Former Agnostic Exposed to Reiki ? - Page 2

sophia8 · 30th October 2012, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

First time you've tried it at your age? Odd. Well, you'll recover from the shock just fine. Then you can begin your research on what the heck happened!!
It is quite obvious that not one person on here has captured just how strong and surprising this was. And that's alright; I'm not surprised. Since it is so unbelievable, I realize just how special it was. How rare.
Resume the joking.

I've just tried that as well and got the same sensation; it's not static electricity but it does feels quite strange. If I move my hands up and down, it feels like I have a soft column of ...something attached to my palms. If it happened all of a sudden, with somebody you'd just met in the street and you weren't expecting it - well, it would feel even stranger, due to the sheer suddenness (and maybe the attractiveness of this woman? I can see how this could be used as a pickup line....)

Have you tried it for yourself?

Madalch · 30th October 2012, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

I don't see magic. Therefore it can't exist.

Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one.

jasonpatterson · 30th October 2012, 01:48 PM

Your story is that you were exposed to what can only be described as actual magic, you believed it to be such, and you didn't just completely flip your lid and call the press?

This is the problem with so many of these stories. People experience some event that they later say changed their life, and yet at the time they do absolutely nothing about it. You didn't even bother to get her name. I'm not calling you a liar and I don't think that you're trying to deceive us in any way, but can you not see the gigantic hole in this story? Is there no chance that you have retroactively modified it in your memory as a way to account for your changing beliefs?

carlitos · 30th October 2012, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

Cute but that is ONE shock that would make me JUMP! This was a shower of ... something. Painless electricity flowing continually.

There is painless electricity flowing continually through your hands at all times. I get what you described when a nerve in my shoulder pinches.

Deranged · 30th October 2012, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by jasonpatterson

Your story is that you were exposed to what can only be described as actual magic, you believed it to be such, and you didn't just completely flip your lid and call the press?

This is the problem with so many of these stories. People experience some event that they later say changed their life, and yet at the time they do absolutely nothing about it. You didn't even bother to get her name. I'm not calling you a liar and I don't think that you're trying to deceive us in any way, but can you not see the gigantic hole in this story? Is there no chance that you have retroactively modified it in your memory as a way to account for your changing beliefs?

Call the press? What? You think they'd care or even believe me?
And what "hole" in the story do you see? I told everything that happened. It was not a miracle but it was miraculous to me. It was really terrific. But yes; I agree totally that for me to have just walked off and stopped thinking about it was , well, Deranged.

Deranged · 30th October 2012, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Madalch

Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one.

Yes; I guess it was irrational. That's what made it so remarkable!

Professor Yaffle · 30th October 2012, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

Yes; I guess it was irrational. That's what made it so remarkable!

So, magic then!

Deranged · 30th October 2012, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Professor Yaffle

So, magic then!

Reiki practitioner or the Supernatural did it. Weird stuff is in my genes.

Professor Yaffle · 30th October 2012, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

Reiki practitioner or God did it.

Yes, by magic!

Sledge · 30th October 2012, 02:33 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

What did I think was the purpose. That's a good question. I might have very briefly thought , "why is she asking me to do this?" Can you imagine a woman from the UK , on a stool in the center of Mallory Square at dusk, saying, "put your hands above mine" and stopping to analyze her directive? Or even asking, "no; I want to know WHY you want me to do it." In my opinion, 99% of people would have just done it. She didn't ask me to do anything embarrassing. It was a loose, party atmosphere.

I seriously doubt that.

Resume · 30th October 2012, 02:35 PM

Wait wait!

You were playing the congas with the rest of the loafers on the pier and your hands went numb!

No charge!

cosmicaug · 30th October 2012, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by Madalch

Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one.

Not really. You can also accept that you don't have an explanation. "I don't know" can be the best answer sometimes.

cosmicaug · 30th October 2012, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Sledge

Originally Posted by Deranged

What did I think was the purpose. That's a good question. I might have very briefly thought , "why is she asking me to do this?" Can you imagine a woman from the UK , on a stool in the center of Mallory Square at dusk, saying, "put your hands above mine" and stopping to analyze her directive? Or even asking, "no; I want to know WHY you want me to do it." In my opinion, 99% of people would have just done it. She didn't ask me to do anything embarrassing. It was a loose, party atmosphere.

