The world of Oz is expansive, filled with diverse stories, interpretations, and adaptations created by many writers, filmmakers, and visionaries over the decades. From L. Frank Baum’s original The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) to Gregory Maguire’s reimagined Wicked (1995) to the Broadway adaptation of Wicked (2003), each version adds new layers to the magical and mysterious universe.
This blog will focus primarily on the lore and elements from the classic The Wizard of Oz and Wicked to explore themes of cryptids, magic, and mysticism. Let’s delve into the creatures, magical forces, and otherworldly phenomena that shape these iconic narratives.
Please note: There are minor spoilers for Wicked in this post. If you haven’t seen part 1 of the movie, read the book, or seen the stage show, and want to avoid spoilers, consider returning after experiencing Wicked.
The Mysterious Creatures of Oz: Cryptids and Beasts
In the magical land of Oz, cryptid-like creatures roam free. Each contributes to the mysticism that defines the world. These creatures may not be the same as the cryptids we encounter in our world, like Bigfoot or Mokele-Mbembe, but they are just as enigmatic. Animals are able to talk and walk around with humans and it isn’t out of the ordinary.
One of the most striking examples is the Flying Monkeys. These strange creatures are loyal to the Wicked Witch of the West, which Wicked explains the origin of that relationship. They can fly, follow orders, and execute mischievous deeds. The Flying Monkeys resemble cryptid entities that defy our understanding of biology. They evoke creatures with supernatural abilities. These beings are like many cryptids—creatures that blur the line between animal and spirit, with origins in folklore or magic.
The Winged Monkeys could easily be placed alongside cryptids such as the Jersey Devil or the Mokele-Mbembe. These creatures have baffled witnesses for centuries. They defy rational explanation, appearing in folklore as hybrids of the natural and supernatural worlds. In Oz, the Monkeys’ origins are tied to a curse—another aspect of Oz’s world steeped in mysticism, magic, and cryptic history.
We cannot overlook the Fighting Trees. Dorothy and her companions encounter these enchanted trees. These trees are alive in a way that seems unnatural. They reflect cryptid-like attributes, much like mythical creatures that guard sacred spaces. They act as guardians of a hidden realm.
Wicked: Magic, Sorcery, and the Mystical Grimmerie
In Wicked, the story of Oz is reimagined through the lens of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her connection to the mysterious Grimmerie. This ancient spellbook is central to her rise as a powerful and feared figure in Oz. Filled with spells that manipulate time, control the elements, and even alter reality itself, the Grimmerie is a symbol of forbidden knowledge and immense power.
Elphaba’s ability to understand the Grimmerie sets her apart, establishing her as a uniquely gifted wielder of magic. The book’s enigmatic origins, rumored to tie it to Earth’s mystical traditions—such as the infamous Lesser Key of Solomon (not confirmed but a theory)—blur the lines between Oz and otherworldly realms. Like grimoires from real-world folklore, the Grimmerie represents both the allure and danger of unlocking forbidden knowledge.
Another key figure in Wicked is Madame Morrible, a sorceress who wields magic in terrifying ways. Specializing in weather manipulation, Morrible commands storms and alters natural forces, mirroring myths of witches who control the elements. Her mastery of these powers ties her to the natural and supernatural forces shaping Oz. Like Elphaba, Morrible’s relationship with the Grimmerie highlights its role as a tool of power, danger, and manipulation.
Together, the Grimmerie and the sorceresses of Wicked showcase the deep magical traditions of Oz. They embody the tension between the pursuit of power and the risks of wielding forces beyond comprehension, creating a world where magic and mysticism shape the destiny of its characters.
The Enigmatic Locations of Oz: A Land of Mysticism
The landscape of Oz holds mystical and cryptic elements. These elements would be at home in a story of magic and mystery. One famous feature is the Haunted Forest, where Dorothy and her companions face physical and emotional trials. Though not home to traditional ghosts, the forest exudes an aura of danger and mystery. It feels like a place governed by something supernatural. The trees, dark shadows, and shifting paths evoke a cryptid-like atmosphere. They suggest a place where strange creatures or magical forces are always lurking.
The Emerald City is another such location. It is a place of great power and hidden secrets. The Wizard and his towering spires create an air of illusion and mystery. The Emerald City functions like a hidden realm. It is a place only accessible to those who can navigate the magic surrounding it.
Then there is the Poppy Field, which lulls Dorothy and her companions into a deep sleep. The poppies’ power to enchant and disorient echoes many stories of mystical plants or creatures. These creatures induce altered states of consciousness, much like hallucinogenic plants or fungi. The poppies represent a force that manipulates reality, much like the cryptid encounters that challenge our understanding of the world.
When you take a closer look at The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, you’ll see both worlds are full of magic and cryptid-like phenomena. Creatures, spells, and powers exist in a realm where reality and myth intertwine. These elements are like cryptids. They exist in our world, half legend, half truth, and a full mystery. These stories speak to our fascination with the unknown. In Oz, magic and cryptids are part of the fabric of reality.
Oz is a perfect place to explore the boundaries of mysticism, magic, and cryptozoology. Whether you’re investigating the mysterious creatures of the Yellow Brick Road or the complex magic at play in Wicked, Oz is a world where the impossible is not just possible—it’s real.
