2001-02-08 – Gary Schwartz – Afterlife Consciousness

Show: Area 2000

Air Date: February 8, 2001

Guest(s): Gary Schwartz, Ian Xel Lungold

Topic(s): Afterlife Consciousness

Art welcomes listeners to “Coast To Coast AM,” stretching across the globe, highlighting the addition of a new affiliate in Susanville, California. He showcases the innovative feature on his website that allows listeners to find local affiliates by clicking on their state on a map, a tool developed by his webmaster, Keith Rowland. In the news, there are discussions about serious events such as new earthquakes in India and political developments in the U.S. and Argentina. Art teases an upcoming guest, Dan Aykroyd, who has had a significant UFO sighting, scheduled for later in the month.

The show takes an intriguing turn as Art introduces a guest, Ian Xel Lungold, who presents a fascinating theory that time isn’t speeding up, but creation is. This theory is supported by scientific evidence from various disciplines, aligning with the Mayan calendar’s depiction of the unfolding of creation over 16.4 billion years. Ian Xel Lungold, a layman who has collaborated with scientists, argues that this acceleration of creation is measurable and reflects an evolution of consciousness as well. The conversation explores the implications of this theory for understanding the universe and human evolution, offering a novel perspective on the relationship between creation, evolution, and consciousness.

Art and Ian Xel Lungold delve into the concept that the entire universe, including human evolution, is part of an accelerating creation process. Ian Xel Lungold explains that the Mayan calendar, consisting of nine levels, each significantly shorter than the previous, indicates this acceleration, suggesting that the same amount of change occurs more rapidly as time progresses. This theory, referred to as “the quickening,” resonates with many who feel an acceleration in their own lives and observe it in the wider world.

Ian Xel Lungold argues that we can predict future developments by understanding past patterns, a perspective deeply rooted in the Mayan civilization’s long history. By correlating modern events with the Mayan calendar’s cycles, Ian Xel Lungold proposes that we can discern the unfolding future. The conversation shifts to the precision of the Mayan calendar system, which comprises the Tzolk’in and the Haab’, and its significance beyond just tracking time. According to Ian Xel Lungold, the true purpose of the Mayan calendar is to align human consciousness with the natural rhythms of creation, facilitating a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.

This segment also touches on Ian Xel Lungold’s development of a simple formula for converting Gregorian calendar dates to the Mayan calendar, a tool designed to help modern individuals connect with these natural cycles. Through this connection, Ian Xel Lungold suggests that individuals can attune their consciousness to these rhythms, potentially leading to a more harmonious existence within the natural world.

Art and his guest discuss the end of the Mayan calendar and its implications for predicting the future. Despite the calendar’s conclusion, they argue that the principles of acceleration in creation can still offer insights into future developments up to a certain point. The discussion delves into the structure of the Mayan calendar, which is divided into nine levels with thirteen sections each, representing cycles of light and darkness with specific purposes and outcomes. This framework has historically aligned with significant evolutionary and societal milestones, such as the emergence of life, the first animals, human tribes, and the advent of nations and industrialism.

The most recent cycles, according to the guest, have led humanity into the galactic cycle starting in 1999, projected to last 128 years, and will culminate in the universal cycle of just 260 days. This rapid condensation of creation and change suggests an unprecedented acceleration in technological, societal, and personal development. However, it also raises questions about the potential physical and existential implications for humanity and the universe. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning with natural rhythms and cycles to navigate the upcoming changes, suggesting that individual and collective consciousness will play a crucial role in the unfolding future.

Art and Ian Xel Lungold discuss the impending “fifth night,” a period predicted by the Mayan calendar to bring significant challenges, as evidenced by past cycles like the extinction of the Neanderthals, the collapse of Rome, and World War II. However, they suggest that humanity’s growing consciousness could mitigate the severity of this period. Ian Xel Lungold emphasizes that awareness of these cycles allows us to potentially steer our destiny rather than be passive victims to these transitions. The conversation shifts to environmental concerns, with Art highlighting the rapid, possibly exponential, degradation in various ecosystems. Ian Xel Lungold posits that the increase in the rate of change allows for more possibilities, including what were once considered miracles, like scientific breakthroughs that defy previous limitations. This acceleration towards the “quickening” implies that paranormal abilities, such as telepathy and telekinesis, could become normalized as our consciousness expands. The discussion concludes on the note that our future, whether it improves or deteriorates, will be heavily influenced by where we focus our attention and intention.

