Parallel Universe Theory

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 27 Aug 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

DarkElectric	27 Aug 2002
Hey, Fellow Aeclecticians! I was wondering if any of you out there are familiar with the quantum concept of parallel universe theory. This is the theory which states that there are infinite realities available to us, we actually choose our particular reality based on our perceptions, and that all possibilities are valid. (This is akin to the Buddhist concept of the world as "Maya, The illusion", or Schopenhauer's treatise on "The World as Idea.) Several theoritical physicists, and more than a few Sci-fi authors have stated that the past, present, and future are occuring simultaneously. Because of our perceptions, we tend to want to see time as linear, but that's not necessarily the way it is. I personally think we do have the choice between infinite realities, that they are all occurring at once, and that there are events that trigger a "sideways jump" so to speak, into a parallel reality. One that is mostly similar to the one just left behind, but with a different "feel" to it. Sometimes it will exhibit radically different event structures. No one knows what these triggers are. Sometimes it is a seemingly innocuous decision that becomes a life (reality) changing event. Sometimes it happens after an accident, or serious illness. Psychotropic drugs (hallucinogens) have been known to stimulate it. Sometimes it's a change in conciousness, or psychic awareness. I have actually experienced that which I call the parallel paradigm shift. Everything looks the same, sort of, but things feel different, and nothing has changed, except it has. Weird, right? Have I been reading too many Phillip K Dick novels? Yeah, I know. Only it has happened to me, and things really took a different turn after the feeling passed and I got used to it. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I know it. It's sort of like being a stranger in your own life for a little while, until you catch up. (Hard to explain.) What do you think of all this? Has it happened to you? Would you admit it if it had? 8)

RedWood	27 Aug 2002
Interesting...I have thought of this...I don't think I have..but ya never know...I do think it is possible and there are many things we do not know about...Great thread!

Kiama	28 Aug 2002
I have heard f things like thi shappening, but have neer had th eexperience myself. I doubt I would know Ihad had t if I did! But the actual theory oes add an exciting new twist to the theory of reincarnation... Because if time is not linear, and the past, present, and future can co-exist together side-by-side, then it would be possible for s to be reincarnated in the past! I guess it would also be possible to time-travel, if we understood how to use this paradigm shift... Ooh, the fun we could have! Kiama

Diana	28 Aug 2002
DarkElectric: you have explained this so well. Saves me going to a library and getting out a book on it! This sounds to me one of the most logical explanations of time and space that I have ever heard. I didn't know that this theory had a name - "quantum concept of parallel universe" - but since I can remember, I have never believed that what we are living and seeing is the one and only reality, so this theory of parallel universes make an awful lot of sense to me. Now I don't recall ever having lived a quantum shift, like you have, but I will most certainly be more alert in the future in case something odd happens that I am unable to explain. I suppose it's a little like the Time Warp in the Rocky Horror Picture Show - at least that's what I thought of when you mentioned the "sideways jump". If it happened to me, I don't think I'd tell anyone, because what would be the point of it? (Unless it's in a discussion specifically aimed at this kind of thing.) However, I think I would write any experiences like this down in a book, so that I would be able to look at them and see if there is any pattern which would provide me with any proof that my hunch is right. Or I would talk about them to a physicist (but I don't know any! - not in this reality, anyway!)

Diana	28 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama Because if time is not linear, and the past, present, and future can co-exist together side-by-side, then it would be possible for s to be reincarnated in the past! With this theory, there is no need to be reincarnated in the past at all, Kiama. If, past, present and future all co-exist (along with other dimensions of time that our limited human minds are far too primitive to understand - we find it hard enough to cope with just three), then we are already living there right now. I suppose all it needs is for us to remove those limitations that our human brains impose on us, and we could perhaps go backwards and forwards just as we wish. Perhaps in our dream world, we do it sometimes, but this is just a theory of mine, with absolutely no back-up.

