Eileen Garrett

The Medium Who Fell in Love with Parapsychology

Eileen J. Garrett (1893-1970) was an Irish-born medium and parapsychologist renowned for her significant contributions to the study of psychic phenomena. Born on March 17, 1893, in County Meath, Ireland, she claimed to have experienced psychic abilities from a young age. Throughout her life, Garrett was deeply involved in exploring and understanding mediumship and other paranormal activities. Her contributions to the field were vast and varied, combining personal psychic experiences with a dedication to scientific investigation.

This updated resource guide aims to put all relevant information about Eileen Garrett’s contributions to fields of paranormal study in one place.

What did Eileen Garrett do that was so influential?

Eileen Garrett volunteered as a research subject for groundbreaking parapsychology experiments.
Eileen Garrett founded the Parapsychology Foundation to advance scientific study of psychic phenomena.
Eileen Garrett explored connections between psychedelic experiences and psychic phenomena.

1. Eileen Garrett volunteered as a research subject for groundbreaking parapsychology experiments.

Unlike many psychics of her era, Garrett eagerly participated in scientific studies to examine her abilities. She volunteered for numerous research projects as a subject, working with some of the leading parapsychologists of the time.

In the 1930s, Garrett was tested extensively by researchers at Duke University, including J.B. Rhine and J.G. Pratt. Rhine, a pioneer in experimental parapsychology, considered Garrett to be “one of the finest mediums of the day”. These experiments helped establish protocols for studying psychic phenomena in laboratory settings.

Garrett also submitted herself to psychological analysis to better understand the nature of her trance states and spirit “controls.” In 1934, she underwent word-association tests conducted by psychical researcher Whately Carington. The results suggested her spirit controls were secondary personalities emerging from her subconscious.

Her willingness to be scrutinized by scientists lent credibility to psychic research and helped bridge the gap between spiritual beliefs and empirical study. As Garrett herself stated, “It is only by scientific patience, over long years, that real spiritual insight for reality can be achieved, and thus clear away the sentimental emotionalism that has long been the main enemy of true psychic research”.

2. Eileen Garrett founded the Parapsychology Foundation to advance scientific study of psychic phenomena.

In 1951, Garrett partnered with Frances P. Bolton to establish the Parapsychology Foundation (PF) in New York City. The PF became a pivotal institution in promoting rigorous academic and scientific investigation of paranormal topics.

Under Garrett’s leadership, the foundation provided much-needed research grants to parapsychologists and hosted annual international conferences. These efforts helped legitimize parapsychology as a field of study and fostered collaboration between researchers worldwide.

The PF also engaged in publishing initiatives to disseminate paranormal research. Garrett founded Creative Age Press and launched Tomorrow magazine, which became influential platforms for parapsychological discourse.

By creating institutional support for parapsychology, Garrett played a crucial role in advancing the field beyond anecdotal evidence and towards more robust scientific inquiry.

3. Eileen Garrett explored connections between psychedelic experiences and psychic phenomena.

In the 1950s and 60s, Garrett became involved in the emerging field of psychedelic research, working with leading scientists to investigate potential links between psychedelic substances and paranormal abilities.

Garrett found that psychedelic experiences gave her unique insights into her psychic capabilities. She reported, “I have had psychic experiences which occur at the height of the LSD experience. I believe the drug has made me a better, more accurate sensitive when I perceive, hear, think and feel”.

Her work in this area helped map out the “other world” of psychedelic experience and its potential relationship to altered states of consciousness associated with psychic phenomena. Garrett’s explorations bridged the worlds of traditional mediumship and modern consciousness research.

In the 1960s, Garrett collaborated with psychologist Lawrence LeShan to study alternate realities and describe the “clairvoyant reality” – a state of consciousness in which paranormal abilities seemed to function optimally. This research contributed to broader understanding of the phenomenology of psychic experiences.

By engaging with cutting-edge consciousness research, Garrett helped expand the boundaries of parapsychological inquiry and fostered interdisciplinary approaches to studying the human mind.

Eileen Garrett’s legacy as a psychic, researcher, and institution-builder continues to influence parapsychology today. Her commitment to both personal exploration and scientific rigor set a standard for investigating the mysteries of human consciousness and potential.