The Paranormal, Hauntings and Entities

How to Talk to the Dead

2007-07-19T11:51:00.001-07:00

Would you like to have a word with your long-departed mother? How about experiencing a hug from your deceased grandfather?

The world's foremost expert on the near-death experience and the afterlife says he did just that, and you can too, simply by using a mirror and following the easy guidelines offered by Dr. Raymond Moody below. Moody's technique involves gazing into a large mirror, an ancient technique to receive visions. For example, the great seer Nostradamus used this method to see into the future. Here is Dr. Moody's method:

(1) Get into a serene state of mind by eliminating caffeine and dairy products the day before your encounter. Eat simply, such as only fruit and vegetables.

(2) Go to the quietest part of your home. Leave your wristwatch and all jewelry off. Wear only loose, comfortable clothing. It is important to find a comfortable place where you can truly relax. Unplug clocks and phones in that room so as not to be disturbed. The goal is to ease the transition into an altered state of awareness. Posture is important. Sit in a comfortable chair that will support the back of your head, even if you are deeply relaxed. Place a large mirror in front of your chair and arrange it so that you can gaze into it without having to hold your eyes at an uncomfortable angle.

(3) Create a mood by soothing yourself with beauty for about 15 minutes by looking or listening to works of art. Art alone is enough to induce altered states in many people. Soft music can go far to stimulate awareness.

(4) Gather photographs and personal items of your departed loved one around you. Touch them and remember your loved ones fondly. It is important to imprint that person firmly in your mind. Doing so shouldn't be too difficult. A family album filled with great memories stirs up the conscious as well as the unconscious mind. Family films and videos do the same thing. Some people use articles of clothing associated with the person. Such items include fishing poles, woodworking tools, chess sets, pipes, glasses, old letters, and so on. Anything associated with that person is an effective way of bringing up memories and feelings.

(5) In the twilight of the day, light a candle and place it behind you. Dim light from behind usually works the best, although you will have to experiment until you get the lighting just right. The twilight hours are a time that seems to better inspire altered states in many people. Later, when you become more proficient, you will find that mirror gazing is possible even in bright lights.

(6) The technique of mirror gazing itself is remarkably easy. Seated comfortably, relax and gaze into the clear depth of the mirror without trying to see anything. Some compare this to looking off into the distance. Properly relaxed, your arms will feel very heavy and the tips of your fingers will tingle as though charged slightly by electricity. This tingling feeling almost always signals the beginning of the hypnagogic state (altered consciousness).

(7) The mirror will most likely become cloudy now. Some people report an image that resembles the sky on a cloudy day. Others say that the mirror becomes darker. Whatever the case, this change in the clarity of the mirror signals you that the visions are about to appear.

(8) Do not direct the experience at first or pose particular questions when the visions appear. It is best to first watch them unfold passively. Just let the images flow. Attempting to guide the images decrease the likelihood that one will see images in the mirror. After you have become more adept at mirror gazing, putting specific questions into your mind before entering the trance state can be very helpful, especially if your object is self-exploration or self-understanding. Attempting to direct images after they have begun will usually cause them to fade away. Why this happens Dr. Moody is not sure, but his guess is that conscious thought brings you out of the hypnagogic state of mind where these images occur.

How long do the images last? Usually less than a minute, especially for those unable to stay relaxed. Some of Dr. Moody's subjects have been able to maintain images for as long as ten minutes on their first attempt. The more proficient you become at mirror gazing, the longer you will see images in the mirror.

Sometimes you may see nothing yet hear the departed person talk or feel his or her touch. Some may experience all the sensations of a given person, or location, without actually seeing anything. Sometimes, like Nostradamus, you may have the sensation of passing into the mirror, or the images may actually come out to be with you. Whatever the case, it will be obvious when the visionary experience starts and when it is over.

Dr. Moody recommends that you record the experience immediately after the session as you would a dream. Write it down in as much detail as possible. Careful record keeping will help you know what to expect the next time you mirror gaze. It will also show differences between sessions and will eventually let you know how to get the most out of your mirror-gazing experience. Recording your experiences will also help you remember them as they really were.

If the visions do not occur during a session, then it is necessary to consider some of the possible factors involved. The most common reason for failing to see anything is trying too hard. People sometimes report that the visions miraculously begin after they give up, or at least after they entertain thoughts of doing so. Distractions are another common reason that visions fail to take place. These can include outside noise and physical discomfort. Perhaps the room is too hot or too cold, or maybe it is just too noisy. Distractions also take place in the form of diet. Some people simply cannot have visionary experiences after eating a heavy meal, though a light one is recommended since it elevates your blood sugar and keeps you from focusing on your hunger.

Dr. Moody also emphasizes that exercise is an important component of relaxation. Most people are far more relaxed after even gentle exercise and have lower blood pressure and a slower heart rate to prove it. If you are having difficulty relaxing, or letting your mind wander while mirror gazing, it might be due to a lack of exercise.

Some people even use meditation and consider the visions an interesting by-product.

"There should be no fear of death, for the death of the body is but a gentle passing to a much freer life." - Helen Greaves

- Adapted from "Life After Life: The Investigation of a Phenomenon" - Raymond A. Moody Jr.

The Amityville Hoax

2007-04-30T00:58:00.000-07:00

It all started in November of 1973, when twenty-three Ronald DeFeo, while high on heroin, shot and killed his four siblings and both of his parents. DeFeo was tried, convicted and sentenced to six life sentences for the crime.

The following year, 1974, again in November, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the DeFeo house, a six bedroom Colonial with a swimming pool and its own boathouse, located in the Long Island community of Amityville. The purchase price was reportedly eighty-thousand dollars. On December 12th, the Lutzs and their children moved into the house. A month later, on January 13, 1975; they moved out, supposedly in fear for their lives.

According to the Lutzs, they were driven from the house by supernatural forces, which began to occur the day they moved in. On that day, a family friend, Father Frank Mancuso, dropped by to bless the house. During the benediction, a booming male voice was heard, ordering them to "Get Out!” Over the nest few weeks, a string of strange occurrences followed. The Lutz’s youngest child encountered, in her bedroom, a pig with "glowing red eyes." A heavy door was mysteriously torn from its hinges. George Lutz saw his wife, Kathy, levitating above their bed, and on another occasion, Lutz heard band music while in the living room and went to investigate. Failing to find the source, he returned to find the living room rug rolled up and the furniture moved around the room. Finally, during a torrential rainstorm, with winds of "hurricane strength", and the electrical power out, the Lutzs fled the house, leaving their belongings behind.

