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Philip Experiment
A group of parapsychologists invented a ghost named Philip—complete with fake biography. Then they held séances to contact him. To everyone's shock, 'Philip' responded. Tables moved. Raps answered questions. The invented ghost became real.
1972 - 1973
Toronto, Canada
8+ witnesses
The Philip Experiment tested whether a group could create a ghost through belief alone—and succeeded.
The Experiment
In 1972-1973:
According to documented accounts:
- Toronto Society for Psychical Research
- Created a fictional ghost
- Named “Philip Aylesford”
- With detailed fake biography
- Then tried to contact him
The Invention
Philip’s biography:
- English aristocrat (1600s)
- Had an affair with a Gypsy
- She was accused of witchcraft
- Burned at the stake
- Philip committed suicide
- All completely fictional
The Results
After months of séances:
- Rapping sounds began
- Table began to shake
- Then to levitate
- “Philip” answered questions
- About his fake life
The Phenomena
The group experienced:
- Table tilting and moving
- Raps responding to questions
- Correct answers about Philip’s story
- Even “answers” to improvised questions
- That matched the mood of the group
Implications
The experiment suggested:
- Collective belief can create phenomena
- Poltergeists may be group-generated
- The unconscious mind has power
- Ghosts might be psychological projections
- Mind over matter is possible
Documentation
The experiment:
- Was filmed
- Documented in books
- “Conjuring Up Philip” published
- Replicated by other groups
- Remains controversial