I seriously doubt that.

99% of people would expect that this woman would not have asked them to do this for absolutely no reason.

Hokulele · 30th October 2012, 03:11 PM

One anecdote like this really isn't enough to claim for sure what happened, but my guess is that she had some sort of device that created the sensation, probably using static electricity.

The fact that she acted like she expected a tip or other form of payment is what raises my suspicions that this was mechanical, not magical. She was merely a performer, Mallory Square is pretty much set up specifically for them, and you didn't hold up your end, as an appreciative audience would.

Lanzy · 30th October 2012, 03:19 PM

I was in Key West, I was approaced twice by fakes that wanted something from me and might have tried to prove something but I laughed and went to watch the trained dogs.

tsig · 30th October 2012, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

I had one small Margarita but I was sober. You think I was drunk? haha!! I'm so discouraged. I really thought JREF would tell me what happened to me.

I believe you're overestimating our psychic powers.

tsig · 30th October 2012, 03:29 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

No; it just means I now believe in an indescribable, invisible, silent supreme being. Very unscientific of me, I know.

So after you got your magic hand job you saw god?

LandR · 30th October 2012, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by tsig

So after you got your magic hand job you saw god?

No she smelt it.

Aridas · 30th October 2012, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

ok; thank you. I really thought Reiki people used their hands. That is, since this morning when I got a tip about it on Facebook.

Generally yes. There is "distance healing" dealt with at higher levels of Reiki, but, generally speaking, it's not done in the manner that you describe, at all.

Originally Posted by Deranged

"your description of the event in question does not actually point at Reiki."
Look at www.heartofhealing.net and you will see many who wish to take a course in Reiki in order to heal with their hands. Have you ever met a Reiki practitioner who told you, "we do not use our hands in healing." You never will. This does not imply, however, that I intend on taking a course in anything whatsoever.

There are a number of other energy-based healing or manipulation systems out there, some of which, assuming that they're not frauds, by their nature would be more likely candidates, not counting the... many individuals that claim abilities to do similar without any formal training or name for what they claim to be able to do.

Originally Posted by Deranged

No; it just means I now believe in an indescribable, invisible, silent supreme being. Very unscientific of me, I know.

Which is not all that relevant, I think, to the topic that you're trying to deal with here, unless you were secretly trying to convert non-believers with this topic, as many have in the past.

That said, I, at least, really don't care what a person believes, so long as they don't try to use bad arguments to support whatever position is in question.

ETA:

Originally Posted by Deranged

I had one small Margarita but I was sober. You think I was drunk? haha!! I'm so discouraged. I really thought JREF would tell me what happened to me.

There's really just not enough information to really tell. For example,

Originally Posted by Hokulele

One anecdote like this really isn't enough to claim for sure what happened, but my guess is that she had some sort of device that created the sensation, probably using static electricity.

The fact that she acted like she expected a tip or other form of payment is what raises my suspicions that this was mechanical, not magical. She was merely a performer, Mallory Square is pretty much set up specifically for them, and you didn't hold up your end, as an appreciative audience would.

Realistically speaking, this is a completely reasonable explanation that may well be the case, but there's no way to really tell given the information at our disposal.

Jack by the hedge · 30th October 2012, 06:02 PM

Tingly hands, therefore supreme being.

Yeah, I'm forced to agree that's pretty unscientific. In fact it's rather a long stretch beyond that. Even as wishful thinking it's a bit of a non sequitur.

Sledge · 30th October 2012, 06:09 PM

I get irritable bowel syndrome, therefore Satan is real.

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 09:29 AM

Originally Posted by cosmicaug

99% of people would expect that this woman would not have asked them to do this for absolutely no reason.

Good point. I hadn't thought how many others she had told to do the hand thing. I took it for granted that everyone had been asked. Maybe not.

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by Jack by the hedge

Tingly hands, therefore supreme being.

Yeah, I'm forced to agree that's pretty unscientific. In fact it's rather a long stretch beyond that. Even as wishful thinking it's a bit of a non sequitur.

I suppose you're right...

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by LandR

No she smelt it.

Funny.

carlitos · 31st October 2012, 09:41 AM

She who smelt it, dealt it.

Sledge · 31st October 2012, 12:19 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

Good point. I hadn't thought how many others she had told to do the hand thing. I took it for granted that everyone had been asked. Maybe not.

