What is the Paranormal Q & A

Q: What is The Paranormal?
A: The term ‘Paranormal’ refers to the type of phenomena that by all appearances cannot be explained or understood by the general scientific community, nor can be explained by the scientific laws for which this community governs itself by. In more basic terms the actual word paranormal means beyond normal which when broken down means beyond normal experiences, and the normal five senses that we all have. Those five senses being - smell, taste, touch, see and hear. The term also refers to all those things which cannot be fitted into the category of ‘natural order’ or to anything that can not be explained, in other words ‘The Unexplained’.

Q: What does the term Parapsychology mean?
A: Parapsychology is the study of paranormal phenomena, and to some it is seen as a science and a sub field of psychology. There are many people who consider themselves parapsychology researchers, who study this type of phenomena hoping to find scientific proof of the existence of supernatural and psychic phenomena. So in simple terms parapsychology is the study of both the mental and physical which does not fit into the normal perception of these words and the meaning behind them. Regarding to these terms in the beyond normal category you will find that in parapsychology terms ‘Mental’ research refers to the study of:

* ESP - Extra Sensory Perception
* Telepathy
* Clairvoyance and Clairaudience
* Psychometry
* Precognitions and Premonitions
* Remote Viewing
* Mental Mediumship
* Dowsing
* Past Life Memories
* Possession
* Out of Body and Near Death Experiences
* Apparitions - Spirits/Ghosts
* Automatic Writing
* Xenoglossy

While the term ‘Physical’ within this science is the study of:

* Psychokinesis
* Physical Mediumship
* Psychic Photography
* Healing
* Poltergeist Activity
* Levitation

Other subjects that are studied by parapsychology researchers are:

* Bizzare Coincidences
* Miracles
* UFO
* Mysterious Sightings
* Alien Abductions
* Animal Mutalations
* Corn Circles
* Stigmata
* Occult Systems

So you could say that parapsychology is a addition to science because these researchers are trying to obtain physical proof that there is more out there that just what we think we know about the world. That there is more than just the physical in our plain of existence, is it so hard to have an open mind, I mean many religions believe in heaven, hell, God, Devil, Angels most of never seen any of these and yet they believe that they exist. Is that anymore ‘out there’ than those who believe in ‘The Paranormal’ or ‘Psychic Phenomena’.

You dont need to be a believer this is merely a study of The Metaphysical World and what lies beyond the void of what we believe is possible. All you need is a open mind and a bit of healthy skepticism and you may be surprised by what you learn and the proof you will find. Just remember that once upon a time people believed the world was flat and now we know the truth that the world is round…….So as far as this study goes it’s up to you what you believe….after all the truth is out there if you open your eyes and look for it………

Copyright ©2008-2009 GeraldineMac(PsychicHecate)

Defining Psychic Abilities

Defining Psychic Abilities is very like defining ‘The Paranormal’, because psychic abilities are abilities that go beyond the normal five senses and is referred to as the sixth sense or third eye. People with psychic abilities can reach beyond what we deem to be reality and beyond the confines of the physical world. These abilities are often called ESP (Extra Sensory Perception), although there are several different types of psychic abilities for example:

Precognition - Is the ability that allows an individual to access through dreams, information about things in the future such as places and events before they actually happen.

Retrocognition - Is the ability that allows an individual to access information on past events and places, similar to precognition but acts in reverse.

Premonition - Is like precognition except that instead of accessing future information through dreams, information can be received through visions and strong senses and feelings.

Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Clairsentience - Are three abilities that are intertwined and allows an individual to have clear sight in other words they can see, feel and sense beyond the physical world and into the spiritworld.

Remote Viewing - Is the ability that allows an individual to be able to see physical objects and people from a distance

Telepathy - Is the ability that allows an individual to communicate with their mind to another mind

Medium - This is the ability that allows an individual to relay information from beyond the physical world

Psychokinesis - Is the ability to move objects with the mind

Several universities all over the world have parapsychology departments, where researchers are using various methods to find scientific proof that people do possess these abilities. Not only that but they are searching for proof that these individuals are receiving this information from a source beyond the physical world and our reality

Copyright ©2008-2009 Geraldine Mac(PsychicHecate)

Psychic Abilities: Psychometry

Psychometry is another ability included within the term paranormal abilities or psychic abilities. This abilities means, that a person can get information from historical objects or family heirlooms, by touching or holding the object in their hands.

