Psiram - User contributions [en]

Leslie Szabó

2017-07-13T20:10:18Z

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[[image:szabo.jpg|thumb]]
'''Leslie I. Szabó''' (not to confused with the musician of the same name) is a Hungarian businessman and inventor of [[Free Energy|free energy]] machines. He is CEO with Gamma Manager Ltd. in Budaörs, Hungary.

Szabó claims a power plant utilizing his technology was currently built in China, producing an ''excess energy'' of 1,000 MW drawn from [[space energy]].

Specialist literature on the subject is not available, a reception in international journals of energy economies or from professional circles is not detectable (April 2011). Szabó just names a few witnesses who affirm the claims about the invention. 

==Inventions==
[[image:EBM.jpg|EBM-Machine|thumb]]
Szabó is the inventor of an ''Energy By Motion-Technology'' which allegedly is able to operate ''energy generators'' with an output of 500 MW. The exact functional principle is not revealed. It is claimed that the "generators" must be brought to a specific number of revolutions with a regular engine. The generator would then produce more electrical energy than is needed to operate it. In a second step, this energy would be used to operate the generator and this is said to yield excess energy for free. It is ultimately a [[Perpetual Motion|perpetual motion]] device supposed to last for decades. An "efficiency" of 116% resp. 130% is purported. Until 2007, Szabó also claimed these were just calculated values. His EBM generators are said to actually run only at very high output without external power source by themselves and were "not realized till now". On the other hand, there are claims Szabó already succeeded building a prototype which allegedly produces more energy than needed to power it. Investors and possible buyers were surprised by offers by Szabó to organize seminars on his controversial generators at a fee of 1,000 Euro per participant.

The miracle power plants which do not use fuel are marketed by Swiss company [[TransAltec AG]]. The TransAltec websites offers all three generator variants:

*3 MW (8 million USD)
*10 MW (20 million USD)
*150 MW (245 million USD)

Delivery time is given as 16 to 18 months and at ordering, customers are expected to pay 50% of the respective amounts in advance.

==Patents of Leslie Szabó==
*CA2131961, 1996-03-14. ASYMMETRICAL ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE, inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU), Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (HU)
*NO943284 1994-09-06, ASYMMETRICAL ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU), Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (HU)
*AU3743193, 1993-10-05, ASYMMETRICAL ELECTRO-MECHANICAL DEVICE, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I, Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD
*WO9213383 1992-08-06, METHOD OF INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF AN ELECTRICAL GENERATOR, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU) Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (HU)
*CA2048719 1993-02-09, COMMUTATORLESS DIRECT CURRENT MACHINE (CDC), Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU), Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (BS)
*CA2036195 1992-08-13, ROTOR/STATOR COMBINATION, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU), Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (BS)
*CA2033013 1992-06-22, METHOD OF INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF AN ELECTRICAL GENERATOR, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (HU) Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (HU)
* PL278317 1989-11-13, COMPENSATION SYSTEM OF THE ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRIC GENERATOR, Inventor: SZABO LESLIE J (HU) Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (BS)
*DD294138 1991-09-19, Compensation circuit for electrical generators. Inventor: SZABO LESLIE I (CA), Applicant: ELECTRO ERG LTD (BS)

==Weblinks==
*http://www.gammamanager.com
*http://gammamanager.blogspot.com

{{OtherLang|de=Leslie Szabó|en=Leslie Szabó}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Szabó, Leslie}}
[[category:Pseudoscientist]]

Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy according to Simoncini

2017-06-21T16:30:35Z

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The '''Sodium Bicarbonate Cancer Therapy according to Tullio Simoncini''' (also known as ''bica'', ''bicarb'' or ''bicarb soda'') is a [[Pseudomedicine|pseudomedical]] cancer therapy which must be considered one of the most ineffective and absurd methods claiming to cure cancer patients. This method is not only futile for the patient, but also very expensive.

The treatment was invented by former Italian physician '''Tullio Simoncini'''. In his home country, Tullio Simoncini was banned from medical profession for life and convicted for fraud in three instances, for selling unproven medical treatments. In 2003, after the death of a patient whom he had treated with sodium bicarbonate, he was convicted for wrongful death. <ref>http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2006/maggio/21/Medico_condannato_omicidio_colposo_co_10_060521029.shtml</ref>
Tullio Simoncini claims that cancer is nothing more than a fungus – the fungus candida albicans to be precise – and that it can be cured with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) only. To explain the fungus, Simoncini argues this was due to “excess acidity” of the body, which allowed the fungus free reign.

Simoncini's theories are not compatible with knowledge of modern medicine. There is no scientific evidence to underpin his hypothesis, and scientific studies showing any positive effect of the treatment are also non-existent. His opinion may be compared to the opinions of Bavarian physician [[Alfons Weber]], who was convinced that cancer originates from protozoe, and consequently treated his cancer patients with anti-malaria drugs - to no effect. He also believed in the concept of [[Historic Pleomorphism]] of 19th/20th century.

The sodium bicarbonate therapy according to Simoncini was met with uncritical resonance in [[NEXUS Magazine]]<ref>NEXUS Magazin 13, October-November 2007</ref>. It was advertised in Germany by the association [[Menschen gegen Krebs]] of former nurse [[Lothar Hirneise]]<ref>Zitat: ''Dieses Seminar ist offen für alle Interessenten, jedoch besonders geeignet für Ärzte und Heilpraktiker. Dr. Simoncini wird dabei alle Krebsarten im Detail besprechen. Das Seminar ist strukturiert aufgebaut, so dass jeder Teilnehmer in die Praxis seiner Therapie eingeweiht wird und erfährt, wie man diese sofort umsetzen kann.'' [http://www.dgk-buoch.de/simoncini.pdf]</ref> and was taught during a chargeable workshop by this association. The Simoncini Doctrine is advertised in several languages via the private website of Simoncini hosted in the Netherlands.

==Method==
Simoncini is erroneously convinced that cancer was caused by the fungus candida albicans. Therefore, he views cancer as an infectious disease (mycosis). But instead of using effective anti-mycotic drugs, Simoncini recommends and uses sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate can be found in many households as baking powder and is a cheap substance. Sodium bicarbonate is not a registered cancer drug, and is only used in intensive care to combat acidosis. Simoncini is convinced he can "heal" about 80% of all cancer cases with sodium bicarbonate.

Simoncini finds his customers and patients through the internet. Journalists of Italian RAI television (transmission ''striscia la notizia'') were able to film Simoncini with a hidden camera, showing how he treated cancer patients with sodium bicarbonate without adding the Italian VAT tax. A sodium bicarbonate therapy amounted to 7.750 Euro, and a room in his private clinic costs 3.700 Euro.

His method was also popular in the Netherlands, where he fled after his conviction in Italy.

==Inventor Tullio Simoncini==
[[image:simoncini4.jpg|Tullio Simoncini|thumb]]
'''Tullio Simoncini''' is a Roman physician banned from this profession, and businessman and president of a private association ''Associazione italiana Fungo è Tumore (A.I.F.è.T.)'', (i.e. ''Italian Association Fungus and Cancer''). No publication of Simoncini's can be found in any scientific databases until today (2010).

After several deaths occurred following a sodium bicarbonate therapy, Simoncini was sued by families of the victims. He lost his medical approbation and was convicted of fraud in three cases and of wrongful death in one case in 2003. His brother, Angelo Simoncini (also a physician), was convicted of fraud, too. His name has also been cancelled from the list of Italian accredited physicians. 

==First known victims==
The first victim to be known was Massimo Civetta, a 34 year old man diagnosed with terminal intestinal cancer. After an infusion with sodium bicarbonate, his bowels perforated and he died. Simoncini was convicted to 3 years in jail for manslaughter. He was not convicted for causing the deaths of Maria Grazia Canegrate and Grace Cicciari, in these cases he was just convicted for fraud.<ref>[http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/2006/maggio/21/Medico_condannato_omicidio_colposo_co_10_060521029.shtml Medico condannato: omicidio colposo], Corriere della sera</ref>

==Unknown victims==
Another victim, a U.S. citizen, was diagnosed with a likely glioblastoma near his speech center and his family paid approximately 28,000 Euros to Simoncini. In the course of treatment the patient developed a massive brain hemorrhage and suffered a heart attack. Subsequently he was declared brain dead, and life support was removed.<ref>[http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/simoncini-scam-murderer/ Tullio Simoncini: sCAM murderer?]</ref><ref>[http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/continued-simoncini-scam-murderer/ Continued: Simoncini sCAM Murderer?]</ref>

==Sylvia Trachsler==
[[image:SylviaTrachsler.jpg|Sylvia Trachsler (picture: netwerk.tv)|thumb]]
Female breast cancer patient Sylvia Trachsler<ref>http://www.netwerk.tv/uitzending/2010-03-31/familie-overleden-pati%C3%ABnte-wil-vervolging-kliniek-berg-en-bosch</ref> died 8 October 2007 in the Netherlands at the age of 58, after having received daily sodium bicarbonate infusions in an alternative clinic, the ''Kliniek voor Preventieve Geneeskunde Berg en Bosch (KPG)'' in Bilthoven.<ref>http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article475419.ece/Arts_overleden_vrouw_niet_behandeld</ref><ref>http://mistersandman.rtvkatwijk.nl/website/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13038:verbod-op-omstreden-therapie&catid=7:wetenschap&Itemid=14</ref><ref>http://www.kwakzalverij.nl/681/De_kankertherapie_van_Dottor_Tullio_Simoncini_uit_Rome</ref> Her friend Peter (Peter M.) started a search for other patients who had been treated according to the Simoncini protocol.<ref>OPROEP Ik wil graag in kontakt komen met patienten die negatieve ervaringen hebben ondervonden bij de Italiaanse (arts) Simoncini. 'VOELT U ZICH DOOR SIMONCINI MISLEID EN/OF BEDROGEN?' Uw ervaring, uw eventuele 'mis'behandeling kan van onschatbare waarde zijn voor alle andere kankerpatienten. Met name patienten die in Bilthoven tussen 4 oktober en 9 oktober 2007 behandeld zijn door Simoncini en natriumbicarbonaat-injecties hebben gekregen! MAG IK U 'IN NAAM VAN SYLVIA' VRAGEN DIT BIJ JUSTITIE TE MELDEN! Het is van groot belang dat als een tweede getuige zich meldt het Openbaar Ministerie nog beter in staat zal zijn Simoncini te vervolgen! Peter [http://cryptocheilus.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/oproep-ex-patienten-simoncini/]</ref> Sylvia died of heart failure, but the exact cause of her unnatural death could not be established. After her death, the Dutch health authorities intervened and banned the treatment.<ref>http://www.volkskrant.nl/binnenland/article501382.ece/Kankerbehandeling_Bilthoven_moet_stoppen,_zegt_Inspectie</ref>

==Marjolein Bouwman==
[[image:Marjolein Bouwman.jpg|Marjolein Bouwman 02-01-1983 – 02-11-2008|thumb]]
Bouwman, a Dutch citizen, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and advised to take conventional therapy. She decided to go with Simoncini's therapy instead. After several injections of sodium bicarbonate, Simoncini declared her completely cured. Bouwman became a passionate advertiser of his methods. A few months later, Marjolein learned Simoncini had deceived her and that she had not been cured at all. At that time, her tumour had already metastasized extensively. She died November 2, 2008. Marjolein was only 25 years old and the mother of a young son.<ref>[http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2008/12/07/young_mother_marjolein_dies/ Marjolein Dies of Ovarian Cancer After Being Treated with Sodium Bicarbonate by Tullio Simoncini]</ref>

==Aysha==
A young Italian woman named Aysha was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast in 2006 (she had been diagnosed with cancer in her left breast in 2004 and received conventional treatment then) and decided for a treatment with Simoncini. She became a member of an alternative medicine forum dedicated to Simoncini's methods and was treated nicely at first. However, when her health declined and she developed sores and open wounds, said "I see no improvement at all, the whole area is red and it reaches almost to the left side.", and started to doubt the treatment, behaviour towards Aysha changed.

Employees of Simoncini, who were among the forum members, insinuated that Aysha did not follow Simonicini's treatment correctly and was inventing allegations to put the blame on Simoncini. As they contended, if someone did not recover, it had to be their own fault. When, after consulting her oncologist, she started to ask inconvenient questions, she was banned and most of her postings deleted.

Aysha died in October 2008.<ref>[http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2009/04/13/aysha-and-tullio-simoncini/ Young Breast Cancer Patient Aysha and Tullio Simoncini's Baking Soda Therapy]</ref><ref>[http://medbunker.blogspot.com/2009/03/che-male-vuoi-che-facciaii-parte.html Che male vuoi che faccia… (II parte)], MedBunker, Italian</ref>

==Robert Fyvie==
[[image:Robert fyvi.jpg|Robert Fyvie (gest. 6. August 2010)|thumb]]
Robert Fyvie, from Musselburgh (Scotland), was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2006 which was removed by an operation. The tumour spread to his liver and was rated inoperable. Fyvie rejected chemotherapy, declaring it would weaken his immune system, and spent 12 weeks in Thailand taking herbal medicines instead. In the end, doctors gave him between six and, at the most, eight months to live.
In a last-ditch effort, Mr Fyvie's family and friends raised € 10,000 for treatment by Simoncini and sent him to Rome. After 5 months, Roberty Fyvie, aged 54, died August 6, 2010. The family was devastated because the treatment didn't prolong his life at all.<ref>[http://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/roundup/articles/2010/08/12/403514-well-miss-you-dad/ We'll miss you, dad], Sam Berkeley, East Lothian Courier</ref><ref>[http://medbunker.blogspot.com/2010/11/nuova-testimonianza-sulle-cure-di.html Nuova testimonianza sulle cure di Simoncini]</ref>

==Brian Haw==
[[image:800px-Brian_Haw.jpg|Brian William Haw(gest. 18. Juni 2011)|thumb]]
English pacifist Brian William Haw died of lung cancer on June 18, 2011. He spent the last months of his life at an unknown location in Berlin where he was treated with the method of Simoncini as well as with [[Vitamin-C-infusions]]. According to information from English press, [[Conspiracy theory|conspiracy theorist]] and author [[David Icke]] influenced him to be medicated with a "revolutionary treatment". Icke appealed for funds for the treatment on his site, since patients have to bear the costs of the treatment due to its ineffectiveness.<ref>http://blog.psiram.com/?p=3432</ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Bikarbonat-Therapie nach Simoncini|it=Tullio Simoncini|en= Sodium Bicarbonate Therapy according to Simoncini}}

==Literature==
*Robey IF, Martin NK. ''Bicarbonate and dichloroacetate: Evaluating pH altering therapies in a mouse model for metastatic breast cancer.'', BMC Cancer. 2011 10. Juni. 10;11(1):S. 235.
*Ian F. Robey, Brenda K. Baggett, Nathaniel D. Kirkpatrick, Denise J. Roe, Julie Dosescu, Bonnie F. Sloane, Arig Ibrahim Hashim, David L. Morse, Natarajan Raghunand, Robert A. Gatenby, Robert J. Gillies, ''Bicarbonate Increases Tumor pH and Inhibits Spontaneous Metastases'', Cancer Res 2009; 69: (6). 15.3.2009 [http://www.curenaturalicancro.com/pdf/bicarbonate-increases-tumor-ph-and-inhibits-metastases.pdf]

==Weblinks==
===German Links===
*http://blog.psiram.com/?p=255

===English Links===
*http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2009/06/09/tullio-simoncini-and-the-research-that-wasnt
*http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2009/12/18/sodium-bicarbonate-really-works-for-h1n1-influenza
*http://www.cancertreatmentwatch.org/reports/simoncini.shtml
*http://www.123hjemmeside.dk/cancer_is_not_a_fungus/

===Italian Links===
*http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Il_cancro_%C3%A8_un_fungo
*http://www.mimandaraitre.rai.it/MMR_servizio/0,10135,1067083,00.html
*http://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/2005/03/31/video_1237.shtml?adsl
*http://www.striscialanotizia.mediaset.it/video/2005/04/07/video_1276.shtml?adsl
*http://www.lavozdeasturias.es/noticias/noticia.asp?pkid=39747

===Dutch Links===
*http://cryptocheilus.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/oproep-ex-patienten-simoncini/
*http://www.kwakzalverij.nl/681/De_kankertherapie_van_Dottor_Tullio_Simoncini_uit_Rome
*http://www.igz.nl/actueel/nieuwsberichten/natriumcarb

===French Links===
*http://kystes.blog.lemonde.fr/2009/06/21/internet-un-mauvais-conseiller-pour-le-traitement-du-cancer/

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Cancer Miracle Therapy]]

Ngystle Society

2017-06-18T19:23:20Z

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'''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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application">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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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>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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook">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 name="ahf">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 name="ahf" />

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 name="ahf" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust">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 name="gwaiitrust" /> Ngystle also had their five year business plan funded in part or totally by Gwaii Trust with an amount of $ 5,74.61.<ref name="gwaiitrust" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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 name="Nygystle_Application">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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 
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>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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news">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. www.deeksha.ch/mainpage/plaintext/onenessdeeksha/diegruender/index.html accessed 13/09/2013</ref><ref>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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited">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 name="earthpeoplesunited" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited" /> 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 name="June17.10">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>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>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 name="about-2">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 name="about-2" />

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 name="June17.10" /> 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.