As Wicked continues to soar in popularity, we’re reminded that Oz holds more than meets the eye. It’s a world teeming with cryptid-like creatures, magical forces, and strange, unexplained phenomena. These elements challenge our understanding of the paranormal and the mystical. So, the next time you venture down the Yellow Brick Road, remember: in Oz, the magic is real—and so are the creatures that lurk in the shadows.
While the house that was used for “The Exorcist” may not be haunted, the land was host to Prospect Cottage, the site of a fascinating ghost story involving one of the most famous female authors of the 19th century.
When “The Exorcist” was released in 1973, it took the world by storm. The story of a young girl named Regan becoming possessed by the demon Pazuzu and the battle for her soul, both captivated and terrified audiences. Thus, the filming locations in Georgetown in Washington, D.C., became landmarks in their own right. Since “The Exorcist: Believer” is coming out in October 2023, let’s take a look at the haunting that took place on the land where the Exorcist House sits now.
While the infamous Exorcist Steps and House aren’t known to be haunted, it doesn’t stop tourists from stopping to take a picture of the cinematic landmarks. If you go up the Steps, you can easily see the Exorcist House to your left. Please note that the Exorcist House is privately owned (I can’t stress this enough), so be sure to enjoy the house from a distance and don’t walk onto the property. The House was used for the exterior shots for the movie. People often recreate the iconic movie poster with Father Merrin standing in front of the House at night in an eerie fog. I’ve heard the owners are welcoming, but take that information with a grain of salt.
Source for Both Photos: Alex Matsuo (recreating the final scene from “The Exorcist” on the right)
But what many people don’t know is that the location of the house was once the location of Prospect Cottage, owned by Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte (E.D.E.N.) Southworth. What also isn’t well known is that Prospect Cottage was the site of several ghostly sightings before it was eventually torn down in the 1940s. All we have are a few newspaper articles from the early 1900s to tell us the story.
Who was E.D.E.N. Southworth?
Source: womenhistoryblog.com
E.D.E.N. Southworth was born as Emma Nevitte on December 26th, 1819 in Washington, D.C., in a house developed by George Washington. She wrote over 60 novels in her career, often featuring heroines who went against societal norms of the Victorian era. She was also a friend and contemporary of Harriet Beecher Stowe. E.D.E.N. was one of the most popular novelists of her time. She was also an avid supporter of women’s rights and social change.
At the deathbed request of her father, Emma was rechristened as Emma Dorothy Eliza Nevitte, (E.D.E.N.). After her father’s death in 1824, her mother remarried to a school teacher named Joshua L. Henshaw. E.D.E.N. and her step-father did not get along. She described herself as a dark wild-eyed elf, as well as being shy. After she completed her secondary education at the age of 15, E.D.E.N. became a schoolteacher at 16.
E.D.E.N. got married at 21 in 1840 to an inventor named Frederick H. Southworth from New York and the couple moved to Wisconsin. The couple was living on the frontier in a log cabin and E.D.E.N. despised life. She had two children with Frederick, a son and a daughter. In 1844, E.D.E.N. returned to DC without Frederick, who abandoned his family in search of gold in South America.
Now a single mother, E.D.E.N. started teaching at a measly $250 per year. To supplement her income, she started writing to support herself and her children. She submitted stories to magazines, and her writing was very well-received. The editor of the National Era contracted her first novel. She eventually became one of the highest paid authors of her day with an annual salary of $10,000. She was able to step back from teaching and write full time.
A New Home and Mysterious Voice
Source: Woman’s Record, 1855
Around 1853 to the 1860s (exact date is unknown), E.D.E.N. moved into Prospect Cottage at 36th Street and Prospect, where The Exorcist Steps and House sits today. It is unknown when Prospect Cottage was built. But we do know it was formerly owned by a former French minister. The house had a Carpenter Gothic design, which was popular at the time.
E.D.E.N. was an avid supporter of the Union. Since her house was located along the Potomac River, she could see the Confederate border from her house. She also had a front row seat to Lincoln’s second inauguration and worked at Seminary Hospital. E.D.E.N. also lets the hospital use her house to help as many as 27 soldiers to recover from their wounds at one point.
According to legend, after the second battle of Bull Run, all of the residents of Georgetown were terrified of the Confederates coming in. Knowing her home would be one of the first stops for the Confederacy, E.D.E.N. barricaded herself in her house. As she stood by the door, she said, “There’s only 3 of us here, what are we going to do if the Confederates come?” A voice in the darkness replied, “There are 4 of you here and you will be fine.” E.D.E.N., her children, and the house survived and they were indeed fine.
Towards the end of E.D.E.N.’s life, the Union Station (now the Car Barn) was built next door, and the Exorcist Steps were constructed while she was alive. E.D.E.N. passed away in 1899 in Prospect Cottage and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, just up the hill. Her son, Richard, inherited the house, and lived there until he passed away a year later. E.D.E.N.’s daughter, Charlotte, then inherited the house, but she wasn’t interested in keeping the house, so she sells it. The house gets bought and sold a few times.
