th-century esoteric thought, this meticulous…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Flournoy presents a compelling case study that bridges the gap between spiritualism and scientific rationality. However, readers seeking modern empirical evidence or straightforward supernatural validation may find the historical context and psychological framing insufficient. The book is dense with clinical observation rather than narrative excitement, which might bore those looking for quick occult thrills. It is best suited for academics or serious enthusiasts of esoteric history who appreciate a candid, rational examination of trance states and cosmic visions without embellishment.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, Flournoy's intent is primarily that of a psychologist. He meticulously documents and analyzes the purported phenomena, seeking their origins within the human mind rather than affirming their supernatural validity.

It certainly explores complex narratives involving them! However, the book focuses on the psychological generation of these narratives by the medium, offering insights into subconscious processes rather than validating the claims themselves.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Psychic States Explored

This book offers a deep dive into the altered states of consciousness manifested during somnambulism. It documents the medium's extraordinary visions and purported communications, providing a detailed record for psychological analysis rather than spiritual endorsement. The text meticulously observes and categorizes these phenomena, attempting to understand their origins within the human psyche.

Scientific Scrutiny of Spiritism

Flournoy applies a rigorous, early psychological framework to the popular spiritualist movements of his era. Instead of dismissing or blindly accepting psychic claims, he endeavors to systematically observe, record, and interpret them through a scientific lens. This approach marks a crucial moment in the history of psychical research, bridging belief and empirical study.

Cosmic & Past-Life Narratives

The core of the study revolves around the medium's elaborate narratives of past lives in India and vivid, often detailed, communications with "Martian" beings. These fantastical journeys provide rich material for exploring the subconscious mind's capacity for creating complex internal worlds and the cultural influences shaping perceived supernatural experiences.

📜 Historical context

Published at the turn of the 20th century, Flournoy’s work stands as a pivotal text during an era grappling with the rise of modern psychology and the pervasive influence of spiritualism. It exemplifies the nascent scientific community's efforts to apply empirical methods to phenomena previously relegated to mysticism or outright fraud, marking a crucial step in the development of parapsychology and psychological history.

📚 Glossary

Somnambulism
Spiritualism
Psychical Research

📔 Questions to reflect on

How do you think the cultural context of Flournoy's time influenced both the medium's expressions and the scientific interpretation of her experiences?
Considering the challenges of objective observation, what ethical dilemmas might arise when a psychologist studies a subject believed to possess psychic abilities?
Reflect on the interplay between rational inquiry and esoteric phenomena. Where do you draw the line between scientific explanation and unexplained mystery?