====Employing unsubstantiated Health Claims====

In a 2009 newsletter distributed by the Skidegate community in British Columbia/Canada, Ngystle Society advertise their then newly purchased Amethyst Bio-Mat with unsubstantiated health claims:

''“It reduces swelling, increases blood flow and has been shown to destroy cancer and viral cells without harming surrounding healthy cells. The Bio-Mat: 
''relieves pain & joint stiffness 
''Increases blood circulation 
''Decreases hyperactivity 
''Strengthens the cardiovascular system 
''Rejuvenates skin & cellular function 
''Induces deep Delta State of relaxation 
''Reduces stress and fatigue 
''Boosts energy & vitality 
''Burns calories and controls weight 
''Removes wastes & toxins 
''Boosts the immune system 
''Regulates Psychological well being''<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/Jan15.09.pdf accessed 20/09/2013</ref> 
All of the above mentioned health claims are unsubstantiated; the effectiveness of the device has not been proven scientifically. The advertisement further implies the device was able to ''destroy cancer and virus cells'' which, contrary to Ngystle claims, also never has been proven scientifically. However, clients relying on these promises may be endangered by delaying medical treatment in favour of applying the devices. These claims are particularly dangerous, since their publication in a community newsletter will contribute to lending them an inappropriate air of reliability. Ngystle were still advertising application of these devices in the newsletter in 2013.<ref>http://www.skidegate.ca/Newsletters/october2013.pdf accessed 20/03/2014</ref>

===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 name="about-2" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news" />

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/>

[[category:Pseudomedicine]]
[[category:New Ager]]

Ayahuasca

2017-05-14T12:57:16Z

WikiSysop: Rejected the last text change (by 127.0.0.1) and restored revision 2705 by Halbmond

The concoction used and named „Ayahuasca“ in the Newage scene is a tea prepared from the South American Ayahuasca liana to which other plants of various pharmaceutical effects will be added. Mostly, this will be the so-called Chacruna, botanical name Psychotria viridis.<ref> http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychotria_viridis accessed 11/02/2012</ref> Due to the diverse range of possible mixtures, a broad variety of effects on the human organism is achieved. Ayahuasca is a drug used traditionally by several indigenous ethnic groups in South America, where its use is restricted to medicine persons employing it to diagnose the cause of an illness in a patient.

==Use of Ayahuasca beyond an indigenous Context==
Since several decades, Ayahuasca is being used by recent religious movements in Brazil who meanwhile founded branches in Europe and in the USA. Additionally, more and more trips to predominantly Peruvian Plastic Shamans are offered in the USA and Europe. One decisive difference of the use of Ayahuasca outside of an indigenous context is who consumes the drug: while in indigenous ethnic groups, use is restricted to medicine persons, in new religious movements as well as in Newage circles, the drug will be consumed by believers resp. by the paying clients. Contrary to indigenous use, the retreats offered in a Newage context will have clients take Ayahuasca as often as every other day.

===Brazil===
There are several recent religious movements in Brazil which employ Ayahuasca as a sacrament. The eldest of these churches is Santo Daime which was founded in the 1930ies by Raimundo Irineu Serre who blended information obtained from a Peruvian Ayahuascero with components of the Christian faith, combined with his own revelations.<ref>http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Daime accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

Likewise, União do Vegetal (UDV) blends Ayahuasca with Christian topics. UDV came into being during the 1960ies but claims roots from the 10th century B.P.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uniao_do_Vegetal accessed 11/02/2012</ref> This church was founded by José Gabriel da Costa.

Barquinha is a split-off from Santo Daime and was founded in 1945.<ref>http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barquinha accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

===Europe and USA===
Meanwhile, these Ayahuasca churches have established branches in Europe and in the USA, although in most countries, at least one of the substances used in Ayahuasca is illegal under the respective Dangerous Drugs Laws. On the other hand, more recent court verdicts in several countries have ruled that religious use of Ayahuasca (due to legal loopholes) was permitted.<ref>e. g. see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Daime accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

Furthermore, Ayahuasca has been popularised within the Newage scene and promoted as a cure for a multitude of diseases, establishing a tourism to alleged shamans, some of whom are also actively touring various Newage congresses and fairs to promote their services.

It must be pointed out that these persons do not happen to be genuine indigenous medicine persons and the vast majority are no member of any indigenous ethnic group. Therefore, they were never trained by indigenous medicine persons and often have a rather limited knowledge about the plants they administer or about the possible effects and cross-effects these may cause, nor do they have much of a knowledge of the indigenous ceremonies they imitate. It is even voiced within the Newage scene that the „shamans“ aiming at a European/US clientele use completely different songs than indigenous medicine persons do.<ref>http://www.christian-raetsch.de/Artikel/Artikel/Ayahuasca.html accessed 11/04/2012</ref>

This already becomes apparent from the biographical information provided on websites promoting plastic shamans using Ayahuasca on their clients: one „shaman“ is introduced as a „fisher, sculptor, and researcher of the Moche culture“<ref name="tingan">http://www.tingan.info/unsere_projekte_files/indi-pro.htm accessed 11/02/2012</ref>, another one as a „musician, sculptor, and curandero (healer) in the tradition of several tribe of Amazonia“<ref name="tingan" />, with the mere mention of the traditions of several ethnic groups being a clear indicator the person is a plastic shaman. Still another vendor's father is said to have been abducted by „savages“ who raised him; the son is said to have inherited „the savageness“ and to have „survived live-or-death fights in the jungle and in the slums of Iquitos and Lima“.<ref name="don-pedro-guerra">http://www.don-pedro-guerra.net accessed 11/02/2012</ref> The latter information presumably far more appropriately reflects the real biography. The websites promoting this „shaman“ are particularly characterised by a use of racist stereotypes on indigenous peoples and their alleged savageness and dangerousness<ref name="don-pedro-guerra" /> and e.g. claim the „shaman“ was „more of an Indian than a mestizo“.<ref name="don-pedro-guerra" /> The racism inherent in these claims apparently is not being noticed by site owners and clients, or probably taken for a proof of particular „authenticity“.

Another „shaman“ is US-based Erick Gonzalez who also administers further substances like Mescaline and Peyote to his clients. He is also active in Canada, where he is being promoted by [[Ngystle Society]] and also seems to cooperate with [[Psychology of Vision]]. Canadian RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) already in September 2013 issued a warning regarding Gonzalez' various activities.<ref>http://www.thenorthernview.com/news/169704226.html accessed 03/20/2014</ref> Gonzalez claims to be a Maya shaman but his family migrated from Guatemala to California when he was only 11 years of age. The apprenticeship resp. shamanic initiation he claims must therefore rather be seen as a sales pitch; Gonzalez however claims to have been adopted by another plastic shaman by the name of Francisco Jimenez aka Tlakaelel who claimed to be a Toltec (the Toltec have not been around as an ethnic entity for some 800 years, i.e. since pre-Columbian times). Although Gonzalez claims to be Maya, it is assumed that he is of a very distant ancestry or has no ancestry at all.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=3420.0 accessed 03/20/2014</ref> Furthermore, the substances employed by Gonzalez, although known by indigenous medicine persons, are not domestic in Guatemala, therefore his having had access to traditional knowledge and use in this respect is to be highly doubted.

===Claims of Healing of Disease by Ayahuasca===
While in an indigenous context, Ayahuasca is used as a diagnostic tool by medicine persons, its use in the Newage scene undergoes a rededication to become a remedy consumed by the client which is quite congruent with the non-indigenous domestic use of these substances in the respective South American countries. Although part of the Newage scene does mention the use of substances by indigenous ethnic groups,<ref>see e. g. http://www.christian-raetsch.de/Artikel/Artikel/Ayahuasca.html accessed 11/04/2012</ref> the completely different handling by Newage vendors does not get addressed.

Ayahuasca is thus promoted as a cure for a broad variety of diseases, including particularly serious conditions, by the Newage scene. Most often it is propagated as a cure for cancer<ref>e. g. http://www.lonewolfadventure.net/LWA/?p=1137&language=de accessed 11/02/2012</ref> and abuse of substances (drugs, alcohol), which means that a potent hallucinogenic drug is expected to cause detoxification.<ref>e. g. http://www.jaii.de/index.php?view=details&id=845%3Aayahuasca-rituale-in-wienoesterreich&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=98 accessed 11/02/2012</ref> Other diseases mentioned are Parkinson's Syndrome,<ref name="jaii">http://www.jaii.de/index.php?view=details&id=845%3Aayahuasca-rituale-in-wienoesterreich&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=98 accessed 11/02/2012</ref> mental disorders,<ref name="jaii" /> and AIDS.<ref>http://www.lonewolfadventure.net/LWA/?p=1137&language=de accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

A plastic shaman established in the German language market characterises Ayahuasca more or less as a cure-all: ''“With this ceremony, myriads of persons have been healed, even from serious diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, leucemia, breast cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, depression etc.“''<ref name="indianerpfad">http://www.indianerpfad.de/seite74.html accessed 04.11.2012</ref> Another vendor claims: ''“In Peru, we specialise in the following diseases: anxieties, alcoholism, arthritis, arthrosis, asthma, auto-immune diseases, high blood pressure, borreliosis, high cholesterine levels, fatigue, depression, diabetes, drug abuse, gastritis, inflammation of joints, abscesses, various skin diseases, heart diseases, hormone problems, dropsy, impotence, infections, inner pressure, cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, menopause, migraine, kidney diseases, rheumatism, thyroid diseases, sterility, stress, problems of substance abuse, insomnia, tumours, tuberculosis.“''<ref>http://www.joven-murayari.de/krankheiten-heilpflanzen/ accessed 11/06/2012</ref> Other vendors are more reluctant about naming precise diseases which, however, tends to make the claims sound even more ambitious: ''“Since Ayahuasca works on all levels, it is possible to heal rare and serious diseases which cannot be cured by conventional remedies.“''<ref>http://www.sankenowe.com/ayahuasca-de.html accessed 11/04/2012</ref>

„Sein“, a German-language Newage magazine, published an article promoting a Peruvian plastic shaman whose approach reminds of the views of antisemite [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]] and his [[Germanic New Medicine]]: ''“Don Pedro specialises on psychosomatic medicine and also has clients diagnosed with cancer who reject conventional chemotherapy, trusting him instead. I did not witness resp. could not check actual healing successes, but a woman from Austria told me her serious liver tumour, in the final stage, was treated in the jungle and was found not to be detectable any longer a year later. Don Pedro views disease foremost as the expression of psychological conflicts, thus his views is not much different from Western psychosomatic approaches“.''<ref>http://www.sein.de/archiv/2005/mai-2005/der-curandero-der-meisterpflanzen--heilung-durch-schamanismus.html accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

===Vendors and their Prices===
Many of the vendors are of Peruvian nationality and run so-called „retreats“ in their home country. In some cases, a relative is living in Europe, directing clientele towards the family enterprise via an occupation as an alleged shaman. Other vendors are Europeans organising travels to Peru<ref name="otorongo">http://www.otorongo.net/ accessed 04.11.2012</ref>; still others mention Ayahuasca ceremonies conducted in the Netherlands.<ref name="indianerpfad" /> Only a small number of vendors dare to openly publish on their websites they are doing Ayahuasca ceremonies.<ref name="schamanismus-tantra">http://www.schamanismus-tantra.at/ayahuasca.html accessed 11/06/2012</ref><ref>http://tatatonga.ch/zeremonialreisen/ecuador-panacocha/index.php accessed 11/06/2012; this website promotes „ceremonies“ taking place in Switzerland as well as travels to Ecuador</ref> With other vendors, it remains unclear whether ceremonies are taking place in German-language regions or in South America. Another strategy is the cover-up: the brew is not given its appropriate name but gets offered by the moniker „Ayaruna“, and respective seminars in Germany and Austria including the consumption of Ayahuasca by participants are being promoted in this way.<ref>http://joven-murayari.de/reisen-nach-peru/ accessed 11/02/2012</ref>

A good part of the mentioned retreats is situated in the northeast of Peru in the Iquitos region. Another centre of retreats seems to be the city of Cusco; however, Ayahuasca does not belong to the traditionally known cures in the Cusco region, so these vendors most probably are likewise uninformed plastic shamans. This becomes evident when one of these vendors offers an allegedly traditional medicine plant for internal cleansing which he spells „Laxitiwe“ in imitation of the spelling of Quechua language.<ref>http://schamanischeszentrumperu.yolasite.com/laxitiwe.php accessed 11/06/2012</ref>

Pricing assumes a high level. Stays in retreats are sold from two and three weeks upwards, but sojourns of one week or of one or several months are possible, too. The daily fees range between € 60 and € 170. With longer sojourns booked, daily prices decrease, with one vendor asking a daily fee of € 40 when the client books a four-months stay or longer. A usual trip of about three weeks results in „treatment costs“ between € 1,700 and € 2,700.<ref>see e. g. http://www.otorongo.net accessed 11/04/2012, http://www.schamanischreisen.de/36.html and http://www.joven-murayari.de/reisen-nach-peru/ accessed 11/06/2012</ref> These prices, with the exception of but a few vendors, exclude costs of air travel from Europe/USA to Peru and from Lima to Iquitos; the prices cover accomodation, food, „treatment“, and the consumption of Ayahuasca and other so-called medicine plants.

Vendors marketing seminars in Europe sell events of a restricted duration. In one case, retreats of two, three, or five days are offered in Austria; the costs vary between € 490, € 690, and € 1,050 including accomodation and food (uncooked vegetarian or vegan).<ref name="schamanismus-tantra" /> The same vendor, in 2009, asked € 270 for the first Ayahuasca ritual, € 243 for the second, and € 216 for the third and following rituals, including accomodation and breakfast.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=2372.0 accessed 06.11.2012</ref> Another vendor organises two-day seminars in Austria and Germany which include the consumption of Ayahuasca at a price of € 200 per participant, excluding accomodation, food, and rental cost of the so-called ceremonial centre.<ref>http://joven-murayari.de/termine/ accessed 11/06/2012</ref>

A possibility to put these prices in perspective is offered on the site of Marburg University: ''“The price for about 500 ml of Ayahuasca is approximately 20 Nuevos Soles (app. € 4). Depending on the number of participants, the potency of the Ayahuasca brew, and personal habits of the shaman, such a bottle will last several sessions“''; this information refers to the usual market price in a domestic Peruvian, non-indigenous context.<ref name="uni-marburg">http://www.uni-marburg.de/fb03/ivk/vk/titelseiten/ayahuasca accessed 11/04/2012</ref>

===Fatalities in Retreats resp. following Ayahuasca consumption===
In most retreats, clients will not only be served Ayahuasca, but also other concoctions to prepare them for the Ayahuasca trip. Fatalities have occured both after the consumption of Ayahuasca as well as after that of so-called "tobacco tea" prior to the Ayahuasca experience.

