Analyst Essay Topic 6 – Your Response To Skeptics

By Sarah Parsons

Analyst Essay Topic 6 – Your Response To Skeptics – I write this response to a critic of Reverse Speech from the website titled, The Skeptic’s Dictionary by Robert Todd Carroll (http://skepdic.com/reversespeech.html). In his attack on Reverse Speech, Mr Carroll seems to have done some research on the subject, however one would then presume that he is in possession of infallible information regarding Reverse Speech. Even though Mr Carroll uses quotes directly from Mr Oates as well as mentioning research results by neuroscience and physiology, he does not define the parameters of this research with documented evidence to back up his statements but instead resorts to hyperbole and insults such as “Furthermore, a good chunk of his theory is un-testable metaphysics, psychobabble and gobbledygook”, which is hardly scientific language.

Scientific skepticism concerns testing beliefs for reliability, by subjecting them to systematic investigation using the scientific method to discover empirical evidence for them (Wikipedia). Although Mr Carroll uses many examples for his readers to consider, he has not shown any scientific evidence to emphatically disprove Mr Oates claims regarding Reverse Speech. Science is of itself in nature a theory at best and is often referred to as the ‘theory of science’. In this article, Mr Carroll exclaims, “Some of Oates’ claims are quasi-empirical” (Carroll, 2015).

One can argue that no science is capable of finding all counter-examples to a theory, therefore, no science is strictly empirical, it’s all quasi-empirical anyway. But usually, the term “quasi-empirical” refers to the means of choosing problems to focus on (or ignore), selecting prior work on which to build an argument or proof, notations for informal claims, peer review and acceptance, and incentives to discover, ignore, or correct errors. These are common to both science and mathematics, and do not include experimental methods. Albert Einstein’s discovery of the general relativity theory relied upon thought experiments and mathematics. Empirical methods only became relevant when confirmation was sought. Furthermore, some empirical confirmation was found only sometime after the general acceptance of the theory (Wikipedia). Empiricism, often used by natural scientists, says that “knowledge is based on experience” and that “knowledge is tentative and probabilistic, subject to continued revision and falsification” (Shelley, 2006).

Therefore, to denigrate a work simply because one does not agree with it, or that it has not been completely accepted by the academic establishment is at the very least, premature. Reverse Speech is only 34 years old and by scientific standards, is in its infancy.

Nevertheless, Mr Oates has accumulated a considerable amount of evidence over this short period of time to support his theories, that are based on constant observations, not only by himself but also by many other people. This lists into many thousands of real live speech reversal recordings that have all been systematically and properly documented. Added to this, a complete database will soon be available of this exacting work.

Incidentally, recent documentation has been received that attests to evidence of the USA Intelligence Agencies using Reverse Speech over the past 25 years where it has just been declassified. (See https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/document/cia-rdp96-00792r000500380002-0). It was originally classified 25 years ago when Mr Oates accidentally found some classified information in the then US President’s speech reversals from a public speech recording. This news has greatly authenticated Reverse Speech.

Adding to the mountain of evidence are the many testimonies of real people who have been helped by Mr Oates, using the Reverse Speech model. This includes the areas of health, finances, business decisions, overcoming various problems and addictions as well as successfully assisting in Police investigations.

Mr Carroll went on to say, “One must also wonder what evolutionary value reverse speech would have. It is estimated that it was about 100,000 years ago that humans developed spoken language” (Carroll, 2015). That Mr Carroll should quote evolution as an evidentiary factor in his arguments is incredulous, considering that evolution itself is nothing more than a theory based on flimsy “evidence” at best.

Furthermore, Mr Carroll goes on to say, “At least with Oates we can avoid detection by speaking only in palindromes” (Carroll, 2015). In this statement, he was referring to the claims by Mr Oates that Reverse Speech can detect lies. A palindrome is a word, phrase, number, or other sequence of characters which reads the same backward as forward, such as madam or racecar, so to make such a statement shows a complete disregard for the mechanics of Reverse Speech entirely.

