Are Paranormal Investigators Creating Their Own Ghosts?

February 17, 2021February 23, 2021 Alex Matsuo

For decades, paranormal investigators and ghost hunters have been exploring the unknown. Storytelling and research are part of the process. We learn about the legends and lore behind haunted locations and other ghost stories. These elements go hand-in-hand like peanut butter and jelly. Or, chicken nuggets and barbecue sauce. And, now I’m hungry.

Our minds are powerful tools. Is it possible to simply manifest your own thoughts with a self-fulfilling prophecy, or completely create your own entity? For the sake of sanity and keeping track of my own thoughts, let’s move forward with the idea that spirits exist in some form.

Stories, Legends, & Lore

We need the stories and the historical context to better understand what’s going on behind the reports of alleged hauntings. Is it be possible that as more people learn the stories, all of that energy collects and creates a haunting? This could very well explain activity from the ghost of a person who never existed. Let’s consider popular locations that host investigators almost every night of the year. Each night, we tell the same stories. Perhaps that expectation is what is actually haunting us instead of a spirit?

Take Gettysburg as an example. People visit the battlefield, and history is on repeat. From reenactments to films to paintings to ghost walks to museums to even just sitting in a restaurant, Gettysburg’s story is on repeat. That energy has not had a chance to just rest in over two hundred years. Could it be possible that the apparitions that we see are merely from our own minds?

Manifestation & Intention

The manifestation of thoughts and intentions is becoming widely popular these days. On social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok especially, there are creators providing exercises and meditations for the manifestation of intentions. While paranormal investigators aren’t necessarily going through this intense process, many do set their intentions ahead of time of what entities they want to engage with. They may picture specific people in their heads or just a general idea of who they want to interact with.

Thoughtforms and Tulpas

Several years ago, I want to say 2011, I was made aware of the theories of thoughtforms and tulpas. I actually covered this subject quite extensively in my book, The Haunted Actor, where I theorized that hauntings come from people, especially emotionally powerful people like actors. To put it simply, all tulpas are thoughtforms, but not all thoughtforms are tulpas. Clear as mud, right?

This is where I derail the idea that hauntings are tulpas. Tulpa is Tibetan word for a being that was created by mental discipline. It takes intense thought and concentration to manifest an entity. There is a specific intention behind a tulpa, and its creation is not an accident. I’ve also read that tulpas are created through dismantling one’s own psyche. Meaning one creates a tulpa together by piecing together parts of yourself to create this being. Essentially, a tulpa is your own creation from parts of yourself.

Thoughtforms seem to happen with a similar intention but seem to be more accidental. Also, there doesn’t seem to be parts of yourself being used for creation. For example, a bunch of people investigating the ghost of little Sally at the haunted asylum may be unintentionally creating Sally herself. Sally could very well be a real person, but her spirit isn’t what is haunting the asylum since she crossed over decades earlier.

Fun fact: I’ve also read that elementals are thought-forms. But that is a discussion for another time.

The Phillip Experiment

The Philip experiment was conducted in 1972 in Toronto, Canada by Dr. A.R. George Owen and the Toronto Society for Psychical Research (TSPR). The experiment was to determine whether subjects could communicate with fictionalized ghosts through human will. According to Dr. Owen, he believed that “Ghosts have an objective reality, but they are created out of the minds that see them.” Dr. Owen, who is a mathematical geneticist, lead the experiment while it was overseen by a psychologist named Dr. Joel Whitton.

The idea of the experiment would be that participants would make up a fictionalized ghost, and then try to make contact during seances. In case you’re wondering, yes, the 2014 film, The Quiet Ones, is loosely based on the Philip experiment.

The Participants

The participants of the experiment included eight participants, one of them being Dr. Owen’s wife Iris Owen. Other participants included:

Margaret Sparrow, former chairperson of MENSA
Andy H., industrial designer
Lorne, Andy’s wife
Al Peacocok heating engineer
Bernice M, accountant
Dorothy O’Donnel, bookkeeper
Sidney K., sociology student

All of the people who participated were members of TSPR.

Creating Philip

First, the group had to agree on a backstory for their ghost. They decided that the ghost’s name would be Philip Aylesford, and he would live in the 1600s during the time of Oliver Cromwell. He was an aristocrat, married to a cold woman named Dorothea, with whom he had a daughter. One day, Philip rode by a gypsy encampment and fell in love with a woman named Margo. He brought her back to secretly live in his gatehouse, and they had an affair. Eventually, Dorothea found out and accused Margo of witchcraft.

Afraid of losing his status and possessions, Philip did nothing. Tragically, Margo was sentenced to death and burned at the stake. Burdened by guilt and remorse, Philip committed suicide at the age of thirty.

Contacting Philip

The group started meeting weekly starting in September 1972. They would have informal gatherings where they discussed Philip, meditate on him, and visualize him. This went on for about a year with no results. However, it should be noted that the room was fully lit. Sometimes, the participants said they felt a presence in the room, but there was nothing extraordinary that would make them think it was Philip.

Then, the group decided to change the dynamics of their atmosphere and recreate a traditional seance environment. Dr. Owen dimmed the lights. They sang songs and pictured where Philip would have lived and what he looked like. Also, they managed to get antiques from the time period.

This seemed to have worked. Philip made himself known through a distant rap on the table. In traditional seance fashion, the group had Philip rap once for yes and twice for no. Eventually Philip was able to dim the lights on his own, create a cold breeze, and other incredible psychokinetic phenomenon. The group even did a demonstration in front of 50 people, and Philip delivered. However, the group was never able to make Philip materialize.

Continuing the Experiment

TSPR was so impressed with their results with the Philip Experiment, they attempted the experiment a few more times with different spirits. They managed to create and contact a French Canadian spy named Lilith. Instead of taking over a year to make contact, Lilith made herself known in just five weeks. The group also created a man from the future named Axel as well as a medieval alchemist named Sebastian.

In Australia, a group conducted what became known as the Skippy Experiment. With six participants, the group created the ghost of a 14-year old girl named Skippy Carmichael. According to the group, Skippy communicated mainly using raps and scratching sounds.

Final Thoughts

Even after all this, I’m not 100% certain what we’re communicating with in these haunted locations. Are we truly talking to a sentient beings created from our own minds, or are we talking to the souls of those once lived? Thanks to the Internet, these stories are more readily available than ever. This means that we will continue to read, meditate, and regurgitate these stories until we join the other side.

