CHARLES HAPGOOD talks with CHRIST, ELWOOD BABBITT the MEDIUM

The collaboration between Charles Hapgood and Elwood Babbitt represents a unique intersection of academic inquiry and spiritual exploration. Their work not only contributed to the understanding of mediumship but also reflected broader cultural currents in American spirituality during the mid-20th century. Despite criticisms, their legacy continues to influence discussions on the nature of consciousness and the potential for communication beyond the physical realm.

The "Hapgood Babbitt Experience" refers to the collaborative work and research between Charles H. Hapgood, a professor and author, and Elwood Babbitt, a full trance medium from Massachusetts. Their partnership delved into the realms of parapsychology, spiritualism, and mediumship, documenting Babbitt's alleged psychic experiences. Here's an overview of what this experience entailed:

- **Collaboration**: Charles Hapgood, who was known for his diverse interests including earth science and ancient history, also had a keen interest in parapsychology. He met Elwood Babbitt in the late 1960s and was intrigued by his abilities as a trance medium. Over the years, Hapgood spent considerable time studying Babbitt, leading to the creation of several books based on their interactions and Babbitt's trance sessions.

- **Books Produced**: 

  - **"Voices of Spirit: Through the Psychic Experience of Elwood Babbitt"** (1975) - This book documents Babbitt's mediumship, offering full-length transcripts of communications from various spirits through Babbitt's trances. Hapgood relates these experiences to contemporary parapsychological research.

  - **"Talks with Christ and His Teachers Through the Psychic Gift of Elwood Babbitt"** (1981) - Here, Hapgood transcribes and interprets communications supposedly from Jesus Christ and other spiritual entities through Babbitt.

  - **"The God Within: A Testament of Vishnu"** (1982) - Focuses on spiritual teachings conveyed through Babbitt, particularly those attributed to the Vishnu Force.

- **Nature of the Experience**: 

  - **Trance Mediumship**: Babbitt was known as a full trance medium, meaning he would leave his body during sessions, allowing spirits to communicate through him. Hapgood's books explore how Babbitt's spirit guides, like Dr. Fischer and Jim Cole, managed these communications.

  - **Psychic Readings**: Babbitt provided "life readings," where he supposedly looked into an individual's past lives and offered advice based on clairvoyant insights.

  - **Spiritual Teachings**: Through Babbitt, Hapgood documented teachings intended for spiritual growth, discussing themes like reincarnation, health, and the nature of consciousness.

- **Research and Documentation**: Hapgood's approach was somewhat scientific, attempting to bridge Babbitt's psychic experiences with the academic study of parapsychology. He analyzed the mechanics of spirit communication, exploring how images and voices entered Babbitt's mind during trances.

This collaboration between Hapgood and Babbitt represents a unique exploration into mediumship from both a spiritual and a quasi-scientific perspective, capturing interest from those intrigued by psychic phenomena, spiritualism, and alternative views on consciousness and communication with the beyond.