tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16771755323077898812024-03-18T22:55:09.812-05:00MSSPI Research RoomHistory, Science and Paranormal Research Blog Hosted by the Mississippi Society of Paranormal InvestigatorsMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-53789781334910889012011-03-25T14:47:00.001-05:002011-03-25T14:54:05.750-05:00Shadow People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmklNZ-g-ySMdIL3dG5tWKwXtIirBEAX-zInIclzXADH6It4rhlmeNSsaTIgESFs8AGu5Td6czBgwafwDH47pOfggcQaBJZZTGHmsbi93vJ3pk0qqf-scRr_56oQK-KZikwDlP5w43odW/s1600/shadowcreature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmklNZ-g-ySMdIL3dG5tWKwXtIirBEAX-zInIclzXADH6It4rhlmeNSsaTIgESFs8AGu5Td6czBgwafwDH47pOfggcQaBJZZTGHmsbi93vJ3pk0qqf-scRr_56oQK-KZikwDlP5w43odW/s1600/shadowcreature.jpg" /></a></div>SHADOW PEOPLE<br />
BY: Shelly Beard<br />
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What are shadow people? This question has been asked time and time again by people that have experienced them and those that research them.<br />
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Some researchers believe that they are extraterrestrials or beings from other dimensions as well as ghost or disincarnate spirits. Stories and experiences in regards to shadow people have been around for years. Those who experience them describe them as "Watchers" that seem to observe the person while he or she is in bed. They are also described as very tall beings usually six-and-a-half feet tall sometimes wearing a hat, coat or nothing at all. <br />
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One person I have talked to about their experience calls him "The Hat Man".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffiwljOB5NKfUBl4dNH1DxNlzO5042RJ2Uwme7yKBMDV0fHkUtrf5-7aFJZKiUPzjhmfFNMzbr0Qo5OxdKqdZ_CjcnpBRXVCEP2zGvvr6ryVQWlp1CO1_Do-petNNBpCgijgQUUKqO3bf/s1600/imagesCABIPULH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgffiwljOB5NKfUBl4dNH1DxNlzO5042RJ2Uwme7yKBMDV0fHkUtrf5-7aFJZKiUPzjhmfFNMzbr0Qo5OxdKqdZ_CjcnpBRXVCEP2zGvvr6ryVQWlp1CO1_Do-petNNBpCgijgQUUKqO3bf/s1600/imagesCABIPULH.jpg" /></a></div>The Hat Man is the most common shadow person reportedly witnessed by numerous people during the night. Who or what is The Hat Man? Maybe we will never know. That is why there is still ongoing research into this phenomenon. Two people who have shared their experiences with me say that they have had encounters with the hat man since they were small children and still continue to see him. Another person I spoke with has only had an encounter once as a child and once as an adult. One case I worked on here recently, reported they had only experienced the shadow man while living in the home. One question I have, is why do certain people encounter him more often when some do not? Are the ones who experience him more often more sensitive perhaps to this phenomenon? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCB0L8aoeyr4HHjoLPiB_XWI1YLcDl1CfWqkXVkOLRLDhhsRD85pRvdc4TVxO8inZ8719dOMQlzEEGQggmjL28qcS9BZt4uJkLrwAF4bqpxJpZ3MHGgUoqrJKqSrxYwrcs5IoGgLeog7s/s1600/shadowpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCB0L8aoeyr4HHjoLPiB_XWI1YLcDl1CfWqkXVkOLRLDhhsRD85pRvdc4TVxO8inZ8719dOMQlzEEGQggmjL28qcS9BZt4uJkLrwAF4bqpxJpZ3MHGgUoqrJKqSrxYwrcs5IoGgLeog7s/s1600/shadowpeople.jpg" /></a></div>Another commonly reported shadow sighting is the hooded shadow, which has the same watching characteristics as the Hat Man, only wearing a hood. <br />
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<strong>Shadow people fall into different categories.</strong><br />
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RoseMary Ellen Guiley has classified the different categories in her Encyclopedia of Ghost and Spirits. Pages 444-445 See below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIXthxltpYT7GPvPktmeJxxLAnZJUcSEVIrBODplHPprF0kbMQCuMAzpbIeHbdWIVZ5MMD_-FIXRhLLnd8MopyBn-ofTdgOmIJX-doyKx7An3yA7I_QWrZAE8B0jhxkzSiTDy9pvg7uqY/s1600/shadowpeoplebedwatcher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIXthxltpYT7GPvPktmeJxxLAnZJUcSEVIrBODplHPprF0kbMQCuMAzpbIeHbdWIVZ5MMD_-FIXRhLLnd8MopyBn-ofTdgOmIJX-doyKx7An3yA7I_QWrZAE8B0jhxkzSiTDy9pvg7uqY/s200/shadowpeoplebedwatcher.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><strong>Bedroom Watchers:</strong> These figures are discovered standing by a bedside or in a corner of the room when a person awakens in the night. They seem to stare at people in bed, even though they have no visible eyes or facial features. Most do not behave in a threatening manner, though their presence is often terrifying. They can remain for long periods of time and when observed, disappear suddenly or melt through walls and ceilings. Some act aggressively toward people, causing choking sensations similar to the "old hag".<br />
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<strong>Shadows on walls:</strong> These figures appear suddenly as dark human outlines on walls, which detach from walls and move about rooms.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ubWaUUHcv8qL7dwFZNErR9T_fRqKQGbw63AzGUhS5KyAQcico0Al5Y7nsW6ZAiGEYHCy4uoiihiCCsl4GgesQCRbFm_JQT-W_oKEbQlJL7Id2XvuyzNiE0EqQ0hs7xXk_9Khyphenhyphen40MimkS/s1600/torn_hooded_stalker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ubWaUUHcv8qL7dwFZNErR9T_fRqKQGbw63AzGUhS5KyAQcico0Al5Y7nsW6ZAiGEYHCy4uoiihiCCsl4GgesQCRbFm_JQT-W_oKEbQlJL7Id2XvuyzNiE0EqQ0hs7xXk_9Khyphenhyphen40MimkS/s200/torn_hooded_stalker.jpg" width="91" /></a><strong>Moving Shadows:</strong> These figures appear abruptly and move quickly through a room, as thought on a mission. They come through walls and melt into walls. They may seem to pay no attention to people present or else watch them intensely. They may be seen out of the corners of the eyes or in full view.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<strong>Background Visitors:</strong> These figures usually are not seen, but are captured in photographs. They appear in backgrounds, their forms noticeable on walls, doors, and so forth.<br />
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<strong>Haunting presences:</strong> These figures appear in places known or thought to be haunted. They move about, act with intelligence, and appear and disappear suddenly They may follow people. In some cases, shadow people are associated with bad luck.<br />
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Some expierencers that I have interviewed, feel very uneasy when they encounter them, Though they have never been harmed by them they often feel like they are malevolent or negative. Some people even feel as if they are demonic in nature. However, shadow people rarely interact with the eyewitness and claims of harm or injury from them appear to be rare.<br />
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Another theory suggests that shadow people are time travelers or visitors from another world/universe. Do they come here to check on us for some reason? Are they simply curious about us? They apparently do spend a lot of time here. Why? Maybe they’re not even here at all. Is it possible that they’re simply “people” that live on another plane of existence? Could we be getting a glimpse into that parallel dimension? Perhaps we also appear as shadow people to them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4R2A9P5763Q3qLsNx8vELJL58QxzqBdqQ2W_RTWx4qvirRD1lo2tod3jK3M6zoXX5w0W2iwuWLHG7bQxjvyxWMFKe1Y4AE3CrBUBMxT1P-0VceNHv3OpOs4kGsc7mLF_eaW_5qecNGEN/s1600/hospitalshadow08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4R2A9P5763Q3qLsNx8vELJL58QxzqBdqQ2W_RTWx4qvirRD1lo2tod3jK3M6zoXX5w0W2iwuWLHG7bQxjvyxWMFKe1Y4AE3CrBUBMxT1P-0VceNHv3OpOs4kGsc7mLF_eaW_5qecNGEN/s320/hospitalshadow08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As to whether they are interdiminsional beings or ghost I can not say, since I am still collecting stories on them, but if they are ghost I believe the reason they show themselves as shadows is maybe that is the only way they can manifest themselves, like that is all the energy they can collect at that time and show themselves in that form. The reason I say this, is on one occasion my team and I were doing a preliminary of an old abandoned hospital. I was taking random pictures and upon review of my pictures I had photographed a shadow person that looked like a nurse, I did not see this shadow person she only showed up in my picture. Was it a former nurse who could only manifest as a shadow? In my personal opinion I would say yes, I believe that was all the energy she could gather at that time and that is how she appeared in my picture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg70WXssAg4MaaPxxIHrXE1t90uuO1fpBnI_LlqnirPfrkCTt9fPZeRfNQno3HFXiLLLJiqyYCc4KA0GsKNEkG_GaYTyvJxcr5qmCP5VVUYk0JiOzXyvrbI2LMXlhW8_hDzVPKEHMM0sza/s1600/zombie-road-ghost-children-woods--large-msg-121140565982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg70WXssAg4MaaPxxIHrXE1t90uuO1fpBnI_LlqnirPfrkCTt9fPZeRfNQno3HFXiLLLJiqyYCc4KA0GsKNEkG_GaYTyvJxcr5qmCP5VVUYk0JiOzXyvrbI2LMXlhW8_hDzVPKEHMM0sza/s320/zombie-road-ghost-children-woods--large-msg-121140565982.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>Other articles I have read mention seeing shadow people in the woods. One such place is Zombie Road (pictured right )where numerous shadow people or kids have been photographed. You can view this strange incident in the Children of The Grave Documentary. Also shadow people figures have been seen at various alleged haunted locations such as Waverly Hills and Ohio State Reformatory.<br />
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So the research into what shadow people are continue to this day and I encourage all researchers to share their theories, findings, and resources about these beings so that we may all have a better understanding as to what they are and what the phenomenon is. <br />
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Sources:<br />
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The Encyclopedia of Ghost and Spirits pages 444-445 By: Rosemary Ellen Guiley<br />
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Rosemary Ellen Guiley's website www.visionaryliving.comMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-45141918313960892632011-03-24T02:33:00.000-05:002011-03-24T02:33:30.833-05:00Schizophrenia and Mental Disorders- What you should know.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4TohrSJXK2oJWkgdrdl3zLfLEaAU-jtRRPf9zx1tAF88lZD6FX-2SZUIycKUEuCi93nOlU7VpeimRSQ_nIQEmnCq2S-rwyaITOQeGCXGi-XJY9jSRb1e_in1ZS-v9Qi6HiH9WbuyBeTf/s1600/brain-hyman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4TohrSJXK2oJWkgdrdl3zLfLEaAU-jtRRPf9zx1tAF88lZD6FX-2SZUIycKUEuCi93nOlU7VpeimRSQ_nIQEmnCq2S-rwyaITOQeGCXGi-XJY9jSRb1e_in1ZS-v9Qi6HiH9WbuyBeTf/s320/brain-hyman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Schizophrenia and Mental Disorders </strong></span><br />
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<em>What you should know.</em><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Angela L Burke</span><br />
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In the study of the paranormal, one common explaination for ghost sightings and paranormal experiences, that I have heard frequently suggested, is that maybe the person has schizophrenia or some other mental form of delusional disorder.<br />
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Because this has been a common and frequently misunderstood assumption for those who have never had a paranormal or suggested haunting experience, many people have kept their experiences a secret, out of the fear of being labeled as psychotic, crazy or schizophrenic.<br />
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I think that those who are going to research claims of hauntings and paranormal experiences need to at least have a basic knowledge of what those type diseases are and their symptoms. I think that the majority of people that paranormal researchers interview, are not suffering from mental disorders or schizophrenia. However, the possibility that you could encounter someone with these type claims who does suffer from a mental disorder, is always a possibility. Especially, now that television has saturated the airways with TV shows related to everything from sea monsters, to aliens, to ghost stories and demon possessions. So it is possible that you could encounter someone who truely suffers from these disorders, and may have these fears intertwined within their behaviors. Remember that when you research the paranormal, there are many aspects that have to be considered and understood in order to rule them out. If you are not aware of the true symptoms and behaviors of persons with these disorders, how can you properly evaluate claims of paranormal experiences?<br />
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This is a brief overview of common mental diseases and disorders that have been suggested as possible causes, related to paranormal experiences. This should be something that paranormal researchers make themselves familiar with.<br />
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Having been in the nursing field for twenty years, I have cared for many patients with mental and schizophrenic type disorders and diagnosis. I have seen many bizzare behaviors and heard many claims of hearing voices or having visual hallucinations, however, not one of them ever claimed to see ghosts or told tales of being haunted. In fact, most of their claims were way more bizarre than that. <br />
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The most common symptom I have encountered, has been of a more paranoid nature. One particular example would be a patient that I cared for who was convinced that there was a government conspiracy against him and that he could hear coded messages about terroist acts thru his am radio. He also believed that he had a million dollars in the local bank and that all the nurses were trying to poison him. He frequently would sneak into the nurses station and telephone the bank, demanding his money be brought to him by armed guards. On one occasion, he even called the local police to report a hostage crisis at the nursing facility, which resulted in the SWAT team being deployed and the facility being put on lock down for several hours. He had extreme mood swings, poor personal hygiene. He had difficulty with trusting anyone and had very poor socializing skills. His behaviors were often times erradic, explosive and full of anxiety. Other times, he could be seen in a sureal mood, mumbling or talking to himself, or sitting quietly in almost a trance like state. This type behavior , to me, in my own experience, has been the type behavior and symptoms I have seen the most, with people diagnosed as Schizophrenic.<br />
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Another example was a woman who had bizarre hallucinations. On one occasion while having a rather normal conversation with me about her lunch menu, she began to scream histerically because she was convinced that I my back was crawling with black spiders. This same lady also tore her room apart because she claimed that her TV set was sending radiation waves into her brain with subliminal messages in order to control her mind. These behaviors could occur anywhere from a few days or a few moments of each other. These behaviors could occur anywhere at anytime. Unlike typical claims of paranormal experiences which might only occur once in a persons otherwise normal lifetime. Just because a person has an experience or even several unexplained experiences, that they cannot explain, does not make them crazy. To label someone as such without trying to understanding their experience, is shameful in my opinion.<br />
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<strong>Schizophrenia</strong> is a serious brain disorder that distorts the way a person thinks, acts, expresses emotions, perceives reality, and relates to others. People with schizophrenia -- the most chronic and disabling of the major mental illnesses -- often have problems functioning in society, at work, at school, and in relationships. Schizophrenia can leave its sufferer frightened and withdrawn. It is a life-long disease that cannot be cured, but usually can be controlled with proper treatment.<br />
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Contrary to popular belief, schizophrenia is not a split personality. Schizophrenia is a psychosis, a type of mental illness in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. At times, people with psychotic disorders lose touch with reality. The world may seem like a jumble of confusing thoughts, images, and sounds. The behavior of people with schizophrenia may be very strange and even shocking. A sudden change in personality and behavior, which occurs when people lose touch with reality, is called a psychotic episode.<br />
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Schizophrenia varies in severity from person to person. Some people have only one psychotic episode while others have many episodes during a lifetime but lead relatively normal lives between episodes. Schizophrenia symptoms seem to worsen and improve in cycles known as relapses and remissions.<br />
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Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that affects some 2.2 million American adults, most often before the age of 30. It interferes with the way a person acts, thinks, and feels and frequently causes difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary. This, in turn makes patients prone to delusional beliefs about themselves or others. Schizophrenia also affects ordered thinking, making it difficult to concentrate, maintain attention span, or develop normal motivation. It can also affect the ability to experience normal emotions in social situations, often causing a person to become unusually unresponsive or withdrawn.Often times leading to severe bouts of depression and even suicidal tendencies.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KnoTwOUb0aQ" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Helpful definitions in understanding schizophrenia include the following:</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Psychosis:</strong> Psychosis is defined as being out of touch with reality. During this phase, one can experience delusions or prominent hallucinations. People with psychoses are not aware that what they are experiencing or some of the things that they believe are not real. Psychosis is a prominent feature of schizophrenia but is not unique to this illness.<br />
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<strong>Schizoid:</strong> This term is often used to describe a personality disorder characterized by almost complete lack of interest in social relationships and a restricted range of expression of emotions in interpersonal settings, making a person with this disorder appear cold and aloof.<br />
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<strong>Schizotypal:</strong> This term defines a more severe personality disorder characterized by acute discomfort with close relationships as well as disturbances of perception and bizarre behaviors, making people with schizophrenia seem odd and eccentric because of unusual mannerisms.<br />
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<strong>Hallucinations:</strong> A person with schizophrenia may have strong sensations of objects or events that are real only to him or her. These may be in the form of things that they believe strongly that they see, hear, smell, taste, or touch. Hallucinations have no outside source, and are sometimes described as "the person's mind playing tricks" on him or her.<br />
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<strong>Illusion:</strong> An illusion is a mistaken perception for which there is an actual external stimulus. For example, a visual illusion might be seeing a shadow and misinterpreting it as a person. The words "illusion" and "hallucination" are sometimes confused with each other.<br />
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<strong>Delusion:</strong> A person with a delusion has a strong belief about something despite evidence that the belief is false. For instance, a person may listen to a radio and believe the radio is giving a coded message about an impending alien invasion. All of the other people who listen to the same radio program would hear, for example, a feature story about road repair work taking place in the area.<br />
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People with schizophrenia vary widely in their behavior as they struggle with an illness beyond their control. In active stages, those affected may ramble in illogical sentences or react with uncontrolled anger or violence to a perceived threat. People with schizophrenia may also experience relatively passive phases of the illness in which they seem to lack personality, movement, and emotion (also called a flat affect). People with schizophrenia may alternate in these extremes. Their behavior may or may not be predictable.<br />
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In order to better understand schizophrenia, the concept of clusters of symptoms is often used. Thus, people with schizophrenia can experience symptoms that may be grouped under the following categories:<br />
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<strong>Positive symptoms</strong> -- Hearing voices, suspiciousness, feeling under constant surveillance, delusions, or making up words without a meaning (neologisms).<br />
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<strong>Negative (or deficit) symptoms</strong> -- Social withdrawal, difficulty in expressing emotions (in extreme cases called blunted affect), difficulty in taking care of themselves or perform basic daily tasks, such as hygiene and dressing themselves, inability to feel pleasure (These symptoms cause severe impairment and are often mistaken for laziness.)<br />
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<strong>Cognitive symptoms</strong> -- Difficulties attending to and processing of information, in understanding the environment, and in remembering simple tasks<br />
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<strong>Affective (or mood) symptoms</strong> -- Most notably depression, accounting for a very high rate of attempted suicide in people suffering from schizophrenia<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Types of schizophrenia are as follows:</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Paranoid-type</strong> schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and auditory hallucinations but relatively normal intellectual functioning and expression of affect. The delusions can often be about being persecuted unfairly or being some other person who is famous. People with paranoid-type schizophrenia can exhibit anger, aloofness, anxiety, and argumentativeness.<br />
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<strong>Disorganized-type</strong> schizophrenia is characterized by speech and behavior that are disorganized or difficult to understand, and flattening or inappropriate emotions. People with disorganized-type schizophrenia may laugh at the changing color of a traffic light or at something not closely related to what they are saying or doing. Their disorganized behavior may disrupt normal activities, such as showering, dressing, and preparing meals.<br />
I found this video to be a very good example of a disorganized type schizophrenia.<br />
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<strong>Catatonic-type</strong> schizophrenia is characterized by disturbances of movement. People with catatonic-type schizophrenia may keep themselves completely immobile or move all over the place. They may not say anything for hours, or they may repeat anything you say or do senselessly. Either way, the behavior is putting these people at high risk because it impairs their ability to take care of themselves.<br />
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<strong>Undifferentiated-type</strong> schizophrenia is characterized by some symptoms seen in all of the above types but not enough of any one of them to define it as another particular type of schizophrenia.<br />
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<strong>Residual-type</strong> schizophrenia is characterized by a past history of at least one episode of schizophrenia, but the person currently has no positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behavior). It may represent a transition between a full-blown episode and complete remission, or it may continue for years without any further psychotic episodes.<br />
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<strong>Mental Health and Delusional Disorder</strong><br />
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Delusional disorder, previously called paranoid disorder, is a type of serious mental illness called a "psychosis" in which a person cannot tell what is real from what is imagined. The main feature of this disorder is the presence of delusions, which are unshakable beliefs in something untrue. People with delusional disorder experience non-bizarre delusions, which involve situations that could occur in real life, such as being followed, poisoned, deceived, conspired against, or loved from a distance. These delusions usually involve the misinterpretation of perceptions or experiences. In reality, however, the situations are either not true at all or highly exaggerated.<br />
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People with delusional disorder often can continue to socialize and function normally, apart from the subject of their delusion, and generally do not behave in an obviously odd or bizarre manner. This is unlike people with other psychotic disorders, who also might have delusions as a symptom of their disorder. In some cases, however, people with delusional disorder might become so preoccupied with their delusions that their lives are disrupted.<br />
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Some studies have indicated that delusions may be generated by abnormalities in the limbic system, the portion of the brain on the inner edge of the cerebral cortex that is believed to regulate emotions. The exact source of delusions has not been conclusively found, but potential causes include genetics, neurological abnormalities, and changes in brain chemistry. Delusions are also a known possible side effect of drug use and abuse. As well as alcohol abuse.<br />
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<strong>Types of Delusional Disorder</strong><br />
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There are different types of delusional disorder based on the main theme of the delusions experienced. The types of delusional disorder include:<br />
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<strong>Erotomanic:</strong> Someone with this type of delusional disorder believes that another person, often someone important or famous, is in love with him or her. The person might attempt to contact the object of the delusion, and stalking behavior is not uncommon. <br />
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<strong>Grandiose:</strong> A person with this type of delusional disorder has an over-inflated sense of worth, power, knowledge, or identity. The person might believe he or she has a great talent or has made an important discovery that either has or has not been properly recognized Or they may believe that they have some sort of social status or are someone famous or of high religious or governmental status . <br />
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<strong>Jealous:</strong> A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that his or her spouse or sexual partner is unfaithful. <br />
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<strong>Persecutory or Paranoid:</strong> People with this type of delusional disorder believe that they (or someone close to them) are being mistreated, or that someone is spying on them or planning to harm them or is out to get them. They frequently believe that they are being cheated, stolen from, stalked and or harrassed. It is not uncommon for people with this type of delusional disorder to make repeated complaints to legal authorities and make numerous court appeals in civil suits. <br />
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<strong>Somatic</strong>: A person with this type of delusional disorder believes that he or she has a physical defect or medical problem. <br />
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<strong>Referencial:</strong> The belief that everyday things in the normal environment, such as advertisements, newscasts, song lyrics, book passages and trade signs are directly addressed to him or have some secret coded meaning. <br />
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<strong>Mixed:</strong> People with this type of delusional disorder have two or more of the types of delusions listed above.<br />
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<strong>What Are the Symptoms of Delusional Disorder?</strong><br />
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The presence of non-bizarre delusions is the most obvious symptom of this disorder. Other symptoms that might appear include:<br />
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An irritable, angry, or low mood <br />
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Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there) that are related to the delusion (For example, a person who believes he or she has an odor problem may smell a bad odor.) <br />
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Want to dig deeper? Below is an interesting website I stumbled upon which list 176 different diseases and possible causes of delusions.<br />
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<strong>176 causes of delusions:</strong><br />
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http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/symptoms/delusions/causes.htm<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUPn2F3hNDjpwtNzp12bHKC7ybpWIlgyRgwDJ1bQ9M56eBi1aZOpGUixux36SD1HyRfEOQm8PHiMBKZnYx5nEh91xge6IAH5LQNUFrbsm4ghbr6P5K87-1JJxZw4g9nPtz5NSCLq3htF7/s1600/mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGUPn2F3hNDjpwtNzp12bHKC7ybpWIlgyRgwDJ1bQ9M56eBi1aZOpGUixux36SD1HyRfEOQm8PHiMBKZnYx5nEh91xge6IAH5LQNUFrbsm4ghbr6P5K87-1JJxZw4g9nPtz5NSCLq3htF7/s320/mask.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><strong>Dissociative Identity or Multiple Personality Disorder </strong><br />
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Dissociative identity disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a condition in which a person displays multiple distinct identities or personalities (known as alter egos or alters), each with its own pattern of perceiving and interacting with the environment. The diagnosis requires that at least two personalities routinely take control of the individual's behavior with an associated memory loss that goes beyond normal forgetfulness; in addition, symptoms cannot be the temporary effects of drug use or a general medical condition<br />
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Individuals diagnosed with DID demonstrate a variety of symptoms with wide fluctuations across time; functioning can vary from severe impairment in daily functioning to normal or high abilities. Symptoms can include:<br />
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Multiple mannerisms, attitudes and beliefs which are not similar to each other <br />
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Unexplainable headaches and other body pains <br />
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Distortion or loss of subjective time <br />
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Comorbidity <br />
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Depersonalization <br />
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Derealization <br />
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Severe memory loss <br />
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Depression <br />
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Flashbacks of abuse/trauma <br />
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Sudden anger without a justified cause <br />
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Frequent panic/anxiety attacks <br />
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Unexplainable phobias <br />
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Auditory of the personalities inside their mind <br />
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Paranoia<br />
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Patients may experience an extremely broad array of other symptoms that may appear to resemble epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, and eating disorders.<br />
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It has been theorized that severe sexual, physical, or psychological trauma in childhood predisposes an individual to the development of DID. Most of us have experienced mild dissociation, which is like daydreaming or getting lost in the moment while working on a project. However, dissociative identity disorder is a severe form of dissociation, a mental process, which produces a lack of connection in a person's thoughts, memories, feelings, actions, or sense of identity. Dissociative identity disorder is thought to stem from trauma experienced by the person with the disorder. The dissociative aspect is thought to be a coping mechanism -- the person literally dissociates himself from a situation or experience that's too violent, traumatic, or painful to assimilate with his conscious self.<br />
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Other symptoms of dissociative identity disorder may include headache, amnesia, time loss, trances, and "out of body experiences." Some people with dissociative disorders have a tendency toward self-persecution, self-sabotage, and even violence (both self-inflicted and outwardly directed). As an example, someone with dissociative identity disorder may find themselves doing things they wouldn't normally do such as speeding, reckless driving, or stealing money from their employer or friend, yet they feel they are being compelled to do it. Some describe this feeling as being a passenger in their body rather than the driver. In other words, they truly believe they have no choice.<br />
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<strong>Bi Polar or Manic Depressive Disorder</strong><br />
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People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called "mood episodes." An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode.<br />
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Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior go along with these changes in mood. It is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to experience a long-lasting period of unstable moods rather than discrete episodes of depression or mania.<br />
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A person may be having an episode of bipolar disorder if he or she has a number of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one or two weeks. Sometimes symptoms are so severe that the person cannot function normally at work, school, or home.<br />
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One side of the scale includes severe depression, moderate depression, and mild low mood. Moderate depression may cause less extreme symptoms, and mild low mood is called dysthymia when it is chronic or long-term. In the middle of the scale is normal or balanced mood.<br />
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At the other end of the scale are hypomania and severe mania. Some people with bipolar disorder experience hypomania. During hypomanic episodes, a person may have increased energy and activity levels that are not as severe as typical mania, or he or she may have episodes that last less than a week and do not require emergency care. A person having a hypomanic episode may feel very good, be highly productive, and function well. This person may not feel that anything is wrong even as family and friends recognize the mood swings as possible bipolar disorder. Without proper treatment, however, people with hypomania may develop severe mania or depression.<br />
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During a mixed state, symptoms often include agitation, trouble sleeping, major changes in appetite, and suicidal thinking. People in a mixed state may feel very sad or hopeless while feeling extremely energized.<br />
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Sometimes, a person with severe episodes of mania or depression has psychotic symptoms too, such as hallucinations or delusions. The psychotic symptoms tend to reflect the person's extreme mood. For example, psychotic symptoms for a person having a manic episode may include believing he or she is famous, has a lot of money, or has special powers. In the same way, a person having a depressive episode may believe he or she is ruined and penniless, or has committed a crime. As a result, people with bipolar disorder who have psychotic symptoms are sometimes wrongly diagnosed as having schizophrenia.<br />
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Bipolar disorder tends to run in families, so researchers are looking for genes that may increase a person's chance of developing the illness.<br />
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<strong>Other common Mental Illnesses</strong><br />
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<strong>Anxiety disorders</strong> are mental disorders characterized by extreme, unpleasant, and unwanted feelings of apprehension or fear, sometimes accompanied by physical symptoms. <br />
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<strong>Delirium</strong> is a mental state in which a person suddenly becomes confused and disoriented, perhaps not knowing what day it is or not recognizing a friend. It often accompanies a physical illness and usually goes away when the illness gets better. <br />
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<strong>Dementia</strong> is a gradually worsening loss of mental abilities, including memory, judgment, and abstract thinking. It is more common in older people. <br />
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<strong>Depressive disorders</strong> are mental disorders associated with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of self-esteem and enjoyment. Significant levels of depression impair a person's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. <br />
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<strong>Eating disorders</strong> are mental disorders that lead people to starve themselves or to eat huge amounts of food. <br />
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<strong>Mental retardation</strong> is a condition present since childhood in which the person has significantly below-average intelligence. These individuals may be limited in their ability to learn, work, communicate with others, care for themselves, and live independently. <br />
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<strong>Neurosis</strong> (noo-RO-sis) is a broad term covering many mental disorders that are long-lasting or recurring. People who have a neurosis remain in touch with reality, unlike those who have a psychosis. But the anxiety, depression, and distress common to neurosis can interfere with the quality of life. <br />
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<strong>Obsessive-compulsive disorder</strong>is a mental disorder that causes people to feel trapped by distressing or senseless thoughts and to feel as if they have to repeat actions. <br />
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<strong>Phobias </strong>are mental disorders that lead to a lasting, intense, irrational fear of a particular object, activity, or situation. <br />
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<strong>Post-traumatic stress disorder</strong> is a mental disorder that interferes with everyday living and occurs in people who survive a life-threatening event, such as school violence, car accidents, natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods), or military combat. <br />
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<strong>Separation anxiety</strong> is a mental disorder in which children worry excessively about leaving their homes, parents, or caregivers. <br />
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<strong>Sleep disorders</strong> are long-lasting disturbances of sleep. Some sleep disorders have mainly psychological causes, while others have mainly physical causes. <br />
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* psychotherapy is treatment for a mental disorder that usually involves talking with a trained therapist to undercover the roots of a person's behavior or to learn new ways of thinking or behaving. <br />
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I hope that this post will help clear up any misconceptions you may have had about mental disorders and schizophrenia. I believe that it is imperative that people understand the truth of what these disorders are and how those who are afflicted with them, behave. Below you will find a list of resources that you can refer to if you have any questions related to mental health issues or should you encounter or know someone that you believe might benefit from the information. There are also many interesting case files and examples of persons with these disorders that you can search on YouTube. I found several related to DID to be most interesting.<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mental Health Resources</span></strong><br />
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U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184, MSC 9663, Bethesda, MD 20892-9663. NIMH is the government institute that oversees research on mental disorders and provides information for professionals and the public. <br />
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http://www.nimh.nih.gov <br />
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American Psychological Asssociation, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. The American Psychological Association publishes books, brochures, and fact sheets about mental health, mental disorders, and psychotherapy. It provides referrals to local psychologists, and its website includes a KidsPsych feature. <br />
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Telephone 202-336-5500 <br />
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http://www.apa.org <br />
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American Psychiatric Association, 1400 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005. The American Psychiatric Association publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders for doctors, and the Let's Talk Facts About pamphlet series for the public. Its website also posts a Psychiatric Medications fact sheet. <br />
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http://www.psych.org <br />
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National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 1015, Arlington, VA 22203-3754. A self-help organization for people with serious mental illness, their families, and their friends. <br />
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Telephone 800-950-NAMI <br />
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http://www.nami.org <br />
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National Mental Health Association, 1021 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA 22314-2971. A national organization that offers information to the public about various mental disorders and mental health. <br />
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Telephone 800-969-NMHA <br />
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http://www.nmha.org <br />
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<strong>Sources</strong><br />
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http://www.webmd.com/schizophrenia/guide/schizophrenia-types<br />
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John Hopkins Family Health Book, First Edition. 1999 John Hopkins University<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple_Personality_Disorder<br />
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http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder<br />
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National Institute of Mental Health:<br />
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http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml#pub2<br />
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http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Delusions<br />
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http://www.humanillnesses.com/original/Kid-Men/Mental-Disorders.htmlMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-49388748634336814392010-12-07T19:49:00.001-06:002010-12-07T19:58:37.700-06:00Amulets and Talismans<span style="font-size: large;">Amulets and Talismans</span><br />
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research compiled by Angela L - MSSPI<br />
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The purpose of this post is not to dispute, condone or convince anyone that amulets and talismans work or should be used. The purpose of this post is to provide historical and educational information concerning the history, cultural and religious uses of amulets and talismans. It is up to each individual to determine what he or she believes to be true and whether to choose to use an amulet or talisman. There are many religious followers who disaprove of the use of amulets and talismans and many who use them and believe in their powers. It is not our intention to promote, encourage or discourage their use, mearly to provide information related to them for learning purposes. Your doctrinal or religious beliefs and choices are your business.<br />
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Amulets have been around since Antiquity began. Ancient cultures as well as present day cultures use a varitey of different amulets and talismans for a varity of reasons. The most common being protection. It is believed by many religions and cultures that amulets ward off evil spirits and influences. Ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Assyrian, Arab and Hebrew cultures placed great importance on amulets. Modern religions and cultures continue to use them and believe in their powers of protection. <br />
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There are many different forms, designs and types of amulets, so many that I could never list them all in a blog post. However , the most common types are natural stones and crystals. Metals such as silver and iron are also widely used and believed to have protective powers. Most are used to repel evil spirits, demons, negative energies, witches, sorcerers and anything harmful, especially related to the supernatural. Many amulets are made by the wearer and hold significant meaning to the individual. <br />
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Amulets are also found in the form of stones, bells, chants, songs, herbs and many others.<br />
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In the Christian traditions, amulets include the cross, crucifix, rosary beads, chants, Saint medals such as the St Benadict and St Christopher medals. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcI15gRVL1D76ng0ErW0v4T5-0dzUxdyZFpjy2Xev2Ts4c7wRe8AGT6zEENeM19QZjydVkcymZjQhYdb1XS2WmDAnsy-d0jF595LJinpSMm4Om3-olx6pHY-ITbFmNrFYXTv8H4YkvU1z/s1600/175px-Small_crucifix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizcI15gRVL1D76ng0ErW0v4T5-0dzUxdyZFpjy2Xev2Ts4c7wRe8AGT6zEENeM19QZjydVkcymZjQhYdb1XS2WmDAnsy-d0jF595LJinpSMm4Om3-olx6pHY-ITbFmNrFYXTv8H4YkvU1z/s200/175px-Small_crucifix.jpg" width="108" /></a></div>The cross predates Christianity by many centuries and is one of the oldest amulets in the world. The sign of the cross was used by early Christians for protection and as a means of identification to each other. It's most common form being four arms of equal length rather that a T shape. According to legend, the original cross of Christ was excavated in Jerusalem by Emperess Helena, mother of Constantine I. Helena is said to have tested 3 crosses found at the site, on the corpse of a man. Only one of them brought him back to life. Helena concluded that this was the cross of Christ. She is said to have sent a portion of the cross to Constantine, who sent a portion to the Vatican in Rome where it is still preserved. Helena reburied the remainder of the cross. Small bits of the cross were made into amulets and were highly prized. According to most Christian belief, nothing can stand up to the power of the cross. The cross was and still is used to help excorcise demons and devils, to prevent bewitchment and possesion. And used by some to repel vampires and witches. During the Middle Ages, inquisitors often wore the cross or made the sign of the cross when in the presence of accused witches in order to ward off any evil spells they might try and cast on them. The cross in hot cross buns is said to be a remnant of the medevil practice of making a cross in the bread dough to protect against evil. Victims of demonic possession are said to recoil at the cross and the practice of holding a cross behind the head is done to determine if a person is possessed by a demon. In the Catholoc rite of excorcism, numerous signs of the cross are placed on the victims forehead during excorcism rites. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHutWMhExqlt_FJd7Dbe3FQ38mNlj6FFnBbSGxtEkPInIfKTqDVCZSS4RzCeKuL_tHadz412CtrifTWvddCYZqmtABYS7Zey3eFFlMQvWTx8BT5fXH7PLNIg3oUCR2DVVNnx38VPYbKqY/s1600/St-Benedict-Medal-Pendant-with-Red-and-Blue-Accents---Medal-Only_1735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHutWMhExqlt_FJd7Dbe3FQ38mNlj6FFnBbSGxtEkPInIfKTqDVCZSS4RzCeKuL_tHadz412CtrifTWvddCYZqmtABYS7Zey3eFFlMQvWTx8BT5fXH7PLNIg3oUCR2DVVNnx38VPYbKqY/s320/St-Benedict-Medal-Pendant-with-Red-and-Blue-Accents---Medal-Only_1735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislNEPlJdn_xH5qHesOxW8TsqibLbB6UAfTlcI5v-UzKKQoEfT9JNjQxt4lIh-68vhGwP1S8ZxXf_G7Xsfnu5ZcqEsoeCaUrz7vp6FphnNhkjuil_OklRgi3c9xiHxbxaBX6UUfBmsBRVs/s1600/175px-St_benedict_medal-2006_04_24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislNEPlJdn_xH5qHesOxW8TsqibLbB6UAfTlcI5v-UzKKQoEfT9JNjQxt4lIh-68vhGwP1S8ZxXf_G7Xsfnu5ZcqEsoeCaUrz7vp6FphnNhkjuil_OklRgi3c9xiHxbxaBX6UUfBmsBRVs/s200/175px-St_benedict_medal-2006_04_24.png" width="200" /></a></div>St Benadict medals, also known as The Medal Cross of St. Benadict has always been associated with the cross. No one knows the exact date of its original casting, but at some point in time the inscription V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B was placed on the reverse side of the medal. A manuscript dating to 1415 was found in 1647 at the Abbey of Metten in Bovaria. It explained the Latin excorcism prayer for which the initals stood for as follows:<br />
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Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala libas. Ipse venena bibas! <br />
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Translated in English to mean:<br />
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Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself! <br />
<em>Encyclopedia of Demons & Demonology</em><br />
<em>Rosemary Ellen Guily</em><br />
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a similar translation for :Vade Retro Satana being "Step Back Satan"<br />
<a href="http://www.themystica.com/"><em>www.themystica.com</em></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lms5lMRXo7EI7M24rrDlPjw5onBXCwv0jFapvgpw6K4HvmXhv6mnx6D87XTunkTHhZCiLkhhZJ7uVmPi59T4JRgfYTllUnNEvQ02EjO2cDHwl2tJ2kwCL1KbBMRKu4VXi5PGCBcabYB3/s1600/Kaballahevileyeamulet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lms5lMRXo7EI7M24rrDlPjw5onBXCwv0jFapvgpw6K4HvmXhv6mnx6D87XTunkTHhZCiLkhhZJ7uVmPi59T4JRgfYTllUnNEvQ02EjO2cDHwl2tJ2kwCL1KbBMRKu4VXi5PGCBcabYB3/s1600/Kaballahevileyeamulet.jpg" /></a></div>Ancient Jews wore amulets around their necks that contained slips of parchment on which the laws of God were written. The Torah, comprising five books of the Old Testament of the Bible, is among the copies of holy books including the Bible (Christians), Vedas (Hindu), the Koran (Muslims), and the Avestar (Zoroastrians) believed by the faithful to bring good luck and to ward off evil. According to the Kabbalah, a person’s soul is created from twenty-two letters. Thus, each Jewish amulet and each attempt to help man through acceptance is accomplished with the help of letters. Using a version of Hebrew that is over 2,900 years old, the artists at <a href="http://www.rotem.net/CTGY/Kabbalah_jewelry.html">Genesis Creations of Israel</a> reference symbols used by Kings David and Solomon to create this amulet at right. They share that this amulet "against the evil eye" strengthens all kinds of will powers, so strong that all outside (stranger's) wills and influences (evil eye) cannot make any changes or cause damage in life. It creates spiritual independence.<br />
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A favorite contemporary Muslim amulet consists of a square-inch miniature of the Koran enclosed in metal and worn around the neck. Muslims also believe they gain power by wearing amulets inscribed with a form of the name of Allah. The names of God and magical words and numbers have generally been thought to provide protection and fashioned into amulets. These methods of gaining protection extend back to antiquity and were extremely popular during the Renaissance to the early 19th century. Accompanying these were the grimoires, books of magical instruction written for and by magicians. In magic, using the name of a deity is the same as drawing down divine power. This is the reason why portions of grimoires resemble prayer books. The Tetragrammation, the Hebrew personal name for God- -YHWH and pronounced Yahweh"- - , is believed to be very powerful in magic operations and has been fashioned into amulets by different spellings. It is believed to help magicians in conjuring up as well as expelling demons and give him protections from negative spirits.<br />
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Amulets are frequently mentioned in Talmudic literature where they are called <em>kemiya</em> and often consist of a written parchment or root of herbs worn on a small chain, a ring, or a tube. Many such amulets had healing purposes: they were considered legitimate only after having worked successfully in healing on three different occasions. Another kind of parchment amulet was the mezuzah, a Hebrew word for door post. Moses (14th–13th century b.c.e.) commanded Israelites to inscribe the words "Hear O Israel, the Lord Our God Is One God" on the doorposts of their homes. An amulet with those words continues to be attached to doors in many modern Jewish households, or worn as a gold chain around the neck for good luck.<br />
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By the time the Roman Empire was established in the first centuries b.c.e., amulets had a long history of being worn for luck and protection. Egyptians considered amulets necessary for protection of the living and the dead. An amulet with a heart on it was often placed with the dead to help represent them in judgment about their fate in the afterlife. Likenesses of scarabs (a kind of beetle) were also prominent. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEkUZICJTsEt6EogVhUGYHryEv3eIo7zc0rmK8N5llJH0S4VeVuSsa5C3XRwhD8efFwxc46e8mDcFlPhCmoDsHsUCoCfS8THsExKSUegWNr8ltmll9ZGIzFQ_VglJbM5etCH8WSOwuRk1/s1600/sl0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEkUZICJTsEt6EogVhUGYHryEv3eIo7zc0rmK8N5llJH0S4VeVuSsa5C3XRwhD8efFwxc46e8mDcFlPhCmoDsHsUCoCfS8THsExKSUegWNr8ltmll9ZGIzFQ_VglJbM5etCH8WSOwuRk1/s200/sl0008.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>Egytian Scarab Beetle - To ancient Egyptians the Scarab was a powerful amulet of the Sun god, emboding the force that pushed the sun through the sky and therefore represented the power of the life force and the mystical cycle of rebirth. It symbolizes the power to create and is worn to draw courage and protection A scarab encloses an egg in mud or dung and rolls it along to a spot where it can be warm and safe. Egyptians considered this a metaphor for the journey of the sun each day. The scarab amulet became a common emblem for regeneration and was placed with the dead.<br />
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Sumerians, who inhabited Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and were contemporaries of the Egyptians, had amulets inscribed with images of animals and gods. They also inscribed such images on seals for everything from pottery to vaults to doors: the emblem on the seal represented a guardian spirit that would bring bad luck to those who opened the sealed compartment without permission of the owner.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeWhykwY1o0wqpLsJpFMNFYnBclcQ89wFjFrW5pv8csuWiWGFChAPBb4DoTwAIGbrVq2eAla9-HoUm-Qlb2wy-ks4Rr1cvHFeYoodEF7XdVWCQp_ktRZTk3Z87uV34HpFBjtzL8xRiP3f/s1600/thumbnailCA35KQJ0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeWhykwY1o0wqpLsJpFMNFYnBclcQ89wFjFrW5pv8csuWiWGFChAPBb4DoTwAIGbrVq2eAla9-HoUm-Qlb2wy-ks4Rr1cvHFeYoodEF7XdVWCQp_ktRZTk3Z87uV34HpFBjtzL8xRiP3f/s1600/thumbnailCA35KQJ0.jpg" /></a>The treasures of King Tutankhamen of Egypt (c. 1370–1352 b.c.e.) abound with crystals in the form of gems and jewels. They were intended for personal adornment, but they also had symbolic meaning: they were believed to possess mystical and religious powers. Today, crystals are still worn for decorative purposes in the form of gems and jewels; those who believe in the mystical powers of crystals wear them as amulets. The frog protected fertility; ankhs symbolized everlasting life and generation; the udjat, or eye, was for good health, comfort, and protection against evil; the scarab beetle was for resurrection after death and protection against evil magic. One of the most notable amulets of ancient Egypt is the Eye of Horus. </div><br />
Historically the two most universal symbols of amulets have been the eye and the phallic symbols. Eyes are thought to protect against evil spirits and are found on tombs, walls, utensils, and jewelry. The phallic symbol, represented by horns and hands, is protection against the evil eye. The Arabians, too, had amulets protecting them against evil. Small sacks containing dust from tombs were worn. They also wore pieces of paper on which were written prayers, spells, magical names or the powerful attributes of God such as "the compassionate" and "the forgiver."<br />
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Prehistoric amulets representing fertility and animals have been found near some of the oldest known human remains. Archaeologists have also unearthed shells, claws, teeth, and crystalline solids dating to 25,000 b.c.e.; engraved with symbols and sporting small holes, the objects were probably worn as necklaces.<br />
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Animals have been used as symbols in amulets since the earliest times. Modern amulets include a rabbit's foot; when rubbed it is activated to bring luck. The wishbone from the breast of a bird is believed to make wishes come true to the person lucky enough to hold the larger half when the bone is broken with a partner, a common practice at Thanksgiving Day dinners in the United States. Metal representations of wishbones and rabbit's feet have become popular amulets in contemporary times. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H09-tk6ciPujqcUbDygcIJWNdEnPj0yjx6Ect19jpAU4arbMaOH9Owd0ylHIFAHEct1mKcGEEUbzoH0FFJ3zSgsZthzGjn8zbtam2-vt32WR-dHJ7wCSP4sIjRtcXINiECB_pd5C_zLm/s1600/thumbnailCAFQTWDN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="86" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H09-tk6ciPujqcUbDygcIJWNdEnPj0yjx6Ect19jpAU4arbMaOH9Owd0ylHIFAHEct1mKcGEEUbzoH0FFJ3zSgsZthzGjn8zbtam2-vt32WR-dHJ7wCSP4sIjRtcXINiECB_pd5C_zLm/s200/thumbnailCAFQTWDN.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01flXMqo3R7XcBDjW_NWXTi5VdGAaGmCfVgQkIk4J9gkIxsdMAGQQ3b-O3qO1wlgUcrX33hcELTrnoz5vNjgZrvl6FUM3OEbYDkZTVzKw8SvLNvrji7v8J_TWxsXdE2f-D15OG-B3ZCWN/s1600/thumbnailCACOCENO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj01flXMqo3R7XcBDjW_NWXTi5VdGAaGmCfVgQkIk4J9gkIxsdMAGQQ3b-O3qO1wlgUcrX33hcELTrnoz5vNjgZrvl6FUM3OEbYDkZTVzKw8SvLNvrji7v8J_TWxsXdE2f-D15OG-B3ZCWN/s200/thumbnailCACOCENO.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Early Christians inscribed the word ichthys (Greek for "fish") on their amulets because the word contained in Greek the initials for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. The fish symbol has been important to Christians ever since. <br />
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In many societies, religious objects serve as amulets, e.g. deriving from the ancient Celts, the clover, if it has four leaves, symbolizes good luck (not the Irish shamrock, which symbolizes the Christian Trinity).<br />
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Some forms of Buddhism have a deep and ancient talismanic tradition. In the earliest days of Buddhism, just after the Buddha's death circa 485 BC, amulets bearing the symbols of Buddhism were common. Symbols such as conch shells, the footprints of the Buddha, and others were commonly worn. After about the 2nd century BC, Greeks began carving actual images of the Buddha. These were hungrily acquired by native Buddhists in India, and the tradition spread. <br />
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In Bolivia and Argentina, the god Ekeko furnishes a standard amulet, to whom one should offer at least one banknote or a cigarette to obtain fortune and welfare. In certain areas of India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, it is traditionally believed that the Jackal's Horn can grant wishes and reappear to its owner at its own accord when lost. Some Sinhalese believe that the horn can grant the holder invulnerability in any lawsuit.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS3QK7kUIMV1n3Um-7PEQdFBwKAUDJIDn6m3O2QDixQXMO5Dua3J6rQkzqUXtAFpiX293VnhrP7grvawykJ5CerjzuTsryFE_H22OCwYpxPC0d8-l0XP2pZsYFpNCKnNU1E35YHxQlNvX/s1600/article_image3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWS3QK7kUIMV1n3Um-7PEQdFBwKAUDJIDn6m3O2QDixQXMO5Dua3J6rQkzqUXtAFpiX293VnhrP7grvawykJ5CerjzuTsryFE_H22OCwYpxPC0d8-l0XP2pZsYFpNCKnNU1E35YHxQlNvX/s320/article_image3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Bells<br />
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Bells have been associated with mystical occurrences and the spirit world since ancient times. Goddess images were frequently cast in the shape of bells. Ancient Jews wore bells tied to their clothing to ward off evil. Photo on right depicts both Budda images and bells. Thai amulet from B.C.2495<br />
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The ringing of bells or death knells for the deceased is an old custom. Some authorities believe that the ringing of bells at times of death originated in the practice of seeking to frighten away the evil spirits that lurk beside a corpse, waiting the opportunity to seize the newly released soul. In ancient times bells were rung only when important people died, but with the advent of Christianity it became the custom to ring death during burial services for all church members.<br />
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In medieval times, church bells were rung during epidemics with the hopes of clearing the air of disease. It was generally believed that church bells had special magical or spiritual powers, especially because of their position, suspended between heaven and Earth, guarding the passageway between the material and non-material worlds, frightening away demons. The sacred bell of the Buddhists, the ghanta, serves that spiritual expression in a similar manner, driving away the negative entities and encouraging the positive spirits to manifest. The very sound of a bell is a symbol of creative power.<br />
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People along the west coast of Africa used to tie a bell to the foot of an ill child to ward off evil, and food was placed nearby to lure those spirits away. In contemporary times, bells above the door of a shop alert the shopkeeper that customers have entered. That practical function is predated by the use of bells over doors to keep evil spirits from entering into a home or shop.<br />
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The usage of amulets seems universal stemming from the human desire for protection. The existence seems to extend from the cave dwellers to the present. As objects they come and go with fashion, taking on different designs and shapes, but their purpose remains the same. No matter how civilized a culture may be, amulets are present. whether believed to hold magical powers or powers of protection and luck or used as just an adornment. The individual history of each form of amulet is a very interesting subject that was fun to research. While their are some who do not believe in the power of amulets, many people take their talismans and amulets very seriously and hold strong beliefs in their powers.<br />
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;">Want to dig deeper?</span><br />
<span style="color: #9fc5e8;">Try these sources</span><br />
Bracken, Thomas. Good Luck Symbols and Talismans: People, Places, and Customs. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1997.<br />
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Budge, E. A. Wallis. Amulets and Talismans. New York: Collier Books, 1970.<br />
Mintz, Ruth Finer. Auguries, Charms, Amulets. Middle Village, N.Y.: Jonathan David Publishers, 1983.<br />
Nelson, Felicitas H. Talismans & Amulets of the World. New York: Sterling Publishers, 2000.<br />
Gaskell, G. A. Dictionary of All Scriptures and Myths. Avenel, N.J.: Gramercy Books, 1981.<br />
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Walker, Barbara G. The Woman's Dictionary of Symbols and Sacred Objects. Edison, N.J.: Castle Books, 1988.<br />
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Pavitt, William Thomas. The Book of Talismans, Amulets, and Zodiacal Gems. New York: Samuel Weiser, 1970.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-80921604016516958512010-11-12T12:51:00.000-06:002010-11-12T12:51:12.644-06:00Basic Science Behind Electromagnetic Fields<strong>Basic Science Behind Electromagnetic Fields</strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Research compiled by Angela L MSSPI</span><br />
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<strong>What Exactly is EMF and Where does it come from?</strong><br />
