Psiram - User contributions [en]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-11T13:13:25Z

EsoTypo: /* PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada */

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

Another source Spezzano draws from is Tarot readings. His website offers a so-called "three-card reading" for visitors, and he has also published his own decks of cards and interpretations. While there are three different decks available in English language<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/08/2013</ref> and one in French<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/09/2013</ref>, as many as six different decks of cards have been published in German language, five of them in 2008.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Chuck-Spezzano/e/B001KCCFPK accessed 14/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano also took up influences from several religions, like the Jewish Kabbalah, Sufism, and also Hinduism.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4179.50 accessed 04/10/2013</ref>

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. Apart from the above mentioned "Steps to Leadership", this is propagated with a separate website and Facebook group both called "Visionary Leaders Canada". The FB group advertises dates for meetings of a so-called "Corporate Forum" addressing CEOs in particular. The invitations claim: "We are 'The Leaders The World Is Waiting For'." Participation in such a meeting requires an entry fee of CAD 60.00.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pages/Visionary-Leaders-Canada/170213319701305 accessed 08/10/2013</ref>

The other difference is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Stó:lo (Coast Salish) and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

Another First Nation targeted by PoV courses since at least 2010 are the Stó:lo.<ref>http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/files_new/documents/CFOCJuly-Aug10.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Their Newsletter from July/August 2010 (i.e. at a point in time when AHF funding for residential school survivors had come to an end) carries an article on "Loss and Resilience in First Nation Communities" which, written by a PoV Trainer, addresses the issue of residential schools.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-11T10:49:06Z

EsoTypo: /* PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada */

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

Another source Spezzano draws from is Tarot readings. His website offers a so-called "three-card reading" for visitors, and he has also published his own decks of cards and interpretations. While there are three different decks available in English language<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/08/2013</ref> and one in French<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/09/2013</ref>, as many as six different decks of cards have been published in German language, five of them in 2008.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Chuck-Spezzano/e/B001KCCFPK accessed 14/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano also took up influences from several religions, like the Jewish Kabbalah, Sufism, and also Hinduism.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4179.50 accessed 04/10/2013</ref>

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Stó:lo (Coast Salish) and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

Another First Nation targeted by PoV courses since at least 2010 are the Stó:lo.<ref>http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/files_new/documents/CFOCJuly-Aug10.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Their Newsletter from July/August 2010 (i.e. at a point in time when AHF funding for residential school survivors had come to an end) carries an article on "Loss and Resilience in First Nation Communities" which, written by a PoV Trainer, addresses the issue of residential schools.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-11T10:46:54Z

EsoTypo: /* Front organisations and multiple targeting */

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

Another source Spezzano draws from is Tarot readings. His website offers a so-called "three-card reading" for visitors, and he has also published his own decks of cards and interpretations. While there are three different decks available in English language<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/08/2013</ref> and one in French<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/09/2013</ref>, as many as six different decks of cards have been published in German language, five of them in 2008.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Chuck-Spezzano/e/B001KCCFPK accessed 14/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano also took up influences from several religions, like the Jewish Kabbalah, Sufism, and also Hinduism.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4179.50 accessed 04/10/2013</ref>

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

Another First Nation targeted by PoV courses since at least 2010 are the Stó:lo.<ref>http://www.acc-society.bc.ca/files_new/documents/CFOCJuly-Aug10.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Their Newsletter from July/August 2010 (i.e. at a point in time when AHF funding for residential school survivors had come to an end) carries an article on "Loss and Resilience in First Nation Communities" which, written by a PoV Trainer, addresses the issue of residential schools.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-05T15:53:22Z

EsoTypo: /* Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision */ typo

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

Another source Spezzano draws from is Tarot readings. His website offers a so-called "three-card reading" for visitors, and he has also published his own decks of cards and interpretations. While there are three different decks available in English language<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/08/2013</ref> and one in French<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/09/2013</ref>, as many as six different decks of cards have been published in German language, five of them in 2008.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Chuck-Spezzano/e/B001KCCFPK accessed 14/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano also took up influences from several religions, like the Jewish Kabbalah, Sufism, and also Hinduism.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4179.50 accessed 04/10/2013</ref>

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-05T15:52:49Z

EsoTypo: /* Recent Esoteric Influences on Psychology of Vision */ addition

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric and other Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

Another source Spezzano draws from is Tarot readings. His website offers a so-called "three-card reading" for visitors, and he has also published his own decks of cards and interpretations. While there are three different decks available in English language<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/08/2013</ref> and one in French<ref>http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?__mk_de_DE=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&url=search-alias%3Denglish-books&field-keywords=Chuck%20Spezzano accessed 14/09/2013</ref>, as many as six different decks of cards have been published in German language, five of them in 2008.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Chuck-Spezzano/e/B001KCCFPK accessed 14/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano also took up influences from several religions, like the Jewish Kabbalah, Sufism, and also Hinduism.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=4179.50 accessed 04/10/2013</ref>

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-05T15:11:22Z

EsoTypo: /* PoV and its International Branches */ addition

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

Seminars and workshops are done by almost all of these branches; the notable exception, as becomes apparent from the PoV website, being US mainland. Additionally, there is only one trainer mentioned for US mainland, and she only does events in Canada, but not in the USA. Despite this, the trainer seems to be quite high in rank within the PoV system. The Spezzanos also do not do any workshops or lectures in US mainland, only in Hawaii and in various other countries worldwide.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]
[[category:Cult]]

Main Page

2013-10-03T22:03:20Z

EsoTypo: /* New articles */

__NOTOC__
{| width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
| colspan="2" |
==Welcome to Psiram.com==

Welcome to the wiki of irrational belief systems. We hope you find something useful or interesting. If you want, you can [[join]] us. View a [[Special:Random|Random page]] if you want to get an idea what this is about. Go to the [http://forum.psiram.com forum] if you want to talk to us.

|-
| width="50%" style="vertical-align:top;padding:10pt" |

==Belief systems==
* [[Esotericism]], [[Steiner_quotes|Anthroposophy]] or everything related as [[:category:Esotericism]]
* [[Conspiracy Theory|Conspiracy theories]] like [[Chemtrails]]

| width="50%" style="vertical-align:top;padding:10pt" |

==Quackery==
* [[Germanic New Medicine]], [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]] and his [[Victims_of_New_Medicine|victims]] ⋅ [[Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy according to Tullio Simoncini]] ⋅ [[Christopher Maloney]] ⋅ [[Antineoplaston]]
|}

---------------------

==New articles==
[[Ngystle Society]] ⋅ [[Psychology of Vision]] ⋅ [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] ⋅ [[Trinfinity8]] ⋅ [[Larson Medicinehorse]] ⋅ [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] ⋅ [[Michael Harner]] ⋅ [[Office of Medical and Scientific Justice]] ⋅ [[Hyemeyohsts Storm‎]] ⋅ [[Samuel Hahnemann]] ⋅ [[Banerji protocol]] ⋅ [[Allopathy]] ⋅ [[Law of similars]] ⋅ [[Homeopathy]] ⋅ [[Eckankar]] ⋅ [[Antineoplaston]] ⋅ [[Doreen Virtue]] ⋅ [[Lee Carroll‎]] ⋅ [[ThetaHealing]] ⋅ [[Wilhelm Reich]] ⋅ [[Cloudbuster]] ⋅ [[Orgone radiator]] ⋅ [[Orgone accumulator]] ⋅ [[Orgone]] ⋅ [[NEXUS Magazine]] ⋅ [[G. Edward Griffin]] ⋅ [[Transmutation‎]] ⋅ [[Zirconium fusion reactor of Bolotov]] ⋅ [[Energy Cleaner by Crock]] ⋅ [[CETI Patterson Power Cell]] ⋅ [[Joseph Mercola‎]] ⋅ [[Gary Null]] ⋅ [[Mike Adams]] ⋅ [[Raum & Zeit]] ⋅ [[NET-Journal]] ⋅ [[Claus Wilhelm Turtur]] ⋅ [[Low Energy Nuclear Reactions‎]] ⋅ [[Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer]] ⋅ [[HHO]] ⋅ [[Mike Brady]] ⋅ [[Pure Energy Systems Network Inc.]] ⋅ [[Cold Fusion]] ⋅ [[Water-fuelled car]] ⋅ [[Free Energy]] ⋅ [[Felix Würth AG]] ⋅ [[Testatika]] ⋅ [[Steorn]] ⋅ [[Perendev-Group]] ⋅ [[‎Joe-Cell]] ⋅ [[‎Hydrino]] ⋅ [[‎Matthias Rath]] ⋅ [[Inverted Occam's Razor]] ⋅ [[Occam's Razor]] ⋅ [[Pseudoscience]] ⋅ [[Thomas E. Bearden]] ⋅ [[John Bedini]] ⋅ [[Perpetual Motion]] ⋅ [[Magniwork]] ⋅ [[Bovis scale]] ⋅ [[Kiesha Crowther]] ⋅ [[Chemtrail]] ⋅ [[Victims of New Medicine]] ⋅ [[Conspiracy Theory]] ⋅ [[Miracle Mineral Supplement]] ⋅ [[Jim Humble]] ⋅ [[Eleanor McBean]] ⋅ [[Esotericism]] ⋅ [[Deer Tribe]] ⋅ [[Night Milk Crystals]] ⋅ [[Mayan Prophecy and 2012]] ⋅ [[Hopi and Pseudo Hopi Prophecies]] ⋅ [[Prahlad Jani]]
[[fr:Accueil]]
[[de:Hauptseite]]
[[it:Pagina principale]]
[[ru:Заглавная страница]]
[[category:!Psiram]]

Ngystle Society

2013-10-03T22:00:47Z

EsoTypo: Created page with "'''Ngystle Society''' is an enterprise operating in British Columbia, Canada. The Society has been functioning as a front organisation for Psychology of Vision and continu..."

'''Ngystle Society''' is an enterprise operating in British Columbia, Canada. The Society has been functioning as a front organisation for [[Psychology of Vision]] and continues to promote PoV seminars as well as promoting further Newage methods and products of charlatanry, and cooperates with at least one person posing as a Native American „shaman“ with whom they facilitate seminars.

==Board and History==
The Ngystle website offers no information regarding its board and who might represent the society in business matters. In the same way, the site does not provide information as to when the society was founded.

An application Ngystle submitted in 2012 to receive funding for a programme, they name their board members as follows: Rose Russ, Cindy Boyko, Betty Richardson, Barbra Wilson, Elna McDonald and Kay Watson, with Tiffany Duffy named as their Administrator.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM2011.2012/Projects2011.2012/Youth2011.2012/7.Youth_in_Action_Application.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Several of these persons are also affiliated with Psychology of Vision and/or Oneness.

==Status==
The Ngystle website also provides no information whether the society has been approved as a non-profit organisation or wether it is a for-profit enterprise. Ngystle Society did hold a status as a charity which is announced as revoked as of July 1, 2006<ref>http://canadiancharities.landoffree.com/charity/Ngystle_Society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>; according to another portal listing charities, this status did not get revoked due to failure to file, but was a „voluntary revocation“.<ref>http://www.charityfocus.ca/en/pages/charitysummary.aspx?charityid=864959648RR0001 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> While the first portal claims Ngystle was inactive, it is quite apparent that the Society is still active: another site providing information on commercial enterprises lists Ngystle Society as a „private company“ with two employees.<ref>http://www.manta.com/ic/mxvq2k2/ca/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Various websites are still today listing Ngystle Society as a „community healing centre“ which offers „a program that works with residential school survivors and inter-generation“, so e.g. a site providing a „Directory of Community Resources and Programs for Care Providers, Parents and Children“<ref>http://www.childcarechoices.ca/main/North/Haida+Gwaii/Directory/Community/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>, or as a charity.<ref>https://chimp.net/charities/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle themselves continue claiming the status of a non-profit organisation, e.g. in a 2012 application for funding of a youth programme.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM2011.2012/Projects2011.2012/Youth2011.2012/7.Youth_in_Action_Application.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

==Constitution and Funding==
This part of the site describes the official purpose of the organisation:

:'' To operate and maintain a multi-use facility and library for Haida Gwaii people in order to provide educational, recreational and social programs in Skidegate, BC
:''- To provide social, cultural, educational, voluntary employment and other support services for the people of Haida Gwaii.
:''- To educate the public on Aboriginal culture through the provision of instruction on traditional Haida culture programs such as traditional games, drum making, cedar weaving and button blanket making.
:''- To benefit the community through the provision of arts, leadership training, youth and social programs that will build stronger communities.
:''- To undertake activities ancillary and incidental to the attainment of the above objectives.<ref>https://ngystle.wordpress.com/ngystle-society-constitution/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The site does not provide any date of the constitution and its wording may have been subjected to change when funding of programmes for residential school survivors ran out, as they do not get mentioned explicitely as one of the target groups.

The Ngystle Facebook page provides somewhat different information:
:''A few years ago a small group of people came together, we had one thing in mind, to heal.
:''To enhance the health and well-being of community members by providing holistic programming [sic!] and services which address their culutural [sic], spiritual, phycological [sic!] and physical needs. Ngystle encourages and supports community members to take responsibility for their own growth and healing, and to become active leaders and role models in their communities.''<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ngystle-Skidegate/268708856529001 accessed 15/09/2013</ref>
It is quite interesting that Ngystle themselves speak of "holistic programming" instead of "programmes". The entry also reveals a Newage use of words and concepts, e.g. in holding their clients responsible for their own "growth and healing", and expecting of them to become "active leaders", the latter also reflecting PoV-based concepts. Both do not reflect traditional indigenous approaches.

In comparison with the constitution published at their website, the Facebook entry also does not mention educational and (voluntary) employment services, nor are goals like public education on indigenous culture or providing community benefits mentioned.

===Public funding===
Public funding for Ngystle's activities seem to have come mainly from two sources, as far as information obtained on the internet suggests: the Aboriginal Health Foundation established by the Canadian government, and the Gwaii Trust, established by the Haida nation.

====Aboriginal Health Foundation====
Ngystle Society received as much as $ 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref> established by the Canadian Government to provide services in particular for survivors of residential schools. The project description given to AHF by Ngystle Society read:
:''The project will provide Residential School Survivors and their families with a safe environment in which they can express their feelings and thoughts. This will be accomplished through the delivery of one on one counselling, support group meetings, workshops on Psychology of Vision and the provision of Traditional Haida healing activities.
:''The project will also provide apprenticeship training in Psychology of Vision so that participants will be able to continue their healing journeys.''<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

It is presently not possible to establish whether Ngystle constitution was subject to changes after the AHF funding ended in 2010, or whether their constitution was as broadly outlined as it is now, as residential school survivors are not mentioned in the present (Sept 2013) version. Similarly noteworthy is that AHF in fact granted quite substantial a sum of public money and does not seem to have checked whether PoV was a method of psychological treatment. Ngystle also did not provide an address of their bureaus but only a P.O.Box in Skidegate.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Furthermore, AHF kept on funding after the charity status was revoked by Ngystle in 2006.

====Gwaii Trust Society====
Another source of funding is the Gwaii Trust Society which is operated by the Haida Nation. Gwaii Trust gave about $ 270,000 to Ngystle Society predominantly under their „Healthy Humans“ programme between 2004-2009.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Due to the statutes of Gwaii Trust, funds have to be applied for individually for every incident, and the Trust keeps an archive of monies handed out on their website. According to information obtained there, payments were made in about 25 instances over the period of five years and for different purposes, ranging from computer equipment and a business plan for Ngystle to artists' payments.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ngystle also had their five year business plan funded in part or totally by Gwaii Trust with an amount of $ 5,74.61.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Funding from Gwaii Trust Society was obtained in particular for several seminars and programmes either on Newage practices or on programmes according to [[Psychology of Vision]].<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>. Among these were: „Children's Self Esteem Build“, „Haida Women Leadership Training Program“, „Intensive Healing Training Workshop“, „Kool Kids“, „Pro Teen Days Self Esteem“, „Reiki“, „The Excellence Series“, „The Pursuit of Excellence“, „The Wall Advancement Series“, „Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program“, „Youth Pursuit of Excellence“, amounting to some 17 seminars altogether.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>. The amounts granted ranged between $ 3,367 and $ 17,569, with an amount of $ 33,456 not further specified granted for seminars in 2006/07. The earliest amount granted was for a seminar in 2001-2002, the latest for seminars in 2008-2009.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>. Apparently, Ngystle Society's revocation of its charity status, provided Gwaii Trust Society was aware of this, did not affect the approval of monies.

Although the guidelines for funding were altered by Gwaii Trust so that core funding is no longer possible, Ngystle keeps applying for their programmes, so e.g. a „Youth-In-Action“ series from April 2012 to March 2013.<ref> http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM2011.2012/Projects2011.2012/Youth2011.2012/7.Youth_in_Action_Application.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

==Activities==
The activities of Ngystle Society are predominantly in the field of Newage seminars and events, in particular seminars and events spreading Psychology of Vision and Oneness. They are further promoting and selling applications of pseudo-medic devices, and are promoting [[Plastic Shaman|plastic shaman]] Erick Gonzalez. They also maintain a library largely covering alternative and pseudo-medical healing methods.

===Promotion of PoV seminars and events===
While the Ngystle website presently (September 2013) does not advertise any PoV seminars, they were facilitating such seminars and have been applying for their funding repeatedly over the years.

Ngystle e.g. submitted an application with Gwaii Trust to have funded a „POV Workshop 'Manifesting Success in 2011'“ in Skidegate, asking for a funding of $ 3,652.36 under the Gwaii Trust's „Healthy Humans“ Programme. Ngystle describes the workshop: 
:''Ngystle Society is seeking funding to host a 2 1/2 day Psychology of Vision workshop in February. The workshop theme is "Manifesting Success in 2011" and will be facilitated by experienced international trainer and leader, Barbara Stevens. The workshop will be offered at no charge to twenty participants and will challenge and equip participants with skills and knowledge to live their lives in an empowered proactive manner. Participants will use visualizations and other Psychology ofVision tools to set goals for the upcoming year, work through blocks to success and create a mind map from which they can then move forward.“''<ref>
http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM_2010.2011/HH_2010.2011/HH_Nygystle_Application_Dec_1_2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Several references in favour of this workshop were supplied with the application, so e.g. by Skidegate Health Centre undersigned by the Health Director, by the Skidegate Chief Councillor, by the owner of one „Crystal Cabin Gallery“, and by a Psychology of Vision Trainer from Skidegate.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM_2010.2011/HH_2010.2011/HH_Nygystle_Application_Dec_1_2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The PoV Trainer offers the following description in her letter: 
:''“Using meditation, Oneness Blessings, the creation of mind maps, and Psychology of Vision tools, participants will be guided to make mind maps or Vision Boards of their goals for the year 2011. Blocks to Success will be worked through and will help participants in their daily lives. Our goal is to have fun while healing.“''<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM_2010.2011/HH_2010.2011/HH_Nygystle_Application_Dec_1_2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> 
The description reveals the mechanistic approach of PoV towards human beings, and further reveals their cooperation with the Oneness cult.

The gallery owner in turn is a follower and trainer of the Oneness cult<ref>http://onenesswesterncanada.ca/directory/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and not a member of any First Nation, but regardless of this asserts that PoV seminars were very much appreciated by the Haida nation, had helped countless people and were an invaluable service to the community.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM_2010.2011/HH_2010.2011/HH_Nygystle_Application_Dec_1_2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref>. Another advertisement for the same seminar mentions that „the first 20 local participants to sign up are sponsored by the Gwaii Trust & the Ngystle Society – Tuition - $ 125 per person“<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/jan11news.pdf. accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Promotion of Oneness seminars and events===
The Oneness movement was founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. A temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society promotes the Oneness cult in several ways, so e.g. on their Facebook site where they provide a link to a Oneness Awakening Course offered by Oneness University.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ngystle-Skidegate/268708856529001 accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another promotion for a Oneness Awakening Course taking place in Haida Gwaii in July 2011 announced Ngystle Society was registering participants, and their phone number was published. For billeting, participants were advised to contact the owner of the „Crystal Cabin“ gallery writing a recommendation for a PoV seminar.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/events/218148471551173/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Promotion of a Plastic Shaman===
Ngystle Society further promotes [[Plastic Shaman|plastic shaman]] Erick Gonzalez, a Gualtemaltekan who has been living in the USA since the age of 11.<ref>http://www.earthpeoplesunited.org/who-we-are accessed 20/09/2013</ref> Gonzalez claims to be Mayan, but goes by a name taken from Aztec Nahuatl language, Tata [Uncle] OmeAkaEhekatl.<ref>http://www.earthpeoplesunited.org/who-we-are accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

The Ngystle website, in an advertisement titled „Intensive Healing Training Wokshop“, claims:
:''Mayan Medicine Man, Erick Gonzalez has a connection to Haida Gwaii that goes back many years. Through his community relationships he has brought people together by creating a safe place for people to connect on a personal and spiritual level and facilitate healing that many people experience as profound. Mr Gonzalez workshops focus on self-empowerment, personal healing and
enquiry into the spiritual realm.''<ref>http://www.haidagwaii.net/ngystle/Workshops_Programs/Intensive_healing.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

A further Ngystle advertisement for a workshop with Gonzalez announces:
:''ERIC GONZALEZ INTENSIVE
:''October 16-18
:''Please contact Ngystle Society for more information.''<ref>http://www.haidagwaii.net/ngystle/upcoming_events.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

It is not evident why a Guatemaltekan living in the USA is needed to teach participants belonging to the Haida nation who have traditions of their own, including spiritual traditions. Gonzalez' activities are further to be seen critically since his living in the USA most probably speaks against an acculturation within Maya cultures and traditions, especially in Maya spirituality. Native medicine persons are also supposed to work within their communities and are expected to have done an apprenticeship which may well last 20 years and even more. It is highly to be doubted that Gonzalez did such an apprenticeship, although he claims „initiation“ into several different indigenous „sacred rites“<ref>http://www.earthpeoplesunited.org/who-we-are accessed 20/09/2013</ref> which usually is an indication of a plastic shaman. Another question is whether Gonzalez is indeed recognised by one of the Maya peoples or rather is of distant native descent.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Erick Gonzalez in 2012, as Gonzalez is suspected of applying drugs to participants in his seminars, in particular Ayahuasca, Peyote, mescaline, and other substances<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>, none of them part of any traditions of the ethnic groups living in the North-West Coast cultural area of North America. While Peyote is being used ceremonially in some indigenous traditions and today also by the Native American Church, its use outside of these fields is illegal. Ayahuasca is from South America where it is used as a diagnostic tool by medicine persons, quite in contrary to the use by plastic shamans who will administer the substance to their clients. Both Peyote and Ayahuasca are unknown in Mayan traditions, so Gonzalez is not in a position to justify their use with tradition and it is to be doubted that he is sufficiently informed about their dosage, contra-indications etc.

From the above quoted advertisements, however, it becomes evident that Ngystle Society continue support of and cooperation with Gonzalez.

===Promotion of Pseudo-Medical Devices and Treatments===
Via their website and in community newsletters, Ngystle Society promotes several pseudo-medical devices and advertises the use of them in their premises.

====T-Zone Vibration Machine====
Presently (September 2013), the Ngystle website does not mention this device which was recommended in 2010 in an article on Ngystle Society supplied in a community newsletter.<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/June17.10.PDF accessed 15/09/2013</ref> This machine often is promoted to achieve at a weight loss, but also to ''tone and firm muscles, increase metabolism, descrease cellulite visibility'' and with further claims.<ref>http://guardiantrader.com/Whole_Body_Vibration.html accessed 16/09/2013</ref> Such claims have no scientific evidence and must be seen as a sales pitch for the device which in Canada is sold at $ 1,869 tax excluded.<ref>http://www.shantiwellnesscentre.com/products/t-zone-vibration-machine accessed 16/09/2013</ref>

====Trinfinity8====
A further device promoted by Ngystle Society is the so-called [[Trinfinity8]] and Ngystle sells applications of this device. According to the Ngystle website, the device
:''offers 72 different Rejuvenation programs 
:''- Stress Reduction, - Energy Restoration, - Health & Nutrition, - Skin & Hair Rejuvenation
:''- Face & Beauty, - Weight Management, - Body Sculpting''<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com/about-2/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

The device, however, is pseudo-medical and none of the claims it is being sold with has any scientific evidence. It is sold at a price of about $ 8,000, which Ngystle Society apparently was able to spend.

====Amethyst Bio-Mat====
The [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] is another pseudo-medical device whose application is sold by Ngystle Society who claim: 
:''The Amethyst Bio Mat is a FDA approved negative ion and for infrared ray therapeutic treatment system. It was designed by scientists, engineers and medical professionals. It uses a unique combination of three bio-compatible energy therapies. Far Infrared, Negative Ion, and Amethyst Crystal.''<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com/about-2/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

These claims are unsubstantiated and have not been proven scientifically. The effectiveness claimed is not feasible either biologically, nor medically and physically. Amethyst is not able to emit light, warmth, or negative ions without any external energy source. If it was in fact to emit such radiation, this would be radio-active and probably hazardous to human health. Some of these products contain an electrical heat source.

In the US market, prices for end customers for a single bed mattress are between $ 1,650 and approx. $ 2,700, while professional customers are offered a smaller mattress at a reduced rate; they are recommended to charge clients $ 22 for one application.<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/June17.10.PDF accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Although Ngystle's charges are lower at $ 6.00, it must be considered that they do not approach a market of affluent customers, but an indigenous community, so charges apparently were adjusted to an affordable level. Given the fact that this is a pseudo-medical device with no established effectivity, the fee charged is still quite substantial for one use of an electric blanket.

===The library===
While the Ngystle constitution claims their library was maintained ''“for Haida Gwaii people in order to provide educational, recreational and social programs“'', their Facebook site announces: 
:“Healing Library... We have many different books about alternative healing.“'' 

In a different section, Ngystle website further explains which categories of books there are in store in the library: 
:''- Native Culture / Art, - Creativity, - Energy Healing, - Religious Philosophy, - Self Help, -'' :''Workbooks, - Biography, - Physical Health, - Family Health, - Women’s Health, - Children – Youth'' ''Novels, - Physic''<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com/about-2/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

The majority of these categories cover Newage resp. alternative medicine and advice literature, and therefore do not contribute to their readers' education, but rather reflect the vested interest of a Newage project acquiring an ever growing clientele for their range of services subject to fees.

===Seminars on Culture and for Youths===

In addition to the pseudo-medical and Newage activities described above, Ngystle Society has also been active in organising seminars and workshops on Haida culture and for Haida children and youths.

Some of the seminars targeting children and youths e.g. were „Children's Self Esteem Build“, „Kool Kids“, „Pro Teen Days Self Esteem“, „Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program“, or „Youth Pursuit of Excellence“.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The catchwords „self esteem“, „excellence“, and „leadership“ indicate these programmes may reflect PoV theories, exposing children and youths to a Newage concept which in many aspects differs widely from the Haida culture these youths come from, but who will be taught that PoV aligns well with Native American world views.

Youths programmes continue to be organised, so e.g. with a programme titled „Youth in Action“ from April 2012 until March 2013.<ref>
http://www.gwaiitrust.com/AGM2011.2012/Projects2011.2012/Youth2011.2012/7.Youth_in_Action_Application.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> However, at least two of four teachers seem to have connections to PoV, and course contents probably could be worked over to achieve at a better reflection of traditional Haida culture („Bow and Arrow Making“, „Beachcombing/Making a Mobile“) resp. the needs and reality of a non-affluent community („Go Green“, „Gourmet Cooking“).

Another field of activity are cultural courses, e.g. „Traditional Haida Cedar Hat Weaving“<ref> accessed 15/09/2013</ref>. As online information provided regarding these courses are scarce, it is not possible to establish the number of cultural courses organised. Judging from the above mentioned programme for youths, courses may not be taught by persons from the Haida community but from other indigenous nations, as one of those teachers is Nuxalk.

===Other Newage Activities===

The Skidegate Newsletter of Januar 13, 2011 carries an article placed by Ngystle Society announcing, among other courses and activities:
:''Heather Elrix continues to deliver healing sessions at Ngystle on Wednesdays from 10am to 4:30pm. The cost is $40.00 per session and she can work with a client in a number of ways. She is gifted in Astrology readings and working with family dynamics through the readings. She works with balancing your body and giving you suggestions on how to enhance your body’s natural ability to heal itself.''<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/jan11news.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Astrology and family dynamics are two more Newage practices which are not part of or compatible with indigenous traditions, therefore indigenous persons booking these sessions may be alienated from their culture which can further contribute to their problems. Although once more fees are lower compared to usual practice, these „healing sessions“ are targeting a non-affluent community. Selling „healing sessions“ based on astrology readings in no way comes close to any recognised therapy and while the human body does have self-healing abilities, sessions trying to reinforce them may disencourage clients from seeking medical help for serious conditions and so endanger their health.

==References==
<references/>

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-01T16:21:48Z

EsoTypo: /* Author and Lecturer */

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

===Healing Keys===

Although most of Spezzano's books deal with partnership and partnership problems, he also co-authored a book with Janie Ticehurst (or Janie E. Patrick) titled "Healing the Body Through Mind and Metaphor". The book is still available from Spezzano's website, while Ticehurst is selling the e-book version through her site.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/index.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>. The authors claim that a multitude of diseases can be healed with a combination of Keys which they also list:
:''Bonding, Choice, Family Role, Forgiveness, Gifts, Grace, Integration, Letting Go, Love and Bonding Exercise, Purpose, Trust, Truth, Understanding, Willingness.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/KeyAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

However, some of the diseases the authors recommend to be treated with their set of keys are severe and patients suffering from such diseases should rather go to see an MD: e.g. ALS, AIDS, Appendicitis, Asthma, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus, Epilepsy, Heart Attack, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Leukemia, Lymphoma Hodgkin's Disease, Meningitis.<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors claim:
:''Cancer involves the transformation of healthy functioning cells into malignant, or harmful, cells. The altered cells transfer faulty information to their offspring, and the cancerous cells grow in an abnormal and destructive way.
:''Cancer is the embodiment of self-directed anger. It reflects a place of guilt and self-attack.
:''A traumatic situation with a significant other will have taken place between six and eighteen months before the onset of the cancer.
:''At some level, it is an attack on another through self-harm. It highlights that we have a need to give that has gone wild, or is completely misplaced, in addition to a fear of our purpose.[...]
:''Tumors encapsulate our repressed anger, malice and conflicting, hidden belief systems.
We are trying to shelter our pain or disappointment and are attempting to hold back negative self-beliefs and evil self-concepts. These mistaken beliefs and self-concepts stem from unresolved emotional fractures and broken hearts.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

This approach clearly lays the blame for a disease on the diseased who is responsible for it. The same is true for handicaps, of which the authors e.g. list Birth Defects, Deafness, or Down's Syndrome. Birth defects are said to represent ''unfinished business from ancestral patterns and/or a past life metaphor. We are being called to heal this soul level issue.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>
Their approach to deafness is:
:''It signifies that there is something that we don’t want to hear either about relationship (left ear), or career (right ear).
:''We have a fear of our purpose, and there is something that we are refusing to learn. There is an area where we have cut ourselves off, which is holding us back from joining the dance of life.
:''Because we want to do things our way, there is something we don’t want to hear from others or from within. Deafness means we have some stubbornness and unwillingness to listen and communicate.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The explanation for Down's Syndrome is:
:''If we have Down’s syndrome, it means that we have come to learn some lessons at a soul level. We are here to seek soul fulfillment and the completion of a cycle, yet we are stuck in the transition between the old level and the new.
:''The two main soul lessons of Down’s syndrome are correcting over-willfulness and giving up the ego’s plan in exchange for heaven’s plan.''<ref>http://www.healingkeys.com/MetaphorAtoZ.htm accessed 28/09/2013</ref>

The authors constantly lay the blame for disease and handicap onto the individual who is held responsible, and promise healing to be possible with their "healing keys". Although the authors do not advise diseased persons to abstain from seeing a doctor, they also do not recommend seeking medical advise or help.

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

==References==
<references/>

Psychology of Vision

2013-10-01T14:29:39Z

EsoTypo: /* PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada */

'''Chuck Spezzano''', full name: Charles Lee Spezzano, is an author of about 40 books in the genre of advice literature, some of which have seen translations to other languages. He is also the inventor of a so-called '''Psychology of Vision''' which he sells on the esoteric market with his wife Lency Spezzano, full name: Lenora Kay Spezzano.

==Biographical Information==

There is only little biographical data obtainable on the Spezzanos, and the biographical information spread by the Spezzanos themselves on various websites, by their publishers, and by students and propagators often varies considerably regarding important details.

===Chuck Spezzano===

According to his website, Spezzano was born in upstate New York and grew up in Pennsylvania.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography">http://www.psychologyofvision.com/about/chuck-lency-biography/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, he does not give any further details as to a date of birth or as much as the year he was born. According to information found at the site of pipl.com, he is 65 years of age, so he must have been born in 1948 or 1947.<ref>“Charles Lee Spezzano, 65 years old, Kaneohe, HI, US, Kahaluu, HI, US“ at https://pipl.com/directory/name/spezzano/charles/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Spezzano claims to have studied to become a priest, to have joined a seminary and taken temporary vows, after which he joined Bethel Park Collegiate seminary and attended Duquesne University, where he claims to have studied Philosophy and Psychology, with a B.A. obtained from this university. He then allegedly gave up his career as a priest, and obtained an M.A. in sociology at Duquesne U., followed by a Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology from United States International University, San Diego (today: Alliant University) in 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

In another paragraph in the same biography, Spezzano claims to have done both the M.A. and the Ph.D. at USIU. Several websites mention Spezzano having worked at the Naval Drug Rehabilitation Center as a psychologist between 1973 and 1979<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren">http://www.robert-betz-shop.de/wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren-p-52188.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano">http://www.michaelditsch.de/koerper-psyche/chuck-lency-spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, while Spezzano's own website does not mention any dates of this employment apart from having left this job in the autumn of 1979 to practice privately as a Marriage, Family and Child Counselor.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

Some time after 1983, the Spezzanos moved to Hawaii where they still reside today.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />

===Lency Spezzano===
Biographical data for Lency Spezzano are likewise scarce. On their own website, she claims to have received both a BSc and an MSc degree in Rehabilitation Counselling in 1975 and 1976 from the University of Arizona. This points to a date of birth about 1954. Previous employment is restricted to the information of her having „designed and administered numerous rehabilitation agencies, training programs and treatment facilities“, but her main so-called professional experience seems to be Psychology of Vision from 1984 until today.<ref>http://www.chuckandlencyspezzano.com/LencySpezzano.htm accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Other internet sources describe her as a „relationship therapist and author“.<ref>http://www.frankfurter-ring.de/index.php?id=112 accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Ms Spezzano has furthermore developed "Joining" which sometimes is described as "PoV's mystical path".<ref name="povevents">http://www.povevents.com/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

===Grades and Licences===

As was pointed out above, there are differing versions regarding Spezzano's courses of study.

Spezzano did in fact earn a Ph.D., for a dissertation titled: „The words that love made--a poetic phenomenology of the poet's experience of being a poet“, published in 1977.<ref>http://www.worldcat.org/title/words-that-love-made-a-poetic-phenomenology-of-the-poets-experience-of-being-a-poet/oclc/18900196&referer=brief_results accessed 12/09/2013</ref> Such a thesis cannot have been written in Psychology, but rather in Philosophy in which Spezzano only claims a B.A; and the grade obtained in Psychology also seems to have been a B.A. His Master's degree was obtained in Sociology, but the actual dissertation seems more than inappropriate to earn a Ph.D. in this field.

Similarly varying information is displayed regarding Spezzano's actual degree in Psychology: While Spezzano's websites mention him having worked as a counsellor, other websites claim he earned a doctorate in Clinical Psychology<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" /><ref name="chuck-lency-spezzano" />, including his German publishers<ref>http://www.randomhouse.de/Autor/Chuck_Spezzano/p105313.rhd?pub=8000 accessed 12/08/2013</ref>; the same information, however, is also provided in the book of a British author<ref>Arielle Essex: Compassionate Coaching: How to Heal Your Life and Make Miracles Happen. June 2004, p.</ref>

While claiming to have had a private practice as a psychologist in Californa between 1979 and 1983, information obtainable points to a licence as a „marriage and family therapist“ obtained in the state of California in 1980, quite in congruence with having given up employment at the Naval Rehab Center in 1979. However, this licence expired May 31, 1990 without any renewal.<ref>http://www2.dca.ca.gov/pls/wllpub/wllqryna$lcev2.startup?p_qte_code=LX&p_qte_pgm_code=1800 accessed </ref> The present licence held for the Spezzano enterprise is for a „Spezzano and Associates, Limited“, issued November 15, 1990 in Hawaii.<ref>http://hbe.ehawaii.gov/documents/business.html?fileNumber=81992D1 accessed </ref> A licence as a psychologist of whatever specialisation cannot be verified for the state of Hawaii.

===Esoteric Influences===

In his biography, Spezzano repeatedly mentions to have come into contact with various methods and techniques promoted on the Newage markets, in particular in the fields of commercial life-counseling and self-optimising, and integrated methods and concepts encountered there into his own concept.

According to his own account, he took „his first program seminar call [sic] Lifespring“ when employed at the Naval Drug Rehab Center, i.e. between 1973 and 1977.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> During the same period, he also became involved with „A Course in Miracles“ allegedly pointed out to him by a colleague.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> After 1979, when working as a private practitioner, Spezzano says he volunteered „as a trainer with ARAS, a workshop company with spiritual dimensions“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" />
A further step is mentioned with: „In 1982 and 1983 he also taught at the Tubb Wholestic [sic] Health Institute in Southern California...“.<ref name="chuck-lency-biography" /> More recently, Spezzano integrated some ideas and practices from the so-called Oneness Movement into the framework of Psychology of Vision.

It must be pointed out that both Lifespring's (now presumably defunct) and A Course in Miracles' activities took place in the field of commerical life counselling, selling courses for personal development and advancement and urging participants to recruit further customers, including targeting their social environment. The Oneness Movement, on the other hand, is selling courses teaching a spirituality based on Eastern thought. Their goal is advancement and enlightenment on a personal level as well as creating a class of individuals privileged by enlightenment, thus indicating a probable totalitarian development and its embracement of the approach of creating super-humans.

====Lifespring====
Lifespring was founded in 1974 by John Hanley as a for-profit New Age resp. Human Potential company selling respective courses; it claims more than 400,000 persons participated in their trainings in the USA. Courses were organised in the three-level program with a "Basic" training, an "Advanced" course, and a three-months "Leadership Program".<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifespring accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

There were at least 30 lawsuits against Lifespring, most of which seem to have been settled out of court. However, a 1984 lawsuit awarded $ 800,000 to a person who was hospitalised with mental problems following a Lifespring training. Both a 1992 and a 1993 lawsuit due to mental problems arising in the aftermath of Lifespring trainings were successful, too. At least one lawsuit in 1982 was led over the suicide of a course participant and settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.<ref>http://www.culthelp.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=983&Itemid=12&limit=1&limitstart=7 accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

The majority of Lifespring students are said to have had a very good education and belonged to the class of so-called Yuppies whom Lifespring promised more success and more happiness. At the same time, Lifespring attempted to convince large companies to have their employees trained by them to have their productivity and ethics increased. An independent study of Lifespring courses in 1981 said that the training systematically undermined the functioning of the ego, reduced the ability of critical thinking in participants, and caused an increasing dependency of participants from the views of their trainer.<ref>Bärbel Schwertfeger: Der Griff nach der Psyche. Was umstrittene Persönlichkeitstrainer in Unternehmen anrichten. 1998, p. 91f</ref>

====A Course in Miracles====
"A Course In Miracles" is the title of a book "scribed" by research psychologist Helen Schucman who claimed the book was channeled to her by Jesus. In her book, Schucman thus presents a re-interpretation of Christian religion, claiming Jesus wanted less suffering, less sacrifice, less separation, and less sacrament, but more love and forgiveness.<ref name="skepdic">http://www.skepdic.com/cim.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref> ACIM is promoted by two organisations, the Foundation for Inner Peace (FIP) and the Foundation for a Course in Miracles (FACIM), both selling books, seminars, audio- and videotapes, workshops, and seminars.<ref name="skepdic" />

Christian criticism of ACIM points to the fact that it contradicts basic tenets of Christian faith, employs Christian terminology to redefine it with Newage teachings, and supports Newage and occult ideas.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Course_in_Miracles accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

====Oneness====
This is a movement founded by Vijay Kumar, and Indian citizen, who goes by the title of "Kalki Bhagavan". The movement is led by Kumar and his wife, who are addressed as "Sri Amma Bhagavan" by students and followers.<ref name="Bhagavan">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalki_Bhagavan accessed 13/09/2013</ref> The movement has spread to Europe and the USA from an initial Ashram in India. Meanwhile, a temple has been built for an alleged amount of $75 million, and Kumar also operates a "Oneness University" in India, selling advanced courses and trainings.<ref name="Bhagavan" /> Basic courses, like e.g. a training as a so-called Deeksha [blessing] giver, are also done in the USA and European countries.<ref> see e.g.http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>http://oneness-deutschland.de/uedasprojekt.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

According to a website promoting the movement, both Kumar and his wife did not need a process of spiritual maturing, but were born in a state of oneness with all life and with the obligation to lead humankind to its awakening. Therefore, Kumar and his wife were the male and female aspect of an avatarian consciousness to aid the awakening of humankind.<ref>http://www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

==Author and Lecturer==

Spezzano has written some 40 books of advice literature, many of which have seen translations into other languages. So e.g. there are about 30 of his books presently available in German language. A large part of these were written on partnership problems, presenting advice how to realise and maintain happy relationships or to cope with failed relationships, how to build up durable partnerships etc.

These books are being promoted by Spezzano giving lectures e.g. at Newage congresses in Europe. In February 2013, he did a seminar during the Basel Psi Days in Switzerland, an established annual congress which is being organised by Basel Psi Association since years. The title of this seminar was „What do happy people do differently“, with a fee of CHF 600 being charged from participants, its contents were announced as: 
''How to heal problems with the power of love, how to dissolve mechanisms of defence. This requires us to accept and love ourselves in the first place. We can heal disease, mental and psychological problems once we recognise our subconscious patterns. With both group and individual processes, Chuck Spezzano supports us in detectng and dissolving these limiting patterns, in healing chronic problems, and to introduce joy and happiness back into our lives.''<ref name="bpv.ch">http://www.bpv.ch/content/referenten/Spezzano.html accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

From September 26-29, 2013, Spezzano will be giving a seminar in Zurich, Switzerland titled „Healing begins in the Heart“, at a fee of CHF 570.<ref>http://www.imlicht.ch/data/html/bil_2013b_web.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

On October 28, 2013, Spezzano will make an appearance at the annual Bleep Congress in Germany, this year organised in the town of Leverkusen, and do a one-day workshop „How to create a Happy Relationship“ at € 120.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2013/drchuckspezzano accessed 12/09/2013</ref> This congress was spurred by the film „What the Bleep do we know“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_the_Bleep_Do_We_Know!%3F accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, written and produced by several persons from „Ramtha's School of Enlightenment“<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramtha%27s_School_of_Enlightenment accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, which has been described as cult-like. Although most of the lecturers invited to these congresses come from German-speaking countries, they also had international guests like William Arntz, the producer of the film and student of Ramtha's School, and [[Masaru Emoto]] in 2008, and plastic shaman [[J. Reuben Silverbird]] in 2011.<ref>http://www.bleepkongress.de/rueckblick/referenten-2011 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Further seminars in Europe will take place in Frankfurt and Hamburg, with more seminars and trainings being announced for Hawaii and Canada.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/chuck-spezzano/ accessed 12/08/2013</ref>

==Psychology of Vision==
According to information given at their website, Psychology of Vision was invented by Chuck and Lency Spezzano during the 1980ies. Psychology of Vision, however, is no scientifically recognised method or therapy, and the Spezzano's never submitted this method to scientific journals to obtain peer reviews. Furthermore, with the exception of the above mentioned thesis, there are no scientific publications by either Chuck or Lency Spezzano traceable. Unlike recognised, and many unrecognised, reputable therapies, Spezzano registered „Psychology of Vision“ as a trademark.

