Four types of near-death experiences

August 10, 11:51 PMCharlotte Metaphysical ExaminerCarla Brown

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P.M.H. Atwater, award-winning author, lecturer, and international expert on the paranormal has critically researched alternate states of consciousness since 1978. She’s written ten books and numerous articles, appeared on several  national talk shows and lectured twice at the United Nations. The following is a portion of a paper  prepared for the 2008 German Conference on Ecstatic States of Consciousness regarding the categorization of near-death experiences identified in her studies of 3,000 adults and 277 children.

The Initial Experience, or non-experience, may involve a loving nothingness, the living dark, a brief out-of-body experience, a friendly voice, or a visitation. This type  usually happens with those who need the least amount of evidence to believe life continues after physical death. It often becomes a “seed” experience: an introduction to other ways of perceiving and processing reality. Incident rates are 76% and 20% for child and adult experiencers, respectively. With this first experience there is an awakening to a greater reality. 

The Hellish Experience is associated with inner cleansing and self-confrontation (perhaps not unlike the well documented reports of the psychological effects of ayahuasca use). The individual may find herself in a threatening void or stark limbo, confront a hellish purgatory, or experience hauntings from the past. This type of near-death experience occurs with people who have suppressed feelings of guilt, anger, or fear and expect to be punished after death. Incident rates are 3% and 15% for child and adult experiencers, respectively. In essence, one engages in the untangling of false perceptions.                                                                                                                            

The Heavenly Experience is tied to themes of reassurance and validation. Visits to places of indescribable beauty and possible reunions with deceased loved ones, including pets, are reported. Often a light being (or religious figure---indicative of preconditioning) appears, who lovingly conveys inspiring messages of life’s significance. This type of experience is reported by those who seek conviction of others’ love, the meaning of life, and purpose in our existence. Incident rates are 19% and 47% with child and adult experiencers, respectively. The result is a recognition of true values and priorities. 

The Transcendent Experience consists of expansive revelations and alternate realities. There are  visits to other worlds and dimensions that transcend normal frames of reference or one receives revelations of profound truths. This experience typically occurs with people who are able to accommodate a mind-stretching challenge and are more likely to constructively utilize superior knowledge newly obtained. Incident rates are 2% and 18% for child and adult experiencers, respectively. The lasting significance of these occurrences is ultimately an embracing of universal oneness.

For more information on Ms. Atwater's definitions of near-death experiences, please visit

http://www.cinemind.com/atwater/NDE%20Trans.pdf