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This has been a question I have wanted to explore in more detail ever since I first heard of EMF. It is commonly mentioned among paranormal investigators and EMF detectors are frequently used as part of investigations involving paranormal activity. But why? And what did I miss in Science class? The following article is just a scratch on the surface as to what EMF is and how it affects us as humans on this planet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMuwazrLnR7P_3KC9gbLBbpSM80EdqRPXq6ojZhd50T3vfWzSc0c8j_cPDAqNfxZE1S3IWQ4OEDrc5a9WXfQrIDQ5VZQO_CYKZ_4-13cVx4b1-qwvKv9icDYvDOiJybjho4apwHkvXtXX/s1600/mearth.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMuwazrLnR7P_3KC9gbLBbpSM80EdqRPXq6ojZhd50T3vfWzSc0c8j_cPDAqNfxZE1S3IWQ4OEDrc5a9WXfQrIDQ5VZQO_CYKZ_4-13cVx4b1-qwvKv9icDYvDOiJybjho4apwHkvXtXX/s1600/mearth.gif" /></a></div>The Earth's magnetic field is similar to that of a bar magnet tilted 11 degrees from the spin axis of the Earth. The problem with that picture is that the Curie temperature of iron is about 770 C . The Earth's core is hotter than that and therefore not magnetic. So how did the Earth get its magnetic field? <br />
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The intensity and structure of the Earth's magnetic field are always changing, slowly but erratically, reflecting the influence of the flow of thermal currents within the iron core. This variation is reflected in part by the wandering of the North and South Geomagnetic Poles. Magnetic fields surround electric currents, so we surmise that circulating electic currents in the Earth's molten metalic core are the origin of the magnetic field. A current loop gives a field similar to that of the earth. The magnetic field magnitude measured at the surface of the Earth is about half a Gauss and dips toward the Earth in the northern hemisphere. The magnitude varies over the surface of the Earth in the range 0.3 to 0.6 Gauss. <br />
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The Earth's magnetic field is attributed to a dynamo effect of circulating electric current, but it is not constant in direction. Rock specimens of different age in similar locations have different directions of permanent magnetization. Evidence for 171 magnetic field reversals during the past 71 million years has been reported. <br />
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<strong>The Dynamo Effect</strong><br />
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The simple question "how does the Earth get its magnetic field?" does not have a simple answer. It does seem clear that the generation of the magnetic field is linked to the rotation of the earth, since Venus with a similar iron-core composition but a 243 Earth-day rotation period does not have a measurable magnetic field. It certainly seems plausible that it depends upon the rotation of the fluid metallic iron which makes up a large portion of the interior, and the rotating conductor model leads to the term "dynamo effect" or "geodynamo", evoking the image of an electric generator. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Convection drives the outer-core fluid and it circulates relative to the earth. This means the electrically conducting material moves relative to the earth's magnetic field. If it can obtain a charge by some interaction like friction between layers, an effective current loop could be produced. The magnetic field of a current loop could sustain the magnetic dipole type magnetic field of the earth. Large-scale computer models are approaching a realistic simulation of such a geodynamo. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Interaction of the terrestrial magnetic field with particles from the solar wind sets up the conditions for the aurora phenomena near the poles. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M2-kJJjfy0QVgD6fn_p-jR9hcN95bx0k1ghIs2qcWxFE3rTGXCuESoOdS-aM8xx7P0TJvwHM11gD0L5iweDBv592_D74DfnKHZnmZB5XdANhbMBhvUywh7GOJI2C1QPz57-zP8TQLnun/s1600/magfield.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M2-kJJjfy0QVgD6fn_p-jR9hcN95bx0k1ghIs2qcWxFE3rTGXCuESoOdS-aM8xx7P0TJvwHM11gD0L5iweDBv592_D74DfnKHZnmZB5XdANhbMBhvUywh7GOJI2C1QPz57-zP8TQLnun/s320/magfield.gif" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Van Allen Radiation Belts</strong><br />
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A fundamental property of magnetic fields is that they exert forces on moving electrical charges. Thus, a magnetic field can trap charged particles such as electrons and protons as they are forced to execute a spiraling motion back and forth along the field lines. <br />
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As illustrated in the adjacent figure, the charged particles are reflected at "mirror points" where the field lines come close together and the spirals tighten. One of the first fruits of early space exploration was the discovery in the late 1950s that the Earth is surrounded by two regions of particularly high concentration of charged particles called the Van Allen radiation belts. <br />
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The inner and outer Van Allen belts are illustrated in the top figure. The primary source of these charged particles is the stream of particles emanating from the Sun that we call the solar wind. The charged particles trapped in the Earth's magnetic field are responsible for the aurora (Northern and Southern Lights). <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Influence of the Sun Electrical particles streaming from the sun cause the "solar wind" which warps Earth's geomagnetic field lines, flattening them on the sun-ward side and stretching them out on the downstream side. The influence of this distortion of the geomagnetic field is quite small near Earth's surface (except during solar eruptions associated with sunspots) and becomes larger with increasing distance from Earth. The Sun spews out a constant stream of X-ray and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. This energy, along with that from cosmic rays, affects the Earth’s ionosphere, starting some 60 km above us. When solar energy or cosmic rays strike the ionosphere, electrons are stripped from their nuclei. This process is called ionizing, hence the name ionosphere. It is the free electrons in the ionosphere that have a strong influence on the propagation of radio signals. Radio frequencies of very long wavelength (very low frequency or “VLF”) “bounce” or reflect off these free electrons in the ionosphere thus, conveniently for us, allowing radio communication over the horizon and around our curved Earth. The strength of the received radio signal changes according to how much ionization has occurred and from which level of the ionosphere the VLF wave has “bounced.”</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFlEDroEOaLL9x310o_1Wr8ydGgFK9EpmzMa9AoeNxUw3iLMMoOoa7y_7jGTDvtPjN0p5wF5RM5vpR3xVmrlb55ZaS8odMv0BQGXkZAv8Swqr4wVFTfeKg2pQj1P4VG6N_8rYq9Vrar/s1600/image030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFlEDroEOaLL9x310o_1Wr8ydGgFK9EpmzMa9AoeNxUw3iLMMoOoa7y_7jGTDvtPjN0p5wF5RM5vpR3xVmrlb55ZaS8odMv0BQGXkZAv8Swqr4wVFTfeKg2pQj1P4VG6N_8rYq9Vrar/s1600/image030.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The ionosphere has several layers created at different altitudes and made up of different densities of ionization. Each layer has its own properties, and the existence and number of layers change daily under the influence of the Sun. During the day, the ionosphere is heavily ionized by the Sun. During the night hours the cosmic rays dominate because there is no ionization caused by the Sun (which has set below the horizon). Thus there is a daily cycle associated with the ionizations.</div><br />
In addition to the daily fluctuations, activity on the Sun can cause dramatic sudden changes to the ionosphere. The Sun can unexpectedly erupt with a solar flare, a violent explosion in the Sun's atmosphere caused by huge magnetic activity. These sudden flares produce large amounts of X-rays and EUV energy, which travel to the Earth (and other planets) at the speed of light.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3yt2ejB_ATT2QXj4QDDIvQhtUVnP-9Z8j2BGg0BpGTC9cjygG3UHVhyphenhyphenIBIO6mqNcgEl7eshKwfz0uKRF6qstK8Md7c9pKZ2bhEmOhovhOZxXPig_ByPKjb8bM46DRI0LkhG2Mc-2bRyT/s1600/solar_flare.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3yt2ejB_ATT2QXj4QDDIvQhtUVnP-9Z8j2BGg0BpGTC9cjygG3UHVhyphenhyphenIBIO6mqNcgEl7eshKwfz0uKRF6qstK8Md7c9pKZ2bhEmOhovhOZxXPig_ByPKjb8bM46DRI0LkhG2Mc-2bRyT/s200/solar_flare.png" width="200" /></a></div>Extra solar activity in the form of solar flares affects the earth's geomagnetic field. Some great paranormal evidence has been collected during times when there is solar activity such as mega flares and geomagnetic storms. It is unknown why this happens. Paranormal Investigators will watch for high-level periods of solar activity and try to plan investigations during those times or at least document them in order to find patterns of increases in activity. Conditions where either an M Class flare, X Class flare or a Mega Flare has occurred are considered by some to be ripe for paranormal investigations. When the geomagnetic field either indicates an unsettled or storm condition that is another good time for paranormal investigations. <br />
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A flare is defined as a sudden, rapid, and intense variation in brightness. A solar flare occurs when magnetic energy that has built up in the solar atmosphere is suddenly released. Radiation is emitted across virtually the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves at the long wavelength end, through optical emission to x-rays and gamma rays at the short wavelength end. The amount of energy released is the equivalent of millions of 100-megaton hydrogen bombs exploding at the same time! The first solar flare recorded in astronomical literature was on September 1, 1859. Two scientists, Richard C. Carrington and Richard Hodgson, were independently observing sunspots at the time, when they viewed a large flare in white light. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFlEDroEOaLL9x310o_1Wr8ydGgFK9EpmzMa9AoeNxUw3iLMMoOoa7y_7jGTDvtPjN0p5wF5RM5vpR3xVmrlb55ZaS8odMv0BQGXkZAv8Swqr4wVFTfeKg2pQj1P4VG6N_8rYq9Vrar/s1600/image030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4JFlEDroEOaLL9x310o_1Wr8ydGgFK9EpmzMa9AoeNxUw3iLMMoOoa7y_7jGTDvtPjN0p5wF5RM5vpR3xVmrlb55ZaS8odMv0BQGXkZAv8Swqr4wVFTfeKg2pQj1P4VG6N_8rYq9Vrar/s1600/image030.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As the magnetic energy is being released, particles, including electrons, protons, and heavy nuclei, are heated and accelerated in the solar atmosphere. The energy released during a flare is typically on the order of 1027 ergs per second. Large flares can emit up to 1032 ergs of energy. This energy is ten million times greater than the energy released from a volcanic explosion. On the other hand, it is less than one-tenth of the total energy emitted by the Sun every second. <br />
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Solar flares extend out to the layer of the Sun called the corona. The corona is the outermost atmosphere of the Sun, consisting of highly rarefied gas. This gas normally has a temperature of a few million degrees Kelvin. Inside a flare, the temperature typically reaches 10 or 20 million degrees Kelvin, and can be as high as 100 million degrees Kelvin. The corona is visible in soft x-rays, as in the above image. Notice that the corona is not uniformly bright, but is concentrated around the solar equator in loop-shaped features. These bright loops are located within and connect areas of strong magnetic field called active regions. Sunspots are located within these active regions. Solar flares occur in active regions. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFhDm0YbXDOvGbvoEJf-KKQDZMQHuSqwHC32Fv3DJglq0qP9Ox_BPO1lnH72Szavtb2mpGNukZtSZZI4-EmHYqS_JuUQOv0yVTqGWBVnBF3lziT0tmp-N06T3IG_s3qK3AKx7NvblCB8t/s1600/300px-Flare_and_after-flare_prominence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRFhDm0YbXDOvGbvoEJf-KKQDZMQHuSqwHC32Fv3DJglq0qP9Ox_BPO1lnH72Szavtb2mpGNukZtSZZI4-EmHYqS_JuUQOv0yVTqGWBVnBF3lziT0tmp-N06T3IG_s3qK3AKx7NvblCB8t/s320/300px-Flare_and_after-flare_prominence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The frequency of flares coincides with the Sun's eleven year cycle. When the solar cycle is at a minimum, active regions are small and rare and few solar flares are detected. These increase in number as the Sun approaches the maximum part of its cycle. The Sun will reach its next maximum in the year 2011, give or take one year. </div><br />
A person cannot view a solar flare by simply staring at the Sun. (NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! EYE DAMAGE CAN RESULT.) Flares are in fact difficult to see against the bright emission from the photosphere. Instead, specialized scientific instruments are used to detect the radiation signatures emitted during a flare. The radio and optical emissions from flares can be observed with telescopes on the Earth. Energetic emissions such as x-rays and gamma rays require telescopes located in space, since these emissions do not penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. <br />
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<strong>Earth's Magnetic Field </strong><br />
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The solar wind mentioned above is a stream of ionized gases that blows outward from the Sun at about 400 km/second and that varies in intensity with the amount of surface activity on the Sun. The Earth's magnetic field shields it from much of the solar wind. When the solar wind encounters Earth's magnetic field it is deflected like water around the bow of a ship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE01eAOnrRd0nkWWnH83GP96YMFyhHwtiwgKAPEa-kEv8VfG_Cf47eMwUDfRlLec5qXr9WqzL-XsQ5GBzTmsiB6FMeoSyeBF1yoM5ClPyssVwSsNYZxNGngoUQBkB5e7tdLT0RopNhtGb/s1600/stsyss.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcE01eAOnrRd0nkWWnH83GP96YMFyhHwtiwgKAPEa-kEv8VfG_Cf47eMwUDfRlLec5qXr9WqzL-XsQ5GBzTmsiB6FMeoSyeBF1yoM5ClPyssVwSsNYZxNGngoUQBkB5e7tdLT0RopNhtGb/s320/stsyss.gif" width="320" /></a></div>The imaginary surface at which the solar wind is first deflected is called the bow shock. The corresponding region of space sitting behind the bow shock and surrounding the Earth is termed the magnetosphere; it represents a region of space dominated by the Earth's magnetic field in the sense that it largely prevents the solar wind from entering. However, some high energy charged particles from the solar wind leak into the magnetosphere and are the source of the charged particles trapped in the Van Allen belts. <br />
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An electromagnetic field (also EMF or EM field) is a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field. The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the electromagnetic interaction. It is one of the four fundamental forces of nature (the others are gravitation, the weak interaction, and the strong interaction).<br />
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The field can be viewed as the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field. The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by moving charges (currents); these two are often described as the sources of the field. The way in which charges and currents interact with the electromagnetic field is described by Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law.<br />
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From a classical perspective, the electromagnetic field can be regarded as a smooth, continuous field, propagated in a wavelike manner; whereas from the perspective of quantum field theory, the field is seen as quantized, being composed of individual particles.<br />
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In the past, electrically charged objects were thought to produce two types of field associated with their charge property. An electric field is produced when the charge is stationary with respect to an observer measuring the properties of the charge, and a magnetic field (as well as an electric field) is produced when the charge moves (creating an electric current) with respect to this observer. Over time, it was realized that the electric and magnetic fields are better thought of as two parts of a greater whole — the electromagnetic field.<br />
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Once this electromagnetic field has been produced from a given charge distribution, other charged objects in this field will experience a force (in a similar way that planets experience a force in the gravitational field of the Sun). If these other charges and currents are comparable in size to the sources producing the above electromagnetic field, then a new net electromagnetic field will be produced. Thus, the electromagnetic field may be viewed as a dynamic entity that causes other charges and currents to move, and which is also affected by them. These interactions are described by Maxwell's equations and the Lorentz force law.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllhuDG9TwIi2ihvNnCyUHy09c7TKs-1td_TE13CnhODRoAQPeDyYr48V2E0FjpjtJF9XkrPGuZgsz9zZyKSzHtwXmYc6mOwl6VOULJkwuWVWWGzeVFmKORFrEDv0rXGS_NE3ezffoh4FB/s1600/220px-Sun_-_August_1%252C_2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllhuDG9TwIi2ihvNnCyUHy09c7TKs-1td_TE13CnhODRoAQPeDyYr48V2E0FjpjtJF9XkrPGuZgsz9zZyKSzHtwXmYc6mOwl6VOULJkwuWVWWGzeVFmKORFrEDv0rXGS_NE3ezffoh4FB/s1600/220px-Sun_-_August_1%252C_2010.jpg" /></a></div>Light from the sun is the main source of energy on earth, whether directly or indirectly. Electromagnetic radiation covers basically all aspects of life.<br />
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Properties of the electromagnetic field are exploited in many areas of industry. The use of electromagnetic radiation is seen in various disciplines. For example, X-rays are high frequency electromagnetic radiation and are used in radiography in medicine. Other forms of electromagnetic radiation are used in radio astronomy and radiometry in telecommunications. Other medical applications include laser therapy, which is an example of photomedicine. Applications of lasers are found in military devices such as laser-guided bombs, as well as more down to earth devices such as barcode readers and CD players. Something as simple as a relay in any electrical device uses an electromagnetic field to engage or to disengage the two different states of output (i.e., when electricity is not applied, the metal strip will connect output A and B, but if electricity is applied, an electromagnetic field will be created and the metal strip will connect output A and C).<br />
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The potential health effects of the very low frequency EMFs surrounding power lines and electrical devices are the subject of on-going research and a significant amount of public debate. In workplace environments, where EMF exposures can be up to 10,000 times greater than the average, the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued some cautionary advisories but stresses that the data is currently too limited to draw good conclusions.<br />
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<strong>What happens when you are exposed to electromagnetic fields?</strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jx4XMYrysXxqy6re24KXHLvBO0LXkZRMlUm0m7mcnlhE7zypU4jqlZd54x4V-gtdP8rUwsNW2dnmuqPpvidlp9kSV-M2ILX1-tLiYKvrdzy0V2Xms3fEADdT0ljbRxHrn7VvAudaNguh/s1600/image001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Jx4XMYrysXxqy6re24KXHLvBO0LXkZRMlUm0m7mcnlhE7zypU4jqlZd54x4V-gtdP8rUwsNW2dnmuqPpvidlp9kSV-M2ILX1-tLiYKvrdzy0V2Xms3fEADdT0ljbRxHrn7VvAudaNguh/s320/image001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Exposure to electromagnetic fields is not a new phenomenon. However, during the 20th century, environmental exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has been steadily increasing as growing electricity demand, ever-advancing technologies and changes in social behaviour have created more and more artificial sources. Everyone is exposed to a complex mix of weak electric and magnetic fields, both at home and at work, from the generation and transmission of electricity, domestic appliances and industrial equipment, to telecommunications and broadcasting. Man made electromagnetic fields have increased significantly in the past 50 yrs, with the introduction of new technologies. Cell phones are currently the hot topic related to health risks and the effect of electromagnetic fields. There is an ongoing debate among researchers and scientist as to whether their use increases the risks for cancer and other health problems. The use of computers and artificial light are another debate in themselves. The graph above shows the increase in power use from1945 to 2000. Light pollution is 1 to 1 correlated with electromagnetic energy leaking into the environment. Where there is artificial light there is electromagnetic interferences. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0L9nKBGA1_JPHzq4ReSfPbu-hV1w7oRR7BBoRf2srevNPpvi7R7dfIWCWZ4d-DH0zjJZ7t5JcBFjGV2zKqqivZa4nmup0M91LecydaFxMSiXSzFuGr2jd5pISROIb-1mu4QHx8gVNMqI/s1600/lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0L9nKBGA1_JPHzq4ReSfPbu-hV1w7oRR7BBoRf2srevNPpvi7R7dfIWCWZ4d-DH0zjJZ7t5JcBFjGV2zKqqivZa4nmup0M91LecydaFxMSiXSzFuGr2jd5pISROIb-1mu4QHx8gVNMqI/s640/lights.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5m-VCbCJV0W6Dk2obQ1DYa6tD4j5gJoaCF1S3ZlXja9eI63R60yhrEbc6raHeVl4vQvQweqNXR-eYBJ1-NE4vxmJ5WyB99VndiFD3-1f7kYcMZLakP_Mjr0Y2qJuAr9AbwW3oqxWYd4C/s1600/flurefield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM5m-VCbCJV0W6Dk2obQ1DYa6tD4j5gJoaCF1S3ZlXja9eI63R60yhrEbc6raHeVl4vQvQweqNXR-eYBJ1-NE4vxmJ5WyB99VndiFD3-1f7kYcMZLakP_Mjr0Y2qJuAr9AbwW3oqxWYd4C/s400/flurefield.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I found this next photo to be very interesting. This is a photograph of 1,301 florescent light tubes arrayed in a field beneath standard high power electrical lines. The energy causing them to glow is the magnetic field leaked by those high power electrical lines into the environment<br />
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<strong>Electromagnetic fields at home</strong><br />
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Electricity is transmitted over long distances via high voltage power lines. Transformers reduce these high voltages for local distribution to homes and businesses. Electricity transmission and distribution facilities and residential wiring and appliances account for the background level of power frequency electric and magnetic fields in the home. In homes not located near power lines this background field may be up to about 0.2 µT. Directly beneath power lines the fields are much stronger. Magnetic flux densities at ground level can range up to several µT. Electric field levels underneath power lines can be as high as 10 kV/m. However, the fields (both electric and magnetic) drop off with distance from the lines. At 50 m to 100 m distance the fields are normally at levels that are found in areas away from high voltage power lines. In addition, house walls substantially reduce the electric field levels from those found at similar locations outside the house.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdoUdMQqGhDNJLFGcHg4qDiMoq1SIERS9rS9G2SAiG2AF24vw8IqeaGHqJ5JzzB4Ee54GNnBoXnF567mHGfqIXI0-OD9Rjg9hDNYBBJJ81APzlbm2-FxR8qkULXmh38bnZCP0kNYlWdWi/s1600/Electromagnetic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdoUdMQqGhDNJLFGcHg4qDiMoq1SIERS9rS9G2SAiG2AF24vw8IqeaGHqJ5JzzB4Ee54GNnBoXnF567mHGfqIXI0-OD9Rjg9hDNYBBJJ81APzlbm2-FxR8qkULXmh38bnZCP0kNYlWdWi/s640/Electromagnetic.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Electric appliances in the household</strong><br />
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The strongest power frequency electric fields that are ordinarily encountered in the environment exist beneath high voltage transmission lines. In contrast, the strongest magnetic fields at power frequency are normally found very close to motors and other electrical appliances, as well as in specialized equipment such as magnetic resonance scanners used for medical imaging.<br />
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Typical electric field strengths measured near household appliances (at a distance of 30 cm)<br />
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(From: Federal Office for Radiation Safety, Germany 1999)</span></em> <br />
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<strong>Electric appliance- Electric field strength (V/m)</strong> <br />
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Stereo receiver -180 <br />
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Iron -120 <br />
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Refrigerator -120 <br />
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Mixer -100 <br />
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Toaster- 80 <br />
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Hair dryer- 80 <br />
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Colour TV -60 <br />
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Coffee machine -60 <br />
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Vacuum cleaner- 50 <br />
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Electric oven- 8 <br />
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Light bulb- 5 <br />
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Many people are surprised when they become aware of the variety of magnetic field levels found near various appliances. The field strength does not depend on how large, complex, powerful or noisy the device is. Furthermore, even between apparently similar devices, the strength of the magnetic field may vary a lot. For example, while some hair dryers are surrounded by a very strong field, others hardly produce any magnetic field at all. These differences in magnetic field strength are related to product design. The measurements above were taken in Germany and all of the appliances operate on electricity at a frequency of 50 Hz. It should be noted that the actual exposure levels vary considerably depending on the model of appliance and distance from it.<br />
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The Federal Office for Radiation Safety in Germany recently measured the daily exposure to magnetic fields of about 2000 individuals across a range of occupations and public exposures. All of them were equipped with personal dosimeters for 24 hours. The measured exposure varied widely but gave an average daily exposure of 0.10 µT. This value is a thousand times lower that the standard limit of 100 µT for the public and 200 times lower than the 500 µT exposure limit for workers. Furthermore, the exposure of people living in the centers of cities showed that there are no drastic differences in exposure between life in rural areas and life in the city. Even the exposure of people living in the vicinity of high voltage power lines differs very little from the average exposure in the population.<br />
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Tiny electrical currents exist in the human body due to the chemical reactions that occur as part of the normal bodily functions, even in the absence of external electric fields. For example, nerves relay signals by transmitting electric impulses. Most biochemical reactions from digestion to brain activities go along with the rearrangement of charged particles. Even the heart is electrically active - an activity that your doctor can trace with the help of an electrocardiogram.<br />
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Low-frequency electric fields influence the human body just as they influence any other material made up of charged particles. When electric fields act on conductive materials, they influence the distribution of electric charges at their surface. They cause current to flow through the body to the ground.<br />
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Low-frequency magnetic fields induce circulating currents within the human body. The strength of these currents depends on the intensity of the outside magnetic field. If sufficiently large, these currents could cause stimulation of nerves and muscles or affect other biological processes.<br />
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Both electric and magnetic fields induce voltages and currents in the body but even directly beneath a high voltage transmission line, the induced currents are very small compared to thresholds for producing shock and other electrical effects.<br />
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Heating is the main biological effect of the electromagnetic fields of radiofrequency fields. In microwave ovens this fact is employed to warm up food. The levels of radiofrequency fields to which people are normally exposed are very much lower than those needed to produce significant heating. The heating effect of radiowaves forms the underlying basis for current guidelines. Scientists are also investigating the possibility that effects below the threshold level for body heating occur as a result of long-term exposure. To date, no adverse health effects from low level, long-term exposure to radio frequency or power frequency fields have been confirmed, but scientists are actively continuing to research this area.<br />
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I read this excerpt from an article at: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUdQIbHE014AP9KWH-AihOsl4H5OKCqOanKinjW0J9BfPSb8WtI0e1OO7mveSjIHs2JlAh3u5Eo4QkFDdXmQvdhfJvoIHVH24ULeYktQYf63TXrAEAhfc66H6-vIwOPFixVdrPps8yazA/s1600/Chakra_Meridian_Energetic_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUdQIbHE014AP9KWH-AihOsl4H5OKCqOanKinjW0J9BfPSb8WtI0e1OO7mveSjIHs2JlAh3u5Eo4QkFDdXmQvdhfJvoIHVH24ULeYktQYf63TXrAEAhfc66H6-vIwOPFixVdrPps8yazA/s320/Chakra_Meridian_Energetic_c.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><a href="http://phaelosopher.wordpress.com/2009/12/25/big-lies-and-subtle-balance/">http://phaelosopher.wordpress.com/2009/12/25/big-lies-and-subtle-balance/</a> which I tend to agree with based on personal experiences with working with body chakra and my experiences in the nursing field. I wanted to include it in this piece as I believe that the study of paranormal phenomena should include learning about how the human body and the brain function. I personally noticed a huge improvement in how I felt physically while experimenting with body energy. I hope that you will take the time to read this article in it's entirety.<br />
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<em>We are energetic beings with largely unseen electromagnetic fields. Molecular behavior is greatly influenced by the energetic field that surrounds each of us. The state of that field influences the function and/or dysfunction of our body. It also influences our perception, bringing creative clarity or repressive distortion.</em><br />
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<em>Restoring balance will eliminate cancer, stroke, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, psoriasis, or any of the many other chronic conditions that billions and trillions are being spent on each year. But the solutions that most funded medical research is focused on, and are being run through clinical trials at the cost of millions each year to the “watch dog” agencies for certification, generally don’t take the body toward balance. They do even less for the mind and spirit. Major evidence of this truth is that the numbers of people entering into chronic conditions continues to rise, with onset occurring earlier than ever.</em><br />
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<em>It was a pleasure to learn recently about a procedure that helps bring about a fundamental form of balance, simply and without medication. It is called Alphabiotics. Developed by Dr. Virgil Chrane, out of Dallas, TX, it is a series of movements that can be likened to rebooting the brain which, when placed constantly in a low grade stressed state, assumes a “fight or flight,”or “freeze or faint” position, wherein one hemisphere or the other is dominant. This condition not only affects perception, it affects physiology, beginning with the alignment of the spine. If the spine is not in alignment, information pathways to various parts of the body will be affected, as will energy. When energy flow is disrupted, then life is affected.</em><br />
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<strong>Biological effects or health effects? What is a health hazard?</strong><br />
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Biological effects are measurable responses to a stimulus or to a change in the environment. These changes are not necessarily harmful to your health. For example, listening to music, reading a book, eating an apple or playing tennis will produce a range of biological effects. Nevertheless, none of these activities is expected to cause health effects. The body has sophisticated mechanisms to adjust to the many and varied influences we encounter in our environment. Ongoing change forms a normal part of our lives. But, of course, the body does not possess adequate compensation mechanisms for all biological effects. Changes that are irreversible and stress the system for long periods of time may constitute a health hazard.<br />
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An adverse health effect causes detectable impairment of the health of the exposed individual or of his or her offspring; a biological effect, on the other hand, may or may not result in an adverse health effect.<br />
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It is not disputed that electromagnetic fields above certain levels can trigger biological effects. Experiments with healthy volunteers indicate that short-term exposure at the levels present in the environment or in the home do not cause any apparent detrimental effects. Exposures to higher levels that might be harmful are restricted by national and international guidelines. The current debate is centred on whether long-term low level exposure can evoke biological responses and influence people's well being.<br />
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A look at the news headlines of recent years allows some insight into the various areas of public concern. Over the course of the past decade, numerous electromagnetic field sources have become the focus of health concerns, including power lines, microwave ovens, computer and TV screens, security devices, radars and most recently mobile phones and their base stations.<br />
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<strong>The International EMF Project</strong><br />
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In response to growing public health concerns over possible health effects from exposure to an ever increasing number and diversity of electromagnetic field sources, in 1996 the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a large, multidisciplinary research effort. The International EMF Project brings together current knowledge and available resources of key international and national agencies and scientific institutions.<br />
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<strong>Conclusions from scientific research</strong><br />
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In the area of biological effects and medical applications of non-ionizing radiation approximately 25,000 articles have been published over the past 30 years. Despite the feeling of some people that more research needs to be done, scientific knowledge in this area is now more extensive than for most chemicals. Based on a recent in-depth review of the scientific literature, the World Health Organization concluded that current evidence does not confirm the existence of any health consequences from exposure to low level electromagnetic fields. However, some gaps in knowledge about biological effects exist and need further research. There are many Physicians and Scientist that will dispute the WHO conclusions.<br />
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<strong>Effects on general health</strong><br />
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Some members of the public have attributed a diffuse collection of symptoms to low levels of exposure to electromagnetic fields at home. Reported symptoms include headaches, anxiety, suicide and depression, nausea, fatigue and loss of libido. To date, scientific evidence does not support a link between these symptoms and exposure to electromagnetic fields. At least some of these health problems may be caused by noise or other factors in the environment, or by anxiety related to the presence of new technologies.<br />
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<strong>Electromagnetic hypersensitivity and depression</strong><br />
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Some individuals report "hypersensitivity" to electric or magnetic fields. They ask whether aches and pains, headaches, depression, lethargy, sleeping disorders, and even convulsions and epileptic seizures could be associated with electromagnetic field exposure. I personally believe that long term exposure to EMF does play a part somehow. I personally experience headaches, nausea, dizzyness and insomnia related to what I believe are EMF related exposure to long hours of sitting in front of my computer screen. I have also experienced some of these symptoms on paranormal investigations and when exposed to overhead power line generators. However, I am not a scientist and I have never been personally involved in a scientific study to prove it.<br />
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There is little scientific evidence to support the idea of electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Recent Scandinavian studies found that individuals do not show consistent reactions under properly controlled conditions of electromagnetic field exposure. Nor is there any accepted biological mechanism to explain hypersensitivity. Research on this subject is difficult because many other subjective responses may be involved, apart from direct effects of fields themselves. More studies are continuing on the subject.<br />
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But, According to Dr. Nagi Hatoum, M.D., M.S.E.E.<br />
<a href="http://www.biotele.com/EMI.htm">http://www.biotele.com/EMI.htm</a><br />
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A study of suicide rates in 138,905 male electric utility workers, published in the Western Journal of Medicine, showed a correlation between estimated exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic interferences and a significant increase in the risk of suicide. Even stronger associations, up to a 3.5-fold increase, were found in men younger than 50. A separate report by Pacific NW Laboratory postulates that exposure to ELF is a potential contributing factor in depression. ELF fields may interfere with hormonal secretions which may exacerbate existing depression, or contribute to an onset of depression.<br />
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In another study, Dr. Wolpaw examined the brain functions of monkeys exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields. He measured the levels of neurohormones in the spinal fluid of monkeys thus exposed for three weeks. It was found that the levels of serotonin and dopamine were significantly depressed immediately following exposure, and that only the dopamine returned to normal levels several months after. Changes in serotonin levels are known to be associated with depression. For example, lowered levels of this chemical in the brain have been linked to an increase in suicide frequency.<br />
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Baboon exposed to 60 Hz powerlines expressed different behaviors according to Dr. Easley. The 60-Hz electric field had significant effects on the social behavior of baboons because it triggered a stress response.<br />
Electromagnetic interferences on the nervous system should get more attention and research.<br />
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Prior to the recent post industrial revolution, human exposure to electromagnetic energies was restricted to natural occurring radiation. In the last 50 years, man made electromagnetic energy leaking into the environment has grown exponentially. This leaked electromagnetic energy is not intentional and causes interferences with the environment and human body. And so the debate over health issues related to exposure to electromagnetic interference continues.<br />
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<strong>Electromagnetic Fields and Hallucinations.</strong><br />
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I hear the "Ghost Hunters" on TV tell their clients all the time that High EMF can cause hallucinations. But I have never heard them say how they know this or where this information came from or what experiments have been done to prove it. So I decided to do a little digging for myself to find out. I visited the World Health Organization website, Several government control websites, NASA websites, Numerous online physician and medical university websites, and did an extensive EMF and hallucination google and bing search. The majority of sites that I found claiming that EMF causes hallucinations, were paranormal websites discussing high EMF and most mentioned the theory but none provided any scientific sources or proof. I also found one reference to a DR Michael Persinger, who has been involved in unusual forms of brain/EMF interaction research for quite some time. Probably best known for claiming he could reproduce an alien abduction experience using EMF exposure alone! There were numerous articles related to Dr. Persinger regarding a so called " God Helmet". This has opened up a whole new set of articles for me to explore that I wont go into on this particular post and I look forward to reading about his experiments and claims. However, I also found numerous medical websites that actually use pulsing EMF exposures and electromagnetic therapy to treat hallucinations and epilepsy. So I am going to do some more digging and reading before I accept or refute the theory that exposure to EMF causes hallucinations. At this point in my research I have found no evidence that exposure to EMF causes hallucinations at all and was actually left more confused than enlightened. However I will save this subject for a future post when I have had more time to research it. I would recommend though that if high levels of EMF are detected in an area where a paranormal experience has occurred. That this not be ruled out as a possible cause. It is possible that these high level exposures could be having an effect on perception as there are suggestions that high levels of EMF have an effect on dopamine, seratonin and melatonin levels in the brain. That high levels of EMF over long exposure times, do affect sleep patterns, chemical imbalances in the brain and immune system and nervous system functions. So the possiblility that they could produce hallucinations is possible. <br />
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<strong>Reduction of Electromagnetic Interferences</strong><br />
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There are several method to reduce exposure to electromagnetic interference. The most frequent method is shielding and the use of ground wire. Some building codes require installing powerline inside steel pipes. <br />
There are also many websites which advertise sheilding devices for cell phones and computer usage. I even found one website that sells a crystal that you wear around your neck that supposedly nutralizes harmful magnetic fields. But, the number of new patented ideas and gadgets were far too numerous to list in this article. What we suggest for starters is to have your electrical outlets and or your home tested. Paranormal Investigators do this with their EMF meters to get baseline readings when they investigate your home. EMF meters will detect sources of high EMF emmisions from electrical appliances, outlets, power and fuse boxes, etc. If a location gives off a high reading, then long term exposure to these areas should be avoided. If a power outlet next to your bed gives off a high reading next to your head every night, then rearrange your furniture, have your electrical wiring checked by a professional electrician and limit your exposure to these areas as much as possible. One of the most common sources we find as investigators is beside alarm clocks and radios. But don't panic! Remember :WE ARE ALL ELECTROMAGNETIC BEINGS.<br />
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The human body grounds electromagnetic radiation in the environment because of the electrical conductivity of our body. It is attracted to us. All living systems are based on electromagnetic energy. Every cell in your body is generating an electromagnetic field, every plant, every rock, the planet itself, the whole universe is made up of energy. It is true that man-made electromagnetic radiation is not the only source of random photons in the environment, but the problem is these frequencies which we have never encountered before are a whole different spectrum of frequencies than the living system uses. We have to use common sense to protect ourself whether science has proven a health risk or not. Why take the chance?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu1_a_QjkGfkPhKDfEZ9gjh8OXN-0RG3jBImKBjxauT7Zh2EL2-D_AzuGCw8CL1kirpb5CaNY7QZXC48D7ncUktibcr-RK-JFb4XvFdTOiAQ3X5HnwzLM76qAGSEcLFkPy2BiFkOLU24X/s1600/image2_250x178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqu1_a_QjkGfkPhKDfEZ9gjh8OXN-0RG3jBImKBjxauT7Zh2EL2-D_AzuGCw8CL1kirpb5CaNY7QZXC48D7ncUktibcr-RK-JFb4XvFdTOiAQ3X5HnwzLM76qAGSEcLFkPy2BiFkOLU24X/s320/image2_250x178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lunar phases also affect the earth's geomagnetic field. The earth's electromagnetic field is affected when the moon is closer, such as when it is full. People and paranormal activity are both influenced when the gravitational force is affected during a full moon. Many health care and emergency medical and law enforcement personel agree that full moon phases affect mental health and increases in crime and erradic behaviors. Having 20 yrs of nursing under my belt, I consider myself one of the many, who believe that the full moon in some way , has an effect on human behaviors. <br />
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It has been a common joke among nurses that when odd behaviors increase, that it's because of the full moon.<br />
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More paranormal activity seems to happen with the full moon and is reported by some paranormal investigators while other investigators do not notice this fluctuation. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeA4Gjhm6Bn0F06XUNQQAVwwSMRHL7ZGuFCGMvmR6vAieWSPXGfN53iB6B5zx0rX2akRLptziNC443W386etP0osYqy5CO6NCzQMTtsA-7PTUgX98lAyUAifs245H0zAR3qNXhgeLEs6z/s1600/lightning_stormtucson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeA4Gjhm6Bn0F06XUNQQAVwwSMRHL7ZGuFCGMvmR6vAieWSPXGfN53iB6B5zx0rX2akRLptziNC443W386etP0osYqy5CO6NCzQMTtsA-7PTUgX98lAyUAifs245H0zAR3qNXhgeLEs6z/s200/lightning_stormtucson.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Thunderstorms and lightning are also thought to be good for having success with a paranormal investigation. It is believed that during a thunderstorm a higher vibration frequency is reached by both the living and the not so living, which can make the odds a bit better for somebody to experience paranormal activity.<br />
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It is also believed that the solstice and equinoxes that occur every year present more opportune times for paranormal investigation. This is not based on science; it is because cultures from around the world believe that the solstice and equinoxes are a supernaturally important time. <br />
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I hope that this gathering of information will help our team and others understand the basic concepts behind Electromagnetic Fields and their origins. There is an abundance of information as well as theories out there that are yet to be explored.<br />
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Source Links<br />
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http://www.nationalatlas.gov/articles/geology/a_geomag.html<br />
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Solar flares imaged by the TRACE satellite. Photo courtesy NASA.<br />
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http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/flare.htm<br />
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http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/flares.shtml<br />
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The Earth’s ionosphere and reflecting of VLF radio waves.<br />
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Image courtesy of Morris Cohen, Stanford University<br />
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_field<br />
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Federal Office for Radiation Safety, Germany 1999<br />
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http://www.who.int/peh-emf/about/WhatisEMF/en/index1.html<br />
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http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/earth/magnetic.html<br />
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HyperPhysics***** Electricity and Magnetism R Nave<br />
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<span id="ip_purl"><a href="http://www.atwillett.com/lightning_postagestamp.html" onmousedown="return MMsi_T('&ID=images,438.1')" target="_blank">http://www.atwillett.com/lightning_postagestamp.html</a></span><br />
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<span>tp://www.hese-project.org/hese-uk/images/issues2.jpg</span><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.fms-corp.com/emfemibasics_emfspectrum.php4">http://www.fms-corp.com/emfemibasics_emfspectrum.php4</a> <br />
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http://www.biotele.com/EMI.htmMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-57258876979664539602010-10-21T04:56:00.000-05:002010-10-21T04:56:03.925-05:00Native American Death Mask<strong>Native American Death Masks</strong><br />
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by Angela L. - MSSPI<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Masks have been worn by man for ritual and ceremonial purposes since ancient times and can be traced to the Egyptian and Roman periods.The Death Mask in most ancient cultures was made of wax or plaster cast of the persons face. Sometimes while alive, but usually after death had occurred. For the wealthy or the royal families, they were often cast in bronze or gold and placed over the deceased face at burial. The process served as a reminder of the deceased for the family as well as being a protection from evil spirits and was associated with the belief in the return of the spirit. </div><br />
In North American History, every Native Tribe known to have ever existed, has used masks in some ritual or ceremonial purpose. African, Oceanic and Native American tribes considered masks, to be an important part of social and religious life. Some masks were placed over the head and face , while others were simply painted on the face and other adornments and decorations to the head or hair where added.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnWkqiCgDMDjA09RbWJRwvGClHyyfCTU23jwCJfeikIeH-MM4NWNvunE-z1O4owGBLJRDPXLc0WRX35HjN1WGltMQfn72Pkt9fKDiRiIAZ26_d-3Wymht7IfUOWcXc6E-4webEizmzeeJ/s1600/Native-Am-Cornhusk-Mask-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnWkqiCgDMDjA09RbWJRwvGClHyyfCTU23jwCJfeikIeH-MM4NWNvunE-z1O4owGBLJRDPXLc0WRX35HjN1WGltMQfn72Pkt9fKDiRiIAZ26_d-3Wymht7IfUOWcXc6E-4webEizmzeeJ/s200/Native-Am-Cornhusk-Mask-a.jpg" width="137" /></a></div>Some of the more well known masks were made by the Iroquois, especially those belonging to the very secretive and elusive False Face Society. .They were made of wood and corn husks. It has been said that in order to join the False Face Society one must have envisioned a healing mask in a dream and then made or created it as he saw it. Once this was accomplished they were then permitted to participate in the Societies ceremonies. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqXbMyFdqz5bPSJUC86-j1yZoFAMDuk_Ap8vtOivNQADUC3PnYeEPX1B9gn8aXdPthKme6HE13ACKv62kPdJl4LVLHSgSNTu_TfGNsNcqCAig_qV83GjWL91JDTMj1Qo4QtrecH_tNdDT/s1600/falseface.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqXbMyFdqz5bPSJUC86-j1yZoFAMDuk_Ap8vtOivNQADUC3PnYeEPX1B9gn8aXdPthKme6HE13ACKv62kPdJl4LVLHSgSNTu_TfGNsNcqCAig_qV83GjWL91JDTMj1Qo4QtrecH_tNdDT/s320/falseface.jpg" width="240" /></a>The Alaskan Yup'ik tribes are said to have made the most decorative and brightly colored varieties. They were made from a number of materials, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">usually whatever resources were available in a specific tribal area. Wood, leather, hides, bones, shells or whatever materials might be available. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Masks were usually created with great personal associations for the wearer or the occasion being celebrated. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Stains and dyes from plants, animals, soil and other materials were used to paint the masks, some of them being quite strange combinations such as blood, coal and urine mixed together. </div><br />
The Anchorage Museum has a collection of over two-hundred Yup'ik masks that were created during the early 19th and 20th centuries. <br />
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The arrival of missionaries to the Yup'ik and other Native tribes began to change the making and use of masks among the Native Americans. The missionaries denounced their masked dances as heathen rituals and their use was practically eliminated by the 1920's. <br />
In 1977 the New York Times reported that there were approximately 2000 surviving masks remaining from this period.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlopWLCz1ZxyidkYXMF7dmd9d9sGjbaycx6BKYEkVlk4Mr0JDqAMKSH9NpN15QCvoOQ-w9zHmmfm3QD2RHWWKl9OBoheQ7i2NUn0sASY0XE3kPT0IK1IyLLGM3agQRst1d3xE89wUt77uc/s1600/mask-218x175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlopWLCz1ZxyidkYXMF7dmd9d9sGjbaycx6BKYEkVlk4Mr0JDqAMKSH9NpN15QCvoOQ-w9zHmmfm3QD2RHWWKl9OBoheQ7i2NUn0sASY0XE3kPT0IK1IyLLGM3agQRst1d3xE89wUt77uc/s1600/mask-218x175.jpg" /></a></div>The Cherokee created what is known as the Booger Mask. Made from gourds, and painted with walnut shell or charcoal dye. They were worn for storytelling and worn during the Booger Dance which was a depiction of the arrival of the Europeans to their native land.. <br />
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The Booger Mask art fell into severe decline when the Cherokee were forcibly removed from their homeland to Oklahoma, where their traditional materials were not available. <a href="http://www.cherokeeheritagemuseum-gallery.org/Friends.html">Read about the Booger Dance Here</a> : <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkpZWBLV85lBwIjFvvPh9xzb4_10rri9HvDClRZP4jj23qvKPlJhIpcGA6fQ34HQsuGt71pzKHregR4VHuASMV4wUwQtUDfvHji0JDhJuIWKSjfHBnWXxKxt-RhYlBqNhcCmEIaNXkhYG/s1600/fig5-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkpZWBLV85lBwIjFvvPh9xzb4_10rri9HvDClRZP4jj23qvKPlJhIpcGA6fQ34HQsuGt71pzKHregR4VHuASMV4wUwQtUDfvHji0JDhJuIWKSjfHBnWXxKxt-RhYlBqNhcCmEIaNXkhYG/s320/fig5-4.jpg" width="320" /></a>Some North West Coastal tribes had impressively carved cedar masks which could open at a pivotal point in a story to reveal a second mask carved within the first one.The Hopi and Pueblo tribes carved and painted wooden Kachina Masks. Kachina are the symbols of spirits who control crops, weather, health and all other aspects of life. Kachina are also symbols of ancestors who are highly regarded by the Hopi. There are more than five-hundred indivdual Kachina known. Kachina are more commonly know in the form of Kachina dolls. Each doll has it's own special markings, color, and decoration and are used mostly during the winter and summer solstice ceremonies. They are usually carved from Cottonwood trees and range from an inch to a foot in length. Kokopelli is the most popular and well recognized of the Kachina. Kokopelli is a hump backed flute player who is believed to bring good luck, health and happiness to the homes he adorns and is also known as the teacher of Kachina carving.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>The Apache and Navajo used leather to make their ceremonial masks. But, the one thing they all had in common was that they all had a ceremonial purpose of some kind for their creators.<br />
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</div>Masks were used in a wide variety of ceremonies, including marriage, birth, childhood initiations to adulthood, preparations for war,seed planting, harvesting, hunting, healing and many other occasions including death.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwHG_YwdmmT_USFXUWgZwzxQf-SN6qvEHrxCSIvvMsavWdccAnf4Hnilea7mqwCJg6JIfOq7nVwXJmDfzW2o5mt4O466xwW8JLLsn_lTEbwfVZUHGk-UYe-lkVEbZDx66vFxSjy2WYvVp/s1600/ChuSangSnakeDancerTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiwHG_YwdmmT_USFXUWgZwzxQf-SN6qvEHrxCSIvvMsavWdccAnf4Hnilea7mqwCJg6JIfOq7nVwXJmDfzW2o5mt4O466xwW8JLLsn_lTEbwfVZUHGk-UYe-lkVEbZDx66vFxSjy2WYvVp/s1600/ChuSangSnakeDancerTH.jpg" /></a></div>Many tribes used masks in healing rituals. It was believed that masks held spiritual powers that never left them. Because many tribes believed that shamanic powers were genetic, healing masks were often passed down thru the bloodlines of Medicine men and Shaman.<br />
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Shaman should not be confused with Medicine men or Medicine women. Medicine people are those who serve as prophets, soothsayers and moral leaders. They are often the tribal storytellers and their services were considered healing. The French called them me'decins or doctors. From this the word medicine became applicable to everything pertaining to these people as well as to anything the Natives held sacred.<br />
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Shaman are reportedly capable of bringing cosmic powers into ritual to affect healing. A Shaman must develop and maintain his or her relationship with the spirit world and be always prepared to help others. They are said to receive revelations from the spirits. Shaman are personalities who live in deepened relationships with their cosmology and they assist others to deepen their spiritual relationships with the cosmos around them. They revere and appreciate the Earth and the world around them and they hold the Earth as sacred to their survival. <br />
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Medicine hats, though not full face masks were also worn by many shaman and healers throughout the tribes. They were usually adorned with a cross and crescent, representing the four directions and the moon spirits and were painted black, blue, yellow and white which depicted the Four Winds or the East, West, South and North. They were often decorated with such things as, Eagle feathers, turquois gems, beads, shells, deer fur and thong and yellow pollen. <br />
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The Hopi tribes and others wore masks while curing and praying over the sick, to alleviate suffering and pain, and to perform exorcisms. Some tribes believed that sickness was caused by malevolent or evil spirits. The Nepcetat mask was worn by the Shaman to predict death. It was literally stuck to the face of the Shaman, if it stayed on during the prayer ritual it meant that the person being prayed for would recover and live. If it fell off during the prayer ritual it meant the person was near death.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVfXP6LdoQeHi6lcc1-gd2mRaAxAbh9R1T5zJNME17GsulfIWLi90WNQs8mGiW994GgRuGkXXpRUqTPc1hJ_pZ3s-ktcl_6LEVjLQdbxMiKREsIZhzgf2tOGvJbF-6dpUIVDmWiofbR1l/s1600/mask3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVfXP6LdoQeHi6lcc1-gd2mRaAxAbh9R1T5zJNME17GsulfIWLi90WNQs8mGiW994GgRuGkXXpRUqTPc1hJ_pZ3s-ktcl_6LEVjLQdbxMiKREsIZhzgf2tOGvJbF-6dpUIVDmWiofbR1l/s1600/mask3.jpg" /></a></div>Shaman initiates often wore masks during their vision quests, believing that the masks would identify them with the spirits and activate their power. Death masks were believed to facilitate communication between the living and the dead in funerary rites. Some Death masks took the form of animal or bird spirits, allowing the wearer to assume the role of the invoked spirits or to fend off evil. Many Native American tribes believed that birds were a link or messenger between the natural and the supernatural world. It is not unusual to find bird feathers surrounding the masks.<br />
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Death masks were also believed to help the deceased soul to pass more easily into the next life. The respect and sacredness of the funeral rites of mask dancing was also believed to protect from reprisals from the dead and prevent the risk of wandering spirits. In some tribes the Death Mask was used in initiatory or homage ceremonies, which recounted the creation story and the appearance of death among human beings.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sZ5cB4h_jogGTAz3ALd0_Vf91S1P708QQ81iF1p6OVSW8chO8hgI98JONb14lrp5mmOYbJ3h41B6ihF6n3BnpYdPHKRDjB2Bz_-De7jZ5ZpQ4erz471s7T9mAhrqZk0cJ6fK7RmtmuF-/s1600/Bear_Mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8sZ5cB4h_jogGTAz3ALd0_Vf91S1P708QQ81iF1p6OVSW8chO8hgI98JONb14lrp5mmOYbJ3h41B6ihF6n3BnpYdPHKRDjB2Bz_-De7jZ5ZpQ4erz471s7T9mAhrqZk0cJ6fK7RmtmuF-/s200/Bear_Mask.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>There were also masks created to resemble the images of bears, wolves, buffalo and otters, and were used to appease the animal spirits. They were often worn in dance ceremonies conducted before the hunt, to ensure that the hunt would be fruitful. This is also seen in African tribal customs where symbols of power animals were depicted, such as, elephants, rams, crocodiles and antelope.<br />
<em><span style="font-size: x-small;">North West Coast Native American Bear Mask carved by the renowed carver Elton La Fountaine from the Cree Tribe</span></em><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcOXJzCuXG7px1va6tWr29CJSy0rS7VwJC_L2gTqtUwX0Y4W9GWIV36S5BV9TZ_HliJvup7I2YI4ENE8CxzixEMsq8GQff6pUKIODp6q-ds_tUpyySuTym7lXBPf6vqheGn5nnZx4NDVx/s1600/cheyenne_quilled_horse_mask_690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcOXJzCuXG7px1va6tWr29CJSy0rS7VwJC_L2gTqtUwX0Y4W9GWIV36S5BV9TZ_HliJvup7I2YI4ENE8CxzixEMsq8GQff6pUKIODp6q-ds_tUpyySuTym7lXBPf6vqheGn5nnZx4NDVx/s320/cheyenne_quilled_horse_mask_690.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Tsitsistas/So'taeo'o (Cheyenne) quilled horse mask, mid-1800s, Montana. Made from porcupine quills, hawk feathers, brass buttons, seed beads, wool cloth, hide, sinew and cotton thread. <br />
<em>Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American </em><br />
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The Black Fish mask was worn before hunting and fishing expeditions and was believed to protect and empower the hunter.<br />
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The Swan Spirit mask was worn during spring ceremonies to entice the swans, ducks, geese and other birds to come back from the South and provide nourishment to the Natives. Most of these type masks were buried with their owners or burned when no longer useful. <br />
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In traditional American culture, masks are often worn during festive celebrations, occasions or as simple decorations, wall hangings and museum displays. But, Native American masks are not taken lightly by the Native people. Their use is reserved only for sacred ceremonies and rituals. Only a select few are honored with permissions to wear them. Native American masks are as varied as the tribes themselves, their ceremonies and their beliefs. The creatures that they depict are highly personalized and the materials used to make them are unique to the individual tribes and their geographical locations.<br />
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<strong>Sources:</strong><br />
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<em><strong>Books:</strong></em><br />
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<strong>Secrets Of The Sacred White Buffalo</strong> by Gary Null PhD 1998 by Prentiss Hall<br />
<strong>Walking The Twighlight Path</strong> by Michelle Belanger www.llewellyn.com<br />
<strong>Adair's History of the American Indian</strong> by Samuel Cole Williams 1775 (first published in 1930 by the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in Tennessee.)<br />
<strong>American Indian Healing Arts</strong> Kavasch, E. Barrie, Baar, Karen 1999 USA: Bantam<br />
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<strong><em>Online links</em></strong><br />
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http://www.deathreference.com/Da-Em/Death-Mask.html<br />
<a href="http://www.experiencefestival.com/native_american_death_ceremony">http://www.experiencefestival.com/native_american_death_ceremony</a><br />
<a href="http://www.native-languages.org/masks.htm">http://www.native-languages.org/masks.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.missionindianfederation.com/native-american-masks.html">http://www.missionindianfederation.com/native-american-masks.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.suite101.com/content/native-american-after-life-rituals-a76036#ixzz12mvDvF00">http://www.suite101.com/content/native-american-after-life-rituals-a76036#ixzz12mvDvF00</a><br />
<a href="http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1998/3/98.03.06.x.html">http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1998/3/98.03.06.x.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/367906/mask/9060/Funerary-and-commemorative-uses">http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/367906/mask/9060/Funerary-and-commemorative-uses</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cherokeeheritagemuseum-gallery.org/Friends.html">http://www.cherokeeheritagemuseum-gallery.org/Friends.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.taosblue.com/1southwestart/masks/hopi/hopimaskgallery.html">http://www.taosblue.com/1southwestart/masks/hopi/hopimaskgallery.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/kcc/chap5.htm">http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/kcc/chap5.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.masksoftheworld.com/NoAmerica/Native%20American%20Shaman%20Mask.htm">http://www.masksoftheworld.com/NoAmerica/Native%20American%20Shaman%20Mask.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://preview.equisearch.com/equiwire_news/horse_nation_exhibition_100609">http://preview.equisearch.com/equiwire_news/horse_nation_exhibition_100609</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-13011787763696947122010-10-10T18:44:00.001-05:002010-10-10T18:58:01.037-05:00The First Family of the Confederacy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFD2lfvb-jMwHompnbcGsp86_-pYx-riwfF4t65EsSUS-5_oo9pbwk5s6bJ_6PzgOI7LMEEbGvDlYkjATmgsJoqXPZX7-bPUV4oScJhjI63BOVFpus8uMPWbpRd9i9MRKKZrjgv2zWNnz/s1600/PresidentJeffersonDavis.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIFD2lfvb-jMwHompnbcGsp86_-pYx-riwfF4t65EsSUS-5_oo9pbwk5s6bJ_6PzgOI7LMEEbGvDlYkjATmgsJoqXPZX7-bPUV4oScJhjI63BOVFpus8uMPWbpRd9i9MRKKZrjgv2zWNnz/s400/PresidentJeffersonDavis.png" width="315" /></a></div><br />