Even if we set up our intentions, could it be possible that we’re creating our own ghosts? Given that I can’t manipulate a K2 meter or a REM-Pod with my own mind, I have a hard time believing this. This is why I find equipment so faulty. If it is our consciousness that is manipulating the equipment, how come we can’t do it right now when we’re alive? What changes once we leave our physical body?

Sources

https://www.liveabout.com/how-to-create-a-ghost-2594058

https://livinglibraryblog.com/the-philip-experiment/

“Philip”. The Mystica. Retrieved 2015-01-16

John Robert Colombo (1995). Ghost Stories of Ontario. Dundurn. pp. 123

http://www.frontrowreviews.co.uk/news/the-story-behind-the-quiet-ones-the-real-life-philip-experiment/29720

18 Qualities Successful Paranormal Investigators All Share

February 12, 2021February 12, 2021 Alex Matsuo

Paranormal investigators all over the world are constantly striving to be better, be the best, and try to be “successful.” I have to say that success will look different to every paranormal investigator. For example, some investigators just want to have an experience. That’s alright. Some investigators want to find proof of the afterlife. Next, you have investigators who want to make sense of the paranormal through some sort of research like history or science. Then, there are others who want to be influential to others and make a name for themselves. Finally, you have investigators who also want to be content creators. I’m sure I’m missing many other categories. These were the ones that popped up in my head.

For this blog, I observed some of my heroes in the field (go here for the list) and I took notes. I looked at how they reacted to criticism, adversity, and what they’re doing in the field throughout the year. Also, I polled my Facebook group and received input from my members. I was pleasantly surprised at the overlap of the qualities they mentioned and the qualities you see on this list.

Now, are there only 18 qualities? Of course not! Be sure to let me know what qualities you think make a successful paranormal investigator in the comments!

1. Possess passion

All successful investigators I know are passionate about this field. Passion is what drives them to keep going, and it also makes them happy. It seems that passion is the fuel that never runs out. You wouldn’t be involved in the paranormal in some capacity if it didn’t interest you and give you some drive. Otherwise, being in the paranormal is a miserable experience. Putting yourself through that isn’t successful. On that note, I need to follow my own advice.

2. Strive to uplift others

Uplifting others means that you will lift others up, even if it means you’re not getting recognition yourself. I’ve seen people in this community go out of their way to uplift someone, and that is awesome to see. When someone is not doing great, there are people to stand out because of their ability to give that person a boost when they need it most.

3. Share the spotlight

Whenever there is some sort of paranormal awards, or lists recognizing investigators, I pay attention to see the reactions. Some of the most successful paranormal investigators I know praised and uplifted the folks who got recognized. Being successful is knowing that the spotlight won’t shine on you all the time and you step aside with grace and let others shine.

4. Avoid gatekeeping

There are a lot of gatekeepers in the paranormal community. I’ve had my own skills as a paranormal investigator and researcher questioned because I don’t have psychic mediumship abilities. It’s insane. Or, I’ve seen people say things like, “You can’t consider yourself part of the paranormal because you’re not out investigating.” Finally, I’ve also seen, “If you’re not trying to find proof of the afterlife, you’re not an investigator.” Successful paranormal investigators don’t gatekeep in the field, nor have they come up with a checklist of things you have to do to consider yourself part of the community. Everyone is welcome in their eyes!

5. Willing to try new things

Something I’ve noticed some of the most successful paranormal investigators do is that they are willing to try new things. This is especially true before they give feedback or their opinion about something. I appreciate that they are willing to step into the shoes of others and give themselves a more objective perspective instead of being an armchair critic. Another thing to note is that trying new things doesn’t mean you have to keep using the tech or doing a certain method. Trying new things is a great way to expand the mind!

6. Adapting as the field changes

The paranormal field is constantly changing. There’s always new tech, new investigative methods, and new social media platforms to explore. Instead of digging their heels in and refusing to adapt, successful paranormal investigators adapt and move to the ebb and flow. Do old-school methods still have value? Of course! But there are also changes happening on a regular basis, and moving with the waves will make you grow as an investigator.

7. Willingness to learn

No matter how successful or how famous they are, these paranormal investigators are always learning. They are taking classes, reading books, listening to radio shows, and attending lectures. Successful paranormal investigators acknowledge that while no one is an expert on ghosts, there are experts in other areas like photography, videography, psychology, sound, etc. There is always something new to learn in this field when it comes to the “non-ghosty” stuff.

8. Use critical thinking

Successful paranormal investigators are constantly using their critical thinking skills. Rarely do they see evidence online and accept it as legitimate. They will ask questions and get as much information as they can. Critical thinking skills are a bit rare in this field at times. So when someone is thinking critically, they stand out. Sadly, they may get perceived as negative and closed-minded by others.

9. Set healthy boundaries

I’ll get on my soapbox with the awareness that I myself need to adhere to this quality. Setting healthy boundaries ensures your survival mentally and physically. A successful paranormal investigator is aware that in order to do well in the field, they have to take care of themselves. Sometimes, that means not accomodating every request that comes their way or investigating every weekend out of the year. Setting boundaries means different things to different people. Figure out what boundaries you need to set and you’re on your way to helping yourself get to success!

10. Recognize differences

This one is huge. In the paranormal community, there’s a popular mindset that basically says, “We’re all the same”, or “We’re all at the same level.” As I’ve said before, this is absolutely not true. We are all different in the paranormal with different life stories, skills, education, and background. It is only when we embrace these differences that we truly grow. Part of that is acknowledging that someone may have more skills than us, or they have more education in an area than us. The most successful paranormal investigators I’ve met recognize and honor these differences, and it’s beautiful to see.

11. Utilize healthy skepticism

This rounds up several points into one. Everyone needs a healthy dose of skepticism in order to be successful in this field. If you’re not questioning everything, thinking critically, and skeptical of paranormal events around you, you’re missing out on an opportunity to grow. Skepticism is needed in this field because, otherwise, everyone would be believing that every speck of dust and water droplet was their spirit guide or grandmother coming to say hi. We would be making no progress in this field.

