Mamie M. September, 2010

Ghost hunting Basics

Ghost hunting has gained increased popularity over the years due to recent movies and television series.  Paranormal investigation is no longer something strange or unusual; in fact it is becoming not only a hobby but at times a career choice.  There are several things to consider when entering the world of ghost hunting.  Many enter this field because they have unanswered questions regarding the afterlife, or just want to experience something that proves there is so much more out there than we as a society are led to believe.  Whatever the reasons, there must be an understanding of the rules and guidelines to paranormal investigation

First; pick your location.  Do the proper research on what the experiences have been and what type of entity you are searching for.  This will help you prepare for the actual investigation.  Always get permission to be on the property, never trespass under any circumstances.  If you are unfamiliar with the area you may want to visit the location during the day to avoid any potential hazards in the dark.  Try to avoid visiting locations alone, not only is it better to have multiple sets of eyes to review potential evidence but it is just safer.  Always make sure someone who isn’t going to be with you knows where you are heading and there is a way to contact them if needed.

Second; get prepared.  Be sure to dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes.  Try not to wear any cologne or perfume so as not to affect other people in your team.  Some experiences center around scent, such as an entity carrying the smell of roses, smoke, sulfur and so on.  Keep supplies to a minimum and have a comfortable and convenient way to carry them.  There are a lot of ghost hunting gadgets out there but some of these things can get pretty expensive.  Start out with the basics. A flashlight, a pencil and notepad to make notes or reference back to previous research, a camera ( either film or digital), a voice recorder, extra batteries,  baby powder (works great to capture ghostly footsteps), water, and of course a first aid kit.

Third; investigate. Once you have arrived at your location be sure to have a plan with your group and try not to separate if possible.  Make sure you have referenced what you are actually looking for but try not to narrow your focus.  Many times experiences occur that are different from previous reports.  Remember what type of entity are you searching for, is it a residual or intelligent haunting, is it known to be shy, friendly, or ill tempered, are there certain things you can say or do safely to increase the chances of it appearing, is there a language the entity understands best, and is it a human or non human entity.  Some people like to say or do something for protection before starting an investigation, this is up to you.  Make sure to take a lot of pictures, do not just click once if you hear a strange sound, point and shoot randomly and often, you will have a lot to review later but it will increase your chances of seeing something paranormal.  When using the voice recorder, be sure to speak clearly, any whispering done by you and your team may sound like potential evidence later.  Find a “hot spot” or a location known for heavy activity and use your voice recorder to ask questions, allow enough time for an answer.  You may not hear anything at the moment but upon review you may discover an EVP or Electronic Voice Phenomena.  Once you feel you have thoroughly investigated your location, make sure you clean up anything left over and head home.  Since many investigations are done at night, you may want to wait until the next day to review everything. Never look for evidence with tired eyes.

Fourth; review. This can be the most tedious and yet most exciting part of the process.  Examine your pictures and listen to your recordings.  If anything unusual is heard or seen, have a second or third person review it as well.  Take into consideration anything that may have contaminated the film or audio, was the investigation outdoors, and were there animals, traffic lights, or other people that could have made the picture or sound seem ghostly.  If the investigation was indoors, was it an old building, was there faulty plumbing or electrical outlets.  If none of these things are possibilities, you may even have to return to the same location to try and recreate what was seen or heard.

Most of all have fun, try not to go into an investigation fearful, sometimes our own imaginations can run away with us and everything seems spooky like some old haunted house film with creaking doors and screeching owls.  Just relax and enjoy the experience.  Do not be disappointed if your first few investigations turn up with no ghostly results.  Some experienced investigators have several occasions with no results.  Each ghost hunt is a chance to try new techniques, test new equipment, and see new places; it’s all about opening your mind to the unknown.

Tags: ghosts, hunting, paranormal

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R. Wolf Baldassarro September, 2010

Investigation Procedures: Doing the Research (Part 2 of 5)

Just visiting a place that has reported claims of the paranormal and snapping a few pictures or recording some audio doesn’t mean you’ve investigated it thoroughly.  Once you’ve landed a big investigation you’ll want to research the location as much as possible.  Background and historical research is a big part of any valid investigation of the paranormal, especially one with a long history of reported activity.  It involves conducting a lot of pre-investigation interviews of witnesses, tedious historical research, looking up prior media coverage, and contacting other investigation groups who may have been there before.

Take organized and concise notes of the names, places, and events you find in your research.  Make sure you also site exactly where you found your information and site your sources.

The historical data of the land itself must be looked into including any geological and environmental factors; the architectural history of any buildings that currently or previously existed on the land needs to be looked into as well as the people who occupied the land.

Google might be easily accessible and convenient but despite its claims, you can’t find everything on Google- or accurate information for that matter.  Many historical documents aren’t on the internet at all.  It takes deeper insight and work to find the answers you seek, often resulting in a need to actually GO somewhere and looking over hardcopy yourself.   Look through historic documents and manuscripts such as a photographs, maps, newspaper clippings, and artifacts by visiting local libraries and historical societies; tell them what you’re looking for and ask for their help; they’ll be more than happy to assist you in your search and they’ll likely know exactly where you need to look or who to talk to.

Visit the county or city’s Registrar of Deeds office and do a background on the history of the building and the land it resides on.  Look up the current landowner under Warranty Deeds and trace the ownership of the land backwards.  Take note of the various uses of the land itself as it may not have always had a business or home on it.  The names you encounter can also help to cross reference with local news about and events connected with the area like epidemics, murders, and other newsworthy events.  Often a spirit isn’t attached to the home as much as it is to the land itself.  We’ve all heard stories of homes being built near or directly on Native American burial grounds.  There could have been a natural disaster that wiped out early settlers to an area, famine, war, the possibilities are endless so extensive research of the area is crucial.  A massacre could provide the emotional fuel for a haunting.

