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General Articles

Below are a series of articles written by our investigators, covering a range of topics—from what to expect during a home investigation to theories surrounding EVPs and other forms of paranormal evidence. You’ll also find insights into commonly used paranormal equipment and important considerations regarding the safety of conducting investigations in your home.

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Ghost Theory

Ghost theories attempt to explain the existence and behavior of spirits or supernatural entities that are believed to linger after death. These theories range from spiritual beliefs—suggesting ghosts are souls trapped between worlds—to scientific hypotheses involving electromagnetic fields, infrasound, or psychological phenomena like hallucinations and memory errors. While many cultures have long-standing traditions and folklore supporting the existence of ghosts, mainstream science generally attributes ghost sightings to natural or psychological causes rather than evidence of the paranormal.

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Learn about the paranormal

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Read articles written by team members about various aspects of the paranormal. Articles are opinions of the authors based on their experiences. The only thing we know for certain is there are no true experts in the field of paranormal investigations. 

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Articles

Put on some eerie music, sit back, grab a warm drink, dim the lights, and kick your feet up. Please take some time to read some of the articles written by some of our investigators. Everyone is always learning. There are no real experts in the field of paranormal investigations, and sometimes as we learn more and experience more, our ideas and opinions may change. 

Cursed Objects: When the Haunted Lingers in the Physical

When people think of hauntings, they often imagine restless spirits wandering abandoned houses or eerie voices whispering in the night. But sometimes the source of the disturbance isn’t the home itself—it’s something inside it.

Through years of investigation, WISPS has discovered that certain objects act as anchors for paranormal energy. Some once held deep emotional value to someone who passed on, binding their spirit in ways they cannot—or will not—release. Others were deliberately cursed with malicious intent. Regardless of how they gained their power, these objects share one thing in common: they bring turmoil, fear, and sometimes even tragedy to those who possess them.

Object attachments, as investigators call them, often explain why disturbances persist even after thorough investigations. When WISPS finds a location requiring repeat visits, there’s usually a cursed item at its center. In most cases, the team advises owners to remove these objects themselves. Only rarely will the team step in to remove them directly, and never for collection. Storing such items, especially in a residence, is far too dangerous.

What follows are a few of the unsettling encounters WISPS has had with these so-called cursed objects.

The Summoning Stone

WISPS responded to a private residence that was having issues. The previous owner of the home was a heroin addict and had committed suicide in the home. It was reported there was a menacing figure standing in the closet of the children’s bedroom terrorizing the children in the home. WISPS went out to the home and conducted an investigation. Initially, we thought we had resolved the problem but were called back a few weeks later.

During our subsequent investigation, the team found an interesting stone that was being used as a doorstop in the home. Investigating further the team learned the stone was the only piece of property left by the previous owner. The team felt the stone was possibly related to the ongoing issues in the home. Brandy the team medium later confirmed the stone had been used as a summoning stone and had a negative spirit attachment with it. The stone was removed from the home and immediately taken to the second night of a public investigation we had scheduled the same night as the removal. The team was hosting the public investigation at a benign location we have been to many times before. With the stone on the property the second night of investigating turned unusually dark. Halfway through the investigation, we realized the stone may be responsible for the change in the tenor of the investigation. It was removed from the property. The investigation resumed with its usual benign mood. The stone was properly disposed of. None of the issues related to the stone were reported at the home since it was removed.

The Stone Club

WISPS was called in to investigate a home that had recently had an uptick in paranormal activity. The activity was so bad a hole was kicked in a hollow-core door inside the home. Neither adult in the home could account for the damage. During the investigation, the team felt they were talking to an angry Native American spirit. The team also learned through their investigation the spirit was attached to an object in the home. Speaking with the homeowner we learned she collected Native American artifacts and relics. Through our investigation, we learned there was a stone club that was the focal point of the problems in the home. Speaking with the owner we recommended she remove the object from the home. The owner removed the object and the problems inside the home ceased.

Popo the Clown

Popo the Clown is a rather innocent-looking clown doll in the private collection of Dr. Jymie Darling, a demonologist, occultist, and alchemist. The doll is responsible for five documented deaths. The doll was acquired by Dr. Darling when she purchased the entire estate of the previous owner at his passing.

The doll was responsible for a documented incident in 1932 where a little girl in Mexico was showing signs on demonic possession. A priest was called in and the little girl passed away during the exorcism. The child was buried with her clown doll. Upon returning home her father discovered the clown doll back at the home. Thinking the undertaker had forgotten to bury the doll with the child the entire village helped exhume the child and witnessed the doll being buried with the child. When the father returned home he found his younger daughter with the clown doll also exhibiting signs of demonic possession. The priest was called back to the home. On arriving at the home the priest saw the doll and fled. That child also passed away. A villager driving down the road later noticed the doll on the floorboard of his vehicle. The man bent down to pick the doll up and when he looked up he saw the priest that had been involved with the case. The man was unable to stop in time hitting and killing the priest. The man was so distraught over the death of the priest he later committed suicide. Finally, the father of the girls noticed the doll while working on his property. The man went to retrieve the doll and was trampled by his cattle. A specialist was called in who took possession of the doll and performed a binding ritual on the spirit attached to the doll to prevent further harm. The doll remained in his possession until his death at a ripe old age. On his death, Dr. Darling took possession of the doll.

WISPS was able to spend some time one on one with the doll. Numerous EVPs were collected around the doll, and the team noticed the uncanny ability of the doll to attract children to it. The doll was removed to a remote location of the building we were studying it in. Approximately fifteen minutes after the doll was removed from its protective case children were heard playing right outside the door. The doll had to be placed back in its protective case until the children left the area. Every time the doll was removed children would start to congregate nearby. When placed in its protective box multiple team members felt the doll moving inside the box. The movement was a pronounced tap from inside the box. Castle also experienced a distinct tap directly on his finger while holding the doll. This particular item is incredibly dangerous.

The Tut Head

In one of our more bizarre cases, the Tut head was a replica piece brought into a home by a client who loves to collect Egyptian themed art. The home itself has had a long history of negative entities terrorizing the owner. Over the course of twenty years, various teams had come in to try and solve the problems the client was having. WISPS tried multiple times to help the client get rid of the problems in his home. Three mediums were brought in three separate times. All three times an attempt was made to close a portal they all indicated was in the room next to where the Tut head was located. The portal was the source of the continued problems in the home. All attempts to close the portal initially failed. Through further investigation, it was discovered the primary presence in the home had tethered the nearby Tut head to the portal making it impossible to close. The Tut head was removed from the home and the portal was permanently closed.

The Crystal Wand

At the same home where the Tut head was removed investigators also located a crystal and gold filigree wand that the owner had collected. The wand was a certified piece of memorabilia once belonging to a famous actress and singer. It was determined the item had an attachment as well. Given the nature of the piece, the owner did not want to dispose of it. WISPS attempted to mitigate the item’s effect in the home. Crystals are known to store energy so this item was a perfect object for an entity to attach itself to. It is unknown if the object came into the home with the item or if an attachment occurred due to the portal discovered in the basement. Activity in the home has minimized and dropped to an all-time low; however, there is still some activity. Other object attachments were identified in the home and the owner was advised to get rid of them. It is possible given his collection and the incredible number of attachments in the home that an object or two was missed.

