When news of the death lodge first emerged everyone called it a tragic accident. As more information came to light everyone called it negligence. As we continue to look into the James Ray scandal we begin to see a larger picture, a pattern of abuse growing in severity that resulted in at least four deaths, possibly five.
I fully expected Nightline to divulge all the dirty little experiential events at James Ray’s other seminars since they were speaking to former JRI employee Melinda Martin. They didn’t though, so it looks like it’s up to me.
The death lodge was not James Ray’s first attempt to cook people. I’ve heard reports that both his Modern Magick and Practical Mysticism seminars include an event where participants walk across a bed of hot coals and lots of people have been badly burned because of this. The worst example I heard of this was at a retreat where approximately 80% of people received second or third degree burns. Now, I don’t know a whole lot about fire-walking and it seems like a pretty bad idea to me, but plenty of people have reported walking across coals without any injuries at all. In the retreat mentioned above, where the majority received burns, it appears to be due to the accelerant James Ray “spilled” on the coals and sections of the dirt where participants were walking barefoot.
What are some other features of the Modern Magick retreat, besides the human barbeque? James Ray also drugged participants. I repeat - James Ray drugged participants. Hallucinogenic breathing techniques are one thing, but James Ray goes above and beyond that and actually drugs his victims with some sort of hallucinogenic muscle relaxer.
What is this drink he coerces people into consuming? I don’t know, but we have a pretty detailed description. It’s a thick liquid described as mud-like. It tastes like dirt and definitely had mind-altering effects. James Ray described the substance as a sort of truth serum, claiming that it would release inhibitions and allow participants’ honest feelings to come out. Participants drank about four cups of this and it produced a heavy bloated feeling. Another notable side effect was that participants pooped black insanity for a couple of days. If anyone has ideas as to what this drink might be or what it’s made of please let me know in the comments.
Another activity at Modern Magick is something called “Dreamers and Dreamed”. Participants were put on silence and not allowed to talk to anyone and then had to wander around to different “stations”. At these “stations” the participants were supposed to hold their arms out in front of their face and look at their palms. They would then flip their hands to look at the back and say something like “Is this real or is this a dream?” after they had done this at the different stations they would go back to the classroom and lay down on their mat. They would rest for a bit and then they were supposed to get up and do the exact same thing, over and over again. This went on for about two hours, maybe longer. It was stressed to participants how important it was to do the exact same routine without variation.
What does this exercise signify? I’m not sure yet, but I think it’s a little odd that between 300 and 600 participants were wandering around the host locations all zombie like, in a trance, not talking, and nobody questioned this.
The most worrisome description of the Modern Magick seminar actually comes from the description of the breathing exercises. James Ray told participants that some may feel like taking off their clothes during the exercise and that staff members would be walking around to cover them with blankets and keep them from being exposed. They were also told that people might be doing things like gyrating hips, etc. James Ray stressed the importance of everyone staying on their own mat and to stay focused on themselves and not others. This setup is so ripe for abuse that I shudder to think what James Ray really meant with the trigger phrase for this activity – “Exactly what you need is exactly what you get.”
The Spiritual Warrior retreat ended with the grand finale of the death lodge and Modern Magick ended with no less of a shocker. James Ray had the same type of lead up saying things like “You’re not out of the woods yet! I have one more thing planned for you.” He also stressed that every single person there had to do it, had to participate. Then he brought out the snakes.
There were large fish tanks filled with writhing, squirming masses of serpents. Participants were told they had to reach through the snakes and grab a key from the bottom of the tank. James Ray told participants these were the keys that unlocked the door to their future. The snakes were all different sizes and species, but James Ray never said whether they were venomous or not.
Now, I’m sure some people are thinking “But James Ray would have to be psychotic to have hundreds and hundreds of people put their hands through five or six inches of venomous snakes!” and, well, yes. Yes, he would. In fact, snake handling is illegal in many states so I definitely think we should find out exactly what types of snakes James Ray was using, and if he had the appropriate exotic animals permits required to have snakes in that quantity. If the serpents were in fact vipers, then I suspect James Ray and staff will be looking at a whole new slew of charges.
