Definitions

Ghost - the energy of a dead person, a disembodied spirit imagined, usually as a vague, shadowy or evanescent form, as wandering among or haunting living persons.

Electronic Voice Phenomenon - electronic recording of spirit voices. Recording EVP has become a technique of those who attempt to contact the spirits of loved ones or during ghost hunting activities.

Disembodied voice - a voice from a spirit that can be heard without the use of a recording device.

Spirit Orbs - spherical balls of energy that emit their own light. They also may not be completely round but oblong or misshapen. Orbs in pictures that contain a bulls-eye effect or pattern are typically dust or moisture. Orbs are not indications of a haunting but more an indication that there is extra energy hanging around; like static electricity.

Shadow People - shadow-like creatures that appear as dark forms. Unlike ghosts, they are not shown to have human features, seen with clothing, or try to communicate. They are usually seen as shy and sometimes evil.

Channeling - where you willingly enter into an altered state of consciousness and become an object or 'channel' for a spirit to use to speak and take limited actions. This is different from a possession where you are an unwilling participant. Our member Bill uses his channeling gift to gather further insight into a haunting or spiritual being.

Empath - someone who can pick up the emotions and/or feelings of those around them. In some instances, it is not necessary to be in the same room with the person, it can be done from a distance if you are close to the individual.

Pareidolia - describes a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant. Common examples include seeing images of animals or faces in clouds, the man in the moon, and hearing hidden messages on records played in reverse. Also known as matrixing.

EMF Detector (electromagnetic field detector) - A device used to measure magnetic fields given off by electrical objects such as electrical outlets. This device can also be used when hunting or investigating ghosts since they give off an energy that can be picked up by these devices.