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,