Speaking of James Ray’s staff, it turns out that sometimes their job descriptions include things like “pretend to be a participant”. Greg Hartle has done this on more than one occasion.
Other reports of dangerous activities and injuries at James Ray seminars include bending rebar between two people’s necks, breaking arrows on necks (with sharpened metal point!), multiple broken bones from multiple activities – including standing meditation for hours resulting in falls (don’t forget Lorena Bathey’s arm), torn muscles/ligaments, walking on hot coals, and of course all the dangers of the Spiritual Warrior death lodge retreat.
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Comments
Cassandra,
Based on your description of the hallucinogenic muscle relaxer: "It’s a thick liquid described as mud-like. It tastes like dirt and definitely had mind-altering effects," ...
Sounds to me like it might have been kava kava - I've had it before (a tiny sip) and it fits that description. Tasted like dirt, it was thick - it was relaxing, but as I had only a sip (and it had been diluted with pineapple juice), it wasn't mind-altering.
I participated in Modern Magick in 2007, and we drank kava, which is no big deal. At that time, James made it sound like a bigger deal than it was, so we would take it seriously. It is sold in Kava bars all over Hawaii, and you can even order it on Amazon. We did not walk on hot coals in Modern Magick either, and there were no snakes. And, no, I am not a devotee of James Ray, and have not been to a seminar since then, and also think what happened is awful, but do like facts to be correct.
I believe that James Arthur Ray may have been using Ayahuasca to induce hallucinations and enable indoctrination so the he could collect greater and greater sums of money form hiw marks. (google Herbal Agent overdose) His "channel" Barbara is a strong advocate of Ayahuasca drug use because she believes that it enables people to contact multi-dimensional entities from the Plieades. You might want to look into the bizarre religious beliefs prevalent in Sedona that lead James Ray to push people to extremes and caused him to believe these extreme measures were necessary. YCSO will not touch these people because they are wealthy and account for the majority of the tourist revenue in Yavapai county. Any jury picked from Yavapai county will consist mainly of wealthy people who promote the same type of self-help scams (though less extreme) as James Ray. A change of venue is the only hope for a successful prosecution.
The description is identical to how I'd describe Kava (the real stuff, not stuff you get at health stores). Kava is strong enough it's causing problems in CA to the point they are dishing out DWI's for it. Trust me, the real stuff is STRONG. Supposedly very similar to Benzodiazapemes. ANother one could be Kratom which also would fit the description. Again, if you get the real stuff, the effects are quite strong. Kava is a downer, Kratom is a stimulant in low doses, and an downer at higher dosages. My money is on Kava as someone else noted
I just noticed Karen's comment. So I guess he openly acknowledged it. One cup isn't that much, 4 is a good bit. It definitely causes the digestive issues noted in teh article. The more I read the description, the more I'm positive it's Kava. There's a lot of bunk kava floating around, but the real stuff, in powder form, sounds exactly like the drink. I've absolutely been to the point I would not have been fit to drive so although it's natural , it's not 'nothing'. afer all Opium is natural too
Bill: Kava does sound like it fits the description. You make a good point about natural not being the same as benign.
www dot ethnopharmacology dot com/ayahuasca/
Unless you ever attended a JRI event, I would just keep your comments to yourself. Things get so twisted.
Who the _ _ _ _ is James Ray??????????????
Cassandra, I attended in 2007 and it was in fact Kava. Some participants only drank one cup full while others drank several cup fulls. Like Karen said in 2007 there were no snakes however we did walk across broken glass.
Melonie and Karen: I do not yet know why James Ray started using snakes. I expect it will be interesting to hear what the handler has to say about the whole thing.
Cassandr Yorgey, you just defecate on paper. Just write, write anything, who cares. THird hand, made up whatever. Great journalist
I really enjoy reading your articles but on this you are a little off of your facts so let me make some corrections/additions:
1. Fire walks are only done at Practical Mysticism. Participants are walking on ashes, not flames. When I attended in 2007, only a few people even got 1st degree burns (redness)
2. What you are calling a "drug" is Kava. Tastes like dirt & most participants drank only one cup. Very few effects if any. No big deal in reality. Even if you drank a lot, it would just make you pee a lot (liquid, duh). Non narcotic and not mind altering at all.
