This is the very question that, historically, many have been too afraid ask for fear of some sort of reprisal.

Yes the study of the Paranormal does include, and utilize, many differing sciences. No one labeled science can fully incorporate all of the variations of the paranormal faction of the universe.

Paranormal is a word which does not pertain merely to 'ghosts'�'�but includes any experience which is out of the normal range of our perception, or any that cannot be currently explained.

As for 'ghosts'�, science is some way off yet from having one instrument that will allow us to plainly 'see'�, a spirit being, though rapid advances are being made. The T.A.P.S. group has a gadget guy who frequently comes up with something new, and Dedicated Research of Unusual Manifestations' Tech James McKinney is trying to "Frankenstein" together an amalgamation of several technologies into one tidy unit designed by myself.

For now gathering a trustworthy body of evidence is the best we can do and this is the frustrating end of it, but knowing that something is there is only half the battle.

Understanding by the general public is a must if this field is to advance and grow. That has not been easily forthcoming, and while shows like Ghost Hunters go far towards helping this cause, one fraudulent group could cause public opinion to flag and set this field back years. That is why a united front of dedicated not-for-profit investigators and researchers is key.

Those who would ask us the impossible questions and those afflicted with an entity, as well as those entities drifting between mortality and Elysium, depend upon this field's advancement in the open public forum. The word impossible is quickly loosing ground in our vocabulary as advancements increase.

'Ghosts'� exist, or rather we perceive them, when they gather some tangible thing to themselves and 'Present'� themselves. That could include Water vapor, electricity, energy, an object, some say even dust.
In this way we know that we have experienced something that should not have happened in the way that it did. I.e. The door closed without a draft, the glass moved by itself, the room became suddenly cold or light, a touch was felt, a mist or other form moved through a room in a manner denoting some intelligence, ect:'�

There are some different categories that we place our findings in, and must take into account many factors when investigating a site. Some are listed below'�

Energetic impression'�'�written in stone'�;
'�In the case of a recurring apparition, where the apparition seems always to do the same thing, and never responds to those present, many Para Teams are now considering the possibility that piezoelectric transference of information into Limestone, or another planar stone, may be involved.

This occurs when large amounts of energy or electricity are present, such as a thunderstorm, together with a material able to hold information, and an occurrence, such as a dance at a nearby hotel ballroom. The "recorded" scene might be people who are very much alive dancing the stormy night away in safe frivolity. However, during any great storm thereafter, that "recording" might seem to show a group of old fashioned "Ghosts" re-enacting bittersweet memories to forgotten melodies, such as has been reported at the Stanley Hotel in Colorado. Indeed music has even been heard in that ballroom.

Many ancient great families, including mine, used stones to take their oaths upon. These would usually be taken in autumn, when the atmosphere has a great charge. Some families and great personages wore small orbs of stone and passed them down as a "Rights Stone" In my own family Hugh carried one in his belt that would talk to him of the past. The Queens and Kings of England are coroneted holding orbs of stone. Even Mary Magdalene is said to have worn one, which is now said to be housed deep within the Vatican Vaults. It is speculated that, as she was so close to Jesus, this stone might even hold within it His image and voice, though we currently have no way of safely "Reading" such stones.

Consider that inside of the computer that you are using this very minute is a miniscule chip of quartz, holding all of your vast and dear information. Now imagine what the stone in your ring, your kitchen countertops, or a mountain of Granite might hold!

These visions are "replaying" a moment in time, much like watching a videotape over and over. They are more likely to occur during a barometric low or a great storm with ample lightning.


Vortex traveler~Intelligent Haunt;
'�In the case of a recurring apparition which does exhibit sentient behavior, such as responding to a living person or one who does not always seem to move through in the same way'� it is the general consensus that these entities may be able to 'travel'� here from some other place. It is not agreed upon from whence; however the method of 'travel'� seems to be labeled a VORTEX. This is defined as a sort of portal, which can connect those who have gone through or 'over'� to where they should be, to the earthly place(s) that they may have a continued interest in.
I have recently put forth a theory that these travelers are sometimes escorted by small darkly hooded figures whom we often capture on film with them.

Waiting spirit;
'�these might include spirits who want to right a past wrong, or spirits who do not perceive that their own death has occurred'�often children or those who have died suddenly and unexpectedly.

These constitute a large section of our research but are not the only possibilities. Also, at any given location the type of haunting may be varied, especially those which have been inhabited for long periods of time. You might encounter all three of those listed above at the same location.

Everything does indeed have an answer if we are unafraid to ask the questions. As a society we are only just beginning to embark upon this line of questioning. It is a taboo which has begun to rapidly lift due to the steadfast and continued efforts of individuals who have braved rejection by the society they seek to assist, and who have refused to accept the bemused mocking and stoic silence of the established scientific community.

Those of us who choose to take up this banner must appreciate these efforts and strive to continue in the same diligent and trustworthy manner'�and we must always fearlessly question.

Official Statement by Joanie O~Mc of D.R.U.M.Paranormal Investigations

Want to comment on this Essays? Sign up to Edit Red and you will be able to comment on Essays and get access to: Upload your own stories and poems, get readers and their feedback, promote your work...