Peter Panagore is a spiritual luminary known for his profound Near-Death Experiences (NDEs) and bestselling book “Heaven Is Beautiful.” With a background in pastoral care and mysticism, Peter hosts the Mystic Tea Salon, a weekly gathering fostering community and discussion on mystical experiences. From leading meditation sessions to offering spiritual counseling, Peter’s diverse programs aim to guide individuals toward inner peace and spiritual growth, drawing upon his decades of wisdom and insight. Learn more in this exclusive MysticMag interview below.
Who is Peter Panagore? What is your personal story and professional background?
I am Peter Panagore, a recognized spiritual author and counselor, celebrated for my influential book ‘Heaven Is Beautiful: How Dying Taught Me That Death Is Just the Beginning.’ My life was profoundly transformed after two Near-Death Experiences (NDEs in 1980 and 2015), leading me to a path of spiritual exploration. After obtaining my bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Massachusetts in 1982, my first NDE prompted a shift in my aspirations from graduate school in architecture to a deeper exploration of Western Mysticism at Yale Divinity School, where I earned my M.Div.
For nearly twenty years, I served as an ordained minister in various open-minded Congregational communities and their town’s people across New England. What set me apart was my unique blend of pastoral duties serving anyone in need while privately dedicating myself to mystical study and practice. I also spent 15 years as a broadcast and cable television writer and on-air talent, delivering two-minute morning inspirational messages to a substantial audience on two NBC stations across Maine and New Hampshire, as gauged by Nielsen Ratings.
My commitment to Centering Prayer and Kriya Yoga extends over four decades, during which time I’ve sought to deepen my spiritual understanding and growth. Currently, I engage with a global audience through “Not Church: Mysticism No Doctrine No Dogma No Bravo Sierra” on YouTube, offer spiritual counseling, and teach Kriya Yoga via Zoom to a dedicated weekly class. My residence is in the serene setting of coastal Maine, USA.
What is the Mystic Tea Salon program?
The Mystic Tea Salon is a weekly gathering that serves as a community-driven forum for a collective conversation about mystical and spiritual experiences, including those of Near-Death Experiencers. It’s a space where participants can share their stories and insights, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. As the host of this live Zoom event every Sunday at 11 AM ET, I ensure that our discussions are grounded in humility, compassion, kindness, authenticity, and personal experience, creating a space where everyone can contribute or simply listen.
What other programs do you offer and what can people expect from them?
In addition to the Mystic Tea Salon, I offer teachings on mysticism and host a meditation group focused on Centering Prayer live on YouTube every Monday and Wednesday. This practice cultivates non-attachment and inner stillness. On Tuesdays, I delve into Kriya Yoga, an ancient practice designed to foster union with the Divine. Together, these practices aim to detach from the ego and tap into vital life forces variously called Prana, Chi, or Shakti.
Can you walk me through one of your private sessions?
Drawing upon four decades of pastoral care, I guide individuals in integrating their mystical experiences into their daily lives. During a private session, we might navigate the profound effects of a kundalini awakening, a transformative yet often challenging experience. I listen with deep empathy, providing a reflective space for clients to voice their innermost thoughts and feelings, and utilize my intuition to address their needs effectively, ensuring they feel understood and supported.
You are also a best-selling author. What books have you written and what are they about?
As an author, my work includes the international bestseller on Audible, Heaven Is Beautiful,” which is a gripping memoir of my near-death experience while ice climbing in the Canadian Rockies. It details my fight for survival, my encounter with death, and the profound spiritual insights that followed, and has been optioned for a feature film. Another notable best seller of mine is Two Minutes for God: Quick Fixes for the Spirit, which compiles select inspirational scripts from my daily TV segments, offering a year’s worth of short, uplifting stories aimed at fostering hope and teaching love.
To learn more about Peter and his work, you can visit www.peterpanagore.love