===Recent Esoteric Influences on Psychology of Vision===
While valid psychological approaches and methods on which PoV may be based do not get specified, there are two esoteric schools which do get mentioned as having influenced respectively still influencing PoV today. These are "A Course in Miracles" and "Oneness" (cf. above).

===Method===
Since Psychology of Vision has never received any peer review and scientific recognition, the efficacy or, for that matter, the ethical standards of the method(s) employed have also never been established and are not controlled.

Various websites claim Psychology of vision was ''„both a healing model and a global community of people teaching and practicing that model. Psychology of Vision is a path of the heart that has helped tens of thousands of people around the world through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications. It has helped people improve their lives, their relationships and their health by giving them an understanding of themselves and others, and giving them insights into the events in their lives. It is a model that teaches emotional intelligence through a remembering of Self.“''<ref name="povcanada">http://povcanada.com/about-us/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Combining an alleged healing model with a global community does not quite reflect a scientific approach or method, but reminds of a cult. The claim of tens of thousands having already been „helped“ (not healed, apparently) remains unsubstantiated and must be viewed as a mere sales pitch. This is supported by the information this help was effected „through seminars, one-to-one coaching and its many products and publications“.<ref name="povcanada" /> This diction, employing commercial vocabulary instead of scientific terms, clearly points out PoV is a commercial enterprise, not a therapy.

In fact identical descriptions as the above quoted are given on PoV-sites worldwide. Sometimes, the adjective „groundbreaking“ is added to describe the „healing model“<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/about-us/ accessed 12/092013 accessed 12/09/2013</ref><ref name="bpv.ch" /><ref name="weltinnenraum">http://mein.weltinnenraum.de/group/psychologyofvision accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, and claims contend Psychology of Vision combined „modern psychological know-how with spiritual principles“.<ref name="weltinnenraum" /> Another variant claims, somewhat contradictory, that Psychology of Vision represented a „combination of classic psychology with spiritual principles“.<ref name="wenn-alle-menschen-freunde-waeren" />

On the other hand, Spezzano himself seems quite prepared to depreciate psychology, e.g. in an undated interview apparently done prior to the year 2000: 
''„Question: You said yesterday that psychology was a hoax and that psychology was the fastest of slow methods. What did you mean by this?
''CS: Psychology is mainly concerned with the past. But the past has passed! Psychology has lost its way. There are still many individual therapists who know the way. Psychology means the science of the psyche, the soul, but psychology today studies rats and worms. They try to reduce human structure to behavioural patterns and symptoms. It makes everything inhumane. It is a model of science from the last century. Every other science developed further, except for psychology.“<ref>http://www.stardust-archiv.de/Artikel/gebrochene_herzen.htm accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

===System of Seminars===
Psychology of Vision consists of several series of seminars. The first goal participants are expected to realise is the so-called "100-Day-Program", followed by a "Mastery Program" and a "Trainers' Program". Another set of seminars is offered in the so-called "Steps-to-Leadership-Program", while the "VisionWorks"-Program is targeting students and teachers.

The different workshops offered within the framework of these programmes sometimes provide information regarding how many days participation in the respective courses count, with a range of zero to ten days. Seminars counting zero days do not contribute to the participants' achievement e.g. in their 100-Day-Program. The system is explained on the British website<ref>
''What constitutes a PoV day:
''No coaching sessions given by any PoV trainer count toward a PoV day.
''No study groups, mini-workshops, forums, etc. count toward PoV day even if led by a trainer.
''Exceptions can be made if a trainer teaches a series or a mini-program with curriculum in a closed group where sessions are process led. Mini-programmes count as a maximum of 10 days.
''An evening part of a PoV workshop counts as 0.5 day, eg Friday afternoon/ evening through to Sunday counts as 2.5 days. But, if that evening is open to anyone who does not participate in the complete workshop, it does not count as 0.5 day. 
http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and the German website<ref name="das-100-tage-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-100-tage-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>, although both versions do vary<ref>''One complete Steps-to-Leadership Programme, counting 15 days, 30 days of Apprenticeship, 10 days of which are to be done in Hawaii. The prerequisite for an Apprenticeship is a minimum of 20 PoV days including 20 Joining sessions and/or the recommendation by a PoV trainer.</ref>

All workshops and seminars offered, however, are subject to a fee. Even so-called "info evenings" for the acquisition of more customers and providing an introduction to PoV, as are organised in the German-language areas, require the purchase of an entrance ticket at € 30,<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/info/news/infoabend-ueber-psychologie-der-vision-und-steps-to-leadership-training.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, as do so-called study groups titled "Friends helpings Friends" organised every three weeks.<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=31&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref> While part of these may be taken locally, 10-day seminars done with the Spezzanos, at least one of these in Hawaii, are compulsory. Seminar fees also do not include costs for travel, accomodation and food which come on top of these expenditures.

The system of seminars creates a pyramid in which participants may advance to a higher status within the system which will eventually allow them to direct seminars and generate some income. Prior to this stage, participants will have paid substantial amounts on seminars and courses, as well as on books, DVDs and other material, additional seminars and last not least travel expense.

While many advertisements avoid mentioning seminar fees, there is some information available. In Great Britain, a three-day seminar with one or both of the Spezzanos costs GBP 1,100 (USD 1,763), for another one, the regular price is GBP 800 (USD 1,282). With e.g. an audience of 50 participants, this adds to a receipts of USD 88,150 resp. USD 64,100. Spezzano is further available for private coaching at GBP 1,000 (USD 1,603) per hourly session.<ref>http://www.povevents.com/healing-comes-from-the-heart/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

In comparison, seminars in Germany and Switzerland are not as pricey: a three-day seminar in Switzerland in February 2013 cost CHF 600 (USD 658) per participant.<ref name="bpv.ch" /> During their September 2013 stay in Europe, Spezzano will e.g. do a seminar in Stuttgart at a members' fee of € 365 (USD 493). Another seminar in Hamburg costs € 420 per person (USD 567).

Apprenticeship programmes are priced at $ 3,000 resp. $ 1,550 for 100-Day graduates. As it is limited to 50 participants, receipts for an apprenticeship thus amount to between $ 77,500 and $ 150,000. The Mastery Programme is available for $ 4,000 for 100-Day graduates. The German Steps-to-Leadership programme is sold at € 1,600 (USD 2,162) for the module part only, the three accompanying 3-day seminars have to be paid on top of this sum.

Since some of the compulsory seminars have to be done in Hawaii, and with some taking place with an international audience in India or Thailand, it is obvious that susbstantial amounts of travel expense and accomodation must be added to seminar fees. Further expenses may occur e.g. by participants being asked to intensify Joining lessons before being accepted to a particular programme. Participation in PoV therefore will be quite expensive for the individual, and may result in persons running into debt. Especially when non-affluent persons are being targeted, as is the case in Canada, this may have detrimental effects not only on families but entire communities.

====The 100-Day-Program====
The UK-site claims there are 100-Day graduates "all around the world from Japan to Vancouver, London to Taipei and Geneva to Zambia".<ref>http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/100-days-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> The German section explains the goals of the programme in more detail:
:''"The Psychology of Vision 100-Day-Program provides a profound process of change, during which Chuck and Lency Spezzano or other PoV Seminar Leaders personally engage in the development of every participant. During the entire training, personal growth is given priority. Self-awareness and process-oriented work bring about profound change and basic insights into the dynamics of human consciousness.
:''Another goal of the PoV 100-Day-Program is the teaching of professional tools which enable participants to include the PoV principles into their professional life. Teaching basic methods and concepts of psychology make the focus here.
:''A third goal is to enable 100-Day-Program participants to organise their own seminars. It does not only qualify to perform Psychology of Vision seminars. An important, integral part of the training is the consolidation between individual phases: e.g. attending a study group or participance in a Steps-to-Leadership course."<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />
The 100-Day-Programme has to be completed within five years and courses are to be chosen according to the formula:
:''"15 days of Steps to Leadership + 30 days Apprenticeship + 55 regular PoV days = 100 days within 5 years."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

While the German website first explains it was one goal of the programme to enable participants to organise their own workshops, the ability apparently does not entitle them to sell their own seminars:
:''"Having completed a 100-Day Program is a prerequisite for an eventual entry into the PoV Trainers' programme. It does, however, not entitle to organise and realise Psychology of Vision® seminars. Only Psychology of Vision® trainers are permitted to use the Psychology of Vision® logo and make use of the title of a Psychology of Vision® Trainer.
:''100-Day Graduates will be prefered for assistance (Staff) of Psychology of Vision seminars."''<ref name="das-100-tage-programm" />

It is quite noteworthy that technical details regarding entitlements and seminar credits are explained in more depths than information on contents and methods.

====Mastery Programme====
The British site explains:''"The Mastery Programme is Lency’s dream made manifest."''<ref name="mastery-programme">http://www.psychologyofvision.co.uk/mastery-programme/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> While the British site says, this programme was ''"for graduates of the 100-Day Programme who want to continue to work at a high level, but who do not feel called to be a Trainer and work in the more structured environment offered in the Trainers Training Programme"''<ref name="mastery-programme" />, the German website offers differing advice: ''"On the other hand, participance in the Mastery Programme is one prerequisite for the application to join the PoV Team of Trainers."''<ref name="das-mastery-programm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-mastery-programm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

This programme is said to centre around a 10-day Graduate Mastery Seminar, with the entire programme taking one year. Further assets are monthly teleseminars with Chuck or Lency Spezzano and a free subscription to three e-courses. The British site mentions the 2007 Mastery Programme started with a seminar on Big Island, Hawaii, while the 2008 programme began with a seminar in India; the cost for the year was figured with US$ 3,500; however, further down at the same site, this amount is then said to refer to the initial 10-day seminar from Jan 19-28, 2012.<ref name="mastery-programme" /> The 2014 10-day Mastery seminar will again take place in Hawaii, with 100-Day graduates facing a fee of US$ 4,000.<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/termine/?ee=346 accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

With initial 10-day seminars being organised in Hawaii and India, it is quite apparent that the actual expenditure for participants will be substantially higher, in particular since the entire programme takes one year to finish. Neither the British nor the German site offer more information regarding further courses within this programme, with the exception of the advice that "[i]t may be possible that participants of the Mastery Programme will be asked to improve their Joining abilities before they can begin the year's programme".<ref name="das-mastery-programm" />

====Steps-to-Leadership Programme====

Jeff Allen, the UK/Ireland stewart of Psychology of Vision, takes credit for the creation of this course allegedly "designed specifically to provide a structured and accessible explanation of the basic principles of the transformative Psychology of Vision model".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2">http://visionworksforlife.com/personal-development/steps-to-leadership-2/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

According to the further description provided, the STL Programme seems to be the 100-Day version condensed:
''"Steps to Leadership covers many of the teachings of Psychology of Vision (PoV) and presents them in 3-hour modules. The principles, lessons, and tools of PoV are synthesised, organised, each building on the previous one. Together they offer a way of engaging with the teachings in a practical and incremental way. When you graduate from the programme, you take with you a firm understanding of the workings of the mind, the blocks that are keeping you stuck, and techniques to overcome them."''<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" /> 
The description also employs the Newage concept of "blocks" needing to be overcome.

The course is offered in two versions, online and physical. The Physical Group course consists of 27 modules of three hours each plus three workshops. The Online Group again consists of three levels made up of 10 modules each: 
:''Level I (Modules 1 to 10 – The Conscious Mind)
:''Level II (Modules 11 – 20 The Subconscious Mind) and
:''Level III (Modules 21 – 30 The Unconscious Mind)
:''Level I consists of 10 three-hour modules. Each module is divided into a pre-learning and live online section. Level II is 9 three-hour modules and a 2-day workshop. Level III is 9 three-hour modules and a 3-day workshop.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

Fees for these 27 modules as mentioned on German-language websites are € 1,875, minus a rebate for early bookers € 1,665 and another price for repeaters and couples at € 1,560 per person,<ref>http://www.anne-kathrin.de/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=27&Itemid=36&lang=de accessed 13/09/2013</ref>, or with another trainer at € 1,690, a reduced price of € 1,521 per person for couples, and a special discount of 10% for persons introducing a new participant.<ref>http://www.kurt-sommer.com/trainings/stepstoleadershipplus.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref>

Regarding the benefits of this course for the students, the British site claims students will discover
:''Comprehensive information on the conscious, sub-conscious and unconscious aspects of our minds
:''Full details on the Triangle, Iceberg and other models of the Psychology of Vision
:''Clear explanations, exercises, discussion points, goal-setting, guided visualisations, and videos.
:''Understand the patterns and blocks in your life and learn tools and techniques to overcome them
:''Examine the dynamics of your life in a safe and supportive environment
:''Gain knowledge of and practise in the principles of the Psychology of Vision model
:''Discover your power to step beyond being a victim or a victimiser
:''Learn the meaning of your life and discover your purpose
:''Find practical ways to inspire your friends and family, and be a leader in your community and the world.<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

These explanations remind more of a conditioning of students with a set of behavioural rules and of thinking rather than a course enabling advancement. Participants are supposed to improve their life with a compulsory toolkit provided by the organisation. Additionally, participants apparently are prompted to proselytise among family and friends, and are baited with the prospect of becoming "leaders". Another incentive is given with pointing out the 10-day credit to the 100-Day-Programme participants will earn, plus obtaining as many as three workbooks which "on completion of the course become life-long reference manuals".<ref name="steps-to-leadership-2" />

The German website additionally mentions some of the issues covered during this programme:
:''Introduction to Psychology of Vision - Phases and stages of relationships - The power of our consciousness - Power struggle - Communication and principles - Projection and forgiveness of transformation - The Triangle model - Personal responsibility and solving problems - Doctrine and patterns - Life-task, vision and fulfilment - The Ego and the higher Self - Emotional evolution - Dependencies and overcoming them "Joining" - Relationships and family dynamics "Love, clemency, and miracles".<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/steps-to-leadership/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

PoV's targeting seems to include business companies, as the introduction of one Canadian trainer claims, she ''"knows firsthand the process a company must go through to make the necessary shifts required to be transformational leaders"''.<ref>http://povcanada.com/trainers/joanne-roberts/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> If managers or owners recruited by PoV are prompted to run their enterprise according to PoV rules and techniques, this may negatively effect their business operations, as is known from cases in which companies were reorganised according to Scientology standing orders.

====The Trainer Programme====
This information is supplied at the German website and outlines the prerequisites of an application to this programme:
:''Applicants must have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and have done a Mastery Programme in the previous year. Applications must be announced at least one year prior to handing in the actual application with the director of the Trainer Programme (presently Francine Girard). The announcement should happen until the end of January. Applicants are expected to have taught one course of Steps-to-Leadership on their own with at least four participants until July 1st of the application year. Confirmation of graduation of the Awakening Process by a PoV Trainer. Having read at least three books on Psychology of Vision by either Lency or Chuck Spezzano. Computer access, e-mail, skype, internet, as well as the ability of forthright self-evaluation. Chosing a mentor for the application year.
:''Psychology of Vision Trainers will continue to attend various workshops and will receive support from experienced trainers in the form of supervision.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/das-trainer-training/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

It is apparent that, due to the considerable advance, the procedure causes a long-term commitment of participants.

====Psychology of Vision for Schools====
This is again further information provided in the German-language section of the PoV website and does not get mentioned in the English-language sections. The programme was set up by Sue Allen from the British branch, who is said to be both a PoV Trainer and a teacher, and aims at students and teachers. Since the description points out that the programme is meant to apply to entire classes of students, the main target for recruitment into this programme will apparently be teachers.

Among the aims lined out is:
:''To dissolve conflicts and anger not when they erupt, but, using the right awareness, already in their emergence; Positive emotional intelligence for students; motivating to learn and improving learn processes; communicating emotions forthrightly and without affront; to improve cohesion within grades; Understanding and being understood.
:''VisionWorks programmes supply young people with important abilities for their lives which are useful for themselves, their schools and the entire society.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm">http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/visionworks-%E2%80%93-das-schulprogramm/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 
When speaking of dissolving conflicts and anger as they emerge, the programme seems to aim at suppressing conflict and anger rather than providing or teaching adequate methods to deal with and solve them in acceptable ways, or ways to cope with frustration. This eventually will not lead to an improved feeling of cohesion, but to such issues being suppressed and covered up in an atmosphere of reinforced superficial and pretended smiles.

Two sets of benefits are mentioned, one for students, the other for teachers:
:''For students:
:''It helps students to make more positive decisions regarding their behaviour. The establishment of an independent learning behaviour, an increased emotional maturity. It helps students to feel more assured and included at school.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

These benefits listed remind of an instant solution, a shortcut which allegedly realises in the time of one workshop what takes years of maturing in real life. It also indicates a rather mechanistic view of human nature, presuming that, with the appropriate input of methods and techniques, the same results will be reproduceable with every person.

:''VisionWorks for Teachers:
:''Optimising of homeroom classes with simple moduls immediately useable. Improving of behaviour and tolerance in students. Establishing a common language in order to handle conflicts and differing views.''<ref name="das-schulprogramm" />

While this may sound appealing to stressed teachers at first sight, this goes beyond a mechanistic view of human nature as expressed once more in the initial two sentences. The language used bears one striking resemblance to Scientology's redefinitions when differing views are to be "handled". Furthermore, establishing a common language may well mean the implementation of cult-like terms, creating a closed group communicating in a language not understood by outsiders due to the redefinition of words. On the other hand, teaching curricula make it quite evident that differing views are nothing to be handled, but to be encouraged as one result of democratic pluralism. It is also not possible to "handle" conflicts simply by introducing a common language. Students exposed to such procedures will not learn to cope with pluralism, or learn to seek solutions in case of conflicting interests. The course therefore may be quite detrimental to providing students with adequate knowledge and social abilities for their future lives in a democratic society.

====Joining====
This is usually presented as a fairly recent addition to the PoV system, and of course as a „groundbreaking“ method developed by Lency Spezzano. Joining is also described as a healing method. It is sometimes said it was based on an ancient healing method without mentioning its origins explicitely.<ref name="einfach-ja">http://www.einfach-ja.de/ausgaben/1004/zeitschrift_einfachJA_april-mai2010.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Apparently the method is to establish an eye-contact with a particular person but instead of concentrating on the other person, participants are expected to put the focus on their own feelings and thus „burn“ negative, blocking feelings which are eventually to be healed with the power of love and transformed into positive, inspiring feelings.<ref name="einfach-ja" />

On the other hand, Joining is described as utilising the „feminine, direct access to divine love, resulting in the release of emotional pain from the body/mind and the experience of miracles of forgiveness and grace.“<ref name="povevents" /> These varying descriptions apparently intend to make the method appealing to varying groups of persons.

===Psychology of Vision Trainers===
The trainers available in the various branches are listed in the respective sections of the PoV site, with Chuck and Lency Spezzano usually being listed at the top. The German-language section additionally lists two trainers from Great Britain, one of the a so-called Master Trainer, before introducing German-language trainers who are all Level-1-trainers. The US section names but one person who is the director of the PoV International Programme at the same time.

Trainers do not always mention their previous professional experience, but of those who do, none held a job as a psychologist or claims to have studied psychology. So apart from their exposure to Psychology of Vision (with for some trainers is said to be more than 20 years, in one case since the 1980ies), none of the trainers is a trained psychologist.

In fact, trainers come from various professional backgrounds, like nurse (1), horse trainer (1), alternative practicioner (2), social pedagogue (1), kindergarten nurse (1), trainer at a drama school (1), real estate agent (1), manager (1), executive director of an alternative health institution (1), in a non-specified healing profession (1), anthropologist (1), housewife (2).

Some apply further Newage methods, like Hawaiian bodywork, [[kinesiology]], or waterbalancing. Others claim to have participated in self-awareness and healing seminars, were into indigenous spirituality and have e.g. participated in Sun Dances, or were a student of A Course in Miracles.

From the ranks mentioned, there is a hierarchical system of trainers with Level 1 and Level 2 trainers and Master Trainers. The site does not provide information regarding how to advance in this system nor does it mention any costs connected with this.

==PoV and its International Branches==

According to the PoV International website, there are seven branches listed: Asia (in Chinese language), Canada, Hawaii (this opens the website of Chuck and Lency Spezzano), Japan (in Japanese), Mainland Europe (so far restricted to German-speaking countries Germany, Switzerland, Austria), UK and Ireland, and USA. Individual trainers also have their own websites promoting the sale of PoV-connected courses and, if applicable, courses and seminars in further Newage methods they may apply.

==PoV Activities and Mode of Operation in Canada==

The Canadian branch merits a closer look, as there are noteworthy differences as compared to the other branches. One is its focus on Steps-to-Leadership Programmes and, therefore, a business clientele. The other is its targeting of First Nations. So far, there are activities at several reserves in Canada effecting the nations of Secwepemc (Shuswap), Haida, St'át'imc (Lillooet), Kwagiulth, Nisga'a, Gitxsan, and the Iskut Band (Tahltan).

The mode of operation as far as can be established first seems to seek to recruit First Nations individuals to take courses, preferably persons holding positions within tribal governments and administrations. These converts are then expected to proselytise among families, friends, and nations. Presently (September 2013), there are course facilitators and trainers from at least the Haida nation, the Tsimshian, and the Nuxalk (Bella Coola).

One incentive to look for clientele within these usually non-affluent communities may have been the fact that the Canadian government launched funds for the treatment of survivors of residential schools. Residential schools were run by the Canadian government and various denominations for First Nations students from 1876, with the last one being closed in 1996. In some parts of Canada, residential schools were the only option for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children, and about 150,000 children passed through the residential school system.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Education in these schools meant a, sometimes forceful, removal of students from their families. The use of ancestral languages was forbidden. Many children were exposed to physical, mental, and sexual abuse, and some children were also subjected to compulsory sterilisation. The schools also had a high mortality rate due to abuse, suicide, and disease. In 1998, the Canadian government established the Aboriginal Healing Foundation (AHF), provided with CAD 350 million and receiving another CAD 40 million in 2005, to fund community-based healing projects.<ref name="Canadian_Indian_residential_school_system" /> AHF has meanwhile ceased funding operations.

===Unsubstantiated Claims and Double Standards===
The PoV website propagates its methods and goals for First Nations communities: 
:''About 10 years ago Chuck & Lency were inspired to work more closely with First Nations people. The POV Healing Model has been graciously welcomed in many First Nation communities, as it aligns with many First Nations belief systems. Psychology of Vision is dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples on the planet.''<ref name="first-nations">http://povcanada.com/first-nations/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref> 

The claim of PoV aligning with many First Nations belief systems does not get substantiated in any way and remains a mere assertion. This is also true for the final sentence in this paragraph, contending that PoV was dedicated to awakening the giftedness of indigenous peoples, which expresses a racist view in assuming that indigenous peoples have to be "awakened" to make use of their gifts.

The PoV site further explains that a ''"First Nations Fund was created to support the healing of First Nations so they can teach & inspire their own communities. Financial contributions have been generously donated from each country where Psychology of Vision is taught around the world. Since its inception the First Nations Fund has successfully graduated 19 First Nations people from the 100 day program, and 9 of these graduates have become FN Trainers around BC.''<ref name="first-nations" /> It is also noteworthy that the site does not mention which nations these graduates and trainers belong to.

Reading the text carefully, it becomes apparent that this fund only applies to cost of accomodation and food, not to course fees:

:''Applications for the First Nations to subsidize accommodation expenses are on an “as-needs basis” for the upcoming June 2012 Apprenticeship. The funding application deadline is April 30, 2012, applications made after this date may not be considered.''<ref name="first-nations" />

Interestingly, the German-language section of the PoV website contains different information regarding the admission of First Nations participants and the fund:
:''The First Nations Fund came into being as a supply to cope with the numerous problems within the various tribes. Up to now, 25 First Nations have graduated from the 100-Day-Programme and presently, there are 5 First Nations PoV Trainers in Canada introducing their knowledge in various regions and reservations.
:''Generous financial contributions have been made to the fund from all parts of the earth where PoV is being taught.They ensure First Nations to participate in seminars and offer support for travel expense and accomodation during the trainings.''<ref>http://www.pov-int.eu/uber-uns/fonds/first-nations-fond/ accessed 12/09/2013</ref>
This wording rather insinuates a funding of course fees as well, although it does not exactly advertise this, and may easily mislead readers. The differences in figures mentioned for graduates and trainers in the English and German versions are also interesting and do not get explained by PoV. The Canadian site informs readers of seminar descriptions to inquire about special First Nations tuiton prices, with further reductions for couples, seniors, and students available.<ref>http://www.visionaryleaderscanada.com/ accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

===Front organisations and multiple targeting===

In at least one case, PoV made use of a front organisation applying for public and private funding via a [[Ngystle Society]]. The society's website neither mentions a non-profit status nor does it provide information on its managing board.<ref>http://ngystlesociety.com accessed 12/09/2013</ref> However, Ngystle Society received as much as CAD 475,300 from the Aboriginal Health Foundation to provide counseling to the Haida nation, the funding having ended in March 2010.<ref>http://www.ahf.ca/funded-projects/british-columbia/ngystle-society accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Ngystle Society received some further CAD 270,000 between 2004 and 2009 from the Gwaii Trust.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/project_archive/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The Gwaii Trust, however, has stopped its funding of "Healthy Humans" projects and revised its policy so that core funding and applications for repetitive grants are no longer possible.<ref>http://www.gwaiitrust.com/programs/index.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Since then, Ngystle Society continues to promote PoV seminars as well as further Newage products and treatments, in particular an [[Amethyst Bio-Mat]] and a device named [[Trinfinity8]] for a variety of uses ranging from rejuvenation to pain relief and as a treatment of diseases. Ngystle Society also cooperates with so-called shaman Erick Gonzalez, a Guatemaltekan living in the USA who claims to be Maya, but goes with a name taken from the Aztec Nahuatl language.<ref>http://www.mayanshamanism.com/about.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref> Already in September 2012, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police issued a warning on Gonzalez for the suspected use of drugs like Peyote, Ayahuasca, and Mescaline during alleged religious ceremonies.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 15/09/2013</ref>

Another organisation used by PoV seems to be "Kelmuc Circle of Friendship Society" which at least in one case was named as the organisation accepting checks in payment of a PoV seminar taking place at the reserve of the Adams Lake Band.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly">http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Nov_8_12_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

Another way in which First Nations are being targeted are additional attempts to sell charlatan products and healing methods not evidence-based. One example for this is the Adams Lake Band (Secwepemc) in British Columbia, where PoV is selling their courses. The band's Newsletter for September 2013 announces a "Steps to Leadership" programme beginning September 19, 2013 with registration fees amounting to CAD 2,000 per person. The advertisement points out that fees have to be paid in advance.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/?q=node/128 accessed 15/09/2013</ref> The band's newsletters for November 8, 2012 advertised a "The Path of the Spirit" workshop for the weekend of November 17-18 at CAD 150.<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" /> The same newsletter displays further advertisements, e.g. for "Transformational & Esoteric Acupuncture" by a Nuage vendor who also does PoV. He seems to be cooperating with the tribal Wellness Deptmt. as the advertisement says they were taking instalment payments. Acupuncture is mainly effective in the way of a placebo and, depending on the hygiene observed by practicioners, may even present dangers to the health of clients. Another person advertises as a Reiki practioner. This is in sharp contrast to courses offered by the tribal government which make evident that membership of the band is far from affluent; one of the courses with one-on-one counseling is titled "Just Got Paid and Don't Have Any Money Left".<ref name="Nov_8_12_News_Weekly" />

The band's newsletter dated May 2, 2013 announced one PoV two-day workshop titled "Receiving Gifts & Guidance from Spirit"<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/May_2_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref> and another PoV two-day workshop "Living your Purpose" advertised in March 2013.<ref>http://www.adamslakeband.org/sites/default/files/Mar_14_13_News_Weekly.pdf accessed 12/09/2013</ref>

The St'át'imc have been targeted at least from 2010<ref>http://www.mediacoop.ca/sites/mediacoop.ca/files2/mc/january_10_statimc_runner.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> up to 2012<ref>http://www.tskwaylaxw.com/docs/tfnnewsletter2012nov.pdf accessed 15/09/2013</ref> and workshops were organised in at least one community. For one of these seminars, persons named to contact for more information on seminars were from the tribal council and had respective e-mail addresses.

==References==
<references/>

Michael Harner

2013-08-21T21:29:27Z

EsoTypo: tpo, fmt, srt

[[image:Harner(1).jpg|thumb|Michael Harner]]
'''Michael Harner''' (born April 27, 1929, Washington D.C.) is one of the longest established contemporary authors and entrepreneurs in the esoteric market with his Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS) and his invention of Core Shamanism.

==Biography==
According to biographical information published on the FSS website, Harner received a Ph.D in anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley and has taught at various institutions.<ref name="harnerbio">http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/harnerbio.html accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref> Harner did field work in South America where he became interested in „shamans“, and claims to have had experience with entheogens like Ayahuasca.<ref name="harnerbio" /> In 1979, Harner founded the Center for Shamanic Studies in Norwalk, Connecticut<ref name="HarnerWP">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Harner accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref> which was renamed Foundation for Shamanic Studies in 1987. Harner also gave up his academic career in 1987 and since then has been president of the Foundation.<ref name="Stuckrad">Stuckrad, Kocku von: Schamanismus und Esoterik. Kultur- und Wissenschaftsgeschichtliche Betrachtungen. Leuven 2003, p. 159</ref> The FSS site claims Harner is an „authentic white shaman“.<ref name="harnerbio" />

Besides the genuine academic title obtained at Berkeley, Harner also claims honorary titles, such as the "Pioneers in Integrative Medicine Award" in 2009 from a „California Pacific Medical Center's Institute for Health & Healing“ and a 2003 honorary doctorate by an instituion unnamed on the FSS site<ref name="harnerbio" /> which seems to have been awarded by one California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS).<ref name="HarnerWP" /> CIIS also offers chargeable FSS-courses at its premises, so e.g. the Basics and one Advanced Course in 2013.<ref>http://www.ciis.edu/News_and_Events/Event_Calendar/Harner_Mokelke_SU13_June_Basic.html accessed March 15, 2013</ref>

==Core Shamanism==
Harner came into contact with indigenous healing practices and hallucinogenic drugs during field work in South America. He not only claims to have started practicing shamanism as early as 1960-61 during a sojourn with the Shuar in Ecuador, but alleges he was recognized as a shaman by alleged shamans of various ethnic groups, like the Conibo, Shuar, Coast Salish, Pomo, Northern Paiute, Inland Inuit, Sami, and Tuvans.<ref name="harnerbio" /> Given the fact that indigenous spiritual persons and healers usually have to undergo a training which may well take two or more decades, this renders Harner's claim quite improbable and well exceeding one lifetime. Taking into consideration that such spiritual persons are also required to be fluent in the language and well-versed in the culture of their respective ethnic group, it is highly questionable that Harner will meet the requirements. However, his claim is well in line with the ways New Agers present themselves to their paying clientele.

The Core Shamanism Harner claims to have discovered and developed insists that shamanic practices and religions were once used in European cultures, too, until shamanic knowledge was ousted „by the suppressive pre-eminence of religions“<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Schamanismus accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref> Core Shamanism asserts there were ''„[...] underlying universal, near-universal, and common features of shamanism [...]“'' which it claims to teach particularly to ''„[...] Westerners to reacquire access to their rightful spiritual heritage [...]“''.<ref name="shamanism.org">http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/index.html accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref>

Although Harner's site today claims that ''„core shamanism does not focus on ceremonies [...]“''<ref name="shamanism.org" />, there are accounts of FSS and former FSS students selling indigenous ceremonies as e.g. sweatlodges.<ref>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shamandebunk/message/337 accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>. In fact, according to the announcement of the so-called Basic Workshops „Way of the Shaman“ for 2013 on the FSS website, participants are still expected to ''„[...] bring a rattle or a drum if you have one. [...] and bring a bandanna, cushion and/or blanket (if the sponsor does not provide cushions), a rough-surfaced rock approximately the size of a grapefruit [...]“''<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/workshops/calendar.php?Wkshp_ID=10 accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref>, indicating that the seminar includes a sweatlodge. However, this brief information to bring a „rough-surfaced rock“ leaves much room for participants bringing a stone not appropriate for high temperatures and a subsequent cooling by water; this may cause some types of rock to explode, with rock splinters taking on the speed and impact of missiles. Therefore, participation in such a lodge can be very dangerous.

==Foundation for Shamanic Studies==
Founded in 1979 as Center of Shamanic Studies, the institution was renamed and reorganised as a foundation in 1987. The foundation resides in Mill Valley, California and is recognised as a non-profit organisation.<ref name="fsswork">http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/fsswork.html accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>

According to its own words, FSS is „dedicated to teaching, preserving, and studying shamanic knowledge“ and has „initiated a wide range of projects and programs“.<ref name="fsswork" /> One main field of the FSS activities is offering a variety of workshops and training programmes on basic and advanced levels. Both the US and the European website additionally maintain an online shop which not only sells Harner's books, CDs etc., but also a variety of articles said to be essential to practice shamanism. An FSS article written in 2005 claims FSS at that time was teaching about 203 courses per year and had approximately 5,000 students annually.<ref name="article18page3">http://www.shamanism.org/articles/article18page3.html accessed Dec. 6, 2012</ref>

[[image:Uccusic.jpg|thumb|Paul Uccusic]]
FSS maintains a branch in Europe situated in Vienna with Paul Uccusic as its director.<ref name="fsswork" /> According to biographical information provided on the FSS Europe website, Uccusic studied chemistry, physics, and mathmatics in Vienna and became a journalist; in 1971 he came into contact with parapsychology and spiritual healing, met Harner in 1981 and absolved courses with FSS.<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/Key?key=UGF1bF9VY2N1c2lj accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>

All FSS branches sell courses based on Harner's works, so e.g. on shamanic journeying, shamanic extraction, shamanic divination, shamanic dreamwork, shamanic training in creativity, core soul retrieval etc. While most courses last three days, FSS USA also offers one two-week „Shamanic Healing IntensiveTM“ and one „Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing“.<ref name="workshops">http://www.shamanism.org/workshops/index.php accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref> The obtrusive advertising tone at the FSS US website is rather noteworthy; most courses are advertised as „Michael Harner's shamanic [...]“. Similar to esoteric practice, FSS publishes positive customers' testimonials<ref name="workshops" />, and the 3-year-programme is said to be „widely considered as unparalleled in the world“, without mentioning by whom.<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/workshops/calendar.php?Wkshp_ID=22 accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>

===FSS in Germany===
[[image:Kontakt.jpg|thumb|Olaf Bernhardt]]
A further German website offers courses according to FSS. The site is maintained by one Olaf Bernhardt who is mentioned as an FSS Europe staff member on various sites. However, Bernhardt presently is not listed as a staff member (February 2013). He is still mentioned in the list of „Core Shamanic Drum Circles“<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.com/resources/drumcircle.html accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>, as a retailer of one of the FSS books, ''Shamans' stories from Tuva''<ref>http://www.fss.at/Page/ID/175 accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>, and as a retailer for a kit to make one's own shamanic drum.<ref>http://www.fss.at/Page/ID/185 accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>

Biographical information given at Bernhardt's site does not mention any academic education or career for Bernhardt, but claims he has been on the „path of the shaman“ since 1990.<ref>http://www.schamanismus.org/kontakt.htm , http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/Key?key=T2xhZl9CZXJuaGFyZHQ%3D accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref>

Bernhardt furthermore will publish a book in March 2013 with the esoteric publishing house Arun-Verlag owned by Stefan Ulbrich, a former member of extremist right ''Wiking Jugend'' banned by authorities in the 1990ies, and a former editor for new-right newspaper ''Junge Freiheit''; Ulbrich is also a seller of indigenous ceremonies like sweatlodges and vision quests. Arun describes Bernhardt as an associate lecturer of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies“<ref name="arun-verlag">http://www.arun-verlag.de/index.php/autor.html?aid=113 accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>, and as a ''[...] traditional healer. Various study trips to places of power in Iceland, Sweden, Norway, and Germany. Intensive seminar activities both domestically and abroad''.<ref name="arun-verlag" />

===FSS staff===
FSS staff is called „faculty“ and FSS seems to make a special point of hiring persons with academic degrees and titles. The North American FSS presently (2013) lists 27 persons, while the European FSS institute names 25 teachers, among them German, Austrian, Swiss, British, Czech, French, and Portuguese persons.<ref name="directory">http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/directory.html accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref> Similarly, the FSS newsletter, formerly named rather unpretentiously, has been renamed „journal“ which implies the notion of a regular academic, peer reviewed publication.<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/articles/article18.html accessed Dec. 6, 2012</ref>

Of the 27 staff members listed for FSS in the USA, only six do not have any academic grades resp titles, one has a Bachelor, ten have a Master's, and seven hold a doctorate/Ph.D., while one is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor and Registered Nurse.<ref name="directory" />

There are 25 teachers of FSS in Vienna, only three of whom do not have any academic grades. Four staff members are engineers with a diploma, one has a Master's degree (Magister), one is a pilot, six staff members hold a doctorate. On the other hand, as many as eleven staff members are described as running their own office as alternative healers, some of these do hold university degrees in non-medical fields, but at least one of them runs an alternative practice with a doctorate as a dentist.<ref>http://www.fss.at/Foundation accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>

====Claims of Indigenous Descent====
[[image:Photo-retouchée-sans-bordure2.jpg|thumb|Louise Gauthier]]
The FSS staff, regular and so-called guest faculty, listed on both the US and European site are all Euro-American. None of these persons are indigenous; only one of the teachers, Louise Gauthier, claims links to indigenous cultures mentioning she ''„was introduced to Native spirituality and traditions by a friend of the family, who had been adopted by the Mohawks from the Kanesatake reservation. More recently, in the 1990s, she followed the Maniwaki spiritual leader of all North American Natives, Grandfather William Commanda, as well as the teachings from pipe carriers and grandmothers from the Algonquin, Atikamek and Mi’kmaq traditions. In 2008, she discovered an Algonquin Weskarini ancestor and can now call herself Algonquin metis.“''<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/Gauthierbio.html accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>

First of all, the description given of the role of William Commanda is not based on facts but is a gross misrepresentation.

It has to be pointed out that one indigenous ancestor (way in the past, since this nation was scattered and largely displaced ''"in the latter half of the 17th century"''<ref name="TheAlgonkinTribe">http://www.thealgonquinway.ca/publications/TheAlgonkinTribe_4_00.pdf accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>) of course does not create any basis to call oneself „Métis“. While the term Métis is used in Canada, Métis are descendants of French/English and Cree/Ojibway ancestry with their own culture and language who are recognised as a First Nation by the Canadian government. However, a person with only one distant ancestor will not qualify as a Métis; furthermore, the name 'Weskarini' is historic and there is no present-day ethnic entity going by this name.<ref name="TheAlgonkinTribe" />

The biographical information on her own website seem to have been brushed up, since Gauthier not only claims to be "Métis Algonquine", but to have been initiated into "the" indigenous spirituality since her early childhood, to have worked with several "pipe carriers" of Algonkin nations as well as of Innu and Mohawk nations who all allegedly initiated Gauthier to different ceremonies like Sweat Lodges, Marriages, and Ceremonies of Passing.<ref name="loumitea">http://www.lamessageredevie.com/loumitea.html accessed March 15, 2013</ref> Gauthier not only does workshops in Canada/USA, but also in France. Her activities outside of FSS seem to be done under the aliases of "Loumitea" and "Grand-Mère Louise".<ref>http://www.chamanisme.fr/LE-CERCLE-DE-SAGESSE-CHAMANIQUE.html accessed March 15, 2013</ref>

However, Gauthier is not only selling indigenous ceremonies and workshops, she also practices further pseudoscientific CAM methods, among them "Total Biology" and "Décodage Biologique".<ref name="loumitea" /> "Total Biology" has its origins in [[Germanic New Medicine]] which contends that tumours were due to psychological conflicts and to be healed by a "conflictolysis"; it further rejects evidence-based medical therapies, pain management etc.

Another person who is not listed as FSS staff presently but taught FSS courses in the past is Carol Proudfoot Edgar who claims to be Lakota<ref name="Stuckrad" />; however, mentioning just an indigenous nation without any further specifications usually indicates a person of distant (if any) indigenous ancestry and/or a Newager trying to further sales of their workshops by claiming to be indigenous.

===FSS courses and titles===
Both FSS in the USA and in Vienna offer the so-called Basic Course and another set of courses on an advanced level. The US site further offers a five-day seminar, one two-week seminar, and a three-year programme <ref name="wkshp10">http://www.shamanicstudies.com/workshops/calendar.php?Wkshp_ID=10 accessed Feb. 3, 2013</ref>

For North America, 79 Basic Courses are being advertised for 2013, seven for Australia, eight for Latin America (Argentina and Chile), and four for Asia (Indonesia, Taiwan, Japan).<ref name="wkshp10" /> Additionally, there is one two-week „Shamanic Healing Intensive“ and the three-year-programme of „Advanced Initiations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing“.<ref name="certificates">http://www.shamanism.org/workshops/certificates.html accessed Feb. 3, 2013</ref>

FSS in Vienna announces 77 Basic and 80 Advanced seminars. The basic courses take place in 12 countries: Germany (27), Austria (13), Switzerland (10), Italy (9), France (3), Portugal (1), Poland (2), Great Britain (2), Czechia (3), Slowakia (1), Slovenia (2), and Croatia (2). The advanced courses will take place in 13 countries: Germany (15), Austria (17), Switzerland (13), Italy (11), France (4), Poland (2), Great Britain (8), Czechia (2), Slovakia (1), Slovenia (1), Croatia (2), Netherlands  (1), Spain (2).<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/ID/110 accessed Nov.28, 2012</ref>

The advanced courses offer extraction healing training, trainings in shamanic creativity, core soul retrieval and divination, and courses in „Shamanism, Dying, and Beyond“, „Shamanism and the Spirits of Nature“, „Shamanic Dreamwork“, and a „Shamanism Practicum“. On the US site, several of these courses have been registered as a Trade Mark.<ref name="wkshp10" />

FSS Europe offers two additional advanced courses which are not part of the range of seminars on the US site: „The Power of Mountains“ which aims at finding „places of power“: ''“The Alps offer a multitude of possibilities for shamanic work with their rocks, waterfalls, glaciers, plants, and animals. Shamanic experience will be brushed up and new techniques will be tried. Furthermore, competences with mountains will be demonstrated, we will learn how to move appropriately in heights of about 2,000 metres [...] and to apply shamanic methodology on this fascinating and challenging environment“''.<ref>http://www.fss.at/Page/ID/34 accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> The other one is a course titled „Vision Dance“ which is uncorrectly said to correspond with the English term „ghost dance“. The description of this course claims: ''“Visions are power, joy, and health giving realities which may give inspiration and direction to individual life as well as to communal life.“''<ref>http://www.fss.at/Page/Key?key=VmlzaW9uc3Rhbno%3D accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> However, in indigenous spirituality, vision quests are not to be confused with the comparatively short phenomenon of the Ghost Dance which also only spread to a part of the indigenous nations in the USA, and to suggest these were or are one and the same may not even be characterized as neglectful. The US site has no comparable course listed for „Ghost Dance“, while FSS Europe lists five seminars planned for 2013.

