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What IS Paranormal Activity

Is it a sound, a scent or a sight? Is it a movement in the corner of your eye that is not there when you turn your head? Or is it all of these? How do we define the intangible shadows of history that we come into contact with everyday, sometimes without even knowing? What would seem to be a simple and straight forward question has been found to be, in fact, nearly indescribable.

In order to understand what paranormal activity is we must first define what “paranormal” means. The word “para” (παρά) itself was once a prefix in the Greek language meaning “similar to” or “near to” however, in Latin “para” means “outside of,” “against” or “beyond.” In today’s English it is generally used as a prefix in conjunction with other words such as paramedic, paralegal and, of course, paranormal. The word “normal” simply denotes an “average,” “standard” or “usual condition or characteristic.” When the prefix and the word are put together we find that we have a totally different meaning for the two, that being “paranormal.” Now, we must look within our own mind to determine the interpretation of the word. Do we agree with the original Greek where it would mean “near to what is normal” where the events, although not fully comprehended or understood, still fall within the natural laws of the universe or do we interpret the word as the more sinister Latin meaning of “outside of, beyond or against what is normal” where the events seem to subvert the natural laws as we know them?

Now that we have defined, at least in a basic sense, what the word paranormal means we must now be able to determine what paranormal activity is. To do this we will have to employ our sense of logical deduction (common sense). Although this seems as if it would be the first logical step to determine what is paranormal and what is not I must sadly say that many forgo this step and call everything that they see in a photo an anomaly. A serious investigator would, by process of elimination, rule out all potential causes that are obvious, logical and within reason until there is no other method to explain the phenomenon that has been witnessed. How do we do this? We must first be able to determine what paranormal activity is not.

Strange noises, especially in a new building or home (or at least a home that’s new to you) could be the house settling, plumbing or even vermin such as mice and squirrels.
Opening and closing doors could be caused by drafts, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning) pressurization of the building or structure, latches not closing properly, faulty hinges, door frames being out of square or warped door slabs.
Apport phenomena could be simple carelessness or forgetfulness. Also, if there are children or other people in the home or structure they should be questioned as well as this is generally the primary culprit in “apport” phenomenon.
Shadows could be just that - shadows caused, perhaps, by a passing car's headlights.

As real as some of these things might seem, they really could be just products of the imagination induced by psychological tricks of environmental suggestion, however, if you feel you have ruled out all rational explanations for the phenomena that are taking place and they are still occurring more or less on a regular basis, it is in your best interest to document them. Keep a journal of the phenomena as they happen. For example:

6 February 2004, 11:43 p.m. – I was sitting on the couch watching TV when the bathroom light switched on by itself.

17 February, 2004, 9:37 p.m. – I was in the downstairs hall getting some items out of the closet when the light switched itself off. I went and turned back on again so that I could finish getting the things I wanted.

10 March 2004, 10:14 p.m. – I was in the kitchen and heard footsteps crossing the upstairs hallway. No one else was in the house. I went upstairs to investigate and could find no cause.

12 March 2004, 10:23 a.m. – I was in the kitchen washing dishes when my car keys slid off of the table by themselves. They were not close to the edge of the table and I checked the table to see if it was unstable or wobbly. No apparent cause was found.

A journal such as this could help with any formal investigation of the phenomena. Write down experiences as they happen or as soon as possible thereafter so that the integrity of the occurrence is kept in tact. If unexplained noises are part of the occurrences it is best to attempt to record them with a portable tape recorder or digital recorder. If there are physical phenomena of any kind that occur they should be photographed or videotaped if possible. You can not over document occurrences write down as many details and notes as possible so that a pattern, if any, can be established and the type and frequency of the occurrences can be properly assessed. If reasonable, logical or rational causes can not be determined as the cause of the phenomenon then we may now assess the activity as a potential paranormal occurrence.

Remember, not all haunting occurrences are alike, each case may exhibit a variety of phenomena that is different from the last, some having a single feature that defines the events where others have occurrences that range from strange sounds to full-blown spectral apparitions.

The list of events below is by no means all inclusive but it does give the reader an idea of what to look for in the event of a true haunting.

Apports, that is, objects disappearing and reappearing some time and later in a place where they may not normally be found. It's as if the object was borrowed by someone for a short time, then returned. Sometimes they are not returned for days or even weeks, but when they are, it's in an obvious place that usually could not have been missed by even a casual search.
Unexplained sounds such as footsteps, knocks, banging, rapping, cries, whispers, conversations, muffled voices, moans, music, scratching sounds, sounds of something being dropped and other audible occurrences that would normally tend to be made by a sentient human presence.
Doors, cabinets, cupboards, drawers or closets that open and close of their own accord. Most often, these phenomena are not seen directly, but the experient either hears the distinct sounds of the doors opening and closing –or- the experient will return to the room to find a door open or closed when they are certain that it was left in the opposite position. Additionally a lock or latch may leave itself in the opposite position it was placed in and on occasion furniture seems to have been moved around as well.
Electronics tend to malfunction such as lights, radios, televisions, and all manner of electronic devices turning on and off of their own accord and / or behaving in other unexpected ways.
Unexplained shadows or movement you see in the corner of your eye. Many times the “shadows” have vaguely human forms, while other times they are far less distinguishable.
Animals behaving abnormally. Dogs may bark at something that is unseen, they may cower without apparent reason or they may refuse to enter a room they normally would. Cats may seem to be watching something cross a room, hiss at an unseen enemy, or run from something that you may not see. The animals may seem skittish or abnormally aggressive in certain areas also.
Feelings of being watched or possibly followed. Note: This is not an uncommon feeling and can be attributed to many things - but - it could have a paranormal source if the feeling consistently occurs in a particular part of the house, at a particular time, or if the feelings are accompanied by fear or dread.
Cold spots are a “classic” symptom of a haunting, but any instance of a noticeable variance in temperature without a discernable cause could be considered to be evidence of paranormal activity. However, it should be noted to check for obvious sources of false cold spots such as air conditioning vents and such.
Unexplained smells such as perfume or cologne, especially one that you do not have in your house, cigar, cigarette or pipe smoke, or other smells such as these that you would not normally encounter. The phenomenon may come and go without any apparent cause and may accompany other phenomena, such as shadows, voices or psychokinetic phenomena. Foul odors can happen in the same way.
Miscellaneous physical evidence such as unexplained writing on paper or walls, handprints, footprints of floors, imprints on linens, and so forth.
Occurrences of mild psychokinetic phenomena such as small objects moving about on their own accord, doors or windows unlocking and / or opening while someone is there to witness it, chairs or other small pieces of furniture shifting.
Strong instances of psychokinetic phenomenon such as large moving or levitating objects, dinner plates flying out of the cupboard, pictures flying off walls, doors slamming shut with great force, heavy furniture sliding across the floor. These types of events are much more rare than most.
Feelings of being touched or other physical contact. Some people feel something brush past them, something touching their hair or the feeling of a hand on their shoulder. Some feel a gentle push or nudge, sometimes a tug on the shirt or the occasional pulling of the blankets off of the bed at night. Also someone sitting on the bed, in a chair or standing nearby is common in this type of situation.
Physical assault such as scratches slaps and hard shoves. Note: This kind of personal assault is extremely rare but it is obviously disturbing.
Apparitions or other physical manifestation of a spirit or entity.

Model of Paranormal Manifestation

Skeptics and pro-skeptic scientists often debate against the existence of paranormal anomalies based solely on the fact that, as far as conventional science has researched, there is no mechanism to initiate paranormal occurrences and that there is no construct to support these purported patterns of action. In previous issues of Haunted Times Magazine we have successfully presented theories that support a scientific mechanism for paranormal manifestations to take place, however, as of yet there has been no model presented for these actions to follow. In continuing my research work on the subject of paranormal mechanics I have found that it is obvious enough that nature and physics do not need or rely upon a model however, scientists in order to confirm behavioral patterns of energy, must be able to repeatedly observe an action or event, in various scenarios to create a hypothetical structure of action hence the need for these individuals to validate a point of origin, a mechanism and a model of behavior.

The Construct

The conceptual scientific theory entitled “Model of Paranormal Behavior” is still in its basic developmental stages at this point, however even in its emergent form the model states that all paranormal behavior follows a defined progression from start to finish – a model. The ideas that exist within this model are shown below.

Mechanism of Causation – The M/C is the initial force or action that causes the bioelectric energies to be removed from their host source and deposited in a specific area or place.

Physical Processes – First identified by Brian Schill in 2004. Common anatomical knowledge has helped parapsychologists to understand that each time the human heart beats it creates a 60 Hz bioelectric pulse and that this pulse is distributed throughout the body via the nervous system. Upon death of the physical body when the process of biochemical decay begins the First Law of Thermodynamics (paraphrased: “…energy can neither be created or destroyed only transformed…” causes a release of the remainder of the bioelectric energy that is left over in the body rather than a destruction of it. At this point, in most situations the Second Law of Thermodynamics takes over and distributes the remaining bioelectric energy back into the environment. On occasion an anomalous paradox takes place and the Second Law of Thermodynamics is circumvented barring the bioelectric field from being distributed back into the environment. During this anomalous paradox the bioelectric field is subjected to the Law of Deposition.

Law of Deposition – When a bioelectric field is removed or forced apart from its host source by a Mechanism of Causation and is not allowed to dissipate according to the physics of the Second Law of Thermodynamics the energies will, through the act of covalent bonding, naturally associate themselves with an area or object within the local environment that has an electron deficit. The covalent bonding process that takes place between the bioelectric field of the host source and the environment ultimately results in the transference of the energies from the host source to a place or object in the local environment and thusly the deposition of bioelectric energy takes place. This deposition in turn creates a variable linear and temporal boundary which is directly influenced by and is dependant upon the strength of the original bioelectric field. Note: The natural deposition and field retaining power of an object or place in the local environment is exponentially increased in areas that have high iron oxide, ferrous metal, quartz or silica content. The reason for this is that each of these metals, minerals, organic compounds or variants thereof each have specific characteristics that pertain to the generation or retention of energy fields.

Bioelectric Stasis – After the bioelectric energies have been removed from the host and deposited into an object or area in the local environment they are usually in a weakened state, not self aware and can not manifest. The energies will exist in this suspended state, according to the First Law of Thermodynamics, for an indefinite period of time or until such time that they are brought to action by a trigger mechanism.

Trigger Mechanism – As the name suggests this is an occurrence or action that acts as a trigger to induce the bioelectric field to action from its static (potential) state to a kinetic one. Once induced to action the trigger mechanism also acts in a secondary capacity as an amplifier of the bioelectric energy following Michael Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction where he stated that [paraphrased] “…power induces power…”

Manifestations – Once “activated” the bioelectric fields begin to gather strength and produce observable manifestations and effects that are data recordable such as EMF fields. These manifestations can take any of several forms, not being limited to any singular state.

As paranormal researchers we have always sought to understand the end process within this construct, the manifestation of anomalous paranormal events. This anomalous manifestation, when observed by a witness, usually initiates the beginning phases of the research, investigation, observation and documentation processes. It is from these processes that researchers seek to understand significant, identifiable and recordable patterns within the purported anomalous activity. However, until now there has been no model through which we could explain scientifically, logically or rationally the overview of the processes in its entirety. The above construct, even if proved inaccurate in years to come provides a beginning, a point of origin, a basis on which we may conduct viable scientific research into the mechanics of anomalous paranormal occurrences and manifestation.

Beware of the Paranormal Cheerleader

It is unfortunate that many times serious paranormal studies are subverted by either the fool or the charlatan. No matter if it is the self-proclaimed investigator who calls every “anomaly” in a photograph proof of paranormal activity (the fool) or the person who intentionally deceives others by telling them everything that they want to hear so that they can intentionally rip them off for their hard earned cash (the charlatan) it should be understood that each of these people plays a role, albeit a seriously damaging one, in the perception of paranormal investigators.

In between these two extremes we have the paranormal cheerleader who seems to be a bit of both. Intentionally uneducated about paranormal mechanics and unintentionally naive about the subject as a whole the paranormal cheerleader calls everything that seems out of the ordinary in a photo a “ghost” while telling others fantastic stories about their adventures in “ghost hunting.” If you have done any amount of investigation, paranormal photo sharing or discussion about paranormal topics I can almost guarantee that, at some point, you have run into a paranormal cheerleader.

To further define the subject, someone who is considered to be a paranormal cheerleader, which is also termed as an “automatic believer” or “instant believer,” is any person who, upon finding anything that they believe to be out of place in a photograph, EVP or video – anything at all that could possibly be a potential anomaly - begins to excitedly inform everyone around them that they have taken a photograph or EVP of paranormal activity – which is usually called “proof” by the latter. Too many times there are people out there like this who will claim to be ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, paranormal specialists and so forth that actually have no training or experience in the field what-so-ever. I am not saying that not knowing about something is wrong, not at all. Everyone knows that you have to start somewhere and the study of a subject before you can understand it is the logical place to begin, however intentionally claiming to know about something and not actually having that knowledge - lying about it – is wrong. The information that flows from the paranormal cheerleader seems to always come before they have really analyzed the photo, video or EVP, if that even happens at all. Because of the excitability and lack of research on the part of the paranormal cheerleader it has been found, on a rather consistent basis, that the content of the initial information about the findings in their evidence is erroneous in its content and is almost always discarded as drivel when it is properly analyzed.

Serious investigators who value their reputation do not want to get caught up in this roundabout of feeble minded ignorance. For anyone from skeptic to interested academic to conceptualize and logically interpret the information that is presented as evidence from a paranormal investigation we should make the information about our investigations, evidence and conclusions logical and cohesive in form. As scientific investigators of paranormal occurrences we can not afford to perform investigations as a paranormal cheerleader or as an overly skeptical denialist. The key here is balance. It is imperative that we maintain our balance on the fine line between skepticism and enthusiasm and that the balance is tempered by good judgment and discretion.

Superstition and Faith in Paranormal Investigations

When investigating a case we often find people who are eager to express a particular degree of faith, personal belief or superstition about the matter at hand. Many times they simply want to share their views or offer an explanation to what they believed may have happened but, before long, the explanation evolves into a conversation based on primarily personal beliefs and opinion. Can a person’s beliefs affect the data collected on an investigation? In a word, yes.

To start, we usually find that if an individual’s parents were of a particular set of beliefs that individual will be of a similar set of beliefs as well, simply tailored to fit their personal outlook on life. If the parents of an individual were from an area of Europe that held beliefs in vampires then that individual may also be prone to believe in such things. If the parents were of a particularly religious bent then the individual may experience what they interpret as religious phenomenon such as angels, demons, visions of saints and so forth.

Perception of an individual’s external environment comes from their internal environment, their psychology, which will ultimately play upon their interpretation of external events. This perception would have initially been created and built upon during the formative childhood years and reinforced as the individual progressed through life into adulthood. Various events, reinforcing the individual’s beliefs, are then attributed to the external powers that the individual is inclined to believe in. In many cases such as this the individual has, from birth, been taught to rely on undistinguished but preconceived ideas about how the world works.

These superstitious or religious beliefs, often deeply rooted, are an integral part of that person’s psychology and generally comprise a certain component of their personal faith or beliefs. These personal convictions can, and sometimes do, create a certain predisposed outlook on events within that individual’s mind that would seem to agree with or reinforce that individual’s ideas about the world around them. This psychologically “hard wired” predisposition causes the individual to be prone to a subconscious association of external events that they believe connects to their own circle of beliefs. This perception of the events, combine with their own subjective interpretation, allows the individual to assign a meaning and value to the events within their own mind. This interpretation may skew the reality of the event, causing it to become, in the individuals mind, somehow associated with their particular set of personal beliefs.

A hypothetical example could be that a family from Eastern Europe immigrates to the United States. In their cultural folklore each house had a spirit living within it that would guard the structure but would also play mischievous pranks on the occupants. In their new home the family finds that doors that are closed would open by themselves and that they would hear water running in the bathroom at night. They would then attribute these “paranormal occurrences” to the guardian spirit of the house playing tricks on them.

Looking beyond the cultural folklore of a mischievous sprite; it would be surmised by many investigators that the family had moved into a new home and was unfamiliar with its specific peculiarities. With little work it could be easily found that the doors that opened by themselves would be due to nothing more “supernatural” than a faulty lockset and an out-of-square door frame while the running water in the bathroom at night was only a leaky toilet valve that went unnoticed while the family was not at home during the day.

It is here, when superstition or personal beliefs cloud a situation that we are investigating, that we can apply critical thinking and, with assistance from Ockham’s razor, we can “cut through” much of the subjective material to reveal the facts of the matter at hand and effectively expose the reality of the matter without embellishing the data with subjective personal opinion or belief.

Can Astronomical Events Affect Paranormal Phenomenon?

Centuries of folklore passed down to us from the “old world” have told us that the moon possesses strange powers and holds sway over all things strange & mystical. Over time, the moon has been thought give aid to dark forces that have crept about in the darkness; witches, werewolves, even fits of madness were blamed on the moon. Lunacy, whose etymological root is found in the Latin word “luna,” literally translates into the English “moon.” Although it is true that the gravitational pull of the moon can influence the tides of the earth, is it possible that the lunar cycles may exhibit the same mythical effect on paranormal phenomenon? Through the vehicle of scientific exploration we can now dispel this myth, and although it is true that the moon does hold a minor degree of influence over paranormal activity there are other factors that weigh in on the subject far more heavily. From 2000 to 2005 a scientific study that I have been personally supervising has been collecting data and compiling evidence which points not to the moon, but to our own sun as the larger of the two culprits that affect paranormal phenomenon.

Truth, being stranger than fiction, has proven to us that even the celestial bodies deep in the recesses of space can have an effect on the manifestation of paranormal activity. There are many astronomical bodies within the realms of outer space that can have a variety of effects on the electromagnetic environment of the Earth. These celestial bodies radiate electromagnetic fields that can reach the Earth and have an impact on the environment in which we live. Most information on this type of celestial activity and other astronomical phenomenon is readily available on the internet at websites run by the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA (National Aeronautic & Space Administration.)

In the following portion of the article you will find a general description of some the most common factors that can affect the level of paranormal activity on the Earth. The reader should bear in mind however that this list is not all inclusive as there may be other anomalies or discoveries in the future that may have a yet unknown impact on the understanding that we have of outer space phenomenon and its connection to paranormal activity.

Neutron Stars & Pulsars - On the average neutron stars will have the mass of our Sun packed into a 20 meter sphere. Due to the extreme density of this type of star and its gravity it has been found that the electromagnetic field surrounding some of these stars have become so intense that they can actually alter the vacuum of space that is directly around it. These neutron stars emit radio pulses from their poles, both north and south, which sweep through space as the star rotates. Pulsars, like the Sun, also emit winds of charged particles that have low frequency electromagnetic waves. These waves are traceable by their angular momentum which spirals outward from the core of the pulsar. These stars generally do not have a great deal of impact on the Earth, however, on an infrequent basis one of these stars will have an eruption of electromagnetic energy that can reach the Earth and saturate the atmospheric environment with X ray, Gamma Ray, or Radio wave bursts. It could be surmised that this type of activity could, in some way, modify the ability of paranormal events to manifest in one way or another.

Magnetars - Even rarer than the neutron stars are Magnetars, which when simply put, is a super dense highly magnetic star. There are twelve known Magnetars that are in close enough proximity to be able to effect the environment on earth. These are SGR 0526 -66, SGR 1900 +14, and SGR 1806 -20 all of which were discovered in 1979. AXP1E 2259 +586 was discovered in 1981, AXP1E 1048 -59 was discovered in 1985, AXP0142 +61 was discovered in 1993. AXP1RXS 1708 -40, AXP1E 1841 -045 and SGR 1801 -23 were all discovered in 1997. AXPAXJ1844 -0258 & SGR 1627 -41 were discovered in 1998, and AXPCXJ 0110 - 7221 which was discovered in 2002.

Magnetars, like neutron stars and pulsars have occasional eruptions that emit large amounts of X ray, radio, electron, gamma, magnetic, and positron radiation. When this event occurs the AXP anomalies (the radiation which is emitted en masse) has had recordable effects here on Earth. Although this phenomenon has only happened on a handful of occasions in the last three decades the results have been documented in countries from the United States, Russia, China, Australia and more. As with neutron stars and pulsars it could be concluded that this type of electromagnetic and radioactive bombardment could lead to the modification of any paranormal activity that may take place within the time period that the specific area of the Earth was being affected.

Starquakes - Starquakes occur when thermonuclear fusion takes place between a large mass of hydrogen gas and the superheated star core. The resulting violent explosion then causes symmetrical waves to explode into the vacuum of space (this action can be connected to the 2^nd Law of Thermodynamics and the Laws of Motion) The anomalous explosion could then bombard the Earth with a variety of electromagnetic radiation such as radio waves, X rays, electron radiation, magnetic radiation, GRBs (gamma ray bursts), positron, and SRBs (Soft Ray Bursts) which could affect the environment in which we conduct investigations during the time that the anomaly occurs. This radiation may potentially modify the way that a paranormal anomaly would manifest.

Moon Phase - A measurable change in geomagnetic activity at the surface of the Earth’s crust can be directly attributed to the influence of the gravitational field of the moon as it approaches its zenith. As the moon becomes fuller the gravity field of the moon pulls on the gravitational field of the Earth and thusly “stretches” its geomagnetic field into an elliptical orbit. There is a brief detail of each of the Moon phases in the next few paragraphs so that they can be readily identified when any research or investigation is needed in that area. For illustrative detail see figure 1.1.

New Moon - The “new” Moon orbits between the Earth and the Sun in such a manner that the side which

reflects rays of the Sun faces away from the earth, hence producing the optical illusion that the Moon is invisible. This is also called a “Dark Moon.”

Waxing Crescent - As the Moon moves along in its 28 day orbit into what is known as the first quarter, an illuminated crescent begins to appear on its right side.

Waxing Gibbous - Continuing to progress in its orbital path the crescent begins to grow until the whole of the first half of the Moon is visible.

Full Moon - As the Moon reaches the final portion of its 2^nd quarter orbit it can then be seen it its entirety as the whole of the daylight side is visible and appears as a full circle.

Waning Gibbous - As the sunlit side of the Moon begins to turn away from the Earth it begins to darken again on the right side as it is now beginning to “wane.”

Last Quarter - As the Moon passes from the waning gibbous phase of its orbit into the fourth quarter, darkness overtakes a larger portion of the surface of the Moon, moving from right to left.

Waning Crescent - This is the final portion of the Moon that is visible from the Earth before the Moon starts the new Moon phase again.