It is thought by some people that object’s from the past bear impressions of those who have touched or owned the objects at one time or another.

So, if a person exists with this paranormal ability to hold or touch these objects then they can pick up information on the previous owners. Information like who they were, their characteristics, and other information on the object itself. Where it came from and how it came to be in the past owners possession.

Objects that have been known to be used by those possessing these skills are, rings, watches, key’s, ornaments, items of clothing etc…

Copyright ©2008-2009 GeraldineMac(PsychicHecate)

Psychic Abilities: Xenoglossy

Xenoglossy is another ability which is included within the term paranormal or psychic abilities. This ability means that the person who posses it can speak literally in foreign tongues, in other words the person who has this ability is able to speak other languages of which they have no prior knowledge of.

Usually people with this ability can with no prior knowledge of languages can not only speak in but write in many different languages, No prior knowledge in this instance means that the language that they suddenly can speak or write in, is not their own native language, they have never spoken or been taught the language that they can suddenly and without warning can be able to speak.

Xenoglossy is another ability which is included within the term paranormal or psychic abilities. This ability means that the person who posses it can speak literally in foreign tongues, in other words the person who has this ability is able to speak other languages of which they have no prior knowledge of.

Usually people with this ability can with no prior knowledge of languages can not only speak in but write in many different languages, No prior knowledge in this instance means that the language that they suddenly can speak or write in, is not their own native language, they have never spoken or been taught the language that they can suddenly and without warning can be able to speak.

Paranormal Studies: Reincarnation

Reincarnation is the concept that when we die, we are born into flesh again, in other words we are born into flesh, and when we die, we return to the earth to a new body. Therefore, we reincarnate from one life to the next, or at least our soul does as the soul is reincarnated from one body to the next.

Though our souls travels from one body to the next, our bodies and faces are ever changing, as we reincarnate we learn through each life’s situations and events, lessons that help us advance our souls to reach enlightenment.

There are many religions and belief systems which believe in the concept of reincarnation, for many of these there is a deep seeded belief that we as spiritual beings can choose when to be reincarnated and so choose the life we want to lead next ourselves, that we have free will in this choice.

Although there are many religions and belief systems that believe in reincarnation, there are many differences to what each culture or religion believes it to be in their eyes. Those that do believe in the idea of reincarnation are Sikhism, Yoga, Hinduism, Shaivism, Vaishnavism, Buddhism, Paganism, Vedic, and Spiritism. The ancient Greeks and Romans also believe in the idea of Reincarnation.

Copyright ©2008-2009 GeraldineMac(PsychicHecate)

NDE - Near Death Experiences

Near Death Experiences have been reported all over the world for many years, but what is meant by the term Near Death Experience (NDE). A Near Death Experience happens when someone is close death or is clinically dead and is then revived. Some Scientific Experts believe that what a person experiences or sees in these moments can be easily explained as hallucinations brought on by the death of the brain. Though this explanation can not account for the numerous experiences, which have been recorded over the years. Nor does this scientific theory make sense when you realize that if a person clinically has brain death they cannot be revived/brought back to life. NDE first began to draw interest through the research of people like George Ritchie, Raymond Moody Jr and Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, but NDE became of worldwide public interest in 1975 with the release of Moody’s book Life after Life. Not long after ‘The International Association for Near Death Studies’ was set up in the US. The only ever scholarly journal to be published in this field ‘Journal of Near Death Studies’ was published by the Near Death Association.