Look for any mineral deposits or environmental factors which could explain the reported occurrences.  Theories suggest that water lines, quartz, and limestone deposits amplify paranormal activity so if a home lies on a property rich in certain elements take it into account when examining the paranormal activity.  Look into known or reported environmental phenomenon specific to the area and consumer energy depots.  Consider factories and plants that could be producing byproducts that affect health and mental states under prolonged exposure.  I should note that electromagnetic fields are unavoidable in residential areas and despite the theory surrounding so-called “fear cages” there is no significant scientific data to support the claims that it causes hallucinations or nausea.

Research the previous owners.  Often families will write or pass down stories of unexplainable events that occur in their homes.  Talk with former owners to see if they had any odd or paranormal events occur during their occupancy.  See if there are any consistencies in stories from family to family.  Sometimes a cause can be found to debunk or explain claims, or further support the claims.

You’ll want detailed information from the client about the types, frequency, and level of paranormal activity.  Are the events specific to a day, date or time?  Do they recur at specific anniversaries as is the case with residual hauntings or do they interact at random?  Do they occur only in specific rooms or do events occur in every room except a certain one?  Do they occur only when certain people are in the home?  This could even be the result of a friend or someone else who visits the location.  There could be something positive or negative about the person that is causing psychic turbulence or giving unrest to the spirit.  Also make it clear from the stat what the client’s desires are.  If a haunting is confirmed are they comfortable with it or do they want it removed?  They may have a lot of needs and wants before, during, and long after the investigation.  These will all be covered later.

It might be uncomfortable for some people to ask or discuss, but it is also important to find out about the emotional, psychological, and physical status of each resident as well.  You don’t want to claim a place is haunted if it turns out the daughter was hallucinating due to high fever from the flu or the father has a history of paranoid schizophrenia.  During an investigation of claims of apparitions you find a stash of marijuana or anti-psychotic meds in the bathroom.  Obviously that makes any paranormal activity suspect.

My own group was all excited when I got a call to investigate a residential home.  The home owner had the most fantastic claims including apparitions, moving objects, voices, you name it.  He was adamant we come over ASAP and investigate.  Three of us went over for a pre-investigation interview.  The house had no working lights, no clothes or food, and Spartan décor.  Chalking it up to eccentrics we continued.  In the next few days I had received no fewer than 64 phone calls.  He had claimed that 17 other groups had investigated within the past 2 years.  I contacted some of these groups and was provided a wealth of information regarding the individual and the case.  It turns out he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in the past and is under no treatment whatsoever.  He continues to harass myself and any group spanning five different states that will listen.

This brings up a good point.  Never, ever meet with a potential client alone, especially if it’s a residence.  You can never know what a person’s motives are.  Even groups like TAPS have had these situations.  They were investigating a house that turned out to all be a ruse because the woman wanted to seduce Jason Hawes in the basement!  Always have someone with you and at least one person off site that knows who you’re with and where you are.  These things can happen, and there are numerous situations that you’ll encounter that just have to be experienced.  I try to cover as many as I can through this column.

If you’re pressed for time you can always do more research afterward to gain a better understanding and clarification of events or to finish up documentation.  You’ll have a better and more detailed report to give your client in the end.  Do some follow up research after the initial investigation if something comes up like a name on an EVP or an interesting bit of info or eerie personal experience.

Assuming claims have panned out and your background research was fruitful.  Next month we’ll get into the hands-on, real-time investigation procedures to make the most of your research experience.  Until next time then, happy hunting.

Tags: ghosts, paranormal

• Articles

R. Wolf Baldassarro August, 2010

Investigation Procedures (Part 1 of 5)

By R. Wolf Baldassarro

If you’ve been following my column for some time, by now you should have a pretty good grasp of the history of paranormal research and with the tools, tech, and spiritual workings associated with the field.  So now it’s time to go out and put all that into practice.  In this series we’ll discuss the steps for a successful and professional investigation.  There are five major components to an investigation- group design and organization, research procedures, the investigation, the analysis, and follow-up.

First of all don’t be overeager.  It’s okay to have fun and enjoy the experience but keep your thoughts and emotions in check, and the foolishness to a minimum.  You don’t want a teammate’s recorder to pick you up laughing or goofing off in another room and mistake it for something paranormal.  Not only is it disrespectful to the home or business owner, the spirits which may be haunting the location, your teammates, and the field of parapsychology in general but you are in someone’s home for a serious and scientific study not in a carnival funhouse for a good time.

Resolve your fears and preconceived notions of the paranormal and look at each investigation with a clean slate.  Every case will be unique because individuality is just as much a part of the other side as it is here in the physical world.  Don’t expect anything or compare every little event to previous investigations.  Let things occur and flow naturally because in a calm and natural atmosphere you’ll have the best chances for capturing quantifiable evidence.

Just as we would be cautious of the spirits’ intentions, we must also be cautious of who we invite along on the hunt.  Your teammates must be chosen with the expectation of honesty and integrity.  Choose wisely when interviewing members for your organization, as unfortunately there are many dishonest people that may cause more upset in a client’s home than the unwanted spirit.  Furthermore you don’t want your group’s reputation to hinge on the actions of a fool.  The Deep Forest Paranormal Society has a specific application that hopeful candidates must fill out if they want to join our team.  This can go a long way toward weeding out potential problems.  Every member of DFPS must have one of these and a signed agreement clause on file before they are allowed to participate in any official group activities.  You can download an example of the MS Word document at this link: DFPS Member Application

Beyond the paperwork and red tape, members should be extensively trained in safety, technology and protocol requirements.  Establish basic parameters and guidelines for central ghost hunting procedures.  Also of great importance is the establishment of a leadership structure or chain of command.  Create departments like technology, case management, transportation, research, analysis teams, spirituality, and so forth.  The knowledge individuals bring to the group may benefit specific departments or talents.  Someone with extensive training and knowledge in photography is best suited on the analysis team where they could help debunk anomalous photos, not doing background research.  In addition you don’t need the team to be on investigation and have everyone acting like they’re the boss.  With everyone playing top dog no one will follow and there will be no cooperation, no format, and no professionalism.