lunalafey	28 Aug 2002
I like this one....lots of thoughts about it. I cannot disbelieve the idea of a parallel universe, ever seen the show 'Sliders'?.... This theroy goes hand in had with pre-destiny and free-will(endless possibilities). There is a plan for us, but our choices change that. There is also a type of haunting that I think is a crossover of parallels. I call this residual haunting. This is not a spirit who is not at rest, but the past seeping through. The idea of time is that it is always happening, the past the present and the future, in a continuous loop. I myself seem to sometimes 'skip' a beat. I don't know, or am not aware of it, until someone jumps out of thier skin. Example; someone says they need something, I'm off to get it, come back and suprise the heebie geebies out of the other person. They never saw me leave, they never saw me return, and the time inbetween was too short. I don't know, maybe I'm just quick on my feet. I have heard to many times, the phrase.."you came out of nowhere"... some deja-vus, I think are a ripple in the timeline. Books..read Bearing and Hourglass by Piers Anthony. There are some goodies about time in this book. It's fiction, but I feel that alot of sci-fi writters have some instinctive enlightened insight into the mysteries of the universe....oooh...love this subject....

Umbrae	28 Aug 2002
I have always been a little amused that most reincarnation experts only see time as linear in a forward manner. Sort of like the folks who thought the world was flat. The Norse-Teutonic peoples saw time as simultaneous, which provided them with a different concept of Past-Present-Future. Always remember that traveling to the moon was science fiction.

jamesriouxctm	28 Aug 2002
Hello all, You might have guessed that such a topic would draw out the resident Quantum Physics major... From a physicist's point of view, the reason for the existence of the "many-worlds" interpretation of QM is to get around some of the problems involved with the collapse of the wave function, from a superimposed state (like the living/dead Schrodinger's cat) to a single unambiguous state. Specifically, it removes the need for an external observer to collapse the wave function. Now, I hate to be a party-pooper, but none of the more rigorous sources I have read concerning this theory say that it is possible to move between the universes once they have split apart from each other. Indeed, this is almost always expressly forbidden. It would also likely be the same year in each of them. However, I think there is plenty of room in one universe for mystical experiences - we don't need the added philosophical baggage of an infinite number of universes to experience them, appreciate them and maybe even explain them. Likewise with the concept of past/present/future simultaneity. Time can work this way in a single universe; others are not necessary. Of course, if you believe in free will then it's also very difficult to believe in the simultaneity of time, in my opinion. What happens if someone back in the 1940's, who is existing simultaneously with us, decides to kill Hitler in accordance with his free will, and succeeds? Doesn't our world instantly change as a result? Alternate viewpoints on this issue are eagerly welcomed, but do remember to have some Aspirin handy if you want to get really deep into such questions! While I think it might be possible for us to perceive other points in time, both in the past and the future, that doesn't mean those points are accessible to us physically. Similarly, we can perceive distant planets with a telescope, but that doesn't mean we can go there by just getting up and walking there. Again, I'll state my conviction that an infinite number of universes are not necessary to explain mystical states. Even if there really is an infinite number of parallel universes out there, for most (if not all) practical purposes we can act as if there is just one. (In the same way, even though we all know the Earth is round, we can pretend that it's flat, as a first approximation.)

DarkElectric	28 Aug 2002
YAY! A physicist! I'm glad you posted, thank you for doing so :) Something else has occurred to me, concerning reincarnation: With the theory of simultaneous time/space, there is also no reason why one cannot be reincarnated in the future as well, therefore having a "Past Life" that was actually lived in a future time. This may explain the incredible breakthroughs in science and technology humankind has experienced from time to time. Instead of the province of the imagination of genius, could this possibly be a memory event phenomenon? Could The time machine actually be the unconcious recognition of the future past? And since we are all quantum beings, made of light and "Star Stuff", maybe the corpereal form wouldn't be able to handle lightspeeds, but the part of us that IS light... This brings up the question of time continuum streaming. If someone in 1944 actually killed Hitler, then, yes, it changed history. According to the parallel theory, that reality occurred, in that particular time stream. It is not the reality we are experiencing now. It might be that paradigm shifts (if they exist) behave according to undiscovered natural laws concerning time, thus preventing the paradox of greeting yourself in a parallel continuum, or something similar. Perhaps these shifts can occur in minute increments, and only if the shifting timestreams are similar enough so as not to cause catastrophic space time anomaly. What do you think?