Ian Xel Lungold emphasizes the importance of understanding the acceleration of creation and its impact on human consciousness. He suggests that those who grasp this concept can benefit significantly, while those unaware may struggle with the rapid changes. Ian Xel Lungold promotes his website as a resource for aligning with the natural rhythms of creation, highlighting tools like the Mayan Calendar Codex that help tune consciousness to these universal cycles. He dismisses concerns about the end of the Mayan calendar, proposing instead that it signifies a moment when all events occur simultaneously, dissolving the illusion of time and space.

Art Bell introduces Dr. Gary Schwartz, who discusses his book “The Living Energy Universe.” Schwartz and co-author Linda Russek propose that everything in the universe, from the subatomic to the cosmic level, is alive, eternal, and evolving, possessing memory. This universal living memory theory suggests that every thought, idea, and awareness ever generated is retained in the universe as information or memory. It posits that consciousness survives death, and God exists and is evolving.

Schwartz shares an epiphany he had about the nature of light and information, realizing that energy and information do not disappear but continue into space, leaving an imprint or memory. This realization led him to ponder the responsibility humans have for the energy and information they emit. He explains that in the vacuum of space, energy and information do not degrade or disappear, which forms the basis of astrophysics. This principle, combined with the concept of feedback, illustrates how information can be living and not merely static.

Dr. Gary Schwartz discusses the concept of feedback loops and their implications for understanding consciousness and information persistence. He illustrates this with a metaphor of taking a ride with an electron around a feedback loop, exploring how information and energy do not degrade or disappear in the vacuum of space. This leads to the realization that all information, including every thought and action, leaves an imprint in the universe. Schwartz suggests that this accumulation of information, continually revised through interactions, is stored in the system, reflecting the interconnected relationships between entities. He emphasizes the responsibility that comes with this understanding, noting the impact of the energy and information we contribute to the universe. This conversation explores the foundational ideas of feedback loops, the persistence of information, and the living memory of the universe, highlighting the evolving nature of consciousness and its eternal imprint on the cosmos.

Dr. Schwartz simplifies the concept of feedback loops using practical examples like the microphone and speaker scenario, demonstrating how initial sounds are amplified and looped to create a growing sound. This principle is extended to video cameras pointed at monitors, showing systemic memory visually as images cascade infinitely. Schwartz explains that this process of accumulation and amplification of information applies to all levels of nature, leading to the universal memory theory. He posits that everything in the universe, from atoms to galaxies, participates in feedback loops, storing information and energy as they evolve. This concept has profound implications, suggesting that atoms, molecules, DNA, neurons, hearts, and even entire galaxies can “learn” and retain information, influencing fields like parapsychology, homeopathy, and the understanding of organ transplants and personality changes. The conversation transitions into exploring how feedback loops underpin various anomalies reported in parapsychology and prophecy, suggesting that the universe itself is a living, learning system.

Dr. Gary Schwartz shares his journey of conceiving the systemic memory theory in the early 1980s and the fears associated with it. His main concerns were the theory being incorrect, being perceived as a flake by his colleagues for proposing such a radical idea, and the personal and professional implications if the theory was indeed correct. For 13 years, he kept the theory to himself until he met Linda Russek, who would become his spouse and co-researcher.

Schwartz recounts a pivotal moment when Russek asked him if he believed in the survival of consciousness after death, a question that led him to share his theory of systemic memory for the first time. This theory suggests that feedback loops within all systems allow for the storage of information and energy, leading to the learning and memory of these systems. Schwartz’s theory had implications for understanding phenomena from homeopathy to the survival of consciousness, challenging conventional scientific beliefs.

Russek, deeply interested in the possibility of her father’s consciousness surviving after death, encouraged Schwartz to research and test the theory. Despite the potential academic and professional risks, Schwartz was motivated by Russek’s support and the personal significance of the research. They embarked on experiments to explore systemic memory and the survival of consciousness, facing skepticism from some colleagues while also recognizing the profound implications of their work if their theory proved to be correct.

Dr. Schwartz delves deeper into the essence of systemic memory and its implications for understanding consciousness beyond death. He shares his initial fears about proposing such a groundbreaking theory, which links everything from homeopathy to the survival of consciousness post-mortem. The turning point came when he met Linda Russek, who became not just a co-author and spouse but also a driving force in pushing the boundaries of this research due to her personal connection to the subject through her father’s passing.

