Monday, May 23, 2011

Ghosts And Other Spiritual Entities

A ghost is a manifestation of the spirit or soul of a person. Alternative theories expand on that idea and include belief in the ghosts of deceased animals. Sometimes the term "ghost" is used synonymously with any spirit or demon, however in popular usage the term typically refers to a deceased person's spirit.

The belief in ghosts as souls of the ...departed is closely tied to the concept of animism, an ancient belief which attributed souls to everything in nature. As the 19th-century anthropologist James Frazer explained in his classic work, The Golden Bough, souls were seen as the creature within that animated the body. Although the human soul was sometimes symbolically or literally depicted in ancient cultures as a bird or other animal, it was widely held that the soul was an exact reproduction of the body in every feature, even down to clothing the person wore. This is depicted in artwork from various ancient cultures, including such works as the Egyptian Book of the Dead, which shows deceased people in the afterlife appearing much as they did before death, including the style of dress.

A widespread belief concerning ghosts is that they are composed of a misty, airy, or subtle material. Anthropologists speculate that this may also stem from early beliefs that ghosts were the person within the person, most noticeable in ancient cultures as a person's breath, which upon exhaling in colder climates appears visibly as a white mist. This belief may have also fostered the metaphorical meaning of "breath" in certain languages, such as the Latin spiritus and the Greek pneuma, which by analogy became extended to mean the soul. In the Bible, God is depicted as animating Adam with a breath.

Numerous theories have been proposed by scientists to provide normal explanations for ghost sightings. Although the evidence for ghosts is largely anecdotal, the belief in ghosts throughout history has remained widespread and persistent.

Ghost Hunting 101









  • GENERAL TIPS



  • Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area.   Look for dangerous places and obstacles that you will not be able to see in the dark.

  • Look for no trespassing signs.  Make sure you are not trespassing.  If you are on private property you are risking getting a ticket or arrested in some areas.  You can get permission from many owners and or caretakers.   We will often notify the local Police that we will be in a grave yard "taking pictures" so they are aware of our presence.  If you are asked to leave do so immediately, you will not win this argument and you make other investigators look bad if you make a scene.

  • Make sure you bring you ID. (drivers license, etc.) so if you are questioned by the police you can prove who you are.

  • Never go alone.  This is just common sense.  If you get hurt, who will get help?

  • The best times are from 9pm to 6am, these are the psychic hours, but anytime can produce results.  Photos have historically been better in the dark but don't let that discourage you from taking them during the day.

  • Find out all you can about the history of the locale.  Newspapers, town historians, WWW and books can be helpful finding folklore or hard facts about the site.  The books and web pages dealing with this type of info is enormous.



  • WHA TO BRING The Basics:

    * 35mm Camera - Nothing fancy with at least  400 speed film.  800 speed film is also good at night but you'll have to test your cameras flash strength to see which speed works best for you.    Even those single use 35mm cameras have gotten good results.  If you are more experienced photographer you may want to try infrared film.  I have seen results from Polaroids but I suggest you only use these along with a 35 mm camera so you can compare the results.  I have used Fuji film primarily but I have also used Kodak and a department store brands with similar results.  When you develop them you don't need to go to a camera shop, the local drug store or department store is fine.  Let them know you want all the pictures developed so that you get the pictures that they might think are bad ones.  These "bad ones" are normally your best


    * Digital Camera - Regardless of what you've heard digital cameras are great tools for ghost researchers.  Once upon a time they had their limitations and problems but that is no longer the case.  Not only do they allow you to see instantly if you have a positive photo.


    Flashlight w/ spare batteries - a common sense item.  Remember to bring spare batteries for everything.  Due to spirit activity, batteries often run down very fast and you don't want to miss anything because of dead batteries.   I recommend using a red lens flash light to help preserve your night vision.


    First aid kit - just in case, it's very easy to trip in the dark and get cut.