Additionally, Mr Carroll has erroneously stated, “His proposals to test his theory have been rejected by universities not because the university establishment is closed-minded, but because Oates’ theories belie a profound ignorance of fundamental matters in neuroscience and physiology” (Carroll, 2015). This is just not true because university studies in Australia showed positive results for the Reverse Speech model, even if their conclusion was negative. (See https://reversespeech.com/2015/08/monash-university-report-on-reverse-speech).

While Reverse Speech was classified by the CIA, under the STARGATE PROJECT, the document states that “several university researchers and private foundations” were contracted to investigate all paranormal modalities under this project for independent research. As Reverse Speech was listed under this project, it is prudent to conclude that it was also included in this research. (See https://www.cia.gov/library/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00789R003300240001-9.pdf – page 20). I urge Mr Oates to follow up on this lead.

It is apparent that Mr Carroll has no scientific data to justify his stance on Reverse Speech but instead digresses rather into making disparaging remarks, for example;

1. “Mr. Oates resembles a person who is modeling [sic] himself after Bandler™ and others in the neuro-linguistic programming movement”.
2. “Oates is taken seriously because he is an entertaining novelty feeding the lust for trash gossip which passes as news and information in our society”.
3. “Some of his claims are empirical and can be checked against what neuroscientists and physiologists have discovered in their study of the brain and speech development. For example, his notion about reverse speech occurring in the right brain is not supported by empirical study”.
4. “’Its applications are endless’. As with his other claims, Oates provides no support for these notions. However, there is considerable evidence against him”.

These are hardly the words of someone who wants to be taken seriously in the scientific community. Where is his evidence to back up these claims? What ‘considerable evidence’ is he referring to?

In conclusion, although Mr Carroll has made many unsubstantiated claims, he emphatically allures to the assumption that Reverse Speech is nothing more than a hoax while zoning in on the costs involved and the money he feels Mr Oates is making from this technology. Reverse Speech being in its infancy, has a long way to go to convince such skeptics, if that is even possible. However, Mr Oates is well on his way to proving his theories and with his dedication for detail in collecting sound evidence with meticulous filing systems, it is without a doubt that Reverse Speech is here for the long haul and will one day be an invaluable asset to people everywhere.

Exploring The Metaphor Of Wheel

By Rhonda C.

Exploring The Metaphor Of Wheel – It is not uncommon to hear someone use the phrase, “I don’t want to reinvent the wheel.” That expression has come to mean why do what has already been done and works flawlessly? It is easy to take for granted all the amazing tools we have gained from such a simple invention. The word wheel has come to represent both literal and symbolic meanings from the inception. Of course, there is also a more esoteric connotation such as the wheels related to the chakra wheels. Interestingly, one of the definitions for the word wheel in the dictionary notes that “many of our metaphorical expressions develop from our perceptions of the body.”

Most sources credit the invention of the wheel to ancient Mesopotamia around 3500 BC. The first wheel is believed to be a potting wheel that was used to move food and water. Before long a wooden wheel was created from planks of wood. The Sumerians later improved upon the wheel and that was a literally a great turning point in civilization.

According to etymonline.com, the word wheel can be used as a noun or verb and has a history dating back to at least 1200 ac.

wheel (v.) “to turn like a wheel,” c. 1200, from wheel (n.); transitive sense attested from late 14c. Related: Wheeled; wheeling.

wheel (n.) Old English hweol, hweogol “wheel,” from Proto-Germanic *hwewlaz (source also of Old Norse hvel, Old Swedish hiughl, Old Frisian hwel, Middle Dutch weel), from PIE *kw(e)-kwl-o- “wheel, circle,” suffixed, reduplicated form of root *kwel- (1) “revolve, move round; sojourn, dwell.”

It is interesting to note all the words that have wheel in their name such as water-wheel, wheel-house, wheelchair, pin wheel, wheelie, and steering wheel. Not to mention, the well known expression “fifth wheel” which is considered an undesirable description in modern day terms?