I’ve said many times that the main issue I have with many so-called “ghost hunting groups” is they’re run like an after-school hobby group with no organization, code of conduct, or guidelines.  To make sure everyone is on the same page- literally- it’s wise to have some kind of written document explaining command structure, job descriptions and responsibilities, and procedural notes.  Everyone in my group is given a 30-page manual that was drafted by my lead investigator that explains all that including attendance requirements and disciplinary steps.  Again this is a serious scientific field and a job.  Granted it’s all done on a volunteer basis but to not look at it as you would a paying job and to have no real control over the way you operate in someone’s home spits in the face of science and it’s no wonder the general scientific community doesn’t take us seriously.

Many groups say to start with cemeteries.  There are pros and cons to this, but mostly cons.  These groups do nothing more than go to cemeteries and abandoned buildings and think they’re ghost hunters just because they sneak into them in the dark of night on a regular basis and snap a few pictures and audio recordings.  The first obvious con is that most cemeteries are closed at dusk, making you an illegal trespasser if you’re stomping around after dark.  You are free to roam around cemeteries during normal operating times and do as you wish but you must still be respectful of those who lie in them as well as the rules of those who run the grounds.  It is NEVER okay to go into an abandoned building, whether day or night, without the landowner’s permission.  End of story.

In many cases contacting the city or church that owns the cemetery or building and presenting your honest and objective intentions goes a long way toward garnering permission.  You should also have a client contract that explains what each party’s legal and financial responsibilities are.  Often having a clause that releases the building’s owner of responsibility due to injury puts their mind at ease.  For an example of such a contract here is a download link to the very client contract that DFPS uses: DFPS Client Contract

Secondly, cemeteries by design are in urban areas close to well-traveled roads and residential homes.  This can seriously pollute any evidence due to a large amount of X factors.  Even abandoned cemeteries in secluded and neglected locations have environmental and noise pollution levels that are known and unknown at the time of investigation that could skew your results.

It may be a good idea to look at cemeteries as training grounds.  Go there during the day with new members to get them acquainted with your group’s procedures and techniques.  As we know, ghosts don’t just come out at night and you or they might actually catch something.  While investigating a new cemetery during the day I actually captured a legitimate EVP.

This is also a great time to build connections between members and see which people work best with each other.  Often the personalities of members will compliment another in the organization making for a solid duo for official investigations.  This is also a perfect time to familiarize everyone with all the various tools at your disposal- and try out that new full-spectrum camera you just purchased.  (Sorry, I was day dreaming again…) Every member should have a fully trained understanding of all the tools used during an investigation so that everyone can get their hands dirty and join in the hunt.

Every city and county around the world has local legends and folklore about famous residents, traumatic and dramatic events, and haunted buildings.  Start with some of the more well-known locations and approach the owners or management in as professional a manner as possible.  Dress and act like you would for a job interview with a high-end business firm.  You’ll want to put your best foot forward.  Not only will this help you come across as trustworthy but will gain you respect as well.  Positive reviews and word of mouth are the best advertisement you can get, and best of all it’s free.

You’ll want to have certain safety items such as a first aid kit, plenty of flashlights and batteries, water bottles, 2-way radios, and name badges before you start any investigations.  Keep these items at center command and readily accessible.  Make sure procedures are in place should anyone get injured while investigating and have local emergency numbers handy.  Also make sure you familiarize yourself with the address and specific location (major crossroads) of your area of interest so that in the unfortunate case that emergency personnel need to be called they can get to you as fast as possible.

Most items like water, first aid, and radios are common sense safety items but I’d also like to mention in detail the reasons for badges.

A seasoned paranormal research group will require all members to wear identification while investigating or representing the group in public- even when just doing research.  Not only does this present a more professional image but it helps clients, law enforcement, and others know who is and is not part of the group.  Remember that law enforcement has the right to request identification and trespassing on private property can lead to fines, imprisonment, or worse- I’ve known of ghost hunting groups getting shot at when trespassing in areas at night!

Set up your rules and procedures how you see fit for the specific needs and goals of your group’s activities.  Just keep in mind that the more structured and professional you are in your design, the more professional you will come off when investigating and word of mouth can make or break your success.

Join me next month as I probe farther into investigations with a look at the wonderful world of research and documentation.  Believe it or not good background research is critical to an accurate analysis.

Tags: ghosts, haunting, paranormal

• Articles

Mamie M. August, 2010

Non Human Entities

When we think of the paranormal, we usually think of spirits of those who have passed on.  We think of cold spots, barely visible forms, and disembodied voices. Yet a lot of us automatically think we are dealing with human entities.  There are a number of non human entities that are part of the paranormal world.  Here I will briefly discuss a few.  This is such a broad topic and pending on religion and culture these entities can greatly vary but there are some similarities that I will highlight.

Angels; These entities have a similar appearance throughout many cultures and religions.  People are believed to have encounters with angels during times of trauma.  Many describe a feeling of calm and comfort.  Some feel they are enveloped with warmth or see a bright glow and what appears to be a human with wings.  The entity is usually unfamiliar, unlike those who see or hear from a deceased family member or friend.  Angels are believed to be protectors and at times may deliver important messages.  Many feel they have a Guardian Angel who stays with them throughout their life to guide and offer protection from harm.  Another common theory on angels is that they were never human to begin with. They are from a “higher power” or “divine being” and there is an ongoing debate if these entities have free will.  There is also the theory that angels are simply an extension of our sub-conscience as a way of communicating with our own “higher self”.