12. Demonstrate humbleness

Being humble in this field can be tricky. You want to be confident in what you do, but you also don’t want to come across as arrogant and self-absorbed. It’s even harder to achieve this on social media when text doesn’t always translate the way that we want it to. Yet, the successful paranormal investigators I watch are so humble, and yet, they bring a room to silence when they walk in. They still have their authority and they are still confident, but they manage to balance themselves out with humbleness. That’s incredible!

13. Admit when they’re wrong

Admitting when you’re wrong is hard. I struggle with this. But, it’s necessary for a multitude of reasons. Sometimes, especially in the paranormal, we’re not always right. And yet, sometimes we think we’re right, only to be corrected. Less successful paranormal investigators will argue, they will dig their heels into the ground, and they will stand their ground until they’re red in the face. Successful paranormal investigators will admit when they’re wrong and use it as a learning experience.

14. Provide constructive feedback

Successful paranormal investigators say more than just “That’s not good” or “Do some research.” They provide constructive feedback that helps the receiver learn more. This can be hard if the person receiving the feedback isn’t receptive. Sadly, it happens pretty often in the field. But successful paranormal investigators offer feedback as they are requested to do so, and they are able to do it with immense kindness.

15. Able to debunk

Debunking can be a scary thing to do since so many in the paranormal community seem to align debunking with losing credibility. I will die on this hill; some of the most successful paranormal investigators I’ve met will debunk themselves. Or, they will graciously accept the information from someone else that debunks their work. For me, that’s impressive and I’m sure this is some superhero skill.

16. Compassionate and empathetic

Being able to use compassion and empathy while addressing difficult people is an incredible skill. If I could also add a third element to this, it’s that successful investigators also know how to set boundaries. Those boundaries are helpful when it comes to dealing with people in general. Having compassion and empathy with healthy boundaries seem to be one of the biggest qualities with my paranormal heroes and I really strive to possess those qualities.

17. Don’t invalidate others

This is another superhero skill I’ve noticed in the paranormal that I’m striving towards. Invalidating others rarely goes well because…well, you’re making that other person feel bad. Yes, there are certain ideas and beliefs that should be invalidated because they are harmful to others. This section isn’t talking about those situations. I recently watched a friend (who is a very successful investigator in my eyes) who was able to switch naysayers on a post and get them to agree with him. It was like watching a magic show. But what I noticed was that my friend didn’t invalidate their thoughts, and segued their thoughts into something more constructive and positive.

18. Don’t start drama

This is a big one. I’ve noticed that the successful paranormal investigators in my circle don’t start drama, nor do they get involved with drama. They’re not creating slam posts or making passive-aggressive comments attacking someone. But, to be honest, when someone envelopes all of these qualities, they typically don’t get involved in drama. More importantly, when someone brings drama to their front doorstep, they simply close the door and don’t let it in.

Problematic Statements in the Paranormal Community

February 3, 2021February 3, 2021 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

You don’t have to dim someone else’s light for yours to shine.

Recently, I was nominated for Best Blogger for a small paranormal-centric awards site. It’s one of many award movements that have happened over the last twelve months. You see some of the same names throughout the different ballots, while others have some new faces. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with awards, especially when nominations are determined by votes. It gives people a chance to acknowledge someone whose work they enjoy. People nominate for their friends and then vote to determine the winner. No judgment from people on the side.

The Award Trend

Honestly, I’ve never been one to get too excited about award nominations since I usually don’t win. Just the acknowledgment of “Hey, someone thinks you’re doing a good job” is nice, especially when I lose motivation to continue The Spooky Stuff. There have also been times I haven’t been nominated. While disappointing, it isn’t the end of the world. Truly. The names I’ve seen on these various nominations lists have had people who are kicking butt in this field and working hard. There’s a time to bow out.

Of course, there have been some harsh criticisms with these paranormal awards. The whole idea of awards can invoke strong, emotional reactions. There are some fair questions to ask, like who is on the panel that decides who is nominated? Anyway, I think there is room for criticism and constructive feedback. But, some of the criticisms against these awards seem to stem from bitterness over being left out, or even feeling threatened (not sure by what). Sadly, it’s hurting the people who were nominated and now they are feeling less proud of their accomplishment, which is a shame. In this blog, I’m going to dissect some of the more problematic statements and offer a solution.

Problematic Statement #1: We’re All at the Same Level

I’ve seen this comment hundreds of times just this past year since Higgypop announced their award nominations. I vehemently disagree with this. Why? When I look at folks like Loyd Auerbach or Dr. Rachael Ironside, they are absolutely not at the same level as the rest of the paranormal community.

And some hard truths…the ones who most often say, “We’re all at the same level” are the ones who are floating by in the field. Sure, they’ve made friends and have great connections. But they’re not writing, they’re not researching, they’re not creating content, they’re not studying or experimenting, they’re not teaching, they’re not questioning data…should I stop now?

To say, “We’re all at the same level” greatly diminishes the amazing work that major contributors have put forth. Also, if we refuse to embrace the diversity in this field, we will continue to be stagnant and not make any progress in the field of anomalous research.

Solution: Acknowledgement

Instead of putting everyone at the same level, acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of others. It could be a degree, the discovery of a new investigation method that everyone has adapted, a new book, a new podcast, etc. There are folks in the paranormal field who are working harder than others. That’s truly a neutral statement.

Problematic Statement #2: We’re All the Same

Again, this is like saying, “I don’t see color.” We are not all the same. Everyone comes into this field with different experiences, different thoughts and ideas, and different motivations. This is a blatant refusal of embracing and acknowledging our differences. This mindset is exactly why people get so mad when someone disagrees with them. When someone has a differing opinion, differing method, differing thought process, people get so angry. This also might be why the paranormal community struggles with peer-reviewed studies and classes because of the lack of acknowledgement of expertise, background, and experience.

Solution: Embrace Differences

Embracing differences of opinions, thoughts, and backgrounds would really make the paranormal community thrive. Saying something as simple as “I disagree” seems to trigger such animosity. Not everyone is going to agree, and the best way to manage it is try to disagree with as much grace as possible. Even if the other person ends up burning that bridge with you, you can rest easy knowing you tried to embrace the difference instead of pushing back.

Problematic Statement #3: In the Field for the Wrong Reasons

Actors win awards, are they in it for the wrong reason? Scientists win awards, are they too in it for the wrong reason? I don’t think it’s a bad thing to get kudos for your work. This is especially true for researchers who want to get their work out there. Teachers get awards too! Are they in education for the wrong reasons? No. People get acknowledged for their work.

