Thirty Years Among the Dead

by Carl A. Wickland

Carl August Wickland (February 14, 1861 - November 13, 1945) was a psychiatrist, a paranormal researcher and a non-fiction author. Wickland was born in 1861 at Liden, Norland Province, Sweden. His father taught him cabinet making in his youth. Later he studied watchmaking. In 1881 he arrived in St. Paul, Minn. after having emigrated from Sweden the year before. He married Anna W. Anderson in 1896 and they moved to Chicago so that he could attend Durham Medical College from which he graduated in 1900. He became a general practitioner of medicine and specialized in researching mental illnesses. In 1909, Wickland became chief psychiatrist at the National Psychopathic Institute of Chicago. He continued in that position until 1918 when he and his wife moved to Los Angeles, California. Wickland, in collaboration with his assistants, Nelle Watts, and Celia and Orlando Goerz, wrote and published in 1924, Thirty Years Among the Dead a book that detailed their experiences in abnormal psychology. Wickland believed that the doctrine of reincarnation was The theory of reincarnation can undoubtedly be traced to early stages of mankind when departed spirits took possession of the bodies of sensitive individuals and lived and acted through them, thus seemingly indicating reincarnation. But in reality this was only spirit obsession or possession.

Genres: Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1924

About the author

Wickland was a physician, psychiatrist, and spiritualist who spent more than three decades researching and experimenting with the application of Spiritualist techniques to assist those suffering from mental illnesses.
He qualified as a physician at Dunham Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, later becoming a medical advisor for the National Psychological Institute, Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Marie Silk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget everything you thought you knew about the spiritual world and afterlife. This book is intriguing at least, life-changing at best. It delves into the reality of what happens to a person's spirit after they die, which is straightforward for some, but not so much for others. These lost spirits wander in confusion, some not realizing they are dead and influencing people still on earth. It brings a whole new meaning to the stories of Christ casting out demons. This book shows what that looks like modern day with positive results for the people previously afflicted by spirits. Also sheds new light on mental illness as we know it. Highly recommended for anyone looking for answers on the afterlife!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing look at a medium's experiences chanelling troubled spirits that bother the living and her husband's interactions with them while they possess his wife. Set up like a script.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone who is interested in understanding mental illness.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A PARANORMAL RESEARCHER PROVIDES DETAILS OF HIS RESEARCHES

Author Carl A. Wickland wrote in the Preface to this 1974 book, “In offering this book to the public, there is no desire to promulgate any ism or cult, but to present the records and deductions of thirty years experimental research in the science of normal and abnormal psychology, as the same pertains to the obscure problems of a life hereafter and its relation to human affairs, which all thinking minds muse recognize a being of the utmost importance.”

He wrote in the first chapter, “Psychical Research belongs especially to the domain of science; common sense and discrimination are essentials in all such experimental work, as well as a thorough mastery of the laws involved. Under these conditions scientific research becomes an invaluable factor in the investigation of Spiritual Sciences.” (Pg. 25)

He outlines, “The purpose of our work has been to obtain reliable and incontestable evidence at first hand regarding ‘after death’ conditions, and detailed reports of hundreds of experiences have been stenographically made in order to record the exact situation of the communicating intelligences.” (Pg. 35)

Before describing some of his experiences (some of which were conducted with his wife), he argues, “Any attempt to explain our experiences on the theory of the Subconscious Mind and Auto-Suggestion, or Multiple Personalities, would be untenable, since it is manifestly impossible that Mrs. Wickland should have a thousand personalities, and since it is so readily possible to cause transference of psychosis from a supposedly insane person to Mrs. Wickland, relieving the victim, and in this way discovering that the disturbance was due to a discarnate entity, whose identity can often be verified.” (Pg. 43)

He concludes, “Demonstrative evidence clearly indicates that much which now sees mysterious can be brought to light by appropriate research… Psychical research should be placed on a scientific basis, and made safe and sane by eliminating the dwellers on the threshold of the unseen, who, through deception and falsehood, frequently pervert the truth which the enlightened spirit intelligences are constantly endeavoring to convey to humanity. Advanced intelligences on the invisible side continually urge that broad-minded investigators on the physical plane co-operate with them in establishing research centers in asylums, churches, universities and other institutions. It is imperative the psychical research should be in the hands of men of science, men who are willing to set aside prejudice and, with unbiased minds, weigh the evidence and classify findings.” (Pg. 389)

He continues, “Psychic research circles, formed to learn the truth of life and spirit existence should be of inestimable value to churches, for such investigation and would prove positively the continued existence of the soul, and convert mere faith and belief in a life hereafter into definite knowledge.” (Pg. 390)

This book will interest some who are studying psychical research.

[Angelo Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excepcional aventura de um médico psiquiatra, cuja esposa é médium e num grupo de pessoas interessadas em socorrer os necessitados do mundo espiritual passa a receber relatos da vida após esta vida de parte de inúmeros espíritos nas mais diversas situações encontradas após a passagem pela morte do corpo físico. Isso se passa entre as décadas de 1890 e 1920.

Vale a pena a leitura desta longa narrativa das experiências desse médico!

[Yanko Yankov · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read

I found this book after reading "the unquiet Dead: A psychologist treats to spirit possession" by Edith Fiore and I have to say.. this one go more indepth with the stories.

[Kelly Overton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed me. I think about it most nights before I fall asleep. It inspires me through the day to be a better, selfless person. God is not an entity but is everything and in everything. God is all in all. I am now going to search for God in myself and try to know myself fully.

[Hilkka Winter) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind-blowing stuff.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of transcripts from seances conducted in the 1920s. Endorsed by famed fairy-obsessive Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, so you know it's the good shit.

[Ellenore Clementine Kruger · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was so disappointing. This is bleak at best.

[Seth Kicklighter · Rating 3 out of 5]

this almost is turning me into a gnostic. so much subtle disinfo from some of these spirits. it feels like they’re all one source or demonic team putting on a show. i could be wrong ofc but some of these “spirit guides” remind me of the ones from Joe Fischers “Siren Call of Hungry Ghosts”. read that next

[Hatem Wahab]

I want to by this book but i couldnot find any bookshops have this sort of books please help me to i pick it.