    Notebook w/ pens and pencils- you need to write and log in everything  that happens.  If you don't then you really don't have much research information. An example of this is one investigator gets a EMF reading that's high and never writes it down.  Another investigator takes a picture of the same area but is not aware of the reading and gets a anomalous image.  Without that EMF reading the picture may be good evidence, but with a report noting the reading, the picture greatly increases in evidence value.  Many investigators use a pocket tape recorder in stead and that is fine, just make sure you have spare batteries and tapes.

    * Jackets or weather appropriate clothes - if you are cold you are not at your best and your observation skill could suffer, pretty common sense.

    * Watch - so you can log in the times of events and your arrival and departure.

    Advanced and Optional

    Video camera  (optional tripod) - Video cameras are an important instrument for an investigation.  Unlike still cameras they provide us with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation.  The video cameras we use are equipped with infrared capability and this is the mode we use.   With video any phenomena occurring can be documented in its entirety.  This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs, what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomena, and possibly even the cause of the phenomena..   The Sony line of camcorders has an infrared night shot feature that enables you to video tape in complete darkness and see beyond what the human eye can see. You can use these on tripods or walk around with them.   You should also invest in an infrared light extender which will help your camera see in the darkest places and make the quality of the video better.

    Tape recorder w/ external microphone and high grade tapes -  recorders or digital voice recorders are with out a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox.  audio recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation.  Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts,  your notes and You have to use a external microphone when recording EVPs (ghosts voices).  If you rely on the internal microphone you will also be recording the internal gears and motors and this will make your tape worthless.  Any sound you hear on the tape could not be used as evidence because of this, so use the external mic, they are pretty inexpensive.  The type of tape that is most often recommended is high bias tapes or metal tapes.

    Digital audio recorders - This recorder is small and easy to carry.  You can also use the voice activation feature so there is less audio to review.    I use this for my notes as well.  Most units record the time of the recording as well which is very useful. When using audio recorders be sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators names.  When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each individual present state their own names, which will make it easier for distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review.  Voice activation mode should be deactivated on tape recorders during use when electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases.   This is not necessary with digital recorders and they actual seem to work better in voice activation mode.

    * EMF Detector -  The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device, a very important piece of equipment.  With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources.   It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no source.  It is a common theory that spirits disrupt this field in such a way that you can tell one is present by higher than normal readings with this meter.  Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the area and take initial readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation.  Most units when purchased come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading.   When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence.  Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source.



    Cellular phone - if you have one it can come in handy in case of an emergency.

    A Compass - it's a useful instrument to an investigator due to its compact size and low cost price.  When used on an investigation this will indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading or spins/moves erratically.    This works on the same principle as a EMF meter.

    Candles & matches - batteries often run low during hunts so you may run out of them and still need a light source.  Another good idea is a camping lantern that runs on lamp oil.   Be careful using the candles around motion detectors, they will set them off.

    * Motion Detectors - these can be used to sense movements by often unseen forces or spirits.  You can get battery operated ones for about 20 dollars and they are great for inside but I have seen them used successfully outdoors as well, just watch the placement.  You don't want a tree branch setting it off.

    Thermometer or Thermal Scanner - Thermometers are an instrument that is also very useful   There are two types used regular digital thermometers and infrared non contact thermometers.  When used on an investigation this will aid as a detection system for spirit presence.  Rapid temperature drop of 10 degrees of more could indicate spirit presence.   I recommend using the infrared non contact thermometers but cause they react in less than a second to a temperature drop and you can scan a large area quickly.

    Hand Held Radios -   Or Walkie Talkies are very useful in a large outdoor area and a building with groups spread out in various rooms.

    STEP BY STEP PROCEDURES:

    Here's a condensed version the most popular procedures for conducting outdoor ghost hunts:

    1. Have everyone meet near the location and decide who will work each piece of equipment and divide into teams if necessary.  Pick a person or leader that will talk to anyone who comes in contact with the group (i.e. Police, Reporters, etc.)

