Category: Thoughts and Discussion

One of the most controversial ‘tools’ in the arsenal of many ghost investigation groups is the Ouija Board, the standard term used as a catchall for all spirit and talking boards. The idea of a talking board is pretty standard… you have a board with a set of numbers, letters and markers such as ‘yes’ and ‘no’, then everyone pops a hand on a glass or planchette resting on the board, and when you ask a spirit that’s present a question, the glass/planchette will move to the appropriate answers, or will spell those answers out.

Plunging headlong into a derelict building at the dead of night armed with a torch and an EMF meter still seems to be on the cards for a lot of ghost hunting groups. But are you aware of the consequences to life and limb?

At the time of writing this article, we’re coming to the end of Covid-19 Lockdown Week #9 which started on the 23rd March 2020 in the UK. Since lockdown began, there has (allegedly) been a marked increase of reports of paranormal activity, which many in the ‘paranormal community’ put down to the increase in time spent in our homes, and the shift from a work-centred focus to that of brains looking for something to do. So in basic terms, because many people who are used to busy workcentric lives are either furloughed or unemployed now, they’re restricted to their homes and they’re simply starting to notice more…

I do not know the answer to the above question but taking an educated guess here. I am guessing it is “no”. However, as lockdown insanity sets in, I have taken some time to dust off some old case files, update reports and get them out there in internet land. In the hope that people will come forward with similar experiences.

I’ve been struggling to get to sleep of late. More so than usual. So, there’s times I’m watching late night/early morning TV. Primetime for paranormal TV shows apparently. Ok I’ll admit it right off the bat. I’ve been watching them. So sue me. Better than infomercials about mattresses and kitchen appliances. Marginally…

The title of this article, stolen from a short story by Stephen King, refers to a
feeling many people have had. Namely, the feeling that a new situation you are
currently experiencing has been experienced previously – déjà vu. Theories have
been put forward to explain the experience for over 100 years. This article will briefly look
at the definition of déjà vu and some background. We will look at some of the more
paranormal explanations before moving to some more scientific explanations.

This article deals with digital long exposure photography: put simply, this process takes place by the camera taking the photograph over a long (relatively) period of time. If objects remain stationary during this period, they are produced as sharp, ‘solid’ images. If however, that object moves, it will become a transparent image. So how does this happen? Simple!

This type of investigative technique is usually associated with paranormal TV shows or commercial groups rather than with evidence based investigations. I propose the solo vigil is too fraught with methodological flaws to be considered a valid data collection technique. There are two main issues from an investigative perspective, one psychological and one methodological.

It has often been reported on investigations that certain events or measurements seem to happen in conjunction with haunting type experiences or at locations where these experiences are said to occur. A change in EMF readings, temperature drops, seemingly whispered voices, knocks, bangs and a feeling of being touched are commonly reported. Additionally, it is also common to research the history related to the location. This becomes especially salient if it reveals tragedy or deaths during its habitation or occupation.