====Deaths due to Ayahuasca====
In August 2012, a US tourist died after having taken the Ayahuasca brew. The case caused quite some commotion, since the plastic shaman attempted to cover up the death and dumped the body. The efforts of the deceased person's family resulted in the shaman eventually admitting to have disposed the body. In contradiction to claims made in advertisements for his premises, the „shaman“ did not closely monitor the client after the consumption of Ayahuasca, but had left him alone in a hut; when the man was found the next morning, he had been dead for some time already. The tourist had paid the amount of US$ 1,200 to consume Ayahuasca.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2202459/Kyle-Joseph-Nolan-death-Peruvian-shaman-confesses-buried-body-U-S-teen-spiritual-retreat.html accessed 11/04/2012</ref>

Shortly afterwards, there were accounts on websites claiming that it was a regular practice for this shaman to leave clients alone during trips, since the shaman claimed to be able to telepathically monitor clients while watching TV. Further absurd claims made by this shaman were also published, so e.g. he claimed to be a descendant of Marsians who settled the continents of Atlantis and Lemuria. Other reports said the shaman did not prepare the Ayahuasca brew himself but bought it in the local market, so that he did not know its exact consistency and potency.<ref>http://www.rpp.com.pe/2012-09-11-madre-de-dios-curandero-confeso-que-enterro-a-joven-norteamericano-noticia_520815.html accessed 11/04/2012</ref>

====Deaths from preparatory concoctions====
Two more fatalities occured in 2015, apparently not due to the consumption of Ayahuasca, but of a so-called "tobacco tea" served in preparation for the Ayahuasca brew.<ref>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71864946/kiwi-matthew-dawsonclarke-dies-in-peru-after-tobacco-purge</ref><ref>http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jennifer-logan-dies-after-drinking-tobacco-purge-tea-in-peru-1.2945727</ref> Matthew Dawson-Clarke, aged 24, was served tobacco tea at the Kapitari Ayahuasca Retreat in Iquitos, Peru, and died of cardiac arrest. According to newspaper reports, he had consumed the tea in the morning and remained ill all day, with cardiac arrest occuring at 6.30 p.m. Only when first aid measures did not provide any result, Dawson-Clarke eventually was taken to an Iquitos hospital but proclaimed dead there.<ref>http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/71864946/kiwi-matthew-dawsonclarke-dies-in-peru-after-tobacco-purge</ref>

Canadian citizen Jennifer Logan, 32, likewise took ill after consuming tobacco tea "in a ceremony with a shaman". Logan, too, had to be transported to a hospital by boat and motorcycle but was beyond help upon arrival. An autopsy established Logan died of pulmonary edema. She had booked a fortnight's retreat at Canto Luz Centre outside Puerto Maldonado.<ref>http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jennifer-logan-dies-after-drinking-tobacco-purge-tea-in-peru-1.2945727</ref>

Canto Luz is a retreat operated by a white European with a Peruvian person functioning as a "shaman". Canto Luz is owned by one Mariya Garnet, a Russian who migrated to Canada in 2000 and claims to have taken up "healing shamanism" already in Siberia. The retreat's shaman Reyna Luz Edery Flores is described as ''"the main mestizo ayahuascquera"''[sic}. Since the term "mestizo" is applied to characterise Edery Flores, she does not seem to have any tribal affiliation.<ref>http://www.cantoluz.com/#!team/c13md</ref> Canto Luz offers retreats for seven and 14 days at prices of USD 950 resp. USD 1,850.<ref>http://www.cantoluz.com/#!retreats-overview/c1i7j</ref> They publish several videos on YouTube to attract customers and seem a rather recently addition on the market, as a fundraising appeal set up in order to provide Garnet with finances to buy the premises was published in early 2013, with the additional information the retreat was going to open April 1, 2013. The fundraising campaign had a goal of USD 20,000 and managed to raise USD 31,665 from 133 persons in about one month.<ref>https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/call-to-action-join-us-in-preserving-traditional-wisdom-pristine-amazon#/story</ref>

Kapitari Center, where the other fatality occured, claims to be run by a Peruvian shaman by the name of Luis Culquiton aka Don Lucho, and there is no information whether these premises are owned by Culquiton or whether he, too, serves as a front man. Culquiton, quite in line with usual advertisement, gets portrayed as coming "from a long line of natural healers", still the website claims "he discovered the healing qualities of plants himself, at a very early age", "an established, self-educated shaman"<ref>http://www.kapitari.org/ </ref>, and "he never underwent a formal apprenticeship under another shaman".<ref>http://www.kapitari.org/about-don-lucho/</ref> Instead of being seen as positive, these phrases should be taken as a severe warning by clients that booking may mean their participation in a large experiment of "trial and error".

Kapitari, too, offers seven and 14 day retreats, with a seven-day retreat amounting to USD 650 and including four Ayahuasca trips and a "purge with tobacco juice". The site further advises: ''"The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes and involves a 45 minute walk so you must be able bodied."''<ref>http://www.kapitari.org/ayahuasca-ceremonies/authentic-ayahuasca-retreat-in-iquitos-peru/</ref> The death of one Kapitari client reveals plainly that this distance is a further danger to clients in case medical help is needed.

Another interesting aspect is the information the Kapitari website provides regarding where cash receipts will end up:
:''"Of the $650 that you pay us:
:''$300 goes to Kapitari and Don Lucho. A portion of which pays for the running of Kapitari and anything left over is spent on Don Lucho’s permaculture and community projects.
:''$300 is split between the retreat facilitators & Outer Travels Inner Journeys.
:''$50 is given as an additional bonus to the Peruvian staff at Kapitari who work hard all week to look after the guests."''<ref>http://www.kapitari.org/ayahuasca-ceremonies/authentic-ayahuasca-retreat-in-iquitos-peru/ </ref>
The largest part of receipts are split between the "shaman", the "retreat facilitators" and the travel agency, and the description of "retreat facilitators" is ambiguous and does not necessarily mean the retreat staff. If this was the case, a far more plain way for website maintainers were to say: USD 200 go to the Peruvian staff and USD 150 to Outer Travels. So while this information creates the impression of transparency, the vagueness and scarcity of details provided indeed will rather obfuscate than explain.

==Consequences for the Indigenous Population==
The indigenous population often oppose the abuse of plants they use, as well as their being commercialised, and taking the plants out of their traditional context. Furthermore, a reckless exploitation of indigenous medicinal plants is taking place, by persons also exploiting indigenous ceremonies and cultures in order to sell them to tourists. Another aspect criticised is the approach of entitlement held by Newage-affine tourists who mean to buy access to experience and medicine.

Some websites promoting travels to South American plastic shamans explicitly describe that only a small part of the population, if any, will profit from the sale of ceremonies. Since the Newage tourists will do an Ayahuasca trip every other day, resulting in a recreation period during the following day, the domestic economy is left out of this form of tourism. Additionally, the retreats are situated in remote regions, and travelers are dependant on the means of transport provided by retreat operators.

Another important aspect is that apparently a fair number of retreats are not in domestic ownership, but are operated with a local plastic shaman employed as a front man by the European or US owner of the premises. This means that, same as with multi-national tourist business, the respective domestic economies do in no way benefit from profits obtained from these activities. Only few websites make this as apparent as the one maintained by an Austrian psychologist who is also mentioned in the site's imprint.<ref name="otorongo" /> Since the psychologist describes himself as a resident of Austrian St. Valentin but also claims to be a resident of Peru, it is not clear whether he will be on the premises during the sojourns sold to tourists. More quite interesting reading material is provided with the exemption clauses mentioned on his website. Furthermore, the above mentioned retreat where a US tourist died after consuming Ayahuasca is also said not to be in the ownership of the local plastic shaman but is owned by a US citizen.<ref>http://latina-press.com/news/134978-nach-tod-von-us-buerger-bekaempfung-der-scharlatanerie-in-peru/ accessed 11/06/2012</ref>

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedicine]]
[[category:Plastic Shamanism]]

Main Page

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Water-fuelled car

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<pre>Article is in translation and unfinished</pre>
[[image:wasserauto.jpg|200px|thumb]]
According to supporters of [[Free Energy|free energy]], a '''water-fuelled car''' is a hypothetical car using just water for fuel. There are no serious reports known of concept of a successful water-fuelled car.
A water-fuelled car must not be confused with hydrogen vehicles which carry tanks of hydrogen to burn with oxygen as fuel.

==Alleged functional principle==
[[image:wasserauto2.jpg|thumb]]
All water-fuelled car models discussed so far "work" on the same principle: By electrolysis, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen under energy consumption and a normal internal combustion engine is then run on oxyhydrogen. The necessary electrical energy to create the oxyhydrogen with a small electrolysis cell is taken from the alternator and/or a car battery. Such a construction can work for a limited span of time – i.e. until the car battery has been emptied and all [[HHO|oxyhydrogen]] is used up.

Since the electrical energy taken from the alternator would have to surpass the engine output, the missing energy to keep the engine running for a long time has to be supplied by ways based on [[Esotericism|esoteric]] hypotheses lacking scientific recognition. Further concepts discussed by supporters of such concepts are [[Space Energy]] and neutrinos (Neutrinolysis).

==Refitting kits for regular engines==
[[image:wasserauto3.jpg|Refitting kit|thumb]]
[[image:FISS2.jpg|Elektrolysis of the company FISS|thumb]]
Shady profiteers sell refitting kits (e.g. at eBay) which are allegedly enables the conversion of a car with a regular combustion engine into a water-fuelled car. A chemical agent necessary to allow electrolysis, e.g. baking powder, is added.

The company Fiss-Management from Erfurt, Germany (enjoying a rather damaged reputation because of a warning by the Federal Agency for Financial Market Supervision and by "Test" magazine and probably not more than a one-man-show) offers an on-board-electrolysis cell for passenger cars (2,260 €) and trucks (9,520 €). See also: [[Spritsparkarte]] 

==Power efficiency of on-board electrolysis==
The efficiency of an alternator is usually clearly lower than the efficiency of optimized generators; additionally, alternators have to provide electrical output at various and often unfavourable rotational speeds. The efficiency ranges between 50 to 62 percent.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternator#Automotive_alternators</ref> Optimal electrolysis at room temperature (platinum electrodes and optimal potential but not more than 14V) has a maximal efficiency of ≈60%. Appliance of special high temperature electrolysis at about 800 degrees allows to achieve an efficiency of up to 98%. For simple electrolysis cells, sold as extensions, this rate is about a mere 30%. The efficiency of creating hydrogen with gasoline as a fuel is therefore approximately 8%-20%. Using oxyhydrogen as fuel (Brown's Gas) for the engine does not provide 100% either, but is similar to the efficiency of using gasoline. Otto engines only achieve an efficiency of about 30-40%. Moreover, further problems arise due to a higher combustion temperature of hydrogen and result in a higher emission of nitric oxides.<ref>http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserstoffwirtschaft</ref>.

The higher temperature also causes a higher abrasion of the engine and a higher load for the cooling system; the increased need for repairs and spare parts has a negative impact on the environmental record of the system.

Conclusion: To try and operate an internal combustion engine with extra oxyhydrogen which is created on-board through electrolysis leads to a higher consumption of fuel. The more oxyhydrogen is created, the more expensive the system will be. Running a car just with oxyhydrogen created by above device leads to 4-5 times more fuel consumption:

* Kinetic energy created by gasoline combustion has an efficiency < 40 %
* The rotating alternator has an efficiency of less than 62%
* Creating hydrogen through electrolysis has an efficiency of about 60% (special optimized electrolysis cell)
* Burning hydrogen with oxygen results in an efficiency of < 40 %

Only about 0,4 x 0,62 x 0,6 x 0,4 = 6% (perhaps 10% at max.) of the gasoline's energy is used. Combustion of just gasoline results in an efficiency of 40% at max. Operating a car only with oxyhydrogen from the on-board electrolysis consumes at least 4 to 5 times as much. Massive usage of this principle (even mixed) would have catastrophic impacts from an ecological point of view due to higher CO2 emissions and result in much higher costs.

Achieving a pure hydrogen operation with the kits offered is illusory since a usual alternator is in no way constructed to provide enough output even for a small car: The maximum output of an alternator (for large executive cars) is about 3,000 W which corresponds roughly to the drive train of a small scooter.

Producing hydrogen gas externally in industrial electrolysis facilities to supply all cars would please only the industries producing nuclear energy and brown coal since the additional huge amounts of electrical energy necessary cannot be provided by renewable energy sources. Additionally, further problems storing hydrogen and high losses would have to be addressed: Unlike gasoline, hydrogen will diffuse through the walls of usual storage tanks, so after some time, the tank will be empty...

Research done in USA proved that such an onboard water electrolysis does not make sense since fuel consumption increases, it does not decrease as claimed.<ref>[http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/how_to/4276846.html?series=19 Popular Mechanics, Artikel ''Water-Powered Cars: Hydrogen Electrolyzer Mod Can't Up MPGs'']</ref><ref>[http://www.wyff4.com/news/17036761/detail.html Greenville News Looking Out 4 You: ''Water 4 Gas Fails to Boost Mileage'']</ref><ref>[http://www.3news.co.nz/Video/CampbellLive/tabid/367/articleID/64717/cat/84/Default.aspx Hydrogen conversion claims put to the test]</ref><ref>http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2008/07/water4gas.html Consumer Affairs Water4gas</ref>

==Clean World Energies and their H-Reactor==
A company named [[Clean World Energies GmbH]] from the town of Jülich (Germany) advertises their so-called "H-Reactors" and "Super-Cubes" on the German market. The divices are said to decrease fuel consumption and pollution by engines by adding hydrogen. The electrical energy to power their "Electrolyser" is generated by the on-board car battery.

==Ronn Motor Company==
[[image:Ronnscorpion.jpg|left|300px|thumb]]
''Ronn Motor Company'' from Texas<ref>http://www.ronnmotors.com/cms/</ref> sells the ''Scorpion'', a sports car with an alleged consumption of 6 l/100 km (40 miles per gallon) for 150,000 US-Dollars.<ref>http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/news/auto_-_produkte/hxcms_article_513137_13987.hbs</ref> Manufacturers claim this was due to using the energy of the alternator to produce hydrogen which is then added to the air/fuel mixture and causes the alleged high mileage. The method is called H2GO.

The hydrogen used, created with low efficiency through electrolysis from a small water tank of eleven liters, has to be produced while driving, increasing the consumption. Ronn Motor Company announced it will offer an H2GO Hydrogen-On-Demand (HOD) system for other vehicles allowing to convert existing vehicles for 999 USD to decrease consumption and emissions. Ronn claims consumption was reduced by 20% to 25% and CO2-emission was reduced by 90%. 

A toy car powered by a small fuel cell is marketed with the brand name of H2GO, too. 

==Genepax==
[[image:genepax.jpg|Genepax-Auto|thumb]][[image:haug_genepax.jpg|thumb]]
In June 2008, a Japanese company by the name of ''Genepax Water Energy System'' presented an electric ''water-fuel car'' (Reva) claiming it could be operated by water and air only and needed no more than one litre of water from any water source for a one hour drive at 80 kms/h. Genepax did not reveal the exact nature of the energy source and manufacturers just refer to an unspecified "energy generator" for its Water Energy System (WES), which allegedly is able to split hydrogen from water using some kind of metal hydride and a "chemical reaction". Hydrogen gas is then used as fuel.

The product of the reaction is again water. This principle makes it a [[Perpetual Motion|perpetual motion]] device. With alkali metals (sodium), hydrogen may be won from water: Unfortunately, this would not only set free hydrogen; but oxygen will be bound to the metal and cannot be used. During operation, the metal hydrid will be used up and serve as the actual energy source. It has to be created by using energy. The car therefore is not powered by some miraculous energy from water, it is powered by a primary battery.<ref>http://www.inteldaily.com/?c=120&a=7157</ref> Professional journals like ''Popular Mechanics'' commented upon the alleged miracle car with "rubbish"<ref>http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/4271579.html</ref>, while scientific circles ignored it. The website genepax.co.jp was abandoned in February 2009. [[Matthes Haug]] still advertises Genepax as a car which ''runs with water''.

==Water-powered car by Daniel Dingel==
[[image:Dingel1.jpg|Auto-Bild-Article on Dingel|thumb]]
A tinkerer and con man named Daniel Dingel from Manila [http://danieldingel.com/] received worldwide attention when he brought up a "water-powered" car. Dingel claimed his Toyota Corolla was powered by the energy of imploding compressed ether energy. As a result, even reporters of journal Auto-Bild (a German car journal) travelled to the Philippines to report on the scam.

In December 2008 news reports announced Dingel, by now 82 year old, had been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years imprisonment by Parañaque City Regional Trial Court for fraud (''estafa''). He was also sentenced to pay 380.000 Dollars in damages.<ref>http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081220-179008/Inventor-82-gets-20-years-for-estafa</ref> Dingel, who claimed he was not interested in money, had taken 410.000 Dollars from a Dr. John Ding Young of Taiwanese Formosa Plastics Group in 2000, allegedly to continue research on his method. But Dingel was not able to present a "hydrogen generator" and three working cars. After receiving the money, Dingel no longer responded to emails but presented alleged higher offers from competing companies. He claimed he did not want to cooperate with Formosa Plastics Group anymore since he feared for his life. He referred to an inventor named Stan Meyer who was allegedly poisoned by the oil industry in 1998. When the charges against him became known publically, he drew 375.603 Dollar from the bank account opnened for the deposits. The Philippine ''Department of Science and Technology'' called his alleged invention a ''hoax''.<ref>[...]The Department of Science and Technology has dismissed Dingel’s invention as a hoax. Source: INQUIRER, [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20081220-179008/Inventor-82-gets-20-years-for-estafa]</ref>

==Weblinks==
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water-fuelled_car
* [http://www.xy44.de/skalar/wasserauto.htm Water-fueled car and [[Konstantin Meyl]]]
* http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/08/04/why-on-board-hydrogen-generators-wont-boost-your-mileage/

==Quellennachweise==
<references/>

[[category:Free Energy]]
[[category:Pseudoscience]]
[[category:Water]]

Francis Talbot

2016-11-18T20:40:08Z

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[[image:Manitonquat2.png|Francis Talbot / Manitonquat|thumb]]
'''Francis Talbot''', full name '''Francis Story Talbot II''', a.k.a. '''Manitonquat''' resp. '''Medicine Story''' (born July 17, 1929), has been operating as a plastic shaman since the 1970ies. Despite having a completely Euro-American ancestry, Talbot claims to be a member and even a medicine person, resp. "ceremonial medicine man" of the Wampanoag nation. His clientele are mainly affluent white middle-class Euro-Americans and Europeans with whom he previously also meant to initiate a new „tribe“ on his premises in New England.