[[File:Mokelke Susan head Featuer.jpg|thumb|Susan Mokelke]]
Neither the US nor the European site mention any fees charged for these seminars. As FSS is a non-profit organisation, the seminars are technically organised by the staff members who are also to be contacted regarding fees: ''“To register, obtain information, get fees and/or locations for any of the listed workshops, please contact the person or organization listed below as "contact person". The Foundation does not register participants for any of its courses and will refer you to the listed contact for any information beyond that provided here.“''.<ref name="wkshp10" /> Accordingly, only six seminars announced on the Vienna site are said to be organised by FSS, five of them with Paul Uccusic as a teacher, and one done by Susan Mokelke, who is the executive director of FSS <ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/Key?key=U3VzYW4gTW9rZWxrZQ%3D%3D accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>

FSS also offers a system of certificates for participants of the seminars which is only published at the US-site:
*Harner Shamanic Counseling (prerequisite: five-day Shamanic Counseling)
*White certificate (prerequisite: two-week Shamanic Healing Intensive)
*Bronze certificate (prerequisite: three-year programme)
*Silver certificate (prerequisite: two-week seminar and three-year programme)
*Gold certificate (prerequisite: all standard advanced seminars plus five-day seminar on counseling, two-week healing intensive, and three-year programme).<ref name="certificates" />

Surprisingly, the Vienna site only mentions one „Harner Shamanic Counselors®“ and one „Shamanic Practitioner“; the Shamanic Counselor is described as ''“graduated shamanic counselors who completed a respective training with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies“''.<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/ID/192 accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>

==Reception and Criticism==
Since Harner left academia in 1987 to pursue the sales of his books and courses through his foundation, his work has no academic standing and is not recognised by anthropologists. In fact, Harner's claim to have synthesized a universal core of similar beliefs and practices in shamanic traditions worldwide has been criticised for separating these aspects from their cultural framework. Critics have described this as cultural appropriation and also as misrepresentation of indigenous cultures. Harner, same as Carlos Castaneda, is held responsible for having established the basis for a massive exploitation of indigenous cultures, and has been bestowed with the denotations of „shamanovelist“ and „shamanthropologist“.<ref name="noel">http://www.cddc.vt.edu/host/weishaus/Interv/noel.htm accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> Harner provided ''“[...] a Western imaginative construction [...]“'' offering ''“[...] spiritual practices that [...] are simulated, with the danger of neo-colonialist misappropriation of indigenous cultural property and delusions of "direct access" to such indigenous wisdom.“''<ref name="noel" />

One main point of criticism voiced by indigenous Americans is that core shamanism assumes ''„one could easily learn methods that take decades to master among tribal traditionalists in a short time. Even [Harner's] "advanced" seminars only last three days and he is clearly engaged in a highly profitable enterprise as much as an attempt to form a new spirituality, exactly the same as the New Age.“''<ref name="pandora">http://web.archive.org/web/20050304080416/http://users.pandora.be/gohiyuhi/articles/art00069.htm accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref> Another is they ''„homogenize tribal traditions worldwide and deny their diversity and important differences by lumping several thousand belief systems together. Harner pretends one can master elements that are supposedly common or universal ("core" shamanism in his lingo) to all. The supposed commonalities of "shamanism" are largely superficial or even self-delusion. For example, many would-be "shamans" falsely claim the sweat lodges used by some American Indian groups are allegedly a "core universal shamanic" practice. [...] Not even all American Indian groups use the sweat lodge.“''<ref name="pandora" />

Other often voiced criticisms point out ''“... neoshamans such as Michael Harner as examples of the next wave of popularization of Indian spirituality, from 1960 to 1980. These New Age entrepreneurs established a workshop industry mainly attended by middle- and upper-class whites seeking the Indian experience.“''<ref name="dreamcatchers">http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_bookreviews/bkrev_shamans_dreamcatchers.asp accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref> The imminent racism of this practice is criticised since ''„the neo-shaman is one that feels justified in appropriating techniques of shamanism and marketing them for personal benefit. Furthermore, the neo-shaman mixes or “syncretes” occult notions from various religions and spiritual philosophies as if shamanism shares a common perennial basis with all religious ideas“'' and ''“Harner homogenizes what he sees as primitive mysticism and tribal ritual into one word — shamanism. He claims to have distilled the essence of that shamanism, and then he recycles it for eager customers who want a piece of authentic “Indian” experience.“<ref name="dreamcatchers" />

Harner and FSS also attribute the sweatlodge to pre-historic European cultures, as is claimed on the site of the FSS Vienna branch: ''Shamanic traditions are already to be found in Neolithic (verified in Europe approximately from 32,000 before Christ – the Cave of Chauvet [...]''.<ref>
Schamanische Techniken finden sich bereits in der Jungsteinzeit (in Europa etwa bis 32.000 v. Chr. nachgewiesen - Höhle von Chauvet […] http://www.shamanicstudies.net/Page/ID/110 accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref> The term used in the original version [„Jungsteinzeit“] means „Neolithic“, and therefore the claim is blatantly incorrect: the era of 32,000 years before our time is not Neolithic which, in Central Europe, only began between 5500 – 2200 before our time; even its earliest beginnings in the Middle East do not predate 11,500.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Paleolithic,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic, accessed Dec 5, 2012</ref> The era about 32,000 belongs to the Upper Paleolithic.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Paleolithic accessed Dec 5, 2012</ref> However, the religions developed by those populations are unknown and any statements about these religions remain in the realm of wild guesses and therefore are to be seen as historical misrepresentation even if the text gave that era its correct name of Upper Paleolithic. Furthermore, the Chauvet Cave mentioned accordingly does not provide any proof of Paleolithic religions, but is a site of several hundred Paleolithic paintings dating back to between 30,000 and 35,000 years ago.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chauvet_Cave accessed Dec 5, 2012</ref> The unfounded claim of dating alleged European shamanic traditions and ceremonies back to a time of 32,000 before our time on the other hand also implies a European claim to their origins, as compared to indigenous peoples.

The text also recommends an article written by one Ute Moos who is the author of a book titled ''Spiritual Healing. The Other Path to Health“ which comes with a foreword written by Michael Harner.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/Spirituelles-Heilen-Der-andere-Gesundheit/dp/3800037378 accessed Dec 5, 2012</ref>

Harner claims one of the result of his research of core shamanism is that the use of entheogens was not necessary to gain access to a different reality, and says this was already possible by drumming. This implies, however, that indigenous shamans are less knowledgeable since, in some traditions, they use entheogens; therefore, this contributes to a notion of superiority among a Western clientele. In the same way, indigenous shamans, medicine persons etc. usually undergo an apprenticeship lasting twenty or more years – core and neo-shamanism claim to achieve the same in weekend seminars.

Another point of criticism is that FSS merchandises shamanism and therefore commercialises it. This spiritual colonialism also denigrates indigenous cultures and persons, since these courses offer Western clientele a shortcut to what takes several decades in the original contexts. While in these contexts, only few individuals are seen as having shamanic aptitudes, the Western clientele is told that everyone can become a shaman<ref>http://www.logo.at/barrierefrei/index_bfrei.php accessed Nov. 28, 2012</ref>, or as FSS asserts its clientele, even a trainer of shamans. Such attitudes are deeply rooted in a notion of white superiority and therefore are racist in core.

A racist attitude is also the basis of the FSS goal to aid indigenous peoples to preserve their traditions, and the statement that FSS will give indigenous persons a possibility „to establish a renewed contact with their own traditions via the Harner Method“<ref name="Stuckrad" /> documents that FSS claims a power of definition what a real Indian is, how real Indians should act and behave, and that only successfully passed FSS courses will make them real Indians again, as opposed to learning the ways of their ethnic groups from their elders. However, the success of FSS may be doubted: ''“In a private communication, Paul Uccusic wrote in reply of a respective question (July 2000), FSS had repeatedly accepted enrolled Indians to participate in courses without payment (particularly in the Basic Seminar) and that this right was still in effect to this day. The idea was to teach these people only the techniques of shamanic journeys, so that they afterwards were able to find a contact to their buried roots on their own with the help of their power animals and spirit teachers. Uccusic commented very negatively on the „personal structure of many Indians“ and their „difficulties in adapting“, which made success of this measure doubtful, so Harner was thinking about changing this practice. [...] Uccusic's condescending ways towards Natives were also criticised by some participants of the shamanism congress „Wanderers between Worlds“ (in the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in 2000) [...]“''<ref name="Stuckrad" />

[[image:317.jpg|thumb|Jeffrey David Ehrenreich]]
Currently, the FSS website only offers reduced fees for indigenous participants which will amount to 50% of the original fee charged<ref name="article18page3" />, and apart from the letter quoted above, there are no further reports about FSS courses being available without payment for indigenous persons. On the other hand, there is an account by a person of Buryat ethnicity describing that a Buryat shamanic centre contacted FSS in 1997, with FSS simply sending them application forms for membership and a schedule of their courses in reply<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=236 accessed Nov 28, 2012</ref>. FSS also offers no proof for their claim that „[...] representatives of 54 tribes have taken advantage of this offer.“<ref name="article18page3" />

It is also noteworthy that the FSS staff does not have any indigenous teachers from English speaking countries (except for the two persons of dubious distant ancestry mentioned above), and despite its preference for teachers with an academic education, persons with a course of studies in anthropology are an absolute minority. Furthermore, FSS claims to have assisted several ethnic groups in South and North America, and this list bears an apparent likeness to the list of ethnic groups with whom Harner worked while still employed at university institutes. One of these claims asserts FSS had assisted the Paiute in reconstructing the Ghost Dance.<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/articles/article18page4.html accessed Nov 29, 2012</ref> This seems highly unlikely, as the Ghost Dance religion in particular has seen academic research by anthropologists for more than one century, with publications dating back to 1896 (James Mooney), 1927 (Leslie Spier), and 1930 (A.H. Gayton).

[[image:Sharner2.jpg|thumb|Sandra Harner]]
Although Harner's publications since he left academia are largely not recognized by anthropologists, a 2009 meeting of the American Association of Anthropologists ran a series of lectures and discussions titled „Papers in Honor of Michael Harner Part I and II" which were being organized by Jeffrey David Ehrenreich. Ehrenreich, an anthropologist, also invited several persons connected to FSS to give lectures, one of them Sandra Harner, Michael Harner's wife, Vice President of FSS and also a member of its Board of Trustees<ref>http://www.shamanicstudies.com/fssinfo/index.html accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>, as well as Marjorie Mandelstam Balzer, Frank Lipp, and Edith Turner who are all listed as FSS Field Associates on the FSS site.<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/fieldassociates.html accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> According to the information provided in Sandra Harner's biography at the FSS site, she has no formal education in anthropology, but is a clinical psychologist.<ref>http://www.shamanism.org/fssinfo/sharnerbio.html accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> FSS used this incident to claim Harner had been "honored by the American Anthropological Association" on its website.<ref>http://shamanism.org/news/2010/01/13/michael-harner-recognized-by-the-american-anthropological-association/ accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref> The events earned Ehrenreich an admission to the FSS Board of Trustees which was announced in the FSS E-Newsletter Volume 6, Issue 3 of September 2012, after prior publications in the FSS ''Shamanism Annual'' in December 2010.<ref>http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs045/1101293452407/archive/1111013772171.html accessed Feb 3, 2013</ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Michael Harner|en=Michael Harner}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Harner, Michael}}
[[category:Person]]
[[category:Plastic Shamans]]

J. Reuben Silverbird

2013-08-21T21:20:12Z

EsoTypo: fmt

[[image:27449728.jpg|thumb|J. Reuben Silverbird]]
[[image:PhpThumb generated thumbnailjpg.jpg|thumb|J. Reuben Silverbird]]
'''J. Reuben Silverbird''', or „Joseph Reuben Silverbird“, proper name apparently '''Ruben Ortiz''', is a musician, actor, and [[Plastic Shaman]] and has been living in Vienna/Austria since 1999. Correspondingly, his main area of activity is Austria, but he also tours Norway and did a tour through Australia in 2011. He maintains contacts to Unification Church (the „Moonies“) and to Falun Gong.

==Biography==
Ortiz was born July 27, 1930, presumably in California. According to his own statement, he comes from a family who had been in the showbusiness for several generations, with his parents being actors and musicians. Ortiz decided on a similar career path; from the late 1940s through the 1960s, he formed the „Ortiz Trio“ with a brother and a sister. Later on, he formed „The Coronados“, according to a newspaper article he was again joined by several siblings and a brother-in-law<ref name="newspapers">http://www.newspapers.com/newspage/6754483/ accessed 23/06/2013</ref>, with the band establishing in the market for Latino music. From about 1970 on, another band, „The Silverbirds“, was founded once again with family members; this band aimed at the evolving market of Native American music taking up Native American issues in their lyrics.<ref name="newspapers" />

Ortiz claims to have three sons, Perry, Mark, and Gil. He seems to have been married twice, his first wife Ginger was also a singer with the „Coronados“ and the „Silverbirds“. An article dated December 1986 introducing New York „Silverbird Restaurant“ run by Ortiz mentions a first marriage which broke up and a second marriage at that point in time to a German by the name of Inge.<ref>http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20095159,00.html accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

Ortiz has been living in Vienna since 1999, where he initially held a job as a consultant for the theme park „Indian Village Europe“.<ref name="semtribe">http://www.semtribe.com/SeminoleTribune/Archive/1999/May28/europe.shtml accessed 23/06/2013</ref> When this project ended, Ortiz tried to establish as a musician and actor in Europe and additionally entered the market as a shaman and alleged healer.

==Various Legends==
Ortiz portrays himself as the son of a Native American family and claims his father, whose name he renders as Joseph Ortiz Cordona, was a Nedhni Apache, while his mother, Florinda Blair, was a Navaho; at times his mother gets described as a Navaho-Cherokee or a Cherokee. Occasionally, Ortiz claims his mother's family was related to Sequoyah who invented the Cherokee alphabet, whom he misspells as Sequoia<ref name="biosstars">http://www.biosstars.us/casting/6/s/silverbird.htm accessed 23/06/2013</ref> which is the spelling for the Redwood tree.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoia accessed 23/06/2013</ref> On the other hand, there are press articles dating back to the 1970s in which the „Silverbirds“ are said to be Navaho.<ref name="newspapers" />

According to press articles promoting the „Silverbirds“, the family had been living in Dumont, New York, for several years already. Six of the family members are said to have „Navajo and Spanish blood“, while one was of Cherokee descent. Ortiz' first name gets rendered as „Ruben“.<ref name="newspapers" />

Ortiz' claims are dubious, since he never mentions clans of or relations in the indigenous nations except for rather vague pieces of information, and furthermore because he constantly uses an incorrect spelling for the „Nedhni“-Apache.

In describing his childhood, Ortiz presents his parents as renowned actors and musicians<ref name="biosstars" />, with his father regularly discussing with bishops and leading politicians.<ref name="About-Silverbird">http://www.reubensilverbird.com/About-Silverbird.php accessed 23/06/2013</ref> He further claims to have been born blind and only gained sight through indigenous healing methods several years later.<ref name="religionen.at">http://www.religionen.at/irsilverb01.htm accessed 23/06/2013</ref><ref name="biosstars" />

Regarding the job held at the „Indian Village Europe“, Ortiz claims to have been hired as a „coordinator“, although he does not specify a job description.<ref name="semtribe" />

===The Legends Revealed===
[[image:TheCoronadosHeylove.jpg|thumb|Front: Ruben Ortiz, back: Steven Ortiz]]
Despite Ortiz' attempts, there is enough information available to counter the various and at times even inconsistent legends he has been spreading since the 1960s. The alleged brother-in-law Steven Coronado who played with the „Coronados“ and later the „Silverbirds“, too, was in fact Ruben's younger brother Steven Ortiz. Steven is somewhat more truthful about his family and mentions his parents' proper names as José Torres Ortiz and Florinda Naranjo Ortiz.<ref>http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2006/feb/10/east_naples_man_recounts_story_growing_under_big_t/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

Ortiz' parents in fact were Mexican citizens living in Mexico who operated a small family circus/traveling vaudeville show, crossing the border to the USA for the season to perform in towns in Texas and New Mexico. Their competitors were another Mexican circus family by the name of Mendoza, touring the same region with a similar show.<ref>Mary Jane Walker: Family Music and Family Bands in New Mexico Music. 2011. p. 107. Publication of a 2008 dissertation at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.</ref>

According to Steven's report, his father went out of business and sold his circus tent which he attributes to a gasoline shortage due to World War II. Ruben's blindness indeed gets mentioned, however, Ruben was not born blind, and his blindness according to Steven's account seems to have been no more than a matter of weeks or perhaps months. There are also no indigenous healing methods mentioned; Steven Ortiz rather attributes Ruben's recovery to their mother's intense praying.<ref name="Montaño">Mary Caroline Montaño: Tradiciones Nuevomexicanas: Hispano Arts and Culture of New Mexico. University of Mexico 2001, p. 339</ref>

Besides performing, the younger Ortiz also mentions his father selling medical remedies to their audience. In accordance with the legend of being indigenous, he first asserts that his father never charged for the remedies, but in the following paragraph mentions that sales of these medicines went well.<ref name="Montaño" />

Ortiz' employment with the „Indian Village Europe“ seems to have gone back to his legends about an indigenous status taken seriously by a US employee of the park responsible for hiring Native personnel for the exhibition. However, Ortiz' job was not a coordinator, but a consultant.<ref name="semtribe" /> Given the ambitious aims this park had regarding a presentation of the diversity of indigenous cultures to a European audience<ref name="semtribe" />, hiring a person for a consultant who is not Native and has no further insight into the issues will have thwarted the project considerably and contributed to cementing stereotypes with the audience rather than providing factual information.

Further claims are being provided by Amazon in the „About the Artist“ section for a CD dating back to 1992, in which Ortiz is described as a „distinguished spokesman for Native Americans“ and a „board member of the American Indian College Fund“.<ref name="amazonWorld">http://www.amazon.com/World-Our-Eyes-American-Creation/dp/B0000007ZQ accessed 24/06/2013</ref> The AICF site does not list any person named „Silverbird“ or „Ortiz“ as a present or emeritus member of their board<ref>http://www.collegefund.org/content/board_of_trustees accessed 24/06/2013</ref> - however, a press article reveals how Ortiz learned about this fund and which contacts he did in fact have to its board: the fund happened to be announced in the Silverbird Restaurant in New York, as was covered by newspaper „Indian Time“<ref>http://news.nnyln.net/indian-time/1987/indian-time-1987-october-december%20-%200066.pdf accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, which was published in Akewsasne Mohawk Indian Territory.<ref>http://news.nnyln.net/indian-time/search.html accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

A further claim published at various websites is that of Ortiz being the president of an „Annual American Indian Nations Powwow“<ref name="amazonWorld" />, however, this organisation is unknown to anybody else but Ortiz and the only Google results are connected to his alias Reuben Silverbird. Ortiz also presents himself as a board member of the American Indian Museum in New York in promotional texts. The official name of this institution is „National Museum of the American Indian“, and again there is no „Silverbird“ or „Ortiz“ on its list of present or emeritus directors.<ref>http://nmai.si.edu/about/governance/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref>.

On his websites, Ortiz also contends he was „invited to speak and received plaudits from „The International Spiritualist Federation“<ref>http://www.silverbird.at/ accessed 23/06/2013</ref>, however, the ISF website does not mention any event including Ortiz and any sites found by Google happen to be his own and sites publishing his promotional texts.<ref name="amazonLife">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Life-Two-Worlds-Reuben-Silverbird/dp/390268917X accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

In the same way, Ortiz – presumably on the background of a title as an alleged „UN peace ambassador“ obtained by the Unification Church – claims to be „attached to the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation)“.<ref name="About-Silverbird" /><ref name="jsilverbird">http://jsilverbird.wix.com accessed 23/06/2013</ref><ref name="biosstars" /> It is quite evident that this status only applies to organisations, but not to individuals.

==Metamorphosis of a Plastic Shaman==
Apparently Ortiz only became a Plastic Shaman after his arrival in Europe, as no such activities are to be found for the time prior to his coming to Vienna. What can be verified is the New York restaurant, and his registering rights to various music pieces under the name of Ruben Ortiz and also Reuben Ortiz up until the late 1980s<ref>http://www.copyrightencyclopedia.com/uncle-fonzos-ford-by-miska-miles-and-wendy-watson/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref><ref name="world-of-confusion">http://www.copyrightencyclopedia.com/world-of-confusion-w-and-m-reuben-ortiz-steven-ortiz-and/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, with a gap between 1988 and his job as a consultant to the theme park in 1999. One of the songs, the Spanish title „No hay amor como el de madre“, interestingly includes Ortiz father, rendered as „José Ortiz 1900-1982“.<ref name="world-of-confusion" />

Taking up activities as a Plastic Shaman, Ortiz claimed his father was an Apache „wiseman“, while his mother allegedly was a Cherokee medicine woman<ref name="jsilverbird" />, or sometimes a Navaho<ref name="religionen.at" /> or Navaho-Cherokee medicine woman. If these claims were facts, Ortiz should have received an according education by his parents and should be fluent in at least two, if not three indigenous languages. However, Ortiz' claims are definitely and loudly countered by the fact that his usual stage costume as a musician as well as a "shaman" consists of clothes and war bonnet belonging to traditional Plains cultures. Neither Apache, nor Navaho or Cherokee wore clothes of Plains style. With Plains style clothes, Ortiz thus only addresses European stereotypes about indigenous peoples and reinforces them. This on its own speaks vividly against his claims to come from an indigenous family and of his parents being a "wiseman" and a medicine woman, and even more so against his claim of being a „shaman“.

Ortiz furthermore claims to have cooperated with Vincent LaDuke a.k.a. Sun Bear.<ref name="religionen.at" /> LaDuke died in 1992 so is not in a position to confirm or reject this claim. However, LaDuke was one of the earliest Plastic Shamans established on the Newage market and his range of books, seminars etc was focused on a middle class white Newage clientele. An alleged or factual cooperation with LaDuke therefore does not provide any legitimation except within the esoteric market.

==Range of activities==
[[image:Exclusiv 129-2009 021.jpg|thumb|Waterloo: The secret knowledge of the Lakota]]
Ortiz does not have a particularly comprehensive range of seminars or ceremonies which again points against his claims regarding an indigenous and medicine person status. He seems to do predominantly lectures and seminars, but also sells sweatlodge ceremonies. His pricing, however, is certainly noteworthy due to the exorbitant amounts charged: so e.g. participation in a sweatlodge done during an incentive trip in an Austrian hotel was € 1,100 plus VAT!<ref>http://www.larimarhotel.at/de-indianisches-medizinrad-workshop-silverbird-276.htm accessed 24/06/2013</ref> In Australia, sweatlodges with Ortiz were sold at $ 1,197 per person resp. $ 2,194 per couple.<ref>http://www.reubensilverbird.com/ accessed 23/06/2013</ref> This indicates Ortiz will also do mixed sweatlodges which is not in accordance with indigenous traditions. The usual range of prices asked by most Plastic Shamans is less than 10% of these amounts. Customers do not only face being grossly overcharged: since Ortiz does not have any links to indigenous cultures and has had no formal training as a medicine person, he will not be in a position to do anything but a mere imitation of this ceremony, and not be able to judge whether participants are in appropriate health or whether they need to leave the lodge. Participating in Ortiz' sweatlodges may thus present a danger to attendants.

Apart from his limited repertoire in lectures, Ortiz also sells and performs „Indian weddings“ for persons of rather modest celebrity status, so e.g. for an Austrian soap opera actor <ref>http://www.moz.de/artikel-ansicht/dg/0/1/25205 accessed 23/06/2013</ref> and for Austrian singer „Waterloo“ Hans Kreuzmayr.<ref>http://www.exclusiv.li/?TabId=4889 accessed 23/06/2013</ref> Kreuzmayr apparently is fascinated by Indians and has played the part of „Winnetou“ at the „Karl-May-Festival“ at Winzendorf, Austria in 1999<ref>http://karl-may-wiki.de/index.php/Johann_Kreuzmayr accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, but also believes to be Lakota and, in 2009, published a book titled „The secret knowledge of the Lakota“, to which Ortiz has provided a preface. Kreuzmayr comments: „Chief Silverbird is my mentor, he has taught me the knowledge of his people. Eight years ago, he acknowledged me as an Indian. This was a great honour for me.“<ref>http://www.exclusiv.li/?TabId=5917 accessed 24/06/2013</ref> How a person wrongfully claiming to be Apache, Navaho, and Cherokee may teach „secret knowledge“ of the Lakota will remain Kreuzmayr's and Ortiz' secret.

===Activities on Newage Congresses===
Since at least 2004, Ortiz' participation in various Newage Congresses, posing as a „shaman“, is still well documented in the internet. He made an appearance at the 2006 Congress „Weltfriedenskongress: Spiritualität und Weltfrieden“ [World Peace Congress: Spirituality and World Peace], beside established Plastic Shamans like Kachinas Kutenai, Devalon Small Legs, and John Colbert a.k.a. Lightning Bear a.k.a. Pushican<ref>http://www.eso-garden.com/index.php?/weblog/C4/P15/ accessed 23/06/2013</ref> who, in 2000, had been sentenced by a German court of justice: Colbert had sewed up the vagina of a young woman, a minor at the point in time, in a fake ceremony invented by him.<ref>http://www.agpf.de/lightningbear.htm acessed 23/06/2013</ref>

During the Congress „The Art of Healing“ organised in Graz, Austria, Ortiz appeared along with plastic shamans „Tacan'sina Miwatani“ a.k.a. [[Jürgen-Michael Kohfink]] and Wa-Na-Nee-Che in 2004. In 2006 he also participated in the 24th Basel PSI-Days' 8th World Congress for Mental Healing.<ref>http://www.auditorium-netzwerk.de/AutorInnen/S-T/Silverbird-J-Reuben:::4_5454_258.html accessed 23/06/2013</ref> In 2011, Ortiz took part in the 2011 Bleep Congress in Stuttgart as a lecturer.<ref name="bleepkongress">http://www.bleepkongress.de/referenten-2011/j-reuben-silverbird accessed 23/06/2013</ref>

Ortiz has further been participating in various Newage congresses in Norway from 2008 on, showing up at several congresses and fairs each year.<ref>http://www.jsilverbird.no/index.php/aktiviteter/arkiverte-arrangement accessed 23/06/2013</ref><ref>http://www.sandefjordskolen.no/virik/ accessed 23/06/2013</ref>

==Involvement with Unification Church and other cults==
Since at least 2000<ref name="tongil">http://www.tongil.org/ucbooks/UNews/0003.pdf accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, Ortiz has been involved with Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church and also accepted the fake title of a „peace ambassador“ from the cult. While in earlier articles in UC media, Ortiz is called an „ambassador of Indian Village“ in Vienna<ref name="tongil" />, a „spiritual leader of 100 nations“<ref name="tongil" />, or a „representative for pre-Christian religions of Europe“<ref>http://www.tongilgyo.de/vk-archiv/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, a precise date of his receiving the fake title cannot be established from the cult press and websites. A Moon front organisation, „Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace“ (IIFWP) – now Universal Peace Foundation (UPF) – in 2003 already had Ortiz giving a lecture on his experience as a peace ambassador.<ref>http://www.weltfriede.at/200309301.htm accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

Ortiz' presence in various cult events is documented by the cult press, so e.g. he was treated to a trip to Korea by the cult to take part in a so-called blessing (i.e. a mass wedding)<ref name="tongil" />, he participated in a reception for various members of the Moon family on a tour through Europe at which Ortiz held a laudatio deploring the entry ban against Sun Myung Moon and wife by the Schengen Treaty states<ref>http://www.weltfamilie.at/Aktuell.htm accessed 24/0672013</ref>, and gave an address on the occasion of Sun Myung Moon's death in 2012.<ref>http://www.tparents.org/Library/Unification/Talks1/Cook/Cook-120923.pdf accessed 24/06/2013</ref> Another vanity award bestowed on Ortiz by the Moon cult was the „Crown of Peace“ granted in Budapest, Hungary in 2004<ref>http://archive.upf.org/programs/conferences/convocation/regionalconv102004/index.php?report_id=427&event_id=118 accessed 23/06/2013</ref>; apparently this happened some time after having received the fake title of an ambassador.

In 2005, he also participated in the founding event of the Austrian branch of the "Universal Peace Federation" and "gave an appraisal of the achievements of the founder", i.e. Sun Myung Moon. The article - perhaps involuntarily - adds a humorous touch in claiming "Native American Elder Reuben Silverbird, who wore traditional Austrian clothes...".<ref>https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.371058169614.159869.348753624614&type=1 accessed 24/06/2013</ref> In 2010, the cult treated him to a party for this 80th birthday.<ref>http://www.unesco-club-vienna.org/index.php/ct-menu-item-3/ct-menu-item-13 accessed 23/06/2013 Partner of Unesco Club Vienna is the World Peace Federation founded by the cult.</ref>

It is quite apparent that Ortiz is the cult's compliant footman and at its beck and call, in due return for fake titles, trips, and some VIP treatment, from at least the year 2000 up until today.

Ortiz also uses his cult title claiming he was a „UN peace ambassador“ to promote his business activities as a musician<ref>http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sowing-the-seeds-of-love-concert-j-reuben-silverbird/49875 accessed 24/06/2013</ref><ref>http://events.sfgate.com/performers/show/29855-j-reuben-silverbird accessed 24/06/2013</ref><ref>http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7729886 accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, and as a plastic shaman<ref name="bleepkongress" />, as well as furthering book sales<ref name="amazonLife" /> and even sales at e-bay<ref>http://myworld.ebay.de/jrsilverbird/ accessed 24/06/2013</ref>.

Ortiz was also invited to give a concert and lectures at Findhorn Foundation<ref>http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_bookreviews/bkrev_hypocrisydissen.htm accessed 24/06/2013</ref> in Scotland in 2008.<ref>http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/905533 accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

In 2011, newspaper „Epoch Times“ published an article in which Ortiz praised the performance of Shen Yun company of traditional Chinese dance and music. While the Epoch Time's English edition headlined „UN Peace Ambassador sees something of great importance in Shen Yun“<ref>http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/arts-entertainment/un-peace-ambassador-sees-something-of-huge-importance-in-shen-yun-56036.html accessed 24/06/2013</ref>, its German edition titles, quoting Ortiz, „Chinese culture revived again“.<ref>http://www.epochtimes.de/-die-chinesische-kultur-wurde-wieder-zum-leben-erweckt--709592.html accessed 24/06/2013</ref> Epoch Times was founded in New York in 1999, by a group of activists with ties to Falun Gong<ref>http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epoch_Times accessed 24/06/2013</ref> and is listed as a „Falun Gong affiliated media source“ by the US Congressional Research Service.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Epoch_Times accessed 24/06/2013</ref>

{{OtherLang|en=J. Reuben Silverbird|ge=J. Reuben Silverbird}}

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT: Silverbird, J. Reuben}}
[[category:Plastic Shamans]]

Pseudoscience

2013-04-27T21:46:16Z

EsoTypo: otherlang +fr

[[image:pseudoscience2.jpg|400px|thumb]]
'''Pseudoscience''' are theories, beliefs, and claims which are given a semblance to science but do not adhere to the strict standards of science. Pseudosciene will more often than not immunise itself against falsification by applying terms they do not properly define and by refusing to commit themselves to falsifiable predictions.

The term "pseudoscience" has been in use since the 18th century and one of the first recorded uses of the word "pseudo-science" was in 1844 in the Northern Journal of Medicine, I 387: "That opposite kind of innovation which pronounces what has been recognized as a branch of science, to have been a pseudo-science, composed merely of so-called facts, connected together by misapprehensions under the disguise of principles". The current definition is more or less based on the works of Thomas Huxley and Karl Popper. Popper proposed falsifiability as an important criterion in distinguishing science from pseudoscience<ref>[http://aleph0.clarku.edu/huxley/CE5/S&PS.html T. H. Huxley: Science and Pseudo-Science]</ref><ref>„Incidentally, the philosopher Karl Popper coined the term, ‘pseudo-science’. The examples he gave were (Western) astrology and homeopathy, the medical system developed in Germany.“ V. V. S. Sarma: Natural calamities and pseudoscientific menace. Current Science 90:2 (25. Januar 2006); „The notion of pseudoscience, as coined by philosopher Karl Popper is discussed in the context of its application to library science and its implications for selection.“ Graham Howard: Pseudo Science and Selection. Collection Management 29:2 (24. Mai 2005)</ref>

==Overview==
There is a multitude of criteria which distinguish science from pseudoscience. Generally speaking any aberrance from the basis of scientific approach may be an indication of pseudoscience. Distinguishing between bad or deceptive research within science on the one hand and pseudoscience on the other, however, may often be problematic. Pseudoscience is most often characterized by being especially designed to support a certain prefabricated construct of ideas. Furthermore, pseudoscientific results will be in contradiction of empiric scientific theories, while cases of fraud within established science will predominantly attempt to incorporate "results" into existing theories. Scientific jokes and fraud may not be considered as pseudoscience.

The construct of a particular pseudoscience often bases on one person whose authority must not be doubted. The original statements of its initiator will be presented in dogmatic ways, and both theoretic approaches of explanation and possible series of experiments will always be interpreted in accordance with the original dogma.

Pseudoscience often uses "experiments" and takes random data from the statistical noise which support fake desired effects by handy selection and manipulation.<ref>http://www.xy44.de/belladonna/ Gerhard Bruhn, Erhard Wielandt, Klaus Keck: Pseudowissenschaften an der Universität Leipzig</ref> Often an "[[Inverted Occam's Razor]]" will be applied: Complex or absurd theories are preferred over approaches with an economical application of hypotheses. One of the characteristics of pseudoscience is that it does not recognize any method of detecting mistakes of its studies or conclusions, let alone correct them in the first place.

Many esoterics tend to look for a substitute of or complement to science and thus eventually appear to be fighting science.

==Typical Characteristics==
* Claims which will not be substantiated by experiment or are not deductible mathmatically: Often, such claims will be in contradiction to experiments, mathmatic theories, and very often also to so-called common sense.
* will quote sources which cannot be reproduced and therefore cannot be validated
* will be based on experiments which cannot be reproduced (or yield different results)
* will be contradictory to [[Occam's Razor]]
* will systematically suppress evidence or select evidence and observations particularly convenient.

==The seven sins of pseudoscience==
Several science theoreticians have compiled lists of the sins distinguishing pseudoscience from real science. This includes lists by Langmuir ([1953] 1989), Gruenberger (1964), Dutch (1982), Bunge (1982), Radner and Radner (1982), Kitcher (1982, 30–54), Hansson (1983), Grove (1985), Thagard (1988), Glymour and Stalker (1990), Derkson (1993, 2001), Vollmer (1993), Ruse (1996, 300–306) and Mahner (2007)<ref>[http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/pseudo-science/ Science and Pseudo-Science], Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy</ref><ref>Deerksen A.A: ''The seven sins of pseudo-science'', Journal for General Philosophy of Science, Volume 24, Number 1 / März 1993</ref>. These are usually:

#Belief in authority: It is contended that some person or persons have a superior comprehension and thus their statement is to be accepted.
#Irreproducible experiments: Reliance is put on experiments which cannot be repeated by others with the same result.
#Handpicked examples: Handpicked examples are used although they are not representative of the general category the investigation refers to.
#Unwillingness to test: A theory is not tested although it is possible to test it.
#Unfounded immunisation: critical arguments will be dismissed, while arguments supporting one's own conceptions will be cultivated systematically.
#Embedded deception: Testing of a theory is arranged in such ways that a theory may only be confirmed by results, but never falsified.
#Explanations are removed without replacement. Tenable explanations are eliminated so that the new theory explains less than the previous one. (Hansson 1983)



==Quotes==
*''In science, the burden of proof falls upon the claimant; and the more extraordinary a claim, the heavier is the burden of proof demanded. The true skeptic takes an agnostic position, one that says the claim is not proved rather than disproved. He asserts that the claimant has not borne the burden of proof and that science must continue to build its cognitive map of reality without incorporating the extraordinary claim as a new "fact." Since the true skeptic does not assert a claim, he has no burden to prove anything. He just goes on using the established theories of "conventional science" as usual. But if a critic asserts that there is evidence for disproof, that he has a negative hypothesis --saying, for instance, that a seeming psi result was actually due to an artifact--he is making a claim and therefore also has to bear a burden of proof [...]''<ref>Marcello Truzzi, On Pseudo-Skepticism</ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Pseudowissenschaft|en=Pseudoscience|fr=Pseudo-science}}

==Literatur==
German: 
*Alan Sokal, Jean Bricmont (1999): Eleganter Unsinn. Wie die Denker der Postmoderne die Wissenschaften missbrauchen, Muenchen
*Alexander K. Dewdney (1998): Alles fauler Zauber? IQ-Tests, Psychoanalyse und andere umstrittene Theorien, Basel
*Andreas Hergovich (2001): Der Glaube an Psi - Die Psychologie paranormaler Überzeugungen. Bern
*Ben Goldacre: Die Wissenschaftslüge: Wie uns Pseudo-Wissenschaftler das Leben schwer machen. Fischer Frankfurt 2010, ISBN 978-3596185108
*Bernd Harder: Geister, Gothics, Gabelbieger. 66 Antworten auf Fragwürdiges aus Esoterik und Okkultismus. Aschaffenburg: Alibri 2005
*Carl Sagan: Der Drache in meiner Garage. Oder: Die Kunst der Wissenschaft, Unsinn zu entlarven. München: Droemer Knaur 1997
*Christoph Bördlein (2002): Das sockenfressende Monster in der Waschmaschine - Eine Einfuehrung in das skeptische Denken, Aschaffenburg
*Colin Goldner (2000): Die Psycho-Szene
*Douglas R. Hofstadter: Wissenschaft und Aberglaube: ein Kampf zwischen David und Goliath. Spektrum der Wissenschaft April 1982, 8-13
*Gerald L. Eberlein (Hrsg.): Schulwissenschaft – Parawissenschaft – Pseudowissenschaft. Stuttgart: Hirzel 1991
*Gerhard Vollmer: Wozu Pseudowissenschaften gut sind. Argumente aus Wissenschaftstheorie und Wissenschaftspraxis. Universitas 47 (Feb. 1992) 155-168
*Gerhardt Vollmer (1993): Wissenschaftstheorie im Einsatz - Beitraege zu einer selbstkritischen Wissenschaftsphilosophie, Stuttgart
*Gero von Randow (Hrsg.): Der Fremdling im Glas und weitere Anlaesse zur Skepsis, entdeckt im ''Skeptical Inquirer'', Rowohlt, Reinbek, 1996
*Gero von Randow: Mein paranormales Fahrrad – und andere Anlässe zur Skepsis, entdeckt im ''Skeptical Inquirer''. Rowohlt (rororo), Reinbek, 1993
*Hans-Peter Beck-Bornholdt, Hans-Hermann Dubben (1997): Der Hund, der Eier legt - Erkennen von Fehlinformationen durch Querdenken, Reinbek
*Hansjoerg Hemminger, Bernd Harder (2000): Was ist Aberglaube? Bedeutung, Erscheinungsformen, Beratungshilfen, Gütersloh
*Ingo Kugenbuch: Warum sich der Löffel biegt und die Madonna weint - Übersinnliche Phänomene und ihre irdischen Erklärungen. Humboldt Verlag August 2008
*Irmgard Oepen, Amardeo Sarma (Hrsg.) (1995): Parawissenschaften unter der Lupe, Muenster
*Irmgard Oepen, Krista Federspiel, Amardeo Sarma (Hrsg.) (1999): Lexikon der Parawissenschaften - Astrologie, Esoterik, Okkultismus, Paramedizin, Parapsychologie kritisch betrachtet, Muenster
*James Randi (2001): Lexikon der Übersinnlichen Phänomene - Die Wahrheit über die paranormale Welt, Muenchen
*Joachim Herrmann: Das falsche Weltbild. Astronomie und Aberglaube. Stuttgart: Franckh 1962; dtv 958, 1973
*M. Ecker: Kritisch argumentieren. Aschaffenburg: Alibri 2006
*Marcello Truzzi: Überlegungen zur Kontroverse um Wissenschaft und Pseudowissenschaft. In: H.P. Duerr (Hrsg.): Der Wissenschaftler und das Irrationale. Frankfurt: Syndikat 1985, Band IV, 48-63
*Markus Poessel (2000): Phantastische Wissenschaften - über Erich von Daeniken und Johannes von Buttlar, Reinbek
*Michael Shermer, Benno Maidhof-Christig, Lee Traynor (1998): Endzeittaumel - Propheten, Prognosen, Propaganda, Aschaffenburg
*Otto Prokop, Wolf Wimmer (1987): Der moderne Okkultismus, Stuttgart
*Stuart A. Vyse (1999): Die Psychologie des Aberglaubens - Schwarze Kater und Maskottchen, Basel
*Time-Life: Irrwege der Wissenschaft. Amsterdam 1993
*Wolfgang Hell, Klaus Fiedler, Gerd Gigerenzer (Hrsg.) (1993): Kognitive Taeuschungen - Fehl-Leistungen und Mechanismen des Urteilens, Denkens und Erinnerns, Heidelberg
*Wolfgang Hund (2000): Falsche Geister - echte Schwindler? Esoterik und Okkultismus kritisch hinterfragt, Wuerzburg
*[[Harald Wiesendanger]]: Zwischen Wissenschaft und Aberglaube. Grenzbereiche psychologischer Forschung. Frankfurt: Fischer-TB 42326, 1989

English:
*A. Lugg: Bunkum, flim-flam and quackery: pseudoscience as a philosophical problem. Dialectica 41 (1987) 221-230
*Anton Derksen: The seven sins of pseudoscience. Journal for General Philosophy of Science 24 (1993) 17-42
*Ben Goldacre: Bad Science: Quacks, Hacks, and Big Pharma Flacks, Faber & Faber Reprint 2010, ISBN 978-0865479180
*Carl Sagan: The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, Ballantine Books 1997, ISBN 978-0345409461
*G. Bakker, L. Clark: Explanation. An introduction to the philosophy of science. Mountain View (Ca.): Mayfield 1988
*Imre Lakatos: Science and pseudoscience. Conceptus 8, Nr. 24 (1974) 5-9
*James Randi (1995): Flim-Flam - Psychics, ESP, Unicorns and other Delusions, New York
*James Randi: An Encyclopedia of Claims, Frauds, and Hoaxes of the Occult and Supernatural, St. Martin's Griffin 1997, ISBN 978-0312151195
*James Randi: Flim-Flam! Buffalo: Prometheus 1982
*Kenneth L. Feder: Frauds, Myth, and Mysteries - Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology, 2001
*M.A. Rothman: A physicist’s guide to skepticism. Applying laws of physics to faster-than-light travel, psychic phenomena, telepathy, time travel, UFO’s, and other pseudoscientific claims. Buffalo: Prometheus 1988
*Mario Bunge: Scientific research. New York: Springer 1967, vol. I, 36-44
*Martin Gardner (1957): Fads &; Fallacies - In the Name of Science, New York
*Michael Scriven: The frontiers of psychology: psychoanalysis and parapsychology. In: R.G. Colodny Frontiers of science and philosophy. Lanham: University Press of America 1983, 79-129
*Michael Shermer, Pat Linse (2002): The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience
*Michael Shermer: (1998): Why people believe in weird things - pseudoscience, superstition, and other confusions of our time, New York
*Patrick Grim (ed.): Philosophy of science and the occult. Albany: State University of New York Press 1982, 1990
*Paul Kurtz (1992): The New Skepticism: Inquiry and Reliable Knowledge
*Paul Kurtz (2001): Skeptical Odysseys: Personal Accounts by the World's Leading Paranormal Investigation
*Philip Plait: Bad Astronomy - Misconceptions and Misuses Revealed, from Astrology to the Moon Landing "Hoax", New York 2002
*Terence Hines: Pseudoscience and the paranormal. A critical examination of the evidence. Buffalo: Prometheus
*Theodore Schick Jr., Lewis Vaughn (2004): How to think about weird things - critical thinking for a New Age

==Weblinks==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscience Wikipedia about Pseudoscience]
* [http://www.randi.org/site/ Website of James Randi]
* [http://www.badscience.net/ Website of Ben Goldacre]
* [http://pdos.csail.mit.edu/scigen/ SCIgen - An Automatic CS Paper Generator]
* [http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/section.asp?navcode=961 Blog of Edzard Ernst]
* http://home.tele2.at/aloisreutterer/wissenschaft.htm (German)
* http://www.wort-und-wissen.de/index2.php?artikel=sij/sij72/sij72-3.html (German)
* http://members.fortunecity.com/lange42/pseudo.htm (German)

==Quellennachweise==
<references/>
[[category:Pseudoscience]]

User:EsoTypo

2012-07-07T16:04:24Z

EsoTypo:

My notes:
See [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Benutzer:EsoTypo] for more.

