Anyone up for an invite to this wedding---Four men in northwest China have been sentenced to prison for the grisly crime of digging up the corpses of 10 women and selling them for "ghost marriages."
The grotesque "brides" were sold for a total of 240,000 RMB, or $38,000, according to court reports. The grave robbers were sentenced to prison terms ranging from two years and four months to two years and eight months in prison.
The bodies were sought by families of men who died as bachelors. The buyers were arranging "ghost marriages," a traditional custom in which parents find "spouses" for their unmarried, deceased children so that they can have a family in the afterlife.
The cadavers were stolen from their graves in Ya'an province beginning in the winter of 2011, according to reports. They were dug up in the middle of the night and hid in the thieves' homes where the corpses were cleaned up. Forged medical records were created in hopes of making it appear the corpses were only recently deceased and coming from reliable sources, allowing them to charge premium prices.
Ghost marriages are a 3,000 year-old custom that is especially common in rural parts of north China where young men often die in coal mining accidents. When a young man dies a bachelor, family members may consider it unnatural, and fear that the deceased's spirit may be restless.
Wan Jianhong, director of the Institute of Folklore and Cultural Anthropology at Beijing Normal University, said some folks fear that the unquiet ghost would come back to haunt them, causing all sorts of trouble for his family, and searching for a scapegoat replace his death, so that he could be reborn. Parents hope that by arranging a "ghost marriage" they could comfort the deceased son's soul, and save him from a lonely afterlife.
Ghost marriages were outlawed decades ago, but have been making a comeback as China's economy has boomed. Rural families are better off and able to afford ghost brides.
Times have changed since two families would meet and arrange to marry off their deceased children. Now a new market for brokers, known as "ghost matchmakers," has sprung up. The price of corpses on the black market can reach as high as thousands of dollars. The younger, prettier and more recently deceased a female corpse is, the higher the price she commands.
A growing demand for fresh female corpses has fueled the trade in bodysnatching.
Chinese media have reported cases of brokers murdering women and selling their bodies for ghost marriages. In 2006, a man from northern Hebei province murdered six women and sold them as "ghost brides."
The Qingming Festival, also known as tomb sweeping day, is coming up next month. That is the day when people honor their deceased ancestors. It is also thought to be the most auspicious day for ghost marriages and engagements.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
WHICH PARANORMAL PHENOMENON DO YOU CONSIDER MOST WIDELY ACCEPTED?
In popular culture there is a general consensus, or at least a reported general consensus that ghosts and the paranormal are one of those things that scientists scoff at. But representative groups of people in the past, such as those surveyed by the Gallup organization have indicated for decades that people are a bit more divided on the existence of paranormal things than is generally recognized. To look at a series of surveys taken over several years among individuals from various backgrounds it appears that there is one thing in particular the majority actually do believe in. Which one is it? The answer may surprise you.
In 2001 the now famous Gallup Poll was taken asking whether the participant believed in a certain paranormal phenomenon or not. The surveys were divided up in such a way that the majority of the questions were about a mundane event, and only the select minority were about these unusual subjects. Participants were asked about Ghosts, Reincarnation, Channeling, Demonic Possession, and a number of other items - which they responded appropriately to. If the rest of the survey results qualified as legitimate then it was compiled with the whole. But then when statisticians in the Gallup organization actually studied the results, they were stunned by more than a few of them.
It turned out the paranormal phenomena people were most skeptical of was channeling, whereby a medium connects with a paranormal entity and allows it to communicate through them. And it was still met with 15% saying it was absolutely legitimate with another 21% accepting it as a possibility. Overall, the most skeptical phenomenon to be put out there still had over a third of participants either accepting it as fact or as a possibility. But what was the one paranormal force of nature that people believed in the most?
The most powerful and believed in paranormal force was the existence of a spiritual means of healing. 54% believed in the possibility while another 19% considered it favorable, but not necessarily proved to their ability.
Coming in second was ESP, or the ability to see the world beyond our five senses was the second most believed in paranormal force. 50% of people surveyed said it was something they absolutely believed in while another 20% accepted it as a possibility, but did not consider it something that had been proven to them. Altogether 70% of those polled overwhelmingly showed some level of favorability to psychic ability. So if that were the case, why is it still so often dealt with by the media as such a distant and remote possibility? And why do we not hear more of spiritual healing in popular culture?