Gerbear	28 Aug 2002
Greetings to Jamesriouxctm, I too am a scientist, having a degree in Astronomy with a concentration in Cosmology.(nothing to do with finger curls!). You have explained Bohr's many-worlds theory very well. Some say that transport between universes can occur by conscious volition. The problem is finding a way to be aware of it. Anyway just my two cents.

lunalafey	28 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by DarkElectric Something else has occurred to me, concerning reincarnation: With the theory of simultaneous time/space, there is also no reason why one cannot be reincarnated in the future as well, therefore having a "Past Life" that was actually lived in a future time. I have always thought that (maybe)when we have done our karmic duty in all our lives, and reach a certain state of enlightenment; then at that point we can go ANYWHERE ANY TIME that we can imagime. Like creating our own universe. If one chooses to live in the old west, so be it. Once tiered of that, move on to some starship exploring the galaxy....Now this really would not be a reincarnation so to speak. And really it's all just a crazy idea. This still goes back to sci-fi writer knowing something the average joe does not. We use our imagination to open the doors to the world within and beyond. Who's to say this imagination from a writer is not some subconcience memory.

WhiteDrag0n	28 Aug 2002
Heres my two cents. As far as there being lotsa other realms out there. I can personaly vouch they they are out there. As far as "shifting" to another realm in the physical plane Im not sure how it is done. However it is possible to travel to any of the other realms while in the astral. The number of places you can explore is staggering. Thats my 2 cents.

Gerbear	28 Aug 2002
[quote][i]Originally posted by WhiteDrag0n However it is possible to travel to any of the other realms while in the astral. The number of places you can explore is staggering. Thats my 2 cents. Granted Whitedragon, the astral plane exists somewhere, true. You have accepted it, as have I, but for science, this is not proof of anything. Now before you go ballistic, I think that the truth is beyond science. Science has a limit to obtainable knowledge. This is where consciousness comes in. Most of physical science ignores the mind, except to say that it there. Personally, I think that mind is the new frontier. Not psychology, but the universal mind that is the basis for all of spirituality, creation,.... Someday I hope to tie the physical and mental(astral, psychic, etc.) together into one cosmology. The side of me that has explored the psychic realm, knows that the 'standard big bang theory is woefully lacking. Once we had a research contract with the Army which became mired down by the 'standard' mindset. The mind is the Key!

Red Emma	28 Aug 2002
This is the most interesting, fascinating, exciting thread I've encountered on this splendiferous forum. It in itself is worth the $25 membership fee. About exploring alternative universes -- Robert Monroe wrote "Journeys out of the Body" in which he describes his excursions in realities that are far different than the one, we're living in. There are also books about psychic and out-of-body experiences sponsored by the CIA in the 70's.d several names most of which I can't remember, but my favorite was "Star Gate." Essentially the CIA had a group of psychic spies. If anyone's interested, I'll look up some of the titles and report them later. I was probably born with Pagan beliefs, but into a Baptist family, so it took some time for me to really have confidence in my unorthodox views. What really convinced me was the necessity of eye surgery. There was a r eally strong difference in my perception of colors before and after the operation. That's when I realized that our perception of the universe is limited by the structure of our eyes, and the ability of our brains to process what the eyes tell them. So Iwondered, what else is going on outside my perceptions that my eyes just don't process? Cheers! Red Emma