Do they get attention? Sure. Isn’t everyone on social media for some kind of attention? Do you not have a YouTube channel for views? Do you not have a website for views? Hey, guess what? When you post a status ranting and having your friends comment, that’s all attention. When you post an emotional status, you’re expecting a response, right? That’s attention-seeking behavior. Everyone does it to a certain extent. That’s just life. Seeking attention for your work (in a healthy way) isn’t a bad thing.

Solution: Check Your Motives

Why are you here? Ask yourself why you’re here in the paranormal community. Do you want to meet like-minded people? Do you want to find proof of spirits? Maybe you want to visit as many haunted locations as possible? Or, are you wanting to become famous? Write a New York Times bestseller? None of the things I listed here are bad things. Focusing on your motivation and what drives you in the field is a great way to keep yourself in check. It will help you evaluate what really matters and whether you’re getting upset over nothing.

Problematic Statement #4: It’s Not a Competition

Um…it absolutely is. Every day is a competition of some kind. This is based on my observations outside of the context of awards. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Also, I’m constantly in competition with myself to do better next time. A little competition and motivation to step it up as has never hurt anyone. Many facets of our lives include a competitive environment like work, volunteer organizations, family, etc.

I’ve seen so much back-biting, social media drama, and just high school level temper tantrums that all come from the fact that the paranormal community is a competition. It’s a competition for friendships, it’s a competition for likes and follows, it’s a competition for interviews, and it’s a competition for a television show. If someone hasn’t grown up in a competitive environment, they may not recognize the signs. Also, they won’t know how to handle it.

There’s even competition to be a speaker at a convention. Even in academic circles, there is competition. In the scientific world, there is competition. These other communities have managed to embrace it and use it to their advantage to further their respective field. Why can”t the paranormal community do that?

Solution: Embrace Abundancy

To counter myself, because that’s fun, competition can also be a toxic cesspool if people don’t know how to handle it. Which, let’s be honest, the paranormal community can’t handle it. I do believe that we can eliminate this thought of competition by replacing it with a mindset of abundance. There are enough likes, follows, TV opportunities, locations, book deals, etc. for everyone to have a piece of the pie. You can still believe in abundance AND competition. What does this mean? Celebrate others when they receive recognition. Know in your heart that your time will come because of abundance! There is plenty of room for everyone to succeed, whatever that means to them!

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the people who are getting hurt from these words are the folks who were nominated. There are many folks out there who are not part of the popular paranormal cliques on social media and they got nominated. Many of these folks often are underappreciated and not acknowledged nearly enough. Sadly, I’ve seen a few of them want to drop out because they’d rather not deal with the negativity and the hate. That’s incredibly disappointing.

To me, this is worse than the awards themselves. It’s one thing to criticize the awards, but to devalue the nominees is awful. Frankly, it’s nearly crossing a line over to bullying. This is not “para unity”, and it is only creating more dissent in the community. Why not offer your own solution to the issue? Saying “No one gets a trophy” is just as bad as “Everyone gets a trophy.” If someone wants to start an awards page to acknowledge their favorite people or market their own platform, it’s okay. Live and let live. We can acknowledge folks in the community. Someone getting nominated for an award doesn’t devalue or diminish what you’re doing in the field.

What do you think?

9 Things You Should Know About New Paranormal Investigators

January 22, 2021January 22, 2021 Alex Matsuo

This blog is for my fellow veterans out there who been out in the paranormal world for years. We’ve learned the ropes and we have the field experience. Over the years, we’ve chiseled our skills and gained incredible knowledge and experience.

But there are always new paranormal investigators out there who don’t know better. When I’m on social media, I’m constantly sad to see that the next generation of the field is often humiliated for not knowing something. Or, they get blasted with someone being condescending towards them because they don’t know better. There’s a lot of gatekeeping in the paranormal community. Frankly, this needs to stop. We will start losing what makes the paranormal field great if we’re not cultivating the next generation.

So, here are nine things you should know about new paranormal investigators.

They Will Ask Obvious Questions

Yes, they may ask those obvious questions like, “How do I get an EMF meter” or “What apps should I use while ghost hunting?” Dare I say that some of us may think these are “stupid” questions? But we can’t be like this towards new people in the field. It will either turn them off to the field completely, or they will be so closed off that they won’t be open to learning anything new. We need to be respectful when addressing questions that may seem obvious to us. Not everyone has walked in our shoes.

They Have Experience

Before we start going off and saying that newbie paranormal investigators are lacking experience, they do have something to offer. They may have experience in something that you know nothing about. When I was first starting out in the field, I didn’t know much. But I was a working photographer and I knew photography. I was able to offer that much to the team I was working with at the time. Don’t assume that just because someone is new that they don’t have anything to offer.

They Have Untapped Skills & Abilities

While their ghost hunting skills may be developing, they may have skills in communicating with people. And…ghosts/spirits are people! They may also have psychic abilities that they are trying to harness. I like to these of these folks like bulls in a zero-gravity china shop trying to find their bearings while trying not to float away. These are the rockstars. All they need is for one of us to reach out our hands and bring them back down to the ground.

They Watched the TV Shows

Most of the new people I’ve worked with have watched paranormal reality shows. This means that their investigation technique will likely emulate what they saw on TV. It also means that their paranormal knowledge may have come from the television shows. And that’s okay! It is up to us to validate their knowledge and praise them for what they’re doing right and then redirect and guide where they still need support.

They Have Connections

I’ve always said that just because someone is new to the field, it doesn’t mean they don’t have connections. They may know someone who owns a haunted hotel, or they went to school with a famous ghost hunter. I’ve basically used several bullet points to bring home the fact that new paranormal investigators have value and they have something to offer the world. This is especially true for the investigators that have been doing this for a while.

They Are Curious

Just as we are still curious about the paranormal, new investigators are just as curious as we are, if not more. They are navigating a new world and a new community. This means they will be asking a lot of questions. Some questions will be easy to answer while other questions may have you scratching your head. And it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers too! It doesn’t make you any less valid in your experience and skills.