Figure 1.1

Solar X - Rays - As with the other celestial forces and anomalies some of the best documented modifiers of paranormal activity are solar x rays. As these x rays naturally bombard the Earth they usually go unnoticed by most people. However, when there is a highly charged mass expulsion of these x rays from the surface of the sun the greater portion of the charge has the ability to make its way to the Earth. This type of discharge is known as a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME.)

Solar Flares - Solar flares are violent explosions on or just below the surface of the sun. These explosions reach deep into space sending streams of highly charged radioactive particles speeding outward in random directions. When these streams of charged particles reach the Earth and bombard the atmosphere it is generally found that there is an increased occurrence of paranormal activity that can be recorded. It has been noted that when solar flares occur in conjunction with other atmospheric or astronomical events the chance of capturing paranormal activity on film as hard data increases proportionately. The sun is approximately 93 million (93,000,000) miles from the earth and has a diameter which is about 864 thousand (864,000) miles across. The mass of the sun is approximately three hundred thirty thousand (330,000) times that of the earth. See figure 1.2 for a rough comparison of size of the Earth to the sun in relation to the various solar flares. I should note here that it is known when a CME occurs it has the equivalent effect on the sun as that of a starquake. The measurement of solar flares is made in angstroms. Angstroms are named after the Swiss physicist who discovered them, A. J. Angstrom. An angstrom is a length of measurement equivalent to one hundred millionth of one centimeter which is used in the measurement of light waves. It should be remembered that the magnetic field of the sun is four thousand (4000) times greater than that of the Earth.

Figure 1.2

Although sunspots are not directly related to paranormal activity they do play a role in the matter. If the magnetic field around a sunspot is monitored it is easy to observe that the magnetic field at times will split apart in certain areas. When this occurs the magnetic field lines can become crossed and in their attempt to reconnect, they may do so with such violent force that they can create a release of energy so strong they can effect the atmospheric environment here on Earth. For the astronomical event that solar flares are, they are very rapidly occurring events and only last for a few minutes as far as actual time may go, however, their effects can be felt on the Earth for several days afterward. Solar flares are characterized and organized into classes according to their level of brightness and angstrom wavelength hence the B, C, M, and X classes mentioned previously.

Class Wavelength in Angstroms

B 10 -6 or less

C 10 -6 to 10 -5

M 10 -5 to 10 -4

X 10 -4 or greater

Does any of this information have much relevancy to paranormal research and investigation? Absolutely! Here’s why: Each time the Earth is bombarded by astronomical radiation the atmosphere acts as a natural protective barrier. This protective layer of gasses attempts to buffer the radiation before it gets to the surface of the earth and causes any damage. This diffusing effect in the atmosphere causes the radioactive particulate matter to expand away from other particles of the same type, thusly weakening their concentrated effect. This action of diffusing causes the overall molecular concentration of the radioactive particles to be diluted into far more ppm (parts per million) in the atmosphere than the concentrated radiation burst would have had. Most times the impact from this astronomical radiation is negligible at best and we do not even notice that any significant astronomical event has taken place. The story changes however when we research beings that are composed of energy, such as ghosts, rather than applying these events to beings of manifested physical matter. Research over the last five years indicates that, of the above factors, there are two major astronomical influences that can modify our chances of capturing a paranormal manifestation in a photograph. These factors are solar X rays and solar flares. When either of these two events occurs there is a greatly increased chance of photographing a paranormal anomaly. However, when these two events occur simultaneously the chance of capturing an anomaly multiplies exponentially. Even with all of the evidence presented thus far these thoughts are probably best illustrated by the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words. Compare the following photos which were both taken at an investigation site at about the same time at night. The first photo (figure 1.3) was taken at an investigation site when there was no significant astronomical activity. The second photo (figure 1.4) was taken at the same site one week later during an M 5 class solar flare.

Figure 1.3

Figure 1.4

A Ghost in the Machine: It’s All In Your Mind…or is it?

AUTHORS NOTE: Before you begin reading this article I should stress that although the information contained is provided for informational purposes so that the reader may better understand the interrelation of psychology and parapsychology it should be known and understood that parapsychologists do not diagnose or treat any psychological illnesses and should not attempt to do so at any time under any circumstance.

The phrase “Anomalistic Psychology” was a term first suggested by Leonard Zusne and Warren Jones to indicate the part of the field of psychology that specifically investigates abnormal psychological phenomena. This anomalistic psychological phenomenon has been explained by most scientists in terms of paranormal events, the supernatural, magic, the occult or other such experiences which an individual may encounter. In most cases the term is also meant to include belief in UFOs, in astrology, and cryptozoology. For the purposes of the discussion, all anomalistic psychology referred to within this article will focus primarily on paranormal events.

Barring any psychological illness or other mental abnormality, it has been shown that most times when someone has a paranormal experience they tend to “accept it” under the façade of their mind playing tricks on them, that they are over tired, or some other pretense that they can easily assure themselves of. This is a type of “hard-wired” psychological defense that protects the mind from factors that are beyond our control, factors that would otherwise induce fear. In most cases it has been found that paranormal experiences, those which are completely unexplainable, happen to people more often that they would be comfortable knowing about. This is not to say that every event that we can not readily explain should be called paranormal - we should view all anomalistic events with a skeptical eye until there is no other possible explanation for the event that has taken place, but, how do we identify what some of the factors that would induce a false sense of paranormal activity would be?

The Power of Suggestion

The power of suggestion can easily alter a person’s perception of an event or series of events, especially if those events are not fresh in their mind. To illustrate, the power of suggestion was evidenced during an investigation I was on while working with a group of “ghost hunters” at a 100+ year old hotel. It was not my group; I was not in charge so I decided to use the incident as an experiment. The group had a reputed “psychic” come in and give them his impression of the situation. From his “assessment” he told the group “Each of you will feel, hear, smell, or see something tonight.” There was no skepticism involved at all. This statement of “definite contact” alone created a group expectation, which was borderline hyper-paranoia, of what would happen rather than what could be discovered. This induced group paranoia had everyone on edge so much that every sound, movement, or perceived unusual occurrence, real or not, was considered to be the work of a ghost or other entity. Needless to say the investigation did not go as it should have. As the “investigation” (or should I say mockery thereof) progressed the group came to a room where the psychic said a prostitute had been disemboweled in the bathtub. Later, an exhaustive search of local historic publications, newspapers and police records turned up nothing – not even a murder, let alone a disembowelment. The psychic also said that the door to that very room would close on its own, which was more evidence of paranormal manifestations. Upon closer inspection of the door, which was well over 100 years old, it was plain to see that the door was warped, the frame was out-of-square and the hinges were skewed so as to make the door close on its own.

When the facts about the door were brought to the attention of the group, the psychic was somewhat embarrassed and upset by this revelation. Prior to this, the group was enthralled by his ramblings and hung by his every word much like a bunch of lemmings. Statements such as the ones made by the psychic “guaranteeing” some sort of paranormal manifestation are irresponsible and show a complete lack of integrity on the part of that individual. During the course of the “investigation” this individual also created some stories and embellished others to bring a certain atmosphere for the curious to create entertainment and shock value. Acts of showmanship such as this are unprofessional and lend a carnival-like atmosphere to an investigation. The purported paranormal activity, if there was any to be found, would have taken a backseat to the second-class P.T. Barnum wannabe running that freakshow.

Pareidolia and Its Effects

In conjunction with the power of suggestion it is imperative that we also briefly discuss pareidolia (pair-reed-ole-lee- uh). Pareidolia is a type of psychological delusion that involves vague or obscure stimulus which is perceived by an individual as something that is clear and distinct in their own mind. An example of this can be found in the 2005 sale of a burnt cheese sandwich for $5,000 (U.S.) on a popular internet auction site. It was suggested by someone that the image on the burnt portion of the cheese sandwich was a manifestation of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Other examples of this are when one sees the Virgin Mary in the reflection of residue on a recently washed window pane or the face of Jesus in the rear of acid washed denim pants.

Most people recognize these illusions for what they are. Some, however, become fixated on the reality of their perception and turn the illusion into a delusion. A little bit of critical thinking should convince most logical, reasonable and rational people that a waffle that looks like Pope John Paul II, a cinnamon bun that looks like Elvis or a burnt cheese sandwich that looks like the Virgin Mary are accidents, coincidences without significance and are not divine miracles or the deceased speaking to us. If you believe in a higher power, as many do, then it should be considered that throughout history the divine powers that be have manifested themselves in much more spectacular ways and would probably choose a different, less mundane vehicle for manifestation than in your breakfast.

It is more than likely that the illusion of the “Virgin Mary” one sees in the reflection from a window on the wall of a downtown high rise has been generated from that person’s own imagination and religious conditioning rather than the occurrence of an actual miracle. This seems to reason more along the lines of sane logic than the idea of a holy person, who has been dead for more than 2,000 years, deciding that now more than any other time in history – either past, present or future - she should manifest herself in such a mundane and useless fashion. Under most ordinary circumstances the power of suggestion and / or pareidolia provides a logical psychological explanation for many delusions that people have based upon their sense of perception and, although this condition is generally thought of in a negative manner, there are instances in clinical trials where psychologists will induce pareidolia as a means to understanding a patient. One of the most popular and recognized of these methods is the Rorschach ink blot test.

Collective Hallucinations

During the witchcraft scares of the Middle Ages a mass hysteria spread throughout Western European communities that was quickly followed by wide spread collective hallucinations which bore the idea that nearly everyone who was “different” in one way or another was a witch or in league with the devil. These “indications” of an individual being a witch were primarily fabrications or delusions that were created by suggestive gossip. These “devil’s marks” were usually something simple such as a birthmark or the pronunciation of a word which was slightly different than the norm (which was believed to be some sort of necromancer’s code). This psychological hallucination led to accusations that ultimately ended with the torture and death of hundreds, perhaps thousands, of innocent men, women, and children.

Unfortunately, in a more modern vein, paranormal investigators have been subject to a similar form of the same deluded and superstitious beliefs. Because these ideas have been fostered along through the years, aided most recently by numerous paranormal reality “crocumentaries” many times serious paranormal studies, such as those that explore collective hallucinations are subverted by either the fool or the charlatan. No matter if it is the self-proclaimed investigator who calls every “anomaly” in a photograph proof of paranormal activity (the fool) or the person who seeks to tell others everything that they want to hear so that they can intentionally rip them off for their hard earned cash (the charlatan) it should be understood that each of these people plays a role, albeit a seriously damaging one, in the perception of paranormal investigators and the events that we research.

Although there have been several studies on collective hallucinations over the years many of these were performed in a manner where the events that the percipients witnessed were psychologically suggested so that a certain state of mind would be intentionally induced. In many of these studies the methods utilized were substandard, many of the field workers were recruited ad-hoc and the reports that they submitted were both subjective and arbitrary. Basically, what we have here is a case of one bad egg makes the rest suspect. This type of poorly conducted scientific experiment has done little at best to aid psychologists in understanding how collective hallucinations work.

The best general consensus that parapsychologists have right now in as far as the way that collective hallucinations work is that a bioelectric transference field occurs and is passed from one percipient to another by acasual contact. This field, when passed from one person to another, connects each of the individuals senses to induce a state of mind where each of the percipients, although independent individuals, perceived the same events for a miniscule but measurable amount of time. This String Theory effect allows a sight, sound, scent, feeling, etc. to be passed along by from one percipient to another by said acasual contact through their own bioelectric fields. This String Theory effect is believed to be the primary mechanism of causation for this type of event. A group hallucination could then be likened to a virtual reality hologram where each witness is “plugged in” to the stored bioelectric energies that are being released into the local environment. The experients then witness the energy dispersing from the source in the form of an anomalous field event which is perceived in a similar manner by each of the experients. The similarity between the experiences of each person involved now causes the event to be considered a group hallucination.

In an attempt to explain this phenomenon in a more concise manner I will even go as far as to introduce what I believe to be the starting point for collective hallucinations: sympathy. In reviewing cases of people who exhibit high concentrations of paranoia, hysteria and / or collective hallucinations it was noted that the primary factors which aggravated the incidents were that the individuals had a certain point of view that was sympathetic to others in the facility or area and that by either fear, suggestion or unconscious stimulation these events were induced. Many of the individuals cited lived in “closed communities” such as hospitals (long term care), prisons (life sentences), asylums and even convents (religious hallucinatory phenomenon).

If we move from the cases studied within closed communities to the “average individual” we find that the external factors, which are usually the most statistically significant in the influence of the event remain the same, even within the minds of individuals who do not seem to be prone to those factors. The simple illustration of a séance would illustrate how easily the credulous mind interprets an event when it is guided in a specific manner. Consider the lighting, the décor and the theatrics of the medium – all of which are set on a subconscious level to suggest a certain feeling and to induce a certain state of mind.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity was a term created by psychologist Carl Jung to describe what he called “temporally coincident occurrences of acausal events” or an “acausal connecting principle.” This means that synchronicity is not a pattern of connection that can be explained by direct causality. In its most basic definition, synchronicity is the experience of having two or more events happen in what is believed to be a “coincidental” manner that is meaningful to the person or persons experiencing them, where the indirect meaning of the events would suggest an underlying pattern or reasoning not attributed to random selection. By definition, synchronistic events are not independent of the observer, since the observer’s unique psychology is precisely what gives the synchronistic event meaning. The key here is that the observer IS the central point to which all of the synchronistic events connect, but to an outside observer a synchronistic event appears to be just another meaningless “random” event in the stream of time.

Events that occur in a synchronistic pattern differ from coincidental events in that synchronicity implies that the events were not simply random happenstance but an underlying dynamic which is being expressed through meaningful relationships, actions or events. Jung believed that this principle encompassed his concepts of archetypes and the collective unconscious in a way that was descriptive of a governing dynamic that underlay the whole of human experience - social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual.

Jung believed that many experiences which were perceived as coincidental were due not merely to chance, but was suggestive of the manifestation of parallel events or circumstances reflecting this governing dynamic.

Although many scientists do not accept the idea of synchronicity as a scientifically viable event it should be stated here that the correlation of events could be logically described as a statistically significant relationship between two or more events and as such is a possible explanation for the phenomenon of synchronicity. Though correlation does not imply direct causation, correlation may be a property which is shared by the events without a direct cause-effect relationship, leaving the observer as the end recipient of the overall experience. Depending on the frequency of the synchronistic events some scientists may describe the “connected” events as apophenia rather than synchronicity.

Apophenia’s Relation to Parapsychology

First being discovered and defined in 1958 apophenia (uh-pof-nee-uh) is the spontaneous perception of connections and meaningfulness of unrelated, mundane events. The condition of apophenia is similar to pareidolia, but it is more severe in nature.

An example of this type of disorder would be a person who looks at a rock and sees “witches runes” in the cracks, or someone who sees demonic images in a fire, who looks at some match sticks on the floor and sees a pentagram, etc. This association with unrelated objects and ideas which has little or no real significance to the person usually tends to circulate around a central psychological theme that runs parallel with the items that are in the illusions that the person believes they are witnessing. Over time this condition can degenerate into paranoia, or given the right conditions psychosis.

The propensity to perceive connections between unrelated objects or ideas closely links psychosis with creativity. It may be found that apophenia and creativity could be linked as similar processes of the same thought patterns. Research indicates that high levels of dopamine in the body affect the propensity to find meaning, patterns, significance and, in an affected person’s own perception, meaning where there is none.

This propensity is also related to a tendency to believe in the significance of mundane, unrelated events and phenomenon. In the scientific field of statistics the result of apophenia is called a Type I Error. This occurs, as previously described, when the psychological focus of a person is on perceived patterns that they believe to exist when, in fact, there are none.

So, what does this mean to the paranormal investigator? The information presented here reveals that there are other psychological alternatives within the perception of an experient that may explain the propensity of certain individuals to claim that they experience perceived paranormal events on a regular or semi-regular basis. This information, when used as a tool for deducing and understanding purported paranormal events, will aid the investigator in formulating a more informed and definitive conclusion to his or her investigatory initiatives. It is now up to you to determine if it is indeed all in your mind.

(Pseudo)Skepticism a Legitimate Point of View?

I’ll admit, right from the start, that this article is a bit of a shot back at all of those who wish to debunk what they do not agree with. Often time’s so-called skeptics, who are really just pseudo-skeptics in disguise, will criticize what others believe in a brash and unabated manner. The pseudo-skeptic will cut down anything they do not agree with and burn the believer at the stake without allowing for any sort of response. Usually, at the expense of others, these pseudo-skeptics are more than willing to stand on the proverbial soap box ranting about how wrong everyone else is and sounding the trumpet of their opinion whenever and wherever they feel the need to insert it. This article is my answer to all of the unprovoked attacks by the self-proclaimed skeptics who run amok with their intensely critical opinions of others who hold beliefs that are different than their own.

Fortunately, not all forms of skepticism are destructive and it should be noted that skepticism has always had a place in the work of the true paranormal researcher, as it is a necessary skill to have. From the inception of paranormal research in the late 1880s the ability to differentiate what we want to see from what is actually there has been understood as being paramount to our credibility as investigators. Although there are varying degrees of skepticism, any paranormal researcher will tell you that there are a number of pseudo-skeptics out there who are more than happy to let fly their caustic arrows of opinion. Before we get too far into the subject perhaps it would be best if we define what a skeptic is: someone who doubts or strongly questions the beliefs of a person or group of people, certain popular ideas, etc.

Generally, skeptics question certain beliefs or ideas in an attempt to understand the subject better by researching the validity of the matter and coming to a logical conclusion based on the facts connected with the matter in question. Skepticism, as understood here, is a valid psychological process that would aid the researcher in determining the facts in a case…but what about pseudo-skepticism? Pseudo-skepticism can be easily summed up in the following phrase:

Great minds speak of ideas,

Average minds speak of events,

Small minds speak of people

It is unfortunate that pseudo-skeptics, usually due to a self promoting personal agenda, make the latter of the three their choice. Often times many of these self proclaimed “professional skeptics” offer no insight to the matter at hand. Rather they will inundate the reader or listener with a barrage of personal opinions, ambiguous quotes of dubious origin, inane and meandering psychobabble and, of course, misinformation. Occasionally, the pseudo-skeptic will go so far as to actually be a bit creative and think out-of-the-box so to speak. They may then use what Norman Mailer termed “factoids,” little bits of information that may seem genuinely useful but are actually just cleverly disguised trinkets of trivial and useless common information.

The pseudo-skeptic has a long and shameful history beginning around the time of the Renaissance where they propagated the belief that the Earth was flat and ships would sail off of the edge. Openly bashing science for centuries, many people of this type of mind set have been brought to a resounding head hanging silence as they are proved to be both arrogant and ignorant. This culture of blindly bashing whatever did not fit their personal beliefs or agenda did not end with the discovery that black cats were not the source of the Bubonic Plague. No, the pseudo-skeptic movement went underground creeping silently through the years, waiting for the appropriate time to reemerge from its cocoon of self superiority. Quietly it slept until the Spiritualist Movement in the late 1880s. There it awoke and found life anew, gaining momentum and taking on every form of self-serving agenda possible. Certainly, fraud was rampant in the Spiritualist movement, however the pseudo-skeptics made a game out of debunking subject after subject until there wasn’t much not to believe in. Essentially, it came down to whatever the five senses could validate as real, was real. Anything beyond the rather limited sensory perception of the five senses was not to be accepted as reality. According to this rationale radio waves, electricity, x-rays and other forms of intangible energies do not exist.

More often than not pseudo-skeptics have no scientific proof or procedure to back up what they profess as reality. These are the same people who demand that paranormal investigators produce concrete proof of some sort of existence of life after death; however the burden of proof is equal on this playing field. Perhaps it is up to the pseudo-skeptic to produce some evidence that there is no existence after death. If that were the case it would seem that we have arrived at an impasse as neither side could produce the proof required by the other.

Pseudo-skeptics will usually debunk by any means necessary and, in their passionate disbelief, they will don the proverbial tunnel vision blinders so that they may more freely ignore evidence, cover up information and go to otherwise great lengths to further their agenda. This refusal to validate information in lieu of any and all evidence turns the very rational pseudo-skeptics use against them and thusly causes the pseudo-skeptic to debunk their own system of reason and logic. The question to the pseudo-skeptic now is: Where is YOUR proof?

Science or Pseudoscience? The Truth about Parapsychology

One of the main reasons that parapsychology is not well received in the scientific community is because of lack of credibility, which is due in large part to lack of training and / or education on the subject. To set the record straight it should be known that as a true parapsychologist we have to be trained to understand, utilize, and adhere to many various fields and laws of science such as:

Physics thermodynamics chemistry quantum mechanics
Theoretical physics bioelectric function wave function astronomy
*EM theory geophysics geography topography
*EM transference space / time continuum subatomic matter cartography Biology history anthropology biochemistry
Anthropology psychology anatomy statistics
Probability archaeology logic (* EM = electromagnetic)

Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry, it only sounds complicated. With all of the information provided by traditional sciences it may interest you to know why some of these scientifically minded persons in the community would be interested in parapsychology. To that end I offer this information:

Anatomists would want to understand where these “anomalous” experiences are generated from, how we receive them, and why.

Biologists would be interested because any type of PSI activity found in the brainwaves would imply the existence of additional, untapped methods above and beyond the limitations of our five senses.

Neurologists would want to know why the events occur, what the trigger for the events is, the patterns of the events, the degree of recurrence, what causes and / or creates their function within the body, and where they are generated.

Physicists are interested because of the various implications dealing with the space/time continuum, energy wave transmission and transformation, and what ramifications this has on the local environment within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Philosophers are interested in parapsychology because evidence of PSI phenomenon would specifically prove or disprove many of their traditional arguments about their beliefs or the beliefs of others.

Psychologists would be interested in parapsychology because of the implications about the nature of the mind, its patterns, and the overall impact that these things would have on perception and personality.

Theologians have a stake in parapsychology because they tend to be interested in what profound meaning that these events might hold in connection with any spiritual experience that they, or others, may obtain.

So, why is this article entitled “Science or Pseudoscience?” So that we can define the sharp contrast between the true research and experiments that parapsychologists perform and the attempts of the glory hounds in the media who simply want their “fifteen minutes of fame.” Since we have already defined most of the fields of science that parapsychologists rely on we can now take this opportunity to define what pseudoscience is.

The word “pseudo” means fake, and the best way to spot a fake is to know as much as possible about the issue at hand, which in this case is science. Many times, because of the incredulous nature of “ghost hunters” on TV, in the movies, etc. fantasy infiltrates the areas where science should be. The media bombardment of sheer nonsense and fantasy gives the misinformed a proverbial soapbox to stand on so that they can proclaim their subjective opinion to be true facts. Trying to separate the true scientific facts from this misinformed opinion is not as hard as it sounds; it simply takes a bit of research. Pseudoscience is actually fairly easy to spot – once you know what to look for.