mara	29 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by DarkElectric Hey, Fellow Aeclecticians! I was wondering if any of you out there are familiar with the quantum concept of parallel universe theory. This is the theory which states that there are infinite realities available to us, we actually choose our particular reality based on our perceptions, and that all possibilities are valid. (This is akin to the Buddhist concept of the world as "Maya, The illusion", or Schopenhauer's treatise on "The World as Idea. DarkElectric this is just a wonderful explanation on this theory, I totally agree. Think about it.......when you close your eyes and think about something (whether real in your life at present or just a fantasy) you are actually living that reality. Also my reality would be very different to yours ( and every one else for that matter ) just like everyones reality is different. I have also had experiences like the one you discribed and have finally come to the conclusion that I create my own reality. I mean just by me looking at life the way that I do, my reality is completely different than my neighbour's for instance. He perceives it in a totally different way. This goes for everyone. So to say that there are infinate realities to me is only stating what is so ;) Mara

mara	29 Aug 2002
I just kept this short and simple because once I get going on this subject I'll still be typing in hours from now :D Mara

WhiteDrag0n	30 Aug 2002
No worry Gerbear, Im not going ballistic. I personally think that science and the metaphsical dont need to be sperate or trying to prove each other wrong. I think they complement each other nicely. But thats just me

Major Tom	30 Aug 2002
Quote: Originally posted by mara I have... come to the conclusion that I create my own reality. I mean just by me looking at life the way that I do, my reality is completely different than my neighbour's for instance. He perceives it in a totally different way. This goes for everyone. Mara We all live in our own heads. To quote from Illusions by Richard Bach: "You say four billion people live in your world? Are you standing way down there on the ground and telling me that four billion people do not live in four billion separate worlds, are you going to put that across on me?"

Gerbear	30 Aug 2002
[quote]Originally posted by WhiteDrag0n I personally think that science and the metaphsical dont need to be sperate or trying to prove each other wrong. I think they complement each other nicely. Exactly!!! That the key to finding out anything worthwhile. An open mind.

Red Emma	30 Aug 2002
I guess, being retired and a natural born book-a-holic, I have a lot of time to spend in the delicious world of reading, reading, reading. Therefore I have another book on the subject of differing realities to recommend. "The Nature of Personal Reality," by Jane Roberts. In it she channels a fourth century pope, Seth. It was recommended in Marion Weinstein's, "Earth Magic," her own personal book of shadows. "Personal Reality" was one of the most important books I ever read, in or out of the occult field. The Goddess Be Good To You, Red Emma

maiden	07 Sep 2002
Thanks Red Emma! I was reading this thread and thinking of the Seth books all along. Maiden

Umbrae	08 Sep 2002
Underneath the reality in which we live and have our being, another and altogether different reality lies concealed. The shaman and his community share a set of beliefs that form a collective worldview that dominates the psychological and physical experience of each person. One difference between their view and ours is that we separate the physical and the spiritual world. They do not. In their minds, there is no barrier between dream and reality, and they move easily between one and the other. When anyone asks, I respond that I am a Shaman.

Alissa	08 Sep 2002
I subscribe to the theory of reincarnation, but am fascinated on how to resolve this with the concept of non linear time. I absolutely also believe that we do not perceive time correctly -- like the eyesight analogy Red Emma made. (i came to a similar conclusion when pondering how we do not see ultraviolet or infrared light, but they exist, so logically there are many things which exist which we are not equipped to perceive by senses alone.) So how does that apply to our sense of time? We see time as linear when coporeal. We comprehend that time can behave differently. Reincarnation perceives a linear, or forward moving, advancement of the soul through expereinces/incarnations, and the actions/karma of each lifetime. These bear into play for succeeding incarnations. But if incarnations aren't taking place in a linear fashion, what does this do the theory then??? One last note: M dear friend Joanne has been doing a lot of meditative work, talking to her Inner Teachers about the staggering incarnation possiblities that exist for us. So many different realities, the Earth Reality is just one of so very very many -- 2 dimensional, or multi dimensional, air realities where substance is less dense ... so many theories I can't even get into what she has been sharing with me. It seems to tie in and support what others have posted about parallel universes. She mentioned also that the Earth Reality is an espeically difficult incarnation for many and that some souls chose never to incarnate here because of it. However, it is understood that the Earth Reality is a good place to "get **** done," so to speak. You can advance yourself greatly by experiencing the harsh difficulties of this reality -- like pouring alcohol in a wound, it stings really bad but it helps in the long run quite a bit. Others with less to resolve come here to assist with all the poor bastards that got stuck here to get soul work done.