==Biography==
Talbot was born into a family of entrepreneurs with him as well his ancestors all being listed as „white“ in past census records dating back into the 1840ies.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg34610#msg34610 </ref> He did a course of studies at Cornell University and became a playwright under the names of „Story Talbot“ and „F. Story Talbot“ and further claims to have been an actor and theatre director, too.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg34610#msg34610</ref> <ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg34610#msg34610</ref> He is also apostrophied as a founder, co-founder, resp. early member of the Rainbow Gatherings.

===Claims of being Indigenous===
[[image:Manitonquat3.jpg|Francis Talbot / Manitonquat|thumb]]
Most biographical information available online apparently copies Talbot's various claims of being a member of the Wampanoag of Massachusetts. Later on, affiliation claims changed to the Mashpee Wampanoag, then Gay Head Wampanoag, both federally recognised since the 1970ies<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mashpee_Wampanoag_Tribe</ref> and as of 1987 respectively.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wampanoag_Tribe_of_Gay_Head </ref> Finally, Talbot now claims to be an enrolled member of the Assonet Band of Wampanoag<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5169#msg5169 </ref> who received recognition by the state of Massachusetts as recent as 1990 and who are not federally recognised.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wampanoag_people#Assonet_Band_of_the_Wampanoag_Nation </ref> Several websites and also books contend that Talbot was ''"the powwah, or spiritual leader, and the minatou, or keeper of the lore"'' of the Assonet Band, a claim which has particularly been brought forward in two books by Newage author Steve McFadden.<ref>Profiles in Wisdom: Steve McFadden: Native Elders Speak About the Earth, 1991, 2001 Lincoln NE (originally published by Bear and Co.) and Legend of the Rainbow Warriors, 1989, 2001, 2005 Lincoln NE (portions originally published in 1992 by Bear & Co. Of Santa Fe NM under the title „Ancient Voices, Current Affairs: The Legend of the Rainbow Warriors“)</ref>

Facts notwithstanding, Talbot continues to claim an indigenous state and e.g. in his 2015 schedule announces his participation in an alleged "Annual Sequanakeeswash in Assonet MA"<ref>http://www.circleway.org/schedule.html </ref> which gets described as the beginning of the new year in Wampanoag culture.<ref>see e.g. http://webspacero.bplaced.net/Thema/spiritual/Manitonquat%20%96%20What%20is%20a%20tribe_3.pdf </ref> It is therefore to be noticed that a Google search for this term yields a mere five results, all of whom are in connection to Talbot, with most of them on sites run by him.

Talbot also claims to have been „part of the North American Indian Spiritual Unity Movement“<ref>http://www.ic.org/wiki/manitonquat/ </ref> and a co-founder of a Tribal-Healing Council. However, Google results for both organisations mainly yield websites copying Talbot's biographical information, so their existence in former years up until today cannot be verified independently.

====Akwesasne Notes====
Further claims include Talbot used to be the editor, resp. the editor responsible for poetry and politics, resp. the columnist, resp. a „writer and poet“ for the internationally well-known journal ''Akwesasne Notes''. However, the information available on the journal does not verify such claims. The journal was founded by Kaientaronkwen Ernie Benedict in 1968, with its first editor a non-indigenous Canadian, Jerry Gambill, who received the Mohawk name of Rarihokwats. ''Akwesasne Notes'' covered many indigenous issues not restricted to the Americas, but also of Australia, Tibet, and China.<ref>http://www.historyandtheheadlines.abc-clio.com/contentpages/ContentPage.aspx?entryId=1171842&currentSection=1161468&productid=5</ref> The editors following Gambill were all from the Iroqois Nation: Professor John Mohawk, Peter Blue Cloud, Doug George-Kanentiio<ref>Bruce Elliott Johansen: Encyclopedia of the American Indian Movement, Santa Barbara 2013, p. 9ff</ref>, and finally from 1992-1998 Darren Bonaparte and Salli Benedict.<ref>Bruce Elliott Johansen: Encyclopedia of the American Indian Movement, Santa Barbara 2013, p. 11</ref> It seems highly probable that Talbot upholds this claim in order to exploit the reputation this publication built up particularly in Europe, while at the same time using its reputation to provide himself with an air of authenticity.

===Public Receipt and Discussions of Talbot's Claims===
Talbot's claims of an indigenous status have also been discussed publically on internet forums, as they e.g. were repeated in several articles in the English and German Wikipedias. The English Wikipedia still carries an article on "Manitonquat"<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manitonquat </ref>, despite publically accessible information about Talbot's true background. The German Wikipedia runs an article on the "Talking Stick" used by Talbot, with the article completely lacking quotations but recommending one of Talbot's books as information material.<ref>https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redestab </ref> Quite in line with Talbot's presentation, the German language article apparently views Talking Sticks as generically indigenous, while the English Wikipedia<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talking_stick </ref> correctly places them within the context of the North-West cultural region of North America.

Up until December 2006, German Wikipedia mentioned Talbot in their article on the Wampanoag Nation, characterising him as an outstanding member of the nation. Due to discussions in other internet forums that year, a Wikipedia user raised the issue in the article's talk section, providing a link to a post submitted by a member of the organisation team of the German summer camp. In this post, the team member stated that many persons coming to the camp in fact knew that Talbot was not indigenous but white, and that Talbot freely admitted this fact upon inquiry, which the team member apparently viewed positively. Due to this information, Talbot was deleted from the article, which in turn caused the team member to try and intervene with Wikipedia, contending that he should have phrased his post somewhat differently, had he known it was going to be used as a reference by Wikipedia.<ref>http://www.newikis.com/de/wiki/Diskussion:Wampanoag#Manitonquat </ref>

==Projects and Activities==
Since Talbot has been active as a plastic shaman since the 1970ies, he has engaged in various activities both in the USA and in Europe, like working with prisoners and youths, alleged drug counseling, and of course selling seminars and workshops as well as doing so-called summer camps in various European countries.

===Co-Counseling===
Talbot also practices and teaches [[Re-evaluation Counselling|Co-Counseling]], a dubious psychothereapeutic method which is not recognised academically. Co-Counselling is a stable part of all of Talbot's summer camps.

This method was founded by Harvey Jackins during the 1950ies and 1960ies who at that time was considerably influenced by [[L. Ron Hubbard]]'s Dianetics which he had joined as a member and auditor. RC resp. Co-Counseling is based on the application of the techniques of Dianetics and [[Scientology]] to a Marxist and identity politics-based analysis of societal oppression, racism, and sexism. Its target audience is a broad political left, particularly anti-racist, feminist, or environmentally minded movements. RC generally presents itself to its target audience as a method of using emotional release techniques (derived from Scientology) to free persons from patterns of behavior imposed on them by systemic racism, sexism, and classism in society, but did not openly disclose the origin of its techniques in Dianetics. The claim of RC is that this emotional release can free people of the effects of societal oppression leaving them re-empowered to change the world.

===Prison Work and Counseling===
Talbot has been active as an alleged medicine person providing spiritual aid to Native prison inmates in several jails in the New England area via „Mettanokit Outreach“, an organisation founded by himself. Talbot himself mentions prisons in two federal states, Massachussetts and Connecticut, while another website claims "[o]ffering Native American circles in 7 New England prisons for 25 years, with sweat lodge, circles, and counseling"<ref>http://www.oneheartfestival.se/index.php/workshop-leaders/event/Guides?layout=tiles</ref>, but providing no information regarding the prisons served or the number of prisoners served presently.

There are reports of Talbot actively discouraging enrolled indigenous persons from participating in the meetings and ceremonies organised by him while instead encouraging so-called „Pretendians“<ref>This term characterises ethnically white persons falsely claiming indigenous descent and aculturation.</ref> and other non-indigenous persons.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5256#msg5256</ref> <ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5272#msg5272</ref> There are also accounts of Talbot showing nude photos of his wife to the inmates he was supposed to give spiritual care to, to a group of prisoners his wife was also working with.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5272#msg5272 </ref>

As of 2015, the organisation "Mettanokit Outreach" is still listed on various sites as an association working with prisoners, but links provided do no longer work. It is therefore not quite clear whether the organisation still exists or may have been dissolved, with Talbot continuing to offer services as an alleged medicine person to the Bureau of Prisons.

Although some publications and biographical notes mention Talbot offering counseling work „for native families, alcohol & drug abuse counseling“<ref>http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/info/bibliography.txt</ref>, this cannot be verified from neutral sources but is mentioned on his own resp. sites and publications repeating his claims. Having studied theatre and been a playwright and actor previously, Talbot does not qualify for such counseling work, and his claim of being a Re-evalutation Counseller also will not qualify him for such services. The aforementioned text, an advertising piece published in the usenet group „alt.gathering.rainbow“ in 1993, also seeks to attract funding for the alleged counseling programmes, as well as for an „Indian Spiritual and Cultural Training Council", or the "Wampanoag Reservation Improvement Fund“.<ref>http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/info/bibliography.txt </ref> The same text, with just a few adjustments, is also published on German Amazon in the way of „product information“ for a 2009 publication by Talbot.<ref>http://www.amazon.de/RETURN-TO-CREATION-Manitonquat/dp/143634705X </ref> It is perhaps noteworthy that one of the two previously mentioned indigenous non-profit organisations for whom donations were also asked in the 1993 text had meanwhile been omitted, although still existing, and replaced by another Talbot project, „The Nature School Foundation“.

===Mettanokit compound and The Nature School Foundation===
Originally, the name Mettanokit was applied to the premises in Greenville, New Hampshire owned by Talbot, which was described as ''„a non-profit learning center and service organization working for a more human society based on the old values of cooperation and equality and the closeness and caring found in our elder tribal societies“''.<ref>http://www.ic.org/wiki/manitonquat/ </ref> In earlier publications, the community also got described as an ''„intentional community of people learning to retribalize“'', thus indicating its participants as non-indigenous, even if the text ambiguously continues that Mettanokit ''„serves as a model for self-sufficient living, and is also a learning experience for people removed from their tribal roots“''.<ref>http://www.welcomehome.org/rainbow/info/bibliography.txt </ref>

According to information provided by Talbot, the community was founded in 1978, when some 50 persons gathered in response to rallying posters reading „Have you lost your tribe“ in the New England area. Talbot claims to have founded the „small tribe“ according to a dream he had in the night of this first gathering, with its name Mettanokit allegedly meaning „Our Mother Earth“. The group establishing their residence at the premises apparently also joined structures like the „Federation of Egalitarian Communities“ and the annual „Northeastern Communities Conference“. Although Talbot does not provide any exact dates or years, he seems to have sought access to organisations representing so-called intentional communities and ecovillages fairly early, and it also seems he likewise established access to Newage events like the „New England Healing Arts Fair“.<ref>http://thewayofthecircle.blogspot.de/2014/03/brief-updates-and-longer-history.html </ref>

Talbot's account of the place's history reports a subsequent further land purchase of an allegedly highly indebted neighbouring compound and that the community managed to pay off mortgage plus debts within ten years. The premises then seem to have suffered badly in a fire during the 1990ies which destroyed the main building, and the community was not able to rebuild the house since their fire insurance showed deficient coverage. The community therefore disbanded, with only Talbot and wife remaining on the compound. He claims the premises were later on sold to „The Nature School of Massachusetts“, agreeing to grant Talbot continuing use of the house he inhabited. Later on, another adjacent property seems to have been bought and according to Talbot's account, they immediately began operating as „an educational-healing retreat center“.<ref>http://thewayofthecircle.blogspot.de/2014/03/brief-updates-and-longer-history.html </ref>

Talbot's account of the earlier history of his premises and the newly founded tribe furthermore is somewhat countered by an article published by the ''Boston Globe'' in 1992 mentioning rather modest numbers of participants:
:''"F. Story Talbot, Cornell '54, lived in New York City, writing and producing plays off-off Broadway for 12 years until he looked about him and saw the city as it was, crime and fear of crime, dirt and death, and decided he was not prepared to stay in that place. [...] He lives in a house trailer in the woods of this town, on 15 acres of what had been a community of 15 like souls now reduced to four people, including himself and his Swedish wife, Ellika."''<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg34604#msg34604</ref>

When the Nature School project allegedly ran into financial problems, Talbot – still living on the premises – is said to have taken over the land onto his name, which suggests another purchase having taken place.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg15574#msg15574 </ref> Although various advertisements for a „Nature School Foundation“ based in Greenville, New Hampshire are still to be found online<ref>see e.g. http://www.idealist.org/view/org/XmzDTFx6mDbD/?orgs_view=funders&orgs_page=1 </ref>, the foundation's website is no longer existent and on an official website, the foundation is characterised as „not in good standing“, presumably for failing to hand in necessary documentation.<ref>https://www.sos.nh.gov/corporate/soskb/Corp.asp?894451 </ref>

Additionally, a person by the name of Donna Dills continues a LinkedIn profile announcing her as the „owner“ of „The Nature School Foundation, Inc.“ since 2002<ref>https://www.linkedin.com/pub/donna-dills/13/557/5a1 </ref>, while in another LinkedIn profile, Dills claims to be the foundation's CEO.<ref>https://www.linkedin.com/pub/donna-dills/3/971/bb8 </ref> In a document found online, Talbot mentions his "daughter Donna"<ref>http://www.freemitchellstein.com/Decl.Talbot_ReplyRelease.pdf </ref>, although it does not get specified whether Ms Dills is in fact a biological daughter or whether this was an honorary form of addressing her.

The project apparently suffered some financial problems in 2006, when Talbot appealed to European supporters for donations to be able to meet mortgage instalments, as he claimed to have run up arrears amounting to $ 6,400.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5086#msg5086 </ref> A few years later in 2012, the project once again faced dire straits and donations for an overall amount of $ 75,000 were asked this time, allegedly to be able to make a final payment for the premises, raising pressure on potential donours employing the claim the amount had to be raised within less than two weeks.<ref>http://www.sabine-lichtenfels.com/en/Ring_of_Power_Feedback.html</ref> Talbot contended the mortgage had been bought by a locust bank who nevertheless had agreed to settle the matter at a payment of $ 75,000, although the compound had been estimated at some $ 250,000.<ref>http://www.circleway.de/emergency.html </ref> The appeal, however, does not quite specify the original amount of the mortgage nor the amount still outstanding at that particular point in time, and there is no update regarding whether Talbot had been able to raise a sufficient amount.

The premise's finances still seemed in danger two years later though, as there were follow-up appeals asking for donations with deadlines being extended several times still in April 2014 published on Talbot's blog, <ref>http://thewayofthecircle.blogspot.de/2014/03/brief-updates-and-longer-history.html </ref> and e.g. on mailing lists organising so-called eco-villages<ref>http://lists.europe.ecovillage.org/pipermail/general/2014-February/000064.html </ref>, with again no further information provided whether deadlines were met successfully or not. The compound probably remains a potential fundraising object.

===Summer Camps===
Annual summer camps with Talbot offering so-called teachings, complemented by co-counseling, have been established in several European countries. Although places may vary from year to year, camps as well as other events are more or less organised regularly in Germany, Austria, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Ireland, and Denmark, with the most stable ones in Germany and Austria. In 2015, there is also one camp advertised in Alfriston, GB.<ref>http://englandevents.co.uk/alfriston-circle-way-camp-with-manitonquat-amp-ellika-8-12/352771 </ref> Additionally, Talbot also regularly takes part in camps organised by other vendors, like ZEGG resp. GEN-Europe in 2014<ref>http://www.circleway.de/ </ref> or in the camp organised by German Bear Tribe in 2015.<ref>http://www.circleway.org/schedule.html </ref> Another camp Talbot participated in during the 2015 season was the Austrian Roots Camp whose organisers are apparently recognised as a non-profit association and do not only sell seminars, camps etc. on the Newage market, but also for Austrian youths and for adolescent refugees, with camps for the latter group most probably financed with public monies.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/pages/ROOTS-Camp/331002428312?fref=photo&ref=stream </ref> Roots Camp seems to be working according to Talbot's so-called teachings and also publishes donation requests on behalf of Talbot.

In Germany, three camps with Talbot are being organised on a regular basis. One summer camp in Bavaria, another one in Oelde, and a "Circle Way Leadership Camp" which also takes place in Bavaria. Additionally, workshops and seminars are being offered by varying organisers. In 2015, a particular effort apparently took place in Italy, with one camp, one seminar, one workshop being organised, plus an event for solstice and one at an Elfin community<ref>http://www.circleway.org/schedule.html </ref>, although the latter event only gets mentioned at Talbot's own website.

The camps taking place in Bavaria since several years are organised by a "Light on Earth Institute" run by Stefan and Julia Mandel. Stefan Mandel is an alternative practitioner, but also sells various indigenous ceremonies. Besides Talbot, he also cooperates with the so-called council of "13 grandmothers", with [[Jens Lyberth]] aka Angaangaq, and organises travels to [[Joao de Deus]]. Furthermore he claims to be a "pipe carrier". Apart from the camps with Talbot, the Mandels also organise an annual "Pacha Mama Camp" promoting varying plastic shamans active on a national level as well as internationally. The camp in Oelde also has been organised since years, although the organising committee seems to have replaced.