Pseudoscience within any subject displays a remarkable indifference to proven fact and almost any degree of valid evidence. Many pseudoscience authors simply make up “facts” from their own subjective opinion where necessary instead of actually consulting legitimate reference works or investigating their subjects directly. For the most part, Pseudoscientists never present any valid scientific evidence to support their claims. Once their “work” is published it is almost guaranteed to never be revised. The first edition of most of these types of books is almost always the last.

The “research” of the pseudoscientist is invariably exegesis. Generally, the pseudoscientist relies on hearsay, opinion, and other sources of misinformation. A pseudoscientist never makes an independent investigation to check their sources, which are taken at face value. The misinformation is then used as evidence to support the bogus claims of the pseudoscience author.

Pseudoscience authors also tend to rely heavily on subjective validation which makes their “information” akin to a Rorshach ink blot test; meaning that the data is subject to personal interpretation not scientific validation. Pseudoscience authors do not pursue the ever changing facets of science as they are more comfortable relying on vague, obscure or ambiguous sources of information so that their mistakes and outright deception may not be as readily noticed.

Pseudoscience usually gets the attention of people by proposing a hypothesis. The hypothesis is usually something which appeals emotionally, morally or ideologically and is for the most part, spectacularly implausible. From there the author of the hypothesis looks only for items which appear to support the hypothesis. In this situation all conflicting or contradictory evidence to the hypothesis will be ignored. In overall terms, the aim of pseudoscience is to rationalize strongly held beliefs and / or opinions rather than to investigate and research certain subjects of interest.

We can now take a look at some of the other tenants of pseudoscience so that we can better identify fact from fiction.

PSEUDOSCIENCE:

Always avoids putting its claims to a meaningful test.
Pseudoscientists never follow up to validate their claims, research or experiments.
Does not progress.
Explanations of phenomenon tend to be by scenario rather than by scientific processes.
Results obtained cannot be reproduced or verified.
Writings tend to be more opinion than verified fact.
Failures are ignored, lied about, explained away, rationalized, avoided and forgotten at all costs.
No physical phenomena or processes are ever found, noticed, studied or validated in any way.

Why did I write all of this on the subject of pseudoscience? My reasoning behind this was for the reader to be able to easily differentiate what they are reading as science instead of an opinion or, even worse, bogus “facts."

An Introduction to Modern Parapsychology

There are many thoughts on what Parapsychology is however, the “textbook” definition of parapsychology is “…the scientific study of events within the human experience that have yet to be explained, in a satisfactory manner, by traditional or conventional science as pertains to paranormal events and psychic phenomenon.” It is a common misconception that parapsychologists are psychic or are psychoanalysts. This is not true, and unfortunately, due to popular media, many people who hear the word parapsychologist think that we are entertainers, astrologers, psychic readers, or the like. Reality would contradict this thought in that parapsychologist are trained persons with a scientific interest in explaining various psychic phenomenon and corporeal manifestations that take place in the world around us that conventional science has failed to adequately explain.

As the obvious suggests, the disciplines of psychology and parapsychology have certain aspects in their respective fields that they commonly strive for. As an etymological lesson, psychology derives from the Greek root psyche which is literally translated as soul or mind. Logos, also a Greek root word, means rational discussion. Hence we have a rational discussion of the mind and its workings.

Now that we understand what the root meaning of the word psychology is, the following definitions of psychology shed meaning on the overall view of the subject: “Psychology pertains the scientific study of experience and behavior, and the science of behavior and mental processes – of reason, action and reaction.”

The prefix para also comes from a Greek root which means “alongside or beyond.” Parapsychology can be defined as the study of “…the apparent anomalous behavior, manifestation and experience that exist apart from currently known, traditional scientific explanatory mechanisms.”

So, what does the study of this “rational discussion of the mind that goes beyond” traditional scientific investigation mean? To begin with, we will find that the long held belief that the world of the subjective (the intangible here and now) and the world of the objective (tangible within the manifested world) are definitively separated. Some say that there is no overlap of the two experiences, which is wholly untrue. Human experience has taught us differently. This is where the parapsychologist enters into the picture. Parapsychologists in general do not subscribe to the belief of black and white areas of consciousness and manifestation. We look to that “gray” area in between, where the tangible and intangible overlap. This overlapping of the two areas causes an experience that falls between the figurative dividing lines of the two experiences. This would render the experience not wholly objective nor is it wholly subjective. From a scientific perspective this type of experience would be called anomalous because it can not be explained with traditional scientific models.

Paranormal Investigators vs. Ghost Hunters

In my own personal opinion I don’t like the term “ghost hunt” very much due to the fact that what is suggested – hunting – which is an implication of what we do. By definition the word hunt means “to chase game for sport” and “to hound in pursuit of game.” The very definition of the word suggests that we are chasing our “game” for sport and that we are struggling to capture whatever it is that we are looking for. We want our work to be reliable, credible and accurate. We don’t want to “hunt,” we want to investigate.

It should also be noted here that true parapsychology IS NOT the study of anything concerning or connected with UFOs, Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, paganism, vampires, occultism, the gothic underground, alchemy, witchcraft, new age studies, Reiki, magic or anything of that nature. Unfortunately, because there are others who have, for their own reasons (usually money and entertainment), tried to “devolve” and sensationalize parapsychology into some of the above mentioned pseudo-sciences most scientists are very suspicious, if not outright skeptical, of parapsychology. Because of this “sensationalized image” that has been thrust upon parapsychology many scientists more often than not will associate parapsychology with mysterious phenomenon, fringe topics, and other such incredulous entertainment topics which is looked to for its mysticism and dark entertainment style for the curious. This inappropriate link between a legitimate scientific field and fringe groups does not stop there. Because of the various incorrect stereotyping that now takes place in many people’s minds parapsychologists have been associated with psychic entertainers, tarot and palm readers, crystal gazers, Spiritualists and the like.

Generally, the study of parapsychology will fall into three primary classes which are: ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), PK (Pyschokinesis), and Haunting Phenomenon. The main focus of this book will be on the latter subject, and although this book focuses on paranormal investigation and haunting phenomenon there are other topics within the realm of parapsychology that make up the composite of the subject. Although the focus here falls on a singular subject within the three main areas of parapsychology, remember, this book is not your typical “ghost hunters guide” that is filled with opinion that is far from fact. Books that fall into the latter category do not encompass the whole of the subject, only the author’s feelings, which tend to be subjective and at times emotional rather than factual and rational.

Some of the topics that modern Parapsychologists focus their scientific study on are:

Extra Sensory Perception Pyschokinesis Haunting Phenomenon

Clairvoyance Telekinesis After Death Communication
Out-of-Body Experience Apports Ghost PhotographyPrecognition Levitation Electronic Voice PhenomenonTelepathy Apports
Psychic phenomenon (Psi) Bioelectric Manifestations (ghosts)

Some of the topics that Parapsychologists DO NOT focus on are:
New Age Studies Reiki Aura Reading / Healing
Government Conspiracy Bigfoot / Cryptozoology Time SlipsPast Life Regression Hypnotism Divination
Remote Viewing Religious Phenomenon Faith Healing UFOs Mediumship

Insight into Parapsychology - An Unaccepted Science

It has already been stated that one area of parapsychology deals with the scientific study, research, and investigation of the potential of the existence of ghosts. These activities are, by and large, an unaccepted field of practical and applied science that has been designed to not only aid in the explanation of and give exposure to paranormal events, but to also expand the level of human experience that we are presently open to. The latter phrase, the human experience, is the whole of why parapsychologists do what we do - to better understand the human experience that is considered to be a paranormal event. The whole of the event is based on human perception, so even though all of the technical toys are a necessary and integral part of ghost hunting they do not replace the main reason for it all - our experience of what happens.

I say parapsychology is a “practical science” because although, for the greater portion of the time we do not deal with “hard” or tangible data, the field of parapsychology utilizes and works in accordance with many various aspects of “traditional” science, usually on more than one level. This may sound like a lot of technical hype, but don’t let it throw you, its not as complicated as it sounds. Parapsychology is also viewed as an “applied science” because of the real-world uses of many of the aspects in the field work as well as its ability to touch our own personal life situations.

Although parapsychology has been accepted in Europe for many years as a legitimate science we are now beginning to see that many people in Western societies are beginning to accept ghost hunting and parapsychology because of the degree that these things can touch our lives, but I must warn you there are some people who will still doubt you, or even possibly criticize you for what you are reading right now. Over the years I have run into many people with many different opinions and things to say about parapsychology and ghost hunting, most of which was fairly positive because of their genuine interest, however, as I said there are others that no matter how you may try to reason with them they will refuse to accept anything that you say. Thankfully, these persons are few and far between. To understand why some people take this view we have to get into that kind of mind set, the psychology of why they think that way.

There are three main reasons why many persons do not accept parapsychology as a “science.” The first is due to the lack of tangible data - many persons find it hard to accept anything that they can not experience via their five senses, they want concrete evidence. Unquestionable proof in almost any theoretical field is almost impossible. Also, because many of us have been raised, as most others in modern western society have been, we accept as being real only the things which we can experience through our five senses - i.e. - touch, taste, feel, see, or hear. However, this is a contradiction to our own standard. This contradiction can be looked at in this way: although we can not see the electricity that runs our appliances, the radio waves that bring the sounds to our speakers, the microwaves that cook our food, the x-rays that take pictures of our bones and organs, we still readily accept them in our everyday lives as a common facet of our existence. We know how to utilize them and they are there when we need them. Even though we can not grasp these forces and hold them in our hands we still accept them as being there because we know that when we utilize them there is a certain predictable result or outcome that will happen when we put these forces to work.

The second reason for this lack of acceptance is because of credibility. Too many times there are people who will claim to be “ghost hunters” or “paranormal investigators” that actually have no training or experience in the field what-so-ever. I am not saying that not knowing about something is wrong, not at all, we must all study a subject before we can understand it, but claiming to know about something and not actually having that knowledge - lying about it - is. When someone intentionally makes false statements about their knowledge of ghost hunting or parapsychology this too damages the reputation of persons who are making a sincere attempt to research this field and understand it from a certain scientific standard. The field of parapsychology is still in its infancy and, as it is in such a state, there are still many theories being tested and experiments being carried out to try to understand something that is larger than ourselves. This is the main focus of this book - to educate you about a specific facet of parapsychology - ghost hunting - in a manner that is fun and easy to understand so that by the time you are finished reading this book you will come away with a greater deal of accurate knowledge than you had began with.

The final reason many people do not accept parapsychology is actually intertwined with the reason above. Often time’s people will allow their faith or beliefs to infiltrate their scientific work. This undermines the credibility of the investigation as well as the credibility of the person because now the person becomes mentally and emotionally involved with what they want to see. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having your own personal faith and beliefs but I would strongly encourage those who wish to make a career out of parapsychology, or at least a serious effort to study parapsychological phenomenon, not to intermingle your personal beliefs with your scientific work.

Although it had been briefly discussed earlier I would like to reiterate a thought here: When you went to the bookstore I am sure that you have seen, often enough, that books on the field of parapsychology (if there are any) are usually lumped in with books on UFO’s, psychic powers, bigfoot, occult philosophy and new age study. These are also fields that are not widely accepted by the general populace as they are considered by most to be “fringe topics.” These subjects are generally viewed in this fashion due to their unproven and intangible nature as well as “the Western mindset” which was mentioned earlier. As such, many persons are ignorant of many of the subjects contained in those books and refrain from researching and understanding them because of a constrictive standard of social judgment.

Science or Pseudoscience? The Truth about Parapsychology

As it has already been amply commented upon in the above paragraphs, one of the main reasons that parapsychology is not well received in the larger portion of the scientific community is because of lack of credibility. Now, lets get technical for a second. To set the record straight it should be known that as a true parapsychologist we have to be trained to understand, utilize, and adhere to many various fields and laws of science such as physics, thermodynamics, chemistry, quantum mechanics, theoretical physics, electromagnetic theory and law, biomagnetic function, wave function, electromagnetic transference, the space / time continuum, astronomy, geophysics, geography, topography, subatomic particulate matter and function, cartography, biology, anthropology, biochemistry, history, psychology, anatomy, statistics, probability, and logic. Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry about it, it only sounds complicated. I tried to tie up all of the technical stuff so that all you will have to do is sit down, kick back, relax, and read on. I have done my best to convert the information into a useful easy to understand form that you can put to use right away…and, if nothing else you can use information on these subjects to impress your friends and influence people…well, that may not work either so I think it would be best if I just stick to what I know…the parapsychology stuff. It may interest you to know why some of the more scientific minded persons in the community would be interested in parapsychology. To that end I offer this bit of information:

Anatomists would want to understand where these “anomalous” experiences are generated from, how we receive them, and why.

Biologists would be interested because any type of PSI activity found in the brainwaves would imply the existence of additional, untapped methods above and beyond the limitations of our five senses.

Neurologists would want to know why the events occur, what the trigger for the events is, the patterns of the events, the degree of recurrence, what causes and / or creates their function within the body, and where they are generated.

Physicists are interested because of the various implications dealing with the space/time continuum, energy wave transmission and transformation, and what ramifications this has on the local environment within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Philosophers are interested in parapsychology because evidence of PSI phenomenon would specifically prove or disprove many of their traditional arguments about their beliefs or the beliefs of others.

Psychologists would be interested in parapsychology because of the implications about the nature of the mind, its patterns, and the overall impact that these things would have on perception and personality.

Theologians have a stake in parapsychology because they tend to be interested in what profound meaning that these events might hold in connection with any spiritual experience that they, or others, may obtain.

Why is this section entitled “Science or Pseudoscience?” So that we can define the sharp contrast between the research and experiments that parapsychologists perform and the attempts of the glory hounds in the media who simply want their “fifteen minutes of fame.” Since we have already defined most of the fields of science that parapsychologists rely on we can now take this opportunity to define what pseudoscience is.

Pseudoscience usually displays a remarkable indifference to proven fact and almost any degree of valid evidence. Many pseudoscience authors simply make up “facts” from their own subjective opinion where necessary instead of actually consulting legitimate reference works or investigating their subjects directly. For the most part, Pseudoscientists never present any valid scientific evidence to support their claims. Once their “work” is published it is almost guaranteed to never be revised. The first edition of most of these types of books is almost always the last.

Pseudoscience authors also tend to rely heavily on subjective validation which makes their “information” akin to a Rorshach inkblot test meaning that the data is subject to personal interpretation not scientific validation. Pseudoscience authors do not pursue the ever changing facets of science as they are more comfortable relying on vague, obscure or ambiguous sources of information so that their mistakes and outright deception may not be as readily noticed.

We can now take a less intense look at some of the other tenants of pseudoscience so that we can better identify fact from fiction.

PSEUDOSCIENCE:

Always avoids putting its claims to a meaningful test.
Pseudoscientists never follow up to validate their claims, research or experiments.
Does not progress.
Explanations of phenomenon tend to be by scenario rather than by scientific processes.
Results obtained cannot be reproduced or verified.
Writings tend to be more opinion than verified fact.
Failures are ignored, lied about, explained away, rationalized, avoided and forgotten at all costs.
No physical phenomena or processes are ever found, noticed, studied or validated in any way.

Why did I write so much on the subject of pseudoscience? My reasoning behind this was for the reader to be able to easily differentiate what they are reading as science instead of an opinion or, even worse, bogus “facts.”

As I was writing this book I found that there are several prominent, scientifically minded persons in the field of parapsychology who feel that all of this information, research and work in this book is simply too much of an effort to put forth so that people can be educated on the subject of parapsychology and actively enjoy paranormal investigations. Obviously enough, I don’t share that view. I want everyone who reads this book to come away with a better understanding of the world around them, even if we do get “intangible results.”

As for those would-be scientists who would seek to limit the activity of others who are genuinely interested in ghost hunting and say that it can not be enjoyed by everyone, I know that they would rather safely stick to mainstream science whose many theories have been proposed and laws have been proven.

When I was first starting out in the field of parapsychology there was a specific “doctor” in the field who said that I shouldn’t be involved with parapsychology unless I had a college degree in crisis management, grief counseling, theology, or some other sort of similar diploma. Then this same “doctor” said that there were too many “uneducated loose cannons” performing parapsychology work.

He then had the audacity to contradict himself in the same breath and suggest that in order for me to continue performing work in the field of parapsychology that I should take his course and be certified by him so that I had his official seal of approval. Needless to say, he wanted $1,300.00 to certify me. His position on the certification matter was that if they didn’t certify me that there were no other organizations that were competent enough to do so. It was either his way or the wrong way.

Naturally I didn’t appreciate the condescending attitude and I continued my search. Eventually I found another organization who offered the same degree of credibility (possibly better), the same information, and the same certificate for substantially less. The point here is that if anyone tells you that their way is the only way you should move on.

Getting back on track, there are some people who would rather take the safe and well-trodden path rather than create their own path by trying to prove untested theories by pioneering the field through research, so I must commend you for your willingness and open-mindedness in adventuring into the field of parapsychology. It must be remembered that these people who seek to curb the enthusiasm of new comers and limit their activities also tend fear new ideas by others who may either have a better idea, a different point of view, or who may prove them wrong on some of their own ideas. Guidance and suggestions for those who are starting out is fine, but to seek to control or even eliminate them from a specific activity or interest is not. My thought is that no matter how long you have been doing something or have interested been in a subject everyone has something to offer.

Speaking of various mindsets, I would like to touch on the field of psychology for a moment. I have found that in order for many people, especially those who hold an intensely critical view of what paranormal investigators do, to accept parapsychology, its principles and its foundations, they would either have to have a life altering paranormal experience with a ghost or they would have to reorganize their intellectual structure as well as their sense of reality. That being so, it is far more comfortable for those persons to be ignorant and uninformed on the subject matter. Thus, the thought “if I can’t see it, it must not be there” would apply, as ignorance is bliss. This mentality also seems to act as a strong piece of psychological “armor” in the arsenal of the complex human system of mental defense.

The thought behind the phrase “ignorance is bliss” is that if the mind is uninformed on a subject, it can not comprehend the subject, but once knowledge is attained the burden of that knowledge will persist within the mind whether it is on a conscious level or a subconscious level. For many people it is easier for them to wear their metaphoric “psychological blinders” and scoff at what they do not understand. The well documented Austrian psychoanalyst Wilhelm Reich (1897 - 1957) commented on this state of mass stigmatism and termed this psychological mindset of tunnel vision as the “emotional plague.”

I admit that we have delved into the field of psychology a bit soon in the chapter and that it may, for those who don’t practice or study psychology on a regular basis, may be a bit extraneous at this time. However, these facts do include a relevant point on the discussion as to why some people either do not (or will not) accept that ghostly manifestations do occur. Although most people don’t want to admit it, we have all had something happen to us at some point in our lives that we couldn’t logically explain. These unexplainable events are easier to accept (not to mention far more comforting) if we relegate them to something that we can create a basis of logic for.

Moving from the human experience to the technical point of view you are now armed with the above knowledge about an experience that most parapsychologists and ghost hunters eventually face at some point. This experience usually entails meeting someone who will attempt explain away, via logical or illogical reasoning, what may be “tangible” evidence of a ghost in a photograph. They may say that it is just dust or moisture on the lens or something floating about in the air.

On occasion, the orbs that we see in photographs are just that, dust or moisture. In a later section you will learn how to differentiate between these false spirit orbs and real spirit orbs so that you can use your knowledge to explain to others the glaring differences between the dust and water orbs and a real spirit orb. By that time you will also learn how to explain the mechanics of certain paranormal situations, how statistics and probability become a factor, and how other scientifically researched factors and variables come into play. Even with this wealth of knowledge you will eventually run into some persons who feel that any photographic flaw, irregularity, or error is “proof” of a haunting. As scientists we must walk a fine line of discretion and good judgment when it comes to these matters.

You will find that it is much harder for any skeptic to argue against a case when there is other physical data present to back up the photographic evidence. This data comes in the form of Ion counts, EMF readings, temperature readings, humidity readings, geologic samples, astronomical trends, static field readings, radiation readings, and so on. This is where we come to our ultimate purpose - for the reader to not only have an accurate understanding of the subjects and procedures that are utilized but to also gain the ability to carry out a intelligent, logical, rational, and scientific field investigations with the ability to obtain tangible data results backed up by other “hard” technical data.

Investigations, especially when backed up by hard technical data are a strong case in favor of the existence of ghosts. For anyone to be able to conceptualize any of these thoughts into a rational, logical, and cohesive form we must understand, as well as accept, the thought that “truth” or “reality” in any matter that confronts us is relative to the perception of the individual. What this means is that reality is what we understand it to be. To that end there are many factors that come into play: social background, religious faith, world view, personality, and the abstract, intangible mechanics of the human psyche. Our view of reality, as humans, is subjective. The perceived nature of any paranormal event wholly depends on the point of view of the person perceiving the event that is taking place.

The Origins of Ghosts

Death. It’s the end of our life and thusly the end of our conscious physical existence. This is what most of us have been taught to believe from the time of our birth. However, throughout history mankind has asked “Is this eternal finale really the end?” Many times when we have a paranormal experience we accept it under the façade of our mind playing tricks on us, that we are overtired, or some other similar pretense that we can easily and comfortably assure ourselves of. Paranormal experiences happen to people more often than they would be comfortable knowing about. This is not to say that every event that we can not readily explain should be called paranormal. On the contrary - we should view all potential paranormal events with a skeptical eye until we find that there is no other plausible or logical explanation for what has taken place. Most paranormal events take place just out of range of human perception, but there are times, because the fields of existence border each other so closely, that they intermingle with each other. Barring religious and philosophical arguments we must look to physics and physiology to explain, at least in part, what happens when a ghostly manifestation takes place.

In order to better understand how a ghost manifests we must start with the basics - a rudimentary look at our own physiology. Recalling high school Biology you may already know that when your heart beats it pumps blood throughout the circulatory system so that it may deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body while removing wastes and toxins. What you may not know is that the human heart, during the process of this natural rhythmic cycle, also produces a regulatory 60 Hertz (Hz) bioelectric pulse. Your brain also produces a similar 60 Hz bioelectric pulse that is distributed throughout the body via the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system. What does this have to do with ghosts? Essentially, everything and here’s why.

