A
AFTERLIFE - One of the several terms used interchangeably to refer to life after death. The word "afterlife" has been used since 1615, & is generic enough to use in almost any setting & culture. Other terms include “crossing over”, “the Otherworld”, and “the other side." Most paranormal investigators avoid such religious terms such as "heaven" when discussing ghosts, hauntings, & an afterlife.
AGENT- a living person who is the focus of poltergeist activity. Typically a teenage female
ANGEL- messenger's of God who can also protect and guide human beings.
ANOMALY- something that is out of place and unexplained.
ANIMAL MUTILATION- refers to cases in which animal corpses (often cattle) have been found with bizarre injuries that do not seem to have a normal explanation in terms of illness, accident or action of predators. Cuts and injuries often appear to have been carried out with surgical precision. Typically the corpse is drained of blood. Certain body parts may be absent (e.g., genitals).
ANIMAL PSI- paranormal abilities exhibited by animals. Also known as "Anpsi".
ANOMALOUS EXPERIENCE- a general term referring to unusual experiences that cannot be explained in terms of current scientific knowledge.
ANOMALOUS PHENOMENON- Natural phenomena that cannot be explained in terms of current scientific knowledge.
APPARITION- a disembodied soul or spirit that can be seen visually.
ARTIFACT-In parapsychology, false evidence of paranormal phenomena, due to some extraneous normal influence.
ASTRAL BODY- a term used by occultist and spiritualist to refer to supposed "double" of the person's physical body. The astral body is believed to be separable from the physical body during astral projection (out of body experience) and at death
ASTRAL PROJECTION-a term used by occultist and spiritualist for the out of body experience. It is believed to result when the astral body separates from the physical body.
AURA- A field of energy believed by some to surround living creatures. Certain clairvoyents claim to be able to see the aura (generally as a luminous, coloured halo)
AUTOMATIC WRITING-The ability to write intelligible messages without conscious control or knowledge of what is being written
AUTOMATISM- Physical activites (e.g., arm movements, writing, drawing, musical performance) that occur without the automatist's conscious control or knowledge
AGENT- a living person who is the focus of poltergeist activity. Typically a teenage female
ANGEL- messenger's of God who can also protect and guide human beings.
ANOMALY- something that is out of place and unexplained.
ANIMAL MUTILATION- refers to cases in which animal corpses (often cattle) have been found with bizarre injuries that do not seem to have a normal explanation in terms of illness, accident or action of predators. Cuts and injuries often appear to have been carried out with surgical precision. Typically the corpse is drained of blood. Certain body parts may be absent (e.g., genitals).
ANIMAL PSI- paranormal abilities exhibited by animals. Also known as "Anpsi".
ANOMALOUS EXPERIENCE- a general term referring to unusual experiences that cannot be explained in terms of current scientific knowledge.
ANOMALOUS PHENOMENON- Natural phenomena that cannot be explained in terms of current scientific knowledge.
APPARITION- a disembodied soul or spirit that can be seen visually.
ARTIFACT-In parapsychology, false evidence of paranormal phenomena, due to some extraneous normal influence.
ASTRAL BODY- a term used by occultist and spiritualist to refer to supposed "double" of the person's physical body. The astral body is believed to be separable from the physical body during astral projection (out of body experience) and at death
ASTRAL PROJECTION-a term used by occultist and spiritualist for the out of body experience. It is believed to result when the astral body separates from the physical body.
AURA- A field of energy believed by some to surround living creatures. Certain clairvoyents claim to be able to see the aura (generally as a luminous, coloured halo)
AUTOMATIC WRITING-The ability to write intelligible messages without conscious control or knowledge of what is being written
AUTOMATISM- Physical activites (e.g., arm movements, writing, drawing, musical performance) that occur without the automatist's conscious control or knowledge
B
BANSHEE- In Gaelic belief, a female entity who heralds a death by groaning and screaming.
BILOCATION- Being (or appearing to be) in two different places at the same time.
BLACK MAGIC- magical spells or rituals practiced with the intention of harming others
BILOCATION- Being (or appearing to be) in two different places at the same time.
BLACK MAGIC- magical spells or rituals practiced with the intention of harming others
C
CHANNELING- Receiving messages and inspiration from discarnate entities.
CHARM- A spell or object possessing magic power.
CLAIRAUDIENCE- The paranormal obtaining of information by hearing sounds or voices.
CLAIRSENTIENCE- An archaic term that refers to the paranormal obtaining of information using faculties other than vision or hearing.