Approximately a year afterwards, author Jay Anson heard of the events in Amityville, and contacted the Lutz family. He was given exclusive rights to the story in exchange for an even split of the royalties. Anson's retelling of the story, "The Amityville Horror", became a best seller in both hardcover and paperback, was made into a highly successful movie, and later, a somewhat less successful sequel. The Lutz’s month of terror had made them and Anson relatively wealthy.

But then the bubble started to burst. It turned out that Anson had developed the story not from personal interviews with the Lutzs, but from forty-five hours of previously taped interviews provided to him by George Lutz. Lutz had also been talking with William Weber, an attorney representing none other than Ronald DeFeo. Defeo, having failed at an insanity plea, was trying to get a new trial through a "the devil made me do it" ploy, claiming the same supernatural forces that had tormented the Lutzs had forced him to commit his crime. (He failed.) Neither was Jay Anson the first writer Lutz had been in contact with.

Before Anson had ever heard of the Lutzs, they had struck a tentative deal with author Paul Hoffman to tell their story, but the deal had eventually fell through, resulting in the Lutzs taking Hoffman to court. This was a big mistake on their part. Under oath, George Lutz admitted that the incidents involving the band music and the rolled up rug and moving living room furniture and the door being ripped from its hinges had never happened. Nor had a supernatural voice ordered them from the house the day of its blessing. Indeed the house had never been "formally" blessed at all, not by Father Mancuso or any other priest. Lutz further stated that he "may have been only dreaming" when he saw his wife levitating above their bed. And no, he had never seen a pig, red-eyed or otherwise in his daughter’s room. As for the "hurricane strength" rainstorm that knocked out power the day the Lutzs fled the house, weather reports that day only indicated "traces" of precipitation, with no reported power outages.

The whole thing was obviously a hoax or scam, but the question remains: Why?

The truth was never revealed. However certain information, which came to light later, allows some educated guesses to be made. Although the house was fairly priced at eighty-thousand dollars, "People Magazine" found out that the Lutzs had only budgeted forty-thousand for their home purchase. Further, when they abandoned the house, the furniture they left behind was described as "cheap knock off". With these facts, it is easy to assume that the simplest solution is the correct one: money. The Lutzs had apparently gotten in over their head and this was the only solution they could find that to salvage something from impending financial disaster.

Within a year, the house had new owners, James and Barbara Cromarty and their children. "The book is completely untrue" Barbara told "People Magazine", "this is a lovely home." None of the Cromartys have ever seen or experienced any supernatural occurrences. The only problems they have had have been from people wanting to see "The Amityville Horror."

Edinburgh Castle - A Drummer and a Piper

2007-04-17T12:50:00.000-07:00

Edinburgh Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. Among its many ghosts are a phantom piper and a headless drummer.

Under Edinburgh runs a series of secret tunnels that run though to the Royal Mile. The tunnels were found one hundred years ago; upon their discovery a piper was first sent down the tunnels to explore. The piper was instructed to keep playing his pipes so those above could track his progress. Half way down the Royal Mile, the piping suddenly stopped. A rescue party was sent but no trace was ever found of the piper - he simply vanished. The ghost of the piper haunts the secret tunnels and his music can often be heard in the castle when his ghost walks the underground tunnel beneath the Royal Mile.

Many visitors to the castle have heard the unearthly sound of drums. It is rumored that the drummer's ghost only appears when the castle is about to be attacked. The drummer is the ghost of a young boy who appears without a head, first seen before Cromwell's attack on the castle in 1650.

More information about Edinburgh Castle can be found at http://www.edinburghcastle.biz/

The Science and Paranormal Conflict

2007-04-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

When most scientists attempt to debunk a supposed sighting, their first impression is most commonly, “there is no scientific proof of the existence of ghosts.” This theory may be wrong. Science may have theories in order to explain what may be happening beyond what we know and what we can see.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955), Time Magazine's Man of the Century and one of the greatest minds the world has known, taught us that energy cannot be created or destroyed. Energy can only be changed from one form into another form. Definition: no matter what, energy cannot be destroyed.

Human beings possess electrical and chemical energy in our bodies. We are organically designed to carry our electrically charged brain and nervous systems. When a human being dies, the chemicals within the body begin to break down and decompose. The organic side of the body returns to wear it came from; energy changing into a different form of energy, as Einstein's law says. What happens to the electrical energy that flows through the brain? The energy cannot simply disappear or fade away from existence, breaking the laws of science. That energy exists, albeit transformed into a different form of energy. What happens to the energy may be determined by personal faith. What waits beyond this life is unknown. However, what is known, thanks to science, the electrical pulse energy in each human being will always exist. As a rule it “cannot be destroyed.”

Another great scientist who believed in life after death was Thomas Edison, (1847-1931). Edison was a genius ahead of his time. The light bulb, phonograph, typewriter, electric motor, stock ticker are noted as Edison’s greatest inventions. However, one-thousand ninety-three patented inventions are attached to the Edison legacy. An invention that Edison worked on at the end of his career was a secret project; a machine that would allow the living to see and communicate with the souls of the dead.

Edison believed the soul was made up of what he referred to as “life units.” These microscopic particles or life units could rearrange into any form. The units of the soul retained full memory, personality and were indestructible. Edison's machine could detect these life units in the environment and allow an individual to communicate with the dead. Edison strived many years to complete his new creation. Sadly, Edison died before the invention was finished. Skeptics refer to Edison as crazy. Others surmise that he was onto something bigger than the idea of the light bulb. Some believe, given a little more time, Edison might have opened incredible doors. Had Edison completed his invention, society might have found itself existing in an exceptionally different world today.

In most ghost haunting and paranormal investigation, some claim there are certain electrical elements at work. Using EMF detectors, paranormal investigators are able to monitor electrical forces. The EMF device may be used to examine and record the smallest fluctuation in the surrounding electromagnetic field. Electrical appliances, such as television sets and computers reflect higher distortions rather than a lamp or toaster. Some claim entities are present as higher levels of electromagnetic distortions are read by EMF. Often, many believe distortions may cause interference with some functions of computers systems as well as audio and video equipment.

