Are Psychics Real?

December 25, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Religion

Frederick Gimino asked:


If you have ever wondered “are psychics real?” you are not alone. Many people ask them selves this very same question every day. The answer is often not an easy one but for thousands of years, people have turned to psychics, and clairvoyants for love, romance, and life advice. Some say psychics even have the ability to communicate with the spirits of the departed.

However, over the years claims of spiritualism and psychic powers have been so widespread and the reports of its effects so numerous and impressive that it was inevitable that scientists would be attracted to the alleged phenomena. Parapsychology the science that studies these phenomena focused on many areas including telepathy, clairvoyance, hypnotism, spirits, spiritualism, and the history of spiritual manifestations.

Although Parapsychology is still considered a fringe science by many scientists it still merits the attention of renowned educational institutions such as Princeton University and Berkley. Princeton offers the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) degree and the University of Berkley in California awarded the only American accredited degree in Parapsychology to Jeffery Mishlove in 1980. But in saying this I am putting the cart before the horse.

The pioneers of modern Parapsychology began using the experimental approach to psychic phenomena at Duke University in the 1930s under the direction of Joseph Rhine. Subsequently Karl Zener one of J.Rhines associates developed the world renowned Zener card test for testing ESP abilities using the scientific method. These ESP tests were conducted at Duke University in one of the first Pavlovian conditioning laboratories.
Parapsychology progressed throughout the 20th century and adopted current technology as it became available. The use of more sophisticated methods of paranormal investigation advanced as technology did. In modern times advanced electronic equipment is often used to test for psychic phenomena. This is because paranormal events reportedly cause energy disturbances across the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Some speculate that energy is drawn from the surrounding environment to power psychic events. Modern day paranormal investigators monitor these environmental energy changes with a variety of modern instruments including EMF detectors, temperature sensors, static electricity detectors, ionization detectors, motion detectors, EVP recording devices, RF detectors, and radiation monitors.

So, whether you believe in psychics, paranormal activity, or spiritualism the fact of the matter is there is currently hard scientific data documenting the anomalous psychic events which occur in the everyday world around us. In addition for thousands of years unexplained phenomena have been documented throughout history. Are millions of people crazy? I think not. I assure you that the spiritual realm does exist and I am not alone in that belief. Many scientists, layman, and spiritualists share the same views about our universe. Even some world renowned physicists speculate the need for more than one dimension to explain life as we know it.

My best advice is to try to keep an open mind and an objective outlook about things that we do not fully understand. that is unless you believe the sole criterion of reality is our limited human ability to quantify, tag, and label it. After all we can not see the wind but we do see the affect it has on the leaves as they blow about. Does this mean wind does not exist just because we cannot see it?

In closing I leave it up to you the reader to decide for your self the answer to the question at hand. But, know this my answer to the question “are psychics real?” is yes. Psychics, psychic abilities, spirits, and ESP are real whether you believe in them or not.



Take Me to the Other Side: Moral Responsibilities of Ghost Hunters as Related to Spirits and the Afterlife

December 9, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Metaphysics

Bobby Elgee asked:


This article is an open query to all ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, psychics, mediums, parapsychologists, and theologians regarding the possible moral obligations concerning assisting certain types of ghosts–as defined as the consciousness of deceased persons possibly trapped in the material realm–to move on to ‘the other side.’

I am an amateur paranormal investigator with limited experience and many questions cross my mind, not only about the research and gathering ‘evidence’ of the paranormal, but also questions related to the moral, ethical, and spiritual aspects of this endeavor.

My question is this:

Do we have an obligation to assist ghosts in their transition to ‘the other side’?

The question is based on a series of assumptions as follows.

1. Ghosts are the consciousness of deceased humans and certain ghosts are ‘stuck’ in the material realm.

2. Some ghosts may be unaware that they are ghosts and/or they are unable to muster the actions/steps necessary to ‘move on.’

3. There is something beyond the material realm. A place or state exists that is a natural and probably desirable next step, and getting there is  necessary to complete the spiritual evolution of these free-floating ‘minds’ called ghosts.