The authentication card has been obscured in the photo to hide the actress’s identity.

The Owl

The owner of a cabin for sale asked WISPS to come in and take a look. The owner reported activity in the cabin and requested the team to come to investigate. Because of the activity, the owner had the property up for sale. The owner had also installed remote security cameras. The owner reported people looking to potentially buy the property and realtors would instantly take on a negative tone once inside the cabin. The cabin sits on a prime piece of property and has three levels. The interior of the cabin is nice and well worth the asking price. Once at the cabin an investigation ensued. Numerous EVPs were captured and the team was drawn to a decorative replica stuffed owl. During the course of the investigation, it was determined there was an attachment to the owl. The owner was advised to get rid of the item.

When Objects Hold the Unseen

These cases highlight a truth investigators have learned again and again: hauntings don’t always drift through darkened halls or whisper in the night. Sometimes, they sit silently on shelves or in corners, disguised as everyday objects. And while they may look harmless, cursed objects can harbor attachments that wreak havoc on the living.

For WISPS, each discovery of such an object is a reminder of the unseen dangers that can lie hidden in the most ordinary of things.

 
Object Attachments

Object attachments are interesting phenomena in the field of paranormal investigation, and one not terribly well understood. Object attachments can range from relatively benign to incredibly harmful. Why and how a spirit may choose to attach to an object is also something we don’t fully understand either. Not all hauntings are the result of an object attachment. They are relatively common, but not always present.

The majority of hauntings are the result of an earthbound human spirit that is focused on a location, not a specific object. Some earthbound spirits can create object attachments, however, in most cases, object attachments are the result of inhuman spirits and are much more malicious in nature.

Books can and have been written on the subject such as John Zaffis’s Haunted by the Things You Love. Movies have been made based on the idea, such as the completely fictional “Chucky” in the Child’s Play series, and the fictional movie Annabelle based off of a real doll with an attachment.

Object attachments can really be any physical object including clothing. There is no specific pattern on what object can have an attachment. Generally speaking, however, object attachments are objects of some sentimental, decorative, or other nature of significant nature. That’s only a general rule however as some object attachments have been rather humble in their use and appearance such as children’s toys.

Object attachments can be broken down into roughly four basic categories:

  1. Haunted
  2. Cursed
  3. Imbued
  4. Curiosity
Haunted

Haunted objects are objects in which a human spirit has generally chosen to attach itself. This could be a spirit that won’t let go of a favorite object, a victim clinging to a murder weapon or residual spirit energy that can affect those around the object. Having such an object in a house can lead from no activity to mild activity to severe activity depending on the spirit attached to the object. In some cases, there is no activity in a location until an object is moved to another location. In those instances, the spirit gets upset and makes its presence known until the object is returned to where the spirit feels belongs. These objects can prove to be troublesome, but not always.

Cursed

Cursed objects are a lot more sinister. These are objects in which a generally a human agent has through black magic, ritual, or other means bound an inhuman spirit to an object with the intent to harm the holder of the object. These objects are given as gifts or left with the intended victim. While in possession of these items the victim will find their life seems to be falling apart as the conjured spirit attached to the object carries out its attacks. These objects are incredibly dangerous and should be handled with extreme caution. Popo the Clown is an example of a cursed object.

Imbued

An imbued object is similar to a cursed object in which a spirit is bound to an object. This is usually done as the means of some form of idol worship, ritual, or conjuring. The summoned spirit, generally inhuman, will “claim” the object and create an attachment. The intent behind an imbued object is not always sinister such as the intentional harm behind a cursed object. The end results can prove to be similar, however. This type of attachment could be the result of something such as an Ouija board or a statute used in ritual worship.

Curiosity

Curiosity items seem to be some of the more common and troublesome types of attachment. These are items at a location where a negative inhuman haunting is occurring. In these cases, it is not uncommon for such a spirit at the location to attach to an interesting piece of décor or something someone is likely to have an interest in. These curiosity items then serve as a Trojan horse of sort. Someone interested in the item takes it home inadvertently inviting a negative attachment into their home. These types of attachment are also sinister in nature, however, they usually aren’t as focused and targeted as a cursed item.

There are certainly diverse ways and means an object can gain an attachment above are just a few of the more common. Constant research is being done on this topic. As far as how to dispose of such an object that in and of itself raises a host of issues. We at the WISPS team feel that needs to be addressed on a case by case basis.

On a final note, it is not uncommon to see “haunted” items for sale on such places as eBay. Whether or not the listed item is actually haunted is impossible to tell without careful study and investigation. Intentionally collecting and storing something like this in one’s home is ill-advised and foolhardy. Only persons with considerable knowledge and experience should even be handling and storing such items.

 
 
 
Ghosts and Science: Can the Paranormal Ever Be Proven?

Talking about ghosts is tricky business. To some, the idea alone sounds like superstition, Hollywood fodder, or the stuff of campfire stories. To others—including the growing community of investigators—it’s a pursuit grounded in curiosity, personal experience, and sometimes, evidence that defies easy explanation.

But before diving into the debate, let’s make something clear: there are no experts in ghosts. Titles, degrees, or claims of authority don’t necessarily translate to credibility in the paranormal field. As Brendan Cook of Utah’s Ghost Investigators Society puts it:

“People should be very careful when dealing with someone claiming to be an expert. Just because a person has the title of Dr. or Rev. in front of their name doesn’t necessarily mean they are credible… In the long run, some of these people may be no more qualified to do this than your above-par elementary school student.”

It’s a sobering reminder: the paranormal is a landscape where both sincere researchers and opportunistic frauds operate side by side.

The Credibility Problem

Paranormal research walks a fine line. On one side are investigators who scrutinize every light flicker and footstep, weighing natural explanations before labeling anything supernatural. On the other are enthusiasts who treat every creak of a floorboard or faint whisper as proof of haunting—without a thought to debunk.

The latter may be passionate, but they unintentionally undermine the field. When wild speculation is presented as fact, and then easily disproven, it paints all investigators as charlatans.

A standout example of responsible research aired on Syfy’s Haunted Collector (Season 1, Episode 5). During the episode, a light bulb suddenly exploded near the team. Rather than dramatize it as ghostly activity, the investigators called the local power company. The explanation? A power surge at the station. The incident was debunked, but the investigation still turned up legitimate evidence of haunting. That kind of balance—skepticism and openness—is what strengthens the field.

Why Science Shrugs Its Shoulders

If ghosts exist, why hasn’t science confirmed it? There are several reasons.

1. Science prefers the measurable.
Scientists thrive on repeatable experiments. How do magnetic fields behave? Why does the sun rise in the east? These are questions with observable answers. Ghosts, by contrast, exist in a realm of the unexplained. Without consistent data, science tends to dismiss—or ignore—them.

2. Ghosts imply an afterlife.
Acknowledging spirits brushes up against theology, a domain science often keeps at arm’s length. If ghosts exist, then perhaps an afterlife exists. And that notion challenges the materialist worldview many scientists operate within.