Since then there has been many studies done on NDE phenomenon, and many ordinary people have been interviewed on their own Near Death Experiences, those that have experienced NDE often report that during this phenomenon, they have an inner sense that they feel they know that they are dead, they feel that their bodies are light and often feel themselves leaving the body, instead of feeling scared they sense an over-whelming calmness and peacefulness, often reported is the sight of a corridor or light moving towards them, seeing deceased family members, or being brought to the light by these deceased relatives. Meeting beings of light and experiencing a review of their life (life review), being told they have to return to their body or being taken back to their physical body. Some people have found their NDE’s to be distressful, while others have had religious experiences.

Copyright ©2008 - 2009 GeraldineMac(Psychic Hecate)

Metaphysical Studies: Cosmology

Cosmology is the study of the Universe, in actual fact it is the use of Scientific Observation and Experimentation to understand the Cosmo better. It is the study of the universe from its very existence or what is referred to as the ‘big bang’ to the expanding growth of the universe to the end of time and space. From the scientists own observation and experimentation they can use their results to try to predict the history of the universe. Moreover, the scientists try to learn and understand the progression of the growth of the universe as a whole. Using their results and the physical laws of the universe that govern what happens and how it expands.On the other hand, we then have the study of Metaphysical Cosmology which is the study of science and religion. Two of these doctrines which are studied in connection to the concepts of not only the universe, but of nature, man and God and trying to understand the conclusions that can be formed as to the relationship and connection between, the universe + nature then the universe +nature + man and then the connection between, the universe + nature + man + God. It is the ultimate question that all human being ask ‘Why are we here?’, ‘What is our role in the universe?’ and so on……

When studying this there are several aspects which must be considered they are, our origins, world religions, and the role of mythology and the nature of reality. When considering the various views and thoughts on creation and the end of the universe, the roles of these things in shaping our religions, our lives and our world. We must also take into consideration the links between the universe, faith and spirituality

Metaphysical Studies: Ontology

Ontology is the study of reality in essence ‘what is reality?’, ‘what is existence?’ or even ‘what defines something as a physical object?’ So Ontology is the study of what we call reality, through science and observation we try to understand the world around us in a more profound way. There are various aspects to Ontology, and like so many of the other fields of study we have previously looked at there is also the Metaphysical side of this subject. In this subject matter in particular scientists and researchers are interested in ‘the different kind of ways of beings’ and its relationship and connection to the world around us. But what makes something ‘a being or an entity’ anything that seems to incorporate the various senses of ‘being’. To make these concepts less scientific and easier to understand, I will try to explain what the idea of ‘being’ or ‘entity’ is.

There are many different categories that show you how things are categorized as being or entity. Below you will find a list of categories that plainly describe what makes something ‘a being’ rather than and ‘entity’.

BEING CATEGORIES

Physical Objects - these are things that are in our reality are all around us, they are solid and like trees, plants/flowers, houses and people they are solid beings which can be sensed. In as much as some physical objects can be smelled and touched they come under those things which can be sensed and our therefore naturally categorized as being.

Minds - Every human being has a mind and so the mind is by some philosophers considered ‘a being’ but only the parts of the mind that ‘think and perceived’ are considered as ‘being’. To some philosophers the mind distinct from the body, almost like these two ‘beings’ are separate yet living under the same roof so to speak.

Classes - Everything in the universe can be classed, whether it’s the plants and the universe to human beings. Classes for the most part are taken as abstract objects in other words sets of things.

Properties - Most things in reality have properties with other things for e.g. a banana is yellow and so the color yellow is associated, share or have properties with all things that are yellow. Properties is a description a descriptive quality that describes an object, it is something that is just not associated with color but also with size and weight in some ways it is very like a classification of an object. Ontology is the study of reality in essence ‘what is reality?’, ‘what is existence?’ or even ‘what defines something as a physical object?’. So Ontology is the study of what we call reality, through science and observation we try to understand the world around us in a more profound way. There are various aspects to Ontology, and like so many of the other fields of study we have previously looked at there is also the Metaphysical side of this subject. In this subject matter in particular scientists and researchers are interested in ‘the different kind of ways of beings’ and its relationship and connection to the world around us. But what makes something ‘a being or an entity’ anything that seems to incorporate the various senses of ‘being’. To make these concepts less scientific and easier to understand, I will try to explain what the idea of ‘being’ or ‘entity’ is.

