Leicester Ghost Quest
Paranormal INVESTIGATIONS AND RESEARCH TEAM
ESTABLISHED 1990
Type's of Haunting's
Paranormal Terms
APPARITIONS:
The supernatural appearance of a deceased person or
animal. It is often too distant to be in the normal range of a persons view and
is uncommon to see an appearance. A full bodied apparition shows the entire
body of an animal or person. A partial bodied apparition are shown more
often but only show part of a body such as; torso or arms. They often appear
as white (or various shades of white/gray) or solid black. Usually apparitions
can appear to hover in the air. It is rare that apparitions show their legs or
feet.
AUTOMATIC WRITING:
The ability to write intelligible messages without
conscious control of what is being written. Often used in conjunction with
trying to channel a spirit or entity into yourself. This can be a very
dangerous method! As with all channeling methods (Ouija boards, crystals,
etc.) you are opening a door way and have no control over who or what may
come through, and no way to be sure to make it leave and "close the door".
COLD SPOT: A small, defined area of intense cold (at least 10 degrees colder
than the surrounding area) that can not readily be explained by other natural
or mechanical causes (e.g. air conditioning, a drafty window, ice or snow). In
paranormal research the prevailing theory is that when an entity is trying to
manifest itself it draws on many sources of energy. One of those sources is the
heat energy in the air. As the entity draws the heat out of the air the area in
that specific immediate location becomes unusually cold.
CLAIRAUDIENCE: The ability to hear things not audible within normal
hearing ranges. This is an example of Extra sensory perception. (ESP) It
includes the audible perception of ghosts, spirits, and those who are on the
astral realm. Clairaudience is essentially the ability of hearing the paranormal
as opposed to seeing it.
DEBUNK (DEBUNKING EVIDENCE or PARANORMAL
ACTIVITY):
Reported paranormal evidence or paranormal activity is said to
be "debunked" when a simple, logical and non-paranormal explanation can
account for the reported event(s). Even if the activity is genuinely paranormal,
if a simple and reasonable explanation can also be applied, because of this
ambiguity a prudent paranormal investigator has to side with the debunking
explanation until further evidence of paranormal activity can be obtained.
Care has to be used since it is easy to be skeptical of any report or evidence.
Usually if the non-paranormal explanation is complex or requires many
assumptions it may be over analyzing the situation.
DEMON: According to the Catholic faith demons are angels that were cast
out of Heaven by G-d during the rebellion against G-d lead by Lucifer. There
are several levels or hierarchies of demons, each with different powers. Other
faiths may have different concepts of what demons are.
DEMONIC HAUNTING:
A haunting by a nonhuman entity. Can be very
dramatic, even violent. Demonic hauntings often start out with subtle and
relatively simple paranormal activity, then quickly increase to stronger
activity. Most often effects people or families that are already under great
personal stress from conditions such as alcohol or drug use, psychological or
emotional problems, family or marital problems, etc. It is believed the
nonhuman entity takes advantage of people in such weaken psychological and
emotional condition. Persons who believe they and/or their families are the
subject of a demonic haunting should immediately seek both professional
paranormal assistance and counseling help. Click Here to read more about
demonic hauntings.
DEMONOLOGIST: A person who actively pursues demons and other
nonhuman entitles both for study and to help people rid them from their lives.
Usually demonologists are very religious people as they believe strongly that
only faith has the power to combat a demon. They are also usually schooled
and or experienced in the field of psychology and mental
health. IMPORTANT: Active pursuit of demons and demonology is not
something to be tried for fun or kicks. Serious injury - both physical and
mental - can occur!
DOWSING (aka DIVINING):
The ability to use a pair of rods (often metal)
held in the hands to locate objects, most commonly water. A Y-shaped tree
branch can also be used fro finding water. In the paranormal investigation
field Dowsing Rods are sometimes used to locate energy sources that could be
paranormal in nature.
ECHOLALIA:
A professional clinical word that means to repeat back what
you hear. As applied to the paranormal field it means when a ghost or spirit
repeats back something you have just said in order to show they are there and
are trying to communicate with you. The words repeated back could be EVP
questions or just casual conversation. It is not clear why an entity might repeat
back your words rather than respond on their own. Perhaps it is easier/simply
for an entity to repeat what it has heard rather than form new words.