    2. Enter the site and either privately or as a group ask for blessing or protection for the duration of the hunt.  YOu can use this time to put yourself in a positive frame of mind.  It does not have to be a religious thing so everyone can do this in some way.  I do encourage everyone to take the 10 seconds this takes and do this.  What can it hurt?  It's better to be safe than sorry.  Many experienced groups believe that there are evil spirits in many areas such as cemeteries and by saying a 10 second prayer or making sure you are in a positive frame of mind you can safely go about your business without worrying about them.  An experienced demonologist will tell you that by doing this in the name of God or whatever good deity you worship, you will keep any non human spirits at bay since they have to leave you alone when told so in this manner. 


    3.  Walk around the area to get a feel for the surroundings and allow the spirits to get a feel for you.   Do this for about 20 minutes.  Log in your start time and

    any other relevant information.   You can also begin to set up any stationary equipment like camera on tripods or motion detectors.  Make note of any areas that may cause you to get false readings or false positive pictures.

    4.  Now go out there and get some pictures and recordings.  Be sure to note anything unusual that happens especially meter and temperature readings, visual sightings and strange sounds.  Also make notes of any feelings or emotions you feel that may be odd or out of place.  You can compare notes after the hunt and look for similarities in readings and feeling in certain areas or at certain times.

    5.  Whether you stake out a spot or you walk around try to give everyone the opportunity to try everything and be everywhere.  This keeps every one fresh and at attention.  Rotate a few times during the investigation.

    6.  When you are done have everyone meet in one spot and ask the human spirits here not to follow you home and to remain here.  Tell the others they must remain here in the name of God (or other good deities).  Again this takes 4 seconds, it's simple and it can save you some problems down the road.  If we are wrong about these prayers at the beginning and end of the hunt and they are not necessary then you wasted 14 seconds of your time.  If we are right about them, you saved yourself from allot of problems and grief.



    Every investigator or team should  keep a log of events/times - everything needs to be logged, not matter  how trivial.  You sneeze, log it in, it may have sounded like something else to another member elsewhere in the building.

    * All members and owners if possible, walk through the location. One members map location noting: air vents, heater, electrical appliances, fuse boxes, computer, etc.  Mark down the temperatures in the rooms and any EMF reading you get during this walk through.  One member take 5-10 test photos during the walk through.  Do not discuss the details of the case during this walk through.

    * Any witnesses that have not been interviewed before should be interviewed by 1-2 investigators and taped/videoed if it's ok with the witness.  The other members should walk around the location and record any feelings or observations.  Only the interviewers will know the location of events and sightings.

    * Make no conclusions.  Share no conclusions or opinions with the witnesses or owners until all the reports, photos and tapes are reviewed.  You need to see the evidence and correlate it before you can give an educated opinion.

    Friday, April 22, 2011

    Shadow People

    Shadow people are paranormal shadow-like creatures that people usually see in their peripheral vision.  Reports suggest that they do not appear to reflect light and that their appearance is essentially a silhouette in black.

    They usually have no discernible features beyond the general outline of their form.  However, shadow people have been reported to have shifted into a more human form and in these instances it is said that sometimes features such as glowing eyes and sometimes mouths or nostrils are discernible.

    Reports of shadow people, sometimes called shadow folk, shadow men, or shadow beings, have many similarities with ghost sightings, so many similarities that many paranormal experts consider ghost and shadow people one and the same.

    However, other experts disagree and claim that shadow people are a separate phenomenon from ghosts for a variety of reasons.

    First, they claim that the movement of shadow people is said to be quick and jerky, sometimes with stops, starts, and changes of direction, not at all like the smooth floating motion often associated with ghost sighting.  This is apparently the primary reason they are usually seen out of the corner of the eye.

     Artist's rendition of shadow people

    Second, some people report being able to discern that the shadow people are wearing a fedora style hat like a 1930’s-era gangster or a cloak.

    Third, shadow people usually appear quite solid, unlike the ephemeral appearance of ghosts.

    Fourth, there are very few reports of positive interactions with shadow people.