Interestingly a Roper poll from 2006 also stated that 70% of people believed that the government was not sharing everything it knew about extraterrestrials. But then again Gallup Polls are always strange. In 1973 an interesting anomaly occurred when 95% of people responded that they had heard of UFOs while only 92% reported that they had ever heard of then President Gerald Ford. Truly strange statistics indeed.
In 2001 the now famous Gallup Poll was taken asking whether the participant believed in a certain paranormal phenomenon or not. The surveys were divided up in such a way that the majority of the questions were about a mundane event, and only the select minority were about these unusual subjects. Participants were asked about Ghosts, Reincarnation, Channeling, Demonic Possession, and a number of other items - which they responded appropriately to. If the rest of the survey results qualified as legitimate then it was compiled with the whole. But then when statisticians in the Gallup organization actually studied the results, they were stunned by more than a few of them.
It turned out the paranormal phenomena people were most skeptical of was channeling, whereby a medium connects with a paranormal entity and allows it to communicate through them. And it was still met with 15% saying it was absolutely legitimate with another 21% accepting it as a possibility. Overall, the most skeptical phenomenon to be put out there still had over a third of participants either accepting it as fact or as a possibility. But what was the one paranormal force of nature that people believed in the most?
The most powerful and believed in paranormal force was the existence of a spiritual means of healing. 54% believed in the possibility while another 19% considered it favorable, but not necessarily proved to their ability.
Coming in second was ESP, or the ability to see the world beyond our five senses was the second most believed in paranormal force. 50% of people surveyed said it was something they absolutely believed in while another 20% accepted it as a possibility, but did not consider it something that had been proven to them. Altogether 70% of those polled overwhelmingly showed some level of favorability to psychic ability. So if that were the case, why is it still so often dealt with by the media as such a distant and remote possibility? And why do we not hear more of spiritual healing in popular culture?
Interestingly a Roper poll from 2006 also stated that 70% of people believed that the government was not sharing everything it knew about extraterrestrials. But then again Gallup Polls are always strange. In 1973 an interesting anomaly occurred when 95% of people responded that they had heard of UFOs while only 92% reported that they had ever heard of then President Gerald Ford. Truly strange statistics indeed.
Monday, January 20, 2014
The Other Side Knows
Okay, I just wanted to share with everyone an unusual experience that I had last night. My wife crissy and I were over at a friends house doing evidence review. During the meeting, we were showing each other our new equipment that we had gotten. We just got a brand new full spectrum camera and our friend just got a new type of spirit box. Well, usually I don't play around with the spirit boxes. Our friend said that she hadn't gotten it to say much yet. Well I went over and picked it up and as soon as I did, it says paranormal, now, I've heard other boxes say this so that was not a big thing to me. What was shocking to me was what came next. Let me regress here for a second. None of you here know yet that I speak several different languages. I can speak German, Italian, and enough Russian to make me dangerous. lol.
So when I ask the spirit box what about paranormal it comes back IN GERMAN, paranormal vereint! I looked at my wife and then our friend. She says what did it say? I told her it just said paranormal united in German. We just looked at each other. So I asked it again, what are you trying to tell me. It then again in German, tells me Paranormal vereint, gehen, which means; paranormal united, go. It repeats this again several times. So I don't know what it's trying to tell me, except at this point I actually just joined a group called United Paranormal International, which is an online social network for all things paranormal, without all the drama. So at this point I'm totally shaking in my boots, so to say, cause I haven't worn any type of boots since I wore combat boots in the military.
Now my wife says that it's my spirit guides trying to reach out to me. She says that they do things like that in those specific ways to let me or you know that they are trying to contact you. In fact, this is how she was first contacted by her guides, since she is a sensitive. I believe her because it was my guides that got me to write my first book; Paranormal Investigations, and they haven't let me alone since, lol. So after properly closing down the ITC session with the spirit box, I go home and start getting more involved with UPI and within a month, I'm the California director for the site and within six months, I became the Western Regional Director, running the whole west coast for them. My wife took over as the California Director. So the moral of this story is, you never know what's going to come through during an ITC session. You might just be directed into something amazing. (You still have to be cautious and careful, because it's not always something nice on the other side).
