My Spotless Mind

Too often, there are reports of people claiming to have been
glorified historical figures in past lives.

It's a frequent misconception, perhaps encouraged in part by
somewhat unscrupulous psychics who tell clients how important
they were in their past lives. When people are regressed and see
their own past lives, it's common to perceive experiences as being
both rich and poor, male and female, powerful and powerless,
productive and unproductive, and so on. If people perceive
themselves as a famous historic figure such as Cleopatra,
Joan of Arc, one of the Disciples of Jesus, or even as Jesus
himself, there are four possible explanations for this:

1. The person really was the historic figure in a past life.

2. The person is identifying with personality patterns
associated with the historic individual to such an extent that
the person believes he or she was that individual.

3. The person's ego is adding to the session. For example,
perhaps he or she perceives through regression the ancient
civilization of Egypt and a woman who looked like Cleopatra,
or they may have been associated with Cleopatra, but the
regressed person wasn't actually Cleopatra.

4. The person is somehow connecting to the energy or
consciousness that was once part of the historic figure.

Regarding those who consider people who believe in
reincarnation and past lives to be escapists and cowards,
it actually takes more courage to accept and live within the
ideals of reincarnation and karma because it means you have
to take responsibility for everything you do, say, intend, and
feel for all that happens to you. There is no such thing as a
victim, you can't blame anyone for anything, and you "get
away with" nothing.

Furthermore, physical death may be the end of our body, but
we are far more than just a body. Our soul consists of energy
or life force. Science has proven that energy never dies and
can't be destroyed; it just takes a different form.

Past life regression can be used for entertainment purposes,
but more importantly, even if you don't believe in past lives,
it can be a very useful and therapeutic tool.

Finally, it doesn't really matter if the theories of reincarnation
and karma are valid or not, but if we all acted as if they were,
our world would be a much better place.

Copyright © 2007 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo

Since the early 1980's we've explored metaphysical and
New Age offerings. We've compiled a list below to help
you navigate the metaphysical marketplace.

The following is an extended list of characteristics that,
although perceived by much of the population as inherently
"spiritual," do not automatically make someone a good
spiritual teacher.

*Membership to a sect/religion based in a foreign country


*The appearance of a wise, old sage; older doesn't always
mean wiser


*Musical/artistic ability


*The ability to offer an authentic-looking, heartfelt cry on
cue


*Having attracted a lot of money/contributions through their
adherents


*A foreign accent


*Enigmatic looks


*Lots of press


*Expensive fees


*Expensive seminars and retreats


*Mention of having studied under a "guru" in an exotic
foreign country


*Specializing in mysterious disciplines that are difficult, if
not impossible to pronounce


*Being a "best-selling" author


*An appearance on Oprah


*Appearing on other national TV/radio shows


*Having testimonials/endorsements from other "spiritual
authorities" (i.e., often self-proclaimed)


*A powerfully effective communicator/stage presence


*Having "cured" themselves of a terminal disease through
their magic powers that you can have too if you would just
pay their fees and buy their products


*Guaranteeing success in manifesting what you want
(especially if it contrasts with who you really are/your
true path)


*Cheer-leading ability


*Denying reincarnation and karma (usually because accepting
these basic spiritual concepts would negate some or a lot of
what they preach)


*"Never" saying anything "negative" and always smiling


*Written communication that appears to sound profoundly
deep, is difficult to decipher, and that leaves you thinking,
"What does that mean?" after the feel-good feeling fades


*Poetic ability


*The ability to make you feel warm and fuzzy inside


*Claims of having communicated directly with God, or guides,
or other spiritual beings--especially when the "communications"
are sometimes biased-sounding. For example, someone claiming
that "God" told them a certain politician/political initiative or
corporate initiative is evil, or that one must, for instance,
abstain from sex for the rest of his/her life in order to reach
"nirvana"


*The willingness to jump on the New Age bandwagon just
because a spiritual concept is popular

Copyright © 2007 Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo