John W. Martin asked:


Paranormal Books – Reading Targeted at the Unexplained



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Paranormal phenomena have fascinated generations of researchers and prompted countless of authors to explore the unexplained. From the earliest compilations of anecdotes to modern treatises on the paranormal, there exists an almost endless array of literature related to this field of interest. The collection of texts related to paranormal phenomena continues to grow and earn new readership from those intrigued by the paranormal.

Most paranormal books fall into the non-fiction genre. Those seeking a general overview of the entire paranormal spectrum, several organizations have put together paranormal encyclopedias. Readers with a specific area of interest can also delve deeper into an area of the paranormal with more focused texts. For example, Cryptozoology A-Z is an encyclopedia devoted entirely to mysterious creatures around the world. Other paranormal books attempt to serve as “how-to” guides for experiencing some exceptional phenomena. For example, some authors claim they can teach a reader to harness psychic powers or communicate with the dead. There’s even a collection of guides dealing with ghost hunting using modern technology.

Among the numerous authors of these works, a few stand out for their historical contributions to paranormal books. Perhaps the first modern writer of note was Charles Fort, whose early twentieth century research focused on anecdotal data. Fort spent more than thirty years developing hypotheses regarding paranormal activities. These were eventually published in four books: The Book of the Damned, New Lands, Lo!, and Wild Talents. Each text deals with multiple topics within the realm of the paranormal and expresses Fort’s unique theories. Fort was followed by other noted authors who composed texts with a more specific focus. For example, in the mid-twentieth century Barnard Heuvelmans became an expert on cryptozoology and published more than a dozen works on the topic.

Today, several top authors continue to contribute paranormal books to our literary collection. Most writers choose a specific field of the paranormal for their publications. For example, noted author Dr. Robert Moody focuses on life after death and near-death experiences. His most recent work, Life After Life, has sold more than twelve million copies. Fictional authors have also gained praise from paranormal enthusiasts. Titles relating to alternate histories and future developments are especially popular, and authors like George Orwell, Isaac Asimov, and Arthur C. Clark have developed strong followings for their work in this genre. Despite successes, work in this area continues to be controversial. For example, famed UFO author Grant Cameron was recently barred from lecturing in the United States and has had difficulty gaining access to presidential archives. His research currently focuses on the White House’s involvement in UFO phenomena.

Paranormal books have become so popular that some publishers now focus entirely on this genre. For example, Paraview Pocket Books works with notable publisher Simon & Schuster to market non-fiction paranormal texts to the public. They also develop paranormal-related television and film productions. Similarly, the International Society for Paranormal Research works with authors to publish paranormal-themed books. In fact, their title ISPR Investigates the Ghosts of New Orleans recently became a best-seller in Europe.

Within the vast spectrum of paranormal books, there is sure to be something for every interest level. However, within this genre there is a fine line between fiction and non-fiction. Thankfully, more and more authors are publishing findings based on empirical research and credible anecdotes. Each year, hundreds of new paranormal books are published, and this number is likely to grow as readership interest increases.

David Slone asked:


Ghosts are different things depending on who you ask. While 32% of Americans believe in ghosts, according to a 2005 Gallup poll, there is a divergence of opinion as to what constitutes a ghost. Parapsychologists are in favor of the term, apparition, because it’s purportedly more precise. An apparition is considered immaterial, but it can seem real and tangible. There are a variety of entities that qualify for the catch-all term, ghost, and here they are, in no particular order.

The spirit of a deceased person could make itself known in its former habitat, i.e., a home or office. In this case, the ghost is said to have a likeness to the deceased either in appearance, behavior, or vocal imitation. Of course, it may not be an imitation!

Other common uses of the term refer to angels or demons, or even as a synonym for a person’s immaterial spirit, whether or not they’re presenting themselves to others.