The First Law of Thermodynamics which is paraphrased here states that: “…energy can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed…” This would mean, in a sense, that the 60 Hz bioelectric impulses from your heart and brain cannot be destroyed; only changed. When this transformation occurs, which is typically understood to be at the time of physical death, the Second Law of Thermodynamics takes effect. The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that “…energy is dispersed from a core source and will radiate outward in a symmetrical pattern until acted upon.” In light of this, human energies upon death of the physical body generally disperse in a natural manner in accord with the Second Law of Thermodynamics and nothing more occurs within the process. However, there are times when the energy leaves the body upon physical death and does not disperse as dictated by the Second Law. These exceptions are the origins, the very beginnings of a ghost. In the cases where the Second Law has been circumvented and the circumstances for anomalous creation is right, we must then identify the Genesis Mechanism. That is, what caused the ghost to be in that particular place? Death? Love? Unfinished business? Damnation? The reasons for debating why ghosts “come back” to haunt a place are almost as varied and heavily argued as the existence of ghosts themselves.

After reading the latter portion of the article about the First Law you may be thinking that it sounds as if everyone who dies becomes a ghost. That is not the case at all as the Second Law of Thermodynamics prohibits that sort of event from occurring in most situations. Because of almost infinite variables the circumstances are right for only a relatively small percentage of human energies to actually become ghosts. In the situations where the circumstances are right and the energies do amass to a great enough degree to generate a fragment of consciousness they are generally found to be bound by a linear association near the place of physical death. This means that although true ghosts are free-roaming entities, manifesting and moving about as they please, they are still “bound” in a sense to a certain place where their energy resides or is tied to, which is usually the place where the Genesis Mechanism occurred. This is not a physical binding obviously, as a ghost is comprised of bioelectric energy. Rather it is a case of covalent electron bonding where the ghost’s energy has become a part of that place or object due to an electron deficit or a negating of a valence field, hence the ability to use EMF meters effectively. This bonding can be considered to be a secondary effect which has been created by the primary cause, the Genesis Mechanism. The binding of a ghost to a certain place is a double-sided concept. Although the Genesis Mechanism causes the ghost to be “placed” within a certain geographic location the actual bonding of the entity to that place is performed entirely through the covalent bonding of the ghost’s energy to that place. Ghosts are also “bound” in a sense by their own fragments of consciousness. Like humans, ghosts are creatures of habit and when the fragment of consciousness again becomes self-aware they think that they are who they were in life and usually tend to carry on as if they were still living. This means that their memories and personality would also carry over with their energies and they would then tend to have the same habits and personality traits that they did in life.

Over time a ghost’s energy may dissipate to a point where the consciousness fades and it is no longer self-aware. In this state the ghost’s energy may lie dormant until its cell is disturbed or reactivated. Disturbance of the energies is a relatively straightforward action that obviously creates enough of a change in the energy of the surrounding environment to “awaken” the ghost’s consciousness. Reactivation, however, requires a trigger mechanism to act as a catalyst. Unlike a Genesis Mechanism a trigger mechanism is a bit trickier to define as they are innumerable and almost impossible to predict as each situation is unique and has its own set of specific circumstances and variables. As with the Genesis Mechanism these triggers are highly variable and can range from intangible energy such as emotional stresses and extremes to physical acts such as trauma and violence. What all of the previous information in this article points to is that under the right circumstances the bioelectric energy within the human body coupled with a Genesis Mechanism and the physics of the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics can potentially lead to the creation of an anomalous bioelectric manifestation – a ghost.

Even with the strong evidence presented in this article, as well as that found throughout Haunted Times Magazine, there will always be skeptics. With the mounting tide of accurate scientific research, the data compiled continues to support the existence of ghosts. This burden of evidence supports the continued scientific efforts in the field of paranormal research. The various works in this magazine hold true to the scientific vision of that burden.

Can a Ghost Follow Me Home?

One of the most frequently asked questions that are raised in the college parapsychology classes that I teach. There is a simple answer behind the question but more importantly within the text of this article I will be able to provide an explanation as to why I have arrived at the conclusion that I have. In this article we will utilize physics, psychology and logic to deduce a conclusion to the question posed as the title of this article.

Physics and Energy

First, let’s begin with the question of energy. A ghost, being composed of a bioelectric field that was once part of a living, physically manifested human is still subject to the laws of physics. We know that the First Law of Thermodynamics, paraphrased, states that “energy can neither be created nor destroyed.” When the physical body dies and the biochemical breakdown of the physical structure has been initiated the energy from the human body – the 60 Hz bioelectric pulse created by the heart and distributed throughout the body by the central and peripheral nervous system – is not destroyed at the time of death. Rather, the Second Law of Thermodynamics takes over and the energy is released and redistributed into the local environment through covalent bonding. It is, however, a primary point of interest to paranormal investigators when the Second Law of Thermodynamics is circumvented. When the bioelectric field can not disperse it coagulates in the local atmosphere until such time as it then becomes self-aware again.

This bioelectric field – a ghost – is now subject to a different set of physics laws than the living. Rather than having to adhere to the laws that govern physically manifested beings and objects the ghost must now conform to the laws of physics as they apply to energy. The first and most obvious physical limitation that is placed on a being that is comprised of a bioelectric energy field is the Law of Conservation of Energy. The basic premise of this law is that energy behaves in a manner that will allow it to conserve its charge, a self preservation instinct for the inanimate field, if you will. This unconscious self-preservation by the energy field limits the ghost’s ability to roam freely over long distances. Essentially a ghost, much like a car, can only go so far before it runs out of gas – or in terms of a ghost – energy. This is a very serious physical hindrance to the ability of a ghost to roam freely and follow people at will. If a ghost were to deplete its energies so severely in an attempt to follow someone home it would very much be akin to virtual suicide. Their energies would deplete and they would fall into a state of dormancy where their energies would continue to deplete (through the Second Law of Thermodynamics) until the bioelectric field that comprised them was completely void.

Psychology

If a ghost is indeed a sentient being it would have to make the decision to follow a particular person home – which would be very much like following a random stranger home and just walking into their house. Generally, humans are creatures of habit and if the currently accepted theory is correct, the personality remains intact beyond physical death. If this is indeed true the ghost would have to go against the apprehensions of following a complete strange home, override the sense of security that would come from staying in a familiar place and leave their commonly accepted temporal boundaries to follow this person home. This thought, that a bioelectric anomaly would follow someone home for no reason, would unquestionably go against many tenants of human psychology.

Additionally, ghosts need an anchor, a point of attachment as most humans do – a place to call home. Ghosts don’t tend to be nomadic, wandering from one place to the next as if they were a homeless person or a drifter. This point of attachment would be a place that they would also derive energies from to support their bioelectric field, usually a place that they invested a great deal of time and energy in – either good or bad – such as a home or other place that they would have frequently been involved with. The ideas presented in the last few sentences raise another question: that of reasoning. WHY would a ghost follow someone home? What is the motivation? Again, relying on psychology, we would find that this pattern of logic would not fall in line with the commonly accepted infrastructure of human psychology. I should interject here that I can already hear some individuals bemoaning that a ghost is no longer a person and that the rules of human psychology do not apply. Indeed, it is true that when physical death occurs the laws by which the individual or entity must abide do change from manifested matter to that which is governed by the laws of energy, however the commonly accepted belief that the mental state of the ghost, the personality and memories, survive beyond the death of the physical body. In that idea, the survival of the personality and mental faculties of an individual beyond physical death would allow the processes and methodology of psychology as it pertains to humans to legitimately apply.

Finally, we have to take a look within ourselves. Why do we believe that a ghost would follow us home? Is it because we have a subconscious fear that we have violated some sort of natural or moral laws by crossing over an unseen boundary into the realm of the dead? Do we fear the unknown that is concealed within the darkness? Perhaps it is the belief in that which lurks on the outer fringes of our imagination in the realms of superstition, supernatural retribution and other primeval fears that have been laid upon us by both society and religion since the time when we were brought into this world. In any of these instances there are a number of extenuating variables that could explain why some individuals may believe that a ghost would want to follow them home but rather than cover those ideas in detail here, as each case should be examined on an individual basis to complete a proper assessment, I will allow the generalities presented in this paragraph to suffice as a general explanation.

Logic

Many of the ideas presented in this article thus far have hinged on the thought that the psychological functions and the personality of an individual survive beyond physical death. The logic behind these ideas is that the “life spark” of an individual is the regulated 60 Hz bioelectric energy pulse created by the heart each time it beats. This energy as previously stated, in accordance with the First Law of Thermodynamics “can neither be created nor destroyed, only transformed.” When the physical body dies it is, in a sense, destroyed, however the energies within the body such as the bioelectric field remains in tact as the First Law of thermodynamics would demonstrate. The survival of this bioelectric field would also facilitate the survival of another integral component it would need to continue its own existence: the mind. The mind and personality, being inextricably linked, would make conscious decisions so that the “entity” would be able to exponentially increase its survival rate over the rudimentary natural survival instinct that it would possess should it not be able to keep its mental faculties functioning.

Another point made in the previous paragraph, the rudimentary natural survival mechanism, a psychological and physiological instinct can even be witnessed in the bodily functions of someone who has been declared clinically brain dead. Even with the conscious decision making centers impacted to a point where they have been impeded to the degree of not being able to function properly the subconscious survival instinct still continues to protect the physical body and mind to the best of its ability. Both physically and mentally we are built to survive and it would not be presumptions to think that this mechanism that is such an embedded and integral part of our physical and psychological construction would continue to protect us, even if only on an instinctual level, after the physical body has ceased to exist.

Now, to funnel down the content of the previous two paragraphs, I have made the argument for the survival of the mind, personality and bioelectric field after the death of the physical body, but how does this impact the “logic” of how a ghost could follow someone home? Upon physical death, when the individual becomes an entity that we term as a ghost, they would still retain all of the traits of a human save for a physical body. In understanding that idea we could then logically deduce that after crossing from the world of the physical to the world of energy the person who has died would not receive some sort of additional abilities or “powers” simply because they have died. Unfortunately, there is no instantaneous extrication of abilities or “powers” from either an internal or external source that makes a logical allowance for some sort of radical and profound transformation of an individuals abilities where the deceased could then perform interdimensional travel, utilize wormholes, create time warps or any of the other wildly misguided sci-fi fantasy concepts that some believe to occur when an individual dies.

What is being suggested through the latter ideas is that a ghost, since they are dead, has received some sort of supernormal powers from an external source and could then physically track you down (that is barring the idea that they didn’t simply hitch a ride home with you in the car). How would this tracking down of someone take place? As suggested by some other paranormal researchers this action could be accomplished by any of the means within in a range of options that are left at the disposal and discretion of the dead such as utilizing wormholes, space-time folding, creating interdimensional warps, etc. These ideas are ignorant to the point of being insulting. The person(s) who have proposed these ideas must believe that everyone who reads their work is inanely stupid and would not understand that in order for a ghost to accomplish this type of action two points must be put into place first: (1) the ghost would have to possess an explicit, working knowledge of this type of concept and that they would have to have the ability to execute such an action and (2) in order to get from one place to another the ghost would a four point triangulation system of three spatial coordinates and a singular temporal coordinate in space to make this type operation effective.

This concept however, has apparently eluded these armchair theorists because had it not, there would have been consideration given to how ludicrous these ideas actually are. It would almost seem that they are suggesting that a manual is given to the deceased upon arrival in the afterlife by some cosmic Poindexter on how to perform time and space travel so that they can get around on the cosmic subway. Yes, I allowed my sense of derision and sarcasm to momentarily escape, but now having contained that, the point I am getting at here is that these ideas are as close to impossible as one can get. This highly improbable idea, the belief that after death an individual would arrive at some sort of cosmic revelation which would make a logical allowance for the instant infusion of phenomenal cosmic knowledge is extremely implausible at best.

To close this section of the article we will examine the only other way that a ghost could follow someone home – through tracking them down. How would this work? The deceased individual would have to have the ability to track your bioelectric signature, meaning that the ghost would have to be able to identify and follow your specific bioelectric field pattern which is, in a sense, much like a fingerprint in that it is unique to you. If a ghost were able to track an individual to their home without an invitation and a specific set of instructions (there is that sarcasm again) there would be only one way in which this could be accomplished, which would be through the afore mentioned bioelectric energy signature. Although slightly more plausible than the wormhole, interdimensional travel or space-time folding theories this idea too is at best highly implausible.

Summary

We have now examined three areas that would be directly associated with the ability of a ghost to follow someone home: physics & energy, psychology and logic. Through the vehicle of scientific inquiry we can take the information presented in this article and make a logical deduction about the subject. By compiling, comparing and cross referencing the information presented here it will be found that the probability for a ghost to follow someone home is nearly nonexistent. In nearly a decade of paranormal investigation and research that spans over 250 cases of all types neither I nor anyone on any of my investigative teams has ever had anything follow them home. It seems that most often the question of whether or not a ghost can follow a person home is usually raised by an individual who is just starting in the field of paranormal investigation. The only danger I would caution any of these interested parties about is the disappointment that may come from expecting some sort of interaction that is beyond the scope, capacity and empirical limits of the science of parapsychology.

Orbs Or Dust

Dust – the bane of the paranormal investigator. There have been many controversies over whether an “anomaly” in a photo is a real orb or just dust or some form of airborne particulate matter. This has become especially true with the advent and wide spread availability of the high megapixel digital cameras on the consumer market. It should be known that orbs are without question the most common, and most commonly mistaken, photographic phenomenon that paranormal investigators find. This is partially due in part to the high resolution of digital cameras. With the higher mega pixel ratings on cameras there is a much greater tendency to unintentionally capture dust or other airborne particulate matter such as pollen in a photograph. As convincing as these dust particles may look we can not call every semi-circular shape that is found in a photograph an orb. True orbs, by natural law of organic geometry, are the most common and simply formed of all manifested paranormal anomalies. Because of this simplicity in form there is a great deal of controversy surrounding photos with orbs in them. Orbs are the most hotly debated and most precarious little slice of life at this point in the history of paranormal investigation and although dust, water droplets, snow, pollen, water vapor, mold spores and other such material can mimic the way orbs look physically there important differences that must be carefully examined and identified before an anomaly can truly be called an orb. As a generally accepted rule there are three questions an investigator can use to determine if an orb is genuine or if it is some sort of airborne particulate matter. These are:

Is the orb in question perfectly circular? By definition an orb is a circular or sphere shaped object. If an orb in question is elliptical, oval, diamond shaped, etc. it is not a true orb.
Is the orb three dimensional? Does it stand out from its surroundings and / or have depth in the photograph? If not it is probably airborne particulate matter or something on the camera lens.
Is the orb self luminous - does it emit its own light?

Many “orbs” in paranormal investigators photos would be fortunate if they could be confirmed for at least one of the above traits. If an “orb” does not positively affirm all three traits it is not a true orb.

Classes of Orbs

HDO – High Density Orbs are the least common of the two types of orbs. Generally, these orbs are the only anomaly in a photo, are opaque (solid) in appearance and glow brightly from within. These orbs are usually of magnitudes two (2) and three (3).

LDO – Low Density Orbs are the more common of the two types of orbs and are generally what is thought of when the subject of orbs is mentioned as these can very closely resemble airborne particulate matter. The primary difference between these orbs and airborne matter is that, although they are translucent, they are light emissive. This type of orb is of a magnitude zero (0) or one (1).

Orb Magnitude

Much like stars in the night sky, orbs can be measured by their magnitude (brightness) in a photo. Although this is really only a theoretical system for classifying photographic data for investigation purposes I believe that it will prove useful for those serious enough to explore it.

The basic idea behind orb magnitude is that investigators can now classify orbs so that they may be understood in relation to events such as solar flares, geomagnetic storms, etc. so that a pattern of activity may be established. Orbs rated by magnitude will follow an ascending scale from zero (0) least bright to three (3) most bright.

A Theory about Orbs: Random Particle Sequencing (RPS)

RPS is a theory I developed during a debate about the legitimacy of orbs as paranormal phenomenon. RPS is the characteristic that I assign to an LDO that seems as if it has some sort of cellular material within the center of the orb when it is observed on a computerized photographic program. RPS only occurs in LDO due to the fact that in a HDO the emissive light and the seeming solidity of the anomaly in question do not allow for the primary characteristics of RPS to be viewed when the anomaly is captured in a photograph. These random energy patterns in an LDO are due to small numbers of electrons, which create the low level of light emission. Conversely, when the electrons in an anomaly are greater in number and are organized in a certain matrix they create a pattern that produces substantially more energy that is perceived as light when they are photographed.

Some have argued that these anomalies could still be dust or airborne particulate matter. Potentially, however unless the dust was radioactive it probably would not glow of its own accord. Dust, water vapor / droplets, pollen, mold spores and other such materials can only be photographed within a few feet of the camera which is generally the effective flash distance – any orb outside of this range that meets the three primary criteria could not be disproved by this line of reasoning. More often than not I have seen photos taken by someone that is of some sort of airborne particulate matter which they believe is an orb. When I have tried to explain, by the reasoning utilized in the three questions previously outlined, that what they have photographed is not a real orb some people have become upset and insist that it is an orb that they photographed. Some people so desperately want to believe that they have captured ghostly activity in their photo and because of this they will not listen to any logic or scientific reason that would indicate anything other than what they want to believe. If you are evaluating a photograph and the anomaly in the photo does not meet the minimum four requirements as stated above, whatever is in the photo is, almost without question, not a true orb. In order to avoid this “is it or isn’t it?” argument if someone still insists that it is an orb because it has an unusual color you may want to refer to the key below.

Yellow, Blue, or Red orbs = Pollen
Green orbs = Mold Spores
Grey orbs = Dust
White orbs = Snow, water or dust

Are “Faces” in Orbs Proof of the Paranormal?

Over the course of nearly a decade in performing paranormal research and investigation I have had numerous people insist that they see faces in some of the “spirit orbs” that they have photographed at purportedly haunted locations. Many times these individuals insist that these “faces” that they see in the photographs are proof of the paranormal activity and that these faces also indicate proof of the anomaly being a true spirit orb. Proof is a very strong word, implying unquestionable evidence that supports an idea or claim. Let’s put this “proof” to the test and see if it holds up.

As the general tenants for true orbs had been set forth in a pervious article (Orbs or Dust) we will only briefly cover the 3 basic questions for validation of a true orb. If an orb does not possess ALL three of these qualities it can not be considered to be a true paranormal anomaly.

Is it perfectly circular?
Is it three dimensional in the photograph?
Is it self-luminescent? (The light source comes from within rather than from an external source such as a camera flash)

Assuming that the investigator has eliminated all external possibilities such as dust, airborne particulate matter, etc. and checked all three of the previously mentioned factors and found that they are present we can now look to see if the “face” that an investigator sees in an authenticated orb is a proof positive indicator of a paranormal anomaly. In researching this phenomenon we will use science and psychology to arrive at a logical conclusion.

From the study of psychology we know that the human mind is “hard wired” to take sensory input information from each of the five senses and interpret it into a form that can be understood by our intellect. On occasion the mind can not find a recognized “match” for an object or scenario with which to align the sensory input – such as in the case of “faces” in orbs. When this occurs the mind mistakenly matches the sensory input to an incorrect psychological image which results in what psychologists term a Type I Error. Generally a Type I Error is found to be a psychological misinterpretation or misrepresentation of a specific item or situation and is understood as such by most people. There are, at times, individuals who can not differentiate between this error and reality. There are several psychological conditions that could be at fault which would make the error seem to have some sort of meaning when, in reality, thee is no meaning to be found or corroborated within the situation. There are three primary conditions which would potentially explain this misinterpretation of sensory information: Fantasy-proneness, Pareidolia and Apophenia.

When speaking about fantasy-proneness in a psychological or parapsychological context the phrase would refer to a type of personality construct first described by Sheryl Wilson and Theodore Barber. The term “fantasy-proneness” refers to a small percentage of the population who fantasize about various scenarios a large part of the time and who typically see, hear, smell, touch and / or fully experience what they fantasize about. This construct, created by the individual is wholly in and of their own mind. This construct differs from daydreaming in that the individual who has created the construct seeks to, by reason of subconscious psychological induction, believe that they are experiencing or have experienced the particular construct that they are creating at the time.

Pareidolia is a type of illusion that involves vague or obscure stimulus which is perceived by an individual as something that is clear and distinct in their own mind. An example of this can be found in the 2005 sale of a burnt cheese sandwich for $5,000 (U.S.) on a popular internet auction site. It was suggested by someone that the image on the burnt portion of the cheese sandwich was a manifestation of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Other examples of this are when one sees the Virgin Mary in the reflection of residue on a recently washed window pane or the face of Jesus in the rear of acid washed denim pants.

First being discovered and defined in 1958 apophenia (uh-pof-nee-uh) is the spontaneous perception of connections and meaningfulness of unrelated, mundane events. This condition is similar to pareidolia, but it is more severe in nature. The propensity to perceive connections between unrelated objects or ideas closely links this particular psychosis with creativity. It may be found that apophenia and creativity could be linked as similar processes of the same thought patterns. Research indicates that high levels of dopamine in the body affect the propensity to find meaning, patterns, significance and, in an affected person’s own perception, meaning where there is none.

This propensity is also related to a tendency to believe in significance of mundane, unrelated events and phenomenon.

All psychological illness aside it should be easy for most readers to deduce, from the information presented here, that the “faces” which are found in photographs of orbs are nothing more than random patterns that the mind is trying to interpret, categorize and find a logical pattern with which to match it up to. These random patterns that the mind interprets as “faces” do not indicate any type of paranormal connection, much less proof, that any paranormal anomaly or activity is taking place.

Footsteps in Eternity:

A Brief History of Death and Restless Spirits in the Land of the Living

The inescapable finality of death’s grasp has made this eternal danse macabe a point with which mankind has always wrestled and wished to escape. From the old tales of deals with the devil to the concoction of alchemical elixirs man has always wanted a little more time. In every era of man’s history there has always been someone trying to conceive new ways to escape, or at a minimum, extend their mortal stay in this realm.

What makes death such a universal subject is that it is the great equalizer. No matter what your station in life may be, eventually the grim reaper will come knocking. Our brief journey into mortality during this transitory experience of life forces us, at least on occasion, to contemplate our own demise. Regardless of the source, whether it is oral tradition or lengthy religious manuscripts, art or prose humans have always had a morbid curiosity with the spectacle that is death and what may potentially happen to us when we die.

Throughout recorded history, from the most ancient of sources, death and ghosts seem to have been a prevalent and integral part of many societies. A great number of these ancient non-Christian cultures were virtually ruled by a theocratic class of priests whose power rivaled, or in some cases exceeded, that of the king. Generally, in this type of socio-religious infrastructure the trend in faith tended to be polytheistic and a bit more inclined to religious and spiritual diversity. This type of religious and social structure allowed the rites of ancestor worship and Spiritism to flourish throughout the ancient world.