====Camp Fees====
Prices asked for participation in a camp may vary somewhat, also in accordance with the length of the respective camp. It has to be noted that the amounts asked in the way of camp fees will mainly cover "teachings" provided by Talbot, and at least used to cover costs occuring to the organising team in the way of preparatory meetings and other expenses.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5080#msg5080 </ref>

The Austrian Circle Way Camp lasts for five days. Early bookers will receive a substantial rebate with the price of €270, while regular prices are €310 (low income), €350 (normal income), and €390 (including a solidarity amount to make up for losses on low income participants' rebates). Children between the ages of 6 to 18 will pay €77, while persons brought along by participants to facilitate childcare during the "teachings" will pay €140. Accomodation in participants' own tent or camper is included, as is accomodation in a communal dormitory.<ref>http://nahopra.synology.me/wordpress/ </ref>

The Bavarian camp, lasting nine days, differentiates prices for early bookers (€330, €410, €499 for low, normal, and high income tariffs) with prices later on rising to €390, €499, and €590 respectively. Children between 5 and 8 will be charged €90. Accomodation in participants' own tent will be charged with €6 per night, a double room amounts to €50, a single room to €35 which will have to be paid additionally to the aforementioned amount. Meals are charged at €77 for eleven lunches, while all other meals will have to be provided and paid for by participants themselves. A price of €7 per vegetarian or vegan lunch suggests that this amount is above cost price.<ref>http://www.light-on-earth.com/camp-mit-manitonquat.html </ref>

For the 2014 five-day camp in Sweden, fees asked of adult participants were SEK 3,750 (€397) and SEK 3,200 (€339), with age groups 15-25 paying SEK 2,050 resp. SEK 1,300 (€ 219 and € 139 ) and 4-14 paying SEK 1,000 resp. SEK 900 (€ 107 and € 96).<ref>http://www.mundekulla.se/en/courses/circle-way-camp-26272552 </ref> Accomodation on a mattress in a dormitory was charged with SEK 100 (€10) per night resp. SEK 200 (€ 21) per person and night in a double room resp. SEK350 (€37) for a double room with own bath, and SEK500 (€53) in a single room.<ref>http://www.mundekulla.se/en/courses/circle-way-camp-26272552 </ref>

===Sales of Indigenous Ceremonies===
At least in Germany, Talbot also seems to have sold indigenous ceremonies resp. to have "initiated" students and "authorised" them to offer respective services. One student of Talbot's mentions: ''"With Manitonquat (Medicine Story), an Elder of the Wampanoag Indians, I have participated in a workshop to become a sweatlodge leader in 1998."''<ref>http://www.kristallfamilie.de/index.php/gerold-vo%C3%9F.html </ref> Another client from Austria claims to have received an ''"initiation into Northern Indian'' [sic] ''way of life and to "Life in a Circle" by Manitonquat-Medicine Story"''.<ref>http://evaauerfillafer.wix.com/neuesbewusstsein#!eva-auer-fillafer/c16fm</ref>

The aforementioned 1992 article in the ''Boston Globe'' confirms Talbot exploiting indigenous spirituality:
:''"He ... does a one-man show based on the life of Black Elk, a Sioux holy man. [...]
:''He conducts spiritual circles in Berlin, Hamburg, Copenhagen, Helsinki and returns to those cities "over and over." Where there is a suitable place, he constructs a sweat lodge."''<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg34604#msg34604 </ref>

Although the scarcity of Google results in this respect suggests Talbot meanwhile may have stopped these alleged initiations, there still are persons claiming him as their teacher in this field and there was online evidence of his still selling sweatlodges in 2006.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=888.msg5256#msg5256 </ref>

====Talking Sticks and Clans====
Talbot however still uses components of indigenous cultures and social organisation in his teachings and during his summer camps. One of these is the promotion of using Talking Sticks which he apparently introduces as more or less generically indigenous. Talking Sticks were e.g. used throughout the cultural region of the North-West, but not in the North-Eastern Woodland cultural region, to which the Wampanoag will belong, therefore it seems that Talbot is mixing traditions. His making use of Talking Sticks and clan organisation patterns also suggest that he views these aspects as a sales pitch granting him more authenticity.

Another aspect is his practice of arranging participants of his summer camps in so-called "clans" of some six to eight persons. Although some indigenous nations were organised in clans, this is not true for all of them. Generally speaking a clan is a sub-unit of an ethnic entity whose members share an actual or perceived kinship and descent<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clan</ref>, which is certainly not the case with camp participants. The rather limited number of clan members in these camps is likewise ridiculous and does in no way reflect indigenous customs.

However, as of 2015, more organisations in contact with Talbot seem inclined to take up this practice, as meanwhile German [[Calumed e.V.]] introduces a "Medicine Clan" on their website which apparenly also employs Talking Sticks as well as pipe ceremonies, medicine wheel ceremonies, full moon ceremonies, and sweatlodges.<ref>http://www.calumed.de/seminare-und-veranstaltungen/medicine-clan.php </ref>

The 2015 [[ZEGG]] summer camp, in which Talbot will appear as a lecturer, also announces to organise participants in "clans" of some twenty to thirty persons.<ref>http://www.zegg-forum.org/summercamp-at-zegg.phtml </ref>

==Cooperation with other plastic shamans and vendors on the Newage Market==

Due to his being active since the 1970ies, Talbot has associated with various Newage projects and groups over the years.

===Rainbow Gatherings===
Apparently, Talbot participated in the Rainbow Gatherings already fairly early, according to an account rendered in a publication from the first gathering in 1972.<ref>Steve McFadden: Profiles in Wisdom: Native Elders Speak About the Earth, 1991, 2001 Lincoln NE (originally published by Bear and Co.)</ref> The Rainbow Gatherings, however, are no indigenous meetings but attract a largely white clientele from the hippie subculture and from counterculture environments. They organise annual meetings at differing locations in the USA, usually on land in federal ownership and very often at or close to sites sacred to one or more indigenous nations.<ref>The main 2015 US meeting was scheduled to take place in the Black Hills which are held sacred by several indigenous nations who strongly objected the meeting and particularly opposed drug abuse there as well as free sexuality taking place in areas sacred to them. Part of the Rainbow Gathering clientele then withdrew from the plan to gather in the Black Hills, while another part, not bothered by facts, insisted they were welcomed by the indigenous nations and had their permission. Another smaller meeting organised at Mount Shasta, California in July 2015 was closed down by a cease and desist order effected by the Winnemem Wintu Nation.</ref> <ref>http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/2015/07/14/protect-he-sapa-stop-cultural-exploitation</ref> <ref>http://nativenewsonline.net/currents/winnemem-wintu-tribe-gives-cease-desist-order-to-rainbow-family/</ref> As of late, Talbot seems no longer actively participating in these events, presumably since they are scheduled at the beginning of July annually, at which time Talbot will usually stay in Europe for seminars and camps.

===Bear Tribe===
This organisation was founded by Vincent LaDuke a.k.a. "Sun Bear", who was enrolled Ojibway. However, LaDuke was no medicine person and had no respective training but sold a spirituality and ceremonies tailored to attract an affluent white clientele. The range of commerce e.g. included an alleged traditional "Indian astrology" which based on the usual system, simply replacing the terms used for the signs of the zodiac with alleged indigenous terms (so e.g. "Aquarius" becomes "Otter").

Cooperation between Talbot and LaDuke resp. the Bear Tribe already began in the 1970ies. Talbot's earlier books were published by the Bear Tribe. Presumably, both Talbot and LaDuke sought to further promote themselves by cooperating with another plastic shaman well established with their white clientele.

In 2015, Talbot participated as a lecturer in the annual "Medicine Wheel" camp organised by the German Bear Tribe and made an appearance alongside persons from the US Bear Tribe as well as Brooke "Medicine Eagle" Edwards<ref>https://blog.psiram.com/2015/04/brooke-medicine-eagle-edwards-plastic-shaman-with-some-40-years-of-experience-in-fleecing/ </ref>, another plastic shaman active since the 1970ies who has also cooperated with Bear Tribe for several decades.

===Calumed e.V.===
Calumed e.V. is a German non-profit association active on the Newage market since the 1980ies in various ways. One part of their activities is selling a course in self-management, while another main pillar has been engaging in and selling indigenous spirituality. Their name indicates both fields by employing a pun including both the term "calumet" for a pipe, adding "med" for alternative medicine. However, Calumed e.V. also includes sexuality into the spiritual mix they teach, which is not in accordance with indigenous practice.

The association has been working with [[Larson Medicinehorse]] since at least the end of the 1980ies. Medicinehorse was a regular lecturer at Calumed summer camps, while Calumed members were resp. still are participating in the Sun Dances organised by Medicinehorse. They, too, organise an annual summer camp, for which Talbot at least made an appearance as a lecturer in one year, and one of the German camps of Talbot saw visitors from Calumed e.V., e.g. their founder and president at that point in time, Dieter Jarzombek.

===Intentional Communities and Ecovillages===
These umbrella organisations do not only include projects exploiting and/or selling indigenous spirituality and do not seem to pay much attention to indications that a particular member community may be influenced or even dominated by a cult or cult-like organisation, so that GEN-Europe, as one example, also accept as members eco-villages like "Krishna Valley" from Hungary who are also organised in [[ISKCON]] which is viewed as a cult, or Italian Damanhur, Tamera from Portugal, and [[ZEGG]] from Germany. Another dubious member is "Stamm der Likatier" [Tribe of Licatians, formerly "Stamm Füssen, i.e. "Füssen Tribe"] in Germany which gained some notoriety for having given reason for investigations due to sexual abuse of children, but also managed to raise enough money from their membership to have secretly bought much of the real estate in their home town. The „tribe“ also owns and runs two shops selling Newage gadgets, a publishing house, a real estate company, a health food shop, and its vice president owns a company organising Newage fairs.<ref>https://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php/Stamm_der_Likatier</ref>

In the case of GEN-Europe, it is perhaps not very likely they may detect such influences or view them as problematic, since their council consists of a member of Damanhur (council president), as well as one member each of ZEGG, Tamera, Krishna Valley, and LaBase/Spain (they sell e.g. sweat lodges).<ref>http://gen-europe.org/about-us/gen-europe-council/gen-europe-council/index.htm</ref>

The entry on Talbot published by the Wiki of Intentional Communities again repeats Talbot's claim of being the "ceremonial medicine man of the Assonet Band" as well as other aforementioned claims, although they do include two sources critical of Talbot.<ref>http://www.ic.org/wiki/manitonquat/ </ref> Over all, the ICWiki views Talbot positively and indicates a far more intense commitment in this environment:
:''"Manitonquat has also spent over forty years with various intentional communities around the world — as founder, participant, and observer — and so has gathered a wealth of intimate knowledge about their various strengths and weaknesses, as well as effective techniques in communal living."''<ref>http://www.ic.org/wiki/manitonquat/</ref>

According to the ICWiki, Talbot allegedly claims "mixed heritage" with his father having been Wampanoag. They also reconfirm his alleged right to teach indigenous, or indigenous-inspired content, comparing Talbot's efforts to that of the Grimm brothers collecting fairy tales.
At the same time, they aim at minimising criticism raised due to Talbot's cooperation with projects like ZEGG and Tamera. The reliablity of such tactics is somewhat hampered by the fact that the aforementioned projects are also members of the Intentional Community movement, as becomes apparent from a look at their directory<ref>http://www.ic.org/directory/listings/?cmty-country=Germany </ref>: ZEGG, as one example, has been a member since 1999, "Stamm der Likatier" since March 2005. Another dubious member is a project "12 Tribes Klosterzimmern"<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twelve_Tribes_communities </ref> <ref>https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zw%C3%B6lf_St%C3%A4mme_%28Glaubensgemeinschaft%29 </ref> which gained notoriety recently for denying their children access to medical care and for practicing continued severe corporal punishment on children of all age groups. This project joined in May 2005.

Talbot has made regular appearances as a lecturer at ZEGG summer camps and at the so-called "Summer University" organised by Tamera. He furthermore seems to have been granted the honour of being "the only honorary citizen of ZEGG", as is announced on their Facebook site.<ref>https://www.facebook.com/zegg.gemeinschaft/posts/10152006759952433 </ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Francis Talbot}}

==References==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT: Talbot, Francis}}

[[category:Plastic Shamans]]

Morgan Maez

2016-10-11T19:10:20Z

WikiSysop: Fixed image

[[image:Morgan Maez.jpg|thumb]]
'''Morgan Maez''' aka Eaglebear, born 1950 presumably in Pagosa Springs/Colorado, is one of the longest established plastic shamans on the Newage market. He claims to be a member of the Apache nation and a great-great-son of Goyathlay [Geronimo].
According to information obtainable online, Maez' birthname was Margarita George Maez which he seems to have changed legally.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1440.0 </ref> Further biographical information is not available online. He seems to be a resident of Asheville/North Carolina.

==Legend - and Facts==
Maez claims to be a trained Apache medicine person, even being "one of the few living Apache medicine men", and having received a respective training by his elders. However, both the Fort Sills Apache, in 1999, and the Mescalero Apache nation in New Mexico confirmed Maez is no descendant of Geronimo and did not receive a training as a ceremonial person.
<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~mike.wicks/eaglebear.html </ref> It must furthermore be noticed that if Maez did happen to be a member of the nation, he should be able to name the band he belongs to and his ancestral lines. He has, however, never provided such information.

However, in a recent advertisement for a "Shamanic Congress" in Spain from May 20-22, 2016, Maez now gets described as a Chiricahua Apache [the Chiricahua now live at both Fort Sill and the Mescalero reservation] born "at one of the poorest reservations of the USA in New Mexico".<ref>http://www.shing.eu/english-home/shamanism-xxi-1st-congress/participant-shamans/ </ref> While it may certainly go down well with his European and Euro-American audience to describe the Mescalero reservation as extremely poor, this does not quite reflect the facts, since the reservation has been quite successful in introducing an ecologically-oriented tourism and runs a skiing resort<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ski_Apache </ref>, earns money with hunting and fishing licences, runs a hotel and casino and two museums, and has been successfully active in cattle breeding and lumber industry since several decades.<ref>https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mescalero#Heutige_Situation </ref>

A further claim made by Maez is an alleged training as a Lakota medicine person, too. Articles and information dating back to the early 1990ies also mention he was allegedly trained by Cheyenne and Cree medicine persons.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/45958015/ </ref> While it is quite usual a practice of plastic shamans to claim trainings with several indigenous nations, such trainings do not occur in reality and are but a certain indicator the claiming person is a fake medicine man.

It becomes apparent from Maez' use of Lakota terms like ''inipi'' and ''chanupa'' [sic] that he does not exploit Apache spirituality, but sells Lakota ceremonies.

In older articles and biographical information provided online, Maez is also said to have studied child psychology at the University of Utah, and parapsychology at the University of California in Berkeley. While there is indeed one person who earned a Ph.D. in Parapsychology from Berkeley<ref>http://www.williamjames.com/diploma.htm </ref>, there was never a respective course offered there. Maez further claims to have received certifications as a hypnotherapist and to be trained in acupressure, acupuncture, astrology and martial arts.<ref>https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/45958015/ </ref> All these practices do not reflect indigenous customs.

Another artile dating back to August 1990 reports that Maez allegedly adopted 16 children who came from families with substance-abusing parents.<ref>Star News, Wilmington, North Carolina, August 24, 1990</ref>

Another claim was Maez' cooperation with an alleged Maori "medicine man" by the name of Joseph Winterhawk Martin aka "Airiki Wairua". Reports obtainable online claim that Martin was no Maori and not recognized by them, and mention that he was sentenced to a term in prison, probably a life term, for having exploited his position as a boy-scout leader to sexually abuse several of the children, all under age.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1440.msg22672#msg22672</ref>

==Activities==
Maez has been active as a plastic shaman for more than 30 years. There is one German Newage author and lecturer by the name of Peter Orzechowski who claims to have been trained by Maez between 1986 and 1991 and to have received his authorisation to do "shamanic healing rituals".<ref>http://www.bad-camberg.info/cms/index.php/veranstaltungen/976-schamanische-hypnose </ref>

According to information provided online, he has not been active only in the US, but also in Brazil, New Zealand, Mexico, Chile, Cuba, Russia, China, Israel, Haiti, Madagascar and the Vatican, where he sold indigenous ceremonies like the Sundance, alleged pipe ceremonies, and sweatlodges.<ref>http://www.shing.eu/english-home/shamanism-xxi-1st-congress/participant-shamans/ </ref> Apart from activities in Mexico and Spain, activities in the countries claimed cannot be verified from material obtainable online.

