Levitation (paranormal)

Czech-2013-Prague-Street performers (crop)

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Colin Evans fraud in 1938

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Stanisława Tomczyk and William Marriott

Levitation (paranormal) refers to the phenomenon where objects, people, or animals are lifted into the air without any visible means of support. It is a topic that has fascinated humanity for centuries, often associated with magic, spiritualism, mysticism, and the paranormal. Unlike mechanical levitation seen in the principles of magnetism or aerodynamic lift, paranormal levitation claims to defy the known laws of physics, including gravity.

History

The history of paranormal levitation is rich and varied, spanning across different cultures and epochs. Historical accounts often attribute levitation to saints, witches, and practitioners of the occult. One of the most famous examples is that of Saint Teresa of Avila, a mystic of the Catholic Church, who was said to have levitated during moments of intense religious ecstasy in the 16th century. Similarly, in various Eastern traditions, certain yogis and spiritual masters were reputed to have the ability to levitate through meditation and spiritual practices.

Mechanisms and Beliefs

The mechanisms by which individuals supposedly levitate are often tied to specific religious or mystical beliefs. In many cases, levitation is said to result from an individual's attainment of a certain level of spiritual purity, enlightenment, or the direct intervention of a divine force. In the realm of the occult and magic, levitation is often attributed to psychic or supernatural powers, including telekinesis.

Skepticism and Scientific View

The scientific community remains skeptical of paranormal levitation claims, as they have not been reliably demonstrated under controlled conditions. Critics argue that many purported instances of levitation can be explained by natural phenomena, optical illusions, or outright fraud. The lack of empirical evidence supporting paranormal levitation has led to its classification as pseudoscience by mainstream scientists.

Cultural Impact

Despite skepticism, the idea of levitation continues to hold a significant place in popular culture, inspiring literature, films, and magic performances. Levitation acts are a staple of stage magic, employing hidden wires, mechanical devices, or other tricks to create the illusion of a person or object defying gravity. These performances, while not paranormal, contribute to the enduring fascination with the concept of levitation.

Conclusion

Paranormal levitation remains a controversial and largely unproven phenomenon. While it captures the imagination and serves as a compelling feature of many religious and mystical traditions, it lacks the empirical support necessary for acceptance by the scientific community. As such, it continues to be an area of interest for both believers in the paranormal and skeptics alike.