ECTOPLASM:
The substance left behind when an entity tries to manifest
itself. Although still largely theoretical (none has yet been collected for
chemical analysis) it has been photographed on many occasions. Ectoplasm
often appears in photographs as a thick white mist or smoke in nearly straight
lines. Vapor and humidity is often mistaken for ectoplasm. It is rarely seen
with the naked eye. It can, however, be felt as a dense area of cobweb-like
strands.
EMF - Electro Magnetic Field: In it's natural form it is the natural electric
field (sometimes thought of an an aurora) that is generated by all living things
and many inanimate objects such as metals and certain minerals. EMF is also
generated by man-made electric sources such as lights, radios and wires. In
paranormal investigations the theory is that entities are largely composed of
energy which may be electrically based. By trying to detect EMF it may be
possible to locate an otherwise unseen entity. The stronger the EMF detected
the potential greater the paranormal phenomena. See our article on EMF
Theory.
EMPATHS - EMPATHIC ABILITIES:
Some people are sensitive to the
typically stronger feelings a paranormal entity gives off. They may also be able
to see people and events that have occurred years in the past at a given
locations. While feelings are hard to confirm or deny, when recorded along
with other paranormal evidence that can be documented, empathic ability can
be a helpful investigation tool.
ENTITY:
A generic all-encompassing term used to describe a paranormal
object/being that is presumed to be a ghost or spirit. Since no one is yet 100%
sure what paranormal objects really are the term "entity" is used as a pronoun
to include any and all possible things such as ghosts, spirits, poltergeists, nonhuman spirits etc.
EVP - Electronic Voice Phenomena:
The hearing of unexplainable voices
during the playback of a recording made on a electronic recoding device. The
voices can not be readily identified as persons speaking or events (mechanical
sounds, background noise etc) that took place while the record was being
performed. Can be encountered on both tape and digital recorders. Sometimes
also found on video recorders (not film however). See our articles on EVP
theory and classification.
FEAR CAGE:
A term used to describe a confined area such as a walk in
closet, hallway or basement with very high EMF readings. The combination o
extremely great feelings of uneasiness, anxiety, paranoia and/or
uncontrollable fear. When this occurs the best thing is to quickly and calmly
leave the area and go to a more open area with lower EMF.
GHOST:
A spirit or shade of a dead person believed to haunt people or
previous habitats/locations. The spirit remains of a living being, strongly
attached to the living realm by some form of emotional force. Often ghosts do
not realize that they are in fact dead. Others live out the routine of the day
they died, and continue this in a cycle. Other ghosts interact with everyday life
of the living.
IMPRINT (IMPRINTING):
It is theorized that events and strong
feelings/emotions can leave a copy or record of themselves on places (tunnels,
rooms, fields etc) and objects (furniture, buildings, personal affects etc). Most
notably this occurs when a sudden and violent death occurs such as a powerful
accident, a murder or other crime, a war or battle area etc. The energy that is
left can result in a non-intelligent haunting, usually a residual haunting. In
these cases people often report seeing and hearing the same thing over and
over like a tape playing, rewinding and playing again. Sometimes the event
seems to be recorded on the specific location rather than a building, room or
object. There have been cases reported where an imprint haunting has
occurred in a building, the building is later totally demolished and a new one
built (or the area just left vacant) but the haunting still continues. In the
situation of imprinting on an object the haunting can follow the object through
several owners. This is often reported with items purchased at a yard sale or
flea market.
IR (INFRARED):
Infrared light is light from the lower end (long wave
length/low frequency) of the electromagnetic spectrum (between the visible
light spectrum and microwaves). IR light is not visible to the naked human eye
without the use of special equipment. IR is not to be confused with thermal
imaging. While IR and thermal energy are both on the short end of the
electromagnetic spectrum they are not the same thing. There is evidence that
ghosts/spirits and other paranormal entities may be more susceptible to being
viewed (including video and image photography) using the IR light spectrum.
IR sensors are also often used for measuring temperature and detecting
movement.
KINETIC ENERGY:
Energy needed to force an object at rest into
motion. Objects in motion have kinetic energy. Energy is neither created nor
destroyed. As the kinetic energy diminishes it changes into potential energy.
LEY LINES (aka LEY):
The theoretical lines that can be drawn to connect
ancient (and some modern) sites across a country, even around the world. The
term "Ley Line" ("Ley" being a Saxon word meaning meadow or cleared strip
of ground) was first coined by Alfred Watkins in the early 1920's. He noticed
that many ancient and prehistoric structures (e.g. mounds, stone circles,
temples, river crossings, ceremonial hilltops, etc.) could be connected by
straight lines. Often these lines exactly fit compass directions, and sometimes
at certain times of the year match up with star alignments. He also noticed
that many of these lines intersect and where they intersect are significant
other structures such as churches, temples, and burial grounds. Some people
believe Ley Lines also follow the natural magnetic forces of the Earth and
therefore are very powerful for spiritual and mystic activity. Ley lines are also
known as corpse ways, church paths, church lines, and coffin lines.