==Non-profit Church==
In December 1995, Maez founded his own church, the "Church of Indigenous Spiritualism, Inc." in North Carolina. Online platforms providing business information name the founder as "Morgan Eaglebear Maez" and a location in Asheville/North Carolina.<ref>http://businessprofiles.com/details/church-of-indigenous-spiritualism-inc/NC-0385273</ref> The church has managed to obtain a tax-exempt status which it apparently keeps until today. Online research for any activities of this church does not yield any results, although the church remains active officially.

==Criticism==
The most obvious criticism arises from the fact that Maez is not recognised as a tribal member by either the Fort Sill Apache nor the Mescalero Apache nation, both of which include persons of Chiricahua Apache ancestry. As an alleged descendant of Goyathlay, Maez should be able to present family in at least one of these nations which he apparently can not. According to information published in 1999 by Ms Ruey H. Dawson, then chairperson of the Fort Sill Apache in Oklahoma, Maez is not enrolled with either the Fort Sill nor the Mescalero Apache nations and did not receive any training as a medicine person by either of the nations. As Dawson points out, the nations do very well know their ceremonial persons.<ref>http://www.mindspring.com/~mike.wicks/eaglebear.html </ref>

Maez' alleged academic merits also cannot be verified, and indeed seem at least in part questionable (the degree in "parapsychology"). His further alleged qualification in hypnotherapy also cannot be verified, and the others relate to Newage practices. Thus Maez appears as another Newage vendor on the market mixing alleged indigenous ceremonies with esoteric practice.

However, there are also several reports regarding his conduct available online which accuse him of including sexual practices into alleged indigenous ceremonies. As a rule of thumb, any ceremony offered including such practices may be written off as a fake. Additionally, Maez seems to employ such practice to control his students resp. church members, not only by causing shame, but also by alienating them from family and friends in the course of time. Reports particularly mention alleged rites including homosexual activities among and with his students with the claim of their need to overcome homophobic notions and inhibitions. Other reports also mention Maez planned to engage in sexual activities with girls under age.<ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1440.msg22672#msg22672 </ref> <ref>http://www.newagefraud.org/smf/index.php?topic=1440.msg22679#msg22679 </ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Morgan Maez}}

==References==
<references />

[[category:Plastic Shamans]]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Maez, Morgan}}

File:Morgan Maez.jpg

2016-10-11T19:09:42Z

WikiSysop: https://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php/Datei:Morgan_Maez.jpg

https://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php/Datei:Morgan_Maez.jpg

Total Biology

2016-10-11T19:03:03Z

WikiSysop: Fixed image

[[image:sabbah4.jpg|Claude Sabbah|thumb]]
'''Biologie totale according to Sabbah''' (''Biological Decoding'', ''Biologie totale des etres vivants, BTEV'', i.e. ''Total Biology of Animate Beings'', also: ''Total Biology, bio-psycho-généalogie'' etc.) is a pseudomedical method invented by former French MD Claude Sabbah. The method is primarily promoted in French-speaking regions and is closely linked to [[Germanic New Medicine]] (GNM). BTEV does not have much access to the German-language Newage market, since this is being covered by GNM, so-called Meta-Medicine and by various Mental Healers. Despite its similarities to GNM, its inventor [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]] fiercely rejects Biologie Totale. Prior to inventing his own method, however, Sabbah participated in a course with Ryke Geerd Hamer who calls Sabbah a former GNM student.

There is no scientific literature on this method to be found in data bases, which also contain no publications written by Claude Sabbah. The "Quebec College of Physicians" in a radio interview in 2008 called Total Biology a fraud.<ref>Remark by Yves Lamontagne, Quebec College of Physicians, in an interview with Radio Canada in October 2008</ref>

Possible successes of this method have not been documented but are merely claimed anecdotally by its proponents. In Belgium, Total Biology has been called a cult which encapsulates persons from their social environment.<ref>Remark by Luc Willems (Open VLD), chairperson of the Investigating Commission on cults in Belgium.</ref>

==Total Biology==
[[image:Sabbah3.jpg|Sabbah|thumb]]
[[image:ClaudeSabbah3.jpg|thumb]]
Proponents view BTEV as a way to explain all causes of illness with simple, primitive approaches. All diseases, according to Sabbah's speculations, were the result of alleged "biological conflicts" which were experienced in an "isolated way", were interceded to the body via so-called relays and never developed coincidentally. At the same time, disease was to be understood as a healing process. According to this concept, there is no incurable disease, but only patients who did not realise their natural healing potential because they were not sufficiently working at "solving their conflicts".

Consequentially, the patient is held responsible for the development of a disease as well as for a possible failure in case of curation not materialising. Sabbah claims: ''"The failure of Biological Deprogramming may be due to a failure of the therapist who did not find the cause of the conflict, but it may also be due to the failure of the patient who does not manage to let go of his conflicts."''<ref>''"L’échec de la Déprogrammation Biologique peut être celui du thérapeute qui n’a pas trouvé l’origine du conflit; mais il peut être aussi celui du patient qui n’arrive pas à lâcher son conflit"''.</ref> The BTEV therapist (who does not need any medical training), however, could assist by "biologically deprogramming". The deprogramming method bears similarities to the method of Psychomagic, invented by Alejandro Jodorovsky, which is also applied by Hamer, according to reports from witnesses: The patient writes down his "conflicts" on a piece of paper, tears the sheet and buries the pieces (if need be this can even be done in the earth of a flower pot). Both Jodorovsky and Hamer applied similar magic methods and burnt such sheets of paper.

Sabbah presents the alleged scientific concept of BTEV in a typical pseudo-scientific way as a system which was to be believed in, and did not meet any interest within academic medicine. The highfaluting vocabulary used was largely borrowed from GNM. There are, however, some new terms inventend, like the one of ''Surstress'' (approx. "Super-Stress"). In 1993, Sabbah presumably attended a seminar with Hamer, so they will know each other.

According to his claims, Sabbah treated about 1,700 cancer patients with this method, only two of which allegedly died. Contrary to Hamer, Sabbah is very careful with public statements and does not like to be filmed or having his photo taken during his "work" or during seminars. Photographers will face an aggressive reaction. On his websites, Sabbah also points out that medical advice is to be observed. As Canadian journalists discovered, this is quite different during seminars. The journalists participated in a seminar and, unbeknownst to Sabbah, did video recordings which were made public in a broadcast by Radio Canada.<ref>Radio Canada, "enquete" dated October 3, 2008 [http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/Science-Sante/2008/10/02/002-biologie-totale.shtml]</ref> Sabbah has become even more careful since his Belgian proponent was sentenced for fraud and illegal practicing of medicine. In September 1996, Belgian MD Alain Scohy also lost his licence after having applied BTEV.<ref>http://www.miviludes.fr/IMG/pdf/these_medecine_Guivier_Armelle_2007.pdf</ref> MD Gerard Athias, too, lost his medical licence for the same reason.

One difference to GNM is the supposed ''transgénérationnel'', i.e. the possible effects of conflicts experienced by one's ancestors. Not only conflicts suffered in person were to be seen as a cause of disease, but also inherited conflicts.

==Claude Sabbah==
Claude Sabbah was born in North Africa and is a former Medical Doctor. Sabbah migrated to France and became a physician there. Meanwhile, he has returned his medical licence in France and therefore is not in a position to work as an MD any longer. Sabbah claims to have published more than 1,200 scientific pieces of work, none of which can be found in any respective data bases.

==Sabbah's Activities==
Until recently, Sabbah taught his method in seminars of 16 days in the vicinity of Marseille, with participants paying a fee of € 2,000. Participants did not need to provide proof of any medical qualification. Sabbah announced to have trained more than 7,500 persons in his method. He furthermore gives conferences on his method in French-speaking countries worldwide. In 2008, Sabbah had the statement announced that he suffered an "accident" and was not able to do seminars any longer. On the other hand, it is known that he suffered a stroke in March 2008.

==Dangers of BTEV==
Same as with GNM, this method implies enormous dangers for patients, since in BTEV environments, medical laypersons assume to be competent to treat severe disease after having taken a mere 16-day course. Two Canadian journalists, feigning to suffer from tumours, made appointments with several BTEV therapists in Quebec. Almost all of these BTEV therapists tried to convince the patients to drop out of regular therapies. Canadian citizen Line Fournier from Prévost even declared the tumour would already have disappeared if the patient had not begun a conventional therapy. Several therapists emphasised not to inform the patients' regular MD of their BTEV contacts (which is a well-known strategy in GNM, too - cf http://www.psiram.com/en/index.php/Victims_of_New_Medicine#2006:_Domenico_Mannarino_.28Italy.29 ).

==Deaths after experiments with BT therapies in Belgium==
[[image:DeReuckBuch.jpg|Bookcover Nathalie De Reuck|thumb]]
Belgian MD Charles Berliner from Brussels is convinced that at least two patients died following a treatment according to "Total Biology". Fatally ill patients came to see him after a BTEV treatment and died. The death of a patient suffering from breast cancer in the Belgian town of Eupen is being investigated by authorities; a BTEV therapist by the name of Louis Vliegen has been under investigation from 2004, because a patient did not receive any treatment for five months and finally desperately went to a hospital in Liege/Luik where she died a week later.<ref>http://www.prevensectes.com/rev0406.htm</ref><ref>Pascale Gruber: L’arène de Sabbah, Article in Le Vif-L’Express dd. June 11, 2004</ref><ref>Armelle Guivier, Dissertation: Risques d'atteinte a l'integrite physiques encourus par les adeptes de sectes, University of Franche-Compte-Besancon, Dissertation 07-018 April 13, 2007, p. 97 [http://www.miviludes.fr/IMG/pdf/these_medecine_Guivier_Armelle_2007.pdf]</ref> In an announcement on his answering machine, Vliegen outed himself as a BTEV representative for Belgium. Expert Koen Demyttenaere of Royal University of Leuven/Louvain declared that BT was completely unscientific and deplored the fact that the title of a therapist was not legally protected in Belgium.<ref>
http://www.nieuwsblad.be/Article/Detail.aspx?ArticleID=7R1R5FAJ</ref><ref>De Standaard, April 23, 2008</ref>

In 2008, the fate of 60-year-old Jacqueline Starck became known who suffered from breast cancer, was treated according to Total Biology, and died in 2007. She did not receive any regular medical treatment as BT "therapists" had convinced her she had "nothing" but only showed symptoms which indicated an "inner conflict", the cause of which needed to be established. A series of measures was then taken, from a pseudo-family therapy, radiesthesia, black magic, kinesiology and dowsing with a pendulum - anything seems to have been fine as long as it was not conventional medicine. Pain medication was not allowed, not even with Aspirines. One therapist gave a remote treatment per telephone from a French centre and made sure payment was effected in several tranches via postal money order. Two months prior to her death, Starck realised she had been cheated and asked her daughter, Nathalie de Reuck, to make this public and take actions against the charlatans. To this effect, she handed over all notes and voice recordings done of her "therapist", an osteopath and BTEV therapist from Brussels, to her daughter (Quote from the recordings: ''"I'm sure I wouldn't do a chemo or a radiotherapy. You know you can take the tumour off yourself"'' ... ''"hmmmph"'' ... ''"If you don't solve your conflict, this will just go on"'').<ref>(Quote from recorded material: “Moi, ce qui est certain, c’est que chimio ou radio, je ne le ferais pas. Tu sais, tu peux enlever la tumeur… pfffft… si tu n’as pas résolu le conflit, ça continue…”</ref> The daughter published the account in a book titled "DES CHARLATANS DE LA SANTÉ ONT TUÉ MA MÈRE" (Health Charlatans killed my Mother).<ref>NATHALIE DE REUCK : "DES CHARLATANS DE LA SANTÉ ONT TUÉ MA MÈRE", éditions Buchet-Chastel.</ref> Belgian TV and journalist Philippe Dutilleul reported on the case.<ref>"Mort biologique sur ordonnance téléphonique". (RTBF) (Biological death on advice by telephone)</ref><ref>http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291166/morte-a-cause-d-un-marabout-sa-fille-temoigne.html</ref><ref>http://seulomonde.canalblog.com/archives/2010/01/15/16210339.html</ref><ref>http://storage.canalblog.com/43/16/676130/48519395.jpg</ref><ref>http://www.elle.fr/elle/Societe/News/Nathalie-de-Reuck-Des-charlatans-de-la-sante-ont-tue-ma-mere/(gid)/1119026</ref><ref>http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291167/ils-promettaient-de-la-guerir.html</ref><ref>http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291166/morte-a-cause-d-un-marabout-sa-fille-temoigne.html</ref><ref>http://blogs.rtlinfo.be/faceaface/2010/02/05/nathalie-de-reuck-on-a-tue-ma-mere</ref><ref>http://seulomonde.canalblog.com/archives/2010/01/15/16210339.html</ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Biologie totale nach Sabbah|fr=Biologie Totale}}

==Literature==
*Nathalie de Reuck : "Des charlatans de la santé ont tue ma mere" (''Health Charlatans killed my Mother''), éditions Buchet-Chastel.

==Weblinks==
*http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/arts-et-spectacles/television-et-radio/200810/01/01-25527-lhistoire-dhorreur-de-la-biologie-totale-a-enquete.php
*http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/biologie-totale-hamers-new-german-medicine-in-canada/#more-3481
*http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2008/10/biologie_totale_the_quackery_of_german_n.php
*http://www.passeportsante.net/fr/Actualites/Nouvelles/Fiche.aspx?doc=2008100374
*http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291166/morte-a-cause-d-un-marabout-sa-fille-temoigne.html
*http://seulomonde.canalblog.com/archives/2010/01/15/16210339.html
*http://storage.canalblog.com/43/16/676130/48519395.jpg
*http://www.elle.fr/elle/Societe/News/Nathalie-de-Reuck-Des-charlatans-de-la-sante-ont-tue-ma-mere/(gid)/1119026
*http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291167/ils-promettaient-de-la-guerir.html
*http://www.dhnet.be/infos/societe/article/291166/morte-a-cause-d-un-marabout-sa-fille-temoigne.html
*http://blogs.rtlinfo.be/faceaface/2010/02/05/nathalie-de-reuck-on-a-tue-ma-mere
*http://seulomonde.canalblog.com/archives/2010/01/15/16210339.html

==References==
<references/>

[[category:Pseudomedical Therapy]]

File:DeReuckBuch.jpg

2016-10-11T19:02:37Z

WikiSysop: https://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php/Datei:DeReuckBuch.jpg

https://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php/Datei:DeReuckBuch.jpg

Antineoplaston

2015-11-04T19:17:07Z

WikiSysop:

The '''Antineoplaston-Therapy''' (ANP) according to [[Stanisław Burzyński]] is an [[unconventional cancer treatments|unconventional cancer treatment]] using so-called „antineoplaston remedies“. Burzyński invented the name for a group of peptides. Despite the [[pseudomedicine|pseudomedical]] therapy has been known in USA since 1977, evidence of its efficacy is not available as of yet. Several fatalities, however, are associated with the therapy<ref>http://www.ncahf.org/nl/1998/9-10.html</ref>; it is regarded as inappropriate for the treatment of cancer.<ref>Goldberg P, The Antineoplaston Anomaly: How a Drug Was Used for Decades in Thousands of Patients, With No Safety, Efficacy Data, The Cancer Letter 1998 vol 24, 36</ref><ref>http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Cancer/burzynski2.html</ref>
Critics of the method were threatened by a marketer of the method in 2011.<ref>[http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2011/11/the-burzynski-clinic-threatens-my-family.html The Burzynski Clinic Threatens My Family.], Quackometer, 24. November 2011</ref><ref>[http://rhysmorgan.co/2011/11/threats-from-the-burzynski-clinic/ Threats from The Burzynski Clinic], Blog of Rhys Morgan, November 28, 2011</ref> After a resulting public outrage, Burzynski's Clinic issued an apology and a statement that the marketer in question was not "in a professional relationship with the Burzynski Clinic" anymore. The press release confirmed the marketer had been contracted to "stop the dissemination of false and misleading information" about the antineoplaston therapy. Bloggers will be contacted by lawyers to remove what is claimed to be false or misleading information.<ref name="press_release">[https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BzijOpjuex1bMjE4N2JjOGItZGFlOS00NDE0LTk2YzktMThkYjFiOTU2YjNl&hl=en_US&pli=1 Press Release], Burzynski Clinic, November 29, 2011, accessed November 30, 2011</ref>

==Stanisław Burzyński==
[[image:burzynski.jpg|Stanisław Burzyński|right]]
Physician Stanisław Rajmund Burzyński (born January 23, 1943 in Lublin, Poland) lives in Houston, Texas. Burzyński claims to have achieved both M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in medicine in Lublin in 1967. These claims are dubitable since this university does not provide doctoral programs. Additionally, his dissertation cannot be traced.<ref>[http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/Cancer/burzynski1.html Stanisław Burzyński and "Antineoplastons"], Saul Green, Ph.D., Quackwatch</ref><ref>[http://www.ratbags.com/rsoles/comment/burzynski.htm Comment and Opinion, Burzynski Research Institute], The Millenium Project, Peter Bowditch</ref>

Burzyński migrated to the United States in 1970 and was employed at Baylor University in Houston, isolating peptides from rat brains for three years. He received a licence to practice medicine in USA in 1973 and was awarded a three-year grant to study the effects of urinary peptides as an assistant professor. When the grant was not renewed, Burzyński founded his own clinic in Houston.