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</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>PRESIDENT DAVIS AND VICE-PRESIDENT STEPHENS.</strong></div><div align="center"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: white;">Harper's Weekly, February 23, 1861</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong><span style="color: white;">The accompanying portraits of Jefferson Davis and Alexander Stephens will introduce to our readers the newly-elected President and Vice-President of the new Southern Confederacy, organized at Montgomery, Alabama, on 4th February.</span></strong></em></div><strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1F2TxAQl6vsfWEIGo32OZdPofP3T6_VeNttwjE9TtGdMU5wtpMHC4AO6KX0IYNtjqpjDQ3M4PPbveM_t_I_znZOSrww776c0OFIT8Z6jH3NzavAKnNcqg5HcaFu7nkOMifr-NQa7NO2V/s1600/jefferson_Davis_pic_small2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI1F2TxAQl6vsfWEIGo32OZdPofP3T6_VeNttwjE9TtGdMU5wtpMHC4AO6KX0IYNtjqpjDQ3M4PPbveM_t_I_znZOSrww776c0OFIT8Z6jH3NzavAKnNcqg5HcaFu7nkOMifr-NQa7NO2V/s320/jefferson_Davis_pic_small2.jpg" width="266" /></strong></a></div><strong>JEFFERSON DAVIS, </strong>the new President, was born in Kentucky about 1806, and is consequently about 54 years old. Having migrated to the Territory of Mississippi, with his father, when a boy, he owed to President Monroe the favor of being admitted at West Point, from which institution he graduated in 1828. He was lucky enough to be employed on active service at once, under Colonel (afterward President) Z. Taylor, and served throughout the Black Hawk War. His capture of the Chief Black Hawk, and the friendship which sprang up between him and his prisoner, are among the most romantic episodes of the history of the war. In 1835, having married a daughter of General Taylor, he settled down on a cotton plantation in Mississippi, and acquired some wealth. In 1845 he was elected to Congress from that State; but at the outbreak of the Mexican War he resigned his seat in Congress, volunteered, raised a regiment in Mississippi, of which he was Colonel, and accompanied General Taylor in his campaign, distinguishing himself signally at Buena Vista. In 1848 he was chosen to the United States Senate. In 1851 he resigned his seat in the Senate to run for Governor of Mississippi, as the representative of the disunionist party, but was handsomely defeated by Mr. Foote, the Union candidate. In 1853 he entered the Cabinet of Mr. Piece as Secretary of War, and held the office till the election of Mr. Buchanan. He then accepted the seat in the Senate which he filled till the Sate of Mississippi passed an ordinance of secession. He was recently chosen by the Montgomery Convention First President of the Southern Confederacy. Personally, Mr. Davis is a very gentlemanly man, with a soldierly bearing, and rather stern manners: as a speaker he is fluent, clear, forcible, and sometimes eloquent.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cwnRacVJCsKYBjkdw5O9sXJ2Jeokx9yvJocgTWZkvHE73TtKiAYS2GFVwXO9w7JvXm3Ls-ERlrMJn-TcQnvsX-msVQfy1Gk_ONx0CQttHEmavIkRuQ6iShiN73LXf9qM3MUZ1bLSIRPY/s1600/Alexander_Stephens_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cwnRacVJCsKYBjkdw5O9sXJ2Jeokx9yvJocgTWZkvHE73TtKiAYS2GFVwXO9w7JvXm3Ls-ERlrMJn-TcQnvsX-msVQfy1Gk_ONx0CQttHEmavIkRuQ6iShiN73LXf9qM3MUZ1bLSIRPY/s320/Alexander_Stephens_small1.jpg" width="269" /></strong></a></div><strong>ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS,</strong> of Georgia, the Vice President of the new Southern Confederacy, was born in Georgia on the 11th of February, 1812, and is consequently forty-nine years of age. In his youth he was poor, and owed his education to the kindness of friends. In 1834 he took his position at the Georgia bar, and instantly gave proof of the talents which have since led him to be considered the "Strongest Man in the South." In 1843 he was elected to Congress as a Whig; but at the dissolution of the Whig party he acted with the democracy of the South, and soon become their leader in Congress. He remained in Congress till the election of 1858, when he refused to be a candidate any longer, and withdrew - as he supposed - from public life. Mr. Stephens is a remarkable example of what energy may do for a man. He has all his life been a martyr to disease, and has never weighed over ninety-six pounds. He voice is shrill, and at first quite unpleasant to the ear; but his eloquence is so sure and practical, and his judgment so reliable, that, wherever he is, he is sure to be a leader. He was a warm opponent of the secession movement in Georgia.<br />
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<strong>JEFFERSON DAVIS' FAREWELL ADDRESS TO</strong><br />
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<strong>THE U. S. SENATE - JANUARY 21, 1861 </strong><br />
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By any standard, this scene has to rank as one of the most dramatic events ever enacted in the chamber of the United States Senate. Would-be spectators arrived at the Capitol before sunrise on a frigid January morning. Those who came after 9:00 a.m., finding all gallery seats taken, frantically attempted to enter the already crowded cloakrooms and lobby adjacent to the chamber. Just days earlier, the states of Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama had joined South Carolina in deciding to secede from the Union. Rumors flew that Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas would soon follow. <br />
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On January 21, 1861, a fearful capital city awaited the farewell addresses of five senators. One observer sensed "blood in the air" as the chaplain delivered his prayer at high noon. With every senator at his place, Vice President John Breckinridge postponed a vote on admitting Kansas as a free state to recognize senators from Florida and Alabama. <br />
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When the four senators completed their farewell addresses, all eyes turned to Mississippi's Jefferson Davis-the acknowledged leader of the South in Congress. Tall, slender, and gaunt at the age of 52, Davis had been confined to his bed for more than a week. Suffering the nearly incapacitating pain of facial neuralgia, he began his valedictory in a low voice. As he proceeded, his voice gained volume and force. <br />
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<div align="center"><em>"I rise, Mr. President, for the purpose of announcing to the Senate that I have satisfactory evidence that the State of Mississippi, by a solemn ordinance of her people, in convention assembled, has declared her separation from the United States. Under these circumstances, of course, my functions are terminated here. It has seemed to me proper, however, that I should appear in the Senate to announce that fact to my associates, and I will say but very little more. The occasion does not invite me to go into argument; and my physical condition would not permit me to do so, if it were otherwise; and yet it seems to become me to say something on the part of the State I here represent on an occasion as solemn as this. </em></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><em>It is known to Senators who have served with me here that I have for many years advocated, as an essential attribute of State sovereignty, the right of a State to secede from the Union. Therefore, if I had not believed there was justifiable cause; if I had thought that Mississippi was acting without sufficient provocation, or without an existing necessity, I should still, under my theory of the Government, because of my allegiance to the State of which I am a citizen, have been bound by her action. I, however, may be permitted to say that I do think she has justifiable cause, and I approve of her act. I conferred with her people before that act was taken, counseled them then that, if the state of things which they apprehended should exist when their Convention met, they should take the action which they have now adopted.</em> </div><strong><br />
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<em>"I hope none who hear me will confound this expression of mine with the advocacy of the right of a State to remain in the Union, and to disregard its constitutional obligation by the nullification of the law. Such is not my theory. Nullification and secession, so often confounded, are, indeed, antagonistic principles. Nullification is a remedy which it is sought to apply within the Union, against the agent of the States. It is only to be justified when the agent has violated his constitutional obligations, and a State, assuming to judge for itself, denies the right of the agent thus to act, and appeals to the other states of the Union for a decision; but, when the States themselves, and when the people of the States, have so acted as to convince us that they will not regard our constitutional rights, then, and then for the first time, arises the doctrine of secession in its practical application.</em> <br />
<em>"A great man who now reposes with his fathers, and who has been often arraigned for a want of fealty to the Union, advocated the doctrine of nullification because it preserved the Union. It was because of his deep-seated attachment to the Union, his determination to find some remedy for existing ills short of a severance of the ties which bound South Carolina to the other States, that Mr. Calhoun advocated the doctrine of nullification, which he proclaimed to be peaceful, to be within the limits of State power, not to disturb the Union, but only to be a means of bringing the agent before the tribunal of the States for their judgement.</em> <br />
<em>"Secession belongs to a different class of remedies. It is to be justified upon the basis that the states are sovereign. There was a time when none denied it. I hope the time may come again when a better comprehension of the theory of our Government, and the inalienable rights of the people of the States, will prevent any one from denying that each State is a sovereign, and thus may reclaim the grants which it has made to any agent whomsoever. </em><br />
<em>"I therefore say I concur in the action of the people of Mississippi, believing it to be necessary and proper, and should have been bound by their action if my belief had been otherwise; and this brings me to the important point which I wish on this last occasion to present to the Senate. It is by this confounding of nullification and secession that the name of a great man, whose ashes now mingle with his mother earth, has been invoked to justify coercion against a seceded State. The phrase, "to execute the laws," was an expression which General Jackson applied to the case of a State refusing to obey the laws while yet a member of the Union. That is not the case which is now presented. The laws are to be executed over the United States, and upon the people of the United States. They have no relation to any foreign country. It is a perversion of terms, at least it is a great misapprehension of the case, which cites that expression for application to a State which has withdrawn from the Union. You may make war on a foreign state. If it be the purpose of gentlemen, they may make war against a State which has withdrawn from the Union; but there are no laws of the United States to be executed within the limits of a seceded State. A State, finding herself in the condition in which Mississippi has judged she is, in which her safety requires that she should provide for the maintenance of her rights out of the Union, surrenders all the benefits, (and they are known to be many,) deprives herself of the advantages, (and they are known to be great), severs all the ties of affection, (and they are close and enduring,) which have bound her to the Union; and thus divesting herself of every benefit, taking upon herself every burden, she claims to be exempt from any power to execute the laws of the United States within her limits. </em><br />
<em>"I well remember an occasion when Massachusetts was arraigned before the bar of the Senate, and when then the doctrine of coercion was rife and to be applied against her because of the rescue of a fugitive slave in Boston. My opinion then was the same that it is now. Not in a spirit of egotism, but to show that I am not influenced in my opinion because the case is my own, I refer to that time and that occasion as containing the opinion which I then entertained, and on which my present conduct is based. I then said, if Massachusetts, following her through a stated line of conduct, chooses to take the last step which separates her from the Union, it is her right to go, and I will neither vote one dollar nor one man to coerce her back; but will say to her, God speed, in memory of the kind associations which once existed between her and the other States. </em><br />
<em>"It has been a conviction of pressing necessity, it has been a belief that we are to be deprived in the Union of the rights which our fathers bequeathed to us, which has brought Mississippi into her present decision. She has heard proclaimed the theory that all men are created free and equal, and this made the basis of an attack upon her social institutions; and the sacred Declaration of Independence has been invoked to maintain the position of the equality of the races. That Declaration is to be construed by the circumstances and purposes for which it was made. The communities were declaring their independence; the people of those communities were asserting that no man was born---to use the language of Mr. Jefferson---booted and spurred to ride over the rest of mankind; that men were created equal---meaning the men of the political community; that there was no divine right to rule; that no man inherited the right to govern; that there were no classes by which power and place descended to families; but that all stations were equally within the grasp of each member of the body politic. These were the great principles they announced; these were the purposes for which they made their declaration; these were the ends to which their enunciation was directed. They have no reference to the slave; else, how happened it that among the items of arraignment against George III was that he endeavored to do just what the North has been endeavoring of late to do---to stir up insurrection among our slaves? Had the Declaration announced that the negroes were free and equal, how was the prince to be arraigned for stirring up insurrection among them? And how was this to be enumerated among the high crimes which caused the colonies to sever their connection with the mother country? When our Constitution was formed, the same idea was rendered more palpable, for there we find provision made for that very class of persons as property; they were not put upon the footing of equality with white men---not even upon that of paupers and convicts; but, so far as representation was concerned, were discriminated against as a lower caste, only to be represented in the numerical proportion of three fifths. </em><em>"Then, Senators, we recur to the compact which binds us together; we recur to the principles upon which our Government was founded; and when you deny them, and when you deny to us the right to withdraw from a Government which thus perverted threatens to be destructive of our rights, we but tread in the path of our fathers when we proclaim our independence, and take the hazard. This is done not in hostility to others, not to injure any section of the country, not even for our own pecuniary benefit; but from the high and solemn motive of defending and protecting the rights we inherited, and which it is our sacred duty to transmit unshorn to our children. </em><em>"I find in myself, perhaps, a type of the general feeling of my constituents towards yours. I am sure I feel no hostility to you, Senators from the North. I am sure there is not one of you, whatever sharp discussion there may have been between us, to whom I cannot now say, in the presence of my God, I wish you well; and such, I am sure, is the feeling of the people whom I represent towards those whom you represent. I therefore feel that I but express their desire when I say I hope, and they hope, for peaceable relations with you, though we must part. They may be mutually beneficial to us in the future, as they have been in the past, if you so will it. The reverse may bring disaster on every portion of the country; and if you will have it thus, we will invoke the God of our fathers, who delivered them from the power of the lion, to protect us from the ravages of the bear; and thus, putting our trust in God, and in our firm hearts and strong arms, we will vindicate the right as best we may. </em><em>"In the course of my service here, associated at different times with a great variety of Senators, I see now around me some with whom I have served long; there have been points of collision; but whatever of offense there has been to me, I leave here; I carry with me no hostile remembrance. Whatever offense I have given which has not been redressed, or for which satisfaction has not been demanded, I have, Senators, in this hour of our parting, to offer you my apology for any pain which, in the heat of discussion, I have inflicted. I go hence unencumbered by the remembrance of any injury received, and having discharged the duty of making the only reparation in my power for any injury offered. </em><em>"Mr. President and Senators, having made the announcement which the occasion seemed to me to require, it only remains for me to bid you a final adieu."</em> <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source Library of Congress - Congressional Globe)</span> </strong></div><br />
Absolute silence met the conclusion of his six-minute address. Then a burst of applause and the sounds of open weeping swept the chamber. The vice president immediately rose to his feet, followed by the 58 senators and the mass of spectators as Davis and his four colleagues solemnly walked up the center aisle and out the swinging doors. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Later, describing the "unutterable grief" of that occasion, Davis said that his words had been </div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"</strong><strong><em>not my utterances but rather leaves torn from the book of fate." </em></strong></div><strong></strong><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Source: www.senate.gov)</span> </strong></div><strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Davis Inauguration 1861</span></strong><br />
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Davis resigned from the U.S. senate in January 1861 and was chosen President of the Confederacy by the Provisional Congress and inaugurated in Montgomery, Alabama, February 18, 1861. He was then elected President of the Confederacy for a term of six years and inaugurated in Richmond, Virginia, February 22, 1862. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: right;"><strong>Confederate White House - 1865 Richmond Virginia</strong></div><strong><br />
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<strong>Richmond, Virginia. </strong><br />
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Davis' administration was marked by cronyism, autocracy, hard work, and complete devotion to the cause. Outside his constant support of Lee, Davis often quarreled with his generals and interfered with the War Department to the point where he had six secretaries of war in four years . Still he worked ceaselessly, was able to hold onto talented staff, and promoted a much needed nationalistic view of the Confederacy. <br />
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In 1865, his responses to the failed Peace Conference and Gen. Lee's report on the state of the army at Petersburg display Davis' complete dedication to the Confederacy. Even with the surrender of Lee's and Johnston's armies he couldn't accept the end of the Confederacy. <br />
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Jefferson Davis was captured by Union troops in Irwinsville, Georgia, on May 10, 1865. He was accused of treason and of planning the assassination of President Lincoln. Davis was taken to Fort Monroe, Virginia, where he was treated harshly. Although he was accused of high crimes, he was never brought to trial. <br />
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After two years in prison, in 1867 Jefferson Davis was paroled in the custody of the court. Eventually he returned to Mississippi and spent the remaining years of his life writing. He wrote "The Rise and and Fall of the Confederate Government" in 1881. <br />
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When Davis was inaugurated president of the Confederate States of America in 1861, he believed in the right of Southern states to secede and defended his belief until his death in 1889. While he spent his remaining years in Biloxi, Mississippi, at the Beauvoir plantation, Davis never asked for, nor was he granted, a pardon for his actions. However, in a speech at Mississippi City, Mississippi, he said: <br />
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<strong><em>"The past is dead; let it bury its dead, its hopes and its aspirations. Before you lies the future, a future full of golden promise, a future of expanding national glory, before which all the world shall stand amazed." </em></strong><br />
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<strong>Beauvoir</strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">By Lynda Lasswell Crist</span></strong><br />
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<em>Beauvoir is not the oldest or grandest historic home in Mississippi but it is surely an amazing and colorful survivor, considering the frequency of gulf coast hurricanes, not to mention the steady march of progress that has transformed the Mississippi coast from a sleepy location for fishing villages and summer homes to a bustling tourist destination. If Beauvoir’s walls could talk, they would tell some fine stories.</em><br />
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<em>On a scenic plot of land directly facing the Gulf of Mexico about halfway between Gulfport and Biloxi, Beauvoir enjoys a privileged status as a National Historic Landmark. It has had a number of owners, some more important than others. One can easily see why it is called Beauvoir, meaning “beautiful view.” Sparkling water and a white sandy beach are visible from the front steps. Behind the house the view is almost as nice, with spacious gardens, a lagoon called Oyster Bayou, and woods full of great live oaks, wild azaleas, jasmine, magnolias, pines, yaupon, chinaberry, hickory, cedar, and other old trees and shrubs—a peaceful, safe home for birds and small animals and the site of a serene nature trail.</em><br />
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<em>The main house at Beauvoir was built in the 1850s by James Brown, a prosperous planter from Madison County, Mississippi, who wanted a summer home for his family. Brown wisely planned his house for its specific location on the beach. Beauvoir is a raised cottage, meaning its foundation is placed on massive pillars, not flat on the ground, allowing flood waters to flow through the ground level. With wide porches all around, high ceilings, and big windows, Beauvoir was designed to welcome cooling breezes from the gulf in the days before air-conditioning. Brown used brick for the pillars and wood for the house itself, which has been painted white with green shutters for most of its life. He paid close attention to the quality of the building materials, many of which were imported and quite expensive at the time. With only eight rooms, Beauvoir has a simple floor plan and it is easy to imagine actually living there. In addition to the main house, Brown constructed two smaller cottages in what is now the front yard and some service buildings in the back, such as a fine brick kitchen. The Brown family owned Beauvoir for about twenty-five years.</em><br />
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<em>In 1873 Sarah Ellis Dorsey, a famous and wealthy author from Natchez, Mississippi, bought the house and christened it Beauvoir. A gracious hostess who was known for her great parties, Dorsey lived there until 1879, when Beauvoir’s most famous resident took possession.</em><br />
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<em>Home of Jefferson Davis</em><br />
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<em>Beauvoir is best known as the retirement home of Jefferson Davis, ex-president of the Confederate States of America. He first learned to love the house and location when he rented one of the front cottages in 1877. From 1879 until his death in 1889 he owned Beauvoir and lived there with his wife Varina and daughter Varina Anne (called Winnie). His son, Jefferson Davis Jr., a teenager in the 1870s, lived with his parents briefly before settling down to a bank job in Memphis. The Davises’ daughter Margaret and her children came as often as possible from their home in Colorado; they stayed in the guest cottage for weeks at a time during the 1880s. There were others who lived with the Davises, too. A few servants helped with cooking, cleaning, and gardening. There were always family pets, mainly horses and dogs.</em><br />
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<em>During his first few years at Beauvoir, Jefferson Davis wrote his autobiography in the cottage called the Pavilion. He had many visitors—in fact, too many at times. As a famous person, Davis was sought out by journalists, tourists, and friends, all of whom wanted to know more about his long, action-packed public career, especially about the American Civil War. In the days before telephones, interviews and conversations were face-to-face. The guests arrived in wagons or stepped off the train at “Beauvoir station” on the railroad that ran behind the property, only about half a mile away. Once at the house, the visitors often ate outdoors on the broad verandas while talking with Davis about books, people he knew in Washington before the Civil War and in Richmond during the war, the Mexican War (when he led Mississippi troops in battle), politics, his family, his travels, the Civil War itself, and current affairs. His opinions on friends and enemies alike were of great interest to everyone.</em><br />
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<em>Days passed quietly for Davis when there were no house guests or business to attend to. The warm climate was pleasant most of the time, and the elderly gentleman enjoyed long walks on the beach and sitting on benches, gazing at the gulf, or viewing the gardens. As he wrote in 1877, “The sea is immediately in front, and an extensive orange orchard is near. Beyond that is one of those clear brooks, common to the pine woods, its banks lined with a tangled wood of sweet bay, wild olive and vines… By night I hear the murmur of the sea rolling on to the beach, by day a short walk brings one to where the winds sigh through the pines, a sad yet soothing sound.”</em><br />
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<em>Beauvoir even had its own pier in the days before the highway was built. Anyone could walk from the front steps across the lawn and directly onto the beach for swimming and relaxing. There was always plenty to eat because Beauvoir was a small working farm, with fruit trees and grape vines, as well as chickens, hogs, sheep, geese, turkeys, cows, and a vegetable garden. Neighbors shared what they had, and seafood was abundant.</em><br />
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<em>Jefferson Davis enjoyed life on the Mississippi coast, but after his death, Varina Davis was lonely and unhappy. She longed for the companionship of friends and the excitement and bustle of city life. She was uncomfortable in the heat of summer but most important, she discovered that she could not afford to live there on her own. The big place was costly to maintain with her limited income. Entertaining visitors was expensive and frequent hurricanes meant constant repairs. In the early 1890s she and Winnie moved to New York City to earn their living as writers. </em><br />
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<em>Soldiers’ Home</em><br />
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<em>After Winnie died at a young age, Varina Davis was even less interested in returning to Mississippi and made the difficult decision to sell Beauvoir. But she did not want to sell to just anyone, fearing the house would be torn down and its association with Jefferson Davis would be lost forever. Finally, in 1902, the Mississippi Division of the United Sons of Confederate Veterans bought her husband’s beloved retirement paradise and Beauvoir entered yet another phase of its existence as the Jefferson Davis Soldiers’ Home.</em><br />
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<em>Hundreds of veterans and some Confederate widows moved in, living in barracks constructed for them. A hospital, dining room, and chapel were added for their convenience. Gardens and a large cemetery behind the house provide a final resting place of about eight hundred veterans, along with the Tomb of the Unknown Confederate, and the grave of Jefferson Davis’s father, who was a soldier in the American Revolution.</em><br />
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<em>The Jefferson Davis Shrine, as Beauvoir is also known, is operated by descendants of Confederate veterans with help from the State of Mississippi, and has been open to the public since 1941. It has been an official museum since 1956. Fortunately, many personal items belonging to the Davis family are still in place and the house welcomes visitors every day, just as when Davis himself lived there. Visitors see some wonderful furniture that Jefferson Davis enjoyed and some that he had built specially for the house, many family portraits, and Winnie“s large piano, along with her music book and some of her artwork. Jefferson Davis’s bedroom on the back of the house has his rocking chair, cigar stand, and a small trunk used on his travels for over forty years.</em><br />
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<em>Beauvoir House</em><br />
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<em>In 1998 Beauvoir added another building, the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library. Inside is an auditorium showing a film about Davis, a large museum that highlights his long and eventful life, and a library for research. Some of his own books are available for viewing. Strolling in the gardens is still a perfect way to appreciate the natural beauty and calm that Davis and others treasured while living there.</em><br />
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<em>If the walls could speak, they would tell of the early days of building when the house took form and stood tall, of the years when Sarah Dorsey and the Davises lived there, and of the rich conversations with all their guests, no doubt including many secrets and gossip from the war. Then came the veterans with their own tales of courage and suffering, and after them thousands of tourists, all of whom share different opinions on history and life. Beauvoir would surely also tell about and mourn the severe damages caused by hurricanes, especially Camille in 1969 and Katrina in 2005.</em><br />
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<em>Indeed, the Beauvoir House and the Jefferson Davis Presidential Library suffered heavy damage from Hurricane Katrina when it struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005, the worst disaster ever to hit the United States. The five other buildings at the site were destroyed. Restoration at Beauvoir is ongoing—for updates go to http://www.beauvoir.org (accessed May 2007). </em><br />
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<em>No matter the season, however, everyone is impressed with Beauvoir, a splendid survivor with a truly “beautiful view.”</em><br />
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Linda Lasswell Crist is editor and project director of The Papers of Jefferson Davis at Rice University.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP28Z7pybqlQb-yIkjyOxO0UWLCFHe8aT3ouKk8ZfKgvvHgjRXlRIT2Q4ejwQGMu619LzMXx6RyhljmJPvgi9nIBGNEfk5FsoYFy7HKUOY8ycB4QMJkIMIZYp0TASofcLo_4Kr5GNRul3e/s1600/BeauvoirAfter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP28Z7pybqlQb-yIkjyOxO0UWLCFHe8aT3ouKk8ZfKgvvHgjRXlRIT2Q4ejwQGMu619LzMXx6RyhljmJPvgi9nIBGNEfk5FsoYFy7HKUOY8ycB4QMJkIMIZYp0TASofcLo_4Kr5GNRul3e/s320/BeauvoirAfter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong>Hurricane Katrina</strong> of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the costliest Atlantic hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest, in the history of the United States....<br />
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. However, the Home has been restored and reopened on Jun 3, 2008. The Presidential Library and Museum and other outbuildings are in the process of being rebuilt.<br />
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The destruction Katrina has caused to historic structures on the coast and in other areas of the state has been massive. The historic buildings on the coast have suffered extensive damage and in some cases blocks of buildings in historic districts have been wiped clean by Katrina's storm surge. Since Katrina MHT has been working with its partner organizations - Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mississippi Main Street Association, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation - to save as many damaged historic structures as possible. This is difficult work with very little resources out there to help historic structures and increasing pressure to clean up the coast by removing all debris including damaged houses. <br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>The Mississippi Rose & First Lady of The Confederacy</strong> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2r4bfJt4flMhLuGeDagwzpPnF5-h4tvJugZuoAFWc6zMxPmI_h5gNEwrWUxhJkZVvEnAIGYOoMHm8SeB44aZnVSZZv8I0zZSAcSMDFxHz_m2VMyrFlNW_ch0NO0ammu2jv5ZOf5oiZOd/s1600/vhd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2r4bfJt4flMhLuGeDagwzpPnF5-h4tvJugZuoAFWc6zMxPmI_h5gNEwrWUxhJkZVvEnAIGYOoMHm8SeB44aZnVSZZv8I0zZSAcSMDFxHz_m2VMyrFlNW_ch0NO0ammu2jv5ZOf5oiZOd/s200/vhd.jpg" width="158" /></a></div> <br />
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Varina Howell Davis was born into privilege at the family plantation called the "Briers" located near Natchez, Mississippi to William B. and Margaret Lousia Howell on May 7, 1826<br />
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<strong>The Briars</strong> <br />
Natchez, Mississippi <br />
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Her education was mainly social consistent with that accorded to prominent family daughters in the old South. First home tutored, Varina then attended Madame Greenland's finishing school in Philadelphia. <br />
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She was but seventeen when she met Jefferson Davis, eighteen years her senior, while visiting the plantation of his brother adjacent to his own.<br />
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She wrote her mother soon after their meeting: <br />
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<em>"I do not know whether this Mr. Jefferson Davis is young or old. He looks both at times; but I believe he is old, for from what I hear he is only two years younger than you are [the rumor was correct]. He impresses me as a remarkable kind of man, but of uncertain temper, and has a way of taking for granted that everybody agrees with him when he expresses an opinion, which offends me; yet he is most agreeable and has a peculiarly sweet voice and a winning manner of asserting himself. The fact is, he is the kind of person I should expect to rescue one from a mad dog at any risk, but to insist upon a stoical indifference to the fright afterward."</em> <br />
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Two months later they were engaged and after objections from her family were overcome, Varina married at eighteen.just over a year later. Davis and Varina Howell were married at The Briars, her parents' home in Natchez, Mississippi.<br />
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She became the second wife of Jefferson Davis. His first marraige to Sarah Taylor, daughter of General and Future President Zachary Taylor had lasted only 3 months as Sarah had become ill and died of malaria ten years prior to Jefferson Davis and Varina's meeting. Their marraige would endure and be lasting resulting in a family of six children. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Children</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyhDwYKU3OMV9_vJKuUy8snZQ2QDP_IBBOOOXFUn7UlhU22U3hmaUoxBS-PlEHMePhqZADjLJdTvryg-56tlCw8M5Tgb2kWmVNEVhAIwXVOBKjj0gnFNfwD4Q__yiygwvqQDC8rV1TgZZ/s1600/mdhayes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyhDwYKU3OMV9_vJKuUy8snZQ2QDP_IBBOOOXFUn7UlhU22U3hmaUoxBS-PlEHMePhqZADjLJdTvryg-56tlCw8M5Tgb2kWmVNEVhAIwXVOBKjj0gnFNfwD4Q__yiygwvqQDC8rV1TgZZ/s1600/mdhayes.jpg" /></a></div>Margaret Howell Davis Hayes (1855-1909)<br />
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Margaret was the only one of the to marry, bear children, and outlive her parents. Born in Washington, she was the eldest of the surviving children (Samuel Emory Davis died in 1854) and was known as both Polly (or Pollie) and Maggie. She was a great favorite of her father's and carried on a charming correspondence with him while Varina and the children stayed in in 1862 (see , 8:192, 360). <br />
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Margaret began her studies with a tutor in the Confederate White House and was enrolled at schools in Montreal, London, Paris, and Baltimore as the family moved about after the war. <br />
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On New Year's Day of 1876 she married J. Addison Hayes in Memphis, where the young couple settled. Jeff Jr. was living with the Hayeses in 1878 when he contracted yellow fever, and Margaret risked her own life to care for her dying brother. <br />
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The first of the Hayes children died as an infant, but the subsequent four lived to adulthood. The family moved to Colorado Springs in 1885, and descendants still reside in the area. As her husband rose in city banking circles, Margaret became involved with many charitable causes and was a leading member of local society. After her death in 1909, Addison and the children took her ashes to Richmond to be interred with the Davis family at Hollywood Cemetery. <br />
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Samuel Emory Davis (1852-1854)<br />
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The Davises' first child, Samuel Emory Davis, was born at Brierfield on July 30, 1852, and named for Davis' father. Just short of his second birthday, however, Samuel contracted the measles and died in Washington on June 13. He may have been exposed to the disease by Varina's brother Becket, who had stayed with the Davises while his school was closed in late May due to a measles epidemic. <br />
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The only known likeness of Samuel is a bust, now at Beauvoir, that miraculously survived destruction when Union troops pillaged Davis' belongings in 1863. Joseph E. Davis had hidden the property in the attic of a home near Clinton, Mississippi, but a slave gave away the location, and the Federals ransacked the furniture, letters, and books they discovered. The man left to care for the home managed to save the bust of Samuel by claiming that the image was of one of his own children. <br />
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Joseph Evan Davis (1859-1864)<br />
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Joseph Evan Davis was born in Washington while his father was serving in the Senate. Davis proclaimed his new son "a very fine one" and named the boy for his eldest brother and his grandfather. Varina protested, for she deeply resented Joseph Emory Davis, but to no avail. She confided to her mother, however, that the boy did bear a resemblance to his namesake uncle, which she hoped he would outgrow. <br />
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Little Joe was described as exceptionally bright, and he was apparently the best behaved of all of the Davis children, but his life ended tragically with a fall from a White House porch on April 30, 1864. Rumors persist that he was pushed by older brother Jeff Jr., but there is no evidence to support this story. <br />
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According to contemporary accounts, the accident took place at some point between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. while neither of the parents were at home. A servant discovered Joe lying by the pavement onto which he had fallen from a height of about fifteen feet. Maggie Davis ran to the neighbors for help, and Jeff Jr. enlisted the aid of two people passing by on the street. One of these men, a Confederate officer, wrote that Joe's "head was contused, and I think his chest much injured internally." <br />
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The child apparently died about the time his parents reached the house. His father refused to see visitors and could be heard pacing all night. <br />
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Funeral services were held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on May 1, and Joe was buried at Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery, where the rest of his immediate family would eventually be interred. <br />
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There are no known likenesses of Joseph Evan Davis, in large part due to the scarcity of photographic materials during the war. <br />
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(1864-1898) <br />
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Born in the Confederate White House and named for her mother, Varina Anne was the youngest of the Davis children. She was known for most of her life as "Winnie," a nickname her father had first bestowed on her mother. According to Varina Anne, she was told that "Winnie" was "an Indian name meaning bright, or sunny" <br />
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Winnie received her early education from her mother during the family's postwar travels, and subsequently was enrolled in boarding schools in Karlsruhe, Germany, and in Paris. She inherited her mother's literary interests and later authored a biographical monograph (1888) and two novels (1888, 1895), all published under the name Varina Anne Jefferson Davis. <br />
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"The Daughter of the Confederacy," as John B. Gordon anointed her in 1886, lived with her parents at Beauvoir in the 1880s and accompanied her father to numerous public appearances. Beloved by veterans' groups, she became an icon of the Lost Cause. <br />
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The adoration became a burden when Winnie fell in love with Alfred C. (Fred) Wilkinson, a Syracuse, New York, attorney whose grandfather had been a leading abolitionist. Public turmoil created by the five-year romance drove Winnie into periods of deep emotional distress. The couple finally received the blessings of both Jefferson and Varina Davis and were briefly engaged in 1890. Although their breakup has always been blamed on the public outcry, recent investigation seems to indicate that it was due more to questions about Wilkinson's financial situation. <br />
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Winnie moved to New York City with her mother in 1891 and continued her literary pursuits. She contracted "malarial gastritis" while visiting in Rhode Island and died at age thirty-four. In keeping with her status among ex-Confederates, she was buried with full military honors at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze0EOmoHQkI3aG72hTK3bBwus1_urauQWh41hzK3qx9e8cMFPEOUdjkm74KgHn6vXQD7EhBNDflMSlXxcTlcnGdEsrGkbUEPfGYGLw4xXRChswK-3mXn9GwJr-oi6hyhQ9FNa-H95N6cP/s1600/billyrt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhze0EOmoHQkI3aG72hTK3bBwus1_urauQWh41hzK3qx9e8cMFPEOUdjkm74KgHn6vXQD7EhBNDflMSlXxcTlcnGdEsrGkbUEPfGYGLw4xXRChswK-3mXn9GwJr-oi6hyhQ9FNa-H95N6cP/s1600/billyrt.jpg" /></a></div><strong>William Howell Davis</strong> (1861-1872)<br />
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Billy Davis, who was said to bear a strong resemblance to his father, was born in the Confederate White House and suffered from a number of illnesses during his short life. Reportedly hard of hearing by 1866, he attended schools in Canada and Maryland before dying of diphtheria at his parents' home in Memphis. Initially buried in that city, Billy was reinterred in the family plot at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia, in 1893.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbSxPkXWde9UJLKoZVI4Lc_0gWna0ojUfwXwO2nnk3FdLqmLmheY7RELlgYF3XwjqJFqWZdwThWtwV8MXzhN7SpsklGidmEKemV9P7VZYiZ6KDkkcmfcbLww6g3OdgNgtpuwJdiVtd0N/s1600/jeffjr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sbSxPkXWde9UJLKoZVI4Lc_0gWna0ojUfwXwO2nnk3FdLqmLmheY7RELlgYF3XwjqJFqWZdwThWtwV8MXzhN7SpsklGidmEKemV9P7VZYiZ6KDkkcmfcbLww6g3OdgNgtpuwJdiVtd0N/s320/jeffjr.jpg" width="243" /></a></div><strong>Jefferson Davis, Jr.</strong> <br />
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(1857-1878)<br />
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The namesake of his father, Jefferson Davis, Jr., was actually the second Davis son ( Samuel died three years before Jeff was born). A rambunctious child, Jeff enjoyed life in the Confederate White House, where staff and aides indulged him, often calling him "General." He attended schools in Canada, England, and Maryland as the family moved about after the war. Jeff Jr. enrolled at Virginia Military Institute, but his father withdrew him in 1875, apparently fearing that his son was about to be expelled. <br />
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Although by all accounts a charming young man, Jeff Jr. never showed much motivation. His parents were continually trying to help him, but his father conceded to his mother that "we do not understand the boy, and I fear never shall." He became his father's secretary at Beauvoir in 1877, supposedly studying French and medicine in his free time. In 1878 he moved to Memphis, where brother-in-law Addison Hayes found him a job as a bank clerk. Only a few months after his arrival, however, Jeff Jr. fell victim to a yellow fever epidemic that swept the city, dying on October 16. First buried in Memphis, he was reinterred near his father at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond in 1895.<br />
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<em>For more information, see the published volumes of The Papers of Jefferson Davis, particularly the brief sketch of his life in 5:110-11.</em><br />
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<strong>Jim Linder</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIiQueCEOWieLI7mXgCgmqP8pdD5Xtyv0dvZUV-uo7F0xh6b7asSHE1kShhxedsTv0Rzq0UF_Xf0-cJCtTDCx2ITVWWEx3haWQYxYZDfauoJO_d9RjXKFyc7EeTHX8d1DSwvZe7lNQoXX/s1600/225px-Jim_Limber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOIiQueCEOWieLI7mXgCgmqP8pdD5Xtyv0dvZUV-uo7F0xh6b7asSHE1kShhxedsTv0Rzq0UF_Xf0-cJCtTDCx2ITVWWEx3haWQYxYZDfauoJO_d9RjXKFyc7EeTHX8d1DSwvZe7lNQoXX/s1600/225px-Jim_Limber.jpg" /></a></div>In an effort to provide information about Jim Linder, I found in my research conflicting stories about Jim Linder and the Davis Family. I was surprised that the controversy is still so widely discussed, especially when it comes to the Jefferson Davis Monument. So I decided on two articles that seem to be the most reliable and will let you decide what to believe , as we all know there is a fine line between truth and legend when it comes to history. Regardless of what actually happened in the end, The fact remains that Mrs Varnia Davis had compassion upon a small boy who was being abused and took him into her her home and loved him. That in the end is all that really matters. <br />
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<strong><em>What Do We </em><em>Really Know About </em><em>"Jim Limber"?</em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">By John M. Coski, Historian and Library Director, Museum of the Confederacy, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Richmond, Virginia © 2008. Used by permission.</span><br />
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The ambrotype photograph of a mulatto boy came into the Museum collection with a label in the hand of Varina Davis:<em> "James Henry Brooks adopted by Mrs. Jefferson Davis during the War and taken from her after our capture. A great pet in the family and known as Jim Limber."</em><br />
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Not only the caption, but the image itself testifies to an intimate relationship between "Jim Limber" and the family of President Jefferson Davis. The child apparently posed for the photograph at the same time as the Davises’ own children using the same chair prop used for the photo of Billy Davis (page 19).<br />
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Looking more closely and more critically at the photographs and the donation label suggest a more ambiguous interpretation. Jim Limber’s hand-me-down clothes contrast with the formal Scottish garb in which William Howell Davis was clothed. Which of Varina’s words most accurately described his status <em>– "adopted" or "pet"?</em><br />
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Jim Limber has been the subject of several popular magazine articles, occasional internet postings, and even an illustrated children’s book, Jim Limber Davis. How much do we really know about this young man beyond the photograph and its postwar label? Does the evidence support the identification of him as "Jim Limber Davis," an adopted son of the Confederacy’s first family? <br />
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Varina Davis, in her 1890 memoir of her husband, explained how Jim Limber came to live with the Davis family. Her account is in a footnote for a passage recounting how her young sons hung out with a Richmond boy gang called the<em> "Hill Cats":</em><br />
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<em>"A little free negro boy whom we had rescued from one of his own color, who had beaten him terribly, lived from that time {early 1864} with us. Mr. Davis, notwithstanding his absorbing cares, went to the Mayor’s office and had his free papers registered to insure Jim against getting into the power of the oppressor again. Jim Limber, which he said was his name in his every-day clothes, who became Jeems Henry Brooks in his best suit on Sunday, was a fearless ally of the Hill cats."</em><br />
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Significantly, the former Confederate first lady did not claim that the president "adopted" the child, but merely registered his free papers. The Free Negro register for Richmond did not survive the war, robbing historians of the most obvious source for corroborating Varina Davis’ account. Searches through surviving city records turn up nothing about President Davis registering free papers or becoming a guardian for a child ward of any description. Nineteenth-century Virginia law did not provide for formal adoption of children; if the Davises "adopted" Jim Limber, it was an extralegal process that does not show up in the historical record.<em> </em><br />
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Even without official documentation, wartime sources do corroborate Mrs. Davis’ postwar account of Jim Limber’s presence in the Confederate executive mansion. On February 16, 1864, a family friend, the celebrated diarist Mary Chestnut, recorded that she saw (in the 3rd-floor room where Varina’s mother lived for part of the war)<em> "the little negro Mrs. Davis rescued yesterday from his brutal negro guardian. The child is an orphan. He was dressed up in Little Joe’s clothes and happy as a lord. He was very anxious to show me his wounds and bruises, but I fled."</em><br />
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A year later, nine-year-old Margaret Davis wrote to her younger bother, Jeff, who was spending time with the army, relaying that <em>"Jim Limber sends his love to you…"</em> As the Davises fled southward from Richmond in April 1865, Varina included Jim limber in her reports to her husband about the family. On April 19, 1865:<em> "The children are well and very happy—play all day—Billy & Jim fast friends as ever…" </em>On April 28, 1865<em>: "Billy and Jeff are very well—Limber is thriving but bad."</em><br />
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Within two weeks, Federal troops caught up with the Davis family and their party of military aides, slaves, servants—and Jim Limber—near Irwinville, Georgia. When the captives reached the Atlantic coast on a river transport ship, the Davises and Jim Limber were separated forever. Another member of the Davis party, Virginia Clay, noted in her diary that Mrs. Davis’ "pet Negro" had been taken from her.<em> </em><br />
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The former President recounted the event in an 1875 letter. Davis described Jim as<em> "a little negro orphan who she [Mrs. Davis] had in pity rescued from the ill treatment of a negro woman in Richmond who claimed that the boy’s mother had left him to her."</em> Rather than give him over to a Federal officer they judged untrustworthy, the Davises placed him in the care of an old army friend, Gen. Rufus Saxton.<br />
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Varina elaborated on the incident in another footnote in her memoir: <em>"[W]e learned that our old friend, General Saxton, was there [at the Hilton Head], and my husband thought we might ask the favor of him to look after our little protégé Jim’s education, in order that he might not fall under the degrading influence of Captain Hudson. A note was written to General Saxton and the poor little boy was given to the officers of the tugboat for the General, who kindly took charge of him. Believing that he was going on board to see something and return, he quietly went, but as soon as he found he was going to leave us he fought like a little tiger and was thus engaged the last we saw of him. I hope he has been successful in the world for he was a fine boy, notwithstanding all that had been done to mar his childhood. Some years ago we saw in a Massachusetts paper that he would bear to his grave the marks of the stripes inflicted upon him by us. We felt sure he had not said this, for the affection was mutual between us, and we had never punished him."</em><br />
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Contrary to modern renditions of Jim’s biography, there is no evidence that the Davises subsequently searched widely for him. Indeed, Varina’s own account of their separation indicates that she understood it to be permanent. <br />
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Most modern accounts of Jim Limber end with this dramatic scene. An 1893 memoir, <em><strong>First Days Among the Contrabands </strong></em>(published while Mrs. Davis was still alive to read it), offers a few more details about the child’s life after the Davises. Elizabeth Hyde Botume, a Boston woman who came south to teach the freedmen on the South Carolina sea islands, recalled him as<em> "about seven years old, but small for his age; he was a very light mulatto, with brown curly hair, thick lips, and a defiant nose."</em><br />
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Botume also recalled that Mrs. Davis sent Jim Limber to Gen. Saxton with a note, "written with pencil on the blank leaf of a book. I quote from memory. She said<em>:--‘I send this boy to you, General Saxton, and beg you to take good care of him. His mother was a free colored woman in Richmond. She died when he was an infant, leaving him to the care of a friend, who was cruel and neglectful of him. One day Mrs. Davis and her children went to the house and found the woman beating the little fellow, who was then only two years old [sic]. So she took him home with her, intending to find a good place for him. But he was so bright and playful, her own children were unwilling to give him up. Then she decided to keep him until he was old enough to learn a trade. ‘That was five [sic] years ago, and he has shared our fortunes and misfortunes until the present time. But we can do nothing more for him, I send him to you, General Saxton, as you were a friend of our earlier and better times. You will find him affectionate and tractable. I beg you to be kind to him.’ That was the gist of her note."</em><br />
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Jim Limber joined the Sea Islands freedmen’s colony<em>. "As he as the constant companion and playmate of Mrs. Davis’ children, he considered himself as one of them,"</em> Botume wrote,<em> "adopting their views and sharing their prejudices. President Davis was to him the one great man in the world. Mrs. Davis had given him the kindly care of a mother, and he had for her the loving devotion of a child."</em><br />
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He apparently developed a similar bond with his new "new protectors," the Saxtons. They soon found it necessary to transfer him to care of the teachers, who took him north for schooling.<em> "Finally," </em>Botume wrote,<em> Jim "drifted" into the home of a northern woman, who "placed him where he was well-trained in all ways, having the advantage of school, as well as a good practical education, until he was old enough to support himself."</em><br />
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Although flawed in some details, Botumes’s recollection seems to substantiate Varina Davis’ telling term, "protégé," as the most accurate description of Jim Limber’s status. The Davises clearly assumed responsibility for him and there was obviously affection between him and his sponsors. It is less likely that he was "adopted" in any meaningful sense. The evidence suggests that he was a member of the Davis family in the same way that slaves, servants, and other dependents were members of white families—with real mutual responsibility and affection. <br />
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The story of Jim Limber’s association with the Davis family provides a window onto the nature of paternalism in the 19th-century race relations. New evidence may turn up to provide answers to the many questions about the story that have so far eluded historians<br />
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<em><strong>Jim Limber's Story for Black History Month</strong></em><br />
<em>By: Calvin E. Johnson, Jr.</em><br />
<em>1064 West Mill Drive</em><br />
<em>Kennesaw, Georgia 30152</em><br />
<em>Phone: 770 428 0978</em><br />
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<em>The Women of America love and protect their children. They also care about the children who live in poverty and those who are abused. America has always led in efforts to save the children.</em><br />
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<em>It is my belief that women excel in the field of literature. This is about a writer who writes from the heart and tells stories that are hidden to history.</em><br />
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<em>In 1989, a magazine article caught my eye which I had to read from beginning to end. This was not an ordinary story but about a black child, a Confederate President's First Lady and the Southern Presidential Family. The story was written by Gulfport, Mississippi freelance writer Mrs. Peggy Robbin's and is entitled, "Jim Limber Davis."</em><br />
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<em>While Black History Month mostly focuses on black adults in history, this story is about a black child. This is a summary, in my own words, of Mrs. Robbin's splendid story.</em><br />
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<em>On the morning of February 15, 1864, Mrs. Varina Davis, wife of Southern President Jefferson Davis, had concluded her errands and was driving her carriage down the streets of Richmond, Virginia on her way home. She heard screams from a distance and quickly went to the scene to see what was happening.</em><br />
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<em>Varina saw a young black child being abused by an older man. She demanded that he stop striking the child and when this failed she shocked the man by forcibly taking the child away. She took the child to her carriage and with her to the Southern White House.</em><br />
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<em>Arriving home Mrs. Davis and maid 'Ellen' gave the young boy a bath, attended to his cuts and bruises and feed him. The only thing he would tell them is that his name was Jim Limber. He was happy to be rescued and was given some clothes of the Davis' son Joe who was the same size and age.</em><br />
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<em>Joe was tragically killed in an accidental fall later that year.</em><br />
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<em>The Davis family were visited the following evening by a friend of Varina's, noted Southern Diarist-Mary Boykin Chesnut, who saw Jim Limber and wrote later that she had seen the boy and that he was eager to show me his cuts and bruises. She also said, "the child is an orphan rescued yesterday from a brutal Negro Guardian." and "there are things in life that are too sickening, and such cruelty is one of them."</em><br />
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<em>There were some children who addressed Jim as Jim Limber Davis for fun. This was fine with him because he felt he was indeed a member of the family. The Davis letters to friends are indication of his acceptance and they said he was a member of their gang of children.</em><br />
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<em>The Christmas of 1864, would be memorable for the Davis family and probably the best Christmas Jim Limber would ever have. A Christmas tree was set up in Saint Paul's Church, decorated and gifts placed beneath it. On Christmas evening orphans were brought to the church and were delighted with the presents they got. Jim was happy that he helped decorate the tree.</em><br />
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<em>Mrs. Robbin's wrote, in her story, that Mrs. Jefferson Davis was a very good story teller who was able to make sounds of different animals in the stories about the critters. Jim was always eager to help.</em><br />
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<em>The end of the War Between the States was coming and Richmond was being evacuated. Varina and the children left ahead of Jefferson Davis. The president and his staff left just hours before the occupation of Union troops.</em><br />
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<em>Varina and the children were by the side of Jefferson Davis at his capture near Irwinville, Georgia and again the family was separated. Jefferson Davis was taken to Virginia to spend two years in prison.</em><br />
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<em>Mrs. Davis and her children were taken to Macon, Georgia and later to Port Royal outside of Savannah. At Port Royal their Union escort, Captain Charles T. Hudson, made good at his earlier threats to take Jim Limber away.</em><br />
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<em>As the Union soldiers came to forcibly take young Jim, he put up a great struggle and tried to hold onto his family as they to him. Jim and his family cried uncontrollably as the child was taken. His family would never again see him or know what happened to him. The Davis' tried in later years to locate Jim but were unsuccessful. They prayed that he grew to manhood and did well in life.</em><br />
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<em>The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia is home to a portrait of Jim Limber Davis in the Eleanor S. Brookenbrough Library. I thank Mrs. Peggy Robbin's who wrote the Jim Limber Davis story in 1989 and the Southern Partisan Magazine for publishing her story in the second quarter Issue-Volume IX of 1989.</em><br />
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<em>For more information about Jefferson Davis go to: www.beauvoir.org the website about the last home of Jefferson Davis and his family.</em><br />
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The Davis couple planned on a life at "Brierfield," however, Jeff Davis was nominated for a seat in the US House of Representatives and Varina became a politicians wife. Her husband rose in political stature becoming a Senator. <br />
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At the outbreak of the Civil War, Davis resigned his seat and the couple returned to "Brierfield" only to be elected President of the Confederate States of America.<br />
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They moved first to Montgomery, Alabama the temporary capital and then to Richmond, Virginia, the permanent capital. Initially, her days as First Lady were pleasant. However, as the war continued, living condition in the south deteriorated and goods became scare. She became the vocal point of criticism mirroring the despair created by the mounting death toll and the faltering war effort. Varina did not waver in her duties as first lady and kept helping the troops. She knitted countless articles of clothing for soldiers, donated rugs for blankets and made shoes of the scraps. She spent hours visiting soldiers in the hospitals.<br />
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With peace signed at Appomattox, Jefferson Davis rather then surrendering to Union forces, chose to flee. Varina was with him when arrested and sent to confinement at Fortress Monroe and locked in a artillery compartment located on a rampart, with her and the children placed in Savannah under house arrest. The children and her mother were constantly harassed and fearing for their safety, arranged passage for them to Canada. Now all her efforts were directed to getting her husband released. After two years, influential friends arranged and paid bail allowing for Davis to be released. Fearing constitutional problems, the charges were simply allowed to disappear.<br />