Prospect Cottage then became an ice cream parlor. The ice cream parlor was in the sitting room and the drawing room became a cafe. They sold ice cream, lunches, live bait, cigars, and tobacco. There was even a classic Coca-Cola sign. It became a popular spot for people to sit and wait for the street cars that were passing through Georgetown. It was such a popular spot and pretty much a tourist trap because E.D.E.N.’s legacy was still well known. People would rip off the wood as souvenirs. They would also catch the bugs so they could tell people it was from E.D.E.N. Southworth’s house.
Here’s a snippet from an article in The Washington Post, dated 1905:
The text reads: “Now the sitting-room that Mrs. Southworth planned is an ice cream parlor, and the handsome, old drawing-room serves as a cafe. On the verandas visitors sit and chat as they wait for the [street]cars. Their talk is of Mrs. Southworth, and it is claimed that they cut great splinters out of the porch and side of the house, and even capture the bugs and grasshoppers in the yard for souvenirs. Furthermore, they pull up the weeds by the roots and carry them off, happy in their ill-gotten spoils.”
The house was eventually bought by the National League of American Pen Women in 1928. They hoped to turn it into a museum for E.D.E.N. before it was torn down in 1942. The house that sits there today, The Exorcist House, was built in 1950.
The Ghost of E.D.E.N.
Source: Georgetown Metropolitan
It seems that E.D.E.N. Southworth still visited Prospect Cottage after she passed away, showing that not even death could hold her back from her home.
There’s one particular story from the same 1905 Washington Post article, which was published about six years after she died, about an Italian grocer who set up his cart in front of Prospect Cottage one day. As he set up and got ready for the day, E.D.E.N. came out of the garden to chat with him. Since the grocer was a local, he knew that E.D.E.N. had passed several years ago. He didn’t even wait to see what she had to say. He ran and left his cart and all of his stuff in front of the house.
During the days as an ice cream parlor, E.D.E.N. would frequently appear to talk to people inside Prospect Cottage. People passing by Prospect Cottage claimed that E.D.E.N. would be seen walking around edges of the veranda, wringing her hands.
The author of that article also ran into a boy. The boy tells them that he had seen E.D.E.N. in the window at night, looking out onto the street below.
Final Thoughts
Source: DC Public Library
It seems that once Prospect Cottage was torn down, the ghostly sightings of E.D.E.N. Southworth disappeared completely. This begs the question; did E.D.E.N. decide to move on after her home was razed, or were witnesses experiencing a residual haunting? Since people reported that she was having conversations with them, I’m leaning towards E.D.E.N. was enjoying the company in her home.
The haunting of Prospect Cottage is a hidden gem of Georgetown History. Sadly, it has been eclipsed by “The Exorcist” and the demonic spookiness that surrounds it. This is certainly not a negative haunting. This story is a delightful tale to show that not all ghosts are scary or evil. Sometimes it’s a famous author stopping by her house to have a chat with the new inhabitants.
How lovely would it be to have a chat over ice cream with the ghost of one of the most prolific authors of the 19th century?
Publishing Note: This is a condensed version of an upcoming article that will be publishedin the September 2023 issue of Haunted Magazine for the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Stay tuned!
****Content Warning: This piece includes graphic details of war and includes images of the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg with corpses.****
On July 1-3, 1863, an isolated town in Pennsylvania found itself as the center point of one of the bloodiest skirmishes that is often described as the turning point of the Civil War.
One could argue that Gettysburg is one of the most paranormally charged locations in the United States, if not the world. In order to examine the hauntings of Gettysburg, one must examine multiple factors. The explanation, “Lots of people died”, is too one-dimensional in Gettysburg’s case.
Before the Bloodshed: A Little College Town
Prior to the Civil War, Gettysburg was a small college town that was founded in 1786 and named after a tavern owner named Samuel Gettys. In 1806, the area attracted many travelers and settlers thanks to the ten major roads that intersected in the town and “All roads lead to Gettysburg” would become a well-known saying.
Gettysburg’s legacy before 1863 was being the home to the Lutheran Theological Seminary, founded in 1820, as well as Gettysburg College, which was established in 1832. Today, it’s evident that Gettysburg’s legacy is overwhelmed with not only the battle, but also its ghosts.
Trauma in the Aftermath
There isn’t much discussion on just how traumatized and destroyed the town of Gettysburg was in the aftermath because so much focus is on the battle.
Sullivan, Timothy H, photographer. View of Gettysburg from Cemetery Hill. [Photographed 1863, july, printed between 1880 and 1889] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2014646001/>.
Crops, homes, businesses, and barns were destroyed. There wasn’t enough food to go around for everyone plus a short supply of clean water. There were thousands of soldiers that needed care and medical attention. Some of the wounded soldiers stayed as long as January 1864, which added more strain to the town and its economy.
Most of the local women took it upon themselves to care for as many wounded soldiers as they could in their homes in the meantime. Bloody limbs were left in piles or buried in the ground. The U.S. Sanitary Commission and the U.S. Christian Commission eventually came with much needed medical supplies and provisions.
Gardner, Alexander, photographer. Headquarters of the Sanitary Commission, Gettysburg, PA. [Photographed 1863, printed between 1880 and 1889] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2014646000/>.