==Composition of Antineoplastons==
Antineoplastons are a group of organic chemical compounds usually found in urine and blood. They consist mostly of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins and peptides, compounds made of two or more amino acids.

In 1985 Burzyński presented peptides which he called A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. He detected A2 had the highest effects on tumor cells and named its active ingredient A10. Chemically speaking, A10 is 3-N-phenylacetyl-amino-piperidine-2,6-dione. He developed the products AS 2.5 and AS 2.1 from this peptide. Burzyński first prepared them from human blood, later from human urine. He developed and patented a manufacturing process for the peptides allowing him to produce them without taking them from human urine. This method is based on synthesis of glutamine and phenylacetyl chloride. Since 1980, the preparation can thus be manufactured synthetically using inexpensive substances commercially available.<ref>ISBN 1-881025-09-8, Ralph Moss, "The Cancer Industry", 1996</ref><ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/antineoplastons/patient/page2 Questions and Answers About Antineoplastons], National Cancer Institute</ref>

In alternative medicine, tributyrat PA and PB are known as a kind of preliminary version of Burzyński's antineoplastons.

==The Therapy==
The therapy is available only from Burzyński at the "Burzynski Clinic" in West Houston, Texas. He offers the treatment as part of studies, since the compounds used are not approved. In order to qualify, a patient must have been non-respondent to standard therapies, or the tumour must have been rated incurable. The compound is either injected or taken orally. If a patient's condition improves due to intravenous adminstration, patients may switch to oral administration. During intravenous administration, antineoplastones must be given constantly, thus requiring a programmable pump which patients carry on them.

==Costs==
An according therapy is estimated at approximately $ 100,000 per year of treatment. Patients have to pay $ 6,000 prior to the start of treatment and instalments of $ 7,500 to $ 9,000 per month. Most insurance companies consider the therapy unproven and do not reimburse costs.<ref>Aetna Clinical Policy Bulletin, [http://aetna.com/cpb/medical/data/200_299/0240.html Antineoplaston Therapy and Sodium Phenylbutyrate]</ref><ref>Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Policy, [http://empireblue.com/provider/noapplication/f2/s5/t9/pw_ad084920.pdf Antineoplaston Therapy]</ref><ref>[http://www.zenosblog.com/2011/11/big-business-in-texas/ Big business in Texas], Zeno's Blog, November 26, 2011</ref>

==Legal Issues==
In 1994, Burzyński was convicted for tax insurance fraud.<ref>[ftp://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/pub/93/93-02071.CV0.wpd.pdf United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit summary judgment], July 28, 1994</ref>
In 2009, FDA issued a caution against the institute due to violations of regulations for the protection of patients.<ref>[http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm192711.htm Warning letter FDA - Burzynski Research Institute / IRB]</ref>
In 2010, the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners filed a complaint against Burzyński.<ref>[http://www.ministryoftruth.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tmbvsburzynski.pdf Complaint by the Texas Medical Board], December 8, 2010</ref> The complaint contains the following charges:<ref>[http://www.ministryoftruth.me.uk/2011/11/28/texas-medical-board-vs-burzynski/ Texas Medical Board vs Burzynski], Blog: Ministry of Truth, November 28. 2011</ref>

*failure to practice medicine in an acceptable professional manner consistent with public health and welfare;
*failure to meet the standard of care;
*negligence in performing medical services;
*failure to use professional diligence;
*failure to safeguard against potential complications;
*failure to disclose reasonably foreseeable side effects of a procedure or treatment;
*failure to disclose reasonable alternative treatments to a proposed procedure or treatment;
*failure to obtain informed consent from the patient or other person authorized by law to consent to treatment on the patient’s behalf before performing tests, treatments, or procedures; and
*prescription or administration of a drug in a manner that is not in compliance with Chapter 200 of this title (relating to Standards for Physicians Practicing Complementary and Alternative Medicine) or, that is either not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in human beings or does not meet the standards for off-label use, unless an exemption has otherwise been obtained from the FDA.
*unprofessional or dishonorable conduct that is likely to deceive or defraud the public or injure the public;
*providing medically unnecessary services to a patient or submitting a billing statement to a patient or a third party payer that the licensee knew or should have known was improper. “Improper” means the billing statement is false, fraudulent, misrepresents services provided, or otherwise does not meet professional standards.

The Texas Medical board summoned Burzyński for a hearing to be held on April, 11 2012 which will debate the revocation of his medical licence.<ref>http://www.burzynskimovie.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=126 Burzyński moviesite, accessed November 26, 2011</ref> FDA had put a partial clinical hold on his clinical trials for pediatric patients which even was extended to all clinical trials six months later. FDA inspections of both Burzynski Clinic and Burzynski Research Institute followed in early 2013. However, FDA lifted these bans again in June 2013, despite damning inspection results establishing a rather sweeping non-compliance with FDA constraints by Burzynski. Meanwhile, the Texas Medical Board is again taking action against Burzynski. One of the latest additions to the list of trangressions, the TMB added the use of health care providers with little or no education or skill and representing them to patients as being doctors.<ref>http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-texas-medical-board-vs-stanislaw-burzynski-2014-edition/ </ref>

==Clinical Trials==
Burzyński and his assistants tried to prove clinical efficacy of antineoplastons with several clinical studies. The U.S. government register of clinical trials displays 60 entries (as of November 2011) by Burzynski Research Institute.<ref>[http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?spons=%22Burzynski+Research+Institute%22&spons_ex=Y Overview: clinical surveys of Burzynski Research Institute]</ref> The studies are criticized by oncologists due to "flawed research methods" and rated "scientific nonsense".<ref>[http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-19476029.html Oncologists criticize methods of controversial cancer treatment], Terri Langford, Associated Press, Oktober 1, 1998</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15061600 Alternative cancer cures: "unproven" or "disproven"?], Vickers A., PubMed</ref> Randomized, controlled surveys could not replicate Burzyński's results. Between 1991 and 1995, more than a million dollars were spent on independent studies at Mayo Clinic and Memorial Sloan Kettering.<ref>[http://ict.sagepub.com/content/3/1/59.abstract Managing Social Conflict in Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research: The Case of Antineoplastons], Mitchell R. Hammer, PhD, Wayne B. Jonas, MD, doi: 10.1177/1534735404263448, Integr. Cancer Therapies March 2004 vol. 3 no. 1 59-65</ref><ref name="HoustonPress" /> The studies were cancelled prematurely for ethical reasons because of the method's poor efficacy.<ref>Burzynski SR, Efficacy of antineoplastons A10 and AS2-1, 1999 Mayo Clin. Proc., vol 74 6 Seiten 641-2 PMID 10377942</ref><ref>Buckner JC, Malkin MG, Reed E, Cascino TL, Reid JM, Maes MM, Tong WPY, LIM S, Figg WD: Phase II study of Antineoplaston A10 (NSC 648539) and AS 2-1 (NSC 620261) in patients with recurrent glioma. Mayo Clin Proc, 74, 137-145, 1999</ref>

In December 2007, FDA granted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orphan_drug orphan drug] status to Burzyński's concoctions for the treatment of gliomas, a group of brain tumors hard to treat.<ref name="HoustonPress">http://www.houstonpress.com/2009-01-01/news/cancer-doctor-stanislaw-burzynski-sees-himself-as-a-crusading-researcher-not-a-quack/</ref>
An independent review by American Cancer Society also arrived at negative results and recommended patients not to spend money on antineoplaston treatments since there is no evidence of positive effects in treatment of cancer. A 2004 medical review described this treatment as a "disproven therapy".<ref name="acs">[http://caonline.amcancersoc.org/cgi/reprint/33/1/57.pdf Antineoplastons] - American Cancer Society on Antineoplastons ''CA Cancer J Clin'' 1983;33;57-59, DOI: 10.3322/canjclin.33.1.57</ref><ref>[http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/antineoplastons/healthprofessional/page5 Antineoplastons - Human/Clinical Studies], National Cancer Institute, August 24, 2011</ref>

In a November 2011, Burzynski's Clinic listed a "number of studies since 2006" in a press release claiming to prove efficacy of the treatment.<ref name="press_release" /> None of the studies was published in a paper with a high [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impact_factor impact factor] and most have not been peer reviewed at all. Nine studies are claimed to have been printed by the Journal of Neuro-Oncology which has a good impact factor, but in truth these were just presented as preliminary results at conferences covered by the journal. Contrary to the claim in the press release, there have not been any scientific studies supporting antineoplaston treatment since 2006.<ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/blaghag/2011/11/a-look-at-the-burzynski-clinics-publications/ A look at the Burzynski clinic’s publications], Jen McCreight, freethoughtblogs, November 29, 2011</ref><ref>[http://freethoughtblogs.com/blaghag/2011/11/more-damning-revelations-about-burzynskis-research/ More damning revelations about Burzynski’s “research”], Jen McCreight, freethoughtblogs, November 30, 2011</ref><ref>[http://www.ministryoftruth.me.uk/2011/11/30/burzynski-the-press-release/ Burzynski – The Press Release], Blog: Ministry of Truth, November 30. 2011</ref>

The products are not approved by FDA and may only be used as part of clinical trials.

==The movie "Burzynski - Cancer is Serious Business"==
In 2010, Eric Merola (a former director of TV commercials) did a movie "Burzynski - Cancer is Serious Business" which dealt with Burzyński's conflicts with authorities. Critics panned the film as one-sided, poorly produced propaganda promoting Burzyński's treatment. Village Voice commented:
:''... violates every basic rule of ethical filmmaking: Merola interviews only Burzynski's supporters, produces no patient records other than the doctor's own, and offers no credible proof of the drug's success and no data about its side effects, even as he slams chemotherapy and radiation.''<ref>[http://www.villagevoice.com/2010-06-01/film/quack-quack-goes-burzynski/ QUACK-QUACK Goes Burzynski], Village Voice, June 1, 2010, accessed November 25, 2011</ref>

Houston Press dishes out derision:
:''"We're not sure which dictionary Merola has consulted for his understanding of the word "objective," but hey -- we don't necessarily think a puff-piece paean that cherrypicks facts and ignores any criticism of a documentary's subject is a truly horrible thing, as long as viewers understand they're just getting one side of the story.!''<ref>[http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/06/burzynski_movie.php Stanlislaw Burzynski: New Movie Proves He's A Cancer-Fighting Giant], Houston News, June 2, 2011, accessed November 25, 2011</ref>

The cases of cured patients presented in the movie as evidence of the efficacy of the treatment particularly excel with fragmentary facts. A thorough analysis of facts known in those three cases points out they provide no proof for the efficacy of antineoplaston therapy.<ref>[http://anaximperator.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/burzynski-the-movie-does-it-prove-the-efficacy-of-antineoplastons-against-cancer/ Burzynski The Movie: Does It Prove The Efficacy of Antineoplastons Against Cancer?], accessed November 25, 2011</ref><ref>[http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2011/11/burzynski_the_movie_subtle_its_not.php Burzynski The Movie: Hitting you over the head with pseudoscience, just like Burzynski the man], Respectful Insolence, scienceblogs.com, accessed November 29, 2011</ref>

{{OtherLang|ge=Antineoplaston|en=Antineoplaston}}

==Links==
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antineoplaston Wikipedia on Antineoplaston]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislaw_Burzynski Wikipedia on Stanislaw Burzynski]

==References==
<references/>
[[category:Miracle Therapy Cancer]]

Category:Miracle Therapy HIV/AIDS

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Category:Tesla

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Tesla-Watch

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[[image:Tesla Uhr.jpg|thumb|Tesla Watch]]
[[image:philipstein_back.jpg|thumb|Philip-Stein-Watch: Backside with Tesla-Chip]]
The '''Tesla Watch''' is a [[Pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]], esoteric product supposed to protect from electro-magnetic pollution and to boost a vital force. Its effect allegedly originates from a Tesla coil or a particular Tesla chip.

The Tesla chip is said to have been invented by Andrija Puharich during the late 1970s (Puharich, among other things, is known for one of Uri Geller's mentors). The Tesla Chip is supposed to emanate a positive energetic field which resonates with the Schumann field (at approx. 7.8 Hz). The resulting energy field allegedly strengthens a natural electro-magnetic field of the human body, thus protecting said body from electro-magnetic pollution.

Watches of the brand '''Philip Stein''' are asserted to work according to the same principle, although using two chips. Philip Stein watches operate on so-called ''natural frequencies'' rather than electro-magnetic fields, and have been on sale since 2008.

There is no scientific proof of any efficacy (or an effect) of the chip or aforementioned frequencies. Furthermore, there seems to be no connection to the inventor Nikola Tesla.

{{OtherLang|ge=Tesla Uhr|en=Tesla Watch}}

[[category:Charlatanism]]
[[category:Electric Smog]]
[[category:Tesla]]

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Psychology of Vision

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'''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 12/09/2013</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 12/09/2013</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 name="healingkeys">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 name="healingkeys" />

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 name="healingkeys" />

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 name="healingkeys" />

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 name="healingkeys" />

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 name="amazon">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 name="amazon" />, 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.

{{OtherLang|en=Psychology of Vision|ge=Psychology of Vision}}

==References==
<references/>

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

Ngystle Society

2013-11-09T22:00:10Z

WikiSysop: Removed protection from "Ngystle Society"

'''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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application">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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook">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 name="ahf">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 name="ahf" />

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 name="ahf" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust">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 name="gwaiitrust" /> Ngystle also had their five year business plan funded in part or totally by Gwaii Trust with an amount of $ 5,74.61.<ref name="gwaiitrust" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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 name="Nygystle_Application">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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 
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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news">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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited">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 name="earthpeoplesunited" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited" /> 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 name="June17.10">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 name="about-2">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 name="about-2" />

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 name="June17.10" /> 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 name="about-2" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news" />

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/>

[[category:Pseudomedicine]]
[[category:New Ager]]

Ngystle Society

2013-11-09T03:10:21Z

WikiSysop: Protected "Ngystle Society" ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

'''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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application">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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook">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 name="ahf">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 name="ahf" />

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 name="ahf" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust">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 name="gwaiitrust" /> Ngystle also had their five year business plan funded in part or totally by Gwaii Trust with an amount of $ 5,74.61.<ref name="gwaiitrust" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" />

==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 name="Nygystle_Application">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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 
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 name="Nygystle_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news">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 name="Ngystle-Skidegate_facebook" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited">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 name="earthpeoplesunited" />

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 name="earthpeoplesunited" /> 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 name="June17.10">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 name="about-2">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 name="about-2" />

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 name="June17.10" /> 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 name="about-2" />

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 name="gwaiitrust" /> 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 name="Youth_in_Action_Application" /> 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 name="jan11news" />

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/>

[[category:Pseudomedicine]]
[[category:New Ager]]

Psychology of Vision

2013-11-09T03:05:50Z

WikiSysop: Protected "Psychology of Vision": Excessive vandalism ([Edit=Allow only administrators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators] (indefinite))

MediaWiki:Common.css

2013-02-10T13:25:45Z

WikiSysop: Aligned new logo

#p-logo a, #p-logo a:hover {
background-position: 35% 65% !important;
}

Andreas Moritz

2013-01-07T13:52:12Z

WikiSysop: Reverted edits by 108.222.79.17 (talk) to last revision by Heimdall

[[image:andreasmoritz.jpg|thumb]]
'''Andreas Moritz''' (January 27, 1954 - October 21, 2012) was a book-author, [[iridology|iridologist]], vaccine opponent and inventor of pseudo-medical methods. He was born in Germany, and has been living in Greer (South Carolina, USA) since 1998.<ref>[http://www.black--seeds.com/2012/10/andreas-moritz-mysterious-death-of.html Andreas Moritz - The Mysterious Death of a Legend], Fansite Black Seeds, retrieved 2012-11-07</ref>

In his books and his own websites, Moritz propagated strange and [[pseudoscience|pseudoscientific]] opinions on cancer as well as his [[liver cleansing]] method (liver cleansing according to Moritz).

In his own descriptions he viewed himself as a ''medical intuitive, practitioner of [[Ayurveda]], Iridology, [[Shiatsu]] and Vibrational Medicine'' and used the title of a ''doctor of Ayurveda''.<ref>http://ener-chi.com/about.htm</ref> Moritz told his website readers that he used to be a teacher for meditation in the past and that he was interested in Ayurveda when he was in New Zealand and India.

He was not only the inventor of a liver cleansing method, but also of a "Ener-Chi Art" (Ener-Chi Wellness Center, LLC) claiming that the contemplation of a particular oil-painting had healing effects. His "Sacred Santèmony – Divine Chanting" - methods allegedly "deletes" interfering "Akasha-chronicle entries" by the use of "healing sounds".