3. The station exercise was a laugh. He was trying to get people to "get out of their body" and no one did that I talked to. It was a real waste.
4. James is not trained in Breathwork by Stan Grof so it's uncool that he uses his technique. His comments about "taking clothes off," which of course no one did, is because James is not trained properly in Breathwork. He is a charlatan on that issue for sure.
(to continue from my previous post:
I really enjoy reading your articles but on this you are a little off of your facts so let me make some corrections/additions:
5. The snakes at Modern Magick were non venomous snakes. Standing behind the fish (snake) tanks were professional snake handlers who told people that the snakes were not poisonous. They were little snakes (not huge boas or even vipers as you state) and only filled the tank to about 4 inches in depth. The biggest snake was no larger than a man's finger in circumference. I am not a snake lover but it was no big deal to put my hand in to get a key. Only 2 people at the entire event were phobic of the snakes and they didn't have to participate. Again, no big deal.
6. The rebar bend is done at Practical Mysticism. You can find examples of this exercise on Youtube.com. Not posted by James Ray but by someone else showing a demonstration (unrelated to JRI). No one got hurt at the JRI event I attended.
This article is just jumping on a bandwagon with no real facts. The number if times you write that "you don't know" on a topic of the article means that you should not have written the article. There are more facts in the comments than in the article itself. Waste of time
Cassandra's writing is so amusing it has me rolling with laughter.
Yes, James Arthur Ray is a nutball That makes perfect sense. What is really sad here though is Cassandra's writing. In a short time though this case will be huge and it will be in court and at that point there will be some seriously good writing about this case. Until then it is painful to read stuff like Cassandra's. This is not journalism. If I could pull the money together I would send Cassandra on the next warrior retreat so she could have her own life changing experience.
Cassandra I love You!
I would walk over fire...eat glass....drink Kava Kava and spit bullets for you!
Your lover James Arthur Ray
To continue from my previous post: I really enjoy reading your articles but on this you are a little off of your facts so let me make some corrections/additions:
7. The arrow break is done at Quantum Leap. I did see one guy get a piece of a broken arrow near his eye and had to go to the hospital. Didn't have any permanent damage - a cut near his eye (the next year they used safety glasses).
8. The standing meditation for many hours that you refer to is not in my experience. James did a 30 minute (maybe less time) standing meditation at Modern Magick one time. No one got hurt. You state in your article "don't forget Lorena Bathey" but you have previously reported that she broke her arm at Spiritual Warrior when "she was sitting on the floor and stood up..." She didn't break bones during a "standing meditation."
9. More than 10 people went to the hospital with broken arms during Modern Magick 2008. The # is more than that but I don't have an accurate figure beyond my frien
Continued from my previous post: I really enjoy reading your articles but on this you are a little off of your facts so let me make some corrections/additions:
10. In conclusion, I take this situation very seriously. I know there are many people on the internet trying to spread the truth and some are just spreading hyperbole. I think you are doing a reasonable job trying to get primary sources but you do have to be careful when you start to venture too far into hyperbole. You lose some of your credibility. Remember, you are reporting on something that affects actual people and their loved ones. So in deference to those in real pain, please continue the work you do with a high level of decorum. Please keep digging and keep this alive. Colleen Conaway, Liz Neuman, James Shore and Kirby Brown deserve the best we all can give.
Well said Warrior. I agree with your clarifications. Cassandra -- keep the respect you deserve with what you are writing -- sensationalism doesn't work for you, but sarcastic wit in facts do you nicely. Indeed, JAR went way-too-far in 2009, with multiple red-flags along the way causing the excruciating & irrepairable (sp?) pain to many.
check out this LGAT link for some interesting insight to the types of techniques that motivational speakers like JR use (this type of Large Group Awareness Training has been around for many years) perhaps well-meaning in intention, but potentially dangerous in practice. I'm surprised that a situation like JR's hasn't been hyped in the media before this. ...JR got the HOT Potatoe~!
http colon //tiny dot cc/081VN
Another notable side effect of Cassandra's articles is pooping black insanity for a couple of days.
here's a link that explains some of what is happening
forum.rickross.com/read.php?12,77450,79642#msg-79642
For Cassandra--Here's the link that truly explains what's happening: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml
Cassandra, your manner of being extremely controversial and loud without even knowing the facts, is just an old technique to try to get attention; is called sensationalism. This will not only hurt you as a writer, but you are walking a fine line over a very delicate matter where families were hurt and broken.