They May Not Know Better

New people will make mistakes while investigating. It’s going to happen. Even the most seasoned investigator still makes misakes. But new people don’t know any better. They are still learning, finding their balance in this new world, and figuring out what style fits them best. It doesn’t mean they’re ignorant or less-intelligent. Just like you had on-the-job training when you started with a new job, new paranormal investigators are learning the ropes.

They Have a Fresh Perspective

To go along with a few previous points, new paranormal investigators are a fresh set of eyes on the current way we do things in the field. They are able to look at current methods and practices and offer their feedback. There may be something worth changing! Or there’s a glaring error in a certain investigative practice that we’ve never noticed because we are so set in our ways. New paranormal investigators give us the opportunity to change what we’ve been doing and make it better!

They Are Excited

Finally, new paranormal investigators are so excited to join the community! I will admit that I get desensitized sometimes and feel like that grumpy neighbor because I’ve been doing this for so long. It can be a little disheartening. But let me tell you, I love working with new paranormal investigators because they have this LIGHT about them. I get to see the paranormal world through their eyes, and their excitement is contagious. It is my duty to make sure that light keeps burning and I don’t do anything to snuff it out.

What do you appreciate about new investigators to the paranormal field?

The Shocking Differences Between Real Life Ghost Hunting And TV

January 8, 2021January 11, 2021 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

One of the most popular panels I participate in at cons is the differences between real-life paranormal investigating and what we see on television. From my time hosting public investigations and working with new folks in the paranormal world, I’m often put in positions where I have to explain that what we see on television isn’t accurate to what happens in real life.

Simply put, paranormal reality television isn’t a reflection of what it’s like in real life. Here are some of the major differences between what you see on TV and what you may experience out in the field.

You May Not Have an Experience for Several Hours

Paranormal television shows show the best 30-45 minutes of an investigation that took place over the course of several hours, days, if not weeks. The clips you see on paranormal television shows may not have even been filmed on the same day. Usually, the first ghostly interactions happen within 15-minutes of the show’s start. This doesn’t happen in real life. And yet, I’m often asked within 30 minutes of a public ghost hunt where the ghosts are and why aren’t they talking? Well, it’s because these shows are very much a snip of a petal from a much larger flower.

It Might Be Boring

Ghost hunting television shows are exciting to watch. There’s music, dramatic clips, voiceovers, and more. This makes paranormal investigations look glamorous and dramatic. It’s not surprising that these television shows have managed to recruit most of the people in the paranormal community. But the real-life paranormal investigation isn’t nearly as interesting as what you see on TV. It’s much quieter, but it’s just as fulfilling if you set your expectations realistically.

Not Everything is Out to Get You

Paranormal reality television makes it seem like the spirits and entities are out to get the stars. But, in most scenarios I’ve encountered, the spirits are merely people. One of my favorite moments in a TV show was when the star is demanding that the spirits show themselves, and they respond with, “Do we have to?” How delightfully human is that? All in all, the entities that reside at a location are merely trying to get by in the afterlife. They aren’t the monsters you see on Scooby-Doo where they’re trying to get the stars.

Provocation Isn’t the First Thing to Do

Provocation is a jerk move, plain and simple. Yes, it’s great television and it’s entertaining. But have you seen what happens to television stars when they provoke? They get hit, bit, scratched, pushed, the list goes on. You wouldn’t walk into someone’s home and start provoking them, so how is it okay to do so during a paranormal investigation? While provoking is often used on TV, it is not the preference of most respected paranormal investigators. The only reason one provokes is to get a response. It’s not acceptable to do when one is alive, let alone doing it to someone who has since passed.

Television is Entertainment

Finally, you must remember that paranormal reality television is part of the entertainment business. Their goal is to entertain and maintain ratings. You will never see the ENTIRE story played out on camera. You’ll see snippets instead. While there may be some truth to some shows, that’s not the case with every show on TV. They have a storyboard. There are writers. A story needs to be told. What you see on a television show is the result of hundreds of pieces being put together. It’s the result of a team of dedicated filmmakers, all contributing something to the table.

Before you think I’m a complete hater of paranormal television, I’m not. Paranormal television has played a tremendous role in growing awareness of the paranormal and recruiting more people to the community. Therefore, it has value. As long as people know the difference between what they see on television and what is real-life, we’re going to be okay.

15 Things Paranormal Investigators Should Stop Making a Big Deal About

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020 Alex Matsuo3 Comments

This might be my most controversial blog to date…well, maybe. This is something I’ve talked about with other members of the paranormal community, and I managed to compile this list. There is a lot going on in the paranormal community. But these fifteen items seem to be something that remains consistent.

1. Egos

This seems to be an ongoing problem in the field that continues to get worse. You would think there would be more openness on the Island of Misfit Toys. What’s more, the things that drive people’s egos are ridiculous things like, “We’re on YouTube.” Yes, so are millions of other people. Or, “I’ve been on TV.” Great, so have a bunch of other people. It’s one thing to have confidence in yourself and the work that you do. But when people start ostracizing, excluding, and being hurtful to others because they’re “too good” for us regular folk…because they’re on YouTube, they’re “young”, or they’re “going places”, then that becomes problematic.

Weird timing, but a few days after I drafted this blog, I was sent this video of a gentleman who was basically told he couldn’t investigate with two teams because he was too old, and no one ever heard of him even though he had been in the field for so many years. I’m sorry, what? That’s ridiculous. YouTube doesn’t make you an instant celebrity, nor does age have ANYTHING to do with skills in the paranormal. Also, not everyone is trying to gain notoriety or celebrity status in this field. If I meet someone with decades more experience than me, heck yeah, come sit at the table and let me pick your brain while I buy you a cup of coffee!

2. Social Media Following

Influencers will tell you that social media following doesn’t mean ANYTHING anymore. It doesn’t mean you’re popular. Likes and follows can be bought these days, and you can tell when a page or profile does this. If you’re going to pay to grow your social media following, put money into Facebook and Instagram ads. The likes and follows you get from that will be genuine followers who will respond to your content. If a page has 300K likes and followers, but they only have an engagement of a few dozen; they bought their likes.

