Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Shining a Light, the podcast that uncovers the
stories hiding and plain sight. I'm your host, Tabitha, and
today we embark on a profound and tragic journey into
the depths of human spirituality and the quest for transcendence.
We delve into the story of Heaven's Gate, a tale
(00:22):
that captivates, intrigues, and ultimately shocks the world. In the
early nineteen seventies, two individuals from vastly different backgrounds crossed paths,
setting into motion a series of events that would lead
to one of the most heartbreaking and enigmatic stories of
our time. Marshall Applewhite and Bonny Nettles, with their charismatic
(00:47):
presence and profound convictions, attracted a small but growing number
of followers. These individuals, disillusioned with mainstream society and seeking
deeper meaning, found solace and purpose in Marshall and Bonnie's teachings.
Join me as I explore the early years of Marshall Applewhite,
(01:09):
the mystic nurse Bonnie Nettles, and their faithful encounter that
birth a new belief system. Will journey through the formation
of Heaven's Gate, their spiritual exercises, and the tragic events
that unfolded in their quest for the next level. This
is not just a story about faith and devotion. It's
(01:30):
a reminder of the power of belief and the lengths
to which individuals will go in their search for meaning
and transcendence. So let's begin our exploration of the path
to Heaven's Gate. Our story begins in the quiet, dusty
(02:01):
town of spur Texas, where Marshall Hurth alple White was
born on May seventeenth, nineteen thirty one. Known for his
charisma and intelligence, Marshall was drawn to the arts from
a young age. He attended Austin College, nurturing his love
for music, and eventually earned a degree in philosophy from
(02:23):
the University of Colorado. Marshall once said, quote, music was
my first love, my escape. It spoke to me in
ways's words alone could not end quote. His career as
a music professor and choir director seemed fulfilling. He married
(02:44):
and had two children, and for a time, his family
life brought him joy and stability. However, beneath the surface,
Marshall grappled with a growing sense of disillusionment. His marriage
ended in divorce, a significant personal setback that contributed to
his emotional distress and sense of loss. Additionally, he faced
(03:08):
professional disappointments and felt unfulfilled in his career path, leading
him to leave his position and seek new directions. After
a brief stint in the United States Army, Marshall found
himself at a crossroads, yearning for something more profound. Bonnie
(03:31):
lou Nettles came into the world on August twenty ninth,
nineteen twenty seven, in Houston, Texas. Raised in a family
with a deep interest in theosophy and metaphysical subjects, Bonnie's
curiosity about the mysteries of the universe was peaked from
an early age. She pursued a career in nursing, a
(03:54):
profession that allowed her to care for others while also
indulging her fascination with the human condition. Bonnie once shared quote,
I've always felt a connection to something greater, something beyond
our physical reality. Nursing was my way of grounding myself,
(04:14):
but my mind was always wandering the stars end quote.
Marshall's life took a dramatic turn when he was admitted
to a psychiatric hospital following a series of personal and
professional setbacks. It was here, in this unlikely setting that
(04:35):
he met Bonnie Nettles. Bonnie, working as a nurse at
the hospital, was drawn to Marshall's intensity and intelligence. Their
connection was immediate and profound. They shared a belief in
the existence of planes of consciousness and the possibility of
(04:56):
extraterrestrial life. Together, they began to explore these ideas more deeply,
each finding in the other a reflection of their own
deepest thoughts and aspirations. Marshall later reflected, quote, meeting Bonnie
was like finding a kindred spirit. We talked for hours
(05:18):
about life, death, and the cosmos. It was as if
we had known each other for lifetimes. End quote. As
Marshall and Bonnie's relationship deepened, so too did their spiritual convictions.