    Unlike the friendly ghost sightings that are fairly common, encounters with shadow folk are almost always frightening or shocking.   In fact, even the experts that view shadow men as a subset of ghosts, usually concede that shadow men are a malignant beings.

    The supporters of shadow people as a separate and unique phenomenon offer all sorts of speculation about the nature of shadow people using ideas from religion, parapsychology, metaphysics, and the occult.

    One of the many ideas is that shadow people represent a Thought-form, ghost or demon that was created by extraordinary pain, suffering, and trauma in a dying persons life.  Others suggest that shadow folk have been purposefully summoned from another realm through black magic or other occult practices.

    The fact that they do not seem to reflect light has led some to theorize that they are from an alternate universe with different laws of physics or perhaps they are caught in a trap between two physical universes.  David Icke has proposed that shadow people are related to Grey aliens, or to the Reptilian humanoids.

    The theories about the nature of shadow people are almost endless, but they are certainly quarry that should only be sought out by experienced, well equipped ghost hunting teams – never by solo hunters.

    Distinction Between The Human Spirit And Soul



    According to historian Oswald Spengler, a distinction between Spirit and Soul has been made by the West and earlier civilisations which influenced its development. The human spirit can be seen as the heavenly component of human's non material makeup - the part that is impersonal or universal. Whereas souls are the personal element unique to each individual. As Spengler writes in The decline of the west:








    ... more important than all this is the opposition of Spirit and Soul (Hebrew: ruach and nephesh, Persian: ahu and urvan, Mandasan: monuhmed and gyan, Greek: pneuma and psyche) which first comes out in the basic feeling of the prophetic religions, then pervades the whole of Apocalyptic, and finally forms and guides the world-contemplations of the awakened Culture - as seen with Philo, Paul and Plotinus, Gnostics and Mandeans, Augustine and the Avesta, Islam and the Kabbalah. Ruach means originally "wind" and nephesh "breath." The nephesh is always in one way or another related to the bodily and earthly, to the below, the evil, the darkness. Its effort is the "upward." The ruach belongs to the divine, to the above, to the light. Its effects in man when it descends are the heroism of a Samson, the holy wrath of an Elijah, the enlightenment of the judge (e.g. Solomon passing judgment) and all kinds of divination and ecstasy. It is poured out. As in Isaiah xi, x, the Messiah becomes the incarnation of the ruach

    In Christianity, the Holy Bibleidentifies humanity's three basic elements: body, soul and spirit. Christians sometimes emphasise that the human spirit is not really unique to humanity, rather it is something that humans participate in, for it is the same as the Holy spirit, which the Christian becomes united with once they accept Christ as their saviour.In Islam, Muslims are viewed as having their own spirits, but one that in a sense is one with God's spirit. For Spengler, the perception of unity this idea led to was important for the emergence of the "consensus" that maintained harmony in Islamic culture, epecially during the golden age of Islam.

    Ghost Hunting vs. Paraphyscology



    “Parapsychology, and before it Psychical Research, has been researching psychic phenomena such as ESP, ghosts and hauntings for more than a century now both in the lab and in the field”, says parapsychologist and author Loyd Auerbach. “It would be safe to say that, unlike other fields of research, about 95% or more of the ghost hunters in this country know too little or even nothing of the rich history of parapsychological research and those that pioneered such research for over 130 years.”

    Besides a lack of knowledge of the very field that has studied psychic (psi) phenomena for so long, “Most people out there, who are being invited into people's homes, have no actual academic training or true knowledge of psychology, sociology or anthropology, three valuable social sciences not to be ignored if you are studying psychic phenomena. After all,” adds parapsychologist Dr. Barry E. Taff, “Psi is of the mind.”

    Adds Loyd Auerbach, “Thanks to the TV shows, it seems that the large number of ghost hunters seem to think they can ignore human experience in favour of technology not designed to detect anything ‘paranormal,’ when it is that experience that labelled the location/event ‘haunted’ to begin with. Without witness experience, you have nothing – even a rumour starts with a person.”