The etymology of the word wheel can be traced to the Proto-Indo- European root kwel. This root word is the origin of many words that are used daily in communication such as colony, culture and cycle. Kwel is also connected to tele means far as in space and time or in reference to completing a cycle. Words like telepathy, telegraph, and telescope all have evolved from the same root of kwel.

Biblical uses of Wheel

In biblical references, the meaning of wheel has great significance. Wheel is used at least 32 times including references to a potter’s wheel. The Hebrew word for wheel is galgal which can mean a wheel, whirl or whirlwind.

A biblical example of the word wheel is in Ezekiel Chapter 1:15-21. This passage describes a vision that Ezekiel had where he uses the word wheel five times. These verses are rich in wheel metaphor as the wheels not only rotate but give the illusion of lifting or moving from the earth. The passage describes a wheel inside of a wheel, similar to a gyroscope. The number four is notable also as many vehicles have four wheels and Ezekiel’s vision has creatures who appears to have four faces. Other interpretations of this chapter list the faces as that of a man, ox, lion and eagle which may have significance as other metaphors.

The lines below, though cryptic, certainly evoke a sense of movement and energy. Line 21, to me, conveys a feeling of being surrounded by a wheel of light or energy. The description is similar to that of the Mer-Ka-Ba in Egyptian texts which correlate to what some call a Hebrew chariot. Explanations suggest that this is a light body that transports the body between space and time. Though translations vary, the Mer-Ka-Ba or Hebrew chariot appears to be similar concepts and function much like Ezekiel’s vision of the wheels.

15Now as I beheld the living creatures, behold one wheel upon the earth by the living creatures, with his four faces.

16The appearance of the wheels and their work was like unto the color of a beryl: and they four had one likeness: and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel in the middle of a wheel.

17When they went, they went upon their four sides: and they turned not when they went.

18As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful; and their rings were full of eyes round about them four

19And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them: and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

20Whithersoever the spirit was to go, they went, thither was their spirit to go; and the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

21When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up over against them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

Wheel in Hinduism

In Sanskrit the word wheel is chakra. In the physical body, there are seven chakras starting at the root or base of the spine going up to the crown of the head. Each chakra correlates to the system it is next including the organs, veins etc. It is believed that these chakras or spinning wheels move energy throughout the body. If a chakra is blocked by disease or through dysfunction it will affect the entire system. Each chakra has a designated color and is dedicated to an aspect of life such as our personal power or security. The chakra system goes much deeper into the metaphysical and extends above and below the earth.

Native American use of Wheel

Stone structures looking similar to the diagram of a bicycle wheel have been found all over the northern United States and parts of Canada. With over 70 known sites, the largest is in Big Horn, Wyoming and it is 75 feet in diameter and resembles a bicycle tire with 28 spokes. This monument is believed to be over 7000 years old. A bit of mystery surrounds theses wheels as no record of their purpose has ever been found.

There may be some astrological significance depending on where the “spokes” in the wheel are placed. Wheels divided into four sections might represent the seasons, elements or energies. Modern day use of the medicine wheel is a place for sacred ceremonies and spiritual quests.

Shakespeare’s Use of the Wheel

• wheel(n) unclear meaning…song refrain or spinning wheel
• wheel(v) turn to face in new direction, circle round
• wheels, on running smoothly, providing easy life

Shakespeare’s work includes the word wheel 21 times in 23 speeches. Use of the wheel often referred to the status in life with the noblemen filling the top of the wheel and the poor at the bottom. If the goddess chooses to spin the wheel, it could obviously result in a reversal of fortune. In King Lear the quote, “The wheel is come full circle” is an example of the wheel being spun, but also implies a karmic turn also.

Japanese Folklore

There are several mythical creatures who take on the appearance of a wheel. I also discovered modern day video games with characters that have a wheel as part of their makeup. It is possible that many of these characters are connected to Wanyūdō, also known as “firewheel” or “soul taker.” The myth dates back to the Heian period and is about a figure whose form a burning ox cart wheel is bearing the face of a tormented man. This made me think of Ezekiel’s wheel and the face of the man.