CLAIRVOYANCE- A general term that refers to the paranormal obtaining of information about an object or event. In modern usage, this does not necessarily refer to obtaining information visually.
CLEARING - Ridding an area of lingering unpleasant energy. It does not “KILL" a ghost. Space clearing may encourage ghosts to cross over or at least leave the haunted location.
COINCIDENCE- The occurrence, within a short space of time, of two or more meaningfully related events and without any apparent causal connection between them. Coincidences are sometimes bizarre and extraordinarily improbable.
COLD SPOTS- patches of cool/cold air strewn about haunted locations.
COLLECTIVE APPARITION- An apparition seen simultaneously by more than one person.
CORRELATION- An association between two or more events or variables.
COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS- A blissful experience in which the person becomes aware of the whole universe as a living being.
COVEN- A group of witches
CROP CIRCLE- Circular (or more elaborate) formations found in growing crops, most commonly in Southern Britain. Sometimes they are associated with UFO sightings. Many formations appear to have been intelligently created and to have some symbolic meaning. Despite several "confessions" made by various individuals and groups, the crop circle mystery remains unsolved.
CRISIS APPARITION- an apparition that is seen when a person is seriously ill, seriously injured or at the
point of death.
CRYPTOZOOLOGY- The search for and study of animals whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as the Loch Ness monster and the yeti.
CRYTAL GAZING- Staring into a reflecting surface (e.g., mirror, glass, crystal, liquid) in order to obtain paranormal information. Also known as scrying.
CURSE- Words spoken or written in order to influence others paranormally, causing them harm.
CHARM- A spell or object possessing magic power.
CLAIRAUDIENCE- The paranormal obtaining of information by hearing sounds or voices.
CLAIRSENTIENCE- An archaic term that refers to the paranormal obtaining of information using faculties other than vision or hearing.
CLAIRVOYANCE- A general term that refers to the paranormal obtaining of information about an object or event. In modern usage, this does not necessarily refer to obtaining information visually.
CLEARING - Ridding an area of lingering unpleasant energy. It does not “KILL" a ghost. Space clearing may encourage ghosts to cross over or at least leave the haunted location.
COINCIDENCE- The occurrence, within a short space of time, of two or more meaningfully related events and without any apparent causal connection between them. Coincidences are sometimes bizarre and extraordinarily improbable.
COLD SPOTS- patches of cool/cold air strewn about haunted locations.
COLLECTIVE APPARITION- An apparition seen simultaneously by more than one person.
CORRELATION- An association between two or more events or variables.
COSMIC CONSCIOUSNESS- A blissful experience in which the person becomes aware of the whole universe as a living being.
COVEN- A group of witches
CROP CIRCLE- Circular (or more elaborate) formations found in growing crops, most commonly in Southern Britain. Sometimes they are associated with UFO sightings. Many formations appear to have been intelligently created and to have some symbolic meaning. Despite several "confessions" made by various individuals and groups, the crop circle mystery remains unsolved.
CRISIS APPARITION- an apparition that is seen when a person is seriously ill, seriously injured or at the
point of death.
CRYPTOZOOLOGY- The search for and study of animals whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated, such as the Loch Ness monster and the yeti.
CRYTAL GAZING- Staring into a reflecting surface (e.g., mirror, glass, crystal, liquid) in order to obtain paranormal information. Also known as scrying.
CURSE- Words spoken or written in order to influence others paranormally, causing them harm.
D
DEATH- Generally understood to be the extinction of an organism's life. Many doctrines assert some form of mental or spiritual survival of physical death.
DEATH BED EXPERIENCE - A dying person's awareness of the presence of dead friends or relatives.
DEJA VU- A person's feeling that current events have been experienced before.
DEMATERIALIZATION- The paranormal fading or disappearance of a physical object.
DEMON- fallen angels under the command of Satan.
DEMONIC POSSESSION- possession by evil spirits
DEMONOLOGIST- one who studies and practices the art of demonology. An individual who specializes in the removal of evil or demonic forces from a given environment using the art of demonology.
DEMONOLOGY- the study of demons or beliefs about demons.
DIRECT WRITING- where spirits actually communicate by the use of writing.
DISEMBODIED- having no physical body.
DIVINING/DOWSING RODS- a forked rod from a tree said to indicate the presence of water or minerals underground. May also indicate an energy field. Can also be made of metal.
DOPPELGANGER- a person or ghost of the present that looks identical to a living person, but behaves differently.
DIVINATION/DOWSING- interpreting the motions of rods, sticks, pendulums, and other such
instruments to obtain information (also called diving).
