The Power of Eight

1. Group Intention Amplifies Healing Power

The outcome of both the groups and the experiments, amazing though they were, paled in comparison to what was happening to the participants.

Collective Consciousness. The book explores the idea that group intention, when focused and unified, can amplify healing effects beyond what individuals can achieve alone. This collective consciousness taps into a deeper connection, creating a powerful force for positive change. The author's experiments demonstrate that when people think the same thought at the same time, it magnifies the effect, leading to extraordinary outcomes.

Scientific Validation. McTaggart presents scientific evidence from her experiments, including those involving plants, water, and human subjects, to support the notion that group intention can have measurable and significant impacts on physical matter and well-being. These experiments, conducted under rigorous scientific conditions, challenge conventional beliefs about the limitations of human consciousness.

Beyond the Individual. The power of group intention lies not only in its ability to affect external targets but also in its transformative effects on the intenders themselves. Participants often experience profound personal changes, including improved health, relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

2. The Power of Eight Unleashes Miraculous Healing

With each experiment, no matter how large or small, whether the global experiments or the Power of Eight groups, I observed this same group dynamic, a dynamic so powerful and life-transforming that it enabled individual miracles to take place.

Small Groups, Big Impact. The book highlights the effectiveness of small groups, particularly those consisting of about eight people, in generating healing intentions. These "Power of Eight" groups have been shown to produce remarkable results, often leading to instant and near-miraculous healings.

Defying Belief. McTaggart shares numerous anecdotes of individuals experiencing significant improvements in their physical and emotional conditions after being the target of a Power of Eight group's intention. These stories challenge conventional beliefs about the limitations of human potential and the nature of reality.

Ancient Roots. The concept of small groups coming together for healing has ancient roots, with parallels found in various cultures and religions, including the early Christian church. This suggests that the Power of Eight taps into a timeless and universal practice.

3. Intention Transcends Time and Space

Every experiment I ran, every Power of Eight group that assembled, demonstrated that thoughts aren’t locked inside our skulls, but find their way into other people – even into things thousands of kilometers away – and have the ability to change them.

Non-Locality. The book explores the concept of non-locality, suggesting that human consciousness can connect and affect targets regardless of physical distance. This challenges the Newtonian view of the world as separate objects acting according to fixed laws in time and space.

Virtual Connections. McTaggart's experiments demonstrate that intention can be effectively sent to virtual targets, such as photographs, suggesting that a live connection is not necessary for achieving results. This opens up possibilities for remote healing and global collaboration.

Psychic Internet. The book proposes that human consciousness possesses the ability to create a sort of psychic internet, allowing us to be in touch with everything at every moment. All that might be required is focused attention to log on to it.

4. The Rebound Effect: Healers Are Healed

The most powerful effect of group intention – an effect overlooked by virtually every popular book on the subject – was on the intenders themselves.

Unexpected Benefits. The book reveals that the most significant impact of group intention is often on the intenders themselves, rather than the intended recipients. This "rebound effect" leads to personal transformations, improved well-being, and a greater sense of connection.

Shifting Focus. The act of shifting focus from oneself to others can trigger profound changes in individual consciousness, removing a sense of separation and individuality, and placing members of the group in a state of ecstatic unity. This selfless act ironically becomes the catalyst for personal healing and growth.

Mirrored Healing. The book suggests that the specific rebound effect experienced by participants often mirrors the intention itself. For example, those who send intentions for peace may experience greater peace in their own lives, while those who focus on healing others may find their own health improving.

5. Altruism: The Key to Unlocking Healing Potential

The Power of Eight is also about me, and what happens to someone like me, when the rules of the game – the rules by which you’ve lived your life – suddenly no longer apply.

Beyond Self-Help. The book challenges the self-help movement's emphasis on individual achievement and argues that altruism, or selfless concern for others, is a more potent catalyst for personal transformation. By focusing on the needs of others, we unlock our own healing potential.

The Biology of Goodness. McTaggart explores the biological basis of altruism, citing research on the vagus nerve, oxytocin, and other physiological mechanisms that promote connection, compassion, and well-being. These findings suggest that our bodies are wired for goodness.

Meaning and Purpose. The book emphasizes the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life, particularly through acts of service and contribution. This sense of purpose can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health, leading to greater resilience and longevity.

6. Group Prayer: A Blueprint for Healing

It may be that homothumadon is the state of mind necessary for a healing intention circle that is carried out in Christian churches as a practice without a full understanding of its special power.

Ancient Wisdom. The book draws parallels between the Power of Eight and ancient practices of group prayer and healing found in various cultures and religions. This suggests that the principles underlying group intention are timeless and universal.

Homothumadon. McTaggart explores the concept of "homothumadon," a Greek word used in the Bible to describe the apostles' method of group prayer, which emphasizes passionate unity and a single voice. This concept serves as a metaphor for the Power of Eight, where individuals passionately pray together as a single entity.

Apostolic Blueprint. The book suggests that Jesus may have used small-group prayer as a blueprint for teaching members of the early church how to pray effectively. This highlights the importance of communal prayer and its potential for healing and transformation.

7. The Power of Belief and Expectation

I’m just reporting on this. I don’t pretend to understand what ‘this’ is. I’m learning with you.

The Observer Effect. The book touches on the observer effect in quantum physics, suggesting that living consciousness somehow is the influence that converts the potential of something into something real. This implies that our beliefs and expectations can shape our reality.

Placebo Power. While acknowledging the potential role of the placebo effect, McTaggart also presents evidence that challenges this explanation, particularly in cases involving babies, unconscious individuals, and those unaware of being the target of intention. This suggests that something more than mere expectation is at play.

Open Mindedness. The book encourages readers to remain open-minded and curious about the possibilities of group intention, even in the face of skepticism or disbelief. This willingness to explore the unknown can lead to profound discoveries and transformative experiences.

8. Creating Your Own Power of Eight Circle

This story is about the miraculous power you hold inside of you to heal your own life, which gets unleashed, ironically, the moment you stop thinking about yourself.

Practical Guidance. The book provides practical instructions on how to create and facilitate your own Power of Eight circle, offering a step-by-step guide to harnessing the power of group intention in your own life. This empowers readers to become active participants in their own healing and transformation.

Powering Up. McTaggart shares the "Powering Up" techniques she developed, which involve breathing exercises, visualization, and exercises in compassion to help group members get into a focused, energized, and heartfelt state. These techniques enhance the effectiveness of group intention.

Beyond the Book. The book serves as an invitation to readers to join a global community of intenders, encouraging them to share their experiences, participate in ongoing experiments, and contribute to a collective effort to heal themselves and the world.

Last updated: March 15, 2025