Lastly, divination — the use of magic-like tools to predict the future or answer questions — is an indirect way to receive messages from beyond. These include tarot cards, Ouija boards, runes, the I-Ching, and others.

All of this is controversial. At one end of the belief spectrum, a few buy everything; at the other end, some buy none of it. Everyone else lines up somewhere in the middle. They choose what's true for them from this exotic buffet of extra-dimensional possibilities.

Regulation
While most Western mainstream religions adamantly condemn many of these practices, they do believe that God can talk to their followers. Materialists see all of this as people being either deluded or deceiving others. Using the microscope of psychoanalysis, they interpret these experiences as signs of mental illness. As psychology considers itself a science, it must rule out all metaphysical explanations and neatly pack these phenomena into a secular matrix. That's how "making sense of things" works. This, in itself, can be unsettling to believers ("Am I crazy?"). The irony is that science knows little about the nature of consciousness; yet, it has managed to seat itself high on the reality totem pole.

Don't bother to debate the issue unless you're doing it for sport: people either believe or they don't. Save your passion for what you love. Those who have their career or worldview built on materialistic principles will reject all of this despite what anyone says. This is understandable. While the body of psychological study is useful and can provide valuable insights into the working of the mind, many practitioners are dogmatic and don't admit its limits. There's little difference between science meddling in metaphysics and religion meddling in science.

The exception is if someone has proof — not just a theory — about something. If the facts negate a part of some dogma, then they should make it conform to existential reality. For example, the earth is not flat. A religion that makes that claim should update its dogma.

Personal Experience
I'm a believer. The delightful Muses have whispered, inaudibly, to me often, and I've channeled other-plane beings. I've been a walk-in and have spoken with non-corporal beings. Each of these experiences has its value and level of risk. When I first heard of these magic-like goings-on, I was as skeptical as a cat being invited to play by a pit bull. Now, I believe much of it is real. The question is, "Who's doing the talking?"

During the 70s, 80s, and early 90s, I attended my share of channeling sessions. Most were entertaining, many where enlightening, and a few were dark. I'd judge the quality of a session by the information and energy it generated. Some were as flat as overnight soda; others treated the audience to the sting of the Cosmic Scorpion: everyone in the room would trance out, like we were in suspended animation. When the entity would settle in, its other-dimensional energy would charge the atmosphere. Not everyone felt the shift, although I don't know why. Sometimes the atmosphere turned as thick as water.

Dimensional Edge
Higher-plane beings, whether their intentions are good or otherwise, are wiser than most humans. They are masters of logic and adept at influencing emotion. They have a dimensional edge and can read our mind and emotions. With this knowledge, they can inspire or manipulate both the audience and host.

For instance, when I began channeling, I allowed entities that were curious about the Earth plane to use me. These interactions were innocent and interesting. At least, that's how I feel about it. I brought through a kaleidoscope of them. They ranged from a Native-American Indian Chief and a group soul (who called themselves "the Group") to crystal entities, solar beings, and many others. After a while though, I became ambitious. I wanted to channel guru types and soon they appeared, perhaps a little too readily.

Once we established a relationship, they would arrive whenever I called them. This was good because at channeling sessions I had this fear: the audience was there . . . What if the entities didn't show up and say wise things? They never failed though. Eventually, I discovered that they were playing on my ego and using me for whatever their ends were. I'm sure of that. They may have been wise, but they were not right. When I realized this, I quit channeling. Looking back, it was an embarrassing and humbling period. I behaved like a schmuck. This potential for deception is why many religions advise against this practice. And, to a degree, it's good advice. My negative experiences turned out OK though, because I learned from them, and I don't believe I harmed anyone.

After I abstained for six months, an entity walked into me. I didn't expect it, and I didn't consciously ask for it. It just happened. During the next eight years, it happened seven more times. As far as I can tell, these experiences were positive. I became more confident, and they brought through many useful technologies.

But Is This A Good Thing?
A friend of mine named John, though, was a revolving door for walk-ins too. He was doing well, producing books, tapes, and technologies. When he became a "walk-out" (the last walk-in left), he claimed that those entities belonged to the dark forces and had used him. As a result, he collected the books and tapes and threw them in the dump. Burning was too good for them. "It was all about ego," he said. To him, he had experienced evil and felt guilty for what he had done.

Christians take a similar grim view: all channeling is the work of the devil, unless you're a Christian communing with Christ. It's common knowledge that some prominent government officials claim to talk with Jesus. This can be sublime and provide insights, guidance, and uplifting energy. People, though, have wondered if Jesus would instigate the deaths of thousands of innocent people.