3. Ghosts don’t follow lab rules.
Mix baking soda and vinegar in a lab, and you’ll always get a fizz. Try to summon a ghost under controlled conditions? The results vary wildly. Spirits, if they are indeed intelligent beings, can choose to interact—or not. Free will makes repeatability nearly impossible.

4. The fraud factor.
The history of ghost research is littered with hoaxes and frauds—from fake psychics to doctored videos. YouTube is full of “ghost evidence,” some of it real, much of it fabricated. With the noise drowning out the signal, serious research struggles to be taken seriously.

5. A matter of faith.
This last point is personal—and controversial. Many believe God asks us to act on faith. If ghosts provided concrete, undeniable proof of an afterlife, then faith would become irrelevant. Perhaps, in this view, the paranormal is allowed only enough room to intrigue, but never enough to confirm.

Looking Forward

History shows science evolves. Once upon a time, we thought the earth was flat, that the universe revolved around us, that some races were inherently superior. Even today, theories of evolution and the Big Bang continue to shift. What seems certain now may one day be viewed as laughable.

Will ghosts eventually be proven? Perhaps. Or maybe what we call “ghosts” will be explained as something else entirely—an undiscovered form of energy, consciousness, or dimension.

Either way, progress won’t come from dismissing the unknown. It will come from those willing to keep asking questions, testing boundaries, and exploring the mysteries that science hasn’t yet dared to explain.

Spirit or Demon?

Unmasking the Dark Side of the Paranormal

Before exploring one of the most unsettling questions in the paranormal world—is it a spirit, or is it a demon?—I must begin with a disclaimer. WISPS approaches every investigation with an eye toward science, yet any honest discussion of the afterlife, and especially the question of demons, inevitably crosses into the territory of religion, belief, and centuries of tradition.

What follows is drawn from years of study—scriptural references, personal experience, and the works of respected researchers such as Ed and Lorraine Warren and John Zaffis. The topic is far too vast for a single article, so what you’ll read here is a condensed overview. And if you ever believe you are experiencing a demonic haunting, I urge you to contact WISPS immediately. We can and will help.

Spirits vs. Demons: Why the Distinction Matters

The word demon is widely used but often misunderstood. Hollywood has painted them as horned beasts with glowing eyes and monstrous visages. The truth, I believe, is far less theatrical but far more insidious.

In paranormal investigation, it is vital to separate a human spirit from a demonic presence. Too often, well-meaning religious voices dismiss all spirits as evil, failing to recognize the countless instances where a departed loved one lingers out of compassion or to offer comfort. These are not the actions of a malevolent being but of a soul reaching across the veil in love.

Spirits, at their most basic, are understood to be the essence of humans who have passed into the next realm. Demons, however, are something else entirely. Described in scripture as Satan’s fallen angels, or as inhuman entities that never walked the earth in flesh, they harbor nothing but hatred for mankind. Their mission is destruction. They seek to corrupt, torment, and ultimately possess the living, using fear as their weapon and human frailty as their door.

How a Demonic Haunting Takes Hold

A haunting by a spirit can be unsettling, but it usually remains within certain boundaries: footsteps, whispers, the repetition of past events. A demonic haunting, by contrast, is an escalating campaign. It begins quietly—perhaps with faint tapping, shifting shadows, or the uncomfortable sensation of being watched. Over time, the activity grows darker and more focused, evolving into a form of psychological warfare. Victims may feel their anxiety heighten, their fears magnify, and their very peace of mind erode.

From there, the assaults can become physical. People report scratches, pushes, or burns appearing with no natural explanation. Homes may be filled with foul odors that vanish as quickly as they come. Objects may move on their own. In some cases, unnatural animal sounds—especially those resembling pigs or swine—pierce the night. All the while, the atmosphere of the location seems to darken, as though even electric lights no longer shine as brightly as they should.

The ultimate aim of such a haunting is to torment its targets until they are broken—emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. When someone is worn down to the point of surrender, the demon has achieved its goal: the opportunity to invade and control the human body.

How Demons Find a Way In

Demonic entities, according to most traditions, cannot simply barge into a person’s life uninvited. They must be welcomed, though the invitation is not always obvious.

One of the most common tactics is deception. A demon may disguise itself as something harmless, even appealing. The notorious Annabelle case illustrates this perfectly: two women believed they were welcoming the spirit of a child into a doll, when in fact they were inviting a demonic force into their lives.

Other invitations occur through practices of divination such as Ouija boards, automatic writing, or trance mediumship. It is for this very reason that WISPS refuses to employ such methods. In some cases, the door is opened by the weight of dark acts—violence, abuse, addiction, or even suicide—which seem to attract and anchor malevolent forces. There are also those who seek demons out deliberately, lured by promises of power. While rituals and incantations may look elaborate, in truth the threshold can be crossed with something as simple as a willing invitation.

And demons are patient. They may wait years, quietly watching, until the right person enters their sphere. Only then do they make their presence known, attaching themselves not just to a location, but to the individual they have chosen.

Signs and Targets

Those living under demonic oppression often describe homes that feel unnaturally dark, even when every light is on. The sense of being watched is constant, sometimes accompanied by sudden waves of dread. Personality shifts can emerge in the targeted individual, who may grow withdrawn, irritable, or unlike themselves. Teenagers, the emotionally fragile, and those under great stress are often the first and easiest victims.

When these disturbances take root, the result is not confined to a single location. Unlike spirits bound to a place, demonic entities can—and often do—follow their targets wherever they go.

Breaking the Chains

Demonic hauntings have earned their reputation for being difficult to end. Tales abound of failed exorcisms or rituals that must be repeated over and over. But in my experience, liberation does not need to be so elusive. With the proper knowledge and the right authority, these entities can be confronted and expelled.

If you believe you are experiencing more than just the presence of a spirit, do not face it alone. Contact WISPS. We have stood against these forces before, and we will stand with you.

Final Reflection

The line between spirit and demon is not a matter of semantics. It is a vital distinction that shapes how we respond to the unknown. Spirits may comfort, guide, or simply remain. Demons seek only to destroy. Knowing the difference could mean everything.

Behind the Veil: What Does a Paranormal Investigation Really Entail?

It’s one of the most common questions we receive: What exactly happens during a paranormal investigation? Thanks to Hollywood, late-night ghost shows, and a good deal of folklore, there are more misconceptions than truths floating around. So let’s pull back the curtain and walk you through what an investigation actually looks like—and just as importantly, what it does not.

Clearing the Air: What We Don’t Do

Before diving in, let’s set one thing straight: WISPS does not use Ouija boards, séances, solely rely on psychics, or use other forms of divination. While these methods are often portrayed as shortcuts to “the other side,” we believe they not only fail to further the cause of science, but also carry the risk of inviting negative—and potentially harmful—entities into your life.

If you’re considering experimenting with such methods, we strongly encourage you to stop. If you’ve already tried, and feel you may have inadvertently opened a door to something malevolent, contact us. We can and will help.

The Two Faces of Investigation: Hunt vs. Casework

Not all investigations are the same. In fact, we generally approach them in two distinct forms: the ghost hunt and the ghost investigation.