To support these thoughts, we know that from an historical standpoint archaeology has revealed that cultures as old as the ancient Egyptians practiced forms of ancestor worship and Spiritism. This phenomenon was not unique to the ancient Egyptians, however. There were many other societies throughout history from around the globe who participated in these of rites as well. Aside from the Egyptians, cultures such as the Norse, the Mayans, various Asiatic cultures, numerous African tribes, North American Indians and the Aborigines of Australia all practiced ancestor worship and Spiritism in one form or another.

In many of these cultures there were cults or other religious factions specifically dedicated to the care, preparation, and worship of the dead. Even in the pre-Christian Old Testament portion of the Bible spirits are mentioned and references to the dead are made. One reference, specifically, is found in the Bible book of Deuteronomy, the 18^th chapter, 10^th and 11th verses. It reads in part: “Anyone who… consults a spirit medium or foreteller of events… or anyone who inquires of the dead.” From the latter text we see that even the ancient Semitic cultures of the Middle East acknowledged that there were those in their society who consulted, spoke to, and dealt with the spirits of the dead.

Jumping ahead a millennia or so we come across a world renowned tale by a playwright from Stratford-on-Avon, England. William Shakespeare, who wrote “Hamlet”, had without question created one of the most brilliantly and complexly crafted pieces of theatrical work of all time. This masterpiece focuses centrally on the subject of death with, of course, a side order of revenge and betrayal. Throw in the ghost of a murdered Danish king, a dash of insanity, add twist of conspiracy and you have the recipe for a timeless classic tragedy. Only one problem here though, Bill. Everyone is dead at the end. Not much left here for a sequel.

Above, a French religious text of the 16^th Century depicts the rotten corpses of the dead coming to carry off a priest, a lord, a nobleman and the king. Although allegorical in context, this illustration reinforces the notion that regardless of whom you are, where you are, or what your place in life may be death does not grant exemptions.

In modern times there are still some surviving customs that have not been supplanted in the cultures of the people indigenous to certain geographical areas. An excellent example of these momento mori (remember the dead) ceremonies is “Dia de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) which is celebrated annually on November 1. The festivities of this day are primarily celebrated in Central and South America where, like many ancient indigenous rites from around the world, the ancestral spirits are thought to come back to the land of the living. These spirits must be appeased by the festivities and by the sacrifices of food, drink, and other items left in their honor. If the spirits of the dead are not pleased then misfortune will befall the community in the following year.

Today, even in cultures that do not dedicate community festivals to commemorate their dead, many still carry out elaborate funerary rites that date back several centuries. These rites include viewings of the dead, lengthy eulogies, elaborate funerary processions, and dining and social time after the burial rites have been performed – all of which are done in honor of the dead and in memoriam of their life.

Looking back over several millennia worth of documentation about the event of death, it seems that mankind has always had a need to record images and events related to death. Museums are filled with various antiquities depicting military conquests on battlefields that are littered with the corpses of those slain in battle. Some museums include funerary art, death masks, sarcophagi and other accoutrements of the final rite of passage in their collections. Strangely enough though, most of our modern ideas and imagery about the abstract idea of death comes straight out of the European Dark Ages. The macabre imagery and representations of death in medieval Europe, such as the skeleton, a rotting corpse and the grim reaper have not been superseded in our modern times by any other symbols.

Even the early classical images of death are collages of symbols which hold specific meanings to both the conscious and subconscious mind. The garb of death, the black mourning robe, was first referenced in the early fifteenth century. The cloak that the grim reaper is so often depicted as wearing is very similar to the robes of the priest or monk who would be officiating during the last rites at the death bed.

In ancient Greek mythology Chronos, whose name literally means “time,” was the king of the Gods and the father of Zeus. The role of Chronos was a dual one as he was also known as the harvest god Cronus. Because of the duality in the roles that were played out by this deity he was aptly named Father Time due to his close association with the seasons and his paternal role in the Greek pantheon.

The three Greek words that were originally related to the deity and his stations were: Chronos, meaning “time,” Cronus, the god of harvest and Corone, which means “crow.” From the direct association to this deity it is little wonder that we often see a crow accompanying the grim reaper in his travels. It has also been noted that in most imagery of the grim reaper there is found a clepsydra, or hour-glass, which is another obvious symbol of time and thusly of Chronos. The hourglass is also symbolic in the thought that it represents a finite amount of time for the sand to pass from upper chamber to the lower chamber, reminding us of the brief period of time that we have.

As it was previously mentioned, the image of the grim reaper carrying a scythe is another symbolism that is directly derived from the Chronos mythology. The scythe is a symbol that tells us that death reaps the souls of both saints and sinners alike as a peasant would harvest both wheat and chaff in his field before it is taken to the threshing room to be separated. In this regard the grim reaper, much like the Chronos before him, also carries a scythe. Where the scythe of Chronos represented the autumn harvest the scythe of the reaper represents a harvest of souls.

Death, with his scythe and hourglass sitting atop the globe while a raven flies in mid-heaven.

As it has already been pointed out, the most popular representations of death have been the skeleton and the rotting corpse. While the purpose of the decomposing body is to frighten, the skeleton has a much more allegorical context. This comes in the form of a universal symbol that is eventually revealed during the process of decomposition. The skeleton has no skin, so there is no racial barrier; it has no genitals so gender connotations are left behind, and it has no material items save for its death shroud which leaves material wealth, rank, and social status out. What we are left with is the most simple and universal symbol of human mortality laid bare.

The movement to personify the idea of death was gradual, even though the basic imagery has been roughly the same for centuries. By the onset of the sixteenth century the well-known German painter Hans Holbein der Jüngere (the younger) produced a set of woodcuts. It was from the images found on these woodcuts that the familiar imagery of the robed skeleton was derived as the ultimate symbol of death. Now, placed upon his throne, this enigmatic figure had an identity and universal personification that would be recognized the world over as the representation of the abstract idea of death.

No matter what form or imagery death may arrive in, our human mortality as a race was most evident during the time period when the pandemic of the Black Plague swept across the European continent. Spreading from Asia, the Black Plague reached Italy in the spring of 1348 unleashing a rampage of death across Europe the likes of which was unprecedented in all of recorded history. By the time the plague had run its course of roughly three years an estimated twenty five percent (25%) to fifty percent (50%) of Europe's population had fallen victim to the dread pestilence.

If you can believe it, superstition about cats is what caused the start and spread of the plague. During the 1340s it was believed that cats, not just black cats, but all cats in general were bad luck and the cause of misfortune. How to solve this calamity? Simple, kill the cats. However, with most of the cats in the cities dead, rodents were free of a major natural predator and could now roam and reproduce unchecked. Ships arriving in Italian seaports from Asia carried cargo, and thusly rats. The rats had a cargo of their own: the Oriental Rat Flea. The fleas carried within them bacteria, Yersinia pestis, which was the cause of the plague. From the ports of Italy the plague spread along the trade routes throughout Europe.

The most lethal disease of the ancient world took three forms: Bubonic, Pneumonic and Septicemic. The bubonic plague was the most commonly seen form of the Black Death. The term 'bubonic' refers to the characteristic bubo or enlarged lymphatic gland. The disease began the same way in both men and women. Swelling in the groin or under the armpit which eventually grew to the about the size of an egg. In a relatively short span of time, one to seven days, these tumors spread from the groin and armpit areas to various regions on the body. Soon after this the tumors changed in color from red to black or purple. Dark colored spots also appeared on the arms or thighs, which was sign of certain death. Victims of this from of the plague were subject to headaches, nausea, aching joints, fever of 101-105 degrees, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. The mortality rate of this form of the plague was approximately 30-75%.

The pneumonic plague was the second most commonly seen form of the Black Death. This variation of the plague infected the lungs and respiratory system instead of the lymphatic glands. Symptoms included violent coughing, shortness of breath and slimy sputum tinged with blood. As the disease progressed, the mucus became free flowing and bright red, filled with blood. It should be noted that the pneumonic plague was transmitted differently than bubonic or septicemic plague. Instead of direct infection through a flea bite, as would be the case with the other two variations, the pneumonic form was transmitted through the mist sprayed from the lungs and mouth of an infected person when they would cough. The bacteria, now airborne, entered the lungs through the mouth or nose of the victim, descended the trachea and attacked the lungs and throat. The symptoms of pneumonic plague took 1-7 days to appear and the mortality rate was 90-95%.

The septicemic plague was the rarest form of the Black Death. The mortality at the time was close to 100% and even today there is no treatment. Symptoms were a high fever and skin turning deep shades of purple due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The symptoms related to the processes of DIC are severe blood loss and hypovolemia. Internal bleeding from at least 3 unrelated sites was particularly suggestive of DIC. Aside from massive blood loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure and aortic aneurysms were also common. In this most severe from of the plague victims usually died on the same day that symptoms appeared.

With the realization of our human mortality we can look back at any given point in the last few millennia and be assured that wherever the shrouded specter of death has gone, ghosts and stories of the returned dead have not been far behind. Whether we look to the resurrection of Lazarus in the Bible, in great tales performed on stage such as Hamlet, or in simple stories spun around the flickering light of a fire, ghosts have always been a central and cross-cultural theme in the mythology, folklore and legends of many world cultures.

In this nineteenth-century illustration we see a rare depiction of a ghost which is being summoned by Dr. John Dee (1527-1608). Dee was a famous mathematician, philosopher, and astrologer for Queen Elizabeth. In the illustration Dee holds a torch while psychic Edward Kelly consults with the spirit. Note that both Dee and Kelly are protected by a magic circle on the ground that is etched with various arcane symbols.

Just because ghosts lack a rich history in art does not mean that they have been forgotten. For centuries tales about the spirits of the departed have been whispered from generation to generation, becoming more embellished as time goes on. This rich oral tradition of telling ghost stories is still alive and well today, simply in a different form.

As oral tradition has turned from creative storytelling to the special effects of the silver screen the paranormal community has witnessed a monumental surge in interest. In one Gallop poll it was noted that belief in the paranormal increased from 27% in 1990 to 46% in 2004. This 19% increase over a 14 year period is due in large part to the availability and visibility that the mass media has placed on the supernatural and paranormal. As this article is being written in February 2006 it is possible to turn on the television any night of the week and find a program whose central theme is psychics, supernatural events, hauntings or other subjects along these lines. This is an apparent signal that paranormal themed movies, books, television shows and even cartoons will continue to be a marketing trend for the next few years or more.

PSI-chology: When a Paranormal Experience Isn’t

It is an unfortunate turn of events that in our modern times much of the exposure the general public has to the world of the paranormal comes in the form of television “reality” programs, or, as professional skeptic Joe Nickell termed them “crocumentaries” such as Most Haunted and the Ghost Hunters. Although these programs are wildly popular by most standards it has been noted by many serious paranormal investigators that the research, science and true skepticism that has been associated with paranormal investigation in the past by credible organizations such as the Rhine Research Lab, the SPR (Society for Psychical Research), and the PA (Parapsychological Association) has been left out all together or, at best, sensationalized and devolved into nothing more than sideshow entertainment that labels any sort of quasi-anomalous event as being paranormal.

The two worst travesties that are committed in programs such as these are that (1) although the hosts may have a brief bit of historical information about the site they continually have a complete lack of true research about the site that they are investigating and (2) they are non-scientists using scientific tools that, odds are, they have not been properly trained to use, handle or interpret. Beyond that, the buffoonery of the evening continues unabated throughout the entire program where the “investigators” pointlessly meander from room to room babbling nonsensically about their “feelings” of what they believe to be happening in the unseen world around them. (Insert pointless paranoid screaming for no reason here.) For these “investigators,” research, at even the most basic level would explain at least three quarters of the purported encounters that these self serving publicity hounds claim to experience. This is what I hear from them: Jibber Jabber, Jibber Jabber, Mumbo Jumbo, Rationalization and (on occasion) Denial.

If they were even anything close to an actual investigator they would be able to rule out when a paranormal encounter isn’t paranormal.

Perception of the Paranormal

Anomalistic Psychology was a term first suggested by Leonard Zusne and Warren Jones to indicate that part of the field of psychology specifically investigates “anomalistic” psychological phenomena. This anomalistic psychological phenomenon has been explained by most psychologists as being wholly within the perception of the experient. These events can be viewed as varying degrees of paranormal manifestation, the supernatural, magic, the occult or other such experiences which an individual may encounter. In most cases the term is also meant to include belief in UFOs, in astrology, and cryptozoology. For the purposes of the discussion, all anomalistic psychology referred to within this article will focus primarily on paranormal events.

Barring any psychological illness or other mental abnormality, it has been shown that most times when someone has a paranormal experience they “accept it” under the façade of their mind playing tricks on them, that they are over tired, or some other pretense that they can easily assure themselves of. This is a type of “hard-wired” psychological defense that protects the mind from factors that are beyond our control, factors that would otherwise induce fear. In most cases paranormal experiences happen to people more often that they would be comfortable knowing about. This is not to say that every event that we can not readily explain should be called paranormal. On the contrary - we should view all paranormal events with a skeptical eye until there is no other possible explanation for the event that has taken place.

Most paranormal events take place just out of range of human perception, but there are times, because the two fields of existence are so closely related, that they unintentionally intermingle with each other and give each side a glimpse of the other. Knowing this may make you think twice about the shadow that you saw moving out of the corner of your eye last night or your child‘s imaginary friend. In most cases, this unexpected contact between these two planes of existence is accidental and no harm is meant.

Being that the majority of these cases of contact are accidental and no harm is intended by either party, it can, in most cases, simply be dismissed without any further thought. There are some persons who are so disturbed by such an experience, especially if it is a repeated event that they will actually move from their place of residence and immediately seek lodging elsewhere. This is simply due to the factors that have been outlined in the previous portion of the discourse on the psychology of the human mind as well as the fact that the person who has had the experience, unfortunately, has no real understanding of what has happened.

Bring In the Psychics

Before we even begin to examine “media psychics” like John Edwards – those who are generally understood to be cold readers who have little or no psychic abilities but are employed for dramatics on television shows – we should clear up a very basic bit of confusion between the words psi and psychic. Due to popular media ignorance there has been some confusion between what psi is and what purported “psychics” do. The obvious difference between the two is that psi ability is understood to be a cognitive or physiological action of an intangible nature that can potentially be affected by outside stimulus. Psychic ability is dependent entirely on outside stimulus and has no environmental action to support its claims. To simplify matter this we can say that psi is an intangible force made tangible through action where psychic ability is better termed as a form mediumship where a ghost or spirit speaks to or through, gives “feelings” to or communicates in some other way with a sensitive or intuitive person who claims to have psychic abilities.

A psychic is traditionally defined as someone who is sensitive to paranormal energies and can communicate with supernatural forces; usually understood to be ghosts or deceased persons. Shocking claim: I have not worked with or found many true psychics. Why? Because most reputed psychics really don’t have the true talent or abilities necessary to be useful. Most people who claim to be psychic are merely “cold readers,” and there is a monumental difference between the two.

Cold readers are people who deduce information from “feelings,” overtly apparent points of information, environmental suggestion and information found in the environment that may be working in. This “information” is then relayed to others who, without the benefit of research, consider the “information” given to them by the psychic as significant and true. Although the “psychic” may not intend on deceit, this unintentional misinformation, or at best seriously inaccurate information, can hinder the investigation by…you guessed it – the power of suggestion.

A true psychic may get a limited amount of information this way, as we all do. However a true psychic would intuitively know facts about the area, place, event, item, etc. without any prior contact or research. To tie the above statements together in this portion of the discussion I would like you to consider, before you work with someone who claims to be psychic, whether their accuracy is above a level that would rule out random chance above and beyond the laws of probability. If they are only right about places, events, etc. roughly one third of the time (about 33%) or less the person is probably a cold reader and not a true psychic.

Zener cards can aid you in making a determination on whether someone has true psychic abilities or if they are just a reader. The Zener cards have five (5) basic designs on them, which means that any person will have a random probability one (1) in five (5) chance of getting a hit which is equal to about 20%. Also, depending upon the claims of the psychic, either the chair test or the book test may give strong indicators of a person’s psychic abilities.

Another more basic test is simply asking that person if they are willing to have their abilities verified in a controlled lab setting. Usually, if someone is a fraud they will not want to take any tests nor have their abilities verified in any way. Someone like this will probably make excuses as to why they can not or will not verify their abilities. Some reluctantly will take the test but will get more misses than hits when overall probability is factored in. These too will make excuses as to why they could not perform properly, but will still endorse their “abilities.” Be wary of these types of people as you probably do not want to utilize their “talents” on investigations.

Most people who claim to have psychic abilities actually only have mild intuitive instincts or are environmentally sensitive at best. Some of these people who have a rudimentary sensory ability deceive both themselves as well as their audience by merely “reading” them rather than making any true revelations. The sad fact is that’s about the extent of most purported psychic’s “abilities.” From a scientific vantage point anyone can claim to have psychic abilities because they know that most people either do not know how to check these abilities against statistics and probability or can not do so. People who truly do have some sort of ability usually welcome the opportunity to have their abilities verified by a legitimate organization.

The Question of True Psychic Ability

Is it really possible to communicate with the dead through the thoughts and feelings of the living? Skeptics say no, believers say yes and scientists say…well, science is still sharply divided on the subject and has given no overall consensus favoring one side or the other - although “reports” favoring both sides abound.

Experts who deal with psychic phenomenon believe that the dead speak to psychics in a manner similar to telepathy. Scientifically, this means is that if the previous theory is true, ghosts involuntarily use various bands of the electromagnetic spectrum to communicate with the living, much like radio waves and a receiver.

It is believed that the human “sixth sense” is the psychic mechanism in our brain. This mechanism is the “radio receiver” that picks up and translates the “radio waves” of the ghostly communications that psychics claim to receive. Some scientists, who have performed extensive studies on the subject of these abilities and who are or have become proponents thereof, say that we are all psychic in some capacity. If the latter is true, then we must understand that:

Psychics do not discover their abilities at the same time in life
Sometimes the “discovery” of these abilities is gradual, others times it is rather sudden
Abilities can change, emerge or disappear with time, life events, etc.
Although similarities exist, each individual psychic’s abilities and sensitivities are unique
Psychic abilities are a subjective interpretation of the individual experiencing the event

It now comes down to this: the purported psychic must prove their abilities. Most people take psychics on their subjective word and on the generalities of their claims instead of attempting to verify the authenticity of their abilities. Many “psychics,” or perhaps they are better termed pseudopsychics utilize their “abilities” to make money by performing supposed clairvoyant or precognitive readings for people. Most times these people are, as we have previously discussed, merely cold readers and not true psychics.

So how do you prove psychic ability? Like any other hard-to-verify claim made by someone – you must test it. How? The abilities that a person claims to have would dictate the type of test that they would have to take.

For a “Channeler”: Get a reading from them in a place where they have never been. Research and verify the results. Repeat as necessary.
For a “Clairvoyant”: Try Zener cards or a random number generator. Random number generators, such as electronic “dice” can be found in most stores that carry educational supplies and / or electronics, or as an alternative, some random number generator programs can be downloaded from the internet. Record and compare results for hits and misses.
For a “Precognitive”: Try the chair test once or twice or, at a minimum, Zener cards. Record your results and compare.
For a “Telepath”: Try the book test on a couple of occasions using different people as the “agent.” Verify and compare results.
For ESP: Get a reading from the psychic in a place where they have never been. Research and verify the results. Repeat as necessary.

The previous list of “tests” obviously does not encompass all psychic abilities and in reality only represents the most common claims of ability types. If someone claims to have an ability that you believe may be useful, verify it. If it is an ability that is not listed above you may need to do some research on how to verify the specific types of claims the psychic is making or you may have to use some ingenuity in fabricating a process that can verify those claims. When testing a potential psychic on their abilities it should be remembered that even though their abilities are understood from a subjective point of view they should, if their abilities are true, be able to score above the allowances made by probability for chance hits.

Most people who do possess true psychic ability don’t mind being “tested,” however those who are frauds that have something to hide usually do not want to have their abilities verified and will do most anything to avoid being exposed. People such as this do what they do for two reasons: attention and money. They disproportionately sensationalize minor pseudo-psychic events and when the paying public, pumped up with the hype, comes knocking they are willing to serve up any sort of crap du jour or inane drivel that they think people want to hear. These sideshow clowns are the exact people we see on reality television making an ass of themselves in the national spotlight for a few dollars, shrieking and screaming their way throughout the set only to be forgotten before the next episode airs. Although this is basically a reiteration of what was said earlier we do not allow our investigations and activities to devolve into such a deplorable state.

A general note for all: Be wary of anyone who claims to have “psychic” superiority over others and then charge a fee to reap personal financial benefits from their self-ordained abilities. Psychics who utilize “cold reading” techniques only have a 10-20% success rate. The mantra of these frauds: “Tell them what they want to hear.” When it comes to the unseen world we are all explorers with free access and all are on equal ground. As a final point we should also remember that many people who do “psychic readings” for others are not actually psychic and generally have little or no psychic abilities. They employ divination techniques, cold reading, or another sort of deception so that they can extort monies from those who patronize their place of business. Doesn’t that make you wonder why phone psychics and others who choose to engage in activities such as this must have the disclaimer: “For entertainment purposes only” when advertising?

The Power of Suggestion

The power of suggestion can easily alter a person’s perception of an event or series of events, especially if those events are not fresh in their mind, or if that person tends to be easily led into believing something different than what they witnessed.

To illustrate, the power of suggestion was evidenced during an investigation I was on while working with a group of “ghost hunters” at a 100+ year old hotel. It was not my group; I was not in charge so I decided to use the incident as an experiment. The group had a reputed “psychic” come in and give them his impression of the situation. From his “assessment” he told the group “Each of you will feel, hear, smell, or see something paranormal tonight.” That was a mighty bold statement. There was no skepticism involved at all. The statements he made assured some sort of guaranteed contact. These thoughts alone created a group expectation, which was borderline hyper-paranoia, of what would happen rather than what could be discovered. This induced group paranoia had everyone on edge so much that every sound, movement, or perceived unusual occurrence, real or not, was considered to be the work of a ghost or other entity. Needless to say the investigation did not go as it should have. As the “investigation” (or should I say mockery thereof) progressed the group came to a room where the psychic said someone had been disemboweled in the bathtub. Later, an exhaustive search of local historic publications, newspapers and police records turned up nothing – not even a murder, let alone a disembowelment.

The psychic also said that the door to that very room would close on its own, which was more evidence of paranormal manifestations. Upon closer inspection of the door, which was well over 100 years old, it was plain to see that the door slab was warped, the frame was out-of-square and the hinges were skewed so as to make the door close on its own – not to mention that one of the hinge pins has worked itself nearly half way out of the hinge over time.