Homeopathy

2012-02-17T23:46:18Z

EsoTypo: tpo, fmt, 2 missing links marked

Homoeopathy is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudo-scientific]] method which is used for the treatment of nearly all illnesses. It was invented by the saxon doctor and occultist [[Samuel Hahnemann]] around the year 1800 and exists almost unchanged today. The homoeopathy relies on two general basic principles. One of them, known as the "law of similars", is "let like be cured by like." Inventor Hahnemann specified at that time that, according to the law of similars, every illness is cured by substances which cause similar symptoms when they are taken by a healthy patient. The other principle is called potentization (actually meaning dilution). The homoeopathic remedies shall work the more strongly the more they are diluted into solution according to a particular procedure. None of these two principles could be confirmed experimentally until now.

Homoeopathy believers are frequently, consciously or unconsciously, overall sceptical in relation to the scientific medicine: With the (mostly irrational) fear of the "harmful chemistry" a "nocebo effect" which impairs the effect of well approved conventional methods is connected inseparably.

Also see: [[Allopathy]]

==Variants of Homoeopathy==
Different variants of the original classic homoeopathy have taken shape to Hahnemann in the course of the time. So one distinguishes low-potentizers from high-potentizers, monotherapists of polypragmatists, homoeopathic physiotherapists or anthroposophic homoeopaths, etc.

*Classic homoeopathy is the form of the homoeopathy which strictly orientates itself at Samuel Hahnemann's teachings. According to Hahnemann only one single remedy shall be given at a time for all physical or intellectual illnesses. The classically working homoeopath is looking for the one of his opinion to suitable similar. The most well-known current representative is Georgos Vithoulkas.
*Constitutional homoeopathy is the application of homoeopathic remedy mixtures due to an illness diagnosis. Also see: Constitutional homoeopathy
*The clinical homoeopathy describes the application of homoeopathic remedies in so-called low-potencies (D1-D12) according to certain diagnoses.
*Miasmatic homoeopathy describes different variants of the constitutional homoeopathy with the emphasis on the therapy of chronic illnesses under consideration of Hahneman's miasmatic theory.
*Microimmunetherapy calls itself a method at which cytokines are potentized and given to sublingual. In doing so, it is posited by the suppliers that a high concentration of components of the immune system would lie under the tongue. The therapy is as of, aimed to modulate the immune system about the potentized effect of cytokines. Maurice Jenaer is regarded as a founder of the micro immune therapy. A supplier of microimmunal therapeutic agents is the enterprise Labo'Life which also has a patent on "specific nucleid acids". Details on effect and composition of the remedies are missing.
*The biochemical homoeopathy refers to a homoeopathy variant at which nosodes and potentized poisons are used (Also see the Horvi-Enzyme-Therapy). The method is apparently only used by her inventress, the biochemist and non-medical practitioner Karin Lenger from Offenbach.
*Newer interpretations and derivatives of the homoeopathy are in coming. Here, fluent transitions let themselves be seen towards faith-healing or an energy medicine. Representatives of this mostly refused group among classic homoeopaths, believe that they do not need to introduce the remedies into the body of the patient after case history and repertorization. Alone the spatial proximity of the remedy to the patient suffices to develop an effect. The remedies could be carried at the body or put under the pillow, for example. A glass of water also can show homoeopathic effects if it is put merely on a sheet of paper with the name of the remedy. The sheet of paper shall transfer its information to glass water which is to be used. Typical methods from this spectrum are the Harmopathy, New Homoeopathy after Erich Körbler, Seghal method, Herscue method, process-oriented homoeopathy, quantum logical homoeopathy, creative homoeopathy, impulse homoeopathy, the Similis cards, Silent Healing or the Sankaran method (also called "Bombay method" or "systematic homoeopathy"). The tele-homoeopathy is one variant of the homoeopathy of which her inventor claims that this works as a remote treatment over the Internet (e-mail or Skype) or via telephone.
*The homoeosiniatry is a method to unite the elements of the homoeopathy and the traditional Chinese medicine. Both acupuncture and homoeopathic remedies come to the applications.
*Digital homoeopathy as an alternative expression for the Holopathy.
*[[Banerji protocol]] - Method
*C4-Homoeopathy
*"resonance-healing" after Peter Chappell

The electrohomoeopathy has to do little apart from the named similarity with the homoeopathy and refers to a variant of the Spagyric. Also certain equipment operated electrically for the diagnostics or therapy is taken to connection by its inventors and suppliers with the homoeopathy or refers to it. To be called exemplary have here for Cem Tech, transmaterial catalyst or Wave transfer.

After the living beings to be treated you distinguish between the homoeopathy for well-being purposes with man as well as the animal homoeopathy and plant homoeopathy. The plant homoeopathy is an expression for methods wherewith the help of homoeopathic products the plant growth shall be influenced. (Example: Product Biplantol.)

==Hering's Law of Cure==
A so-called [[Hering's law]] of cure goes back on a suggestion of the Hahnemann supporter Constantin Hering from Saxony in the 19th century. Herring believed that a recovery is carried out, if it goes to an extinction of symptoms in the following directions:

*from inside to the outside
*from above to below
*of now too earlier

==Being missing the scientific basis==
After about 200 years of research of homoeopaths and non-homoeopaths no scientific proof of an effect of homoeopathy going beyond the placebo effect has been confessed and it is also regarded as a disproven hypothesis today. After today's level of knowledge homoeopathy has to be equated with a placebo therapy, what does not have to be said, though, that it is completely ineffective. One can indeed, particularly with charismatic therapists and corresponding therapeutical ritual, assume that it can achieve an effect on corresponding patients opposite to a non-treatment (that is the idleness). Dangers result from the homoeopathy from the fact that homoeopaths and patients overestimate the placebo effects of the homoeopathy and refrain from reproducibly effective treatments with an effectiveness proof which goes beyond the placebo effect.

What speaks against homoeopathy are the missing effectiveness proofs, the pseudo-scientific dogmatic character of the homoeopathy schools (which are actually orthodox medical practitioners), the completely missing prevention of the illness as well as inner contradictions like the not reproducible cinchona experiment to which Hahnemann alternatively refers. Homoeopaths don't like to say how long a therapy shall be carried out. From the chemical scientific point of view the method of potentization (which is in reality a dilution under certain circumstances) cannot be brought with the reality into harmony.

As an argument for the homoeopathy the lack of side effects is often mentioned. The argument is, that hardly side effects have to be expected at a strong potentization (dilution). This argument contradicts, however, the assumption that potentization would make the effect of the substances grow and is therefore a contradiction in terms. The claim to strengthen the self-healing ability of man is often named as an argument for the homoeopathy, too. The supporters remain the proof of it, however, guiltily.

Contrary to frequently common views around an integral treatment in the context of the homoeopathy it is to consider this alternative medicine as a symptom based therapy form which is based exclusively on described and observable symptoms of the patient. The aetiology of illnesses (cause study) gets largely hidden.

Hahnemann and modern homoeopaths orientate themselves at healing laws of which the idea also is part that homoeopathic therapies treat people from inside to the outside and beginningly with the latest symptom. In turn such ideas do not have any basis in any models of biology or illness.

The medical faculty of the University of Marburg declared the homoeopathy as false doctrine in the medical news of March 3rd, 1993: It's active principle is deception of the patient, strengthened by the self-deception of the therapist.

==Pseudo-scientific explanation approaches==
The homoeopathy is not plausible from the scientific view: It contradicts the logic, the laws of nature and medical knowledge of the past and presence. High potencies after D23 or C12 do not contain any molecule of the raw material. How shall drops which only consist of solvents operate? There is no water memory which could take "information".

It is not meaningful in the scientific medicine to explain the operation of methods which can not provide the slightest effectiveness proof. The question about the active principle of the homoeopathy is completely senseless as long as there are no indications that homoeopathy develops an effect at all. All attempts at explanation of the homoeopathy are not founded therefore scientifically and will be able to do as classified pseudo-scientifically.

This, however, does not stop homoeopaths from thinking up working mechanisms to the homoeopathy and publishing these. The span width reaches the pseudo-scientific re-interpretation of quantum mechanical and atom physical knowledge (see of animistic ideas of spirit animated matter in which the potentization releases the positive spirits (also vibrations) of the substances: Quantum mysticism.

The water memory, which Jacques Benveniste thought to have found, is often quoted as evidence. It is clear at the latest since 1995 that Benvenistes results are not comprehensible. It is nevertheless claimed furthermore that high potencies would contain information, although neither one can find information carriers nor a code is conceivable. So it is not surprising that the last "evidence" which is celebrated as a breakthrough proved also wrong and intolerable with rat intestines at the university Leipzig. An extensive appreciation of this pseudo research at the university Leipzig is found here: '''add source'''[4]. Whatever information the structure of the water contains in the conception of the supporters, it would have to be transferred also to the sugar pills on which the drop of the homoeopathic water is laid on. The memory of the water would have to "survive" in a way the ingestion and absorption through the gastrointestinal system in the body and the transport by the blood up to the tissue. Biologists have neither found a "water memory" nor discovered homoeopathic signals or receptors, still something which could plausibly serve as a receptor for water structures.

Today's homoeopaths often retire on the quantum mechanics to explain the alleged effect of homoeopathic remedies. However, quantum effects are from importance only at a subatomic and perhaps still atomic level. They are not relevant for the macroscopic world or biological systems like viruses, single cells or upward.

The fact that also diluted water is offered as a homoeopathic remedy (1 gram of a diluted water costs about 1 pound, see illustration on the right) makes the concept just as doubtfully as the assertions of some homoeopaths that an effect would start out from remedies carried under the pillow or at the body.

==Homoeopathy and Medical Ethic==
Besides the dangers of a refrained or delayed effective therapy in favour of the application of homoeopathic remedies, also other ethical questions arise. The prescription of homoeopathic remedies as a placebo can have only a sense if the therapist does not inform the patient about the actual placebo character of these remedies, and withholds the fact from him that (at least in the high-potentized remedies) no working molecule is contained. It is a disdain of ethical principles not to inform the patient about the real character of a therapy and undermines also the relation to the patient which is based on confidence.

==Homoeopathy and malaria prophylaxis and anti tick globules==
In Germany it is to be observed again and again that homoeopaths use the remedy malaria 2000 (or another remedy) to a so-called malaria prophylaxis for patients who intend to travel to a country in which the malaria is endemic. Regularly malaria patients have to be treated who indicate to have prepared in such a way in front of malaria and were infected nevertheless. It came to at least one death of a patient after a malaria 2000 prophylaxis. The Bavarian broadcast quotes the tropics institute in Munich on his web pages, there therefore were several deaths with people who had relied on a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis. The drug commissions of the pharmacists and the German medical association took position with publications and clear warnings against such a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis: The drug commission of the pharmacists has warned of a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis in the pharmaceutical newspaper already on March 19th, 1998. It is put straight that malaria represents a serious and partly life-threatening illness and "is not to be confronted with non-specific homoeopathic remedies of which one hopes for an increased immunity of the body against malaria pathogenes. Such malfunctioned “prophylaxis” cases are literature-well-informed". You warn therefore urgently to hand in homoeopathic means to the malaria prophylaxis. It is urgently advised against to hand in homoeopathic remedies to the malaria prophylaxis. The drug commission of the German medical association warn even more considerably and more sharply in the German medical news 95 of June 19th, 1998. The drug commission took reference to a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis offered by a company. Literal: "Set up doctors who order patients a homoeopathic malaria prophylaxis have to expect profession legal and criminal consequences. The malaria is a serious and perhaps life-threatening illness, because of the acute endangering of the patients who perhaps rely on their homoeopathic remedy, the drug commission of the German medical association sees at the prescription of such homoeopathic remedies to the malaria prophylaxis a violation of the professional duties of the doctor and disadvises urgently, for the safety of the patients, from a prescription of such remedies. On the other hand the illness prophylaxis is controversial within the homoeopathy scene, because no homoeopathic remedies can be found without recognizable symptoms. Also in England such malaria prophylaxes had been confessed and the English state NHS therefore suspended the payments to homoeopathic facilities as of 2008.

Also so-called anti ticks globules are similarly critical to prevent a Lyme disease illness on a natural way, how a pharmacy in Arnsberg secretly means. To this this pharmacy has developed a special mixture with a homoeopathic manufacturer which contains nosodes, which shall represent a homoeopathic vaccination. It particularly is referred to the Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE),which is transferred by ticks, and the Lyme disease. The anti ticks globules shall contain in addition also Ledum palustre (Marsh Labrador tea), what is supposed to change the body odour of one's own according to a protection.

The application of Spenglersan Kolloid M-remedies for the the malaria prophylaxis could not prevent documented a malaria, Swedish doctors published case reports and a warning to this.

The World Health Organization WHO has explicitly warned 2009 of the homoeopathy as a treatment option at malaria, HIV infection, tuberculosis, influenza and diarrhoeas in the childhood.

==Homoeopathic Antidots==
Supporters of the homoeopathy are afraid of apparently unwanted effects of the own therapies, particularly as too intensive first worsenings after a homoeopathic medication. But this case is also provided for by so-called homoeopathic antidotes. Therefore it would be sufficient to disable the remedy causing the first worsenings by a couple of drinks of a strong coffee or by smelling to camphors (tiger balsam, Vic-vapo rup ...). According to the so-called women's magazine "FÜR SIE" (engl. for her) mobile telephones would "impair" homoeopathic remedies in their effect. At the taking of such a remedy one should set the mobile telephone aside. The electromagnetic fields of radio alarms, computers and microwaves also can impair the effect of the remedies.

==History of Homoeopathy==
One can grant homoeopathy thoroughly "scientific" character at time of its development (according to definition at that time). After all, Hahnemann proceeded empirically and checked his thesis at experiments on himself. Nowadays the gain of knowledge since these time makes the theory only seem interesting from the medicine historical view. The homoeopathy cannot be regarded as a serious medical method due to the missing effectiveness proof. At Hahnemann's times neither a clinical thermometer was invented nor the knowledge of bacteria was acquired, instead the strangest attempts to explain arose (miasma for example, pathogenic steams which raise of the ground), so that one must quite regard Hahnemann's model from historical view as reasonable. From today's view after over two centuries of enormous knowledge gain one can suspect that even Hahnemann, he would still live and have today's knowledge, would mock his apologists. So the homoeopathy was already criticized intensely over 100 years ago (see links). The similarity principle of the homoeopathy does not go back on Hahnemann, there already were analogous conceivabilities (for example in England) before.

Furthermore it is remarkable that some of Hahnemanns recommendations from the Organon, such as the application of a hot terpentine to scald injuries, are not propagated broadly anymore. With injuries at which one can immediately see the success or failure of a treatment the teachings are rejected partly correctly as obsolete and unfounded. The parts of Hahemanns teachings which are also illogical and unfounded, however, are commercialized profitably at whose putting into action one can hope for the placebo effect.

==Homoeopathic doctors in Europe==
5.000 doctors shall approximately have attained a qualification as homoeopath in Germany. The net newspaper says that approximately every 40th doctor has a qualification in "homoeopathy" in Germany at the moment. According to information from the ECHAMP about 2.5% of the doctors in Germany, 8.3% in Italy and in 14% Slovakia, have a qualification in "homoeopathy". On the other hand, the quota is under 0.03% in Sweden, of almost 30.000 only ten have a homoeopathic additional training for Swedish doctors, altogether. 56.000 doctors would therefore almost Europe-wide have a qualification in "homoeopathy". The so glaringly different acceptance of the homoeopathy into two industrial nations like Germany and Sweden at a comparable health status of the German and Swede shows that the homoeopathy can be renounced without problems on the one hand apparently without a relevant effect arising on the population's health and on the other hand that the popularity of the homoeopathy is rather not associated to scientific arguments or proofs of evidence, but relies more on philosophy of lives, prejudices or traditions. Convincing scientific arguments and effectiveness proofs which would speak for the application of the homoeopathy, would also have convinced Swedish physicians.

==The business with homeopathics==
Germany and France are the most important markets for a homoeopathic and anthroposophic-homoeopathic medicine in Europe. Almost 60% of all medicines of these therapy directions produced in Europe were, sold '''add source'''[27] with a Europe-wide increase of 60% between 1995 and 2005 in these two countries. In Germany there was a turnover plus of 80%, in France 300%. The Europe-wide sales volume amounts to 1.7 billion Euros, about 7% of all medicine available without prescription. The revenues of the production amounted to about 930 million Euros, therefrom 810 million Euros for medicine in 2005. Measured against the manufacturer's prices about 268 million Euros of the EU sales were allotted to Germany, on France 294 million Euros. According to information from the weekly periodical of "Der Spiegel" the sales volume of homoeopathic remedies was at 400 million Euros in 2009. According to information from the federal association of the pharmaceutical industry the legal health insurance companies paid 9 million Euros for homoeopathic remedies. The subsequent costs are not, however, included for ineffective homoeopathic therapies here. The costs by homoeopathic first and subsequent case histories which must be usually paid by the patients are also not comparable with these costs. The market leading enterprise in Germany is the German homoeopathy union (DHU). The group with over 400 employees has developed out of the company Schwabe set up in 1961.

The most used homeopathic is Oscilococcinum C200. This remedy also is called the "20 million canard". The annual turnover for the product is 20 million dollars. The remedy is produced from duck liver, but only the liver of one single duck is used for the complete sales volume, and of this something is left: The potentization of C200 means that the ratio of liver to the solution 1 to 10 is with 400 zeros.

==Homoeopathy is financially interesting for doctors==
The payoff of "homoeopathic" benefits by doctors gets more and more attractive for these as the doctor newspaper reported already 2007. The compensation contains € 90 first case history, € 20 Repertorisation, € 20 analysis and € 45 subsequent case history. For these € 175 a set up specialist cares for 5 "conventional" patients for a whole quarter, regardless how often these appear in the practice. In principle, as a National Health patient one can take up homoeopathic performances at such illness forms "at which a cure or alleviation has to be expected by a specifical therapeutical response of potentially still available self-healing strengths".

==Homoeopathy and controversial measles parties==
2005 became known that supporters of the homoeopathy do not decline so-called measles parties generally. Quotation of a corresponding newspaper article: Homoeopathic doctors do not decline "measles parties" generally. At tradeoff of the possible side effects of a vaccination with the risks of an illness, an infection caused consciously "is worth a consideration, at an age between about three and eight years" said the Munich paediatrician Dr. Steffen Rabe.

It is a result of the vaccinating campaigns that in comparison with in the past more babies and adults fall ill at measles outbreaks today. The risk of falling ill with complications, such as a brain fever, because of measles was, however, higher with this group of people up to ten times, Rabe said. "The increased measles illness frequency with babies is an immediate result of the vaccinating politics", so Rabe. The last decision on the participation of a child in a "measles party" always rests with parents in the opinion of the doctor.

In the case of a measles illness the paediatrician recommends the complete renunciation of fever-reducing drugs since these possibly increase the complication risk. "The patient rather needs primarily silence and rest." In many cases, the illness has to be treated well with classic homoeopathy.

==Studies on homoeopathy==
===The early studies===
Already to life times of Hahnemann his teaching was controversial and aroused lively discussions and the first tests with homeopathics proceeded negatively. Hahnemann's readings couldn't be confirmed in repetitions of his original „medicine tests“. The famous cinchona experiment the teaching is based on was a mistake: Although cinchona lowers the body temperature, Hahnemann felt fevers after the taking. Possibly an allergic reaction. The non-blinded "drug examinations" without switching off a possible placebo effect by comparison with a fake medication are not acceptable scientifically either.

===The homoeopathy studies in the time of the National Socialism===
There were further examinations to the homoeopathy in the time of the National Socialism. The regime wanted a reorientation in the health service, the "new German medicine". Moreover, the criticism of jewished orthodox medicine got pure in National Socialist circles. Drug studies were done at different homoeopathic hospitals by the Reichsgesundheitsamt (RGA) between 1936 and 1939, much of them placebo checked. Above all the reliability of earlier medicine examinations and thus also the priority of the "pharmacological picture" developing on them should be investigated. The homoeopath Hanns Rabe (1890 - 1959), the internist Werner Siebert (1897 - 1951) and the pharmacology professors Gustav Kuschinsky (1904 - 1992) and Richard Bonsmann belonged to the study group. At that time the doctor and homoeopath Fritz Donner (1896 - 1979) who was working in Berlin at the homoeopathic department of the Rudolf Virchow hospital, was involved substantially at these checks too. Extensive notes from Donner about the RGA examinations and previous studies became known as Donner report for the homoeopathy and are available today in the original in the "homoeopathy archives" of the institute for history of the medicine of the Robert Bosch foundation in Stuttgart. But nothing positive for the homoeopathy came of the government-supported examinations. Double blinded experiments were carried out with Silicea C30, for example. The result: Verum and placebo caused equal much symptoms. It was not possible for the homoeopaths present to distinguish verum and placebo. In 1938/39 clinical attempts with homeopathics were also accomplished with negative results in the Robert Koch hospital in Berlin. The homoeopath Rabe reacted with the assumption that [...] homoeopathy is no pharmacotherapeutic method, as assumed till now, but a form of psychotherapy [...]. Fritz Donner in a memory protocol: Truthfully one would have to answer that during the medicine examination nothing came out and that a reaction speaking for a therapeutical effect of the used medicines never has occurred in the clinical tests with a patient. Nevertheless it was announced officially that certain difficulties would have manifested themselves so that one must start newly. The war prevented however further research. Donner expressed himself more considerably later within the 1960s: He called the examination a total fiasco for the homoeopathy.

{{OtherLang|ge=Homöopathie|nl=Homeopathie|en=Homoeopathy}}

[[category:Homoeopathy]]

User:EsoTypo

2011-07-04T20:25:13Z

EsoTypo: new account owner

Hello. I am the new EsoTypo, taking over this account. Please note, that I do not know the private and personal correspondence of the old EsoTypo. I received some information on how to handle EsoTypo's job and that's it.
I do not have a forum account. Feel free to use my discussion page to stay in contact.

See [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Benutzer:EsoTypo] for more.

Main Page

2011-07-04T20:22:28Z

EsoTypo:

__NOTOC__
{| width="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
| colspan="2" |
==Welcome to Psiram.com==

Welcome to the wiki of irrational belief systems. We hope you find something useful or interesting. If you want, you can [[join]] us. View a [[Special:Random|Random page]] if you want to get an idea what this is about. Go to the [http://forum.psiram.com forum] if you want to talk to us.

|-
| width="50%" style="vertical-align:top;padding:10pt" |

==Belief systems==
* [[Esotericism]], [[Steiner_quotes|Anthroposophy]] or everything related as [[:category:Esotericism]]
* [[Conspiracy Theory|Conspiracy theories]] like [[Chemtrails]]

| width="50%" style="vertical-align:top;padding:10pt" |

==Quackery==
* [[Germanic New Medicine]], [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]] and his [[Victims_of_New_Medicine|victims]] [[Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy according to Tullio Simoncini]] [[Christopher Maloney]]
|}

---------------------

==New articles==
[[NEXUS Magazine]] ⋅ [[G. Edward Griffin]] ⋅ [[Transmutation‎]] ⋅ [[Zirconium fusion reactor of Bolotov]] ⋅ [[Energy Cleaner by Crock]] ⋅ [[CETI Patterson Power Cell]] ⋅ [[Joseph Mercola‎]] ⋅ [[Gary Null]] ⋅ [[Mike Adams]] ⋅ [[Raum & Zeit]] ⋅ [[NET-Journal]] ⋅ [[Claus Wilhelm Turtur]] ⋅ [[Low Energy Nuclear Reactions‎]] ⋅ [[Focardi-Rossi Energy-Catalyzer]] ⋅ [[HHO]] ⋅ [[Mike Brady]] ⋅ [[Pure Energy Systems Network Inc.]] ⋅ [[Cold Fusion]] ⋅ [[Water-fuelled car]] ⋅ [[Free Energy]] ⋅ [[Felix Würth AG]] ⋅ [[Testatika]] ⋅ [[Steorn]] ⋅ [[Perendev-Group]] ⋅ [[‎Joe-Cell]] ⋅ [[‎Hydrino]] ⋅ [[‎Matthias Rath]] ⋅ [[Inverted Occam's Razor]] ⋅ [[Occam's Razor]] ⋅ [[Pseudoscience]] ⋅ [[Thomas E. Bearden]] ⋅ [[John Bedini]] ⋅ [[Perpetual Motion]] ⋅ [[Magniwork]] ⋅ [[Bovis scale]] ⋅ [[Kiesha Crowther]] ⋅ [[Chemtrail]] ⋅ [[Victims of New Medicine]] ⋅ [[Conspiracy Theory]] ⋅ [[Miracle Mineral Supplement]] ⋅ [[Jim Humble]] ⋅ [[Eleanor McBean]] ⋅ [[Esotericism]] ⋅ [[Deer Tribe]] ⋅ [[Night Milk Crystals]] ⋅ [[Mayan Prophecy and 2012]] ⋅ [[Hopi and Pseudo Hopi Prophecies]] ⋅ [[Prahlad Jani]] ⋅ [[Andreas Moritz]] ⋅ [[Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy according to Tullio Simoncini]] ⋅ [[Cancer Diet]] ⋅ [[Ralph W. Moss]]

[[category:!Psiram]]

Germanic New Medicine

2011-03-15T21:36:18Z

EsoTypo: OL

[[image:gnmen.jpg|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Hamer2.jpg|Inventor R. G. Hamer|thumb]]
'''Germanic New Medicine'''® (GNM) (formerly called ''New Medicine'' and often called ''New German[ic] Medicine'') is a pseudoscientific, alternative medicine which appeared in Germany in 1981. It has also been a registered trade mark since 2003. Many hopeful cancer patients treated by this method have died, at least 140 (see details below).

The Germanic New Medicine was invented by barred German physician [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]], who has been prosecuted in several European countries for illegally practicing medicine. Hamer is currently living in Sandefjord, in the south of Norway. His address is the same as his publishing company ''GERMANISCHE NEUE MEDIZIN FORLAG DR. HAMER'' Sandkollveien 11, N-3229 Sandefjord/Norway. In two interviews in September 2007 Hamer stated that he fled from Spain to Norway to escape an arrest warrant from Germany. The warrant was issued on the grounds of ''incitement of hatred against a minority of the population'' (article 130 of German criminal law), because of Hamer's many public anti-semitic statements in open letters and on web pages and accusing an international Jewish conspiracy (in particular the New York B'nai B'rith) of having killed two billion people by means of hiding the truth about New Medicine, which Hamer claims can heal 98% of all cancer cases.

Due to the fact that its principles are incompatible with the findings of modern evidence-based medicine, the GNM has never been accepted and is widely ignored by the scientific and academic medical community. Hamer spreads his ideas in his books, published by his own publishing company ''Amici di Dirk'', via many different private web pages on the internet and through publications by a number of followers and associations that support his doctrines.

According to Hamer, every disease of either man, animal or plant is the result of an earlier - not well-defined - ''biological conflict'', obeying to no more than five so-called ''biological laws of nature'' which he claims to have discovered, but which no scientist has been able to confirm as yet. In addition to this, Hamer states that only the effects of radiation and injuries are not the result of a biological conflict.

GNM is a mainly diagnostic construction and a primitive reinvention of a number of obsolete concepts from psychosomatic medicine, mixed with pseudoscientific, unvalidated tests of Hamer's own invention and a grotesquely erroneous interpretation of CT brain scans. Some of his ideas have already been proposed before (e.g. ''Christian Science'' and anthroposophic medicine...). What is usually called disease or symptom, is seen by Hamer as a ''sensible biological program'' (in German: ''sinnvolles biologisches Sonderprogramm''), being the reaction of a healthy organism to the alleged biological conflicts. According to Hamer's theory, all severe diseases, such as cancer, can be ''healed'' in 95% of all cases by performing a so-called ''conflictolysis'' on the principles of the GNM. Failures of his method or the death of patients are consistently attributed to interventions of ''scholastic medicine'', e.g. the use of morphine, or the patient's not being totally committed to the GNM.

Until now, Hamer has failed to present any literature supporting his ideas, such as peer-reviewed articles in serious medical journals and to perform scientific studies into the efficacy of his treatments.

==Germanic==
Germanic is a term which first appeared in Roman times about 200 years before Christ and was used by Romans (for instance Pliny the elder) to designate different peoples living east of the Rhine river or north of the Alps. These different peoples never called themselves ''Germanic''. This term was an invention of some of the enemies of the different ''Germanic'' peoples and tribes. When, in 2004, Hamer was asked why he wanted his hypotheses to be called ''Germanic'', he answered: ''[...] weil ich stolz bin ein Deutscher zu sein [...]'' (because I'm proud to be a German).<ref>Caroline Markolin (Montreal/Canada), January 1, 2005: ''[...] Ich habe Dr. Hamer letztes Jahr während eines Seminar in Spanien gefragt: "Warum germanisch?". Seine Antwort kam schnell und war eindeutig: "Ich bin stolz, Deutscher zu sein [...]'' source: http://www.pilhar.com/Hamer/Korrespo/2005/20050101_Markolin_Plaedoyer.htm</ref> Hamer also justified the term in his book ''Vermächtnis einer neuen Medizin''<ref>Hamer RG: book ''Vermächtnis einer neuen Medizin'' chapter 28</ref>, asserting that the term ''Germanic'' allegedly carried ''no concept of evil or good'' as this allegedly only appeared in ''Judaic and Christian tradition''. Hamer also expressed his conviction that medicine had been ''invented in Germany, the country of poets, musicians, inventors and discoverers'', and that Germany was ''the mother'' of all European languages, which is nonsense.

==No published reports about healed cancer patients so far==
No report about healed cancer patients who had survived a GNM therapy and who were not treated by academic medicine has been published so far, only some anecdotal stories are available. For instance a German person asserts that he survived leukemia eleven times thanks to Hamer's method,<ref>case Joswig, a German extremist right admirer of GNM who claims to be a citizen of a ''Deutsches Reich'' (German empire)</ref> another asserts to have been healed miraculously from an atheroma (this is not cancer), and someone thinks that his torticollis was in fact a non-Hodgkin lymphoma<ref>http://www.pilhar.com/Hamer/NeuMed/Sonderpr/20000101_NonHodgkin.htm</ref>. Admirers and followers of GNM think that thousands of cancer patients have been healed by GNM. A neutral observer must wonder why they do not show up to support this method.

==Notable cases of failure==
Many former GNM patients suffering cancer died so far. More than 140 persons are known so far in 2008. This is documented in different court files and sentences, newspaper articles, reports of relatives, and in the list presented by Aribert Deckers.<ref>http://www.ariplex.com/ama/ama_ham2.htm</ref> Many of them had a good chance to survive as they had a cancer responding well to modern therapies (e.g. testicular cancer, Hodgkin-lymphoma). A detailed presentation of notable cases can be seen here: [[Victims of New Medicine]].

Ryke Geerd Hamer developed testicular cancer himself in 1978 (or at the beginning of 1979), but seeked professional help and underwent surgery in a clinic in Tübingen. He survived this miraculously, according to his own opinion he should have had a survival chance of only 2%.<ref>http://www.neue-medizin.de/html/ein_vermachtnis.html</ref> His tumor appeared only two month after the death of his son Dirk (that was December 1978), and Hamer was convinced that event was the cause of his cancer.<ref>http://www.newmedicine.ca/interview.php [...] in 1978 I developed testicular cancer from such a biological conflict, a so-called "loss conflict [...]"</ref>. But cancer needs years to develop, and not two months. His wife died from breast cancer in 1985, a GNM therapy by Hamer was not successful. Hamer said this at the end of 1985 and declared his wife to be his ''first patient after discovering the iron rules of cancer''.

==Sceptical view of the GNM==
[[image:sciencefaith.jpg|650px|thumb]]
Hamer never published his hypotheses in a scientific paper (his doctoral thesis has nothing to do with it), and apart from an article by Danish holistic physician (now barred) Sören Ventegodt which appeared in a rather unimportant journal<ref>Ventegodt et al. Fulltext: http://www.thescientificworldjournal.com/headeradmin/upload/2005.03.16.pdf</ref> no scientific paper analysing his method can be found in databases. The author Ventegodt also lost his medical license in the meantime and has been criticized for working in a pseudoscientific way, and it seems that the journal accepts papers after receiving a ''payment''.<ref>http://kasperolsen.wordpress.com/2005/12/19/more-dangerous-pseudo-science/ Ventegodt and pseudoscience</ref> This makes it more difficult to evaluate his ideas.

The inventor Hamer does not present scientific proofs in favour of his method, and does not present controlled and placebo-controlled prospective studies supporting it. Instead, he shows retrospectively filtered reports and letters of anecdotal value, often written by himself or laymen.

Hamer does never recognise any limit of his medical knowledge (he could not work as physician after 1986) and behaves as an ''expert'' in every branch of medicine, exactly as described by the ''Dunning-Kruger effect''<ref>Justin Kruger, David Dunning (1999), "Unskilled and Unaware of It: How Difficulties in Recognizing One's Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessments". Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 77 (6): 1121–34. PMID 10626367. [http://www.apa.org/journals/features/psp7761121.pdf]</ref><ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunning-Kruger_effect</ref> becoming a danger for his patients.