A ghost hunt usually happens at a site already steeped in haunted history. Think abandoned hospitals, historic mansions, crumbling cemeteries, or museums with a ghostly reputation. These locations have been well researched, and their legends are familiar to investigators and enthusiasts alike. Hunts are opportunities to gather evidence, sharpen investigative techniques, and—yes—enjoy the thrill of exploring places where the veil between worlds feels just a little thinner.

A ghost investigation, on the other hand, is much more personal. These are cases where a homeowner, business owner, or caretaker reaches out because of disturbing or unexplained occurrences. Our role in these situations is to determine whether a haunting is truly present, to debunk natural explanations when possible, and to provide evidence where it exists. If the activity proves troubling or malevolent, we also step in to help restore peace to the space.

Step One: Listening to the Story

Every investigation begins not with gadgets, but with people. Our first step is to sit down with those who live or work in the location, along with anyone who has experienced the phenomena firsthand. Their stories help us identify patterns, hot spots, and possible triggers.

Usually, one or two members of the WISPS team will conduct this initial interview and scout the location. This allows us to determine where cameras should be placed, how many investigators the site will require, and what sort of activity we might expect once the investigation begins.

Step Two: Entering the Quiet

When the time comes for the investigation itself, discretion is key. We prefer to conduct our work when the property is empty, both to avoid contamination of evidence and to allow the location’s natural atmosphere to settle.

Contrary to popular belief, hauntings do not depend on the hour. Phenomena can—and do—occur in broad daylight. But we often prefer to work after dark, when the world grows quieter, distractions fall away, and subtle anomalies—like dim orbs of light or moving shadow forms—become easier to spot.

Step Three: Science Meets the Unknown

Once inside, the WISPS team deploys an array of tools designed to detect and document anomalies. Temperature gauges track unexplained cold spots. Electromagnetic field meters monitor fluctuations in energy. Light variation sensors record changes invisible to the naked eye.

Full-spectrum still and video cameras capture what our eyes may miss, while specialized lighting allows us to see in spectrums beyond ordinary vision. Audio recorders capture voices and sounds we may not hear in real time. Flashlights, laser grids, and countless notations from team members ensure that every detail—every sound, every shift, every moment—is carefully documented.

Step Four: The Long Wait—Analysis

The thrill of investigation doesn’t end when the lights come back on. In fact, one of the most important stages comes afterward: analysis.

WISPS meticulously reviews every audio clip, every video recording, every photograph, and every log entry. This process can take days—or in complex cases, weeks. Alongside the evidence, we research the history of the location itself, seeking clues that might explain the phenomena or connect it to known events.

Once the review is complete, we present our findings to the property owner or caretaker. In most cases, we can offer clarity, reassurance, and next steps. In rare situations where the activity is malevolent and we feel time is critical, we may step in to assist even before the full analysis is complete. (For more on this, see our article Spirit or Demon?)

The Goal: Clarity, Safety, and Resolution

At the end of the day, an investigation is about far more than chasing shadows. It’s about helping people reclaim their spaces, answering questions that have haunted them, and restoring peace where fear has taken root.

Every case is different. Some yield solid evidence of paranormal activity. Others reveal natural explanations for unsettling events. But every investigation shares the same goal: to bring understanding into the unknown.

And if you ever find yourself asking what an investigation really entails, the answer is simple: it’s about listening, observing, documenting, and above all—helping.

Spirit Box: Real-Time Conversations with the Beyond

Among the many tools used by the WISPS team, few inspire as much curiosity—and debate—as the P-SB7 Spirit Box. Unlike a standard digital audio recorder, which requires investigators to review evidence hours or even days after an investigation, the spirit box offers something uniquely compelling: the possibility of real-time communication with spirits.

With a recorder, answers to questions are often discovered long after the investigation has ended, making it impossible to ask meaningful follow-up questions in the moment. The spirit box changes that dynamic, opening the door to immediate interaction.

How the Spirit Box Works

From a technical standpoint, the device is deceptively simple. At its core, the spirit box is essentially an AM/FM radio—though with capabilities no ordinary radio offers. The device is designed to scan rapidly across radio frequencies, producing a flood of static and fragments of sound.

Cycle speeds can be adjusted, but investigators have found that 100 milliseconds per station is optimal. This means the device scans about ten stations every second, making it virtually impossible to catch more than a stray syllable from a broadcast. To reduce interference even further, some teams place their spirit boxes in Faraday pouches, shielding them from ambient radio signals.

Whether the box scans forward or in reverse appears to make little difference. What matters is not the cycling itself but what seems to happen in between.

The Theory Behind the Voices

Here’s where things become less clear—and far more intriguing. The prevailing theory suggests that spirits can manipulate the static and electromagnetic energy generated by the device to form words or phrases. These responses often last far longer than the 100-millisecond sweep of the radio stations, meaning investigators can hear coherent speech layered over the cycling of frequencies.

This naturally raises the question: How do we know it isn’t just random noise or stray radio chatter? The answer lies in two factors: timing and context.

A quick pass over a radio station doesn’t provide enough exposure to form even a single word, let alone a sentence. On the rare occasion a station does break through, it’s obvious. More importantly, the words that emerge during a session often respond directly to investigators’ questions. For instance, if we ask, “How many are here with us?” and hear the word “seven,” that context is difficult to dismiss. Random, unrelated words—like “cheeseburgers”—are disregarded as noise.

Over the years, WISPS has received responses including names (sometimes of our team members), relevant details about a location, and answers that align so closely with our questioning that chance seems an unlikely explanation. Perhaps most fascinating, the same distinct voice often carries across multiple responses during a single session, something statistically improbable given the device’s rapid cycling.

Spirit Box vs. Ouija Board

The spirit box is often compared to the Ouija board, but the differences are significant. A Ouija board involves ritual elements, with users inviting spirits to guide their hands across a planchette. History is filled with cautionary tales of people who, dabbling in the board for entertainment, unwittingly welcomed destructive entities into their lives.

The spirit box, by contrast, requires no ritual and does not rely on participants surrendering control of their bodies. It can be turned on or off at will, used solely as a tool of observation. While skeptics may question the source of any responses, the danger associated with Ouija boards—granting “permission” to darker entities—is notably absent.

There’s also a difference in intent. Most spirit box users are investigators seeking to document phenomena from a scientific perspective. Ouija board sessions, however, often veer into divination: questions about the future, the afterlife, or other matters that invite deception. As demonologists often warn, spirits lie—and those seeking forbidden knowledge are at the greatest risk of being deceived.

The Future of Spirit Box Technology

Whether one views the spirit box as groundbreaking technology or simply another investigative tool, its impact is undeniable. It has given researchers a new way to interact with the unseen, offering immediate responses where once there was only silence and hours of review.

And the technology continues to evolve. The P-SB11, an updated model, is already making its way into the hands of investigators. Other versions—often custom-made and named for their inventors—are also entering the field. With each refinement, the line between science and spirit blurs just a little further.

For WISPS, the spirit box remains an invaluable part of the investigative toolkit: a device that bridges two worlds in real time, offering both answers and mysteries with every session.

