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psychology

Deciphering the psychology behind the belief in starseeds. Source: Caphira Lescante / Adobe Stock

Starseeds: Psychologists On Why Some People Think They’re Aliens Living On Earth

By Ken Drinkwater et al. / The Conversation There’s a new group of people on Earth who believe they’re aliens. Star people, or starseeds, are individuals who believe they have come to Earth from...
There have been many theories and many treatments for depression over the millennia of human history. Source: Love the wind / Adobe Stock.

Melancholia: How Ancient Societies Grappled to Understand and Treat Depression

Depression is a serious mental disorder and a state of being that troubles many people all over the world. It is not a condition to be taken lightly – it can weigh down on a person immensely and can...
Haunting and beautiful Middle-Earth-like elves by artist

Icelanders Believed in Elves, But it is Probably Not What You Think

Icelanders believe in elves. They refuse to begin major construction projects unless they consult with elves first. They lobby their politicians on behalf of elf colonies. They run “elf schools” and...
Healing Temple of Aesculapius (Asklepios) by Robert Thom

The Healing Power of Dream Incubation in Ancient Greece

In the ancient world, many cultures built elaborate temple complexes dedicated to their healer gods - Imhotep in Egypt and Asklepios in Greece for example. These gods were recognized as having the...
A Buddhist monk creating a mandala

Intricacy and Reflection: Transforming Mandalas from Sacred Designs to Art Therapy

Although the word ‘Mandala’ simply means “circle” or “discoid object” in Sanskrit, the significance is far more complex. Traditionally, mandalas represented the intricacy of the universe and served...
Detail of an artistic representation of an Egyptian vampire queen. Before the Egyptians, there were Sumerian vampires.

Sumerian Vampires Inspired Tales of Bloodsucking Baobhan Sith, Satan, and Dracula

Many folktales, stories, and myths around the world begin with folk “straying from the path” and meeting beautiful females, only to discover that they are treacherous vampires. Since Bram Stoker’s...
The glass delusion - a belief in human frailty or a desire to transcend human existence? Source: Creative Commons

Glass Delusion: Bizarre Medieval Affliction Left People Shattered

There is a story dating back to the 1960s about a man who overdosed on LSD and became permanently insane. In his insanity, he believed himself to be a glass of orange juice. He was afraid to lie down...
Aerial photo of the excavation area of an Early Neolithic settlement near Vráble in Slovakia                Source: © Nils Müller-Scheeßel / University of Kiel

Evidence of Twisted Human Brains Found in Neolithic Settlements

Research at an Early Neolithic settlement near Vráble in Slovakia has provided an answer as to why early Neolithic humans leaned toward counterclockwise construction. Rather than thinking then acting...
A magician or wizard with a hidden face.

Mathematical Genius or Mesmerizing Magician? The Psychomagic of Scotland's Ancient Lost Wizard

"Scotland's First Scientist", "The Lost Genius", "The Scottish Wizard", "The White Wizard", or "The Wizard of the North" are some of the terms used to describe Michael Scot. And although this...
A mummy unearthed in the Atacama Desert.

Mummies Found in Chile Did Not Let Harsh Life Conditions Get Them Down

Despite apparent episodes of food shortage, disease, violence, and severe weather conditions, it seems that, at least for some people, life in Chile between 500-1500 years ago was not that stressful...
Demons

Incubi and Succubi: Protection from Dark Magics and Cures for Night Terrors – Part II

Psychological Distress Some researchers have suggested that Incubus/Succubus attacks are related to strong sexual repression. As noted above, tales of Incubi and Succubi were originally linked more...
Mass Manipulation & Propaganda

The Age of Confusion: Mass Manipulation & Propaganda - Part Two

On March 17, 2011 the UK Guardian published a report warning that social media is being manipulated. * Revealed: US spy operation that manipulates social media Military's 'sock puppet' software...
Mass Manipulation & Propaganda

The Age of Confusion: Mass Manipulation & Propaganda - Part One

Ancient Origins is dedicated to breaking through the miasma of encrusted misconceptions that stand between any researcher and the truth concerning our real origins. Books such as 'Forbidden...
Evolution Selfish and Mean

Evolution Will 'Punish' You If You're Selfish and Mean

The Darwinian perspective of ‘survival of the fittest’ should mean that those who are selfish and live their lives with an ‘every man for himself’ attitude would be more likely to succeed in life and...