Table of Contents
Introduction
The episode began with Tamara Caulder Richardson welcoming viewers and encouraging them to subscribe, like, comment, and support her work.
She highlighted her “Ascension School Academy of Divine Wisdom” platform, offering courses and meditations.
The guest for the episode was Michael LaFlem, a researcher and historian, discussing his book Visions of Atlantis. The conversation revolved around the historical, mythological, and channeled narratives surrounding Atlantis.
Guest Introduction
Michael LaFlem, the guest, is an author and historian who explored the topic of Atlantis in his book Visions of Atlantis. In the first part of his discussion, he shared how the book was created and its impact on his spiritual growth. In this segment, LaFlem focused on his research journey from historical sources to the use of channeled information about Atlantis.
The Origins of Atlantis
LaFlem began by addressing the common misconception that Plato was the first to mention Atlantis.
LaFlem explained that the story of Atlantis predates Plato by at least 180 years, as the Athenians had a celebration called the “Lesser Panathenaia” where they commemorated Athena’s victory over the Atlantides. This, LaFlem said, showed that the idea of Atlantis was present in earlier historical and cultural contexts.
Plato’s account of Atlantis, LaFlem noted, was detailed and factual, though many scholars consider it mythological.
He emphasized that, according to Plato, Atlantis was a large subcontinental island with a military empire extending into the Mediterranean.
LaFlem connected these accounts to similar stories found in Sanskrit texts and noted critiques from Plato’s contemporaries, who dismissed his accounts as fictional.
Historical and Channeled Sources
LaFlem traced the evolution of Atlantis’ story through various periods, including Greek, Roman, and Dark Ages folklore.
The narrative gained new momentum during the Age of Exploration when conquistadors, including Columbus and Cortez, thought they had discovered Atlantis upon reaching the Americas.
LaFlem highlighted the work of Ignatius Donnelly, a 19th-century congressman, who, in his book Atlantis: The Antediluvian World, claimed that Atlantis was a real place.
Donnelly drew connections between languages and geographical features across different continents, suggesting a common source in Atlantis.
LaFlem then transitioned to channeled information, particularly the work of Frederick Oliver, a 17-year-old who claimed to channel the voices of ancient Atlanteans in the late 19th century.
Oliver’s book, A Dweller on Two Planets, described a technologically advanced society in Atlantis. LaFlem found parallels between Oliver’s visions and modern science fiction, noting that Oliver described advanced technologies decades before their time.
Technology and Society in Atlantis
LaFlem described Oliver’s detailed account of Atlantis as a highly advanced civilization. He mentioned their use of crystal technology, flying craft, and a society that could manipulate energy and matter.
The channeled information described a monorail system, advanced medicine, and flying ships resembling modern-day science fiction. Oliver also claimed that the Atlanteans had developed a technology that allowed them to live in underwater cities.
LaFlem drew comparisons between this channeled vision and the works of Edgar Cayce, who also claimed to have accessed records of Atlantis. Both Cayce and Oliver mentioned multiple destructions of Atlantis, with Cayce dating the final destruction around 9,500 BC.
Decline of Atlantis
The conversation shifted to the fall of Atlantis. LaFlem explained that according to both channeled sources and historical research, the Atlanteans had developed a materialistic society obsessed with technology and power, which eventually led to their downfall.
Plato’s account of Atlantis focused on the military might and eventual corruption of the civilization.
According to LaFlem, this decline was marked by several cataclysmic events, including natural disasters and the misuse of advanced technology. The civilization eventually fragmented into smaller, less advanced societies.
Conclusion
The interview ended with Tamara Caulder Richardson and Michael LaFlem reflecting on the implications of the Atlantis story for contemporary society.
They suggested that the lessons from Atlantis’ downfall—particularly its materialism and misuse of technology—could be relevant today. They also hinted at further discussions on the topic in upcoming segments.
Tamara encouraged viewers to purchase LaFlem’s book Visions of Atlantis: Reclaiming Our Lost Legacy and to stay tuned for further episodes discussing the fall and destruction of Atlantis.