DIRECT VOICE PHENOMENON (DVP)- an auditory "spirit" voice that is spoken directly to the sitter's at a seance.
DEATH BED EXPERIENCE - A dying person's awareness of the presence of dead friends or relatives.
DEJA VU- A person's feeling that current events have been experienced before.
DEMATERIALIZATION- The paranormal fading or disappearance of a physical object.
DEMON- fallen angels under the command of Satan.
DEMONIC POSSESSION- possession by evil spirits
DEMONOLOGIST- one who studies and practices the art of demonology. An individual who specializes in the removal of evil or demonic forces from a given environment using the art of demonology.
DEMONOLOGY- the study of demons or beliefs about demons.
DIRECT WRITING- where spirits actually communicate by the use of writing.
DISEMBODIED- having no physical body.
DIVINING/DOWSING RODS- a forked rod from a tree said to indicate the presence of water or minerals underground. May also indicate an energy field. Can also be made of metal.
DOPPELGANGER- a person or ghost of the present that looks identical to a living person, but behaves differently.
DIVINATION/DOWSING- interpreting the motions of rods, sticks, pendulums, and other such
instruments to obtain information (also called diving).
DIRECT VOICE PHENOMENON (DVP)- an auditory "spirit" voice that is spoken directly to the sitter's at a seance.
E
ECTOPLASM- a substance that allegedly oozes from ghosts or spirits and makes it possible for them to materialize and perform feats of telekinesis.
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD (EMF)- a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It effects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field.
ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENON (EVP)- disembodied voices or sounds that are captured on recording (audio or video) devices.
ELEMENTAL SPIRIT- A spirit associated with one of the classical four elements (fire, earth, air and water).
ELONGATION- Paranormal extension of the physical body, reported in some mystics and physical mediums.
EMF DETECTOR- an instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field typically used by paranormal researchers to detect a ghost's magnetic energy.
EMPATH- Someone who shows considerable empathy, especially of the apparently psychic type.
EMPATHY-The ability to understand the experience or emotional state of another person or animal. Often used to refer to an apparently psychic ability to experience another person's sensations, pain or emotions
ENTITY- a conscious, interactive ghost. Any being, including people and ghosts.
EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION (ESP)- the knowledge of external objects or events without the aid of senses.
EXORCISM- ridding a person or a location of demons/evil spirits by using religious rites.
EXORCIST- a person who performs the ridding of demons or other supernatural beings who are alleged to have possessed a person, or (sometimes) a building or even a object.
EXPERIMENT- A test carried out under controlled conditions.
EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL- Originating outside our normal space-time reality
EXTRATERRESTRIAL- Originating beyond planet Earth.
ELECTRO-MAGNETIC FIELD (EMF)- a physical field produced by electrically charged objects. It effects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field.
ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENON (EVP)- disembodied voices or sounds that are captured on recording (audio or video) devices.
ELEMENTAL SPIRIT- A spirit associated with one of the classical four elements (fire, earth, air and water).
ELONGATION- Paranormal extension of the physical body, reported in some mystics and physical mediums.
EMF DETECTOR- an instrument for measuring the magnitude and direction of a magnetic field typically used by paranormal researchers to detect a ghost's magnetic energy.
EMPATH- Someone who shows considerable empathy, especially of the apparently psychic type.
EMPATHY-The ability to understand the experience or emotional state of another person or animal. Often used to refer to an apparently psychic ability to experience another person's sensations, pain or emotions
ENTITY- a conscious, interactive ghost. Any being, including people and ghosts.
EXTRASENSORY PERCEPTION (ESP)- the knowledge of external objects or events without the aid of senses.
EXORCISM- ridding a person or a location of demons/evil spirits by using religious rites.
EXORCIST- a person who performs the ridding of demons or other supernatural beings who are alleged to have possessed a person, or (sometimes) a building or even a object.
EXPERIMENT- A test carried out under controlled conditions.
EXTRA-DIMENSIONAL- Originating outside our normal space-time reality
EXTRATERRESTRIAL- Originating beyond planet Earth.
F
FAIRY- Small, human-like mythical being. May be benevolent or malevolent.
FAITH HEALING- Healing that is associated with prayer or belief in Divine power.
FALSE AWAKENING- An experience in which a person believes he or she has woken up, but actually is still dreaming.
FIRE WALKING- Walking on red-hot coals, without pain or damage to the feet.
FLYING SAUCER- A term, coined in 1947, to refer to unknown disk-like aerial objects, often believed to be extraterrestrial spacecraft. The term has now been largely superseded by "UFO".
