Ghosts discussion

Know some great ghost-hunting books? I do! :)
Ghost Hunting: True Stories of Unexplained Phenomena from The Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson
Seeking Spirits: The Lost Cases of The Atlantic Paranormal Society by Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson
The Everything Ghosthunting Book: Tips, tools, and techniques for exploring the supernatural world by Melissa Martin Ellis
Ghost by Katherine Ramsland

Memoirs of an exorcist

What about the tools used by investigators to use in writing? I know that investigators use recorders to capture sounds that we, for some reason, aren't able to hear. I know that temperature fluctuations have been associated with the presence of spirits. Spirits that appear on camera show as 'orbs' or unfocused blobs of light. All of this has me wondering if, in the process of writing, pull in a little science to attempt to create new ways to capture spirits.

I'm reminded of the concept of String Theory, where physicists have mathematically come up with the idea where 10 dimensions (not including time) are possible. Each dimension having its own 'vibration', like a piece of string stretched taut. With there already being a relationship between mass and energy (see Einstein) as being interchangeable, I'd think that exploring different dimensions could unlock things for paranormal explanations.

With all of the energy we have learned to create and measure, I'd think that we could find something other than the electromagnetic spectrum to come up with other ways to capture this data.

-D

p.s. I also wonder if we haven't explored all the reasons why other dimensions interact with us. Is it limited to past humans? Does contact among dimensions have to involve unresolved emotion/issues? Would there be physical events that allow it to occur? What if that contact were simply us getting glimpses into the other dimensions without their awareness?

Drew wrote: "What about the tools used by investigators to use in writing? I know that investigators use recorders to capture sounds that we, for some reason, aren't able to hear. I know that temperature fluctu..."

My husband and I were just discussing this dimension theory. He believes that our dimension must overlap others, hence the voices, knocks, and other paranormal happenings that leak through. And if we can hear them, then there is the probability that they can hear us, and we wouldn't even realize it. I can agree with the idea, as it is intriguing. My own personal experiences make the theory difficult to explain, but that doesn't mean that it's not a possibility. I would like to read more about it, if you have any books to suggest?

As for the tools of the trade for ghost investigators, I'm always interested in learning more. Video and digital cameras using different light spectrums such as ultraviolet are also supposedly helpful in detecting figures and shapes that are there, but that we are unable to see. As for orbs, I've never been impressed with them. Dust or bugs, in my opinion.

Referring to the writing aspect, do you mean to use writing as a device? Can you clarify that? I'm wondering if you mean automatic writing, which many spiritualists and mediums use as a method of contacting the dead. Basically, the medium is partially over-taken by the spirit being contacted and through this partial possession, the medium's hand is used by the spirit to write out messages on paper to communicate. In essence, the medium is used as a writing instrument by the spirit.(On a side note, being a writer, I often wonder if this is true as at times when I'm in the 'writing zone' I seem to lose all control of my fingers on the keyboard and the story simply writes itself. I often feel as if I've been possessed or taken over by something that pulls the story from me. Perhaps I'm not writing my own inventive fiction, but telling a biographic story from a spirit's past-life? Or my own past-life?? Okay, now I'm getting into another metaphysical topic!)

Tricia wrote: "Drew wrote: "What about the tools used by investigators to use in writing? I know that investigators use recorders to capture sounds that we, for some reason, aren't able to hear. I know that tempe..."

I would agree that all of these dimensions probably overlap somehow, but I'm not sure how it all works either. Luckily, writers get a lot more leeway when it comes to juggling theory for their content.

I also don't believe the orbs are anything more than dust, dirt, dander, etc. Which reminds me of the nonsense that those ghost hunting shows perpetuate, especially those shows that feature video cameras set to night vision (green tint). They aren't generally used to show any proof, but rather they show the person holding the camera having an emotional meltdown. That tells me that these shows just want to be a variation of reality television instead of an actual scientific study set out to find proof of supernatural beings. I do like the T.A.P.S. people, and to a lesser extent - Paranormal State people. They both attempt to explain away, more so with the T.A.P.S. people, instead of buying into any given set of circumstances (a.k.a. absorbing the hype). That tells me that they are attempting to be somewhat scientific, and therefore, more honest with their intent on finding something. I am not sure how I feel about other methods such as automatic writing...or showing signs of being possessed. I could see that revealing information that they wouldn't have or couldn't have known could be some level of proof. Although, even if it's accurate info - it does make you think of the source. Could it be human? Could it be some other entity? not necessarily a negative entity...maybe just a resident of another dimension who had their brush with their 'other side.'

The devices I was referring to was speculation on other ways to measure what's out there. First, I think that the devices should be digital vs. analog. as the data collected is more likely to be details. Sound and picture recordings are more likely to be clearer..and better analyzed. I also think that creating a wider area to sample, maybe inventing some kind of net on the ceiling that can release some sort of particles that can create a field that would be disrupted - allowing for a 3D mapping of the area to show both movement and the shape of what's out there potentially. I'm just speculating at this point of what those particles would be...Again, a writer would be able to bend their own science to create something that doesn't exist to make it all fit.

Speaking of writing, I would agree that there are times where your mind is in the right place and every word flows - sometimes to the point where you can't write fast enough.

-D