Ghosts & Spirit Studies: July 2014 Newsletter

Author, Louis CharlesWe’re blending old and new this month: old in that we are sharing some history of ghost and spirit studies. The past should be understood and not discarded or forgotten.

For something new, I’ve brought back with me some local ghostly lore from the Outer Banks. And for fun, we’ve added our new rate-a-photo widget to all of our picture and video galleries. Give it a try!
- Louis

Ghost History ArticlesHistory and Ghost Investigation
Let’s not forget the past. We wanted to look back at history to see what we could learn about the mystery of ghosts. Here are but a few articles and stories to consider…

Blog Post: History is Missing with Today’s Ghost Hunters
Article: Capturing Ghosts on Film
Story: First Documented Ghost in the United States
Story: Florida Poltergeist of 1967

Rate a Photo or VideoNew! Rate-a-Photo or Video
Rate a pic or video to see the voting results! It’s finally here! We’ve added a custom “rate-a-photo widget” to our picture and video galleries, site-wide. Now, you can vote, see the results, and share it on social media! Why not give it a try by rating some 2013-2014 Ghost Pictures?

 

ghosts-haunting-outer-banks-north-carolina-72014zzOuter Banks: Haunted?
Tales of pirates, phantoms and hoodoos. We were surprised to find quite a few tales of haunting in and near North Carolina’s barrier islands. So, we made our basecamp at Roanoke Island and went exploring.

Article: Outer Banks Ghosts & Haunting

 

Scottish GhostParanormal Visuals & Perusals
More spirits & ghosts to read and see!

St Mary in the Castle Ghost? Is that a giant face in the mist?
What is a Banshee? The eerie lore behind this phantom tale…
Alcatraz Ghost Woman Prison ghost pic haunts the web recently!
Currituck Beach Light We explore the northern OBX haunt…
Can Ghosts Produce Snow? A mysterious snowstorm is witnessed inside a home!
Ghosts of the Whitehouse Historic spirit experiences in the Presidents residence…
Smithsonian Museum Ghost Update! A second pic of a man’s face near General Sheridan’s horse…
German Cemetery Ghost? A foto of a soldier spectre goes viral…and may be a fake!
What is an Apport? Old school ghost hunting term has application today.
Taxi Crash Angel Rescue A woman is pulled from a deadly cab and healed…
Can Ghost Photos Be Art? Blog post about photographic fakery of the supernatural…
Pengwern Arms Ghost Girl Did someone with Gwynned Paranormal snapshot a girl’s spirit?
Seeing Shadows She recalls seeing a shadow person stare her down…

Ghosts and Inspiration from Art

capturing-ghosts-film-72014drHave you ever wondered what the first, real ghost picture might have been? What about the first “faux” ghost photograph: when did it first occur to someone that they could fool humanity into believing the false?

But was it really fooling people or, perhaps, actually “inspiring” us to consider the supernatural?

Something (Capturing Ghosts on Film) great for us to contemplate was put forth by writer Robert Irving over a decade ago as a magazine article for Fortean Times, and I think Irving’s thoughts are still very relevant, even in light of today’s far-flung chicanery — the onslaught of false ghost and spirit photos we see being shared, daily, thanks to the smartphone apps that help to create the odd and eerie “phantasmal” imagery. I can sum up Irving’s idea as this: we are mesmerized by the metaphysical.

Mankind has certainly been inspired by media — first artistic renderings, statues, paintings and the like — and in modern times, photography and videography have been added to our art forms, allowing us to “conceive” glimpses into the afterlife, or at least what many of us might choose to believe is a depiction of what could await us at the end of our earthly lives.

In retrospect, I am beginning to wonder if we should continue to hold disdain for the faked photographs polluting the web. Could it be wiser to simply give in and share them with others? Of course, I hate the idea of contaminating possible real evidence with the false; but it seems even the real thing is discounted, anyway, even after laying out the best case possible for each ghostly experience.

Are we better off to share something that may spark an interest or, at least, a consideration of the paranormal? Sometimes, I think so. It could just be a new form of art.

