In Scientology, the E-Meter (Electropsychometer) plays a central role in the spiritual practice of auditing, a form of counseling that aims to help individuals achieve higher levels of spiritual awareness and mental clarity. The E-Meter is a device that measures the electrical resistance of the skin as a person answers questions or revisits past experiences. Scientologists believe that the readings from the E-Meter provide insights into a person's spiritual state and are crucial for identifying areas that require further auditing. In this detailed article you will know about Why do people join the church of Scientology? Where is the headquarters of Scientology? Who is the leader of Scientology? And Where is the nearest Scientology church?This article will explore the function, history, and significance of the E-Meter, its use in auditing, and the controversies surrounding this device. 1. What is an E-Meter? The E-Meter is a small electronic device used during auditing sessions to measure the electrical conductivity of the skin. It consists of a meter, a dial, and a pair of metal electrodes called "cans," which the individual undergoing auditing holds in each hand. When a person holds the cans, a small electrical current passes through their body, and the meter displays changes in the skin's resistance. Scientologists believe that the E-Meter can detect fluctuations in spiritual energy or "mental mass" associated with unresolved traumas, painful experiences, or other negative influences called "engrams." The movement of the needle on the E-Meter's dial is interpreted by the auditor (the person conducting the session) as an indicator of areas where the individual may need further spiritual counseling. 2. The History of the E-Meter The E-Meter has its roots in earlier devices used in various forms of psychotherapy and biofeedback. L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, adapted the concept in the early 1950s to create the E-Meter as it is known in Scientology. The device was first introduced as a tool in "Dianetics," the precursor to Scientology, which focuses on resolving traumatic memories to improve mental health. Initially, the E-Meter was considered a secondary tool in auditing, but over time, it became integral to the auditing process. Hubbard claimed that the E-Meter could measure the spiritual state of an individual, providing a way to track progress along the "Bridge to Total Freedom." The Church of Scientology continues to develop and refine the E-Meter, with the latest versions featuring digital displays and enhanced sensitivity. 3. How the E-Meter is Used in Auditing During an auditing session, the individual (referred to as a "preclear") holds the E-Meter's cans while the auditor asks questions or guides them through revisiting specific incidents or emotions. The E-Meter measures changes in the preclear's galvanic skin response (GSR), which refers to variations in the electrical resistance of the skin. These variations are believed to correspond with changes in the preclear's mental state or spiritual condition. The auditor watches the needle on the E-Meter's dial, looking for specific reactions that indicate "charged" areas of the mind, which may be associated with unresolved engrams or other sources of spiritual distress. For example: Needle Movements: Different types of needle movements have specific meanings in Scientology. A "falling" needle might indicate that the person has made a spiritual breakthrough, while a "floating" needle could suggest that the preclear has reached a state of release or resolution on a particular issue. Reading Reactions: When the E-Meter needle reacts to a question or topic, it is considered a sign that there is underlying "charge" associated with that issue. The auditor may then explore the topic further to help the preclear confront and resolve the associated engram or trauma. Zeroing In on Specific Incidents: By interpreting the E-Meter readings, the auditor guides the preclear to revisit and re-examine specific past experiences. This process aims to reduce the "charge" on the incident, lessening its negative impact on the preclear's spiritual and emotional state. 4. The Role of the E-Meter in Achieving "Clear" and Beyond One of the primary goals of auditing is to help the preclear achieve the state of "Clear," where they are said to be free from the negative influence of engrams on their mind. The E-Meter is instrumental in this process, as it is used to detect and monitor the presence of mental "charge" that needs to be resolved. Beyond the state of Clear, the E-Meter continues to be used as Scientologists progress through the Operating Thetan (OT) levels. At these advanced levels, auditing sessions focus on addressing spiritual entities known as "body thetans" and other complex spiritual phenomena. The E-Meter is used to guide the practitioner through these processes, helping them identify areas that require spiritual attention. 5. Different Models of the E-Meter Over the years, several models of the E-Meter have been developed, each with improved technology and features: Mark V E-Meter: One of the earliest widely used models in the Church of Scientology, known for its analog design. Mark Super VII: A digital version introduced in the 1980s, featuring enhanced sensitivity and additional settings for different auditing requirements. Mark Ultra VIII: The latest model, offering a digital display, improved precision, and user-friendly design. It is marketed as the most advanced E-Meter to date, with features that make it easier for auditors to interpret readings accurately. Each E-Meter is individually calibrated and tested by the Church of Scientology, which maintains strict quality control standards to ensure the devices function correctly. The devices are considered sacred tools in Scientology, and members are trained extensively in their use. 6. Training to Use the E-Meter To become an auditor, Scientologists must undergo specialized training to learn how to operate the E-Meter and interpret its readings accurately. Training courses cover the theory behind the E-Meter, its practical use in auditing sessions, and how to recognize different needle movements. The courses are designed to ensure that auditors can effectively guide preclears through the auditing process and facilitate spiritual progress. Higher levels of E-Meter training are available for those who wish to audit at advanced levels of the Bridge, such as the OT levels. This training includes more sophisticated techniques for handling complex spiritual phenomena and solo auditing, where the individual performs self-auditing using the E-Meter. 7. The Cost and Accessibility of the E-Meter The E-Meter is a proprietary device sold by the Church of Scientology, with prices for newer models reaching several thousand dollars. Scientologists are required to purchase their own E-Meters for auditing and must have them inspected regularly to ensure they remain in good working condition. The cost of the E-Meter, combined with the expenses associated with auditing sessions and training courses, has drawn criticism from some former members and outside observers, who argue that the financial demands of Scientology can be prohibitive for many individuals. 8. Controversies and Criticisms of the E-Meter The E-Meter has been a subject of controversy since its inception. Critics have raised several concerns about the device and its use in auditing: Scientific Validity: Skeptics argue that the E-Meter lacks scientific validity, as there is no evidence to support the claim that it measures spiritual or mental energy. The device essentially measures changes in skin conductivity, which can be influenced by numerous factors unrelated to spiritual distress, such as sweating, nervousness, or movement. Legal Issues: In some countries, the E-Meter has faced legal scrutiny. For instance, in the 1960s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seized E-Meters, claiming they were falsely advertised as medical devices. The Church of Scientology later agreed to label the E-Meter as a "religious artifact" used exclusively for spiritual purposes. Allegations of Manipulation: Some former Scientologists have claimed that E-Meter readings can be manipulated, either intentionally or unintentionally, to produce desired results during auditing sessions. These allegations raise questions about the objectivity and reliability of the E-Meter as a spiritual tool. 9. The E-Meter's Symbolic Significance in Scientology Despite the controversies, the E-Meter remains a potent symbol within Scientology. It represents the Church's commitment to using technology as a means of spiritual advancement and embodies the belief that spiritual conditions can be objectively measured and resolved. For Scientologists, the E-Meter is more than just a device; it is a sacred tool that guides them along the "Bridge to Total Freedom" and helps them achieve profound personal transformations. Conclusion The E-Meter is an integral part of the auditing process in Scientology, providing a way to measure and confront spiritual distress. While its scientific validity and use have been questioned by critics, the device remains central to the Church's spiritual practices and teachings. For many Scientologists, the E-Meter represents a path to greater self-awareness, spiritual freedom, and the attainment of higher states of being. As a symbol of Scientology's technological approach to spirituality, the E-Meter continues to play a key role in guiding practitioners through their journey toward achieving the state of Clear and beyond, shaping the Church's practices and beliefs for more than half a century.