Greek Mythology

Ixion, a king in Greek mythology, was punished by Zeus and forced to be tied to a spinning wheel of fire. The wheel can be used as a symbol for punishment.

Fortuna is a goddess often pictured “veiled” and is recognized as the symbol of luck or fortune. It is said that she governs the four stages of life and sometimes in pictured inside of a wheel.

Buddhist Dharma Wheel

The Dharma Wheel is one of the oldest symbols which date back to 304BC. Some of these wheels still exist in on sacred pillars in India. Below is a quote of a possible interpretation of the Dharma Wheel which I am including because of all the numerology that connects to other wheel symbolism:

• The circle, the round shape of the wheel, represents the perfection of the dharma, the Buddha’s teaching.
• The rim of the wheel represents meditative concentration and mindfulness, which hold practice together.
• The hub represents moral discipline. The three swirls often seen on the hub are sometimes said to represent the Three Treasures or Three Jewels–Buddha, dharma, sangha. They may also represent joy.

The spokes signify different things, depending on their number:

• When a wheel has four spokes, which is rare, the spokes represent either the Four Noble Truths or the four dhyanas.
• When a wheel has eight spokes, the spokes represent the Eightfold Path. An eight-spoke wheel is most common form of the wheel in  Buddhism.
• When a wheel has ten spokes, the spokes represent the ten directions–in effect, everywhere.
• When a wheel has twelve spokes, they represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination.
• When a wheel has 24 spokes, they represent the Twelve Links of Dependent Origination plus the reversing of the Twelves Links and liberation from samsara.
• When a wheel has 31 spokes, the spokes represent the 31 realms of existence from ancient Buddhist cosmology.

Bhavacakra

This elaborate symbol which means “wheel of life” is painted outside of Tibetan and Buddhist temples. These symbols are layered with meaning and rich with metaphor. There is a fearsome figure holding a wheel which is symbolic of the impermanent nature of life, as things are always changing.

Catholic Church

The Catholic Church uses a wheel as their liturgical calendar. These calendars are divided into sections by color, seasons, dates and theme.

Dante Alighieri

The Italian poet Dante was a master at using metaphor and humor in his work. The quote “around his eyes he had wheels of flame” appears in the third Canto of Inferno. He was known for his depiction of heaven and hell and all stops in between. Like many of the other references I have found, the metaphor is so rich it makes me think about the nature of reality. Dante also uses of the word wheel in reference to the wheel of fortune in some of his work.

Carl Jung

Carl Jung used many metaphors in his work to describe the self and the ceremony back to wholeness. He references the mandala, which is Sanskrit for magic circle, in print and created many that are included in The Red Book. I’ve studied Jung a lot, especially his cognitive function models and his theory that life works more in a circular fashion is very true to me. This theory could be stretched to a timeline that is not linear which is very interesting considering other interpretations of the wheel.

Yule: Winter Solstice – Dec 21st/22nd

Finding out the origin of the word Yule from the quote below is related to the wheel brings together a lot of symbolism from nature.

“The origin of the word Yule, has several suggested origins from the Old English word, geõla, the Old Norse word jõl, a pagan festival celebrated at the winter solstice, or the Anglo-Saxon word for the festival of the Winter Solstice, ‘Iul’ meaning ‘wheel’. In old almanacs Yule was represented by the symbol of a wheel, conveying the idea of the year turning like a wheel, The Great Wheel of the Zodiac, The Wheel of Life. The spokes of the wheel, were the old festivals of the year, the solstices and equinoxes.”

Ferris wheel

There are many Ferris wheels in the world and sometimes they are referred to as an observation wheel. I can imagine when the first Ferris wheel was built in Chicago just before 1900 that it was very surreal for people to view life from all angles. There were likely things some people would never observe if they had not taken a ride on the wheel. This also made me think of the metaphor of life as a ride with the end and beginning being the same stop.