3. Online Classes

Man, when someone is offering an online paranormal class for a price, people lose their minds. Words like “scammer”, “someone trying to make easy money”, and “fraud” start coming out. Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with online classes. They can be useful. Now, if they’re offering a certification, then I raise an eyebrow. But, as someone who develops courses and eLearning as their day job, do y’all know how long it takes to make a course? Let alone a full out class with modules? Also, how expensive it is to give it a platform to live on? It takes time. If you don’t want to take the class, then don’t. But don’t demand that the instructor offers their expertise for free for the sake of “anyone can learn.” Go find someone offering their expertise for free. They’re out there. Yes, anyone can learn for free. If someone wants to pay for a class, it’s fine. Keep scrolling and move on.

4. Getting on a TV Show

This sort of hits on my first point. This drives me nuts. It really does. Why? Getting on a TV show isn’t the end-all, be-all in this field. I see folks get almost rabid if a new face gets on a TV show. Their experience is questioned, people wonder if they’re professional. Then there’s all this complaining about how there are people who have been in the field for decades who deserve their own show. Okay, here’s the deal; paranormal reality TV isn’t marketed to seasoned paranormal investigators. It’s marketed towards regular people who have no idea what the ghost hunting world is about. Personally, a lot of the shows I prefer to watch are on YouTube and Amazon Prime, and other more independent platforms. But, do you know what this means? You can create your own paranormal show! Don’t wait for the mainstream networks to make you an offer.

5. Para Unity

Don’t get me wrong, we should all treat each other with decency and respect. But, I’ve noticed that the people who yell, “Para unity!” the loudest are often the ones who treat others poorly. They steal material, gossip, put people on blast for no reason, and constantly air their drama. I’ve been asked to do some pretty awful things for the sake of “para unity.” Truth be told, I don’t believe we should be rewarding good behavior that we should already be doing as decent human beings. Don’t be a jerk. That means you shouldn’t steal other people’s images or videos. It’s not fair to keep building your platform on the hard work of others and give credit where credit is due.

6. Differing Opinions

Okay, I will out myself and admit that this is something I’m still working on. If someone disagrees with you, or doesn’t think that your evidence is showing a ghost, it doesn’t mean they’re attacking you. They won’t think any less of you unless you start personally attacking them. I’ve seen people put others on full blast and start doxxing their personal lives because they disagreed about an orb in a video. There is a lot of ego in this field to the point where folks are causing harm and heartache to others. It needs to stop.

7. Acronyms

Acronyms were cool back in the early 2000s, maybe in the 2010s. But, acronyms are kind of old now. Plus, I’ve seen some really weird team names for the sake of spelling out G.H.O.S.T. or P.A.R.A.N.O.R.M.A.L or S.P.I.R.I.T. It gets confusing too, and it can be hard to brand that. Do you know how many GHOST teams there are with that acronym? A lot. Too many to count.

8. CCTV Video

I’ve been seeing CCTV as the “end all be all” factor for paranormal evidence, and honestly, it’s not. It’s faulty. It lags, it freezes, and it makes things like raccoons look like demonic gnomes. Plus, CCTV footage can easily be manipulated. Unless I have a personal tie with that CCTV security system (it’s mine), and I can track what was captured and it’s hard to take anything on the internet at face value. I’m seeing more and more paranormal compilation videos on YouTube that are obviously fabricated, and it’s disappointing.

I know some will fight me tooth and nail on this, so I’m probably preaching to the choir since my regular readers align with the same thoughts as me. This is my opinion, and if you disagree, I promise I don’t hate you. Confession: I was a photographer before I considered myself a paranormal investigator. I knew what orbs were before I realized people called them ghosts and spirits in the paranormal community. Orbs are actually covered in a lot of manuals for cameras. It’s dust, moisture, bugs, dander, basically explainable. Yes, dust can look like it’s going through walls if it’s going in and out of focus. Bugs can look like angels or fairies on camera. Yes, you can see faces in orbs thanks to the pareidolia effect.

Does this mean I don’t believe in orbs? No. Another confession: I’ve seen orbs I couldn’t explain. But I saw them with my naked eye. They emitted their own light. And they didn’t float the same way as dust. Orbs in photos and videos don’t emit their own light, they’re reflecting light. That’s a big difference.

9. Apps

Not all ghost hunting apps are created equal. I suggest that you research apps before downloading them. Anything that’s sold as a “ghost radar” or “ghost detector”, you should look for something else. Some of the better ghost apps include EchoVox, which is an ITC tool. Personally, for me, I’m hesitant to use any apps since our phones aren’t equipped to detect and gauge the environment. Also, any app that lets you insert a photo of a ghost is a big NO.

10. Skeptics

When I say skeptics, I mean the paranormal community needs to stop the mindset that skeptics are bad. They aren’t. They’re fantastic. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely some skeptics out there who are total jerks. But, that doesn’t mean that all skeptics are that way. There are many fantastic ones out there who are just as curious about the paranormal as the rest of us, and often, they are looking to have that experience. The difference is that skeptics are hardcore critical thinkers, and need something more solid. They hold the paranormal community accountable and they are a valued asset to the community.

11. Demons

Not everything is a demon. Sometimes it’s a really negative human spirit. Other times, it’s elemental. Sometimes it’s nothing at all. It’s interesting how those who don’t believe in demons don’t seem to have an issue with them. It’s all about mindset and what energy you’re putting out there.

12. Religion

There is more than one religion in the paranormal field, and they are all bring something of value to the table. To me, all religions are valid because it goes back to intention and mindset. I’ve seen cleansings and blessings tied with other religions that were just as effective as Christian methods. As I mentioned in the point about demons, it goes back to your intentions and your convictions. If you’re certain that a Christian method will work, it will.

13. Ouija Boards

I don’t understand the hate against Ouija boards. Yes, I know people associate them with demons. Yes, people have had negative experiences with it, but people have had negative experiences in other areas of their life that they keep going back to. Furthermore, I don’t understand the venom that comes from people who speak out against the Ouija board. We’re talking personal insults, and even lowkey paranormal drama. Do these folks not understand that their hatred of the board and attacking others is just as negative and evil as the Ouija board (or so they think)?

14. Celebrities Joining the Field

This is something I’ve always been fascinated with, especially after it was revealed that Stormy Daniels was working on her own ghost hunting show. So many people have had paranormal experiences, and it should be no surprise that celebrities have had them too. If they want to join the paranormal bandwagon, let them! The more the merrier. There is a lot of gatekeeping in the field, questioning experience and professionalism, It needs to stop. Especially when someone who isn’t famous shares similar life experiences as a celebrity, and they see their lifestyle and choices under attack as a reason to not be in the community.