EVP 101: Capturing Voices from Beyond

By DeAnn T.

If you’ve ever watched a paranormal investigation show, spoken with a ghost hunter, or even browsed articles about hauntings, chances are you’ve come across the term EVP. Short for Electronic Voice Phenomenon, EVPs are among the most fascinating and hotly discussed forms of evidence in the paranormal field. But what exactly are they, and why do investigators get so excited about them?

At its core, an EVP is simply an unexplained voice or sound captured on a recording device. Investigators often conduct what’s known as an EVP session, where they ask direct questions while recording in hopes that a spirit will respond. But not all EVPs are planned. Sometimes they appear unexpectedly on recordings meant for other purposes, such as lectures, home videos, or even casual notes. Virtually any recording device can capture one—whether a professional digital recorder, a smartphone, or an inexpensive gadget from a department store. What makes EVPs remarkable is not the technology used to capture them, but the voices that emerge where no voice should exist.

Just as hauntings are often classified as residual or intelligent, EVPs fall into the same categories. A residual EVP is like an echo from the past, a fragment of sound imprinted on an environment that plays back without awareness or intent. An intelligent EVP, on the other hand, demonstrates interaction. These responses might be short and cryptic—just a word or two—or, more rarely, a complete sentence that directly addresses the investigator’s question. Intelligent EVPs are especially compelling because they suggest the possibility of true communication rather than simply a recording of past energy.

Most investigators do not realize they’ve captured anything until long after the session ends, when hours of recordings are carefully reviewed. Specialized audio software can sometimes help filter background noise and bring faint voices to the surface. Even then, EVPs are unpredictable. In some cases, one recorder will pick up a voice clearly while another just a few feet away captures nothing. On rare occasions, voices are even audible in real time, though this is far less common.

A powerful example of this occurred during a WISPS investigation at Asylum 49 in Tooele, Utah. While leading an EVP and flashlight session in a conference room believed to be favored by a child spirit named Christian, our group asked if he was present and whether he could say his name. After several minutes, the sound of children’s voices drifted through the hallway just behind us. Multiple recorders captured our team reacting in real time: “Did you hear that? It sounded like kids.” What made the moment extraordinary was the fact that no one under the age of eighteen was inside the building that night. Later review confirmed what we had suspected. A child’s voice was captured on the recording saying, “I’m over here, mommy.” The response was direct, intelligent, and chillingly aligned with the questions we had asked.

Of course, not every sound caught on tape is paranormal. The most common source of contamination is actually the investigators themselves. Whispering, in particular, is a bad habit many fall into during EVP sessions. It feels natural in the silence of a dark room, but because many EVPs already have a whispery quality, human whispers can create false positives. To avoid confusion, investigators must clearly “mark” their recordings whenever noises occur, whether it’s a sneeze, a stomach growl, or even the squeak of a chair. Without those real-time notes, even seasoned investigators can mistake normal sounds for paranormal ones. On the Asylum 49 investigation, several potential EVPs had to be disregarded because we could not confirm whether they were whispers from the group.

Skeptics have also put forward several explanations for the phenomenon. One is auditory pareidolia, the brain’s natural tendency to interpret random sounds as familiar words or voices. Another is the noise floor theory, which attributes EVPs to the low-level electrical hum of recording devices. When filtered, that background noise can sometimes mimic speech patterns. A related idea, known as apophenia, suggests that humans are simply prone to finding meaning or connections in random data, even when none exist.

These explanations account for some recordings, but they struggle to explain the most compelling cases—those moments when a voice not only emerges from the static but answers a direct question with intelligence and relevance. Experiences like that are unforgettable. To sit in the dark, ask a question aloud, and later hear a whispery voice respond—when no one else could have made the sound—sends a chill down your spine and validates the countless hours invested in investigation.

For the WISPS team, EVPs remain one of the most powerful tools in the search for evidence of the supernatural. Whether they are echoes from the past or intelligent voices reaching across the veil, they continue to intrigue, mystify, and drive us deeper into the study of what lies beyond.

EVP Grading System

EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) are a lot like people. They all different and come in many shapes and sizes, but in many respects, they are all the same. Although all EVPs share many of the same characteristics they do vary in quality.

Below is a chart to explain what the difference is between what is called a Class A EVP versus a Class B or even a Class C.

Class A EVP

In a Class A EVP, the voice is clear and easy to understand. In a Class A EVP no amplification is required. An example of a Class A EVP is below.

Class B EVP

Class B EVPs are loud and rarely need enhancement, but are not readily understood and tones can be hard to understand. It may have to be heard several times to understand the word or phrase.

Class C EVP

Class C EVPs are very faint and can only be heard and understood once they have been enhanced. WISPS does this by isolating the EVP in the audio file and boosting the volume of the EVP. Even with the enhancement headphones may be necessary to hear and understand the EVP.

Other Classifications

Class D & G EVPs

There are two other classifications of EVP that will be covered in this chart. These are Class D and Class G EVPs. These are EVPs that are of questionable evidentiary quality and won’t be used on the WISPS website. The ‘G’ in Class G specifically refers to garbage, meaning they may not even be EVPs. Class D is likely EVPs, but are so faint, and/or unintelligible to be of little value. Class D EVPs may need enhancement and some audio filtering. Even then they are difficult to understand. They are of questionable value.

Type R EVP

Some EVPs become intelligible when played backward. These are Type R EVPs. WISPS has not found this type of EVP to be common. A Type R EVP can fall under any of the other classifications.

Contamination

With experienced investigators, it is relatively easy to eliminate contamination, especially with smaller groups of people. This can be more difficult with investigations open to the public, new investigators, larger groups, naturally noisy venues, and even experienced investigators can sometimes forget to mark their contamination on an audio recording. Contamination consists of noises on an audio recording made by people which can be mistaken for EVPs. These can consist of whispers, bodily noises, and other forms of audio contamination.

New investigators should be trained never to whisper at an investigation, and all investigators, should as second nature, call out, and mark any contamination on a recording. This can be easily done, such as telling people not to whisper when it is happening. This allows someone to review potential audio evidence to quickly identify and dismiss contamination.

There are some cases, where contamination could potentially be present. If the analyst reviewing evidence is unsure whether they are hearing an EVP or contamination, and if they can’t determine what the audio is it has to be dismissed as inconclusive evidence. When in doubt throw it out. Good evidence can potentially be lost by bad investigative process or investigators failing to mark contamination. WISPS has only had to do this on rare occasions where some investigations have been opened up the public.

 
 
 
 

Behind the Veil: Rethinking Mediumship and the Paranormal Through a Spiritual Lens
By: Castle

For those of us immersed in the world of paranormal investigation, there’s a question that always lingers just beneath the surface: can you truly separate ghost hunting from religion? Despite efforts to keep the two worlds apart, the lines inevitably blur. Religion, after all, has long taught us about immortal spirits and the afterlife—concepts at the heart of what we encounter in haunted spaces.

While it’s possible to investigate ghosts without invoking religious doctrine, it’s difficult to fully accept the presence of spirits without embracing some kind of belief system. Whether religious or secular, our worldviews—filtered through belief or skepticism—shape how we interpret the unexplained.