The research began secretly, focusing on whether it was possible to detect signals of consciousness that persisted after physical death, employing advanced technology to capture frequencies beyond normal human hearing. This exploration was grounded in the theory of systemic memory resonance, suggesting that if consciousness survives, it might do so at frequencies we’re typically unaware of. Initial experiments showed anomalous phenomena that could not be readily explained, hinting at the presence of a conscious energy pattern.

Schwartz outlines a significant question: whether the energy that continues post-death retains the consciousness we experience in life or if it’s merely an echo of our existence. He explains that the theory predicts the preservation of boundary conditions that define our physical form, suggesting that the integrity of our consciousness could be maintained in a similar manner. This theory posits that just as our physical form is defined by boundaries, so too is our consciousness, potentially preserving its structure and integrity even after death.

The discussion touches on the profound question of the origin of consciousness itself, with Schwartz suggesting that the theory of systemic memory and feedback loops may offer insights into how consciousness can persist beyond physical boundaries. This theory not only challenges conventional scientific paradigms but also opens new avenues for understanding the nature of existence and the potential for life after death.

Dr. Schwartz explores the idea that feedback loops are fundamental to self-awareness and consciousness. This concept suggests that self-awareness arises from the process of an entity receiving a reflection of its energy and information, revised and sent back by another entity within the system. This feedback creates a self-conscious system, where the integrity and continuity of feedback loops are crucial for maintaining self-awareness.

Schwartz applies this theory to his experimental research with Linda, focusing on detecting possible communications from her deceased father using high-frequency sound waves beyond human hearing range. They employed microphones and spectrum analyzers to capture and analyze these frequencies during sessions where Linda invited her father to make his presence known. Although these early experiments did not conclusively disentangle the sources of the detected energies, they suggested the presence of anomalous phenomena and patterns that could not be easily explained.

The conversation transitions to the broader implications of their findings, touching upon the potential for machines and computers to achieve self-awareness through similar feedback mechanisms. Schwartz contends that all systems, regardless of complexity, possess some form of self-awareness, grounded in their feedback processes.

Despite the intriguing results, Schwartz acknowledges the challenges of scientifically proving consciousness’s continuation after death or its manifestation in high-frequency energy patterns.

During an encounter with a medium named Laurie Campbell, Dr. Schwartz was introduced to the potential of mediumship to connect with consciousnesses that have passed on. Laurie, unexpectedly, brought forward personal messages from Schwartz’s deceased parents, accurately describing their personalities and concerns, which intrigued Schwartz. The situation took a more compelling turn when Laurie conveyed messages from Linda’s father, Henry, expressing his love and attention to their research without prior knowledge of him. This experience was further deepened when Laurie channeled William James, a deceased scientist, discussing the significance of consciousness and its survival after death.

Schwartz was skeptical at first, suspecting Laurie might have gathered information about him beforehand. However, Laurie’s detailed and accurate descriptions, along with her portrayal of distinct personalities and messages aligned with those individuals’ characters, suggested a genuine connection beyond the physical realm. This pivotal meeting led Schwartz to seriously consider the implications of mediumship and the potential for consciousness to persist beyond physical death, setting the stage for further scientific exploration into the phenomena.

Dr. Schwartz details an experiment designed to test mediumship’s validity and the possibility of consciousness surviving physical death. This experiment involved two mediums, Susie Smith and Laurie Campbell, who had never met each other and were unaware of each other’s work. Susie Smith, despite being wheelchair-bound and aged 86, claimed to communicate with several deceased individuals, including her mother, professor William James, Dr. Henry Russek (Linda’s father), and Howard Schwartz (Gary Schwartz’s father).

The experiment tasked Susie to draw pictures suggested by each of the deceased individuals she communicated with, plus a control picture for herself, to test for telepathy or remote viewing by Laurie Campbell. These pictures were sealed in an envelope, unknown to anyone else. Laurie Campbell was then brought to Tucson and asked to contact the four deceased “co-investigators” in separate sessions, attempting to see and describe the pictures they had suggested to Susie. Additionally, Laurie was to guess the control picture drawn by Susie, aiming to determine if Laurie could access information about Susie’s picture through telepathic means.

This experiment’s structure was ingeniously designed to explore the mechanisms of mediumship, the potential for afterlife communication, and the role of consciousness beyond physical existence. It sought to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and scientific verification, pushing the boundaries of how we understand consciousness and its persistence after death.

In an intricate experiment designed to test the possibility of consciousness surviving after death, Dr. Schwartz and his team engaged mediums Susie Smith and Laurie Campbell in a unique setup. Susie, at home, communicated with deceased individuals, including her own mother, William James, Dr. Henry Russek (Linda Schwartz’s father), and Howard Schwartz (Gary Schwartz’s father), to inspire drawings. Laurie, later, was tasked to describe these drawings based on her mediumship sessions, aiming to connect with the same deceased individuals.