When these facts were brought to the attention of the group, the psychic was somewhat embarrassed and more than angered by this revelation. Prior to this, the group was enthralled by his ramblings and hung by his every word much like lemmings. Statements such as the ones made by the psychic “guaranteeing” some sort of paranormal manifestation are irresponsible and show a complete lack of integrity on the part of that individual. During the course of the “investigation” this individual also created some more stories and embellished others to bring a certain atmosphere for the curious to create entertainment and shock value. Acts of showmanship such as that are unprofessional and to try to sensationalize purported paranormal activity only detracts from the investigation.

Additionally, at a later point during the “investigation” the psychic fell down and had some sort of seizure he called a “choking spell” caused by “one of the spirits who died there from the smoke caused by the fire.” Surely there was a fire, but not where he claimed – the wing of the hotel that had caught fire was demolished some 60 years prior to our investigation and was on the opposite end of the grounds. He then proceeded to “send the spirit to the light” which left him both physically and psychologically exhausted. Well, I would be exhausted too after having to think all of that up and then dramatically act it out.

Fantasy-proneness

When speaking about fantasy-proneness in a psychological or parapsychological context the phrase would refer to a personality construct first described by Sheryl Wilson and Theodore Barber. The term refers to a small percentage of the population who fantasize a large part of the time and who typically see, hear, smell, touch and / or fully experience what they fantasize about. This construct, created by the individual is wholly in and of their own mind. This construct differs from daydreaming in that the individual who has created the construct seeks to, by reason of subconscious psychological induction, believe that they are experiencing or have experienced the particular construct that they are creating at the time.

Pareidolia and Its Effects

In conjunction with the power of suggestion it is imperative that we also understand pareidolia (pair-reed-ole-leah). Pareidolia is a type of illusion that involves vague or obscure stimulus which is perceived by an individual as something that is clear and distinct in their own mind.

An example of this can be found in the 2005 sale of a burnt cheese sandwich for $5,000 (U.S.) on a popular internet auction site. It was suggested by someone that the image on the burnt portion of the cheese sandwich was a manifestation of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. Other examples of this are when one sees the Virgin Mary in the reflection of residue on a recently washed window pane or the face of Jesus in the rear of acid washed denim pants.

Under most ordinary circumstances the power of suggestion and / or pareidolia provides a logical psychological explanation for many delusions that people have based upon their sense perception. This condition explains most UFO sightings, Bigfoot sightings, Elvis sightings, “alien” encounters, werewolves & vampires, the Loch Ness monster, and more. It also explains most religious and faith-based apparitions and visions. In clinical trials psychologists at times encourage pareidolia as a means to understanding a patient. One of the most popular and recognized of these methods is the Rorschach ink blot test.

Most people recognize these illusions for what they are. Some, however, become fixated on the reality of their perception and turn the illusion into a delusion. A little bit of skeptical thinking should convince most logical, reasonable and rational people that a waffle that looks like Pope John Paul II, a cinnamon bun that looks like Elvis or a burnt cheese sandwich that looks like the Virgin Mary are accidents, coincidences without significance and are not the divine, or the deceased, speaking to us. If you believe in a higher power, as many do, then it should be considered that throughout history the divine powers that be have manifested themselves in much more spectacular ways and would probably choose a different, less mundane vehicle for manifestation than in your breakfast.

It is more than likely that the illusion of the “Virgin Mary” that one sees in the reflection from a window on the wall of a downtown high rise has been generated from that person’s own imagination and religious conditioning rather than the occurrence of an actual miracle. This seems to reason more along the lines of sane logic than the idea of a holy person, who has been dead for more than 2,000 years, deciding that now more than any other time in history – either past or present - she should manifest herself in such a mundane and useless fashion to someone who is of little value to the overall scheme of things within that particular belief system.

Apophenia’s Relation to Parapsychology

An example of this type of disorder would be a person who looks at a rock and sees “witches runes” in the cracks, or someone who sees demonic images in a fire, who looks at some match sticks that were dropped on the floor and sees a pentagram, etc. This association with unrelated objects and ideas which have little or no real significance to the person usually tends to circulate around a central psychological theme that runs parallel with the items that are in the illusions that the person believes that they perceive. Over time this can degenerate into paranoia, or given the right conditions psychosis.

In the scientific field of statistics the result of apophenia is called a Type I Error. This occurs, as previously described, when the psychological focus of a person is on perceived patterns that they believe to exist when, in fact, there are none. Much like pareidolia, it is highly probable that the apparent significance of many unusual experiences and phenomena are due to apophenia.

Synchronicity

Synchronicity was a term created by psychologist Carl Jung to describe what he called “temporally coincident occurrences of acausal events” or an “acausal connecting principle.” This means that synchronicity is not a pattern of connection that can be explained by direct causality. In its most basic definition, synchronicity is the experience of having two or more events happen in what is believed to be a “coincidental” manner that is meaningful to the person or persons experiencing them, where the indirect meaning of the events would suggests an underlying pattern or reasoning not attributed to random selection. By definition, synchronistic events are not independent of the observer, since the observer's unique psychology is precisely what gives the synchronistic event meaning. The key here is that the observer IS the central point to which all of the synchronistic events connect, but to an outside observer a synchronistic event appears to be just another meaningless “random” event in the stream of time.

Events that occur in a synchronistic pattern differ from coincidental events in that synchronicity implies that the events were not simply random happenstance but an underlying dynamic that which is being expressed through meaningful relationships, actions or events. Jung believed that this principle encompassed his concepts of archetypes and the collective unconscious in a way that was descriptive of a governing dynamic that underlay the whole of human experience - social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual. Jung believed that many experiences which were perceived as coincidental were due not merely to chance, but was suggestive of the manifestation of parallel events or circumstances reflecting this governing dynamic.

Although many scientists do not accept the idea of synchronicity as a scientifically viable event it should be stated here that the correlation of events could be logically described as a statistically significant relationship between two or more events and as such is a possible explanation for the phenomenon of synchronicity. Though correlation does not imply direct causation correlation may be a property which is shared by the events without a direct cause-effect relationship, leaving the observer as the end recipient of the overall experience. Depending on the frequency of the synchronistic events some scientists may describe the “connected” events as apophenia rather than synchronicity.

Collective Hallucinations

During the witchcraft scares of the Middle Ages a mass hysteria followed by a communal collective hallucination that nearly everyone was a witch or in league with the devil ended with the torture and death of many innocent women.

It is unfortunate that many times serious paranormal studies are subverted by either the fool or the charlatan. No matter whether it is the self-proclaimed investigator who calls every “anomaly” in a photograph proof of paranormal activity (the fool) or the person who seeks to tell others everything that they want to hear so that they can intentionally rip them off for their hard earned cash (the charlatan) it should be understood that each of these people plays a role, albeit a seriously damaging one, in the perception of paranormal events.

In an attempt to explain this phenomenon in a more concise manner I will even go as far as to introduce what I believe to be the starting point for collective hallucinations: sympathy. In reviewing cases of people who exhibit high concentrations of paranoia, hysteria, and collective hallucinations it was noted that the primary factors which aggravated the incidents were that the individuals had a certain point of view that was sympathetic to others in the facility and that by either fear, suggestion or unconscious stimulation these events were induced. Many of the individuals lived in “closed communities” such as hospitals (long term care), prisons (life sentences), asylums and even convents (religious hallucinatory phenomenon).

If we move from the cases studied within closed communities to the “average individual” we find that the external factors, which are usually the most statistically significant in the influence of the event remain the same, even within the minds of individuals who do not seem to be prone to those factors. A séance would illustrate how easily the credulous mind interprets an event when it is guided in a specific manner. Consider the lighting, the décor and the theatrics of the medium – all of which are set on a subconscious level to suggest a certain feeling and to induce a certain state of mind.

Conceptual Model of Modern Parapsychology:
The Failure of Reductionism

Why, from the outset, do I claim that the ideas presented here are such a radical departure from traditional scientific thinking? Because, as simple as the ideas put forth here are, they go against many of today’s traditionally unquestioned scientific tenants of reductionism, that is, the breaking down of a system into smaller and smaller parts until the most fundamental building blocks of that system are discovered. The theoretical expressions presented here can not be understood in terms of other scientific paradigms because it's not derived from them.

The basic idea of the fundamental components of a system do not equal the whole will be presented in the next few paragraphs. These ideas are designed to aid the reader in understanding why it is of the utmost importance to take the whole of an object and study it rather than just the individual parts of the whole, specifically in this case, parapsychology. Although dissecting and researching each of the functioning parts of a system are important in understanding how the system interacts and functions with other systems, the understanding of a singular component will not explain the whole of the subject, only that specific part. In order to understand the scientific ideas within parapsychology we must not look at the subject from the “inside” – the ideas and theories that are already well trodden by other scientists – rather, we must look at them from the outside, therefore viewing the whole of the subject, rather than just a few specific parts.

Can Quantum Physics Predict Paranormal Activity?

It is true that quantum physics can explain portions of paranormal phenomenon, but not the whole. In recent years many parapsychologists have purported to make various links to quantum physics and paranormal phenomenon, which works in certain areas, but not for the overall subject. Why is this? Although paranormal phenomenon and quantum physics share the common attributes of non-locality and atemporality quantum physics can not predict most paranormal events, and, in addition, it can not predict any psi events at all. The reason for this inability to predict these events is that it's an error on the part of the theorist to attempt to extrapolate quantum theory beyond its logical and empirical limits. Quantum theory applies only to extremely simple systems of particulate matter and a greatly limited number of processes within the states of these fundamental particles. This means that quantum physics can not predict the behaviors and properties of systems that are larger and more complex than atoms.

Knowing that paranormal phenomenon is, for the most part, caused by the reintroduction of free roaming bioelectric fields into a local environment we understand that electrons can and do interact with physical objects. However, traditional philosophy states that the abstract concept of the mind can not interact with physically manifested objects such as the body. The latter philosophical argument is exactly why most psi abilities, as legitimate as they may be, are ignored by most of the scientific community. This “virtual manifestation” of the abstract concept of the mind is manifested in the “ego” – the knowledge and understanding of our existence as a being, also known as our sense of self-awareness - is acknowledged by the scientific community. It is here that traditional philosophical argument creates a paradox within itself in the fact that it accepts one form of “virtual manifestation” in the form of the “ego” that can affect the body, but not in the form of psi abilities that can affect the physically manifested world.

The latter argument could be used to promote the disbelief in electricity. If these scientists who deny psi abilities wish to prove the their idea of non-existence without tangible manifestation they may be interested to find out what kind of detrimental effects an energized electrical line would have on them if they hold the exposed electrical conductors and then ground themselves to complete the circuit. I seriously doubt that their disbelief in its tangible existence would protect them from being shocked or killed. If this argument sounds a bit absurd, you are more right than you know. These concepts are the very same rationale that many scientists use to deny the existence of paranormal phenomenon.

Reductionism, Paranormal Phenomenon and …Pigs?

Para psychological phenomenon, such as a ghost that is at the root of a haunting, can be viewed as a living, cognizant system of pure energy and could therefore be subjected to reductionist theory. Since traditional science has subjected paranormal phenomenon to reductionist theory and found that it does not work, we are now constrained to find out why reductionism fails to explain paranormal phenomenon.

According to traditional science and the theory of reductionism it is believed that we will eventually understand a living system if we continually divide it into increasingly simpler parts: organs, cells, molecules, all the way down to the fundamental particles. This characterization of reductionism, though valid in a certain context, is not a practical guide for scientific logic in parapsychology. This is true for two reasons: (1) it does not specify the difference between the whole and the sum of its parts and (2) it capitulates a cycle of reductionism by focusing on systemic parts rather than the whole. Because of this, scientific research that studies living systems is compelled to rely on “reintegration” to bind the parts together so that the whole of the system may be reconstructed. Without a conceptual model however, this reintegration constructs not systems but a potpourri of reintegrated parts that are stitched together with a faulty theoretical process.

Reductionism in the scientific world is commonly accepted because it is assumed that it is reversible. Reductionism does not work in living systems and in order to understand the fallacy of “reversible reductionism” we must consider an example of a living system, such as a pig. In applying reductionism to an animal such as a pig, which is in itself a living system, we know that dividing a pig into parts such as organs, bone, etc. do not make a whole pig, only a pile of parts of what used to be a pig. Thusly reductionism in this case can not be reversed and has a detrimental impact on the overall study. Why? Taking a living system apart goes against the natural law of systemic organization, and thusly life. When a system is taken apart, is traumatically damaged or irreparably breaks down it dies, which is the natural and expected effect of the systemic damage or division.

Reductionism is also detrimental in the aspect that when we divide the pig into parts it irreversibly annihilates the qualities of the whole. The qualities that are lost when the pig is killed and divided are: the function and organization of the system as a whole, the integrity and layout of the internal systems and, obviously, the life of the pig. In other words, the ostensible study of the whole no longer exists either in reality (the living system of the pig) or in concept (the layout of the internal anatomical map). This is why we can say that a pack of pork chops and other parts do not make a pig – it does not entail the whole, only a cornucopia of various parts.

This chimerical operation is the way that traditional science expects parapsychologists to make their findings; anything else, in their narrow view, is pseudoscience. Surely, there will be critics of this line of thinking, as is to be expected. What most critics don’t realize is that they must also understand that parapsychology is a human endeavor – it is a science that is operated by humans, within the capacity of human limitations and operates within human scientific institutions. Even though this is an obvious analysis of how all things work, it is here that we encounter a serious problem with traditional science – the fact that the human aspect is not addressed or acknowledged. If we don't address the humanness of science, we can't recognize the psychological and cognitive processes that resist scientific revolutions, nor can we appreciate how our motives, impeded by our limitations, foster our clinging to misleading traditional scientific mythologies.

So, how do these concepts apply to parapsychology? From the above thoughts we see that we must study the overall science of parapsychology in both its depth and width before a solid foundation of knowledge is formed. If we research only certain parts of the subject the integrity of the whole is lost and thusly only a half-knowledge, at best, is achieved.

A Call to Professionalism

When I tell people that I am a research scientist and a paranormal investigator there have been numerous persons who have asked “Does that mean that you are a ghost hunter?” Unfortunately, many people use the term “ghost hunter” rather than “paranormal investigator” when speaking of what it is that they, and we, do. Although the phrase “ghost hunt” is a semi-acceptable term (at best) to use it is far less accurate in describing what we do – and – it has some rather negative connotations attached to it. I have found that the term “ghost hunt” embodies a certain circle of thoughts and ideas that people believe to occur during a paranormal investigation, most of which stem directly from the intensely ignorant and deeply misguided paranormal “reality” television shows which now run rampant on several TV channels almost every night of the week. Most times, when a “ghost hunt” is thought of, the ideas behind the term would reflect an unprofessional, random, unplanned, chaotic romp through a cemetery, historical area, house or other such place where the participants are screaming like idiots and snapping photos all the while; calling every “anomaly” that they believe they have photographed a ghost. This is the exact stereotype that we as paranormal investigators want to cast off. When we systematically perform historical research on an area, collect data, take EMF and temperature readings, and photograph an area we are investigators who are, well, investigating. In my own personal opinion I don’t like the term “ghost hunt” due to the fact that what is suggested – hunting – which is an implication of what we do. By definition the word hunt means “to chase game for sport” and “to hound in pursuit of game.” The very definition of the word suggests that we are chasing our “game” for sport and that we are struggling to capture whatever it is that we are looking for. We want our work to be reliable, credible and accurate. We don’t want to “hunt,” we want to investigate.

Additionally, as paranormal researchers it is our duty and responsibility to expedite the demise of the dinosaur culture mentality that many paranormal investigators seem to possess. The idea of “proprietary information” where all data that is collected and documented during a field investigation is the exclusive intellectual property of the investigation team has, without question, outlived its usefulness. This egocentric mentality only hinders investigators and researchers from understanding the mechanisms behind paranormal phenomenon. In addition, the psychology of this culture fuels constant debates and internal feuds amongst researchers which, in turn, has created even deeper rifts in the paranormal investigation community. There are many paranormal researchers, working in what potentially could be hundreds of paranormal investigation organizations, which hold a small piece of the puzzle. That piece however, is essentially meaningless if it is not assimilated into the larger scope of available information, the “big picture” so to speak. The enigma of paranormal phenomenon may never be answered unless we, as scientists, renounce the psychological blockade that clinging onto this outdated mindset fosters. We can not progress unless we share information and network with each other in a manner that will allow positive progress.

There are some who, strictly out of self-interest, will rebut the thoughts presented here and attempt to keep this self promoting culture of secretive proprietary information alive. This mentality may also stem from want of personal financial gain through means of marketing photos or “information” that has no true intrinsic value to serious paranormal investigators. These are the same people who seek to dupe unsuspecting people with their opinion which is conveniently packaged in the guise of factual information. The sheer mendacity of these pseudoscientists parading under a façade of legitimate credulity is enough to turn anyone with even a slight interest in the paranormal against everything that we do. Public interest in the paranormal is at a peak that has not been seen since the spiritualist revival of the 1920s. We should take advantage of this interest and promote serious, factual, scientific research and investigation of all subjects in the field of parapsychology. We must stand up and do the right thing to counteract the pure buffoonery being spewed forth by the popular media in the paranormal “reality” television shows. Our credulity and the legitimacy of paranormal research and investigation are at stake here. Do not let the greed and self-gratification of others destroy what so many have worked to achieve.

Ok then, Here some of SOP's which I would like to share to readers and new fresh researchers to help you guys on field. As a researchers or ghost hunters, please take it seriously coz to get a better result in the studies, one must have diciplines and awareness and also self preparedness.

Standards and Protocol

1. All investigators should be of sound physical and mental health.

2. There will be no toleration of discriminatory or disparaging remarks or jokes about color, creed, ethnic background, social status, religious beliefs, etc.

3. Regarding respect for investigation sites: All national monuments, battlefields, cemeteries, houses, buildings, private properties, public lands, historic places, etc. shall be treated with due respect to both the living and the deceased. All investigators shall respect the property rights of the individual owners, managers, caretakers and so on regardless of ownership status. This applies to all properties whether it is commercial, private, or governmental.

4. All forms of tobacco and other similar products are prohibited during periods of investigation. Illegal drug use is strictly prohibited and will result in dismissal from the organization.

5. There are to be no fires, incense, fireworks, or any other products of this nature while on an active investigation site. Although these are prohibited for reasons of a scientific nature they also have the potential to cause serious injury and/or property damage.

6. There will be absolutely no consumption of alcohol either before or during an investigation.

7. All investigations shall be carried out in a scientific manner that would reflect the integrity of the work that is being carried out as well as the proper respect for the places and items that are under active investigation.

8. There are to be no divination devices of any sort while an area is under active investigation. Some of these devices which are prohibited are Ouija boards, tarot cards, scrying mirrors or crystals, or any other device such as this. The only accepted devices are either a pendulum or dowsing rods, as these have scientific value and can be legitimately used in parapsychological operations and investigations.

9. At times, it may be necessary to ask permission to enter into a property or area or to stay after hours. If this is the case you should prepare a Linear Ordinance Authorization Form and submit it to the property owner or manager as far in advance as possible. If the area that is to be investigated is a public property and there are no operating hours posted then it should be assumed that the operating hours are from sunrise to sunset. In most jurisdictions operating hors for public parks is generally sunrise to sunset unless otherwise posted. You should notify and receive permission from the local law enforcement agency before proceeding with your after hours investigation.

Never, under any circumstances trespass on or in any property, area, or building as this may result in imprisonment, fine or both.

10. Never enter a structure such as a condemned building, abandon mine, cavern, or other area that is unsafe or may potentially become unsafe. If there is ever any degree of doubt, don’t risk it.

11. Always work in pairs. Be sure that there are functioning two way radios available for each pair of investigators. Working in pairs is not only a safer way to work but it is also better for credibility if there is someone else there to verify an incident if one were to occur. Also, be sure keep a first aid kit on hand. Make sure that each of your team members are familiar with what is in the first aid kit and what proper the uses of the items are. The first aid kit should be centrally located and readily available to everyone in case of emergency.

12. There will be no running or horseplay at any time during an investigation. This type of behavior does not befit an investigator and it does not give the proper respect to the place or area. It is also disrespectful of the living as well as the deceased. This type of behavior may result in removal from the investigation site.

13. Regarding vandalism: Never deface, damage, or in any other way mutilate any gravesite, monument, item, statue, memorial, building, or other piece of property. This destruction of property may result in fine, imprisonment, or restitution having to be paid. Remember, take only photographs and data and leave only footprints.

14. Never shoot a photograph when the camera is aimed at the sun or another bright object such as high intensity discharge lighting (such as street lights) as this will result in lens flare and possible create false anomalies.

15. Always use a fresh roll of film that has a valid expiration date on the packaging. Never use any film after it has expired.

16. Develop all film used on an investigation within one (1) week of completing the roll.

17. Take good notes and utilize a notepad to document the film frame, time, place, and any other pertinent information that pertains to the photograph.

18. Do not take photographs from moving vehicles as this will result in blurred images and possible false anomalies.

19. Do not to attempt to shoot photographs through windows or other glass surfaces as this will cause image distortion and possible false anomalies.

20. Do not attempt to take photographs in adverse conditions such as in a snow storm, fog, rain, windy/dusty areas, or anywhere near a fire. These also result in false images which will be discredited.

21. Be sure that all photographic equipment to be used during the investigation is in good working condition and that the lenses are free from scratches, hairs, dust, fingerprints, etc.

22. It is good practice to remove the wrist strap from a camera while performing an investigation. However, if you are not comfortable in doing this, the strap should, at a minimum, be restrained in some way so as not to cause interference while shooting photographs.

23. Avoid photographing shiny, luminous, or highly reflective surfaces, especially when using the flash. Failure to do so will possibly result in false anomalies on the photograph.

24. It is good practice to be sure that all objects such as long hair, loose clothing, jewelry, and so on are well out of the range of the camera lens when shooting photographs. Also, be aware of the position of your fingers in relation to the camera lens and be sure to remove the lens cap.

25. For videography and EVP recordings if you are using cassette type devices you should always use a fresh tape with a valid expiration date on it. If you are utilizing digital equipment you may disregard this warning.

26. During an investigation which will employ videography or EVP it is good practice to state the time, date, location, weather conditions, etc. as well as any other pertinent information that you feel would make a significant contribution to the investigation. On many models of video equipment the time, day, date, etc is available as a digital “stamp” that can be recorded directly onto the images that are being filmed.

27. It is good practice to stay alert and be aware of your environment. Also, make sure that you know the whereabouts of your fellow investigators and crew members. Communication is key.

28. All types of faith based or religious ceremonies, rites, etc. are strictly prohibited.

29. Above all, use common sense while performing an investigation as this is a reflection of you and your degree of professionalism and credibility. It is your name that is on the line when others know what you do and/or see you performing an investigation.