Ghosts are portrayed as having a semi-transparent, unspecific form, loosely resembling the person they once were. Their motives are helpful, ominous, or treacherous. Their motions are transient because they pop in and out. They’re often seen fleeing or scurrying. Of course, reports abound, and these are only a few examples of the alleged behavior of ghosts.

Ghost mythology is common in every ancient culture – from the Egyptians, to the Chinese, to the Europeans of the Middle Ages Ghosts were thought to be the disembodied soul of the person they once inhabited.

Parapsychologists study ghosts as part of their living. A parapsychologist seeks to understand paranormal phenomena. Paranormal phenomena is described as any phenomenon or occurrence that exceeds the bounds of what is possible, according to the established principles and laws of science.

Skeptics charge the controversy with several explanations for suspected ghost sightings. For instance, Scientists Richard Lord and Richard Wiseman explain that sound waves having frequencies less than 20 hertz are normally inaudible, nonetheless, they may cause someone to feel a presence or shift their mood to anxiety or dread. Carbon monoxide poisoning was cited as a cause for haunted houses as early as 1921 because it can cause hallucinations, ill feelings, and a sensation of dread as well.

Another condition, pareidolia, is a condition that causes someone to recognize human faces or forms in random patterns. That’s kind of like a case of seeing what you anticipate, hope for, or want to happen, instead of just seeing. Skeptics aside, extraordinary sightings and stories flow in from all corners of the world at large.

Let’s take a look and see whether or not ghosts might have a scant possibility of really existing.

The New Testament acknowledges the existence of demons, the real spiritual beings that tempt, lie, deceive, and physically harm humans. According to the Bible their intention is to turn people away from God, from the best interests of the human and what will make then happiest, and to try to cause humans to think that they’re smarter than the All mighty loving God. Jesus gave humans the power to cast out demons and walk over the enemy. We have a shield of protection through Christ’s blood. A study of the gospel and the historical teachings of Jesus as it relates to angels and demons is too important and is a separate area of study outside of ghosts.

But, before we begin, let’s move on to the ghost stories of the world.

The face of Martha Rendell, the only female to be executed at Fremantle, appears in the window of the church frequently. The face seems to be produced by ripples in the glass that reflect light in an abnormal way, but the resemblance is eerie.

In China, Tuen Mun Road in Hong Kong is apparently causing excessive death tolls due to “ghosts popping up in the middle of the road”. Drivers avert the apparitions by veering their cars quickly and end up crashing. Hundreds of people allege that this highway is haunted, and many claim to have lost complete control of their automobiles.

Traveling to England we find a case with some substantial evidence, no pun intended. London’s primary criminal court, the Old Bailey, has an uninvited guest at major trials. Judges, barristers, and policemen attest to this strange apparition.

Even Mount Everest has its ghost in resident, probably the ghost of climber, Andrew Irvine, who tried to reach the summit in 1924 with George Mallory, but disappeared on his journey upward. Two climbers in 1975 said that they occupied a snow hole with him, and other climbers have seen a ghost too.

Ireland has the Temple Michael, a quint church and castle positioned on the blackwater river, with a close proximity to Youghal, Co Cork. The place is not used, and it overlooks the blackwater river. Visitors and local inhabitants of the region claim to have heard shrieks, screams, lights in motion, static on cameras over the church grounds, twigs that break without explanation, and coffins that close and open of their own accord.

In Japan, the tomb of Masakado near Tokyo is said to be haunted by the ghost of Masakado. During the 1920’s, the Office for the Ministry of Finance was built on top of it. In 1926, the minister of finance and 10 staff members died of disease. The tomb was restored. After WWII, however, they attempted to construct over it again. The driver of the bulldozer died, however, when it overturned.

The most haunted abode in Scotland is the Close of Mary King in Edinburgh. It was built in the 1600s, and it contained hundreds of people during the plague of 1645 when they were quarantined. Voices, dogs, and a lady clad in black have all been recorded.