Demons; Known to be more negative than the above mentioned entity, there are a few theories of what demons actually are.  Some feel demons are merely fallen angels; others feel they are a form of an elemental that is described below.  Common similarities among different cultures are that these entities are never pleasant.  Usually brought forth from another plane either by summoning or the demon may be attached to a certain person or place.  There have been reports of the smell of sulfur in the area when a demon is present or a feeling of heaviness on the chest.  Also there is a rule among paranormal investigators to never under any circumstances use a provoking method when dealing with a demonic entity.  These entities have been known to leave scratches or even bite marks when confronted or angered.  Reports of actually seeing a demon are rare but their physical appearance is generally the same among different cultures and religions.  They are usually described as human-like, possibly with animal or goat-like legs or feet, shorter in stature with twisted or disproportionate facial features

Elementals; A type of Nature spirit, Elementals are believed to embody the elements of earth, air, fire, and water.  These spirits are usually encountered during spell work and some believe they are able to communicate with elementals through their dreams.  Common elementals known throughout the world are gnomes, sprites and faeries just to name a few.  There are numerous names, forms, and purposes for these entities but they are universally known as those who keep balance among nature.  As I mentioned above, some feel demons are a type of elemental since there is no defining personality of these spirits, some are described as being kind and helpful, some mischievous, and some angry or envious of the mortal world.

Animal Spirits: Just as many believe they have a guardian angel to watch and protect them, there is also the belief in animal spirits or totems.  These spirits are a very personal and deep connection to ones inner-self.  As mentioned above, many use spell work to communicate with these spirits.  Another way these entities are encountered is through meditation.  There are many books written on ways to find your own personal animal spirit.  These entities are also known to appear as messengers with warnings or to protect us from harm.  Modern culture if filled with stories of crows being associated with death, cats associated with witches, or a serpent associated with evil.  These animals have all had significance in many different parts of the world.   Some may not even know the origin of such labels but there is almost a universal understanding of the symbolism such as the owl for wisdom, the horse for power, or the vulcher for a scavenger.  These animals have held these roles in the spirit world as well.

These are just a few examples of the many different entities besides human ghosts that make up the wide realm of the paranormal.

Tags: ghosts, paranormal

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Michele Burke July, 2010

Pagan Pages (PP): Who is R. Wolf Baldassarro, the man??

R. Wolf Baldassarro (RWB): I guess that’s just it.  I’m just a man who’s simply looking to have his voice heard and make his mark in the pages of history.  I’ve got a natural curiosity for everything and I like to express myself.  We’ve all got talents and attributes that make us special and I want to share who I am with the world because I think I have something worthwhile to say if others are willing to listen.

PP: Can you explain to our readers what spirits are? Have you had any personal experiences with spirits?

RWB: A spirit is the electromagnetic and electrostatic energies containing the soul, personality, and intelligence of an individual that survives the death of the physical body.  I’ve had a few run in’s with spirits.  The first time I ever saw something while on investigation I just about wet myself; now I could talk to a spirit just like I would the way I’m talking to you now.

PP: Do you believe spirits exist?

RWB: This is a complex question. Some people claim that seeing is believing; but honestly seeing is, by itself, not enough for believing.  I don’t think they’re real, I know they are. I’ve seen way too much via both magick AND science to know otherwise.

PP: Most people I know think ghosts are these flighty little creatures like Casper, what would your description be?

RWB: A ghost is the image of a person or animal witnessed after their death and usually in a less substantial dream-like representation of their physical, living body.

PP: How many different types of haunting are there?

RWB: There are three main types of hauntings- intelligent apparitions, imprints, and demonic.  Intelligent haunts can interact with their environment and others by moving objects and responding to direct questions in a logical manner; Imprints are also referred to as residual haunts.  This occurs when the environment records an event and plays a scene in an endless loop like a video; Demonic haunts were never human to begin with.  These are entities that exist between worlds.  Because we tend to anthropomorphize everything we attach human attributes like evil and malicious to these haunts when it is absurd to do so.

PP: I would be very interested in hearing your take on paranormal activity?

RWB: Paranormal activity isn’t all ghosts and spirits and things that go bump in the night.  Parapsychology deals with many aspects of our existence that are difficult to quantify like telekinesis and clairsentience. Parapsychology, in general, is the study of mental experiences not explainable by conventional scientific doctrine.  It’s anything that is beyond the normal; that which cannot be readily explained by conventional knowledge or scientific means.  There’s a whole realm of paranormal activity that many so-called ghost hunters refuse to acknowledge.  By focusing only on one area they’re losing sight of the bigger picture.

PP: What lead you to the field of the paranormal?

RWB: It most directly goes back to the old FOX show Sightings.  I became a fan of the show and intrigued by the concepts of parapsychology.  At the same time I had, literally, stumbled upon witchcraft.  The two seemed to feed each other in my quest for knowledge.

PP: Why are you a paranormal investigator?

RWB: I love the pursuit of knowledge and expanding my understanding of this thing we call existence in all its aspects.  To know what lies just outside our reach that we cannot see and to shed light on the unknown so that it makes it a little less fearful.

PP: Can you tell the readers a little about your book A Ghost Hunters Field Guide?

RWB: I think it’s great to go out and explore but many groups today are run more like hobby groups and do a great disservice to the field of scientific research.  A Ghost Hunter’s Field Guide pulls from my experience as an active investigator to help fans of ghost hunting to be more professional and accurate in their attempts to blend science with adventure.