That isn't the point that was made. Do you have reading comprehension problems?

Jodie · 31st October 2012, 03:50 PM

I don't know if this is related to Reike, or not, but it sounds similar.I used to use a technique during non medicated deliveries to decrease anxiety. I had the partner barely run their fingers above the laboring woman's abdomen slowly removing pressure, or doing the same for back labor. They loved it. It also works great when you aren't in labor, have had a stressful day at work, and just need to relax.

Scoot Meevo · 31st October 2012, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

When I was Agnostic I ran into a lady in Key West . I knew nothing at all about Reiki and didn't understand what had happened.
She told me to hold my hands six inches over her upturned hands and right away I felt static electricity flowing from her hands to mine and I said, "what is THAT?" Soon, we walked off. This was in Mallory Square. It wasn't something most people could deny or forget about.
What do you think of Reiki ? Was it something else? She never mentioned God.

My suspicion is that she was really a Jedi Master and what you felt was 'The Force'.

StankApe · 31st October 2012, 04:08 PM

I used to do this trick at parties when i wanted to flirt with an attractive girl. (read about it in a book yeaaaars ago)

What it is , is that you have them focus on their energy, then you put up your hands, you tell them to put their hands palm down. Then you say "do you feel it?" the feel the blood moving through their hands and nearly always say "YES!!"

it's an old timey conjurors trick. seriously the book i read it in was written in like the 20's

Resume · 31st October 2012, 04:10 PM

Originally Posted by StankApe

I used to do this trick at parties when i wanted to flirt with an attractive girl. (read about it in a book yeaaaars ago)

What it is , is that you have them focus on their energy, then you put up your hands, you tell them to put their hands palm down. Then you say "do you feel it?" the feel the blood moving through their hands and nearly always say "YES!!"

it's an old timey conjurors trick. seriously the book i read it in was written in like the 20's

How long do the hands need to be held up?

StankApe · 31st October 2012, 04:22 PM

if I recall correctly (and you can do this yourself at your keyboard at home) they said you have them place their hands by their side (unless they are already there) while you start the spiel then have you wife or someone nearby put their palms face up, then turn your palms face down over theirs and focus on how your hands feel.

you almost always feel something radiating from your hands, i reckon it's blood moving around and/or body heat

Aridas · 31st October 2012, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Jodie

I don't know if this is related to Reike, or not, but it sounds similar.I used to use a technique during non medicated deliveries to decrease anxiety. I had the partner barely run their fingers above the laboring woman's abdomen slowly removing pressure, or doing the same for back labor. They loved it. It also works great when you aren't in labor, have had a stressful day at work, and just need to relax.

Barely. Gentle, friendly touch can be a fine way to help a receptive person relax when they desire to do so, regardless of the form it takes. During non-mediated deliveries, for example, I would think that, at the very least, that it gives the woman a much, much less painful alternative to focus upon, which certainly reduces the subjective intensity of the pain.

Reiki, however, in theory, is all about restoring a healthy flow and balance of energy, which likely is nothing like what you've described.

Squeegee Beckenheim · 31st October 2012, 05:33 PM

Originally Posted by Aridas

There are a number of other energy-based healing or manipulation systems out there, some of which, assuming that they're not frauds, by their nature would be more likely candidates, not counting the... many individuals that claim abilities to do similar without any formal training or name for what they claim to be able to do.

Can you define the word "energy" in the context of this sentence?

mutile · 31st October 2012, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Deranged

Call the press? What? You think they'd care or even believe me?

Good point, in my experience the press has zero interest in the paranormal.

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by Squeegee Beckenheim

Can you define the word "energy" in the context of this sentence?

I'd like to know more about this. It makes me feel there is an explanation for the shower of what I call static electricity . I can't think of any other word for it but it had no pain involved and was quite strong. Thank you.

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 06:24 PM

"I doubt that." I am positive that when people have walked up to a woman on a stool in Key West to see what she has to say and she quietly says, "hold your hands above mine' they would do it without hesitation. Are you that suspicious and uptight?