4.  Thus we, as the living, being knowledgeable of the condition of their existence–and theoretically having the tools to assist them in their spiritual evolution–should render this assistance.

The above assumptions possibly place us–as paranormal investigators and others concerned with the spiritual evolution of our species–in a unique position to be able to provide this assistance. If the assumptions above are true and/or you believe in ghosts, to not act based on these assumptions be could something akin to leaving Kitty Genovese bleeding on the street.

If you believe that people should be altruistic–that is being obligated and willing to help our fellow humans (and ghosts)–we should seriously consider this issue.

There is research that shows that humans can be altruistic. They certainly may demonstrate this trait. We operate in groups for the greater good and are social creatures. However, there is also social psychological research that demonstrates that we are very selfish, e.g. we may only clearly operate altruistically when it serves our own needs/ideals or that of our family. We may be unique in the animal kingdom considering our combination of altruistic and selfish traits. The discussion of  these psychological and sociological ideas certainly goes beyond the constrains of this article, but they do bear mentioning.

So, when considering this question, one has to look deep into oneself and society and consider whether your answer to the question is self-serving or genuinely altruistic.

Considering the popular television show Ghost Hunters, rarely do they televise cleansing efforts, involve religious authorities or psychics specific to this issue, and it appears that their activities in regards to their clients mostly involve educating their clients to paranormal phenomena with the tenet that knowledge reduces fear–and that there is really nothing to fear. At least for the humans involved.

This is just on the surface, and TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) certainly provides more services than is discernable from their television show and  has demonstrated the capability to provide referrals to professionals and experts capable of operating under the assumptions I mentioned earlier.

Anyone that has done any background research on Grant, Jason, and Steve–the force behind TAPS– realizes that their paranormal experiences far exceeds what is able to be shown in an hour television show. For all the commercialization and debates to as to whether the ‘evidence’ they present is valid, they do deserve immense credit to bringing the realm of the paranormal–and implications on the spiritual evolution of the human race–to light and educating the general public in regards to these type of phenomena as genuine and legitimate human experiences.

Other television shows have a bent that lends themselves more toward addressing the possible  moral and ethical responsibilities that this article is questioning. Paranormal State, the team of young investigators and paranormal entrepreneurs from Penn State, definitely deserves credit for bringing this issue more to light and embracing a wider spirituality that underlies the entire endeavor.

Both groups, Ghost Hunters and Paranormal State, are clearly human-centric. The living are more important then the dead. Their needs take precedent, being the primary needs in any case. This is a premise I have to believe, as my belief in ghosts and the afterlife are unresolved at best. If a child is scared, or an adult is being tormented by paranormal experiences, the impact on their quality of life is obvious. Why the supposed ‘ghosts’ are exhibiting this ‘behavior’ is always secondary to the needs of the living..

Are we ****** against ghosts? Do we neglect their needs in support of the living? Absolutely, but this is the way it is. There is a conscious and unconscious assigning of priorities in any paranormal investigation, and whether we are ‘racists’ considering ghosts is fodder for another article, the implications of which are not discussed here.

I take this type of bias as possible indication of genuine altruism exhibited by the human race. It is one of the ways that demonstrates that we, as living humans, are part of the same family. Ghosts, by definition, are not, though perhaps they once were. Thus ghosts become the second-class citizens of any paranormal investigation. Though ghosts are the reason we’re investigating in the first place, in reality they are not. We are investigating for us, and sometimes ghosts are treated like nothing more then strange animals in a zoo where we go to gawk. Again, these issues are very interesting, but beyond the bounds of this article.

So, we come back to the original question:

Do we have an obligation to help ghosts move to the other side?

Consider the following series of questions which represent a potential can of worms related to the question above.

1. What if some ghosts choose to stay?

There are documented cases of people who are alive, astrally traveling or presumably engaging in ESP and appearing as apparitions to people, family members, or even complete strangers. How do you determine the difference between this phenomena and that of a  haunting?

