Calling Cleopatra!

For some reason the thought struck me that it would make an interesting reality show to gather all the people, usually women, who claim they were Cleopatra in a past life and let them fight it out for the title.  I went on line the other day to do some related research.

The first site I looked at had free readings about past lives.  Just type in your date of birth and get a few paragraphs.  I typed in a few dates and read the information.  It was consistent; type in the same date and you get the same information.  It was also much like a horoscope, very general and could apply to anyone.  The site also had a disclaimer – for your entertainment only, no guarantees.

The second site seemed more serious.  It was filled with letters from satisfied customers and case studies.  (Remember, testimonials are not evidence).  If you asked for a reading, you can only get it over the phone where “voice contact” allows the reader to get clues about the accuracy of statements and direction, or as it blatantly admits, “…as you will see conversational interaction is important in [the] process…” This has all the signs of the well-known cold-reading technique, the method used for years by fortunetellers and charlatans as they drop hints and let the client lead them in a direction that appears fruitful.  Clients then describe the information as insightful and believable, not recognizing how they were unconsciously leading the discussion.  Similar offerings using this process have been debunked many times by researchers in the field.

That was the end of my research, not wanting to shell out the $65.00 to $150.00 for a reading, but I guess some people do.  Unfortunately, these businesses, like many others, stay afloat by preying on the credulous, those who don't practice critical thinking.

Is there danger in this or just fun?  In moderation and for fun, there is probably nothing wrong with it.  Those who believe in it should apply some critical thinking, do some research, read the skeptical literature on the subject, not just the endorsements and sales pitches.  In these tough economic times, those who spend $65 or more on such entertainment should apply some perspective, asking if it isn’t money better spent on a tank of gas or something that benefits friends or family.