So when I ask the spirit box what about paranormal it comes back IN GERMAN, paranormal vereint! I looked at my wife and then our friend. She says what did it say? I told her it just said paranormal united in German. We just looked at each other. So I asked it again, what are you trying to tell me. It then again in German, tells me Paranormal vereint, gehen, which means; paranormal united, go. It repeats this again several times. So I don't know what it's trying to tell me, except at this point I actually just joined a group called United Paranormal International, which is an online social network for all things paranormal, without all the drama. So at this point I'm totally shaking in my boots, so to say, cause I haven't worn any type of boots since I wore combat boots in the military.
Now my wife says that it's my spirit guides trying to reach out to me. She says that they do things like that in those specific ways to let me or you know that they are trying to contact you. In fact, this is how she was first contacted by her guides, since she is a sensitive. I believe her because it was my guides that got me to write my first book; Paranormal Investigations, and they haven't let me alone since, lol. So after properly closing down the ITC session with the spirit box, I go home and start getting more involved with UPI and within a month, I'm the California director for the site and within six months, I became the Western Regional Director, running the whole west coast for them. My wife took over as the California Director. So the moral of this story is, you never know what's going to come through during an ITC session. You might just be directed into something amazing. (You still have to be cautious and careful, because it's not always something nice on the other side).
Thursday, January 16, 2014
There's a growing interest in the phenomenon of shadow people. What are they? Ghosts? Interdimensional beings? Time travelers? Something else?
"What was that?" You were sitting comfortably on your sofa reading the latest issue of your favorite magazine or book in the dim light when movement across the room caught your attention. It seemed dark and shadowy, but there was nothing there. You returned to your reading - and a moment later there it was again. You looked up quickly this time and saw the fleeting but distinctly human shape of the shadow pass quickly over the far wall... and disappear.
What was that? Some natural shadow? Your heightened imagination? A ghost? Or was it something that seems to be a spreading phenomenon - apparitions that are coming to be known as "Shadow People" or "Shadow Beings." Perhaps this is an old phenomenon with a new name that is now being discussed more openly, in part thanks to the Internet. Or maybe it's a phenomenon that, for some reason, is manifesting with greater frequency and intensity now.
Those who are experiencing and studying the shadow people phenomenon say that these entities almost always used to be seen out of the corner of the eye and very briefly. But more and more, people are beginning to see them straight on and for longer periods of time. Some see like a "silhouette", more times than not, and they wear a hat like a fedora and are wearing a trench coat and carry a cane. Some experiencers testify that they have even seen eyes, usually red, on these shadow beings.
The mysterious sightings have become a hot topic of conversion in paranormal chat rooms, message boards and websites, and it is given widespread attention on paranormal talk radio.
What are shadow people and where do they come from? Several theories have been offered.
THE IMAGINATION
The explanation we get from skeptics and mainstream science - and who are usually people who have never experienced the shadow people phenomenon - is that it is nothing more than the active human imagination. It's our minds playing tricks on us... our eyes seeing things in a fraction of a second that aren't really there - illusions... real shadows caused by passing auto headlights, or some similar explanation. And without a doubt, these explanations probably can account for some if not many experiences. The human eye and mind are easily fooled. But can they account for all cases?
GHOSTS
To call these entities ghosts demands first a definition of what we mean by ghosts. (See the article: "Ghosts: What Are They?") But by almost any definition, shadow people are somewhat different than ghost phenomena. Whereas ghost apparitions are almost always a misty white, vaporish or have a decidedly human form and appearance (very often with discernable "clothing"), shadow beings are much darker and more shadow-like. In general, although the shadow people often do have a human outline or shape, because they are dark, the details of their appearance is lacking. This is in contrast to many ghost sightings in which the witness can describe the ghost's facial features, style of clothing and other details. The one detail most often noted in some shadow being sightings are their glowing red eyes.
DEMONS OR OTHER SPIRIT ENTITIES
The dark countenance and malevolent feelings that are often reported in association with these creatures has led some researchers to speculate that they may be demonic in nature. If they are demons, we have to wonder what their purpose or intent is in letting themselves be seen in this manner. Is it merely to frighten? Some say that they're not demonic at all. If it is demonic in nature, it's only purpose in showing themselves in this form is to confuse you. Because they don't want you to know that they're demonic; they will try to fool you by maybe using a childs voice to fool you into thinking they are a child! So is their main job to confuse you and make you fear?
WATCHERS
We don't know why they're here or why they're watching, but they tend to show up when something bad is going to happen or when there is chaos in an individual or a families lives; (ex, drugs, alcohol abuse or emotional/physical abuse, or some kind of trauma, such as death or a natural disaster!) There is no proof that they're the cause of any of these troubles. They just tend to show-up and watch during these times. It's also a thought process that has yet to be proven that our own energies draw them to us!