Then we would need to determine the difference between a residual haunting and an intelligent haunting, assuming that residual haunting is not caused by a conscious spirit.

What’s left may be an intelligent haunting. If so, how would we decide if the ghost wants to be here, or that it doesn’t know it is trapped? What if the ghost knows it’s trapped, and believes that the other side is hell? Again, we have a can of worms here which may place us–as paranormal investigators–casting judgements that have already been decided by the concepts of God across a variety of religions.

2. How do we determine the reasons why an intelligent ghost is staying?  How do we decide those reasons presumably using the tools we have now?

3. Once we’ve determined the answers to #1 and #2, what do we do next? How do we decide which ghosts to help, and those that don’t need or want our help? What tactics do we employ to accomplish this?

So, we are left with a series of questions that are very important, addressing the basic premise of what it is to be human–and to be a ghost–and our obligations and responsibilities as to what that means. Ranging from theology, spirituality, psychology, to the tactics of ghost hunting, this “hobby” certainly generates questions–and possibly answers–that may affect all of the human race.

I have no answers, only questions. However, in my quest to become a more competent paranormal investigator, I believe the techniques and technology are the relatively easy questions to address. The questions behind why we are employing such tactics–the difficult part in my opinion–and our eventual goals become very important for all ghost hunters to consider.

I firmly believe that we cannot flail blindly in the dark when dealing with such questions. I think, whether we believe in ghosts or not, we do have an obligation to help them if they need it. Not to do so makes you less human in my opinion. And, I feel that many groups neglect these questions or when they are addressed, it is done so in an cursory and self-serving way. I certainly do not exempt myself from this, and perhaps writing this makes me a hypocrite.

In my opinion, there are many obstacles in the way of developing any type of consensus in these matters. One of the main obstacles is inconsistent use of language and even a basic ignorance, and perhaps disagreement, in regards to various terminology.

For example, many groups state that their goal is to find proof of the paranormal. This is a misnomer. The fact is that paranormal phenomena does exist. I define paranormal as something that is currently unexplainable by science. There is plenty of phenomena that is unexplainable by science, as every scientist will tell you.

One needs to clearly define the words they are using if they pretend they are doing something remotely resembling scientific research. If everyone uses the same word in a different way, no one has any idea what anyone is talking about. In scientific research, one doesn’t generally have to worry about this. In the field of paranormal investigation, I feel this problem is pervasive.

Some groups clearly state that their goal is to prove the existence of the afterlife or life after death. These groups come more closely to presenting themselves in a way that elucidates their goals. But what exactly are their goals?

Lets be frank, no one is probably ever going to prove the existence of the afterlife in the foreseeable future. A lofty goal, sure, but one in all likelihood is probably  unobtainable. Setting realistic goals is important in any endeavor, and ghost hunting is no different. Perhaps setting such an all encompassing goal undermines the method, and the ability to work toward obtaining this goal.

Running around, taking strange photographs, capturing audio of unexplained voices, and documenting cold spots and spikes in EMF activity may not be advancing the body of knowledge toward proving the afterlife in any meaningful way. However, at this point, these are some the most popular tools we have.

If you do want to prove the existence of the afterlife, and you capture some evidence of what you feel is a ghost, how come most people just walk away from it? They put the picture on their Web site and show it off, with little regard to the ghost itself. Even worse then that, they may return to the location–even bringing in more investigators–in an attempt to capture further ‘evidence.’ And yet, what is done as far as attempts to determine why the ‘ghost’ is there and what can be done to help it’s spiritual evolution? Again, this unfortunate spirit is reduced to an exhibit, a zoo animal, and something to be harassed.

There has to be more then that, and as a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator, especially if you believe in ghosts, you should do something about it, and hopefully something that will help on a spiritual level. Otherwise, in my opinion, you are nothing better then a tourist and an amateur, and are solely thinking of your own needs and desires. In other words, you are being self-serving.