==External and Internal Contradictions and Obvious Errors==
[[image:Ce.jpg|Cancer survival in Germany|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Mortalitysweden.jpg|thumb|400px|Mortality in Sweden between 1964 and 1996]]
[[image:ALLsweden.jpg|ALL in Sweden Acta Oncol 2003;42|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Hodgkinsweden.jpg|Hogkin in Sweden Acta Oncol 2003;42|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Smokecancer.jpg|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Yoshihiro.jpg|300px|thumb]]
Hamer made many different public statements about his doctrines being in conflict with each other and being in a clear contrast and conflict to the actual knowledge in scientific medicine.
*'''Cancer:''' Hamer states that he was able to cure cancer patients in 98% of all cases but is unable to present a single cured patient. At the same time, it is well known (see his trials, the ''Aribert-Decker-List''<ref>http://www.ariplex.com/ama/ama_ham2.htm</ref> and [[Victims of New Medicine]] / [[Testimonies of former associates of Hamer]]) that many cancer patients following his method died. Some of his statements seem to indicate that the therapeutic principle in new medicine is the so far unknown induction of a ''spontaneous remission'' of cancer after a psychotherapeutical intervention by the patient himself, and assisted by a GNM therapist. The probability of any spontaneous remission is however known to be very low and occurs only in about 1:50,000 to 1:140,000 of all cancer cases. These remissions are not only very rare, but at the same time no cure is known today to induce them. Every spontaneous remission is also subject to possible relapses and patients must wait at least five (or more) years until they know that recovery seems to be definitive. At least two different groups of experts are performing research on spontaneous remissions in Germany (one for instance in Nuremberg). At the same time, Hamer declared many times, and still continues to repeat, that ''scientific medicine'' offered only about a 2% survival chance for a cancer patient.<ref>[...] So aber gibt es nur schlechte Verlierer in der dummen und falschen Schulmedizin. Von der strafrechtlichen Seite wollen wir noch gar nicht einmal sprechen., d.h. von der Frage, wer denn für den seit 18 Jahren geübten, vorsätzlichen wissenschaftlichen Massenmord oder Superholokaust an unseren Patienten verantwortlich ist. Denn beim Deutschen Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg kann sich doch jeder erkundigen: Bei der "Standesamtsstatistik" (d.h.: Wer lebt wirklich noch nach Chemo-Pseudotherapie ?) findet man, daß nach 5 Jahren 95% der Patienten tot sind, nach 7 Jahren 98%! Das heißt: Man hat alle Patienten regelrecht um ihr Leben betrogen, indem man die Erkenntnisse der neuen Medizin mit ihrer 95%igen (und mehr) Überlebenschance unterdrückt hat! Das war aber nicht ein paar vertrottelte Medizyn-Onkelchens oder saudumme Medienredakteure, xxxxx Richter oder Politiker, sondern das waren die finsteren Mächte der Logenonkelchen und Onkologenbrüderchen, die dieses schlimmste Verbrechen der Menschheitsgeschichte für den Wahn der Weltherrschaft begehen mußten [...] see: http://www.pilhar.com/Hamer/Korrespo/1999/19990415_Hamer_an_Freund_Gallmeier.htm (rif 107)</ref> Hamer sometimes refers to Ulrich Abel, a German expert who never made any statement like this. In reality, modern medicine (evidenced-based medicine and good clinical practice) today offers a survival rate of about 55% (all cases) in Germany<ref>Robert Koch Institut, Germany</ref>, and in other countries, like the USA or Australia, even over 60%<ref>http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/14/suppl_5/v61.pdf (periodo 1990-94, pag. 58)</ref>. National Cancer Institute (USA) indicates a cancer survival of only 20% in 1920. And cancer incidence started to decrease about ten years ago in Germany.<ref>http://www.aerzteblatt.de/v4/archiv/bild.asp?id=12796 (source: http://www.ekr.med.uni-erlangen.de/GEKID/Doc/kid2006.pdf)</ref>
*Another '''big error:''' Hamer claims that ''1,500 German non-Jewish cancer patients'' were ''killed'' every day by scientific medicine and this can be seen or heard in a video interview dated 2006<ref>http://www.lnc-2010.de/html/neues_deutschland.html</ref> and he continues to assert this claim on different web pages in open letters.<ref>http://www.pilhar.com/Hamer/Korrespo/2007/20070205_Hamer_an_HR3.htm</ref> These data, however, contradict published German cancer statistics of 2002: 420,000 people were newly diagnosed with cancer in that year in Germany, and at the same time 210,000 died because of cancer in 2002. 210000/365=575, Hamer's numbers cannot be correct and 1,500 x 365 = 547,500. This means the number of dead patients would exceed the number of newly diagnozed patients by 120,000. This is of course impossible.
*'''Chemotherapy and cancer''': According to the inventor Hamer, chemotherapy in cancer treatment would have a fatal effect on every patient and caused to death of many people in the past. However, chemotherapy is mostly used as a coadjuvant therapy combined with surgery or a radiation therapy. Some (not all) cancers are sensitive to particular drugs used. Cancer of this type are for instance Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children, Hodgkin-disease or testicular cancer.<ref>Brandt L, A systematic overview of chemotherapy effects in Hodgkin's disease, Acta oncol 2001;40(2-3):185-97, A systematic review of chemotherapy trials in several tumour types was performed by The Swedish Council of Technology Assessment in Health Care (SBU). The procedures for the evaluation of scientific literature are described separately (Acta Oncol 2001; 40: 155-65). This synthesis of the literature on chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease (HD) is based on 113 scientific reports including four meta-analyses, 44 randomised studies, 18 prospective studies and 40 retrospective studies. These studies involve 69,196 patients. The conclusions reached can be summarised into the following points: Chemotherapy is of utmost importance for the cure of HD. At early stages, extended field radiotherapy cures most patients. For the majority of patients with relapses after radiotherapy, chemotherapy is curative and the total proportion of cured early stage patients is 75-90%. Chemotherapy in addition to extended field radiotherapy reduces recurrences but does not improve long-term survival. In early stage HD with a large mediastinal mass and/or systemic symptoms, combined treatment with chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended. It is likely that chemotherapy will in future play a greater role in the treatment of early stage patients, too, in order to reduce later consequences from extended field radiotherapy. However, this conclusion remains to be better documented in literature. At advanced stages, chemotherapy or a combination of chemotherapy and limited field radiotherapy are effective treatment options and, using the regimens available 10-20 years ago, 40-50% of the patients are cured. Based upon more favourable short-term (three to eight years) results of more recently developed regimens, it can be expected that today a higher proportion of the patients will become long-term survivors. Several chemotherapy regimens containing four to eight drugs are effective in HD. The best regimen considering both antitumour activity and acute and later side-effects is not known. The choice of regimen is probably best done after considering various pre-treatment factors such as the number of poor prognostic signs, concomitant diseases, and individual preferences. The results of chemotherapy are more favourable in young than in elderly patients. The development of less toxic but still effective treatment programmes is therefore particularly important for the elderly. High dose chemotherapy with stem cell support is presently often used in patients who are chemotherapy induction failures, who relapse after a short initial remission or after a longer initial remission and treated initially with seven or eight drugs, or who have had multiple relapses. However, this use is based on data from uncontrolled or small controlled studies, not being fully convincing with respect to effect on survival. Persistent side-effects of treatment are common among long-term survivors, although most patients apparently have a normal life. The relative contributions of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to the persistent effects are not well documented.</ref>. Overall (additional = contribution for chemotherapy for cancer survival is estimated to be between 5-10%.
*'''Tumors in transplanted organs:''' Tumors may also come up in transplanted organs, they were already present in these organs before transplantation (too small to be detected), but it is also known that a tumor can build up after transplantation. After a transplantation, no nerve links this organ to the brain, and therefore the GNM theory of cancer origin fails.<ref>Schwarz A, Renal cell carcinoma in transplant recipients with acquired cystic kidney disease, Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2007 Jul;2(4):750-6. Epub 2007 Apr 25 [...] CONCLUSIONS: Renal cell carcinoma occurs often after renal transplantation [...]</ref><ref>Aguilera Tubet C, Multifocal renal cell carcinoma on renal allograft, Actas Urol Esp. 2007 May;31(5):553-5 [...] We report a case of multifocal renal cell carcinoma diagnosed in a kidney grafted 17 years before [...]</ref><ref>Besarani D Urological malignancy after renal transplantation, BJU Int. 2007 Sep;100(3):502-5</ref><ref>Roithmaier S, Incidence of malignancies in heart and/or lung transplant recipients: a single-institution experience, J Heart Lung Transplant. 2007 Aug;26(8):845-9</ref><ref>Ondrus D The incidence of tumours in renal transplant recipients with long-term immunosuppressive therapy, Int Urol Nephrol. 1999;31(4):417-22</ref><ref>Birkeland SA Risk for tumor and other disease transmission by transplantation: a population-based study of unrecognized malignancies and other diseases in organ donors, Transplantation. 2002 Nov 27;74(10):1409-13</ref><ref>Buell JF Donor transmitted malignancies, Ann Transplant. 2004;9(1):53-6</ref>
*'''Inherited cancer:''' In some cancer types it is known for sure that these are inherited and therefore transmitted genetically. One example is familial adenomatous polyposis<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Familial_adenomatous_polyposis</ref> or Xeroderma pigmentosum<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xeroderma_pigmentosum</ref>. Other cases are Louis-Bar syndrome, Gardner syndrome, Turcot syndrome and familiar form of retinoblastoma. In these cases a ''biological conflict'' as an origin can be excluded.
*'''Cancer caused by virus:''' About 15% of all cancer are caused by viruses (oncovirus), the presence of a viral infection increases incidence. This is the case in high-risk HPV, Burkitt lymphoma and HIV.
*'''No chemical carcinogens in new medicine:''' The Hamer doctrine allows no chemical carcinogens to exist, they have simply no effect on tumor formation and smoking does not cause cancer, for instance. Cancer may occur because people were ''in panic'' after hearing that carcinogenes like asbestos were harmful.
*'''No metastasis in GNM:''' According to the same doctrine metastases does not exist and allegedly was never proved by scientific medicine. Tumors appearing after a first tumor were due to the panic of the patient who, suffering, was producing new tumors. Also, isolate tumor cells would not be detectable in blood, especially not in arterial blood.<ref>http://www.neue-medizin.de/html/3__naturgesetz.html</ref> Many scientific articles tell us the opposite. Since 1869 (more than 130 years ago), it is known that tumors emit single cancer cells or groups of them into the blood, and every day a tumor may emit millions of cells even if only a minority may survive (perhaps 0,01%) and be the source of a distant metastasis<ref>Wong LS, Detection of circulating tumour cells and nodal metastasis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction technique, Br J surg 2005 Vol 84 (6) 834, In the search for occult metastases in lymph nodes or circulating tumour cells, a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed to detect tumour-specific splice variants of the transcript of the CD44 gene. The assay was highly sensitive and could detect ten tumour cell per 10(5) leucocytes. METHODS: RNA was purified from peripheral blood (n = 24) and regional lymph nodes (n = 14) from patients with colorectal cancer. Complementary DNA was made and amplified using primers specific for the CD44 gene. Southern blotting with exon-specific probes was used to enhance the sensitivity. RESULTS: Tumour cells were detected in peripheral blood samples in four patients and lymph nodes in nine, in one of whom conventional histology had not detected tumour cells. CONCLUSION: This technique may be useful in the early diagnosis of primary or metastatic tumours, in assessing prognosis and in detecting residual disease after treatment.</ref><ref>Sadahiro S, Detection of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Messenger RNA-Expressing Cells in Peripheral Blood 7 Days After Curative Surgery is a Novel Prognostic Factor in Colorectal Cancer, Ann Surg Oncol 2007 jan 3, BACKGROUND: The significance of detection of circulating cancer cells in blood during surgery in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. Experimental study revealed that the cancer cells injected from the vein disappeared completely until 7 days. The aim of this study was to clarify that the detection of circulating cancer cells in blood taken later than 7 days after curative surgery may be a prognostic factor. METHODS: Two hundred consecutive patients with CRC who underwent potentially curative surgery were the subjects. Peripheral blood was collected between 7 and 10 days after resection. Cancer cells were detected using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction targeting carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) messenger RNA (mRNA). The median follow-up period was 52 months (range: 34-69 months). RESULTS: The overall positive incidence of CEA mRNA was 22%. Detection of CEA mRNA was not significantly related to conventional clinicopathological findings. Recurrence has been confirmed in 55 patients (28%). The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients with rectal cancer, deep penetration, lymph node metastasis, preoperative chemoradiotherapy and positive CEA mRNA. The CEA mRNA positive patients showed significantly poorer disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than the negative patients (DFS, P=0.007; OS, P=0.04). Multivariate analysis revealed that the positive expression of CEA mRNA (P < 0.01) as well as the tumor location and TNM stage classification was identified as the significant risk factors for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Detection of CEA mRNA expressing cells in peripheral blood 7 days after curative surgery is a novel independent factor predicting recurrence in patients with CRC.</ref><ref>Castells A, Detection of colonic cells in peripheral blood of colorectal cancer patients by means of reverse transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction, Br J Cancer, 1998 78(10) 1368, Circulating tumour cells play a central role in the metastatic process, but little is known about the relationship between this cellular subpopulation and the development of secondary disease. This study was aimed at assessing the presence of colonic cells in peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer in different evolutionary stages, by means of reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeted to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA. In vitro sensitivity was established in a recovery experiment by preparing serial colorectal cancer cell dilutions. Thereafter, 95 colorectal cancer patients and a control group including healthy subjects (n = 11), patients with other gastrointestinal neoplasms (n = 11) or inflammatory bowel disease (n = 9) were analysed. Specific cDNA primers for CEA transcripts were used to apply RT-PCR to peripheral blood samples. Tumour cells were detected down to five cells per 10 ml blood, thus indicating a sensitivity limit of approximately one tumour cell per 10(7) white blood cells. CEA mRNA expression was detected in 39 out of 95 colorectal cancer patients (41.1%), there being a significant correlation with the presence of distant metastases at inclusion. None of the healthy volunteers and only 1 of 11 patients (9.1%) with other gastrointestinal neoplasms had detectable CEA mRNA in peripheral blood. By contrast, CEA mRNA was detected in five of the nine patients (55.6%) with inflammatory bowel disease. These results confirm that it is feasible to amplify CEA mRNA in the peripheral blood, its presence being almost certainly derived from circulating malignant cells in colorectal cancer patients. However, CEA mRNA detectable in blood of patients with inflammatory bowel disease suggests the presence of circulating non-neoplastic colonic epithelial cells.</ref><ref>Nakamori S, Genetic detection of colorectal cancer cells in circulation and lymph nodes, Dis Colon Rectum 1997 40(10 sup) S29-36, PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical implications of detection of genetic alterations in blood and lymph nodes in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product of the cytokeratin gene in blood was examined as a cancer cell-specific expression in 35 colorectal cancer patients. The K-ras or p53 gene mutations in the lymph nodes histopathologically negative for metastasis were studied by the mutant-allele-specific amplification method in 26 colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay was able to detect a cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product at a concentration from a single to ten colon cancer cells per 10(6) normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction products were detected in nine patients' blood samples, although none of the samples were cytologically detectable. The blood's cytokeratin positivity correlated with the invasive mode of the tumor (P < 0.05) and the presence of distant metastasis (P < 0.01). Two (50 percent) of four patients whose blood was positive for cytokeratin had recurrences. Of 17 patients with the K-ras or p53 gene mutation in primary tumors, 9 (53 percent) had the corresponding mutations in lymph nodes. Mutation positivity in lymph nodes correlated with the presence of lymphatic invasion of the primary tumor (P < 0.05). All patients with mutation-negative lymph nodes remained disease-free for more than two years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Detection of cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction products in the blood and K-ras or p53 gene mutations in the lymph nodes histologically negative for metastasis may be applicable for clinical use, despite some limitations, and may serve as a useful clinical factor for stratifying patients who are at high or low risk for recurrence after surgery.</ref><ref>Iinuma H, Detection of tumor cells in blood using CD45 magnetic cell separation followed by nested mutant allele-specific amplification of p53 and K-ras genes in patients with colorectal cancer, Int J Cancer 2000 89(4) 337,
A new method for detecting circulating tumor cells that is based on magnetic-activated cell separation (MACS) and nested mutant allele-specific amplification (nested MASA) was evaluated in patients with colorectal cancer using the p53 and K-ras genes as genetic markers. By negative selection with anti-CD45 monoclonal antibody-conjugated supermagnetic microbeads, the proportion of tumor cells was enriched 9-fold. By the combination of MACS and nested MASA, 10 tumor cells in 10(7) normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells could be detected without false-positives. Using this method, we examined blood taken from the tumor drainage veins of 23 patients with colorectal cancer. Eighty-seven percent (20/23) of primary tumor tissues showed p53 and/or K-ras gene mutations. Forty-five percent (9/20) of patients with p53 and/or K-ras mutations in the primary tumor showed the same mutated genes in the blood samples. There was a significant association between the presence of p53 and K-ras gene mutation in the blood and tumor size, depth of invasion, and venous invasion. Blood gene mutation was detected in 80% (4/5) of samples from patients with synchronous liver metastases. Sixty percent (3/5) of patients with mutant genes in the blood developed asynchronous liver metastases after surgery. The overall survival of patients with p53 and/or K-ras gene mutation-positive findings in blood was significantly shorter than that of patients testing negative on Kaplan-Meier analysis. Our results suggest that the method may be useful for reliable detection of tumor cells circulating in the blood and may help to identify patients at high risk for relapse. Copyright 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.</ref><ref>Wang JY, Molecular detection of APC, K- ras, and p53 mutations in the serum of colorectal cancer patients as circulating biomarkers, World J Surg 2004 28(7) 721, Early detection of tumor DNA in serum/plasma prior to the development of recurrence or metastases could help improve the outcome of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) after tumor resection. Recent advances in the detection of tumor DNA in the serum/plasma has opened up numerous new areas for investigation and new possibilities for molecular diagnosis. APC and K- ras mutations are considered to be early-stage developments of CRCs, whereas p53 mutations are thought to be relatively late events in the tumorigenesis of CRCs. The aim of this study was to search for the presence of genetic mutations in the DNA extracted from the serum of CRC patients and healthy subjects. We simultaneously evaluate the significance of APC, K- ras, and p53 gene mutations in cancer tissues and their paired serum samples of 104 CRC patients by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism analysis (PCR-SSCP) followed by direct sequencing. Additionally, analysis was carried out to detect the serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in CRC patients. Overall, we found at least one of the gene mutations in tumor tissues from 75% (78/104) of the CRC patients. Comparison of the three molecular markers showed that the detection rates in the serum were 30.4%, 34.0%, and 34.2% for APC, K- ras, and p53 genes, respectively. Of these patients, 46.2% (36/78) were identified as having positive serum results, whereas all healthy controls remained negative. The overall positive tumor DNA detection rates in the serum were 0% (0/7) for Dukes' A classification, 22.4% (11/49) for Dukes' B, 48.7% (19/39) for Dukes' C, and 66.7% (6/9) for Dukes' D. The detection rate increased as the tumor stage progressed ( p = 0.012). Concurrently, a significant difference was observed between lymph node metastases and positive serum tumor DNA detection ( p < 0.001). A significantly higher postoperative metastasis/recurrence rate in patients harboring gene mutations with serum tumor DNA than those without serum tumor DNA was also demonstrated ( p < 0.001). However, no significant correlation between the postoperative metastasis/recurrence and serum CEA levels was observed ( p = 0.247). These data suggest that the identification of circulating tumor DNA using the molecular detection of APC, K- ras, and p53 gene mutations is a potential tool for early detection of postoperative recurrence/metastases. Moreover, these genes may be potential molecular markers of poor clinical outcome in CRC patients.</ref><ref>Wang JY, Molecular detection of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of patients with colorectal cancer using RT-PCR: significance of the prediction of postoperative metastasis, World J Surg 2006 june 30(6) 1007,
BACKGROUND: Approximately 20%-45% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients ultimately develop local recurrence or metastasis following curative surgical resection. The latter is caused by tumor cells shed from the primary carcinoma prior to or during operation, currently undetected by standard clinical staging. Fortunately, the presence of tumor cells in peripheral blood can be detected by molecular methods and is being regarded increasingly as a clinically relevant prognostic factor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To detect the presence of circulating tumor cells and evaluate their relationship to postoperative metastatic relapse, we simultaneously examined human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), cytokeratin-19 (CK-19), cytokeratin-20 (CK-20), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) mRNA (messenger RNA) in the peripheral blood of 72 CRC patients and 30 healthy individuals. Using a reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), these tumor-related mRNAs were amplified; in addition, analyses were carried out for their correlation with patients' clinicopathologic features, as well as the occurrence of postoperative metastasis. RESULTS: In RT-PCR analysis of the peripheral blood, 69.4% (50 out of 72), 66.7% (48 out of 72), 52.8% (38 out of 72), and 72.2% (52 out of 72) of CRC patients were positive for hTERT, CK-19, CK-20, and CEA mRNA respectively. All 30 healthy individuals were negative for hTERT and CEA mRNA expression, while 2 were positive for either CK-19 mRNA or CK-20 mRNA expression. The detection of CEA mRNA was significantly correlated with depth of tumor invasion (P=0.012), vessel invasion (P=0.035), TNM stage (P<0.0001), and postoperative metastasis (P<0.0001), while positive hTERT mRNA was correlated with TNM stage (P=0.037) and CK-19 was correlated with depth of tumor invasion (P=0.039) and postoperative metastasis (P=0.017). In addition, multivariate logistic regression showed that only CEA mRNA was an independent and significant predictor of postoperative metastasis (P=0.006). Our findings suggest that CEA mRNA may be a more reliable marker than hTERT, CK-19, and CK-20 for the detection of circulating cancer cells in the peripheral blood of CRC patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using RT-PCR for the detection of CEA mRNA is feasible and may be a promising tool for early detection of micrometastatic circulating tumor cells in CRC patients. CRC patients expressing positive CEA mRNA in peripheral blood have a significantly higher risk of postoperative metastasis. Nevertheless, confirmation of CEA mRNA as a prognostic predictive factor requires the continuation of patient follow-up.</ref><ref>Guadagni F, Detection of blood-borne cells in colorectal cancer patients by nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for carcinoembryonic antigen messenger RNA: longitudinal analyses and demonstration of its potential importance as an adjunct to multiple serum markers, Cancer res 2001 15 61(6) 2523, The use of reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to analyze cells in the blood of cancer patients for the detection of mRNA expressed in tumor cells has implications for both the prognosis and the monitoring of cancer patients for the efficacy of established or experimental therapies. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is expressed on approximately 95% of colorectal, gastric, and pancreatic tumors, and on the majority of breast, non-small cell lung, and head and neck carcinomas. CEA shed in serum is useful as a marker in only approximately 50% of colorectal cancer patients and rarely is shed by some other carcinoma types. RT-PCR has been used previously to detect CEA mRNA in cells in the blood and lymph nodes of cancer patients. Under the assay conditions validated in the studies reported here, 34 of 51 (67%) patients with different stages of colorectal cancer had blood cells that were positive by RT-PCR for CEA mRNA, whereas none of 18 patients with colonic polyps were positive; 2 of 60 apparently healthy individuals (who were age and sex matched with the carcinoma patients and were part of a colon cancer screening program as controls) were marginally positive. The results of CEA PCR in the blood of the carcinoma patients and the other groups showed strong statistical correlation with the disease (P2 < 0.0001). Analyses were carried out to detect both serum CEA protein levels and CEA mRNA in blood cells of colorectal carcinoma patients by RT-PCR. For all stages of disease, 18 of 51 patients (35%) were positive for serum CEA, whereas 35 of 51 (69%) were positive by RT-PCR. More importantly, only 5 of 23 (20%) of stage B and C colorectal cancer patients were positive for serum CEA, whereas 16 of 23 (70%) were positive by RT-PCR. The use of two other serum markers (CA19.9 and CA72-4) for colorectal cancer in combination with serum CEA scored two additional patients as positive; both were positive by RT-PCR for CEA mRNA. Pilot long-term longitudinal studies conducted before and after surgery identified some patients with CEA mRNA in blood cells that were negative for all serum markers, who eventually developed clinical metastatic disease. The studies reported here are the first to correlate RT-PCR results for CEA mRNA in blood cells with one or more serum markers for patients with different stages of colorectal cancer, and are the first long-term longitudinal studies to use RT-PCR to detect CEA mRNA in blood cells of cancer patients. Larger cohorts will be required in future studies to define the impact, if any, of this technology on prognosis and/or disease monitoring.</ref><ref>Guller U, Disseminated single tumor cells as detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction represent a prognostic factor in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer, Ann Surg 2002 dec 236(6) 768, OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical relevance of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) detection of CEA and CK20 transcripts, as potentially related to tumor cell dissemination, in blood and peritoneal lavage from patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Dissemination of single colorectal cancer cells in the peritoneal cavity, as well as in tumor drainage and peripheral blood vessels, might play a role in the metastasis process, thus affecting the clinical course. However, this phenomenon needs further elucidation. METHODS: In a prospective study the authors evaluated the potential of qPCR in the detection of CEA and/or CK20 transcripts in the peritoneal lavage fluid and in the peripheral and mesenteric venous blood of 39 patients undergoing curative resection for colorectal cancer. Peritoneal lavage and peripheral blood was sampled before and after tumor resection; mesenteric venous blood was sampled from the major tumor-draining vein immediately before clamping. After RNA extraction and reverse transcription, qPCR was performed using specific cDNA primers and probes for CEA and CK20. The dichotomous results from the qPCR were used as a predictor along with other covariates in Cox proportional hazard regression models of long-term outcome (disease-free survival and overall survival). RESULTS: Of 39 patients, 11 were positive. The median follow-up at analysis was 31 months for all patients. The dichotomous qPCR covariate was significant, with P =.001 and.0035 for disease-free survival and overall survival, respectively, in the proportional hazard regression models with only qPCR. In seven patients, disseminated colorectal cancer cells were found in the peritoneal lavage fluid but not in blood specimens; five of these patients (71%) had recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that detection of mRNA coding for CEA and/or CK20 using qPCR has potential clinical utility as a prognostic marker and should be evaluated in larger clinical studies. Identification of patients at high risk for metastatic disease after curative resection of colorectal cancer might be improved by analyzing peritoneal lavage specimens in addition to blood samples. This is based on the observation that in more than half of qPCR-positive patients, disseminated colorectal cancer cells were detected in peritoneal lavage specimens but not in blood samples, and that 71% of them had recurrence.</ref><ref>Elshimali YI, The clinical significance of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood, Diagn Mol Pathol 2006 15(4) 187, Tumors launch malignant cells into the circulation continuously. In early stages, the immune surveillance system eliminates these cells from the circulation, but at later times they may persist longer and be detected. The first recorded evidence of the presence of circulating tumor cells in the peripheral blood of cancer patients was documented in 1869. Now, modern molecular biologic and cell sorting techniques make their detection and characterization more practicable. This review will consider the methods currently available for their detection and characterization, and the clinical implications of their presence in various malignant conditions.</ref><ref>Mejean A, Detection of circulating prostate derived cells in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma is an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence, J Urol 2000 june 163 (6) 2022, PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of prostate-derived cells in the peripheral blood circulation is a marker of prostate cancer and to define the clinical impact of the test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested the peripheral blood of 99 patients with prostate adenocarcinoma (PAC), 79 of them undergoing radical prostatectomy, and 92 controls (31 healthy volunteers, 50 patients with adenoma and 11 with prostatitis) using a highly controlled procedure including reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeted to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) mRNA. Patients were followed for 26 +/- 12 (range: 4 to 49) months. Forty tumor tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for expression of p53 and E-cadherin antigens. RESULTS: Thirty three (33%) patients with PAC and 2 (2%) controls scored positive (p <0.0001) for the test. Detection of circulating prostatic cells was associated with development of metastases (p <0. 001), with relapse (p <0.001) and with a serum PSA level at diagnosis higher than 15 ng./ml. (p = 0.009). The rate of development of metastases according to time was significantly higher in patients who scored positive for the test (p <0.04). In a multivariate analysis, only the RT-PCR test was an independent risk factor associated with relapse (RR: 6.7). Finally, E-cadherin expression was significantly lower in the tumor tissues of positive patients as compared with those who scored negative for the test (p <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This RT-PCR procedure, performed at diagnosis and with appropriate controls, is a clinically useful assay in evaluating the risk of tumor recurrence after radical prostatectomy in patients with PAC.</ref><ref>Massimo Cristofanilli,Circulating Tumor Cells, Disease Progression, and Survival in Metastatic Breast Cancer, NEJM Vol 351 august 2004, http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/351/8/78</ref>. Often the PCT-technique is used known from the genetic fingerprints. A newer work (december 2007) by Mehmet Toner about an automat registering single cancer cells: <ref>*http://www.istitutoncologicoveneto.it/it/rassegna/2012/201207-02.pdf (nature medicine No 20 december 2007</ref>. Hamer instead believes that there were no studies showing these cancer cells in arterial blood, but this is false and irrelevant because the presence of isolated cancer cells in venous blood of the controlateral side of the tumors can't be explained either. Some articles (out of many) showing cancer cells in arterial blood are: <ref>Yoshihiro Hayata M.D, Significance of Carcinoma Cells in the Blood Relative to Surgery of Pulmonary Carcinoma, Chest 1964;46:51-60.)
http://www.chestjournal.org/cgi/reprint/46/1/51</ref>, Yamaguchi <ref>Yamaguchi K, Ki-ras codon 12 point and P53 mutations: a molecular examination of the main tumor, liver, portal vein, peripheral arterial blood and para-aortic lymph node in pancreatic cancer, Am J Gastroenterol 2000 Aug 95(8),
OBJECTIVE: Frequent P53 mutations and Ki-ras codon 12 point mutations have been reported in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer often recurs in the liver and/or lymph nodes shortly after a surgical resection. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the occurrence of microcirculating cancer cells and micrometastasis in pancreatic cancer. METHODS: P53 mutations and Ki-ras codon 12 point mutations were examined in the main tumor, liver, portal vein, and peripheral arterial blood, and para-aortic lymph nodes of patients with pancreatic cancer using molecular examinations. RESULTS: P53 mutations in the main tumor were present in nine (29%) of 31 patients with pancreatic cancer, whereas a Ki-ras codon 12 point mutation was evident in 18 (62%) of 29 examined patients. The peripheral arterial and portal vein blood and liver were positive for gene abnormalities in one (5%) of 21, in none (0%) of 19, and in one (1%) of 20, respectively. A P53 mutation in the main tumor was evident in none (0%) of seven stage I or II carcinomas and in nine (38%) of 24 stage III or IV cases, whereas a Ki-ras codon 12 point mutation was present in four (67%) of six stage I or II cases and in 14 (61%) of 23 stage III or IV cases. In addition, 15 (71%) of 21 patients with gene abnormalities (Ki-ras codon 12 point and/or p53 mutation) in the main tumor showed lymph node metastasis at surgery, whereas five (42%) of 12 without gene abnormalities did not demonstrate lymph node metastasis. Two (29%) of six patients with gene abnormalities in the main tumor and without metastatic disease at surgery developed liver metastasis within 6 months after surgery, whereas all five (100%) without the gene abnormalities and metastatic disease at surgery did not develop the metastasis, with the sensitivity being 100%, specificity 44%, the predictive value of the positive test 36%, and the predictive value of the negative test 100%. Two patients who had gene abnormalities in the para-aortic lymph node were free from histopathological metastasis and these two patients developed para-aortic lymph node metastasis within 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A molecular examination of Ki-ras codon 12 and p53 mutations therefore enables us to predict, to some degree, the occurrence of liver and lymph node metastasis in pancreatic carcinoma.</ref> and Georgakoudi <ref>Georgakoudi I, In Vivo Flow Cytometry: A New Method for Enumerating Circulating Cancer Cells, Cancer Research 64, 5044-5047, August 1, 2004 http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/64/15/5044</ref>. See also: <ref>Jaakkola S, Vornanen T, Leinonen J et al, Detection of prostatic cells in peripheral blood: correlation with serum concentrations of prostate specific antigen. Clin. Chem. 41:182-6,1995.</ref>. Isolated cancer cells were also found in sputus, urine, sperma and stool <ref>Duffy M, Can molecular markers now be used for early diagnosis of malignancy?, Clin Chem 1995 Oct;41(10):1410-3
Most of the presently available cancer markers are neither specific for malignancy nor allow early diagnosis. However, the recent elucidation of the molecular events occurring during tumorigenesis may provide new markers that are likely to be both specific for cancer and sensitive for early disease. The key molecules undergoing alterations during carcinogenesis are the cellular oncogenes and suppressor genes. Alterations in these genes can be detected in cells shed from malignant and premalignant lesions. Thus, mutant p53 genes have been found in urine from patients with bladder cancer, mutant ras genes in stools from patients with colorectal and pancreatic cancers, and both mutant p53 and ras genes in sputum from patients with lung cancer. These findings show that the genetic alterations in cancer can be detected in fluids or secretions that had contact with the malignant tissue. The preliminary studies, however, had small numbers of both patients and controls and used time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive assays. For routine applications, these assays must be simplified, automated, and tested for sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value.</ref>). Arterial-venous shunts did not influence metastasis formation: <ref>Tarin D, Clinicopathological observations on metastasis in man studied in patients treated with peritoneovenous shunts, Br Med J 1984 march 10,288(6419) 749
Fourteen patients with inoperable cancer treated with peritoneovenous shunts for malignant ascites were studied post mortem. Clinical observations and findings at necropsy indicated that peritoneovenous shunting does not result in the establishment of clinically important haematogenous metastases and that metastases do not necessarily develop even when large numbers of viable tumour cells regularly enter the blood. Peritoneovenous shunting provides a unique opportunity for collecting data on the spread of tumours in man. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/picrender.fcgi?artid=1444638&blobtype=pdf</ref>, and cancer cells can move from the blood into tissue: <ref>Weiss L, Cell detachment and metastasis, Cancer Metastasis Rev 1983;2(2):111-27
Cancer cell detachment in three distinct and critical parts of the metastatic cascade is discussed. The detachment of cancer cells from their parent tumors is an initial early event in metastasis. The site of detachment with respect to proximity to blood vessels may determine the initial dissemination route. Many factors affect cell detachment; we specifically consider the effects of growth-rate, necrosis, enzyme activity, and stress on cell release in terms of metastasis-promoting mechanisms. Detachment is also discussed in relation to active cancer cell locomotion, where localized detachment from the substratum is a prerequisite for translatory movement. The importance of active cell movement in tissue invasion has only recently been assessed, and, in the case of at least some human malignant melanomas, a zone of actively moving cancer cells is believed to precede the growing body of the tumor. The secondary release of cancer cells from temporary arrest sites at the vascular endothelium consequent upon intravascular dissemination is also a major area of investigation. Circulating cancer cells arrest at vascular endothelium or are impacted in small vessels, however, most are released into the circulation and subsequently perish. The blood stream is a hostile environment, and it is probable that cancer cells are sufficiently damaged in translocation by hemodynamic trauma and humoral factors such that they easily detach or are 'sheared-off' the vascular endothelium by blood flow. Another possibility is that in some cases they are processed by 'first organ encounters' and perish before or shortly after arriving in a second organ. Animal studies have shown that, following intravenous injection, 60-100% of the injected dose of viable cancer cells are initially arrested in the lungs, but very few remain after 24 hr. As it is only those retained cells which produce tumors, the mechanisms involved in this secondary release, which occurs in all organs so far examined, are critical to any understanding of the metastatic cascade and metastatic inefficiency. The arrest of cancer cells at the vascular endothelium and their subsequent release have been associated with the presence of platelets, and the deposition of fibrin and manipulation of platelet-aggregating mechanisms and fibrinolysis are discussed in terms of their antimetastatic effects. The role of the reticuloendothelial system, natural killer cells, and polymorphs is discussed in relation to cancer cell clearance from blood vessels and also to inherent cancer cell properties which may act to inhibit their metastasis. Although detachment of cancer cells from a primary tumor may be regarded as metastasis promoting, secondary release of cancer cells may be associated with inhibition of metastasis.</ref>, <ref>Nakamori S, Genetic detection of colorectal cancer cells in circulation and lymph nodes, Dis Colon Rectum 1997 40(10 sup) S29-36,
PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to investigate the clinical implications of detection of genetic alterations in blood and lymph nodes in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product of the cytokeratin gene in blood was examined as a cancer cell-specific expression in 35 colorectal cancer patients. The K-ras or p53 gene mutations in the lymph nodes histopathologically negative for metastasis were studied by the mutant-allele-specific amplification method in 26 colorectal cancer patients. RESULTS: The reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay was able to detect a cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction product at a concentration from a single to ten colon cancer cells per 10(6) normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction products were detected in nine patients' blood samples, although none of the samples were cytologically detectable. The blood's cytokeratin positivity correlated with the invasive mode of the tumor (P < 0.05) and the presence of distant metastasis (P < 0.01). Two (50 percent) of four patients whose blood was positive for cytokeratin had recurrences. Of 17 patients with the K-ras or p53 gene mutation in primary tumors, 9 (53 percent) had the corresponding mutations in lymph nodes. Mutation positivity in lymph nodes correlated with the presence of lymphatic invasion of the primary tumor (P < 0.05). All patients with mutation-negative lymph nodes remained disease-free for more than two years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Detection of cytokeratin reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction products in the blood and K-ras or p53 gene mutations in the lymph nodes histologically negative for metastasis may be applicable for clinical use, despite some limitations, and may serve as a useful clinical factor for stratifying patients who are at high or low risk for recurrence after surgery.</ref> and the number of circulating cancells is correlated positively with the probability of metastasis formation. In some particular cancer the metastasis formation is well known and obvious (Krukenberg cancer).
*'''No brain tumors in New Nedicine:''' brain tumors simply do not exist in New Medicine, the theory eliminates them by definition. It was argued that nervous cells were not able to divide. Nobel price for Rita Levy-Montalcini (nerve growth factor) proves the opposite and so do scientific studies <ref>Eriksson PS, Neurogenesis in the adult human hippocampus, nature med 1998 Nov;4(11):1313-7
The genesis of new cells, including neurons, in the adult human brain has not yet been demonstrated. This study was undertaken to investigate whether neurogenesis occurs in the adult human brain, in regions previously identified as neurogenic in adult rodents and monkeys. Human brain tissue was obtained postmortem from patients who had been treated with the thymidine analog, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), that labels DNA during the S phase. Using immunofluorescent labeling for BrdU and for one of the neuronal markers, NeuN, calbindin or neuron specific enolase (NSE), we demonstrate that new neurons, as defined by these markers, are generated from dividing progenitor cells in the dentate gyrus of adult humans. Our results further indicate that the human hippocampus retains its ability to generate neurons throughout life.</ref><ref>McKay R, Stem cells in the central nervous system, Science 1997 Apr 4;276(5309):66-71, In the vertebrate central nervous system, multipotential cells have been identified in vitro and in vivo. Defined mitogens cause the proliferation of multipotential cells in vitro, the magnitude of which is sufficient to account for the number of cells in the brain. Factors that control the differentiation of fetal stem cells to neurons and glia have been defined in vitro, and multipotential cells with similar signaling logic can be cultured from the adult central nervous system. Transplanting cells to new sites emphasizes that neuroepithelial cells have the potential to integrate into many brain regions. These results focus attention on how information in external stimuli is translated into the number and types of differentiated cells in the brain. The development of therapies for the reconstruction of the diseased or injured brain will be guided by our understanding of the origin and stability of cell type in the central nervous system.</ref><ref>Gage FH, Mammalian neural stem cells, Science 2000 Feb 25;287(5457):1433-8, Neural stem cells exist not only in the developing mammalian nervous system but also in the adult nervous system of all mammalian organisms, including humans. Neural stem cells can also be derived from more primitive embryonic stem cells. The location of the adult stem cells and the brain regions to which their progeny migrate in order to differentiate remain unresolved, although the number of viable locations is limited in the adult. The mechanisms that regulate endogenous stem cells are poorly understood. Potential uses of stem cells in repair include transplantation to repair missing cells and the activation of endogenous cells to provide "self-repair. " Before the full potential of neural stem cells can be realized, we need to learn what controls their proliferation, as well as the various pathways of differentiation available to their daughter cells. </ref>. Many different brain tumor develop also out of glial cells or other cells in the brain that are not neurons. The existence of brain tumors would disturb the iron rule in new medicine, that a conflict creates a so-calles DHS and determines a tumor in a brain-depending and handedness-depending organ.
*'''Transmissible cancer in animals:''' in some animals, transmissible cancer can be found. This is of course not compatible with New Medicine doctrine. Some example are: CTVT in dogs <ref>*http://www.ivis.org/docarchive/A1233.0405.pdf </ref> <ref>Von Holdt BM, The singular history of a canine transmissible tumor, Cell, 2006 Aug 11;126(3):445-7, In this issue of Cell, Murgia et al. (2006) confirm that the infectious agent of canine transmissible venereal tumor is the cancer cell itself and that the tumor is clonal in origin.</ref><ref>Murgia C, Clonal origin and evolution of a transmissible cancer, Cell 2006 Aug 11;126(3):477-87, The transmissible agent causing canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is thought to be the tumor cell itself. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed genetic markers including major histocompatibility (MHC) genes, microsatellites, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in naturally occurring tumors and matched blood samples. In each case, the tumor is genetically distinct from its host. Moreover, tumors collected from 40 dogs in 5 continents are derived from a single neoplastic clone that has diverged into two subclades. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that CTVT most likely originated from a wolf or an East Asian breed of dog between 200 and 2500 years ago. Although CTVT is highly aneuploid, it has a remarkably stable genotype. During progressive growth, CTVT downmodulates MHC antigen expression. Our findings have implications for understanding genome instability in cancer, natural transplantation of allografts, and the capacity of a somatic cell to evolve into a transmissible parasite..</ref>, DFTD in Tasmania <ref>*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil_facial_tumour_disease </ref>, and tumors riginating out of particular proteins of JSRV <ref>*http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/abstract/73/8/6964 </ref>. Work of Tanaka (1990) shows the experimental transmision of cancer from a mouse to another mouse: <ref>Yutaka Tanaka, Experimental Cancer Cachexia Induced by Transplantable Colon 26 Adenocarcinoma in Mice, Cancer Research 50, 2290-2295, April 15, 1990
http://intl-cancerres.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/50/8/2290, The present study investigates a tumor model for cachectic mice. Among various murine transplantable tumors, used for assessing cytostatics, we identified colon 26 adenocarcinoma (colon 26) as capable of causing cachexia. Fifteen days after inoculation, the tumor grew to about 6% of the body weight causing substantial carcass weight loss of 3.4 g (14.5% of the carcass weight). When the tumor size was 2.7 g at 3 weeks after the inoculation, the carcass weight was 12 g less than the age-matched control. The tumor continued to grow while the mice maintained this weight, surviving for an average of 45 days. This extensive weight loss was essentially the wasting of adipose and muscle tissues. Hypoglycemia and hypercorticism occurred during the time of the weight loss. In addition, the colon 26 caused disorders of hepatic functions: the concentration of acute phase proteins in serum increased; the number of hepatic glucocorticoid-cytosol receptors decreased; and activities of hepatic catalase and drug-metabolizing enzymes decreased. On the other hand, noncachectic mice with Meth A fibrosarcoma gained weight, which was somewhat less than the control, and had neither hypoglycemia nor hypercorticism, although some mild disorders of hepatic functions were found. Mice bearing colon 26 is an appropriate model for elucidating the mechanism that causes cachexia.</ref>.

==Role of morphine in New Medicine==
Morphine (derived from opium) was invented about 200 years ago in 1804 by Friedrich Wilhelm Sertürner, after opium had been used for thousands of years. Morphine allowed a more exact dosage in pain relieving treatment. Hamer and his followers are convinced that the use of morphine (and similar drugs) were the cause of many cancer deaths. Morphine, however, is one of the most powerful analgetic drugs we know today and has no ceiling effect. Morphine can be easely dosed by a patient adding only the necessary number of drops to a beverage. Its side effects must be known by each medical student and they are well known since the invention in 1804. In Denmark, morphine consumption in the 80ies was known to be ten times higher than in Germany, without influencing cancer mortality (75 kg/1 milion persons/year instead of 7,5 kg), and in 2002, morphine consumption increased to 22 chili in Germania, while cancer mortality was decreasing. In Italy, consumption was 70 kg, 92 Kg in Denmark, in Austria 152 kg, UK 353 Kg and Hungary 577 Kg/1 mil./year.

==Role of Pain==
Pain, Hamer believes, should not be treated (see: [[Testimonies of former associates of Hamer]]). According to protagonists of the method, no opiates or opiate derivates should be administered as far as possible if chances for a cure are not to be practically eliminated. This can cause patients to endure extreme cancer pain unnecessarily on the assumption this was necessary for a cure (see: [[Victims of New Medicine]]).
Moreover, if the cancer progresses, patients could suffer feelings of failure or guilt, because the Hamer method of «New Medicine» presumes that the cure for cancer depends upon the patients’ resolving their personal conflicts. This could give rise to the erroneous assumption that the disease will progress if they do not make a large enough contribution towards the resolution of their conflicts, or if they do not follow the proper procedure.

==Handedness==
[[image:handedness.jpg|600px|thumb|applause-test for handedness according to Hamer]]
In new medicine, handedness is important as it determined the location of an eventual disease like cancer. But in relation to handedness in man, Hamer made many erroneous statements in obvious contrast to actual medical knowledge.