Investigation Safety

Aside from the standards and protocols, the thought which is of greatest importance is the safety of you and your investigative team. Although most of us who take parapsychology seriously go to great lengths to obtain and document data there is no significant amount of data worth being injured for. It is of utmost importance that you use common sense, discretion, and good personal judgment to assess a situation before proceeding. Although some of these items have been alluded to in the protocols section they will be covered in a more in depth manner here. Below are some guidelines to aid your investigative team in maintaining a safe standard while in the field.

1. It is good practice to always carry a properly equipped and fully supplied first aid kit that is kept in a centrally located area where all investigators and crew members know where it is at. It is also important that team members be familiar with the first aid kit, what is in it, and how to properly use the items that it contains.

2. Always work in teams of at least two and carry short range communication devices such as two way radios. Always indicate your position to others in the group so that if an accident does occur they will know your approximate whereabouts.

3. Never perform an investigation in inclement weather such as snow storms, high winds, thunder storms, or other natural events such as this. Also crews should not attempt to investigate areas where the stability or structural integrity of that place becomes questionable. When investigating old buildings, mines, caverns, and places such as these investigators should be especially careful due to structural or stability concerns.

4. Be aware of your surroundings. As most investigations take place at night it is a good tip to be continually aware of your surroundings, especially when working in an outdoor environment.

5. Be sure that all battery powered equipment such as flashlights and communication devices have fresh batteries in them and that extra bulbs are on hand in they are needed.

6. Establish a central meeting place in case someone gets separated from the group. Certain time parameters should be established as to when the investigation will begin and end.

7. If there are posted warning signs in the area of the investigation, they are there for a reason. It is recommended that all crew members and investigators abide by them.

Proof vs. Evidence: The Burden of Photographic Intangibility

In light of the latter paragraph I feel that from the outset I should warn you that there will be a time when you have a conversation with someone who may ask you why it is that you choose to be a parapsychologist and what proof you have to back up what you say or believe. When this question arises it would be best to assure them that we work with various scientific readings, data, photographs, EVP, and so on. We must help them appreciate the fact that, as scientists, we are not on some bizarre mystic chase seeking immortality, we are not seeking guidance or advice from the spirits of the dead, we are not ghost trappers or hunters as seen in the movies, and that we do not fit any of the other strangely misguided stereotypes that the misinformed popular media has spewed forth over the years. As scientists, we seek an accurate understanding of why certain events take place out of the realm of normal, logical, explanation and why conventional science has not been able to explain those events. Remember, there has been a great deal of controversy raised in the past by various skeptics and other parties who are either doubtful of what parapsychologists do or who wish to prove that all parapsychologists are charlatans. Even after all of the years of research, theory, and scientific inquiry we have yet to obtain solid proof of the existence of ghosts, spirits, and so on.

To properly understand the basis of the argument of proof vs. evidence we must first understand the root of where this argument comes from. Most often, the basis for this debate on both sides comes from personal opinion rather than from actual scientific results. When we have evidence from an investigation that is backed up by scientific results we then have a basis to formulate a theory upon. We should know that proof is, by definition, definitive evidence which has been compiled to such a degree that it would then prove to be sufficient so as to remove the doubt of truth from a certain matter. However, by definition, evidence is understood to be grounds for a belief or set of beliefs that is supported by certain circumstances or other matters that would pertain to the relevance of the proposed theory or facts at hand.

Because of the strictures of the definitions of the words, as well as my personal position on scientific credibility, I will probably never say that I have proof of something paranormal, only strong evidence of the possibility of its existence. Surely, the last statement raises questions in many minds. If I, as the author of this work, don’t believe 100% in the existence of paranormal events how is it that I can pursue the subject with such dedication if I don‘t hold a complete belief in it? Actually, the answer is quite simple: By having an open mind to all scientific possibilities that is tempered with a certain degree of skepticism. Blind acceptance or guesswork in this field is not an option. We must research, study, learn, and understand what it is that we are doing before we can attempt do it with any degree of proficiency.

As I have previously stated, there has not yet been any significant degree of evidence produced in the field of parapsychology to constitute a true burden proof. However, in our defense, I should say that paranormal researchers have numerous scientific readings and other data that is being reviewed by various credible parapsychology organizations all over the world. These readings are being compiled in conjunction with photographs and other such evidence. With all of this evidence being found, especially when it is on a worldwide scale, it certainly does make a much stronger case for the existence of paranormal phenomenon. All of this evidence certainly does make paranormal phenomenon hard to ignore or deny, much less to turn a blind eye to and chalk it up to coincidence.

Choosing Your Weapon: The Camera

The camera, in the various forms that it has taken over its history, has long been hailed as the best friend of the paranormal investigator because it gives the investigator what many feel is the best and most invaluable evidence that can be provided within the realm of paranormal research- pictorial evidence. Although pictures can be worth a thousand words there have been some unscrupulous persons over the years that have learned to manipulate photographs so it may look like there is some sort of anomaly in the photo when in reality it is only clever trickery. The advancement and mass availability of computer aided photo manipulation software has not helped this trend get any better either. This is not to say that technological advancement is bad, only the ethics of certain persons. Aside from that, the real debate found here comes down to three things: camera brand, film speed, and film type.

To begin with, let’s examine the camera. The question here is should you spend $9.99 on a disposable camera or $1000 + on a professional camera set up? The answer: Whichever fits your budget. Results of paranormal activity have been captured on all types of cameras and brands of cameras. To break this thought down a bit I should tell you that the disposable cameras found in most retail outlets work well, but if you are looking for a camera that you can work with over time and get a feel for, the mid-range consumer grade 35mm or digital cameras (usually from about $150 - $350 U.S.) are ideal for this type of activity. High end professional 35mm or digital cameras are not necessary, but if you own this type of equipment or if it is made available to you it may be advantageous to utilize that opportunity.

Since we are on the subject of cameras and what fits into your budget this would be an opportune time to interject another question I have been asked many times over the years: which brand of camera do I prefer? Honestly, I don’t prefer any one specific brand of camera nor do I have any specific brand loyalty – I use the equipment that I feel is best suited to the purpose of what I am doing as well as what is in my budget range. The only recommendation that I can give here as far as the brand of camera you may wish to purchase is this: consider purchasing a camera that has a solid reputation for longevity and quality. Also, it is a good idea to do some research on the potential camera or equipment you wish to purchase to be sure that you choose the best camera that will suit your needs and fit into your budget.

This now brings to another debate which has been argued with a degree of intensity over the last few years. Which type of camera is better: digital or conventional film type cameras? Personally, I use both. It is my thought that they offer different ranges of sensitivity and different types of media that I can work with. Each of the cameras will get different results in various scenarios which are dictated by the portion of the light spectrum that is available for to pick up at the time the photo is taken. At this point I should say that I feel that that comparison of the two types of camera media is an irrelevant debate because comparing a digital camera to a conventional film type camera is kind of like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different pieces of equipment, and although they are similar in some respects they work in two different ways, they work with two different types of media, and each one works with different areas of the electromagnetic spectrum – each has its own use, price range, etc. so the preference from one type to the other would then become a matter of personal opinion rather than a true difference between the two types of cameras.

You should be aware that at some point there will be someone who will ask you to evaluate photos that they have taken at various places or events to see what your opinion is on a certain anomaly that they believe is in the photo. Honesty and integrity are of the utmost importance and, unfortunately, choosing this path may create a few indignant attitudes along the way. I mention this point because when you evaluate photos for others there may be some people who so desperately want to see something in the photo (which may or may not be there) and if you do not tell them what they want to hear they may become upset with you. Simply put there are some persons who can not (or will not) understand the point that every film glitch, dust particle, mechanical malfunction, and photographic error in a picture is not a ghost or spirit of a dead loved one or an indication of some other paranormal presence. Since your trained eye will hold understanding, knowledge, and hopefully, a bit of skepticism, as well as an objective view to the photos, you may not be telling them what they want to hear and consequently, as it was stated earlier, this may upset some people. A genteel but honest reminder to them as to why you do not believe the anomaly is genuine may be necessary.

Photography 101

This portion of the book is dedicated to giving the uninitiated (or the photographically challenged) a basic crash course on how to use conventional film style cameras as well as some digital media cameras. When performing a paranormal investigation the camera becomes an extension of you. The best way to get to know your camera is to read the manufacturers instructions and then go out and get some practice time and practical experience with it. However, if you do not have the time, or if you are like me and do not have the patience to read the manual the information offered herein may be of some assistance to you.

Shutter Speed

The term shutter speed refers to a specific measure of time which in this instance is how long the shutter on the camera remains open when the picture is taken. On manual cameras the shutter speed is usually set by means of a dial on the top of the camera. Automatic cameras such as some digitals and SLRs usually denote the shutter speed mode with the symbol TV (or something similar) which simply stands for "time value." The most common shutter speeds are 1/1000s, 1/500s, 1/250s, 1/125s, 1/60s, 1/30s, 1/15s, 1/7.5s and 1s. The shutter speeds, which were mentioned previously, are calibrated to be approximately twice as fast as the previous setting and twice as slow as the next setting. To break this concept down we can say that the 1/250s shutter speed is twice as fast as the previous setting of 1/125s but is twice as slow as the next higher setting of 1/500s.

On most new camera models there is usually an extra shutter speed setting for long-exposure flash photos. In this mode the shutter remains open for as long as the shutter release button is held down. Generally this setting is used for an exposure of several minutes, such as night-time photographs. In this instance it is useful to have a tripod or other similar device as the camera must maintain its position so that it is absolutely still until the shutter closes. When the camera is in a long-exposure mode and does not have the benefit of total stability and the camera moves while the shutter is open it will cause an overall blur throughout the photo. If any movement does happen to occur while the shutter is open a condition known as “camera shake” will occur in the exposed photo. Unfortunately there is no photo software or program that can correct this condition so the photo will be rendered useless. As a note, most modern digital and SLR cameras have shutters known as focal-plane shutters which allow the shutter and flash to synchronize so that the fastest permitted shutter speed can be utilized when using the cameras flash mode.

Aperture

The technical definition of an aperture value, more commonly known as the f-stop, is the ratio of the focal length of the lens to the diameter of the lens opening. Simply put, the f-stop value is the number of times the diameter of the opening through which the photographed image has to pass will fit into the focal length of the lens. The size of the aperture, in the case of most manual cameras can be controlled by turning a ring which is generally located at the base of the lens. On automatic digitals and SLRs the aperture priority mode is often denoted by AV which simply means "aperture value". Typical values may be f2, f2.8, f5.6, f8, f11, f16, and f22. Fortunately, for performing paranormal investigations, we don't have to think of the aperture value in terms of its technical definition. All we need to know is that smaller f-stop numbers such as f2, f2.8 etc. represent wider apertures where more light can pass through the lens in a given time and the higher f-stop numbers such as f11, f16, f22 etc. give narrower apertures, meaning that less light passes through the lens in a given time.

A bit of information that should be remembered is that the f-stops on a camera are calibrated to allow half as much light through as the previous setting and twice as much light through as the next setting. For example, a lens set at f11 will allow twice as much light through as one set at f16 but only half as much as one set as f8. Thusly we can see that it is by no coincidence that shutter speeds are also calibrated to be twice as fast or slow as the next or previous setting which allows us to see how changing the aperture affects the shutter speed required.

Focal Length

One of the most significant properties of a camera lens is its effective focal length. When speaking of the focal length of a camera lens we are referring to the distance that the lens should be held from a subject in order to create a focused image of that item or area. The primary importance when discussing focal length for applications in paranormal investigations is actually the angle of view that can be obtained. What this means is that the longer the focal length of a lens, the narrower the angle of view and the more magnified the image is. Short focal length lenses are known as wide-angle lenses which have typical focal lengths of 20mm, 24mm and 35mm. Standard focal length lenses are around the 50mm mark, however when the lenses enter the range of 80mm to 300mm they are then considered to be within the telephoto lenses grouping. Anything lens that is above 300mm is regarded as a super-telephoto lens.

Flash

There are many myths about utilizing the flash on a camera, but we will not waste time covering these myths here. What you will find here are the facts about using camera mounted flash units as well as some information on using external flash units. One of the first, and most critical items that I must refer to, which is critical to successfully using a camera mounted flash unit, is that you must know the effective distance of your cameras flash. Although the manufactures specifications will be the most accurate information you can get on your camera it is a commonly known fact that most camera mounted flash units only have an effective distance of nine (9) to twelve (12) feet. If you are taking photos in a dark or low-light area anything beyond the effective distance of your cameras flash unit will be subjected to “washout” (see Section 2: False Photographic Anomalies.) External flash units, also known as flash guns, can be purchased for your camera, and although these will greatly increase the effective flash distance of your camera they are still subjected to the limitations of a specific effective distance. When working with digital cameras IR (Infrared Illuminators) are a great asset to have on hand. For digital cameras an IR Illuminator can increase the effective flash distance from the nine (9) to twelve (12) foot range to almost one hundred (100) feet depending on the unit.

No matter what kind of camera or flash you are using it is necessary to understand the following simple technical details about using a camera flash:

Flash-Sync Speed: As it has been briefly discussed we know that most digital SLR cameras have a maximum shutter speed for use with the flash that is called the flash-sync speed. Commonly this will be about 1/125s. As you recall from the portion of the discussion on shutter speed you know that most modern digital and SLR cameras have shutters known as focal-plane shutters which allow the shutter and flash to synchronize so that the fastest permitted shutter speed can be utilized when using the cameras flash mode.

Exposure Control: The amount of light reaching the film from the sun, camera mounted flash, flashgun, or other light source is controlled purely by aperture and distance from the subject being photographed. Shutter speed plays no role in determining flash exposure but can be important in balancing flash exposure with ambient light. It should be remembered that with a manual flashgun you will need to calculate the aperture from the guide number however, with an automatic flashgun there will be a sensor on the flash which measures how much light is reflected from the subject and tells the flash when to cut off. Camera mounted flashes, also known as dedicated flashes, use through the lens (TTL) flash metering in which the flash sensor is inside the camera. With this function the camera controls the flash duration directly and there is no need for flash metering calculations.

Guide Number: The guide number (GN) of a flashgun is a measure of its ability to produce an effective flash at a fixed distance. When using a manual flashgun, the mathematical formula to calculate aperture exposure required for a subject is distance (D) divided by the effective distance of the flash gun, or, GN/d. For example, a flashgun with a guide number of 32m and a subject at a 4m distance requires an aperture of f8 (32 divided by 4 = 8).

In the next article: film, film speed, photographic environment & lighting.

How to Perform a Paranormal Investigation

This article, direct and to the point, will provide the reader with a step by step guide on how to perform a paranormal investigation, however it has been stripped of all of the fluff and filler so that only relevant content will remain.

Locate a site in which you have probable cause* to believe paranormal activity may be taking place.
Research the selected site and outlying area for any significant historical events which would indicate the potential for paranormal activity. This research will either confirm or deny the probable cause which you may be performing your investigation under.
If probable cause is confirmed by the initial research, continue researching and gathering historical evidence so that external support for the probable cause may be firmly established. If probable cause is not established it is recommended that the investigator should select another site.
Once the pre-investigation research is complete you should contact the site owner to receive permission to enter and investigate the area. If the investigation site is on public land notify the proper authorities such as the police.
Once permission is received to investigate the site you should begin coordination and confirmation of your personnel who will attend the investigation, the time that the investigation is to begin and the date on which the investigation will take place. Also, it is recommended at this time that you select the proper equipment that you will take to the site to perform the investigation with.
Conduct witness interviews and complete all related documentation about one week prior to the investigation if possible. The interview is performed about one week in advance so that the influence of suggestion will have a lesser psychological impact on the investigation. If the witness must be interviewed on the day of the investigation, or at the site, that is acceptable if it is the only alternative.
On the day of the investigation all investigators should perform a pre-investigation check of the equipment that they will be using to be sure that it is functioning correctly.
About an hour before the investigation, or as close to the actual investigation time as possible, check various influential environmental factors such as solar flares, geomagnetic activity and moon phase. Document all factors which may affect the outcome of the investigation.
When the investigation crew arrives at the site a central meeting place should be established and the perimeter of the site should be secured to prevent a breech of the investigation scene.
When all members of the investigation crew have arrived and gathered at the appointed meeting site you should then perform a pre-investigation briefing, safety check and review of S&P (if necessary) with all personnel who are to be in the “hot zone” (active investigation area) or on site while the investigation is taking place.
At the completion of the pre-investigation briefing the investigation itself should begin. Perform a through, systematic and scientific investigation of the site in accordance with the accepted standards and protocols of the organization that you are working with.
Once the investigation is completed all members of the investigation crew should meet at the central location for a debriefing meeting. When the debriefing meeting is complete all investigators should gather their equipment and exit the site.
Analyze the data collected at the investigation off site and cross reference your findings with the findings of the other investigators who attended the investigation. While analyzing the media evidence (photos, EVP, video, etc.) you should document, in detail, all photographic anomalies, EVP findings and video evidence in your investigation reports at the time they are discovered.
Fill out all investigation related documents and reports. File these reports for cross examination when a follow up investigation is performed. Send an investigation analysis report and other evidence to investigation site owner if necessary.
Schedule a post investigation follow-up at the site, if possible, and if enough supporting evidence and data has been found. If enough evidence has been collected to warrant a follow up investigation you should then follow the progressive steps as stated above using only the ones that would pertain to a follow up investigation. It is not necessary to re-research a site once probable cause has been established and all historical evidence has been documented, witnesses may be re-interviewed however. This procedure may be performed as many times as necessary, however it is recommended that a minimum of one initial investigation and two follow up investigations be performed so that a trend in the paranormal activity, if any exists, may be documented.

* Probable cause is a term used by the law enforcement community when solid proof for a case does not exist but there is strong evidence that supports a certain belief or theory.

Ever since the onset of the technological revolution in the early 1990s we have seen an onslaught of ever evolving electronic devices. These devices can be indispensable aids to paranormal investigators who are working in the field that are attempting to find, record, and evaluate various data patterns and other circumstances related to paranormal occurrences. Since electronic technology is in a continual state of an ever-evolving metamorphosis of second, third fourth (and greater) generation devices it would be nearly impossible to catalogue the vast array of tools and other items that a parapsychologist could put to use in the field. Although the cataloging and description of all of these devices and their usages may seem to be a daunting task I have found that no matter who you are or what situation you may be in there is a minimum standard for a basic set of tools and equipment that you must have in order to properly document any occurrences that you may encounter while on a paranormal investigation.

As a recommendation, before you begin to accrue large amounts of equipment, you may want to consider taking a running physical inventory of each of the items that you purchase. This will help you keep track of what you have, what you need, what you want, and what you use. These inventory sheets can also be used as a form of planned expense lists.

Finally, a pre-investigation check of the equipment you plan to use on each investigation should be performed each time that you and your crew go to an investigation site. This pre-investigation check of the equipment is recommended so that both the investigator their crew can be assured that all of the equipment is in good condition and proper working order.

Bags, such as the small clear, plastic sandwich bags found at most grocery stores are ideal for the collection of evidence, soil samples and other items that may found on an investigation site.

NOTE: Do not deface damage, mutilate, or in any other way destroy any property or other items that do not belong to you as this could lead to a fine being imposed, restitution payments, imprisonment, or a combination thereof. If you are to take any item or evidence besides soil or water samples from an investigation site you should ask the owner, manager or site representative for permission first. If you are on public property or if you are unsure whether you will be allowed to remove evidence from a site do not proceed until you are sure that you will be allowed to remove the item(s) in question.

Batteries of each size that you will need should be carried as replacements in the event that any of the batteries in use should prematurely fail. As this is a semi-common occurrence on investigation sites, even with new batteries, it is good practice to carry spares. Each battery type that utilized in each piece of equipment should noted and a replacement should be carried at all times in case of battery failure.

Battery Tester for use prior to going to the investigation site is not a bad investment. This inexpensive little device will tell you when you need to change the batteries before they go dead – which will usually happen in the middle of an investigation.

Binoculars are a good tool for surveillance of the surrounding terrain, distant objects or points that may be of significance or of interest to the investigator. There are many styles, sizes, options, and brands of binoculars to fit almost every investigator’s budget. A good set of binoculars can be found at just about all sporting goods stores as well as at almost any major retail store that has a sporting goods or camping section.

Camera, Digital (still) is one of the most important pieces of equipment that a paranormal investigator can have. No particular brand of camera or price range is endorsed by the IPRF, so what ever will fit into your budget will work. A couple of guidelines to remember when working with digital cameras is that you always want to be sure that your camera is in good working order, the optics are clean and that you have spare digital media storage available. Many digital cameras have a night shot capability. For those who have this option an infrared illuminator will allow you to take photographs in near pitch black darkness. See also digital media, software, illuminator, infrared and optics / lenses (still camera).

NOTE: Since most digital cameras have an adjustment for the quality of the photograph it is recommended that you keep the range around the 2 mega pixel mark. This setting is recommended because, as you get into the higher mega pixel ranges, the camera will tend to photograph air born particulate matter more frequently and substantially increase your chances of capturing false anomalies.

Camera, Film Type (still) is still an indispensable tool in the work of a paranormal investigator. Although superseded in recent years by the widespread availability and instant gratification of the digital camera the film type camera is still a valuable tool that should be in every paranormal investigators arsenal. The two primary reasons that paranormal investigators will want to have film cameras are for (1) back up in case of digital camera failure and (2) the different type of media that is used in film type cameras. See also film, optics / lenses (still camera).

Camera, Motion Detector (still) can be found at most sporting goods stores or stores where hunting and camping equipment is found. These are useful because they can be set in an area of suspected paranormal activity with out necessitating the presence of an investigator. Many of the newer models are digital which now gives the investigator better photographic quality, increased photographic shutter response time, night vision capabilities and expanded memory capabilities without the expense of buying and developing traditional film.

Camera, Video (cassette) Still widely available, video cassette type cameras now have the capability to record digital media and transfer it directly onto a computer via USB ports. These type of recorders tend to be a more cost effective option than some of the more advanced models that are currently available. See also cassette, video, and optics / lenses (video).

NOTE: If you find that the price of a new video recorder is too expensive you may want to check local pawn shops. However, I must add this warning which applies to all high-dollar equipment purchases: buyer beware (especially when purchasing items from a pawn shop)- do your homework and check the product thoroughly. Ask questions, know what it is that you are about to purchase, know what accessories should come with it for it to function properly, and how it should operate. Many reputable pawn shop chains now have a thirty day warranty on most of their electronic products except for the items which are marked “as is.”