Wheel in Song Titles

There are many songs that have the word wheel in the title. Most of the lyrics refer to the traditional uses of wheels such as wheels on a car or steering wheel. Other songs, like “Wheel in the Sky” by Journey give the impression that the wheel is time passing and all is changing with time. John Lennon uses the wheel metaphorically also as he is “watching the wheels go round and round” after he left the rat race.

Shel Silverstein’s Poem

The following poem might imply that there is a lot of work and twist of fate involved in steering the wheel.

• God says to me with a kind of smile,
• “Hey how would you like to be God awhile
• And steer the world?”
• “Okay,” says I, “I’ll give it a try.
• Where do I set?
• How much do I get?
• What time is lunch?
• When can I quit?”
• “Gimme back that wheel,” says God.
• “I don’t think you’re quite ready yet.”

The Squeaky Wheel

This metaphor from a poem attributed to John Weathersby resonates with me as a parent. Taking care of what is the loudest is usually what is pressing and sometimes the unattended “wheels” quietly lose their air.

• “I don’t believe in kickin’,
• It aint apt to bring one peace;
• But the wheel what squeaks the loudest
• is the one what gets the grease.”

Wheel Search on Amazon

A search of the word “wheel” on Amazon.com yields 895,000 items. This includes items such as wheel cleaner, skateboard wheels and even a mini wheel of fortune. A search for books with the word “wheel” yields almost 50,000 matches. The themes include the health, science, consciousness, astrology, history and even a book about dogs that use wheelchairs. This was a bit surprising to me since I didn’t consider the impact before I chose the word to research.

The Color Wheel

It is believed that Sir Isaac Newton invented the color wheel. This invention was an attempt to improve the existing color system. Prior to the color wheel, colors were represented in a linear format made it difficult to have a consistent system. Newton used mathematical and harmonic relationships to place each segment of color on the wheel. This information might imply that the wheel has more properties that could go into the esoteric realm.

Other Interesting Wheel Titbits

• Wheel Decide is an online wheel generator that you can pin to a site for customers.
• Wheel of Fortune referred to as “The Wheel” is the longest running game show based off a roulette style wheel.
• The Wheel Spider or dancing white lady is primarily found in the Namib Desert in southern Africa. It avoids predators by scrunching itself into a ball and rolling at incredible speeds.
• The Wheel Illustration is a website where all things related to God are illustrated by a wheel.

Reinventing the Wheel, a book by Jessica Helfand

This book looks at the history of rotational diagrams and the wheel metaphor. She calls the wheel an interactive tool for understanding information and notes that pictures predate printing by thousands of years. Hefland mentions that function of the informational diagram requires the user to have to rotate the wheel to interpret meaning which has an interactive force not required in other mediums. Clearly she has done much research on the metaphor and the relationship as a circular formation, for which Helfland says:

“The circle has no beginning and no ending. It is unbiased, solid and unwavering in its geometric simplicity, denoting unity and eternity, totality and infinity. It represents the image of the cosmos, the cycles of the seasons, the life of man and the orbits of planets around the sun. In astronomy it indicates a full moon; in meteorology, a clear sky; in alchemy it is the symbol for chemical change; in cartography it represents a village, town, or community. Over time and across multiple cultures, the circle has come to represent an ideal of unsurpassable perfection: it eludes mathematical exactness, thereby reminding us that nothing is exact, even in mathematics. In this manner, it is the essence of all that is natural, primordial, and inescapably human.”

Much of the above quote resonates with me as I have researched many avenues in the quest to find out what I could about the metaphor. The Reverse Speech dictionary defines wheel as, “possibly the constant motion of life.” I agree that this works as a metaphor and could cover a lot of meaning. I do believe that my research does open the possibility of more interpretation for the word. I realize this metaphor would likely contain other words which could shift the meaning.