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Although free, the couple were now impoverish relegated to living in Mississippi at the Beauvoir estate in a small cottage at the behest of the owner. Davis wrote his two-volume memoir, "The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government" which lifted him from poverty. Their fortunes would improve further as the owner of the property willed the estate to them upon her death. This would be their home until the death of the Confederate president. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIhsop33edK9oKtLHN04RzKAeKRu_R4YB9TdZvz8mVr3T7q2H5Y36zjTqva28EYDaw9VEJXeCGqtNVZrLnczygg8IfGEj1u5dEdu08IsTYgXbui2zNklHkpwG-LMKXUJHwKh5il7LKqUJ/s1600/davisv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvIhsop33edK9oKtLHN04RzKAeKRu_R4YB9TdZvz8mVr3T7q2H5Y36zjTqva28EYDaw9VEJXeCGqtNVZrLnczygg8IfGEj1u5dEdu08IsTYgXbui2zNklHkpwG-LMKXUJHwKh5il7LKqUJ/s1600/davisv.jpg" /></a></div> Varina Davis was well-educated and possessed as strong a will as her husband. They had their differences at times over the fifty-four years of their marriage, but they remained devoted to each other through several decades of remarkable hardship. After Jefferson Davis' death in 1889, Varina Davis published Jefferson Davis, A Memoir in 1890, then moved to New York City the following year to pursue a literary career. <br />
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She would never remarry. Her days were filled with trips to the opera, theaters and concerts . All would end after contracting pneumonia. With the last surviving member of the Davis family, a daughter at her bedside, she passed away 16 Oct. 1905.in her room at the Hotel Majestic In New York<br />
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The legacy of Varina Davis is obscure...Today she is virtually unknown to Americans. Even her burial place is some distance away from the tomb of her husband. In contrast, the South remembers her husband Jefferson Davis with an over abundance of memorials, statues, parks, schools, streets, avenues and highways located all across Dixie. After the death of President Davis, Varina wrote "Jefferson Davis, A Memoir" published in 1890 while still living at "Beauvoir," then promptly relocated to New York City while giving the property to the state of Mississippi which was used as a Confederate veterans home with the establishment of a large cemetery as the men passed away. Eventually "Beauvoir" was preserved, restored and became the Presidential Library of Jefferson Davis housing his papers and memorabilia.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyNTSheXiv8Gcy9Wc7RhOopKiVlEuFA4gAm0MV-ROCbqcaKY8yUIRWniJAnDhCw4havRaRf8PwsMwR7T4lqRROwaSMEOHv5Jr0WSIranwM37wllTD4VtJQ6nXWWmA4-UbW780t3EoX4vy/s1600/aaw_02_img0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIyNTSheXiv8Gcy9Wc7RhOopKiVlEuFA4gAm0MV-ROCbqcaKY8yUIRWniJAnDhCw4havRaRf8PwsMwR7T4lqRROwaSMEOHv5Jr0WSIranwM37wllTD4VtJQ6nXWWmA4-UbW780t3EoX4vy/s1600/aaw_02_img0063.jpg" /></a></div>Even the small community of Varina, Virgina long thought named in her honor in reality originated years earlier from the Varina Farms tobacco plantation. "Brierfield" the Jeff Davis plantation was located about twenty miles down the Mississippi River from Vicksburg, Warren County was confiscated after the civil war and then destroyed by fire in 1931. The land currently serves as a private hunting reserve. The "Briers" the plantation house where Varina Howell was born then married to Jefferson Davis is located a mile from Natchez. During the shelling of city by Union forces the structure was damaged but today it is a beautiful restore structure with heritage status. In 1973, the book "First Lady of the South: The Life of Mrs Jefferson Davis" by Ross Ishbel was published by the Greenwood Publishing Group. in 1826.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBVJFv4-hXYmSnncXEshO_gnO9_jXjoOlvUxkD4uAfvl_5F_kvP2yX51WPRJG3FpHd_jDYTBfxIGzMWMsjLq6YZc-S2Oz5kuaOHPS5veLFTkyo1gjY78cNLPWaSm1IUiD3biNq4AWdwJ/s1600/davisandstaff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgBVJFv4-hXYmSnncXEshO_gnO9_jXjoOlvUxkD4uAfvl_5F_kvP2yX51WPRJG3FpHd_jDYTBfxIGzMWMsjLq6YZc-S2Oz5kuaOHPS5veLFTkyo1gjY78cNLPWaSm1IUiD3biNq4AWdwJ/s400/davisandstaff.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMaHCzq4At06aFTSmZyKPuLKzSWcDsFtKK-559Lt25v87AYwCMeEgLF2O3l6SbQZxN8S76IsbsVJrbpXNoPMQr9C7VcX-ubpwBEn05EsQk1y3BM1zeDjZqxbwkHGZudkk2auCtWQt2lu/s1600/JeffersonDavisInDotageWithGrandchild_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzMaHCzq4At06aFTSmZyKPuLKzSWcDsFtKK-559Lt25v87AYwCMeEgLF2O3l6SbQZxN8S76IsbsVJrbpXNoPMQr9C7VcX-ubpwBEn05EsQk1y3BM1zeDjZqxbwkHGZudkk2auCtWQt2lu/s320/JeffersonDavisInDotageWithGrandchild_small.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Jefferson Davis in later years with one of his grandchildren</strong></div><strong></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbqr3XofE2_uMH0p6oyajDjOGfXaA7fxzCPmoXlIBYax6-HW67WWzd6N8NidzCnpoiZQbZ3q1bhzywFhyphenhyphen1t3EzQUvreIvcgvGtP1nybSpZU0Jo4x8bkAtlljeRSYvAw1v76J8QUUDsM7E/s1600/Jefferson_Davis.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCbqr3XofE2_uMH0p6oyajDjOGfXaA7fxzCPmoXlIBYax6-HW67WWzd6N8NidzCnpoiZQbZ3q1bhzywFhyphenhyphen1t3EzQUvreIvcgvGtP1nybSpZU0Jo4x8bkAtlljeRSYvAw1v76J8QUUDsM7E/s1600/Jefferson_Davis.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Accounts of the Death of Jefferson Davis</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH1smL-85NKxFekyBao6gQv7lhwxBlALWwCi7k68dcwFVyO05avGWa1RmSGk7Q-vbkD82Z-x9QNtN8Fj8AoQuX8hWdq_Tt2Gs1Vo8KOmB4X9E1glN-T78BmNkJg8XD-jqpVsytyy7Amap/s1600/casket1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ex="true" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinH1smL-85NKxFekyBao6gQv7lhwxBlALWwCi7k68dcwFVyO05avGWa1RmSGk7Q-vbkD82Z-x9QNtN8Fj8AoQuX8hWdq_Tt2Gs1Vo8KOmB4X9E1glN-T78BmNkJg8XD-jqpVsytyy7Amap/s400/casket1.jpg" width="400" /></strong></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Photo of Jefferson Davis's Casket at Louisiana Funeral.</strong></div><strong>On December 6, 1889, the Christmas Season in New Orleans was saddened when Jefferson Davis died of unknown causes at the age of eighty-one. His funeral was one of the largest ever staged in the South. <br />
</strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCmtaIf2quK5U49Kef7Z6YJ7sXi_1d-cT-OpxXTA-BdbMoVekGr1-c9yFiFzTIhGwMLIpo1yyZoBulEYUUwz_v5bMiOugZvqku0cFHgX0Hp_MtmlaS6xCskHXvhxqItg487fTXycTCvi/s1600/davis_funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_RCmtaIf2quK5U49Kef7Z6YJ7sXi_1d-cT-OpxXTA-BdbMoVekGr1-c9yFiFzTIhGwMLIpo1yyZoBulEYUUwz_v5bMiOugZvqku0cFHgX0Hp_MtmlaS6xCskHXvhxqItg487fTXycTCvi/s400/davis_funeral.jpg" width="283" /></strong></a></div><strong>The body of Jefferson Davis laid in state at the city hall of New Orleans from midnight on December 6th to the 11th. He was dressed in Confederate gray and flowers adorned the city hall. Confederate flags and the Union flag were hung from above. Thousands of mourners came from out of town to join the residents of New Orleans to pay their respects to the man who once was the South's beloved leader. The men saluted their former leader and the women bowed their heads in prayer. Tears filled the eyes of young people who were born at the time Jefferson Davis was president of the Confederacy. The church bells rang throughout the city. On December 11, 1889, twenty thousand people lined the streets of New Orleans as the body of Jefferson Davis was taken, by funeral carriage, to Metairie Cemetery in the crescent city. The funeral procession included those who wore the gray during the War Between the States. All flags flew at half mast. It is sad that the War Department of the United States did not lower the United States flag in his honor. Jefferson Davis was the only former Secretary of War who had ever been denied the honor. <br />
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On December 11, 1889, twenty thousand people lined the streets of New Orleans as the body of Jefferson Davis was taken, by funeral carriage, to Metairie Cemetery in the crescent city. The funeral procession included those who wore the gray during the War Between the States. All flags flew at half mast. <br />
</strong><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2-5Y2LuciGvGGDs_V7mopwQSXlGpyztav5u6Eakl-OwqpirACKoC87_4u_j0jk4bdnWaUQJ_KTxv5_w7A9qPouq_AZIe7YsVF4CXVxH75k2ESl090Deswrcyyccva4YZm6bqDllaWIcM/s1600/Jefferson-Davis-Funeral-Procession.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strong><img border="0" ex="true" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2-5Y2LuciGvGGDs_V7mopwQSXlGpyztav5u6Eakl-OwqpirACKoC87_4u_j0jk4bdnWaUQJ_KTxv5_w7A9qPouq_AZIe7YsVF4CXVxH75k2ESl090Deswrcyyccva4YZm6bqDllaWIcM/s320/Jefferson-Davis-Funeral-Procession.jpg" width="320" /></strong></a></div><strong>Eighteen months after his death and temporary burial in New Orleans Metaire Cemetery, Davis's widow, Varina, decided the final burial place was to be Richmond's Hollywood Cemetery considered the National Cemetery of the Confederacy. His remains, were removed from the vault in New Orleans and placed on a flag-draped caisson escorted by honor guards composed of his old soldiers to Memorial Hall, where he lay in state. The next day, as thousands of people silently watched from the sidewalks and balconies, the caisson bore his body to a waiting funeral train. On the way, bonfires beside the tracks lit up ranks of Davis's old soldiers standing at attention beside stacked arms. In Richmond, Gray haired veterans escorted him to the Virginia statehouse where thousands filed past in respect before interment<br />
</strong><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>(Source: Library of Congress, National Park Service and others.) </strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.usa-civil-war.com/Davis/davis.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>www.usa-civil-war.com/Davis/davis.html</strong></span></a></div><br />
<strong>1889 <br />
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The death of the President occurred at New Orleans about one o'clock a.m., December 5, 1889, and the event was announced throughout the Union. The funeral ceremonies in New Orleans were such as comported with the illustrious character of the deceased chieftain, while public meetings in other cities and towns of the South were held to express the common sorrow, and the flags of State capitols were dropped to half-mast. Distinguished men pronounced eulogies on his character, and the press universally at the South and generally at the North contained extended and laudatory articles on his character. <br />
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The burial place in New Orleans was selected only as a temporary receptacle, while a general movement was inaugurated for a tomb and monument which resulted in the removal of the body to Richmond, the capitol of the Confederacy. The removal took place by means of a special funeral train from New Orleans to Richmond, passing through several States and stopping at many places to receive the respectful and affectionate tributes bestowed by the people. The scene from the time of the departure from New Orleans to the last rites at Richmond was singular in its nature and sublime in its significance of popular esteem for the memory of the Confederate President. The funeral train moved day and night almost literally in review before the line of people assembled to see it pass. Finally in the presence of many thousands the casket was deposited in the last resting place in the keeping of the city which had so long withstood the rude alarms of war under his presidency.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Reported Accounts of Hauntings of Jefferson Davis's Ghost</span><br />
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For two years, from 1885-87, Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned in the fort. His apparition has been reportedly seen walking near the flagpole of the fort. His wife, Varina, who stayed in the home across from his cell, has also been reported standing in the window of her old room staring at where Jefferson Davis was held.<br />
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Confederate President Jefferson Davis was incarcerated at the fort after the Civil War because it was alleged he took part in Lincoln’s assassination conspiracy. He was bound in chains and badly mistreated until he was finally freed. Davis’ is the most frequently seen ghost in different places in the fort. People have heard the rattling of chains.<br />
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Read more: <span style="font-size: x-small;">http://ghosts-hauntings.suite101.com/article.cfm/ghosts_of_fort_monroe#ixzz0X1WttBSr</span><br />
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Another Account of Haunting<br />
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*Note- I did not include the photo listed on the following post as it appeared to be the same as the Beuvior House Photo.<br />
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<em>There is a pretty house located on Camp Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. People who walk by this house often see an old man looking out from the second floor window. He appears to have a gray color to him, with a beard, wild hair, and cheek bones that stand out on his facial structure. This figure looks surprised to be seeing what he is looking at from the window, but he looks happy to see a pretty blue sky over his head. The head and shoulders on this figure are only visible for a second or two before they disappear. The ghost has also been known to walk the halls of the house.</em><br />
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<em>As the ghost is walking, he continually starts to repeat the question: "Where are my boots?" This is the spirit of the one and only president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis. Davis died in this very house at precisely 1:00 A.M. on the night of December 5th, 1889. It was well known during his time that Davis would always say that he did not want to die with his boots off his feet. The spirit of Jefferson Davis has not only been in this house in New Orleans, but at his grave in Richmond, Virginia, Congress in Washington D.C., and at the Confederate Museum in New Orleans.</em><br />
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<em>For the remaining years of his life in the house, Davis would not leave, but merely stand by his window and look out onto the street. The spirit of this man’s soul still lives on, doing what he did during his final days. He had become a man defeated and embarrassed because of his great loss to the Northerners. He is often looked at as one of the most famous Confederate and traitor to the United States of America. It is not surprising that a man of this stature has a restless spirit, especially as he lived his final days in a United States that was run by the North. So take a walk down on Camp Street and maybe you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the one and only Confederate president, Jefferson Davis.</em><br />
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Sources & Links<br />
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Beauvoir Official Site <br />
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Jackson Clarion-Ledger: Beauvoir destroyed <br />
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New York Times (Sept. 8, 2005): In Mississippi, History Is Now a Salvage Job<br />
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thecivilwarera.com<br />
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explorepahistory.com/displayimage.php?imgId=2231<br />
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richmondthenandnow.com/Historic-Richmond-11.html<br />
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Library of Congress - Congressional Globe<br />
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www.senate.gov<br />
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www.usa-civil-war.com/Davis/davis.html<br />
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http://ghosts-hauntings.suite101.com/article.cfm/ghosts_of_fort_monroe#ixzz0X1WttBSr<br />
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battleofraymond.org<br />
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Dwyer, Jeff. Ghost Hunter’s Guide to New Orleans. 2007<br />
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http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USASdavisJ.htm<br />
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Selected Bibliography<br />
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Burr, Frank A. “Jefferson Davis, The Ex-Confederate President at Home,” Tyler’s Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine, January 1951, 163-80 [1881 interview].<br />
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Davis, Jefferson. Private Letters, edited by Hudson Strode. New York: Harcourt, Brace &<br />
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World, 1966.<br />
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Evans, William A. “Jefferson Davis Shrine: Beauvoir House,” Journal of Mississippi History, October 1940, 3-8.<br />
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Evans, William A. 100 Questions and Answers about Beauvoir House (pamphlet).<br />
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Jones, J. William. “A Visit to Beauvoir—President Davis and Family at Home,” Southern Historical Society Papers, 1886, 447-54.<br />
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Jones, Mrs. Wilbur Moore. Historic Beauvoir. Hattiesburg: United Daughters of the Confederacy, 1921.<br />
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Thompson, V. Elaine. “The Battle for Beauvoir: Who Won the Lost Cause?” Paper presented at the Gulf South History and Humanities <br />
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Conference, Hammond, Louisiana, October 1998. <br />
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Related website:<br />
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http://mshistory.k12.ms.us/articles/284/beauvoir<br />
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http://www.beauvoir.org (accessed May 2007)<br />
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Sources<br />
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Varnia Howell Davis Bio by Donald Rayfield FindaGrave.com Memorial Page.<br />
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http://www.civilwarhistory.com/davisphoto/varina.htm<br />
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http://www.civilwarhome.com/varinadavisbio.htm<br />
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http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Beauvoir_%28Biloxi%2c_Mississippi%29<br />
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Read more: http://americanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/varina_howell_davis#ixzz0WyPTFVLy<br />
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http://www.thebriarsinn.com/index.php<br />
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http://jeffersondavis.rice.edu/gene.cfm The Jefferson Papers, Geneology of th eDavis Family<br />
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</strong>All information in this blog post was researched and compiled by Angela L- MSSPI<br />
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</div>Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-22785420592432006852010-10-10T15:06:00.000-05:002010-10-10T15:06:00.580-05:00THE GOAT CASTLE MURDERS - Natchez, Ms<strong><span style="font-size: large;">THE GOAT CASTLE MURDERS - Natchez, Ms</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_lK7MvUy0mcwnUMttdaVnz8CFF-5Mgy1VJvgwc_ykaoOFbJv3_aRoKZnPY3oJwuv0Op7FAH3nKiRSA_FlgKFgFIKN3cAKShix1Vuwplz2J7Uk3wsOLjz6sApGVq9vclteAkkI4MNko3F/s1600/goat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_lK7MvUy0mcwnUMttdaVnz8CFF-5Mgy1VJvgwc_ykaoOFbJv3_aRoKZnPY3oJwuv0Op7FAH3nKiRSA_FlgKFgFIKN3cAKShix1Vuwplz2J7Uk3wsOLjz6sApGVq9vclteAkkI4MNko3F/s320/goat2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>There was blood, and the mistress of Glenburnie was nowhere to be found, that hot August night in 1932 - but there was no corpse. Bloodhounds were brought in to assist police and a large search party of prominent Natchez citizens. Finally, early in the morning, the bullet-ridden body of Jane SUGET MERRILL, Miss Jennie to locals, was found in a thicket about 100 yards from the house. <br />
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Miss Jennie was the town recluse and eccentric. Born in 1864 to a wealthy and prominent Natchez family, Miss Jennie spent her early years as a popular socialite in Natchez, New York, and France. In 1904, using a portion of the one-quarter-million-dollar estate left to her, by her father, Miss Jennie purchased the old estate of Glenburnie, and from then on became more and more of a recluse. She refused to update her house, never installing electricity. She did buy an old Model T, but while she could be seen puttering around town in the old car, she would not enter or shop in the local stores. Instead, she would tap the horn, and a saleslady would come out to the car. <br />
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Miss Jennie was 68 years old at the time of her murder. She had never married, and only allowed one person to enter Glenburnie during the 28 years she lived there. That one person was her cousin, the equally eccentric Duncan C. MINOR, who visited Miss Jennie every evening. It was thought that Duncan was the mysterious caller who notified police of the blood, and disappearance of Miss Jennie, that fateful August night. It was also rumored that Miss Jennie and Duncan had been in love, perhaps lovers, for years. But no one knows, and the secret was buried with them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTho7O6fnDMVHRxUmC6gbMQLCSPfGaibxoutKEWpeaaEATIykkULtbw0xJeghoUNCGjtC31JZW0MAsx2TU55ea-URhJkaVU_Bq43M72Oyp7eowkhS7jlb5gtsIzwHcTXUa40gfS_18jaZ/s1600/goat_castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTho7O6fnDMVHRxUmC6gbMQLCSPfGaibxoutKEWpeaaEATIykkULtbw0xJeghoUNCGjtC31JZW0MAsx2TU55ea-URhJkaVU_Bq43M72Oyp7eowkhS7jlb5gtsIzwHcTXUa40gfS_18jaZ/s320/goat_castle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Duncan was not much of a suspect, but Miss Jennie's neighbors were. Richard "Dick" DANA and his companion, friend, and caregiver, the spinster Octavia DOCKERY, were immediate suspects. Dick Dana, once a popular figure in Natchez, had suffered declining mental health, over the years, and depended upon Octavia to care for him. Octavia was herself, something of an eccentric. Neither had any source of income, so Octavia began raising farm animals on the grounds of their old house, Glenwood, which had been inherited by Dick, from his parents. Chickens, geese, and goats roamed about the yard, sometimes finding their way to the porch of the old structure that was badly in need of repair. And so it was that Glenburnie became known as The Goat Castle. <br />
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Sometimes the goats ventured next door, to the flower beds belonging to Miss Jennie. At one point, Miss Jennie purchased a rifle and a handgun, and it is thought she shot and killed several goats as they enjoyed lunch. Duncan tried to help. He made plans to purchase The Goat Castle, by paying the back taxes, so he could evict Octavia and Dick. However, Octavia had Dick declared insane, and as such, Dick could not be forced to leave his home. The couple remained, the goats remained, and the house continued to deteriorate, inside and out. <br />
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Another suspect was John GEIGER, a tenant who lived in a shack, on the Dana property, called the Skumk's Nest, . His overcoat was found in The Goat Castle, supposedly left as collateral for back rent. However, when fingerprints belonging to both Octavia and Dick were found at Miss Jennie's home, the poverty-ridden couple was arrested. <br />
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Miss Jennie had left a will. Her entire estate, consisting of $250,000 in cash, Glenburnie, and two large plantations in Louisiana, was left to Duncan. Only one notation was made, in the will: "I am sure he [Duncan?] will carry out my wishes." <br />
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Octavia and Dick both loudly proclaimed their innocence. They reported hearing loud noises coming from the Glenburnie residence, on the night of the murder. Police were not convinced, and so Octavia and Dick were arrested, and taken to jail. <br />
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For the first time in years, outsiders entered The Goat Castle. Visitors were aghast at the filth and squalor. The once-beautiful mansion had become home to the hordes of chickens, ducks, geese, and goats that had been allowed to roam at will, making themselves comfortable among the magnificent furnishings. A leather-bound set of books, and several manuscripts, once belonging to the likes of Robert E. LEE and Jefferson DAVIS, had been chewed to pieces. Wallpaper had come loose, and was left to hang from the walls. Bedding and upholstered furniture had become moldy. Neither Octavia nor Dick slept in the fine four-poster beds, preferring filthy mats that had been placed on the floor in their respective bedrooms. The police thought sure they had the murderers. <br />
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Then, a twist to the story. Several miles away, in Arkansas, a man named George PEARLS had been shot and killed by Pine Bluff police. Pearls had brandished a .32 caliber gun, the same type of gun that had been used to murder Miss Jennie. Natchez townspeople began to wonder, and their questions soon turned to sympathy for Octavia and Dick. A jury could not be formed, and with the help of Ed RATCLIFF, a prominent Natchez attorney, Octavia and Dick were released from jail. <br />
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Finally there was a confession. Emily BURNS, a Natchez resident who owned a rooming house, admitted that she and George Pearls had visited Miss Jennie in an attempt to obtain a loan. Miss Jennie, angry over the intrusion, had drawn her pistol. It was then than Pearls shot her. Other evidence collaborated the story, and Emily was convicted and sent to prison. <br />
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Emily Burns spent less than eight years, in prison, obtaining a pardon by Gov. Paul B. JOHNSON, Sr., in 1940. <br />
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Duncan Minor accepted his inheritance, bought a new car, and traveled. At his death, money remaining from the inheritance was left to Miss Jennie's family, presumably in accordance with her wishes. <br />
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And what about Octavia and Dick? Their lives took a definite turn for the better. For a fee of .25, visitors could tour the grounds; for another .25, visitors could actually enter The Goat Castle. Dick, who once held a promising musical career, took a bath, shaved, and entertained guests by playing a borrowed piano. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbqzg8eRTgl3-8uw3HytFcHTRFcVCUCbA5MW1bloGZuVUaQDavpnjLLh4hKV7Azxb8zlP98VJObZihgQQ-2azIZ-XcShhEcapa4ht-VBfXtXjm45Gzi5oCVjPH0IiHHh2I6nKzjymmWsX/s1600/goattombstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbqzg8eRTgl3-8uw3HytFcHTRFcVCUCbA5MW1bloGZuVUaQDavpnjLLh4hKV7Azxb8zlP98VJObZihgQQ-2azIZ-XcShhEcapa4ht-VBfXtXjm45Gzi5oCVjPH0IiHHh2I6nKzjymmWsX/s320/goattombstone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dick Dana died in 1948, a few months before Octivia's death in April, 1949. The Goat Castle was left to out-of-town cousins who auctioned off most of the furnishings. The house was abandoned, and finally torn down in 1955. <br />
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Glenburnie, the home of Miss Jennie, was eventually restored and updated. <br />
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Bibliography: <br />
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The Goat Castle Murders by Sim C. Callon and Carolyn Vance Smith, Plantation Publishing Company, Natchez, Mississippi, 1985 <br />
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Natchez on the Mississippi by Harnett T. Kane, Bonanza Books, New YorkMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-44118221582883714752010-10-10T14:57:00.000-05:002010-10-10T14:57:07.201-05:00Mansions of Victorian Village Memphis Tn.<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Victorian Village -Memphis Tn.</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">by Angela Lucius, MSSPI Oct 31, 2009</span><br />
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<strong>Victorian Village, Memphis</strong> <br />
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Memphis is a city in the southwest corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee, and the county seat of Shelby County, Tennessee. <br />
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Memphis rises above the Mississippi River on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff just south of the mouth of the Wolf River ....and borders our great State of Mississippi.<br />
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Many of us in North Mississippi are familiar with Memphis and the historic significance of the city's history and culture.. Some of us, myself being one of them, were born in Memphis. It's history, music and culture are very much apart of the lives and heritages of many North Mississippi residents. <br />
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<strong>The Victorian Village</strong> is located in the eastern quadrant of Downtown Memphis, Tennessee, located on the Mississippi River between Interstate 40 to the north and Interstate 55 to the south.<br />
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<strong>History of The Victorian Village</strong><br />
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19th century<br />
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During Memphis' early period of growth in the mid 1800s, a few wealthy Memphian's, built grand, Victorian-style homes in what was then the outskirts of the city. Edward C. Jones, one of Memphis's most significant Victorian-era architects, and his partner, Matthias Harvey Baldwin, built the Woodruff-Fontaine House (1870) and renovated the Harsson-Goyer-Lee House (1871).<br />
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Present<br />
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Some of these three and four-story mansions now stand near the city's downtown along Adams Avenue. While most of the original homes are now gone, several remain as museums.<br />
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History of The Mansion<br />
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In 1845 Amos Woodruff arrived in Memphis from Rahway, N.J. He and his brother were expanding the carriage building business they had started in New Jersey. He became President of the City Council, Organizer and president of two banks, a railroad company, a hotel company, an insurance company, cotton compress and lumber firm. In 1870, he commissioned the building of the 16 room mansion at 680 Adams, paying $12,000 for the land and $40,000 for the residence.<br />
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He, his wife and 4 children lived in this French Victorian mansion from 1871-1883.<br />
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In 1883 Woodruff sold the house to Noland Fontaine, a Memphis cotton factor. The Fontaines lived in the house for 46 years, rearing 8 children to adulthood. Following Mrs. Fontaine's death, the children sold the house. The home was sold to Mrs. Rosa Lee of 690 Adams and she expanded the James Lee Art Academy to include both buildings. The Memphis Academy of Arts moved in 1959 and the house, willed to the city , stood vacant and vandalized.<br />
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In 1961 the Memphis Chapter, Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities, presented restoration pledges of $50,000 to the City of Memphis and signed a five year lease with the city.<br />
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In 1964 the restored mansion was opened to the public as a house museum, unfurnished. Generous Mid-Southerners donated gifts of furniture and furnishings. A.P.T.A. members are all volunteers who serve as hostesses year round in order that guest may enjoy the gracious atmosphere of the late 1800's which pervades this home. <br />
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<strong>Haunting Claims</strong><br />
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Legend says that Molly Woodruff Henning, daughter of the original owner and the first to be married in the Mansion, still roams the halls. She is known as " The Lady of the House" <br />
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Reports of haunting activity such as, a smoke formed apparition of Molly has been reported by staff when they have tried to update or move furniture in the mansion. Molly apparently becomes upset making her dislike of the re-decorations known by slamming doors and breaking things. Molly has been reportedly seen, sitting on the bed of the second story Rose Room. <br />
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The Rose Room was Molly's bedroom and also the room where she lost a young child, who some reports claim died in the yellow fever epidemic that swept its deadly hand across Memphis in the 1870's. Three months after the death of the child, Molly's husband, Egbert Wooldridge died of pneumonia in the Rose Room. Molly was devastated but eventually recovered from the tragic loss and remarried and moved from the house with her second husband, to a home on Poplar Ave. where she also lost a second child. There are conflicting reports as to how this child died. some claim the child died at birth and other's claim a child, possibly Molly's was drowned by the child's nanny. I will make an attempt to clarify this claim.<br />
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Other claims of paranormal activity include strange noises, unexplained footsteps, cold spots, ghostly forms , voices and the smell of cigar smoke. Molly died in 1917.<br />
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MSSPI had the pleasure of touring the Woodruff Fontaine Mansion on October 30th, 2009. We were invited to the event by Paranormal Inc. of Memphis, who along with APTA members, hosted a Haunted Tour and presented some of their research and EVP clips. The mansion was beautifully decorated by the volunteers of APTA. After the presentation and tour , the MSSPI team had wine and appetizers in the Carriage House, behind the mansion. We had a great time and appreciate Paranormal Inc. for the invitation to this event. All proceeds from the event were to benefit the ongoing efforts of APTA and the Woodruff Fontaine Museum in preserving this beautiful piece of Memphis history and we were grateful to have the opportunity to be a small part of that preservation effort. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfLRh1jXLeGfQWBpSP-NWs_y1CKUDckvtviEvsVNyOH2Q6IDHGat878l-LgcjGF5rJFYws722vgEOP-LE1VI7fhuml1c8CjvnKWtGHoa_ctuBewro0Si4On8qMVF-wiltkvkZirFEuQ1s/s1600/13_highres5544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfLRh1jXLeGfQWBpSP-NWs_y1CKUDckvtviEvsVNyOH2Q6IDHGat878l-LgcjGF5rJFYws722vgEOP-LE1VI7fhuml1c8CjvnKWtGHoa_ctuBewro0Si4On8qMVF-wiltkvkZirFEuQ1s/s320/13_highres5544.jpg" width="317" /></a></div><strong>James Lee House</strong> <br />
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Built in the mid-1800s, this Victorian home is another in a collection of such homes in an area known as Victorian Village. The elaborate mansion was once home to riverboat tycoon James Lee.<br />
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This photo does not do justice to the massive size of the Mansion and if you think it looks creepy in the daylight , you should see it at night!<br />
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<strong>Mallory-Neely House</strong> <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkvK0UgcOgvfi70mwKFGCJKabZ0izXAjviLL8udQtV7I_PG2VD8uHYI53_pFxv7v0uGHX6eS49wP-bUCt-i2En6mfVROwgyNrINEG6rfp1c2-4Gna4ZXMHu5DzQg7Y3tgMs6y_QnIiqSE/s1600/12_highres3803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkvK0UgcOgvfi70mwKFGCJKabZ0izXAjviLL8udQtV7I_PG2VD8uHYI53_pFxv7v0uGHX6eS49wP-bUCt-i2En6mfVROwgyNrINEG6rfp1c2-4Gna4ZXMHu5DzQg7Y3tgMs6y_QnIiqSE/s320/12_highres3803.jpg" width="320" /></a>This 25-room, three-story Italianate mansion dates to 1852 and contains most of its original furnishings. Hand-painted ceilings and stained-glass windows from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair frame what once was the home of an affluent Memphis family.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>A.P.T.A is a non-profit organization operating the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum. <br />
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If you would like to find out more information about how you can become a member of AFTA or help support the upkeep of the Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum call 901-526-1469 for further details.<br />
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Association for The Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities<br />
680-690 Adams Ave, Memphis Tn. 38105Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-10508990888312446072010-10-10T14:31:00.001-05:002010-10-10T14:37:21.360-05:00A Brief History of Lochinvar Plantation, Pontotoc Ms.<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lochinvar Plantation Pontotoc Ms</span></strong><br />
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In 1832 the United States by a treaty with the Chickasaw Indians acquired possession of all the lands owned by them in Mississippi, excepting certain reservations which were afterwards sold to the whites when the tribe moved to the Indian Territory.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1luzExD5CYGPfoabf2G1axkOrd8853wpAhLL2dxPXQIKdgyTnOUbRUJVleFhFQnzM1k0tkGObEDEUG1u7C1caU_HO9zMBs7HJaaHNJgc8Tks5akf-tXdpn0uqnUkNwLnRcgRRN9_GeyZJ/s1600/robert_gordon8222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1luzExD5CYGPfoabf2G1axkOrd8853wpAhLL2dxPXQIKdgyTnOUbRUJVleFhFQnzM1k0tkGObEDEUG1u7C1caU_HO9zMBs7HJaaHNJgc8Tks5akf-tXdpn0uqnUkNwLnRcgRRN9_GeyZJ/s200/robert_gordon8222.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>Robert Gordon, a younger son of an ancient Scotch family, visiting America in search of adventure, was present and signed the treaty as a witness. He was a gentleman of culture and fine business ability. Although he came to America on a pleasure trip, he was so pleased with the country he concluded to remain and become an American citizen.<br />
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He soon afterward married Miss Elizabeth Walton, the daughter of a Virginian who belonged to a family distinguished for patriotism during the Revolutionary war; one of the Waltons was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOsx_X0DPK8LiBiIN612rIR3yGSnECuG9iw_9gzuXde6iC5vrXd2fqh5RLNpZit2lu9RzXmDoymc3NJhYTc9JmQR5NoOoEzRZ-VsF_547eGCkPIPQ8RDDMxBTsNp7asHljUtd4jjpyyb5/s1600/mary_elizabeth9263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsOsx_X0DPK8LiBiIN612rIR3yGSnECuG9iw_9gzuXde6iC5vrXd2fqh5RLNpZit2lu9RzXmDoymc3NJhYTc9JmQR5NoOoEzRZ-VsF_547eGCkPIPQ8RDDMxBTsNp7asHljUtd4jjpyyb5/s1600/mary_elizabeth9263.jpg" /></a></div>When the United States Land Office was located at Pontotoc, Mr. Gordon located there also; and, being a thrifty Scotchman, by speculating in lands he soon accumulated a handsome estate. Two sections became his by purchase, one of them he bought from an Indian woman named Molly Gunn and it was deeded by her to his infant son, James Gordon. Upon this section he built a handsome house situated on the highest hill in Pontotoc county, overlooking a beautiful table-land surrounded by hills and valleys covered with maj estic trees of every variety known to this climate, through whose shadows silvery streams from an hundred gushing fountains flowed on to the sea. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLc5o7H_OTV1v3BZfXVGTX-ZoZkNaH-5-5dBVCvB2CbTZPg_bXQFcC0WNSRiT7JkpQQk1yyOaiAbx42_njJpxkFfC6YwpzWaHVaIJ-Jt1u_w0d8sMuaBhVbT0jnubBKZVf0w3w5MD3Gz6/s1600/illuslochinvar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLc5o7H_OTV1v3BZfXVGTX-ZoZkNaH-5-5dBVCvB2CbTZPg_bXQFcC0WNSRiT7JkpQQk1yyOaiAbx42_njJpxkFfC6YwpzWaHVaIJ-Jt1u_w0d8sMuaBhVbT0jnubBKZVf0w3w5MD3Gz6/s320/illuslochinvar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The stately mansion was three years in building; every timber in it was of "heart pine," the frame work of solid trees with the sap hewn off; it was all hand work, as there were no sawmills in the country at that time. A beautiful self-supporting stairway leads up to the third story; above this, is an observatory overlooking the surrounding country. Beneath the building are three cellars, once stored with rich wines of home and foreign vintage. The house contained fifteen rooms, eight of them 22 feet square; and two large halls and galleries reaching around two sides of the house complete the picture of this palatial old mansion. <br />
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Pontotoc was at that time the home of some of the most cultured people in the State, and Lochinvar was kept in the style of the ancient home of the Gordons on the Solway, "Where the young laird came out of the west To the Netherby Hall on his swift steed, And bore off the bride to his nest." <br />
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Oos-ta-ko-wa, Broken Pumpkin, was the Indian name of a small creek on the estate which was once the home of the Chickasaw queen Puccanula, whose dwelling was close to a crystal spring still known as the Queen’s spring. After the exodus of the Indians it received the name of Lochinvar. Molly Gunn, from whom the estate was purchased, was the daughter of a Virginia loyalist—called a Tory during the Revolution. After the defeat of the British and the recognition of the American Republic, Gunn, who owned a large number of slaves, emigrated to Mississippi, married an Indian maiden and spent his life in peace among the Chickasaws. Forbidding any celebration of the Fourth of July, but celebrating the birthday of George III, he was loyal to the last. <br />
<br />
When the white people entered the newly acquired territory they found among the Chickasaws a granddaughter of Gunn, named Rhoda, who was surpassingly beautiful, and heiress to a large property. She had many suitors among the adventurous white speculators, but the dusky maiden spurned their addresses and married an Indian brave named "Humming Bird," who bore the Chickasaw rose away to the West. Cyrus Harris, a nephew of Molly Gunn, who had been educated by Rev. Thomas Stuart, a Presbyterian missionary, was employed as interpreter by Mr. Gordon in his dealings with the Indians; and remained to the time of his death, ten years ago [1892], a true friend of the family. <br />
<br />
Mr. Gordon was the founder of Aberdeen, in Monroe county, the Gordon house there being named in his honor. His estate was recorded in the census of 1860 at one million six hundred thousand dollars of taxable property. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxIraCBxHcJrfhH7voYV9C3uihHjypaNtX5YusA1TJl9bo4Ngm9HY_ryvrqk7gU7mcXUy_qwvv6JXmmD-dNZqoKud_7pI2_VnBEDmof3utBshlIBqGfPbS0oZZbRcOXIu3GY6tI2SI-hw/s1600/colonel_james_gordon_lochin1447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrxIraCBxHcJrfhH7voYV9C3uihHjypaNtX5YusA1TJl9bo4Ngm9HY_ryvrqk7gU7mcXUy_qwvv6JXmmD-dNZqoKud_7pI2_VnBEDmof3utBshlIBqGfPbS0oZZbRcOXIu3GY6tI2SI-hw/s1600/colonel_james_gordon_lochin1447.jpg" /></a></div>When the Civil War called the sons of the South to arms, James Gordon, the only son and heir, armed and equipped the first cavalry company that left the State for Virginia, which was known as company "B," Jeff. Davis Legion, Stuart’s Cavalry, Army of Virginia. After a year’s service in Virginia, Capt. Gordon raised a regiment of which he was chosen colonel; this regiment was known as the 2nd Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry, Armstrong’s Brigade; served in many engagements under Generals Price, VanDorn, W. H. Jackson, and N. B. Forrest. The son of Lochinvar, like his maternal ancestors, was rebel to the core, and proud of a mother and wife who like the Spartan mothers, buckled on his sword and sent him to the field of battle. Among the trophies sent from the field was the sword of Gen. John S. Coburn, of Indiana, commanding a brigade at the battle of Thompson’s Station. Gen. Coburn requested by a letter to Gen. Frank Cheatham permission to present the sword to Col. Gordon in consideration of kindness shown him while a prisoner. Col. Gordon also won the friendship of Gen. Shafter, who presented him with a pistol, and he did not forget to send a kind message of remembrance, when on his way to Santiago, Cuba. <br />
<br />
These incidents are mentioned in no spirit of vain-glory, but to show how Confederates treated their prisoners. These papers, shown to Adjutant Woodward of Grierson’s staff, saved Lochinvar from the torch when Grierson made his raid through Pontotoc county. <br />
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Lochinvar was not only known as the most beautiful house in North Mississippi, but noted for the hospitality dispensed. Its spacious halls were often the scene of pleasure where the elite of society assembled and spent the happy hours in feasting, music, and dancing. It can be truthfully said that a free welcome was extended to all who sought its hospitality whether the invited guest, the passing traveler, or the ragged beggar seeking alms; none were refused admittance and entertainment. <br />
<br />
Lochinvar was the scene of many romances. During the late war many brides came through the Federal lines, met their Confederate lovers here and were married. The sick and wounded soldiers often sought health and comfort under the leafy shadows and beside the murmuring streams, and were nursed to health by the noble mistress of the home. <br />
<br />
After the aged founder and his wife passed away, the son tried to keep up the prestige of the house, but soon found that a great estate requires a great income. Every thing is changed at Lochinvar, the trellised bowers where love’s sweet story was whispered to willing listeners are silent and falling to decay. The tramp of the steed, and the hunter’s mellow horn, the cheery music of the hounds in chase of the wily fox or antlered deer among the hills, are heard no more. The wheel of fortune turned, leaving the grand old home a sad relic of better and happier days; and the exile’s tears that pride withholds from outward flow fall back and scald the heart, as memory brings to view the scenes of long ago. This short story of Lochinvar is the history of nearly all the old Southern homes. <br />
<br />
by Mrs. N. D. Deupree <br />
<br />
From Publications The Mississippi Historical Society, Vol. VI, <br />
<br />
Edited by Franklin L. Riley, Secretary <br />
<br />
Published Oxford, Mississippi 1902 <br />
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<a href="http://www.natchezbelle.org/ahgp-ms/historic-homes/lochinvar.htm">http://www.natchezbelle.org/ahgp-ms/historic-homes/lochinvar.htm</a><br />
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Lochinvar Ghost Tale<br />
by Troy Taylor<br />
<br />
Lochinvar Plantation is a true part of the old south, steeped in the lore of the southern states and drenched in the traditions of long ago. Built in the late 1830's, the mansion was home to the Gordon family for many years and watched over by an old caretaker. The Gordon family is long gone now.... but the old caretaker still watches over the place.<br />
<br />
Lochinvar was built by Robert Gordon, a Scottish adventurer, in the late 1830's as a gift for his wife. At the time, Gordon owned a strip of land which stretched all the way from Pontotoc to Aberdeen, sixty miles away. Aberdeen was Gordon's own town. He had founded a trading post there in the early 1830's and named the place Dundee in honor of a town in Scotland. He later changed to the name to Aberdeen. It was near Pontotoc where Gordon found the land where he wanted to build his home. The location that he chose had been the land of the Choctaw Indian chief, Chinubi and once the Indians were gone from the area, he began building the new house.<br />
<br />
After moving into the grand mansion, the Gordons would have one child, a son named James. His earliest memories of Lochinvar included magnificent parties and his personal servant, named Ebenezer. He could not remember a time when Ebenezer had not been a part of his life. He taught James to hunt and fish, told him stories, supervised his manners and when he was old enough, packed his trunks and watched him leave for the University of Mississippi at Oxford in 1851.<br />
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As the years passed, the beloved slave grew older and became known by the respectful name of "Uncle Eb". He remained particularly close to James Gordon and their relationship went far beyond master and servant.<br />
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In February of 1856, James married Virginia Wiley and in December of that year, their daughter Annie was born. From that time that she could walk, Annie was attached to Uncle Eb. She followed him everywhere and begged him to push her on the swings and to tell her stories.<br />
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Delighted, Uncle Eb took under his wing a new generation of Gordons.<br />
<br />
Then came the Civil War. Robert Gordon, now too old to be involved, gave his support and advice to James and they raised a company of Confederate cavalry, the first from northern Mississippi. Before James Gordon left for service, he called Uncle Eb to see him. "Take care of my family and the plantation," he told his mentor, "My father needs your help and I need to know that you are here with my family. Don't let anything happen to them and I'll be back home soon." He embraced the older man and told him goodbye.<br />
<br />
This began Uncle Eb's role as the caretaker and guardian of Lochinvar. Every afternoon, he would begin his rounds of the property, making sure the gates were closed, the doors to the house were locked and that there were no strangers lurking around the plantation. He moved his bed to the hallway outside of Annie's door, where he slept from that night on. He took to roaming the grounds at various times throughout the night, carrying an oil lantern and making sure that everything was secure.<br />
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As time passed, he learned other skills and began making repairs on the house and the farming equipment. He learned to cook and prepare the meals and even to darn socks and make repairs on clothing.<br />
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Night after night, the light from Uncle Eb's lantern circled the house, the barn, the garden, the pasture and the orchards, reassuring himself that nothing was amiss and that the people he loved were safe.<br />
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One night, while Uncle Eb was on his rounds, a rider approached. It was Captain James Gordon, home for a brief stay at Lochinvar. A few days after he left, he was promoted to the rank of Colonel, returning to combat with the 2nd Mississippi Cavalry Regiment, Armstrong's Brigade.<br />
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Colonel Gordon and Uncle Eb would never meet again.<br />
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One rainy night, Uncle Eb was roused from his sleep by a strange sound. He took his lantern outside and crossed the grounds in the storm. He was soaked to the skin before he was sure that everything was secure. A day or so later, what seemed to be a cold developed into pneumonia. In less than a week, old Uncle Eb was dead.<br />
<br />
It was a long time before Colonel Gordon received word of his friend's death. He was in England at the time on a mission for President Davis. On his way home, he landed in North Carolina and was captured and imprisoned. He soon escaped and made his way to Canada. There, he met and befriended an actor named John Wilkes Booth. This casual friendship with Booth later pointed suspicion to Gordon when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Luckily, Gordon was able to prove his innocence.<br />
<br />
After the war, Gordon finally learned that Uncle Eb had passed away while carrying out his duties to the plantation.<br />
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Many believe that since Uncle Eb died before the war ended and before his guardianship of the Gordon home came to an end.... he has not rested in peace in the years since the Civil War. As the years have passed, his oil lantern is still seen roaming the grounds of the Lochinvar estate. It has been seen for decades and locals believe that the light belongs to the spirit of Uncle Eb, watching over his beloved family throughout eternity.<br />
Lochinvar is a private residence north of the town of Pontotoc. The town is located about 20 miles west of Tupelo on Highway 6.<br />
<br />
Copyright 1998 by Troy Taylor<br />
<a href="http://www.prairieghosts.com/lochinvar.html">www.prairieghosts.com/lochinvar.html</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6JQscSO__QGugL2E0cfUE53J19ISZTlOr01ElL2eqPjRFv24m9Lqx78quWhgAXlDdLk8eh26_Rzge_i6WQWI0vYJRSPFz0Yy4Mbc2cbzS-xdsO1MFjK4QiSefpc-UZsduZOuwva9SFE1/s1600/colonel_james_gordon7605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6JQscSO__QGugL2E0cfUE53J19ISZTlOr01ElL2eqPjRFv24m9Lqx78quWhgAXlDdLk8eh26_Rzge_i6WQWI0vYJRSPFz0Yy4Mbc2cbzS-xdsO1MFjK4QiSefpc-UZsduZOuwva9SFE1/s1600/colonel_james_gordon7605.jpg" /></a></div>Name James Robert GORDON <br />
Birth 6 Dec 1833, Quincy, Monroe Co. MS <br />
Death 28 Nov 1912, Okalona, MS <br />
Occupation Planter; U.S. Senator <br />
Religion Methodist <br />
Education Univ. of MS 1855 <br />
Father Robert GORDON (1788-1876) <br />
Mother Mary Elizabeth WALTON (1813-1869) <br />
<br />
Misc. Notes <br />
<br />
James Gordon wrote the following in a "Biographical Memoranda" copied by Forrest Tutor:<br />
<br />
James Gordon went to school in the old field schools of Pontotoc County. At Tocsish to Jesse & Thos. Bramlett, to Hon Rittain R. Webb, Cherry Creek, Pontotoc Co., Dr. Harots in Holly Springs in 1848 to Whitehorn in Holly Springs in 1848&9. LaGrange College 1850. Entered sophomore at University of Mississippi Sept 1852. Graduated in Class of 1855.<br />
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Planter, Editor, Journalist . A writer for various magazines and journals (including Scribners, and Century Magazines, Forest and Stream, Field and Farm)<br />
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Was a member of the state legislature in 1857, 1878 & 1886. Elected to State Senate for 31st District for four years beginning Jan 5th 1904. Has serve on state executive committee and always actively working for the democratic.<br />
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Captain Chickasaw Ranger, Co. B. Jeff Davis Legion, commission Feb 7th 1861; armed and equipped company at own expense. Raised and organized a Regiment of cavalry know as 2nd Regt. Miss. Vol. Cavalry, Armstrongs Brigade. Fought under Genl. J.E.B. Stuart in Virginia, Van Dorn, W. H. Jackson and N. B. Forest in Miss and other states. Was sent to Europe by President Davis in 1864. Had yellow fever in Bahama Islands, was captured on return the night Fort Fisher Fell at Wilmington. Escaped and went to Canada. Reported to the Hon. Jacob Thompson in Montreal and was like him charged with being an accomplice of Wilkes Booth in the assassination of Lincoln, some months after surrender was permitted to return home by Genl. Dix, who gave him a safe guard to report to him in New York and was satisfied with his innocence.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAepjNhyphenhyphen8nC33QXFH9K9qze6PtPzgQ5BCCjJJItGbq0kNO6qYrBfvPh5bb_A5kbmBavIEe-dtl7JPwFXoEEBBzvs9KcDlaoGh73kLEvQwHbj_S_Bqq90my8vOqnBJWugbNJpR5a6JMnfY1/s1600/pi02_242carolinaxVirginiaxwiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAepjNhyphenhyphen8nC33QXFH9K9qze6PtPzgQ5BCCjJJItGbq0kNO6qYrBfvPh5bb_A5kbmBavIEe-dtl7JPwFXoEEBBzvs9KcDlaoGh73kLEvQwHbj_S_Bqq90my8vOqnBJWugbNJpR5a6JMnfY1/s1600/pi02_242carolinaxVirginiaxwiley.jpg" /></a></div>He married Feb 7th 1856 Carolina Virginia Wiley, daughter of Yancey Wiley and his wife Annie Thompson Wiley who lived near Oxford. Mrs. Gordon was a niece of Hon. Jacob Thompson, a granddaughter of Nicholas Thompson of Leesburg, NC and a granddaughter of a daughter of Hon. Bartlett Yancey, a distinguished lawyer, politician and statesman of North Carolina. She was active in church work and for soldiers in the war...<br />
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Col. James Gordon and Mrs Carolina Virginia Gordon were the parents of only two childen and there was twenty years and seven months difference in their ages. The oldest, Anna, married John T. Barrow. she was born Dec 18th 1856 and is the mother of three children, Gordon T. Barrow, Mary Virginia Barrow and John T. Barrow Jr. Robert James Gordon was born July 27th 1877. Is now a law student at the University of Miss." (written Nov. 10, 1903 by James Gordon)<br />
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Note that James Gordon was appointed United States Senator in December 1909 by Gov. Noel to fill the vacancy created by the death of Senator McLaurin. He served only until Feb. 10, 1910, when he was succeeded by LeRoy Percy, who was elected by the Mississippi Legislature.<br />
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<strong>The following is James Gordon's biography in The History of Monroe County:</strong><br />
<br />
"James Gordon was born at Cotton Gin Port in Monroe County Dec. 6, 1833. He attended the University of MS at Oxford, and graduated in 1855. In 1856, he was the representative of his county in the State Legislature. He married Caroline Virginia Wiley in February of 1856. She was the daughter of Yancey Wiley of Oxford, MS. According to Goodspeeds "Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Mississippi," during the Civil War, James Gordon raised a company of cavalry arming it and equipping it from his own private means. He captained the company, took it to Richmond and was attached to the Jeff Davis legion under General Stewart. After the battle of Seven Pnes in 1862, he returned to MS and recruited a regiment of cavalry of which he was made Colonel. The outfit was know as the Secon MS Regt Cav of Armstrong's Brigade. He was later sent to Europe by President Jefferson Davis on a mission. On his return, he was captured and was a prisoner of war until he escaped in Feb. of 1865 and went to Montreal, Canada. During this time in Canada, he met John Wilkes Booth, and was later suspected by the United States Government of implication in the assassination of President Lincoln. He was later cleared of any suspicion. He returned to Mississisppi in 1865 after taking the oath of allegiance. He was elected as a representative to the State Legislature in 1877 and agan in 1885. He was later U. S. Senator. James Gordon was also an author under the pen name Pious Jeems. He contributed to many of the foremost publications of his day, including the magazines, Century Magazine, Turf, Field & Farm, American Field and the London Field. He died Nov. 28, 1912 and was buried at Okolona, Chickasaw County, Mississippi."<br />
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Note that in the 1860 census of Chickasaw County, MS, the value of James Gordon's real estate was $122,700 and the value of his personal property was $128, 725.<br />
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The following description of James Robert Gordon's late Civil War experience is from William A. Tidwell, Come Retribution, p. 406: "Jefferson Davis persuaded him to go to England in 1864 to help arrange the purchase of a privateer. Gordon's return was delayed when he contracted yellow fever at Bermuda. He finaly reached Wilmington aboard the blockade runner Blenheim which steamed blithely into port on the night of 24 January 1865 without the captain being aware that Fort Fisher had been captured by a federal amphibious force on 15 January. The next morning the vessel was taken as a prize, and the crew was removed to Old Point Comfort, Virginia. At Old Point Comfort, Gordon talked his way out on 22 February by telling the Yankees that he was the son of athe duke of Argyle and was fleeing from a scrape in Scotland. In a few days he reached New York City, where he was concealed, probably by John Potts Brown, an astute Confederate commercial agent. As Gordon told it later, he went on to Montreal and reported to Jacob Thompson. ...<br />
<br />
James Gordon clearly arrived in Montreal on 8 March 1865, in the middle of an important Confederate operation. After the war, in talks with visitors at Lochinvar, he said that while he was in Canada he worked on plans to capture President Lincoln and had met John Wilkes Booth. Although this was known to many people in rural Pontotoc County, it caused scarcely a ripple. In the bitter poverty of the postwar South, who would condemn a plan to capture Lincoln?" <br />
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homepage.mac.com/.../Miller_family/ps02_241.htmlMississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-11916032150452011442010-09-16T14:27:00.000-05:002010-09-16T14:27:43.911-05:00Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Basics<strong>Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Basics</strong> <br />
<br />
by D.R. Smith<br />
<br />
Northern Lights Paranormal Studies and Investigations<br />
Fargo, North Dakota<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In recent years, many paranormal investigators have adopted Electromagnetic Field (EMF) detection devices as a plausible tool for detecting the presence of ghosts and calculating the approximate location of spirit energies. In fact, it is probably the paranormal community which accounts for a very large percentage of the sales of EMF detection and monitoring equipment gear. However, only a handful of ghost hunters can fully explain the principles behind EMF and demonstrate proper use of the detection equipment.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, this article will help to explain the basics of EMF detection. This article is not intended to be a technical treatise on electromagnetic fields, waves and radiation, but rather is aimed towards informing our ghost hunting brethren of some little known facts and information that might prove to be useful to them. <br />
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<strong>Electromagnetic Field Detectors</strong> <br />
<br />
During the cellular telephone boom of the early 1990's, many theories abounded concerning the ill effects generated to the human body from exposure to ELF (extremely low frequency) magnetic fields in numerous scientific and medical journals. Theories ranged from those explaining that EMF exposure could possibly effect the body's immune system to theories which proposed that EMF exposure could be directly correlated to certain types of cancer.<br />
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Although evidence proving a direct "cause and effect" link between EMF and health problems has never been established, prestigious and recognized authorities (including the United States Environmental Protection Agency) have recommended "prudent avoidance" of ELF magnetic fields on a prolonged basis until further research leads to more conclusive results.<br />
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So, to serve the public's interest, many companies began developing simple equipment to both detect the presence of ELF magnetic fields and to measure their relative strength. Almost anyone who has purchased an EMF detector and read through the directions included with the unit has an understanding of how to operate the unit and a strong idea of where to find magnetic fields within the home. Common sources for household EM readings include such mundane objects as computer monitors, cellular telephones, bedside clock radios, and microwave ovens.<br />
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There are many different models of EMF detector currently available on the market, ranging from basic EM detection circuit boards (retailing around $5 each), to limited range user friendly models (the NL-PSI members all own ELF-Zone EMF detectors purchased in an e-Bay auction for $10 each), to incredibly sensitive units such as the Natural Trifield Meter (expect to pay a minimum of $150 for the basic model up to $300 for the more advanced models). EMF detection equipment is widely available from numerous sources on the world wide web and mail order scientific supply houses such as Edmund Scientific. <br />
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<strong>General Information concerning EMF</strong> <br />
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The electromagnetic spectrum covers an enormous range of frequencies ranging from invisible fields to visible light and beyond. These frequencies are expressed in cycles per second (i.e., Hz). Electric power (60 Hz in North America, 50 Hz in most other places) is in the extremely-low-frequency range, which includes frequencies below 3000 Hz. <br />
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The higher the frequency, the shorter the distance between one wave and the next, and the greater the amount of energy in the field. Microwave frequency fields, with wavelengths of several inches, have enough energy to cause heating in conducting material. Still higher frequencies like X-rays cause ionization—the breaking of molecular bonds, which damages genetic material. In comparison, power frequency fields have wavelengths of more than 3100 miles (5000 km) and consequently have very low energy levels that do not cause heating or ionization. However, AC fields do produce weak electric currents in conducting objects, including people and animals.<br />
<br />
In order to understand how electromagnetic fields operate within a home, we must first understand some of the basic principles of electricity. Without going into great detail, it is safe to assume that most people are aware that the electricity which powers their homes is brought to them by an enormous power system which covers most of the country. <br />
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From giant generators in plants fueled in a variety of ways (nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants, etc.), the voltage is increased by setup transformers in order to send the electricity over transmission lines to smaller substations. It is here that the voltage is decreased by the use of a step-down transformer and the power is carried along the distribution lines to a home, where a final step-down transformer decreases the voltage for energy consumption within the average home.<br />
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North America uses a 60 hertz (Hz) AC (alternating current) power system. Though a typical household is filled with electrical wiring, the typical wire contains three individual strands of wire which carry the electricity. Most household appliances utilize only one wire at a time, but the three wires are bundled together in order to keep the current cycling at different points in time. This, in turn, allows the charges to cancel one another out, resulting in an overall neutral charge (hence, alternating current). If these three wires are not run closely enough together or are improperly insulated, a "hot spot" is created and very high magnetic fields are the result.<br />
