Is an online journal devoted to transcendent ¹ experiences that scientists have reported. It lets scientists express these experiences in a psychologically and professionally safe space. The primary aim of TASTE is to gather data on transcendent experiences.

Over the years Dr. Charles Tart had hundreds of fellow scientists from different disciplines quietly reach out to him to tell him about their unusual experiences.  These were experiences that intrigued them and/or were emotionally important to them, but which they felt could not share with their colleagues or friends for fear of rejection or ridicule.

Sensing the need to create a safe and professional platform for fellow scientists to share their experiences TASTE was created for the purpose of collecting data on transcendent experiences reported by scientists and to give scientists a safe space to express their experiences.

As a profession, scientists are trained to be careful observers and to not confuse observation with theory and belief. For this reason, we think accounts from scientists are of an especially high quality for research purposes. Yet because of the materialist framework in which scientific training is embedded, scientists are often hesitant to share personal unusual, ineffable experiences deemed spiritual, mystical, psychic, paranormal or TRANSCENDENTAL.

Because the mission and vision of the AAPS is clearly aligned with the work/legacy of Prof. Charles T. Tart, he asked that the AAPS continue to provide a platform for scientists to share their transcendental experiences, as he steps down from the role of maintaining his original website.  It is the hope of the AAPS to continue to collect data on these often profound experiences, and to make the data available to researchers in the field who may want to further explore the data.

As we continue the administration of the TASTE website, we echo Prof. Tart’s hope, that you will find The Archives of Scientists’ Transcendent Experiences stimulating!

[1] tran-scen’-dent 1 a: exceeding usual limits: SURPASSING b: extending or lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience… 3: transcending the universe of material existence.

[from Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary. Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co., 1980. P. 1230]