LIGHTS OUT" INVESTIGATION:
A paranormal investigation, usually
conducted indoors and at night, where all the light sources and other
electronic devices in the building have been turned off. The equipment used
for paranormal investigations is typically more sensitive at night and in the
dark. Having lights off reduces the possibility of false or misleading evidence
caused by reflections and glares.
LIVING GHOST:
The manifestation of a ghost or entity, usually a living
close family member or friend, that appears a long distance (sometimes
hundreds or event thousands of miles away!). This event usually coincides
when the other person (the one manifesting) is facing an immediate great
stress or life-threatening danger. Examples include a aircraft pilot or crew
flying through a storm, a soldier on the battle field, an automobile driver or
passenger during a sever accident, etc. Some believe this is related to astral
projection and out-of-the-body experiences. This phenomena is related to the
moment of mortality manifestation.
LOST TIME:
With paranormal ghost/spirit activity it is possible that a small
concentrated area of high paranormal activity may briefly alter the physical
environment such that time slows down or stops altogether. For example, a
person in such an effected area may be in the area for 20 minutes as measured
by a clock outside the area. But the person's watch only shows them in the area
for 15 minutes. What happened to the 5 minutes difference? This phenomena
is similar to what sometimes in reported UFO cases.
MANIFEST or MANIFESTATION:
The act of an entity trying to make it
self appear in our world. Entities are believed to exist mainly as energy with no
physical form. When an entity is trying to make itself appear or make it's
presence known in our world it is said to be manifesting itself; trying to make
itself into some form of physical state.
MIST:
An energy field that looks like a cloud or haze but has a paranormal
ectoplasm substance. There may or may not be any particular shape, color
(typically white or light colored), thickness, or consistency.
MOMENT OF MORTALITY:
A ghostly manifestation that occurs when
someone is at the exact moment of their death. A ghost, spirit or other
apparition appears to a close friend or family member. Can happen over great
distances (hundreds, even thousands, of miles away). This phenomena is
similar to the living ghost and Death Bed Visions phenomena.
NECROMANCY (NECROMANCE):
The attempt to conjure, summon or
raise the dead in order to learn secrets and insights from the spirits. Usually
intended to gain personal advantage or fortune over others. The person who is
trying to perform the necromancy process is called a Necromancer. This
deals heavily into the unsavory realm of magic, spells, and dark/forbidden
witchcraft rituals. Can also be attempted with Tarot cards and Ouija boards.
Regardless of the process used, necromancy is highly dangerous from the
point of view that you are opening a doorway and have no idea what thing may
come through and into your life!
NIGHT SHOT:
A setting common on hand held video cameras. Originally it
was a term used to describe the night vision (total darkness) recording
capability of the Sony Handicam series of camcorders. This term has since
become synonymous with meaning any night vision/total darkness video
camera or recording device regardless of the manufacturer. The night shot
feature uses a built-in IR (infra red) illumination source. An external IR
illuminator can often be attached for additional viewing range. Click Here to
read our discussion of using alternate light spectrums for paranormal
investigations.
NONHUMAN or INHUMAN SPIRIT:
An entity (ghost or spirit) that is
not the result of a human person that once lived on Earth. This category also
includes angels, demons, devils etc. It is not known exactly where these kinds
of entities come from but it is reasonably well accepted by the paranormal
community these spirits are not from people who had lived on Earth and have
since died. Encounters with non-human spirits is rare and usually dramatic.
Extra care should always be used if dealing with a potential inhuman spirit!
ORB:
Orbs appear to be a form of energy of an unknown origin. An orb can
take different shapes. They can also be seen by the naked eye, but most of the
time you only get orb sightings in photographs, and on video tape (VHS). They
seem to defy gravity and change directions quickly. They seem to also twinkle.
The presence of people make them react. They appear both indoors and
outdoors. False orbs tend to be transparent and pale white, or blue. Real
genuine orbs tend to appear dense or brighter on film. To increase the
probability of you getting a photograph of a genuine orb, it is good to take the
photograph at the same time as other unusual phenomenon are experienced,
such as sharp changes in temperature, and increases in electromagnetic
energy. In a genuine orb there is a nucleus. It has concentric circles or bands
within. It can be active in visible realm, but more active in infrared. They
appear abundantly in supposed haunted locations. Drops of rain, specks of
dust, insects, reflections, as well as many other things can be mistaken for
orbs.