Several fables, stories, and accounts arise out of the United States. One of particular interest is the Waverly Hills Sanatorium in Louisville, Kentucky. It used to house tuberculosis patients and people refer to it as the most haunted place ever. More than 60,000 unconfirmed deaths have been reported and the owners of the property, construction workers and maintenance staff, and paranormal investigators have claimed one can see unnatural lights and phantasms darting around the premises at night. The hallways and rooms are filled with appearances of ghosts.

It is clear that immaterial entities exist because Jesus cast these personal and evil beings out of people. They shrieked and screamed and cursed, and this was written about as an account of real events by the meticulous doctor and historian, Luke, in the gospel of Luke. Get protection from spirits through Jesus Christ. Whether or not they’re actual people or vicious demons, Jesus has all power in heaven and on earth, and it says this in Matthew 28:18.

Paranormal phenomena are alive and well because the physical world isn’t all there is.

John W. Martin asked:


Skepticism – Disbelieving the theorists



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Skepticism – An attitude of doubt towards the veracity of a certain concept. With reference to the paranormal, skeptics make up a significant portion of those who express interest in such phenomena. Skepticism does not refer to those who refuse to believe in the paranormal. Rather, it applies to people who remain unconvinced until presented with adequate proof. Thus, the skeptic’s position is perhaps best summed up by author Carl Sagan who stated, “extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

Although anyone can experience skepticism, some researchers have made this concept a personal philosophy. They have established themselves as self-proclaimed skeptics and even formed professional communities. The goal of the “scientific skeptic” is not to blindly reject claims, but, rather, to apply reason to every event. Essentially, scientific skepticism involves utilizing critical analysis to confirm or deny claims lacking conclusive support. This field specifically focuses on those phenomena which seem implausible but are accepted by many.

Some skeptics have actually aided the cause of paranormal research. Most notably, the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry aims to promote the rational, scientific investigation of paranormal phenomena. The Committee was founded in 1976 by a self-proclaimed scientific skeptic, Paul Kurtz. Since then, it has published articles, organized conferences, produced documentaries, and created a network of researchers devoted to logically evaluating paranormal claims. Topics they have analyzed include UFOs, cryptozoology, psychic abilities, alternative medicine, and astrology.

Another prominent organization is The Skeptics Society, which seeks to use science to counteract the spread of superstition and pseudoscientific theories. The Society conducts its own investigations and sponsors informational lectures. It also publishes Skeptic magazine, which debuted more than fifteen years ago. The magazine boasts approximately 50,000 readers and posts regular podcasts on the internet. Topics of interest to the Society range widely from paranormal claims to conspiracy theories to diet fads.

Some paranormal skeptics have taken on the official role of “debunkers.” These researchers focus specifically on disproving paranormal claims. Rather than conduct objective inquiries, debunkers seek only to expose fallacies within the phenomena they study. Due to their passionate disapproval, debunkers frequently cause debate and controversy. In extreme cases, debunkers neglect to accept evidence which contradicts their beliefs. Such persons are referred to as “pseudoskeptics” and generally meet with disapproval from the greater skeptic community.

Skepticism requires an open mind. It is not the stubborn rejection of ideas, but, rather, a desire to see compelling proof before admitting acceptance. The skeptic will accept any claim that can be confirmed with substantial evidence. Thus, skepticism is a rational approach to inquiry used by many who refuse to accept phenomena for which there is no proof.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


In today’s world, where science and technology dominate, it’s hard to accept the reality of mystic and occult ideas, particularly when it comes to things like psychic attacks. Over the past few years, however, curiosity about and interest in things beyond our physical senses has grown. The truth is that other people and entities can attack and drain your psychic and spiritual energy. Just as the world contains good, it contains evil. Powerful positive energies are countered by powerful negative ones.

Negative emotions like anger and envy are powerful. When another person thinks or feels about you in a negative way, that energy can assault you. Feeling intense rage, even unconsciously, they can channel their rage toward you in a paranormal attack. They may not even know they have the ability to direct their psychic energy, yet it happens. Much harm can result from such attacks, and you could be seriously injured. When such emotions are left unchecked, they can become unbelievably powerful and even evil.