*'''monozygotic twins and handness''': Hamer is convinced that in monozygotic twins one was always left-handed while the other was one right-handed, but he gives no exact reference for this opinion.<ref>[...] Interessant ist in dem Zusammenhang auch, daß bei eineiigen Zwillingen stets einer linkshändig und der andere rechtshändig ist [...] (from: http://www.neue-medizin.de/html/handigkeit.html)</ref><ref>Hamer RG: Vermächtnis einer Neuen Medizin. Teil 2. Die 5 Biologischen Gesetze - Grundlage der gesamten Medizin.. 7. Aufl. Amici di Dirk - Ediciones de la Nueva Medicina S.L., E-Fuengirola 1999 ISBN 84-930091-0-5</ref> This opinion can easily be checked and there exists scientific literature dealing with this issue. Incidence of left-handedness in singletons, monozygotic and dizygotic twins is around 10%-15%, and there is no source stating that left-handedness was exactly 50% in monozygotic twins.<ref>Derom, Handedness in twins according to zygosity and chorion type: a preliminary report Behav genet 1996 Jul;26(4):407 
In the course of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS), handedness was assessed as part of a genealogical study (Meulemans et al., 1995) in 1616 twins (808 twin pairs) aged 6 to 28. Our findings are that, in this large population-based study with known placentation and zygosity, the often observed higher frequency of left-handedness in twins is confirmed, that it appears to be independent of zygosity and chorion type, and that the belief that discordant handedness in monozygotic twins represents mirror-imaging is mythical.</ref> The autor Derom writes: ''[...] the belief that discordant handedness in monozygotic twins represents mirror-imaging is mythical [...]''.<ref>Shimizu A, Comparison of patterns of handedness between twins and singletons in Japan, Cortex 1983 Sep;19(3):345-52 
The handedness questionnaire of thirteen items which was identical to that employed in our previous study on singletons was administered to 62 monozygotic (MZ) and 48 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs in Japan. Information on forced conversion of hand usage in childhood was also obtained. Results indicated that the incidence of left-handedness was 3.6% and that of non-right-handedness (which includes mixed- and left-handedness) was 5.9%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of left-handedness or of non-right-handedness between MZ and DZ twin groups. The proportion of converted right-handedness in MZ twins was slightly higher than in DZ twins. MZ pairs were somewhat more concordant for handedness than DZ pairs. Item analysis indicated that the incidence of individuals who use the left hand for writing and eating was only 0.9% and 1.8%, respectively. A comparison of the results of the present survey on twins with those of our previous one on singletons revealed that the incidence of left-handedness or non-right-handedness in twins is the same as that in singletons. Twins (especially MZ twins) have experienced a forced conversion to right-hand usage more frequently than singletons.</ref>
*'''Hamerian applause-test and prayer-test'''. Hamer uses his own and controversial test for handedness, the so-called ''Applause test'' and a so-called ''Bet-Test'' (prayer-test). These simple tests have never been scientifically validated and have a pseudoscientific character. No information regarding these tests can be found in scientific databases. Using these tests, some New Medicine patients were attributed a conflicting handedness by different persons, creating some confusion.
*'''Handedness and body side to cradle babies'''. Hamer is convinced that women and men would cradle their babies always on the opposite side of her dominant hand. A left-handed woman would therefore always hold her baby on the right side of her body. This is not true, and many scientific sources tell us something different. Men and women hold their baby mostly (80%) on their left side, regardless of handedness. This is also true for apes (primates). <ref>Salk L, The effects of the normal heartbeat sound on the behavior of the new-born infant: implications for mental health. World Mental Health 1960 12, 168-175</ref><ref>De Chateau, Left-side preference for holding and carrying newborn infants. Parental holding and carrying during the first week of life, J Nerv Ment Dis 1983 Apr;171(4):241-5,Four groups of adults were studied: new mothers, new fathers, fathers with older children, and males without children of their own. Nearly 80 per cent of all newly delivered mothers and fathers held their newborn infant against a point to the left of the body midline. Handedness and parity did not influence this preference, nor did the sex of the infant. The present study also demonstrates that new fathers during the neonatal period, as well as fathers with older infants, display a significantly greater preference for holding the infant to the left than males without own children and with or without experience of other children. Individual mother-father pairs held the infant on the same side of the body in the majority of couples studied. The pattern of infant-carrying showed no significant in-between group differences. The possible significance of these observations and their relation to other parental behavior are discussed.</ref><ref>Mason Giorgia, Why do humans and apes cradle babies on their left side? New Scientist, 21. July 1990, 28.</ref><ref>Sieratzki JS, Neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric perspectives on maternal cradling preferences, Epidemiol Psychiatr Soc 2002 Jul-Sep;11(3):170-6
OBJECTIVE: To assess competing explanations for the universal preference of mothers to cradle infants on their left side and to propose a relation to hemispheric asymmetry for social attachment and communication behaviour. METHODS: A review of observational, experimental, physiological, psychological, neuro-physiological, and neuro-psychological studies, including new findings on the cradling behaviour of mothers with auditory or visual impairments. RESULTS: A significant left-cradling bias is observed in both right- and left-handed mothers which cannot adequately be explained by arguments based on handedness or closer contact to the soothing sound of the maternal heartbeat. Observations of primate behaviour have led to the suggestion that the left-cradling bias may be related to a left visual field (right hemisphere) advantage for monitoring an infant's facial expressions of distress. However, more than just monitoring, cradling subserves the mother's connection with the infant. For that reason, we have suggested that left cradling might be related to a right hemisphere specialisation for emotional communication, i.e. the speech melody, smiles, signals, and stroking which mothers use to interact with their infants. Studies of mother-infant interaction show that the sound of the mother's voice is more soothing when cradling on the left, more stimulating when cradling on the right. Cradling laterality may thus be related to emotional state and behavioural intent. There is also evidence to suggest that left cradling is linked to a special role of the right hemisphere in social attachment behaviour. This function may be disturbed in mothers with post-natal depression who show abnormal right hemisphere activity. CONCLUSION: Cradling embodies the symbiotic relationship between mother and infant; various lines of evidence support the suggestion that the universal preference of mothers to cradle infants on their left side is related to a right hemisphere dominance for social attachment and communication behaviour.</ref><ref>Bogren LY, Side preference in women and men when holding their newborn child: psychological background, Acta Psychiatr Scand 1984 Jan;69(1):13-23
In a prospective study 81 randomly selected parents awaiting their first baby were interviewed early during pregnancy and again during the week after delivery. About 80% of the women and their partners were found to hold their child to the left, and 20% to the right, irrespective of handedness. There was no relation between side preference in child holding in the couples. Common to both sexes is the trend that left-holders are more attached to and identified with the parent of their own sex whereas right-holders are more attached to and identified with the parent of the opposite sex. Right-holders have also more often had mental symptoms prior to pregnancy and were concerned about the pregnancy, delivery and health of the child at birth.</ref><ref>Bogren LY, The couvade syndrome and side preference in child holding, Acta Psychiatr Scand 1985 Mar;71(3):311-4,In a prospective study of expectant couples 20% of the men suffered from the couvade syndrome. About 80% of both women and men hold their newborn infant to the left and 20% to the right, irrespective of handedness. Compared with others, men with the syndrome more frequently developed a right-side preference in child holding. Right-holding men more often had sons than daughters. Right-holders with the couvade syndrome were more often attached to and more closely identified with their mothers than were right-holding non-sufferers.</ref><ref>Ginsburg HJ, Maternal holding preferences: a consequence of newborn head-turning response, Child Dev 1979 Mar;50(1):280-1,
Salk observed that in an overwhelming majority of cases (80%) mothers prefer to hold their infants across the left shoulder. This preference occurs over a diversity of cultures and is not related to the hand preference of the mother. Salk suggested a fetal imprinting to the sound of the heartbeat as the mechanism responsible for this phenomenon. While such speculation is intriguing, it is not scientifically testable. 2 experiments were performed to examine a more testable hypothesis. Results of these studies suggest that the initial head-turning preference of an infant is related to the holding preference of its mother.</ref><ref>Weiland JH, Patterns of mother-infant contact: the significance of lateral preference, J Genet Psychol 1970 117 157</ref><ref>Souza-Godeli MR, Lateral cradling preferences in children, Percept Mot Skills 1996 Dec;83(3 Pt 2):1421-2
Lateral preferences for cradling a doll and for holding a package were investigated among children from 2- to 6-yr-old. Results showed a preference for holding a baby on the left side of the body in children as young as 3 yr. old. The data favour the hypothesis of an early emergence of this pattern of behavior in the human ontogenesis.</ref><ref>Lucas MD, Laterality of cradling in relation to perception and expression of facial affect, J Genet Psychol 1993 Sep;154(3):347-52.
A dominant leftward cradling bias has been observed in women in non feeding interaction with infants. Reasons for this behavior have been sought in behavioral asymmetries, but none have sufficiently justified the presence of this leftward pattern. Recently, the cradling bias has been linked to affective processing, considered to be a specialized function of the nondominant (right) hemisphere (Manning & Chamberlain, 1990). This study investigates Manning and Chamberlain's (1990) suggestions that a relationship exists between leftward cradling and the interpretation and expression of affect. Eighty-six nulliparous women were tested for this relationship by correlating direction of cradling bias with visual field dominance for perception of facially expressed emotion and expression of affect. No significant relationship was found to directly support the hypotheses.</ref><ref>Harris LJ, Side preference in adults for holding infants: contributions of sex and handedness in a test of imagination, Brain Cogn 2000 Jun-Aug;43(1-3):246-52, Five hundred one right-handers (150 men, 351 women) and 53 left-handers (15 men, 38 women) were asked to imagine holding a young infant in their arms. Right-handers reported significant left-side biases--in 68% of the men and 73% of the women. For left-handers, side preferences were weaker, the left-side bias dropping to 47% for men and 60% for women, with neither figure different from chance. The results are discussed in the context of theory and research on the functional neuroanatomy of attention, emotional arousal, and the generation, maintenance, and manipulation of mental images.</ref><ref>Harris LJ, Lateral biases for holding infants: early opinions, observations, and explanations, with some possible lessons for theory and research today, Brain Cogn 2002 Mar-Apr;48(2-3):392-4, In 1962, the psychologist Lee Salk reported finding that 80% of mothers held their infants on the left side of their body, so that the infant's head was to their left. Salk's finding has been amply confirmed, with new studies of mothers as well as other adults reporting figures for left-side holding ranging from 60 to 85% (e.g., de Chateau, 1983; Harris & Fitzgerald, 1985; Harris, Almerigi, & Kirsch, 2000). New studies also suggest that the bias is only for holding infants (or infant dolls), not for books, packages, or other objects (e.g., Almerigi, Carbary, & Harris, 2001; Rheingold & Keene, 1965). The possibility that it is unique to infants (or their likenesses) is what gives it special interest for investigators who study laterality of function. The discovery of the bias is often credited to Salk, but it would be more accurate to say that he rediscovered it because it was first noted at least two hundred years earlier, then, evidently, forgotten, only to be rediscovered and again forgotten several times through the early decades of the twentieth century. Over this period, however, not all agreed that the preferred side was the left: a nearly equal number said it was the right. Each group also proposed explanations for why one or the other side was preferred. They also foresaw different consequences for the infant being held. In the 1980s, I briefly described some of the early reports in essays on the history of theories and research on laterality of function (Harris, 1980, 1983). A manuscript now in preparation provides a more comprehensive description and evaluation of these reports and suggests certain lessons they may hold for current theory and research. The poster proposed for TENNET XII will summarize the main points of this new review and analysis. The poster will be organized into 6 sections, with bulleted text accompanied by drawings, photographs, and other illustrations. The plan is to make the story as visual as possible.</ref> <ref>http://www.sussex.ac.uk/press_office/bulletin/13feb04/article1.shtml</ref><ref>Reissland N 2000 http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~psy215/dept/cradling%20bias%20in%20relation%20to%20child%20directed%20language%202000.pdf</ref>.

'''Handedness''' was an object of research for a long time and is detected by particularly complex tests developed during the 1940ies, taking into account cultural influences <ref>Hardyk C Petrinovich LF, Left-handedness, Psycol Bull, 1977 May; 84(3):385-404</ref><ref>Perelle IB Ehrmann L, An international study of human handedness: the data, Behv Genet, 1994 May;24(3):217-27,
Human handedness has been the subject of systematic study since 1646, but there is no agreement among researchers as to who can be considered a left-hander, what is the etiology of left-handedness, or what the proportion of left-handedness is in the world's population. This article reports the results of a handedness survey administered to 12,000 subjects in 17 countries, the largest handedness survey attempted. The paper discusses methods for determining handedness, the probability of a genetic component for handedness, and the relationship of sex, birth order, multiple birth, and first-degree relative's handedness on subject's handedness. A hypothesis for the etiology of left-handedness is presented.</ref><ref>Raymond M, Frequency-dependent maintenance of left handedness in humans, Proc Biol Sci, 1996 Dec 22;263(1377):1627-33,
The percentage (10-13%) of left handedness in human has apparently not changed since the Neolithic. Left handedness is heritable and appears to be repeatedly associated with some reduced fitness components; the persistence of left handedness implies that left handers have a fitness advantage in some situations. We propose that left handers have a frequency-dependent advantage in fights and for that reason a fitness advantage. To test this hypothesis, left handedness frequencies in the general population and in sporting individuals (both students and the sporting elite) have been compared, as sporting performance is likely to be a good indicator of fighting abilities. The higher proportion of left-handed individuals in interactive sports (reflecting some fighting elements), reaching 50% in some sports categories, but not in noninteractive sports, is consistent with the fighting hypothesis. The greater frequency of left handedness in males than in females is also consistent with this hypothesis, as male-male fights are universally more frequent than other combinations. The frequency-dependent advantage in fights of left handers might explain the stability of left handedness.</ref><ref>Medland SE, Special twin environments, genetic influences and their effects on the handedness of twins and their siblings, Twin Res 2003 Apr;6(2):119-30,
It has been suggested that twinning may influence handedness through the effects of birth order, intra-uterine crowding and mirror imaging. The influence of these effects on handedness (for writing and throwing) was examined in 3657 Monozygotic (MZ) and 3762 Dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs (born 1893-1992). Maximum likelihood analyses revealed no effects of birth order on the incidence of left-handedness. Twins were no more likely to be left-handed than their singleton siblings (n = 1757), and there were no differences between the DZ co-twin and sibling-twin covariances, suggesting that neither intra-uterine crowding nor the experience of being a twin affects handedness. There was no evidence of mirror imaging; the co-twin correlations of monochorionic and dichorionic MZ twins did not differ. Univariate genetic analyses revealed common environmental factors to be the most parsimonious explanation of familial aggregation for the writing-hand measure, while additive genetic influences provided a better interpretation of the throwing hand data.</ref><ref>Searleman A,''Laterality in twins: the relationship between handedness and hemispheric asymmetry for speech'', Behav Genet. 1978 Jul;8(4):349</ref><ref>Reiss M, Laterality in twins,Z. Morphol Anthropol. 1996 Sep;81(2):14,
The literature on twins and laterality is reviewed: Both monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic twins (DZ) show a low concordance in all functional and morphological asymmetries. The proportions of R-R, R-L and L-L pairs in MZ twins and in DZ twins are in binomial distribution. The incidence of left-handedness is the same in MZ twins and DZ twins, but higher than in singletons. Other laterality signs do not show this tendency. The whole issue of twinning is as yet unresolved, yet it is clear already that no simple genetic model for the inheritance can be applied. The present review discusses three genetic models and associated problems with each. The overall tendency to a higher rate of left-handedness in twins could be due to such pathological factors (associated with twinning) as intrauterine crowding and perinatal stress, but is not due to so-called "mirror imaging"-phenomena in twins.</ref><ref>Derom, Handedness in twins according to zygosity and chorion type: a preliminary report Behav genet 1996 Jul;26(4):407
In the course of the East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS), handedness was assessed as part of a genealogical study (Meulemans et al., 1995) in 1616 twins (808 twin pairs) aged 6 to 28. Our findings are that, in this large population-based study with known placentation and zygosity, the often observed higher frequency of left-handedness in twins is confirmed, that it appears to be independent of zygosity and chorion type, and that the belief that discordant handedness in monozygotic twins represents mirror-imaging is mythical.</ref><ref>Coren S Porac C, Fifty centuries of right-handedness: the historical record, Science 1977 Nov 11;198(4317):631-2
A survey of more than 5000 years of art work, encompassing 1180 scorable instances of unimanual tool or weapon usage, revealed no systematic trends in hand usage. The right hand was used in an average of 93 percent of the cases, regardless of which historical era or geographic region was assessed.</ref><ref>Peter Hepper, Signaling right from the womb, Belfast 2004 New Scientist 2457, pag 13, 24 July 2004 [http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn6186]</ref>

==Hamer and Radiology==
[[image:Ct-artefact.jpg|CT ring artefact presented by Hamer as a ''Hamer focus''|300px|thumb]]
See also: [[Hamer-Focus]] article 
Hamer bases his diagnoses on a particular interpretation of brain scans using exclusively computer tomography mixed with his obscure and never validated proprietary handedness tests. CT-diagnostics is crucial in New Medicine to detect so-called ''Hamer foci''. His particular interpretation is not compatible with actual knowledge in radiology. The Swiss Study Group for Complementary and Alternative Methods in Cancer writes: ''[...] The «Hamer foci» on the CT images in Hamer׳s books have been identified by radiological experts as typical artefacts produced by the radiological device which can appear in a poor-quality CT scan [...]''<ref>Swiss Study Group for Complementary and Alternative Methods in Cancer, SCAC. ''Hamer's «New Medicine»'' Document No. 01/02. [http://www.swisscancer.ch/dt_fr/content/orange/pdf/skak/01_02_hamer_e.pdf]</ref> and the author Ventegodt adds: ''[...] The concentric circles in the Hamer focus, shown on the front page of his book[1], looks like an artefact and very little as a biological phenomena, which in humans are almost never seen as concentric circles [...]''.<ref>http://www.thescientificworldjournal.com/headeradmin/upload/2005.03.16.pdf</ref>

Hamer believes that a sudden shock-like onset of unforeseen (and overwhelming) emotional conflicts experienced alone would lead to a ''Dirk-Hamer-Syndrome'' (DHS), which immediately, within a fraction of a second, produces a «cancer or cancer equivalent in an organ». He postulates that every emotional process will take place synchronously in the brain, in the «organic brain» and in the organ. He adds that the tumours are allegedly controlled by the part of the brain that is ontogenetically connected with the organ in question. Hamer calls this the «ontogenetic system of tumours». In the brain, the so-called biological conflict is said to give rise to the development of a Hamer focus. By this, Hamer means particular configurations in CT brain scans which are shaped like a shooting target, and that ''had never been seen by radiologists before'', the non-radiologist Hamer adds. He claims that the locations of the Hamer foci and their degree of severity correlate to the organs affected, the underlying ''biological conflict'', and the ''phase'' of the conflict.

Many brain-scans presented by Hamer in his books and elsewhere, clearly show well-known ring-artefacts in radiology. Some of theses ring-artifacts can be seen on the front page of Hamer's books, and on the front page of other publications of his followers.

Professor Maximilian Reiser (university of Munich) and president of German radiologists (Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft) was presented with some CT brain-scans taken from a book of Hamer's.<ref>Vermächtnis einer Neuen Medizin</ref> Reiser wrote in an expert opinion the day 22, January, 2007: <ref>http://www.promed-ev.de/modules/news/article.php?storyid=105</ref>
--------------------------------------------------------------------
''expert opinion of Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Maximilian Reiser, Director of the Institute of Radiology for Clinical Radiology of the Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, President of Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft.''

''I confirm that the brain-scans presented in the "work" of Mr. Hamer have been interpreted in a completely inappropriate way by the author and are in clear conflict to scientifically justified knowledge and experience. An argumentative discussion with the content of Hamer's theories and the related interpretations of the brain scans in my opinion is not possible or goal-leading because Mr. Hamer is moving in a hermetically closed ambience of ideas and refuses any criticism as the expression of an arrogant "scientific medicine". I would like to confirm your corrections made in respect of some CT findings.''

''You may of course quote this opinion as the opinion of the President of "Deutsche Röntgengesellschaft"''

''Sincerely, M. Reiser" ''
--------------------------------------------------------------------

A single CT-scan produces a dose of radiation. A single CT brain-scan corresponds to about 4 mSv and corresponds approximately to the annual dose of radiation a person receives from any other source (natural and man-made).

==Invention of the New Medicine in 1981==
Some time after the death of his son Dirk Hamer (see his [[Ryke Geerd Hamer|biography]]), he began to believe that any disease, most notably cancer, was not dangerous in itself, but merely a biological symptom of a psychological conflict situation that he calls biological conflict. The loss of his son Dirk led Hamer to invent his "New Medicine" in autumn 1981, while living in Germany. According to Hamer, the shock of the death of his son caused him to develop testicular cancer within two months after the event and also caused breast cancer in his wife Sigrid. His wife was cured by Hamer and was his first patient, she died in 1985, however, after having refused any conventional cure by modern medicine.

==See also==
*[[Victims of New Medicine]]
*[[Testimonies of former associates of Hamer]]

{{OtherLang|ge=Germanische Neue Medizin|en=Germanic New Medicine|fr=Nouvelle Médecine Germanique|it=Nuova Medicina Germanica}}

==References==
<references/>

==Links==
*http://www.swisscancer.ch/dt_fr/content/orange/pdf/skak/01_02_hamer_e.pdf
*http://www.healthwatcher.net/Quackerywatch/New-Medicine/index.html
*http://www.deathsect.com/

[[category:GNM]]

Template:OtherLang

2011-03-05T18:08:48Z

EsoTypo:

<onlyinclude><includeonly><h2>Versions of this article in other languages</h2>
{{#if:{{{es|}}}|*Espanol: *[http://www.psiram.com/es/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{es}}}}} {{{es}}}]}}{{#if:{{{fr|}}}|*Français: [http://www.psiram.com/fr/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{fr}}}}} {{{fr}}}]}}{{#if:{{{ge|}}}|*Deutsch: [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{ge}}}}} {{{ge}}}]}}{{#if:{{{it|}}}|*Italiano: [http://www.psiram.com/it/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{it}}}}} {{{it}}}]}}{{#if:{{{nl|}}}|*Nederlands: [http://www.psiram.com/nl/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{nl}}}}} {{{nl}}}]}}{{#if:{{{pl|}}}|*Polski: [http://www.psiram.com/pl/index.php?title={{urlencode:{{{pl}}}}} {{{pl}}}]}}</includeonly></onlyinclude><noinclude>
{{{{SUBJECTPAGENAME}}/Doku}}
</noinclude>

Miracle Mineral Supplement

2010-11-22T00:19:57Z

EsoTypo: Typos, Fmts, cat-

[[image:mms.jpg|180px|MMS on eBay|thumb]]
[[image:Jimhumble3.jpg|180px|Inventor [[Jim_Humble|Jim Humble]] alias "Bishop James V. Humble"|thumb]]
'''Miracle Mineral Supplement''' (MMS or ''acitvated Oxygen'' or ''Vitamin O2'' respectively, MMS1, E 926) is the trade name of a [[Dietary Supplements|dietary supplement]] containing so-called ''activated oxygen''. In fact MMS products contain sodium chlorite which under certain circumstances can release the disinfectant Chlorine dioxide. MMS was invented by the American engineer [[Jim_Humble|Jim Humble]]. Humble is not known for having any formal qualification in the field of health care. The self-proclaimed 'Bishop' Humble also founded his own religion and his own church called "Genesis II Church of Health and Healing" which markets PhDs and Reverend-titles of no value.

There is no known scientific study or literature dealing with ''Miracle Mineral Supplement'' which proves it a suitable cure for any kind of illness. Proponents of MMS refer to allegedly successful experiments with humans. Such experiments were purportedly conducted in a prison in the African country of Malawi where prisoners were allegedly forced to ingest the disinfectant.<ref>http://www.miraclems.com</ref><ref>http://www.alleinklang.tv/themen/naturheilkunde/mms-tropfen-miracle-mineral-supplement.html</ref> There are further claims of successful experiments with humans suffering from AIDS having been conducted in Uganda, though no quotable technical literature proving these miracle healings is mentioned. MMS, irresponsibly and without any critical checking, gets advertised in a number of German language esoteric periodicals like [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=NEXUS_Magazin NEXUS Magazin], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Zeitenschrift Zeitenschrift]<ref>Benjamin Seiler, Zeitenschrift, Heft 59</ref> and the [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Mobiwell_Verlag Mobiwell Verlag] (Thomas Kirschner) as well as [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bewusst.TV Bewusst.TV] (by [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jo_Conrad Jo Conrad]) and [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Lnc-2010 Lnc-2010].

Since there is no evidence proving this product indeed works as some kind of "illness killer", the usual conspiracy theories dealing with suppression by authorities have been made up. In the case of MMS, the internationally operating [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bilderberger Bilderberger] are accused of conspiring to suppress this saving remedy as their contribution to a [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bevölkerungsreduktionsprogramm world-wide population reduction program]. This meets another criterion of the [http://www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/avoid.html Ten criteria for quackery].

[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Dioxychlor Dioxychlor] is a product competing with MMS.

==MMS==
[[image:gefahr.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[image:MMS_VUF.jpg|MMS advertisement found in "vitalundfit100 SL" by Lothar Paulus including the hazard symbol Xn|thumb]]
[[image:aetzend.jpg|thumb|left]]
[[image:180px-MMS7.jpg|typical advertisement|left|thumb]]
MMS is supposed to contain Chlorine dioxide as an active component which is toxic and harmful to the environment. Sodium chlorite, which dissociates to Chlorine dioxide, is also named. Also, [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Zitronensaft lemon juice] is supposed to be included, which is said to have antibiotic properties and, according to Humble, is supposedly the most effective illness killer around. Chlorine dioxide is a yellow-reddish explosive with a pungent odour. Chlorine dioxide, being a disinfectant, undisputedly does kill germs. It is therefore used in water treatment in the so-called chlorination and is responsible for the characteristic smell of swimming pools and sometimes causes reddened eyes. Chlorine dioxide is also used in the paper industry for bleaching purposes and also acts as a preservative in foods (E 926) (American chicken contaminated with chlorine dioxide were an issue with the EU-Commission<ref>http://lifestyle.t-online.de/c/15/15/71/42/15157142.html</ref> and were accepted with some constraints after being viewed as "unappetizing" in 1997. In future it is planned to label such chickens as "chlorine-treated from the USA").

Nobody would ever imagine drinking Domestos to treat a bacterial or viral infection. As with [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Kolloidales_Silber colloidal silver], small concentrations have no negative health effects, but are absolutely ineffective as a therapy. Higher concentrations can, in principle, kill germs in the body but will at the same time negatively effect one's health.

Chlorine dioxide is an oxidizing biocide and belongs to the higher-oxidized chlorine compounds. Of all oxidizing biocides, Chlorine dioxide is the most selective one. It only reacts with reduced sulfur-compounds, secondary and tertiary Amines, and other highly reduced and reactive organical substances.

[[image:Mms77.jpg|Article from GSP|350px|thumb]]
Sodium chlorite is a very reactive, oxidizing solid matter. It reacts strongly with combustible materials, under certain conditions even being able to start a fire without a source of ignition, and it can facilitate existing fires. It bears the risk of acute as well as chronic health hazards. Chlorites have stronger methemoglobinic capabilities than Chlorates and have explicitly hemotoxic effects. Since Chlorine dioxide has no role in the human metabolism and consequently no deficiency diseases are known, the so-called Vitamin O2 has to be regarded a [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Pseudovitamin pseudovitamin].

Whereas dietary supplements are usually advertised for being [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Antioxidantien antioxidants] which counter free radicals, now it's the turn of strong oxidizing agents, countering hazards and harmful bacteria in a most miraculous way, while leaving harmless bacteria as well as body cells unharmed.

The periodical GPSP (Gute Pillen - Schlechte Pillen, Good Pills - Bad Pills) evaluates MMS as a product meeting quackery criteria<ref>Gute Pillen - schlechte Pillen. Nr. 5 (Sept./Okt. 2008): Aufgespießt - Miracle Mineral Supplement. Herausgeber: Verbraucherzeitschrift für Medikamente in Deutschland, arznei-telegramm, DER ARZNEIMITTELBRIEF, Pharma-Brief und Arzneiverordnung in der Praxis (AVP)</ref>

==MMS-Gasbag==
[[image:Humble_gasbag.jpg|Inventor Jim Humble wearing "gasbag"|180px|thumb]]
In 2010, the MMS inventor presented a special form of application, the MMS gas bag. Two plastic garbage bags are put into one another, forming a closed room and are sealed with tape. An opening is then cut into the upper end. Then a small bowl containing activated MMS is put into the gas bag, allowing the formation of Chlorine dioxide. The user then enters the gas bag naked, exposing their skin to the gas.

==Marketing==
[[image:Lothar_Paulus.jpg|Lothar Paulus and Jim Humble enjoying Fast-Food|left|180px|thumb]]
[[image:BewusstTVMMS2.jpg|Sponsored report on [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bewusst.TV Bewusst.TV] by [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jo_Conrad Jo Conrad]|thumb]]

In Germany, MMS products are marketed by Luxusline LTD. (director: Dennis Hamann) of Hildesheim and "Julis Foundation Inc." by Norbert Miller from Neuburg a.d. Donau. MMS is also sold via [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=MLM Multi-Level-Marketing] and can be found on eBay where it is advertised using health-related promises, violating the German regulations on dietary supplements (NEM-Verordnung). The product sold consists of Sodium chlorite (NaClO2) and comes with an instruction manual dealing with the risks of DIY production of Chloride dioxide.

In November 2008, Humble participated in a conference on "Neuartige Heilmethoden" (new methods of healing) which was organized by [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jupiter-Verlag Jupiter-Verlag] and [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Adolf_Schneider Adolf Schneider]. By their own account, Jupiter-Verlag sold MMS bottles at the premises. Humble had been invited to Europe by the [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Heilpraktiker alternative practitioner] Sabine Linek.

In German-speaking countries, MMS is also sold by Lothar Paulus via several web sites. Paulus obviously operates his business from Ibiza and owns the Ibiza-registered company "vitalundfitmit100 S.L.".<ref>vitalundfitmit100 S.L., Geschäftsführer Lothar Paulus, Ctr. Ibiza-Sant Josep, km 11,5 Apdo. 282, E-07830 Sant Josep Spanien. Telefon: +34 971343623 / +49 1637726543 Fax +34971343623.
Lothar Paulus, C/des Calo, Cala de Bou, edificio PalmBeach 2-2d 07839 Sant Josep, Ibiza Spanien</ref> It is interesting to note that Paulus sells MMS-products bearing the "Xn" (harmful) hazard symbol. This symbol is used to label harmful substances which will cause permanent damage to one's health when being swallowed, inhaled or, by penetrating the skin, can cause acute or chronic damages. Typical products labeled like this are toilet cleaners.

[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bewusst.TV Bewusst.TV], a project of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jo_Conrad Jo Conrad], sells MMS in its web shop. Advertisements for MMS can be found on the web sites of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=AllEinKlang.tv AllEinKlang.tv], an esoteric project run by Hans Hubert Küppers of Northrhine-Westfalia.

==Users==
[[image:MMS_Rohsmann.jpg|Peter Rohsmann|380px|thumb]]
[[image:Linek_Schustereder.jpg|Sabine Linek / Klaus Schustereder|left|180px|thumb]]
[[image:MMS_Arcadia.jpg|MMS advertisement found in the web shop "Arcadia Eden" of Peter Rohsmann, a medical practitioner.|350px|thumb]]
[[image:MMS_Douwes.jpg|Advertisement for the non-approved drug MMS by the medical dirrector of the hospital "Klinik St. Georg" in Bad Aibling, Friedrich R. Douwes|300px|thumb]]

Another German MMS proponent is the general practitioner Peter Rohsmann from Habach (near Munich) who also sells MMS products. 
Currently, Rohsmann is running a web shop called "Arcadia Eden - Peter Rohsmann e.K.".<ref>Arcadia Eden - Peter Rohsmann e.K., Sindelsdorferstraße 12, 82392 Habach-Dürnhausen</ref> which is registered at his home address. In this shop he also offers a variety of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Nahrungsergänzungsmittel dietary supplements] and household cleaners ("ionized water") as well as MMS as a "Mach mich sauber"(make me clean) system for the treatment of drinking water. Rohsmann warns against the dangers of his product: ''[...] Harmful in contact with skin - Contact with acids liberates very toxic gas - Risk of serious damage to eyes - Keep away from acids, reducing agents and combustible material - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice - Wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection - Keep out of the reach of children - Dispose of this material and its container at hazardous or special waste collection point [...]''<ref>https://www.arcadia-eden.com/wasserbehandlung/mms-neu/</ref>

A further user of the non-approved drug MMS is the medical practitioner Friedrich R. Douwes. He is the medical director of the hospital "Klinik St. Georg" in Bad Aibling. Quotation Douwes: ''MMS is not for treatment of illness and only approved for disinfection of drinking water and food. If one decides though to ingest MMS, generally one should start with one or two drops of MMS, ideally at night before going to bed. It's best to take MMS 5-10 minutes before meals or 2 hours after meals... Using a clean drinking glass, for every drop of MMS one adds the same amount of "activator" (e.g. 10% Citric acid or 9% hydrochloric acid). Then the glass is swirled shortly and one allows the substances to react with each other for three minutes. The reaction time should be 3 minutes, possibly using a egg timer. After this the glass is filled up with water and the diluted solution is drunk without interruption [...]''<ref>http://www.klinik-st-georg.de/pdf/dr_douwes_informiert/2010-04_MMS_Wirkung.pdf</ref> This hospital also offers further pseudo-medical therapies (especially for treatment of cancer): [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Artemisinin Artemisinin], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Misteltherapie mistletoe therapy], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Insulinpotenzierte_Therapie Insulin Potentation] (IPT), [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Kaffee-Einlauf coffee-enema], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Colon-Hydro-Therapie Colon hydrotherapy], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Hyperthermie whole-body hyperthermia], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Electro_Cancer_Therapy Electro Cancer Therapy], "organo-therapy " with thymus gland extracts ([http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Frischzellentherapie] cellular therapy), [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Enzymtherapie enzyme therapy] and [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Entschlackung detoxification].

Another promoter of MMS in Switzerland is the Wile-based medical practitioner, [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=TCM TCM]-therapist and media business man [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Ralph_Manser Ralph Manser].

According to an uncritical article on MMS published in the [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=NEXUS_Magazin NEXUS Magazin]<ref>http://www.nexus-magazin.de/artikel/lesen/jim-humble-erstmalig-in-deutschland-beim-kongress-fuer-neuartige-heilmethoden/2?context=category&category=2</ref>, an Austrian "Dr.med. Klaus Schustereder" (born in 1973) conducted experiments on humans in the Central African Republic. [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Scenar Scenar]-user Schustereder is said to be head of the hospital of Baboua where he actually worked from 2005-2007. He supposedly tested MMS and a [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Homöopathie homeopathic] remedy called "PC1" (which was created by [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Peter_Chappell Peter Chappell]) on AIDS patients. A camera-man by the name of Christian Köhlert was supposedly present at these experiments in Baboua. According to the NEXUS report, he also acted as a miracle healer: (Quotation)

:''Christian Köhlert also treated people against Malaria using MMS. All of them were cured by the following day.''

An alternative practitioner who, according to her own testimony, contributed largely to MMS research is the Berlin based Sabine Linek.

==Side Effects==
According to advertisements of MMS resellers, the substance is free of side effects. But one can also find blood-curling and utterly unfounded information about MMS side effects on various web sites promoting it:

:''It is always a good sign if the intake of MMS leads to indisposition. Each change is a sure sign that MMS works and is killing harmful bacteria, virus, mould and yeast fungi and parasites. These dead organisms lead to the generation of toxic substances which trigger the so-called Herxheimer reaction.''<ref>Quelle: jimhumblemms.de</ref>

The Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction is indeed a phenomenon known in clinical microbiology. Such a reaction can only be proven by experts and is typically found when treating certain germs like Spirochaetaceae.

In August 2010, the professional journal "Pediatrics" published an article on children intoxicated by household cleansers in the period of 1990-2006, as they were reported by emergency rooms of hospitals. It was shown that the introduction of childproof closures lead to a reduction of such intoxications. The largest number of cases had been reported with Chlorine bleaching as it is used in MMS.<ref>Lara B. McKenzie, Nisha Ahir, Uwe Stolz, Nicolas G. Nelson: ''Household Cleaning Product-Related Injuries Treated in US Emergency'', Pediatrics, 2.8.2010, DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009-3392 [http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/peds.2009-3392v1?maxtoshow=&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=household&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&resourcetype=HWCIT Volltext]</ref>

Scientific literature on Chlorine dioxide (see references) shows possible unwanted consequences of a Chlorine dioxide intake found in laboratory animals and human beings. Most observations relate to laboratory animals though. It can cause the formation of methemoglobine. Also hemolytic anemia (caused by a breakdown of red blood cells) and reduced Glutathion-levels can be found. High Chlorine dioxide levels in the blood are also viewed as being toxic for the kidneys and reduce the average life span of rats and lead to a reduced body mass. Impacts on thyroid glands and the hemogram in apes/monkeys have been reported.

In 1982 a blinded study was conducted where healthy test persons drank a small amount of Chlorine dioxide in water. The small amount of 0,1 milligram ClO2 was tolerated by all test persons without any symptoms.<ref>*Judith R. Lubbers, Sudha Chauan, Joseph R. Bianchine: ''Controlled Clinical Evaluations of Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorite and Chlorate in Man'', (1982) Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 46, S. 57-62, 1982. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569027/pdf/envhper00463-0059.pdf]</ref>

==Administrations advise against MMS==
[[image:MMS_Canada.jpg|Warning of Health Canada|left|250px|thumb]]
[[image:MMS_FDA.jpg|Warning of US-FDA|260px|thumb]]
[[image:INVS.jpg|Warning of the French INVS|260px|thumb]]
[[image:Swissmedic.jpg|Warning of the Swiss Swissmedic|300px|thumb]]
[[image:BAG.jpg|Warning of the Swiss BAG|300px|thumb]]
Since 2010 several administrations caution against buying and administering MMS.

* On July 30, 2010, the FDA (USA) issued a warning against applying MMS since it contained industrial bleaching agents and could lead to severe health damages. According to this statement, several reports on health damages found with MMS customers had reached the FDA. Nausea, vomiting, and life-threatening cases of dehydration had been reported. Customers still in possession of MMS were advised to destroy their supplies. Furthermore, the FDA had no research results indicating any benefit from applying MMS to HIV infections, hepatitis, flu, acne, cancer or common cold. Currently, the FDA also considers pressing charges against suppliers.<ref>http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm220747.htm</ref><ref>http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=6430</ref> Humble reacted to this FDA ban with a warning to international MMS distributors:

:''Sorry, but my name and my picture must be removed from all sites selling mms in any form. All of the jim humble approval stamps must be removed from every site selling mms. This must happen immediately. Any time the attack comes if my approval is on any sales site that can be used to put me in jail. This is true in most countries as well as the united states, especially in Europe. Please comply with this. It is important. This must be done immediately. Taking my name off of your site will also keep you out of jail. Now is the time to change mms to nothing but water purification drops....When the time comes the authorities must see nothing but mms water purification drops. We will have to depend upon my book, radio, TV, you tube, and other internet articles to tell what mms really is. One other point, anywhere on your site where the word supplement is used it should be changed to the word "solution", the reason for that is the FDA objects to the word supplement, that begins to neutralize our sites. Is for your protection.''

*On October, 13. 2010, the Swiss Swissmedic issued a warning against MMS titled "Warning against the so-called miracle drug 'Miracle Mineral Supplements (MMS)'". According to Swissmedic, several reports on side-effects in connection with the use of "Miracle Mineral Supplements (MMS)" had been published in different countries. Oral ingestion, according to Swissmedic, caused ''gastrointestinal disorders of varying severity, including hospitalization due to life-threatening conditions''.<ref>http://www.swissmedic.ch/aktuell/00003/01409/index.html?lang=de</ref> Swissmedic refers to a warning against MMS issued by the Swiss "Bundesamt für Gesundheit" (BAG, Federal Office of Public Health) dating October 8., 2010. According to BAG, the "Schweizerische Toxikologische Informationszentrum" (STIZ, Swiss Toxicological Information Centre) had received several reports on health disorders after ingestion of MMS<ref>http://www.bag.admin.ch/themen/lebensmittel/04861/11249/index.html?lang=de</ref>

*On October 5, 2010, French authorities "Institut de veille sanitaire" (InVS) and "Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé" (Afssaps) published a warning against MMS as the product "Solution minérale miracle" could cause health damages and had been the cause of several cases of intoxication in France (Ce produit est à l’origine de cas d’intoxication). Persons who had purchased MMS were warned against using it and persons already having ingested MMS were urged to see a doctor.<ref>http://www.invs.sante.fr/recherche/index2.asp?txtQuery=mms&Submit.x=0&Submit.y=0</ref>

*In Canada MMS was already banned in May 2010 by "Health Canada"<ref>http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2010/2010_74-eng.php</ref>

*In the meantime, Australia banned the selling of MMS and ordered suppliers to take back MMS bottles already sold, without further costs for customers.

==User Testimonials==
*''[...] all of this is tolerable (I hope my sexual dysfunction is only temporary) but the nausea and especially the pain in the stomach together with constant belching that also hampers sleeping are really bad. I don't know whether I can handle this [...]''.<ref>http://www.mms-selbsthilfe.de/showthread.php?t=2&page=5</ref>
*''[...] I have registered just now to warn everybody against this tincture. Yesterday I made a tincture consisting of 50 drops of MMS and 250 drops of wine vinegar and I applied it, after waiting for 10 minutes, without encountering any skin problems. It was said that such a tincture could be stored for three days without any problems. This morning I opened the flask containing the tincture and I almost fell off my chair. The fumes were so strong that I almost dropped it and I spilled some of it. It was deep yellow! My eyes watered, my nose started running...Luckily after 15 minutes everything was OK again. I poured all of it away immediately [...]''.<ref>http://www.mms-selbsthilfe.de/showthread.php?t=167</ref>
*''[...] So, I'm using MMS for 5 days now and I have very strong reactions of my body (15 drops in the morning on empty stomach, 15 drops in the evening after dinner), including diarrhea - headache - and, to my big surprise, a heavy head cold, the nose is running all the time [...].''<ref>http://www.mms-selbsthilfe.de/showthread.php?t=2&page=3</ref>
* ''..the side effects are really severe. Dizziness, deafness on both ears, I can't focus my eyes, blurred thoughts that prevent me from articulating myself clearly, listlessness, weariness and (a special nuisance to my wife) erectional dysfunction...The nausea and especially the pain in the stomach and belly, together with constant belching that also hamper my sleep are really bad. So I don't know how I gonna handle this.''<ref>Quotation of a user "Uwe" in the "MMS Selbsthilfeforum" (MMS self-help forum)</ref>
 

==MMS-Quackery and cancer patients==
[[image:newlands4.jpg|Jillian Margaret Newlands|left|180px|thumb]]
[[image:newlands5.jpg|180px|thumb]]
In 2009, an Australian quack named Jillian Margaret Newlands from Mackay (Queensland) who had no license for conducting medical treatments was sentenced to a fine of 12,000 AUD and her equipment was seized<ref>http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=63436</ref><ref>http://scepticsbook.com/2009/04/23/quack-fined-12000-ordered-to-stop-selling-fake-cancer-treatment/</ref> for treating patients suffering from breast cancer under non-sterile conditions with MMS infusions in her so-called ''treatment centre''. To avoid any attention she conducted these treatments in her own garage and urged patients to keep silent about it. Furthermore she advised against chemotherapy. This case could be fully reconstructed because undercover-agent Loretta Marron, who was successfully cured of breast cancer with accepted therapies, managed to videotape such a treatment, using a hidden camera.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R8S1sp2YvQ</ref> The patient treated, named Maria Worth, suffered a life-threatening blood clut after application of the MMS-infusion and had to be treated in the Toowoomba Hospital. She had paid 2,000 AUD for this useless and dangerous treatment - whereas the source material had a value of approx. 25 AUD.<ref>http://atheistage.org/?p=829</ref><ref>http://archive.i2p.com.au/?page=site/article&id=1270</ref><ref>http://atheistage.org/?p=901</ref>

==MMS2==
In the meantime, MMS-inventor Humble launched another product: [[MMS2]]. This is the corrosive [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hypochlorite Calcium hypochlorite] (Ca(OCl)2). This compound was used more than a hundred years ago as a skin disinfectant. Since it is only badly tolerated, it had been replaced by more tolerable and effective substances. There are no reports on oral administration of this substance.

Calcium hypochlorite is also used as bleaching agent in the paper industry, but is more and more replaced, for reasons of environmental protection, by other substances. It is widely used as swimming pool disinfectant. Building supply stores provide cheap bulk packs for owners of private swimming pools.

In order to prevent negative side effects to the MMS sales, MMS2 is labeled as being ''as good and complimentary to'' MMS. It is also claimed that the combined application of the two substances lead to some kind of synergistic effects.

==Literature==
*Gute Pillen - schlechte Pillen. Nr. 5 (Sept./Okt. 2008): ''Aufgespießt - Miracle Mineral Supplement''. Publisher: Verbraucherzeitschrift für Medikamente in Deutschland, arznei-telegramm, DER ARZNEIMITTELBRIEF, Pharma-Brief und Arzneiverordnung in der Praxis (AVP).
------------------------------------
*Lin JL, Lim PS. Acute sodium chlorite poisoning associated with renal failure. Ren Fail. 1993;15(5):645-8.
*Judith R. Lubbers, Sudha Chauan, Joseph R. Bianchine: ''Controlled Clinical Evaluations of Chlorine Dioxide, Chlorite and Chlorate in Man'', (1982) Environmental Health Perspectives, Vol. 46, S. 57-62, 1982. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1569027/pdf/envhper00463-0059.pdf]
*Lubbers, J. R., Chauhan, S., Miller, J. K., and Bianchine, J. R. The effects of chronic administration of chlorine dioxide, chlorite and chlorate to normal healthy adult male volunteers. J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 5 (2, 3): 879-888 (1982)
*Heffernan, W. P., Guion, C., and Bull, R. J. ''Oxidative damage to the erythrocyte induced by sodium chlorite in vitro''. J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 2(6): 1487-1499 (1979).
*Musil, J., Kontek, Z., Chalupa, J., and Schmidt, P. ''Toxicological aspects of chlorine dioxide application for the treatment of water containing phenol''. Chem. Technol. Praze. 8: 327-345 (1964)
*Moore, G. S., and Calabrese, E. J. ''The effects of chlorine dioxide and sodium chlorite on erythrocytes of A-J and C-57L-J mice''. J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 4(2, 3): 513-524 (1980)
*Moore, G. S. and Calabrese, E. J. ''G-6-PD-deficiency - a potential high-risk group to copper and chlorite ingestion.'' J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 4(2, 3): 271-279 (1980)
*Moore, G. S., Calabrese, E. J. and Ho, S. C. ''Groups at potentially high-risk from chlorine dioxide treated water.'' J. Environ. Pathol. Toxicol. 4(2, 3): 465-470 (1980)
*Couri, D., Miller, C. H., Bull, R. J., Delphia, J. M., Ammar, E. M. ''Assessment of maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity and teratogenic potential of sodium chlorite in Sprague-Dawley rats.'', Environ. Health Perspect. 46: 25-29 (1982)

==English Weblinks==
*http://www.scienceblogs.de/mutterwitz/2010/09/chlorbleiche-trinken-ist-ungesund.php
*[http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=6430 David J Kroll: ''Can it get any worse?: industrial bleach as cancer and HIV cure'', Blog "Science-Based Medicine", 6.8.2010]
*http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/15/miracle-mineral-solutions-mms-bleach?

