Sylvia Browne

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Sylvia Browne
BornOctober 19 1936 (70)
Kansas City, Missouri
Occupation(s)self described psychic and medium
ChildrenChristopher Dufresne, Paul Dufresne
Websitehttp://www.sylvia.org/

Sylvia Browne (born October 19 1936) is a bestselling American author on the subject of spirituality who is known as a psychic and medium.[1] She is a weekly guest on The Montel Williams Show and hosts her own hour-long show on Hay House Radio, discussing paranormal issues and giving callers advice in her role as a psychic.

Critics such as James Randi have argued that Browne uses mentalist techniques to produce the illusion of mind reading and clairvoyance. Reports about false predictions and claims have appeared in several newspapers.[2][3][4]

Personal life

Born Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker in Kansas City, Missouri, USA, she is the elder of two daughters of Bill and Celeste Shoemaker.[5]

Her father, Bill, was Jewish and Celeste was an Episcopalian.[6] Bill had many jobs including mail delivery and jewelry salesman, and served as vice president for a major freight line. Browne’s maternal grandmother, Ada Coil, who Sylvia claimed was a psychic medium, was a devout Lutheran.[6] To establish stability, the family decided to convert to Roman Catholicism and they were all baptised together when Browne was a young girl. She said that visions started appearing when she was three years old and that her grandmother Ada Coil, helped her understand why she had them. Browne also asserts that her great-uncle also claimed to be a psychic medium and was “rabid about UFOs”.[7]

In a March 2001 interview with Larry King, Browne stated that she is Jewish.[8]

Browne began giving psychic readings in 1974 and has attracted followings of supporters and detractors.[5] She has given thousands of one on one readings and with a wide variety of groups and individuals. Browne claims to have provided information to police departments and the FBI. [8]

Marriage and children

She was married to Gary Dufresne from April 1959 until 1972, and is divorced from Kenzil Dalzell Brown. Sylvia acquired the surname Brown during the third of her four marriages, and enhanced it with a final e for her professional name.[9] In September 2002 she and Larry Lee Beck ended their marriage.[10]

Her son Christopher also claims to be a psychic, and Sylvia attributes this to a genetic predisposition.[citation needed] Her website says "If Sylvia is the best psychic around - then Chris is the second best."[11]

Paranormal claims

Browne says she knows what it is like in Heaven. In her book Life on the Other Side, she says the temperature is a constant 78°F (25.6°C), that there are no insects (unless one wants there to be), that pets go to Heaven, and that one can build one's house wherever one wants unless it obscures the view of a river or some trees, in which case one needs permission.[12] She asserts that the "other side" exists approximately three feet above ground level and at a "higher vibrational level" and so is difficult for humans to perceive. However, like other psychics, she claims to have been born able to perceive a wider range of "vibrational frequencies".

Browne declares that she can see angels and that they look similar to depictions in paintings, but have different traits depending on their "phylum". Her granddaughter, who is purportedly psychic, claims to have witnessed the angels that Browne states come around humans.[13] Browne professes the ability to speak with her spirit guide, "Francine," and has given details of fifty-four of her own former lives as divined by her.[14]

Browne identified herself as having abilities beyond communication with spirits. During a Larry King Live discussion which included James Randi on 3 September, 2001 she claimed to have "...helped child (sic) with seizures, that I cured a child with seizures. That I worked with 350 doctors. I mean, you don't know anything about this."[15]

Television and radio

Browne is a frequent guest on US television and radio programs. She has appeared numerous times on Larry King Live as well as the Montel Williams Show and Coast to Coast AM. In 2005 Browne told Newsweek Larry King, a believer in the paranormal, asks her do private psychic readings.[16] During these appearances she usually discusses her abilities with the host and then performs readings of audience members or callers.

On some occasions other guests at her appearances have included skeptics, with James Randi being one of the more frequent. These shows often feature verbal sparring between the two, with both trying to convince the audience that the other is wrong. In March 2004, their feud escalated on the popular St. Louis radio program, The Paul Harris Show, when Randi came out and called Browne a liar, referring to her claims about Randi's Million Dollar Challenge and other statements she had made about Randi.[17]

Browne has also appeared on the television soap opera The Young and the Restless as herself in December 2006.[18]

Books, business, and church

Browne has written a number of books. She is the head of the Sylvia Browne Corporation, and the founder of a church in 1986 in Campbell, California, known as the Society of Novus Spiritus. According to its website, the church employs forty ministers, and refers to itself as "Gnostic Christian."[11] It states that it follows the same traditions and teachings which Jesus himself followed, yet does not exclude Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, or Hinduism. The society teaches the Biblical works of Jesus Christ while also incorporating the Gnostic Gospels (ex: Gospel of Mary Magdalene), and says that while the Bible is a "marvelous book" and should be used as a teaching tool, it is not the "unaltered word of God".[19] The tenets of the church have expanded, as discussed in her 2006 book "Exploring the Levels of Creation", including the idea a "Mother God" and "Father God". She further elaborated about this during a segment on the Montel Williams show while promoting the book. [20]

Criticism and controversy

Sylvia Browne has been involved in numerous controversies regarding her claims and predictions. Her critics say that she is a cold reader. She has had a long running feud with skeptic James Randi who has said that her readings are indistinguishable from those achieved by mentalists using cold reading and hot reading techniques.