The day after the battle, it rained hard. Any shallow graves that had been dug were washed away, leaving thousands of bodies exposed to the elements. That’s not counting the thousands of bodies (both dead and alive) that were left lying in the summer heat of July. Needless to say, it stunk.
The locals couldn’t get to all of the bodies right away. Wild hogs ate several of the corpses that were on the battlefield. The townspeople dabbed their handkerchiefs with peppermint oil to help manage the stench of rotting flesh of the dead. According to historians, the stench could be smelled for miles outside of town.
Treatment of the Dead
Gettysburg is considered one of the most devastating man-made disasters in history. As the devastation of Gettysburg spread through the media, photographers came for purposes of documenting the devastation. Photos were shot of the dead bodies as they were strewn about the field and around the town.
However, some of these photos were staged.
Photographer Alexander Gardner and his team of photography assistants headed off to Gettysburg in hopes of claiming his own legacy. Before Gettysburg, Matthew Brady commissioned Gardner to take photos of the Battle of Antietam’s aftermath. Gardner’s photos shocked the nation, but Brady got all the credit. Gardner left Brady and started his own gallery in order to build his own legacy.
O’Sullivan, Timothy H, and Alexander Gardner, photographer. Battle-field of Gettysburg–Dead Confederate sharpshooter at foot of Little Round Top i.e., Devil’s Den. [photographed July, printed later] Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/91732531/>.
Gardner would take one of the most famous photos of the aftermath of the battle. Known as “Dead Confederate soldier in Devil’s Den,” this heartbreaking photo is of a young man in a Confederate uniform laying behind a stone barricade. It haunted everyone who gazed upon the photo.
But it wasn’t until 1961 when the illustrator for Civil War Times magazine, Frederick Ray, discovered that the body was photographed twice in two different locations. It was realized that Gardner and his assistant, Timothy O’Sullivan, dragged the body around the battlefield and staged several photos.
In 1975, William Frassanito discovered that the Confederate sharpshooter in the photo wasn’t actually a sharpshooter and didn’t die at Devil’s Den. In his book, Gettysburg: A Journey in Time, Frassanito examined the soldier’s uniform and realized that his body was moved 72 yards from its original location. The soldier was eventually identified as Andrew Johnston Hoge. This made it easier to determine that his regiment was not involved in the fighting at Devil’s Den.
With such disrespect and exploitation happening to the bodies, we can consider that this could have an impact on paranormal activity, since the remains were used to tell a different narrative of the battle. Perhaps the spirits of these men are still active so that they can have a more accurate version of their story and restore a proper legacy.
Ghost Tourism Explodes
In January 1991, Mark Nesbitt published his book, Ghosts of Gettysburg. In the book, he refers to his experiences as a park ranger and having paranormal experiences while doing night time security checks in places like Devil’s Den. He also references several others who had experiences at the battlefield and around town. Nesbitt is now known as one of the experts in hauntings at Gettysburg today and runs his own ghost tours. Today, there’s an entire street dedicated to the different paranormal tours and investigations that go through the town night after night.
Some ambitious ghost hunters will even try to sneak onto the battlefield at night and try to sneak in an investigation, which is not allowed. More publicly accessible places like Sachs Bridge are frequented by dozens of visitors nightly, especially in the warmer months.
Sachs Bridge. Photo credit: Alex Matsuo
Some park rangers today with the National Park Service will tell you that the battlefield isn’t haunted. However, according to various historians, locals have come forward to share their own paranormal experiences to friends and neighbors as early as the 1870s.
The majority of the ghost tour groups in Gettysburg are exceptional and strive for accuracy. But, mistakes happen. Intentional deceit can also happen to make a story more dramatic…just like Gardner and his staging of corpses for a more dramatic picture.
Constant Retelling of the Story
Each monument and statue on the battlefield is a testament to those soldiers, many standing where they once stood. They stand as ghosts in the vast emptiness in the field, representing the memories and legacies of the hundreds of stories tied to the battle. Each ghost story is tied to a person who was once alive, even if we don’t know their name. Whether it’s just the essence of their energy or a fully conscious apparition of that person, they are being constantly reminded of the devastation that happened between July 1-3, 1863.
There are licensed battlefield guides, books, and auto tours that tell the story over and over again. Nearly one million visitors come to Gettysburg each year to experience the story of the battle. That means that the stories are told at least one million times every year. One can only imagine how intense this energy is on a daily basis and how much it permeates into the soil of the town.
The constant retelling of the story could very well be the reason that the energy from the battle, and the energy of those who were alive at the time, doesn’t have a moment to rest. As presenters tell the story, they have their own vibration level as they go through the journey. There are emotional reactions to facts of the war. Even the regular visitor who has heard the story dozens of times will still have a reaction.
Plus, there are over 1,300 monuments on the battlefield. Thus, over 1,300 places to pause and remember the events that happened and lives lost. This is an incredible amount of concentration in one place.
Knowing what we know today about how anomalies like thoughtforms and egregores are created, could it be possible that the spirits of Gettysburg could very well have been created by the one million people that visit each year?
Dressing Up for the Role
What is also a regular occurrence at Gettysburg is people dressing up in period clothing. It’s not uncommon to see people dressed in period clothing standing in line with you at McDonalds or at Walmart. It’s just the nature of the area. But not only are people dressing up, they’re roleplaying. Re-enactments also happen in various capacities.