Yes, James Ray got greedy and that is why he probably brought all of this unto himself; he was preaching but not living. Down at the core his intentions were always positive, greedy?..yes... but he honestly wanted to awaken the best out of people and give something of value to our society. All I can say is that he is a really powerful spirit to be willing to go through this challenge.
To 'just trying to help': Very well said totally agree! Also, appreciate that 'Warrior' offered the much needed, first hand knowledge/corrections to this article.
I don't understand this writer's reasons (other than just being mean) for making up things. Please, let's just keep to the facts.
For God's Sake, why ARE you so mean,Cassandra? Is your life that unhappy? If it is, that's very sad. Is this the way you express your own fury/frustrations by trying to make others feel lousy too? Or maybe it's because you just don't care about the way your views affect others. Your own pain is coming through LOUDLY. But, everyone has had their share of life's cruel moments, but not all of us are mean. Why? Because some people realize that their history of suffering can be a hero's saga rather than a victim's whine, depending on how they "write" it. The moment we begin tolerating meanness, in ourselves or others, we are using our authorial power in the service of wrongdoing. We have both the capacity and the obligation to do better. So if YOU actually think that James Ray was just being mean and using his "authorial power in the service of wrongdoing" --just know you are doing the same thing in your own way.
Itchin’. My fingers are itchin’ to write sommit. But they can’t do it without my brain. Where’s my brain? Where’s my head?
"This setup is so ripe for abuse that I shudder to think what James Ray really meant with the trigger phrase for this activity – “Exactly what you need is exactly what you get.”
I am appalled at what you are implying here with all of your sexually charged code words and fantasizing about James Ray here! You may act like you despise him-- whatever. Using words like...'gyrating hips' 'snake handler' 'ripe' 'shudder' 'trigger''activity' and then that last line that you claim James said! Keep your perverted thoughts to yourself. Sicko!!
Its amazing that after so many evidences of JR being an abuser and extreme self center, only looking at his pleasures, satisfaction and financial gain there are still people defending him. Are you guys been pay or you come here for free to judge Cassandra's article and defend James? Who are you guys? I truly hope there are some kind of cure for you - maybe brain transplant since the original has been damaged by your participation in JRI activities.
Cassandra, please keep writing there are more of us interested in the truth than not.
"As always"
CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!
Fantismo.
I have already submitted a comment on abcnews.go.com/Nightline dec.9 in which I appeal to Ray's followers and supporters who may be defending and/or lying for him.I see from the comments here that these people do,indeed, exist.I cannot believe any of you are attacking Cassandra who is reporting what she has been told.Who cares if the details are exact? This forum is not a courtroom. She is reiterating other individuals' perspectives and experiences.It does not matter that you have a different perspective of what happened.What any rational person like myself knows is that none of these activities make sense.They have nothing to do with self awareness or personal growth.Ray is no different from Charles Manson,Jim Jones,David Koresh, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh,Marshall Applewhite, or any other cult leader. These people use many techniques to control other people's minds,bodies,bank accounts,and even their lives in order to feel powerful.Often there is injury and death.
In all reality. All the crap you list. Is done at a number of Other so called Guru's events. So you better add in People like Tony Robbins and Harv Ecker to your accusations of BAD GUYS!!!
The Name Cassandra totals to a 3/5/8 in Numerology. So I can see why you have to prove yourself right...even if it is just for yourself to hear. And you couldn't careless if you are Mean either. In fact you have to be heard. hmmm, who do I know who was like this....just wait I will put a finger on it. This guy who killed people by accident. cause he was too in his EGO. Ring any bells?