Camera, Video (DVR) The digital revolution has spawned yet another tech item for paranormal enthusiasts – the DVR recorder. Armed with massive amounts of virtual memory and the capability to record digital media directly onto mini DVDs the DVR is quickly superseding all other types of video cameras. Many of these cameras have the ability to shoot video in low or zero (0) lux – that is, no light. This is another item that can be used in conjunction with night vision and infrared illuminators. See also software, optics / lenses (video).

Cases made for storing, transporting, and preventing damage to equipment to and from investigation sites is a must for anyone who has more than a few small pieces of investigative equipment. These cases can be found in a variety of sizes and styles to fit just about any budget.

Cassettes (Audio) as per the specific guidelines for taking EVP the investigator should utilize a fresh tape when attempting to record EVP. It is a good guideline to keep several “fresh” tapes on hand if you are not using a digital recorder. Tapes for audio recorders can be found in most electronic stores and other similar retail establishments. See also recorder, audio (cassette).

Cassettes (Video) should be “fresh” and should not have been used prior to the investigation that is taking place. If a video camera that requires cassette tapes is utilized the lead investigator should be sure to have an extra or two on hand in the event that something happens to the original one being used in the video camera. This guideline does not apply to digital media recorders as they do not utilize cassette tapes. See also recorder, video (cassette).

Chalk can be used to mark the location of various objects including furniture and other items that may be moved due to psychokinetic activity. Chalk can also be used to create outlines and other such “markers” to indicate position, direction, etc.

Colored pencils are generally used for making special notations or marking a place on a map that has significance to the investigation. Used creatively, colored pencils can also signify various “sectors” when the investigation site is broken up into two or more areas.

A Compass is another tool that the paranormal investigator must have before starting an investigation. The compass is not only used for navigation, it is also used for finding electromagnetic fields if the investigator does not have an EMF meter or if the EMF meter ceases to function at some point during the investigation. Although nowhere near as accurate as an EMF meter it is a known fact that when the compass encounters an anomalous electromagnetic field it will usually begin to spin and move back and forth attempting to find magnetic north.

Decibel Meters, also known as sound meters, can be used to measure the ambient (background) sounds or noise in an environment before, during, or after attempting to record EVP. Taking decibel readings of the background noise in an environment will allow the investigator to compare the background noise the noise level of a digital or cassette recording to alleged EVP noises. See also recorder, audio (digital), white noise generator, white noise CD, omnidirectional microphone, parabolic microphone and software, spectrogram.

Digital Media whether it is a memory stick, flash memory or mini CD; it is always good to have spares on hand when performing an investigation.

Dowsing Rods are simply metal rods made of copper or some other conductive metal that is bent into an, “L” shape. Dowsing rods are used for locating underground sources of water and determining the direction in which it flows. Dowsing rods are also employed in paranormal investigation to locate ambient energy fields which may be either fixed or free roaming. When the investigator desires to use dowsing rods for this purpose they will use the same general dowsing principles that they would for locating sources of underground water.

EMF Meters, also known as Gauss meters, are another of the indispensable tools that a paranormal investigator must have with them at all times during an investigation. These meters can provide information about bioelectric activity in an area where an anomaly may be present. There are two types of EMF meters which are available; these are single axis gauss meters and tri-axial gauss meters. The latter, tri-axial gauss meter, unlike the single axis gauss meter does not have to be specifically aimed in the direction that the anomaly is in to get a reading. The only downfall to the tri-axial Gauss meter is that they are usually far more expensive than a single axis Gauss meter.

Electrical Multi-meters are used in indoor investigations to check for live electrical lines, outlets, switches, and other electrical devices which may create a field of interference and cause equipment to receive a false reading. Basic electrical multi-meters are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores.

Evidence Markers are another incredibly useful tool in the investigators inventory. No matter if your investigation is taking place indoors or out these cards can be put to use. Basically these cards can be made from 3x5 card stock which would then be sequentially numbered, but for the truly professional look, these cards can be purchased from any party supply store that stocks number cards for guest tables. The idea behind using these cards is so that the location of the evidence in photographs can be properly documented in the photo journal from the site investigation.

Film (Black and White) should be kept on hand for photographic purposes when using a film type camera during a field investigation.

NOTE: Be sure that the date on the film has not expired and that it is developed within one week of the completion of the roll.

Film (Color) is the most readily available of all of the film types and should be kept on hand when performing an investigation with a film type camera.

NOTE: Be sure that the date on the film has not expired and that it is developed within one week of the completion of the roll.

Film (Infrared) is the hardest type of film to come by as it is only available in professional photography stores. It is the hardest to work with, but my personal feeling is that it yields excellent results when working with that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Infrared film is very expensive to use and to get developed but the results can be rewarding when utilized properly.

NOTE: Infrared film must be used in conjunction with a high quality camera. It must be refrigerated until 24 hours before the investigation. It is imperative that this type of film be developed immediately after the roll is completed. Do not allow this type of film to sit for long periods of time as it has a very short shelf life. As with all other film, be sure that the expiration date on the box is good before making your purchase.

First Aid Kits are another field investigation safety necessity. As it has already been discussed, the first aid kit should be centrally located so that each member of the investigation team knows where it is at. It should be stocked to full inventory at all times. The basic first aid kit should include antiseptic, several sizes of adhesive bandages, gauze and medical tape, a CPR mouthpiece, tweezers, scissors, and some exam gloves. Most office supply retailers, home improvement stores, and other such places will have basic first aid kits available.

Flashlight bulbs are another item that would be appropriate for the investigator to have several “spares” on hand in case of an emergency. Most times spare flashlight bulbs can be purchased at the same store where the flashlight was purchased at.

Flashlights, Incandescent It is good to have at least one flashlight per person as well as some back-up batteries and bulbs. Since we do a lot of work in dark places it is good to have a source of illumination to see where we are walking as well as what the terrain ahead of us is like. See also batteries, flashlight bulbs.

Flashlights, LED is another trend of modern technology. The light emitting diodes (LED) that these flashlights are constructed with are nearly indestructible and are incredibly bright. Since most LEDs in these types of flashlights typically last for ten years or more they are a must-have tool for the paranormal investigator. With no bulbs to replace, durability, performance and longevity is a key factor. See also batteries.

Geiger Counters are another helpful tool for the investigator to have because they read the amount of radiation or radioactive particles in an area. Aside from being a potential health hazard in large amounts, these particles can also create false readings and possible photographic anomalies. Geiger counters can be found in some military surplus stores and there are many places which sell them over the internet, both new and used, for rather reasonable rates.

GPS or global positioning system devices can aid the investigator in making accurate maps and coordinates of any place that they are investigating.

Graph paper is another one of the supplies that should be kept on hand during a field investigation. Linear measurements should be kept on this paper as well as sketches for maps and other site related layouts. Graph paper can usually be found in office supply stores as well as most retail chain establishments and art supply stores. See also tape measure.

Glow sticks are another good emergency provision to have on hand just in case of the failure of flashlight batteries or bulbs during a field investigation. These snap-and-glow sticks can usually be purchased in hardware and home improvement stores as well as some party supply stores. Glow sticks are a fairly inexpensive item and each member of the investigative team should carry one just in case of an emergency.

Hygrometers measure the relative humidity in the air. As weather can affect the potential success of an investigation, it is good to know what is going on around us from all angles. Since some equipment and devices don’t function well in high heat / humidity conditions it is beneficial to keep tabs on how the weather changes can affect us and the investigation. A hygrometer can be found, many times, in garden shops and nurseries, various scientific and educational stores, and in various “virtual stores” on the internet which sell weather equipment and the like.

Illuminator, Infrared (IR) is an indispensable device to have when performing a night time or low-light investigation. Although these illuminators do not produce visible light they do create a form of electromagnetic radiation that will allow all night vision type equipment to function much better in low light conditions than with out it.

Insect Repellent, for obvious reasons, should be kept on hand if an outdoor investigation is being performed.

Ion Counters are generally used to warn people in the instance of potential lightning strikes. It is their ability to predict and detect ionic activity in an area that is of great value to investigators. These devices can aid investigators by alerting them when ions in an area is peaking or spiking due to paranormal activity.

NOTE: Some higher quality models of ion counters can sense ion spikes from impending storms when used outdoors. These models can potentially detect activity up to two miles away if given a clear path which may result “false” readings. The best way to counter this type of false reading is to check the local weather prior to performing an outdoor investigation and make the necessary adjustments.

Laptop computers are a great tool to have so that the investigators can perform real time subject analysis and utilize sensor arrays, peripherals, and other similar equipment. Although having a laptop computer is not a necessity to perform field investigations they are nice to have because of the previously mentioned reasons. Also, real time audio and video can be fed into the laptop with the right software, which can make the use of a laptop computer indispensable resource. See also software.

Laser Pointers are obviously used for, well, pointing. However, there is another use for these ingenious little devices. When properly mounted and aligned on a camera tripod a laser pointer can define an exact location that a camera will photograph or video tape. This is especially useful if you have two or more cameras directed at the same area and you want to be sure that although the angles of the camera are different the area where the shot is aimed is the same. These are especially helpful in low light or near dark conditions.

Luggage labels / tags with strings or self adhesive labels are another good item to keep on hand so that evidence and other items can be labeled as it is collected. Luggage labels can be purchased at many retail stores, travel stores, and other such establishments that carry various travel related items.

Metal detectors, especially those with depth finders, can be especially helpful in aiding the investigator in locating small to medium sized underground objects. Metal detectors can also yield evidence of past events and other relics as well as historical treasures in an area. These devices may also help the investigator find any ferrous objects or shallow lying deposits that are near the surface of the soil that may cause inaccurate readings on some of the more sensitive electromagnetic field equipment.

NOTE: Always ask permission from the owner, manager or site representative before attempting to find and/or remove items from a site. Some places, such as Gettysburg National Battlefield are federally protected sites that prohibit the use of metal detectors and other “treasure hunting” devices.

Microphone, Parabolic is just recently beginning to come into their own with paranormal investigators. Originally designed as a surveillance tool for the military and civilian police the parabolic microphone is now being used by paranormal investigators for surveillance ops of their own. When properly modified for EVP work the parabolic microphone allows the investigator to record even the lowest sounds with amazing clarity. See also Recorder, audio (digital), Radio Frequency Detector.

Microphone, Stereo is usually used in conjunction with an audio recorder so that the investigator may capture EVP. These can range greatly in price and quality which will affect the quality of the recording. In some cases it is best to work with the factory supplied (or built-in) unidirectional microphone rather than to purchase an inexpensive stereo microphone. See also Recorder, audio (digital), Radio Frequency Detector.

Motion Detectors can be used in conjunction with talcum powder, tape, a motion activated video or still camera, and sound activated voice recorders to find indications of activity in a room or enclosed area. Motion detectors will usually emit an audible sound when someone comes into their sensory range.

Multitools are an excellent emergency tool and general use item to have, but beyond that they can also be a great aid to an investigator in the field. As the name implies, it has a multitude of uses. From cutting string to twisting nuts and bolts these tools can be an invaluable aid when performing adjustment and repair work on equipment in the field.

Music, especially period music, is a very useful tool for an investigation. It rekindles “memories” of anomalies in the area and usually acts as an amplifier which makes the bioelectric field of the anomaly stronger. Music also creates an environment that is conducive for EVP work as well. Just as music many times has a strong influence on the living, playing music which would be familiar to the time period when a ghost was alive would bring back “memories” and emotions of times in life for them. Music can bring a flood of memories of the good times in life…or the bad. The power and emotion conveyed by music as well as the potential “memories” that may be attached to certain types of music from a bygone era may aid the investigator in gathering evidence in favor of these theories.

In connection with the thought of using period music as a tool for investigative purposes I would like to relate to you the experience that I had while investigating the permanent exhibition of artifacts at the Titanic museum in Orlando, Florida. We had performed the investigation on the evening of April 14, 2003, the 91^st anniversary of sinking of the Titanic. The investigation had taken place between 10 pm and 2 am. The annual memorial services for the deceased had been performed as they have since the attraction opened in 1999. After the services when the guests, actors, and other staff left the area my crew and I systematically investigated the attraction taking readings, EVP recordings, photographs, and so forth. During the period of the investigation that night Michael Gavin, a good friend and experienced paranormal investigator played period music to enhance the already beautifully recreated “sets” in the museum. When the data was analyzed we had photographs of anomalies, we had several instances of EVP, temperature drops, ion spikes, EMF spikes, and a great deal more data which we had recorded during the investigation. It has been my personal experience, this investigation being a primary example, that the discreet usage of period music can enhance the chances of detecting anomalies.

Nightvision is another technical item that is rapidly becoming a popular item with paranormal investigators. When nightvision is in use the investigator no longer has to rely on a great deal of visible light to carry out investigations. Thusly, there is no disturbance of the natural IR spectrum and the energies and electromagnetic spectrum are allowed to keep their balance. Nightvision devices are available at almost any sporting goods store or military surplus store. See also illuminator, infrared.

NOTE: Most paranormal investigators prefer First Generation nightvision devices primarily because First Generation nightvision technology relies on infrared illuminators whereas Second, Third, and Fourth generation nightvision utilizes light gathering technology which defeats the purpose of working with the IR spectrum.

Note pads are another item that should be kept on hand by both the investigator and crew that is actively working at an investigation site. These pads do not have to be the standard 8 ½ x 11 size, in fact it is easier to use the 5 x 8 steno pads simply because of their more compact size.

Optics / Lenses (still cameras) can be found in a wide range of styles, formats, and configurations. Telephoto lenses, wide angle (panoramic) lenses, filters, and lens groups of 1,2,3 or 4 will be some of the options that will have to be considered before a lens purchase is made. Many times the make and model of camera will also have to be supplied in order to choose the appropriate product. If you are unsure what product is right for your needs consult a camera technician at a local camera shop or contact the manufacturer of the camera for the items that would best suit your needs. See also Camera, digital (still) and Camera, film type (still).

Optics / Lenses (video) can be found in a wide range of styles, formats, and configurations. Telephoto lenses, wide angle (panoramic) lenses, filters, and lens groups of 1,2,3 or 4 will be some of the options that will have to be considered before a lens purchase is made. Many times the make and model of camera will also have to be supplied in order to choose the appropriate product. If you are unsure what product is right for your needs consult a camera technician at a local camera shop or contact the manufacturer of the camera for the items that would best suit your needs. See also Camera, Video (cassette) and Camera, Video (DVR).

Pens, in conjunction with the note pads, are another item that should be kept in good supply by the investigative crew so that real time notes on events can be taken as they happen.

Radio Frequency Detector when used in conjunction with a stereo or parabolic microphone, a digital recorder and the appropriate sound analysis software can yield excellent results for EVP studies. Although a Spectrogram is used in the actual off-site analysis of the sounds that were recorded, a radio frequency detector can give the investigator real time information on whether or not they may find false EVPs on their recordings due to RFI (radio frequency interference) issues.

Range Finders are an excellent aid to the investigator because they allow a rough size approximation of an outdoor area as well as how far away landmarks or other geographic features may be.

NOTE: Depending on the model, features, etc. of the range finder prices can vary greatly. Basic rangefinders can be located in some sporting goods stores in or around the golf section. Higher end range finders can be located in some military surplus stores or on the internet.

Recorder, Audio (cassette) are economical and easy to use. Still widely available cassette style recorders come in all shapes and sizes and will fit into any budget. Audio recorders are primarily utilized by paranormal investigators to make notes on an investigation, to record interviews and to capture EVP.

NOTE: When utilizing a cassette type recorder a fresh tape must be used for each investigation. Do not use a tape twice or “tape over” a previously recorded session as this will exponentially multiply the chances of getting false EVP as well as severely reducing the quality of the tape and contents thereof.

Recorder, Audio (digital) Pocket sized digital audio recorders are mobile, do not require the user to carry spare cassettes and offer the convenience of direct record-to-digital sound. Many digital recorders also offer microphone jacks and USB ports that can transfer sound data directly to your laptop or desktop computer. See also software.

Scale, Digital are a nice little extra to have on an investigation. These handy little items can be used to measure the weight of apports or other small items that may have been involved in telekinetic activity. See also bags, metal detectors.

Shovel, Garden is a handy tool to have when digging just below the surface of the earth to find bits of evidence, etc. See also metal detector, bags.

Soil Tests, although not a necessity, are a good tool to keep in your investigative case when you are on an active field investigation. These tests will provide a basic analysis of the content of various minerals and other characteristics of the soil. These tests will allow the investigator to gauge the content of the soil and find if there are any unusual variants therein. If there is any unusual composition of the mineral content the investigator will want to document this as it could explain some anomalies as being naturally produced effects.

Software for audio, video, and image enhancement on a PC or laptop is a good investment to make. There are various programs available that allow the investigator to magnify and / or modify hard-to-see areas in the photograph, hear and see the changes in the sounds of EVP, slow down, freeze or speed up video and so forth. There is a vast array of continually changing software on the market today which can range in price from nothing (freeware found on the internet) into the thousands of dollars.

Static Electricity Sensors are generally utilized to find static electricity fields. From an investigative standpoint these devices can be used in conjunction with ion detectors to find any static electrical fields in the area. A static electricity sensor is also a good safety tool to have because it will alert the investigators and their crew if conditions are right for static electrical discharge, which could create a serious safety hazard in an area. If there is a chance of static electrical discharge in an area it would be wise not to perform an investigation in the area because of what would be considered “adverse conditions,” not to mention that the presence of potential static electrical discharge in an area can affect the ability of the equipment to collect accurate data readings.

Stopwatches can be utilized by investigators for numerous reasons during an investigation. They can be used to synchronize meeting times, to time events or cycles of occurrences, or any other time related event that the creative investigator or their crew chooses.

Strain Gauges are another effective item that you will find to be of great benefit in the field during investigations. Strain gauges can be used to measure the force it takes to move small objects, open doors, and so on. Strain gauges are usually inexpensive and can be found in the anglers (fishing) section of sporting goods stores and in the same section in many major discount retailers.

Strobe lights and digital video cameras are a combination of items that have become popular recently with paranormal investigators. The thought behind this combination of equipment is a rather simple concept. As you know, when you move in a strobe light it looks as if the movement is in slow motion. The effect of this optical illusion coupled with high definition digital video can produce some very effective video footage of anomalous movement.

Talcum powder (unscented) or flour should be kept on hand so that the investigator can sprinkle it on the floor. When this powder is on the floor it will allow the investigator to monitor and document any tracks or marks that may be made in the area while it is under investigation. Remember that this technique only works on hard surfaces such as concrete, stone, brick, wood, etc.

Tape (colored) can be purchased in multi-colored packs of red, blue, white, green, and yellow from most hardware or home improvement stores. This tape can be used to flag certain items, mark specific places, or to place markers on a map for reference purposes.

Tape (paper), also called painters tape, has a light adhesive that won’t leave a sticky residue when it is removed from the surface. Paper tape can also be used to mark locations of items as well as to seal doors to prevent or indicate entry into a room or area that is under investigation. This tape, like colored tape can be purchased at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Tape (transparent) can be used to lift small pieces of evidence or fingerprints from various surfaces so that they can be analyzed in depth by the investigator and / or their crew. Unlike paper tape and colored tape, transparent tape can be purchased at office supply stores or at any store that sells stationary supplies.

Tape Measures, usually 25 to 30 feet, are sufficient to measure the dimensions of a room or other comparable area so that the investigators can make a fairly accurate map of the investigation site. Tape measures can be found in just about any retail store, hardware store, or home improvement establishment.

Thermometers (digital) are another compact and inexpensive device that we can use to gauge on-site weather conditions in the area where the investigation is to take place. Often times a combination digital thermometer / hygrometer can be found at many garden supply and home improvement retailers.

Thermometers (Infrared) are an excellent device to have on an investigation because they can give the investigators and crew real time real time information about any cold spots in the room or area where the investigation is taking place. These devices are simple to use and can give accurate results up to one hundred feet away. IR thermometers can be found in a variety of places including auto parts stores and on-line retailers.

Two Way Radios are a necessity and an important safety device for any medium to large scale investigation where the investigators or crew will have more than one investigative team on the site. In the event that there is an accident or that someone gets separated from the group it is a good idea to have an open channel of communication so that assistance can be rendered if necessary.

Water tests, like soil tests, are used to give the investigator a basic compositional analysis of the water content in or around the site of an active investigation. Many times basic water tests can be found at larger home improvement retailers in the pool supply section or at any establishment that sells pool supplies.

Weather Scanners / Radios, although not a necessity, these handy items are a good working companion for outdoor field investigations. The weather scanner / radio can give the investigative crew up to the minute real time weather reports and advisories when they go into effect. Most of these types of devices have the ability to connect to the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association) radio broadcast stations for severe weather warnings and other pertinent information.

White Noise CD is a good item to have, especially if you plan on doing a lot of EVP work. This CD will provide a source of random sound for the EVP messages to utilize as a conduit. See also Recorder, Audio (digital), Software, Decibel Meter, Radio Frequency Detector, Microphone, Stereo, Microphone, Parabolic.

White Noise Generator is an alternative to the white noise CD. Instead of using a CD to generate the sound a small coil is plugged into one of the inputs of a stereo. From there random, wideband white noise is generated. There are white noise generation devices that can run into the hundreds of dollars, however if you have a small stereo with compatible jacks this may be a cost effective alternative. Check with the manufacturer for details on compatibility, set-up configuration and other details.

Recommended Equipment for Paranormal Investigators - Basic

The equipment recommendation below has come from the IPRF basic equipment list for paranormal investigators. This list represents a minimum quantity and quality of equipment that an investigator should possess before attempting a paranormal investigation. There are six categories of equipment represented, each with their own tools and items that are a necessary minimum for a paranormal field investigation to be properly carried out.

Data

EMF Meter
Infrared Thermometer

Documentation

Note Pads
Pens

EVP

Recorder, Audio, Digital or Cassette

General

Compass
Dowsing Rods
Hygrometer
Insect Repellant

Photography

Camera – Digital or 35mm
Evidence Markers

Safety

First Aid Kit
Flashlight – LED
Two Way Radio

Recommended Equipment for Paranormal Investigators – Advanced

For the advanced investigator this list is presented to be used in addition to the basic list that preceded this page.

Data

Geiger Counter
Ion Detector

Documentation

Colored Pencils
Graph Paper

EVP

Decibel Meter
Microphone (parabolic or stereo)
Music (period)
Radio Frequency Detector
Recorder, Audio (digital)
White Noise CD or White Noise Generator

General

Nightvision
Scale, Digital
Software (Spectrogram, Photography, Video)
Strain Gauge

Photography

Camera, Motion Detector
Camera, Video (DVR or cassette)
Illuminator, Infrared

Safety

Glow Sticks

By Brian Schill
IPRF