Browne has made many false public predictions, such as that Bill Clinton was falsely accused in the Lewinsky scandal (proved incorrect), that George H. W. Bush would defeat Bill Clinton in the 1992 U.S. presidential election (Bush lost), and that Shawn Hornbeck was dead, when he was found alive. According to James Randi her accuracy rate has been no better than educated guessing.[21]

Gary Dufresne, Browne's first husband said in a February 10, 2007 interview that he does not think Sylvia has any paranormal abilities, and that she admitted it, saying that the gullible deserve to be taken advantage of.[22]

Browne has often spoken of working with the police and FBI as a psychic detective, but according to The Skeptics Dictionary, in 21 of Browne's 35 cases, the details she gave were too vague to be verified, and in the remaining 14 Browne played no useful role.[23]

Legal issues and criminal conviction

In 1992, Browne and her estranged husband were indicted on several charges of investment fraud and grand theft.[24] The Superior Court of Santa Clara County, California, found that Browne and her husband sold securities in a gold-mining venture under false pretenses.[24] In at least one instance, they told a couple their US $20,000 investment was to be used for immediate operating costs.[25] Instead, the money was transferred to an account for their Nirvana Foundation for Psychic Research.[24] Browne pled no contest to securities fraud and was indicted on grand larceny in Santa Clara County, California on May 26 1992.[26]

Sylvia and her estranged husband Kenzil Dalzell Brown pleaded no contest to a felony charge of "sale of security without permit," made restitution, and received one year probation each.[24] Dalzell's disposition included "County Jail 4 months with credit for time served of 21 days," while Sylvia's included 200 hours of community service.[24]

Sago Mine controversy

In January 3, 2006, Browne stated on the radio program Coast to Coast AM that the miners in the 2006 Sago Mine disaster would be found. At the time it was believed, due to erroneous news reports, that 12 of the 13 trapped miners had been found alive, but when it became known that these reports were incorrect, Browne said "I don't really think there's anybody alive".[27] Browne said later that she never specifically stated that the miners would be found alive, only that they would be found.

The $1,000,000 challenge

On Larry King Live March 6, 2001, Browne agreed to take James Randi's challenge in which he offers $1,000,000 for proof of psychic phenomena.[28] On September 3, Randi appeared with Browne on Larry King Live, and she again accepted the challenge.[29] As of August 2007, she had not been tested and James Randi keeps a clock on his website recording the number of weeks that have passed since Browne accepted the challenge.

Missing persons

Browne has made false predictions in several missing persons cases, including those of Holly Krewson,[30][31] Opal Jo Jennings,[32] Lynda McClelland,[33] Ryan Katcher,[34] and Shawn Hornbeck.[35]

Books authored by Sylvia Browne

  • Browne, Sylvia; & Antoinette May (1990). Adventures of a Psychic Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 0-7394-0178-5
  • Browne, Sylvia; & Harrison Lindsay (1999). The Other Side and Back: A Psychic's Guide to Our World and Beyond New York, NY: Signet. ISBN 0-451-19863-8
  • Browne, Sylvia; & Harrison Lindsay (2000). Life on the Other Side: A Psychic's Tour of the Afterlife Dutton Adult. ISBN 0-525-94539-3
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2000). God, Creation, and Tools for Life Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-56170-722-8
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2000). Astrology Through A Psychic's Eyes Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-56170-720-1
  • Browne, Sylvia; & Harrison Lindsay (2000). Blessings From the Other Side New York, NY: New American Library. ISBN 0-525-94574-1
  • Browne, Sylvia; & Harrison Lindsay (2003). Visits form the Afterlife New York, NY: New American Library. ISBN 0-525-94756-6
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2003). Book of Angels Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0193-X
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2004). Mother God: The Feminine Principle to Our Creator Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0309-6
  • Browne, Sylvia; & Harrison Lindsay (2004). Prophecy: What the Future Holds for You New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0-525-94822-8
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2005). Contacting Your Spirit Guide Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0532-3
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2005). Secrets & Mysteries of the World Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0458-0
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2005). Phenomenon: Everything You Need to Know About the Paranormal New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0-525-94911-9
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2006). If You Could see What I See: The Tenets of Novus Spiritus Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0648-6
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2006). Exploring the Levels of Creation Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 1-4019-0891-8
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2006). Insight: Case Files from the Psychic World New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0-525-94955-0
  • Browne, Sylvia; (2006). The Mystical Life of Jesus New York, NY: Dutton. ISBN 0-5259-5001-X