James had lots of similar numbers. so you may want to back down from your power tripping here, take a journalizm course. And do the world a favor. hmmm, maybe if James took my advice when I met him. he wouldn't be where he is at. So best to listen up honey.
This is the Reality of Mr. Rays Life, and your sensationalizing yourself on it all. Just makes you LOOK BAD!!
Wow, Cassandra. That last comment just changed my entire view of this James Ray thing. After all, the person posting the comment said that your name, in numerology, is apparently close to that of James Ray's name... and Robbins and T. Harv Ecker use the same/similar methods. And we all know how straight and honorable they are.
James Ray's apologists really need a course in critical thinking. Especially that one.
By the way, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Department knows EXACTLY what's in that sludge drink - they executed a search warrant on James Ray's office, and that included the computers. Interesting to see it come out in the trial.
I was not criticizing Cassandra.I praise her for writing what she hears.She has started an important dialogue and it appalls me to see some of you attacking her.There is clearly a need for people to distinguish between cult leaders and self-help teachers.Some are dangerous,some are not.James Ray falls into the dangerous category.Tony Robbins has not injured or killed people.(To my knowledge.)Cassandra is pointing out the dangers and warning signs in Ray's seminars.When I said this is not a courtroom,I meant that in this forum,none of us have to be 100% accurate with proof.The point is that Ray used techniques to gain control of people beyond what is acceptable.He committed criminal negligence because he did not respond to the situations at many of his events.He actually sounds as if he enjoyed watching people suffer.That is sociopathic!!No remorse,no true suffering by him and his camp over what happened to anyone who was injured and died as a direct result of his actions and words.
This is how I see what Ray did:He recycled ideas from various teachings,relgious,new age,self-help,large group,etc. and he mixed them with what he labeled as "ancient" or "tribal" and he mixed in some catch phrases.(In one video,he says,"that's sexy" and "it will turn you on")he loved the phrase,"Makes sense doesn't it?"Did people raise their hands or stand up and say "No,it doesn't!"? I would have,but of course,I would never go see someone like Ray,even for free.I am from Oklahoma as is Ray and grew up in a fundamentalist church,as did Ray so I see where he learned a lot of his techniques.Watch the evangelical stations and you will see his style repeatedly in those preachers.What Ray did differently was use words that are very attractive to a particular segment of the population,including Oprah and her fans.Words such as ancient,shaman,mystical,warrior,sweat lodge,etc.were misused and abused to go into the minds of people who believe that spirituality is a "Secret" .
By the way, the Yavapai County Sheriff's Department knows EXACTLY what's in that sludge drink - they executed a search warrant on James Ray's office, and that included the computers. Interesting to see it come out in the trial.
Ray used marketing techniques,and Oprah,to increase his power and wealth.He took advantage of people for his sick needs;the same as all cult leaders.If you don't know about cults,do your research.I watched Ray's videos online after the Sedona tragedy.What a shyster!I saw straight through him,maybe because I'm from Oklahoma(as is Ray)and grew up around preachers,(as did Ray).Ray knew that his false use of "Native American" ideas,mixed with fake "science" and his well-honed,fake white tooth smile/preaching style,would lure certain people into his web.Most non-Indians know little about Native American cultures and histories and are susceptible to NewAge ideas.Ray stated that he was initiated into"3 shamanic"rites.How ludicrous!As one who has been invited to attend some very sacred ceremonies,I will go to my grave without having spoken a word about those experiences, and no amount of money could buy my betrayal of the individuals who trusted me and welcomed me into their ceremonies.
The drink you're referring to is called, "kava kava" very harmless and abundant in Hawaii. It has a mild effect similar to drinking a glass of wine.
Everyone who has suggested Kava was the drink - I think it fits the description and from what I hear it is legal in Hawaii. Of course, legality of the drink is only one aspect. If JR gave participants perfectly legal alcohol I'd be pretty worried too. ANY mind-altering substance that could hinder critical thinking and response times is dangerous when combined with JR and his coercive techniques.
