Ghost Worlds: A Guide to Poltergeists, Portals, Ecto-Mist, & Spirit Behavior

by Melba Goodwyn

From communicating with spirits to witnessing orbs burst from an inter-dimensional portal, Melba Goodwyn has seen it all as a psychic spirit investigator. In this fascinating examination of paranormal phenomena, she offers original insights into the nature of ghosts and haunting, true stories of her thrilling adventures, and practical ghost hunting tips. How are traditional ghosts different from poltergeists? How does a place or an object become haunted? What are orbs, ecto-mist, vortexes, and energy anomalies? Goodwyn defines different kinds of ghosts and entities, how they manifest, and why they are attracted to certain places. There is also advice for those who wish to go on their own ghost hunts. Discover how to create an environment conducive for attracting spirits, record their presence, and conduct a ghost interview.

Genres: Paranormal, Nonfiction, Ghosts

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book! Every Ghost Hunter/Paranormal Investigator should read this.

As a one-stop book for beginning the adventure of ghost hunting, Ghost Worlds offers practical ghost hunting tips, describes how to conduct a ghost interview, create an environment that attracts spirits, and how to capture evidence of ghost using traditional ways and new technology. Along with this, Melba Goodwyn, a seasoned ghost hunter and parapsychologist, offers original insights and true stories from over twenty years of work. She presents in-depth explanations of different kinds of ghosts, entities, and other paranormal phenomena. We are given a look at the best places to look for ghosts, the types of phenomena (traditional spirits, residual ghosts, shadows ghosts, ecto-mist, portals, vortexes, crisis apparitions, bi-location, demons, haunted objects, levitations, ghost lights, spirit guides, thought forms, and EVP), and gives a detailed look at a average ghost hunters kit. Finishing it all off, Melba tells what she calls “the ultimate ghost story.”

I found this book highly valuable and fascinating and plan on recommending it to all who have an interested in the spirit world and in ghost hunting.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read, but it's more of a guide for ghost hunters so not entirely relevant to those simply curious to understand more about this supernatural occurrence. The theories are interesting but would perhaps feel more honest if they were proposed as theories, rather than fact. The range of ghosts etc. covered is extensive and fascinating, but even as a believer of ghosts I found myself reacting quite skeptically to some parts. I suppose to me it felt like the author was perhaps too serious about the subject matter; too close to properly understand the readership. I believe in having the utmost respect for the dead, but to say that looking for ghosts should not be done for fun seemed just a little too full on for me. It does make me want to take my camera out to a cemetery at night or something though! Not particularly interesting for those looking for ghost stories but a practical companion for those looking to become serious ghost hunters.

[Amy Burdick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, I used it for research for a book I'm writing. The only downfall is that it's kind of the author's opinion in some areas of the supernatural. But still a good read. I'd recommend it.

[Denise Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book the author references the many photos her and her group took of paranormal phenomena but not one photo was printed in this book. Would have loved to see the photos of the things she was explaining in the book.

[Chy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was very boring.

[Georgette]