That said, this isn’t a sermon. I could easily cite scripture to support what I’m about to share, but I’ll refrain. If this account resonates with you—positively or negatively—you’ll likely seek those sources out on your own.

The Problem with Psychics

I’ll admit it: for much of my life, I’ve viewed psychics and mediums with a healthy dose of skepticism. It’s hard not to, especially when the public image is shaped by late-night infomercials featuring “Madame So-and-So,” draped in scarves, offering psychic insights for $5 a minute. It doesn’t help that popular TV shows often portray mediums in a way that feels more scripted than supernatural.

Then there’s the legacy of the Victorian spiritualism movement—riddled with frauds and opportunists—that makes it all too easy (and comfortable) to dismiss the entire idea as fantasy or charlatanism.

I lived in that space for years. It was easier to mock than to consider that my worldview might need adjusting.

Then I met someone who changed everything.

A Medium Unlike the Rest

My perspective began to shift at ParaconWest, a regional gathering for the paranormal community. The event brought together ghost tour operators, paranormal celebrities, psychics, and vendors. It was there that I encountered a medium who shattered all my preconceived notions.

She wasn’t advertising her abilities. She wasn’t in costume. She wasn’t charging people to speak to their ancestors. She was, in fact, completely unassuming—an articulate, down-to-earth, and devoutly religious woman whose gifts were more a burden than a badge.

She and a friend had been attending ghost tours for fun, but she revealed that her ability to communicate with spirits made these outings difficult. Once people discovered what she could do, they hounded her—demanding she “make the ghosts perform.”

What struck me most, though, was her frustration and restraint. She didn’t seek attention. She wasn’t selling anything. She seemed resigned to her ability, not empowered by it.

Evidence and Revelation

Our conversation deepened when I showed her video evidence from one of my own investigations—footage of a home plagued by demonic activity. Without any prior knowledge, she identified a dark entity in the clip. She pointed out its movements and behavior just moments before the video confirmed her claims. I was stunned.

Her insights matched the evidence so precisely that I spent the rest of the afternoon speaking with her, testing her understanding of what I’d captured in my years of research. She confirmed many of my own theories and gently corrected others. Her explanations were plausible, deeply informed, and, more importantly, provable.

That night, she and her friend joined my investigation team at a venue I was staffing. Before the session began, I shared photos from an upcoming residential case. She immediately identified a spirit presence in the image—one that only the case manager and I knew about. She even provided personal details the spirit had communicated, further validating her gift.

The investigation itself yielded more compelling evidence. She continued to identify spirit activity with precision, independently verified by equipment and observers.

At this point, my skepticism wasn’t just shaken—it was cracking.

Reconciling Faith and Ability

Like many, I wrestled with how her abilities fit into my own Christian faith. Aren’t gifts like this more commonly associated with Wicca, shamanism, or occult practices? Isn’t it risky, even forbidden?

I don’t believe so.

Both the Bible and Latter-day Saint scripture speak of spiritual gifts and a veil between this world and the next. For some, that veil is thinner. This medium, I believe, has been given a rare spiritual gift—one that allows her to perceive and communicate with the spirit world.

To those who argue such abilities are evil or deceptive, I say this: Scripture warns us not to seek out the dead because of the risk of being misled by malevolent spirits, not because spiritual sensitivity is inherently wrong. The danger lies in pursuing prophecy or comfort from unauthorized sources—not in recognizing the gifts that God may bestow for a righteous purpose.

Purpose and Service

Why would someone be given such a gift? I believe it’s for the benefit of others—both living and deceased. Catholic doctrine speaks of purgatory; Latter-day Saints refer to Spirit Prison and Paradise. In both frameworks, there are spirits who are earthbound, unable to move on due to fear, trauma, or unresolved matters. Individuals like this medium can help those spirits find peace and move on.

In doing so, they also help the living—families struggling with unexplained activity, fear, and grief. These gifts, if used wisely, bring clarity and comfort where confusion once reigned.

But discernment is key.

Claims of spiritual gifts must be tested. As the scriptures say, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” The fraudulent psychics of the past existed—and still exist—but that doesn’t mean all such gifts are illegitimate.

When genuine, spiritual gifts serve others. They heal. They clarify. They uplift.

And sometimes, they completely rewrite what we thought we knew.

Final Thoughts

In this field, humility is vital. We don’t have all the answers—and perhaps we never will. But as investigators, believers, or skeptics, it’s our responsibility to approach the unknown not just with curiosity, but with discernment, compassion, and an open heart.

Not everything unexplained is untrue. And sometimes, the most extraordinary discoveries begin when we’re finally willing to question what we thought we knew.

Your Guide to Public Ghost Investigations

So, you’ve watched the scary movies. You’ve binged a couple of those late-night ghost-hunting reality shows. Maybe you’ve even Googled “haunted places near me” once or twice. And now, thanks to the wonders of the internet—or maybe a spooky tip from a friend—you’ve stumbled across something called a public ghost investigation.

Thirty to seventy-five bucks later (yes, some of these nights out aren’t exactly cheap), you’re ready to grab your flashlight and step into the world of real-life paranormal investigating.

And let’s be honest—your first thought? Terrifying. Ghosts are supposed to be scary, right? But here’s the secret seasoned investigators know: ghosts are fascinating, often mysterious, and, more often than not, way less frightening than Hollywood makes them out to be. I’ve led countless public and private investigations, and let me tell you—curiosity is the best ticket in. Skeptic or believer, it doesn’t matter. In fact, skeptics often walk away the most shaken, because the more you investigate, the harder it becomes to dismiss what you’ve seen or heard.

But here’s the catch: so many first-timers show up unprepared. No gear, no idea what to expect, sometimes even dressed for the wrong occasion entirely. And while you’ll still have fun, a little planning can turn your investigation from “that was cool” into “oh my gosh, that was unforgettable.”

Dress the Part

Think of it like packing for an adventure—you wouldn’t wear heels on a hiking trail or a tux to a backyard barbecue. Ghost investigations are the same way. One night you might be exploring a dusty, abandoned factory; the next, a grand old mansion with drafty halls. Sometimes it’s sweltering, sometimes freezing, and often you’ll be walking, climbing, or standing for hours. Comfort is key.

Skip the sequins and jangly jewelry too. Those sparkly earrings might look fabulous, but in the dark they can reflect light and create false “orbs.” Plus, anything noisy risks contaminating the audio recordings investigators rely on. And speaking of contamination, here’s a biggie: leave the perfume or cologne at home. Ghosts have been known to announce themselves with strange scents—and no one’s going to pick up on phantom tobacco smoke if you’ve walked in surrounded by a cloud of “Eternal Spring Blossom No. 5.”

Speak Up (Seriously—No Whispering!)

This one surprises people. Picture it: the lights are out, it’s dead quiet, and the lead investigator is recording for EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena). You lean over to whisper something to your friend… and now your little side comment might ruin the entire recording.

