The aim of these tests serves a dual purpose. They can either be used as fun exercises on how paranormal phenomena functions or as a more serious application for independent studies. These are tests that I've conducted, either on my own or in a team, as part of my research into the paranormal. Some of these pages are actual test results from these experiments.
The effect of this experiment is that a person seemingly becomes weightless and four smaller people can lift the person from a chair on the index fingers only. Although various explanations have been put forward, this classic experiment continues today, and is a source of amusement and mystification.
This experiment was a popular mode of entertainment among the Victorians, who were fascinated by paranormal experiences and simple "parlor tricks"
The person to be lifted is the "subject" and the four assistants are the "experimenters".
- The subject to be lifted should be fairly heavy and should sit relaxed, in an upright position, on a sturdy chair. Their feet are placed flat on the floor and their hands rest loosely in the lap.
- Two experimenters stand on either side of the subject, one beside the subject’s shoulder and the other beside the knee.
- Each experimenter clenches their fists tightly, then extends the forefingers of each hand together gently but firmly.
- The experimenters standing near the shoulders place their extended forefingers under the subject’s left and right armpits. The other experimenters place their forefingers under the subject’s left and right knees.
- The subject visualizes himself or herself sinking into the chair and becoming a heavy weight.
- The four experimenters should try to lift the subject, but they will be unable to do so.
- All experimenters now place their palms on the top of the subject’s knees and shoulders, and exert a gentle, steady downward force.
- While the experimenters are pushing downwards, one of them counts aloud from 1 to 10.
- On the count of 9, all four experimenters assume their positions with extended forefingers under the subject’s armpits and knees.
- On the count of 10, the experimenters should try once more to lift the subject, who this time visualizes that he or she is light as a feather and rising into the air.
- Provided that these instruct are carefully followed, the subject will lift very easily into the air on the experimenters’ forefingers.
- Sometimes the experimenters’ hands push down on the subject’s head.
- If the subject is standing, he or she may also be lifted, with the extended forefingers placed under the elbows, chin and feet.
- If the subject is lying down, three experimenters stand on either side, with their extended forefingers placed under the subject’s neck, lower back and ankles. During the count, pressure is applied on the shoulders, stomach and feet. This method is slightly more difficult to execute and may take some practice.
