Magnetic Stimulation of the Temporal Cortex: A Partial “God Helmet” Replication Study

Abstract

The effects of magnetic stimulation of the brain in comparison with suggestibility and expectation are studied.  Eight magnetic coils were embedded in a helmet, placing four over the temporal lobes on each side of the head. These produced 0.0001 Tesla (10 mG) magnetic fields (MF). “Spiritual experiences” were reported by some of the 20 volunteers who received magnetic stimulation of the temporal lobes.  These “spiritual experiences” included sensing the presence of “spiritual beings.”  Stimulation durations and field strengths were within the limits used by Dr. M. A. Persinger in similar (“God Helmet”) experiments (20 minutes, 10 mG). Questionnaires were applied before, during, and after the experimental sessions.  Analysis of the subjects’ verbal reports, using Whissel’s Dictionary of Affect in Language, revealed significant differences between subjects and controls, as well as less robust effects for suggestion and expectation.