Bountiful Blessings and thanks go out to R. Wolf Baldassarro for granting the Pagan Pages readers and myself with such a magnificent interview.

Works of R. Wolf Baldassarro:

A Wolf in the Shadows is a book about Wicca and witchcraft written with NON-believers in mind that explains through an unbiased and honest conversation what exactly the religion is all about.

Under a Sunlit Sky is an anthology of poetry, short stories, and social commentary with nature photography and friends mixed in.  It’s a glimpse into who R. Wolf Baldassarro is and how he perceives the world around him.

All of Wolf’s books, art gallery prints, and other projects can be seen and ordered through his website at www.deepforestproductions.com.  His blog is updated regularly and read around the world.

Tags: ghost, paranormal, r. wolf baldassarro

• Interviews & Reviews

Mamie M. July, 2010

Phone Calls from the Dead

The Chatsworth crash took place in California’s San Fernando Valley on September 12, 2008 when a commuter train collided with a freight train.  This unfortunate even claimed the lives of 25 people, one of which was a 49 year old man named Charles E Peck who was headed to a job interview.

Peck’s fiancé and other family members were on their way to pick him up when they heard about the crash on the radio.  His family kept hope that he had survived the crash due to several calls from his cell phone.  Peck’s fiancé, brother, sister, son and stepmother all received a total of 35 calls over 11 hours but whenever they would answer there would be nothing but static on the other end.  When the family tried returning the calls they would go straight to voicemail.

The numerous calls prompted the search team to trace the signal and search the remains of the first train.  One hour after the last call was received from Peck’s cell phone his deceased body was discovered and it was confirmed that he had died upon impact, his cell phone was never found.

Was it possible that Charles Peck had attempted to reach his loved ones after his passing?  This phenomenon occurs quite often.  Many people claim to receive calls from deceased loved ones. Usually these calls occur a few hours after the person has passed up to several years later.  The people who receive these calls are not necessarily believers in the paranormal nor are they looking for a supernatural experience.

The common similarities reported with these calls are that the voices though recognizable seem very distant and are often diluted by static.  The caller ID will normally show as “private” or all zeros.  Those that receive the calls may only hear a brief message or at times have a short conversation and may not hear a dial tone when the call is disconnected. There have even been reports of text messages received from the deceased. Some believe these calls are an example of EVP or electronic voice phenomenon.

The purpose of these calls also varies.  Some report hearing a reassuring message letting them know everything will be ok and that they are loved.  There have also been reports of these calls being received on a birthday or anniversary.  In some even stranger cases are reports of calls being received with a warning from the deceased, such as an unknown illness in the family that should be checked or a suggested change in travel plans, maybe to avoid a potential fatal accident?

How and why does this happen?  There are many theories.  One theory among the paranormal community is the knowledge that spirits can manipulate and pull energy.  If a spirit can use this energy to manifest or move objects why not phone lines?   Skeptics believe that the calls are hallucinations of grieving family members.

Everyone has at least once asked themselves what happens after we pass from this life.  Whatever your beliefs are we all just want the comfort of being told everything will be alright.  So maybe just maybe our loved ones, through pure energy and emotion, will find a way to deliver that and other important messages when they are most needed.

Tags: ghosts, paranormal

• Articles

R. Wolf Baldassarro July, 2010

Michigan Hauntings

I’ve had the fortune of visiting many interesting places to come away with some amazing personal experiences and evidence.  I’ve included links, where appropriate, to photos and EVPs from these locations.  Just click on the image thumbnails or the sound clip to access the links.

In the spring of 2008 I was involved in the investigation of a house in the historic city of Mount Clemens, Michigan.  Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, under the shade of centuries-old oaks and maples, sits a home that was built in the 186o’s.  With such a long and profound history of the house and its neighborhood it was not surprising that tales of supernatural events would surface.

The homeowner reported an astounding amount of odd occurrences in and around the home.  On quiet summer nights the sound of horse-drawn carriages can be heard galloping down the street.  In the house itself, there are reports of numerous interactive spirits including men, women, and children.  One of the key entities is kindly referred to as “Victoria” who goes into all areas except the kitchen; another more malevolent presence is confined to an upstairs closet.  The owner notes that most ‘entities’ are gentle and treated as extended guests.

Occupants and visitors see shadows and lights, and experience feelings of being watched or being in the presence of others; lights flicker, especially at dusk/twilight hours (it should be noted that the home was completely rewired in 2006) and the sound of children laughing can be heard.  While on an initial investigation of the home I felt physically and emotionally pulled to the back of the house.  Upon questioning this, I discovered that visitors to the home had similar experiences.      Objects have been thrown both in general and at people and any type of remodeling or painting stirs up activity.  Technology also seems to draw activity.

During the preliminary investigation dining room lights and stand-alone lamps began flickering around dusk/twilight for roughly an hour and faint whispers were heard.  During a tour of the home a presence/cold spot quickly passed around me and into the hallway as I was given a tour of the home.

During the investigation while in the former back servant’s quarters a whistling sound was heard by investigators and did appear on audio recordings.  Also in the servant’s quarters while conducting an EVP session the chains on the ceiling fan began to move by command to specific questions and answers.  A cold spot with no traceable origin was documented in the children’s/guest room.

The most shocking documentation was a vortex/plasma light seen in a photograph of the kitchen as well as an EVP.  During a session the question was asked “Can you tell me what year it is?”  Immediately afterwards a very faint, gruff male voice says “Seventy Nine”!

There were no shortages of personal experiences either.

Another investigator, while in the children’s room, saw a black shadow three separate times while looking in a mirror.