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by StankApe

if I recall correctly (and you can do this yourself at your keyboard at home) they said you have them place their hands by their side (unless they are already there) while you start the spiel then have you wife or someone nearby put their palms face up, then turn your palms face down over theirs and focus on how your hands feel.

you almost always feel something radiating from your hands, i reckon it's blood moving around and/or body heat

That weak feeling is like comparing a tornado to a slight breeze. It is barely felt. This was so strong I'm surprised it didn't make noise.

Deranged · 31st October 2012, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by mutile

Good point, in my experience the press has zero interest in the paranormal.

Should I have called The Sun? You know; those tacky scandal sheets? Think they would have flown down from NY or California to Key West for a sample? zzzzz....

Aridas · 31st October 2012, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by Squeegee Beckenheim

Can you define the word "energy" in the context of this sentence?

There is no firm definition, given that it's used as something of a catch-all for a number of somewhat similar concepts. However, Wiki has a decent description. For a more specific example of the concepts included, Qi works.

StankApe · 31st October 2012, 08:37 PM

she might have had her foot on a battery , it's obviously some good old fashioned magic trick

30th October 2012, 01:33 PM	#41
sophia8 Master Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: In the dark, dark forest.... Posts: 2,264	Originally Posted by Deranged First time you've tried it at your age? Odd. Well, you'll recover from the shock just fine. Then you can begin your research on what the heck happened!! It is quite obvious that not one person on here has captured just how strong and surprising this was. And that's alright; I'm not surprised. Since it is so unbelievable, I realize just how special it was. How rare. Resume the joking. I've just tried that as well and got the same sensation; it's not static electricity but it does feels quite strange. If I move my hands up and down, it feels like I have a soft column of ...something attached to my palms. If it happened all of a sudden, with somebody you'd just met in the street and you weren't expecting it - well, it would feel even stranger, due to the sheer suddenness (and maybe the attractiveness of this woman? I can see how this could be used as a pickup line....) Have you tried it for yourself?
	__________________ "Nature is floods and famines and earthquakes and viruses and little blue-footed booby babies getting their brains pecked out by their stronger siblings! ....Nature doesn't care about me, or about anybody in particular - nature can be terrifying! Why do they even put words like 'natural' on products like shampoo, like it's automatically a good thing? I mean, sulfuric acid is natural!" -Julia Sweeney

30th October 2012, 01:34 PM	#42
Madalch The Jester Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The wet coast. Posts: 8,706	Originally Posted by Deranged I don't see magic. Therefore it can't exist. Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one.
	__________________ As the size of an explosion increases, the number of social situations it is incapable of resolving approaches zero. -Vaarsuvius It's a rum state of affairs when you feel like punching a jar of mayonnaise in the face. -Charlie Brooker

30th October 2012, 01:48 PM	#43
jasonpatterson Philanthropic Misanthrope Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Space, The Final Frontier Posts: 2,185	Your story is that you were exposed to what can only be described as actual magic, you believed it to be such, and you didn't just completely flip your lid and call the press? This is the problem with so many of these stories. People experience some event that they later say changed their life, and yet at the time they do absolutely nothing about it. You didn't even bother to get her name. I'm not calling you a liar and I don't think that you're trying to deceive us in any way, but can you not see the gigantic hole in this story? Is there no chance that you have retroactively modified it in your memory as a way to account for your changing beliefs?
	__________________ Sandra's seen a leprechaun, Eddie touched a troll, Laurie danced with witches once, Charlie found some goblins' gold. Donald heard a mermaid sing, Susie spied an elf, But all the magic I have known I've had to make myself. - Shel Silverstein

30th October 2012, 01:52 PM	#45
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by jasonpatterson Your story is that you were exposed to what can only be described as actual magic, you believed it to be such, and you didn't just completely flip your lid and call the press? This is the problem with so many of these stories. People experience some event that they later say changed their life, and yet at the time they do absolutely nothing about it. You didn't even bother to get her name. I'm not calling you a liar and I don't think that you're trying to deceive us in any way, but can you not see the gigantic hole in this story? Is there no chance that you have retroactively modified it in your memory as a way to account for your changing beliefs? Call the press? What? You think they'd care or even believe me? And what "hole" in the story do you see? I told everything that happened. It was not a miracle but it was miraculous to me. It was really terrific. But yes; I agree totally that for me to have just walked off and stopped thinking about it was , well, Deranged.
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.

30th October 2012, 01:54 PM	#46
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by Madalch Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one. Yes; I guess it was irrational. That's what made it so remarkable!
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.