Why? Because most EVPs are faint whispers. Later, when someone’s reviewing hours of audio, they won’t know if that voice was a spirit—or just you talking about the woman in heels who ignored the “dress comfortably” advice. The solution? Just speak normally. If you need to talk, excuse yourself. Trust me—investigators would rather hear a clear “sorry, my stomach just growled” than spend hours debating whether it was a ghost.

Own Your Noises (a.k.a. Tagging Evidence)

Accidentally kicked a chair? Sneezed? Let out an awkward squeak from your sneakers (or your stomach)? Don’t panic. Just say it out loud: “That was me.” This is called “tagging evidence,” and it instantly tells whoever is reviewing the audio later that the sound wasn’t paranormal. It may feel silly in the moment, but it saves tons of frustration down the road.

Bring a Little Gear of Your Own

You don’t need to remortgage your house for a thermal camera. A simple flashlight and an audio recorder (even the one on your phone) can be game-changers. Capturing your very first EVP—your own little piece of unexplained audio—is a thrill like nothing else. If you want to level up, gadgets like a K-II meter or Ghost Meter Pro are affordable and add an extra layer of excitement.

Be Cool (to People and Spirits)

Remember—you’re a guest. That goes for both the living and the dead. Respect the venue, respect your fellow investigators, and respect the spirits you’re trying to communicate with. Nothing kills the vibe faster than a group that treats the investigation like a frat party. (Yes, I’ve seen it. No, it’s not fun.)

Play It Safe

Ghost investigations are generally safe, but here’s the rule: don’t mess with things you don’t understand. That means no Ouija boards, no summoning rituals, no inviting spirits to “come home with you.” The sweet little girl you think you’re talking to? Sometimes, it’s not what it seems. And trust me—you do not want to star in your own Amityville sequel.

End with a Clean Break

Once the night is over, say it out loud: “You are not allowed to follow me home.” Whether you add a prayer, a blessing, or just a firm statement, this step matters. It closes the night and leaves the spirits where they belong. Forget it, and you might end up with a little extra company you didn’t bargain for.

Be Patient—and Have Fun

Think of ghost hunting like fishing. Some nights you’ll catch EVP after EVP, see shadow figures, and feel chills. Other nights, nothing. That’s part of the thrill. Don’t give up after one quiet evening—give it a few tries.

Most importantly? Enjoy yourself. Ghost investigations are about curiosity, adventure, and a touch of the unknown. Follow these guidelines, keep your sense of wonder, and you’ll not only avoid rookie mistakes—you’ll have the kind of stories that keep people leaning in when you tell them, “So, I went on this ghost hunt…”

Folklore or science

Ghost Theory

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Ghost Theory

Ghost theory is one of those curious corners of the paranormal that continues to evolve the deeper we dig. It’s the idea that spirits, energies, or echoes of the past might linger in our world—sometimes intelligent, sometimes just residual. Some believe ghosts are the souls of the departed, others think they’re impressions left behind like fingerprints on reality. Please take some time to read some of the articles written by our investigators. Everyone is always learning, and with each investigation, each unexplained whisper or shadow, our understanding shifts. There are no real experts here—just seekers in the dark, trying to piece together what the light can’t always reveal.

What exactly are Hauntings?
– By DeAnn Carter

 
I know there are many skeptics out there who don’t believe in hauntings and ghosts. The popular idea of a haunting is someone that has passed, usually violently, whose spirit stays and causes trouble for the people left behind, such as noises, footsteps, even rattling of chains and moaning. This is one of the many theories of hauntings.

In my series of haunting theories, I’d like to explain each of the theories that I am aware of, and I’m sure that there are many others out there that I’ve never heard of. As I hear or think of new ones, I’ll type those up as well. But in the meantime I have plenty to keep you occupied.

So, let’s talk first about the common idea of hauntings. We’ll call this “TRADITIONAL HAUNTING THEORY”. People who have passed and who’s spirits stay behind. Personally, this is the theory that I have the least amount of faith in. My personal religious beliefs say that this isn’t a real deal, however, after thinking about it for a long time I have decided that it is a viable, but not common situation. You, of course, can decide for yourself how much stock you put into each of these theories.

If your personal beliefs allow you to adhere strongly, without question, to this theory then my way of thinking about it will just add to yours. If you are like me, and you have a hard time thinking that ghost spirits linger, this may help you see how this could be.

First, I believe, and have had people confirm, that indeed when a person dies, their spirit can stay with their body until burial. I have two good friends who are morticians and have heard several stories of their own and of their colleagues, but I have always believed that after burial, the spirits go to the afterworld.

Now, here is where I have come up with my ideas of how I personally can accept this theory. I think that it is possible for spirits to refuse to go to the afterworld. They insist on staying because they are in denial or are angry and refuse to go. I think it could be possible that they simply don’t know or won’t believe that they have passed and insist on staying here. Maybe they are afraid, maybe they are just plain stubborn, maybe they just really liked it here and want to continue on, I mean, why change a good thing, eh? Who knows, that’s why we, and others, investigate, to try and answer these questions.

Why they do what they do depends on their personalities when they were alive. Maybe some stay and mope, some could be angry and violent, some could be playful, others timid. As I stated before, this type of haunting, in my opinion, from my studies and research, are few and far between. Others could argue with me, but we don’t need to argue percentages at this point.

Along these lines, and this will come up again in a different aspect in a later article on a different theory of hauntings, but I do not believe in child ghosts. It is my firm, unwavering belief that children don’t haunt and if you think you are being haunted by a child, you are simply being deceived by something else.

This will be the topic of our next article called “DECEIVING SPIRITS THEORY”.

So….to wrap up this first column…..theory #1 “Traditional Hauntings” is the spirit of someone who has passed, but decides to stay in this dimension for whatever reason. Again, feel free to fill in your own blanks as to the whys and we’ll keep investigating to try to figure out the “whys”.

What is a Ghost?
-by Amy Perry

What is a ghost? Type this question into Google and it will return approximately 220 million results. Seriously, I checked. Depending on how deeply a person wants to delve into the mystery of the paranormal the answer can be as simple as the definition of the word itself or as complicated as the theory of parallel universes.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word ghost as: A disembodied soul; especially the soul of a dead person believed to be an inhabitant of the unseen world or to appear to the living in bodily likeness. A SOUL being the seat of life or intelligence.

In his article, What is a Ghost? J. Allan Danelek, theorizes that a “true ghost” is the disembodied conscious energy of a once living person with the ability to interact and communicate. The “true ghost” is neither part of the spiritual realm or the physical world but somewhere in-between. Depending on one’s belief a ghost is either “trapped” or has chosen to stay in this in-between state.

As I was researching various sources of information about ghosts, my own belief systems and experiences forced me to distinguish between what Danelek considers a “true ghost” and what I consider a spirit or ghost.

Do I believe there are souls who refuse to leave a place? Yes. Do I believe souls can be “trapped” in a specific place? I am still not certain.

Do I believe that the soul or spirit of a person can visit, assist, and offer guidance and comfort even after they have passed into the spiritual world? Yes, and I will offer one of my personal experiences to help validate this belief.