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When an electrical current travels through the wiring or into an appliance, it produces an electromagnetic field, which consists of the electric field which is always present (even when the appliance is switched off) and the magnetic field which occurs when the power is switch on to the appliance. While it is generally accepted that the electric field is harmless, it is suspected that the magnetic fields can be related to cancer or other health problems. Thus, companies have been quick to offer EMF detection devices to help the average homeowner locate and isolate areas of strong electromagnetic fields.<br />
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However, in addition to the EM present because of electrical wiring and appliance, EMF is found in nature as well. The earth itself has a unique magnetic field (referred to as a geomagnetic field) and anyone who has handled a compass is probably well aware of that fact. The earth produces EMFs, mainly in the form of DC (direct current, also called static fields). Electric fields are produced by thunderstorm activity in the atmosphere. Near the ground, the DC electric field averages less than 200 volts per meter (V/m). Much stronger fields, typically about 50,000 V/m, occur directly beneath electrical storms. <br />
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Magnetic fields are thought to be produced by electric currents flowing deep within the earth's molten core. The DC magnetic field averages around 500 milligauss (mG). This number is larger than typical AC electric power magnetic fields, but DC fields do not create currents within humans and animals like AC currents can do.<br />
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Factors as subtle as water running against certain geological stratas of rock can also produce electromagnetic fields. The sun's solar flare activity can also greatly effect the magnetic fields of the earth, as well as cosmic radiation that is able to penetrate the earth's atmosphere.<br />
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No matter the source of the EM field, all magnetic fields are measured in units called Gauss (named for Charles Friedrich Gauss, 1777-1855) or Tesla (named for Nikola Tesla, 1856-1943). While these units of measurement actually record the magnetic flux rather than the density of a field, it is unimportant for our means. Here in the United States, EM fields are measured in milliGauss (mG) while the Tesla measurements are most commonly expressed in Europe. In essence, 1mG=.01 microTesla.<br />
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For the purpose of ghost hunting, most of the EM equipment used focuses specifically on the ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) range of less than 60 Hertz and is expressed almost exclusively in terms of milliGauss (mG). <br />
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<strong>Using EMF Detectors</strong> <br />
<br />
Before attempting to use any EM detection device as part of a ghost hunt or an investigation, it is absolutely essential that the operator has read through the instruction manual thoroughly and is familiar with operating the device. To attempt using an EMF detector as part of any serious inquiry into the paranormal without fully comprehending how to properly operate the unit is an open invitation to false-readings and misleading EMF alerts.<br />
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Most of the time, operation of an EMF detector is usually considered as simple as switching on the power and moving the unit around until it registers a source of EM radiation. However, we here at the NL-PSI strongly recommend that you first use your EMF detector in your home as a training exercise to allow you to become familiar with the various sources of EM radiation in an average household. You will often find that ELF radiation is strongest in one particular area. For example, your computer monitor at work may have its greatest EM radiation level directly in back of it, a bedside clock radio may emit EM radiation to one particular side, etc.<br />
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Most of the commercially available EMF detectors are "single-axis" meters. Although even a simple explanation of what this means can confuse most non-technical users, it is very important to understand how this property affects the measurements you take.<br />
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A magnetic field has two basic properties: Its strength (or level) which is measured in mG, and its direction. Most people have no problem understanding that magnetic field levels are measured in units of mG, but the majority of measurements taken by an inexperienced operator with a single-axis meter are flawed. The problem arises from the fact that magnetic fields are directional (remember that it is the earth's magnetic field which causes a compass needle to point to magnetic north).<br />
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Most of the time, operators simply point the meter "at" the area they are trying to measure. Although it is possible that this may lead to "correct" measurements, it is much more likely that the level indicated by the meter will be lower than the actual level present. Also, try to keep in mind that all meters have different ranges of accuracy, normally ranging from +/- 1% to +/-4%. Your instruction manual will include this information and it is important to note this factor when recording your readings.<br />
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Instead of pointing the meter "at" what is being measured, the user should try slowly and gently orienting the meter in different directions until a maximum level is indicated on the display. Turn the meter clockwise, counterclockwise, sideways, leaning forward, leaning backward, and all combination of angles and distances in between. This may seem a little awkward, but it is absolutely necessary to insure accurate readings.<br />
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Hold the meter in front of and around the source of radiation and continue to orient the meter at various angles until a maximum reading is found. If you take the time to become familiar with this process, you will find that the reading displayed is greatly affected by the orientation of the meter. This is because the magnetic field not only has a strength or level associated with it, but a direction as well. Most meters respond very well to EM fields that run across the meter from left to right (or right to left), but a very strong magnetic field running in a direction from top to bottom or front to back will show little or sometimes no reading on the display of many meters.<br />
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If it is not possible to insure that you are using your single-axis meter correctly, consider upgrading your EMF detector to a 3-axis instrument such as the Trifield Natural EM Meter or the Teslatronics Model 70. These are far more sensitive units (The TriField meter can actually pick up the EM signatures produced by the human body at a distance of ten feet, through a wall!) and are able to monitor a wide range of energy patterns, such as microwave and radio wave radiation as well as EMF.<br />
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The 3-axis meters, because of their inherent sensitivity, will get accurate readings very quickly, but have many quirks unique to their very nature. For instance, trying to measure radio frequency (RF) radiation in a room with a TriField meter may prove difficult because the meter will pick up energies being reflected from the four walls, the ceiling and floor, and even the user's body. Some paranormal investigators report that they find using the TriField meter as an active "scanning" device by moving the unit from side to side a very difficult task because of the fluctuations of the readings. <br />
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They recommend using the TriField as a stationary device. Rather than "scanning" for EM activity that might indicate a paranormal anomaly, simply let the device sit in one area and its audible alarm will alert you when it senses an unusual EM source.<br />
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Once you have spent enough time to become intimately familiar with the subtitles of operating your EMF meter and are confident in your abilities to obtain accurate readings with it, it is time to switch over to a fresh battery and try it again in the dark. Think of it as a training exercise. <br />
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With the lights off, go through your home again with the meter, focusing only on your readings. Try to keep in mind that magnetic fields can travel through walls while trying to locate the source of your readings. Once you are fully confident that you have mastered operating your meter in dark conditions, it may be time to actually try it "in the field." <br />
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<strong>EMF Detectors and Ghost Hunting</strong> <br />
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The sole reason many investigators and ghost hunters purchase an Electromagnetic Field Detector is to help them locate ghosts. This is not what an EMF detector does and it was never designed for this purpose. Its purpose is to locate sources of electromagnetic radiation and to offer a reading of the relative strength (and direction if you are a skilled and competent operator) of the EM field. <br />
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However, EMF can be a great tool to help locate possible areas of ghostly or spiritual energy if you approach the matter appropriately, because it the generally accepted theory that spirits do emit an extremely low frequency EM field (i.e. less than 60 Hz) which commonly registers between 2.0 and 7.0 mG in strength. However, these are only general guidelines, as there have been marked exceptions in field research. Some reports put the spirit energies in excess of 10.0 mG and some incidents have registered readings over 100 mG when spirits have made their presence known. Use your best judgment when recording readings!<br />
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When you begin a ghost hunt or an investigation, its is of paramount importance that you obtain accurate "background" readings of the location you are in and to make accurate notes of any source of EM radiation. If at all possible, creating a scaled map of your site and clearly marking every EMF reading you obtain and its precise location. A map like this will prove invaluable to you in helping to locate anomalies that may indicate the presence of a ghost or spirit energies.<br />
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For instance, a cemetery location is a very common site for ghost hunts. Begin in one corner of the cemetery and start taking readings approximately three feet off the ground (waist height) and begin following the first row of grave markers, taking readings as you move along. Then, follow the second row with your readings, then to the third and so forth. By the time you are done, you will have a very good idea of the EM "environment" you will be conducting your hunt in. Be sure to carefully review your map. A series of readings in a straight line may have a very earthly explanation, such as an underground power line.<br />
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The same principles may be applied to an investigation conducted indoors. While the most accurate indications of EMF which can be attributed to "paranormal" sources are obtained when the master power switch to the location is switched off and absolutely no electricity is flowing through the location, this is grossly impractical in a lot of situations. The mapping technique is highly advisable in this instance, but more care must be taken to find every single source of EM radiation in the location.<br />
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Once the background readings have been taken and the hunt/investigation is commenced in earnest, the EMF operator will continue to "scan" the area for EM readings that are anomalous. That is, you are specifically looking for any EM reading that does not have a plausible explanation or is not indicated on the map of the "EM Environment" that you have created.<br />
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Now, you must be aware that rarely does a ghost's (or spiritual energy's) EM pattern stay in one location for long. If your reading stays steady and does not fluctuate, odds are that you are reading something with a plausible explanation, such as an electrical device on the other side of a wall. The basic rule of thumb here is if the field remains constant, it's artificially generated; if it fluctuates erratically or demonstrates movement, it's "paranormal."<br />
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In any event, it is very much the responsibility of a good investigator to insure that any logical or plausible explanation is explored before declaring the readings to be attributable to a ghost or spirit energies. But, remember that you are looking for erratic fields of energy with no physical source. <br />
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The epitome of this type of phenomena are self-contained fields of EM energy that either hover in midair or demonstrate marked patterns of movement. Upon detecting such a field, it is wise to start taking photographs immediately, because these types of anomalies have a quirky habit of disappearing quickly. <br />
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The final thoughts concerning the EMF detector and the ghost hunter is it is very important to insure that the meter is maintained correctly. These are very sensitive, and often expensive, pieces of equipment that are damaged easily. Treat them delicately and take precautions to insure that your meter is not subjected to extreme shocks, like being dropped or shaken violently. Be certain to always use a fresh battery in your meter, being careful to use the recommended size and type as indicated in your instruction pamphlet. Always be sure to remove the battery if you plan to store the meter for any length of time. Also, be sure to store the unit is a cool, dry place and never, never drop your meter or allow it to be subjected to abuse. Taking the time to follow these guidelines will help to insure that your investment will continue to serve you in the field of the paranormal for years to come. <br />
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NOTE* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. We make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-48675340226671282922010-09-16T14:20:00.000-05:002010-09-16T14:20:55.366-05:00Camera Shake and Image Stabilization<strong>Camera Shake and Image Stabilization</strong> <br />
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A short Introduction <br />
by J. Andrzej Wrotniak <br />
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This non-technical article is intended to give you a brief introduction to the often-misunderstood issue of camera shake, and to image stabilization, offered in many cameras to combat this problem. <br />
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<strong>Camera shake and motion blur</strong> <br />
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Even mounted on a tripod, your camera is never perfectly still. Especially changes in its orientation (attitude, as opposed to the position) while the frame is being exposed bring a degree of motion blur to pictures. It is the movements of the direction in which the lens axis points which are much more harmful than any others. <br />
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If the amount of that blur is small enough, less than any image unsharpness due to finite lens/imager resolution and other factors, we will not see it. Otherwise we talk about visible effects of camera shake, something usually we want to avoid. <br />
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For the same variations in the lens axis direction, the amount of motion blur seen in pictures depends on (is directly proportional to) three factors: <br />
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•The lens focal length; <br />
•Image magnification (from the sensor to the viewed print or screen size); <br />
•Exposure time (within reasonable limits; we are talking fracions of a second). <br />
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If the focal length is expressed not in absolute terms but as 35 mm "full frame" equivalent (EFL), then the first two factors on the list merge into one: two lenses of the same EFL magnify camera shake to the same extent, regardless of the frame size. <br />
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<strong>Avoiding camera shake</strong> <br />
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To avoid the motion blur resulting from camera shake, shorter exposure times (faster shutter speeds) can be used. The generally accepted rule of thumb is that the slowest safely handholdable shutter speed is the reciprocal of the EFL. For example, with a 200 mm lens on a 35-mm camera, 1/200 s is generally considered safe. <br />
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For a Canon APS-C the corresponding actual focal length will be 135 mm, becaose the EFL multiplier is 1.6&rimes;. For Four Thirds, the multiplier is 2× hence a 100 mm lens will be equivalent to a 200 mm one on a full-frame camera. <br />
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Therefore we could rephrase the 1/EFL rule in terms of the actual focal length, F (in millimeters). For Canon APS-C cameras the nominal handheld exposure is 1/1.6F, for Four Thirds (Olympus and Panasonic) SLRs — 1/2F. Example: 1/100 s for a 50 mm lens on a Four Thirds camera. <br />
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This, obviously, depends on the photographer's picture-taking technique: how the camera is being held and shutter released. More experienced (or just more thoughtful) photographers can often get away with shutter speeds four times (2 EV) longer than the rule suggests (here: 1/50 s), while some people will get blurred pictures even at shutter speeds faster than our rule indicates. <br />
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Following a few simple points may provide you with one or two EV advantage when photographing from hand. <br />
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•If your camera has an optical finder, use it rather than the LCD monitor. This alone may allow you to use shutter speeds 2 to 4 times longer (1-2 EV) compared to holding the camera in your outstretched hands. (Actually, the 1/EFL rule assumes you are using the camera this way.) <br />
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•Avoid holding the camera in one hand only; use your left hand to craddle the body, palm up, with fingers supporting the lens barrel. <br />
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•Use only your fingertip to release the shutter; do not move the whole hand, and dont start the move to put your camera away even before the picture has been made. <br />
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•When standing, brace yourself with your feet wide, or lean against some support (tree, door frame, etc.). Keep your elbows against your body. <br />
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•Especially with longer lenses, use breath control, like in rifle shooting. Take a breath in, partially let it out, avoid breathing immediately before and during the shutter release. DOn't hold your breath for too long. <br />
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•Before taking the picture, check the shutter speed the camera is going to use. Even the simplest compacts display this information. If the speed is slower than our rule above says, try to suport the camera ahainst something <br />
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All this may often bring more improvement than buying a camera with image stabilization. <br />
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<strong>Image stabilization</strong> <br />
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Higher shutter speeds are not always feasible. At low or moderate ligh levels they will require a higher ISO settings in the camera, but this is possible only up to a certain limit, and at the expense of degrading the image quality. This is why many current digital cameras come with the image stabilization feature. <br />
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Solutions used here can be divided into two groups. Both use a motion sensor to detect in real time changes in camera/lens attitude, but then the information is used differently. <br />
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•Lens-based IS: the signal drives a micromotor which then moves rapidly a dedicated group of lens elements; this group changes the direction of the light leaving the lens towards the sensor, counteracting the camera axis movements; the image created on the sensor is more stable. <br />
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•Body-based systems: instead of "moving" the light before it reaches the sensor, the signal drives a micromotor moving the sensor itself; as if "chasing" the constantly moving image. The result is similar to that above. <br />
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In lens-based system the sensor itself is also built into the lens, so you pay for the IS every time you byi a new lens. The range of stabilized lenses may be quite limiter, too. <br />
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Makers of such systems (Canon, Nikon) claim that it can work better, because each implementation can be tweaked best to the lens in which it is contained. Those who offer the body-based approach (Pentax, Sony, Olympus) say that their way works just fine, thank you. <br />
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I suspect that the true reason behind Nikon's and Canon's approach was the exiisting investment in lens-based systems from the film era. In a few years we may see them adapt the body-IS technology. <br />
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There is no doubt, that being able to use image stabilization with any lens is a very attractive option for many camera users. Canon and Nikon offer IS only in some lenses, mostly with longer focal lengths (where this is most useful, anyway), and mostly at a premium. In other systems, every lens gets the benefit of image stabilization, regardles of when andd by whom it was made. <br />
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Some camera makers use the term "image stabilization" to describe program modes in which the sensor sensitivity (ISO rating) is set higher, to allow for fasters shutters. This is a misleading abuse of the term. <br />
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There are also solutions, mostly seen on low-end models, based on taking a number of motion picture frames and merging them together, shifted to compensate for the differences; they are not rarely satisfactory and remain out of scope of this discussion. <br />
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<strong>How much does IS help?</strong> <br />
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The manufacturers usually come up with some numbers describing the benefits of their IS systems. This is usually done in terms of how much longer shutter speeds become handholdable with IS than without, often expressed in terms of EV (exposure values). One EV means doubling (or halving) the shutter speed, so, for example, 3 EV means a factor of 8×. <br />
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Unfortunately, with no information whatsoever how these numbers were derived, they are worth no more than anecdotal evidence or ones generated off the ceiling in the marketing department. <br />
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The only reasonable approach to all such claims is to just ignore them. They are certainly not comparable between manufacturers. <br />
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We have to remember that camera shake is largely a stochastic process, one drawn by chance. You may get an umblurred frame at 1/15 s without IS, and the next one, shot under identical conditions at 1/30 s with IS may show motion blur; bad luck. In the transitional area of shutter speeds where IS really maters, it does not give you a guarantee of success; it only raises the probability. <br />
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This statistical improvement may depend on a number of factors. My experience strongly indicates that at higher shutter speeds IS is more effective than at lower ones. What this means is that shooting with unsteady hands and/or with longer lenses will benefit from IS more than shooting steady and/or with shorter ones. <br />
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A beginner using a moderately long lens may, for example, have a 50/50 chance of getting a no-blur picture at 1/125 s; with IS this may move down to 1/30 s, a gain of 2 EV. With the same lens, a more experienced user may get away with 1/30 s without, and with IS — 1/15 s, which is just 1 EV difference. Don't get it wrong: he still gets sharper pictures (or is capable of using slower speeds successfully), it is just that he benefits less from image stabilization. <br />
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A reasonable procedure to determine the advantage of image stabilization would involve taking a large number of pictures in two series: one with, ans one without IS. For each focal length both series would have to cover a wide enough range of shutter speeds, to determine at which speed the success (no-blur picture) rate reaches some agreed upon value, for example, 50%. The difference between these speed values (expressed in EV) with and without IS would be a good measure of the advantage gained. (I am assuming, obviously, that both series are taken under otherwise identical conditions, or with identical statistical mix of such conditions.) <br />
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The disavantage to such method is that it requires hunreds of frames to be shot, but this cannot be avoided. You cannot estimate a statistical property using just a few readings. <br />
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I have developed such a procedure and used it to test image stabilization on two Olympus SLRs: E-510 and E-3. The IS benefits ranged from about 1 EV at wide angle (EFL of 24 or 28 mm) to more than 2 EV (at EFL of 300 mm). Compare that to manufacturer's claims of "up to 5 EV" improvement. <br />
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This is not just Olympus, the practice is common in the camera industry. <br />
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Technically such claims may be true, because up to really means "we know of at least one such case". This is the same as promising "up to $30 million a year" earnings at Wal-Mart: it may happen, but don't expect it. <br />
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For a reasonable range of focal lengths (EFL 28 to 300 mm) and an average operator, I would expect the IS to bring in a difference ranging from 1 to 3 EV, regardless of the solution type, brand, or model, but depending on the factors discussed above. <br />
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<strong>How not to evaluate IS benefits</strong> <br />
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I have seen this error committed so many times, that it I feel it deserves a separate section in this article. <br />
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A reviewer says: "With IS we were getting sharp images at 100 mm EFL and 1/10 s; at this focal length the normal handholdable exposure is 1/100 s, therefore the IS briings an omprovement of 10× or 3.3 EV". <br />
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Wrong. This means nothing. DO a small experiment: turn the IS off; you'll be probably having good pictures at 1/40 s or so. Does that mean that a disabled IS gives an improvement of 2.5× (1.3 EV)? Just because your camera has an "IS" sticker on it? <br />
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The only right way to do it is to perform a with/without comparison, keeping all other things equal, and then you have to catch the region when the change occurs (i.e., the pictures start getting blurred); something similar, if not necessarily identical, to my procedure described above. Anything else is old wives' tales. <br />
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Posted 2009/02/28 Copyright © 2009 by J. Andrzej Wrotniak <br />
See more camera and photography related articles here: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/tech/<br />
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Note*Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigators posts articles and links that might be of interest to the historical researcher and paranormal investigator. We make no profit from the posting of these articles and attempt to give credit of authorship were due. We post this information strictly for information, education and research purposes.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-45750759184563237862010-09-16T14:11:00.000-05:002010-09-16T14:11:55.603-05:00False-Positive Agents- Series<strong>About the Author</strong><br />
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Kenneth Biddle is the Founder of the Paranormal Investigators & Research Association (PIRA) and The Explorers Club (TEC).He has also co-founded the United States Paranormal Alliance. Ken is a member of the Bucks County and Montgomery County Historical Societies. His Web site is: www.Parainvestigator.org.<br />
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MSSPI recommends researchers to read Mr. Biddle's books and guides. His website is a good source for information. We use some of his information in our training of new members pertaining to field investigations and evidence review. Read his work and form your own opinions. We recommend his book <em>"A Guide To Paranormal Investigations"</em> Book one in the Investigation Series, Published by WHG-PIRA Productions, Levitown, PA.<br />
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<strong>False-Positive Agents- Series</strong><br />
<br />
By Ken Biddle, Founder of PIRA<br />
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When I first started the hobby of ghost hunting, I knew very little about what I was doing or what I was looking for. (This is definitely a "learn-as-you-go" kind of hobby!) I remember being so excited to get my photos back after my first investigation to see if I had gotten an orb, an ecto, or even--dare I say--an apparition. When I looked at the photos, I didn't consider that they might actually be something other than what I believed them to be. I didn't want to hear anyone telling me that my pictures were of dust or a camera strap. What did people know? I was a ghost hunter, and I took these photos while on a ghost hunt! They must be real, and that was that! <br />
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Well, I was wrong. I've been investigating and researching paranormal activity for several years and have learned a lot since my first ghost hunt. I like to say that I have a lot of experience and experimentation under my $7.99 leather belt. The so-called "experts" who told me my photos were "false-positives" were right. What I have learned is how the environment can play tricks on us, our cameras, and just about every piece of our equipment. I've learned, too, that I have to look and listen to my surroundings and avoid many of the things that would ruin the kind of work I do. <br />
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This series of articles will deal with all the things that will cause false-positive results. First things first though. Let me explain just what a false-positive is. "False-positive" is a term used by investigators to describe any photo, video, audio recording, or technical reading that appears to be of a paranormal origin but is in fact caused by a natural occurrence. Sometimes it takes a lot of poking around to realize that a piece of evidence is actually a false-positive. Other times it's painfully obvious to others that you have a reflection, instead of an apparition. This is why we need to really REALLY look at the evidence we get. <br />
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Now, there are many false-positive agents out there, as you'll see in these articles. Some of them you may already be aware of, while others may come as a surprise to even the seasoned investigators. So, read on. Learn, experience, and share. <br />
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<strong>Reflections of the Camera Flash</strong> <br />
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When most people think of reflections, they think of seeing themselves in a mirror or catching a glimpse of themselves in a window. The types of reflections we're going to talk about here include these and many more we get in photographs. Keep in mind that since most of our investigations take place indoors or during the evening, the flash is almost always used. <br />
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What can cause a reflection to be caught on film? Your first thoughts are probably going to be of mirrors, glass windows, and picture frames. Well, that's just the beginning. You really need to look around at the surroundings you're filming. If you can see yourself in it, it will reflect the flash on your camera as well as the lights on your video camera and night-vision equipment. (This includes infrared light.) <br />
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Let's look at some of the things you'll find with reflective qualities that may cause false-positive results: Dust, brass, chrome, marble, china, silverware, high-polished wood surfaces, crystal, jewelry, glossy headstones, many light fixtures and glass in windows, picture frames, glossy painted surfaces, liquids, entertainment centers, and display cases. <br />
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The reflective surface is only part of the problem. Most point-and-shoot cameras in use today have the flash positioned just above the lens. This is both good and bad, the "good" being that many investigators believe this better helps catch those slightly transparent energies, and the "bad" being that this gives you a very high probability of getting a flash reflected straight back at the camera lens. <br />
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Glass is probably the second worst reflective object (with dust being in the number one spot, which we'll get more into a little later on). In a residence or any indoor investigation, glass seems to be everywhere. The television set, the entertainment center, coffee tables, and some shelving can contain glass panes which can bounce the flash back at your camera, not to mention the windows, picture frames, and mirrors. When the flash hits a reflective surface head-on, it will appear as a bright star. If the flash bounces off one surface and goes onto a wall, the reflection will be the same shape as the surface reflected. Okay, that sounds a bit confusing, so let me give you an example. Let's say that you take a photograph with your camera aimed down a hallway that has a picture frame on a sidewall. While looking down the hall, all you can see of the picture frame is a rectangular sliver, due to your angle of view. This "sliver" shape is what the reflection on an opposite wall will look like. When looking at photos, you'll be able to match up the shapes. I suggest you experiment at home by following the example above. <br />
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Now if the surface is close enough, you may get an "apparition" in your photograph. This happens a lot in museums or historical buildings where so many rooms are behind glass. People get right up on the glass and snap a picture. Boom- they just got an apparition of themselves! I often get e-mails from people sending me a picture with the caption, "I took this photo and it shows a face with a very bright orb!" This would be their own reflection and the reflection of the flash. In some photos, the room is bright enough that an automatic flash will not go off. That's when the "apparition" looks better, but it's still the photographer's image. In some cases, I've been able to make out what type of watch the person was wearing! <br />
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The best advice I can give is: Be aware. Look, and I mean really LOOK, at what you're about to photograph. Make a note of the reflective surfaces and understand what might happen (i.e., the flash will bounce off the polished brass bedposts and may cause a gold colored orb streaking across the photo, so it's better to cover them first!). By doing this, you'll keep the number of flash bulb false-positives down. <br />
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<strong>Camera Straps and the Vortex</strong> <br />
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My all-time favorite false-positive agent is the camera strap. There are so many photos of these plastered all over the net with captions like, "Genuine Vortex." It really bugs me to no end. Many ghost hunters just starting out find these types of photographs while going through old pictures. They see a white streak and immediately think they have a vortex. Now, stay with me here because these newbies have jumped full force into ghost hunting. Many of them believe that they've never had a strap on their camera. Presto! You have the ingredients for a camera strap vortex. Let me tell you, when you can see the braiding of the strap, it ain't no vortex! <br />
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There is a theory called "many orbs following each other." It tries to explain a vortex as many orbs following each other in line. This theory is severely flawed as well. Take a look at most of these vortex/straps. Make sure to notice how many of these usually enter and exit the same side of the photo, always looping around. Most cameras straps are attached to the right side of the camera, since the shutter release is also located on that side. Once again, look at the majority of these "looping" vortexes and ask this question: What side does it come in out of? The answer will mostly be the right side. <br />
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Now, some of you are probably saying, "What about the ones that don't loop around, but go across the picture?" Keep in mind that most cameras have a lens opening about a quarter-inch wide. When something is only a few inches in front of it, it doesn't take much to reach from one end to the other. The majority of these photographs are also taken vertically (with the camera turned on its side), which allows the camera strap to fall down in front of the lens. Well, they still show the same thing. They show a braided strap that gets bleached out by the camera flash. Usually the camera strap is connected to the same side as the shutter release. <br />
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I have only seen two photos that show what looks like a genuine vortex of energy. One was by a member of the Paranormal Investigators & Research Association (taken by Bob R.), and the other was from another team. In both cases, the energy actually came in toward the lens of the camera, ruling out a bleached strap. With Bob's photo, I know for sure there was no strap attached to his camera, since I was on scene to witness the event. Other than those two, I have yet to see another convincing vortex photo. <br />
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A vortex is a column of energy, usually running through several floors of a house or building. It is believed that this vortex represents a doorway between our world and the world of the dead. The key word here is "column" because a column goes up and down, not from one side of the camera's lens and then looping around and going back to the same point. We need to keep this in mind when viewing these types of photographs. <br />
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Another point to remember is distance. When viewing these types of photos, pay attention to the scene. Some have a vortex that is between the camera and a doorway five feet away. When you compare the relative size of some of these vortexes to known objects in the photo, these things should be a good one to two feet wide. In reality, when you actually figure out the distance in many, you'll find that the "vortex" is only about an inch or two away from the lens. <br />
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<strong>Ectoplasmic Mist</strong> <br />
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Ectoplasmic mist is the smoky, mist-like substance sometimes photographed and caught on video during investigations. It is still an unexplainable phenomenon to us, but we try to explain it anyway! Many theories have been tossed around about dealing with what ecto really is and what it represents. That is not what we're going to deal with here. After all, this article it a part of the false-positive series. This time around, we'll look into the natural causes that can duplicate the image of an ectoplasmic mist. <br />
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When you look over protocols and procedures of many paranormal groups, you'll always find the rule that states: "No smoking is permitted during an investigation." Have you ever wondered why? Well, just in case you have, here's the answer. The smoke from any cigarette or cigar can and will make its way in front of the lens, giving you a false-positive image of an ecto. I had the unfortunate experience of working with an individual who always seemed to get dozens of ecto photos no matter where we went. Time and again, cemetery after cemetery, she always got at least a dozen ectoplasmic mist photos. After some checking, we found out how this was happening. One night during another cemetery investigation, I photographed her walking around the middle of the cemetery--camera in one hand and a lit cigarette in the other. Every few feet, she was snapping another photograph. She never realized that she was creating her own ecto mist each shot. <br />
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The white smoke just does not dissipate in a few seconds. It lingers on in the air for a while. If you're anywhere near a smoker, there's a good chance you'll catch some in your photographs or on video. It's just as bad when you're indoors. The smoke can linger for many minutes in a closed house, moving into hallways and other rooms. During any investigation, a smoker's place should be established for those with the "habit." If you're indoors, take it outside; if you're outdoors, go far away from any area that is being investigated. This is a simple but serious precaution to keep the skeptics off your back. <br />
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An experiment I performed a while back involved a cigarette, an incense stick, and my camera. When the cigarette and incense stick were lit, the smoke from both traveled well beyond what I thought they would. I took several photos from 13 feet away, and the smoke came up just as if I had been three feet away. <br />
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Another false-positive agent for the ectoplasmic mist happens to be your own breath. Yes, during the colder months of the year, your breath freezes as soon as it passes your lips. The colder it is, the longer it lasts. We've all seen this, and we've all played with this neat effect when we were kids (some of us still do!). This is bad for two reasons: One, when you snap a photo of teammates, the teammates may appear to have an ectoplasmic mist around them or just near them. Of course, this depends on how close you actually are to them. To be technical, it actually depends on how close the flash on your camera is to them. From a good distance, you'll barely be able to see your teammate. When you're pretty close to them, their frozen breath will be illuminated as well as they are. Surprisingly, some teams actually post pictures of ghost hunters, standing in the snow, with the caption, "Look at the ecto around his head." (No, I'm not making this up.) <br />
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The second "bad" reason is that while you're taking a picture, the camera is usually held up to your face so you can see through the viewfinder (or just in front of your face when using a LCD screen). Most of you don't think about holding your breath, which will freeze and float in front of the camera lens as you take a photo or two. A good idea to keep in mind is this: hold your breath for three to five seconds before taking a photograph in cold weather. This should give ample time for the air to clear and allow you to snap a picture free of frost breath. Remember that you don't have to be huffing and puffing or just breathing heavy. Any camera will pick this up, as will video cameras. So, when you're out on a chilly night, take a moment and breathe into the light of a flashlight. If you can see your breath, so can the camera. <br />
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<strong>Orbs </strong><br />
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I would take the chance in saying that 80 to 90 percent of orb photographs are of dust. This is because dust is always in the air and most of the photos you see are by amateur ghost hunters or people who aren't even looking for spirits! If you're not actively looking for ghosts, then you're not following any protocols or precautions that experienced investigators do. <br />
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I mentioned that dust is everywhere. Think that's a little overdoing it? Well, take a seat in any room of your residence on a bright sunny day. Take a look at that sunbeam streaking through the window and hitting the floor a few feet away. What do you see in that beam of light? Dust. You'll see little, tiny particles of dust that are just floating every which way. They move at different speeds, float in crazy patterns (up and down like a roller coaster), and yes, they even change direction. <br />
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These little particles will get in front of the lens of your camera. Being so small, they are "blurred," like when something gets too close to your eyes. The flash of the camera will light up the dust particle, actually bleaching it white. Poof! You've got an orb. Take note that during experiments, I've found that most white colored orbs were attributed to dust. We have yet to duplicate the orbs of various other colors, such as yellow, red, and blue. <br />
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Being outside is not nearly as bad as being indoors. Walking around an old cellar or basement will kick up tons of dust, causing a picture with "multiple" orbs. Brushing your hand on a doorknob or railing will do likewise. These photos are the types that contain many (about 50 or so) faint, white orbs. Many photos will turn out completely covered in orbs. These are not paranormal at all--only dirt. <br />
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You may ask me this, "Why are the orbs transparent then?" Good question, and I have an answer and an experiment you can try at home. Dust particles are very small, so much so that humans normally don't see the particles all the time. (There are some passing between you and the screen or magazine you're reading right now!) However, the lens of the camera is small enough to pick up these particles when they're close enough AND with the use of the flash. <br />
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Okay, try this out. Take a pencil and hold it so the point is straight up (yes, you can use a pen too). Hold it out at about arm's length and look at the point, with one eye closed. Nothing special, right? Right. You can clearly see the pencil (or pen) point. No big deal. Now, focus on the wall that's across from you. What happened? The point got a little blurry. Ok, still no big deal. Now bring the pencil point (carefully) up to about an inch from your eye (still pointing straight up and focusing on the far wall with one eye). See the difference now? The point of the pencil in your vision has now become transparent and blurs out to the sides. When moving it side to side, you can actually see "through" it. That's because your iris is larger then the pencil point and also curved, allowing you to be able to see the background around the pencil point. The pencil point represents a dust particle, and your eye represents the camera lens. The difference is that the flash bleached the dust particle white. <br />
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My advice to you is this: When reviewing photos of orbs, make it a common practice to accept only those that have some type of reading to back it up. If you can get an EMF spike or temperature drop (of course, that can't be explained) to back up the moment you captured the image of an orb, then it can be acceptable. It doesn't mean it's definitely a genuine orb, but at least you have some scientific reading to help it along. Oh, and the color is also taken into account. White orbs can easily be duplicated by dust, but I've been unable to get other color to come up naturally. <br />
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<strong>EVPs </strong><br />
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Measurements are scientific, pictures are good, and video is better. But when it comes down to it, this investigator thinks that EVPs are just about the neatest form of evidence we can get. But, as with all of our evidence, there are natural things that can cause us to record false-positives. And since this is a series on false-positives, we'll be diving into some of these things! <br />
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The biggest cause of false-positive recordings that I've seen is that well-known habit of whispering. Although most organizations have rules against it, many amateur ghost hunters overlook this when investigating. Whispering happens. It's just a fact, and we sometimes don't realize it or are more often "sure" that the recorder won't pick us up. It can, it will, and it did happen. The best way to avoid causing a false EVP is to be aware of what you are doing. When you start recording, make sure to vocalize the rule. Tell everyone, "Okay, the recorder is going on. No whispering!" If someone does, make sure to note it, in a clear voice, on the tape. This rule also applies to noises from passing cars and trucks, airplanes, trains, or someone walking into the room. If you can hear it, you can be sure that the recorder did as well. Make note of it by stating in a clear voice exactly what you heard and what it was (i.e., a passing car). This will at least cut down on "mysterious" voices and noises. <br />
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When you use any type of analog recording device (cassette), I strongly recommend the use of a microphone. The internal gears and mechanisms of the recording device will cause static, white noise and some clicks and pops. Many amateur ghost hunters hear this and claim they have an EVP. Unfortunately, it's not. It's easy for the imagination to "pick up" words or noises in the replay. EVPs should be clear and understandable, without having to guess at what's being said. <br />
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Another possibility exists for false-positive EVP recording: radio waves. Radio wave interference has been a suggested false-positive agent by many skeptics and investigators alike. The possibility does indeed exist. I say this because I've experienced answering machines that have picked up cordless telephone conversations, clock radios that have picked up CB communications, and even a TV that picked up a radio broadcast. I know many of you can relate. So, even though our tape recorders, micro-cassette recorders, and digital recorders were not meant to receive radio waves, being an audio device makes them subject to scrutiny. When conducting any kind of recordings, be sure to ask specific questions that will have specific, short answers. Usually any EVPs that we get are just a few words anyway, so keep them that way. When the answer to your question comes just after you ask and it is an answer to that specific question, then it can be used as an EVP. <br />
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It's amazing how much a recorder will pick up. Simply walking across the room above where a recording is taking place can turn up "mysterious" footsteps. A soft, quick intake of breath can be heard as a "sigh" when a tape is played back. <br />
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In closing, there are two points I've tried to make with this article. One, be aware of what's around you when conducting an investigation. LOOK, LISTEN, then LOOK AND LISTEN some more. Two, not every piece of evidence is genuine simply because you think or want it so. If you're part of a team or know those on a team, use them. I send my evidence out to other members in case they can pick up something I missed. It saves me time and embarrassment. Do yourself a favor and do the same! <br />
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Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. We make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-64924379982451109692010-09-16T13:58:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:58:06.388-05:00A Scientific Case Study: The Orb Zone Theory<strong>A Scientific Case Study: The Orb Zone Theory</strong> <br />
from the AA-EVP Website<br />
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( <a href="http://atransc.org/">http://atransc.org/</a> ) formerly AA-EVP<br />
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It can sometimes be difficult for those without relevant training to appreciate how science works. Science works differently to everyday life. In the world of science, for instance, it is evidence that counts over everything else, including personal opinion. To better appreciate just how the scientific process works, here is a case study to consider. It concerns orbs, which are thought by many to be paranormal. <br />
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In essence, the scientific process goes as follows. Someone makes novel observation of a phenomenon and formulates a theory to explain it. They produce predictions from that theory and test them with experiments or more observations. If the new theory proves to be correct, then it might replace existing theories. There are two conditions that determine if this happens, though: (a) the new theory must explain everything the old theory did, as well as the new observations, (b) the new evidence must be beyond reasonable doubt and any experiments must be rigorous. In addition, scientific theories should fit in with existing science in related areas of science. If you invent a new agency to explain orbs, for instance, this might contradict evidence from other areas of science. Bearing in mind that these other areas of scientific knowledge are supported by their own hard-won evidence, you would need to demonstrate that they were wrong too before your theory could be accepted. Most paranormal theories do not achieve these conditions. <br />
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<strong>The Orb Zone Theory</strong> explains why cameras record orbs. Serious photographers recognised these 'orbs' straight away as 'circles of confusion' (a technical term in photography). They were bemused by the enormous interest orbs attracted among paranormal researchers. Knowing the orbs' origins, they felt no need to explain them in any detail. As a result, it was left to paranormal researchers themselves to expand on the simple idea of 'circles of confusion' to explain the various aspects of the orb phenomenon in detail. This was how the Orb Zone Theory appeared. <br />
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<strong>Introduction</strong><br />
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Orbs were first noticed in the early digital photographs. These grey or white circles, sometimes opaque but usually translucent, were never seen when the photo was taken. For this reason some people thought they were paranormal. It was quickly realised, however, that they could be easily reproduced by blowing dust (or similar small particles) just in front of the lens when flash photographs are taken. Many paranormal researchers left it at that, assuming that all orbs were caused by dust. Others were not so sure as variations on the classic orb theme, like coloured or oddly shaped versions, began to appear. Then photos appeared that seemed to show orbs behind other objects in the picture. Some people claimed that orbs only appeared in particular places, such as haunted houses, or around particular people. It was clear that a more detailed answer to the orb question, beyond simply saying 'they're all dust', was required. The Orb Zone Theory was created to fill that gap. Orb Zone primer<br />
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The Orb Zone Theory (OZT) is essentially an extension of the 'circle of confusion' explanation for orbs given by camera manufacturers and serious photographers. In essence, an orb is a circle of confusion which is an out of focus highlight. If you look at a photograph with out of focus objects, like the one on the right, <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RreaT_4Ma7miEnEZFYjivlS9ep8-oATnGPzwKt77vKtiGpivKm52lpEMUVZh0rNlz9pW6y7qUFnPTKdia7ideJDf2Yu6HK2ZXfpIFlqgz8MkiJipaQBeDYqGza7yk9rNHAkvC73UvJKc/s1600/Orbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4RreaT_4Ma7miEnEZFYjivlS9ep8-oATnGPzwKt77vKtiGpivKm52lpEMUVZh0rNlz9pW6y7qUFnPTKdia7ideJDf2Yu6HK2ZXfpIFlqgz8MkiJipaQBeDYqGza7yk9rNHAkvC73UvJKc/s400/Orbing.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>you will see that instead of just going fuzzy, objects going out of focus turn into many overlapping circles of light (circles of confusion). Do they look familiar?<br />
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Obviously, the brightest circles of confusion, produced by highlights on the objects in the photo, outshine the darker ones completely. If you look at any shiny object you will see that, no matter what the colour of the object, the highlights are always white (or the colour of the light source). As orbs reflect the light from a white light flash, that is why most are white (or grey if more diffuse).<br />
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So, what is a circle of confusion? It is the smallest detail that a lens can resolve. When it is projected onto a film or sensor chip it appears as a tiny circular dot. These dots are deliberately made small enough so that people cannot see them as individual dots. Instead the picture appears as continuous shapes, rather than thousands of dots. It is a bit like the way a TV picture is made up of many lines that you can see if you look closely enough. Note, however, that circles of confusion are not the same as pixels! <br />
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When an object in a photo is out of focus, its circles of confusion expand to appear as circles (see diagram and photo above). The larger the circle, the fainter it is, because the light is more spread out. Eventually, when the circle becomes too large, it is no longer visible at all. This places a limit on the largest 'orb' you can see in a photo. This is why you never see orbs over about one tenth of a frame size*. If orbs were real objects 'out there', you would not expect them to have such a limit on their size in a photo. <br />
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A crucial question is - why did orbs suddenly appear when digital cameras arrived? The sensor chips in digital cameras are almost all physically smaller than the size of a 35mm film frame (most are less than half the size). This meant that lenses with a smaller circle of confusion were needed for digital cameras, compared to film cameras. As a design consequence of this, the lenses had a much greater depth of field. Depth of field is the area in front of a camera where objects are in focus. If objects are too close to the lens (and sometimes when they are too far away) they will be out of focus and break up into circles of confusion (see pic above). The increased depth of field in digital cameras meant that the closest distance where objects were in focus came much nearer to the camera. It also brought the area that was just out of focus much closer. Importantly, it brought these two zones much closer to the flash unit. In many digital cameras this created an Orb Zone. The orb zone is the areawhere the flash is strong enough to illuminate tiny particles, like dust, water droplets or small insects, that are just too close to the camera to be in focus. Such objects produce expanded circles of confusion or orbs! Since most bits of dust are tiny, they only have a single highlight and so produce individual orbs. Some larger objects, like small insects, may have several highlights and so produce multiple overlapping orbs.<br />
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Though the vast majority of orbs are circular, they can be other shapes. Though the basic shape is derived from the circle of confusion, it can be modified by the diaphragm in a camera lens. This diaphragm is an adjustable opening inside the lens ('the aperture') which varies in size to let more or less light in (note that this has nothing to do with the camera shutter). Though it is usually circular, it can be other shapes, notably a diamond or hexagon. Cameras that produce diamond shaped orbs (or other odd shapes) will always produce them in this shape because of their diaphragm. Since the diaphragm varies to control how much light is admitted to the camera, the diamond (or other shape) shape may be more pronounced in some photos than in others (depending on the size of the aperture) and may even vanish completely in some shots. Orb shapes can also be modified by vignetting, as explained below, and by overlapping with other orbs. <br />
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Various factors affect the brightness, structure (internal shapes, such as concentric circles, if any), edge sharpness and evenness of shading. These are mostly down to the camera lens. Photographers talk about the bokeh of a lens when discussing this subject. <br />
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*Lens flare which resembles orbs, can be bigger than one tenth of the frame size. Lens flare is associated with bright light sources either in the frame or just outside it. It is usually quite easy to recognise. <br />
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Has the Orb Zone Theory been tested? For a scientific theory to be validated, it needs to produce predictions and these need to be tested. Ideally, these predictions should be of things not already observed. If a theory only 'explains' existing observations, but cannot predict any others, it could be no more than speculation. Several predictions of the Orb Zone Theory have been formally tested to scientific standards. These include: <br />
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that orb numbers vary according to the depth of field in a particular photo <br />
that orb numbers are unaffected by the megapixels of a camera <br />
that orb numbers are unaffected by whether photos are taken in haunted or non-haunted locations<br />
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In each of these tests, everything was done to hold other variables (that were likely to affect the outcome) constant. It was then possible to see if there was any statistically significant relationship either supporting or refuting the predictions. <br />
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The first test concerned the central basis of the theory - that it is the distance of the closest point at which objects are in focus is what determines how many orbs will be seen. Such a relationship is unlikely to be predicted in paranormal theories of orbs which aren't usually concerned with the mechanics of taking photos. The second test concerned an idea proposed by some people that higher megapixel cameras produce fewer orbs*. The third test concerned the widely-held idea that haunted places produce more orbs. Some people propose, for instance, that orbs are actually ghosts or are the precursors of ghostly manifestations. <br />
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When these predictions were tested in rigorous conditions, they were all confirmed. <br />
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In addition, the OZT has explained many 'odd' kinds of orbs that were seen by some as 'beyond the dust theory', and so possibly paranormal (see the next section). The OZT has successfully explained many types of orb from hundreds of photos taken with dozens of different camera models in many different places and in all sorts of different conditions. These unusual orbs have also been successfully reproduced using the principles of the OZT.<br />
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* Though the number of megapixels is irrelevant in the Orb Zone theory, the physical size of the sensor chip is not. More recent cameras tend to have larger sensors as well as more megapixels. This means their lenses have a smaller depth of field which reduces the likelihood of orbs. <br />
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<strong>What does the Orb Zone Theory explain?</strong>When scientists discover a general principle or theory, they usually assume it applies to all known examples of the phenomena. For instance, when Newton discovered gravity he assumed it applied to all objects. He didn't think that, though gravity held Mercury and Venus in their orbits around the Sun, something else kept Jupiter in its orbit!<br />
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So, if dust causes most orbs, it is logical to infer that it causes all orbs. However, some paranormal researchers have said that certain orbs are so different that they must have a different explanation. There is a problem with this argument, however. Orbs only appeared widely with the arrival of digital cameras. Why should digital cameras just happen to be good at detecting both dust orbs and the proposed paranormal orbs? Some people have said it is because digital cameras are more sensitive to infra-red than film cameras but this is not true. Though their sensors are indeed highly sensitive to near infra-red, digital cameras are fitted with permanent internal filters to block most infared Overall, they are no more sensitive to infra-red than were film cameras. <br />
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With the OZT, it has been possible to explain all aspects of the orb photographs so far examined in detail, including some oddities. Here are a few examples of things explained by OZT: <br />