The tour company Ghostly Images once hosted nights where an actress performs as Mary Wade at the Jennie Wade House. During the performance, Mary recounts the day she lost her daughter. It’s an emotional performance that takes place right in the kitchen where Jennie died.
The emotional journey that accompanies the performance could also be a trigger or even a conduit for paranormal activity in locations like the Jennie Wade House. It could be why many people who visit the location feel odd sensations and emotions standing at the spot where Jennie was kneading dough before the bullet pierced her heart.
Jennie Wade House. Photo credit: Alex Matsuo
Ghostly Images also heads up the similar dramatic offerings at the Orphanage. There, they have an actress dressed up as the cruel headmistress, Rosa J. Carmichael, to tell the story of the Orphanage.
But could it be possible that the presence of people in 19th century clothing could be fueling the energy and keeping the spirits of the period “awake” so to speak? They see someone relatable from their time period and may reach out and relate to them.
It’s been often said that the lack of closure fueled the Spiritualism movement to its peak. But it also could make a strong case for hauntings by these soldiers if one believes the lore of a spirit having unfinished business. The inability to say goodbye to loved ones or be laid to rest with family, let alone be found and identified…to have their name…could certainly have an impact on the hauntings at Gettysburg.
The Sensory Experience
Gettysburg is a sensory experience. When one visits the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, they offer a film, the Cyclorama, and the museum exhibit. The film, “A New Birth of Freedom”, is a 22-minute background of Gettysburg narrated by Morgan Freeman and a few other celebrity voices.
The Cyclorama is a 360-degree hand-painted canvas that’s four stories tall and depicts Pickett’s Charge. There’s music, dramatic narration, cannon fire, gunshots, and lighting effects that direct your attention to different parts of the painting from the perspective of standing on the Union line of Cemetery Ridge. As the artillery rages on, you hear the line spoken by a Confederate soldier, “Slowly but steadily we marched forward. Every step some poor fellow would fall and as his pitiful cry would come to my ear, I almost imagined it the wail of some loved one he left at home.” This aids visitors in creating an emotional connection to the battle.
Finally, the museum’s extensive exhibit, which include artifacts, flags, campsites, artillery, and so much more.
Between the emotional and sensory experience, there is an exchange of energy occurring. The artifacts could potentially have their own energy. Add in the energy coming from the living who are looking at these items plus the emotional energy, one could argue that there’s an elevated charge to these items outside of conventional “haunted” objects. This could possibly make an impact on the energy of Gettysburg, but also, quite possibly, awaken potential past life memories as the vibrations of the artillery roars through the room.
A Case for Thought Forms & Biases
If one believes that energy can be absorbed into the stones and into the ground, then Gettysburg is filled with energy that comes from not just those three days in battle, but also the years of trauma and recovery. This energy could certainly play a role in the paranormal activity experienced by visitors including residual hauntings, emotional reactions, flashbacks, and more.
One could make the cast that most of the hauntings at Gettysburg could be created by the living. Between hearing and living the stories daily, could this be enough concentration and energy transference that we’re creating a self-fulfilling prophecy?
Or could the paranormal investigators visiting the area are so eager (and maybe desperate) to have an experience that they manifest activity? Then they share their experience with others, not realizing it was of their own creation. Possibly, then the people they shared their experience with try to recreate the experience of their own and provide their concentration and energy, thus fueling a man-made paranormal experience.
There’s also the possibility that paranormal investigators may come in with a bias. That bias could be that any strange sound, noise, or sighting is paranormal. It could also be that any activity that takes place must be coming from the events of 1863 because of the location.
Conclusion
With the constant storytelling, people dressed in period clothing, and investigators looking for spirits to talk to, I truly think that most of the activity relating to the battle is residual. Meaning, it’s like a broken record player replaying a moment repeatedly.
There is a strong possibility there are conscious spirits from the battle still residing in the area. The hauntings of Gettysburg are some of the most staggering cases of paranormal activity. There are multiple layers to the paranormal activity, which means that researchers and investigators must consider their approach on a case-by-case basis.
It’s hard to determine what causes the activity at Gettysburg. But one thing we could agree on is that all of the factors noted do not allow the energy to rest. They’re constantly being woken up and kept awake, much like a baby waking up their parents.
Bodies disappear, but these spirits remain. It was a tremendous loss that we still feel the vibrations of today. For decades after the battle, it was said that the land itself cried out in anguish.
If you listen carefully, you may still hear it cry today.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
In September 2021, I made some waves on social media with the following statement:
Hate to break it to y'all, but most ghost stories, lore, and legends are whitewashed, straightwashed, and Christianwashed.
After I published a TikTok video about trauma and the paranormal, one of my followers suggested that I read Ghostland by Colin Dickey. I have to say, this is probably one of the most important books for any paranormal researcher and investigator to read.
I’ll do a full book review on my team’s website, Association of Paranormal Study once I complete it. I wish I hadn’t sat on this book for so long. It came out in 2016, and yet, I never heard of it until a beloved follower suggested it to me.
