Dog that couldn't leave the basement
DALE JARVIS
TheTelegram.com Original Print: 21/05/07
The Telegram New Foundland-Labrador
Only a short number of years ago, a family lived in a small, wooden house on Livingstone Street. The family had a young son. On those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the basement of the old house.
The boy played by himself, but at the same time, he never seemed to be alone. His mother could hear him talking as he amused himself, as if he was chatting with someone else. One day, she asked her son to whom he was speaking.
"My dog," replied the boy.
"Does your dog have a name?" asked his mother, smiling to herself.
"No," said the boy, seeming quite content that his invisible pet remained nameless.
"Does he go with you to school?" she asked, playing along.
"No," said the boy again. "He can't leave the basement."
The mother thought that having an imaginary pet was relatively harmless. In fact, she was more concerned about the state of the basement itself than she was about her son's active imagination. The walls had never been finished properly. The concrete floor was uneven and cracked and looked as if it had been poured in great haste.
Surprise discovery
She found a workman who was willing to redo her basement and on the first day he was available, the woman showed him exactly what she wanted done.
"My son plays down here all the time," she told the workman. "He has an invisible dog which he claims can't leave the basement."
The workman only nodded, more concerned with the practical issues of how he was going to start work than he was about an imaginary beast. The wife went upstairs and the man set to work with a sledgehammer, breaking up the concrete floor.
The house rang with the sound of the man breaking up the old floor and dust started to seep under the crack of the basement door. Then, suddenly, the sound of the blows ceased.
For awhile there was silence. Then the sound of footsteps slowly climbed the cellar stairs. The workman emerged from the depths and called out to the owner.
"Miss," he said. "I think you better take a look at this."
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think you better just look," he replied.
Together, they went back down the rickety stairs to the basement through a cloud of dust. The man brought her to where he had started to break up the old concrete floor, revealing the dirt beneath the house. The man picked up a heavy iron pry rod and slipped one end of it under a large chunk of concrete. He heaved up the concrete, flipped it over with a great thud, and then stepped back out of the way. The wife gave a great gasp and felt the blood drain from her face.
There, uncovered from where it had lain hidden for countless years, lay the skeleton of what could only be a large dog.
In shock, the woman stared down at the skeleton of the hound, speechless.
"Get rid of it," she said, finally. "I don't care what you do with it. Just get it out of my house."
The man nodded as the woman fled the basement. He removed the old bones along with the rest of the broken up concrete. Work progressed without further incident.
A new floor was laid, the walls plastered and painted, and before too long the basement was finished. The workman was paid and went on to his next job in another part of the city. The wife never mentioned the bones to her husband, or to her young son.
From that point on, on those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the new basement of the old house. But he played alone, quietly, and his imaginary dog was never mentioned again.
_______________________________________
Commentary:
Now this is an aspect of the paranormal that I truly find interesting. How to validate or attribute that a haunting is that of a past family pet or animal that resided on the land. Would the animal make a noise when asked? Would it understand what your asking and respond in the case of EVP? (In the case of cats, I don't think it matters which side of the Veil they're on, they would only respond if it suited them.) How do you discern the animal noise you heard on an EVP is that living or dead if you capture a sample?
I've spoken with several people who say they're beloved family pets still visit or reside with them. Several personal experience point to physical contact -- nudging, nuzzling, pressure on the bed where the animal frequently laid. Several personal experiences point to sounds -- the clicking of nails on the floors, stray animal sounds with no locateable source. There were even a few olfactory reports of smelling the animals.
One lady recounted that on several occasions she has been visited by the family's deceased cat at night. This particular cat would hop on the foot of the bed and stroll up to the pillow upon which she was sleeping and then curl around her head. She stated that on multiple occasion, especially when she or other family members sorely missed the cat, that it would come and assume the position on the pillow -- warmth an all.
Another lady recounted the return of the family dog on several occasions. That the visit left a change in the air, the smell of the dog and a "feeling" of its' presence.
I'd love to hear anyone's encounters with animal hauntings or thoughts/insight on the subject. Feel free to share your experience with animal hauntings or children's interaction with entities.
As always -- feedback is welcome.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Original MS Post: 08.24.08
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Dog that couldn’t leave the basement - An Article & Commentary
Dog that couldn't leave the basement
DALE JARVIS
TheTelegram.com Original Print: 21/05/07
The Telegram New Foundland-Labrador
Only a short number of years ago, a family lived in a small, wooden house on Livingstone Street. The family had a young son. On those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the basement of the old house.
The boy played by himself, but at the same time, he never seemed to be alone. His mother could hear him talking as he amused himself, as if he was chatting with someone else. One day, she asked her son to whom he was speaking.
"My dog," replied the boy.
"Does your dog have a name?" asked his mother, smiling to herself.