15. Facebook Groups

I love Facebook groups. They are such a wonderful way to connect with other like-minded people. I can share my content and have amazing conversations with folks and get awesome perspectives. But, each Facebook group is like its own little universe, and some people think they’re gods in little ponds. There are millions of paranormal Facebook groups out there, and there should be a shift in focus to cultivating the community instead of trying to constantly grow numbers, competing for admin/mod status, and booting people over disagreements. It’s just Facebook, y’all.

Stormy Daniels is Filming a New Ghost Hunting Show

October 18, 2020April 9, 2021 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

This is a post I never thought I’d be writing. When you hear the name Stormy Daniels, what do you think about? Most of us associate her with Donald Trump. But, she’s so much more than that. She is a person with hobbies and interests…and one of them is paranormal investigating.

Daniels was recently spotted ghost hunting in Atchison, Kansas at the Sallie House and the McInteer Villa. She was on a ghost hunting adventure. According to KCTV News, Daniels is working on a new show about ghost hunting.

Daniels is currently traveling around the country to different haunted locations for her show called, Spooky Babes. Her team already has merch and Daniels is headlining a few speaking engagements.

According to Daniels, she’s always had an interest in the paranormal, and she believes that the shows give people a safe space to talk about it. She is pitching her show to a few different networks at the moment, and I’ll be curious to see if it gets picked up.

About the Team

Spooky Babes was founded by Stormy Daniels in 2020 after she had intense paranormal activity in her home in New Orleans. She started the team with her friend, Justin Loupe. Apparently, the haunting of her New Orleans home started in 2019 and there are over 20 witnesses to the phenomenon. The activity was described as poltergeist-like with shadowy figures and physical attacks. Stormy started the team out of a desire to better understand her experiences.

Personal Thoughts

This is interesting. I know a lot of celebs have been jumping on the paranormal show train for decades, but I didn’t expect Stormy Daniels to be one of them. It honestly just goes to show you that anyone can have an interest in the paranormal. But as Daniels said, a lot of people don’t feel like they have a safe space to talk about it. The Osbournes are currently the big celebs riding this train right now.

I have to admit, it’s entertaining to watch celebrities ghost hunt. When you see a celebrity share that they too had experiences, it does make you feel less alone. It makes them a bit more relatable. I wish Stormy all the best in her ghost hunting and paranormal investigating, and I’ll be interested to see if her show gets picked up.

Would you watch Stormy Daniels’ ghost hunting show?

@thespookystuff
#greenscreen Stormy Daniels is doing WHAT? #ghosthunting #paranormaltiktok #hauntedtiktok #stormydaniels #ghosthunters
♬ Creepy Dollhouse – Peder B. Helland

10 Reasons Why It Rocks To Be a Ghost Hunter

October 2, 2020October 2, 2020 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

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!

The Ghost Train of Bostian Bridge in Statesville, NC

August 25, 2020August 25, 2020 Alex Matsuo

Could a traumatic event be so powerful that the land absorbs its energy? While battlefields are well known for having this kind of phenomenon, we don’t hear it about very often on a smaller scale. Or, in this case, a train wreck that occurred just outside of Statesville, NC.

I heard about this haunting from one of my team members when we were first exploring the Trivette Clinic, which is located in Hamptonville, NC. It’s not a far drive from Statesville. Being a California native, I’m still very new to the history of North Carolina and its fascinating local legends. One of the biggest standouts for me is the ghost stories and train culture.

This particular event is so disturbing, and the subsequent events that followed are truly horrifying.

The Local Tragedy

Train Wreck of Bostian Bridge, Iredell County, NC. Wreck occured August 27, 1891, near Statesville.
Photos by Stimson Studio, Statesville, NC

On August 27th, 1891, a passenger train in North Carolina was trying to make up for lost time. It was the Richmond & Danville engine number 9. The train was pulling six cars which included a baggage car, a second-class car, a first-class coach, a tender, a private car for R&D’s superintendent, and a Pullman sleeper. It departed Statesville (Iredell County) around 2:30 am. They were already running 34 minutes late, so the train was going much faster than it should.

Only 5 minutes later, the train lurched off the Bostian Bridge. It fell 60-feet and hit the creek below, known as Third Creek. Because the train was going so fast, survivors say that the train was actually airborne! The sleeper car ended up hitting the ground 153 feet away from where it left the bridge.

Survivors ended up walking and running back to Statesville to report the accident. The entire town dedicated itself to rescuing survivors and recovering the deceased. They cut people out of the wreckage. Approximately, 20-23 people lost their lives, and 30 people injured. If people didn’t die from the crash, they drowned because the creek waters were high. Sadly, Statesville didn’t have a hospital at the time. So the injured were treated by the locals in their homes. The deceased was laid out in the Farmers’ Tobacco Warehouse so they could be identified.

An investigation was conducted to find the cause of the accident. It was discovered that rail spikes had been removed. Others blamed it on the poor maintenance of the R&D railroad.

A Public Spectacle

When news spread of this tragic accident, thousands of people gathered to check out the wreck and search through the debris for souvenirs. Photographers gathered to take photos and sold them to various publications around the area and state. You could say this was very much a disrespectful way to handle the situation. After detectives questioned people, two men already incarcerated were convicted of the crime based on their supposed confession to fellow inmates.

A Ghostly Anniversary

The tragedy of the this train wreck has never been forgotten. Why? Because it seems that this tragic event replays itself every year on the anniversary on August 27th. It started in 1941 when a couple were stranded by the bridge due to a flat tire. The husband left his wife alone to get help. While she was waiting, she heard the whistle of an approaching train. She saw the headlights and saw an old-fashioned train made of wood. As the train crossed the bridge, she heard a horrible crashed and witnessed the train fly off the bridge. To her horror, she heard the moans and screams of wounded people. She went down by the creek to get a better look and saw the full tragedy unfold.

When the woman saw a car approaching, she ran up and waved for help. As it turns out, her husband was in the car. She told her husband and the driver that a terrible accident took place. When they went to look. Nothing was there.

Insisting something had happened, the wife asked the husband to stop by the train station in Statesville. When the couple approached the ticket window, the wife asked the ticket agent if there was a train accident. The ticket agent explained that there was a terrible wreck on that same night, 50 years ago.