==German Weblinks==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=MMS German version used as base for this article]
*http://www.gesundheit.ch/mms
*[http://nexus-magazin.de/artikel/lesen/mms-ein-wundermittel-fuer-afrika-und-auch-den-rest-der-welt-teil-1 Werbung für MMS im Nexus-Magazin]
*[http://www.mms-selbsthilfe.de/showthread.php?t=149 Misserfolge bei der AIDS-Anwendung]
* http://atheistage.org/?p=901

==Links to Material Safety Data Sheets and Fact Sheets==
*[http://biade.itrust.de/biade/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-hit-h.htm&2.0 GESTIS-database of the BGIA for Natriumchlorit] (German)
*http://www.merck-chemicals.com/chemdat/en_US/Merck-International-Site/USD/ViewProductDocuments-File;sid=nlTZ8VeScFLY8RtcLBrMpv9STVdc7p-GWXvn1vhTu2Q0AEeOnY0kyX6Vv6DAtTlkhToR5ZC9TVdc7oSRG0v8wbpj?ProductSKU=MDA_CHEM-814815&DocumentType=MSD&DocumentId=%2Fmda%2Fchemicals%2Fmsds%2Fde-CH%2F814815_DE_CH.PDF&DocumentSource=GDS&Country=International&Channel=Merck-International-Site
*http://www.silbermann.de/download/SDB/06258070.pdf (German)
*http://www.judo-online.de/judo/EG-SICHERHEITSDATENBLAETTER/DE/Art-Nr_1701667_EG-Sicherheitsdatenblatt_Natrium.pdf (German)
*http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/healthguidelines/chlorinedioxide/recognition.html

==References==
<references/>

[[category:AIDS Miracle Therapy]]
[[category:Cancer Miracle Therapy]]

MMS2

2010-11-22T00:11:23Z

EsoTypo: Typos, Fmt

[[image:MMS-2.jpg|Advertisement on Yatego with reference to [[Jim Humble]]|350px|thumb]]
'''MMS2''' (''Miracle Mineral Supplement two'' resp. ''Miracle Mineral Solution 2'') is the brand name of a product containing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_hypochlorite Calcium hypochlorite] which is offered on various internet sites for [[pseudomedicine|pseudomedical]] applications. US-american citizen [[Jim Humble]] is the inventor of this ''advanced vision MMS2''. [[Jim Humble|Humble]] already became known in connection with the corresponding snake oil [[Miracle Mineral Supplement]] (MMS or E 926, respectively) which meanwhile is also referred to as MMS1. In order to prevent negative effects to MMS sales, MMS2 is labelled as being ''as good and complementary to MMS''. A combined application of the two products (i.e. chlorine dioxide, calcium chlorite and citric acid) is advocated for alleged synergistic effects.

Mail order companies offer these products in small quantities at high prices. For example, one company sells 0,6 gram at € 28. In contrast, building supply stores provide cheap bulk packs for owners of private swimming pools which only cost a few Euros.

Suppliers operate outside of Germany. They explicitly refer to Jim Humble and offer the products for internal use. In Germany, MMS2 is also offered as "chemical" for "disinfection of swimming pools", again with reference to Jim Humble.

There is no known scientific study or literature dealing with oral ingestion of MMS2 which proves it a suitable cure for any kind of illness.

MMS2 has been solicited, without any critical checking, in the German [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=NEXUS_Magazin NEXUS Magazin].<ref>Jim Humble: ''MMS2: Ein neues Mittel und eine erweiterte Vision''[Jim Humble: ''MMS2: A new agent and an advanced vision''], NEXUS Magazin 25, Oktober-November 2009</ref>

==Calcium Hypochlorite==
[[image:MMS2_Anwendung.jpg|Application notes for MMS on the internet site of the company Luxusline LTD<ref>Luxusline LTD., Schützenwiese 25, D-31137 Hildesheim. www.mineral-mms.de</ref>|300px|thumb]]
Calcium hypochlorite is the calcium salt of Hypochlorous acid (Ca(OCl)2). This substance is corrosive and harmful to the environment. It is also known as Losantin or Perchloron and, more than 100 years ago, was used for disinfection of the skin. It became known in the 19th century when Austrian gynecologist Ignaz Semmelweis applied it externally for its disinfectant effect. Since it is badly tolerated by the skin, it has since long been replaced by more tolerable and more effective substances. There are no documents on the oral administration of calcium hypochlorite for medical purposes.

Calcium chloride has a penetrating smell of chlorine and was used as bleaching agent in the paper industry. For reasons of environmental protection it is more and more replaced by other substances. Currently it is still used as a swimming pool disinfectant. 

==Legal Situation==
[[image:Vitapack.jpg|Notes on buying MMS on the web site of Vitapack (via Yatego)|300px|left|thumb]]
MMS2 is neither an approved drug nor a [[dietary supplement]].

In an apparent attempt to side-step legal obstacles, some suppliers advertise MMS2 as an alleged "water disinfectant" for animals. Others operate from abroad, e.g Gerd Löning, who works from the Canary Islands<ref>Gerd Lönnig, Camino Rodrigo 45, 38760 Los Llanos de Ar., Isla de la Palma</ref>, but come right to the point and advise oral ingestion of the product since, according to their advertisements, it ''kills germs, viruses and bacteria''. This is usually combined with positive anecdotes of successful healings. Such healings would notably be reached when combining MMS with MMS2. In the meantime, internet sale of Spanish MMS analogue has been forbidden.

Vitapack company<ref>Vitapak HERRLAN-PSM e.K., Dinslakener Straße 177, D-46562 Voerde</ref> sells MMS2 via Yatego as mail-order. The product is sold as a "chemical" at a price of 52,43 € / 100 g and, in accordance with European Regulation (1907/2006/EG, article 31) is delivered with a material data safety sheet. Their advertisement contains amazing claims: Customers e.g. are told that calcium hypochlorite is used for "chemical water purification in swimming-pools" and, being a bacterizide disinfectant and strong oxidant, kills microbes, parasites, bacteria, and viruses. Quotation: ''ATTENTION - MMS2 is only approved for water disinfection. baua [i.e. German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health] Reg.-No. N-38484... American citizen Jim Humble, Dutch biologist Ferry Staal and others acknowledge MMS2 for this purpose'', without giving any source for the latter information. Referring to Jim Humble who recommends MMS2 for internal use (so to speak for "inner disinfection") is a clear contradiction to the first statement. Vitapack also points out: ''since there is no legal security for this product, statements given after a quality check of the supplies available in public trade must be considered dubious.'' Goods will be delivered only after having received a written confirmation that the customer is over 18 years with a further assurance „no unauthorized resale or use“ will occur.

==See Also==
*[[Dioxychlor]]
*[[MMS]]

==German Weblinks==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=MMS2 German version used as base for this article]
==Weblinks==
*[http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927478 Material Safety Data Sheet]

==Versions of this article in other languages==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=MMS2 Die deutsche Version dieses Artikels]

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]

Category:Food

2010-11-22T00:07:53Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about food.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Physician

2010-11-22T00:06:55Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about physicians.

[[category:Person]]

Category:Conspiracy Theorist

2010-11-22T00:06:33Z

EsoTypo: link

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theorists]].

[[category:Person]]

Category:Pseudomedicine

2010-11-22T00:05:16Z

EsoTypo: link

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[pseudomedicine]].

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Supposed Foodless

2010-11-22T00:04:16Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about persons who claim to live without eating or drinking.

[[category:Person]]

Prahlad Jani

2010-11-22T00:04:01Z

EsoTypo: cat

[[image:jani.jpg|Prahlad Jani|thumb]]
[[image:Jani2.jpg|thumb]]
'''Prahlad Jani''' (Jay Ambe Prahaladbhai Maganlal Jani, or Chunriwala Mataji; also called "Mataji" by his followers; born August 13th, 1929) is an Indian fakir and, according to some sources, a follower of Jainism (*) or follower of the Hindu goddess Amba<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1274779/The-man-says-eaten-drunk-70-years-Why-eminent-doctors-taking-seriously.html?ito=feeds-newsxml</ref>) from Gujarat who claims not to have consumed beverages or usual food since he was eight years old (i.e. for 74 years as of 2010). Claims of this type are known as [[Inedia]]. Jani himself believes in a miraculous gift from Indian goddess Amba Mata, and that he is fed a mysterious fluid called „Amrit" nectar through a „hole“ in his palate.

In June 2006, "Discovery Channel" aired a documentary about Jani ("The Boy with Divine Powers") which attracted international attention and interest in his case. Jani's case was also made public by Indian neurologist and Jainism follower [[Sudhir Vadilal Shah]] of Ahmedabad (chairman of All India Jain Doctors Federation)<ref>http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/jain_religion.pdf</ref> and ''Immediate past-chairman, NJDF (National Jain Doctors Federation India) & Present International coordinator of JDF''. The JDF association means to ''Promote scientific research and medical education based on principles of Jainism''.<ref>http://www.jaindoctorsfederation.org/aimsandobjectives.html</ref>
Shah participated in a group of physicians performing two examinations of the alleged abilities of Mr. Jani in 2003 and 2010. The results of these examinations were interpreted by Shah in favour of his own hypothesis that the abilities of Jani were „scientifically inexplicable“ and were an endorsement of his hypothesis about a possible autotrophic nutrition (photoautotrophism) in man, known only in plants and algae and not in humans. Shah does not exclude the possibility of a cosmic energy feeding Prahlad Jani.

No scientific publication on the 2003 experiment is known so far in scientific databases, while data for the 2010 experiment are only preliminary. The only source of data are statements in press conferences given by co-operating physicians which were spread in many newspaper articles and TV broadcasts worldwide. Another source is the private homepage of neurologist Sudhir Shah.

The ''Indian Rationalist Association (IRA)'' called Jani a "village fraud". This Indian association already debunked several "miracles" of alleged inedia in the past.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1274779/The-man-says-eaten-drunk-70-years-Why-eminent-doctors-taking-seriously.html?ito=feeds-newsxml</ref>

==Biographic Data==
Little is known about Jani/Mataji, and sources are limited to his entourage.
He was born August 13th, 1929 in the Indian village of Charada (or ''Charod'') in the district of Mehsana/Gujarat. According to a legend, he left his home at the age of seven and became a wandering sadhu. When he was eleven (according to other sources, eight), he had some sort of „supernatural experience“ which changed his life completely. He allegedly lost every desire for eating or drinking, and since then no defecation happened and he also no longer passed urine. He also is said never to have been ill, but in 1942 he apparently was admitted to Jaslok hospital for unknown reasons (obviously without his consent) where he stayed for 45 days. According to the aforementioned legend, he also stopped speaking and did not talk for 45 years (Maunbrat practice).
Jani claims to experience a „Samadhi state" every day, filling him with light. An "Amrit nectar" fluid allegedly feeds him through a hole in his palate. According to Hindu texts, this liquid is considered a "drink of gods", causing the consuming person to become immortal. However, an MRT picture done in 2003 shows no such hole in his palate (see picture).

Prahlad Jani wears the dress of a devotee of the goddess Ambaji: a red sari-like garment. He wears a nose ring, bangles and crimson flowers in his hair.

In statements found on the internet and in newspaper articles, Jani is said to live in a cave near the Ambaji temple in the state of Gujarat (about 120 kilometres north of Ahmedabad). This allegation cannot be validated, however. In videos published on YouTube, Jani regularly gets presented in a house environment, often surrounded by followers (e.g. fanning him). Other videos show him in the „Sterling hospital“ in Ahmedabad.

==Examinations in 2003==
[[image:SterlingH.jpg|Sterling Hospital, Ahmedabad|thumb]]
[[image:PrahladJani2.jpg|Inside "Sterling Clinic" 2003|thumb]]
[[image:PJen.jpg|Some blood parameters during examination in November 2003 (source: Shah [http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/mataji_case_study.pdf])|600px|thumb]]
[[image:Jani6.jpg|Body weight (private homepage Sudhir Shah)|300px|thumb]]
[[image:MRT-Mataji.jpg|Normal MRT without pathologic signs, excluding any "hole" in the palate|thumb]]
[[image:Jani5.jpg|Prahlad Jani during examination|thumb]]
[[image:Jani4.jpg|Picture from CCTV camera|thumb]]
The alleged extraordinary abilities and claims of this Indian fakir of being able to live without any source of chemically bound energy and without water, were object of an examination in November 2003. No independent sceptic observers were allowed or invited to this experiment.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/may/18/prahlad-jani-india-sunshine</ref> Jani was examined in the private "Sterling Hospital"<ref>Sterling Hospital, Gurukul Road, Ahmedabad</ref> in the Western Indian town of Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat during a period of nine days of supposed absence of food and drinking water. At the beginning, it was planned to check him over a seven day period in order to prolong the planned observation time without threatening his life. Sterling Hospital, however, refused any responsibility and refuted any payment in case of side effects. In the end, the state of Gujarat (i.e. the tax payers) guaranteed an insurance in case of side effects.

The examination started November 13th at 10 am and ended November 22nd at 10 am<ref>source: private homepage Sudhir Shah</ref> (9 days). Jani was admitted to the intensive care department the first day. According to the panel of physicians performing the examination, his toilet was sealed for the next eight days and he stayed in a room with a glass door. He left that room twice per day for examinations (bladder sonography, MRT, ...).

One of the physicians participating was the Ahmedabad neurologist Sudhir V. Shah who examined several similar cases in the past: Ellen Greve (Jasmuheen)<ref>according to a statement on private homepage Sudhir Shah</ref> and Colcata engineer Hira Ratan Manek. There is no information available on Shah's examination of Greve/Jasmuheen. Ellen Greve also claimed „not to eat“, but she was seen eating several times, and this is confirmed by close associates of hers. A test performed together with Australian TV failed after five days of fasting and had to be stopped by the physician present. Hira Ratan Manek also claims never to eat. He travels around the world and often stays in Canada and USA for longer periods. Manek apparently makes a living on an income earned by sales of DVDs and lectures on the subject of inedia. However, like Jasmuheen, Manek has been caught eating several times and even was filmed in an Indian restaurant in San Francisco, a behaviour clearly betraying his followers who believe in his inedia. Neurologist Shah, who examined Manek, declared that he checked Manek's abilities and found no explanation for his alleged inedia. All examinations done by Sudhir Shah so far resulted in nothing else but a „success“ or „inexplicable facts“. Both Hira Ratan Manek and Jani are followers of Indian Jainism (Jani: probably *). The Indian Jain monk Sri Sahaj Muni Maharaj also claims that he did not eat over a period of one year (in 1995; only 211 days according to other sources). Fasting is an important issue in Jainism and it is common in India for Jains and Hindus, sometimes for up to eight days, without any adverse affects, as part of their religious worship.

According to the examining group of physicians, Jani could not eat or drink during that period and he had no defecation and passed no urine. Some urine was sonographically found in his bladder (about 0.1 litres, but when Jani was informed about it, the urine disappeared later). On an MRT picture, some stool can be seen. Part of the results of the examination remain secret. So e.g. no information regarding his body weight has been made public. Furthermore, at least one entry for blood sugar data was erased from a (private) website giving Jani's blood data.

According to private web pages reporting the 2003 examination, Prahlad Jani showed signs of being a „healthy man“, with the exception of a hearing loss. At a point in time close to the November 2003 examination (no specific date given), his heart rate was between 42-46 beats/minute, blood pressure was 114/80 mmHg (110/60 according to another source), and breathing frequency was 12-16 /min. Radiology showed stool and gas in the gut. Some urine was also found in his bladder which later vanished miraculously.

One of the main questions, that of body weight and changes in weight, remains a secret. We are told his weight either did not change, or only in the region of a few grams. On the other side, the blood samples taken also have a weight of several grams. On a private website publishing data of the 2003 examination, Jani's height (1.50 m) and a precise value of his BMI (16,89) are mentioned. These data allow the assumption of his body weight at 38,0 kg. The precise day these data were taken, however, is not known. On the other hand, according to neurologist Shah, Jani's body weight changed between 38 and 42 kg. But again, it is not known to which period of time this indication relates.
A significant drop in body weight during a controlled period of real fasting is not compatible with claims of inedia. Such a drop in body weight is known from other cases, for instance in the case of German anthroposophist [[Michael Werner]], leading to the conclusion that his claims of inedia are an illusion, not a fact. While fasting, Werner lost more than two kilogrammes in a week. Other fasting persons e.g. lost 6 kg over 10 days. Hira Ratan Manek even lost as much
as 42 kg.

Some (if not all?) blood parameters obtained in the November 2003 examination of Jani are shown on the web pages of Sudhir Shah.<ref>http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/mataji_case_study.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.amazingabilities.com/amaze5b.html</ref>
The values presented show an initial increase in serum urea, and then drop three days after the examination. The same is true for serum sodium, serum chloride, and serum potassium. Hematocrit is also increased. This is a clear sign of dehydration and hemoconcentration, compatible with a period of fasting and thirst. Blood sugar is decreasing, while serum acetone is increasing. This is also a sign of starvation. In the beginning and three days after the test, values are normal.

Instead of discussing such a fasting period as a very plausible cause of the blood values obtained, however, these are explained as ''amazing'' and declared a sort of medical miracle. In fact they show a normal behaviour of a subject, compatible with actual knowledge of physiology. Examiner Shah's words sound different: ''"We have reached a hypothesis which confirms that Jani's body has certainly undergone a biological transformation due to yogic kriyas. And he can control his inner organs' functions, which itself is intriguing."''

In April 2010, a second examination was performed over an unknown period of time (perhaps 14 days), again at Sterling Hospital and again in co-operation with Sudhir Shah. Again, no external sceptic observer was allowed to participate. Psiram will update this article if new data will be made available.

In fact the data obtained clearly indicate that, after a period of habitual consumption of food and water, the test person was submitted to a period of fasting, and that data changed again when fasting was broken. The data obtained are completely in agreement with the state of actual knowledge in physiology.

---------------

On May 11th, 2010 James Randi offered in his video series "James Randi speaks" a test by the JREF and the corresponding 1 Mio. US-Dollar prize.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0u6eJB9GLY</ref>

==Comments on starvation and necessary water intake==
Forms of eating disorders have existed since ancient times varying in frequency, manifestations, and possible motivation. Certain sociocultural factors including religions appear to foster or inhibit the frequency and type of eating disorders.<ref>Bemporad JR., ''Self-starvation through the ages: reflections on the pre-history of anorexia nervosa.'', Int J Eat Disord. 1996 Apr;19(3):pages 217-37. PMID: 8704721</ref>

Long lasting starvation leads to death. A healthy subject may survive 50 up to 60 days without food. Known hungerstrikers died after 50 to 60 days (example: Bobby Sands). Irishman Terence MacSwiney died after 74 days of starvation.

Every minute an adult will breathe in and out around 5 litres of air. After one day he will eliminate about one kilogramme of CO2, containing about 270 grams of carbon. A fasting subject will therefore loose 0.270 kg of carbon every day, 8 kg every month and 98 kg per year. That is more than the typical weight of an adult. CO2-concentration in the air is around 0.03%, much less than its concentration in the exhaled air (4%, relationship is 0.7%). So, assimilation of carbon via respiration is not possible.

Humans lose water and water vapour via urine, stool, respiration and the skin (''persperatio insensibilis''). The amount lost every day depends on temperature and activity, and amounts to around 800 ml of water. At the same time, water is built up via oxidative processes (about 300 ml per day).

A healthy adult may survive around ten days without water (temperature dependent). The Guinness Book of Records cites a case of 18 days without water. American coma patient Terri Schiavo died after 13 days without water. Alaskan fire fighter Robert Bogucki survived 12 days in an Australian desert without water until he was found by a helicopter.

(*) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8652837.stm] or Durga - hinduism

==Literature==
*Westerterp KR, Plaqui G, Goris AHC: ''water loss in function of energy intake, physical activity and season'', British journal nutrition, 2005, 93, 199-203

==Weblinks==
*http://www.skepdic.com/skeptimedia/skeptimedia90.html
*http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/belief/2010/may/18/prahlad-jani-india-sunshine
*[http://www.sudhirneuro.org/files/mataji_case_study.pdf Shah-report on Jani fasting in 2003]
*http://www.amazingabilities.com/amaze5a.html
*http://www.amazingabilities.com/amaze5b.html
*http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/3236118.stm
*http://edition.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/south/11/26/offbeat.india.fast/
-----------------
*[http://psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Prahlad_Jani this page in German language]

==Blog Discussions==
*http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/05/physiology_explains_it_all.php and [http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2010/04/they_arent_doing_the_right_tes.php]
*http://milkmiracle.net/2010/05/14/prahlad-jani/
*[http://blog.psiram.com/?p=1411 Psiram blog]

==Videos==
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9On0X3nBaY
* http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzNAZE2gaBY
* http://video.gmx.net/watch/7501365
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0u6eJB9GLY Video comment of James Randi]

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jani, Prahlad}}
[[category:Supposed Foodless]]

Category:Sect Leader

2010-11-22T00:03:07Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about leaders of sects.

[[category:Person]]

Jim Humble

2010-11-22T00:02:50Z

EsoTypo: cat

[[image:jimhumble.jpg|Jim Humble|thumb]]
'''Jim Humble''' (aka ''Bishop James V. Humble'') is a US-American engineer, author of (pre-transistor times) computer and mining technology manuals as well as the inventor of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Nahrungsergänzungsmittel dietary supplements] containing disinfectants which meanwhile have been banned in several countries. Humble, a medical layperson, tried to sell dietary supplements for several years. Since then, the self-proclaimed "bishop" also goes by the name of "James V. Humble". Humble founded his own religion and a church called "Genesis II Church of Health and Healing".

His whereabouts are currently not known for sure, he is most probably living in Mexico.

Humble claims that his invention, called [[Miracle_Mineral_Supplement|Miracle Mineral Supplement]] (MMS or MMS1), was be the most effective medication around, being the ideal treatment for AIDS, hepatitis A, B and C, malaria, herpes, tuberculosis, most kinds of cancer, and many, many more.

He also offers [[MMS2]], a product containing Calcium hydrochlorite. German mail order companies offer it as a "chemical for swimming pool disinfection". According to MMS2 advertisements, it is supposed to be administered internally in order to kill germs, viruses, and parasites. MMS2, same as MMS, was never officially approved as a medication.

Judging from current announcements and interviews, Humble apparently wants to have MMS tested in Haiti. Most recent announcements give reason to expect the worst for uninformed patients: He currently claims to "research" the treatment of MMS with cancer-, hepatitis-C- and AIDS patients. Quotation Humble:

:''We’ve started doing clinical trials for AIDS, Hepatitis C and Cancer and those trials have been going pretty good and we have a guy who’s head of the prison system there – he’s also helping us. And the local hospital has agreed to give us 300 blood tests for free.
Interviewer: Are you allowed to say here on camera that MMS will cure cancer? Sure! I can say it – MMS will cure cancer.''<ref>http://noodlemaz.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/bleachgate-the-plot-thickens/</ref>

==Anecdotes==
Jim Humble has other persons spread the claim that he cured 100,000 malaria victims using the MMS-mixture invented by him. He also claims to have "advised" more than 2,000 people via phone and more than 4,000 people via internet.

Humble himself spreads the rumor that he is working on a mysterious "magnetohydrodynamic drive", a trivial garage door opener.

==Genesis II Church of Health and Healing==
[[image:Humble4.jpg|Bishop Humble|left|thumb]][[image:Humble_Ernennung.jpg|"Letter of appointment"|300px|thumb]]
[[image:Leadbeater_Wedgwood.jpg|Scandal-ridden bishops and Humble predecessors Leadbeater and Wedgwood|thumb]]
Since 2010 Jim Humble prefers to be addressed as "Bishop James V. Humble". Rev. Dr. Humble was "appointed" by an alleged archbishop Laurence (Larry) Jensen and his wife, the alleged bishop Glenda Green of a "One Holy True Original Church" from Arizona
<ref>http://www.originalchurch.org</ref> which is also active as "Spiritis church", "Order of the Friends of Jeshua", "the Byzantine Catholic Church, Inc.", "the Liberal Catholic Church", "the Old Roman Catholic Church", "the American Orthodox Catholic Church", and so on.<ref>http://www.sott.net/articles/show/207643</ref>. The Original Church offers different pseudo-titles for the amount of 750 Dollars.<ref>http://www.originalchurch.org/PDF/spiritis-application-ministry-course.pdf</ref> They claim a lineage of bishops dating back some 2,000 years. In anecdotes, a kind of schism from the Roman Catholic Church is also claimed. Indeed one of the predecessors of the bishop, a Bishop James Ingall Wedgwood, left the Catholic church. There was some evidence for pedophile-inspired advances to boys which were so pressing that police started investigating them. This was also the case with Humble's direct predecessor and [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Theosophie theosophist] C. W. Leadbeater who left the "Theosophical Society" after a pedophilia scandal became public. The list of the bishop's predecessors:[http://www.originalchurch.org/apostolic-succession/apostolic-succession.htm]

The main activity of this new religious MMS sect, which was founded in 2010, is less religious, but more in the way of "health and healing" as well as protection from vaccination. Humble:
:''..we are forming a church of health and healing. Now that's not religion, that's health and healing. It's called Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. (“Genesis” means the beginning, and “II” means the second beginning and this is the beginning of a new world without disease.)..''

To become a member of the church, one has to pay a 10 Dollar admission fee (shipment excluded) and assert to refuse vaccinations:

:''If you wish to have a church membership identification card with your picture that states that you must not be vaccinated, the cost is $10 to join.''<ref>http://theforceiswithinyou.twilightlegend.com/off-topic-f11/bishop-jim-humble-t3117.htm</ref>

The money is transferred, via Paypal, to the Dominican Republic and Humble promises to put it in a church-owned account only known to him and his successor:

:''This is my personal PayPal account that is dedicated to the church. I will take the money out of this account periodically and deposit it in an account that no one knows that is known only to me and my successor and it will soon be recorded as church property and known to the church.

On his self-appointment:

:''I was ordained in the lineage of Bishops traced all the way back to Christ. Actually, the apostles were Bishops, and they were given the power to create Churches and other Bishops by Christ. All Bishops have had the power to create new Churches if they wished and to write the Articles of Association and Articles of Faith, and Creed of the Church. My name has been placed in the lineage.''

Regarding the name of his "church", Humble says:

:''..Now, let me tell you the name of the Church. The name will be the Genesis II Church of Health and Healing. Genesis means the beginning. Two means the second beginning. And we are talking of the second beginning of the World and we are creating a world this second time without disease..''

The Genesis II "church" claims connections to good lawyers. Becoming a member is said to result in quite some advantages: for example, one may be appointed a priest by the "church" and add the title of a "Reverend" to one's name, and even hope for tax exemptions and monetary income. As a "pastor", one will hand out MMS-bottles for free but at the same time demand donations. The income made from donations is said to be higher than amounts from regular sales: ''..We already have tremendous lawyers who will help us....If you wish, you will receive a pastor’s certificate and you will have the legal right to use Reverend in front of your name. It will be legal for you to not pay income tax. You can also receive a certificate to start a chapter of our church right there in your area. You can hand out tracts telling about MMS and our healing and you will no doubt have people come to you for healing. It will be best not to charge for your service, instead ask for donations after they get well, and that usually takes only a few days. Most people will want to donate something when they get well. You will make more money that way than selling the bottles of MMS. If you keep at it you should soon have enough to start building a Church. Our course teaches you how to handle all diseases and health problems except those needing surgery which is a small number...We expect a reasonable donation but not great big either, but of course, great big is OK.''

==Trade with useless fantasy titles==
[[image:MMS_Titelhandel.jpg|Trading worthless fantasy titles|400px|thumb]]
By now, Humble offers MMS-courses and fantasy titles in the Dominican Republic. Within a week and after a payment of 750 Dollars, one can become a "Minister of Health" and put a "MH" behind one's name. Church members can also put a "rev" in front of their name. For additional 250 Dollars, one can also take a course to learn how to treat sick persons with MMS. These courses are held in the earthquake-struck and heavily damaged Haiti which neighbors the Dominican Republic, and are part of a Genesis II Mission to Haiti. After a minimum of 3 days servicing persons on-site and after paying 1,500 Dollars, graduates of such courses will receive a pseudo doctor's degree with a useless "MMS certificate", asserting this allows to legally bear the title of a "Rev. Dr.", which is wrong.

Special members even have the chance to become "bishop" of the "G2-church" themselves.

==Weblinks==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jim_Humble German version used as base for this article]
*http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/sep/15/miracle-mineral-solutions-mms-bleach?

==References==
Quotations from:
*http://genesis2church.com/2010/04/26/an-open-letter-from-bishop-jim-humble-to-all-interested-in-the-genesis-ii-church/
---------------
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Humble, Jim}}
[[category:Anti-vaccinationist]]
[[category:Engineer]]
[[category:Inventor]]
[[category:Pseudomedic]]
[[category:Sect Leader]]

Chemtrail

2010-11-22T00:00:54Z

EsoTypo: cat-

[[image:ctvor1967.jpg|Picture of a contrail in a book from 1967|left|thumb]]
[[image:contrail1.jpg|Contrails during WWII|thumb]]
[[image:ctww2-2.jpg|Contrails during WWII|thumb]]
[[image:Ctww2-3.jpg|Picture from WWII|thumb]]
'''Chemtrail''', according to a common [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theory]], is the name for certain types of contrails. This [[Pseudo-Science|pseudo-scientific]] idea believes that at least part of the known contrails consist of various added substances, on whose composition, however, followers of this idea apparently cannot agree. Modified contrails allegedly show a different behaviour from regular ones. They are said to remain visible in the sky for a longer time, and to appear in a checkerboard pattern sometimes. There is no consensus among followers of the chemtrail idea regarding which airplanes spread the additives. Some believe chemtrails were caused by various different types of planes, while others believe only certain military aircraft were responsible. An extended version of this theory claims that chemtrails are able to ''dissolve'' carbon-dioxide, resulting in a local decrease in temperature due to the diminished greenhouse effect. This creates a huge depression that sucks in surrounding air, causes thunderstorms, intense rain, storms, and hail.

==The History of the Word Chemtrail==
[[image:stetter.jpg|G. Stetter|100px|thumb]]
[[image:Cliffordcarnicom2.jpg|Clifford Carnicom|left|thumb]]
[[image:williamThomas.jpg|William Thomas|left|thumb]]
[[image:Jimphelps.jpg|Jim Phelps|thumb]]
The term chemtrail was coined in the US about 1998. Initially, until about 2000, the term "cloverleaf" was in more frequent use.<ref>18.07.2000 - http://www.rense.com/general2/pat.htm</ref><ref>27.07.2000 - http://www.clydelewis.com/invest/contrails/msnbc72798.html</ref><ref>22.05.2000 http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/Chemtrails/Witness_2.html</ref> Barium and aluminum were introduced into the debate around 2001.<ref>23.05.2001 - http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/Theories.html</ref> Clifford Carnicom from Santa Fe/New Mexico and Canadian William Thomas from Duncan (British Columbia) are often credited as creators of the chemtrail hypothesis. They are in fact the only ones who left behind well dated material. Carnicom's records begin in the summer of 1999, with the double title Contrail/Chemtrail. Carnicom latterly presents himself on a website called CACTUS (Citizens Against Chemtrails U.S.) According to Carnicum, barium was radioactive which adds another [[Pseudo Science|pseudo-scientific]] note to his [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theories]]. Journalist William Thomas first wrote about the issue in January 1999 (article in Environment News Service - ENS)<ref>1999-01-08 http://www.netowne.com/environmental/contrails/willthomas/contrails.htm</ref>, but still used the term contrails.

There are further historic documents, too, for example the well known radio talk show with Art Bell from 1999.<ref>1999-02-10 http://web.archive.org/web/20051109173010/http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/4809/reports.html</ref><ref>1999-03-09 http://web.archive.org/web/20070315131454/http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Oracle/4809/reports2.html</ref> While the first report only mentions (poisonous) contrails, the second one marks the birth of the term ''chemtrails' only one month later, albeit it is still set in quotation marks. The book "Chemtrails over America" by William Thomas was released shortly afterwards.

Another (self-proclaimed) inventor of this term is Jim Phelps. Here a quote which provides some insight into Mr. Phelps' mind:''These truths revealed on the use of Chemtrails will show that the US Govt. has long known the truth on what causes the AIDS epidemic. Chemtrails use a truncated version of the Manna effect. And AIDS is the direct result of too much fluoride in the environment that is upsetting the beneficial trace metals in the human cells and immune system. This leads to a lower level of metals, like manganese, that block the reverse transcription of HIV. This is a very important concept from the End-Times predictions of huge health plagues sweeping the planet and all very predictable from the old biblical times for those that knew the mining industries.''<ref>http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/open-forum/12258-god-chemtrails-jim-phelps.html</ref>

==The abstruse conspiracy theory==
[[image:testflugzeug.jpg|Rear of a test plane for simulating icing|300px|left|thumb]]
[[image:Nkc135spay.jpg|The same plane in action|thumb]]
Supporters of the 1990ies chemtrail hypothesis believe certain substances - which are not described in detail - were mixed with the jet fuel in order to create an effect on the global climate, especially the greenhouse effect. Other conspiracy theorists believe it is part of a world wide program to reduce the global population, or for birth or even mind control. Behind these programs were, according to the chemtrail groups, the [[Freemasonry|Freemasons]], the [[Illuminati]] or a Jewish conspiracy. There are often ties to extremist right groups, "brown [[esotericism]]" and supporters of [[cloudbuster]], [[colloidal silver]] and [[Zapper|zappers]] according to [[Hulda Clark]]. Typical supporters of the chemtrail hypothesis are Georg Ritschl, Werner Altnickel, Peter Platte, Helmut Gobsch, Heinz Gerhard Vogelsang, [[Don Croft]] and [[Rosalie Bertell]]. In Germany, extreme right political party NPD started an inquiry of ''chemtrails'' in the parliament of the federal state of Saxony. The issue of chemtrails is often used as a catch in the right wing scene.

Fallacious and unsupported assumptions are often promoted in the esoteric Swiss publication "Zeitenschrift"<ref>Zeitenschrift issue 49, 2006</ref>, in "Neue Impulse Treff" network associated with [[Scientology]], and by the esoteric-libertarian association "live Net Concept 2010". A popular photographic "proof" of alleged chemtrail operations can be seen in the picture on the right: A modified Boeing NKC-135A Stratotanker (717-100) with the number 17244, stationed at Edwards AFB in California.<ref>http://www.airliners.net/search/photo.search?cnsearch=17244&distinct_entry=true</ref> It sprays water to test the flight quality of planes under icing conditions. Tests are done on various kinds of planes, such as fighter jets<ref>[http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/040213-F-9999M-002.jpg USAF picture of icing experiment on a fighter jet]</ref> or a Embraer EMB-120RT.<ref>http://aircrafticing.grc.nasa.gov/courses/inflight_icing/resources/pdf/monroe_accident_report.pdf</ref> That plane has been decommissioned meanwhile.

Chemtrail supporters frequently claim that so called low budget airlines, like Irish Ryanair, are only able to offer flights at such low prices because their main job kept secret was the creation of chemtrails.

==Contrails and cloud formation==
[[image:Ct1905-9.jpg|Photo of clouds before 1905<ref>Clayden, Arthur W. Cloud Studies (1905) Verlag: KESSINGER PUB CO Nachdruck 2008 ISBN-13: 9780548985267 ISBN-10: 054898526X</ref>|300px|thumb]]
[[image:contrail.jpg|Meteorological conditions for the creation of contrails|600px|thumb]]
[[image:contrail2.jpg|thumb|600px]]
Contrails (also called Ice-SuperSaturated Regions(ISSR)) are visible clouds of liquid (condensed) or frozen water droplets which form when hot exhaust streams of airplanes meet cold air under certain circumstances. Decompression causes cooling and condensation, as can be seen when a bottle of sparkling wine is opened. "Fog" appears above the liquid. The same process plays a major role in the creation of clouds and rain in the atmosphere.

Some forms of clouds caused by planes appear without the interference of any exhaust gasses, for example ''winglet-contrails'' which can be observed by flight passengers at the wing tips of planes under certain conditions, even at low altitudes. Typical turbofan exhaust temperatures are at 600 K approximately.

The formation of contrails can be explained physically: Generally water gets visible in the air when relative humidity (number of water droplets in relation to temperature of the air) exceeds 100%. The warmer the air is, the more water vapour it can hold. Modern planes travel at high altitudes where temperatures are very cold. Cold air can only hold small amounts of water. Water is created chemically when jet fuel is burnt, and exits the engines as an invisible gas. The surrounding cold air rapidly cools down the hot exhaust gas, and after a few metres (depending on temperature and humidity) causes the water to crystallize, forming the contrail. The contrail remains visible until water crystals are dispersed to the point where humidity drops below 100%. In a high pressure area with low humidity this happens rather fast, and no contrail at all forms when temperatures are high enough in the summer, like it is often the case in southern Europe for example. In the Arctic and Antarctic, however, contrails can sometimes form even at ground level.

At certain weather conditions contrails can expand, remain visible for hours, or gather more clouds to the point where it starts to rain. Supporters of the chemtrail hypothesis then claim the plane ''made'' the bad weather. In reality it is exactly the other way around. Persistent contrails indicate upcoming bad weather, because low pressure areas typically come with high humidity, and the additional water (water vapour from the exhaust gas) is more than the air can absorb, and thus it will remain visible as fog or clouds. Sometimes chemtrail supporters ask why the "spraying" has stopped. A quick look at the weather map helps: Usually there is a stable high pressure area with low humidity. Then, as soon as a low pressure area approaches, the ''chemtrail reports'' will come in again. Generally contrails appear at temperatures below -35°C, depending on altitude and humidity.

*'''Short contrails''' form at an altitude of about 10kms, if temperatures of the tropopause (10-15 km) are about -50°C with a humidity below 70%. Ice crystals form, but sublimate after a few seconds and become invisible.
*'''Persistent contrails''' which may expand and even lead to the formation of artificial cirrus clouds will form when the tropopause reaches a humidity of between 80-100%.<ref>http://www.welt.de/print-welt/article217386/Weisse_Streifen__am_Himmel.html</ref><ref>http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/reports/1942/naca-wr-l-474.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.env.leeds.ac.uk/envi1200/slides/Chapter%209.pdf</ref>
*'''No contrails at all''' even at high altitudes when temperatures close to the ground increase to 25°C or above in summer, and temperatures of the lower tropopause (10-12 km) reach -40°C and below, with a humidity below 30%. This is what happens in ''chemtrail free'' southern Europe in summer. Below a humidity of 25% at 10 kms altitude, no ice crystals will form.

During daytime, contrails will cover about 0.7% of the sky over Europe during the course of the year, at night (when contrails have an insulating effect) they will cover about 0.25%. On average they will cover about 0.5% of the sky.

When a plane flies through the not always straight and level (but wavy) border between warmer and colder air, it may appear as if contrails are turned off or on suddenly, even repeatedly in case of turbulences. Air warms quicker over large dark (tarmac) surfaces than over wet meadows, and begins to rise, forming bubbles or "chimneys" of warm air. Different thermal phenomena can exist next to each other. This results in the typical hops and bumps pilots of small airplanes experience. When contrails persist long enough, their form will get changed by winds and turbulences - just like regular clouds. Different colours are the result of refraction and reflection of sunlight. Chemtrail believers' sites display these aspects as unnatural and evidence of chemicals. But they can actually be explained naturally, and in consistence with our knowledge of meteorology and physics, requiring no additional hypotheses or conspiracy theories.

Such pictures of clouds which, according to supporters of the chemtrail hypothesis, are evidence of sprayed chemicals, are photographically documented since well before the first powered flight of the Wright brothers, for example in the 1905 book ''Clouds studies''.<ref>Clayden aW: http://contrailscience.com/files/Cloud_Studies.pdf</ref> The first actual contrails were recorded shortly after World War I,<ref>http://docs.lib.noaa.gov/rescue/mwr/049/mwr-049-07-0412c.pdf</ref><ref>Everett Wells: Article in Scientific American, ”Clouds formed by Airplanes“, 7.6.1919, page 60</ref> when more powerful planes reached ever higher altitudes. The first report of a contrail is based on a flight of pilot Franz Zeno Diemer at an altitude of 9,300 m over Munich in 1919.

==Distrails==
''Inverted contrails - distrails'' is the name for the more rare breakup of clouds caused by airplanes. Water droplets vaporize faster in the hot exhaust gas, creating a cloud free trail. This can also be caused by mixing in dry air from above or under the the cloud layer.

==Alleged chemical composition of chemtrail additives according to different sources==
The following substances are said to be found in chemtrails, according to followers of the idea:
*Barium or barium compounds
*Aluminum compounds
*Titanium
*Teutonium
*radioactive thorium
*synthetic fibers of unknown composition
*Ethylene dibromide (EDB)
*Mycoplasma, Pseudomonas and allegedly existing ''nanobacterias''
*Vaccines against anthrax, tularemia, brucellosis, and measles in aerosol form
*Pathogens, genetically modified microbes of unknown kinds

Aluminum and barium are insoluble in kerosene, but there are compounds of either element which are. However, even small traces of these are easily detected by modern analytic methods (e.g. ICP or AAS). Furthermore neither the application of aluminum nor that of barium make sense from a chemical or physiological point of view (especially regarding the desired harm). Aluminum is covered with an oxide layer, rendering it mostly inert. Barium, on the other hand, is so reactive it cannot be used here. It would react immediately and violently with humidity and oxygen (creating barium hydroxide). Barium sulfate is harmless physiologically and insoluble in water. It has no bioavailability, hence it is administered orally as radio-opaque substance for x-rays. Teutonium is not one of the known elements. Whether pathogenic germs, bacteria, spores, vaccines, etc. will remain stable under the existing conditions remains disputable.

So far none of the aforementioned substances was identified clearly in contrails or jet exhaust fumes.