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that the vast majority are white or shades off grey (because highlights are the same colour as the light source as explained above)** <br />
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that orbs sometimes appear truncated around the edges of frames in some photos (caused by vignetting as the dust is very close to the lens) <br />
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how orbs can appear in front of backgrounds too close to be in focus (because they are very close and out of focus themselves, not in focus objects 'out there') <br />
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how orbs can appear to be moving (they are multiple overlapping orbs caused by objects with several highlights, like insects)* <br />
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how orbs can have tails, usually fading away downwards (because they are falling raindrops) <br />
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why orbs are never larger than around one tenth of the size of the photo frame (see above) <br />
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why cameras that produce odd-shaped orbs, such as diamonds, always get the same shape in all orbs <br />
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* Some people claim to have tracked individual orbs moving between photos taken in rapid succession and so have concluded that they are moving very quickly. One obvious difficulty here is, how do they know it is the same orb in both photos? Most orbs are featureless amorphous grey or white circles. Even if one could prove that the sane orb appears in two successive photos, it doesn't mean they are moving fast. The orb could indeed be caused by exactly the same bit of dust. However, it only needs to move a very short distance slowly in the orb zone, which is very small and close to the camera, to appear to move a long way in the photo. <br />
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** Some orbs do have colours other that white or grey. However, these can be explained by Moire fringes, refraction in water droplets and chromatic aberration, none of which contradict the OZT. <br />
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What cannot be explained?A theory cannot be considered scientific unless it is falsifiable. This means, there must be some evidence that could appear, or an experiment that can be done, that would prove the theory wrong. If a theory cannot be falsified then it explains everything and therefore, effectively, nothing. <br />
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Consider the following possibilities that might falsify the Orb Zone Theory:<br />
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a) Supposing there was a photo showing an orb partly behind an object in the picture. This could not be explained by the OZT where orbs are caused by objects just in front of the camera lens. Such photos do exist. However, in all the examples so far examined, the faint translucent orb was overwhelmed by a highly saturated colour in the object supposedly obscuring it. In other words, the missing portion of the orb could not be seen because it was overwhelmed by the more strongly coloured object behind it (particularly if it is highly coloured or very dark or light). Digital photography is more prone to this sort of effect because it has a smaller latitude (degree of detail visible in dark or light areas) than film*. . In fact, it is a legitimate question to ask why, if orbs are really 'out there' (as opposed to being very close to the lens), they always appear to be in front of the many varied subjects of orb photographs (covering a wide range of distance from the camera)? There ought to be lots of photos showing orbs partially obscured by other objects but in fact such pictures are extremely rare. The effect of a partially obscured orb is quite easily reproduced! <br />
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* Interestingly, you can sometimes the effect that the colour of the orb has on the object behind (usually making it slightly lighter) even though the shape of the orb cannot itself be made out. If the orb was really behind, it should have no effect on the colour of the object.<br />
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b) Another confounding type of photo might be one showing an orb with a shadow. These, too, have been reported and some examined. However, in all cases the 'shadow' was usually either a coincidental dark shape or, more often, the result of over-processing the photo.<br />
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c) What if orbs appeared more frequently in haunted locations or around particular people or events? Research has shown no evidence of more orbs in haunted locations than in non-haunted places. However, there have been claims that certain people or places 'attract' orbs or even that some people can 'will' them to appear. To test such claims requires more than just examining photos. All such claims of orbs around particular people or places could just be coincidence. It requires a carefully designed controlled trial, similar to the one that showed that haunted places are no more likely to have orbs than non-haunted places, to test the claim. <br />
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d) What if orbs were seen by witnesses at the time they were being photographed? This has been reported, though very rarely. Even if it is demonstrated to be true, it does not affect the OZT. This is because, the OZT does not cover such 'orbs'. Such phenomena should not be considered orbs at all. The OZT is only concerned with 'orbs', which are defined as NOT being seen when the photograph was taken. Lights have been reported in haunting cases for decades, long before the advent of digital cameras, and are nothing to do with orbs despite a superficial similarity. Indeed, the widespread interest in orbs may be affecting such reports. Is there a better theory?<br />
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All scientific theories are only provisional, current only until something better comes along. This usually happens when an observation is reported that can't be explained by the existing theory. However, any new theory must still explain everything that the existing theory does, as well as any new observations. <br />
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A rival theory to the OZT would therefore need to explain not only the novel observations but also:<br />
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why orbs are so much more common on (though not exclusive to) digital cameras than film camera <br />
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why the vast majority of orbs are white or grey <br />
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why the number of orbs seen is affected by the depth of field of a camera lens <br />
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why you can take photos of orbs in front of backgrounds too close to be in focus <br />
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why some orbs are truncated on the edges of some photos <br />
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why orbs never exceed about one tenth of the frame size <br />
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why orbs are always in front of the many varied subjects in orb photos <br />
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why some cameras always produce odd-shaped orbs (such as diamond shape) <br />
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There are lots of other more minor things that would also need to be explained but explaining everything on this list would be a good start to a better theory. <br />
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The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena (ASSAP) has been investigating the weird seriously (and the seriously weird) since 1981. Their main aims are paranormal research and education.This article is from their website.<br />
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Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-26747446028068552092010-09-16T13:45:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:45:08.046-05:00The PEAR Proposition<h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">World's first lamp that changes color with the power of your mind</span> <br />
November 22, 1:02 PMNY Holistic Science & Spirit Examiner Tima Vlasto</span></h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"><h2><br />
</h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to over 27 year’s research at the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Laboratory and the company Psyleron, we can now own a lamp that reads our minds.</span></h2><div align="center"><img src="http://myimages.bravenet.com/166/689/478/4/Psyleron-Mind-Lamps.jpg" /></div><h2><span style="font-size: small;">PEAR was an experimental program that examined the anomalies that arise when humans interact with machines. Years of research produced evidence of an unexplained connection between consciousness and the physical world.</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Robert G. Jahn, then Dean of the School of Engineering, used Random Event Generators (REGs) and observed conscious intention and meaningful emotion significantly altered the events generated by the REG; beyond statistical levels of chance expectation. See “The PEAR Proposition.”</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">The PEAR Proposition</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </h2><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3UfZsYGBa_s&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3UfZsYGBa_s&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> <br />
<h2><span style="font-size: small;">The Mind Lamp is a new ambient LED lamp, created by Psyleron, in collaboration with these researchers from the PEAR lab. Within the Mind Lamp is a precision device known as a random event generator (REG) that uses a quantum phenomenon called electron tunneling, which is measured as a randomly fluctuating current across a potential barrier in an electric circuit.</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img src="http://myimages.bravenet.com/166/689/478/4/electron-tunneling-reg.gif" /></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">The lamp has a small microprocessor that checks patterns in this Random Event Generator (REG) which causes the lamp to change the color of the high-powered LEDs. The lamp will randomly move through colors of white, red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, purple and magenta unless influenced by the conscious or subconscious intention of consciousness.</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">The researchers state that the science behind this might be a bit difficult for the lay person but the effects are noticeable to anyone. Interesting enough, not only does the consciousness of one person influence the REG in the lamp but when people are bonded in some meaningful way; the influence is even stronger.</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">Some reviews on the website state:</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><em>“I've noticed that during specific activities (especially mental activities) the lamp remains blue/aqua for upwards of an hour. While socializing with friends, the lamp tends to stay in the warm hues of red, orange and yellow.”</em></span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><em>"Now, after having my lamp for almost 8 months, it has become a more serious (!!) element in my personal study of "weird connections", so that it now serves as a very physical Tao Te Ching, helping me to open up my mind when I have a question or problem that sequential, rational thinking won't answer or solve. One way it does this mind-opening is to stimulate a mood change amid all my mental meanderings, the change in mood opening new doorways, new options, and possible new solutions. I have this lamp be only limited by the limits of the mind."</em></span></h2><object height="350" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/N_gbstNboOA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/N_gbstNboOA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> <br />
<h2><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span> </h2><hr /><h2><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Spiritual and Cultural implications?</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">From the PEAR website:</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">“Beyond its revolutionary technological applications and scientific impact, the evidence of an active role of consciousness in the establishment of physical reality holds profound implications for our view of ourselves, our relationships to others, and to the cosmos in which we exist.”</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">“…Our ability to acquire, or to generate tangible, measureable information independent of distance or time challenges the foundation of any reductionistic brain-based model of consciousness that may be invoked.”</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">“…there is little doubt that integration of these changes in our understanding of ourselves can lead to a substantially superior human ethic, wherein the long-estranged siblings of science and spirit, of analysis and aesthetics, of intellect and intuition, and of many other subjective and objective aspects of human experience can be productively reunited.”</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">A mind over matter lamp that responds to our conscious and unconscious intention. Are we steps away from an Alladin's lamp that might grant our wishes? Or will we find out, we were the genie all along?</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;">More research, info and reviews at the </span><a href="http://www.mind-lamp.com/"><u><span style="font-size: small;">Mind Lamp</span></u></a><span style="font-size: small;"> website.</span></h2>Other Articles of Interest on this subject<br />
<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/human_machine.html">http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/human_machine.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/publications.html">http://www.princeton.edu/~pear/publications.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11705-NY-Holistic-Science--Spirit-Examiner~y2009m10d7-Scientists-prove-brain-to-brain-communication-through-the-power-of-thought-alone">http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11705-NY-Holistic-Science--Spirit-Examiner~y2009m10d7-Scientists-prove-brain-to-brain-communication-through-the-power-of-thought-alone</a><br />
<a href="http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11705-NY-Holistic-Science--Spirit-Examiner~y2009m7d28-Scientists-can-read-minds-with-an-fMRI-can-you">http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11705-NY-Holistic-Science--Spirit-Examiner~y2009m7d28-Scientists-can-read-minds-with-an-fMRI-can-you</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Mind Matter Interaction Lamps (Psyleron)</span>Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-26668712621983426142010-09-16T13:36:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:36:41.986-05:00Using EMF Meters & Magnetic Hallucinations<strong>EMF Information</strong> <br />
by Mark Townsend<br />
<br />
<br />
Although electrical equipment is easily the most likely source of sudden EMF meter readings, there are others. <br />
<br />
Though they're designed to detect fields at 50 Hz, EMF detectors can be surprisingly sensitive to simple movements of magnetic objects. Walk past one with something magnetic in your pocket and you might get a reading. <br />
<br />
You can even get a reaction by waving a tin can next to an EMF meter. Even though the can is not magnetic, it contains steel. Steel is highly magnetically permeable. That means it distorts the local geomagnetic field. Moving it disturbs the local geomagnetic field, causing a reading on the EMF meter which sees it as a low frequency field. <br />
<br />
So anything made of steel or iron which is vibrated (like the drum of a washing machine) could cause disturbances big enough for an EMF meter to detect. Even a steel filing cabinet being vibrated by heavy traffic might be enough to get a reading. <br />
<br />
<strong>Why use EMF meters?</strong> <br />
<br />
Given that all you can tell from an EMF meter is that there was a disturbance to the local magnetic field, of unknown magnitude and frequency, are they any use in paranormal research?<br />
<br />
You could use the same argument about most bits of equipment used in vigils. Since no one knows what causes paranormal phenomena, or what effects they may have on the environment, it is legitimate to try measuring any environmental parameter you can to find out. So you can certainly justify using EMF meters on that basis.<br />
<br />
The problem is that EMF meters were designed to monitor electromagnetic pollution. The designers were not too concerned about field frequency or direction because that wasn't the point. They only wanted an overall figure for personal exposure to electromagnetic fields. <br />
<br />
This means that EMF meters are not really suitable for looking for EIFs (experience-inducing fields) which cause certain people to hallucinate. <br />
<br />
EMF meters could, in very broad terms, be useful in differentiating between hot-spots (where phenomena have been reported) and control areas (where they haven't). <br />
<br />
So what happens if we find 'anomalous' readings but can find no obvious cause? Are they paranormal? On their own anomalous readings are just that. However, if such readings coincided with a report of a paranormal incident, they could be interesting. Even then, you would need to make sure there wasn't a mundane cause for the unusual reading.<br />
<br />
<strong>How fields fall with distance</strong><br />
<br />
EMFs from any source usually get less as the distance from the source increases. Quite often, this can be approximated as one of three basic types of fall off with distance:<br />
<br />
Inverse first power of distance<br />
<br />
(also referred to as one over the distance or reciprocal of distance)<br />
<br />
at double the distance the field is reduced to a half <br />
<br />
at three times the distance the field is reduced to a third and so on <br />
<br />
an example is the magnetic field from a net current in a distribution circuit<br />
<br />
Inverse square of distance<br />
<br />
(also referred to as one over the distance squared or inverse second power of distance)<br />
<br />
at double the distance the field is reduced to a quarter <br />
<br />
at three times the distance the field is reduced to a ninth and so on <br />
<br />
an example is the magnetic field from some transmission lines (either with a single circuit or two circuits but untransposed phasing)<br />
<br />
Inverse cube of distance<br />
<br />
(also referred to as one over the distance cubed or inverse third power of distance)<br />
<br />
at double the distance the field is reduced to an eighth <br />
<br />
at three time the distance the field is reduced to a twenty-seventh and so on <br />
<br />
an example is a transmission line with transposed phasing, or a domestic appliance<br />
<br />
In practice, fields rarely follow these power laws exactly, departing from them particularly at very small distances or very large distances. Nonetheless, there is usually a good range of distances where these are good approximations.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Science</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>The definite effects of EMFs</strong><br />
<br />
EMFs definitely have some effects on us as humans – but at high field levels, bigger than we usually meet in the environment.<br />
<br />
These established effects include: <br />
<br />
Induced currents in the body <br />
<br />
Microshocks <br />
<br />
They also have effects on equipment (including VDUs and pacemakers) <br />
<br />
These effects are well understood and there are exposure guidelines in place to protect against these effects.<br />
<br />
<strong>The possible effects of EMFs</strong><br />
<br />
There are other concerns about EMFs. Over the past 20 years, scientists have linked exposure to everyday levels of EMFs with various health problems, ranging from headaches to Alzheimer's disease. The most persistent of these suggestions relates to childhood leukaemia. But the evidence is not straightforward.<br />
<br />
A number of epidemiological studies, particularly in the US and in Scandinavia, have suggested an association between the incidence of childhood leukaemia and EMFs or the proximity of homes to power lines. <br />
<br />
Not every study has found the same association, but taken as a whole, the epidemiological studies certainly show a statistical association <br />
<br />
Because of problems inherent in epidemiology, finding an association does not mean there is a risk. <br />
<br />
No causal link has been established between cancer (or any other disease) and EMFs and there is no established mechanism by which these fields could cause or promote disease. <br />
<br />
Nonetheless, the possibility remains that EMFs are a cause of disease, and in these pages we summarise:<br />
<br />
The evidence on childhood cancer and other different specific diseases <br />
<br />
Electric fields and airborne pollutants: Information on one particular suggested mechanism<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>The Expert View</strong><br />
<br />
Induced currents<br />
<br />
The quantum energy of 50 Hz electromagnetic fields is too small to break chemical bonds. It is clear that power-frequency EMFs or radiation does not cause ionisation in the same way that x-rays or alpha particles do. Instead, the main known way 50 Hz fields interact with people is by inducing currents.<br />
<br />
What currents do magnetic fields produce?<br />
<br />
Any alternating magnetic field will induce an electric field, which in turn produces a current in a conducting medium. The human body is conducting and will therefore have a current induced in it – albeit, usually, a very small one. As shown on the right the current circulates round the body.<br />
<br />
In power-frequency calculations, it is common to assume the human body has a radius of 0.2 m and a conductivity of 0.2 S m-1. Using this model, a magnetic field of 160 microteslas (µT) induces a peripheral current density of 1 mA m-2. More accurate numerical calculations can be done which take account of the actual shape of the body and the varying conductivities of different tissues. <br />
<br />
What currents do electric fields produce?<br />
<br />
Alternating electric fields also induce currents in the body. As shown on the right, for a vertical field, they run up and down the body. The calculation has to take account of the perturbation to the field caused by the body itself. For a typical person standing in a vertical field, a current of 1 mA through the body is induced by 70 kV m-1; more on numerical calculations. <br />
<br />
<strong>Anomalous EMF readings</strong><br />
<br />
Paranormal researchers often get excited on ghost vigils when there is a sudden high reading on an EMF meter. This is thought by some to indicate paranormal activity, maybe even the unseen presence of a ghost. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, there are a great many possible mundane causes for a sudden jump in magnetic field readings. Sadly, EMF meters are not good at telling them apart. Since the meter cannot tell you where to look, you'll need to poke around the area and see if you can see a possible source of the field disturbance. If you have a spare EMF meter available, you could try putting it close to the suspect area to try to localise the source. <br />
<br />
So what could have caused such a disturbance? <br />
<br />
<strong>Electrical equipment</strong><br />
<br />
The most likely cause of a magnetic field disturbance in any dwelling is operation of electrical equipment. Such equipment can deliver changes to the local field by being turned on or off or changing state in some way (eg. a washing machine moving between cycles). Electrical equipment is a potent source of magnetic field disturbances. <br />
<br />
Some EMF meters can detect electrical wiring behind walls. However, such wires are relatively poor producers of magnetic fields. The high density of wiring and electrical devices in an appliance makes them much better sources of fields. <br />
<br />
Not all electrical equipment that could be the source of fields will necessarily be obvious in a room. It could be behind walls or, more likely, under floorboards. Any equipment that contains relays, transformers, capacitors or switches could produce some brief, powerful magnetic disturbances. <br />
<br />
Some electrical equipment is on all the time, or most of it, and operates automatically, even in the middle of the night. You should also consider any equipment you've brought with you on the vigil as a possible source. <br />
<br />
Do ghosts emit electromagnetic fields? <br />
<br />
There is a widespread idea among paranormal researchers that ghosts emit an electromagnetic field and that their presence can, thus, be detected by EMF meters. However, there seem to be no formal studies to support this idea. Instead, there are a few anecdotal reports that EMF meters 'spike' during paranormal activity at haunted locations OR that haunted locations produce more variable EMF fields than non-haunted places. In both cases, it is difficult to trace any original, first-hand reports of these claimed connections and what reports are available are vague and lacking in crucial technical detail. So, why do some people claim that ghosts emit EM (electromagnetic) fields? <br />
<br />
<strong>Asking the right questions</strong> <br />
<br />
Do ghosts really emit electromagnetic fields? Before we can answer that question, there is a more important one to be answered. Are EMF meters even capable of demonstrating that ghosts emit EM fields? And before we can answer that question, we need to ask - do ghosts even cause hauntings? <br />
<br />
So, firstly, do ghosts cause hauntings? The answer isn't as obvious as you might think! No one denies that hauntings exist. People undoubtedly experience odd goings-on at certain locations from time to time, but are ghosts really responsible for them? This may seem an odd question until you realise that apparitions are only witnessed in a minority of hauntings. What is more, there are few, if any, accounts of apparitions actually 'doing' any of the things we associate with haunting. They are not seen knocking on walls or tables, moving objects, whispering in corners, nor is their rare appearance usually accompanied by strange smells or a sudden feeling of cold. It is just assumed that ghosts are doing all these things associated with hauntings. <br />
<br />
Thus, the whole idea that a ghost is responsible for, or even vital to, a haunting appears to be based not so much on evidence as popular culture. Looking purely at the evidence, apparitions may simply be one possible, nonessential, phenomenon that can appear during a haunting !<br />
<br />
It therefore seems to be an assumption too far to expect EMF meters to address the question of whether ghosts emit EM fields (for other popular assumptions that go beyond the evidence in ghost research, see here). Looking purely at the evidence it is therefore more meaningful to ask if EMF meters are capable of answering these two questions based on anecdotal observations: <br />
<br />
•are hauntings associated with elevated or more highly variable EM fields?<br />
<br />
•is observable paranormal activity associated with EM field spikes?<br />
<br />
<strong>Where did the idea come from?</strong><br />
<br />
The idea of ghosts emitting electromagnetic fields seems to have emerged relatively recently. It is tempting to speculate that the idea arose simply because investigators started using the meters, in the same way that the idea of paranormal orbs (which proved to be photographic artifacts) coincided with the early use of digital cameras. Whenever instruments are used at haunted locations, there is inevitably a tendency to attribute unusual readings to the haunting, even without any other corroborating evidence. <br />
<br />
A more speculative notion is that the idea may have been prompted, in some way, by Persinger's laboratory work that suggested that some ghostly experiences might be magnetically-induced hallucinations (EIFs - experience inducing fields). <br />
<br />
<strong>Why use EMF meters at all?</strong> <br />
<br />
EMF meters are designed to measure mains-frequency magnetic and electric fields in buildings to see if they exceed certain levels*. It is, therefore, difficult to see why such an should detect ghosts, given that it is unlikely they are mains powered! It is likely that the popularity of EMF meters in ghost research arose simply from the fact that they are easily and cheaply available. <br />
<br />
When used to detect electromagnetic pollution, EMF meters produce perfectly useful readings. It is easy to measure a continuous high field produced by nearby electrical equipment, for instance. However, ghost researchers look for unusually high variability and/or 'spikes' in areas of low readings, mostly away from electrical equipment. To do this, they need to understand how EMF meters behave away from the application for which they were designed. This behaviour tends to vary between models. <br />
<br />
An EMF meter detects changing electromagnetic fields (hence E.M.F.). Most models only detect changing magnetic fields but some can measure varying electric fields too. <br />
<br />
EMF meters were originally designed to look for electromagnetic pollution, though their main users seem to be ghost hunters these days (judging by adverts on the web). Most are therefore set to be highly sensitive to fields varying at 50 or 60 Hz, the mains frequency in the UK and the US respectively. <br />
<br />
EMF meters can detect either magnetic, electric or both types of field together. Most, however, are designed to measure only varying magnetic fields. If it is not obvious what kind of field your meter is detecting, check the units it is using. Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m) and magnetic fields usually in milliGauss (mG) or nanoTesla (nT). <br />
<br />
<strong>Units</strong><br />
<br />
As mentioned above, the units for electric fields are volts per metre (V/m). It is more complicated for magnetic fields because some EMF meter manufacturers insist on using obsolete units. Many use milliGauss (mG) even though scientific publications use nanoTesla (nT). To convert, 1mG is 100nT. <br />
<br />
<strong>Computer sampling</strong><br />
<br />
Some meters come with ports to attach computers for automated recording. Also, some electronically-minded researchers have converted meters without ports so that they too can connect to laptops. This is a great idea as it allows much greater accuracy and frequency of readings as well as relieving observers of a tedious chore. You feed the output from the instrument into a data logger or specialist software. <br />
<br />
There are, however, things to consider when doing computer sampling from EMF meters. For a start, if you take readings faster than the sampling frequency of the meter, you will not gain any higher frequency resolution even if it it looks like it! <br />
<br />
Even more serious, you can only do frequency analysis if you have an accurate frequency response curve for the meter to apply corrections. The manufacturer may supply this, though it's unusual. Alternatively, you could get a linear sensor (like a fluxgate magnetometer) though these are usually rather expensive . <br />
<br />
In all cases, you also need to consider the Nyquist criterion (where you need to sample at twice the rate of the top frequency you want to measure) for sampling and problems associated with aliasing (where higher frequencies affect the measurement of lower ones).You need to understand these before doing digital sampling. <br />
<br />
<strong>Specifications</strong><br />
<br />
When choosing an EMF meter, there are several important specifications to consider.<br />
<br />
Firstly, there are some meters out there that have no dials or displays for readings at all. They just buzz or show a light when a certain certain threshold is exceeded. Though it is true that the figures you get from EMF meters are not hugely helpful for paranormal research they are certainly better than no figures at all. With a threshold detector, you've no idea if a reading was just fairly high or huge.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the most important specification to consider is frequency response . It is useful to get a meter sensitive to extremely low frequencies (under 10 Hz) as this region has been implicated in magnetically induced hallucinations. If you can get a model where the manufacturer supplies a frequency response curve ,that's far better than one without it. <br />
<br />
Another important specification to consider is the number of measurement axes. Electromagnetic fields have direction as well as size (which is why compasses point north). If a meter doesn't mention axes it almost certainly has just one axis. The problem with a single axis meter is that if you rotate it, even slightly, during a vigil, subsequent readings will change. That's because it's at a different angle to the fields. This means you can't compare the earlier readings with the later ones. The solution is to fix the meter in place or use a tri-axial model. Single axis meters will underestimate every field they measure by differing amounts making comparisons between locations problematic. <br />
<br />
Another important specification is sample rate . Faster is definitely better. <br />
<br />
The other important specification is scale or range. This specifies the maximum and minimum field the meter can detect. This is important because you may come across fields that are either too weak or too strong to measure. Try to go for meters with the biggest scale you can. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOHlP_ecomEHqN33zo5kXRhMm6gN5V8HOXIosCK8MBl6aYHtiXn1fil1oA_t3Bk_JHFaR-09NDOigZOoyurz0p-kd_ty42Pz32WDXKdxFrN2D9tIYjRbFMUEvzxSGwLjtjKHSRnKqZDLL/s1600/Frequency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOHlP_ecomEHqN33zo5kXRhMm6gN5V8HOXIosCK8MBl6aYHtiXn1fil1oA_t3Bk_JHFaR-09NDOigZOoyurz0p-kd_ty42Pz32WDXKdxFrN2D9tIYjRbFMUEvzxSGwLjtjKHSRnKqZDLL/s320/Frequency.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The graph above shows a typical frequency response of an EMF meter to magnetic fields. Along the bottom is frequency. The vertical axis shows sensitivity. At 50 Hz the meter has a sensitivity of 1. This means that a 50 Hz field of 1000 nT will show up, correctly, as 1000 nT on the meter. However, at a frequency of 1000 Hz, the meter is 10 times more sensitive! So a 1000 Hz field of 1000 nT will show up as 10,000 nT! <br />
<br />
This frequency response is deliberate. It is weighted to mirror how magnetic fields are absorbed by the human body. That's because EMF meters were designed to monitor electromagnetic pollution not look for ghosts!<br />
<br />
So when you see a reading of 1000 nT on your EMF meter, you've no idea what the real figure is because you don't know the frequency of the field. Most magnetic fields in a domestic environment will be mains frequency (50 Hz UK, 60 Hz US). But there are other frequencies possible and these will be either under- or over-represented. Even worse, there may be several different frequency mixed together to produce an overall figure that doesn't truly reflect any of them. So figures taken from an EMF meter are not particularly useful in terms of scientific measurement. <br />
<br />
Different EMF meters will have different frequency responses making comparing readings problematic. If you're doing a positional baseline, it is better to use two meters of the same model. <br />
<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<strong>Magnetic Hallucinations</strong><br />
by Maurice Townsend<br />
<br />
There is now so much laboratory evidence in favour of magnetically induced hallucinations that some paranormal researchers are taking it as read that they are the source of certain anomalous experiences, notably some kinds of ghost. However, the field evidence for such magnetic fields is slight at present. But that could soon change as equipment capable of detecting them is now being deployed at haunted locations. If these magnetic fields exist outside the laboratory, what exactly is causing them? <br />
<br />
There have been several articles in Anomaly recently concerning theories on the true nature of ghosts. In particular, there has been a lot about the possibility that they may be hallucinations induced in susceptible people by suitable ambient magnetic fields. While the results of lab experiments are impressive and compelling, there is still little evidence from the field to back this theory up. Initiatives like MADS (described in Anomaly 34) are designed to fill that gap. It will, at last, be simple to measure relevant magnetic fields in allegedly haunted locations.<br />
<br />
An important question concerns the detailed nature of any such fields found at haunted locations for MADS to research. They are unlikely to be just like those produced artificially in the laboratory, so we need to investigate what they really ‘look’ like in the field. Once we know that, we can try to ascertain what aspects are absolutely necessary for strange experiences to occur.<br />
<br />
Once such fields, and their principal components, have been identified then the next intriguing question becomes, ‘where do they come from’. At first sight, there seem few obvious sources for such fields, perhaps explaining why ghosts are not common. I decided to research the possibilities so that the search could be narrowed down. I hope this will assist investigators when they are researching possible field sources in haunting cases.<br />
<br />
<strong>Defining the Fields</strong><br />
<br />
Before we can identify possible sources of relevant magnetic fields, we need to define exactly what we are looking for. I am indebted to Dr Jason Braithwaite for reviewing the relevant papers (from Persinger et al) concerning the laboratory experiments which have induced ghost-like hallucinations. <br />
<br />
The best results have come from what could be broadly described as weak, complex, time-varying magnetic fields. Because the nature and potential sources of such fields are difficult to characterise at this stage, Braithwaite introduced the general term Experience- Inducing Fields, or EIFs for short. This definition relates to all, or any, fields that could have experience-inducing properties. This distinction is helpful for a number of reasons. Firstly, while not all magnetic anomalies will have implications for experience, some will have the ability to influence equipment (which could be interpreted as paranormal) but will not alter the operation of the brain in any way. Those fields could be characterised as Event-Related Fields (ERFs) as they pertain to a tangible physical event. Secondly, it focuses the researcher theoretically on the potential relevance such fields might have. <br />
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There are three main aspects to EIFs that have been demonstrated experimentally to be of crucial importance. The following figures are by no means absolute limits: things might happen outside them. However, experiments within these bounds have produced reliable, strong results. So it makes sense to look for fields within these parameters first, at haunted locations.<br />
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At present, the evidence suggests that EIFs are varying magnetic fields with low frequency (approx 0.1 to 30 Hz, and certainly under 50Hz) and a moderate intensity (from 100 to 5000 nT) or amplitude (or, more correctly, flux density). For comparison, the average geomagnetic field, which is not generally considered strong and does not vary greatly over time, is around 50,000 nT. An important point to remember is that EIFs are most likely to overlay whatever ambient static magnetic field is present in the area. This would usually be the geomagnetic field itself. Confusion often arises here because the geomagnetic field is usually described as being ‘static’ (ie. does not change over time), whereas, in fact, it does change over time, but very slowly (over hours). There might also be other local permanent distortions to the local magnetic field, such as the presence of the mineral magnetite in the geological strata below the site. At present, such permanent static fields are NOT considered important to inducing hallucinations, however. Therefore, EIFs, if present, would most likely appear as fluctuations on top of the local static field (though see discussion below).<br />
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There is another important factor that greatly enhances the chance of hallucinations: field complexity. This is more difficult to characterise. As an example, a typical laboratory experiment may use a simple 30 Hz sine wave field but pulse it for, say, 1s every 3s for a period of 30mins (during this time the field may also vary in amplitude across the pulses as well). Thus, the field fluctuates overall, in addition to the fundamental sine wave. Such overall variance could involve any, or all, of the major field variables: amplitude, frequency and direction. Laboratory studies have used amplitude-modulated, frequency-modulated and complex pulse-patterned sequences with great success. Overall field variations might be repetitive, with the field eventually returning to its original state after a certain period, or they may be chaotic with no obvious repetition. The time period over which fields need to vary is probably (from experiments) in the millisecond to multiple minute region. Simple continuous waveforms, like sine waves, are not at all as effective. The reason for this is that such simple fields are considered not to ‘contain’ the complex information profile that a brain would accept as sensory information. Incidentally, the direction of a magnetic field (which is conventionally said to flow from the north pole of a bar magnet to the south pole) determines which way it will produce a force on another nearby magnetic object.<br />
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There are two other important issues concerned in producing magnetic hallucinations, not directly related to the field characteristics. The first is that not everyone is susceptible to hallucinating when subjected to the EIFs outlined above. Current estimates suggest that only around 20 - 30% of the population show a substantially increased susceptibility, due to increased neuronal instability in specific brain regions. Secondly, susceptible people need to be subjected continuously to the EIFs for a significant time, say 20 to 30 minutes, before hallucinations are reported. This applies if the person is static. I will mention people moving around in fields later on. There is, therefore, an important exposure component to EIFs – the effects are not instantaneous.<br />
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The hallucinatory phenomenon is thought to arise because the frequency of the external magnetic waves is similar to that used internally by the brain for cognition. This stimulates brain activity, through a process called neural entrainment, which can confuse the brain into producing hallucinations.<br />
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<strong>Naturally Occurring EIFs</strong><br />
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Could fields with the relevant characteristics occur naturally? The first obvious place to look is the geomagnetic field. This is the magnetic field that is constantly present at the Earth’s surface and in which we are all immersed continuously. It is what makes a compass point north. It is caused by a dynamo effect in the molten core of our planet. Though this effect produces a highly stable field, like that of a bar magnet, the field is constantly changing, primarily due to the effects of the sun impinging on it. The sun is constantly bombarding the Earth with the solar wind, which consists of highly energetic, charged particles. These interact with the geomagnetic field and cause changes reflecting the sun’s own activity. Features such as solar flares can have a major effect on the geomagnetic field. The most significant changes to the geomagnetic field take place over periods of hours. Thus, from a human perspective, the geomagnetic field appears relatively stable.<br />
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The geomagnetic field might appear, given its slow variations, an unlikely candidate for EIF, at first sight. Having said that, there have been some studies that have reported correlations between geomagnetic activity and the occurrence of spontaneous hauntings. These correlational studies did not involve field investigations and are considered controversial. As any statistician will tell you, a correlation does not always imply a causal link. <br />
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There are certain geomagnetic variables that change at frequencies required for EIFs. Unfortunately, it turns out that these variables, though they have relevant frequencies, are far too weak to produce EIFs, as shown in the table (Campbell, 2003).<br />
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Factor Typical frequency Typical Amplitude Comments <br />
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Pc1 pulsations 0.2 - 5Hz 0.1 nT Pc = pulsation continuous, caused by magnetosphere processes <br />
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Schumann resonances 7.8, 14, 20, 26Hz 0.05 nT Caused by lightning energy resonating between the earth and ionosphere. <br />
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Atmospherics 5 - 100+ Hz 0.05 nT Caused by distant lightning <br />
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Geomagnetic storms can bring larger amplitude changes in the geomagnetic field. A storm is defined as a period (usually of several days) when there is a large reduction in the horizontal component (parallel to the ground) of the geomagnetic field. On average, one big geomagnetic storm per year might bring a field reduction of around 250 nT, but most will be much less (maybe 10 per year bringing about 50 nT reduction). Therefore, only the largest, most infrequent storms have the sort of amplitudes we are looking for in EIFs. However, these changes typically occur over hours, or minutes at the fastest. Even the Pc1 pulsation component of the geomagnetic field, which has the correct frequency, varies only by a maximum amplitude of a few tenths of one nT (Belyaev, 2003). In summary, there are no natural variations of the geomagnetic field that provide both the amplitude and frequency together to be classed as EIFs, even during geomagnetic storms. Indeed, as we will see later, most of us live in an environment where such natural magnetic variations are entirely swamped by more powerful local artificial sources. So the geomagnetic field can, effectively, be dismissed as a likely source of EIFs.<br />
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Another natural source of EIFs that has been suggested is tectonic strain. Essentially, the Tectonic Strain Theory (TST) states that stresses within the Earth’s crust, less than those required to produce an earthquake, may result in highly localised surface electromagnetic disturbances through piezoelectricity in sub-surface rocks. Piezoelectricity is the phenomenon whereby certain crystals, notably quartz, produce an electric charge across opposite crystal faces when under physical pressure or strain. <br />
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The TST is the reason why many ghost researchers these days get excited if a geological fault lies near an allegedly haunted location. A fault is a crack in the Earth’s crust. Like any crack in a solid object, it is an indicator of strain, or pressure for movement, in the local area. Strain generally builds up around a fault until it is released through a physical movement (usually) underground, resulting in an earthquake. Thankfully, the vast majority of earthquakes are, in fact, tremors and are so small they are only noticed by seismologists using sensitive equipment.<br />
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The TST looks attractive, in principle, but it does have its critics. I have always had problems understanding it, when considering the physical details of the processes involved. Quartz generally occurs underground within other rocks, like granite, where its crystals are separated by other minerals. If you crush granite, an electric charge will build up across individual quartz crystals. However, since the crystals are orientated randomly, the charges (on opposite sides of each crystal) do not align. Therefore, they tend to cancel each other out rather than combining to form a strong overall electric field. There is a tiny overall field where stressed granite (under strain from lateral stress near a fault) is exposed at the earth’s surface, due to the fact that there are no crystals above the surface to completely cancel the field. But it is very small indeed.<br />
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Another problem that arises is that any electric field that might conceivably be produced by straining quartz underground will, in any case, be static. There is no movement (except for extremely slow tectonic movement, usually measured in mm per year) in the rocks and so no change in any field produced. This means there could be no magnetic field. In order to get a magnetic field you need to move electric charge through an electric field (such as when current flows down a wire). With no physical movement, there is no magnetic field.<br />
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Things change dramatically if the rock fractures, as has been demonstrated in granite crushing experiments (Zhu, 2001). Then, measurable electric (and magnetic) fields can be generated, through both the piezoelectric effect and something called seismoelectric conversion (caused by acoustic waves). The effect is amplified by the presence of water. While this process produces magnetic fields, you have to bear in mind that it involves the rock fracturing, not simply getting strained. There is little or no evidence for underground rock fracturing, even near faults, except during and immediately prior to an earthquake (Robb, 2005). <br />
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We do have some measurements of the kind of magnetic fields that might be produced by rock fracturing immediately prior to an earthquake. As a method of predicting earthquakes it is controversial, but the evidence does exist. One of the best known examples was the Loma Prieta earthquake in California in 1989. This was preceded by a weak (up to 60 nT) magnetic field with low frequency (0.01 to 10 Hz) up to 55 km away from the epicentre and three hours prior to the quake. However, even this field is not quite up to the strength required for an EIF and it took a 7.1 magnitude earthquake to generate it.<br />
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A further problem with TSTs is the very specific locality of the phenomena they set out to explain. In particular, the phenomena are often restricted not just to a single house but to particular rooms or even parts of rooms (sometimes in upper storeys). Houses nearby are seemingly unaffected. It seems unlikely that widespread tectonic strains could give rise to phenomena localised to just a couple of metres. However, it is possible that environmental factors within a house may amplify (or even attenuate) more widespread field disturbances. Also, a house may appear haunted, though next door does not, merely because an EIF-susceptible person lives in one and not the other.<br />
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<strong>Artificially Occurring EIFs</strong><br />
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In a paper on the electromagnetic environment around Moscow (Belyaev, 2003), it was found that the magnetic fields at frequencies around 1 Hz were around 10 times higher in the suburbs, and 100 times higher in the city centre, compared to the countryside. In the city centre fields up to 250 - 300 nT at a frequency of 0.5 Hz were measured. These are strong enough to constitute EIFs. The fields were attributed, unsurprisingly, to electrical equipment in the city. This indicates, quite eloquently, that we should probably look first for artificial sources of EIFs in investigations before looking for, generally weaker, natural alternatives.<br />
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Artificial sources contribute significantly to the magnetic fields in a domestic environment, as a quick survey with an EMF meter will show. However, the 0.1 to 30 Hz frequency range of varying fields is generally quiet. This is because most electrical and electronic devices operate using a mixture of DC (for motors, electronic power supplies, etc.), mains frequency (50/60 Hz) and higher. The DC (static) element is rarely pure, being derived from mains supply with rectifiers (often accompanied by transformers). The resultant DC current has a slight voltage ripple on it. However, due to the way rectifiers are designed, this ripple will typically be at mains frequency or above and so not contribute to EIFs. Similarly, the mains supply itself can be distorted by the electrical loads placed on it by various bits of electrical equipment. This gives rise to harmonics but these, too, have a higher frequency and lower amplitude than the mains fundamental frequency. So most domestic electrical appliances, as well as the mains supply itself, will not contribute to EIFs.<br />
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Probably the most important source of low frequency magnetic fields is the simple movement, or mechanical vibration, of magnetic materials. By magnetic materials I mean metals with a high magnetic permeability. This means that magnetic fields prefer to flow through them, rather than through the air. Common examples include objects made of iron and steel. The object itself does not have to be magnetised, so long as it has high permeability. You can test if an object is highly permeable by seeing if a magnet is attracted to it. It may, or may not, be able, in turn, to attract other bits of unmagnetised steel (eg. paper clips) to itself. All objects with high magnetic permeability (let’s call them HMPs, for short), whether magnetised or not, distort the earth’s magnetic field around them. In the accompanying figure you will see two objects, one weakly magnetic, the other merely highly permeable. Both distort the surrounding geomagnetic field dramatically. When such objects are vibrated, they drag the magnetic field distortion around with them.<br />
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An unmagnetised HMP distorts the geomagnetic field nearly as well as a weak magnet<br />
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To produce an EIF frequency disturbance in the ambient magnetic field, all we need to do is vibrate an HMP at a rate of between once every ten seconds (0.1 Hz) and thirty times a second (30 Hz). It doesn’t need to be a constant frequency motion since, as we have seen, varying fields actually work better! The distortion to the ambient magnetic field will move in sympathy with the movement of the HMP, so inducing an EIF frequency change. <br />
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The possible examples of such moving HMPs in the domestic environment are almost endless. A sheet of corrugated iron vibrating in the wind, an iron bedstead shaken by nearby heavy traffic, a steel filing cabinet in a seaside office swayed gently by the crashing surf. Anything made of a suitable metal, whether magnetic or not, vibrated at a suitable frequency, will give us the EIF frequency disturbance. Whether it attains a suitable amplitude for an EIF depends on the degree of vibration of the object and the amount of distortion the HMP brings to the ambient field.<br />
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As well as bits of metal, there are also machines that can act as moving HMPs. An electric motor can be imagined as a permanent magnet being rotated, pole over pole, between the opposing poles of two other permanent magnets. In the real world, all the magnets are electromagnets but the effect is the same. A rotating magnetic field will be produced with a frequency reflecting the rotation rate of the motor’s armature. Most motors in domestic use are likely to produce rotating fields at EIF frequencies. That’s because few will go round faster than 1800 rpm, which equates to 30 Hz. In addition, DC motors may spark where brushes meet the commutator. This would introduce a sharply pulsed field, at twice the frequency of rotation, which might still be low enough to contribute to an EIF.<br />
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There are many motors used in the domestic environment. They commonly occur in such things as pumps (central heating, fridges, air-conditioning), fans (computers, air-conditioning, some ovens), washing machines, vacuum cleaners, even hi-fi equipment and hair dryers. Such appliances can produce quite powerful rotating magnetic fields.<br />
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Vibrating HMPs may produce the right frequencies, but will they give us the right amplitudes for people nearby? It comes down to your physical distance from the source of the field disturbance. Assuming the amplitudes exceed minimum EIF level at their source, there is bound to be some critical distance, or zone, away from the source where the field amplitude will be correct. All you have to do is stay in that critical area for long enough and, if you are susceptible and the field varies enough over time, you may well get hallucinations. It is difficult to predict how far such a zone would extend without doing experiments. Magnetic fields decline quickly away from their source, falling with the inverse square law. As a guess, I would say EIFs would probably extend no further than a metre or two from a source likely to be encountered in a domestic situation, assuming the average geomagnetic field as a background. If there was a higher than usual ambient magnetic field, the range would decrease. Conversely, in an area of lower than usual ambient field, the range would increase. One might reasonably ask, how can you live in an area of lower than normal geomagnetic field? HMPs can distort the local magnetic field, as we have seen, and create areas where the local magnetic field is actually lower than average. Such HMPs would, obviously, not need to be moving to produce such an effect. This is the principle behind magnetic shielding. The magnetic field is ‘dragged’ into the HMP, so attenuating the ambient field around it. A place where the ambient field is low could be particularly promising, as it would require less of a field distortion to produce an EIF.<br />
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Interestingly, the degree of distortion caused by HMPs to ambient fields depends on such things as the shape of the source and its angle to the field, as well as the permeability and magnetisation of the metal. Long thin HMPs (like sheet metal) and curved ones (think of a horshoe magnet) disrupt the local magnetic field more than short, fat ones. Also, HMPs aligned with the ambient field will produce a larger effect than those at right-angles to it. Note, also, that the presence of vibrating HMPs would mean that hallucinations would only be experienced in quite small areas inside a house. This would fit in with the often observed fact that only certain rooms, or even particular spots, regularly produce ghosts.<br />
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Transformers and a relay (middle curve) combine transitions to produce seemingly chaotic fluctuations (top curve)<br />
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Another possible source of EIFs is combined magnetic transitions in mains frequency equipment. There are many pieces of electrical equipment that can produce such magnetic transitions. Though transitions are not EIFs in themselves, if you get enough of them in a small area, over a short period of time, they could have the same effect. By a transition, I mean a significant, slow (by electronic standards) change in the mains frequency magnetic field produced by electrical equipment. This would appear to a DC magnetometer (insensitive to mains-frequency) as a pulse. A transformer, for instance, though it operates at mains-frequency, takes time to become fully energised or drained (because the magnetic field induced is resisting the current change) when it is switched on or off. This produces a change in the magnetic field slow enough to be ‘seen’ by a DC magnetometer. Another example is a relay, which contains an electromagnet. When a relay is switched on or off, a static magnetic field will either rise or fall, producing a magnetic transition. Transformers and relays are common in the supply and switching sections of domestic electrical, and particularly electronic, equipment. Electrical house wiring may also show transitions (though not as powerfully) when equipment downstream is switched on or off or has a changing load.<br />
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In a house with lots of electrical equipment in use there may sometimes be enough pulses, close enough together, both in space and time, to constitute EIFs. If there are a few vibrating HMPs about as well, so much the better. It might seem unlikely that you would get enough pulses to constitute an EIF this way. But consider this, you only need one 100 nT pulse every ten seconds to qualify! As more and more electrical devices are operated in a house at once, the combined fluctuations will show a rise in amplitude and frequency as well as appearing increasingly chaotic.<br />
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Another important, though rarer, possible artificial source of EIFs is malfunctioning electrical equipment. This could include the mains supply itself. There are only a few ways most bits of electrical equipment can operate correctly, but any number in which they can malfunction. Therefore it is difficult to list particular examples of malfunctioning equipment producing EIFs. In general, though, accidental capacitances and inductances could possibly, in certain circumstances, give rise to low frequency currents (and hence magnetic fields). Fields can leak, unintentionally, from electrical equipment to nearby conductors (such as water pipes) through induction. Though these would be at the mains frequency, there might be resonances set up by the plumbing configuration that could be at a different frequency, possibly lower. Earthing problems are another possible source of unintentional fields. As I said before, it is difficult to come up with a concrete example, but it might happen and should be considered.<br />
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Of course, you may just happen to live in a magnetically dense area. As we saw with the unfortunate inhabitants of central Moscow, some places may be bathed perpetually in a sea of fields that qualify as EIFs. There may be nearby industrial users, such as factories, that could produce EIFs through HMPs and densely packed electrical equipment. So artificially produced EIFs may be outside the premises that are allegedly haunted. You should not assume EIFs are produced naturally just because they have no obvious source inside a house.<br />
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Another interesting source of EIFs is human movement! Although you may not have any moving fields within your home, you might move through reasonably strong, complex static fields sufficiently often to produce an EIF in your brain. If you think about it, walking between two areas of high magnetic field, with a low area in between, is no different from having a varying field pass through your head as you sit still. Given that you need to be exposed to such varying fields for some time, however, it might involve a lot of walking! It should be considered, however, particularly in a workplace that might well combine a lot of walking and a complex static magnetic environment. A probable example of this is an instance of a'haunted bed' (where some people lying in it experience strange ghostly sounds of a child crying). What is extremely interesting is that the bed has been found to magnetic, so that anyone tossing and turning in it would be exposing themselves to EIFs. This research is decribed here, on the MADS website. ( MADS = Magnetic Anomaly Detection System )<br />
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<strong>other sources:</strong><br />
( <a href="http://atransc.org/">http://atransc.org/</a> ) formerly AA-EVP<br />
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Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-16172980943106244472010-09-16T13:22:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:22:46.267-05:00On the Thoughts of Dust<strong>On the Thoughts of Dust</strong><br />
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by Douglas M. Stokes<br />
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<em>(Previously published in the Society for Psychical Research April 2009 Paranormal Review)</em><br />
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In these pages (Stokes, 2004) and elsewhere, I have argued for the existence of multiple selves (conceived as spheres of pure consciousness) within each human being. Such a modular view of the human mind is frequently adopted by modern neuroscientists to address such phenomena such as behavioral conflict between the hemispheres of split-brain patients and “blindsight,” in which a cortically blind patient evidences knowledge of visual targets that she does not consciously perceive.<br />
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Descartes’ Error<br />
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When Descartes famously said, “I think, therefore I am,” I do not believe his error lies in the second clause (the affirmation of the existence of a continuing and unified self), as such writers as Dennett (1991) and Churchland (2002) would have us believe. The experience of oneself as a continuing field of consciousness is for me immediately given. If I cannot even know that I am a field of consciousness that continues from moment to moment, then I cannot know anything. To second Descartes’ conclusion, the knowledge of oneself’s existence, at least from moment to moment, cannot be doubted.<br />
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For me, Descartes’ error lies not in his conclusion, but rather in his premise. As a continuing field of consciousness, I do not think; rather, my hapless brain does the bulk of my thinking for me. As has been made abundantly clear by modern research in cognitive neuroscience, my thoughts, my feelings, and the other elements that make up my personality are dependent on brain activity, and if that activity is radically altered or discontinued, they will not persist in any recognizable manner. However, my true self, construed as a field of pure consciousness, might persist, either trapped in a vegetative brain or on to new adventures. <br />
