Science and Paranormal Investigations

Science plays a very important role in proper paranormal investigating. Only when we are able to rule out the logical can we truley call something paranormal. Paranormal of course being in the true sense of the word..unexplainable. Science itself might not have all of the answers yet but there are many things science can give us to help us evaluate our evidence in as rounded a way as possible. In this section we bring you scientific facts and information that are worth considering when carrying out an investigation.
Science also gives us the opportunity to consider possibilities. Geomagnetics, ley-lines and many other subjects may not give us definate answers to some of the activity we encounter but they lead us to ask more questions and to consider the effects such things could possibly have on our environment and on ourselves.

Orbs,spirit essence or dust particles?

Whenever we look at reports from investigations the word “orb” is one of the most widely used. But what is an “orb” ? In its true sense it is a circle of light, however we tend to use the word to describe moving lights caught on camcorder and unexplainable lights caught on digital camera, basically any light source that cannot be explained. Therefore maybe the term “light anomaly” would be more appropriate. So, what are the theories about these strange lights? I would like to start by saying that were I to discuss all the theories at this time this report would turn in to a trilogy therefore I will attempt to give a basic outline of this vast subject.
The Believers TheoriesFor many who believe in spirit a light anomaly is thought to be the early manifestation of a spirit, the early stages of it trying to show itself if you like. They are also in some cases believed to be life forms that travel in groups and are believed to be the human soul or life force of those that once inhabited a physical body here on earth. By some, it is also believed that ghosts prefer the form of an Orb (ball of light) because it takes less energy than full manifestation, moving objects etc.It is considered possible that small orbs take up the least amount of energy and apparitions and other fuller shapes take up the most. It is thought that more small light anomalies are caught on camera in the warmer months as in the colder parts of the year ghosts find it easier to take on shapes other than orbs. The thinking behind this is that in the colder months there is the most static electricity in the atmosphere which spirit can use to help them manifest or show themselves in different ways.
The Theories AgainstIt has been proven that certain logical reasons can explain some light anomalies caught on camera. The best known of course is dust. Dust is 3 dimensional and therefore able to reflect light. At the right angle, a camera flash or infra-red light will bounce off a dust particle and create an “orb” effect. Insects too can create this result as can spiders webs. When you consider that much investigating is done in old buildings there is usually a fair amount of dust and insect activity. Moisture in the air can also create “orbs”. On a recent photograph we captured what appeared to be thousands of orbs, however, when we got a similar result at a later date a common factor was noted, the air was full of moisture with a light mist. Another thing to bear in mind is how light can reflect off a camera lens. On some photographs what are initially thought to be light anomalies are discovered to be nothing more exciting than the flash bouncing off a surface. When using camcorders it is important to note that one camcorder will pick up infra-red glare off another even though this is not visible to the human eye, this can cause the effect of strange lights on the screen.
Where does this leave us ?As investigators this leaves us with an obvious problem, when do we consider “orbs” to be paranormal. As a group we all have our own thoughts on this however there are some things on which we all agree. If we have been in a room for some time and no light anomalies have been caught and then, with no environmental changes, we have “orbs” appear we feel it is unlikely to be dust as if dust was in the area it would be fair to suggest that it would be picked up regularly in that area. We have studied dust particles caught on camera and they are usually very hazy and move in no set direction therefore when we get very bright lights that move virtually in a straight line horizontally or vertically we tend to rule out dust or indeed insects This also goes for certain orbs we get on camcorder that actually flash as they move across the screen. Insects tend to be easy to distinguish because on close inspection it is actually possible to see the wings, also the flight pattern of an insect is easily recognisable. Of most excitement to us is the light anomaly that seems to go one way across the screen and then return following the same vertical or horizontal line, this would be impossible for an insect or dust particle.Another example of when investigators get particularly excited by orbs is when they seem to appear on request. Many groups, including ours, have had instances where for a long period of time no light anomalies have been caught, and then, seemingly in response to a request for a sign, an orb is captured on film. For some, this will be seen as coincidence, for others proof that it is a sign from spirit that they are there with us.
As with most paranormal topics the light anomaly issue is one which may never be fully explained. We can find many situations where “orbs” can be disproved as in any way linked to spirit, however proving those times when they may be is almost impossible. What would it take to answer the question for once and for all? I guess we won’t know that until it happens if indeed it ever does.

