h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have been cursed, or blessed (whichever way you look at it !) with fairly sharp memories of at least two expected deaths recalled from previous lives. One, which came to me fairly recently, triggered by a particular incident, happened about 150 yrs ago. I was a merchant navy cadet serving in a square rigger in the Baltic trade. I was on the main spar, furling the mainsail with others when I felt my hands slipping. I then started to fall, and I quite distinctly recall thinking, as I fell, "Bother! Now I'm going to have to start all over again." This was followed by a very loud, black noise. I can think of no other description. Many will reject this experience. Those who dont will be those who have bothered to explore the phenomenon of reincarnation.

And the second de@th?

Oh - very well ! This one concerned an early 17th century landowner in Dorset. I shall cut the story to the death scene. I was technically under hypnosis exploring another area, but was in a very light trance, totally conscious. I found myself as a very large, exceedingly pompous and obnoxious horseman, complete with large gauntlets and tall riding boots with rather strange tongues covering the 'knees'. My horse was also exceedingly large; light chestnut. For a reason I have not been able to suss out, I was suddenly thrown very violently to the ground and my chest was smashed, on a rock I think. I went into violent convulsions, coughing up blood and heaven knows what. This was all being played out on the floor of the therapists living room, much to her consternation. Anyone watching (historically) would have guessed at my agony but I was in fact already dying and felt no great pain. Suddenly I felt the whole weight of living lifted, as it were, from my shoulders, swoosh -very gently. And I felt a total release from the body. I opened my eyes and said to the therapist " wow- that was really great". She replied "but I havent brought you back !" and then proceeded to count me down. But I was out of her control, if you see what I mean. The whole experience was fascinating, and I understand it to have been very similar to other people's.

Have you seen the film "On a clear day you can see forever" with the superb Barbra Streisand? Are your remembered experiences anything like that? Do you remember the whole life, just traumatic bits or only the deaths?