Growing interest in paranormal phenomena has led some people to experiment with the occult. Some approach it innocently for fun or out of curiosity. Others take it very seriously and attempt to influence events and people around them. While most people who venture into this territory do it for good reasons like spiritual development, others view it as a way to get their way and manipulate things to their advantage, even at cost to other people.

When a person joins the mystic and occult world for the wrong reasons, disaster can result for them and for their targets. Results can range from simple mischief and tricks to the complete destruction of lives and families. Widely-held doubt and disbelief in mysticism and the occult leads people to ignore or brush off these ventures into the “dark side,” leaving the conjurer unchecked, free to practice black arts without fear of consequences. Their targets are unprotected, left wondering what has happened, unable to understand or explain why their lives have gone into such a dramatic downward spiral.

Fortunately, we can protection ourselves against psychic attacks. We are all spiritual beings with powerful inner energy that radiates around us in our aura. For most people, this energy is invisible, but many psychics report having seen the aura. If you think you may be a victim of psychic attack, you can defend yourself by working on your spiritual energy and strengthening your aura to act as a shield against negative energies and influences.

How can we protect ourselves with psychic self-defense?

Developing psychic self-defense isn’t hard, though it requires time and effort. The best way to develop a powerful aura is to become a healthier, more positive person. This starts with your body, protecting your physical self with an object you can wear constantly.

Find something you can wear, like a wristwatch or ring. Be sure you truly like the object so that you can channel your positive energies to it. Clean it thoroughly. Then hold it as you sit in a comfortable position. Be sure your back is straight and your feet are together, flat on the floor.

Close your eyes and breathe slowly and evenly to relax. Feel positive energy flowing into you each time you inhale, and feel negative energy flowing out through your feet into the floor each time you exhale. Every time you inhale, feel the positive energy move up your body from your feet to the top of your head.

Imagine white light growing above your head, almost like a halo. This represents your highest self, and it is completely free of anger, fear, and pain. Now, visualize the light enveloping your whole body like a cocoon. Be aware of its growing intensity and know it will protect you from all harm. Now, direct that energy into the object you are holding in your hand. You have just created your own amulet, and it will continue to hold that light and energy as you wear it throughout your days and nights.

John W. Martin asked:


The Paranormal – Outside the Realm of Science



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The term “paranormal” is exceptionally broad. It can refer to any number of intriguing concepts or phenomena that are beyond what mainstream science can explain. Topics range from psychic phenomena to bizarre animals to UFO sightings and beyond. The definition is so far-reaching that most experts must focus on a specific subtopic of the paranormal in order to conduct substantial research. Thus, several fields of study, including crytozoology, parapsychology, and ufology, all fall under the heading of the paranormal.

Paranormal occurrences can be classified into many different categories. Of these many subtopics, phenomena related to death receive some of the greatest attention. This category includes unexplained occurrences involving supposed ghosts, spirits, and demons. For example, there are events relating to communications beyond the grave via Ouija boards, séances, and psychic processes. There are also more shocking paranormal phenomena involving ghost sightings and possession.

Another popular category within the umbrella of the paranormal is extraterrestrial-related phenomena. This includes UFO sightings, supposed abductions, and unexplained radio events. Often, UFO and ghost-related events can be linked to a third paranormal archetype; mysterious places. Numerous locations on Earth have been cited as possessing paranormal qualities related to unexplained events or constructions in the area. These places are also sometimes linked to cryptozoology, another category of the paranormal dealing with mysterious creatures, and ancient historical mysteries.