==Andreas Moritz and Cancer==
[[image:Moritz2.jpg|Cancer is not a disease|400px|thumb]]
[[image:Moritz3.jpg|Wisdom of cancer cells|400px|thumb]]
In his book ''Cancer is not a Disease - It's a Survival Mechanism'', Moritz described cancer as but one of many ways the body tries to change the way you see and treat yourself. He added: ''[...] as you are about to find out, cancer is on our side, not against us [...]''. 95% of all cancer cases healed spontaneously, if no medical treatment interfered such self-healing process. Similar convictions are known from the German quack and former physician (now barred) [[Ryke Geerd Hamer]], the inventor of [[Germanic New Medicine]], and also from followers of [[metamedicine]] and [[biologie totale]] of French Georges Sabbah.

According to Moritz, cancer always was an extremely rare illness, except in industrialized nations during the past 40-50 years. He ignored the fact that cancer is a disease affecting mostly elderly people. Progress in medicine led to an increase in life expectancy. Together with progress in cancer detection, the increase of life expectancy led to an increase of cancer incidence. Fewer cases of infectious diseases and fewer cases of death due to accidents led to an increase in the percentage of cancer as the cause of death.

Moritz saw the origins of cancer in constant conflicts, guilt and shame, as they paralyzed basic functions of the body, and led to the growth of a cancerous tumor. Elimination of these alleged cancer-inducing factors would lead to a complete healing of cancer, said Moritz. Therapies used in scientific medicine (operation, radiation therapy or chemotherapy) would lead to a healing in only 7% of the cases, and only a few patients would survive that form of healing. According to Moritz, more people died because of therapeutic efforts than due to their disease. These strange allegations without any proof are not backed by scientific literature and contradict solid scientific evidence of modern medicine.

Moritz instead believed in alleged statements of a Dr. Hardin Jones (University of California, see below), who is quoted ''Den Patienten geht es genauso gut, oder noch besser, wenn Sie [sic] nicht behandelt werden [...]'', i.e. ''Patients are as well or even better without treatment [...]''.

He also believed in the concept of a [[cancer prone personality]], obsolete and outdated theories of psychiatrists [[Wilhelm Reich]], Hans Eysenck, [[Ronald Grossarth-Maticek]], Lydia Temoshok (typus C) and Hürny and Adler (1991). He confounded personality traits and consequences of cancer (for instance depression as a consequence of a severe disease).

=="Liver Cleansing" According to Andreas Moritz==
Moritz was the inventor of a pseudo-medical method he called "liver cleansing". Moritz believed that the majority of all adults in the industrialized world (and especially persons affected by heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer or MS) carried hundreds or thousands of gall bladder stones, blocking liver function. A so-called "liver cleansing" (an almost identical method is known from American quack [[Hulda Clark]]) would "flush" gall bladder stones.

The patient must drink one litre of apple juice every day for six days and then take magnesium sulfate and 1/8 litre of olive oil and grapefruit juice or lemon juice. These substances will build up in the gut soft lumps looking like gall stones in the gut; these will end up in the toilet and convince the patient he successfully eliminated his gall stones. In fact, as scientific evidence shows, no gall stone will be excreted in these cases.<ref>Christiaan W: Could these be gallstones? The Lancet, Volume 365, Issue 9468, Seite 1388, 16 April 2005, doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(05)66373-8</ref><ref>Dekkers R. Apple juice and the chemical-contact softening of gallstones. Lancet 1999 25:354, 2171</ref><ref>Ewald, N, Hardt, P D: Flushing stones? „Leberreinigung” und „Gallenspülungen”. DMW 36, 2009</ref>

==Hardin Jones, Jones H. B. and Cancer Therapy==
On many webpages linked to alternative medicine, allegations and speculations can be found, claiming that a conventional cancer therapy would harm cancer patients more than no treatment at all. On English language webpages, an American physiologist named Hardin Jones is often presented as "a prominent cancer researcher" from the University of California (Berkeley). A quote often presented is the following: ''My studies have proved conclusively that cancer patients who refuse chemotherapy and radiation actually live up to four times longer than treated cases.''

This quote is assigned to a conference paper of the year 1969.<ref>Hardin B. Jones, Ph.D. "A Report on Cancer," paper delivered to the ACS's 11th Annual Science Writers Conference, New Orleans, march 7 1969</ref> But in this text, Hardin's above quote can not be found, see that document here: <ref>[http://www.psiram.com/media/Hardin_Jones/HardinJones1969.pdf Hardin Jones: "A Report on Cancer" 11th Annual Science Writers Conference, New Orleans, march 7, 1969]</ref>

So what did Hardin actually say? Hardin was never active as clinical oncologist<ref>http://www.users.on.net/~pmoran/cancer/hardin_jones_and_cancer.htm</ref>. He worked a statistician and for the former "Atomic Energy Commission" in Berkeley.

Quotes by Hardin are linked to a presentation in 1956,<ref>Jones H. B. Demographic consideration of the cancer problem. Transactions, New York Academy of Science, 1956, series 2, v. 18, pages 298 - 333, PMID: 13312067</ref> this was more than 50 years ago, when chemotherapy was in its early stages. The article of 1956 contains statistical data related to treated and untreated female patients with breast cancer. Author Jones in this article says: '''It is most likely that, in terms of life expectancy, the chance of survival is no better with than without treatment, and there is the possibility that treatment may make the survival time of cancer less'' (page 331). Jones in turn quotes articles, one dating back to 1926 and two from 1927. But even these very dated articles (with 651, 100, 64 and 100 cases) contradict his opinion.

These studies were not modern studies with a control group. According to Jones, the death-rate in case of cancer would remain constant over time (''the death rate for all kinds of cancer remains nearly fixed from the moment when cancer is identified'' page 314). This theory was also known as "The Hardin Jones Principle" and was cited by Linus Pauling in 1989. However, it is known today that this simple theory is invalid. Different cancers have their own and different curve of survival.

The description given by Jones is false, if it was to be related to our times. At the end of the fifties, 25% of all breast cancer patients were still alive after 5 years. In industrialised countries of today, this figure amounts to around 80% (USA, year 2003),<ref>Jemal A, Thomas A, Murray T, Thun M. Cancer statistics, 2002. CA Cancer J Clin. 2002: 23-47 Also: Weir HK, Thun MJ, Hankey BF, Ries LA, Howe HL, Wingo PA, Jemal A, Ward E, Anderson RN, Edwards BK Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2000, featuring the uses of surveillance data for cancer prevention and control. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2003 Sep 3;95(17):1276-99</ref> even considering that breast cancer is detected much earlier today.

{{OtherLang|ge=Andreas Moritz|en=Andreas Moritz}}

==Weblinks==
*http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/02/andreas_moritz_legal_intimidation_in_the.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+scienceblogs%2Finsolence+%28Respectful+Insolence%29
*http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/alternative_medicine/

==References==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Moritz, Andreas}}
[[category:Author]]
[[category:Anti-vaccinationist]]

Chemtrail

2013-01-07T10:51:30Z

WikiSysop: Reverted edits by 188.92.74.112 (talk) to last revision by WikiSysop

[[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 [[Pseudoscience|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. 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 extreme thunderstorms, rainfalls, 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, the term "cloverleaf" was in more frequent use, but from 2000, the term contrail was used more and more on English language sites.<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 chemtrail hypotheses. 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 term of Contrail/Chemtrail. Carnicom most recently presents himself on a website called CACTUS (Citizens Against Chemtrails U.S.) According to Carnicum, barium was radioactive which adds another [[Pseudoscience|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 chat 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 kerosene in order to create an effect on the global climate, especially on 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 an alleged 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 catchword by the extremist right.

These fallacious and unsupported assumptions are often promoted in the esoteric Swiss magazine "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), serial 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> This particular test plane has been decommissioned meanwhile.

Chemtrail supporters frequently claim that so called low budget airlines, especially Irish Ryanair, were only able to offer flights at such low prices because their main job kept in reality 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 particular weather conditions. 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 weather conditions, either shortly before landing or after take-off. Typical turbofan exhaust temperatures are at 600 K approximately.

The formation of contrails can be explained physically: Generally, water becomes visible in the air when relative humidity (number of water droplets in relation to air temperature) 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 kerosene 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 resp. there will be no contrail at all 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 or during take-off.

Given 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 will wonder why "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 in 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 above, 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 differing refraction and reflection of sunlight. Chemtrail believers' sites display these aspects as unnatural and thus an 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, were 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 these elements 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, as 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 known as an element. 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 internationally 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 in a clear distance 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 echoes 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 have looked 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 necessarily be kept secret by a large number of adept people who at the same time break the law. This group would also 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>. Therefore 123 aircraft of this type were needed to get the job done, if every plane is to fly only 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 noted: ''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 a resolute southerly wind, long, tender'' '''cirrus strips''' pulled up, ''solitarily as well as combined; while heading forward the front end bended to become small clouds, 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] published 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 sensational. 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 published 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 equipment and water containers serving as dead weight. Platte, totally uncritical and gullible, embarrassed himself because he did not even notice the regular portholes 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). Tim White was named as the source of this amusing slipslop. A certain Ted Twietmeyer (tedtw@frontiernet.net) claimed something similar at rense.com, but at least recognized the picture as 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 in 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 proponent of Chemtrails is [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Braune_Esoterik extremist right esoteric] conspiracy theorist [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Jo_Conrad Jo Conrad]. In August 2010, Conrad tried to spread the theory in his "Freigeist-Forum" (free thinkers' board) by showing a picture of an alleged chemtrail aircraft (see screenshot to the right dating from August, 26th 2010 11:20am). The picture, however, shows nothing but "aerodynamic rainbow contrails" which can be attributed to a hoax<ref>http://contrailscience.com/aerodynamic-and-rainbow-contrails</ref>. The picture caption e.g. mentions "Barium-Hypertitanit", "Terraformit" and even "Spinnoinium-Oxydul". Fantasy substances like Spinnoinium (roughly: Crazeonium) or Terraformit do not exist and are only used to make the hoax more palpable. Explanations of measurement technology further reveal the hoax: Searching for devices like a "telegas chromatograph" or a "telerelevator" of a company by the name of "GCMS" only lead to other references of the hoax. The original picture was taken in 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 8,000 and 9,000 meters.<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 fake or manipulated pictures, the national as well as international chemtrail scene typically presents photos of aircrafts while ''spraying chemtrails'', even though such photos neither allow a correct identification of respective aircrafts nor are they interpreted appropriately. They aim at impressing gullible viewers and laypersons with misinterpretations and disinformation. At the same time this is meant to boost sales of products like books, DVDs, seminars, and lectures.

What especially lacks in this scene is reliable, verifiable references including date specifications. Two typical examples of such photos without references are displayed at the right: A simple internet search, however, usually reveals the source of these photos(left side). Usually they show aircrafts generating smoke trails for the study of air eddies, fire-fighting planes or other planes spraying water in studies of icing processes of following aircrafts. There are lots of photos and extensive descriptions of such experiments in the internet.
 
 

==Reactions to Chemtrail hypotheses and Scientific View==
Neither is there any evidence for chemtrails nor are their proponents able to produce such. Quite a number of logical reasons contradict their possible existence. Condensation trails are a well reviewed phenomenon and technical articles on this date back to the 1940ies. Already NACA, the precesessor of NASA, examined this phenomenon due to its military relevance for locating aircrafts in WWII. In a document dated 1942 (decades prior to chemtrail hypotheses) NACA researchers named the meteorological circumstances responsible for ''persistent contrails''. So far no evidence of the existence of aluminum or barium in condensation trails or aircraft fuels has been given. The Deutsche Flugsicherung GmbH (German Air Traffic control) confirmed they did not observe any conspicuous or remarkable air activity which could be associated with the circumstance described in „Raum & Zeit". The Deutsche Wetterdienst (German Meteorological Service) informed their data do not show any peculiarities indicating any irregular forms of condensation trails.

The Bundesministerium der Verteidigung (German Federal Ministry of Defence) also has no further information. The headquarters of the US-Air Force Europe informed that the projects as described do not and did not exist. Greenpeace as well as the Umweltbundesamt (UBA, German Federal Environment Agency) regard the chemtrail theory as dubious. The UBA even inquired with the World Health Organization (WHO) about an alleged risk analysis on potential consequences of chemtrails supposedly conducted by WHO. WHO assured they neither had knew of chemtrails nor had they done any study on the subject. The phenomena described are also unknown to Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR, German Aerospace Center). Since many years, 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 in condensation trails. The German federal government also commented on chemtrails in 2004: Excerpt from a reply (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 to research the reduction of global warming over the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany? '' Reply of Parliamentary State Secretary Simone Probst dated 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 goes back to [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Wilhelm_Reich Wilhelm Reich]. The so-called 'Chembusters'' are improvements going back to the American businessman, [[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 [[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 currently forming in different cities and trying to recruit members. It uses "chemtrails" in a populist manner to draw public attention to all kinds of issues they consider a grievance. Conspiracy theory internet portals like [[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 "Motzblog" (grumble blog) and the associated internet board "Motzlabor" (grumble laboratory) are behind these activities. Interestingly, the ''Address by Commandante Don'' can also be found on the so-called ''Reichszeitung'', a typical extreme right [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=KRR KRR] (Kommissarische Reichsregierung, Provisional Government of the German Reich) publication. They gained public attention in summer 2008 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, vaccination opponents, and Avian 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 contamination and partly dissolve. These bacteria are essential in regulating the water balance. This radiation results in aggradation, desertification and soil crusting. This is most probably also one of the reasons for avian flu.''<ref>http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/117864615/PDFSTART?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0</ref>

According to Berlin-based alleged ''expert and technical consultant for low-intensity radioactivity and radioactive effects'' [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Brigitte_Schlabitz Brigitte Schlabitz] avian flu is not caused by a virus, but by the precipitation of "nuclear-induced cloud formations". According to Schlabritz, the ailing and dying of indoor plants was caused by radioactive chemtrails in many cases. Additionally, [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=RFID "micro chips"] are said to play a role in the effects caused by chemtrails.

==Chemtrail and Politics==
[[image:Ctglashuetten.jpg|350px|thumb]]
German NPD, an extremist right political party, felt compelled to issue a parliamentary inquiry regarding chemtrails to the government of the federal state of Saxony. Often, extremist right activists use the issue of chemtrail to lure in uninformed persons (particularly those overstrained and afraid of life) in order to draw them to antisemitic writings and extremist opinions.

In January 2009, the local group of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen (German ecological party) in the town of 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 the population was poisoned by aircrafts distributing barium, aluminum and ''Sulfur'' [this term is not used in German language and most probably the result of translating without comprehension] at the alleged cost of billions of Euros. Neither witnesses nor reliable evidence backed these outrageous accusations. When asked via e-mail, the operator of the website was not able to answer the question of how to prove these alleged poisonous trails.

==Chemtrail-courses at the VHS (adult education center) Oldenburg==
[[image:AltnickelVHS.jpg|VHS-course announcement in the internet|300px|thumb]]
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 on the pseudo-scientific conspiracy theory of chemtrails and the ionospheric research program [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=HAARP HAARP] at VHS Oldenburg [adult education centre] to a paying audience. Having paid 15 EUR, participants will learn how HAARP allegedly acts as a "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 instructor's opinion, weather manipulations with damaging effects on health and life have taken place since more than 55 years. The Geneva ENMOD-convention of 1977 outlawed artificial earthquakes and tsunamis, the selective opening of ozone holes, the directing of storms, and the electrical manipulation of the ionosphere etc. 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 a meteorologist nor a geophysicist and his lectures therefore are a layperson's speculations. Earlier in 2010, it became known that VHS department manager [http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Claudia_Grove Claudia Grove], responsible for the administration of VHS courses, personally lobbied for the inclusion of Altnickel's absurde conspiracy theories in the curriculum offered at VHS Oldenburg. In an e-mail reply to a person complaining about spreading such conspiracy theories and about the abuse of a public institution, Grove said: ''Dear Mr. XXX, in your e-mail of January, 17th you proved an attentive reader of our course program. Of course we are really glad about this, and we are open to critical comments. It is of course among the duties of an adult education center to inform about controversial issues. This includes information on chemtrails, the existence of which is indisputable. We were surprised, however, that you expressed such a pointed criticism without revealing yourself. Kind regards, Claudia Grove''

{{OtherLang|ge=Chemtrail|en=Chemtrail}}

==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
*http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Chemtrails

==Versions of this article in other languages==
*[http://www.psiram.com/ge/index.php?title=Chemtrails Die deutsche Version dieses Artikels]

==References==
<references/>
 
'''Note:''' This article would not have been possible without the assistance of many forum members who researched these chemtrail fantasies in their spare time. We would like to thank them explicitely.

 

[[category:Conspiracy Theory]]

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2012-11-11T10:55:13Z

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