They experienced a series of profound visions and revelations, which
(05:40):
they interpreted as signs of their divine mission. They came
to believe that they were the two witnesses mentioned in
the Book of Revelations, destined to prepare the way for
a new level of human evolution. Bonnie once declared, quote,
we are not just here by chance, Marshall. We purpose
(06:01):
a mission to fulfill. We are meant to guide others
to a higher plane of existence. End quote. As the
nineteen seventies unfolded, Marshall apple White and Bonnie Nettles began
to share their evolving spiritual insights with others. Their charismatic
presence and profound convictions attracted a small but growing number
(06:25):
of followers. These individuals, disillusioned with mainstream society and seeking
deeper meaning, found solace and purpose in Marshall and Bonnie's teachings.
Marshall proclaimed quote, we are not just a group. We
are a family, a spiritual family, bound by our shared
(06:46):
beliefs and our commitment to transcending the limitations of this world.
End quote. The group, initially known as Human Individual Metamorphosis,
held secretive meetings and retreats in various locations across the
United States. In the mid nineteen seventies, they rented a
(07:09):
house in Waldport, Oregon, where they lived communally and engaged
in intense spiritual discussions and exercises. They also spent time
in Denver, Colorado, continuing to attract new members and prepare
for what they believe would be a cataclysmic transformation of
the Earth. One follower shared quote, being with Marshall and
(07:33):
Bonnie and Waldport, I felt like I had found my
true purpose. We were preparing for a journey beyond anything
we could imagine. End quote. The group often retreated to
remote locations such as national forests and campgrounds to escape
the distractions of the outside world and focus on their
(07:55):
spiritual development. These retreats allowed them to engage and rigorous
spiritual exercises design to purify their minds and their bodies.
At the core of Heaven's Gate belief system was the
concept of the Next Level, which they saw as a
(08:16):
higher plane of existence. This was not just a metaphorical
or spiritual ideal, but a literal, physical place that members
believed they could reach. The higher plane was described as
a spiritual or non physical dimension where beings existed in
a state of pure consciousness or spirit, free from the
(08:38):
limitations and impurities of the physical world. Bonnie explained, quote,
the Next level is our true home, a place of
perfection and eternal life. It is where advanced beings live
in harmony and unity with the divine. It is where
our souls can finally be free. End quote. Marshall Applewhite
(09:01):
and Bonny Nettles taught that the earth was merely a
temporary stopping point, a place where souls were trapped in
human bodies. They believed that these human bodies were containers
or vehicles that could be shed, allowing the soul to
ascend to the higher plane. This higher plane was often
associated with extra terrestrial life, where advanced beings possessed greater wisdom, power,
(09:29):
and spiritual purity than humans. Martial stated quote, our physical
forms are not who we truly are. They are merely
vessels that we must transcend to reach our true destiny
in the next level, a realm of eternal life and
perfection end quote. Members of Heavens Gate believe that the
(09:50):
higher plane was a place of perfection, harmony, and peace,
free from the conflicts and struggles of the physical world.
To rea each this higher plane, they believed they had
to undergo a process of spiritual transformation, which involved strict discipline,
including celibacy, a vegetarian diet, and the renunciation of personal possessions.
(10:15):
By purifying their minds and bodies, they sought to overcome
the limitations of the physical world and achieve a state
of spiritual readiness. One follower expressed quote, we are not
of this world. Our true essence is divine, and our
destiny lies among the stars of the next level, where
(10:38):
we can exist in a state of bliss and unity
with a divine end quote. To prepare for their journey
to the next level, members of Heaven's Gate engaged in
rigorous spiritual and physical exercises. These practices were designed to
help them detach from their human identities, find their bodies,
(11:01):
and achieve a higher state of consciousness. Marshall declared, quote,
our physical forms are vessels that we must purify in
discipline to prepare for our ascent to the next level.
Through rigorous practices, we can overcome the limitations of the
human body and achieve spiritual readiness end quote. The physical
(11:25):
discipline endured by the members of Heaven's Gait included several
challenging practices. Strict dietary guidelines. Members adhere to a strict
vegetarian diet, avoiding all forms of meat and animal products.