30th October 2012, 01:50 PM	#44
carlitos "más divertido" Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11,549	Originally Posted by Deranged Cute but that is ONE shock that would make me JUMP! This was a shower of ... something. Painless electricity flowing continually. There is painless electricity flowing continually through your hands at all times. I get what you described when a nerve in my shoulder pinches.

30th October 2012, 01:55 PM	#47
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 15,357	Originally Posted by Deranged Yes; I guess it was irrational. That's what made it so remarkable! So, magic then!
	__________________ I think you'll find it's a little bit more complicated than that. My blog "Well I think I've made it abundantly clear in this thread I have no idea what I'm talking about..." - truethat

30th October 2012, 02:14 PM	#48
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by Professor Yaffle So, magic then! Reiki practitioner or the Supernatural did it. Weird stuff is in my genes.
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting. Last edited by Deranged; 30th October 2012 at 02:16 PM. Reason: word preference

30th October 2012, 02:15 PM	#49
Professor Yaffle Butterbeans and Breadcrumbs Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Emily's shop Posts: 15,357	Originally Posted by Deranged Reiki practitioner or God did it. Yes, by magic!
	__________________ I think you'll find it's a little bit more complicated than that. My blog "Well I think I've made it abundantly clear in this thread I have no idea what I'm talking about..." - truethat

30th October 2012, 02:33 PM	#50
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Deranged What did I think was the purpose. That's a good question. I might have very briefly thought , "why is she asking me to do this?" Can you imagine a woman from the UK , on a stool in the center of Mallory Square at dusk, saying, "put your hands above mine" and stopping to analyze her directive? Or even asking, "no; I want to know WHY you want me to do it." In my opinion, 99% of people would have just done it. She didn't ask me to do anything embarrassing. It was a loose, party atmosphere. I seriously doubt that.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

30th October 2012, 02:35 PM	#51
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,038	Wait wait! You were playing the congas with the rest of the loafers on the pier and your hands went numb! No charge!
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,038

30th October 2012, 02:38 PM	#52
cosmicaug Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 344	Originally Posted by Madalch Well, if you're going to eliminate all the rational explanations, then you'll just have to accept an irrational one. Not really. You can also accept that you don't have an explanation. "I don't know" can be the best answer sometimes.

30th October 2012, 02:42 PM	#53
cosmicaug Critical Thinker Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 344	Originally Posted by Sledge Originally Posted by Deranged What did I think was the purpose. That's a good question. I might have very briefly thought , "why is she asking me to do this?" Can you imagine a woman from the UK , on a stool in the center of Mallory Square at dusk, saying, "put your hands above mine" and stopping to analyze her directive? Or even asking, "no; I want to know WHY you want me to do it." In my opinion, 99% of people would have just done it. She didn't ask me to do anything embarrassing. It was a loose, party atmosphere. I seriously doubt that. 99% of people would expect that this woman would not have asked them to do this for absolutely no reason.

30th October 2012, 03:11 PM	#54
Hokulele Official Nemesis Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Trying to decide whether to set defenses against an army, or against mole rats. Posts: 27,275	One anecdote like this really isn't enough to claim for sure what happened, but my guess is that she had some sort of device that created the sensation, probably using static electricity. The fact that she acted like she expected a tip or other form of payment is what raises my suspicions that this was mechanical, not magical. She was merely a performer, Mallory Square is pretty much set up specifically for them, and you didn't hold up your end, as an appreciative audience would.
	__________________ Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" Some person: "Why did you shoot that?" Yvette: "Blasty! Blasty! Blasty!" - Tragic Monkey

30th October 2012, 03:19 PM	#55
Lanzy Muse Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 880	I was in Key West, I was approaced twice by fakes that wanted something from me and might have tried to prove something but I laughed and went to watch the trained dogs.
Lanzy Muse Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 880

30th October 2012, 03:26 PM	#56
tsig a carbon based life-form Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 26,796	Originally Posted by Deranged I had one small Margarita but I was sober. You think I was drunk? haha!! I'm so discouraged. I really thought JREF would tell me what happened to me. I believe you're overestimating our psychic powers.

