Pyramid power

The term "pyramid power" was coined by Patrick Flanagan in 1973, to describe alleged supernatural properties of the ancient Egyptian pyramids and scale models thereof.

Pyramid power is one of the several alternative theories regarding pyramids, commonly referred to as pyramidology.

Claims

According to Flanagan, pyramids with the exact relative dimensions of Egyptian pyramids act as "an effective resonator of randomly polarized microwave signals which can be converted into electrical energy." [William G. Bailey, Frank Hoffmann, "Mind & Society Fads", p. 225 (Haworth Press, 1992)] Flanagan's claims range from enhancing the nutritional value of foods to sharpening knives by placing them under such a pyramid (aka the "Pat Flanagan Experimental Sensor") overnight.

Volodymyr Krasnoholovets claimed to have replicated some of those claims. He reported that a razor blade placed in a pyramid "resonator" became smoother and less angular over time.

These claims got scant credibility, even within the alternative science community.

It has been claimed that, like alchemy, the concept of "pyramid power" is symbolic rather than literal, having to do with psychological effects and not physical ones.

Another contention is "pyramid power" is "scalar resonance" caused by the geometric shape of the pyramid, also related to "shape energy". Any electromagnetic frequencies are converted by the direct influence of the perfect pyramid shape causing it to act as an accumulator changing them into a new harmonized form of energy or prana.

Impact

Flanagan’s book was featured on the cover and in the lyrics of The Alan Parsons Project album "Pyramid", contributing to its popularity. "Pyramania", a song from the album, mocked the pyramid power theory.

Pyramid power was the subject of a famous spoof by Martin Gardner in his "Mathematical Games" column in "Scientific American" June 1974, featuring his favorite characters Dr. Matrix, and Iva Matrix.

The theories behind Pyramid Power convinced the Onan Family, hotel and condo developers in Gurnee, Illinois, to build the [http://www.goldpyramid.com/new/html/about_load.html Pyramid House] [http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&ie=UTF8&ll=42.413239,-87.941313&spn=0.001531,0.002494&om=1 (Satellite via Google)] in 1977.

Summerhill Pyramid Winery in Kelowna, British Columbia built a 4-story replica of the Great Pyramid [http://www.summerhill.bc.ca/pyramid/pyr_index.htm] , believed to improve the quality of wine aged within it.

Terry Pratchett's fantasy novel "Pyramids" incorporates many elements of the Pyramid Power theory: in the novel, an industry develops based around pyramids' ability to stop time.

MythBusters

In 2005, an episode of "MythBusters" was aired on the Discovery Channel in which a test of pyramid power was performed, using pyramids built to the specifications found in pyramid power claims, such as using the location of the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid of Giza. Several scenarios were tested — perishables (in this case food and a flower) rotting, and razor blade sharpening. The tests, once corrected for errors, yielded no appreciable differences between items in the pyramids and items outside. (In one rotting experiment, it appeared that the saw used to cut one of the apples had a larger microbial content on one side, which would have increased the rotting ability of one half of the apple that was cut.)

ee also

*Pyramidology

References

* Patrick Flanagan (1973), "Pyramid Power" (out of print).
* Patrick Flanagan (1997), "Pyramid Power: The Millennium Science" (revised edition of his 1973 book). ISBN 0-9648812-6-8.