They believe that a pure diet would help cleanse their
(11:46):
bodies and elevate their spiritual state. This dietary discipline was
seen as a way to reject the impulses and desires
of the physical world. One member shared quote, we followed
a strict vegetarian diet believing that it would purify our
souls and bring us closer to the next level. It
(12:07):
was a constant reminder of our commitment to transcending the
physical world. End quote. Fasting. Regular fasting was a common
practice among the group. Members would abstain from food for
extended periods, believing that this physical sacrifice would strengthen their
spiritual resolve and demonstrate their dedication to the group's beliefs.
(12:33):
Another member reflected, quote, fasting was a way to discipline
our bodies and focus our minds on the spiritual journey.
It was challenging, but it reminded us that our true
sustenance came from our faith and our connection to the
next level. End quote. Sleep deprivation. Members often engaged in
(12:55):
prolonged periods of meditation and spiritual exercises, which resulted in
sleep deprivation. They believed that reducing sleep would help them
detach from their physical needs and focus more intensely on
their spiritual goals. A follower explained quote, we spent long
hours in meditation and study, often sacrificing sleep to deepen
(13:20):
our spiritual practice. It was a way to show our
commitment and to train our minds to transcend the physical
body end quote. Physical labor. In addition to their spiritual exercises,
members engaged in physical labor as a form of discipline.
This included manual work such as gardening, construction, and other
(13:44):
tasks that required physical exertion. They saw this labor as
a way to strengthen their bodies and demonstrate their willingness
to serve the group. One member stated quote, physical labor
was a part of our daily routine, a way to
dis plant our bodies and contribute to the community. It
was a reminder that our journey to the next level
(14:05):
required both spiritual and physical preparation. End quote. Celibacy members
practice celibacy as a form of physical discipline, renouncing all
sexual relationships and desires. They believed that celibacy would help
them detach from earthly attachments and focus on their spiritual journey.
(14:28):
A follower shared quote, celibacy was a fundamental part of
our discipline, a way to reject the physical desires that
tied us to the human world. It was a sacrifice
that brought us closer to our true selves and our
ultimate goal. End quote. These physical disciplines were integral to
(14:49):
the members preparation for the next level. They believed that
by purifying and disciplining their bodies, they could overcome the
limitations of the physical world and achieve a state of
spiritual readiness. Their unwavering commitment to these practices demonstrated their
(15:09):
dedication to the group's beliefs and their ultimate journey to transcendence.
As Heaven's Gate continued to grow and evolve, a significant
and unexpected event occurred that would deeply impact the group's
beliefs and direction. Bonnie Nettles, the co founder and spiritual
(15:32):
leader of Heaven's Gate, was diagnosed with cancer. Despite undergoing
surgery to remove an eye due to the disease in
nineteen eighty three, the cancer eventually metastasized to her liver
and became terminal. Marshall reflected, quote, Bonnie's strength and vision
(15:52):
were the foundation of our mission. Even as she faced
her illness, her faith and commitment to our call never
wavered end quote. Bonnie Nettles passed away on June nineteenth,
nineteen eighty five, at the age of fifty seven, at
Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas. During her treatment, she
(16:17):
used the pseudonym Shelley West. Her death was a profound
and pivotal moment for Heaven's Gate, challenging the very core
of their beliefs. One follower expressed quote, Bonnie's passing was
a profound and confusing moment for us. We had believed
that we were not supposed to experience sickness or death.
(16:39):
We were supposed to be picked up by aliens and
ascend to the next level together. Her death forced us
to rethink our understanding of our journey and our beliefs
end quote. The group had believed that their physical bodies
were merely vessels of their souls and that they would
(17:00):
eventually be transported to the next level without experiencing death.
Bonnie's illness and subsequent death contradicted this belief, creating a
crisis of faith within the group. They had expected to
be physically taken to the next level by extraterrestrial beings,
and Bonnie's death challenged this fundamental aspect of their doctrine.
(17:26):
Marshall shared quote, we were taught that our bodies were
just containers and that we would ascend to the next
level without experiencing the physical death of this world. Bonnie's
passing was a test of our faith and understanding end quote.
