The Marco Project supports the investigation of Physical Mediumship (P.M.) through direct observation, mainly at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) where an endowment has been created for long term research of both Physical Mediumship and Survival of Consciousness after permanent bodily death.
Why Investigate Physical Mediumship?
Besides the benefit to scientists inquiring about the interaction of mind and matter, Consciousness, Survival and the nature of reality, there are valid personal reasons for the individual. In particular, since the phenomena can be perceived directly through our five senses, experiencing this form of Mediumship is highly evidential and can play a huge role in the alleviation and transformation of grief.
Survival of Consciousness:
We are not just interested in evidence of survival, but in documenting that what survives is in a form we can recognize and, under proper conditions, interact with in purposeful, predictable, intelligent ways. We are not looking to solve the riddle of Consciousness (what in Physics is called “the hard problem”) which leading edge Scientists in many fields are hotly debating. We aim to add to the existing body of evidence that consciousness and individuality are not extinguished with bodily death. We feel that serious investigation of Physical Mediumship can expand the questions being asked today and has a legitimate place in the conversation.
The Marco Project
The Marco Project has specific Guidelines for its research at IONS. These are based on full transparency and full collaboration between all involved, including non physical Entities, when identified, who claim to produce the phenomena. This creates a common purpose and an atmosphere of trust, essential to good results.
An old Arab saying advises “Trust in Allah and tether your camel”. This reflects our philosophy. Most contemporary research has assumed phenomena to be fraudulently produced. We assume the Medium is genuine and the Entities communicating and claiming to produce the phenomena are who they say they are. Good research requires verification and controls. We believe in that as well.
We have over a Century of research by top Scientists, carried out during the late 1800s and up to the mid 1900s, which we can build on, but they could go only so far. The Sciences have progressed enormously since then, so we are now in a position to look at this field of research with new eyes and explore it with new tools and new knowledge.
Helané Wahbeh, ND, MCR, Director of Research, in advisement with Dean Radin PhD, Chief Scientist, oversees the Marco Project at IONS:
Besides the work at the IONS, the Marco Project also admires and is inspired by two researchers. One is Prof. Eckhard Kruse, for his groundbreaking work. Prof. Kruse has extensive direct experience of seance conditions. His innovative methodology and collaborative approach closely align with our objectives. For more on his research (English):
The other is Gary E. Schwartz Ph.D., a pioneer in contemporary Mediumship research. His “Five Finger Test” on proof, compelling circumstantial evidence and direct evidence (what I see, hear, touch, smell, taste, feel) provides a practical roadmap for when to change a belief about something in science or life and how to evaluate new ideas, or extraordinary claims.