The God Spot

There is currently much research being done on a new theory about the reasons behind people’s beliefs and experiences with religion and spirit. The research stems from the recent discovery by neuroscientists at the University of California in San Diego that suggests there is a part of the brain that relates to our sensory perception and belief function. It is believed to be similar to those parts of our brain that make us able to see, hear and remember. However where as those parts of the brain are easily proven due to the scientific evidence to show they control these functions, belief in spirit and God (by any name) is impossible to prove/disprove scientifically and therefore so is the theory that a part in the brain controls such beliefs. The fact that the research focuses on a part of the brain that relates to religious/spiritual beliefs has led it to be named the “God Spot”
It is a subject that will take some time to even scratch the surface of, as it covers so many aspects of belief in God, in Spirit and indeed in our perceptions of the world around us. This report is a very basic overview as there is still much to be learnt and to express the ideas behind it in full as they are to this day would need a web-site of its own and far more knowledge than one person could learn in such a short time. However, from the little I have read so far it certainly does ask many questions of those who believe and the theories about those beliefs.
It is considered by many that a belief in religion is much more a result of the affects of nurture rather than nature. This has been a theory of why countries, families and groups in society have followed a pattern of belief. However, what has also been questioned is how much a persons following of a religion is down to personal belief and how much is down to expectations or a need to “fit in” to the culture to which they belong. In the stricter religious communities to turn ones back on ones faith is to turn ones back on the family, close or extended, and often to ostracise oneself from the very community on which you rely. In societies where religion is not such a major part of everyday life it seems more people turn away from the beliefs of their families, so is this down to the fact that those religions are not so strong or merely that it is easier in some cultures to follow your own true feelings. For example, I know many people who were brought up following the Catholic faith. In adulthood they realise this is something they do not believe in and so they turned away from it. As the culture around those people is not wholly Catholic and their day to day lives do not revolve around the religion itself it is accepted, and although no doubt the families of those people would have been happier if they had followed that religious path the fact that they don’t does not lead to a risk of a crumbling society or family circle.
This however still leads to the question, why do some people still truly believe and where did religion really start. If we take away the nature theory that suggests that people follow a pattern and believe what they are taught to believe, there has to be something that motivates some people to truly follow a faith and believe in it, or to feel and see spirit and believe that what they feel is true. From a spiritual point of view the thought is that some people are just more open to spirit and have the capacity to use those primal instincts with which we were born to see those things around us which to many remain unseen. Those with strong religious beliefs, we are led to understand, follow their paths due to experiences (personal or passed on to them), that in their minds prove there is a God by
Another view is that for many a belief in a God or Spirit is the result of a need. A need to believe that there is more to our existence than life or death, a need to believe that our loved ones are still around us and a need to believe that whatever happens in our lives there is someone watching over us that will make sure we are alright.

The God Spot theory has raised many more questions however. A question asked many times is “how did religion start”. Some people talk about the Bible and the proof within it, however how does this explain the belief in other religions. Maybe the God Spot theory goes some way to explaining this. If openness of mind can supposedly lead to easier communication with Spirit or God, then maybe it can also lead to easier use of this one part in the brain. The non-questioning of scientific fact that can make people supposedly see and feel those spirits around us may also lead them to not question the things that this particular part of the brain tells them to be true.
According to one study by Duke University’s Harold Koenig older people who attend religious ceremonies are both less depressed and physically healthier than others in society. The results of this study of 4,000 randomly selected people in North Carolina are interesting but to the more scientific mind would not be considered conclusive in proving the existence of a higher realm that takes care of the wellbeing of those who believe. A counter argument for those scientists would be that often a religion restricts or prevents behaviours that lead to many of these illnesses and therefore it is that fact alone that leads to better health. Plus, they would argue, those who believe in Spirit or God, tend to suffer less from stress and depression as their faith helps them cope with trauma etc in the belief that spirit will help them overcome their difficulties. Therefore it is not the intervention of God or Spirit that helps keep health good and aid healing, but the strength of the belief itself. Therefore the suggestion is that if there is a “God Spot” those who can access and believe in it more a likely to have better health.
The very interesting argument against the God Spot theory is that if there is one who put it there? When asked about this study the Bishop of Oxfords spokesperson commented “it would not be surprising if God had created us with a physical facility for belief”. While I guess the religious leaders cannot prove or disprove the theory, their counter argument that surely God would have put something in our minds to help us believe (i.e. the God Spot) does still have to make us ask if there a controlling being of any kind that makes us who we are, and gives us any abilities we have to imagine, believe and see what is really there, or is everything about us random, genetic and made purely by science and genealogy.

Ley Lines,are they for real?