The presence of ghosts may be recorded as temperature changes. Fluctuations of more than 10 degrees have been recorded in smaller rooms containing constant temperatures. Scientific studies show there must be some form of energy present in order to alter the temperature. Temperature should not change unless some type of interference is affecting it in one way or another. Often, a witness believing one has made contact with the unknown, report feeling cold spots. Cold spots may be caused by light reflecting incorrectly off most entities, creating a dark form. The light seemingly absorbs into the ghost. Theorists claim ghosts absorb both light and heat energy, causing the general area around the ghost to be several degrees cooler. Hot spots have been reported, as well. A hot spot may simply be the reverse affect of a cold spot; instead of soaking up the light and heat the ghost is reflecting it back, causing the area to be warmer.

The Medium

2007-04-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, all are capable of making contact with spirits or ghosts. Most do not work on the skills needed to accomplish this. Most do not want to see, hear or feel a ghost. Experiencing an apparition could be rather unnerving, if not terrifying. Imagine, during a moment of respite, visualizing a blank eyed little girl gazing at you, mouthing something you are unable hear.

Uncommonly, there are those whom are born natural Mediums. The medium’s ability to detect outside the normal human frequency, like many animals, is heightened. E.S.P. extends beyond the normal physical senses. Mediums may have the ability to tune into a frequency band easier than most. Often, the medium may see an entity, while another may only hear them. It has been shown the medium may receive guidance within their minds eye, or "third eye", from the beyond. If one is interested in learning the skills of the Medium, there are ways of doing so
.
Make visits to reportedly haunted venues. It is unnecessary the venue be a frightening place. Choose a location where research shows many lives had crossed over. An old battle field, cemetery or a known haunted hotel are a few examples. Additionally, there are plenty of books out there detailing these locations throughout the United States, Europe and elsewhere.

Locate an area within the venue one may be very quiet and still. The visitor of the particular location should attempt to open up that sixth sense hiding dormant. Many have this capability, but like a muscle, this sense has become weak over time.

Begin by blocking the thoughts in the mind that may be racing about. One requires a quiet mind to allow very soft mutterings to be heard. If correctly accomplished, one can experience the meditative state, otherwise known as Alpha, opening the mind to hear frequencies not normally heard.

When the mind is quiet, calm and clear, extend a request in which a positive entity make itself be known to you. Relax, wait and listen. Assuming one is experiencing an ideal situation, the entity may attempt to be heard in some way. Contact will more than likely be something short and perhaps blurted out. Do not expect a long dialog. Commonly, one may hear one or two mutterings or a hurried rush of whispering.

Remember, once one opens the ability, one may be beginning a new journey. All persons interested in enabling this ability must be sure of their intentions. Opening the mind as a true medium may be life-changing. If unsure, a door may open one may not be inclined to enter.

Haunted Tours - Chicago

2007-04-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

The following is a list of several Chicagoland tours. Chicago is chock full of haunted places...Look for more on Chicago's hauntings, stories and information posted on this site in the coming weeks.

Chicago Haunting Tours
Weird Chicago
Haunted Chicagoland Tours
New Millennium Theatre
Seadog Haunted Tours

The Back Seat Ghost

2007-03-31T08:38:00.000-07:00

In 1959, Mrs. Mabel Chinnery was visiting the grave of her mother in a British churchyard and took a photo of her husband, who was waiting alone in the car. When the film was developed, Mrs. Chinnery recognized the image of her mother in the backseat - the woman whose grave they had visited on that day. A photo expert examined it for a British newspaper and declared the photo to be authentic.

Ghosts and Reincarnation

2007-03-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

Ghosts are probably the most known paranormal phenomenon with the UFO category gaining on it everyday. While it's hard to understand or know why a ghost is somewhere or haunting a location, I think it's easier to figure out what it is than what business the entity might have.

This seems to be one of the easier lines to connect since it's almost obvious how to get from ghosts to reincarnation. If ghosts are the lost or still departing souls of the once living, then perhaps they stick around for awhile. After the soul finishes what it still needs to do in it's current life it moves on. We have no idea of knowing how long a soul will stay around once it's left a body. Some ghosts are reported for hundreds of years, others seem to fade fairly quickly.

Edgar Cayce touched on a spirit's journey throughout lifetimes. How skills and talents we have now are the results of past lives. In our life, we are here to try and find a "karmic" balance for the lessons we learn now for those we didn't learn, haven't learned, or still need to learn. The lingering spirit, after death, still possibly be someone looking to close a karmic gap that they incarnated to do in this lifetime.

To those that access the Akashic Records, or Book of Life, they'll find information about a person across several lifetimes, which Cayce often used to diagnose ailments with those who sought him for readings. So, in the line, a ghost could be what we figured it was, a spirit still looking to finish some business in their life before moving on.

One more possibly comes to mind that a ghost is the collective conscious of the people leaving an imprint in reality of a person's past existence. With thought creating so much reality everyday, it could have the power to leave a visual, if hazy, representation of the spirit in question. Since everyone will imagine the spirit entity a different way, solid details are sometimes lost. This is hard to prove, of course, but after looking into thoughtforms and their effect on us, it might be possible some ghosts are the result of it.

I've wondered as well, why we only have fairly modern day ghosts. There are no reports of an ancient Roman entity or Mongol spirit for example. This leads me to believe that the spirits only affect those of the lifetime of the being they incarnate as, when the moment is passed, they move on to another lifetime to balance their karma. Having none living to learn their life's lessons, they would probably be forced to reincarnate and start over, either having to relearn the past lesson, or a completely one.

This is, at best, mostly speculation. The rest of the connecting dots for ghosts must reside in the metaphysical arts and possibly Eastern religions, new and old, which seemed to have a better grasp of the life and death cycle.

-Adaptation
http://www.paranormal-phenomenon.net

The Tulip Staircase

2007-03-23T22:21:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken by Ralph Hardy, in 1966, a Canadian tourist who intended to photograph the "Tulip Staircase" in the Queen's House section of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England. Upon development, however, the photo revealed the ghostly figure climbing the stairs, holding the railing with both hands. Many experts, including some from Kodak, could not find any evidence of tampering. Other figures have been seen on occasion in the vicinity of the staircase, and unexplained footsteps have also been heard.