If I had to add meanings to the word wheel, it is possible that this could be used in a spiritual sense with levels or a rhythm as described by many of the wheels with sections in my research. It could also be reference to a chakra center or energy, with a color attached or even in a metaphysical way like time travel. When it comes to life, you could get off the wheel or be high on the wheel. You can be a” live” wheel or perhaps have a “dead” wheel. Wheel could also mean your reality, as you see it. My opinion is sometimes people seem to be living life like it is an amusement park ride, where you just sit back and ride. And at times we feel helpless and let like someone is in control of spinning our wheel.

One thing I feel certain of is the paradox behind the wheel and its history. One man might see the wheel as everything such as multi layered Tibetan version. They might feel things are meaningful and intertwined, while another man might see the wheel as a means to get you from A to B. The wheel can be segmented where it follows a rhythm like the Medicine Wheel or free flowing like a rotation on a ride.

It seems to me that the meaning of the wheel is about context as much as metaphor, as experience is our only teacher. The thought of experience immediately brings me back to thinking about the wheel of fortune and how that might indicate what we are exposed to in life. In fact, if we are not exposed to metaphors as a way to see a bigger picture, we might only see the wheel as part on our bike or an amusement park ride. We could also consider where we have choices in our life …do we have our hand on the wheel and did we choose to stop the wheel in a specific destination? This metaphor of the wheel could go on and on, but I must stop here, unfortunately 😉

Resources:

http://www.etymonline.com/
http://biblehub.com/hebrew/1534.htm
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2012/12/26
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org
http://www.crystalinks.com/merkaba.html
http://www.medicinewheel.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wany%C5%ABd%C5%8D#Description
http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/the_wheel_of_the_year/yule_-_winter_solstice.asp
http://www.chopra.com/articles/what-is-a-chakra#sm.000qz5v7f1dupdg2sc32n22jpet3w
https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/williamsha126065.html
http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2008/05/08/history-of-the-color-wheel/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel
https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/01/09/reinventing-the-wheel-jessica-helfand/
http://www.spideraway.com/what-is-a-wheel-spider/
http://wheeldecide.com/wheels/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_of_Fortune_(U.S._game_show)
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-dharma-wheel-449956
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year
http://jungutah.com/mandalas-symbols-of-the-self/
https://forum.wordreference.com/threads/wheels-of-flame.3169487/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhavacakra

Analyst Essay Topic 2 – Researching a Metaphor

By Sharon Lorraine

Analyst Essay Topic 2 – Researching a Metaphor – For my assignment, I chose the metaphor SEAL. It has come up in several reversals I have done with volunteers for my Reverse Speech homework sessions.

I’ll begin this assignment with a bit of a background on Metaphors, to help explain how my research corresponds with, or adds to, the definition of the metaphor SEA that is found in the Reverse Speech Dictionary.

One could use the analogy of actors in a movie to describe Reverse Speech metaphors. Reverse Speech metaphors are fairly uniform; however, they are primarily a picture and so a bit difficult to describe in words. They stem from the part of our psyche that operates, or “thinks” in pictures. They are separate from “the subconscious”, the prime orchestrator of human behavior.  Metaphors are based on roles and pre-programmed scripts, or pictorial representations that are below our consciousness. The multi-operations of human behavior and different facets of our lives are such that although metaphors are fairly constant, there can be several differing definitions to a single metaphor. 

And so, Reverse Speech is similar to watching a movie where we witness a running commentary, or read a “script” describing the function of each character, where the actor would be considered the “metaphor”. This is due to the fact that metaphors describe an aspect of our behavior, where the character’s purpose and role is defined. At the end of the “movie”, we begin to understand the inner workings of the unconscious mind of the actors, the structures of their personalities and the behavior they display.

In the Reverse Speech dictionary, SEAL is considered a Structural metaphor. These reversals spring from the deepest area of our mind, also called “The Deep Unconscious” or the Sub-conscious. They are typically nouns – persons, places, things, states, or qualities that describe the cause of our behavior. They can also reveal information and knowledge that the conscious mind is not aware of. These reversals and also tap into what is known as the Collective Unconscious, an area outside of our conscious experience. Some would also call this the spirit world.