Speculations by anti-vaccination activist Anita Petek-Dimmer became a source of amusement in 2005, when she proclaimed that birds' flue (caused by the H5N1 virus) was the result of ionizing radiation from chemtrails. Petek-Dimmer believed that plutonium was added to chemtrails. Furthermore she assumed: ''This radioactive radiation does not only dissolve animal cells, but also those of plants.<ref>A. Petek-Dimmer: Vogelgrippe oder Vogelwahn. Wie man mit gezielter Propaganda Angst und Hysterie erzeugt. AEGIS IMPULS Nr. 23 2005</ref>

==Known releases of substances in aviation==
[[image:chemtrail44.jpg|actual chemtrail|thumb]]
[[image:hagelflieger.jpg|Cloud seeding equipment|left|thumb]]
Cloud seeders disperse silver iodide (with acetone) specifically into thunderstorms to prevent hail. Smoke is often used in air shows, or to study wake turbulence. Water can be used for the same purpose. As part of military operations clouds can be manipulated to create rain. Such interventions are regulated in the ENMOD provision of the United Nations. During the Vietnam war, ''agent orange'' was used to defoliate forests. In case of an emergency, planes are allowed to dump fuel. Contrary to contrails smoke trails form directly at the outlet, while contrails form somewhat behind the engines.

==Chemtrail and weather radar==
[[image:chaff2.jpg|Chaff cloud over the Netherlands|left|thumb]][[image:chaff.jpg|Radar chaff|thumb]]
Supporters of the chemtrail conspiracy theory occasionally claim there were strange signals on the weather radars of meteorological services which seem to be ''ghost clouds''. On July 19th 2005 e.g., the radar screens of German Weather Service (DWD) showed a small compact cloud formation at the north sea coast of the Netherlands which looked like rain. Within two hours the radar showed a 300 km long cloud strip, reaching from the East Frisian Islands down to the northern Ruhr Area. But at the same time no clouds were visible, neither from the ground nor on satellite images, nor anything that might look like a mass of contrails. In this case, as well as in similar ones, ''chaffs'' (''Rapid Bloom Chaff(RBC))'' had been dispersed as part of a military exercise. Chaffs are small metal threads that reflect radar waves and disturb radar<ref>http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/0,1518,445727,00.html</ref><ref>http://www.presse.uni-karlsruhe.de/6428.php</ref>. Supporters of the chemtrail idea cannot be talking about chaff. Even they do not claim a correlation between supposed chemtrail sightings and strange radar echoes.

==Logical counter arguments==
A world wide secret program for creating artificial contrails coordinated by the UN, like chemtrail believers proclaim, must be kept secret by a large number of adept people who at the same time break the law. This group would involve aircraft crews, manufacturers of technologies and means used, ground crews, and airport employees. Chemtrail Supporters like Platte even claim several pilots were fired for refusing participation in this hypothetical chemtrail project. However, not a single one of them has come forth as a whistle blower as of now.

To achieve a concentration of 1 mg of a specific substance per square metre, one must disperse 1 kg of that substance per square km. Europe has an area of 10.5 million square kms, requiring 10,500 tons of that substance for a single spraying event. A typical large aircraft, such as the Boeing KC-135, has a maximum load of 85 tons of fuel<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_KC-135_Stratotanker</ref>. Therfore 123 aircraft of this type were needed to get the job done, if every plane only flew once. The surface of the whole earth is about 510 million square kms, and 510,000 tons of material were needed for a single spraying, equaling 6,000 tankers. These figures require the use of the pure substance. If the substance had to be diluted, however, (for example 1:9) then 5,100,000 tons of the spraying solution are required, equaling 60,000 Phantom tankers. This is 3.2 times the official number of jets worldwide.

Another argument against the chemtrail hypothesis is the fact that the number of foggy days in Europe has been receding since the 1970ies until today (2009). This is based on an examination of data from 342 weather stations across Europe and was published in "Nature Geoscience" by scientists around Robert Vautard. The decrease in fog is based on advanced filtering technologies in power plants which cut back sulfur dioxide emissions. Cleaner air is clearer air. And because of that more sunlight reaches the ground.<ref>http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/abs/ngeo414.html</ref><ref>http://www.welt.de/welt_print/article3050704/Der-Nebel-ueber-Europa-zieht-langsam-ab.html</ref>

==Chemtrails in Goethe's times==
If one follows the arguments of chemtrail proponents there were chemtrails already in Goethe's times. On Thursday, May 20th, 1820 Goethe notes: ''Very clear sky early in the day, by and by light cirrus, around noon rare, utmost outstanding phenomena, calling me out from the narrows to a free stead. Coming from west, accompanied by resolute southerly wind, long, tender'' '''cirrus strips''' pulled up, ''solitarily as well as combined; while heading forward the front end bended to become small cloudlet, slightly further down blurred white cloudlets were moving, to be absorbed by those '' '''stripes''' '', all kinds of other cirrus were in the blue sky, cirrocumulus, '' '''gridded stripes''' '', everything moving and changing. By and by the sky became clouded[...] ''.<ref>J. W. v. Goethe, Zur Naturwissenschaft überhaupt, Band 1 Heft 3,1820</ref>

==Chemtrail-Fakes==
[[image:ctfake11.jpg|CT-Bomber Fake|400px|thumb]]
[[image:Peterplatte.jpg|Platte|left|thumb]]
[[image:Altnickelhazmat.jpg|Enlarged detail of the fake|left|thumb]]
[[image:777orig.jpg|Detail of the original picture|left|thumb]]
[[image:777b.jpg|Dead-weight tanks being filled with water|thumb]]
[[image:pinalairpark.jpg|Aircraft cemetery Pinal Airpark|left|250px|thumb]]
There are a lot of fakes and easy to see through [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Hoax hoaxes] circulating in connection with chemtrails.

In February 2008, chemtrail-proponent and internet message board moderator [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Peter_Platte Peter Platte] produced a photo of uncertain origin (supposedly from a Vietnam war veteran) showing the interior of a ''chemtrail bomber'' (The 'Vietnam veteran' refers to a ''Tim White'', a widely used reference in chemtrail circles. This ''Tim White'' is Timothy Patrick White, born on March 5th, 1947, a resident of Denver (Colorado). He is a fundamental Christian ''US patriot'', well-known proponent of confused conspiracy theories who uses several pseudonyms and was sentenced for possession of narcotics and stalking).

Platte wrote in this message board: ''[...] this is simply a sensation. This photo is the dream of every ct-activist. We have been waiting for this for years and it looks like there are more disclosures to come. Judging from the plane's interior measures it seems to be a Boeing KC 767 of the US-Air Force, one of 200. Up to now we only knew that chemicals used for spraying were filled in containers by UN inspectors at manufacturers' sites, with containers sealed and shipped to the different operating sites afterwards. Now we also know what these containers look like and how they are connected in series and linked to the elect. system for controlling. I still can hardly believe that we now have a photo that is clear evidence of how spraying is done and how the system works. A really big 'Thank you' to the former Air Force Pilot who provided the photo. Peter [...]'' Other board members added: ''[...]That's the critter from inside. One can spot words like "SPRAYER 1" and "HAZARD INSIDE". Creepy.[...] Great picture, no doubt!!''

The picture, however, was a simple fake of a copyrighted photo and can be openly found on the internet.<ref>http://www.airliners.net/photo/Boeing/Boeing-777-240-LR/0855967/L/</ref> According to her own accounts, a user of the Freigeistforum (free thinker board) called ''fighthamster'' simply added fake inscriptions to two pictures of a Boeing 777 passenger jet which, in the course of approval procedures, was equipped with measurement devices and water containers serving as dead weight. Platte, being totally uncritical and gullible, was embarrassed because he did not even notice the regular portholes that were visible in the photo. The website[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=ENR ENR] expanded this wild fantasy around the bogus photo even further: The dead-weight containers (in reality adapted beer casks) on the photos were, according to user united-mutations, ''tanks'' sealed by manufacturers under supervision of UN inspectors. The planes allegedly were altered to chemtrail sprayers in a secret place called Pinal Airpark(Arizona), under supervision of the CIA, and had been in use worldwide since November 1998(with the notable exception of China). Time White would be the source of this entertaining slip-slop. A so-called Ted Twietmeyer (tedtw@frontiernet.net) claimed something similar at rense.com but at least recognized the picture was a fake. Pinal Airpark (ICAO-identifier: KMZJ; IATA: MZJ) was used by the CIA during the Vietnam war and now is an aircraft cemetery (storage space for discarded planes). Most of the planes there are from Northwest Airlines.<ref>http://www.pbase.com/bruceleibowitz/mzj</ref>
[[image:muennich.jpg|D. Münnichs invention: Cloud pictures from 1944 claimed to show Iraq war in 2003|500px|thumb]]
The [[Ryke_Geerd_Hamer|Hamer]] follower [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=David_Münnich David Münnich] is another source of forged pictures. He was born 1982, lives in Saarbrücken and works as a web designer. He is to be credited that photos taken during the Ardennes Offensive in 1944 are presented as taken in Iraq war in 2003. This demonstrates the shortcomings of arguing without giving verifiable sources. 
[[image:Chemtrails_Jo_Conrad.jpg|Spreading the "Chemtrails"-conspiracy theory using statements that even a chemistry layperson can recognize as being a hoax or a fake|350px|thumb]]
Another Chemtrails-proponent is [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Braune_Esoterik right-wing esoteric] conspiracy theorist [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jo_Conrad Jo Conrad]. In August 2010 Conrad tried to convincingly spread the theory in his "Freigeis-Forum" (free thinker board) by showing a picture of such a chemtrail aircraft (see screenshot to the right dating from August, 26th 2010 11:20am). The picture, however, shows nothing more than "aerodynamic rainbow contrails" that can be attributed to a hoax<ref>http://contrailscience.com/aerodynamic-and-rainbow-contrails</ref>. The picture caption names e.g. "Barium-Hypertitanit", "Terraformit" and even "Spinnoinium-Oxydul". Such phantasy substances like Spinnoinium (roughly: Crazeonium) or Terraformit do not exist and are only used to make the hoax more palpable. Also, explanations regarding measurement methods reveal another hoax: Searching for "Telegas Chromatograph" or "Telerelevator" of a company called "GCMS" only lead to other references of the hoax. The original picture is from the year 2006 and, in contrast to the wrong caption in the hoax, shows a Virgin Atlantic Airways-Airbus A340-642 (identification: G-VBLU) over China with a "rainbow-contrail" in an altitude between 8000 and 9000 meter.<ref>http://www.airliners.net/photo/Virgin-Atlantic-Airways/Airbus-A340-642/1088680/&sid=db4bb4807cfd3a3ce2356089fe628624</ref>
 

==Usage of Pictures without any references in the Chemtrail Scene==
[[image:Altnickelnasa747.jpg|Original picture of the NASA|left|thumb]]
[[image:altnickel747.png|Alleged Chemtrail airplane B747|thumb]]
[[image:Altnickele6takamo.jpg|TACAMO: Boeing E6|left|thumb]]
[[image:AltnickelKC135.jpg|Alleged Chemtrail tanker KC135|thumb]]
Besides airy hypotheses (which are not backed by any facts) and faked or manipulated pictures, often the national- as well as international chemtrail-scene typically presents pictures showing aircrafts while ''spraying chemtrails'', even though such pictures neither allow to correctly identify the type of aircraft nor to interpret them. The aim is to impress gullible viewers and laypersons through misinterpretations and disinformation. At the same time this is used boost sales of products like books, DVDs, seminars and lectures.

Especially reliable, verifiable references including dates are almost always missing in the scene. Two typical examples for such pictures missing references are displayed on the right side: A simple internet search reveals the source of the pictures though (left side). Usually they show aircrafts generating smoke trails for the study of air eddies or fire-fighting or other planes spraying water for studying icing of aircrafts following. There are a lot of pictures and extensive descriptions of such experiment in the internet.
 
 

==Reactions to the Chemtrail hypotheses and Scientific View==
Neither is there any evidence for chem trails nor are their proponents able to produce such. Also, quite a number of logical reasons contradict their possible existence. Condensation trails are a phenomena well reviewed and technical articles on this go back to the 1940s. Already the NASA-precesessor, NACA, examined this phenomena because of their military relevance for locating aircrafts in WWII. In a document from 1942 (decades before the chemtrail hypotheses) NACA-researchers named the meteorological circumstances responsible for the formation of ''persistent contrails''. So far no evidence proving the existence of aluminum or barium in condensation trails or aircraft fuel could be given. The Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (German Air Traffic control) confirmed that no conspicuous or remarkable air activity has been observed that could be linked with the things described in „Raum & Zeit". The Deutsche Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service) informed that their data don't show any specifics that would indicate some irregular forms of condensation trails.

Also, the Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (German Federal Ministry of Defence) has no further information. The headquarters of the US-Air Force Europe informed that the projects of the US Air Force described don’t exist, neither now nor in the past. Greenpeace as well as the Umweltbundesamt (UBA, German Federal Environment Agency) regard the chemtrail-theory as dubious. The UBA even inquired the World Health Organization (WHO) about alleged risk analysis on potential consequences of chemtrails that had supposedly been conducted by the WHO. The WHO affirmed that it neither had any knowledge about chemtrails nor that it had done any studies on the subject. The phenomena described are also unknown to the Deutschen Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR, German Aerospace Center). Since many years, the DLR's Institute of Atmosphere Physics examines the effects of air traffic emissions on the atmosphere - including numerous measurements of gas- and particle emissions of commercial aircrafts. Neither is the German Meteorological Service able to detect anomalies in their data indicating special ''chemtrail''-forms of condensation trails. The German federal government commented in 2004 also on chemtrails: Excerpt from an answer (reference: Deutscher Bundestag Drucksache 15/3694<ref>http://dipbt.bundestag.de/dip21/btd/15/036/1503694.pdf</ref>) of the Federal Government given to Herbert Frankenhauser (member of parliament, party: CSU): [...]Question: ''Are so-called chemtrails (chemical traces sprayed by aircrafts) released for researching of the reduction of global warming over the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany? '' Reply of the Parliamentary State Secretary Simone Probst from September, 8th 2004: ''The Federal Government has no knowledge regarding aircrafts releasing so-called chemtrails in the atmosphere in Europe.''

==Chemtrails and Cloudbuster==
Some chemtrail-proponents believe that copper tubes -arranged in so-called [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Cloudbuster Cloudbusters]- are able to ''diffuse'' such condensation trails. The cloudbuster-concept traces back to [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Wilhelm_Reich Wilhelm Reich]. The so-called 'Chembusters'' are further developments going back to the American business man, [[Esotericism|esoteric]] and private pilot [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Don_Croft Don Croft] (see also: [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Georg_Ritschl Georg Ritschl]).

==Chemtrails and the ''Yellow Revolution'' of the [[European New Resistance|ENR]]==
[[image:enr.jpg|Speech of Commandante Don|thumb|left]]
[[image:chemtrailplakatkoeln.jpg|Poster in Cologne|thumb]]
[[European New Resistance]] is a new group that is currently forming in different cities and tries to recruit new members. It uses "Chemtrails" in a populistic manner to draw public attention to all kinds of issues they consider to be grievances. The conspiracy theory internet portals [[NWO-Fighter.info]], [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Infokrieg.tv infokrieg.tv] and terraristen.net joined their activities. Naive esoteric campaigners from the "Motzblog" (grumble blog) and the associated internet board "Motzlabor" (grumble laboratory) are behind these activities. Interestingly, the ''Address of Comandante Don'' can also be found on the so-called ''Reichszeitung'', a typical extreme right-wing [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=KRR KRR] (Kommissarische Reichsregierung, Provisional Government of the German Reich) publication. In summer 2008 it gained public attention when they hired the Cologne-based outdoor advertising company ''Kölner Außenwerbung KAW'' to hang up anti-condensation trail posters.<ref>http://netzklempnerin.wordpress.com/2008/07/20/die-gelben-piraten-aus-taka-tuka-land/</ref>

==Chemtrails, Anti-vacciners and Bird Flu==
[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Anita_Petek-Dimmer Anita Petek-Dimmer] uses chemtrails in her [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Impfgegner anti-vaccination] campaign in an absurd way. Quotation: ''The radioactive radiation effect of plutonium-enriched chemtrails spreads out to forests, meadows, farm- and grassland[...] The soil bacteria are killed by the contamination and break down partly. These bacteria are essential for regulating the water balance. This radiation results in aggradation, desertification and soil crusting. This is most probably also one of the reasons for bird flu.''<ref>http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/117864615/PDFSTART?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0</ref>

According to the Berlin-based ''Expert and technical consultant for low-intensity radioactivity and radioactive effects'' [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Brigitte_Schlabitz Brigitte Schlabitz] bird flu is not caused by a virus, but by the precipitation of "nuclear-induced cloud formations". In a lot of cases, the ailing and dying of indoor plants would also be caused by radioactive chemtrails. Additionally, [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=RFID "micro chips"] would play a role in the effects caused by chemtrails.

==Chemtrail and Politics==
[[image:Ctglashuetten.jpg|350px|thumb]]
The NPD, a German far right party, felt compelled to issue a parliamentary inquiry in the Saxonian state assembly regarding chemtrials. Often, right-wing activists use the chemtrail-"problem" to hook uninformed (especially overstrained and afraid of life) persons and get them closer to antisemitic writings and right-wing opinions.

In January 2009 the local group of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (German ecological party) in Glashütten (population 5,500) published an outrageously disinforming pamphlet on chemtrails on their web site [http://www.gruene-glashuetten.de/index.php?dom=1&lang=22&p=74]. Titled ''The destruction of the sky by chemtrails'', it claimed that the population would be poisoned from aircrafts by barium, aluminum and ''Sulfur'' [this word is not the correct term in German and most probably the result of translating without understanding]. Neither witnesses nor any reliable evidence were given to back these outrageous, allegedly billion-costing accusations, allegedly costing billions. When asked via e-mail, the operator of the web site could also not answer the question how these alleged poison trails could be proved.

==Chemtrail-courses at the VHS (adult education center) Oldenburg==
[[image:AltnickelVHS.jpg|VHS-course announcement in the internet|300px|thumb]]
Since at least since March 2008, the solar-collector assembler [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Werner_Altnickel Werner Altnickel] was allowed to give lectures at the VHS Oldenburg on the pseudo-scientific conspiracy theory of chemtrails and the ionospheric research program [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=HAARP HAARP] for a paying audience. After paying 12 EUR, the course participants learn how HAARP allegedly acts as "ionospheric heater", "opens" ozone holes, "directs storms" and creates tsunamis and earthquakes.<ref>Volkshochschule Oldenburg, Kursprogramm Ratgeber und Praxis, Natur (Courses 'Guidebook and praxis, nature'). Die Macht über das Wetter - Chemische und elektromagnetische Wettermanipulationen (Weather at disposal – Chemical and electromagnetic weather manipulations). According to the opinion of the speaker, since more than 55 years health- and live-damaging weather manipulations take place. In 1977, in Geneva the ENMOD-convention on outlawing artificial earthquakes and tsunamis, the selective opening of ozone holes, the directing of storms and the electrical manipulation of the ionosphere etc was worked out. In 1998 the EU met to outlaw installations like the »ionosphere heater« HAARP, without success. Werner Altnickel. One-time presentation (4 lessons), Tuesday, February 16,2010, 7pm - 10pm. Meeting place: Wilhelm- Kempin-Str. 55 , 25 participants, € 12 , Kursnummer X19500. Volkshochschule Oldenburg e.V. - Telefon: (0441) 92391-0 , Telefax: (0441) 92391-13 E-Mail: info@vhsol.de, Internet: www.vhs-ol.de , Wallstraße 17 (Am Waffenplatz) 26122 Oldenburg</ref><ref>http://reflexion.blogsport.de/tag/chemtrail</ref> Altnickel is neither meteorologist nor geophysicist and therefore utters layperson speculations. Beginning of 2010 it became known that the department head of the VHS, [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Claudia_Grove Claudia Grove], who is responsible for administering the courses of the VHS, personally lobbied for including the absurd conspiracy theories of Altnickel in the courses offered at the VHS Oldenburg. In an e-mail addressed to a person complaining about spreading such conspiracy theories by abusing a public institution Grove said: ''Dear Mr. XXX, in your e-mail of January, 17th you showed that you are an attentive reader of our course program. Of course we are really glad about this and are open to critical comments. Of course it belongs to the duties of an adult education center to inform about debatable themes. This includes information about chemtrails, the existence of which is indisputable. We were surprised, though, that you expressed such a keen critic without revealing yourself. Kind regards, Claudia Grove''

==Literature==
*Pearson HA, ''Condensation trails where they occur and what can be done about them'',1942, NTRS:2006-11-06, Report Number: NACA-WR-L-474. link: [http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/report.php?NID=1917]

==German Weblinks==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Chemtrails#cite_note-34 German version used as base for this article]
*[http://www.umweltdaten.de/publikationen/fpdf-l/3574.pdf Hintergrundpapier des Umweltbundesamtes zu Chemtrails]
*[http://www.mpimet.mpg.de/aktuelles/presse/faq-haeufig-gestellte-fragen/welche-rolle-spielen-kondensstreifen-fuer-unser-klima.html Max-Planck-Institut für Meteorologie: Welche Rolle spielen Kondensstreifen für unser Klima?]*http://www.martin-wagner.org/anti-chemtrails.htm
*[http://www.spiegel.de/spiegel/print/d-38785499.html Sebastian Knauer: Metall am Himmel. DER SPIEGEL 1/2005] (kurzer Artikel zur Chemtrail-Verschwörungstheorie)
*[http://www.focus.de/wissen/wissenschaft/klima/frage-von-m-baumann_aid_26819.html Frage von M. Baumann: Gibt es die „Chemtrails“ wirklich? FOCUS, 07.12.2006]
*http://chemtrails-maerchen.blogspot.com/
*http://chemtrails.bplaced.net/2008/09/sensation-wissenschaftlicher-nachweis.html
*http://www.abgeordnetenwatch.de/index.php?cmd=223&q=chemtrails

==English Weblinks==
*[http://naca.central.cranfield.ac.uk/reports/1942/naca-wr-l-474.pdf NACA-publication on persistent contrails from 1942]
*http://www.skepdic.com/chemtrails.html
*http://www.lacarte.org/health/chemtrails/debunkery/
*http://contrailscience.com/contrail-or-chemtrail/
*http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-051013-001.pdf
*http://www.hans-egebo.dk/skeptic/contrails.htm
*http://www.env.leeds.ac.uk/envi1200/slides/Chapter%209.pdf on Contrail-formation
*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfOrez6q7WM

==Versions of this article in other languages==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Chemtrails Die deutsche Version dieses Artikels]

==References==
<references/>
 
'''Note:''' It would have been impossible to collect the information for this article without references provided by internet message board users that deal with this chemtrail-phantasm in their spare time. We want to thank them explicitely.
 

[[category:Conspiracy Theory]]

Category:AIDS Miracle Therapy

2010-11-21T23:58:51Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about AIDS miracle therapies.

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]

Category:Cancer Miracle Therapy

2010-11-21T23:57:43Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about cancer miracle therapies.

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]

Dietary Supplements

2010-11-21T23:55:56Z

EsoTypo: moved Dietary supplements to Dietary Supplements

[[image:Nem.jpg|300px|thumb]]
'''Dietary supplements''' are products legally considered as food. In Germany, they are subject to the [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Nahrungsergänzungsmittelverordnung Dietary supplement Regulation] (Nahrungsergänzungsmittelverordnung, NemV) and therefore are always governed by the laws regulating food [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=LFGB LFGB] and are thus not supposed to have medical effects, work as remedies or prevent illness. In the EU, they must correspond to guideline 2002/46/EG. According to German law, it is not legal for dietary supplements to develop pharmaceutical effects, or to market them with the according claim. They have no major role in human biological [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Bioenergetik bioenergetics]. Their use does not counterbalance the effects of long-term malnutrition. The two terms "dietary supplement" and "functional food" overlap partially.

In the USA, dietary supplements are over-the-counter(OTC)-products, i.e. they may be sold in regular shops without prescription. However, the US-American regulations are more liberal than the German ones: A lot of products sold legally as OTC in the States are regarded as pharmaceutical drugs liable to registration. In the USA, the "Food & Drugs Administration" (FDA) is responsible for their registration.

Dietary supplements are often packaged mimicking pharmaceuticals so that laypersons cannot clearly tell them apart from drugs. This can lead to confusion. In particular cases, even experts may have difficulties to distinguish them from pharmaceuticals, judging substances and concentration contained in such products.

Dietary supplements are a typical domain of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=MLM Multi-Level-Marketing] (MLM) and the specific methods of advertisement and marketing applied there. Drastic differences in price for the same active substance are not uncommon with dietary supplements. They are frequently used in the body building sector and respective gyms, but can also be found in competitive sports. Dietary supplements are also a corner stone of [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Orthomolekulare_Medizin orthomolecular medicine].

In Germany, dietary supplements are generally bought by an elder clientele: 50% of Germans aged 55 and above use them on a daily basis.

In Germany, the industry producing dietary supplements operates a lobby group called "NEM Verband mittelständischer europäischer Hersteller und Distributoren von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln & Gesundheitsprodukten" to represent their interests. It is currently headed by Manfred Scheffler who is also managing partner of Plantafood. The association makes use of the marketing slogan "Freiheit für gesunde Nahrung" (freedom for healthy food) on the internet. One of their aims is the "abolishment of 'Abmahnvereine' [associations founded to observe compliance with anticompetition regulations], and consumer protection should be entirely in the hands of an institute in which entrepreneurs, scientists, and consumers are equally represented (political parties are excluded)".

==Definition (Germany)==
In Germany, dietary supplements are de jure food and therefore subject to the LFGB (Lebensmittel- und Futtergesetzbuch, Food and animal feed code). Dietary supplements, in particular, are foodstuffs with nutritional or physiological effects meant to complement a regular diet. They are sold in the form of capsules, lozenges, tablets, pills, ampoules containing liquids, or bottles containing small amounts. Legal substances are listed in the addendum 1 of Nahrungsergänzungsmittelverordnung (NemV, Dietary supplement Regulations).

==Legal situation==
===Germany/EU===
Dietary supplements must only be registered with the Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL, Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety). Supervision of dietary supplements sold in shops is the duty of food surveillance authorities maintained by the federal states. Dietary supplements which were only marketed in insignificant amounts within the EU before the [[Novel-Food]] Regulations became effective are subject to the EC regulation No 258/97 concerning novel food and novel food ingredients of the European Parliament and Council as of January 27th, 1997<ref>http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:31997R0258:de:HTML</ref>. This is the case with e.g. [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Superfrucht exotic fruits] and products made of them.
This regulation provides such food must pass an approval procedure prior to placing it on the market. This approval is granted only when, in the course of this procedure, the product is proven not to pose health risks.
Certain labeling obligations will have to be observed:
*all characteristics or nutritional properties like composition, caloric value or nutritional effects, intended use of the food resulting in a novel food or novel food ingredient which is not comparable to an existing food or food ingredient. A novel food is considered to be non-comparable when scientific analyses prove that properties tested show differences to conventional food.
*The properties modified as well as the procedure used to achieve this modification are to be listed as well as
*substances contained that are not found in comparable existing food and that can influence the health of certain groups of the population;
*substances contained which are not part of comparable existing foodstuffs and meeting ethical reservations. If no comparable food exists, regulations for proper consumer information have to be enacted.

The EC Regulation No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and Council dated December 20, 2006 is put into force by the [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Health_Claims Health-Claims-Regulation] coming into effect. This regulaton provides that nutritional and health-relevant claims may only be used in advertisement and labeling when explicitly approved by the "Health Claims Regulation" and if corresponding to nutrient profiles issued by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA)<ref>http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/644.htm</ref>. If a declaration (e.g. an advertisement claim) is not approved, it may not be used. A prohibition principle with a caveat is to be observed: „What is not allowed explicitly is forbidden". There is also a strict principle of scientific proof: Approvable is what can be confirmed by the use of accepted scientific findings.

In Germany, §12 LFGB already banned the use of health-related claims in relation to food<ref>http://bundesrecht.juris.de/lfgb/__12.html</ref>.

German Dietary Supplement Regulations are often deliberately side-stepped by importing such food from countries with more liberal regulations. Products containing prohibited dietary supplements can be obtained without problem through sources in the USA, Russia or the Netherlands, with authorities only able to prevent such imports in isolated cases. The exact contents of such products usually also remain dubious.

==Allowed ingredients==
Typical ingredients are minerals, vitamins, pseudo-vitamins and antioxidants. In Germany, appendix 1 of the NemV regulates the ingredients allowed in dietary supplements[http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/nemv/anlage_1_8.html].

==Advertising messages used with dietary supplements==
Since January 1st2007, advertising messages used with dietary supplements are regulated by the new Health Claims Regulations. Same like other food, illness-related statements and indications are not allowed and their use can be fined. In practice, this prohibition is disregarded, not only regularly but to a great extent. This is particularly true in the internet. Specifically so-called [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Guerilla-Marketing guerilla marketing] methods (e.g. marketing on internet boards) are applied to avoid being fined for violating the advertisement ban. Often, several such advertisers - in the disguise of a regular user - cooperate and 'complement' each other, or an individual may soliloquise with their own socket puppets. Usually new board users will start threads on health issues and ask for advice. Shortly after this, another new board member will offer advice suprisingly fast and advertises a product praised for allegedly having cured the replier or some acquaintance. Such marketers will also use private messages or E-mails, targeting users who ask questions.

The consumer advice center of Northrhine-Westfalia, after having performed random tests at internet boards, points out that such boards are used ''to stir attention'' for questionable dietary supplements. Such absurd postings are frequently written by retailers themselves. Some 30 reports on aloe vera gels, vitamin and mineral preparations raised special attention. Every second author of such postings openly admitted they were retailers (5 reports) or offered additional information regarding the product or ways to order it (10 reports). It does not come as a surprise, therefore, that 26 of the 30 reports checked featured irregular and absurd advertisement messages.
While commercial producers and merchants would be in violation of legal provisions prohibition if they used health-related advertisement claims, the posters in internet boards obviously assume they can operate freely. Food expert Angela Clausen of consumer advise centre Northrhine-Westfalia criticizes: ”They operate in a grey area, largely defying controls by food surveillance and so far remain unchallenged.”. The Cologne Higher Regional Court in February 2008 decided that producers of dietary supplements are also to be held liable for exaggerated or inaccurate advertisements found on the websites of their distribution partners(file reference: 6 U 149/07).<ref>http://www.vz-nrw.de/UNIQ122313037328397/link502181A.html</ref>

Advertisements used by the dietary supplement industry almost always suggest a deficiency of certain substances or active agents. This is usually backed by dubious or biased sources, or sources are quoted distortingly. Another frequently procedure is to present small scale producer-financed studies to suggest these were neutral sources.

==Alleged vitamin deficiency used as a marketing argument==
Dietary supplements are often advertised as a remedy to an allegedly spreading vitamin deficiency. Healthy persons living on a balanced diet, however, do not need additional vitamins in dietary supplements. According to studies on the common dietary situation in Germany, dietary supplements are unnecessary except for special cases like pregnancy (folic acid), alcoholism (vitamin B12), or diseases requiring a special diet. Such persons must seek doctor's advice instead of taking supplements recommended by laypersons. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE, German Nutritional Society) compared the nutritional value of three kinds of food over the last 50 years. According to their results, oranges have the same amount of vitamin C as 50 years ago, same like potatoes. Only apples showed an oscillation over the years. Scientists think this is due to seasonal influence and do not regard this as an indication of a general loss of nutrients. Food chemists of the University of Kaiserslautern investigated the hypothesis of an alleged loss of nutrients. They could not find any evidence indicating vitamin or mineral deficiency in persons living on a balanced diet. Gerhard Eisenbrand, head of the research group conducting this investigation, calls nutrient deficiency a "myth". Beat Bächli discusses the history of marketing strategies for vitamin C deficiency in his book <ref>Beat Bächi: Vitamin C für alle! Pharmazeutische Produktion, Vermarktung und Gesundheitspolitik (1933-1953). Chronos Verlag</ref> [http://www.zeit.de/2009/21/A-Vitamin-C] [http://orf.at/090625-39701/?href=http%3A%2F%2Forf.at%2F090625-39701%2F38682txt_story.html].

==Dietary supplement business and volume in Germany==
Dietary supplements often have low production costs and high retail prices, i.e. a high profit margin. Fruit and vegetable powders are cheap, but very expensive when put into small gelatine capsules. Crab shells and grapefruit seeds are waste materials of food industry. Put in capsules and labeled as dietary supplements, they can be sold at quite a high price.
Each year dietary supplements worth one billion <ref>Angaben des Bayerischen Rundfunk, 2008 [http://www.br-online.de/bayerisches-fernsehen/faszination-wissen/faszination-wissen-vitamine-nutrigenomik-ID1204988186794.xml]</ref> to 1.3 billion<ref>http://www.vz-nrw.de/UNIQ124099406705519/link556511A.html</ref> Euro are sold in Germany alone.

==Criticism==
The Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR, Federal Institute for Risk Assesment) deems dietary supplements unnecessary for healthy persons living on a regular diet<ref>http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/945</ref>. Such a diet will provide the human body with everything it needs. An additional intake of single nutrients therefore was not necessary. An unbalanced, one-sided diet will not become balanced by the use of dietary supplements. Only in specific situations uncommon in Germany will necessitate a special supplementation of one's diet with particular nutrients. According to the German Nutrition Society, supplementation is reasonable only regarding iodine (in the form of iodated salt) and folic acid (with pregnant women).

An analysis of different meta and randomized studies evaluated the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of vitamins A, C and E (which are also promoted as [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Antioxidantien antioxidants]) as well as beta-carotene for treatment or prevention of coronary diseases, cancer, eye diseases, and common cold. It concluded that the existing randomized studies do not allow to deduce a clear clinical value. Additionally, beta-carotene increases the probability of acquiring lung cancer and the overall mortality rate, especially with smokers.<ref>Arzneimitteltelegramm, 2003; 34: 100-2, 111-3</ref>

Anti-oxidants are frequently used by cancer patients to counter unwanted effects of chemo or radiotherapy. Experimental as well as clinical data, however, support the assumption that they, to a certain extent, may even protect tumor cells. According to several randomized studies, particularly the concurrent intake of high doses of anti-oxidants during radiation therapy impairs response and decreases survival time.<ref>"Prävention mit Antioxidanzien: Schaden überwiegt", Arzneimitteltelegramm, 12/2008</ref>

==Dietary supplements and Doping==
An international study of the Institute of Biochemistry at the German Sport University Cologne, promoted by the IOC, showed that approximately 15% of dietary supplements bought in 13 different countries contained anabolics (mainly prohormones) which were not declared on the package. In Germany, app. 11% of samples contained illegal anabolics. These anabolics are probably contaminations acquired during the production process and have no doping effect, but may result in positive doping tests. This poses a problem both to competitive athletes as well as to producers of dietary supplements. The so-called 'Kölner Liste' [Cologne catalogue] issued by the Olympic training center in Cologne-Bonn-Leverkusen offers some guidance regarding doping contamination.

==Health Risks==
Freely available dietary supplements can severely damage the liver, especially those sold via the internet. They are often contamined with substances causing damage to the liver, or may even contain substances which are illegal in Germany because of these effects. This applies to turmeric extracts, St. John's wort, and slimming agents, and in particular to products of Herbalife company.<ref>Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Wissenschaftlichen Medizinischen Fachgesellschaften, 14.09.2010 - NPO</ref><ref>http://www.scinexx.de/wissen-aktuell-12256-2010-09-14.html</ref><ref>http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/945</ref>

==Examples==
===German===
Some examples of [http://www.psiram.com/index.php?title=Kategorie:Nahrungserg%C3%A4nzungsmittel dietary supplements]:
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=11-Pflanzen-Schlank-Kur 11-Pflanzen-Schlank-Kur (11-herbs slimming agent)]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Anthocyane Anthocyane]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Avemar Avemar]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Chlorophyll Chlorophyll]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Ginkgo_biloba Ginkgo biloba]]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Ginseng Ginseng]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Goji Goji]-berries
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Haifit Haifit shark cartilage]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Maca Maca]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Mangostan Mangostan]
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Mexican_Wild_Yam Mexican Wild Yam]

==Literature==
*Udo Pollmer, Susanne Warmuth. Pillen, Pulver, Powerstoffe: Die falschen Versprechen der Nahrungsergänzungsmittel. Verlag: Eichborn; (April 2008) ISBN-10: 382185622X ISBN-13: 978-3821856223
*Cohen PA. American roulette? contaminated dietary supplements. New England Journal of Medicine, 8. Oktober 2009 [http://healthcarereform.nejm.org/?p=2017&query=home]

==Weblinks(German)==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Nahrungsergänzungsmittel German version used as base for this article]
*http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Diätetisches_Lebensmittel
*[http://www.vz-nrw.de/UNIQ122313051228656/link21080A.html Nahrungsergänzungsmittel - Revier der Scharlatane]
*[http://www.vz-nrw.de/UNIQ124099406705519/link556511A.html Nahrungsergänzungsmittel: Verbraucherzentrale NRW warnt vor oftmals gefährlichen Nebenwirkungen]
* http://www.bfr.bund.de/cd/945
* http://www.dge.de/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=180
* http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/nemv/index.html
* http://www.krebsinformationsdienst.de/themen/behandlung/nahrungsergaenzungsmittel.php
* http://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/mensch/0,1518,624117,00.html
* [http://www.zeit.de/2010/22/E-Vitamine Eva-Maria Schnurr: ''Gesunde Ernährung - Leere Versprechen. Fast jeder dritte Deutsche nimmt Vitamintabletten. Doch neue Studien zeigen: Nur die Vitamine in echtem Obst und Gemüse sind gesund, Pillen können sogar schaden'', Zeit-Online, 14.6.2010]

==Weblinks(English)==
*[http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/sep/12/matthiasrath.aids Abuse of dietary supplemtn: Example of Matthias Rath]
*[http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/361/16/1523.pdf Report on contamination in US-dietary supplements]
*http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/297/8/842.pdf

==Sources==
<references/>

[[category:Dietary Supplements]]

Category:Dietary Supplements

2010-11-21T23:55:25Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[dietary supplements]].

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:!Psiram

2010-11-21T23:55:02Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles which have no actual contents but help to organise the wiki.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Esotericism

2010-11-21T23:54:46Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[esotericism]].

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Diet

2010-11-21T23:54:31Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about diets.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Pseudoscience

2010-11-21T23:54:19Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[pseudoscience]].

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Pseudomedicine

2010-11-21T23:54:08Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about pseudomedicine.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Plastic Shamans

2010-11-21T23:53:56Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about plastic shamans and their business.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Person

2010-11-21T23:53:46Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about persons.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Conspiracy Theory

2010-11-21T23:53:09Z

EsoTypo: Created page with ''''Purpose''': Marks all articles about conspiracy theories. category:!Main Category'

'''Purpose''': Marks all articles about [[Conspiracy Theory|conspiracy theories]].

[[category:!Main Category]]

Conspiracy theory

2010-11-21T23:52:52Z

EsoTypo:

[[image:Conspiracy.jpg|350px|thumb]]
A '''conspiracy theory''' is the attempt to explain certain events, conditions or developments by a conspiracy, i.e. the goal-oriented, secret actions of a group of people towards an illegal or illegitimate purpose. Often the term conspiracy theory is used in a degrading or defaming manner regarding opinions which are seen as unfounded, irrational, remote, paranoid or ideologically closed. On the other hand it is often used by supporters of irrational convictions as the easiest explanation of their failures. [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]] ([[Germanic New Medicine]]) for example claims the existence of a world wide Jewish conspiracy aimed at keeping their alleged knowledge hidden from non-Jews.

Conspiracy theories are eagerly applied because they typically form self-contained systems of arguments. These are composed in a way which makes it hard to refute them (falsifiability). In the eyes of supporters of a conspiracy theory, non-believers are either part of the conspiracy, or simply not aware enough.

Conspiracy theories often contradict each other and can sometimes be refuted that way, or at least have some doubts cast on them.

Typical characteristcs of a conspiracy theory are:<ref>http://www.scienceblogs.de/zoonpolitikon/2009/11/checkliste-verschworungstheorien.php</ref>

# There is an alleged elite behind the conspiracy, people with alleged or real power (e.g. in politics, science or economy). These can be secret societies operating in the background, or people officially occupying the corridors of power. This elite, and this is usually a fundamental issue, conceal their true motives and purposely deceive the public regarding their intentions. The brave conspiracy theorist Davids are fighting against powerful Goliath.
# Supporters of a conspiracy theory are members of a small minority who know the truth. Only they clearly see what should be obvious to everyone. But the small group of those who have seen through the conspiracy knows what is coming, and wants to warn everyone else. Often these small groups believe their movement is growing constantly.
# Questions are raised without actually wanting to receive answers. Usually these questions are counterfactual, making it difficult to unmask them. They are rhetorical in nature, even though they appear as legitimate questions. Even an in-depth answer to such a question does not stop conspiracy theorists from asking it over and over again.
# Conspiracy theorists have their own answers ready, the conspiracy theory, of course. At a closer look, however, they usually rely on numerous additional assumptions and implausible premises.
# Even facts which are objectively wrong will repeatedly be used in discussions. This works, as supporters of such theories are not interested in discerning the plausibility of arguments, but rather mean to confirm their preconceived opinions. Instead, they construct their arguments to match the results intended.
# Counter arguments will rarely be addressed since the central point is the confirmation of their conspiracy theory. There is no evaluation of pros and cons; claims are never tested for plausibility. The thesis justifies the arguments.
# Often the biggest contradiction of a conspiracy theory lies in the need for secrecy which is a central tenet of the conspiracy theory in itself. On the one hand, conspirators allegedly manage to keep huge operations secret, contrary to common experience, while at the same time they commit gross errors which will only be perceived by conspiracy theorists.
# A reality check never happens. They may move on to the next idea, but the flavour of the month theory is never evaluated. Thus the end of all times, the total enslavement, poisoning or control of all humanity is predicted time and again, without any of the predictions ever actually happening.

==Literature==
*Wilson, Robert Anton(1998). ''Everything is under control''. Harper Paperbacks

==Weblinks==
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conspiracy_theory Wikipedia on the issue]

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Conspiracy Theory]]

Category:!Main Category

2010-11-21T23:51:38Z

EsoTypo: Created page with ''''This category is the mother of all article categories.''' It is the entry point to the hierarchical category system of the Psiram wiki. Under special:categories a (non-…'

'''This category is the mother of all article categories.''' It is the entry point to the hierarchical category system of the Psiram wiki.

Under [[special:categories]] a (non-hierarchical) list of all categories can be found.

[[category:!Main Category]]

Category:Anti-vaccinationist

2010-11-21T23:50:46Z

EsoTypo:

'''Purpose''': Marks all articles about anti-vaccinationists.

[[category:Person]]

Category:Anti-vaccinationist

2010-11-21T23:45:08Z

EsoTypo: cat

'''Purpose''': Marks all articles about anti-vaccinationists

[[category:Person]]

Category:Dietary Supplements

2010-11-21T23:43:20Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[dietary supplements]].

[[category:!Main category]]

Category:Engineer

2010-11-21T23:42:29Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about engineers.

[[category:Person]]

Category:Inventor

2010-11-21T23:41:54Z

EsoTypo: purpose, cat

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about inventors.

[[category:Person]]

Category:Pseudoscience

2010-11-21T23:40:10Z

EsoTypo: purpose

'''Purpose:''' Marks all articles about [[pseudoscience]].

[[category:!Main category]]