I was conducting an EVP session in the servant’s closet that had the reports of a malevolent entity.  Upon ending the session and preparing to leave I felt a pull.  When I turned on my flashlight, a long string of yarn originating from behind boxes and bags was wrapped around my flashlight and leading back into the pile of boxes.  I didn’t make any exaggerated movements during the session and was sitting in the same position the entire time.

The owner noted that most activity ceased immediately for a period of several weeks after the night of investigation but has since resumed a normal level of interaction.

***

Located on Kidder Road in Bruce Township, Michigan sits Goodrich Cemetery.  This “final resting place” is home to some of the most interesting experiences, photographs, and EVPs I’ve experienced.

Hidden way in the back, almost forgotten, stands a lone obelisk and Worden family marker.  Perhaps coincidentally, this was also the location of plasma lights captured one night.  The following pictures were taken mere seconds apart.

EVP recordings of a very deep and menacing male voice have been captured on very active nights.  I’ve provided links to the best ones: Goodrich 08/20/2007, Goodrich Growl, “He’s Mine”.

While orbs are rarely evidence of spirit activity, the following picture from Goodrich is quite interesting.

***

Memphis Cemetery in Memphis, Michigan is the final resting place to some of the most prominent names in the history of Saint Clair County, with citizens interred from the founding days to the present.

There are literally hundreds of stories revolving around the cemetery and many more centered within the town itself from long dead soldiers of early American wars to jilted lovers out for revenge.  The most well-known legend is of the Memphis Witches’ Ball.  At the very back of the cemetery, where some of the oldest headstones reside, there is a huge black marble stone locals call the “Witch’s Ball”.  Many children are buried here from the age of a few days to adolescence.  According to locals if you get close enough you can see faces and shadows in the stone, voices have been heard and apparitions have been seen.

One story came from older members of the community who said that after having heard noises from the ball a few too many times they went out with axes, pitch forks, and other tools and took turns beating up the marble orb, claiming it hasn’t been active since.  No record exists of this desecration, but there are chip marks, scratches, and dents on the stone that would coincide with it being struck by farm tools.

From my very first visit to Memphis I’ve walked away with numerous EVPs of young women with clear and distinct words, some of which are direct answers to questions.   These are some of my best EVPs to date: “Bridgit”,  “Date” or “Robin Day”, girl laughing, “Why don’t you believe me”.

***

Michigan, just like any other location across the planet, has a long and complex history.  It is only logical that urban legends, folktales, and other stories are told from generation to generation.  As with any urban legend there is some underlying truth to the story but time and interpretation have added to the mythos.

Belle Isle is a Detroit city park located in the Detroit River and open to the public.  First off we have the classic “honk your horn” legend.  The story goes that if you drive your car onto a bridge that’s on Belle Isle, turn your engine off and honk your car horn three times, a spirit will appear from the woods, motioning for you to follow her.  There have never been any reports of anyone following her into the woods.  The ghost of Belle Isle has a couple different versions to the story, either there is a certain bridge or any bridge on the island will call this spirit.  One version even mentioned she was an elderly woman.

***

Haunted roads make for fascinating stories but are the most difficult to investigate due to so many contaminating factors, least of which are other cars- something that also makes these locations dangerous.

One of the most widely talked about roads is Morrow Road in Algonac, Michigan.  So popular is the story that a movie was filmed about the legend.  Interestingly, and perhaps an indication of the validity of the legend, there are widely-differing versions of the story.

In one version a woman walking along Morrow Road was attacked and raped sometime in the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.  She became pregnant and left the baby by the bridge where she had been assaulted.  A severe snow storm started and she couldn’t stop hearing the cries of the baby and when she went back out to retrieve the baby it was buried in snow and the mother died from exposure.

In another version, the child in later years wandered away from home one night during a snow storm.  The mother ran out in search of the child and both reportedly died from exposure and their bodies were never found.  The mother now spends her afterlife in search of her lost child.

Whatever version you hear, both tell of the ghostly mother appearing to the random passerby looking for her lost child.  She’ll ask people, “Where is my baby?!”  People have claimed to have seen her, been chased in their car by her and have heard the sounds of a baby crying.  Proponents of the story claim that if you park on the road by where the bridge used to be and wait with the car off a light will appear down the road and if you speed off towards it the light will follow and then mysteriously disappear.

***

In the early days of Troy, Michigan, Henry Blount in the 1820’s purchased land near Long Lake (18 Mile Road) and Rochester Road and built a sprawling two-story home.   This is now the Sylvan Glen Golf Course.  He and his wife, Elizabeth, raised seven children in this home.  Two of Blount’s grandsons, Harry and Frank, continued to farm the land after his death.

In the early 1900’s, the house was modified into separate living quarters for three maiden aunts of the Blount family and descendants of the family continued to live in the home until May 13, 1924 when the home and land were sold to develop the golf course.  The home was then remodeled into a restaurant donning several names through the twentieth century including The Double Eagle, The Wooden Horse and Shark Creek Inn.  The former Blount family home has been home to Camp Ticonderoga since 1996.

The Ghost of Camp Ticonderoga is referred to as Hannah.  The legend passed on through employees of the various restaurants that have occupied the Blount House and according to the story Hannah hung herself in one of the upstairs bedrooms and now haunts the building.  Strange noises have been heard and unexplainable things have been witnessed, such as doors slamming shut, lights turning on and off, and rattling dishes and objects falling for no reason.  Employees will not close by themselves.

***

Butler Cemetery, also known as William Ganong Cemetery, is widely considered the “most haunted cemetery in Michigan”.  Butler Cemetery is located outside of Westland along Henry Ruff Road, just down the street from the old grounds of the Eloise Mental Asylum.

The cemetery is now neglected and overgrown with weeds and other debris.  A wire fence that runs around it is grown over with vines and a rusty gate is broken at the entrance.