Living Objects

2007-03-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

There are many ghost stories that involve non-living objects that seem to be alive. These cases usually involve a personal object such as jewelry or a doll. The people began noticing that the objects are not always in the same place that they were left. The people don't actually see the objects move, but they know that the objects are moving when they are not around.

Either a very powerful spirit or a demon conducts this type of ghostly activity. They move the objects to give the impression that the objects are themselves alive or possessed. Spirits cannot possess non-living objects. This is a common spirit trick to fool the living into giving the objects recognition. Recognition equals power for the spirit.

The spirits use these methods because it is easier to get people to give recognition to earthly objects than to an invisible entity. The spirits typically disguise themselves as the ghosts of children. Again, this is because people are much more likely to communicate with the lost lonely ghost of a child than an evil festering demon. It plays on the all too familiar feelings of human compassion.

Once the spirits have the attention of the living they continue to control the objects getting more and more recognition and more power. They begin to use the extra power to influence more of the natural environment. They can influence dreams, control other household objects, manipulate machines including cars and household electrical devices. The "harmless" object movement soon turns into something different and sometimes violent. The people in the house usually become afraid. The spirit uses the fear to gather strength and power, which it then uses to create more fear. It's a snowball effect that could lead to demon possession, psychical injury and even death.

The Golden Lady

2007-03-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

A series of photos taken of an abandoned house in America. Nothing was seen when the photos were being taken.

The grey image is an analysis done by a computer.

Haunted Tours - Lighthouses

2007-03-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

New London Ledge Light - New London, Connecticut
Seul Choix Point Lighthouse - Gulliver, Michigan
Owl's Head Light - Owl's Head, Maine
Point Sur - Big Sur, California

Ouija Board Communication

2007-03-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

The Ouija board or “talking board” has fascinated millions since its invention in the 1800s. Many predictions of future events, as well as life direction have purportedly been received from talking boards. Some of the most interesting advice received from Ouija Boards has been the foretelling of impending doom, winning lottery numbers, as well as direction for major life decisions. But of greater interest to most people would be the idea that we can communicate with the dead – those who have crossed over to the other side of the grave.

A coffin maker originally invented the talking board, naming it “Oujia” after what he thought was an Egyptian word for “luck.” The invention was purchased by Kennard Novelty Company and later the Oujia Board’s ownership was assumed by William Fuld who marketed it in mass. Eventually, Parker Brothers purchased the rights to the Oujia Board and still market it today in toy stores around the world. Many artisans from various countries and cultures craft unique styles of the talking board and market them on-line.

Tales of the Ouija Board have caused many to fear it. Some believe that evil spirits will come through and harm or even possess the talking board user. Others believe that its usage may invite harmful ghosts to haunt one’s house, or that bad luck may ensue after using the Ouija Board. So what is the Ouija Board story? My take is that fear is never truth, nor does it have any power beyond what we give it.

So what is happening with the Ouija Board? Well first, we should explain how a talking board, such as the Ouija Board is used. The talking board has letters, numbers and the words, “Yes,” and “No,” printed on its surface. The user then places what is known as a “planchette” or even a glass on the board with fingertips on top. Usually, more than one Ouija Board participant is used, with everyone’s fingertips lightly placed on top of the planchette. As questions are asked by the participant(s), the planchette will usually begin to move across the board within five minutes. If the question is a “yes or no-type” question, the planchette or glass will move to either the “yes” or “no” printed on the board, thus giving the answer. If the question requires other words, then the planchette will spell out the answer in letters or numbers. If all participants are honest and not purposely trying to move the planchette, then one must ask, “Where do the answers come from?” Do answers received from the Ouija Board come from the dead? As the Ouija Board box exclaims, “It’s only a game, isn't it?”

I received a letter about this from Charlie Chittendon of the UK. He currently sells “The Ouija Board Diaries” on-line at Ebay. For a novel price, one can purchase the diaries and read about Charlie’s story of conducting talking board experiments. Charlie believes that people who have died speak through the Ouija Board. His stories are quite interesting, as they are diary notes of questions and answers received through his talking board. The ranges of people, places and their times of existence here on earth vary and are of interest, but to date Charlie has been unable to confirm their stories and messages. This leads the reader to wonder, “Are they real?”

If Charlie Chittendon has not received these messages from dead people, then where is all this information coming from? I have two other ideas, and I am not saying I’m correct. Maybe Charlie is picking up those who have crossed over from this physical world through death. However, I am wondering if we may indeed be tuning into spirit, and could it be the spirit hidden deep within us? What if all of us are connected in one spirit…call it God. All of us being “in” or a “part of” God, could we then possibly be receiving truth like a radio receiver from the spirit, of which we are all a part of? Is it possible that when we relax with our fingertips on the planchette of the Ouija Board, that we leave the rational mind behind (which is fixed to this physical realm), and possibly open up to the creative mind which seems attached to the invisible, spirit realm? And if so, could our fingertips and mind be working together subconsciously to move the planchette to spell out truths that are hidden deep within…hidden within spirit? Another idea would be that perhaps the Ouija Board acts as a mirror of what lies within us. If we are filled with fear, then we will receive messages of fear. If we are looking for truth, we may just receive messages of truth – all of this of course still coming from within our very being.

by LC Duplatt
-Taken from angelsandghosts.com

This is the mystery of the talking board, and ultimately what intrigues us about it.

Whatever the truth may be, talking boards are definitely interesting.

Freddy Jackson

2007-03-12T21:18:00.000-07:00

Taken in 1919, this picture is a group portrait of Sir Victor Goddard's squadron.

In the back of Goddard, positioned on the top row, fourth from the left, can be seen the face of another man (shown in the zoom circle). It could be the face of Freddy Jackson, an air mechanic who had been accidentally killed by an airplane propeller two days earlier.

This photograph was taken the day of his funeral, and members of the squadron easily recognized his face.

Haunted Tours

2007-03-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Here is a short list of haunted tours in the Western U.S.

Haunted Vegas
Haunted Haight
San Fransisco Ghosst Hunt
Haunted Happenings

More to come....

St. Mary Church

2007-03-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

This ghostly figure that appears to be praying was not seen by the photographer Gordon Carrol when the shot was taken. The photo was snapped at the church of St. Mary the virgin in Northampton England.