The experiment yielded astonishing results. When using the color and form information described by Laurie during her sessions, the team achieved 100% accuracy in matching the drawings to their respective deceased subjects. This was significantly higher than their success rate based solely on intuition, which averaged at 20%.

Laurie’s remote viewing capabilities were demonstrated when she accurately described Susie Smith’s apartment, a place she had never visited. Furthermore, Laurie conveyed highly personal and specific information from the deceased individuals that she could not have known otherwise. For example, she relayed a message from Linda’s father to Linda, which had profound personal significance and was unknown to anyone outside Linda’s immediate family.

These experiments suggested not only the potential for mediums to access information beyond conventional means but also pointed towards the survival of consciousness after physical death.

Dr. Schwartz shares more about his research into mediumship, specifically detailing an experiment that involved mediums Susie Smith and Laurie Campbell. This experiment aimed to provide evidence of consciousness surviving after physical death by testing if mediums could accurately describe pictures drawn by deceased individuals communicated through another medium. Susie Smith, in communication with deceased individuals, drew pictures suggested by them, and Laurie Campbell, without prior knowledge of these pictures, attempted to describe them through her mediumship sessions.

The results of the experiment were compelling. Laurie Campbell provided accurate descriptions of Susie’s apartment and detailed information about the pictures that only could have been known by the deceased individuals who suggested them. For instance, Laurie described a picture of a poinsettia that Susie drew instead of a rose, as suggested by Linda’s father, Henry. This accuracy in description was not limited to physical objects but extended to personal information and emotional messages from the deceased, further suggesting the presence of consciousness beyond death.

Dr. Schwartz discusses the broader implications of his findings, suggesting a future where communication with the deceased could become a commonplace aspect of society. He proposes the development of technology that could facilitate such communication, fundamentally altering our understanding of life, death, and the afterlife.

In exploring the profound questions surrounding the afterlife and the persistence of consciousness beyond physical death, Dr. Schwartz delves into the ethical and philosophical implications of his findings. He discusses the concept of “soul family therapy,” suggesting that therapy could extend beyond the physical realm to address unresolved issues between those who have passed and those still living. This notion raises profound implications for understanding relationships, love, and conflict resolution beyond our physical existence.

Dr. Schwartz also touches on the idea that the universe retains all types of energy and information indiscriminately, implying that both benevolent and malevolent consciousnesses continue to exist. This perspective challenges conventional views on morality, justice, and the afterlife, suggesting that actions in the physical world have lasting consequences beyond death. The discussion extends to the ramifications of the death penalty and the continued existence of souls, including those wrongfully executed, underscoring the complexity of justice and accountability in a universe where consciousness survives death.

The conversation shifts to the practical and societal implications of accepting the survival of consciousness as a reality. Dr. Schwartz speculates on the future integration of technology with spiritual communication, envisioning devices that enable direct communication with the afterlife. This vision extends to the potential for eliminating deceit and promoting integrity through direct feedback from the spiritual realm, fundamentally altering human interactions and societal norms.

As the discussion progresses, Dr. Schwartz acknowledges the challenges and controversies surrounding his research but emphasizes the transformative potential of embracing a broader understanding of consciousness and the afterlife.

Dr. Schwartz continues exploring the possibilities and implications of consciousness after death, including the persistence of personal traits and habits into the afterlife. He suggests that just as individuals can grow and change in life, there’s potential for growth after death. This concept encourages living in a more open and honest manner, understanding that the patterns we establish in life may continue beyond it. The discussion also touches on the experiences of individuals who claim to have communication with the deceased, further supporting the notion that consciousness may survive physical death and remain interactive.

A caller from Honolulu shares her lifelong experiences of crossing over and communicating with deceased loved ones, reinforcing the idea that such interactions are not only possible but also helpful in daily life. She relates her experiences to the work at the Monroe Institute, which focuses on expanding consciousness and explores the potential for therapy and growth beyond physical existence.

These discussions open up profound questions about the nature of consciousness, the afterlife, and how we live our lives in anticipation of what may come after. The concept of “soul family therapy” suggests that relationships and conflicts may extend beyond death, offering opportunities for resolution and growth in the afterlife.