History is Missing with Today’s Ghost Hunters

ghost-investigator-harry-price-20145Over the past ten years, I’ve observed the rise of ghost hunting on television and the paranormal craze it has stirred up. There’s been a lot of good come out of this. Recent advances in experimental “ghost hunting” technology could help us better detect ghosts or even communicate with them.

Not All Is Lost
But, there has been some not-so-good stuff appear on the scene, too, such as people wanting to become famous on TV, the faking of evidence (at least by some producers), and an ignorance toward the past. I, myself, am guilty of the latter and desire to chase down prior work done by early ghost investigators.

One such story I stumbled upon is worthy of researching: the ghost of Nelly Butler. Making her appearance over 200 years ago, the depths at which she went to confirm the existence of the human spirit after the body perishes is astounding. I say astounding because this ghost was confirmed, validated by those who investigated and tried to denounce the haunting at the time. (Read, The First Documented Ghost in the United States.)

History Is Something Ghost Investigators Need to Embrace
What I have come to realize is that we have numerous cases of studies and sightings that are important but seem forgotten because they are not modern day. I wonder if we look at some of the older witnesses and explorers of haunting as antiquated or even “loony.” If so, it is a shame, and I think we are remiss not to uncover what they wrote, what they explored. It was written for us, today. We are their future generations who they wished to communicate their stories to. It’s up to us whether or not to take their word as credible; but to do so, we need to at least consider them to be fellow researchers of the paranormal.

By studying the ideas and findings of our predecessors, I suspect we just may find that some of our beliefs are not new; and I think we will enhance our understanding of ghosts and spirits. Might we become inspired by their journeys, as well? I know I am.
- Louis 

Our Latest Newsletter on Ghosts, Angels & Spirits: June, 2014

white-hart-inn-apparition-photo-062014nl

If you are not on our mailing list for our monthly newsletter, then you’ll want to check out our latest release for June 2014, online: Ghosts, Spirits and Reincarnation.

For June, we’ve added over 20 pages of new content to the Angels & Ghosts website — from ghost, angel and spirit photos to informative articles about types of ghosts and even reincarnation!

Much more great stuff to come…  - Louis

What Does a Ghost “Feel” Like?

whaley-house-ghost-experience-052014zzWhat do ghosts feel like?

This may seem like an odd question, but I think it is a good one to consider. For, at times, it is possible that when we encounter haunting we might not be aware of its effect on us.

Many of us have heard, or even experienced, that when we encounter “spirit” a tingling sensation or goosebumps may arise for some people. I believe this to be true for many of us. After having had my own encounters over the years, dating back to the 1990s, I began recognizing when I am within a “presence,” at times. I have felt this in my own home, when attending certain churches (in the past), and while attempting to communicate with ghosts at haunted locations. So I am trying to say that there has been a wide variety of places and experiences that seem similar to me  (as it relates to feeling “an unseen presence”).

Others, though, have had deeper experiences with ghosts, having felt dazed or out of it after encountering what they can only believe to be a ghost attack. Now using the word “attack” seems harsh, to me, because who knows what really happened. Perhaps the ghost didn’t have intentions of attacking another person at all. So let’s be careful about labeling such experiences as attacks, demonic, evil, nasty, etc. Let’s agree to call these feelings that we do not fully understand as “odd.”

Kathryn Johnson had such an experience when entering the door of a notedly haunted place in San Diego – the Whaley House. She didn’t expect to feel the way she did, and I do not believe she felt she was attacked. Her suspicion is that, maybe, a ghost passed through her (see Whaley House Ghost Experience). And why couldn’t that be the case? After all, it might be good fun for a spirit to make their essence known by walking through or near a person. I would want to try it if disembodied, I think!

This idea of another’s spirit mixing with our own does seem parallel to accounts we hear of ghost possession (or “attachment”). People who have suffered such encounters struggle to be in control of their body and mind, seeming foggy or pushed back out of the way. Quite frightening to hear about but a phenomenon that has been known about for thousands of years.

This subject is definitely something to ponder: the influence of ghosts, invisible, upon the living. How might they affect us if interacting with us? Something to consider…yes, indeed.

