The Philip Experiment
In many aspects of the paranormal there is a question of scientific evidence. How can these strange experiences be definitively proven? How do we apply the scientific method with measurable variables? And how can anyone ‘prove’ the existence of the paranormal? A group of parapsychological researchers in the 1970s sought to answer these questions. Located in Toronto, Canada, the Toronto Society for Psychical Research conducted the Philip Experiment.
Dr. A.R.G Owen, a trained mathematician, led a group of 8 people from the Toronto Society for Psychical Research. Although all of these people were interested in the paranormal, none had ever exhibited or experienced psychic or particular ESP abilities. Together, they decided to create a person.
These members included:
Dorothy, a housewife trained in book-keeping and accounting
Al, a self-employed heating engineer whose hobbies were scouting and photography
Lorne, an industrial engineer, a creative and artistic person who studied Oriental philosophy and ancient history
Andy, Lorne’s wife, who shared his interests; she drew a picture of ‘Philip’
Bernice, an accountant who was widely read and interested in philosophy
Sidney, the youngest member, a sociology student taking time off to work as a salesman and travel
Sue, chairman of the Canadian chapter of Mensa and a former nurse with many interests; she originated the story of ‘Philip’
Iris, wife of Dr ARG (George) Owen, Director of the New Horizons Research Foundation, who also co-founded TSPR with her. Her career also involved nursing, social work, and leadership in these fields. She is the primary author of a 1976 book Conjuring Up Philip, from which all information here is drawn except where otherwise noted.
Two observers, George Owen and psychiatrist Dr. Joel Whitton, were also present but did contribute to the myth and personhood of the being created.
The name they chose was Philip Aylesford and, from there, the group created an entire, richly detailed, life story: he lived during the 17th century in England with his wife, who he cheated on. The woman he had an affair with, Margo, was accused of witchcraft by his cruel wife and burned at the stake. In 1654, he commited suicide. The members of this group were dedicated - they traveled to the place in England they claimed Philip lived in and took pictures. Another member drew a picture of him. The entire group met regularly to discuss the life and times of the fictitious Philip. The group had deep mediation, seances, and conversations regarding the person they invented.
For an entire year, nothing of note happened. But, then, in 1973, it appeared Philip was, well, born. His communication began as simple taps, and grew into more detailed communication. Surprisingly, he was able to give answers to historic events of the time to the group. He also began to physically interact by moving a table the group used to talk to him.
They decided to contact Philip mainly through table-turning. During a seance, participants would place their hands on a table and wait for rotations and movements that would be the answer to their questions. Other times, the table would tilt at letters spoken by another person to create words and sentences. This is similar to ‘tapping’ and ‘rapping’, as well as using a ouija board. Personally, I’m not sure why a ouija was not introduced.
His abilities grew - he could flicker lights, ‘chase’ the people with the table, and even levitate the table entirely.
In the summer of 1974, the group decided to take a brief recess from their meetings and several members of the group experienced poltergeist phenomena in their own homes which ceased upon re-meeting. Perhaps Philip was bored?
The Philip group declared their experiment a success: they had proven that, without psychokinetic talents, phenomena could be produced. However, other questions were raised...like what exactly was Philip? And what did this mean for the belief that phenomena were often created with disembodied spirits?
They did not conclude that all apparitions originate in the subconscious mind. Owen, in fact, hypothesized that the energy needed to create a spirit arose from the combined, diligent focus of group members on a singular object.
Dr. Owen, shocked at the responses, created this experiment several times over. Other beings conceived included Skippy Cartman, a 14-year old Australian girl, Lilith, an 18th century French Canadian spy, and Axel...a man from the future.
To me, this helps explain poltergeist activity. Before learning about the Philip Experiment I found the explanation that young adults and teenagers were connected to poltergeist activity, outside of their own control, to be...confusing. But, perhaps the energy being created is just that powerful.
I also don’t believe that, because this experiment worked, that it contains the entire paranormal world. Perhaps this is an explanation for one sliver of the paranormal experience, however, I do think other forces could cause similar experiences and conversations. If you believe any of this at all, that is.
This also brings up another question: was Philip a tulpa?
Thank you to Gwen G. for this blogstonishing suggestion!
The above image comes from llifs.com.au