Diana Walsh Pasulka, a religious studies professor and author of 'American Cosmic,' discusses her fascinating research on UFOs and spirituality. She explores connections between ancient Catholic mysticism, like levitating saints, and contemporary UFO experiences. Diana shares insights about ontological shock from extraordinary encounters and the cultural significance of new religious movements. With a candid Q&A, she delves into redaction, the symbolism in religious experiences, and whether devotion can shield against malevolent entities.
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insights INSIGHT
Similarities Between UFO Abductions and Catholic Records
Diana Walsh Pasulka discovered similarities between modern UFO abduction accounts and historical Catholic records.
This led her to examine original sources using redaction criticism.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Levitating Nun and the Vatican Investigation
A wealthy man, whose aunt, a nun, reportedly levitated and caused spontaneous fires, requested Pasulka to investigate levitation cases in the Vatican archives.
Pasulka took Tyler D., a mission controller, to the Vatican to study levitation.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Redaction of St. Teresa's Experience
St. Teresa of Avila's mystical experience, involving a three-foot being and a piercing instrument, was redacted in Catholic records.
The redaction minimized the traumatic, multi-day nature of the event.
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The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
The Hobbit
or There and Back Again
J.R.R Tolkien
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].
The Divine Comedy
Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy is an Italian narrative poem begun around 1308 and completed around 1321. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The poem discusses the state of the soul after death and presents an image of divine justice, describing Dante's travels through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. It is an allegory representing the soul's journey towards God, drawing on medieval Catholic theology and philosophy, especially Thomistic philosophy. The work is considered one of the greatest in Italian literature and Western literature, and it helped establish the Tuscan language as the standardized Italian language.
The Uncanny
Andrew Klavan
The Uncanny by Andrew Klavan is a gripping tale that reinvents the classic ghost story. It follows Richard Storm, a Hollywood producer who seeks evidence of life after death in England, only to find himself entangled in a web of paranormal mysteries, Nazi art thefts, and a dangerous romance. The story is a thrilling blend of suspense, horror, and romance, drawing inspiration from classic ghost tales.
Encounters
Encounters
Diana Pasolka
The Russian Cosmists
The Russian Cosmists
null
George Young
American Cosmic
UFOs, Religion, Technology
Diana Pasulka
Abduction
Robin Cook
In 'Abduction,' Robin Cook weaves a tale that combines human drama and high-tech thrills. The story begins with a mysterious transmission from the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, prompting a team of divers and oceanographers to embark on an investigation. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a phenomenon that challenges current scientific understanding, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful adventure.
In this episode of Cosmosis, we share a never-before-released talk by Dr. Diana Walsh Pasulka, recorded live at the Inquire Anomalous conference in New York City. Diana—religious studies professor and author of American Cosmic and Encounters—takes us on an astonishing journey through her research into Catholic mysticism, Vatican archives, and modern UFO contact experiences.
From levitating saints and the mysterious Woman in Blue to redacted mystical narratives and the ontological shock of encountering the impossible, Diana reveals surprising links between ancient religious experiences and contemporary reports of contact with non-human intelligences. She also speaks candidly about her own transformation, the eerie resonances between the sacred and the anomalous, and her collaboration with figures like Tyler D. and Dr. Garry Nolan on the frontier of space, consciousness, and belief.
This episode includes the full live Q&A with Diana—where she responds to insightful (and sometimes wild) audience questions about redaction, religious symbolism, and whether spiritual devotion might offer protection from malevolent entities.
TIMESTAMPS 06:10 Exploring Ascent Narratives and UFOs 08:37 Investigating Vatican Archives and Levitation 12:28 Comparing Historical and Modern Phenomena 21:40 Theresa of Avila's Angel Event 28:42 Synchronicities and Childhood Beliefs 29:39 Meeting Edward Carlos: An Experiencer's Story 31:10 The Process of Redaction 32:54 Historical Context and Space Programs 35:30 St. Francis of Assisi's Angel Experience 42:50 Q&A Session 53:15 Closing Remarks and Resources
Cosmosis [Formerly The UFO Rabbit Hole] 