FEAR CAGE- an area of high EMF readings which can bring out feelings of uneasiness, anxiety and fear.
FOCAL PERSON- Person who is at the centre of poltergeist activity.
FORTEAN PHENOMENON- Strange phenomena, especially those which challenge conventional scientific knowledge. Named after the American researcher and writer Charles Fort. Fortean phenomena include those generally considered paranormal, but also bizarre non-paranormal events such as monsters and prodigies, extraordinary coincidences, and unusual rains.
FORTUNE TELLING- Various practices which aim to divine future events.
FRAUD- The deliberate faking of paranormal phenomenena, generally for the purpose of financial gain, psychological manipulation, or notoriety. Faking for the purpose of entertainment (e.g., by stage magicians and mentalists) is not normally classed as fraud
FAITH HEALING- Healing that is associated with prayer or belief in Divine power.
FALSE AWAKENING- An experience in which a person believes he or she has woken up, but actually is still dreaming.
FIRE WALKING- Walking on red-hot coals, without pain or damage to the feet.
FLYING SAUCER- A term, coined in 1947, to refer to unknown disk-like aerial objects, often believed to be extraterrestrial spacecraft. The term has now been largely superseded by "UFO".
FEAR CAGE- an area of high EMF readings which can bring out feelings of uneasiness, anxiety and fear.
FOCAL PERSON- Person who is at the centre of poltergeist activity.
FORTEAN PHENOMENON- Strange phenomena, especially those which challenge conventional scientific knowledge. Named after the American researcher and writer Charles Fort. Fortean phenomena include those generally considered paranormal, but also bizarre non-paranormal events such as monsters and prodigies, extraordinary coincidences, and unusual rains.
FORTUNE TELLING- Various practices which aim to divine future events.
FRAUD- The deliberate faking of paranormal phenomenena, generally for the purpose of financial gain, psychological manipulation, or notoriety. Faking for the purpose of entertainment (e.g., by stage magicians and mentalists) is not normally classed as fraud
G
GHOST- the soul or spirit of a deceased person or animal that can appear, in visible form or other
manifestation, to the living.
GHOST BOX - a 2-way communication device used for communicating with spirits/ghosts.
GLOSSOLALIA- Unintelligible speech generally uttered in a dissociated or trance state. Also known as "speaking in tongues".
GOING DARK- A term used by paranormal investigators/ghost hunters meaning, “turn out the lights”, often refered to as "lights out”‘ “let’s go dark",etc. Many paranormal investigators/ghost hunters prefer to conduct their investigations during "peak" evening hours (midnight to 4 a.m.) when most paranormal activity is said to occur. This time period seems to have been put forth in the 1970s.
GUARDIAN ANGEL- An angel believed to protect the individual.
GUIDE- A spirit who is believed to assist a person's spiritual journey.
manifestation, to the living.
GHOST BOX - a 2-way communication device used for communicating with spirits/ghosts.
GLOSSOLALIA- Unintelligible speech generally uttered in a dissociated or trance state. Also known as "speaking in tongues".
GOING DARK- A term used by paranormal investigators/ghost hunters meaning, “turn out the lights”, often refered to as "lights out”‘ “let’s go dark",etc. Many paranormal investigators/ghost hunters prefer to conduct their investigations during "peak" evening hours (midnight to 4 a.m.) when most paranormal activity is said to occur. This time period seems to have been put forth in the 1970s.
GUARDIAN ANGEL- An angel believed to protect the individual.
GUIDE- A spirit who is believed to assist a person's spiritual journey.
H
HALLUCINATION- A sensory experience that does not correspond to physical reality.
HAUNTING- repeated manifestations of unexplained phenomenon that occur at a particular location.
HEALER- Someone who claims the power of healing.
HEALING- Generally indicates cures that cannot be explained in terms of accepted medical principles.
HEX- An evil spell or magical curse. Or to practice witchcraft.
HOT SPOT- a site within a haunted location where the activity is prominent and/or energy fields are focused.
HAUNTING- repeated manifestations of unexplained phenomenon that occur at a particular location.
HEALER- Someone who claims the power of healing.
HEALING- Generally indicates cures that cannot be explained in terms of accepted medical principles.
HEX- An evil spell or magical curse. Or to practice witchcraft.
HOT SPOT- a site within a haunted location where the activity is prominent and/or energy fields are focused.
I
ILLUSION- An appearance that leads the person to draw mistaken conclusions.