Red Emma	10 Sep 2002
Alyssia--Fascinating post. The points you make about some souls who choose not to incarnate on earth falls right into the experience I had with channeling (by another person, channeling is not among my skills) Raman, who explained that "Raman" is a group of spirits who have not been human on our planet. Their mission is to help those of us who have. REgards, RE

Red Emma	10 Sep 2002
Alyssa, I'd really be interested to know more about your friend's talking with her Inner Teacher through meditation. I have a tape of Shaktii Gawain's who guides the user in this experience. I've listened to it a couple of times, but haven't had the time to really sit down and give it a try. Is this the kind of thing your friend does? Would she have information (and be willing to share it) that others can use in this endeavor? Red Emma

Alissa	10 Sep 2002
Red Emma, yes! Your Raman is right on the mark with what Jo says. There are many who assist at different levels of humanity, some through incarnating and some through non-material ways. Also, she's been telling me about how as we advance we initiate into a level where we can manipulate thought and matter, and are given "tester" planets to shape and mold. A soul at this level is quite advanced, but is only in "soul kindergarden" so to speak and is now becoming a more advanced entity, with more advanced space/time/matter shaping ablities and skills. I don't know that I'm doing her work justice in my description, which is pretty minimal in comparision. Joanne's work amazes me at times ... the things she talks about sometimes expand my consciousness so fast, I can feel it :) and I like it, but it gives you psychic vertigo too,~! She is journalling everything she gets from them, Her Inner Teachers, and her method is sorta similar to the Seth books. She writes everything in long hand in spiral notebooks, but poses the questions to her teachers as she writes, and writes the responses she receives simultaneously (like taking dictation on a channelling session in your head). She has quite a pipeline to her Inner Teachers who are able to communicate so much. She's been writing for years now -- sadly she burned many journals in the 80's thinking she was losing her mind, and by burning what was making her nuts she could get away from it , ahhh the loss of material!!! Now she has grown way past that. In any case, I pester her to let me edit into something to submit to Llew. Pub. for consideration, but as of yet she's not ready to do that. I will make it a point however to tell her about others' interest in her material. She continues to doubt that what she does would be of any interest to anyone but herself and her kooky friends (like me). She needs to know the world needs more kooky, because kooky is making a whole lot of sense.

Red Emma	10 Sep 2002
Alissa, fascinating letter. Thanks very much for the information. And would you please tell your friend that the League of Kooks is growing exponentially. I've seen statistics recently about how fast the members of just WICCA has grown in the past few years. That doesn't include those of us who've had it with organized religion, even WICCA, and practise and explore on our own. Best wishes, REd Emma

Madeline	15 Sep 2002
To Red Emma, Alissa has been telling me about your interests. What is it exactly that you want to know? I have had inner teachers all my life but it is only lately that I have spoken of them. They were forwned on by most people I know and my birth family. Everybody has at least one inner teacher. It is your strong desire to get in touch that brings them to your consciousness. I don't channel them, they are simply there when I need them or ask for help. Everyone has this capability. I have several that come and go. I think I wear them out from time to time but then I am not their only concern. However they have always been there for me especially for difficult times that we all have. This is a hard reality and we need all the help we can get. Lately I have been led to uinderstand that we will be losing more of our amnesia at birth to help us through the terrible conditions on earth at this time. I don't exactly know how this forum works yet. Get in touch with Alissa if you can't contact me as i might do wrong things here. Madeline.

Ravenswing	25 Sep 2002
everything is possible. in fact, it is all happening. problem is we've got a brain-- a buffer that selects one string at a 'time'. or at least that's how i see it being everywhere but kansas raven

The Parallel Universe Theory thread was originally posted on 27 Aug 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.