30th October 2012, 03:29 PM	#57
tsig a carbon based life-form Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 26,796	Originally Posted by Deranged No; it just means I now believe in an indescribable, invisible, silent supreme being. Very unscientific of me, I know. So after you got your magic hand job you saw god?
	Last edited by tsig; 30th October 2012 at 03:31 PM. Reason: >magic<

30th October 2012, 03:36 PM	#58
LandR Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,028	Originally Posted by tsig So after you got your magic hand job you saw god? No she smelt it.
LandR Graduate Poster Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,028

30th October 2012, 04:59 PM	#59
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,108	Originally Posted by Deranged ok; thank you. I really thought Reiki people used their hands. That is, since this morning when I got a tip about it on Facebook. Generally yes. There is "distance healing" dealt with at higher levels of Reiki, but, generally speaking, it's not done in the manner that you describe, at all. Originally Posted by Deranged "your description of the event in question does not actually point at Reiki." Look at www.heartofhealing.net and you will see many who wish to take a course in Reiki in order to heal with their hands. Have you ever met a Reiki practitioner who told you, "we do not use our hands in healing." You never will. This does not imply, however, that I intend on taking a course in anything whatsoever. There are a number of other energy-based healing or manipulation systems out there, some of which, assuming that they're not frauds, by their nature would be more likely candidates, not counting the... many individuals that claim abilities to do similar without any formal training or name for what they claim to be able to do. Originally Posted by Deranged No; it just means I now believe in an indescribable, invisible, silent supreme being. Very unscientific of me, I know. Which is not all that relevant, I think, to the topic that you're trying to deal with here, unless you were secretly trying to convert non-believers with this topic, as many have in the past. That said, I, at least, really don't care what a person believes, so long as they don't try to use bad arguments to support whatever position is in question. ETA: Originally Posted by Deranged I had one small Margarita but I was sober. You think I was drunk? haha!! I'm so discouraged. I really thought JREF would tell me what happened to me. There's really just not enough information to really tell. For example, Originally Posted by Hokulele One anecdote like this really isn't enough to claim for sure what happened, but my guess is that she had some sort of device that created the sensation, probably using static electricity. The fact that she acted like she expected a tip or other form of payment is what raises my suspicions that this was mechanical, not magical. She was merely a performer, Mallory Square is pretty much set up specifically for them, and you didn't hold up your end, as an appreciative audience would. Realistically speaking, this is a completely reasonable explanation that may well be the case, but there's no way to really tell given the information at our disposal.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon. Last edited by Aridas; 30th October 2012 at 05:06 PM.

30th October 2012, 06:02 PM	#60
Jack by the hedge Safely Ignored Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 5,418	Tingly hands, therefore supreme being. Yeah, I'm forced to agree that's pretty unscientific. In fact it's rather a long stretch beyond that. Even as wishful thinking it's a bit of a non sequitur.

30th October 2012, 06:09 PM	#61
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	I get irritable bowel syndrome, therefore Satan is real.
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

31st October 2012, 09:29 AM	#62
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by cosmicaug 99% of people would expect that this woman would not have asked them to do this for absolutely no reason. Good point. I hadn't thought how many others she had told to do the hand thing. I took it for granted that everyone had been asked. Maybe not.
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.

31st October 2012, 09:31 AM	#63
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by Jack by the hedge Tingly hands, therefore supreme being. Yeah, I'm forced to agree that's pretty unscientific. In fact it's rather a long stretch beyond that. Even as wishful thinking it's a bit of a non sequitur. I suppose you're right...
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.

31st October 2012, 09:33 AM	#64
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by LandR No she smelt it. Funny.
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.

31st October 2012, 09:41 AM	#65
carlitos "más divertido" Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11,549	She who smelt it, dealt it.

31st October 2012, 12:19 PM	#66
Sledge Grammaton Cleric Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Swingin' on a star Posts: 7,123	Originally Posted by Deranged Good point. I hadn't thought how many others she had told to do the hand thing. I took it for granted that everyone had been asked. Maybe not. That isn't the point that was made. Do you have reading comprehension problems?
	__________________ "The perfect haiku would have just two syllables: Airwolf" ~ Ernest Cline "Science knows it doesn't know everything, otherwise it would stop" ~ Dara O'Briain.