IMAGERY- The ability to perceive images in the mind. These may be visual, auditory, tactile, etc.
IMMORTALITY- Various beliefs based on the assumption that some aspect of personal existence survives death.
INCORRUPTIBLE- Inexplicable lack of decay in a corpse.
INCUBUS- a demon in male form who, according to a number of mythological and legendary traditions, lies upon sleepers, especially women, in order to have sex with them.
INTELLIGENT HAUNTING- a haunting by an intelligent or conscious spirit which interacts with living persons.
INTUITION- The non-paranormal ability to grasp the elements of a situation or to draw conclusions about complex events in ways that go beyond a purely rational or intellectual analysis.
INVOCATION- Summoning benevolent spiritual beings.
IMAGERY- The ability to perceive images in the mind. These may be visual, auditory, tactile, etc.
IMMORTALITY- Various beliefs based on the assumption that some aspect of personal existence survives death.
INCORRUPTIBLE- Inexplicable lack of decay in a corpse.
INCUBUS- a demon in male form who, according to a number of mythological and legendary traditions, lies upon sleepers, especially women, in order to have sex with them.
INTELLIGENT HAUNTING- a haunting by an intelligent or conscious spirit which interacts with living persons.
INTUITION- The non-paranormal ability to grasp the elements of a situation or to draw conclusions about complex events in ways that go beyond a purely rational or intellectual analysis.
INVOCATION- Summoning benevolent spiritual beings.
K
KARMA- Hindu and Buddhist ethical doctrine of "as one sows, so shall one reap".
L
LEVITATION- The paranormal raising or suspension of an object or person.
LIFE REVIEW- Flashback memories of the whole of a person's life, often associated with the near death experience.
LUCID DREAMING- Dreaming in which the person is aware that the experience is a dream. Often associated with feelings of aliveness and freedom, and with the ability to control dream events.
LUMINOUS PHENOMENA- The experience of strange lights or glows, often around objects or people.
LYCANTHROPY- The supposed magical transformation of a person into the form of a wolf.
LIFE REVIEW- Flashback memories of the whole of a person's life, often associated with the near death experience.
LUCID DREAMING- Dreaming in which the person is aware that the experience is a dream. Often associated with feelings of aliveness and freedom, and with the ability to control dream events.
LUMINOUS PHENOMENA- The experience of strange lights or glows, often around objects or people.
LYCANTHROPY- The supposed magical transformation of a person into the form of a wolf.
M
MANIFESTATION- The tangible signs of a haunting, including tactile, auditory, olfactory, and visual.
MATERIALIZATION- The act of forming something solid from air.
MEDIUM- A person with the gift of communicating with the dead.
MEDITATION- Mental or physical-mental techniques which aim to produce spiritually desirable states of consciousness.
MEDIUM- A person believed to act as an intermediary between discarnate entities and the living.
MIRACLE- A beneficial event attributed to supernatural or divine intervention.
MATERIALIZATION- The act of forming something solid from air.
MEDIUM- A person with the gift of communicating with the dead.
MEDITATION- Mental or physical-mental techniques which aim to produce spiritually desirable states of consciousness.
MEDIUM- A person believed to act as an intermediary between discarnate entities and the living.
MIRACLE- A beneficial event attributed to supernatural or divine intervention.
N
NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE (NDE)- Experiences of people after they have been pronounced clinically dead, or been very close to death. Typical features of the NDE are an out of body experience, life review, a tunnel experience, light, coming to a boundary (marking death), seeing dead friends and relatives, experiencing a loving or divine presence, and making a choice (or being told) to return. Occasionally NDEs can be frightening and distressing. NDEs often have profound effects on the person's later life.
NECROMANCY- Black magic practices involving communicating with the dead.
NECROMANCY- Black magic practices involving communicating with the dead.
O
OCCAM'S RAZOR- The principle that we should always prefer the simplest explanation of events.
OCCULTISM- Esoteric systems of belief and practice that assume the existence of mysterious forces and entities.
OLD HAG SYNDROME- A sleep phemenomena that involves a feeling of immobilization, suffocation, odd smells and feelings and is sometimes accompanied by immense fear.
OMEN- A sign that foretells events.
ORBS- round "lights" caught on film (still or video) that are believed by some to be related to paranormal activity. Very controversial. Most appear to be dust, bugs or moisture.
OUJIA BOARD- a flat board marked with letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0-9, the words 'yes' 'no' and 'goodbye'. The Oujia board can supposedly be used to communicate with spirits of the dead. NOTE: CAN UNKNOWINGLY INVITE DEMONS/EVIL SPIRITS INTO THE HOME. BUMPS DOES NOT EVER RECOMMEND
THE USE OF OUJIA BOARDS.
OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE (OBE,OOBE)- fully conscious experience in which the person's centre of awareness appears to be outside of the physical body.
OCCULTISM- Esoteric systems of belief and practice that assume the existence of mysterious forces and entities.
OLD HAG SYNDROME- A sleep phemenomena that involves a feeling of immobilization, suffocation, odd smells and feelings and is sometimes accompanied by immense fear.
OMEN- A sign that foretells events.
ORBS- round "lights" caught on film (still or video) that are believed by some to be related to paranormal activity. Very controversial. Most appear to be dust, bugs or moisture.
OUJIA BOARD- a flat board marked with letters of the alphabet, the numbers 0-9, the words 'yes' 'no' and 'goodbye'. The Oujia board can supposedly be used to communicate with spirits of the dead. NOTE: CAN UNKNOWINGLY INVITE DEMONS/EVIL SPIRITS INTO THE HOME. BUMPS DOES NOT EVER RECOMMEND
THE USE OF OUJIA BOARDS.
OUT OF BODY EXPERIENCE (OBE,OOBE)- fully conscious experience in which the person's centre of awareness appears to be outside of the physical body.
P
PALMISTRY- The art of assessing a person's character and forecasting life events by examining features of the hand.
PARANORMAL- anything beyond what is normal. Inexplicable in terms of our ordinary understanding or current scientific knowledge.
PARANORMAL DREAM- Dreams in which the dream imagery provides paranormal knowledge
PARAPSYCHOLOGY- the study of mental abilities and effects outside the usual realm of psychology. Parapsychology includes the study of ESP, ghosts, luck, psycho kinesis, and other paranormal phenomena.
PAST LIFE MEMORIES- Mental images that are believed to be memories of previous lives.
PAST-LIFE REGRESSION- A technique of hypnosis involving regressing people to supposed previous lives.
PENDULUM- A small weight at the end of a cord or chain that is usually about six to ten inches long. The movement of the weight, when uninfluenced by other factors, can be used to detect areas of paranormal energy.
PHANTASM- An illusion or apparition.
PHENOMENOLOGY- An approach to research that aims to describe and clarify a person's own experience and understanding of an event or phenomenon.
PLACEBO- A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.
PLANT PSI- Extra sensory perception exhibited by plants.
POLTERGEIST- German for "noisy or troublesome ghost". Poltergeist activity may include unexplained noises, movements of objects, outbreaks of fire, floods, pricks or scratches to a person's body. Unlike hauntings, which are associated with specific locations, poltergeists typically focus on a person (the focal person or poltergeist agent) who is often a young child or adolescent.
PORTAL- Literally,a doorway or gateway,this term suggest a specific location through which spirits enter & leave our world. When there are multiple phenomena in a confined area,this is known as a"ghost portal"
PORTENT- Something that foreshadows a coming event; omen, sign.
POSSESSION- The entry of a spirit into the body of a willing or unwilling host, in which the spirit takes control of the individual's motor and cognitive functions.
PRAYER- A sincere attempt to communicate with a spiritual being or power.
PRECOGNITION- The paranormal awareness of future events.
PREDICTION- A statement that claims to foretell future events.
PREEXISTENCE- Belief that the personality or soul exists prior to birth.
PREMONITION- An experience believed to foretell future events.
PRESENCE- A subjective feeling that a person, animal or discarnate entity is present.
PSI- A term used to encompass all paranormal abilities. Includes both ESP and PK abilities.
PSYCHIC- A person who is sensitive beyond the normal mean. May be able to see and hear things that are not available to most people.
PSYCHIC HEALING- Forms of healing using psychic powers.
PSYCHOKINESIS (PK)- To move something with the power's of one's mind. Usually associated with poltergeist activity.
PARANORMAL- anything beyond what is normal. Inexplicable in terms of our ordinary understanding or current scientific knowledge.
PARANORMAL DREAM- Dreams in which the dream imagery provides paranormal knowledge
PARAPSYCHOLOGY- the study of mental abilities and effects outside the usual realm of psychology. Parapsychology includes the study of ESP, ghosts, luck, psycho kinesis, and other paranormal phenomena.
PAST LIFE MEMORIES- Mental images that are believed to be memories of previous lives.
PAST-LIFE REGRESSION- A technique of hypnosis involving regressing people to supposed previous lives.