A witness reported encountering a woman in white crossing the road in front of the cemetery.  He swerved to avoid her and she vanished right in front of his eyes.  A year later, he saw the same woman again in the graveyard itself.  He claimed to see her standing next to a tall monument and nearby was another apparition of a man wearing a uniform.  He stopped his car for a closer look and the two figures faded away.

The stories of ghosts at Butler still continue today and researchers have pointed out that there have been an inordinate number of auto accidents along that stretch of road near the cemetery perhaps due to sightings of this lady in white.

***

Located on Michigan Avenue in Westland, Michigan, and coincidentally a few streets away from Butler Cemetery, stands Eloise.  This was once one of the largest mental hospitals in the country.  Eloise opened in 1839 as the Wayne County Poorhouse to house the mentally ill.  There were many reports of patient beatings as well as patients being housed in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.  The majority of it has now been torn down or made into of office buildings. The few buildings that do remain on the property of the old Asylum are the D building now known as the Kay Beard building, also the fire house, the power plant, and the bakery.  The ghosts of many of the tormented patients walk the halls of this asylum. Voices are heard in the empty halls; lights are turned on and off; and growls and moans are heard near the playground built for the use of the office workers’ kids.

General information, history and video footage and a map of the grounds can be found at http://www.talesofeloise.com.

If you have a personal ghostly encounter, or know of a local legend, I encourage you to share your story here and add a comment.

Tags: ghost, paranormal

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Mamie M. June, 2010

Tags: haunting, paranormal

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Michele Burke June, 2010

Photographed by Rachael Burnia-Guinn

Book Review

A Ghost Hunters Field Guide by R. Wolf Baldassarro is not just another how to guide, it is however, one of the most well written practical guide that separates all the facts from fiction, providing step by step  instructions to aid in any investigation from the beginning to the end.

A definite must read for both the novice and seasoned ghost hunter.

Michele Burke – PaganPages.org ~ 2010

Tags: book review, ghost hunting, paranormal, r. wolf baldassarro

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R. Wolf Baldassarro June, 2010

Debunking Paranormal TV Shows

Flip on your TV on any given day or time and there’s bound to be a paranormal reality show on.  They’re more common these days than the “evidence” they present.  The list of current shows include SyFy’s Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International, Ghost Hunters Academy, and Destination Truth; ABC Family’s Scariest Places on Earth (seriously? ABC FAMILY?  *ahem…); Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures; A&E’s Paranormal State; Discovery Channel’s Most Haunted, A Haunting, and Ghost Lab just to name a few!  So, really, how authentic are they?  TV is TV.  If it doesn’t get ratings it goes in the bin.

Television has a long history of playing in the shadows.  Remember In Search of…?  This was a series that explored the strange, weird, and unexplainable.  It not only did episodes on parapsychology, but UFOlogy, fringe science, and cryptozoology- which studies things such as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.  It was a well-done show that at times seemed to be an odd mix of PBS’ Nova and the National Enquirer.  The show was hosted by Leonard Nimoy, but I suppose Spock had to do something during the 70’s.  In the mid 90’s we had Unsolved Mysteries hosted by the incomparable Robert Stack and Sightings hosted by Tim White.  Sightings was by far one of the best shows in television history which dealt with the paranormal.  Like In Search of… they did stories on parapsychology, cryptozoology, and the like lasting several seasons, in large part due to the hosting talents of Tim White and the producers who designed the show to be more like a news magazine in the vein of 20/20.  They took great lengths to line up authenticated experts in the subjects they covered with appearances by the likes of Loyd Auerbach and Raymond Moody.

I’m a paranormal investigator.  I can not and DO NOT claim to be a parapsychologist or hold any kind of clinical degree in parapsychology.  Dr. Phil pretends to be a doctor.  I don’t.  I have years of experience and training but my actual degree is in mainstream psychology.  Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson of TAPS may be seasoned investigators who have decades of field experience but they are not formally educated in the theories and statistical analysis of the data they collect.  They simply go in, turn on their toys, and interpret the data according to their previous experiences.  I DO give kudos to them for periodically sending data to relevant experts such as film and special effects experts, forensic institutions, and so on.

I use my knowledge of the field and the sciences of psychology and parapsychology and my experience as an investigator to look at all of these subjects objectively.  Just because I come in and say a place is or is not haunted does not set it in stone.  Let other groups come in and replicate my findings.  I may even hold off for a few weeks or months and try again myself.

With that said, just because the folks at TAPS say it is so, doesn’t mean it is.  They spend several hours on location, gather their evidence, analyze it, and leave.  They make no attempt to repeat their “experiments”.  There is no methodology to their data collection or statistical analysis.  There is no empirical replication of phenomenon.  No control groups.  If they can’t duplicate an event over and over again it isn’t debunked.