Poltergeist

2007-03-06T10:10:00.000-08:00

Poltergeist Activity: A malevolent, mischievous spirit or form of energy which manifests with characteristics such as strange noises, moving or disappearing objects, and abnormal odors.

The word poltergeist is a German word, literally translated means, “Noisy Spirit.”

The earliest known reports of poltergeists date back to the ancient Romans. Other poltergeist records can be found in the medieval times of China and Germany. The reports indicate unexplainable events such as throwing dirt, flying objects, awful smells, loud noises, unexplained lights and ghostly apparitions. All of which are very similar to the still ongoing reports of modern poltergeists. Why exactly poltergeist activity occurs has been under debate by experts and scientists for decades. Poltergeists usually begin and end abruptly. The typical incident can last for several hours or several years.

There have been hundreds of independent studies done on poltergeists. A majority of the cases revolve around on individual or “Agent,” as they are called. The phenomenon seems to be linked to a type of subconscious psychokinesis (PK) on the part of the agent. The studies have discovered that most of the poltergeist agents are female, under the age of twenty and are totally unaware that they are involuntarily directing the poltergeist energy.

While still not much is known about the way that poltergeist work the investigations have uncovered a link between the agents and states of poor mental or physical health. Emotional problems associated with agent personalities are anxiety, hysteria, anger, obsessions, phobias and schizophrenia. In some cases with psychological help to relieve the emotional tensions the poltergeist energies diminish and disappear.

It should be pointed out that while a majority of poltergeist cases revolve around unstable human agents, there are cases where all of the people involved are psychologically stable and don't seem to have any control over the poltergeist energy. These cases remain a mystery. Some paranormal researchers blame them on other supernatural forces including Demon influences.

The differences between poltergeist activity and a haunting can be very hard to distinguish. In the early stages of a poltergeist it may be impossible. Haunts and poltergeists do share basic aspects, (apparitions, strange noises, odors, moving or disappearing objects, etc.).
There are some points that make them very different:

Haunting: Involves the ghosts of deceased human beings appearing frequently in certain places and times.
Poltergeist: May not be ghosts at all. There are theories that poltergeists are mass forms of PK energy that a living person is unknowingly controlling. In some cases extreme poltergeist activity has been linked to demons.

Haunting: Activities are continuous over time, concentrated in the same general area.
Poltergeist: Activities build up over time to a climax and then start over. Poltergeist energies can travel anywhere with anyone.

Haunting: Are not violent by nature.
Poltergeist: Nearing the climax of the energy cycle, poltergeists can become dangerous, inflicting both mental and physical terror in extreme cases.

If you feel that you are encountering poltergeist activity don't wait to look for help. Find a priest or local paranormal research group in your area. Some poltergeist cases can be exorcised before they have the chance of becoming dangerous. If you think that the poltergeist is linked to an object in your possession get rid of that object right away. Don't try to move or run away from a poltergeist. It's a waste of time. If the poltergeist is linked to a person or object it will follow right along with you. The best thing to do is seek out professional help as soon as you can. It shouldn't cost you a penny to do so. If you find someone that wants to charge you a fee, look for someone else.

The Borley Rectory

2007-03-05T09:50:00.000-08:00

What binds a non-earthly soul to the physical dimension? From history and research is seems that it generally lends to a life cut short (usually traumatic in some way), or unsolved business.

There are enough allegations of emotionally charged events at the Borley Rectory, located near the Suffolk border in the eastern portion of England, to fill all of those requirements. During a séance, co-held by Harry Price, a paranormal investigator who had leased the premise in the late 30’s from Reverend Lionel Foyster and his wife, Marianne, he would uncover what he felt to be one of the strongest presences at Borley Rectory. But before we reveal the results of that séance, a brief history of the house is in order.

The history of Borley Rectory begins with the building of a gothic Benedictine monastery in the 13th century. Those were not genteel times and legend has it that a monk and his lovely young love-interest, a nun from a nearby convent, were both done-in while trying to elope the establishment and start a new life together. They were captured and the monk was hung while his fiancé was walled up, alive in the cold walls of her convent. Two lovers torn apart to be isolated forever… Was it she who had been seen wafting through the garden, head bent in sorrow? Was she the girl in white who roamed the property searching for her lost love?

After its stint as a monastery, it was sold off as a residence and a rectory was soon added in 1862 by Rev. Henry Bull and his family. Reverend Bull had become pastor of Borley Church in 1862 and despite local warnings, built the rectory on a site believed by locals to be haunted. Over the years, Bull’s servants and his daughters were repeatedly unnerved by phantom rappings, unexplained footsteps and the appearance of ghosts. Reverend Bull seemed to find these happenings as wildly entertaining and he and his son, Harry, even constructed a summerhouse on the property where they could enjoy after-dinner cigars and pleasurably idle away the time waiting for an appearance of the phantom nun who roamed the property.

After Reverand Bull passed on in one of the more famous of the haunted rooms (the Blue Room), his son Harry inherited the establishment and position until he himself passed on in 1927. Following Harry’s footsteps was Rev. Guy Smith who was so unnerved by the spectral sights and sounds, that he left the rectory just one year after moving in.

After Smith’s hasty departure, the house was then inhabited by Reverend Lionel Foyster and his wife, Marianne. The house only seemed to be getting warmed up as their experiences grew in intensity and frequency. Without any explanation, they found themselves locked out of rooms, windows would suddenly smash and personal items would vanish under their noses. It wasn’t uncommon for them to hear unnerving noises from all over the house. As time went on, these mischievous antics turned aggressive and Marianne was actually accosted one evening. She was thrown off her bed in the middle of the night and even slapped by invisible hands of which she was helpless to do anything about! The final straw was when she was nearly made unconscious by a mattress that was held over her face. Someone obviously didn’t like Marianne. Perhaps it was jealousy from a female ghost that caused these physical transgressions?

The involvement of Harry Price came about after a paper asked him to investigate these poltergeists activity following a popular story written by the paper. It was during his investigation that writings on the wall started to appear, usually when Marianne was present. The writing’s ghostly owner seemed more sympathetic to Marianne compared to the other ghosts as some of the messages scrawled were, “Marianne, please help get” and “Marianne light mass prayers”.

Price was more of a guest at the manor until the Foysters moved out in 1935 at which point he leased the house for a full year for deeper investigation. Now that Price had the house to himself for an extended period, he ran an ad for other paranormal investigators to help him monitor and document the ghostly activities. He had to weed through some not-so-savory types though, but he ended up working with 40 people to uncover some of the fascinating history of Borley Rectory.