31st October 2012, 03:50 PM	#67
Jodie Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,909	I don't know if this is related to Reike, or not, but it sounds similar.I used to use a technique during non medicated deliveries to decrease anxiety. I had the partner barely run their fingers above the laboring woman's abdomen slowly removing pressure, or doing the same for back labor. They loved it. It also works great when you aren't in labor, have had a stressful day at work, and just need to relax.
Jodie Graduate Poster Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 1,909	__________________ testis unus, testis nullus quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur

31st October 2012, 03:58 PM	#68
Scoot Meevo Scholar Join Date: May 2011 Location: Kirkcaldy, Scotland Posts: 80	Originally Posted by Deranged When I was Agnostic I ran into a lady in Key West . I knew nothing at all about Reiki and didn't understand what had happened. She told me to hold my hands six inches over her upturned hands and right away I felt static electricity flowing from her hands to mine and I said, "what is THAT?" Soon, we walked off. This was in Mallory Square. It wasn't something most people could deny or forget about. What do you think of Reiki ? Was it something else? She never mentioned God. My suspicion is that she was really a Jedi Master and what you felt was 'The Force'.

31st October 2012, 04:08 PM	#69
StankApe Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,643	I used to do this trick at parties when i wanted to flirt with an attractive girl. (read about it in a book yeaaaars ago) What it is , is that you have them focus on their energy, then you put up your hands, you tell them to put their hands palm down. Then you say "do you feel it?" the feel the blood moving through their hands and nearly always say "YES!!" it's an old timey conjurors trick. seriously the book i read it in was written in like the 20's
StankApe Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,643

31st October 2012, 04:10 PM	#70
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,038	Originally Posted by StankApe I used to do this trick at parties when i wanted to flirt with an attractive girl. (read about it in a book yeaaaars ago) What it is , is that you have them focus on their energy, then you put up your hands, you tell them to put their hands palm down. Then you say "do you feel it?" the feel the blood moving through their hands and nearly always say "YES!!" it's an old timey conjurors trick. seriously the book i read it in was written in like the 20's How long do the hands need to be held up?
Resume Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 8,038

31st October 2012, 04:22 PM	#71
StankApe Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,643	if I recall correctly (and you can do this yourself at your keyboard at home) they said you have them place their hands by their side (unless they are already there) while you start the spiel then have you wife or someone nearby put their palms face up, then turn your palms face down over theirs and focus on how your hands feel. you almost always feel something radiating from your hands, i reckon it's blood moving around and/or body heat
StankApe Banned Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 4,643

31st October 2012, 05:25 PM	#72
Aridas Crazy Little Green Dragon Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,108	Originally Posted by Jodie I don't know if this is related to Reike, or not, but it sounds similar.I used to use a technique during non medicated deliveries to decrease anxiety. I had the partner barely run their fingers above the laboring woman's abdomen slowly removing pressure, or doing the same for back labor. They loved it. It also works great when you aren't in labor, have had a stressful day at work, and just need to relax. Barely. Gentle, friendly touch can be a fine way to help a receptive person relax when they desire to do so, regardless of the form it takes. During non-mediated deliveries, for example, I would think that, at the very least, that it gives the woman a much, much less painful alternative to focus upon, which certainly reduces the subjective intensity of the pain. Reiki, however, in theory, is all about restoring a healthy flow and balance of energy, which likely is nothing like what you've described.
	__________________ So sayeth the crazy little dragon.

31st October 2012, 05:33 PM	#73
Squeegee Beckenheim Illuminator Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 4,260	Originally Posted by Aridas There are a number of other energy-based healing or manipulation systems out there, some of which, assuming that they're not frauds, by their nature would be more likely candidates, not counting the... many individuals that claim abilities to do similar without any formal training or name for what they claim to be able to do. Can you define the word "energy" in the context of this sentence?
	__________________ I don't trust atoms. They make up everything.

31st October 2012, 05:44 PM	#74
mutile Muse Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 511	Originally Posted by Deranged Call the press? What? You think they'd care or even believe me? Good point, in my experience the press has zero interest in the paranormal.
mutile Muse Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 511

31st October 2012, 05:47 PM	#75
Deranged Thinker Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 219	Originally Posted by Squeegee Beckenheim Can you define the word "energy" in the context of this sentence? I'd like to know more about this. It makes me feel there is an explanation for the shower of what I call static electricity . I can't think of any other word for it but it had no pain involved and was quite strong. Thank you.
	__________________ If you're so all-knowing, where is the end of the universe? I'm waiting.