Dr. Schwartz explores the intriguing intersection of consciousness, mediumship, and modern technology, particularly focusing on the effects of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines on psychic experiences. A caller from Honolulu, who works in radiology, shares her unique observations of seeing “other beings” while patients are in the MRI machine, suggesting that the intense magnetic fields might enhance or reveal interdimensional or spiritual presences. This aligns with Dr. Schwartz’s interest in how electromagnetic fields can influence mediumistic abilities, hinting at a potential magnetic nature of spiritual communication.

The discussion then touches upon the use of Faraday cages and shielded rooms in experiments with mediums. Faraday cages, which block electrical but not magnetic signals, reportedly enhance mediums’ abilities to receive information, suggesting that electrical waves might interfere with spiritual communication. Conversely, when magnetic signals are blocked, mediums’ abilities decrease, indicating that such communication could indeed be magnetic in nature.

This conversation opens up fascinating possibilities for the intersection of science, spirituality, and technology, suggesting that our understanding of the universe and consciousness might be expanded through the study of magnetic fields and their interaction with human perception and spiritual experiences.

John from Los Angeles shares his profound experience of continuous after-death communication (ADC) with his late wife, whom he considers his twin soul. Since her passing in January 2000, John has received numerous ADCs, making such interdimensional communication a regular aspect of his life. Seeking to validate his experiences, John visited six different mediums over five to six months, all of whom corroborated the details of his wife’s communications without prior knowledge of each other or John’s experiences.

These encounters provided John with what he describes as firsthand proof of the persistence of consciousness after death. He meticulously documented these sessions, taking detailed notes and recording them to corroborate the data. John’s story adds a deeply personal layer to the scientific exploration of consciousness beyond death, emphasizing the importance of such experiences in understanding the nature of our existence and the universe.

Dr. Schwartz encourages John and others with similar experiences to share their stories and potentially participate in scientific research to validate these phenomena under controlled conditions.

Ed from Honolulu calls in to share his imaginative exploration of what it might be like to exist as a spirit on the other side, contemplating the ability to see the past, present, and future simultaneously. He wonders if, from the spirit side, one could observe oneself in the present, suggesting that our true existence might be perpetual on the other side, with life on Earth being a temporary state. Dr. Schwartz finds Ed’s concept both creative and conceptually plausible, encouraging further exploration and documentation of these thoughts.

Emily from California recounts a near-death experience during childbirth, where she felt herself expanding and becoming indifferent to her physical state, only concerned with ensuring her newborn daughter was safe before feeling ready to “take off.” Following this experience, Emily felt drawn to physics, particularly the unique nature of sound waves compared to other forms of energy. She speculates that sound waves might hold a key to understanding more about the universe and consciousness.

Emily shares a transformative near-death experience that opened her to new levels of consciousness, prompting her to explore the nature of the universe through physics, particularly focusing on sound waves. Her journey hints at a deeper connection between our physical existence and the broader cosmos, suggesting that sound may play a crucial role in understanding our place in the universe.

Joy from Santa Cruz raises the idea that the Earth itself is a conscious entity and that humans are part of this larger consciousness. She inquires about ways to elevate collective consciousness to achieve a harmonious state of being. Dr. Schwartz responds by emphasizing the importance of openness and suggests that adopting an evidence-based approach to spirituality can bridge the gap between science and spiritual experiences. This approach could potentially lead to a heightened state of collective consciousness, aligning with the natural process of evolution.

Brian from Saint Louis questions how the concept of reincarnation fits within the framework of continuous consciousness. Dr. Schwartz explains that the theory not only supports the possibility of reincarnation but also offers a revised perspective on how energy and information might reincarnate. Instead of all energy being reincarnated into a new body, it expands into space, suggesting a more complex interaction between past, present, and future existences.

The discussion continues to unfold with insightful questions from callers. A caller named Leonard from the Los Angeles area brings up the intriguing topic of pets and their souls, questioning their existence and communication after death. Dr. Schwartz acknowledges the significance of this question, noting that in their research, mediums have accurately received information about deceased animals. He highlights that deceased pets seem to remain loyal and present around their living loved ones, with mediums often able to identify specific breeds and characteristics of these animals.

Moreover, Dr. Schwartz expands on the possibility of animals from other generations or even other planets, suggesting a broader, universal application of his theories on consciousness and its persistence after death. This opens up fascinating considerations about the interconnectedness of all living beings, across species and possibly even interplanetary origins, within the framework of consciousness research.

The episode wraps up with Dr. Schwartz expressing a desire for continued sharing and learning through interactions and experiences shared by individuals.