During a séance, an alleged spirit named Marie Lairre came through and told the group that she had been a nun in France but had left her convent to marry Henry Waldegrave, the son of a wealthy family whose home had previously stood on the site of Borley Rectory. The tale turned grim when she declared that her husband had taken her life and placed her remains in the cellar. To Price, she seemed to fit the profile of the ghost that haunted Borley Rectory.

One spirit during a séance even gave a fascinating prediction that the former nun’s body would be found in the ruins. Though the spirit said the house would burn down that night, thus revealing the location of the bones, it wasn’t until 11 months later that a fire was started by the new owner, Captain WH Gregson, as he was unpacking library books when an oil lamp fell over and started a fire. The fire spread fast through the manor and the rectory was in shambles, later to be demolished in 1944.

Since previously unattainable areas were now exposed, Price decided to excavate the cellar where he indeed found a few small bones, which seemed to be those of a young woman. Was this the proof needed to validate the story of the betrayed nun? Regardless who the woman was, she was given a proper religious burial and finally laid to rest.

Dracula's Castle Ghost

2007-03-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

In a Mexican TV show called "Otro Rollo", a ghost hunter named Carlos Trejo recorded this video in Dracula's Castle while leaving his camera recording for one night in that room.

Real or manufactured?? You be the judge...

Watch the video

Ghost Hunting - Hunt for Ghosts

2007-03-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

One of the first things regarding ghost hunting I can tell you is, learn to pay
attention to what you feel. Do not write off thoughts that you may consider as
crazy or even as your own. Consider all thoughts that "pop" into your head
and their source. Do not walk in fear. Begin learning to be aware of spirit
through meditation or prayer. One who is aware of spirit will sense when spirit
is present. I can feel the presence of spirit physically through "goose bumps"
sometimes. Other times, it is a "rushing feeling" within my deepest being.
Sometimes it is simply just a "knowing." God is spirit and we are spirit - part of
the whole. Therefore, we can feel different parts of the whole. You are the
most important instrument you can use to sense the paranormal.

Spirit may be "sensed" at any time or any place. It does not have to be at
night; but you do have to have a clear and open mind. If you are
preoccupied, angry or depressed, you will struggle to sense anything at all.
Also, spirit can sense spirit - you. The wrong frame of mind may deter spiritual
activity. Remember, like minds attract like minds. If you are a being of light,
you will attract beings of light. If you are walking in darkness, then darkness
will be attracted to you. Darkness does not like or understand light.

Follow your heart - investigate the area you are drawn to. What places seem
to come to mind or interest you? What opportunity has come to you for
searching...hunting? Go there. And always be willing to learn and grow
spiritually through spiritual experiences. Seek them and they will find you. Do
not be afraid to speak out and ask permission to photograph the spiritual
realm. Announce you come in peace.

Involve others in your spiritual journey. Ghost hunting should not be done
alone. Research the area you wish to investigate. What is the history or
legend of the place? Have someone in your group take notes of all that
happens...sort of a "ghost secretary." Record feelings, happenings and
observations. Share thoughts and look for common threads in those
thoughts. Are you being spoken to? Be respectful and do not fear
questioning that which your eyes do not physically see. "What am I here for?
What am I to see?"

Take photos, video and voice recordings if you like and try to capture
evidence of the paranormal. Seek to eliminate any other source of
explanation for your results. For example, if you choose to run a voice
recorder, make sure no one talks or even whispers during the investigation.
When taking pictures with a camera, remember that dust will produce "orbs"
and other effects that appear supernatural. The presence of car headlights,
rain, mirrors, glass and even camera straps (which should be removed while
photographing) can produce "fake ghost images." I have even seen a cloud
of bees near a beehive appear as a "mist" or "ectoplasm" in the photograph.
Do not wear perfumes, fragrances or colognes as some have noticed different
scents and smells in the air during supernatural activity (such as cigar smoke
or a unique fragrance). As a special reminder, it is best that your
investigations are alcohol and drug free for credible evidence. When leaving,
it may be a good idea to speak blessing and tell all that is there to remain
behind and not follow you home. Many have reported having spirits follow
them home after an investigation for a time.

Here are some quick notes:

Bring a camera. You may use digital or a basic camera with 400 speed film
(prefer a glass lens - not a cheap plastic lens such as a disposable camera
will have). The "automatic lighting feature" on your digital camera will produce
better colors during your investigation. Pack extra batteries, film and
flashlights. Avoid using camera flashes across from reflective objects such as
mirrors, chrome and glass. Take several shots from the same location and
from different angles to help decipher the spirits from dust or reflections.
Waiting thirty seconds after moving before taking pictures may help eliminate
dust particles in the air.

Bright light, rain, dust etc., can produce "orbs" (balls of light) that are not
genuine. Do not smoke during your investigation (it will look very much like
ectoplasm). Hold your breath during cold environments before taking pictures
to eliminate mist from your breath appearing in your photos. Be aware of the
surroundings. Being alert, one should try and remain objective by seeking to
eliminate any natural occurrences that produced your results. Cell phones
and pagers should be turned off as they can distort detection equipment and
compasses as well as digital images and camcorder recordings. If you edit
your photograph in a computer photo program, you may end up with
additional anomalies in your photograph. If you are using film, make sure the
effects in your photo are from the ghost, not a development error.

Look for things hanging in front of your camera while photographing such as
tree limbs, your camera strap, your hat, spider webs, ropes, etc. They will
appear "bright white" like energy when the flash "pops" on them at close
range. You can use compasses to help detect changes in energy fields and
a thermometer to help detect "cold or hot spots." Changes in energy fields as
well as temperature shifts could be pointing to paranormal activity. If one is
sensitive to the spirit, these items are not needed; but do provide additional
confirming evidence as to the haunting.

Unexplained Alcatraz

2007-03-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Alcatraz: Home to wrongdoers, gangsters, and… ghosts. It's no wonder this federal penitentiary is rumored to be haunted by the men who lingered there. It has all the ingredients to hold a person's tormented soul: misery, confinement and fear. It is even rumored by the Native Americans to be an energy portal where evil spirits are allowed to come through. This may explain "The Thing" with glowing eyes that has been witnessed by prison staff and inmates alike. There are reports of ghostly figures, screams, banging metal doors, putrid smells and sobbing.