Anatomy of a Ghost Story
Ghost stories have always been a point of interest for us as humans, even more so if they’re based on truth. There’s something about the creepiness of the unknown that not only gives us a thrill, but offers some sort of security blanket that it will never happen to us…or could it? This feeling is very similar to being a true crime fan. Like…it couldn’t happen, but it could. I think that’s the heart of the paranormal community. These events seem so unreal, but there’s an element of truth to them.
The anatomy of ghost stories, local legends, and lore, has always fascinated me. Ghost stories can tell so much about our history and legacy as a society. The fact that marginalized groups are so often left out of this narrative is very telling. These groups are often treated as the other when they are included in narratives. This is especially true for TV shows. The trope of “ancient Indian burial grounds” comes to mind. Dickey also goes into this in Ghostland as well as in an interview for the podcast, The Q Files. It’s worth a listen. Another is, “They were practicing witchcraft.” And finally, “These two men who lived together for decades were best friends and roommates.” Okay, sure.
The first two points are often used to explain an angry or aggressive haunting. Instead of pointing the responsibility in how these marginalized groups were treated by society, blame is placed on the aggressor. I’ve often noticed that these groups are often lumped into the “evil” haunting or even a demonic haunting.
Ghost Story as Escapism
According to the BBC article, The secret meaning of ghost stories, “Women were contributing around 70% of ghost stories to magazines in the 19th Century.” Ghost stories were a way for women to break against society as well as challenge conventional gender norms of the time. Why mention this? I think it could give us a clue on how ghost stories have evolved over time. But how consciously aware of it are we?
Our bias can also provide us a way of escape, even if we’re not consciously aware of it. As we continue this journey, keep bias in mind. Consider how it has shaped paranormal experiences and ghost stories of real places.
Paul Patterson, Ph.D noted that the earliest ghost stories date back to Ancient Rome. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve heard me talk about the story of Athenodorus. I’ve mentioned the story a few times in my books as well. Patterson mentions that in these early years, the ghosts were just…there. They aren’t harming anyone and really, they’re only tied to unfinished business, like a botched burial. Then, Patterson continues to say that as history entered into the late 18th century, ghost stories became quite dark and aggressive, heralding the genre of gothic fiction.
The Made Up Ghost Story
It’s hard to face the fact that most ghost stories are made up. Throughout history, humans have been conditioned to try to fill in the blanks when it comes to things we don’t understand. As we continue to gain more understanding in various fields of sciences, those mysterious ghost stories we grew up with are now becoming more explainable. Those footsteps you hear from behind you? Floorboards readjusting. The Salem Witch Trials? No witches involved, except for Tituba, who studied root work. Just a corrupt Puritan community hungry for land and power and potential ergot poisoning as the catalyst.
It is from the lack of understanding is where we see who is (or was) the dominant social group of the time. In Ghostland, Colin Dickey recounts the neighborhood of Shockcoe Bottom in Richmond, Virginia. The particular neighborhood has lots of bars and restaurants, filled with ghosts that are predominantly white. However, just down the block, slaves were bought at sold as well as imprisoned. With so much trauma that occurred in one area, why are the ghosts reported as predominantly white?
Dickey made a brilliant point about the neighborhood’s white tourism and the burying of such a horrific chapter of its history. He says “For those who would rather not revisit those days, the city’s ghost lore makes it easy, turning our attention to murdered gunsmiths and fabled prostitutes” (Dickey 117).
Historical Context
In 2014, I wrote a book called, The Haunted Actor: An Exploration of Supernatural Belief Through Theatre. The book was primarily based on my research into paranormal belief as shown through plays and musicals throughout history. From my analysis, I was able to get context on the belief of spirits for a play’s respective time period. For example, exploring the idea of a ghost’s identity was analyzed with Hamlet. The perspective of witchcraft and sorcery during the Elizabethan era can be found in plays like Macbeth, The Tempest, Doctor Faustus, etc.
Through historical texts like plays, sonnets, poems, etc. we truly get a glimpse into paranormal beliefs of that era. However, we’re seeing it through the eyes of the dominant group of that time period. Silence was meted out to those that didn’t have fame or couldn’t read or write.
In my blog, A Different Kind of Therapy: Processing Trauma with Ghost Hunting, I talk about how modern day paranormal investigators and researchers use the paranormal as a way to process trauma. That could be personal trauma, or facing the trauma that is history, especially in the United States.
An Ignored Group
Another point that Dickey makes is the fact that dominant ethnic group often controls the narrative, even when they don’t mean to. A slave, for instance, was not allowed to read or write. This meant that they weren’t able to record their stories; whether that be personal experiences, family history, cultural ghost stories, etc. By the time former slaves were dying off in the 1930’s, the federal government put forth the WPA project recording slave narratives. Thanks to oral tradition, they were able to save many of these stories, but not all of them. There are millions of stories that we will never learn about because the people who knew them are no longer with us.
Also, the dominant group has better control over the narrative of marginalized people. This is especially true in places like Myrtles Plantation and Monticello. Dickey, for instance, tells about sightings of Jefferson’s ghost and how he is regarded as benevolent. Given the dynamic of Jefferson’s problematic personal life (specifically Sally Hemmings) and the fact he enslaved over 600 people in his life, how is it that there isn’t much discussion when it comes to hauntings by slaves?