What was that? Some natural shadow? Your heightened imagination? A ghost? Or was it something that seems to be a spreading phenomenon - apparitions that are coming to be known as "Shadow People" or "Shadow Beings." Perhaps this is an old phenomenon with a new name that is now being discussed more openly, in part thanks to the Internet. Or maybe it's a phenomenon that, for some reason, is manifesting with greater frequency and intensity now.
Those who are experiencing and studying the shadow people phenomenon say that these entities almost always used to be seen out of the corner of the eye and very briefly. But more and more, people are beginning to see them straight on and for longer periods of time. Some see like a "silhouette", more times than not, and they wear a hat like a fedora and are wearing a trench coat and carry a cane. Some experiencers testify that they have even seen eyes, usually red, on these shadow beings.
The mysterious sightings have become a hot topic of conversion in paranormal chat rooms, message boards and websites, and it is given widespread attention on paranormal talk radio.
What are shadow people and where do they come from? Several theories have been offered.
THE IMAGINATION
The explanation we get from skeptics and mainstream science - and who are usually people who have never experienced the shadow people phenomenon - is that it is nothing more than the active human imagination. It's our minds playing tricks on us... our eyes seeing things in a fraction of a second that aren't really there - illusions... real shadows caused by passing auto headlights, or some similar explanation. And without a doubt, these explanations probably can account for some if not many experiences. The human eye and mind are easily fooled. But can they account for all cases?
GHOSTS
To call these entities ghosts demands first a definition of what we mean by ghosts. (See the article: "Ghosts: What Are They?") But by almost any definition, shadow people are somewhat different than ghost phenomena. Whereas ghost apparitions are almost always a misty white, vaporish or have a decidedly human form and appearance (very often with discernable "clothing"), shadow beings are much darker and more shadow-like. In general, although the shadow people often do have a human outline or shape, because they are dark, the details of their appearance is lacking. This is in contrast to many ghost sightings in which the witness can describe the ghost's facial features, style of clothing and other details. The one detail most often noted in some shadow being sightings are their glowing red eyes.
DEMONS OR OTHER SPIRIT ENTITIES
The dark countenance and malevolent feelings that are often reported in association with these creatures has led some researchers to speculate that they may be demonic in nature. If they are demons, we have to wonder what their purpose or intent is in letting themselves be seen in this manner. Is it merely to frighten? Some say that they're not demonic at all. If it is demonic in nature, it's only purpose in showing themselves in this form is to confuse you. Because they don't want you to know that they're demonic; they will try to fool you by maybe using a childs voice to fool you into thinking they are a child! So is their main job to confuse you and make you fear?
WATCHERS
We don't know why they're here or why they're watching, but they tend to show up when something bad is going to happen or when there is chaos in an individual or a families lives; (ex, drugs, alcohol abuse or emotional/physical abuse, or some kind of trauma, such as death or a natural disaster!) There is no proof that they're the cause of any of these troubles. They just tend to show-up and watch during these times. It's also a thought process that has yet to be proven that our own energies draw them to us!
ASTRAL BODIES
One interesting idea suggests that shadow people are the shadows or essences of people who are having out-of-body experiences. According to Jerry Gross, an author, lecturer and teacher about astral travel, "we all travel out of the body" when we are asleep. Perhaps, this theory says, we are seeing the ephemeral astral bodies of these twilight travelers.
TIME TRAVELERS
People from our own future, another idea states, could have found the means to travel to the past - our time. However they are able to accomplish this incredible feat, perhaps in that state they appear to us merely as passing shadows as they observe the events of our timeline.
INTERDIMENSIONAL BEINGS
Even mainstream science is fairly convinced that there are dimensions other than the three we inhabit. And if these other dimensions exist, who or what (if anything) inhabits them? Some theorists say that these dimensions exist parallel and very close to our own, although invisible to us. And if there are inhabitants in these other dimensions, it is possible that they have found a way to intrude on our dimension and become, at least partially, visible? If so, they could very well appear as shadows. It has long been held by psychics and other sensitive's that beings on other planes of existence are of different "vibrations." Science is beginning to look at reality, on a quantum level, in the same way - that particles of the smallest size exist as vibrations. Perhaps, some theorize, the vibrations of our existence are beginning to mesh with those of another dimension, which accounts for the increase in such phenomena as ghosts, shadow people and possibly aliens.