- Louis

Mesmerized by the Hotel Del Coronado

hotel-del-coronado-212I had the luxury afforded me of being asked to travel to San Diego on business. My travel and room at the Hotel Del was paid for; so all I had to do was show up. And I did. After all, I had learned of this hotel’s spooky, Victorian past many years ago and thought it would be great to check it out and see if I could find some of my own ghost stories about the place. (See More Haunting at Hotel Del.)

During my few days out west, I also made a trip up from the Del to see the Whaley House haunting and really enjoyed the staff and site. Their personal stories convinced me that there is something to the tales of restless spirits that seem to make this place their haunt. I would love to pay another visit for an investigation at night if I get another chance to do so. Tip to the Reader: There are some excellent , authentic Mexican restaurants just across the street — do not miss out on this if there!

My last day at the Hotel Del Coronado, I found myself exploring its labyrinth of halls and looking into picturesque rooms and the mesmerizing architecture. It truly is a one of a kind place that reminds me of DisneyLand (or Disney World). The old hotel is just so unique and has so much personality, I could envision coming back with my family and having a great time at this resort. Every corner seemed to have a story about it, history, and that makes it really special. No wonder Disney copied it and remade it in Florida.

The more I killed time by walking the grounds, I began noticing innumerable, breathtaking views that are meant to be discovered while looking at the reds and whites of the building, the dark blue of the ocean, the green and tans of the palm trees, the bounty of floral colors in the landscaping, all set against an azure sky. Fantastic and mood altering.

The hotel staff were wonderful and seemed to enjoy their roles as if they were cast members (Disney reference again, sorry). If you take the time to talk with them, they willingly share history and tidbits of haunting that makes your stay seem memorable.

I wasn’t the only one to have had a ghostly time while there. Numerous times I overheard guests talking about their “weird” encounters or retelling (usually incorrectly) the tragedy of resident ghost, Kate Morgan. How funny.

If you get the chance to visit Coronado Island’s premier, paranormal hot spot, make sure you head west. Head west and do it.

Do Ghosts Haunt Washington D.C. Sites?

When we think of ghosts and haunting, especially, where a disembodied person might want to perpetually visit, attractions come to mind. If you were a ghost, would you want to visit places you haven’t seen before? Perhaps. What about retracing steps to other earthly sites that hold fond memories? It would seem the possibilities could be endless, a real “ghosts on vacation” type of scenario. You could visit tourist sites, amusement parks, even the universe, maybe. I certainly might give that a go, for sure. And, think about this: you could visit the busy, tourist traps undetected and for free!

This month, we posted a particularly interesting ghost photo taken at the Lincoln Memorial (Lincoln Memorial Ghost). This ghost traveler did not go undetected. A  gray-ish man, wearing a hat or helmet, walked among visitors. Only the camera’s eye saw him, and now we can show him to you.

Whoever he is, I cannot help but wonder why he would be there.  Was he on vacation? Did the Washington D.C. ghost travel there with family or friends?  Or, does he continually hang around Lincoln’s seated statue, ever guarding it from vandals? One can only imagine the reasons why…

- Louis

2014 Is Here! Angels & Ghosts News…

Like every year, 2014 is no different: Annually, we like to look at psychic predictions and upcoming ghost conventions – exciting stuff!

2014 Psychic Foresight?
Scouring the Internet for stabs at what lies ahead, we have gathered together a list of predictions to watch out for – will they come to pass? Hmm…read our 2014 psychic predictions and check back in 2015 to see what happened (or didn’t happen).

Ghost Conventions
We have compiled a nice list of upcoming conferences and conventions – “ghost talks” – you can attend. See if there is one near you and commit to attend! 2014 Ghost Conferences

Haunted Explorations
This year, we have plans to visit San Diego, Savannah and a slew of towns in the Outer Banks as we chase down tales of haunting and ghosts. We promise to report back with the stories and recommendations of where to visit when we return from our trek!

New Website!
Last, but not least, our brand new website is coming along nicely, but slowly. (Dang – wished it could be live, now!) We will have a new logo, new look and a site that will work nicely on smartphones and tablets, completely mobile-friendly! Some of the new features will be a “lazy load” of our picture and video sections, photo and video galleries and very well-organized. After we get it live (this Spring?), we promise to have some surprises for our visitors!

