OUT OF BODY FILE                                                  OBEBOOK1.TXT
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OBE Experiences: A Handbook
Janet Lee Mitchell, Ph.D.
Published by Ballantine Books July 1987
Copyright 1981
186 Pages Paperback

A good basic introduction to the subject from a scientific perspective.

About the author...

      Dr. Janet Mitchell, who holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Cognition from
the City University of New York, began her studies in parapsychology in 1967.
      The primary objective of her work has been to advance human
understanding of the essential self and its scope of abilities.
      Dr. Mitchell presently teaches at Yavatai College in Arizona and is
working on a new book that explores the evolution of cognition.
      This republished edition (based on laboratory investigations) forms the
basis of an excellent primer on the subject of Out-of-Body Experiences
(OBE's). While an apparent believer in the concept of the ability of the
human essence to leave the physical body AND return,  Dr. Mitchell maintains
a scientific and object position in her treatment of this unusual human
experience.
      The author's motive for the book is to help dispel the traumatic
experience (for some) that experients undergo when suddenly they find
themselves separated from their physical bodies.  According to Dr. Mitchell,
all too many people suppress their experience for a variety of reasons,
including ridicule or suspicion of mental illness.  The experience is so
common, in fact, that often people seeking psychiatric help are asked, "Have
you ever experienced yourself as being somewhere else other than in your
own body?" An affirmative answer is often considered hallucinatory behavior.
      In the books quest to introduce the novice to a broad spectrum of
related issues there are chapters describing the experience itself and its
many variations, what brings it on, the history of OBE's, Dreams and their
relationship (or lack thereof) other phenomena and social and ethical
considerations.
      Perhaps the most notable and well written chapter was entitled "Whoever
Said You Were in the Body Anyway?"  This thought provoking chapter is one of
the best I've read in treating the unproved world of paranormal experiences
with a touch of philosophy while holding inviolate the scientific principle.
      All in all a good primer, this book is complete with a question and
answer section (31 pages and 91 most asked questions), a 14 page bibliography,
index, and footnotes at the end of each chapter.

-- Ted Markley