Many groups are very committed to debunking. In my mind, these groups have less of an obligation to assist these disembodied spirits. For myself, I am not convinced of the existence of ghosts. The paranormal phenomena I have captured evidence of is simply that in my mind. It’s paranormal–unexplained by science. Subsequently calling such phenomena a ghost is a leap of faith I can’t make with any degree of certainty at this time. Thus, I’m fairly comfortable not attaching any spiritual implications or obligations to any such phenomena.

Until I am actually convinced that there are such things as ghosts, I don’t necessarily feel any obligation to take further steps beyond just trying to figure out what “it” is. However, I do articulate this, and don’t run around identifying such phenomena as ghosts, then do nothing about it. Also, I do work with people who study these aspects of paranormal investigations, and feel that they have the skills to address these aspects if necessary.

Of course, I may be wrong and self-serving and–in an effort to justify my actions and reconcile them with my thoughts and opinions on the subject–may be neglecting a very important piece of the puzzle. In fact, I have a nagging feeling in the back of my head this may be the very case.

Given the original premise of this article, ghost hunters become elevated to a unique group– a group who has to have an understanding of human psychology, culture, and spirituality, and be able to offer advice and take action concerning a spirits spiritual well-being.

The field of paranormal investigation will evolved only  if people consider the basic questions, motivations, and drives beyond just capturing evidence. Look at the original question underneath it all…why do we do this?

To take a basic tenet of ethics, one must first do no harm. Regardless of whether ghosts exist–and by default this implies the existence of an afterlife–I sincerely don’t believe that most paranormal investigators are causing any harm. But if one does consider the spiritual implications regarding helping a trapped spirit, we are acting on a body of imperfect knowledge, and thus by doing so, perhaps could cause harm if we aren’t very careful and thoughtful in our methods.

So, are there any answers in this article? Probably not, but there are many questions and the half-baked musings of an amateur ghost hunter who may just be in over his head.



Would Twitter Encourage a Charge for Making Friends?

December 4, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

sandywebart asked:


Though money is the ultimate aim of building any website or settlement of any profession, the establishment of Twitter was not for this reason. Now it’s a common eagerness in almost everyone to know how Twitter can earn funds easily. Nowadays, everyone wants to make on the universal arena, the main question takes place “Can we get good friends through paying for them?” “Would Twitter charge from us for friends?”

Now Twitter is going to offer its wonderful services to make friends from all over the world through paying for them procedure. To begin such an excited service, Twitter is firm to build some suggestions adequate high-flying in the user knowledge. Moreover, it’s going to improve the excellence of free-of-cost references. Though these references are not able to attract all users in present conditions, they would prove amazing for them with the passage of time. The concept of providing service to make friends on behalf of some charges lets user think what is special in this offer?

In fact, folks don’t have so much time to stay anymore to find out the reasons why they should go with Twitter to make friends on a charging process. However, Twitter can prove a good platform for bloggers to search new friends for new scopes. In present times, Twitter has become more and more popular and so, the idea of making money through paying for friends doesn’t look a source of riches. In fact, people should think differently and special about this wonderful step of Twitter that is taken for sake of people.

Moreover, time will disclose what the new step of Kevin Thau brings for users! We can only hope for the best and expect something an exciting model in coming time that is not far from us. It’s also a great point to think whether people would like to spend some money in seeking friends while they can make friends without paying anything. Since the twitter is a renowned service provider, which takes care of users’ interests rather than its own. It can be anticipated that new launch in friendship field will also be rocking and advantageous for people who are regular visitors of the site.

Lastly, it’s not a good idea to pay for friends and I don’t think that Twitter has any sense of making money behind the new plan. So, it would be better to wait and watch the results that would be visible for everyone in coming times!



Know the Shocking Unexplained Mysteries as Well as Paranormal Incidences at Profiling the Unexplained

November 19, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Uncategorized

Vikram Kumar asked:


 

As we all know that human beings are the most vital creation of God. They have the best intelligence in all living things and are considered as the one who are capable of doing anything. They are the most powerful creations on earth and rule the earth in almost all aspects. Thus it can be said that they can control everything with their intelligence but is it really right?

