In Short
4 1/2 is basically a “half-step” that some CRV instructors insert to help remote viewers transition between the structured data-collection of Stage 4 and the deeper, more specialized probing in Stage 5. It gives you a moment to capture and refine any important but still “fuzzy” impressions before moving on.
In many of the Ingo Swann–derived CRV methods, you’ll see the process laid out in discrete stages (1 through 6). However, some trainers or manuals include an informal “Stage 4½” (often written as 4 1/2) as a bridge between Stage 4 and Stage 5.
What Is “4 1/2” in CRV?
- Transitional/Bridging Sub-Stage
- Stage 4 is where you’re capturing both tangible (physical) and intangible (conceptual) impressions in a structured matrix.
- Stage 5 is often described as a “deep dive” or specialized probing of particular elements that surfaced in Stage 4 (e.g., deeper analysis of an intangible, a symbol, or a concept).
- Purpose of 4½
- 4½ is sometimes used to further clarify or expand on intangible data gleaned from Stage 4, before officially jumping into the more open-ended, specialized probing of Stage 5.
- Some CRV schools use it to “park” or organize data that seems important but not fully explored. You briefly explore it here so you don’t lose the thread, then decide if it belongs in Stage 5.
- Not Always Universal
- You’ll find references to 4½ in certain CRV training lineages (for instance, with specific instructors or advanced protocols).
- It’s not formally in the original Ingo Swann manual as a numbered stage. Instead, it’s more of an added refinement that certain trainers adopted for clarity.