In response to her death, Marshall Applewhite had to reinterpret
(17:48):
their beliefs to maintain the group's cohesion and purpose. He
explained to the followers that Bonnie had merely left her vehicle,
meaning her body, but her soul continued her work on
a different plane. This reframing of the body as a
container for the soul not essential to ascension, allowed the
(18:09):
group to reconcile their beliefs with the reality of Bonnie's death.
Marshall stated, quote, Bonnie has not left us. She has
simply transitioned to the next level ahead of us. Her
soul continues to guide us, and we must continue our
preparations to join her. Her physical departure was not an end,
(18:30):
but a transformation end quote. This shift in doctrine was
crucial for the group. It allowed them to reinterpret physical
death as a transition to the next level, with the
soul transferring to a new existence. This new belief laid
the groundwork for the group's eventual mass suicide in nineteen
(18:54):
ninety seven, which was seen as a necessary step toward
their ultimate As one member shared quote, we came to
understand that our physical forms were just vessels temporary containers
for our souls. Our true essence was our soul, and
death was merely a transition to a higher plane of existence.
(19:16):
Bonnie's death, though tragic, showed us that we could still
achieve our ultimate goal of ascending to the next level.
End quote. This reinterpretation of death and the physical body
allowed Heaven's Gate to continue their spiritual journey despite the
profound loss of their co founder and spiritual leader. It
(19:39):
was a testament to their unwavering commitment to their beliefs
and their ultimate journey to transcendence, even in the face
of unexpected and challenging circumstances. As Heaven's Gate grew and
their spiritual journey intensified, the group needed to to find
(20:00):
ways to sustain themselves financially. While their primary focus was
always on their spiritual mission. They engaged in various activities
to support their communal lifestyle and continue their preparations for
the next level. Marshall declared, quote, our mission is of
the utmost importance, and we must find ways to support
(20:23):
ourselves whilst staying true to our path. We are not
of this world, but we must navigate it to achieve
our ultimate goal. End quote. To generate income. Members of
Heaven's Gate took on various jobs and projects that allowed
them to remain mobile and committed to their spiritual practices.
(20:46):
Some of the ways they made money included odd jobs
and temporary work. Members often took on temporary employment such
as gardening, construction work, and other manual labor jobs. These
jobs provided the necessary income to support the group without
tying them down to a specific location, allowing them to
(21:08):
continue their spiritual exercises and communal living. One member shared quote,
we worked odd jobs here and there, just enough to
keep us going. It wasn't about the money, it was
about sustaining our mission and our family end quote. Computer
and technical services. As the group evolved, some members with
(21:31):
technical skills began offering computer related services. They provided web design,
software development, and other IT services to clients. This not
only generated income, but also allowed them to use their
skills in a way that aligned with their beliefs. Another
member reflected quote, some of us had skills in computers
(21:54):
and technology. We used these skills to offer services which
helped support our group and allowed us to focus on
our spiritual journey. Donations and contributions Followers who joined the
group often contributed their personal savings and assets. This included
(22:15):
selling all their positions, homes, cars, and personal belongings and
donating the proceeds to Marshall Applewhite and Heaven's Gate. Some
members were millionaires who gave up all their wealth to
support the group's mission, believing that material possessions were merely
temporary and that their true treasure lay in the next level.
(22:40):
One notable example is Nicholas Humphrey, an heir to the
Nicholas Sheffield pharmaceutical fortune, known for the brand Nicorete. Despite
his privileged background in significant inheritance, Nicholas became disillusioned with
his life and material world. He joined Heaven's Gate in
(23:01):
the early nineteen nineties, renouncing his wealth and giving up
all his worldly possessions to fully commit to the group's
beliefs and practices. Nicholas sold his assets and donated the
proceeds to Heaven's Gate, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their
spiritual journey. A member shared quote, Nicholas was one of
(23:24):
us who had it all, wealth, privilege, and a promising future,
but he chose to give it all up for the
promise of the next level. His story is a testament
to our shared belief that true fulfillment lies beyond the
material world end quote. Selling crafts and goods. The group
(23:45):
occasionally sold handmade crafts, artwork, and other goods at local
markets and fairs. This not only provided a source of income,
but also allowed them to interact with the public and
spread their message in As one member explained, quote, we
created crafts and artworks selling them at local markets. It
(24:07):
was a way to make a little money and share
our message with the world, even if just in a
small way. End quote. Despite their financial activities, Heavens Gate
remained focused on their spiritual journey. Their work and income
generating activities were always secondary to their ultimate goal of
(24:28):
transcending the physical world and ascending to the next level.
