Contacting the Dead Using a Psychomanteum S02E02

The psychomanteum dates back to ancient times, where a person would gaze into a still pool of water. This silent and steady gazing into a reflective pool would produce apparitions or visions.

In 1958, Greek archaeologist, Sotiris Dakaris investigated the Dodona oracle spoken of by Homer and Herodotus, where supplicants would wait their turn at the oracle in complete darkness. An extensive maze led to a long central apparition hallway where the experience took place. There Dakaris found the remnants of a bronze cauldron ringed with a banister which made it appear that the people who were seeing the apparitions would be gazing at the cauldron.

Mention of a ritual process for contacting the dead can be found in many of the writings of the ancient Greeks. The writings described how individuals were guided through subterranean chambers over a series of several days, and finally taken into an area, a "necromanteum", containing what is believed to have been a large cauldron-type vessel. Water or oil filled the vessel providing a reflective surface for the initiated individual to contact the dead.

Dr. Raymond Moody modified this process to fit more in the modern day. He coined the term "psychomanteum". Dr. Irene Blinston expanded and modified Dr. Moody's psychomanteum, and psychomanteum process, developing "The Portal".