PARANORMAL:
Events above the normal or everyday experiences. Events
that can not be readily explained by known conventional reasons and/or
commonly accepted science. Not to be confused with Supernatural that
implies a deity explanation.
POLTERGEIST:
Term is German for "noisy ghost". It can be dependent on a
certain individual or group of individuals. They usual make the biggest impact
on physical objects. They tend to be temporary. In some instances a poltergeist
can appear as the psychic extension of a person, usually most common in
adolescent females. Tend to be mischievous and like to play pranks. More
recently developed theories move away from ghost activity to the realm of
spontaneous and unconscious (unintended) telekinesis.
RESIDUAL HAUNTING:
Non conscious and unintelligent (no thought or
purposely actions), usually appear as person but can sometimes be a group of
people, and animal or any non living thing. An example is the famous "Flying
Dutchman" legend. There are no interactions with observers. They stay in
same location replaying the same event over and over usually on some
rhythmic cycle or pattern (though what the pattern is can be hard to
determine). Sometimes causing electrical environment interference to occur.
Often compared to a video recording that automatically plays itself over and
over.
SHADOWS:
(Shadow Beings, Shadow Entities) Shadows refer to the possible
paranormal apparition which appears as a dark human-form manifestation.
We say "possible" paranormal apparition since the true nature of this type of
paranormal event is still unknown and the subject of much research. Click
Here for more information about shadows.
STREAK:
An unusual line of light, often comet-like, that appears on
photographs taken in potential paranormal activity areas. Happens with both
35mm film and digital cameras. Occasionally seen on video cameras and DVR
units as well. Can often be the result of a shaky camera especially when using a
digital camera.
SUPERNATURAL:
Events or happenings generally attributed to the will of a
deity. Usually includes the concept of angels, demons/devils, and other G-dlike creatures.
TELEKINESIS:
(Telekinetic power) The ability to manipulate physical
objects using the body’s static electrical charges. Chi is the Asian term for
telekinesis. Psychic extension of the person transported through the electrical
field surrounding the individual. More commonly known as a persons' ability
to move object with just their mind and thoughts.
TOUCHED:
The act of experiencing physical contact from a ghost, spirit or
other paranormal entity. Can be as simple as a tug in your shirt or pressure on
a part of your body to scratches, burns or being pushed/shoved. However,
serious physical injury is very rare.
ULTRAVIOLET (UV):
Ultraviolet light is light from the upper end (long
wave length/low frequency) of the electromagnetic spectrum. As with Infrared
light, UV light is normally not visible to the naked human eye without the use
of special viewing or photography equipment. Some paranormal investigators
have experimented with using UV light to take video of ghosts and other
paranormal entities. The results have been indeterminate. Other paranormal
investigators have claimed UV light is an effective barrier to block demonic
entities
VORTEX - Vortices, Vortexes:
A concentrated yet brief area of high
electromagnetic energy often found in photographs taken at paranormally
active locations. The often appear as sold (opaque) white or silver tubes, rods,
or elongated ovals. They can also appear to be braided like a rope or chain
(care has to be take to ensure it is not a rope, chain, camera strap etc). A
vortex is not an entity. However, some paranormal researchers believe a
vortex is a momentary doorway or portal to another realm that allows entities
and other paranormal phenomena to come into our world. Some researchers
also believe vortexes are linked to the Earth's own electromagnetic field which
at least in part help determine when these portals open/close. It is also
believed that some locations are more prone to having active vortices due to
the alignment of the Earth's magnetic field and local geological structure.
WARP:
Two possible meanings:
Areas where conventional laws of physics can break down, linear time
may not always apply. They can be locations infested with entities,
imprints, and barrage of other paranormal activities. They may be
unpredictable areas that can twist perceptions beyond the
understanding of logic.
Areas of paranormal activity so intense that time itself changes. Time
may speed up, slow down (Lost Time) or briefly stop altogether. The
area effected is very small and of short duration.
WHITE NOISE:
White noise is the random non-descript static sound
produced by various electronic devices. The sound covers and combines all
wavelengths and frequencies. In this way it is like the color white which is
really a combination of all colors. Hence the name white noise – the
combination of all sounds. Examples of common white noise sources are the
radio or television static when set to an empty channel,
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