Truth720: Thanks for pointing out that this isn't a courtroom. Cuz it isn't. There is certainly room for human error in my coverage, however, I do go to great lengths to verify my information. For instance, I am not yet certain that Andrew Richter's death was caused by JR, only that it is extremely suspicious. I am, however, certain that JR used snakes and gave participants a mind-altering drink. I do try to be clear on what is fact, and what is not yet verified.
Looking for a serious JOurnalist: Well, now that you've shown me the numerological evidence I totally and completely see the error of my ways. For some additional fun, feel free to check our zodiacs as well. You'll see that I'm a Scorpio and James Ray is on the cusp of Scorpio and Sagittarius. Obviously I'm doomed 4ever. *facepalm*
no comment...
why bother...?!
Apparently it is time for another reminder that I am perfectly capable of moderating comments. I rarely do and this is unlikely to affect anyone who isn't James-trying-to-cheat-the-comments-Ray. I don't mind when JR comments here, but he is subject to the same codes of behavior as everyone else.
It is a shame that my comments I posted earlier are no longer viewable (not the author's fault - just the way this page works). I gave a detailed "reality check" to this article that in some areas was way off base and in other areas was just a little off. I am trying to keep the conversation civil and accurate.
RWR: the "sludge" was just KAVA - and non alcoholic and not mind altering at all.
Truth720: comparing James Ray to Manson, Jones or Koresh is so far off base as well.
We all need to stop sensationalizing what is an actual loss to the families and friends of Liz, James, Kirby and Colleen. We have to keep our focus on the actions of James Ray at the sweat lodge and in San Diego and stay away from hyperbole. It is not helpful in a criminal investigation.
I know people want to join in and create a witch hunt but I think the facts will be enough to bring justice to those who have lost a loved one and stop it from happening again to anyone else.
Warrior: Just to confirm, it wasn't your comments I was referring to when I mentioned moderating.
As for claims of sensationalism... Well, that's what people said when I posted the first detailed account of what happened at the deathlodge retreat. *shrugs* It'll all come out during the trial. Sometimes the truth is shocking.
Cassandra Yorgey -Don't preach to me about "shocking."
I was in direct communication with participants at this year's event shortly after the incident. I spent many long hours on the phone supporting my friends as they recounted their experiences. Praying for friends who were injured or dying and helping friends suffering with the beginning stages of PTSD. I know exactly what was going on and most of you who are commenting on the internet do not. I don't believe that things need to be sensationalized more than the actual facts, which are disturbing enough and those facts have been shared with the Sheriff's Department by many of us.
My friends are among the victims. My friends are among the survivors.
All that I ask is that people respect the fact that those who died, their families and those that were injured in the sweat lodge are actual people with feelings and I think sensationalizing and hyperbole are not productive.
Remember that old expression, "just the facts, ma'am."
I see too many susceptible people, even those of "intelligence, education & well-off life standards" None of this means that you have balance, harmony & wellness. I saw this 1st hand at Kripalu & Gurudev It is good to remember "How empty of me to be so full of you" The psycho-social-religious-mental "health" system ensures that there are "certain people" will be & who acknowledged as "the power" - especially when "one" cannot really fully & functionally express onesself. There are many gurus out there and also many" distorted & disturbed "victims" looking for some way out of their conditioned silence and "act of being OK" Also this was not a sweat-lodge. JR is a predator anyone who works for him or followers him is an accomplice! Saddest thing is that if U speak out about these guru or leaders U still have to face your real true losses. This is why anyone goes to JRs in the 1st place must keep talking & writing. Native American psychotherapy. Thank U 4 doing this. Akicita Wakan Mani
You call yourself a journalist? Just state the facts and not your twisted idea of what happened. Were you there? Do you have first hand information? Are you one of those people who believes everything she reads? Based on your slide of hand remarks, I'm guessing you do! Here's a little info that may help you if you ever achieve MASSIVE SUCCESS - DO NOT P/O or upset THE MEDIA! James, spoke his mind about the media and he is paying for it.
Ms. Cassandra, I hope that when James Ray is PROVEN INNOCENT, you will report that, my guess is, you won't. Just a thought, what do you think would happen if you, stopped spreading FEAR? My guess is you would be out of a JOB.
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