Echoes of the Past

I made a Facebook post about the Ghost Train of Bostian Bridge in July 2020, and it went viral. In the comments, I read countless stories of people who have felt weird things in the area. Those who worked near the bridge noted phantom train sounds coming from the area late at night. It seems there is still ghostly activity taking place, reminding the locals that the tragedy still resonates today.

People have also reported hearing screeching tracks, as well as seeing a ghost light on the tracks. The ghost light is seen often by locals. The ghost of a uniformed railroad employee with a golden watch has been seen as well. It is believed to be the spirit of Baggage Master Hugh K. Linster, who was found in the wreckage with a broken neck.

The Cost of Exploration

via Bridgehunter.com (Photo taken by Royce and Bobette Haley in May 2015)

Since this legend became well known, people have flocked to Bostian Bridge each year on August 27th. This is all in hopes of catching a glimpse of the infamous ghost train. Keep in mind that the Bostian Bridge is still an active railroad. This means that there are still real trains traveling on this railroad, and therefore, it’s dangerous.

Sadly, on August 27th, 2010, about 119 years after the original accident, a ghost hunter named Christopher Kaiser was killed after he was hit by a real train on the Bostian Bridge. There were about a dozen people present to check out the legend. He and his team were in the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the ghost train. Kaiser managed to save his girlfriend from getting hit by pushing her off the tracks. One other man fell off the tracks and was injured. Why didn’t they run off the tracks earlier? According to WBTV, they thought the train sounds were the ghost train.

On that note, if you want to check out the ghost train for yourself, do it from a safe distance and stay off the tracks.

Better yet, light a candle for the victims from the safety of your own home.

Sources

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article234487957.html

https://www.ncpedia.org/bostian-bridge-train-wreck

https://www.ncpedia.org/culture/legends/bostian-ghost-train#

https://www.cnn.com/2010/US/08/27/north.carolina.ghost.train/index.html

“Ghost Hunter” STABBED After an Argument

June 16, 2020June 16, 2020 Alex Matsuo1 Comment

When I saw this story, I was shocked. This isn’t the first time that there have been paranormal investigations that resulted in violence. As I started digging into the story, I started to see that this story wasn’t what it appeared to be. Ghost hunters screwing up can make for interesting news. But it can harm the teams that are doing it right, especially if they’re trying to get into historic places.

The Story

On June 9, 2020, a story broke that a man was stabbed after ghost hunting in a cemetery in Little Rock, Arkansas. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette referred to it as “paranormal hunting.” Okay, that’s a new one. According to the unnamed female witness, she, Mark Galloway, and James Patterson were in a cemetery. Around 1:50 am Patterson and the female wanted to leave, but Galloway wanted to stay. As a result, the group started to argue.

But according to ABC-7 KATV, the argument started because there was a disagreement over who was going to drive back. Galloway insisted on driving, but Patterson and the woman didn’t want Galloway to drive.

They all got into a tan Ford 500, and Galloway started driving away. The woman said she couldn’t breathe, so she asked Galloway to stop. He refused. She tried to take the keys out of the ignition. Patterson tried to get control of the vehicle. Because of this, Galloway started to stab him. Patterson had stab wounds in his thigh and torso.

Police were called to a Rodeway Inn & Suites after there were reports of a stabbing. Patterson was bleeding heavily, and Galloway was arrested and charged with first-degree battery and false imprisonment. He was booked at the Pulaski County Jail.

Digging Deeper

I decided to dig deeper into this story to see what I could learn about Mark Galloway and James Patterson. Coast to Coast labeled them as ghost hunters, along with other news outlets. Were they actual ghost hunters?

First, I couldn’t find any connection to any paranormal team for Galloway or Patterson. I tried to find them in some of the larger paranormal Facebook groups I’m a part of. Based on this, I’m going to assume that these were people hanging out in a cemetery looking for something scare them.

In this case, I have suspicions based on Galloway’s mugshot and the sequence of events. Between the nature of their visit to the cemetery, the incident in the car, and the Rodeway Inn…yeah. Galloway also has a criminal record. In May 2016 for aggravated assault and false imprisonment for kidnapping his 19-year old girlfriend.

What was incredibly frustrating to read was the comments on the various postings of this story. People immediately jumped to the “demon” word and said Galloway was possessed. This doesn’t help the paranormal community at all. It only perpetuates the idea that these people aren’t responsible for their actions and we can blame the paranormal. That has to stop.

We can’t keep jumping to conclusions like this without thinking critically about the events of the story. This doesn’t help in creating a separation from amateur thrill seekers to serious paranormal investigators.

Burning Down History

This isn’t the first time that the mistakes of amateurs have made headlines. Sadly, labeling these people as “ghost hunters” doesn’t help the cause at all.

One of the most heartbreaking incidents that happened was when the LeBeau Plantation in Old Arabi, Louisiana, was burned down by ghost hunters. This group was also using marijuana and drinking alcohol. In the midst of their hazy stupor, plus the frustration that no ghosts were responding, one of the men decided it would be a good idea to burn the place down. I’m sorry, WHAT?

The seven men, ranging in age from 17-31, were trespassing. So they weren’t supposed to be there in the first place. But again, would we call these men ghost hunters? Definitely not.

However, it’s a catchy term, and the media will continue to use it.

What Do We Do?

Thankfully, there’s a few things we can do when this happens. We can speak out when these stories go public and reassure the community that this isn’t us. We can make our process known so that the community, and these historic locations, can be rest assured that we will take care of them.

Teams can also adopt a code of ethics as well as a non-disclosure agreement. Respecting the location’s wishes is a top priority. If ghost hunters can show that they can take care of and respect property, then how can they gain anyone’s trust?

Sources

https://www.coasttocoastam.com/article/argument-among-ghost-hunters-leads-to-stabbing/

https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2020/jun/10/mountain-home-man-arrested-little-rock-stabbing-po/?crime

https://katv.com/news/local/arkansas-man-stabbed-after-ghost-hunting-in-little-rock-cemetery

https://ahistoryofmystery.com/paranormal/argument-between-ghost-hunters-results-in-stabbing/

https://www.wdsu.com/article/sheriff-high-ghost-hunters-burned-down-lebeau-plantation/2818882

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/ghost-hunters-burn-down-historic-mansion-180947839/