Or was Russian Society of that era awash with other psychics and the like?

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Clarification of Question by probonopublico-ga on 07 Mar 2005 03:44 PST

Brilliant, Jerry, Very Many Thanks.

Exactly what I was looking for ...

When we meet up ... and we shall either in this Life or Another ...

Then I will buy you a Champagne Feast.

All the Very Best

Bryan

I think that Rasputin was a Siberian Shaman 

This is from a slightly 'non-provenanced' link :-

|Rasputin was a product of the Siberia of the Shamans. Rasputin was a
member of a group of Monks called "The Khlystis" who were living in
Verkhoture Monastery. These monks used to go into the forest to whirl
like the Whirling Derviches, and to practice trance mediumship.
Rasputin visited Athos Mount, Greece and Jerusalem to complete his
training.|
http://www.transcommunication.org/evp_itc_000037.html

Go down to 2.23 .. a)
I doubt that he was anything like a one off.

Shamanism is still practised today, I have a friend who is into it.
After a rather awe inspiring (and accidental) demonstration, I am
prepared to trade my normal cynicism for cautious agnosticism is this
area.