Death was no stranger to Alcatraz. The first reported ones were in 1857 where Daniel Pewter and Jacob Unger passed away under a landslide while excavating between the wharf and the guard-house. There were fatal confrontations between fellow prisoners, guard beatings, and failed escapes off the island. For many, Alcatraz was the last stop before entering Hell which is why it is sometimes called Hellcatraz.

To this day, there is an unexplained disturbing event that occurred in the isolation block of the prison, known as "The Hole" or the "Strip Cells". This level was located on the bottom floor of the prison, in Cell Block D, where they kept inmates who broke the more serious of rules at Alcatraz. They would be stripped of their clothes and held in a cold cell that only contained a sink, toilet, and a small light. They were given a mattress but only at night and it was promptly removed in the morning to ensure continual discomfort and punishment. In the 1940's it was reported by the guard that a figure seemingly from the 1800’s haunted the block. The apparition was seen on several occasions and prisoners claimed they had been attacked by a man with glowing eyes. Since The Hole was an isolation chamber, it's likely that most guards thought the on-going screams claiming attack were hallucinations. On one particular evening, one inmate screamed the night through that he was being attacked by the man with glowing eyes but was ignored by guards who had become numb to such claims. After a night of screams and pleading he finally fell silent. The door to his cell was opened in the morning and the inmate was found dead, a horrible grimace marred his face and handprints were visible around his throat. An examination later determined that these marks were not self-inflicted. This victim, whether at the hands of the glowing-eyed ghost or by an irritated guard, became a ghost of Alcatraz himself as he was reported in a line-up with other inmates but promptly vanished to the amazement of everyone present.

Numerous psychics have reported cold spots, harsh and sudden emotional bursts, apparitions claiming abuse, vibrations and a myriad of other ghostly traces. In fact, there are few spots in the prison where you can't see or feel other worldly energies including the hospital, the Warden's House, Cell Blocks C and D, the lighthouse, the therapy and utility rooms.

Demons, Ghosts and Angels

2007-02-27T23:20:00.000-08:00

If we adhere to theory -- ghosts are deceased humans, while demons and angels are not of earthly origin. Both are known to have stronger powers than your average ghost. You'll find a demon more apt to move objects and possess the human body, just as you'll find an angel more awe inspiring and willing to help the suffering human condition than a ghost.

Why would a demon be stronger than a ghost, or deceased human? Depending on our beliefs, we can understand why angels, blessed with powers from higher dimensions are maybe stronger than deceased humans, but why a demon? In fact, why either entity since we too are of the same cosmic fabric? If I had an answer it would be "experience" or that they have been in that realm for so much longer. When we cross over, that is relatively new territory for many souls. For demons and angels, this is their long endured habitat and home. The demon is cunning and the angel enlightened. Really, you can think of it as a good/bad adult (demon/angel) dealing with an inexperienced child (ghost). They hold the experience we lack and are full of tricks (demons), or miracles (angels) of which either inspire or frighten us. I also think miracles and tricks are inherent in us too, but they are more readily accessible and producible by these beings because this is what they have been doing for many life-times. I think our abilities and faults are a microcosm of theirs.

With this said, it doesn't mean that ghosts cannot be the very thing angels and demons are. An entity, once human, can descend or ascend into either characteristic. A child, once loved on earth, can come back and lift the spirits (literally) of those most dear to it and be called an angel. A person who has crossed over from irreparably painful circumstances can spiral into negativity and do demonic things.

We can surmise that to be demonic or angelic, versus ghostly, is an advanced stage of positive or negative, while a ghost is more inexperienced and neutral. In time, we too will be angelic or demonic, depending on the path our soul takes.

The Bell Witch

2007-02-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

What if you were vengeful and utterly unrestricted by the veil between the physical and the next dimension? That’s exactly what Kate Batts had going for her. She was a spiteful old woman who believed that she had been cheated in a land purchase by John Bell and was hell bent (literally) on tormenting him and his children, or at least his favorite 12-year old daughter, Betsy.

On Kate’s deathbed, she vowed to haunt the family of the Bell’s who had done her wrong. After her death, she made good her promise. It felt to the Bell family that this ghost took no other pleasure than tormenting them incessantly. Kate pinched their noses, poked needles into them, threw kitchen objects about, screeched at them in her now notorious high-pitched voice, pulled hair and was a presence that none of them could escape.

Kate’s wrath was particularly directly at John and his favorite daughter, Betsy. With the wife and other children she was sometimes heard crooning softly, saying something pleasant, or just ignoring them completely. John and Betsy were not so fortunate. Kate enjoyed mentally and physically torturing them with her shrieking voice or physically punishing antics.

Gossip moved as quickly then as it does now and this was a much talked about event in the small farming town of Adams, Tennessee. People were deeply fascinated by the rumors and some even came from hundreds of miles away to visit the place of unrest. Some spectators were greeted with handshakes, some with shrieks and some with a full dialog of warning. So popular did the story become that General Andrew Jackson, the future President of the United States, gathered a few friend to investigate the story himself. He and his cohorts wanted to either debunk or repel the feisty spirit of Kate Batts.

Jackson and his men were in for a surprise though. When their wagons stuck fast to an otherwise smooth and flat road, their jests of dealing with the witch came to a halt. No matter how they examined, pushed, cursed or whipped the horses, their wagon was not moving. It was said that Jackson, in a fit of frustration and resignation, declared, “By the eternal, boys, it is the witch." Much to the amazement of Jackson and his men, the legendary screech could be heard from a nearby bush that replied, “"All right general, let the wagon move on, I will see you again to-night." Moments later the wagon and horses were suddenly free to move about. There wasn’t a person present that could account for the voice’s owner or its whereabouts.

Kate wasn’t miserly in her haunting antics and bestowed upon Jackson and his men the same torturous treatment as she had John and his daughter Betsy. Jackson’s bedcovers were repeatedly yanked from his body and his men were delivered the same pinches and pokes as the family were. Jackson and his men realized they were no match for the Bell witch and hastily abandoned their adventure first thing in the morning.

Ghosts never die so it was not surprising that the haunting of Kate lasted the duration of John Bell’s life. In fact, the ghost of Kate Batts was said to have been responsible for John’s death.