Ley Lines are phenomena most people have heard of but few really understand. Indeed it would be fair to say that no-one understands them fully as they remain unexplained in many ways. From what we do know, a Ley Line seems to be a straight line that has an altered form of the earth’s magnetic field however it is proving difficult to define that power even to this day. Whatever constitutes a ley line it is believed that birds, fish and animals use them as “compasses” helping them find direction back to breeding grounds and to warmer climates during winter months. It has been suggested in a New Scientist article (1987) that species as diverse as pigeons, whales, bees and even bacteria can navigate using the earths magnetic field. It is thought that a tissue containing a substance called magnetite is responsible for this. Magnetite enables living creatures to sense magnetic changes and has been found in human tissue linked to the Ethmoid bone in the front of the skull.
So what defines a ley line ?
Ley/Li/Lei : “The supposed straight line of a prehistoric track usually between hilltops” (Concise Oxford Dictionary)
This is the general and most widely accepted description of a Ley Line, but why then are Ley Lines so important to the paranormal investigator? Maybe to begin to understand this we need to look at another description.
“Alignments and patterns of powerful, invisible earth energy said to connect various sacred sites, such as churches, temples, stone circles, megaliths, holy wells, burial sites, and other locations of spiritual or magical importance”. (Harper’s Encyclopaedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience)
So now we have a description that covers the types of building built on Ley Lines. And, as will be appreciated, they are the exactly the type of building paranormal groups love to visit. Add to this the fact that Ley Lines are believed to be the paths that many people in history followed on their quests and you find along them also old public houses, coaching inns and sometimes even castles. You then have the ideal locations for a nights investigating. What gives the Ley Lines their power? Scientifically, as previously explained, the belief is that they are areas of altered magnetic fields, the more spiritual and romantic belief is that they ooze back the energy from all the people who have trodden their mystical, religious paths that have drawn people to them since time began.
We have now clarified how Ley Lines so often come into the work we do but in what way could they be relevant? For the believer I guess it could be said that these areas are likely to have more spirit activity steeped as they are in history of a religious, political and even mystical nature. It is even believed that UFO’s are drawn to these Ley Lines making them attractive to investigators of that particular phenomenon. It is true that more “paranormal” activity is evidenced in these areas however whether this is of the spirit type or paranormal in its true sense “unexplained” is still a topic of much debate.
For the follower of the more scientific approach other explanations for the seemingly increased incidents of paranormal evidence are possible. Generally it is believed that Electro Magnetic Fields can affect the body and mind. Again this to some extent must be true if the affect of magnetic fields affect magnetite find in the human brain. But, other affects of this type of energy are said to include feelings of “tingling” on the skin and the hairs standing on end (rather like that of the affect of static electricity). Even though the energy cannot be heard, it is thought to produce vibrations on a frequency to low for that of the human ear, but enough to alter perceptions and give feelings of dizziness and unbalance..even on occasions if the energy is strong enough it is thought to be able to cause feelings of nausea and headaches. As you will notice these symptoms mirror those often described by people who feel the presence of spirit. If electro magnetic fields caused by man made appliances and structures can cause these effects then could it also be possible that the earths own electro magnetic field (especially where it is altered as in the case of Ley Lines) could also affect us in this way ?
A phenomenon often reported on investigations is that of technical equipment behaving erratically. Again we have to ask ourselves is this spirit based or could it be the affect of Electro Magnetic fields on the equipment we use. Could energy from the earth itself be tampering with our audio/visual devices causing interference in some way? For example is it possible that it is this that on occasions gives us strange incidents of EVP when we listen to recordings by changing the frequency of the evidence we are listening too. The weather is seen to influence investigations. “Hauntings” are often said to occur more during thunder storms for example. Maybe this is due to psychological reasons, as a result of horror films where there is always a storm as the evil spirit grows stronger. Or maybe it is because there is in fact more “paranormal” activity during a storm. Again this to the believer could be spirit getting energy from the power around it. To the scientist it could be the electricity linked with the storm causing natural phenomena that makes us feel something other than the “norm” is happening, or the electrical power around us affecting our senses and perceptions. Could it then be possible that Ley Lines, being an electrical field around the earth, attract more storms and specifically lightening? Could it be this that gives the result of more “paranormal” activity in these areas for whatever reason depending on your belief?
As paranormal investigators it is not our ambition to prove or disprove the existence of spirit. We as a team aim to use scientific methods in order to rule out (as much as is possible) logical explanation for reported incidents in the belief that we need to rule out all possible environmental reasons for evidence gathered, as only then can we truly call something “paranormal” in whichever sense of the word, depending on ones beliefs. This work will continue through experiments as we try to draw conclusions about the way Ley Lines can affect our investigations through the energy they deliver. It is unlikely a full understanding of Ley Lines will ever occur during our life times but hopefully through the work of us and many others the picture will get a little clearer.

EVP

Electronic Voice Phenomena or “EVP” refers to voices or sounds captured on electronic and more often now, digital recording devices such as digital voice recorders and camcorders, where no logical explanation can be found. Proponents of EVP commonly attribute these sounds as communication from spirit while others offer psychokinesis from the living as a possible explanation. Another theory is that what we record is not actually spirit communication but rather echoes of people from the past. This is particularly theorised upon by proponents of “the stone tape" theory.
Interest in spirit communication through EVP dates back to at least the 1940’s and has its roots in the spiritualist movement which was most predominant in the 1840’s to the 1920’s. The term Electronic Voice Phenomena is however a relatively new term for the phenomena, originally it was labelled “Raudive Voices” after parapsychologist Konstantin Raudive who first popularized the idea.The name electronic voice phenomena came in to being as a term used by the publishing company Colin Smythe LTD in the early 1970’s. Despite many recordings and claims of EVP there are many rather mundane explanations for EVP. Sceptics suggest that apophenia (finding of significance or connections between insignificant or unrelated phenomena), pareidolia (interpreting random sounds into voices) radio interference, the effects of low quality equipment or simple hoaxes are the causes of such phenomena.
Recording EVP has become a major part of paranormal investigating, giving what for some is the ultimate in paranormal (unexplainable) evidence. It has recently become popularized by films such as White Noise and The Sixth Sense.
We may never find out what really creates EVP, it might be one of the explanations above, it may be a mix of the explanations above or it might be none of them. What we do know is that it will continue to be one of the most fascinating types of evidence people gather and will always lead to more questions than answers.