ALIENS
The alien and abduction phenomena's are so bizarre that it's no surprise that extraterrestrials are suspects as the shadow people. Abductees have reported in many cases that the alien grays seem to be able to pass through walls and closed windows, and to appear and disappear abruptly, among other otherworldly talents. Perhaps, too, they can go about their alien agenda disguised in the shadows.
There's a good deal of overlapping among the above ideas, of course. Aliens and ghosts could be interdimensional beings, or aliens could be time travelers - and some believe demons are responsible for all of these disturbing phenomena.
There is no way to prove or disprove any theories about a phenomenon that is so mysterious, that happens so quickly and without warning. Science finds it virtually impossible to catalog or study such phenomena in any methodical way. All we can do, at present, is to document personal experiences and try to piece together what the shadow people phenomenon might be. Perhaps it's an old mystery becoming more recognizable... perhaps it represents a doorway to and from different planes of existence... or perhaps it's just shadows.
One interesting idea suggests that shadow people are the shadows or essences of people who are having out-of-body experiences. According to Jerry Gross, an author, lecturer and teacher about astral travel, "we all travel out of the body" when we are asleep. Perhaps, this theory says, we are seeing the ephemeral astral bodies of these twilight travelers.
TIME TRAVELERS
People from our own future, another idea states, could have found the means to travel to the past - our time. However they are able to accomplish this incredible feat, perhaps in that state they appear to us merely as passing shadows as they observe the events of our timeline.
INTERDIMENSIONAL BEINGS
Even mainstream science is fairly convinced that there are dimensions other than the three we inhabit. And if these other dimensions exist, who or what (if anything) inhabits them? Some theorists say that these dimensions exist parallel and very close to our own, although invisible to us. And if there are inhabitants in these other dimensions, it is possible that they have found a way to intrude on our dimension and become, at least partially, visible? If so, they could very well appear as shadows. It has long been held by psychics and other sensitive's that beings on other planes of existence are of different "vibrations." Science is beginning to look at reality, on a quantum level, in the same way - that particles of the smallest size exist as vibrations. Perhaps, some theorize, the vibrations of our existence are beginning to mesh with those of another dimension, which accounts for the increase in such phenomena as ghosts, shadow people and possibly aliens.
ALIENS
The alien and abduction phenomena's are so bizarre that it's no surprise that extraterrestrials are suspects as the shadow people. Abductees have reported in many cases that the alien grays seem to be able to pass through walls and closed windows, and to appear and disappear abruptly, among other otherworldly talents. Perhaps, too, they can go about their alien agenda disguised in the shadows.
There's a good deal of overlapping among the above ideas, of course. Aliens and ghosts could be interdimensional beings, or aliens could be time travelers - and some believe demons are responsible for all of these disturbing phenomena.
There is no way to prove or disprove any theories about a phenomenon that is so mysterious, that happens so quickly and without warning. Science finds it virtually impossible to catalog or study such phenomena in any methodical way. All we can do, at present, is to document personal experiences and try to piece together what the shadow people phenomenon might be. Perhaps it's an old mystery becoming more recognizable... perhaps it represents a doorway to and from different planes of existence... or perhaps it's just shadows.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Types of Paranormal Entities
When you're dealing with a paranormal entity, it doesn't take very long to realize that there are a number of different types to consider. If you are experiencing paranormal events or a haunting, it's important to understand the type of entity with which you may be dealing with.
The word "entity" is used to describe something that seems to have its own form of existence. Any distinct "thing" is an entity, whether it is living or nonliving. What makes something an entity is that it simply exists and is distinct from other "things" around it. Paranormal experts use the word "entity" because so little is known about these paranormal beings except for the fact that they exist and interact with our world in both predictable and unpredictable ways.
Due to the different experiences paranormal investigators have when dealing with hauntings and other activities, researchers classify entities into various types. It's important to understand that the phenomenon itself appears manipulative and unpredictable at times, so most of these classifications are only educated guesses. It's easier to explain an unknown cause of an event if you can place it into a classification system. This lets you determine whether you're dealing with only one "thing" or several.
