Zozo          You know how it is, you’re scanning the web looking for the latest in scary or bizarre happenings, and then something catches your interest next thing you know you find yourself in a spiral of stories and theories.  However, there comes the rare occasion when several stories match exactly or are eerily similar.  This is a rare occurrence in the paranormal community so when it does happen you can sense the universal excitement in the air.      I came across this the other night.  I can’t even remember how I got there but soon I was reading, stories upon stories of an entity that refers to itself…

Japanese Ghost Lore        Japanese culture is rich in tradition and lore.  There are many known ghost stories that are passed down from generation to generation.  Some of these stories may have been created to ensure proper curfew or to teach respect but there is always the question, how many of these tales are rooted in truth?      The Japanese Shinto believe that after death a human becomes a spirit with two sides, one good and one evil.  These spirits are believed to be everywhere, water, trees, mountains, and wind.  Buddhists believe the way a person behaves while living would determine how they will spend the afterlife.  They would…

Improve Your Chances Of Spirit Communication      So, you want to be a ghost hunter.  You have picked your location and of course have permission to investigate the area.  You have done your research on the history of the location, such as who lived or worked there and if they passed on, you know how it happened.  You have extensive notes on the type of activity reported and the camera, flashlights and digital recorder are ready.  However, none of this will guarantee you will experience an encounter.  Many times investigators come up empty handed; it takes time, patience and persistence.  So how do you improve your chances of experiencing paranormal…

In The Shadows        We’ve all had it happen, you see a dark shadow from the corner of your eye, but as soon as you turn to look at it straight on, it’s gone.  Almost as if it dove out of sight on purpose, but how could that be?  There is an even more alarming experience.  Something startles you awake in the middle of the night, you see a dark shadow standing at the foot of the bed, watching you.  This has to be a trick of the light or maybe you’re not fully awake and your eyes need to adjust right?  Not necessarily.      There have been numerous…

Victorian Mourning Rituals        The Victorian Era, 1837 – 1901, brought us some of the most interesting rituals when it came to honoring the dead and ensuring the proper release of the spirit.      Due to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other infections, death came often.  Unfortunately a high number of children also passed, some before their first birthday.      When a death occurred, the mirrors in the home were covered to ensure the spirit of the deceased didn’t get trapped or confused upon leaving the body.  If a mirror in the home fell and broke, it was considered a sign that another death was about to occur.  The clocks were…

The Evolution of the Urban Legend        Everyone has heard one form or another of the Urban Legend.  They are told around campfires, or at slumber parties.  Scary stories of ghosts, crazed lunatics, and bizarre occurrences.  Why are we so drawn to them?  The origin of the story is always vague and some details may change but the root of the story is always the same, to scare and shock.  Usually these stories leave us questioning if this did or could this really happen.      What is interesting is how these stories have evolved due to the advancements in modern technology.  We remember the legends from the older generations. …

Only A Matter of Time The concept of time has always been an intriguing topic. Humans have always tried to find a way to manipulate it, reverse it or fast forward it, just to relive, or forget certain experiences. Sometimes the clock reveals so much more than just the time of day or evening. There are so many superstitions surrounding time. Its 11:11 make a wish, or how many stories do we remember where something magical or terrifying was going to happen right at midnight also known as the witching hour. Great pieces of literature such as The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Macbeth mention The Witching hour. Usually this…

Only a Game?      I have always had a fascination with the different ways to conjure up ghosts and spirits, though I personally would never attempt to do so because the risks are too great.  I spoke before about the Ouija Board and how it stuns me this is marketed as a “game” for kids to play.  If you are inexperienced and unprepared the danger of inviting the spirit world in is immense.  Bloody Mary is another example I have talked about, a game that young people play at sleepovers trying to call this vengeful spirit to appear in the mirror.  Recently, I have come across more modern versions of…

Doppelganger      Have you ever heard the theory that we all have a twin?  The thought that there may be someone out there who looks and acts exactly as we do only it is not us at all.  To some this is a mere urban legend, the myth of the Doppelganger.      Though is this really a myth?  There may be some truth to this bizarre phenomenon.  A look back reveals there have been some recorded cases in history of people seeing and even interacting with these “other halves”.      The word is German for “double goer” or “double walker”.  Similar is the Vardoger from Scandinavian folklore, which describes a…

Common Banishing Tools        Some people are not very welcome to the idea of a spirit in their home, especially if the spirit has shown ill or malicious intent.  If you wanted to try a banishing on your own, there are a few common tools that are used throughout many cultures and religions.  Here are a few ideas.      The simplest technique is to ask the spirit to leave.  Many human entities do to realize their physical bodies have passed.  They do not realize what they are doing or their mere presence is frightening.  Telling the spirit to move on, giving them permission to leave and telling them they…