PENDULUM- A small weight at the end of a cord or chain that is usually about six to ten inches long. The movement of the weight, when uninfluenced by other factors, can be used to detect areas of paranormal energy.
PHANTASM- An illusion or apparition.
PHENOMENOLOGY- An approach to research that aims to describe and clarify a person's own experience and understanding of an event or phenomenon.
PLACEBO- A harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect.
PLANT PSI- Extra sensory perception exhibited by plants.
POLTERGEIST- German for "noisy or troublesome ghost". Poltergeist activity may include unexplained noises, movements of objects, outbreaks of fire, floods, pricks or scratches to a person's body. Unlike hauntings, which are associated with specific locations, poltergeists typically focus on a person (the focal person or poltergeist agent) who is often a young child or adolescent.
PORTAL- Literally,a doorway or gateway,this term suggest a specific location through which spirits enter & leave our world. When there are multiple phenomena in a confined area,this is known as a"ghost portal"
PORTENT- Something that foreshadows a coming event; omen, sign.
POSSESSION- The entry of a spirit into the body of a willing or unwilling host, in which the spirit takes control of the individual's motor and cognitive functions.
PRAYER- A sincere attempt to communicate with a spiritual being or power.
PRECOGNITION- The paranormal awareness of future events.
PREDICTION- A statement that claims to foretell future events.
PREEXISTENCE- Belief that the personality or soul exists prior to birth.
PREMONITION- An experience believed to foretell future events.
PRESENCE- A subjective feeling that a person, animal or discarnate entity is present.
PSI- A term used to encompass all paranormal abilities. Includes both ESP and PK abilities.
PSYCHIC- A person who is sensitive beyond the normal mean. May be able to see and hear things that are not available to most people.
PSYCHIC HEALING- Forms of healing using psychic powers.
PSYCHOKINESIS (PK)- To move something with the power's of one's mind. Usually associated with poltergeist activity.
R
REINCARNATION- The belief that some aspect of a person's being (e.g., consciousness, personality, or soul) survives death and can be reborn in a new body at some future date. Reincarnation is often seen as a repeating cycle of death and rebirth in which future lives are influenced by past and present actions through the law of karma.
REMOTE VIEWING (RV)- An ESP procedure in which a precipitant attempts to become aware psychically of the experience of an agent who is at a distant, unknown target location.
RESIDUAL ENERGY - Many ghost hunters believe emotionally charged events leave an imprint or energy residue on the physical objects nearby. What distinguishes residual energy from an active haunting is that the energy/impressions repeat consistently,as if on a loop. The energy levels may increase or decrease,but the content remains the same with each manifestation. By contrast,in what we term an active haunting,the ghost may respond to enviromental stimuli & direct contact.
RESIDUAL HAUNTING- a repeated haunting in which no intelligent entity or spirit is directly involved. This is the playback of a past event, trapped in a continuous loop. It is often associated with past events involving great trauma or tragedy.
RETRO-COGNITION- Paranormal knowledge of past events.
REMOTE VIEWING (RV)- An ESP procedure in which a precipitant attempts to become aware psychically of the experience of an agent who is at a distant, unknown target location.
RESIDUAL ENERGY - Many ghost hunters believe emotionally charged events leave an imprint or energy residue on the physical objects nearby. What distinguishes residual energy from an active haunting is that the energy/impressions repeat consistently,as if on a loop. The energy levels may increase or decrease,but the content remains the same with each manifestation. By contrast,in what we term an active haunting,the ghost may respond to enviromental stimuli & direct contact.
RESIDUAL HAUNTING- a repeated haunting in which no intelligent entity or spirit is directly involved. This is the playback of a past event, trapped in a continuous loop. It is often associated with past events involving great trauma or tragedy.
RETRO-COGNITION- Paranormal knowledge of past events.
S
SEANCE- a meeting of individuals in order to contact the spirit of a deceased loved one or other person (usually consisting of a medium, assistants, loved ones of the departed, or other interested individuals).
SENSITIVE- a person who professes an ability to perceive information through extrasensory perception
(ESP).
SHADOW PERSON- dark fleeting entity seen out of the corner of the eye.
SHAPE-SHIFTING- Paranormal ability to assume the form of another person, an animal or other entity.
SKEPTIC- A person inclined to discount the reality of the paranormal and to be critical of parapsychological research. Generally seeks rational or scientific explanations for the phenomena studied by parapsychologists.
SKINWALKER- A person or witch that has the ability to transform into a wolf,coyote,bear, bird or any other kind of animal.