Finally, there have also been very rare reports of visitations by beings that present themselves under a variety of guises. In some cases, people report being visited by spirits that are filled with light and bring life-affirming or life-changing messages. Other people report being visited at night by surreal entities that witnesses believe are aliens from outer space. In almost every case, the paranormal entity has a significant and life-altering effect on the person's life. Some people choose to move to avoid the activity entirely, while other people embrace the reality of the entity and seek to understand it.
For now, much of what is known about any type of paranormal entity is still considered theory, but paranormal investigators may one day gather enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what these phenomena truly are. So as always, what do you think?
The word "entity" is used to describe something that seems to have its own form of existence. Any distinct "thing" is an entity, whether it is living or nonliving. What makes something an entity is that it simply exists and is distinct from other "things" around it. Paranormal experts use the word "entity" because so little is known about these paranormal beings except for the fact that they exist and interact with our world in both predictable and unpredictable ways.
Due to the different experiences paranormal investigators have when dealing with hauntings and other activities, researchers classify entities into various types. It's important to understand that the phenomenon itself appears manipulative and unpredictable at times, so most of these classifications are only educated guesses. It's easier to explain an unknown cause of an event if you can place it into a classification system. This lets you determine whether you're dealing with only one "thing" or several.
Apparition or Ghost
This type of entity usually exists in a location where a person or animal repeated the same task over and over during its life. Some investigators believe that through repetition, a psychic imprint is left within that space and remains long after the person or animal has passed away. Investigators have reported seeing people in vintage period clothing walking through the lobbies and hallways of old Inns or peering out the window of an old home. Most often, the history of the location includes a person who experienced very strong emotions over a long period of time. If the emotion was strong enough, even as a one-time event, an imprint may have been made. A few examples include:- Widows that lost their husbands at sea
- Battlefield soldiers replaying terrifying battle scenes
- A murderer attacking someone
- A person heartbroken over losing a loved one
- A parent that lost a child in some tragedy
Sentient Spirit
Unlike apparitions, spiritual activity actually seems to have intelligence and interacts with the world and with investigators. Spirits may knock, open and close doors or cupboards, move objects, and sometimes even interact with electronic equipment like flashlights and EMF (Electro-Magnetic Field) meters. The existing, yet unproven, theory states that spirits are made up of energies of varying power levels, and that they take energy out of the area around them in order to manifest those interactions. A room may become colder; electronic devices may fail or the batteries may be drained. Some examples of what may cause this type of paranormal entity include:- Someone who was murdered
- Someone who died suddenly in an accident
- A person who died with unrelenting guilt for something he did while alive
- A person who died from an illness and still had unfinished business
Poltergeists and Demonic Entities
Some people classify poltergeists and demons within the same category. Others consider them separate entities. Still other investigators do not consider them demons at all; they consider them superstitious artifacts from past cultures. However, evidence from possessed individuals and extremely violent poltergeist cases suggest that a form of violent and hateful entity certainly exists in parallel to material reality. These cases involve anything from objects flying across the room to shoves and pushes from invisible forces. People have even reported being pinned down, punched and scratched by unseen assailants. As terrifying as such cases can be, they are also the rarest.Finally, there have also been very rare reports of visitations by beings that present themselves under a variety of guises. In some cases, people report being visited by spirits that are filled with light and bring life-affirming or life-changing messages. Other people report being visited at night by surreal entities that witnesses believe are aliens from outer space. In almost every case, the paranormal entity has a significant and life-altering effect on the person's life. Some people choose to move to avoid the activity entirely, while other people embrace the reality of the entity and seek to understand it.
For now, much of what is known about any type of paranormal entity is still considered theory, but paranormal investigators may one day gather enough evidence to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt what these phenomena truly are. So as always, what do you think?
Thursday, January 9, 2014
DEMONIC FASCINATION
Over the years, the most commonly viewed subject that people talk to me by far and away, is the one on demonology. In one sense, I think that it's a positive thing. However, I am sometimes left to wonder what is the overwhelming curiosity with demons? In and of itself, that is understandable and even expected. It is a fascinating subject and an area many people sometimes foolishly get into. What bothers me is they don’t always heed the warnings that I give them about messing with this area of the paranormal. The reason I warn people to stay away from this subject is people are not trained to be able to rule out demons during an investigation, but alas, it appears to be on so many people’s minds these days and every investigation I hear about has demons involved.