I've never met a ghost and I don't really want to, but I am fascinated by the stories and the theory behind the supernatural phenomena. I ask people to tell me their ghost stories. My fellow ghost enthusiasts discuss things like why they stay and whether ghosts are bound to the land or to the people who see them.[return][return]Melba Goodwyn's "Ghost Worlds: A Guide to Poltergeists, Portals, Ecto-Mist, & Spirit Behavior" is a practical guide to ghost manifestation and haunting. The term "practical" has to be taken with a pinch of salt because most people think that believing in ghosts is not something that should be categorised under the term "practical". [return][return]Moving past that "Ghost Worlds" is a surprisingly easy and engaging read. I expected a book full of complex spiritual and scientific theories. Goodwyn approaches the subject from her background as a parapsychologist and paranormal investigator who is inclined towards the spiritual aspects.[return][return]The first chapter asks, "Do you believe in ghosts?"[return][return]Those who believe in ghosts also believe that they are created of two very distinct energy systems that combine to form one unit - physical, which is condensed energy; and spiritual, which is ethereal energy. Our ability to manifest as a ghost is based on our spiritual body's vibrational frequencies. What does this mean?[return][return]A chapter further in described our existence as such:[return][return]"Our physical bodies exists due to the electrical impulses that keep it energized - the essence of our soul. when we die, we stop breathing and everything that was energized by the electrical charges in our bodies ceases to function. End of story?"[return][return]The electrical impulses have to go somewhere, Goodwyn writes. Since energy cannot be destroyed, it is transformed into ghosts or spirits. This electromagnetic form is able to communicate with us, although it operates on a finer vibrational frequency than its previous form (aka human). This vibration theory is another point you're going to have to accept for the rest of the book to work. [return][return]I found that "Ghost Worlds" do cover a lot of ground. In a chapter is dedicated to haunted places (houses, taverns, cemeteries, hotels, theatres), she lists down reasons why those places are such popular haunts (heh).[return][return]There are various types of haunting, including what is called residual ghosts. These are not conscious entities, but a "recording" of an event where high amounts of emotional energy was released. The energy is trapped in the area or building, and appears during certain occasions and circumstances. These ghosts will not interact with the living any more than Angelina Jolie will notice you while you're watching her in Beowulf.[return][return]The chapter on haunted items, we learn about possible reasons why certain items may randomly attract your attention, and how other items can bring bad luck to its owner.[return][return]A few paragraphs were of particular interest to me because they were about books. The reason you get drawn to a particular book is because of your relationship with the "knowledge and wisdom" contained within. Books often reveal mysterious hidden messages for you alone, which will reveal itself in good time. [return][return]Almost everything Goodwyn described about acquiring books fitted me to a spooky T. Yes, I often find a book I wasn't looking for. Yes, I tend to leave new purchases on my shelf for months or years because picking it up and finding that it's the best book I've read in weeks. And yes, "Ghost Worlds" practically leaped out of the shelf (in a section that I don't normally browse it) and refused to let me leave without it. [return][return]Goodwyn's years of experience in the paranormal field means she has plenty of real life stories to support her explanations about things like poltergeists (which she insists are not ghosts), imaginary friends (did you have one as a kid?), shadow people and light orbs. [return][return]She reminds us many times throughout the book that she is clairvoyant and clairaudient, meaning she can see and hear ghosts, and that she also anticipated that some of us will be thinking, "This is hogwash" at various points of the book.[return][return]For budding ghost hunters out there, there are a couple of chapters dedicated to equipment, ground rules when exploring a haunted house, and how to conduct an interview with a ghost.[return][return]Overall, "Ghost Worlds" is a fascinating read for amateur ghost enthusiasts or those who are simply curious to read what an experienced parapsychologist has to say.[return][return]Meanwhile, a note to any ghosts out there would like to fling me more books I should read: please provide me with means of paying for it and I'll be happy to hear what you have to say.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this rather informative in my research on spirit activity. Offers tips, gives case studies/stories, information on equipment to use, and shares her 25+ years worth of experience. Good reference book.

[adA · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not a believer in ghosts. However, after reading a book about ghosts and learning how to know that there is always one lurking around somewhere, I can't help not turning around while washing my hands at one in the morning thinking that there is something

[David Brzezinski · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay, but not really great. A lot of the information is covered in other books that are better written than this. I was also hoping for more anecdotes from the author's experiences, but did not really get that either.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easily read and easy to understand, especially for people who are not experienced with Ghosts. Lots of helpful advice and information for newby ghosthunter want to be's. Worth reading and she's from Texas, so she has to be good.

[Polynyas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible. Easy to understand without an overbearing philosophical standpoint.

[Ieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good explains the principles - exactly what I've been looking for. Though, would love if there would be more examples from the investigations.

[Kldeighton]

Got a bit tired with all the exclamation marks