LIFE AFTER DEATH

Hey guys, death is often considered the final frontier. Maybe not—there's really no way to avoid the one destination that all life has to reach. No matter how hard one tries to hold on to things like cars, houses, money, or even our bodies, death, to some degree, lurks and haunts us. Because death is the ultimate mystery, we always wonder what it really is and if there's some form of life even after death. It's really hard for me to fully comprehend. To understand that when you're dead, that's it—blackness, no more warmth, no more food—can be challenging. That's why so many people throughout the ages have tried to find answers about what death really is and if there's more life beyond it.

The methods we use to find these answers vary. Some are more conventional, like religion, while others are less so, such as séances and psychic sessions. Another method is psychomanteum, which is a practice of mirror gazing used to explore the mysteries of death. However, I want to make it clear that I’m not a fan of this method and do not recommend trying it at home. Psychomanteum is not a new practice; it's a modern name for an older form of necromancy used in ancient Greece. Back then, people pondered the meaning of life and sought answers about what lies beyond death. They visited oracles and temples called necromanteia, where rituals aimed to bridge the gap between life and death, allowing communication with the deceased. Some rituals included animal sacrifices, but there were also long, polished hallways where dim lamps created a reflective surface, much like a mirror. The Greeks believed they could see into the beyond and communicate with spirits through this reflective surface.

Despite my reservations, mirror gazing has made a return to the mainstream, thanks to the philosopher and psychologist Dr. Raymond Moody, who has dedicated his life to studying near-death experiences. Dr. Moody's method of mirror gazing, or psychomanteum, omits the animal sacrifices of antiquity. Instead, the mirror serves as a medium for divination. The insights gained from these experiences are said to be very personal and specific.

So, how does it work? Much like the ancient Greek rituals, there is preparation involved in psychomanteum. It’s not just about setting up some mirrors and hoping for an awakening. There is significant internal striving that must parallel the use of the mirror as a medium. Dr. Moody has developed specific techniques for creating an appropriate atmosphere for a mirror gazing experience.

Here’s how it generally works:

1. Diet: Food plays a significant role in who we are, whether we recognize it or not. Dr. Moody suggests eliminating caffeine and dairy at least a day before and maintaining a non-meat diet of only fruits and vegetables.

2. Location: Choose a relaxing and calming place, quiet and disconnected from the world. This ensures that when you face the mirror, no one can disturb you.

3. Material Removal: Remove material items like watches, jewelry, and even clothing to minimize distractions.

4. Awareness and Comfort: Be in a supportive chair or seat to ease tension. Reflect on something soothing to stimulate awareness.

5. Personal Items: Have photographs and personal items connected to the person you’re trying to contact.

6. Mirror Placement: Place the mirror in front of you so you can gaze at it without seeing your own reflection.

According to Dr. Moody, the mirror gazing experience may last around a minute but can be longer for those deeply involved. Practitioners might experience trance-like states, heaviness in the arms, or tingling fingers. The mirror might even distort at times. Remaining passive and having a prepared question in mind are seen as the most effective ways to gain insights and make contact with the deceased.

Again, this might be influenced by my own experience with "Bloody Mary," which I definitely don't recommend. Glaring into a mirror and reciting phrases is generally unwise. To borrow from a poet of a different time, "Death, be not proud." In our quest to understand life, we shouldn’t underestimate the critical role that death plays in our perception. It’s only natural that some of us explore what death is and seek those who have passed. But remember, this is a fascinating topic, and I’m not advocating you try this. A dark room and a mirror are generally a bad combination. For those who have tried something like this, let me know your experiences in the comments below. As for me, after calling out to Bloody Mary a third time, I realized how scared I was and decided walking away was one of the smartest things I ever did.

Thank you so much for reading!