In October of 1830, John Bell was rumored to have suffered a stroke and taken ill. While he was bedridden, his family found him in a particularly bad state of stupor and position. Alarmed, his son ran to the medicine cabinet to fetch what he thought was his father’s medicine. After administering it, the family heard the witch’s glee as she victoriously declared she had poisoned John herself the night before with that vial and this last dose was surely his undoing. True enough, it was. The contents were later examined by a doctor and found to be very poisonous.

Kate was not satisfied with death alone. She sang in merriment at John’s graveside and was still heard singing happily as the last person hastily left.

Notable points: This story is popular enough to have spawned several recent movies of which include the Blair Witch Project and The American Haunting. It is also noted as one of the very rare poltergeists that caused a man’s death.

How to potentially decrease paranormal activity in your home

2007-02-26T18:11:00.000-08:00

Today we live in a society that is based off electricity. We must to have it to survive and function in our lives. From microwave ovens to curling irons, everyday household items are exposing people to high EMF.

If you are experiencing a haunting in your home or there are unexplainable events taking place please make sure you do your part when it comes to finding out why you home may be haunted. It is easy to contact a team to come in and document what they call “proof” of your haunting, even so bold as to proclaim they can find out who or what it is by using psychics or video cameras.

The question is, are these teams actually helping you with your situation or is the team promoting your problem?

The team enters your home, eliminating your household appliances, turning off your heat and air systems and pretty much physically throwing off the normal balance of your home. Outside of everything, these “ghost hunters” enter your home taking charge and breaking out mounds of gizmos’ and gadgets that they feel “detect ghosts”.

EMF meters are one of the hottest toys in the field of parapsychology. There are all kinds that are out there they are rather impressive to look at and these ghost hunters are very fluent in how these meters work. But ask yourself; is this team really familiar with the standard EMF levels that are in my home on an everyday basis, why did they turn everything off?

99.9% of the time an investigative team will not inquire about your household items and your daily routine around electrical items. This is a bad thing, so please be wary of those teams who impress with technology and not common sense.

Today a lot of people have televisions in every room of their homes. A lot of people cannot sleep unless a television, fan, music or some sort of electrical white noise or light stimulation is provided. This also has to do with electro-magnetic fields. This is what they are accustomed to. This is what helps them sleep better, on top of the visual or audio stimulation that is provided.

If you think you have a ghost in your home, please read carefully. Print this article out if you must. It is now time for you the homeowner to do you part in decreasing your paranormal activity.

NOTE: This is not a guarantee to eliminate paranormal activity. These are tips to help you eliminate and understand what is going on in your home or property.

• Remove alarm clocks & telephones from your bedside table. Especially if you are having paranormal events take place in your bedroom or while you sleep. You are exposing yourself to a higher EMF exposure every single night. Just move these items across the room.

• Electric Blankets- Yes they are warm and fuzzy on a cold night. Eliminate the electric blanket entirely. If you require more warmth in your bed, consider adopting an old fashioned remedy, like a hot water bottle. Electric blankets are full of electricity, therefore amplifying your exposure to unnatural electro-magnetic fields.

• Water beds- the heating element in a waterbed is electrical. Water acts as a conduit for EMF; the exposure is prolonged as your bed is plugged in. Suggestions… heat your bed during the day, and then unplug it each night. This will help but not eliminate higher EMF exposure.

• Home Computers- A lot of people have computers all over their homes, bedrooms, kitchens and living rooms. When you shut down your computer at night, try unplugging it or even turning off your surge protector. When the computer is not in use, shut it down entirely.

• Fish Tanks- Water acts as a conduit for EMF. Since you cannot turn off your fish tank, make sure the tank is placed away from where you and your family spend most of their time. If your fish tank is in your bedroom, consider moving it to a larger room of your house. Unfortunately the dining room is now the least used room in most modern households today, this would be a good location.

• Plugged in Items- If you are not using them at the time unplug your household items. EMF exists when items are plugged in. EMF is stronger when items are plugged in and turned on.

• Large appliances, such as refrigerators and microwaves, if you spend a lot of time at your kitchen table, you may want to move your table into a different position or perhaps change your favorite seat so you are not directly by one of these large appliances that are producing amplified EMF direct to yourself.

• Your Mattress- Do you have a metal spring mattress in your home, perhaps metal spring furniture? Keep in mind that metal is a conduit of EMF. It is important to document your unexplainable events, including where you are sitting or sleeping when something unexplainable happens.

Eliminating direct contact with higher EMF sources is the first step to understanding your haunting situation. Once again, if a team comes to your home and they are getting high “EMF Spikes” in your home, they should care enough about their clients to let them know exactly where these spikes occurred. This is your home, not the teams’ personal ghost hunting playground. For health reasons the team you have chosen should have enough human compassion to tell you that you are sleeping in an area with high electro-magnetic energy. This is what responsible investigators should do.

Utilizing common sense with your paranormal occurrences is the first step to understanding what is going on at your home. It is easy to blame a ghost on things, especially if there is a not so pleasant history attached to your property. Typically when a team comes to visit you they can only let you know that yes or no your property is haunted. They can provide you with photos of orbs, EVP and perhaps video of an anomalous occurrence. This is not assisting you with your problem. The team should be open minded enough to keep you informed of everything that has gone on. Unfortunately ghost hunters today are in this for the thrill, not the reality or research of a suspected haunting. Choose your team wisely.

In no way am I suggesting that anyone with a potential haunting is “crazy”. Perhaps your haunting could be in your head caused by your environment. You are not at fault for this; it does not make you “crazy”. Becoming aware of your environment will help you understand your situation more. Most people are living day to day unknowingly exposed to high fields of Electromagnetism that has been scientifically linked to neurological disorders that are defiantly equivalent “ghost activity”.

Burning Building Ghost

2007-02-26T09:33:00.000-08:00

On November 19, 1995, Wem Town Hall in Shropshire, England, an old building built in 1905, was destroyed by fire. Tony O'Rahilly, a local resident, took photos of the spectacle from across the street. One of those photos shows a small, partially transparent girl standing in the doorway. Neither O'Rahilly nor any of the other onlookers or firefighters recalled seeing the girl there. Dr. Vernon Harrison, a photographic expert and former president of the Royal Photographic Society, examined both the print and the original negative, and concluded that it was genuine.