When Ghost Hunters first came around I loved it.  There were many episodes where nothing happened (which is by far the truth of how it really goes), rarely would they say to a client that their home or business was truly haunted. They would suggest further study is needed to backup the “paranormal activity” they encountered.  Now every place they visit is haunted and there is no stutter in their voice when they make the claim.  I find most of the show now to be unrealistic and playing to the TV audience only.  The thing that’s really chapping my ass lately with the folks over at TAPS is the “flashlight test”.  This is where you take a flashlight with push-button activation and unscrew it just enough to keep the electrical contacts alive but allowing for it to go on or off with the slightest touch.  The thinking behind this is if the light can go on and off by command or respond in a logical pattern then it is evidence of paranormal activity.  Ok, good theory on paper, but seriously lacking in empirical data or methodology.  I’ve personally fallen prey to this “evidence” while investigating and even posted a short video clip.  Fortunately I did state that it’s not proof, just an anomalous clip.  My issues with this test are simple.  First of all there are way too many x-factors that raise questions.  No control group and no clearly defined style or size of flashlight.  Mini maglites are the most often used but pulling from personal experience even the mini ones have weight imperfections due to their metal casing.  What about the flooring?  These investigations are in old buildings and homes.  Maybe it’s off camera and I don’t see it, but I never recall any member of TAPS pulling out a level and making sure the surface is perfectly flat and free from drafts or environmental factors.   Furthermore, when it first occurred on GH Jason Hawes was quoted as saying he’d been attempting this for nearly 20 years and it finally happened.  Public comment was in a frenzy over the event and now this “reality” show has a bona fide flashlight communication every week.  Seems to me that the producers are having fun in the cutting room.  Jay and Grant have said numerous times in the past that they have no control over how the producers cut the final edit of each episode, thus washing their hands of any deception.  Fine, I can respect that- except for the fact that Jason Hawes is now listed as one of the executive producers of GH.  You can’t tell me that position does carry some weight in the decision process.

Then there’s the infamous Moss Beach Distillery episode.  The TAPS teams heads out to find evidence of the Blue Lady only to discover trick mirrors, recorded voices and other parlor tricks.  I agree that the owners and the chef who was to be the on-camera spokesman should have disclosed the special effects but I disagree that he is solely to blame.  Of COURSE Grant found speakers in the walls- it’s a restaurant folks!  They use the speakers as a PA and to play music in the dining room and other areas.  This location has been investigated several times by different teams and experts for decades since the 1930’s.  Loyd Auerbach himself has been investigating the distillery since the early 1990’s and many reports have been made since then that mention quite specifically the ‘effects’ in question.  The week before TAPS investigated, Auerbach was called by a producer of GH asking for witnesses’ names for the Presidio Officer’s Club in San Francisco as this was the show’s main focus this trip.  This producer, over the course of conversation, admitted that other points of interest were being considered including the Distillery.  Auerbach offered to provide case histories and witness accounts of the experiences there but was cut off; the producer indicated they “had what they needed”.  Auerbach asked if they were aware of the special effects and he point blank said THEY WERE.  TV at its finest- deceives its stars, deceives its audience.

Ghost Hunters International seems to approach things not so much on debunking things but instead concentrates on gathering evidence. The tech of the show is impressive.  Brain Harnois once disclosed that when SyFy approached them about the spin off they were promised anything they wanted.  They got it in spades with the full-spectrum cameras which have produced some very discussion-worthy results.  Their investigation style is much the same as their big papa TAPS, thus falling victim to the things I’ve already mentioned.  They do however seem to keep a level head when investigating some of the world’s most legendary places and I gained much respect for them when they walked away from the castles of Vlad Dracul and Frankenstein saying “Eh, great place. Not so much evidence.”  On a side note, I’ve got to wonder just how many damn languages Barry speaks.  Every country they visit he can hold an EVP session in the native tongue.

Paranormal State.  As objective as I try to be, I just can’t be on this one.  What can I possibly say other than this has got to be some of the worst ‘reality’ programming out there let alone a slap in the face of serious investigators and scholars of parapsychology.  However, I could be wrong.  This is at best Blair Witch without the hype and not nearly as entertaining to watch- if only just to cut the crew down at every turn.

I’ve only been able to sit still for three full episodes of the show, and who knows, it may have gotten better but I swear I saw fishing line moving an object in one case.  I’ve seen clips here and there, laughing out loud to YouTube, much to the utter confusion of fellow Panera Bread patrons.  Its crew is all about “feelings” and subjective experiences that can’t be seen on camera let alone quantified with scientific instruments.   The team is so wishy-washy that I wouldn’t count on them to battle a turtle let alone an Elemental.  Their ‘acting’ is monotone and boring.  A critic for the Boston Herald once wrote, “There hasn’t been a more suggestible crowd gathered since the last ‘Crossing Over’ taping with alleged psychic John Edward.” (Don’t even get me started on him)

The show has faced intense criticism both from the media and viewers who question whether the “activity” is real or faked.  The line nauseatingly staggers the line between documentary and dialogue so ridiculous it must be scripted entertainment.

Way over at the other end of the spectrum is Ghost Lab.  The level of scientific scrutiny is both respectful and refreshing.  This show has some of the most impressive technical equipment and knowledge of its application I have ever seen in paranormal reality television.  The team rolls on to location with a mobile analysis RV that would put any military recon mission to shame.  It’s akin to comparing Grant Wilson’s K-II meter to the Deflector Dish on the Enterprise.

What I find refreshing is that week after week you sit there excited to find absolutely zilch at the end of the episode most of the time.  A big criticism is that the show tries to be TAPS by going to all the places Jay and crew went before.  Again, that’s why I like it.  A fresh set of eyes with different equipment to duplicate, confirm, or debunk those who have come before.  A new perspective.

I wish these various paranormal teams would collaborate on a central show or other forum where all their evidence can be cross examined and cross referenced.  Perhaps then we might shed some light on the truth.  Honestly, if ALL groups (televised or not) would combine and share their data for the sake of science instead of their ego and fame it might serve the greater good.

Our television shows and the casts that populate them are like extended family.  Viewers have a strong kinship to people on a screen that they’ve never met, if ever.  We’re fans of one show or another because the people and places that we see each week are comfortable and engaging.  Whichever show you like, in the end it’s all entertainment.  That’s why it comes back season after season; if it stops being fun to watch it goes the way of Heroes.  If it inspires and motivates you to find the answers on your own, then great.  Don’t just take the word of the investigative team.  Look past the Hollywood hype and see the truth laying somewhere between the cracks.

Tags: ghosts, paranormal, television

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