    The IPC wants the general public and media outlets to know that they are available to help anyone who is experiencing paranormal phenomena, or has questions about Parapsychology, that they will help you get in touch with educated and knowledgeable psi field researchers and parapsychologists as opposed to teams who have little more training than watching cable television. They also hope to reach out to serious minded people who are interested in being more than ghost hunters, the psi field researchers and parapsychologists of the future.

    Another separate platform for dissemination of information is an expanding portal to scientific Parapsychology and to reputable resources on psi phenomena, education in Parapsychology, and field investigation. “We hope that it will be of great use to people having paranormal experiences, to people interested in investigating the paranormal, and to the media and general public at large,” says Loyd Auerbach.

    In addition, the Psi Portal (also known as the Parapsychology Portal) is intended to help support people truly curious about real scientific research and investigation methods and what has gone before in the field. As “amateur astronomers” gain respect with their discoveries and contributions to the field of astronomy, the amateur psi researcher has the potential to contribute greatly to the social science that is parapsychology.

    The typical Amateur Psi Field Researcher is one who does not depend on the field of parapsychology as a primary source of income or support, and does not have advanced academic training in the subject and/or a related degree. Many amateurs are beginners, while others have a high degree of experience in parapsychological research and often assist and work alongside professional parapsychologists. The amateur psi field researcher, with the proper support and training, can be considered a great deal more qualified than the weekend “ghost hunter” so popular today.

    The majority of scientific contributions by amateur psi field researchers will be in the area of data collection. In particular, this applies where large numbers of amateur psi field researchers with small teams can add to the knowledge base in ways that the relatively small number of parapsychologists in the country cannot when it comes to collecting data from the ever increasing world population.

    From the Parapsychology Portal, members of the public, media and international press, will be able to find parapsychologists as well as professionally recommended psi field researchers. Working along parapsychologists, these amateur field researchers are the most qualified to study cases of psi phenomena which includes consciousness survival (ghosts, hauntings, etc), psychic activity (ESP, poltergeists, etc) and Near Death Experiences (NDE).

    “We hope that in the future, when the press and public need information or research done in anything psi related they will contact us through the Parapsychology Portal website,” says parapsychologist and author Dr. Andrew Nichols. “It is the difference between science and pseudo science, as true amateurs and expert's present information and resources that go way beyond the mostly-TV-trained enthusiasts and hobbyists. The Psi-Portal site provides a single stop on the web that brings together major parapsychological organizations for the 1st time.”

    Thursday, April 21, 2011

    Environmental Causes

    CARBON MONOXIDE:

    Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and impossible to taste or smell. At lower levels of exposure, CO can cause flu-like symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. At higher levels, CO exposure can be fatal, which provides another excellent reason to check for its presence when these symptoms are presented.

    Sources of carbon monoxide include unvented space heaters, blocked or leaking chimneys, leaking furnaces, gas water heaters, and automobiles in attached garages. An area exposed to CO must be evacuated and ventilated; further exposure can only be prevented by eliminating the source of the gas.

    MOLD:


    Molds of various types can be found anywhere there is sufficient moisture and can grow on almost an unlimited number of materials. Molds are allergens and can cause allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Allergic reaction can vary for each individual but can include nasal congestion, irritated eyes or skin, or wheezing. Fewer people have severe reactions, but it is possible for mold exposure to cause fever and shortness of breath, as well.

    Molds can grow on nearly any surface where there is enough moisture. The only way, then to stop the growth of mold is to eliminate the moisture. In some locations that investigators find themselves - ruins and buildings near natural water sources - the source of moisture cannot be removed; investigators should be mindful of this and consult a physician or allergist if exposure is a serious concern.

    Depending on the severity and type(s) of mold, abatement can be done by the property owner or through a professional service.

    OZONE:

    Ozone is a colorless gas that many have heard of in a positive light - the ozone layer that protects us from dangerous solar radiation. Indeed, ozone is beneficial in the atmosphere, but it does not belong in occupied areas, where it poses a danger.