Still other paranormal events relate to people who claim they can channel paranormal phenomena through magic, witchcraft, and psychic powers. Research of these events has led to the field of parapsychology. Parapsychologists use an experimental approach to find statistically valid reasons for supposed “extra-sensory perception.” With the creation of several organizations devoted to this study, parapsychology has become more common. It has even been accepted by such renowned groups as the Stanford Research Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Most paranormal phenomena are relegated to the realm of folklore and urban legends. However, scientific research into paranormal topics has been on the rise in recent decades. Unfortunately, it is difficult to collect information regarding paranormal events. Most researchers are forced to rely on anecdotal accounts from supposed eyewitnesses. Without firm, empirical evidence, many scholars have rejected all theories surrounding the paranormal. However, other scientists see the lack of evidence as adding to the challenge of the paranormal. Thus, they have dedicated their careers to uncovering credible data. This has led to experiments and observations made with advanced equipment and proper utilization of the scientific method.

Paranormal phenomena challenge conventional science. This naturally leads to numerous skeptics and critics. Despite those that seek to debunk all paranormal events, studies have shown that most people do believe in some form of paranormal phenomena. In fact, a 2005 Gallup Poll showed that 73 percent of Americans believe in some form of paranormal activity. This shows that interest in the unexplained is far from fading, and studies related to the paranormal are likely to continue until answers are found.

Denise Villani asked:


The word paranormal comes from the words “para” meaning beyond, and normal. So the term paranormal really means something that is beyond the normal scope of science or being beyond a scientific explanation. According to the Journal of Parapsychology, the term paranormal describes “any phenomenon that in one or more respects exceeds the limits of what is deemed physically possible according to current scientific assumptions.”

Ghosts generate strong electro-magnetic fields. These fields cause disruptions in the magnetic field of a location which makes it detectable by both specialized equipment and psychics. Ghost hunters use many different types of equipment to detect an paranormal phenomena. A 35mm or digital camera is probably the easiest and least expensive way to begin. Pictures, whether digital or recorded on film have the ability to capture paranormal activity that is usually invisible to the ***** eye. In addition to a camera, it’s important to have a flashlight since most paranormal investigations will be in dark places like cemeteries, basements, attics, or old buildings. Also, most investigations occur between 9pm and 6am when it’s dark. This is believed to be the best time to record paranormal activity. Along with the flashlight you’ll need extra batteries, since batteries will sometimes mysteriously lost all their charge during paranormal investigations, literally leaving you in the dark.

Once you have these basic items, you’re ready to start exploring the world of paranormal investigation. Some important things to remember are: never go on an investigation alone, and be respectful of the of the people, places and situations you encounter.

The first step in an investigation is selecting the place you’re going to investigate. Once you choose a location, be sure to get permission to access the property to ensure you won’t get into any trouble for trespassing. It’s also very important to do some research on the location before you go out and physically investigate it. You can go to the library and look up old newspapers, visit the local historical society to find out about the history of the place and if anything strange has happened there, and of course talk with the owner of the property.

Once you get all your data collected you have to analyze it. Every picture, video, audio recording is reviewed to look for any sign of a haunting. When doing your analysis, be sure to be skeptical. Make sure you rule out any explainable causes for anything odd that may show up. Check for mirrors, shadows, light sources or anything else that may cause something weird to be seen or heard in your collected data. Most of the time, the things you initially detected during your investigation will have real world explanations as opposed to supernatural ones. It’s important to make sure your evidence will stand up to any scrutiny by eliminating any other explanations. This will give your data more credibility.

Once you complete your analysis, you need to present your findings property owner. At this point you would recommend whether the owner needs to seek additional help, such a having the property blessed or if there is really nothing that needs to be or even can be done. Sometimes just having someone investigate the place and find nothing can help ease the mind of the person experiencing the haunting.

Muna wa Wanjiru asked:


People who take an interest in paranormal phenomena are very likely aware of the contribution kirlian photography has to the studies in this pseudo-scientific research domain. In simple words kirlian photography is a form of aura photography, meaning that it allows the capturing of the subtle energetic fields that surround any life form. The physical explanation that lies behind kirlian photography is the electric field or the energy discharges and transfers that occur between various elements within an environment. This means that a photo could show more than one may see with the ***** eye, and apparently the entire process relies on the properties of the cameras used for kirlian photography.