References

  1. ^ Browne, Sylvia. "About Sylvia Browne". Retrieved 2007-01-02.
  2. ^ Roeper, Richard (January 22 2007). "Be not deceived: Psychics are in it for the cash, nothing more". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2007-01-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ Boyle, Christina (January 18 2007). "She told them boy was dead: Crystal ball fails psychic in Mo. kidnap". New York Daily News. Retrieved 2007-01-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help) (Link dead as of April 8 2007)
  4. ^ Wright, Leif (January 25 2007). "Leif Wright column: Dupe or no dupe: Show exposes the superstition in nearly all of us". Muskogee Phoenix. Retrieved 2007-01-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ a b Dulin, Dann (December 2005). "Soul Advice". A&U Magazine. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  6. ^ a b Browne, Sylvia; & Antoinette May (1990). Adventures of a Psychic. Carlsbad, CA: Hay House, Inc. ISBN 0-7394-0178-5
  7. ^ Browne, Sylvia (2005). Secrets & Mysteries of the World. Hay House. pp. 94–96. ISBN 1401900852.
  8. ^ a b King, Larry (March 6 2001). "Are Psychics for Real?". CNN/Larry King Live. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Nickell, Joe (September 2005). "Sylvia Browne's Latest: Ghost-Written?". Skeptical Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  10. ^ Santa Clara County Court, Number: 1-02-FL-104268, Larry Lee Beck And Sylvia Celeste Browne, Dissolution Of Marriage/No Minor Children
  11. ^ a b "Novus Spiritus- FAQ". Novus Spiritus, Founder Sylvia Browne. 2006. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |retrieved= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ Browne, Sylvia (July 17 2000). "Life on the Other Side: A Psychic's Tour of the Afterlife ISBN 0-525-94539-3". Dutton Adult. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ King, Larry (May 16 2003). "Larry King Live: Interview With Sylvia Browne". CNN/Larry King Live. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  14. ^ Larsen, Claus (January 2003). "Sylvia Browne: Fast-Food Psychic". Skeptic Report. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  15. ^ "Official transcript: Are Psychics Real?". Larry King Live. September 3 2001. Retrieved 2007-03-15. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ Setoodeh, Ramin (January 14 2005). "Predictions: Jacko Convicted, But Blake Gets Off". Newsweek. Retrieved 2007-01-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ Browne vs Randi March 2003 The Paul Harris Show
  18. ^ Adams, Diane. "Young and the Restless Recap: [[December 18]] [[2006]]". Retrieved 2007-01-28. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help)
  19. ^ "Novus Spiritus- The Bible". Novus Spiritus, Founder Sylvia Browne.
  20. ^ [1] transcript of segment available from StopSylviaBrowne.com.
  21. ^ Randi, James (January 28, 2005). "Sylvia Browne's Clock-Update". James Randi Educational Foundation. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |retrieved= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ "Interview: Gary and Ree Dufresne". StopSylviaBrowne.com. March 15, 2007. Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  23. ^ Skeptics Dictionary. "psychic detective, blue sense". Retrieved 2007-02-01.
  24. ^ a b c d e Nickell, Joe (2004). "Psychic Sylvia Browne once failed to foresee her own criminal conviction". Skeptical Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  25. ^ "Spiritualist, Ex-Husband Plead No Contest in Securities Case" by Bill Romano, San Jose Mercury News March 9, 1993
  26. ^ "Psychic Gets 1-Year Probation For 'Good Feelings' About Venture," by Sandra Gonzales San Jose Mercury News December 18, 1993
  27. ^ Lancaster, Robert. "Coast to Coast AM: The Sago Mining Disaster". Retrieved 2007-02-05.
  28. ^ Are Psychics for Real? appeared with John Edward March 6, 2001 on Larry King Live CNN
  29. ^ King, Larry (September 3, 2001). "Are Psychics Real?". CNN/Larry King Live. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  30. ^ Hughes, Joe (March 24, 2007) Remains found in 1996 finally identified, signonsandiego.com
  31. ^ Turegano, Preston (November 27, 2002) Psychic Wrong?, signonsandiego.com
  32. ^ "Opal Jo Jennings: Reading on the Montel Williams Show". StopSylviaBrowne.com.
  33. ^ Fuoco, Michael (March 18, 2003) N. Braddock man held in mother-in-law's killing, post-gazette.com
  34. ^ Lancaster, Robert Sylvia Browne gives a reading to a woman whose son is missing., stopsylviabrowne.com
  35. ^ Sigman, Leroy (2003-02-27). "Psychic's clues lead to new searches, but no luck". Daily Journal Online. Retrieved 2007-01-20.

External links

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