Sensory Metaphor

[Lost in Translation]

I'm reading a book called Scrying for Beginners, by Donald Tyson. In it he writes at length about sensory metaphors. 

 

Regarding human auras he writes: 

 

"There is no scientific evidence for the existence of the aura as an energetic field that can be measured and recorded by machines." Rather, "the aura is a sensory metaphor presented to the awareness of the scryer by the agents of his or her deep mind to express in perceivable terms information about the subject that has been acquired by extrasensory means." (pp. 204) Tyson continues on and discusses famous occultists from the 18th and 19th century, including Reichenbach and Mesmer. To this he writes "the error of Mesmer and Reichenbach lay in maintaining that this nerve-energy was physical. When their experiments were subjected to scientific testing, no evidence for a physical force could be detected, and both men were discredited publicly. Their error was understandable. The aura does appear to be physical light to those with the ability to see it. There was no reason for these psychics to doubt the evidence of their own senses. If they could see it with their eyes, they naturally assumed it must exist." (pp. 208)

 

I find the notion of a "sensory metaphor" fascinating, since on the one hand it explains very well how psychics and other mediums can perceive what they do, while on the other hand explaining equally well why scientific testing remains unable to verify what so many claim to perceive! Your comments are welcome.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 19, 2018 by Lost in Translation
Fixed error in quote

[Lost in Translation]

Sometimes when meditating or otherwise opening oneself to extra sensory input, one may feel a shock or hear a sound or sense movement out of the corner of an eye. These are not random events. They are more properly what is termed a "sensory metaphor." Since spirit can't typically manifest to our normal senses, it presents itself to our subtle perceptions. Lacking a translation framework for subtle perception our minds translate subtle data into our normal senses of sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. Ever notice the house creeping? Get a sudden chill? Hear a distant child yelling, or smell food cooking late at night when no one is moving? Yep. That's it...

[rocala]

I do like this term "sensory metaphor". In one way it does tend to simplify a phenomenon that many of us have experienced whilst simultaneously opening up a whole new area for consideration.