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To me the evidence of a continuing self is not that it thinks, which it cannot do without massive assistance from a brain, but that it has feelings and experiences (termed “quales” by the philosophers). Thus, a rectified version of Descartes’ statement might be: “I’m nauseous, therefore I am.” <br />
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Mini-Shins<br />
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I have termed the multiple spheres of consciousness within each person “mini-Shins,” which is an adaptation of the term “Shin,” coined by Thouless and Wiesner (1948) to refer to the conscious self in a way that avoids the theoretical and religious baggage that accompanies the use of the word “soul.”<br />
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Each such self, if receiving input from widespread areas of the brain, might fall under the delusion that it is the sole center of consciousness in the person.<br />
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The informational span of even the executive sphere of consciousness may be quite unimpressive. The psychologist George Miller famously proclaimed that the human mind was able to hold only 7 + 2 items in consciousness at one time (and I question the plus sign for me and my fellow sexagenarians). Whatever else you might say about fields of consciousness, they generally seem to be stunningly stupid all by themselves.<br />
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For instance, due to attentional blindness, subjects even fail to notice a gorilla walking among a group of players passing a basketball back and forth (Simons & Chabris, 1999). Thus, mini-Shins may not have a very impressive informational-processing capacity (unlike the brain). <br />
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The Evolution of Consciousness<br />
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Advocates of the anthropic principle maintain that the laws of physics and the initial conditions of the universe appear to be delicately designed to allow the evolution of conscious observers. The prominent physicist and mathematician John Wheeler (1983) suggested that under quantum theory, the universe could not exist unless it contained a conscious observer to collapse its state vector and thus grant reality to it. Similarly, Walker (2000) argued for the existence of disembodied “proto-consciousnesses” scattered throughout the universe, whose job it is to surf the vast void, to render reality from the vast fog of uncollapsed possibilities.<br />
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However, the universe itself appears relatively indifferent to at least human consciousness, which has only existed for a measly half a million years, compared to the 13.7 billion years of the universe’s existence (which itself is an amazingly short time when one stops to consider that the Earth itself is 4.6 billion year old).<br />
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The vast reaches of space appear to be filled primarily with eerily beautiful lifeless voids sprinkled here and there with dust, clouds, and seemingly uninhabited, lifeless rocks. Given our perhaps carbon-based prejudices, most of the universe appears to be indifferent to, if not outright hostile to, the presence of conscious observers. If, as the advocates of the anthropic principle maintain, the laws of the universe appear to be designed to support conscious observers, it does not seem to be a very “cost-effective” design (the recent discoveries of a large number of extrasolar planets not withstanding). Thus, some (e.g., Hill, 2005) have argued that if the universe is designed to produce any observers at all, it appears that most such observers would be inhabitants of lifeless rocks and clouds of plasma, rather than snuggled warmly in the neocortex of a primate brain. As noted above, Walker (2000) suggested that the universe is suffused with proto-consciousnesses, which though observation cause quantum potentiality to become reality, even in regions remote from carbon-based life-forms. If so, these proto-consciousnesses or mini-Shins can apparently be imprisoned in brains, at least for brief periods of time. However, if they are like most other things in the universe, from antiprotons to Z particles, it is likely that they are capable of being reshuffled and recycled from physical system to physical system, in a process that might be described as a form of memory-less and more or less continual reincarnation.<br />
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One answer to the proponents of the anthropic principle is that there may be multiple “bubble universes” evidencing different sets of physical laws and initial conditions. Alternatively, the universe may undergo cycles of Big Bangs followed by Big Crunches. In each cycle the universe may emerge phoenix-like from its ashes, perhaps with its laws and initial conditions reinitialized. Penrose (2008) has proposed that, in fact, the universe may have undergone an infinity of such cycles in the past. In either case, the reason why we find ourselves in a universe that supports the existence of conscious thinkers (vs. conscious observers) is that there would be no complex thoughts if the universe were a lifeless void. To paraphrase Descartes once again, “I think, therefore I must somehow be glued to a complex brain.” At least for the moment.<br />
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The Hierarchy of Consciousness<br />
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This view leads naturally to panpsychism, the view that consciousness pervades the universe. Many of the most prominent practitioners of human thought, including Leibniz, Spinoza, and Alfred North Whitehead have proposed that consciousness pervades all things and that, at root, the universe consists of a plenitude of spheres of pure consciousness, or “monads” in Leibniz’ terminology. In the early stages of my intellectual career, I scoffed at the notion that a rock might be consciousness. How silly my naive rejection appears in retrospect. It is a shame that the cosmos of Leibniz, Spinoza, and Whitehead has to be “discovered” anew by each generation, due to the fact this point of view is drowned in a seemingly ubiquitous sea of irrationalism on the part of all sides in the debate over religion.<br />
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One advantage of this view is that it does not need to explain how consciousness arose from insentient matter, which is perhaps the most vexing, fundamental and seemingly unsolvable problem confronting modern science and philosophy. Consciousness was here from the start. It is angels all the way down.<br />
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Our bodies are composed of a vast number of cells and bacteria, with only a fraction of them from our own species. In fact, our bodies seem more akin to a ferocious battleground for microorganisms, which are replaced from minute to minute, than to a unified entity. If one is to grant consciousness to animals “all the way down,” could not our white blood cells possess a (possibly dim) conscious capable of recognizing their foes and engulfing them? Might plants be conscious? While they seem less complex than us, rice plants contain upwards of 50,000 genes, compared to a measly 20,000 to 25,000 for a human being. Thus, appearances may be deceiving. Is it inconceivable that plants possess a glimmer of consciousness, perhaps operating on a much slower time frame than we do? If one watches plants in a speeded up movie, their behavior seems almost animal-like as they open and close their petals and stretch to capture the maximum sunlight. Do plants experience thirst when deprived of water (to say nothing of the Venus flytrap, which might be expected to experience pleasure as it emits a contented burp)? It is true that plants have no nervous systems; however, might we not be biased toward neurons because of our present unfortunate location? McGinn (1999) for instance begins his book The Mysterious Flame with a short story in which future silicon-based artificial intelligences stumble across the Earth and are astounded to find lumps of meat that can think (our brains).<br />
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Our brains are essentially comprised of colonies of single-celled animals (our neurons). What if these animals could move? Might their collective then be considered an even more complex brain? <br />
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Hölldobler and Wilson (2008) propose that communities of insects comprise “superorganisms” and that evolutionary selection acts on the colony as a unit, rather than on the on the individual insects. Can the whole of humanity be considered as a single super-brain? If so, are there (perhaps somewhat oxymoronic) mega-mini-Shins associated with the global sphere of consciousness? Goldberg (2009) has even suggested that in the future the Internet may develop into an “advanced intrinsic consciousness” (p. 54). <br />
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And what of the famous thermostat? Can it be said to be aware of the rise of heat? Might rocks as they weather and absorb radiation experience consciousness on an extremely slow time span? As I work in my current job I sometime catch glimpses of the patterns on my Windows media player that resemble the light show at the end of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. I sometimes think that the consciousness of a rock might be something like that (as well as how much more peaceful it would be to be such a rock rather than to return to the Microsoft Word window at which I am toiling).<br />
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In view of the complexity of the quantum mechanical wave governing the behavior of individual physical particles, it might not be too big of a stretch to hypothesize that a single proton might possess consciousness. Edwards (2006) has argued that single neurons may be centers of consciousness, again based on complexity of input. Each of these centers of consciousness would fall under the illusion that it is the sole center of consciousness in the body.<br />
<br />
Attributing consciousness to elementary particles would seem to ignore the usual roles attributed to consciousness by cognitive neuroscientists, which include attention and the binding of diverse neural activity into the unified perception of an object (as well as other functions, such as learning novel tasks and decision-making). In his recent review of studies relating to attention, Yantis (2008) notes that process of directing attention remains unexplained by current findings in neuroscience. Munz (2008) notes that the “binding problem” also remains unexplained, and he even attributes such “binding” to an entity outside of the brain, namely human culture.<br />
<br />
It does seem as though the center of consciousness that is the “master of the brain” is somehow able to direct such behavior as the writing of this article. However, perhaps that center is just “lucky” enough to be in the right place and the right time to direct the writing of this article. (It might, for instance, be conceived as affixed to Broca’s area in the left hemisphere, as it does seem to choose the words I will use. Other mini-Shins might for instance have the jobs of moving one’s limbs. Sometimes when I think about it, I am amazed that that my arm actually obeys my directions and executes an intricate sequence of movements without any “micro-management” on my part.)<br />
<br />
The Universe and All That<br />
<br />
The physicist James Jeans (1937) famously noted that the universe resembles “a great thought” more than it does a “great machine,” given that quantum mechanics has undermined the mechanistic worldview of classical physics, which is grounded in the now discredited doctrine of local realism. Indeed, some have asked, if the universe is a great thought, why does it go through the trouble of actually existing? As Leibniz asked, why is there something rather than nothing? Also, if the universe is a thought, why does the thought appear to be of the consequences of an elaborate set of mathematical laws? As Jeans noted, God appears to be a pure mathematician. Similarly, the Nobel laureate physicist Eugene Wigner asked, what explains the “unreasonable effectiveness” of mathematics in describing the physical universe? Goldberg (2009) compares the universe to a great equation. He views the universe as self-created, as mathematical truths are fundamental and exist outside of space and time.[1] <br />
<br />
However, if the universe is a great thought, why is it not more dream-like, with Alice and Wonderland capriciousness? The vastness and law-like nature of the universe explains why the idealist philosophical viewpoint that the world is mental in nature has lost ground to the view that the material world is the only reality, which ultimately led to the view that mind itself is impotent and has little or no standing in the physical universe.<br />
<br />
However, even the very dust from which we were born and into which we will die may well still carry still the stuff of mind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>References</strong><br />
<br />
Churchland, P. S. (2002). Brain-wise: Studies in neurophilosophy. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.<br />
<br />
Dennett, D. C. (1991). Consciousness explained. Boston: Little, Brown.<br />
<br />
Edwards, J. C. W. (2006). How many people are in my head? And in hers? Exeter, UK: Imprint Academic.<br />
<br />
Goldberg, S. (2009). Anatomy of the soul: Mind, God and the afterlife. Miami, FL: Medmaster, Inc.<br />
<br />
Hill, T. (2005). [Letter to the Editor.] Skeptical Inquirer, 29(1), 61.<br />
<br />
Hölldobler, B. & Wilson, E. O. (2008). The superorganism: The beauty, elegance and strangeness of insect societies. New York: Norton. <br />
<br />
Jeans, J. (1937). The mysterious universe. Cambridge, England: Cambridge University Press.<br />
<br />
McGinn, C. (1999). The mysterious flame. New York: Basic Books.<br />
<br />
Munz, P. (2008). Why homo sapiens had to be saved by culture. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 15(12),57-73.<br />
<br />
Penrose, R. (2008). Causality, quantum theory and cosmology. In Connes, A., Heller, M., Majid, S., Penrose, R., Polkinghorne, J. & Taylor, A., On space and time (pp.141-195). Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.<br />
<br />
Simons, D. J. & Chabris, C. F. (1999). Gorillas in our midst: Sustained inattentional blindness for dynamic events. Perception, 28, 1059-1074.<br />
<br />
Stokes, D. M. (2004). The survival problem: Up close and personal. Paranormal Review, 3 (April 2004), 3-9<br />
<br />
Thouless, R. H., & Wiesner, B. P. (1948). The psi process in normal and “paranormal” psychology. Journal of Parapsychology, 12, 192–212. <br />
<br />
Walker, E. H. (2000). The physics of consciousness. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Books.<br />
<br />
Wheeler, J. A. (1983). Law without law. In J. A. Wheeler & W. H. Zurek (Eds.), Quantum theory and measurement (pp. 182-213). Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.<br />
<br />
Yantis, S. (2008). The neural basis of selective attention” Cortical sources and targets of attentional modulation. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 17, 86-90. <br />
<br />
<br />
Note*MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-47085055752001068402010-09-16T13:19:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:19:04.736-05:00The Conscious Electromagnetic Field Theory<strong>The Conscious Electromagnetic Field Theory</strong><br />
<br />
From the Journal of Concious Studies.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>I apologize that I do not know the exact author of this article, I had it in my notes from a previous research project and unfortunately do not have the original source from where I found it.</em><br />
<em>Angela L MSSPI</em> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Most scientists now embrace monism, that the stuff of mind is the same as the stuff of the brain, matter. Many, particularly in the artificial intelligence field, take the view that consciousness is just an inevitable product of complex computation, as the evolutionary biologist T. H. Huxley put it, like the ‘steam whistle, which accompanies the work of a locomotive [but] without influence upon its machinery.’<br />
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In the steam whistle view, consciousness just pops out of the complex interconnected computations performed by the network of neurons within our brain. But why should it? The Internet now links up millions of computers in a gigantic superbrain that will soon rival our own organic version in computational capability. But does anyone seriously believe that, like HAL, driven by its digital consciousness, the Internet may soon turn on us its creators? The plain fact is that nothing rendered in silicon remotely resembles a conscious mind.<br />
<br />
Another problem with the steam whistle is that it goes against the grain of everything we have learnt since Darwin about how complex biological systems evolved. Every bit of our body and our mind is here today because it provides some function – some advantage to us - that been captured, and improved upon by natural selection over millennia. Bodies don’t have steam whistles, but if they did, they would have a role to play in the survival of the creature that blew them. Consciousness is a product of evolution and, as such, it has a role to play in our survival. What is that role?<br />
<br />
The most obvious answer may be the right one - we are aware because we then have the power to change our actions. Consciousness endows us with free will. There are many operations that our brain performs automatically, without conscious control – simple tasks like walking, to incredibly complex tasks like playing a musical instrument from a written score. But it is hard to remove the impression that under some circumstances, our conscious brain takes over, to influence and will these actions. <br />
<br />
Consider driving along a familiar road. You may be listening to the radio, thinking about some problem at work, but your brain is busy performing all the complex computations necessary to control your limb movements and maintain your car on the busy road, unconsciously. You spot a hazard sign ‘Roadworks – Major Congestion Ahead!’ and immediately your conscious mind takes control, to slow the car and perhaps try to find an alternative route home. What is it that is taking control in these situations? <br />
<br />
What we need to look for is something that is a product of the brain’s activity, but which also has the power to influence that activity. Surprisingly, we have known for years that such an entity exists within our brain. The neurons in our brain transmit electrical signals along and between nerve fibres. It is always assumed that the electrons and neurotransmitters moving down these nerves are the movers and shakers of neuronal computation. <br />
<br />
However, all electrical circuits - and that’s basically all neurones are – generate an associated energy field, known as an electromagnetic field or em field. This field contains precisely the same information as the circuitry that generated it. However, unlike neuronal information, which is localised in single or groups of neurons, the brain’s em field will bind the neuronal information into a single integrated whole. <br />
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This consciousness electromagnetic information field (cemi field) theory may sound far-fetched, but it rests on just three propositions. The first is that the brain generates its own em field, a fact that is well known and utilised in brain scanning techniques such as EEG. The second is that the brain’s em field is indeed the seat of consciousness. This is far harder to prove but there is plenty of evidence that is at least consistent with this hypothesis. Em fields are waves that tend to cancel out when the peaks and troughs from many unsynchronised waves combine. But if neurones fire together, then the peaks and troughs of their em fields will reinforce each other to generate a large disturbance to the overall em field. <br />
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In recent years neuroscientists in many laboratories across the world have become interested in the phenomenon of neuronal synchrony. Experiments from Paris’ Laboratoire de Neurosciences demonstrated synchronous firing in distinct regions of the brain when a subject’s attention is aroused by a pattern that resembled a face. When the subject saw only lines then his neurones fired randomly but when the subject realised he was looking at a face, his neurones snapped into step to fire synchronously. In this, and in many similar experiments, neurone firing alone does not correlate with awareness – but the em field disturbance generated by synchronous firing, does. The simplest explanation is that the brain’s em field is conscious awareness - the cemi field. <br />
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The last cemi field proposition is that the brain’s (conscious) em field can itself influence neuronal firing. Like the first proposition, this is easy to prove and is indeed inevitable. Radio sets and TV’s are designed to be sensitive to the electromagnetic fields of radio waves; but in fact all electrical phenomena are sensitive to the surrounding em field. Neurones are fired by specific structures, known as voltage-gated ion channels that respond to the external em field. Mostly they are gated in such a way that only massive changes to the brain’s em field are likely to influence neurone firing. However, in a busy brain there will be many neurones teetering on the brink of firing and these undecided neurones may be exquisitely sensitive to the em field. The cemi field – our consciousness - will come into play when the brain is poised to make delicate decisions.<br />
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That concept of information encoded as an electromagnetic field is actually a very familiar one. We routinely encode complex images and sounds in em fields that we transmit to our TV and radio sets. What I am proposing is that our brain is both the transmitter and the receiver of its own electromagnetic signals in a feedback loop that generates the conscious em field as a kind of informational sink. This informational transfer, through the cem field, may provide distinct advantages over neuronal computing, in rapidly integrating and processing information distributed in different parts of the brain. It may also provide an additional level of computation that is wave-mechanical, rather than digital; one that drives our free will. This is the advantage that consciousness provides: the capacity to make decisions. <br />
<br />
<br />
J McFadden. Synchronous firing and its influence on the brain's electromagnetic field: evidence for an electromagnetic theory of consciousness. Journal of Consciousness Studies 9 (4):23-50, 2002. <br />
<br />
J McFadden. The conscious electromagnetic field theory: the Hard Problem made easy. Journal of Consciousness Studies 9 (8):45-60, 2002. <br />
<br />
J. McFadden. The CEMI field theory: Seven clues to the nature of consciousness. Chapter 12 of "The Emerging Physics of Consciousness" ed. Jack A. Tuszynski. Springer Berlin Heidelberg 2006. pp 385-404. <br />
<br />
or you might like to read Chapter 13 of Quantum Evolution, where i first outlined the theory (described then as the the cem theory)<br />
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Several other researchers have also recently proposed that brain em fields are the substrate of consciousness, including:<br />
<br />
Dr. Susan Pockett, University of Auckland<br />
<br />
E. Roy John, NYU Medical Center, New York<br />
<br />
Some common questions:<br />
<br />
Are endogenous em fields known to have any other biological role?<br />
<br />
Yes. Colin McCaig's group at the University of Aberdeen have shown that naturally-occuring em fields play a vital role in wound healing in the cornea of rats (published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol 99, p. 13577) and Kenneth Robinson (Perdue University) and Michael Levin (The Forsythe Institute, Boston) have demonstrated that endogenous em fields are involved in embroyo development - see review in Science News. There is an interesting review on this topic, "The Body Electric", written by Diane Martindale in the 15 May 2004 edition of New Scientist.<br />
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Can the cemi theory account for telepathy?<br />
<br />
No, I'm afraid not. The em field outside the head is far too weak and it is highly unlikley that any other brain could detect it, and still more unlikely that the other brain could decode the em field information that was encoded by your brain (which i think is a good thing). <br />
<br />
Can the cemi field theory account for ghosts<br />
<br />
Definately not! If ghosts were em field they'd be very easy to detect. Also, em fields are generated by charged molecules - they don't hang around in space without an obvious source. If ghosts were some kind of em field then we would be able to locate the source of that field.<br />
<br />
Why don't external fields (from power lines, mobile phones etc.) affect our thoughts?<br />
<br />
The head acts as a pretty effective Faraday cage that screens out most static electric external fields. Static magnetic fields (from eg. MRI scanners) will penetrate the head but don't induce currents so are unlikely to change neuron firing patterns and thereby produce a reportable effect. High frequency fields (eg. from mobile phones) may penetrate the head but are unlikely to interact with low frequency brain waves. Low frequency magnetic fields may penetrate the head and interact with the cemi field - and there is plenty of evidence for this in Transcranial Magnetic stimulation (TMS) that induces lots of behavioural effects - see my first JCS paper for more details.<br />
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Does the cemi field survive after death?<br />
<br />
mmm an interesting question. My hypothesis is that conciousness is the experience of information, from the inside. There is a postulate in physics that information is neither created or detroyed - the conservation of information 'law'. It is however just a postulate, nobody has ever proved it. But, if true, it would suggest that awareness (associated with that information) - in some form - might survive death. <br />
<br />
Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-81789057164390840312010-09-16T13:14:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:14:26.295-05:00A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side<strong>A Brief Discussion About the Safety of Communicating with the Other Side</strong><br />
<br />
by Tom and Lisa Butler<br />
From Our Viewpoint Spring 2003 AA-EVP NewsJournal (<a href="http://atransc.org/">http://atransc.org/</a> ) formerly known as AA-EVP<br />
<br />
<br />
Attitude is everything. Attitude is an expression of our worldview, and it is our worldview that we use as a mold to build our personal reality.<br />
<br />
We have had a number of people ask us about the dangers in seeking to communicate with our friends on the other side. Some have expressed great concern that they might leave themselves open for attack from angry entities or that they might inadvertently invite a disruptive force into their home. The words, “demon” and “low levels” have come up more than once. We think a better term might simply be “less spiritually evolved entities,” as this is what they are. However, “low level” seems to be the term that is most used and understood.<br />
<br />
Harold Sherman, in an article written for Psychic Observer & Chimes, recounted a friend’s distressing experience in trying to reach his wife and running into what he called “low grade discarnates.” When the man lost his temper and told them to go away, it only seemed to increase their interference. Sherman listened to some of the recordings and called it pure drivel.<br />
<br />
Sherman came to the conclusion that the mental attitude of the experimenter played an important part in what was recorded. He wrote, “It is as though low grade intelligences come in on the emotionally disturbed ‘wave length’ of the operator. Unless the mind is prepared through prayer or a spiritually motivated meditative period, one is apt to invite the wrong kind of communicants.”<br />
<br />
Some researchers, who have occasion to address the public about these phenomena, will include a strong warning that there are potential dangers and that the prospective EVP and ITC experimenter should use caution. Others seem to wonder what all of the fuss is about because they have never had a problem.<br />
<br />
In the Summer 1988 AA-EVP NewsJournal, Sarah Estep ran a brief review of the CETL newsletter written by Jules and Maggie Harsch-Fischbach in Luxembourg. The couple believed that experimenters could attract positive as well as negative contacts. They quoted a comment made by pioneer researcher Dr. Konstantin Raudive. Raudive said, “Transcommunication is not a hobby for people who can’t cope with the realities of life.”<br />
<br />
We believe that working with EVP and ITC is fundamentally safe. It is difficult to find a single example in which an individual has been harmed because of their communication across the veil. Yes, people have occasionally been “bothered.” It is known that the time we spend carefully listening too hard to hear EVP examples seems to enhance our clairvoyant and clairaudient senses. To many people, this is exciting and something they want. To others, it can be disturbing. This enhanced sensing has been reported to fade if one takes a break from EVP or other development work.<br />
<br />
In the heyday of Spiritualism, people sat in groups trying to communicate with the other side. One of the important benefits of these groups was that they provided a safe place for mediums to develop. When people were working on, say for instance trance development, they could feel open and safe, in that they had an experienced medium to assist them if they should run into some sort of trouble. By the way, many Spiritualist churches still have development groups and classes and we would recommend these or any other good development groups or classes to EVP/ITC experimenters.<br />
<br />
Many EVP experimenters work alone and do not have the benefit of a group of more experienced EVP researchers. We wish that everyone who experimented with EVP had a strong metaphysical or spiritual background, because it is important to have some basic knowledge about the other side and its workings. Since the experimenter is part of the bridge between those on the other side and the EVP or ITC equipment, it is important for the experimenter to have a strong sense of self, accompanied by a positive attitude and spiritual outlook on life.<br />
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In the Fall 1989 newsletter, Sarah Estep wrote, “Obviously, no one starts taping, automatic writing or playing with the Ouija board, thinking they will become possessed or obsessed. But it can happen. As I wrote on page 196 of Voices of Eternity, The difficulty is in ascertaining who is susceptible… I am not trying to frighten people who are thinking about beginning to tape… Working in the field can bring some of the most rewarding, enriching experiences of your life. It would be amiss of me, however, not to caution you about the darker side of psi. Experienced tapers will tell you not to believe everything that comes through. You have your liars on the other side, as you have here. The more they realize they are getting you upset, the more they will continue. Human nature being what it is, we may imagine certain messages are there, when in fact there is nothing. The important thing though is, if a person believes a message is on tape, that person will respond to it for better or worse.<br />
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“If you, at anytime, think you are in contact with low level entities, leave your tape recorder. Remain in control at all times. Anyone can sit down to tape. It takes much more inner strength to pull the plug and walk away.” Negative thoughts, such as fear or hate, are powerful forms of energy, and this energy can accumulate and do harm. It is as if this negative energy is an anti-particle that neutralizes positive energy and dissipates it from our use. We also believe that negative energy is not as sustainable as is positive energy because it is not consistent with the fundamentally positive nature of reality. Thus, as entities gain in spiritual maturity, they become less able to sustain fear or hate.<br />
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We advise people who are fearful of the unknown or who might have trouble keeping the voices in perspective, to pass on EVP. Our concern is that a person's fear might tend to be amplified by a close encounter with an entity. The entity could be perfectly friendly, but because of fear and because the encounter is so fleeting, a fearful person might see the encounter as a reason to be more fearful.<br />
<br />
Experimenters are responsible for creating a positive contact field for the other side. This includes expectations. You are responsible for your own life, and who and what you let into your environment and consciousness. Protect your personal environment and maintain a field of positive energy around your home and all that you do. <br />
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We want to make sure that people do not feel that something is wrong with them if they do encounter one of these less spiritually educated entities. Many researchers have had this happen. If you are one of them, you are not alone. Discarnate entities are attracted to people in the flesh who seem to be supportive of them in some way; someone who might be sympathetic about their plight. So, if you have attracted an angry entity, you are not necessarily an angry person. For example, if the angry entity is afraid to go on because of some dastardly deed committed in a past lifetime, and you are knowledgeable about why the entity should not be afraid, then it may very well be attracted to you as a potential source of guidance.<br />
<br />
It has been made clear, via just about all of the forms of spirit communication, that Spirit entities are always with us. They may be in our home at any time, whether we sense them or not. A group we have communicated with, the Imperator Group, has told us that they do not watch us, and that they only come to us when we call on them or when we need help. We are certain that this group is not earthbound. It may be that earthbound entities do watch us. With that said, we believe that EVP researchers can request privacy and can tell earthbound entities to go away if they are being bothersome. An entity certainly does not have to be in your home to initiate EVP.<br />
<br />
It is common for an EVP experimenter to ask for help from the other side to improve communications. To our friends on the other side, this is probably equivalent to asking them into our house for a visit. If you are seeking phenomena—and you are if you work with EVP—then we would think that you would greet these visitations as a new form of communication. What a wonderful proof!<br />
<br />
These entities are people. In time, they could be you. How would you like to be treated? They deserve to be treated with respect. If you are not living in a haunted house and if you find that you have entities in your home, odds are this is because you have called them in some way, or they have a need to communicate with you. After all, many of us have come to EVP out of a need to communicate with one of them. Can you imagine how frustrating it might be if entities in your house believe you can help them communicate with a loved one (perhaps with you) and all you do is request that they leave? You have the right to tell them to go, but you have the opportunity to greet them and find a way to communicate.<br />
<br />
Tom and Lisa Butler<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Note*MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-60869513088510995292010-09-16T13:10:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:10:45.441-05:00EVP and Geomagnetic Fields: Is There a Correlation?<strong>EVP and Geomagnetic Fields: Is There a Correlation?</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
By Dave Schumacher, Cindy Heinen and Chris Carter<br />
Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group<br />
<a href="http://www.swprg.com/">http://www.swprg.com/</a><br />
©Dave Schumacher, Cindy Heinen - All Rights Reserved <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Director's Brief:</strong><br />
<br />
Research compilations for ambient magnetic conditions and psi functioning provided by S. James P. Spottiswoode suggest a negative correlation: "Retrospective analyses of putative spontaneous psi, or anomalous cognition (AC), events have shown a tendency for these to be reported on days of relatively low geomagnetic disturbance." http://www.jsasoc.com/library.html <br />
<br />
Haunting events and EVP are believed to be a psi function, but evertheless, there has been no research reported that supports the view that EVP is influenced by the magnetic environment The following research report details an effort to determine if there is a detectible correlation. <br />
<br />
<strong>Introduction</strong><br />
<br />
Those who believe EVP to be real think that the voices of the dead are being recorded while those who do not believe in the paranormal nature of these phenomena claim that they are nothing more than stray radio waves or auditory pareidolia or apophenia. It is a proven fact that the human mind can create meaning out of insignificant sound and random noise. Those who support the paranormal nature of this phenomena claim that the voices are interactive and can be identified as someone who has died. The question then, is how do the deceased manifest their voices on the recording equipment?<br />
<br />
Some EVP researchers, ghost hunters and paranormal investigators believe that entities use physical sound energy and re-modulate it to form words. In addition, there is anecdotal evidence that:<br />
<br />
More messages are recorded at night or during stormy weather than during the day or when the weather is clear, <br />
<br />
There is a relationship between EVP and electrical or moisture conditions of the atmosphere, <br />
<br />
Other types of energy, such as light and magnetism, can influence EVP recordings .<br />
<br />
The ghost hunting community overall believes that times of increased solar activity are ideal for ghost hunting. It is thought that, with enough energy in the air from charged ions and an energized electromagnetic field, manifestations, including EVP, are more plentiful and clear .This belief is due to investigator’s personal experiences and the extrapolation and interpretation of the published scientific literature.<br />
<br />
There are published studies in peer reviewed academic journals and books that describe a correlation between paranormal activity and geomagnetic fields . Some studies have shown there is an increase in poltergeist (Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis or RSPK) events when there is an increase in the geomagnetic field ,while others found a correlation between an increase in the geomagnetic field and an increase in haunt phenomena, postmortem apparitions, and sensed presences .The interpretation of these correlations is open to debate. Some think that the increase in geomagnetic activity either triggers and/or fuels the activity (especially in the RSPK studies) while others feel that the changes in geomagnetic fields and complex electromagnetic fields can induce hallucinations.<br />
<br />
There is little or no formal analysis that increased geomagnetic activity leads to an increase in the frequency and clarity of EVP. This study is an attempt to determine if there is a correlation between geomagnetic activity and the quantity of EVP.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods</strong><br />
<br />
EVP: EVP from 2001 to 2005 were obtained from the Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group case files (www.SWPRG.com), the South Jersey Ghost Research Group (www.southjersyghostresearch.org), and the personal files of Cindy Heinen. The number of EVP recorded on each day were tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet. Both days with EVP recorded and days where recording for EVP was attempted but there were no EVP recorded were included.<br />
<br />
Geomagnetic Activity: Magnetic field variation can come from currents caused by solar radiation changes. Solar winds can interact with the magnetosphere. The magnetosphere and ionosphere can cause magnetic field changes by themselves. Magnetic activity indices provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) are used to describe the variation in the geomagnetic field .<br />
<br />
The a-index is a 3-hourly "equivalent amplitude" index of the local geomagnetic activity; "a" is related to the 3-hourly K-index.<br />
<br />
The A-index is the daily index of geomagnetic activity derived as the average of the eight 3-hourly a-indices.<br />
<br />
The Ap-index is an average planetary A-index based on data from a set of specific stations .The estimated planetary A-index from NOAA was used for this study.<br />
<br />
A-index values (24-hrs) of the following determine the geomagnetic conditions:<br />
<br />
0 to 7 "Quiet" geomagnetic conditions<br />
<br />
8 to 15 "Unsettled" geomagnetic conditions<br />
<br />
16 to 24 "Active" geomagnetic conditions<br />
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25 to 35 "Minor storm"<br />
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36+ "Major storm"<br />
<br />
Statistical Analysis: To determine if there was a correlation between the number of EVP recorded and the estimated Ap-index, the number of EVP vs. the estimated Ap-index was plotted and a nonparametric correlation Spearman r analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat version 3.05 for Windows 95/NT, GraphPad Software, San Diego California USA, www.graphpad.comTo determine if there was a difference in the mean estimated Ap-index for when EVP were recorded vs. when no EVP were recorded, a nonparametric Mann-Whitney t-test was performed using GraphPad InStat.<br />
<br />
Finally, to determine if a certain level of enhanced geomagnetic activity leads to more EVP, the mean number of EVP was compared for the following:<br />
<br />
Ap-index of 0 to 7 "Quiet" vs. 8 to 15 "Unsettled"<br />
<br />
Ap-index of 0 to 7 "Quiet" vs. 16 to 24 "Active"<br />
<br />
Ap-index of 0 to 7 "Quiet" vs. 25 to 35 "Minor Storm"<br />
<br />
Ap-index of 0 to 7 "Quiet" vs. 36+ "Major Storm"<br />
<br />
The analysis for each was done with a nonparametric Mann-Whitney t-test using GraphPad InStat.<br />
<br />
Results:Two hundred and ten data points were collected and spanned the time period of January 6th, 2001 to August 27th, 2005. There were 101 days with EVP and 109 days without EVP. The number of data points for each estimated Ap-index range/geomagnetic condition were: 0 to 7/"Quiet" = 61; 8 to 15/"Unsettled" = 82; 16 to 24/"Active" = 39; 25 to 35/"Minor Storm" = 18; 36+/"Major Storm" = 10.<br />
<br />
0 to 7/"Quiet" = 61<br />
<br />
8 to 15/"Unsettled" = 82<br />
<br />
16 to 24/"Active" = 39<br />
<br />
25 to 35/"Minor Storm" = 18<br />
<br />
36+/"Major Storm" = 10.<br />
<br />
Figure 1<br />
Figure one shows the number of EVP plotted against the estimated Ap-index. Spearman r = 0.02882 (95% CI –0.110 to 0.1675; P=0.6779; not significant).<br />
<br />
r = 0.02882, 95% CI –0.110 to 0.1675; P=0.6779; not significant<br />
<br />
Table 1<br />
<br />
Comparison<br />
<br />
P-value<br />
<br />
Significance<br />
<br />
Estimated Ap-index when no EVPs were recorded vs. estimated <br />
Ap-index when EVPs were recorded<br />
<br />
0.4477<br />
<br />
Not significant<br />
<br />
Mean number of EVPs for "Quiet" vs "Unsettled"<br />
<br />
0.5571<br />
<br />
Not significant<br />
<br />
Mean number of EVPs for "Quiet" vs "Active"<br />
<br />
0.9546<br />
<br />
Not significant<br />
<br />
Mean number of EVPs for "Quiet" vs "Minor Storm"<br />
<br />
0.7120<br />
<br />
Not significant<br />
<br />
Mean number of EVPs for "Quiet" vs "Major Storm"<br />
<br />
0.4319<br />
<br />
Not significant<br />
<br />
Table 1 shows the results of the statistical analysis for the various comparisons.<br />
<br />
Discussion<br />
<br />
There is a general belief among the ghost hunting community that an increase in the geomagnetic field enables paranormal manifestations to be more plentiful and clear. It has been speculated that this extends to EVP as well .These beliefs are based on investigator's personal experiences and conclusions they draw from reading the published scientific literature. There is little if any formal analysis indicating that increases in geomagnetic activity leads to an increase in the number of EVP. This study explored the possibility that increases in the geomagnetic field (as measured with the estimated Ap-index) would lead to an increase in the quantity of EVP.<br />
<br />
There was no significant correlation found between the estimated Ap-index and the number of EVP. In addition, there was no significant difference in the mean number of EVP recorded during "Quiet" geomagnetic conditions vs. the mean number of EVP recorded during "Unsettled", "Active", "Minor Storm", or "Major Storm" geomagnetic conditions.<br />
<br />
This study has several limitations:<br />
<br />
First, the EVP data was collected from three different sources. Since identifying an EVP is highly subjective, different people may classify different things as EVP.<br />
<br />
Second, the number of EVP data points became very small when analyzing the different geomagnetic conditions. For example, there were only ten data points in the 36+/"Major Storm" geomagnetic condition. This can limit the statistical power to determine a significant difference.<br />
<br />
Third, this study does not address the issue of whether or not EVP have more clarity with elevated geomagnetic conditions. EVP classifications are extremely subjective and were not available in the data sets used in this analysis. This issue needs to be studied in a similar manner.<br />
<br />
Fourth, this is only one study based on three data sets from three different sources. It should be repeated with more data sets. It would also be interesting to look at other parameters besides the estimated Ap-index. Formal analysis of various atmospheric conditions would also be interesting.<br />
<br />
Conclusion<br />
<br />
Despite the limitations, this study has shown that there doesn’t appear to be any correlation between geomagnetic conditions and the number of EVP recorded. However, more studies will need to be done looking at various other factors to see if any other environmental conditions can effect and quantity and quality of EVP.<br />
<br />
<strong>References</strong><br />
<br />
Butler, T. The Nature of EVP. http://www.aaevp.com/articles/articles_about_evp4.htm <br />
<a href="http://atransc.org/">http://atransc.org/</a> formerly AA-EVP<br />
Geoweather: http://www.aaevp.com/techniques/techniques_evp5.htm <br />
Roll, W.G. and Gearhart, L. (1974). Geomagnetic perturbations and RSPK. In W.G. Roll, R.L. Morris and J. Morris (Eds.), Research in parapsychology, 1973 (pp.44-46). Metuchen, NJ : Scarecrow. <br />
Gearhart, L. and Persinger, M.A. (1986). Geophysical variables and behavior: XXXIII. Onsets of historical and contemporary poltergeists episodes occurred with sudden increases in geomagnetic activity. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 62, pp.463-466. <br />
Persinger, M.A. and Koren, S.A. (2001). Predicting the characteristics of haunt phenomena from geomagnetic factors and brain sensitivity: Evidence from field and experimental studies. In J. Houran and R. Lange (Eds.), Hauntings and poltergeists: Multidisciplinary perspectives, (pp.179-194). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, Inc. <br />
Roll, W.G. and Persinger, M.A. (2001). Investigations of poltergeists and haunts: A review and interpretation. In J. Houran and R. Lange (Eds.), Hauntings and poltergeists: Multidisciplinary perspectives, (pp.123-163). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Company, Inc. <br />
Persinger, M.A. and Richards, P.M. (1995). Vestibular experiences of humans during brief periods of partial sensory deprivation are enhanced when daily geomagnetic activity exceeds 15-20nT. Neuroscience Letters, 194, pp.69-72. <br />
Persinger, M.A. (1988). Increased geomagnetic activity and the occurrence of bereavement hallucinations: Evidence for melatonin-mediated microseizuring in the temporal lobe? Neuroscience Letters, 88, pp.271-274. <br />
Chaney, S. (2006). I’ll give you the sun and moon… TAPS Paramagazine, Vol. 1, No. 6, pp.13-14. <br />
Farrell, M. (2005). The astronomy of ghost hunting. Ghost! Issue 2, pp.70. <br />
NOAA Glossary: http://www.sec.noaa.gov/info/glossary.html <br />
NOAA: http://ftp2.sec.noaa.gov/alerts/solar_indices.html <br />
NOAA Geomagnetic Kp and Ap Indices: http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/GEOMAG/kp_ap.html <br />
<br />
Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-3934772336511720242010-09-16T13:00:00.000-05:002010-09-16T13:00:49.273-05:00The Validity of EVP<div style="text-align: center;"><em>The arrow of creation is at the center</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>of the dispute concerning the validity of EVP</em></div><br />
<br />
The Validity of EVP<br />
By Tom Butler<br />
<br />
http://atransc.org/<br />
<br />
formerly known as AA-EVP<br />
<br />
There is a common thread that runs throughout any discussion of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP). It is the general acceptance amongst EVP experimenters that we are communicating with other people. Not dead people, really, just people who are no longer in this world. It permeates our thoughts even though we know there are those who do not agree and even though no one has been able to offer a comprehensive explanation for the presence of these communicating entities. The belief is just there, inescapable and undeniable: we are talking to people whom others call dead. <br />
<br />
For the people who study EVP, this idea that we survive physical death is not a matter of religious belief. The evidence seems clear and undeniable. Yes, it is true that this belief is shared by most religions of the world. But there is much to be said for the sort of physical evidence provided by EVP, as opposed to revealed knowledge. There is no need to have faith in something that is so well documented with evidence. <br />
<br />
Others do not agree with the conclusions we draw from EVP. People who have been trained in the physical sciences generally discount the possibility that we survive physical death. Or, if they do not outright discount survival, they relegate it to that which is religious and make no attempt to mingle these articles of faith with facts of science. <br />
<br />
How can this be? How can intelligent, earnest people who are clearly observing the same reality, find so little common ground. <br />
<br />
I believe the foundation of this difference in worldview can be found in the assumption of where creation has taken place. Here, by creation, I intend to say the formation and evolution of self-aware entities. The nature of the other objects in our reality must wait for a later discussion. <br />
<br />
In the physical sciences, our self-awareness can be reliably traced back to the origins of the first living cells in that fabled primordial soup of creation here on earth. Based on this model, it is assumed that similar primordial soups must have existed in other parts of the universe, leaving room in this model for the existence of other life forms. Perhaps our universe is teaming with life. <br />
<br />
Now here, I will enlist the study of metaphysics to champion the side of survival, for scholars of this field also seek to embrace the question of survival from a scientific viewpoint. In metaphysics, the origin of physical life is, indeed, thought to have originated in that fabled soup. However, also in metaphysics, physical life and self-awareness have very different paths of evolution. Self is thought to have originated outside of physical reality. <br />
<br />
So here, I am introducing the concept that there is a greater reality, of which, our physical universe is but an aspect. Because this greater reality is not physical, I will simply refer to it as nonphysical reality. While the existence of nonphysical reality cannot be declared a given, it can be stipulated that there is such a thing for this discussion. Just for the sake of discussion. <br />
<br />
There is no use discussing how Self came to be. Perhaps there was a primordial soup of energy that first gained self-awareness. Regretfully, the how of Self’s creation is beyond the scope of this discussion. I will say, though, that this is not about an anthropomorphic god of creation. The point here is that, in metaphysics, there is a dual aspect in the nature of people. We are human beings and we have evolved from simple organisms here on earth. Also, we are Self and, as Self, we have evolved in an environment that is outside of physical reality. <br />
<br />
So, allow me to describe the question of origin as a question of creation and the path of evolution as the arrow of creation. The question then, is which way does the arrow of creation really point? <br />
<br />
In physical science, there is no foundation for a nonphysical aspect of reality. The arrow of creation must point from that primordial soup to present day. Anyone properly trained in the physical sciences has no choice but to hold that this is true if they are to remain faithful to their education. <br />
<br />
In metaphysics, as it is amongst most EVP researchers, and yes, in theology, speculation in the existence of a greater reality allows us to embrace all of physical science and to expand that understanding with the concepts defining nonphysical reality. For Self, the arrow of creation can point both ways, but it must first point from some etheric origin toward present day. No other consideration can explain the phenomena we experience. <br />
<br />
There is a second trajectory of this metaphysical arrow of creation that must be described. Somehow, someway, the physical aspect of reality must also have been created. The arrow of creation points toward the creation of that physical world primordial soup, as well. <br />
<br />
And so, this is the point of my comments. The observed and demonstrable phenomena cannot be explained unless the arrow of creation for the Self is considered to point from the nonphysical to the physical aspects of reality. Once the existence of a nonphysical aspect of reality is accepted, then the majority of what is generally called “paranormal” phenomena can be explained as the natural processes of nature. <br />
<br />
Allow me to offer a for instance. It has been clearly demonstrated that it is possible to stimulate the brain in such a way as to cause the person to remember something or to sense mental images. In physical science, the conclusion is that, since it is possible to find a place in the brain that is involved with that function, then that function must originate in that part of the brain. Therefore, for instance, memory is a function of the brain. By extension, Self is a function of the brain. The arrow points to the evolution of Self as a byproduct of the evolution of the body. <br />
<br />
However, if the existence of a nonphysical aspect of reality is allowed, then it can as easily be argued that, by so stimulating a region of the brain, the researchers are stimulating the portion of the human body that facilitates the Self’s existence in the physical. In other words, in metaphysics, the Principle of Agreement holds that an object of reality must be energetically in agreement with the aspect of reality it will inhabit. In practical application, we express this as Self residing in a physical body. It is our physical body that enables us to be energetically in agreement with the physical aspect of reality. For a particular ability of Self to be expressed in the physical, the body must be able to support that ability. If for some reason the body is damaged, say it is blind, then that ability cannot be expressed. In this case, the Self would not be able to see in the physical.<br />
<br />
The body probably has evolved from that single cell, but it is a physical thing that functions as a host for Self. Yes, it is a form of life with an attendant energetic body, but the body is believed to lack Self-awareness. It is generally thought to be dependent on Self for volition beyond simple requirements of survival such as eating or reproduction. <br />
<br />
In another example, recent research in parapsychology has established that we are able to telekinetically influence physical objects. This in itself is a substantial breakthrough in support of the possibility of a nonphysical aspect of reality. Since telekinesis has gained some credibility amongst physical scientists, it has come to be something of a catchall to explain other, less acceptable phenomena such as survival of the Self. In EVP, telekinesis is often sighted as an explanation for the origin of EVP. “Humans are telekinetically putting the voices on tape.” <br />
<br />
In fact, telekinesis may be a good explanation for the processes involved in EVP, since by definition, it means to mentally influence objects. The Self is nonphysical. Self residing in a physical body and Self that is free of a body while the body is sleeping or because of physical death, should be qualitatively the same. However, since the communicating entity is generally thought to be free of a physical body, it must have the assistance of a Self still residing in a physical body to satisfy the Principle of Agreement. In more common terms, the EVP experimenter is believed to function as a medium through which the communicating entity is able to impress its messages. <br />
<br />
Of course, the mediumship aspect of EVP is not accepted by all EVP researcher, let alone physical scientists. However, this should serve as an example of how simply changing the direction of the arrow of creation can change the interpretation of an observation. The possible presence of telekinesis in EVP does not mean that the experimenter is the communicating entity. It means that the EVP may be impressed into the recording medium via telekinesis. The source of the telekinetic ability may be the EVP researcher, but the source of the message and all of its characteristics could very well be a nonphysical entity. The observation that telekinesis is involved would be the same in either case. <br />
<br />
If you consider that our universe is but an aspect of a greater reality, and if you consider the complexity we are aware of in this universe, then simple extrapolation demands that the larger reality be vastly more complex. But the existence of a greater reality and some hypotheses concerning its nature must first be stipulated to before such an extrapolation can be made. Who amongst us is qualified to make such an extrapolation? <br />
<br />
Few of us who are trained in the physical sciences are also trained in metaphysical thought. While it is the nature of EVP to attract researchers who are technically inclined, few EVP researchers are well versed in both fields. Evidence of this is frequently placed before us by physical scientists who propose super conscious or holographic principles to explain all of the various characteristics of EVP that is reported by experimenters. At the same time, we see EVP researchers who have substantial background in metaphysics, propose the survival hypotheses as the explanation for all of the reported phenomena. <br />
<br />
In fact, all of these explanations may correctly explain some of the observed phenomena, but as stated, they are not acceptable to the other school of thought because they do not answer all of the questions. Not being one to sight a problem without proposing a solution, it is clear to me that cooperation amongst physical scientists and metaphysicians is in order. Of the many forms of EVP, some may very well be evidence of the holographic nature of the universe. At the same time, other EVP are probably evidence of the survival of Self after physical death. Both schools are right within the appropriate context. However, we may never come to understand this if qualified EVP researchers do not work with people who are qualified to speak of physical principles. Neither can do this alone. <br />
<br />
But here is the good news. Some open-minded scientists are beginning to seriously evaluate EVP because they can see that there is something going on that is extraordinary. Physical scientists are trained to follow the evidence. They recognize that phenomena represented by EVP and mediumship cannot be explained with known physical principles. Rather than shrinking away from such controversial subjects, they are seizing the opportunity to study these phenomena. <br />
<br />
For instance, there are members of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena (AA-EVP) who have the necessary scientific background to address the issues and who are fast becoming serious EVP researchers. Other EVP experimenters are learning to describe their work in terms that are acceptable to the scientific community. We have found that AA-EVP members, as in EVP associations around the world, have a true pioneer spirit when it comes to trying new ideas and techniques. As a community, EVP experimenters represent a collective laboratory ready and able to support scientific investigation. <br />
<br />
This illustrates an important point. Many of the scientists whom we seek to certify these phenomena are already interested and are participating in EVP related associations around the world. It is for the rest of us to order our thoughts and to clearly describe our experiments. Not all EVP experimenters are EVP researchers, but all EVP experimenters are potential contributors to EVP research. We know so much and we have so much evidence, now we must bring that to the researchers in a form that is rationally presented and well documented. <br />
<br />
Many of you are probably aware of the work being conducted at the Human Energy Systems Laboratory in the University of Arizona, at Tucson (www.livingenergyuniverse.com). This is research concerning the validity of mediumship. A team of mediums has been reliably graded at between eighty and ninety percent accuracy in the messages they are able to deliver via mediumship. Since EVP and mediumship seem to be closely related phenomena, this research tends to validate the concepts involved in EVP as well. This research also offers a formidable method to verify the Survival Hypothesis. <br />
<br />
Interestingly, the existence of a nonphysical aspect of reality is beginning to be well established through research by scientists who are not even aware of EVP, but who have learned to look in the direction of a possible nonphysical cause for phenomena. For instance, one of the more exciting bits of news to make the rounds in the AA-EVP is a report from the Boundary Institute (www.boundaryinstitute.org) that they detected a change in the output of an array of random number generators that seemed to predict the attack on the World Trade Center September 11, 2001. Could this be evidence of consciousness influencing physical processes? <br />
<br />
In another study, a group of doctors at the University of Southampton have published a groundbreaking report that claims for the first time, that there is scientific evidence of life after death. (http://www.soton.ac.uk/~pubaffrs/0128.htm) Dr. Sam Parnia, who led the study, believes the mind might be independent of the brain. He said: "The brain is definitely needed to manifest the mind, a bit like how a television set can take what essentially are waves in the air and translate them into picture and sound." <br />
<br />
Such conclusions would not have been seriously voiced a few years ago. <br />
<br />
I will close with an explanation of why I think it is so important that the scientific community validates the Survival Hypothesis. First, it is not to provide validation for people who already accept personal survival. While validation would be nice, these people already have proof. We have the philosophy in the AA-EVP that we are teaching the world to experiment with EVP one person at a time. We believe that Humankind is on the verge of a major shift in worldview. This shift is toward the understanding that the physical and the nonphysical aspects of reality are part of a greater whole. In this worldview, will be the understanding that we survive physical death, and therefore, we must have a new value for life and sense of the importance of personal growth. Humankind is composed of people and people respect the opinion of scientists. Should scientists begin to speak of the Survival Hypothesis as a reasonable theory, people will be more inclined to accept this view. Humankind’s change in worldview will more quickly evolve to embrace these concepts. I believe that is the true benefit in scientific approval. That, and the portable EVP phone booth some engineer will build for us once our scientists have provided the necessary supporting theory. <br />
<br />
So I say to you in the scientific community that there is a large EVP community that is waiting and able to help you. EVP is a most powerful tool that can provide a window into the nonphysical aspect of reality. It is here now, it is well understood, it is repeatable and anyone can do it. You should also know that it is very inexpensive. Why not set up a series of survival experiments in which mediumship and EVP are used as cross-correspondence tools for data verification? Why not give it a try to help catatonic patients or for grief management? Why not use it as a possible link into the thoughts of sleeping people for dream research? What if you could record an EVP message that would identify the physical location of something that is lost? Would that interest you? We cannot guarantee that EVP will work in all of these ways, but we can assure you that the communicating entities of EVP are also interested in helping you.<br />
<br />
EVP is a most powerful tool.<br />
<br />
Note* <br />
<div class="contentContainer">MSSPI has provided this article for research purposes only and neither claims or denies the validity of its content. All claims and opinions are stickly those of the author. MSSPI makes no copyright claims to articles submitted from other website. We post them strickly for educational and research sharing purposes. All articles authored by Members of MSSPI are the only articles we claim copyrights to. We strive to provide source links when they are available. </div>Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-58444424692617374372010-09-16T12:55:00.000-05:002010-09-16T12:55:39.712-05:00Precursor Sounds in Physical Phenomena<strong>Precursor Sounds in Physical Phenomena</strong><br />