    Exposure to ozone can cause numerous respiratory ailments, including throat irritation, coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. It will also aggravate the symptoms of those with asthma and other respiratory problems. Longer-term exposure can cause permanent damage, including decreases in lung function and weakened defense against respiratory infection.

    Some households and businesses have begun using ozone generators to clear and freshen the indoor air. Ozone generators, which intentionally produce the gas ozone, are often sold as air cleaners despite the dangers of ozone exposure. Additionally, copy machines produce ozone which in a confined space can also cause problems.

    The simplest way to avoid ozone exposure is to remove the devices that generate it. Air cleaners that produce ozone - even those that claim to produce within acceptable ranges - should not be used in the home. Enclosure in a small room, especially, concentrates the gas and may increase the effects.

    ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS  (EMF):

    During any remodel replace old knob-and-tube wiring (a source of high fields) with modern wiring. If a new electrical transformer is installed near a building it may create high magnetic fields inside the building. Alternatively, a buffer space provided around the source transformer would reduce fields projected into the building. High EMF due to wiring errors can be corrected relatively easily as it is usually due to a connection error in a sub panel or junction box. Existing high EMF-producing facilities, such as electrical panels, established wiring routes, and load locations are often difficult to change. It may, however, be possible to rearrange usage of spaces adjacent to areas with high EMF.




    Magnetic field readings of .01 - 1 mG are well within the range of commonly seen levels.  Fields in the range of 1-10 mG are the subject of much medical controversy. If EMF is to be minimized, these levels indicate the presence of field sources which should be identified. Exposures of 10-100 mG are uncommon, and readings of more than 100 mG are rare. In order to verify these readings in occupied spaces the measurements should be repeated at different times of the day and week. Since EMF is directly proportionate to current flow the measured magnetic field levels originating from power lines will be markedly different for different seasons and times of the day. Because of the operating air conditioners a hot summer afternoon will usually have higher field levels than an autumn morning. A thorough field survey will reveal if these levels are present throughout the building or campus or if they are localized in specific areas.




    Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (ES) is a physiological disorder characterized by symptoms directly brought on by exposure to electromagnetic fields. It produces neurological and allergic-type symptoms. Symptoms may include, but are not limited to, headache, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, skin rash, facial swelling, weakness, fatigue, pain in joints and/or muscles, buzzing/ringing in ears, skin numbness, abdominal pressure and pain, breathing difficulty, and irregular heartbeat. It can also cause what is referred to as a "Fear Cage", which is a high EMF reading in a small room or confined space. It can often cause feelings of uneasiness or paranoia as well as anxiety. Which can also cause a feeling ov being watched, that can lead to the misunderstanding that there is a presence or paranormal being present.




    It is important to note that, because of the bodies dependence on electrical impulses to function, EMF sources can interfere with the bodies natural functions. Usually the EMFs are only strong enough to affect the mind, the EMFs send electrical impulses throughout the brain, effecting the brains most simple functions. They can cause nausea, paranoia, and hallucinations, as well as fear. This is why it is important to use EMF detectors when trying to "debunk" a claim of paranormal activity. If a high EMF is found the investigator can usually conclude that it is the source of the problem, things to look for without an EMF detector are large amounts of electronic devices in relatively small areas, also large amounts of conduits or high power lines running through areas close to the activity. If any of the symptoms described above occur, take a break and get out of the area for a while and the symptoms should go away.


    Sunday, March 20, 2011

    Animals and Ghosts

    EVEN PEOPLE WHO believe in an afterlife and the possibility of ghosts are often skeptical when it comes to the idea of spirit animals. They don't have souls or spirits, goes the argument, and therefore cannot have a life in the next world. But cats, dogs, birds and other animals are made up of the same energy that humans are, and it may be as possible that this energy can survive death, just as it can for people. Anyone who is close to their pets will testify to the psychic connection they share. Psychic energy and spiritual energy may all be a part of the same phenomenon, and so animals might have as much of a connection to the unseen world as we do.