Another potent example is the La Llorona, also known as the weeping woman. It is often mentioned to me by friends and followers of Latin American descent how the legend is whitewashed, especially in Hollywood. Now, it seems the white woman in Victorian dress dominates the narrative instead of its originator.
The Role of Bias
I realize hardcore believers in the paranormal may say it’s because they moved on. But how do we actually know this? While I’m a skeptical believer in ghosts and paranormal, I also know that we can’t actually prove any of this. Also, we don’t ever really know who or what we’re talking to. So, how can one confidently say that they’re communicating with the spirit of Thomas Jefferson? Why does one assume that if they see a shadow in the wine cellar, it’s that of a murdered white gunsmith? These questions especially puzzle me when the experiences don’t line up with the history.
The impact of the area’s turbulent past on residual hauntings may clarify things a bit if we take that into account. But then again, that also exposes the glaring inaccuracies of record keeping and reports of paranormal experiences. I know that many of these ghost stories were made up for entertainment purposes, and to make a location seem more exciting.
Bias in True Encounters
Several of the stories are also true, so it’s important to recognize that. I find it fascinating to see how they are interpreted by people of different genders, races, religions, and sexual identities. Depending on who you talk to, reactions and interpretations are vastly different.
Since this is the case, will we ever be able to truly identify spirits? Are ghost stories simply a way to process trauma and make difficult topics easier to digest?
I’ll be honest, I truly noticed the role of bias coming through when I work with mediums. If I know them well, it’s even easier for me to spot it. Is this a bad thing? I’m not sure. What I do know is that psychic mediums, empaths, and intuitives can change the dynamic of an investigation from positive to “demons are coming” in a matter of minutes. Being aware of not only our own bias, but the bias of others can help maintain some accountability.
Moving Forward as Paranormal Investigators
I believe, as paranormal investigators and researchers become more aware of their bias, it will help maintain an open mind. Honestly, we will never find tangible proof for spirits. At this stage of my life, I’ve accepted that the paranormal is a personal journey for everyone, much like religion. That personal journey is based on our bias. These biases come from our upbringing, trauma, family dynamic, the list goes on.
I’ve noticed that the more effective and knowledgeable paranormal investigators, psychic mediums, witches, etc. are ones who are self-aware of these biases. Instead of jumping to conclusions, they look at all possibilities and don’t immediately assume that they know the spirit they are talking to. In full transparency, this is something I’m working on for myself.
This may be the weirdest thing to say as a paranormal investigator. But, not all places need to be investigated. Some places are sacred and should just stay that way.
During my interview with Vanessa Hogle for The Spooky Stuff podcast, talking about her newest book Ghosts Abroad Ireland, she made several excellent points. A few of those points inspired this week’s blog. Vanessa and I were talking about traveling around the world and getting outside of our own box. We also discussed when it’s time to investigate, and when to step aside.
Know When to Investigate, Know When to Remember
I know this idea could be applied to every haunted location. It seems the older a place is, the more “okay” it is to investigate. Even in the United States, we have locations that paranormal investigators avoid. For example, the Freedom Tower in New York City and the location of the Twin Towers. Same deal for the location of the Oklahoma City Bombing. The list goes on. Given that these events happened in the past 30 years, it’s still fresh in the hearts and minds of most of us.
And yet, it seems time may eventually make investigating these locations okay. Or, if the event wasn’t something that affected us personally or something we didn’t experience, then it’s fair game.
Think about it, in most traditional paranormal investigations, we say something to the effect of, “Prove to us that you’re here by knocking on the wall.” This isn’t the place for that. We know these children existed. We know they lost their lives. It’s disrespectful of us to even challenge their existence. Some places should just be acknowledged and remembered for what they were. If it doesn’t feel right investigating a location, then it probably isn’t right and should be avoided. Also, consider how someone closely connected to that event may feel if you investigated that location.
Expanding Our Horizons
I think we all know by now that there are no two hauntings that are identical. So why do we approach paranormal investigations the same way no matter where we go? It seems that we tend to look at historical locations and think the same thing; they’re must be ghosts. Not only that, but it seems we put these ghosts in a box and we expect them to act and respond in a certain way.
Do these spirits respond as expected? Sure. But we can take it even further. We can expand our horizons and focus more on the individuality of each spirit. Take into account where the spirit is from culturally, and hone in on their context.
Regionally Different Hauntings
Vanessa mentioned that hauntings are different around the world. No two countries will have the exact same type of circumstances. Of course, every country has had its share of war, famine, trauma, etc. But each country’s context is going to be different. Paranormal activity is regional. The way spirits act in Ireland will be completely different than how a spirit acts in England.
This makes sense because, well, let’s just look at the living. We all act differently around the world and that’s heavily influenced by our culture. A person from Ireland will act completely different from someone who is from France. Of course, we all have awareness of these differences in the living and we’ll make adjustments from there. It’s the same for spirits.
Spirits will act differently not only based on where they’re from but also based on their time period. This is why I appreciate and highly recommend John Sabol’s Ghost Excavation method. He takes this concept and goes even further with it by completely diving into the context of spirit.