Five years ago, a very close friend suddenly passed away. About a month later, I began having problems with my TV’s. I was alone in my bedroom watching television very late one night when the TV turned off seemingly by itself. I thought I had accidentally touched the remote control and thought nothing more of the event. In the second, the television came on while I was nowhere near the television or the remote control. The remote control was facing away from the television and I also checked the location of my cell phone as I know they can sometime cause electronic interference – the cell phone was nowhere near the television. I thought perhaps my neighbor might have a remote control using the same frequency. The problem with this explanation is that I was living in a very old home with 12 inch thick adobe type walls and the window was not in a direct line of site with the windows of my neighbors. As these instances continued to occur, I accepted that it was my friend playing with me or “haunting” me – just letting me know she was still around.

One day the television in my living room came on while I was in another room. Previous to this, only my bedroom television was affected. After turning off the television, I stood alone in my house and spoke to my friend. I thanked her for letting me know she was around and that I was happy to feel her spirit with me, but could she please not do anything like that when my son was in the house because I didn’t want him to be frightened. The televisions never turned on and off by themselves again.

Was my friend a “true ghost” stuck between the physical and spiritual planes or a spirit visiting from the other side? This is the type of question I hope to someday answer and what drives me to investigate these incidents further.

Do I believe there are souls who refuse to leave a place? Yes. Do I believe souls can be “trapped” in a specific place? I am still not certain.

In future articles, I will write about the different type of ghosts and hauntings and the general beliefs regarding each of these.

 

 

Bibliography
Danelek, J. A. (2010, October 30). The Llewellyn
Journal. Retrieved December 31, 2013, from Llewellyn Worldwide: http://www.llewellyn.com/journal/article/1262
Residual Hauntings
-By DeAnn T.

Have you heard of an apparition of a woman standing on the shore waiting for her long lost lover to return? Or maybe laughter in a darkened hallway? The sentry that stands guard and can be seen every Friday of a full moon? Or footsteps up and down the stairs at certain times of the day? Children’s laughter is a common sound found amongst ghost hunting groups, yet many ghost hunters (myself included) don’t believe in child ghosts. Is it a demon tricking us or a residual sound?

The theory is residual hauntings. These are hauntings that are not intelligent. These “hauntings” don’t involve spirits. Some people think this is the most common type of hauntings. They are more like watching a movie that was previously recorded, albeit faded. These are events that actually happened in the past and somehow are able to be viewed over and over again at certain times and or in certain conditions. Some of the more popular theories of residual hauntings are that the energy is somehow stored in an area. Water seems to be a major factor, as are items like stone, and wood. Items that conduct and absorb.

One idea is that the emotions of the event were so strong that they linger. Another idea could be that the energy simply lingers and is able to be heard or seen from time to time in the quiet hours, such as footsteps.

A theory that I heard not too many years ago, however, I find the most intriguing and one that I want to spend a little more time on. That is residual hauntings and time.

We aren’t sure exactly how time works. We know that it passes, that we can’t slow it down, and that at times we either have too much, or not nearly enough. But where does it go when it passes? Does it just disappear as an event that has happened never to be seen again, or does it simply march forward, out of our dimension, but still able to be viewed, like a supernatural filmstrip uncoiling in an unknown realm?

When we hear those footsteps, that laugh, when we see a sinister man standing in the window, or the woman walking along the beach, is it a fold in time? Is it a loop circling the earth? Is it something in space? A time warp here on earth? We simply don’t know the answers to that, but it is a darn good theory and one that I tend to give a lot of merit too. As someone highly interested in science I realize there is nothing wrong with coming up with a theory and testing it. This is what we do as ghost hunters, test our theories. This theory of time warps, wraps, time folding on itself leaving echoes is one of the more fascinating to me. I first heard of this theory from Zac Baggins book, so a nod to Zac for the insights on time and residual hauntings.

Again, I think there is merit to all my theories and part of what makes ghost investigating interesting is figuring out what is what and which theory is in practice at each individual investigation.

I hope that this has caused the creative juices to flow and opened up another avenue of study for you. I know I eagerly look into all theories.

Fallen Angels
By DeAnn T.

Like the other theories, in order to do it full justice it would need an entire book. This subject could probably have a series of books. This theory also involves a religious aspect, so, as to not alienate readers from the theory by going too far one way or the other, I will try to keep it relatively neutral so that you can mold and incorporate the theory basics to your own religious beliefs.

So, the generally accepted idea is a “war in heaven”, a war between good and evil, the evil being cast to earth. (Reference) Pretty basic. Why were they cast out? This can be a cause for debate and since it doesn’t pertain to ghost investigating (for the most part) I’ll skip it for now. Feel free to ask me sometime and I’ll tell you what I believe.

A general theme, in many factions, in discussing a war in heaven, is that a third of the hosts of heaven, led by Satan, or a “dragon”, were cast from heaven to earth by God.

Here is where the theory of fallen angels comes into ghost investigating. Some of these fallen angels knew precisely what they were getting into and after extensive research; I believe that it is possible that many of those third may have been deceived into aligning themselves against God. They were deceived by cunning, dark, yet charismatic (how else could they entice away a third of the hosts of heaven?? http://www.sharefaith.com/guide/christian-ministries/angels/lucifer-the-fallen-angel.html entities who were trying to fight for their own gain rather than the good of humanity. How would these angels react when faced with the consequences of their choices? Think of the variety of personalities of people you know and then think of all the different ways that say, 20 of your acquaintances may react to a single event.

There are those that are angry, enraged, some are sad, some may be apathetic, smug, and even embarrassed.

It is my personal belief that all of these “fallen angels” are demons, but that they react in different ways. The angry ones swear, scratch, throw things at you, try to possess you, deceive you, etc. Why? Because you have what they want, to not be cast out, to be a part of the life that we live and not a spirit, destined to roam the earth forever without a body of flesh and blood. They are angry at God for casting them out, not understanding that it is their own actions that caused that, or perhaps well aware of why, but not understanding why their way had to have such bitter consequences. Some of the sad ones may just hang out and try to live a life the best they can, either by pretending to be someone who has passed or “making up” a persona, others may hide in the dark, abandoned buildings of the world, hoping to never be found and just trying to stay out of the way while they mourn over their lot in life. Some may figure, “Hey, this is how it is, let’s make the best of it” and may be haunting us for the fun of it and to keep from getting bored. (Ya, that may be a stretch, I know, but it could be…)

Next time you hear EVPs with multiple ghosts talking, listen to it with this in mind. Are they talking to us, the living, or amongst themselves? When they say “Hide” or “Here they come” are they telling us to hide because something is coming for us or are they talking to each other. I tend to believe it’s to each other a lot of the times. Again, something to consider when you listen to EVPs. Listen to them from both aspects and see if you can tell.

As with the other theories that I’ve posted and many, many others that are out there, feel free to agree or disagree with me. The idea of these are to get us all thinking about why we’re hearing, seeing, and feeling the things we do. We all know that there is SOMETHING there and the reason we investigate is to answer all these theories.

This one is one of my personal favorites, as in I think it is more credible than most based on my religious beliefs. I tried to keep this article as non-denominational as I could, but feel free to ask me about it in more depth if this has triggered your interest.