Are Noetic Sciences real?

A West Virginia Chapter of Noetic Sciences, affiliated with the Institute of Noetic Science in California, has been formed and will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 17 at the West Virginia University of Parkersburg Ripley Center.

The institute was created in 1973 by scientists led by Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell who on his way back to earth saw the planet floating in space and had what he calls an "overview effect" that changed his perspective on reality.

The local, eight-member chapter was organized a few months ago by Bob Hunter, his wife Joan and son-in-law Truman Long to explore consciousness and healing while providing a networking and venue for like-minded people to share ideas, Long said.

The Institute of Noetic Sciences conducts and sponsors research into the potential and powers of consciousness, such as perceptions, beliefs, attention, intention and intuition. It promotes the scientific examination of phenomena that goes unstudied by mainstream science.

One of the more fascinating parts of the formation of a local chapter is the part Noetic Science plays in "DaVinci Code" author Dan Brown's latest book "The Lost Symbol." The concept of "mind over matter" is one of the spellbinding themes of the book.

Just as there were countless film productions dealing with the Holy Grail, the Bible's dealing with Mary Magdalene, Masonic lore, the Knights Templar, the Priory of Sion and Opus Dei, undoubtedly Brown's latest work will lead to more films dealing with issues touched on in its pages, including the Noetic Sciences.

It will be interesting to see what direction the productions take and how they are received.