Ghost Hunters are Wackos

I was reading some blog entries for a local newspaper in Shreeveport about the upcoming paranormal convention this year, Le Festival D’Esprits. One entry stated, “The Wackos are coming. The Wackos are coming.” I’m not really thin-skinned about this. In fact, I find it kind of humorous.

People who try new things are always ahead of their time. They are called crazy, lunatics or a few bricks short of a load. Whether or not paranormal creatures and ghosts really exist is still speculative, but just think of the good laugh everyone will have if their existence is ever proven to be absolutely true. People would finally have to concede that the crazy neighborhood ghost hunting group was right all along- and they had fun doing it.

Personally, I belong to several paranormal groups. We don’t just spend our time ghost hunting. We love talking about paranormal books on the market, television shows, debating the existence of the paranormal, demonology and much more. We have fun simply as friends enjoying each other’s company. (Notice, I keep saying “fun”).

So, for those out there who simply think we’re all wackos, you just don’t get it. We come from all walks of life, are skeptics, as well as believers and most of us are quite simply looking to have a little fun in our humdrum lives.

Quit being a stick in the mud and join us! We won’t bite unless you want us to

Ghosts of Edinburgh’s Vaults

As always, I was surfing the net for news of the  strange and came across this odd little story (along with real ghost pictures!).  Apparently, a tourist was taking photos in those famous Niddry Street vaults in Edinburgh.  Of course everyone who has a sense of adventure goes on these ghost tours, but these particular vaults have been getting a lot of attention lately, especially in light of the fact they were featured on Most Haunted.  One tourist snapped quite a few photos and there appears to be a few skeletons appearing in those photos, on the wall, and one that looks like it is sitting in a crumpled position on the floor.  While I leave what is in these photos up to the viewers imagination, it does make for some interesting conversation.

If you are like other people who viewed them, they believe it is just stains on the wall (or a bit of undigested meat- there is more gravy than grave… about them… Charles Dickens )

Check this link to see the series of photos – Edinburgh Skeleton Ghosts

Organize a Paranormal Group

Have you ever wanted to start a group, but didn’t have a clue where to start? There are many people out there who have an interest in the paranormal and ghost hunting. The trouble is, getting the people together in your area.

I have a few suggestions, though I’m not telling people what to do. Personally, I’ve had success using MeetUp.com and I have friends who use Yahoo Groups . The difference is mainly one uses a paid service while the other is free. It depends on how organized you are and whether you’re a techie sort. Even though I am a techie, I enjoy using MeetUp.com to get information out, invite new members and I have control over how our group’s page looks. In addition, if you don’t have a lot of contacts, this is one way to find people who share your interest. The system will identify people in your area and, once you’ve set up your account, help you send emails out inviting them to your meeting. Again- I’m only suggesting using this service since I’ve had luck using it. I haven’t set up any groups through Yahoo, but I belong to several. It ain’t pretty, but it works!

Once you get the idea to form a group, the next thing to do is make plans. Group members are going to want interesting things to do- like ghost hunts, interesting speakers/lecturers and other planned activities. I found that once word got out about my group that other people started contacting me. How cool is that? People that formed other group in my region, authors and lecturers began asking about my group. All I had to do is plan my meetings around these people and the group was off and running.

I’m not saying that it will be easy to start a group. You need an idea of exactly what you want to accomplish before you begin, and a way to communicate effectively with all of the members. The effort is well worth it though. You’ll make new friends, learn a lot and maybe even become a little famous in your area. Just remember to have fun with what you are doing (don’t take yourself too seriously) and it will rub off on other members.

American Ghost Society

After being on their “Bump in the Night” newsletter mailing list for quite some time, it only seemed appropriate to give this group a weekly shout out. Troy Taylor, site editor of the American Ghost Society, does a great job providing information on all things paranormal, as well as writing some very informative books on ghosts.

Of special interest are their ghost tours and events in Illinois. Don’t miss the Dead of Winter event on March 1 or their Devil in the White City tour on March 29.

The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS)

If you haven’t already seen the TAPS team in action on television (their show, Ghost Hunters), you are missing some of the best ghost hunting on television.  Their no-nonsense approach to paranormal investigations is one of the reason this line of “work” has become so popular.  The TAPS team is more about de-bunking the paranormal than about blowing smoke up someone’s skirt about their being ghosts on their property.

One of their most memorable television shows was their visit to The Stanley Hotel (yep, think ”The Shining”….).  They caught more bizarre stuff on tape than I’ve ever seen on any other show. 

Check out the TAPS website for more information, help or to join their interesting forum.

Paranormal Research Society of North America

The Paranormal Research Society of North America (PRSNA), is located outside of Pottstown, Pennsylvania.  They like to investigate claims of paranormal activity without the use of psychics or psychic tools like divining rods, Ouija boards and the like.  They search for a scientific explanation of things that may be called hauntings.

Visit the PRSNA website if you have some unusual happenings that you would like investigated with scientific accuracy or if you would just like to learn more about this group.

Entity Seeker

Hi folks,  I just wanted to give a shout out to Entity Seeker.  Located in Alberta, Canada, they are a resource for people that would like a paranormal investigation.  Their website is:  http://www.entityseeker.com/.

They’ve also come out with a new book on the paranormal, Coffee with the Dead.  I haven’t read it yet, but I’ll do a book review if I can locate a copy!