Yet, there is such a fascination for the subject these days. I am somewhat at a loss to understand why this is so. I have had some people whole heartedly agree with me. I have had others tell me I’m maybe just over thinking it. Many have scoffed at the mere mention of demonology. One person said something that I fear may be true: Satan sells. He also smells but I won’t go there; I'm learning to deal with demons and the malevolent, so for me, demons comes with the territory. But why do others want to take that risk? Fascination is one thing; obsession is another. I receive many, many e-mails as part of what I do. What bothers me is that probably close to 90% believe they are possessed or knows someone who is. You have to write off some percentage to cover those who are mentally ill. I do not know how to calculate that number. Is it most of them? I just do not know. What is so disturbing to me is, that however you slice the pie, there are many out there who believe it. In truth, if they were indeed possessed, they would not be able to contact me, a priest or minister. It just is not going to happen. It is a problem that needs to be fixed and I will not insult anyone’s intelligence by saying I have the answer.
Is there a rise in possession? There is no way to calculate that either. The Catholic Church is not about to give out numbers and what we hear from “Deliverance Ministers” is so over the top as to lose all credibility. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not trying to mock those who do work for God. I just get so annoyed when the number of “deliverances” performed, tally higher than the number of people who eat at McDonalds. However, I think we can safely say that there is a rise in the number of those demonically possessed. I cannot put a number to it, but with the rise in popularity or, maybe it is better to say there is a reawakening in things from the occult. Ouija boards, spell books, tarot cards and all the rest can cause problems. Certainly not everyone who uses an Ouija board finds themselves possessed. Ditto for the other things I mentioned. However, just imagine of the one percent of people who use them improperly have a problem. The numbers would be staggering. So we have some there. Look at the evil all around you. Rape, murder, robbery. Sure that has been going on since the dawn of time but you have to think, is some of this is demonic? The breakdown of morals is at an all time high as well.
So am I speaking out of both sides of my mouth? You are saying it is almost impossible to come into direct contact with a demon, then you talk about why there is a rise of it. What I am saying is that it is still a rare phenomenon that most people will not experience directly in their life time, but there is a rise in it and frighteningly, also a rise in the mere fascination of it. It is that fascination that bothers me. If you look for something long enough, you are likely to find it. People do not realize that. I will soon be publishing a book about people who work in this field or I should say worked in this field. They have paid their dues and they have also paid the price. Some more dramatically than others. I would love to do an interview with some of them. Some of them declined because they did not want their names and experiences out there. Most refused to discuss the events at all for fear of making it happen again. Others just don’t want to get into it.
My hope going forward, is that the fascination with the world of the demonic will slow down but history suggests otherwise. For my end of it, I want my stuff read because I believe everyone should know what is out there. However, I really wish they would read the warnings and other articles instead of diagnosing themselves, especially when that diagnosis points towards possession.
So what do you all think?
Yet, there is such a fascination for the subject these days. I am somewhat at a loss to understand why this is so. I have had some people whole heartedly agree with me. I have had others tell me I’m maybe just over thinking it. Many have scoffed at the mere mention of demonology. One person said something that I fear may be true: Satan sells. He also smells but I won’t go there; I'm learning to deal with demons and the malevolent, so for me, demons comes with the territory. But why do others want to take that risk? Fascination is one thing; obsession is another. I receive many, many e-mails as part of what I do. What bothers me is that probably close to 90% believe they are possessed or knows someone who is. You have to write off some percentage to cover those who are mentally ill. I do not know how to calculate that number. Is it most of them? I just do not know. What is so disturbing to me is, that however you slice the pie, there are many out there who believe it. In truth, if they were indeed possessed, they would not be able to contact me, a priest or minister. It just is not going to happen. It is a problem that needs to be fixed and I will not insult anyone’s intelligence by saying I have the answer.
Is there a rise in possession? There is no way to calculate that either. The Catholic Church is not about to give out numbers and what we hear from “Deliverance Ministers” is so over the top as to lose all credibility. Don’t get me wrong here. I’m not trying to mock those who do work for God. I just get so annoyed when the number of “deliverances” performed, tally higher than the number of people who eat at McDonalds. However, I think we can safely say that there is a rise in the number of those demonically possessed. I cannot put a number to it, but with the rise in popularity or, maybe it is better to say there is a reawakening in things from the occult. Ouija boards, spell books, tarot cards and all the rest can cause problems. Certainly not everyone who uses an Ouija board finds themselves possessed. Ditto for the other things I mentioned. However, just imagine of the one percent of people who use them improperly have a problem. The numbers would be staggering. So we have some there. Look at the evil all around you. Rape, murder, robbery. Sure that has been going on since the dawn of time but you have to think, is some of this is demonic? The breakdown of morals is at an all time high as well.