 

One cannot say that they can control everything as there are several paranormal incidences and various hauntings unsolved mysteries which prove this sentence wrong.

 

Several stories are still hidden in the heart of history. There are many hauntings unsolved mysteries which prove that there is something around us which is even more powerful than human beings. Several paranormal incidences took place in front of many people which compel us to believe that something invisible is there which is dominant and prevailing.

 

This online site has been given a name of ‘profiling the unexplained’ with a purpose to uncover several hidden secrets of the unknown world. The main reason of creating this online site is to make people familiar to several paranormal incidences and many hauntings unsolved mysteries.

 

This site contains several pages from which you can gain several information and knowledge on various aspects like paranormal incidences, information regarding UFO’s, various hauntings unsolved mysteries and several other hidden secrets which are not known to the world.

 

The incidences mentioned in these sites are true and will compel you to believe in the invisible world. The incidences mentioned on various pages of this site are not just stories; rather they contain some proof with them. This site can also provide you true unsolved crime cases. This site is very beneficial for the internet users as it include the cases or mysteries from all over the world and is not restricted to any one state or country.

 

You may question that internet is just like an ocean in which one can find several cases hidden mysteries and paranormal incidences then why should we opt for this particular site?

 

Your question is absolutely right but the answer to this question is that, this site is an ocean in itself for gaining information and knowledge about several paranormal incidences and different hauntings unsolved mysteries. Some facts are also included with the incidences so as to make it more real. This site also contains some evidences which work as a proof that all the incidences are true and not a single sentence is imagined by any human being.

 

This site is very much different from other online sites which just put any content to attract the net users. The motive of this online site is to uncover many hauntings unsolved mysteries and several paranormal incidences and to help people in knowing the truth of the invisible world. This site also provides several articles, posts and forums so that people can write their views on any particular incidence or topic.

 

These forums help the net users in writing enormous views on any topic so that other can easily judge the significance and truth of that particular topic. This site also facilitates the people with live chat so as to clear any doubts regarding any incidence or topic.

 



Millions Flock To The Paranormal Paradox On Paranormal Tv Shows

November 11, 2009 by admin  
Filed under Art And Entertainment

Dror Klar asked:


The question of where dead people go when they die is one that many people think they already know. According to some they do not go anywhere. At least some of them do not. It seems that many of the dead choose to remain right where they were. Here with us. Now that is a real scary thought that has been truly believed by some throughout history.

The idea that there are living people among us that can actually communicate with the dead is considered a fact by some and ridiculed at the same time by others. It all comes down to whether you believe that there is some sort of life after death or not. There are many things about life and death that are as yet unable to be proven one way or the other and whether there is life, ghostly or otherwise, is still considered a mystery to most.

Despite the fact that this age old question can not be factually answered for sure, the number of people who watch the many popular paranormal television shows are millions. Evidently whether we believe or not, we still enjoy entertaining the possibility of life after death.. Paranormal shows about ghosts and those who communicate with them are some of the top ranking at the moment.

Recently the top two network programs, Ghost Whisperer and Medium have a tremendous viewing audience. These shows are strictly fictional and everyone who watches them knows this. They are loved simply for their entertainment value and the people who play the main characters on the shows, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Patricia Arquette.

There are other shows that are supposedly based on real encounters that people claim to have had with the dead. Psychics and mediums that are believed to have the ability to communicate or locate these spirits are commonly used in these shows.

Some of the most watched shows are on cable and satellite channels. If you watch the Biography channel, you can watch The Unexplained. This show deals with paranormal stories and other topics of interest such as alien life forms and unidentified flying objects.

On the Science Fiction channel you can see Ghost Hunters. These seekers of the dead visit places that people are reportedly having encounters with ghost. These places they visit can be historical ones or more ordinary residences where paranormal activity is believed to be taking place..

On the Travel channel, the places where their spiritual activities take place are usually in a historical setting of some sort. Most Haunted is also one of the most watched paranormal shows on television right now. There are other ones that have not been mentioned here that you might want to check out as well if you like these type of programs.