<br />
By Lisa Butler<br />
<br />
(As published in the Summer 2002 American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena NewsJournal.)(http://atransc.org/)<br />
<br />
Many of our members have talked and written to us about a noise that is often heard right before an EVP message. It appears before some of our own EVP. It is a loud, or not so loud, click, pop, boom or crackling sound. Some have described it as similar to the sound of someone keying a microphone. One noted researcher likened the noise to a micro sonic boom. When we are listening back to an EVP recording and hear this sound, we listen more intently to what comes next. If you are one of the many people who have experienced this noise you know what I am talking about.<br />
<br />
Not all EVP messages are preceded by this precursor, “popping” sound. For us it is an occasional occurrence. But when we hear it we are not unlike Pavlov’s dogs, ears perked up waiting for that reward. The click, if there, means a reward of an EVP. It, for us, usually signals a better than average EVP as far as loudness, quality and clarity is concerned.<br />
<br />
Geoff Viney in his book Surviving Death, Evidence of the Afterlife discusses this mysterious sound in relation to other types of phenomena.<br />
<br />
In 1986 the downstairs rooms, in a farmhouse in England, were infiltrated with the voices of those who appeared to be former residents. The voices were heard over several nights. The voices began and ended with a distinct “click” as if a radio had been turned on and off. Investigators looked for a receiver or a transmitter, but none was found. Natural explanations for the phenomena were ruled out.<br />
<br />
In 1973 the owner of a converted lighthouse in Maryland repeatedly had his sleep interrupted by the racket of doors banging, furniture moving and footsteps. A “clicking” sound preceded these manifestations. Upon further investigation nothing in the area that the noises came from appeared out of place. The building's owner decided to try and record what he was hearing and left a tape recorder running. The tape contained voices and extraneous noises. Some of these voices talked about the treatment of injuries. A local librarian helped research the home and to everyone’s amazement found that the building was used as a field hospital during the Civil War.<br />
<br />
The anomalous events centering on a World War II Lincoln bomber at the RAF Cosford Aerospace Museum were researched in 1990 by the British investigator Peter Thorneycroft. The strange sounds of scratches, squeaks, girl’s voices, bumps and human sighs had been reported in the vicinity of the bomber. The staff had seen phantom air crews and dramatic drops in temperature were reported. Other phenomena included the movement of switches and the rotation of the wheels of the aircraft. Thorneycroft saw moving points of bright light and also heard and recorded many anomalous sounds within the aircraft. These sounds, which were most often mechanical movement type noises, were analyzed and it was found that they always began with a discernable blip on the tape similar to that produced by a sudden burst of static.<br />
<br />
The clicking noise associated with EVP messages has been the center of considerable conversation for quite sometime. Perhaps this sound is caused by a dimensional breakthrough and is an artifact of spirit world energy entering the physical world. The above stories might point to this type of answer.<br />
<br />
Paolo Presi on page 3 of this newsletter reports on Carlo Trajna’s “Psychotemporal Model” in which “Psychic Time” flows differently from “Physical Time.” Is this anomalous sound before EVP messages caused from a shift in time as the two aspects of reality link up?<br />
<br />
Alexander MacRae used an oscilloscope in analyzing a well-known recording from the Palace Hotel. When viewing this recording Alec noticed that the level of background noise (whistles, hums and buzzing which were side effects of the equipment) on the oscilloscope almost went to zero. Three or four seconds after the background noise disappeared, a woman’s voice was heard to say “Now.” Two seconds later, a male voice was recorded with a personal message for his sister who was in the audience. Another few seconds passed and a female voice said, “Finish,” and then the background noise once again returned to normal on the oscilloscope.<br />
<br />
Perhaps the precursor noise we hear on our recordings is similar to the word “Now” heard on Alexander’s recording. It may simply be a signal or a cue for us to listen closely to what comes next. Is this noise similar to our telephone ringing letting us know that someone is calling? Alexander’s recording may point to another possible fact, and that is that the entities need and gather all available noise and energy to get their message through to us.<br />
<br />
Do those on the other side have equipment that they use to try and contact us? Are researchers, indeed, hearing the keying of something like a microphone? And are those on the other side doing this? Several researchers in the past and present say that they have been in contact with groups on the other side that state that they have developed apparatus for communication with researchers on this side and that this development continues. <br />
<br />
<br />
Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-43549311277023001872010-09-16T12:50:00.000-05:002010-09-16T12:50:24.611-05:00Electronic Voice PhenomenaThe following article was initially published in the Spring 2001 issue of the The Spiritual Scientist, A magazine of the Spiritual Science Foundation (more commonly known as the Scole Group). The Scole Group has established a substantial presence in the world as a confederation of small development groups who follow the Scole method for mediumship and group development. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">==================================================</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>E. V. P.</strong><br />
<strong>Electronic Voice Phenomena</strong><br />
An Article by E. V. P. Researcher Tina Laurent <br />
©Tina Laurent - All Rights Reserved<br />
<br />
We are very privileged to be able to publish this article on EVP by guest writer and contributor Tina Laurent. As well as being a regular subscriber to the Spiritual Scientist, Tina is one of the UK's foremost researchers into the Electronic Voice Phenomenon (known as EVP for short) - which she has now studied and practiced for 20 years with increasingly positive results - and on which specialist subject she regularly lectures. This very comprehensive and interesting article will be published in two parts, with part 1 beginning below. Part 2 - in the next issue of the Spiritual Scientist - will also provide a practical simplistic guide for would-be EVP researchers.<br />
<br />
The earliest known scientific attempt at receiving communication with the so-called dead via recording equipment - apart from Edison's solitary work in the 1920's - was on April 23rd. 1933, in the studios which later became known as Decca Records.<br />
<br />
Members from the American Society for Psychical Research (ASPR) and engineers from Western Electric Company worked with the studio engineers. These engineers had devised test conditions that they thought would eliminate any chance of fraud. However, a deceased engineer and an eminent research engineer in the science of sound spoke many times into many unusually placed microphones and they also moved their voice levels up to 3 - 5,000 cycles, way beyond the range of any human being. Records were kept at the ASPR offices, but the crucial test stayed in the hands of the studio engineers who refused to testify publicly that spirit voices had been recorded. I remember just a few years ago when I played some EVP utterances that were on the non-magnetic side of my reel-to-reel tape to an "open-minded" electronics engineer. Unable to account for them, presumably, and because he "knew" that they couldn't be there, he walked out on me! <br />
<br />
We should not expect to be believed, when we talk of paranormal subjects, unless we know that the listener's mind has already reached a certain stage. If he is new to the subject or has not yet had his negative presumptions sufficiently weakened by the bombardment of evidence from various sources, then he simply is unable to believe us. I remember hearing about the judge who said that the evidence for the genuineness of the phenomena was overwhelming, but that they were impossible, and he must, therefore, decide against the evidence. As Prof. Arthur Ellison knew well, there are critics who can never accept survival reports of an evidential nature because they "know" that physical phenomena are impossible. Bearing all this in mind, I shall assume that the reader of this has already practiced EVP and knows enough about the background of it, or is sufficiently a believer and wishes to go further. <br />
<br />
EVP is the only unexplained phenomena that affects matter objectively and this effect, captured on tape, can be re-played and measured in scientific laboratories. It was introduced to the English-speaking world in 1971 with the publication of Konstantin Raudive's book BREAKTHROUGH. Well do I remember the first time I listened to discarnate voices emanating from magnetic recording tape. It was 1981 in the Maryland house of Sarah Estep, the writer of a down-to-earth book, VOICES OF ETERNITY and the founder of the American Association of EVP. For three hours I sat enthralled, knowing full well that this was a day that was to change the course of my life.<br />
<br />
When I returned home, armed with a borrowed recorder, I started trying to communicate with any passing spirits who might hear me or as Benson Herbert in his Paraphysical Laboratory would later remonstrate with me, any body or any thing from any other plane of existence! <br />
<br />
I immediately heard "sounds," unintelligible whispers that I was fairly certain should not have been there, and in a matter of two weeks, I heard my first intelligible word TINA. Since then, apart from some long months when I was unable to record, I have contacted my EVP friends on a daily basis, wherever in the world I happened to be, using the simple equipment with which I started out.<br />
<br />
Looking back over the last 20 years, what has been my progress? At one point I discovered, to my joy, that if I hung my recorder around my neck and walked around my flat as I was recording, the EVP utterances became magnified and much more abundant. I began hearing from entities who would give me their names, details of their lives, such as addresses and names of relatives, living and dead to such an extent that I have been able to look people up in the local phone-book, people formerly unknown personally to me and - after a tactful probe - have been able to tell them that I have messages for them from the "beyond." I have often heard from "Kosta" Raudive who always calls me CHRISTINA, and, in fact, just a couple of months ago I captured an EVP utterance on my BT call-back system which BT kindly duplicated for me. A woman's voice says: KOSTI HERE TINA CALL YOU followed by a male tone saying TINA IT'S NOT EASY.<br />
<br />
A couple of deceased "famous" people have given me messages, which may be evidential to their families. A favorite uncle and my two husbands have spoken to me - in their OWN voices! Helen Duncan manifested on a tape that I made when mentioning a Scottish friend, not knowing that he, at this time, was involved in the process of trying to get her a "broad pardon." <br />
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Someone shouted one day that he was FROM WILMINGTON. When an article mentioned this fact, a very good friend from Derbyshire called me up to say that her deceased husband, about whom I knew nothing, had been born there!<br />
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Now and then I make small sojourns to special places. These can be spiritual spots, scenes of great turbulence or emotion, or haunted buildings where I try to recover a small part of their past history on my recording tape. <br />
<br />
One such journey was recently when I hiked to the peak of Carreg Goch in the Carmarthen Fans in mid-Wales. I was looking for the wreck of a Wellington bomber that crashed in November 1944 taking with it its six young airmen. On my return home, and on play-back of the short tape recorded there, I heard the loud, deep male voice shouting JOSEPH along with other voices that spoke in what sounded like RAF jargon. A French name was mentioned, the word FOG was heard (was this the Welsh mist that did for them on that November night so long ago?) and another voice said ROMMEL IS IN TROUBLE. A quick glance into an encyclopedia gave us the fact that Rommel also died in 1944 - a coincidence? An emotive voice told us WE DIED ON DUTY. On the stone memorial erected on that lonely and desolate site, in their honor, we noted that two of the names recorded are Joseph and three of the others are obviously French. On this occasion, as on others, I made a short prayer for the souls of the deceased and asked that they should see God's light surrounding them<br />
<br />
So much "proof," not only for myself, but for others, too, whom I may or may not know, of survival of the human personality. <br />
<br />
The most important question that anyone can ask is: Will I survive death? Am I a tireless citizen of the Universe, or just a transient accident of nature? EVP can provide the answer. A technology not long out of its infancy, the EVP holds the potential of having a greater effect on our civilization and the awareness level of humanity than any other discovery in human history. And anyone can check out this phenomenon for themselves with just a tape recorder and a pair of headphones. <br />
<br />
<strong>The EVP voices are generally classified as:</strong> <br />
<br />
a) Loud & clear - interpreted the same by all listeners.<br />
<br />
b) Reasonably clear - interpreted differently by some listeners.<br />
<br />
c) Requiring headphones to distinguish the voices and open to individual interpretation.<br />
<br />
There are some EVP researchers who use much more sophisticated equipment than just a simple tape recorder. Special microphones and receivers have achieved remarkable results. There's something called a digital signal processor audio filter which does with an audio signal what a multi-million dollar NASA computer does -- it's a noise filter that makes stunning improvements with Class A and B voices. The Japanese have a home computer that has an omni-sensitive receiving device that can pick up faint electrical pulses and patterns that other machines cannot detect.<br />
<br />
Otto Koenig, in Germany, has long experimented with ultrasonic frequencies, the purpose of which is to get the voices down to within the human hearing level. <br />
<br />
However, for those of you who are just beginning to research EVP the initial outlay is a portable cassette tape recorder, a small microphone and headphones. <br />
<br />
It is not necessary to be a psychic superstar or gifted medium to communicate with unseen worlds, but a certain amount of time, patience and persistence is necessary.<br />
<br />
<strong>Part 2</strong><br />
<br />
EVP entities are not without humour. One morning after I had commented on my desire to "receive messages of an evidential nature" the response was YES MADAME PRESIDENT, and on one occasion when I had spent an inordinately long time going over a planned route up a local hill the question came WHERE ARE WE GOING, TO KATMANDU! <br />
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<strong>Some of the interesting anomalies that are to be found in EVP are</strong>:<br />
<br />
Simultaneously run tapes giving different results.<br />
Voices can occasionally be heard AT the time of their being manifested onto the tape.<br />
Voices are captured on tapes being run in an empty room.<br />
They sometimes give you glimpses of the future.<br />
They can sometimes sound like a deceased person or even a living person!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>EVP entities communicate probably by one of three methods:</strong> <br />
I) A spirit speaks directly into the microphone and voices of this kind may be whispery. <br />
2) Psychokinetically, that is, electronic impulses are sent out by a mind and registered as speech on tape. Mostly mechanical.<br />
3) Transmitted from a central transmitting agency (communications centre) like a telephone exchange, where the experimenter functions as a receiving station, an antenna, using the equipment and their unique individual electrical energy. Mostly human.<br />
<br />
EVP entities may be voices of the dead and also possibly from some other intelligences, spiritual beings or living inhabitants of space. Also, they may come from different levels of planes of existence, multiverses, worlds existing side by side with ours only vibrating at faster, or slower vibrations.<br />
<br />
The concept of multiverses is already espoused by many physicists doing solid experiments in particle accelerators. This would explain why, when using my variable speed control tape recorder, some "bangs" or "scratches" turn into intelligible speech and fast, high-pitched utterances become understandable words spoken at normal speed when I slow the tape down as far as my recorder will allow.<br />
<br />
The charge may be leveled at you at some time that you are dealing with lower spirits in lower planes. You immediately know that the accuser has not investigated EVP for himself. The entities that say they want to HELP US and things like YOUR SOUL IS NOT DEFEATED, that they LOVE US, that give us their beautiful singing, single and choral--then if these are lower spirits, then let me be one of them!<br />
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I also reject the unconscious PK theory, which assumes the existence of some Jeckyl and Hyde personality without taking into account the enormous stress seen in people demonstrating PK. It would mean that I could impersonate a huge range of voices, male and female, speak in unknown languages etc. Our unconscious may be a link between researchers and the voice entities but I do not believe that EVP originates from the unconscious mind. Back in 1936 Attila von Szalay, along with others, tried unsuccessfully to record the voices they heard clairaudiently. It is possible that we are dealing with, unknown to us as yet, a new kind of energy that links us for a short time with other dimensions.<br />
<br />
As the French priest Father Francois Brune said some years ago: <br />
<br />
<em>"The dead speak to us. That is not new. For centuries Spiritualists have maintained they had contact with the dead. However, scientific disciplines were rarely imposed. But now the dead no longer need a human intermediary. They use tape recorders, or even TV sets. And what is more objective than a machine?"</em><br />
<br />
<strong>A Practical Guide to Recording Paranormal Voices on Tape</strong><br />
<br />
EQUIPMENT NEEDED<br />
Tape Recorder <br />
<br />
Paranormal voices have been recorded on all types of tape recorders. I, personally, have outstanding success with a Sony portable, hand-held, stereo cassette recorder with an in-built microphone. It is important that the recorder should have a REVIEW key as well as a digital tape counter. The REVIEW key enables you to quickly rewind the tape to a suspected EVP utterance so that you can keep repeating the same passage if it is not a Class A sound. The digital counter, of course, enables you to "log" any EVP utterances so that you can save them for future reference and hearing.<br />
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<strong>Microphone</strong><br />
<br />
I never bother any more with a separate microphone, useful for bypassing the in-built microphone of the recorder or for dropping into wells and crevices, etc. when needed, but if you want to use one then the omni-directional electret condenser microphone is the most sensitive. The recorder that I use with the built-in microphone, of course, picks up the vibrational noise of the recorder motor, but this does not bother me as I believe that it may help to enhance the voices.<br />
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<strong>Headphones</strong><br />
<br />
Headphones should always be used on playback. I always listen with my eyes closed to allow for extreme concentration and I always use the small in-the-ear type headphones.<br />
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<strong>Tape</strong><br />
<br />
Always buy a good type such as TDK, SONY, MAXELL etc. a high sensitivity tape, not longer than 60 minutes as sometimes the longer tapes can tend to ravel.<br />
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<strong>BACKGROUND SOUND-SOURCE</strong><br />
<br />
In the beginning it is better for you to have some kind of background noise so that the unseen communicators can more easily manifest themselves onto the tape by making use of the energy of the background sound. I usually have Radio Wales on--Welsh language--as there is no confusion when I am winkling out the English-speaking EVP utterances answering my questions etc. Just how loud or soft to have the radio is something that you will learn with time--not TOO loud and not TOO soft. You may want to try "mush," a jumble of foreign language stations usually at night-time, but it must ALWAYS be a fresh, incoming radio signal, not pre-recorded sound.<br />
<br />
<strong>RECORDING PROCEDURE</strong><br />
<br />
Although EVP entities will speak on tape at any time of day or night it is advisable, especially at the beginning, to have a regular time and place to do your recording. A short session of about five minutes on a daily basis is much better than one long recording once a week. Those in other dimensions soon learn when and where to expect you and you will soon find them waiting for you as you start your taping. It's a good thing to begin with a short prayer and an invitation to all who can hear you to come, in the spirit of love and friendship, onto your tape recorder. Speak with pauses of a few seconds in between your words and after each question so that the entities have their say. You will not know, of course, until play-back what responses you have captured on your tape so when you are ending the session you might want to thank them for listening and speaking, if they were able to do so, and let them know that you will be returning again at the same time the next day.<br />
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<strong>Play-Back</strong><br />
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Listening for EVP is an art that must be learned. Extreme concentration is needed as many entities speak in soft, whispery tones, often ON TOP of your own voice and also the background sound source. Not only can the voice entities make themselves heard by modulating sounds, they can also wipe out some content of normal radio transmission or the experimenter's voice and substitute their own messages. They do this with speech, music and Morse code.<br />
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Apart from the voices, which can sound young, old, male, female, mechanical, human, you may also hear musical segments, singing, knocks, whistles, raps, scratches, sighs, whispers and foreign languages. Also, many sounds, when played at lower or high speeds, turn out to be intelligible words or phrases. Some voices are also to be found on the wrong or REVERSE side of tapes. That is, in between the "nonsense" of reversed human voices there are to be found forward-speaking voices!<br />
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Source links: (http://atransc.org/) formerly known as AA-EVP <br />
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Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. <br />
<br />
All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-89585625452916157022010-09-16T12:40:00.000-05:002010-09-16T12:40:06.310-05:00Eliminating Radio Frequency Contamination for EVP<strong>Eliminating Radio Frequency Contamination for EVP</strong><br />
<br />
by Bill Weisensale<br />
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The most common explanation for the source of the voices in EVP that is offered by people who have not studied the evidence, is that they are caused by the audio recorder picking up stray radio or television signals. In fact, a number of well-designed experiments have been conducted over the years by very qualified people, to prove that such stray radio frequency signals are not the cause. Reports of two such experiments are provided below.<br />
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There is also an experiment shown below that was suggested by one such scientists as a prerequisite to his accepting that EVP are not stray electromagnetic (EM) signals. We believe that nested metal containers, such as the variety found in hobby stores, separated one from another by foam rubber or Styrofoam, would satisfy the requirement while helping to rule out stray sounds.From the AA-EVP Archive<br />
<br />
Here is longtime researcher Bill Weisensale’s response to concerns expressed by Dr Karlis Osis, with the American Society for Psychical Research, about eliminating mundane causes for EVP. From Bill Weisensale’s article in the May 1981 Spirit Voices:<br />
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In early 1975 … the controversy was still raging as to whether EVP voices arrived via acoustical or electromagnetic means. (It is generally accepted now that neither is the case.) At the time this was most perplexing. It seemed reasonable to believe that if EVP arrived by electromagnetic signal, a radio receiver would be required in all cases, and yet some methods did not involve any form of radio receiver. Conversely, if they were of an acoustic nature, then all methods would, of necessity, require the use of a microphone, and yet there were some methods that do not involve a microphone.<br />
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I reasoned either the voices had to be both acoustic and electromagnetic, depending upon the method of recording, which seemed very unlikely, or they had to arrive by some other kind of energy, which was of neither electromagnetic nor acoustic in nature. (We have come to call this PK energy, for lack of a better explanation.) In order to find out which was the case, I used a (steel) 50 gallon drum with a removable lid …<br />
<br />
I brought the drum into the house, laid it on its side on a wooden pallet, and blocked the sides to prevent it from rolling. Next, very small holes were drilled in the drum and lid. A piece of heavy wire, with a solder terminal, was then bolted to the drum and run out through a window where another solder terminal and bolt were used to attach the wire to a steel stake driven into the ground. A second wire and solder terminal was attached to the lid and soldered to the first wire. All connections, drum to wire, lid to wire, wire to wire, and stake to wire, were checked with an ohmmeter to ensure there was no resistance and everything was properly grounded. Before doing the experiments, water was poured around the steel stake to ensure proper grounding.<br />
<br />
In the initial experiment, which was to check the efficiency of the shield, a battery powered radio receiver was tuned to a strong station, the volume set rather high, and placed inside he drum. A battery powered tape recorder was then connected via patch cord to the radio, also placed inside the drum and the lid bolted into place for several minutes.<br />
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Upon removing the recorder and reviewing the tape, it was found that the station was quite clear with the lid off, but when the lid was bolted into place, the station totally disappeared and its presence could no longer be discerned even with the closest listening. We then adjusted the radio to between station static, listening carefully to be sure there were no distant stations present, placed the radio in the drum with the recorder and made several recordings with the lid bolted in place each time.<br />
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We found the voices appeared inside of the shield just as they did with no shielding. Also, since the radio and recorder were connected via patch cord and there was therefore no microphone involved, this experiment eliminated (to at least my own satisfaction) both the acoustic and the electromagnetic hypotheses.<br />
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<br />
<strong>A Suggested Experiment</strong><br />
<br />
Initially published in the Fall 2004 AA-EVP NewsJournalParapsychologist, Professor Charles Tart, was interviewed by The Psychic Times, a new British publication that is already proving itself antagonistic to EVP. In the article, Tart was quoted to argue that EVP is stray radio, and that we who study in this field have not demonstrated the necessary research discipline to produce the kind of credible evidence that he can take to other scientists.<br />
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www.thepsychictimes.com/articles/tart.htm.<br />
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The diagram is of a shielded recording compartment, EVP from which would answer Tart’s objections. It provides more shielding than a metal can or microwave, but it is not as readily available. We would like to talk to someone who might be able to make one, or who might have one. If possible, we would like to send one to a number of different experimenters in serial fashion, so that many examples can be collected in the compartment. Please let us know if you can help.<br />
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MacRae has a Second Article in the JSPR <br />
<br />
Initially published in the Winter 2006 AA-EVP NewsJournal<br />
<br />
©Alexander MacRae - All Rights Reserved<br />
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The October 2005 issue of the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research included a second article by Alexander MacRae. In this one, Alec details the EVP experiments he conducted in the Institute of Noetic Sciences screen room. Remember that the JSPR is a refereed, peer-review journal and that the article necessarily meets the SPR’s high standard for thoroughness and documentation. Here is the abstract:<br />
<br />
Report of an Electronic Voice Phenomenon Experiment<br />
inside a Double-Screened Room By Alexander MacRae<br />
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<strong>Abstract</strong><br />
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An Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) experiment is described which took place in a laboratory screened against e.m. radiation and also acoustically isolated. The subsequent treatment of the results through sound-processing is outlined, and the final analysis of the results through the use of a unique multiple-choice system is described. Comparative spectrograms of one EVP utterance and the same thing spoken in normal speech are provided to assess the physical basis of the results. The conclusion is drawn that voices of no natural origin were received in the screened laboratory.<br />
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<strong>Logical Argument That EVP are not Stray Radio Signals</strong><br />
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EVP are considered communication and we recommend that any possible EVP that cannot be understood, or if it is understood it does not make sense, be discarded. EVP are expected to have a beginning and end as a complete thought. Most often, the utterance will be a response to a question or a comment about something occurring in the environment. It is expected that the voice will be clearly male or female of reasonably discernable age. In the cases that the voice is thought to be from a particular person, it is reasonable for the voice and mannerism to be recognizable as being from that person. Finally, the voice will be in a language understood by the experimenter or an interested witness.<br />
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If EVP were stray radio signals, then it would be expected that at least some messages should be portions of statements with missing syllables. It would also be expected that the message would have frequent commercial references and should not be composed of unrelated statements. In instances of EVP recorded in non-English speaking countries, for instance, the messages would be expected to be in that different language.<br />
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It is true that some audio recorders are able to record nearby, strong radio signals as cross-talk, but in each case that we have examined, truncated, nonsensical or commercial messages have made it clear that the recording was not a genuine EVP.<br />
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<strong>To all who record for EVP:</strong><br />
<br />
We believe that it is better to discard a message than to force meaning out of what might not actually be an EVP.<br />
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Other source links: http://atransc.org/ formerly known as AA-EVP<br />
<br />
Note* MSSPI provides articles and links for research and educational purposes only. WE make no profit from the posting of these articles. MSSPI does not claim or deny the validity of the information contained in them. All opinions and statements are purely those of the author. We leave it up to you to decide for yourself the validity of the information provided.Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-55363289584156309822010-09-16T12:31:00.001-05:002010-09-16T12:35:20.356-05:00The Formation of EVPThe Formation of EVP<br />
<br />
<a href="http://atransc.org/">http://atransc.org/</a><br />
formerly known as AA-EVP<br />
by Tom Butler<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Abstract</strong><br />
<br />
Trans-etheric influences are seen to require physical processes to propagate in the physical. In practical terms, this means that such influences can be classified by the physical processes they require, and how they are seen to manifest. While actual physical principles employed in the formation of EVP have yet to be empirically determined, many elements of hypotheses proposing categorization and expected behaviors have been proposed and tested. From this knowledge base comes a clearer understanding of what is and is not EVP.<br />
<br />
<strong>Introduction</strong><br />
<br />
Historically, Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) have been thought of as unexpected voices found in recording media. The primary technique for recording EVP has been with an audio recorder and the voice is thought to be formed of available audio energy (background noise).<br />
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Recent developments have made it practical to work with real-time, two-way EVP. With this development, an expanded definition is required. As one has not gained wide acceptance, the following should be considered a draft definition:<br />
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Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) are anomalous, intelligible speech produced in electronic devices. They may be heard as a real-time output but are more generally heard on review of a subsequent recording. No currently understood physical processes account for the existence of EVP. <br />
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<strong>EVP Formation</strong><br />
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EVP can be collected under circumstances which preclude the possibility of such mundane sources as radio frequency contamination, unnoticed background conversations, contamination from previously recorded speech and mundane sounds mistaken as voice. People around the world have demonstrated this fact since before Friedrich Jürgenson made his famous EVP recordings fifty years ago June 12, 1959. The important point is that much is known about ordinary EVP formation which allows practitioners to recognize what is and is not phenomenal.<br />
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<strong>Transform EVP</strong><br />
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Current theory is that noise is used for voice formation and the dominant physical process is thought to be the amplification of a weak telekinetic signal by the action of stochastic resonance on the broad-spectrum audio-frequency noise. The "frequencies" available in the sound stream at any moment will determine the richness of the resulting voice and no new audio energy is produced.<br />
<br />
There is no evidence that the psi processes involved in the trans-etheric communication produce additional physical processes. Once the information is in the physical, it is completely subject to physical principles. Keep in mind that stochastic resonance was not documented as a process prior to 1981. The fact that a physical process needed to explain some aspect of EVP has not yet been defined does not mean that a paranormal solution must be used. It is important to this essay to note that the preponderance of evidence indicates the requirement of physical processes. There is no need to say that a phenomenal event "somehow" occurs or is caused by by divine intervention.<br />
<br />
The characteristics associated with traditionally formed (transform) EVP that are part of the theoretical model used by the AA-EVP include:<br />
<br />
EVP are not acoustical phenomena, meaning that they are formed in the recording mechanism, and can be collected with an acoustically isolated recorder. <br />
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The voice is formed by transforming audio-frequency energy available in an electronic circuit into an approximation of human speech. <br />
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EVP are energy limited, meaning that their formation is in short packets of a few words so that shorter packets tend to have greater volume, longer packets tend to have less volume and very long utterances are seen as several concatenated packets with brief pauses between each one. <br />
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Any audio-frequency energy is apt to be transformed into voice as EVP. <br />
<br />
EVP formation occurs in analog circuits, and once digitized, tends to be stable. <br />
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The utterances are formed by selecting available audio-frequency energy. Audio-frequency energy is not created for this purpose by the etheric communicator and may be in the form of relatively random noise, fragments of voice or synthesized voice. <br />
<br />
Because of the many years of study by practitioners around the world, much is known about EVP recorded by traditional means. Small details of the characteristics listed here may be arguable but there is little doubt that this form of EVP occurs in audio recorders in a predictable way.<br />
<br />
<strong>EVP formed by random selection</strong><br />
<br />
Stefan Bion has developed a computer program named EVPmaker which has been shown to produce EVP based on random selection of segments of a sound file. The input audio file may be recorded "live voice" but the program is able to use synthesized human voice fragments known as allophones and/or the smaller phonemes.<br />
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Precedence for psi influence of random processes has been established by the parapsychological community. For instance, the Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) Lab reported a small but significant effect in psi studies. Depending on presets made by the practitioner, the randomly selected segments of input file are typically too short to contain recognizable speech, especially when using synthesized speech. Once selected by the random process, the segments of sound are combined with others to produce the desired words. As such, EVP formation is thought to be controlled by control of the random process.<br />
<br />
Audio output for EVPmaker is a staccato sound as if the system has developed a severe stutter. Recorded speech is considered "live voice" and is inherently suspect as a sound source for EVP formation; however, when using synthesized voice fragments, the input file can be controlled to minimize pre-existing recognizable words. As such, words in the output should be clearly random or they are phenomenal.<br />
<br />
<strong>EVP formed by speech synthesis</strong><br />
<br />
A recent development in the study of EVP is the introduction of speech synthesis technology. Bill Chappell has shown that it may be possible to produce meaningful utterances by detecting changes in the environment to control a speech synthesis process. The working assumption is that the communicating entity will change the environment to cause synthesis of the intended words. More research is needed, but the implication is that detection of presumably easily influenced chaotic processes such as room temperature and electrical charge can be used to initiate EVP formation by controlling a speech synthesis process. A second possibility is that the communicating entity is able to directly influence the speech synthesis circuit; however, more research must be conducted to determine this.<br />
<br />
Chappell’s Paranormal Puck is programmed with words (speech mode), and a library of English-language phonemes (phoneme mode). Phonemes are the smallest segment of human speech, and when appropriately combined in an audio file, will produce meaningful speech.<br />
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An important point to consider in the analysis of environmentally controlled speech synthesis for EVP formation is that the only physical process necessary to explain observed results is a change in ambient energy detected by the device. The library of words or speech fragments is present in the designed capabilities of the technology.<br />
<br />
<strong>Physical processes in EVP formation</strong><br />
<br />
Substantial research and field observation has shown that the processes involved in trans-etheric phenomena are probably knowable. Physical processes such as propagation of sound or light are measurable and their understanding can be applied to devices and other processes. In the same way, the processes governing subtle energy and the behavior of personalities after transition are knowable and able to be applied in technological solutions. A few of the assumptions used in this study of how EVP are formed are:<br />
<br />
EVP are formed via the influence of subtle energy on physical processes according to knowable principles. With this assumption, the explanation for a phenomenal event that it "somehow" occurred cannot be used for research. The "somehow" should be quickly replaced by an established or modified theory. <br />
<br />
There is consistency in how subtle energy influences are able to affect physical processes. For instance, both visual forms such as images found in video feedback noise and EVP formed from background noise appear to depend on something like stochastic resonance. <br />
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The influence of physical processes by subtle energy is energy limited and the most energy-efficient processes should be considered first. This also means the physical energy required for phenomena can be accounted for. <br />
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Available physical processes can be initiated by an etheric influence to cause observable phenomena, but matter and energy are not seen to be created. A physical person might be convinced to do something in support of phenomena. An important implication of this assumption is that physical energy and objects may be transformed but they are not created to form phenomena. For instance, if sound is not present, it cannot be transformed into the words of EVP. The required sound will not be created but a physical process may be initiated which in turn causes sound for voice formation. <br />
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The observed characteristics of EVP suggest how they are (typically) formed, and by extension, how they (usually) are not formed. The average person can use this information to evaluate examples to help determine if they are mundane or paranormal. It also means that a deviation to the "rule of thumb" should be considered rare and the example should be held in reserve by practitioner and researchers alike until more data is available. <br />
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<strong>Sounds mistaken as EVP</strong><br />
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Understanding common ways that ordinary sounds are mistaken as EVP provides a way of better understanding how the phenomenal voices are formed. As a reminder, the three types of EVP described above are well-established as trans-communication and there is little doubt of their authenticity as paranormal phenomena. The ways that ordinary events might be mistaken as phenomena are provided here as a way of helping practitioners avoid common "human nature" pitfalls.<br />
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<strong>Hearing what is expected</strong><br />
<br />
EVP practitioners listen very closely to sound files in an attempt to find meaningful sounds. This is because the audio signal normally thought of as just background noise is considered a likely place to find a paranormal message. However, audio files thought to be needed for voice formation are usually very noisy and meaning is potentially everywhere. It is common for a distant but ordinary conversation to be detected by a recorder and then be reported as phenomenal. When a practitioner is expecting a meaningful sound, the next sound is sometimes given that meaning no matter what intelligence the sound actually carries.<br />
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Typical sources of sound mistaken as EVP include:<br />
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Ordinary variations in background sound mistaken as voice: For instance a burst of static is sometimes heard as an angry voice. <br />
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Stray radio signals mistaken as EVP: Hand-held, battery-powered recorders are excellent antenna for radio reception and the electronics are capable of making stray AM signals understandable. <br />
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"Morphed" foreign-language sound source: Naturally occurring foreign-language words are sometimes reported as having been "morphed" into EVP but then are recognized by a person who speaks the foreign language as not being EVP at all. <br />
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Reversing a sound track: Some words sound like other words when heard in the reverse. <br />
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Ordinary sound changed with an audio editor to simulate EVP: Changing the tempo of a sound file can change its intended meaning. Since voices of EVP are usually formed out of the background noise, filtering the noise can sometimes change how the words are heard. Excessive amplification can make detected radio audible. <br />
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<strong>Ways EVP might be misreported</strong> <br />
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There is some evidence that a sound file might be altered while it is in an analog form, but sound files are thought to be stable once they have been digitized. As such, many people can hear the same digitized sound file and should hear the same sounds. If there is an anomalous utterance in the sound file, then it will be the same each time. This is an important characteristic of EVP if online listening tests are to be trusted to produce meaningful data.<br />
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With that said, it is common to see a doubtful EVP example shared on the Internet with a surprising number of people saying they hear it as the practitioner reported. In subsequent tests, it is possible that even the person who reported the example will not be able to understand the utterance. Assuming the practitioner and listeners did hear the example as reported even though the words were not actually present, what would explain the confusion?<br />
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The most common problems include:<br />
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Suggesting what should be heard: Especially when the example is of marginal quality, the listener is easily guided to hear what is expected by how the example is reported even though the words may not be present. <br />
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Fabricating a "likely story": The practitioner has asked a question and expects the next sound to contain the answer. Whatever the next sound "sounds like" is taken as part of the answer even though it may not make logical sense. To make it sound correct, the practitioner applies meaning to subsequent sounds to tell a story that provides a plausible answer to the question. <br />
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Setting listener expectation in "real-time" dialogue: Two-way conversations via EVP are very difficult, and while shown to be possible, the process can also be misleading. It is reasonable for the practitioner to ask the entity to repeat a word by saying something like, "Did I hear you say ‘Tom?’" However, in doing so, the listener is preconditioned to hear "Tom," even though the word may not be present. <br />
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Selectively relating utterances to questions: The usual recommendation is that the words of an EVP just before or just after the practitioner’s question can appropriately be applied to the question. As such, asking a question and selecting a word out of a string of possible utterances would be considered selective reporting. <br />
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<strong>Conclusion</strong><br />
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This is a rapidly evolving field of study. People once assumed that we will never know how spiritual things work, but today, we have come to realize that we can know how trans-etheric phenomena manifest; we can quantify them and we can build devices based on our understanding to apply them in our lives.<br />
<br />
Subtle-energy phenomena such as EVP are subject to the very conceptual influence of the etheric aspect of reality, but at the same time, they are subject to the constraints of physical processes. Their study requires close attention to how people process information. It is not safe to say that an example is EVP unless the human factor is considered alongside the physical processes. At the same time, this study requires an understanding of the physical processes that might be involved.<br />
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This is a complex subject and the average practitioner cannot be expected to be an "expert" in this field without considerable study. Recording EVP is probably a craft, and any good craftsperson knows to depend on the foundation of knowledge made available from previous experience and the science that has come before. Our field has little science, but quite a lot of experience. It is for practitioners to take it on themselves to become familiar with the best practices.<br />
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Note*<br />
<div class="contentContainer">MSSPI has provided this article for research purposes only and neither claims or denies the validity of its content. All claims and opinions are stickly those of the author. MSSPI makes no copyright claims to articles submitted from other website. We post them strickly for educational and research sharing purposes. All articles authored by Members of MSSPI are the only articles we claim copyrights to. We strive to provide source links when they are available. </div>Mississippi Society of Paranormal Investigatorshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06186437228224573548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1677175532307789881.post-1527226566451232082010-09-16T12:21:00.000-05:002010-09-16T12:21:22.403-05:00The Electronic Voice Phenomena College Research Paper<strong>The Electronic Voice Phenomena College Research Paper</strong> <br />
(http://atransc.org/)<br />
<br />
by Thomas Wingert<br />
<br />
<br />
The Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) is generally defined as the manifestation of sensible remarks of seeming paranormal origin on sound recording media, such as reel-to-reel tapes, audio cassettes, video tapes and recently computers. The voices, also known as "tape voices," are often reasonable messages replying to corresponding questions, and in many cases, the contents of the messages and the characteristics of the speaker suggest that the recordings are transmissions by the deceased. The origins of these mysterious voices, their purpose and how it is possible are a hypothesis, and have been unexplained since their discovery four decades ago. Since extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof, scientists only give credence to a theory if it can be proven by replication during a controlled experiment. If replication is not possible, then the subject remains a hypothesis. However, the existence of recorded paranormal voices on cassette tapes is undeniable and cannot be disputed by any logical argument.<br />
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In the spring of 1959, in Moelnbo, Sweden, the opera singer and painter Friedrich Juergenson made what could be considered the most important discovery in the history of human kind. His book, Voice Transmissions With The Deceased, details his accidental discovery during the recording of birdsongs. During replay he realized that voices were addressing him by name. After thinking his tape recorder was defective, he soon realized that an invisible intelligence was trying to establish contact with him, and the originators later identified themselves as the deceased (Jeurgenson, 1964).<br />
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Jeurgenson pursued this phenomenon over many years and collected thousands of these voices until he was sure of its authenticity. He presented his conclusions to the public in 1963, which unleashed a diverse reaction. Scientists and audio experts examined the voices and performed their own recordings with their sealed tapes. Some of them were also addressed by name and received brief messages in regard to some personal matters, which only they understood. The absence of fraud was acknowledged by all involved. The Swedish media followed with many reports about the voices because his discovery seemed to offer proof for the existence of an afterlife. This revelation attracted many respected scientists such as Dr. Konstantin Raudive from Latvia, for his experiments yielded similar results. He published his book Breakthrough in 1971. Juergenson’s publication also captured the attention of Professor Hans Bender from the Institute of Parapsychology in Freiburg, Germany, who traveled to Sweden confirming the authenticity of this phenomenon.<br />
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Many people were encouraged by Juergenson’s book to conduct their own experiments, and to pass their experience on to others, which resulted in several EVP associations, and a wealth of information available to the public. A German EVP association, the VTF, was founded in 1976, in Wiesbaden, Germany, implementing the idea of "gathering experimenters under one roof" (VTF World Wide Web). The association provides quarterly newsletters, conducts scheduled weekend seminars at several locations in Germany and a major annual conference in the city of Fulda. The knowledge of this phenomenon has reached the United States and other English speaking countries in the 1980’s, since then, many people are pursuing EVP enthusiastically. For example, the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomenon, AAEVP, founded by Sarah Estep in 1982, is one of many American associations offering a wealth of information, including an e-mail list for members who share experience or discuss topics associated with this phenomenon. She published her book, Voices of Eternity, in 1988.<br />
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Recordings are conducted mostly by the use of a cassette recorder with a build-in microphone or preferably a separate microphone that is placed away from the recorder so it doesn’t record the vibrations of the motor, which is annoying when listening during maximum-volume replay. Evidence suggests that providing an energy source, i.e. "background noise," aids the spirits in their attempt to communicate. A radio has been used as a background noise since EVP’s discovery; preferably it should be tuned to foreign news broadcast, which helps the experimenter hear messages received in English. However, objectivity is required, since English is a global language and may actually be part of the broadcast. In addition, the possibility of receiving a radio frequency from a radio station, passing airplane, police squad car, or taxi must be considered.<br />
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Many experimenters agree that a brand new cassette tape should be used to eliminate possible contamination of a previous recording, which is placed in the recorder, and the counter is set to "000". Users are instructed to press "record" and start by stating their name, date and time, allowing each recording session to be identified later, followed by a greeting to the spirits, which is considered common courtesy. It is common practice to speak uninhibitedly with five to ten second pauses between statements or questions to allow for answers or comments. The pause is beneficial to the listener because it is difficult to hear the faint voices when they overlap one’s own voice. The duration of a recording session should be five to ten minutes, because the listening requires much time. A recording is ended by respectfully thanking the guests for attending and/or commenting. Finally one should stop the recording, rewind and then listen.<br />
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It is generally emphasized that patience and perseverance are prerequisites for listening to the tape voices. This challenge can be most frustrating to an inexperienced person, who may be expecting results only a long distance telephone company can provide. Such demands are unreasonable, considering the subject; it seems a miracle to have any contact at all. Headphones that seal around the ear help to isolate distracting outside noises during listening, which requires practice and total concentration, since most voices are quiet and as if from a great distance. The focus necessary for listening can be compared to a football player who can tune out a stadium of 80,000 screaming spectators in order to hear the coach’s call out a play.<br />
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Some voices or messages are spoken rapidly or slow, whispered, sung, and very noticeably grammatically incorrect. The general hypothesis is that it is their way of proving the authenticity of the transmission, which could average approximately two seconds in duration. Since manifestations vary in quality, many have acknowledged a basic A, B, C classification. The definition of a class "A" voice is universally accepted and undisputed, because it must be understood by anyone with normal hearing and without being told or prompted what it says. They are rare, but a thrill when received. Class "B" voices are more common and usually audible to experienced persons who have learned the skill of listening or others after being told what to listen for. A class "C" voice is simply unintelligible, but may have paranormal characteristics, such as the rapid muffled double thump preceding a transmission, as if breaking through some barrier, or a mechanical sound that may be compared to an on/off switching. However, any sincere experimenter would apply objectivity and disregard it, since guessing is unaccepted. It is common for experimenters to mark their tapes and keep journals for reference.<br />
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Confirming an EVP manifestation is possible by using two identical tape recorders, one for recording and the other for playing the background source, such as a tape from a foreign audio book. For example, if a paranormal recording seems audible on the recorded tape, then one should listen to the background tape at the same spot on the tape counter, and see if there is a difference. It is this method that so far provides the best proof that a manifestation has occurred, and confirms the existence of EVP.<br />
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Yet the phenomenon is not officially recognized by most of the scientific community, because it seems that the laws of physics don’t quite apply to EVP, which may be impossible for a scientist to accept. Scientists are certainly able to control chemical reactions or experiments in physics, biology, and so on, but can they control human beings who have made the transition into the afterlife? It appears that the deceased are truly in control of any contact and only they decide if they want to talk or not.<br />
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Fortunately this does not discourage some scientists in researching this phenomenon, for only scientific proof can be publicly accepted. Professor Imants Baruss from the Department of Psychology, Kings College, University of Western Ontario, published an article with the Journal of Scientific exploration, in which he details an experiment that resulted in the failure to replicate the electronic voice phenomenon. According to his article, he only found limited information on its history in parapsychology periodicals, various trade publications and newsletters in addition to an obvious absence of documentation about EVP in any mainstream English scientific journals (p355). Though his account of the experiment reflected a sincere attempt to replicate this EVP phenomenon; the experiment was flawed since it was based on very limited information that resulted in the implementation of basic mistakes in his procedures.<br />
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For example, he did not conduct the experiment. Instead, two hired persons performed it that had no prior knowledge about the EVP phenomenon, consequently lacking basic awareness and listening skills so emphasized by many experimenters. Considering the experience of many involved with EVP, the duration of his recording sessions were excessive, leaving less valuable time for listening and unfortunately a waste of hard earned funding. One of his staff actually described hearing her name "Gail" called, and a female voice saying "Tell Peter". She said that it sounded like a woman she knew that had recently died and whose husbands name is Peter; yet it was disregarded since Professor Baruss felt that it wasn’t strong enough (p363). Surprisingly, he mentions that no attempt was made to search the Internet [my emphasis] or to research foreign publications. His report consequently placed EVP in an unfavorable position. Perhaps if Professor Baruss read Juergenson’s book, it would have provided him with much more insight to the matter and better fundamental information that could have influenced the outcome of his scientific experiment in favor of the phenomenon.<br />
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It is generally understood that even good research and preparation are not a guarantee for a successful recording. It may take several attempts, sometimes months, before a transmission has been recorded. This is puzzling, because evidence suggests that the deceased have amazing capabilities, including the ability to see us, answer a question before it is asked, manifest a recording in reverse or at different speeds, and they are multilingual. So why are many attempts unsuccessful? Why don’t they simply tell us how to improve the connection, such as constructing some ingenious electronic apparatus? No one knows. Perhaps their knowledge is limited and they don’t know, or they do, but prefer silence for a justifiable reason. One hypothesis may be answered by asking a question, "What would the global impact be if there were scientific proof of an existing afterlife?"<br />
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It seems reasonable to assume that the effects would be extremely diverse and not necessary positive. However, it is the class "A" voices that offer the best argument of the phenomenon’s authenticity, leaving no other logical choice but to recognize EVP as an unexplainable fact, and not a belief. The awareness seems to be steadily increasing on a global scale, for searching the World Wide Web with the keyword "electronic voice phenomenon" on AOL in June of 2002 resulted in 72900 hits. Apparently there is only one way to convince oneself of its existence, which is to do a recording by oneself, alone and with all possible interferences removed. If we as human beings understand this phenomenon or not, or accept its existence or not, it doesn’t matter, because all things considered, it seems EVP is here to stay.<br />
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<strong>Bibliography</strong><br />
<br />
American Association Electronic Voice Phenomenon. Homepage. Retrieved June 2002 from World Wide Web: aaevp.com Baruss, I. (2001). Failure to Replicate EVP Phenomenon. Scientific Exploration: Volume 15:3, Pp 355-367. Bender, H. (1966) Parapsychologie: Entwicklung, Ergebnisse, Probleme. Darmstadt: Wissenschaftliche Buchgesellschaft. Bender, H. (1972). The Phenomena of Friedrich Juergenson: Journal of Paraphysics. 6,65-75. UK: Chatbum. Retrieved June 2002 from World Wide Web: www.vtf.de Bender, H. (1973). Verborgene Wirklichkeit: Parapsychologie und Grenzengebiete der<br />
<br />
Psychologie. Olten, Freiburg i. Br.: Walter Verlag. Estep, Sarah Wilson (1988). Voices of Eternity. New York: Faucett Gold Medal. (Out of Print) Juergenson, F. (2001). Voice Transmissions with The Deceased. (T. Wingert & G. Wynne,<br />
<br />
Trans.) Friedrich Juergenson Foundation, Sweden (Original work published 1964) Retrieved<br />
<br />
January 2002 from World Wide Web: http://www.fargfabriken.se/fjf/ Raudive, K. (1971). Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with<br />
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The Dead. (N. Fowler, Trans.). Gerrards Cross, UK: Colin Smythe. (Original work published1968)Schaefer, H. (1978). Stimmen aus einer anderen Welt: Chronik und Technik der <br />
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Freiburg i. Br.: Bauer Verlag. VTF (Verein fuer Tonbandstimmen Forschung). Homepage. Retrieved June 2002 from World Wide<br />
<br />
Web: www.vtf.de (Click on "English" to view translation) <br />
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