We’ll begin the research of the metaphor SEAL by taking a look at its definition in the Reverse Speech dictionary, as well as the Dictionary.com definition and word origin, along with other various sources.  Then we’ll take a look at a couple reversals that contain the metaphor SEAL that I found in my RS volunteer sessions, and see if the meaning corresponds with or adds to the definition of SEAL found in the Reverse Speech dictionary.
 
Reverse Speech Dictionary:  SEAL (Structural) to agree; to secure; unbreakable bond; sometimes appears in regards to sealing behavioural patterns, Trance image; varies

Dictionary.com

the definition of seal

SEAL
noun 1.an embossed emblem, figure, symbol, word, letter, etc., used asattestation or evidence of authenticity.
 
2.a stamp, medallion, ring, etc., engraved with such a device, for impressing paper, wax, lead, or the like:
The king took the seal from his finger and applied it to the document.

3.the impression so obtained:
It was unmistakably the royal seal on the document.
                                                                                                                   
4.something that keeps a thing secret:
Her vow was the seal that kept her silent.
 
verb (used with object)
1.to affix a seal to in authorization, testimony, etc.
 
2.to assure, confirm, or bind with or as if with a seal:
They sealed the bargain with a handshake.
 
3.to impress a seal upon as evidence of legal or standard exactness, measure, 
quality, etc.
 
4.to close by any form of fastening that must be broken before access can be 
gained.
 
5.to fasten or close tightly by or as if by a seal:
She was sealing envelopes. My lips are sealed.
 
6.to decide irrevocably: to seal someone’s fate.
 
7.to grant under one’s seal or authority, as a pardon.

Origin of seal

1175-1225; (noun) Middle English seel, seil(e), seale mark on a document, token Old French seel (French sceau)
– Late Latin *sigellum, Latinsigillum, diminutive of signum sign; replacing Middle English seil, OldEnglish (in)segel seal –
Late Latin, as above; (v.) sealen, seilen – OldFrench seeler, seieler, derivative of seel

From http://Wikipedia.com, the free encyclopedia, SEAL commonly refers to:

• Pinniped, a diverse group of semi-aquatic marine mammals, many of which are commonly called seals.
• Seal (emblem), an emblem used as a means of authentication; both an impression in paper, wax, clay or other medium, and the device used
• Seal (mechanical), a device which helps prevent leakage, contain pressure, or exclude contamination where two systems join
• Seal (surname), an Indian surname of Hindu Bengalis and Rajputs
• Seal (musician), English singer and songwriter, or any of his three self-titled albums

There is some folklore found with the word SEAL, but it has to do with the mammal seal:
 
“Seals represent wealth and plenty among Northwest Coast tribes, and images of seals commonly adorn potlatch artifacts. In some Northwest Coast tribes, such as the Nootka and Makah, seals are also associated with skill and safety on the ocean waves and were used as emblems by sailors and whaling parties. In the Inuit culture, seals are symbols of innocence, and therefore Inuit translations of the Bible use the Inuktitut word for “seal” in place of “lamb.” www.native-languages.org/legends-seal.htm

In the metaphysical world, a seal is also a spirit animal and has its own meaning in dream interpretation:

“IF A SEAL HAS COME SWIMMING INTO YOUR LIFE;
Seal is letting you know that it’s time to pay close attention to your imagination and insight both in the waking state as well as in your dream time.  A lot of what you imagine generally has a strong basis in reality, no matter how far-off it may seem.  This water creature is bringing you the clear and distinct message that it is time for you to allow your creativity and your imagination to soar and to follow through on your dreams.