They lived simply and communally, pulling their resources to support
their shared mission and prepare for what they believed would
be their ultimate destiny. As the nineteen nineties unfolded, Heavens
(24:49):
Gate continued to evolve and prepare for their ultimate journey
to the next level, seeking a place that could accommodate
their growing group and provide the isolation necessary for their
spiritual practices. Marshall Applewhite and the members of Heavensgate decided
to move to California. Marshall declared, quote, California offered us
(25:11):
the space in solitude we needed to focus on our mission.
It was a place where we could live communally, away
from the distractions of the outside world, and prepare for
our ascent to the next level end quote. In California,
the group rented a large mansion in the San Diego area.
(25:33):
This secluded residence became their final home, a place where
they could live together, engage in their spiritual exercises, and
await the sign that would indicate the time had come
for their transition. One follower shared quote, our new home
in California was a sanctuary, a place where we could
(25:54):
fully commit ourselves to our spiritual journey. We lived simply,
focusing on our preparations and supporting one another as we
awaited the moment for our ascension end quote. The group's
belief in the next level and their commitment to their
mission remained unwavering. They continued to engage in rigorous spiritual practices,
(26:17):
including meditation, scripture, study, and physical discipline. Their communal lifestyle
was marked by a sense of unity and shared purpose
as they prepared for what they believed would be their
ultimate destiny. Marshall reflected, quote, we knew that our time
on Earth was temporary, and we remained vigilant, watching for
(26:40):
the sign that would signal the time had come for
our journey to the next level. Our faith and dedication
never wavered, even as the world around us continued to
change end quote. In early nineteen ninety seven, the members
of Heaven's Gate became convinced that the sign they had
(27:01):
been waiting for had arrived. The appearance of the comet
Helibop in the night sky was interpreted as a celestial
event of profound significance. They believed that a spaceship was
trailing the comet, and that it was their chance to
leave Earth and ascend to the next level. Bonnie had
(27:23):
once declared, quote, the comet hell Bop is our sign,
our opportunity to shed our human containers and reach a
higher plane of existence. We must be ready to take
this final step on our journey to leave behind the
physical world and achieve our true destiny. The members of
(27:48):
Heaven's Gate wore very specific and symbolic matching outfits during
their mass suicide, which were carefully chosen to reflect their
beliefs and unitymbers wore matching black shirts and black pants.
The color black was likely chosen for its symbolic association
with unity, formality, and perhaps the unknown or the infinite,
(28:12):
which aligned with their beliefs about transcending to the next level.
They wore new black and white Nike decayed athletic shoes.
The choice of Nike shoes was quite specific and symbolic.
The members believe that wearing these shoes signified their readiness
and preparation for their journey ahead. The Nike brand, known
(28:38):
for its association with athleticism and performance, might have been
seen as a symbol of their readiness to perform their
final act of transition. Additionally, the shoes, being new and matching,
could represent their collective step into a new existence. The
uniformity and their attire was a power visual statement of
(29:01):
their unity and shared purpose. It underscored their belief in
leaving behind their individual identities and earthly attachments to ascend
together to the next level. To expedite their deaths, the
members of Heaven's Gate used a lethal cocktail. They believed
(29:22):
that this method would allow them to peacefully transition from
their physical bodies to the next level. The use of
this cocktail was a calculated decision intended to ensure a
swift and painless departure. The mass suicide took place over
three days from March twenty fourth to March twenty sixth,
(29:43):
nineteen ninety seven. The members followed a specific order, with
the leaders and most committed members going first, followed by
the others. This order was believed to demonstrate their dedication
and readiness to ascend to the next level. Before their deaths,
the members of Heaven's Gate recorded farewell videos explaining their
(30:06):
beliefs and reasons for their actions. They also sent a
final message to the world, calling the authorities to inform
them to their decision. This call was made to ensure
that their bodies would be discovered and their message would
be heard. The authorities found the bodies of the thirty
(30:27):
nine members of Heaven's Gate in the mansion in San Diego.