Unseen Family Are With Us in Spirit

Spirits With Us Always

Loved Ones Are With You – Change Your Beliefs
During the holidays, many people become saddened by memories of family and friends who have passed before them. It can be a very somber time if we lock our minds into the idea of loss, grief and separation from people we love.

At Angels & Ghosts, we encourage readers that our loved ones are indeed with us. Just because you do not see them or hear them does not mean that death has to be an impenetrable wall, separating us from those whom we cherish. Instead, this time of year, begin by changing your thinking – believe that family and friends are with us in spirit. Imagine them taking part in the festivities and not missing out on the events in our lives.

We could talk at length about scriptures in the Bible, even words that Jesus had purportedly uttered, that reveal that people are not dead when their bodies expire; that humanity is much bigger than meets the eye. In fact, Jesus, we read, refused to call anyone “dead” who had physically passed. He said they were “sleeping.” And if we look into the epistles, this scripture is very encouraging:

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” – Hebrews 12:1

And that verse mirrors what we have found in the evidence we have been collecting for 10 years: All of us are surrounded by people in spirit! We become more and more convinced of this each year, remaining awed by the different ways spirits make their presence known to us.

All Family Are With Us During the Holidays!

Nicolas McCabe Makes His Presence Known to Family
Nic McCabe died in a tornado that destroyed an elementary school in Oklahoma. Because his family was suffering the loss of their son, we believe Nic has been remaining with them to watch over their lives and bring comfort – he’s worried about them. (And, who wouldn’t worry about loved ones who are grieving?) Unwittingly, his essence was photographed, proving to family, who had suspected he was there by their sides, that he was indeed HERE – not some place far away; but he is with them here, now. Don’t believe it? Take a look at the photo “Family Spirits With Us.”

To some religious institutions, that may seem impossible. But remember that it is possible that some religious beliefs are incorrect – especially those that are based upon fear and separation. (And some religious ideas are flat out wrong. They have to be; otherwise, there wouldn’t be differing beliefs. I mean someone has got to be wrong!)

We have found that there is no separation except for the person who chooses to believe in it. But, deny the idea of all of humanity being separate, and your view of the world will begin to change.

Happy Holidays,

Louis

Can Ghosts Travel? What Is the Cost?

Paranormal investigation has been a tour de force, growing in popularity through television shows, movies, radio programs and ghost tours springing up across the world. Today, it is so easy for people who are interested in ghosts and spirits to find a way to explore their yearnings. But with all the opportunity comes something that many who want to indulge in spirited activities might not consider: bringing home ghosts. And the idea of a specter following someone home from a ghost hunt is something incomprehensible for most; after all, ghosts, we have learned from movies and books, are mysterious entities that live in haunted houses and graveyards.

Of course, I was being facetious – ghosts are people…people who still differ from one another. And, that means their personalities, likes, dislikes, emotions, and most importantly, their behaviors are all unique. So, think about this: if all ghosts differ from one another, wouldn’t their behaviors also vary? Would all ghosts have to follow the same rules as to where they live, where they travel and what their motives might be? The answer, surprisingly, is “no.”

Ghost Lady

With everything one undertakes in life, it is important to “weigh the costs”; and this is true with ghost investigation, too. Most ghosts are not troublesome when dealt with, but it is possible to come across a troubled soul that is more than one has bargained for – and that possibility needs to be considered. What if a ghost with bad intentions follows you home? Perhaps, you are willing to take the chance, and we get that. Most ghost investigators do, knowingly, take the chance. But what if you have children at home who are vulnerable, unable to remain fearless if confronted by a dark spirit? Weigh the costs, please, before embarking on a paranormal encounter. We teach people not to succumb to fear and promote the exploration of the unknown. But, ghost hunters need to account for others in their lives who may be brought into something they are not, yet, ready to handle.

This month, we shared a neat story about a haunted house that was recently moved, and people are wondering if the ghosts will remain with the home. That remains to be seen. But, know that ghosts do move; and they just might like your home better than the place you found them residing…