IF SEAL IS YOUR ANIMAL TOTEM;
You are highly imaginative and very creative.  You need activities that channel and direct your imagination and creativity.  Hearing and balance is also very important for a Seal totem.  Learn to listen to you inner self and balance your life to it.  Your dreams are very significant and vivid and constantly feed your creative imagination.  It is important for you to stay in touch with your body’s natural rhythms – if you are hungry, eat; if you are tire, rest.”  www.spirit-animals.com/seal

The one resource that includes many uses of the word SEAL are biblical references:

“A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership. Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor. The Roman authorities used such a seal to secure Jesus’ tomb ( Matt 27:66 ). A signet ring was also called a seal. It was valued among Israel’s booty ( Num 31:50 ).
The significance of the act of sealing is dependent on the importance of the one doing the sealing. This is why Jezebel falsely authenticated letters she wrote in Ahab’s name by affixing them with his seal ( 1 Kings 21:8 ). Ahasuerus’s solemn decree to annihilate the Jews ( Es 3:12 ) and then to bless them (8:8, 10) was sealed with his signet ring.
The word “seal” often is used figuratively in the Bible. The divine origin of prophet “books” solemnizes the opening of the seals with which they are securely fastened. They are opened at God’s discretion, often announcing doom ( Isa 29:11-12; Dan 9:24; 12 Rev 5:1 ).
Also, the Book of Job speaks of the great God who “seals off the light of the stars” ( 9:7 ). God providentially uses clouds to block out the otherwise helpful presence of stars. He also seals up transgressions, disposing of them as he wills ( Job 14:17; Hosea 13:12 ). The bridegroom refers to his bride as a sealed (chaste) garden spring ( So 4:12 ). Pledging fidelity, the bridegroom asks his beloved to seal him to herself on the heart and on the arm ( 8:6 ). The psalmist asks God to seal his lips to prevent sinful speech ( 141:3 ).
The New Testament continues the mostly metaphorical use of “seal.” For example, Satan’s ineffectiveness is secured by God’s sealing of the abyss ( Rev 20:3 ). Paul sealed a generous offering collected from believers in Macedonia and Achaia by delivering it to the needy church in Jerusalem ( Rom 15:28 ). Paul described his Corinthian converts as the seal of his apostleship ( 1 Cor 9:2 ). “
Biblestudytools.com/dictionary/seal

And finally, a look at a couple of reversals that include the metaphor SEAL:

F1: I see myself more, very, [at least in]itially very active in the process of up taking all the information.
R1: I sealed it
F = 0:07:40 to 0:07:46, R = 0:07:41 to 0:07:42
 
F14: The customers I’m dealing with, I don’t, and or [I don’t really see it] majorly feasible in this region now
R14: They seal it up
F = 0:32:34 to 0:32:40, R = 0:32:36 to 0:32:38
 
F6: I’m intrigued with how people who pull sound out of the same notes.  Or we form words out of the same alpha[bet at least through English], and I’m just fascinated how people choose in poetry.  We all have access to the same letters, and how you chose that particular word to place in that sentence which creates such an impact.
R6: Show me your seal in it.
F = 0:06:33 to 0:06:38, R = 0:06:37 to 0:06:38

So again, when looking again at the Reverse Speech dictionary for the metaphor SEAL definition:

SEAL (Structural) to agree; to secure; unbreakable bond; sometimes appears in regards to sealing behavioral patterns.

I would concur that with reversals for F1 and F14 that the meaning of SEAL is to secure.  Whether it referred to the salesperson speaking directly, or his clients, it was still the meaning of SEAL but with different uses.
 
For reversal F6, I believe it is appearing in regards to sealing behavioral patterns.  It is speaking to different aspects of personalities and how they show up in one’s creative work.  Show me YOUR SEAL in it.  SEAL is showing the YOU, or the behavioral patterns sealed in your own unique creative work.

I am starting to see how important it is to understand the meanings of the different metaphors.  When analyzing and sharing reversals with clients, it will add much more depth to what the reversal is trying to share.
 
Sharon Lorraine
Reverse Speech Analyst Student

Bibliography: 
ReverseSpeech.com
Dictionary.com 
Wikipedia.com
Native-languages.org/legends-seal.htm
Spirit-animals.com/seal
Biblestudytools.com/dictionary/seal