The scene was one of eerie tranquility, with the members
lying peacefully dressed in their matching outfits, ready for their
journey to the next level.
Speaker 2 (30:44):
The anonymous call came into the San Diego County Sheriff's
Department between three fifteen and three thirty this afternoon, asking
deputies to check on the well being of the occupants
in this ninety two hundred square foot home in exclusive
Rancho Santa Fe.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
The first thing that he met were approximately ten bodies.
Speaker 2 (31:03):
Sheriff's officers say they found dozens more in a subsequent search,
all young men eighteen to twenty four years old.
Speaker 3 (31:10):
Laying on their back with their hands at their sides,
is appearing as if they were had fallen asleep. There
were no visible signs of trauma on any of the bodies.
Speaker 2 (31:19):
Investigators report the victims were similarly dressed in dark colored clothing.
Through his attorney, the owner of the property says he
rented it to a religious group. Neighbors reported that five
to ten people had lived in the house since October,
but had no contact with them, though one man report
seeing a number of people over the weekend at the
base of the long driveway that leads to the home.
(31:41):
The arrival of San Diego County's district attorney was just
one more indication that this was no ordinary investigation, and.
Speaker 1 (31:49):
We'll take it very slowly. I just want to tell
you that this is going to be an all night
proposition because we take it slow and easy. We don't
know what we have yet. It appears to be something,
but we don't know at this time.
Speaker 2 (32:01):
This videotape from the air shows investigators collecting evidence outside
the ninety two hundred square foot home. The Sheriff's office
says at least twelve homicide investigators are on scene.
Speaker 1 (32:12):
It appears to be a but it could be something
other than that. The story of Heaven's Gate is a
complex and tragic tale of faith, devotion, and the search
for meaning in a changing world. It serves as a
reminder of the power of belief and the lens of
which individuals will go in their quest for spiritual fulfillment.
(32:37):
Marshall Applewhite once declared, quote, our journey may have ended
in tragedy, but our beliefs and our commitment to a
higher purpose will live on. We are not gone. We
have simply transcended to a new plane of existence. End quote.
As we reflect on the story of Heaven's Gate, we
(32:58):
are left to ponder the mystery of life, death, and
the cosmos. It is a story that challenges our understanding
of reality and invites us to explore the depths of
our own beliefs and aspirations. The legacy of Heaven's Gate
continues to captivate and intrigue, serving as a testament to
(33:19):
the human spirits unyielding search for meaning and transcendence. As
we conclude today's episode of Shining a Light, we are
left to ponder the mysteries of life, death, and the cosmos.
The story of Heaven's Gate is a complex and tragic
(33:42):
tale of faith, devotion, and the search for meaning in
a changing world. It serves as a reminder of the
power of belief and the lens of which individuals will
go in their quest for spiritual fulfillment. The legacy of
Heaven's Gate continues to captivate and intrigue, serving as a
(34:03):
testament to the human spirits unyielding search for meaning and transcendence.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you
found today's episode thought provoking, please share it with others
who might also find it of interest. Join me next
time as we continue to shine a light on the
stories that hide and plain sight. If you or someone
(34:26):
you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach
out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at one eight
hundred two seventy three talk. That's one eight hundred, two
seventy three, eight two five five. It's available twenty four
to seven and they are there to help. Additionally, if
(34:49):
you or someone you know is involved in a cult
and seeking a way out, please contact the Cult Awareness
and Information Center for support and guide. Until then, keep questioning,
keep exploring, and keep seeking the depths of your own
spiritual journey. Goodbye for now.