Understanding Their Circumstances
I truly believe (and recommend) that every paranormal investigator takes a class on cross-cultural anthropology. Not only will this help us better understand the people around us, but it will help with historical context. We don’t want to look at other people’s cultures only through our own eyes. Instead, we want to see their culture through their eyes. There’s a major difference between being a spectator and being a participant.
Finally, empathy comes into play here. I don’t think a paranormal investigator is truly a successful paranormal investigator unless they are empathetic. Having the ability to share and understand the feelings of someone else is an invaluable skill to have. You can still be balanced as an investigator, even if you’re more scientifically minded. Empathy could be the key to truly unlocking the mysteries of the supernatural.
Ghost hunting, paranormal investigating…call it what you will . The world of looking for the unknown and trying to communicate with spirits is a centuries-old practice. It’s going stronger than ever, and it only keeps getting better! Of course, this is a life that may seem weird to outsiders, if not a little scary. But there’s a reason why people stay in it.
Let’s look at ten reasons why it rocks to be a ghost hunter.
Talk to Ghosts
This is the number one reason why many people love ghost hunting. It gives you the opportunity to talk to people who have passed from this life and remain in spirit form. How often do you have the chance to sit and chat with someone who lived through the American Revolution or the Civil War? Sure, there’s historical documentation like letters. But ghost hunting takes that one step further with the chance to talk to the person who wrote the letter.
Visit Historical Places
For the conventional tourist at a historical site, you can usually tour the location for a short time. Then you’re off to the gift shop. But, there are multiple historic places all over the world that are open to paranormal investigations. This means that you will get to spend much more time in a historic location than a daytime tourist. For example, you might get to spend 8-12 hours at the home of a patriot for a ghost hunt. Plus, you may even get a special tour of the place and get a unique perspective that others wouldn’t get.
Meet Cool People
There’s no doubt that the paranormal and ghost hunting community has some of the coolest and most unique people around. I’m always amused at the reactions when I tell people I’m friends with witches, psychic mediums, and Pentecostal Christians. We all hang out together! This community is very diverse when it comes to interests and backgrounds. Plus, you never know who you’ll meet. For example, I have a ghost hunting friend who is a corporate CEO at a major tech company that investigates on the weekends! We often banter about ghost theories and the latest happenings in the tech world, all in the same conversation.
Traveling is a Way of Life
If you’ve ever needed a good reason to travel, ghost hunting might be the ultimate excuse! There are haunted spots all over the world. Plus, there are even companies dedicated to creating paranormal-themed adventures just for you. I can’t tell you how many ghost hunters travel for hours for one location and then make it back home in time for work on Monday. Traveling is such a special experience, and ghost hunters get to visit as many places they can if they have the means to make it happen!
Cool Gadgets
Even though these gadgets aren’t confirmed to prove the existence of ghosts, they’re a lot of fun to use! The technology of ghost hunting is always changing and evolving, and the gadgets just get cooler. What’s even better is that the manufacturer is usually accessible to chat. It would be like getting the chance to talk to Steve Jobs about the computer. The world of ghost hunting equipment is always fascinating and exciting, and I’m excited to see what comes of it in the future.
Unique Opportunities
Ghost hunting definitely comes with its own opportunities. People have gotten a chance to do extraordinary things like appear on television, receive unique teaching opportunities, travel, write books, the list goes on. Others have had the opportunities to appear on podcasts, and even consult on paranormal-themed movies. There is definitely value in having expertise in the paranormal and the world of ghost hunting, especially if you know where to look.
Learn New Skills
Ghost hunting is much more than wandering around a building looking for ghosts. There are logistics that a seasoned ghost hunter needs to be familiar with like scheduling, networking, and even social media. And let’s not forget there’s also historical research, knowing how the equipment works and knowing how cameras work when it comes to photography and video. Some of the best ghost hunters and paranormal investigators out there are knowledgeable in how to research, photography, and videography. Paranormal research is the perfect place for working on your interest in genealogy and historical research.
Cultivating Gifts
Many people realize that they have some sort of spiritual gift while ghost hunting and they want to know more. Others dive into the world of paranormal investigating and ghost hunting because they have a gift and want to cultivate it. The beauty of spiritual gifts is that it doesn’t just mean psychic mediumship. There’s a whole world of gifts that even include being good at interviewing people or writing.
Helping the Community
The world of the paranormal has also given back to the community in a multitude of ways. Groups have fundraised for local charities, like the Gettysburg Battlefield Bash for the Wounded Warrior Project. Others, like the Association of Paranormal Study, host ghost hunting events for a price. Then, they give 100% of the proceeds back to historic locations. I’ve seen ghost hunting teams create toy drives at local haunted places. There are some that even participate as a group for 5Ks and walks for causes like March of Dimes, the American Diabetes Association, etc. Ghost hunting definitely has a unique twist on the traditional charity benefit!
Spiritual Awakening
Being a ghost hunter opens you up to a whole new world of diverse cultures and ways of life. You experience things that you can’t explain. Your mind becomes a little more open. The lessons you learn in your spiritual awakening end up in your everyday life. This ends up fulfilling your life all around. You become a well-rounded person both in life skills and spiritually, and you’re able to use these gifts to make the world a better place.
Why do you love being a ghost hunter or paranormal investigator? Tell me all about it in the comments!