Called after the name of its inventor, kirlian photography is actually a reformulation and re-actualization of a phenomenon very often know as elecrography. Kirlian was not the first in his attempts to achieve unique outcomes for science and photography, as there have been other 18th and 19th century trials in the same direction. The interesting part about kirlian photography is the meaning it gets in metaphysical or paranormal contexts. Consider for instance the fact that one of the major attributes of kirlian photography was that of making the acupuncture points in the human body visible on a film.

Various experiments have been made to test kirlian photography and the possibilities it offers for the study of the energetic fields of living objects. This could also be the proof for any skeptical person who would strongly deny the existence of unseen energetic dimensions that are beyond immediate understanding or grasping by the human mind. Even more interesting is the fact that even inanimate objects influence the camera in kirlian photography, as the pictures show energy emissions in such cases too. For people who are a little familiar with such items, it is not difficult to realize that the whole structure of the world relies on energy transfer.

Though the very down to earth explanation of kirlian photography claims that the entire picture impression relies on normal physical phenomena such as the high voltage corona effect, the controversy is still normal. If it is true that kirlian photography captures more than mere electric discharges, then we are in self denial, living in a world that is both incomplete and shallow. If however, there is no energy body emission to be detected, then, at least we have this solid reality to count on. You may believe it or not, according to your own reason and judgment, and that is for sure!

Keith Ward asked:


Psi is the collective term for various hypothetical mental abilities (called extrasensory perception or E.S.P.), along with other paranormal phenomena.

If you have thought seriously about E.S.P, and developing it, you must know that it is a prerogative of your subconscious mind and for it to develop; your conscious, waking mind should take a backseat.

The common way to initiate this is to relax your mind to the extent of pushing it beyond waking consciousness, so it reaches to a floating, dreamlike state. When this is completed, your subconscious will automatically begin perceiving your suggestions and E.S.P. will set in. Look up audio files on the net which can help you reach this state of mind, the altered state that favours E.S.P.

These are the major types of E.S.P.:-

Telepathy: The ability to read the minds of other people.

Clairvoyance: The ability to “see” events or objects happening somewhere else.

Precognition: Similar to Divination, the ability to see the future.

Retrocognition: The ability to see the distant past.

Mediumship: The ability to channel and connect with dead spirits.

Psychometry: the ability to read information about a person or place by touching a physical object

Telekinesis: the ability to affect the material world with the mind alone is a psi phenomenon too, though not strictly E.SP.

The idea behind E.S.P has been around for centuries, only in different forms. The modern concept began to take shape only recently, the beginning of 20th century onwards. The bottom-line behind this is that the human mind can perceive matters beyond the scope of known bodily senses.

1934 saw the coinage of the term E.S.P by Duke University professor J. B. Rhine, one of the most eminent researchers in the field of paranormal psychology.

The possession of Extra Sensory abilities is a widely debated topic. Some people are of the opinion that everybody possesses them and experiences involuntary moments of manifestation.

Others will say that only a handful of psychics, shamans or mediums are blessed by it. The widely agreed upon belief though, is that all of us have the potential for E.S.P, only some of us are more in tune to our subconscious and hence to our Extra Sensory Perceptions than others are.

Debates also run about how this actually works. One theory says that, like our ordinary senses, ESP is energy moving from one point to another point. This energy is then electromagnetic wave-like in nature, similar to light, radio and X-rays, which have not been physically detected, but are just streams of packets of energy.

Like other other-worldly concepts, even E.S.P has no concrete scientific basis. Believing in it is a bit like believing in God. It needs faith more than facts. But once you begin believing, it can work wonders. The existence and reach of this has been proven the world over time and again and it is truly wonderful once it begins to manifest.