So am I speaking out of both sides of my mouth? You are saying it is almost impossible to come into direct contact with a demon, then you talk about why there is a rise of it. What I am saying is that it is still a rare phenomenon that most people will not experience directly in their life time, but there is a rise in it and frighteningly, also a rise in the mere fascination of it. It is that fascination that bothers me. If you look for something long enough, you are likely to find it. People do not realize that. I will soon be publishing a book about people who work in this field or I should say worked in this field. They have paid their dues and they have also paid the price. Some more dramatically than others. I would love to do an interview with some of them. Some of them declined because they did not want their names and experiences out there. Most refused to discuss the events at all for fear of making it happen again. Others just don’t want to get into it.
My hope going forward, is that the fascination with the world of the demonic will slow down but history suggests otherwise. For my end of it, I want my stuff read because I believe everyone should know what is out there. However, I really wish they would read the warnings and other articles instead of diagnosing themselves, especially when that diagnosis points towards possession.
So what do you all think?
Monday, January 6, 2014
Paranormal Safety
Hello everyone. With the new year now upon us, so too for many starts a new season of paranormal investigating. So I felt that with that said, I wanted to start out my first blog of the year as a safety message to everyone. It's my way of helping you all stay safe this year and not hear (hopefully) about any major injuries or deaths this year. So let me break down the top ten hazards that we as investigators commonly run into:
· People dangers – While many clients are of sound mind, others may have some mental disorder. Check out the client prior to showing up for a pre-investigation. A quick Internet search of the address and contact person can sometimes be enlightening. Never go alone to someone’s home, EVER!
· Structural hazards –
There are documented cases of people falling through ceilings of older homes
during investigations. Always do a walkthrough in the light and treat all
floors as if they could collapse until proven safe. If an area is questionable,
mark it off before turning off the lights by stringing painter tape at chest
height.
· Electrical hazards – Every year, hundreds of people are killed
in homes by electrocution. If there is a low-hanging wire, test it with a
voltmeter before touching. Assume all wires are live until proven otherwise.
Metal is an excellent electrical conductor, so be careful around vents and
pipes, as well. If a live wire is touching them, then they are likely to carry
a charge that can hurt you.
· Electromagnetic fields – Governmental agencies differ on the safe level
for EMF exposure including some which believe there is no danger. Others cite
problems associated with EMF that includes mental and physical health issues.
Safe levels of EMF are hotly debated in the scientific field, so it’s best to
err on the side of caution. Some studies concluded if you are entering an area
with potentially high EMF, you should limit food intake for four hours before
exposure and two hours after as the fields may affect one’s digestive system. Visit the World Health Organization’s website
for more information. http://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/risk_hand/en/index.html.
· Mold – You can find mold everywhere –
both indoors and outside -- but it thrives mostly in damp environments. There
are thousands of strains of mold, which are broken down into tens of thousands
of sub classes. You can identify mold by its fuzzy appearance, which can be
orange, green, black, brown, pink or purple. Most people do not experience any
health effects from mold exposure. However, some molds can cause nasal
stuffiness, eye irritation, throat irritation, coughing, wheezing to more
serious lung infections.
· Mildew -
There are two main types of mildew. Downy mildew starts as yellow spots,
and then the color changes to brown. Powdery mildew is whitish in color and
looks like talcum powder. Inhaling mildew can cause coughing, headache,
scratchy throat and lung problems. Mildew can also start growing in lungs and
cause other serious issues.
· Carbon monoxide -
Often referred to as a silent
killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas produced by cars and
trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood,
gas ranges, and heating systems. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include
headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion.
High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death.
· Fiberglass insulation – Casual exposure to fiberglass is not a
huge concern unless it is being moved or installed. However, in attics and
under homes, you should wear a N95 disposable respirator where fiberglass
insulation is present to avoid a potential lung infection.
· Asbestos – Investigating in areas with asbestos is dangerous if it not contained
because exposure can cause serious lung damage and cancers. If asbestos is exposed, don’t
investigate.
If you like these safety tips and want to learn even more on how to keep yourself safe this season, please go to
www.paranormalsafety.com It's a brand new site and has lots of great info.
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