SOUL- A soul, in certain spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions, is the corporeal essence of a person of living thing or object.
SPIRIT- The actual consciousness or soul of an individual that has passed on and continues to be observed in an area. An angel or demon.
SPONTANEOUS CASES- Paranormal phenomena that occur in everyday life, unsought and unexpected.
SPONTANEOUS HUMAN COMBUSTION (SHC)- Refers to cases in which a badly burned human body has been discovered in circumstances suggesting that the fire originated spontaneously in or on the body of the victim.
STIGMATA- Unexplained markings on a person's body that correspond to the wounds of Christ.
SUCCUBUS- A female demon appearing in dreams, who takes the form of a human woman in order to seduce men, usually through sexual intercourse.
SYNCHRONICITY- A term used by C.G. Jung to refer to coincidental events that are meaningfully but not causally connected.
SENSITIVE- a person who professes an ability to perceive information through extrasensory perception
(ESP).
SHADOW PERSON- dark fleeting entity seen out of the corner of the eye.
SHAPE-SHIFTING- Paranormal ability to assume the form of another person, an animal or other entity.
SKEPTIC- A person inclined to discount the reality of the paranormal and to be critical of parapsychological research. Generally seeks rational or scientific explanations for the phenomena studied by parapsychologists.
SKINWALKER- A person or witch that has the ability to transform into a wolf,coyote,bear, bird or any other kind of animal.
SOUL- A soul, in certain spiritual, philosophical, and psychological traditions, is the corporeal essence of a person of living thing or object.
SPIRIT- The actual consciousness or soul of an individual that has passed on and continues to be observed in an area. An angel or demon.
SPONTANEOUS CASES- Paranormal phenomena that occur in everyday life, unsought and unexpected.
SPONTANEOUS HUMAN COMBUSTION (SHC)- Refers to cases in which a badly burned human body has been discovered in circumstances suggesting that the fire originated spontaneously in or on the body of the victim.
STIGMATA- Unexplained markings on a person's body that correspond to the wounds of Christ.
SUCCUBUS- A female demon appearing in dreams, who takes the form of a human woman in order to seduce men, usually through sexual intercourse.
SYNCHRONICITY- A term used by C.G. Jung to refer to coincidental events that are meaningfully but not causally connected.
T
TELEKINESIS- The ability to control one's physical environment without using physical manipulation or force (also known as psycho kinesis, TK, or PK). Usually associated with poltergeist activity.
TELEPATHY- Paranormal awareness of another person's experience (thoughts, feelings, etc.). In practice it is difficult to distinguish between telepathy and clairvoyance.
TELEPORTATION- A method of transportation in which matter or information is dematerialized, usually instantaneously, at one point and recreated at another.
TELEPATHY- Paranormal awareness of another person's experience (thoughts, feelings, etc.). In practice it is difficult to distinguish between telepathy and clairvoyance.
TELEPORTATION- A method of transportation in which matter or information is dematerialized, usually instantaneously, at one point and recreated at another.
U
UFOLOGY- The studio of UFOs
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)- Unexplained sightings of lights or objects in the sky, often taken to be evidence of extraterrestrial visitations.
UNIDENTIFIED SUBMERGED OBJECTS (USO)- Unexplained sightings of lights or objects in water, often detected by radar equipment and said to be extraterrestrials coming from underwater bases.
UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT (UFO)- Unexplained sightings of lights or objects in the sky, often taken to be evidence of extraterrestrial visitations.
UNIDENTIFIED SUBMERGED OBJECTS (USO)- Unexplained sightings of lights or objects in water, often detected by radar equipment and said to be extraterrestrials coming from underwater bases.
W
WEREWOLF- A person who has been magically transformed into a wolf or other dangerous beast.
WHITE NOISE- A sound, such as running water, which masks all speech sounds. Used in collection of EVP's.
WITCH- Someone who practices witchcraft.
WRAITH- An apparition of a living person that appears as a portent, just before that person's death.
WHITE NOISE- A sound, such as running water, which masks all speech sounds. Used in collection of EVP's.
WITCH- Someone who practices witchcraft.
WRAITH- An apparition of a living person that appears as a portent, just before that person's death.
V
Vortex-Since the time of Descartes,this has indicated the rotation of cosmic energy around a central point or axis. Beginning in the mid-19th century.the word"vortex"has meant any whirling movement of energy or particles.
X
XENOGLOSSY- The ability to speak or write in a language that has not been learned.
Z
ZOMBIE- A corpse that has been partly brought back to (soul-less) life by magic.