There are many different categories that show you how things are categorized as being or entity. Below you will find a list of categories that plainly describe what makes something ‘a being’ rather than an ‘entity’.

BEING CATEGORIES

Physical Objects - these are things that are in our reality are all around us, they are solid and like trees, plants/flowers, houses and people they are solid beings which can be sensed. In as much as some physical objects can be smelled and touched they come under those things which can be sensed and our therefore naturally categorized as being.

Minds - Every human being has a mind and so the mind is by some philosophers considered ‘a being’ but only the parts of the mind that ‘think and perceived’ are considered as ‘being’. To some philosophers the mind distinct from the body, almost like these two ‘beings’ are separate yet living under the same roof so to speak.

Classes - Everything in the universe can be classed, whether it’s the plants and the universe to human beings. Classes for the most part are taken as abstract objects in other words sets of things.

Properties - Most things in reality have properties with other things for e.g. a olive is green and so the color green is associated, share or have properties with all things that are green. Properties is a description a descriptive quality that describes an object, it is something that is just not associated with color but also with size and weight in some ways it is very like a classification of an object.

Haunted Places: How Do Haunted Houses Become Haunted - Part 2

Another Tower of London prisoner was a young woman called Lady Jane Grey. Grey was the niece of King Henry VIII, and became Queen of England for nine days in a coo to change the royal line from the then Tudors to a family of Dukes in Northumberland called the Dudley's.

In the attempt by the Dudley's, Jane was told that she was to be married to the Duke of Northumberland's son, Guilford Dudley. The marriage took place on May 1553. Her accession to the throne took place on the 10th July 1553 and ended on the 19th July 1553, when Mary daughter of King Henry VIII, had Jane and her husband Guilford Dudley arrested. Mary had them sentenced to death; they were both beheaded on the 12th of February 1554. Both their ghosts have been seen in and around the Tower of London.

Haunted Places: How Do Houses Become Haunted - Part 1

Often over the years I have spent in the paranormal industry. I have been asked many times 'what makes a house haunted'. This is a very difficult question to answer because there are various different factors that come into the answer itself.

Some of the main factors include the history of the house, like was there any violent deaths, abuse or cruelty done to any, man,woman or child on the property. The age of the house or how old the house happens to be is also an important factor because, if there happens to be a lot of families that have lived in the house then there is a good likelihood that there were events and situations like death, un-happiness, betrayal, sickness etc.

All these things seep into the walls of the house and can leave an impression, energy or ghosts in the house. There can also to be said about the land that the house is built on. For e.g. people who were murdered, who fought in battles and whose blood seeped into the land upon there death, can leave unsettled ghostly energies or entities not only on the land but also in any house that is built on that land.

With a little more detail I will try to describe, 'what makes a house haunted'. I will do this by giving you several story examples of haunted houses and buildings so, that hopefully you can better understand what I mean.

Anne Boleyn was one of the many wives of the English King Henry VIII. Henry ruled England during the 15th century and is well known throughout history for being fickle when it came to woman. Boleyn replaced Catherine of Aragon as Henry's wife, because one woman was never enough for him. A few months's after Anne gave to birth to their first and only child, Elizabeth I. Henry's eye was already roving towards a young girl called Jane Seymour. So, he got rid of Anne by getting one of his Archbishops's to bring up false charges of adultery and incest on her. So, that she would be sentenced to death and he would be free to marry his next wife, Jane Seymour.

Anne Boleyn was beheaded at the Tower Green, which is outside the Tower of London in 1536. With her death being so violent and the falsehoods that lead to her death, it is not surprising that her headless corpse has been seen near and around the Tower of London. You would think that being headless that she would be difficult to recognize but believe or not, she has always been easily identified by her clothes. Her ghost has also been seen at Blicking Hall situated in Norfolk, which at one time in the 15th century was once her family home. It would appear that Anne's ghost has always been most active on the Anniversary of her death.