"No," said the boy, seeming quite content that his invisible pet remained nameless.
"Does he go with you to school?" she asked, playing along.
"No," said the boy again. "He can't leave the basement."
The mother thought that having an imaginary pet was relatively harmless. In fact, she was more concerned about the state of the basement itself than she was about her son's active imagination. The walls had never been finished properly. The concrete floor was uneven and cracked and looked as if it had been poured in great haste.
Surprise discovery
She found a workman who was willing to redo her basement and on the first day he was available, the woman showed him exactly what she wanted done.
"My son plays down here all the time," she told the workman. "He has an invisible dog which he claims can't leave the basement."
The workman only nodded, more concerned with the practical issues of how he was going to start work than he was about an imaginary beast. The wife went upstairs and the man set to work with a sledgehammer, breaking up the concrete floor.
The house rang with the sound of the man breaking up the old floor and dust started to seep under the crack of the basement door. Then, suddenly, the sound of the blows ceased.
For awhile there was silence. Then the sound of footsteps slowly climbed the cellar stairs. The workman emerged from the depths and called out to the owner.
"Miss," he said. "I think you better take a look at this."
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think you better just look," he replied.
Together, they went back down the rickety stairs to the basement through a cloud of dust. The man brought her to where he had started to break up the old concrete floor, revealing the dirt beneath the house. The man picked up a heavy iron pry rod and slipped one end of it under a large chunk of concrete. He heaved up the concrete, flipped it over with a great thud, and then stepped back out of the way. The wife gave a great gasp and felt the blood drain from her face.
There, uncovered from where it had lain hidden for countless years, lay the skeleton of what could only be a large dog.
In shock, the woman stared down at the skeleton of the hound, speechless.
"Get rid of it," she said, finally. "I don't care what you do with it. Just get it out of my house."
The man nodded as the woman fled the basement. He removed the old bones along with the rest of the broken up concrete. Work progressed without further incident.
A new floor was laid, the walls plastered and painted, and before too long the basement was finished. The workman was paid and went on to his next job in another part of the city. The wife never mentioned the bones to her husband, or to her young son.
From that point on, on those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the new basement of the old house. But he played alone, quietly, and his imaginary dog was never mentioned again.
_______________________________________
Commentary:
Now this is an aspect of the paranormal that I truly find interesting. How to validate or attribute that a haunting is that of a past family pet or animal that resided on the land. Would the animal make a noise when asked? Would it understand what your asking and respond in the case of EVP? (In the case of cats, I don't think it matters which side of the Veil they're on, they would only respond if it suited them.) How do you discern the animal noise you heard on an EVP is that living or dead if you capture a sample?
I've spoken with several people who say they're beloved family pets still visit or reside with them. Several personal experience point to physical contact -- nudging, nuzzling, pressure on the bed where the animal frequently laid. Several personal experiences point to sounds -- the clicking of nails on the floors, stray animal sounds with no locateable source. There were even a few olfactory reports of smelling the animals.
One lady recounted that on several occasions she has been visited by the family's deceased cat at night. This particular cat would hop on the foot of the bed and stroll up to the pillow upon which she was sleeping and then curl around her head. She stated that on multiple occasion, especially when she or other family members sorely missed the cat, that it would come and assume the position on the pillow -- warmth an all.
Another lady recounted the return of the family dog on several occasions. That the visit left a change in the air, the smell of the dog and a "feeling" of its' presence.
I'd love to hear anyone's encounters with animal hauntings or thoughts/insight on the subject. Feel free to share your experience with animal hauntings or children's interaction with entities.
As always -- feedback is welcome.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Original MS Post: 08.24.08
DALE JARVIS
TheTelegram.com Original Print: 21/05/07
The Telegram New Foundland-Labrador
Only a short number of years ago, a family lived in a small, wooden house on Livingstone Street. The family had a young son. On those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the basement of the old house.
The boy played by himself, but at the same time, he never seemed to be alone. His mother could hear him talking as he amused himself, as if he was chatting with someone else. One day, she asked her son to whom he was speaking.
"My dog," replied the boy.
"Does your dog have a name?" asked his mother, smiling to herself.
"No," said the boy, seeming quite content that his invisible pet remained nameless.
"Does he go with you to school?" she asked, playing along.
"No," said the boy again. "He can't leave the basement."
The mother thought that having an imaginary pet was relatively harmless. In fact, she was more concerned about the state of the basement itself than she was about her son's active imagination. The walls had never been finished properly. The concrete floor was uneven and cracked and looked as if it had been poured in great haste.
Surprise discovery
She found a workman who was willing to redo her basement and on the first day he was available, the woman showed him exactly what she wanted done.
"My son plays down here all the time," she told the workman. "He has an invisible dog which he claims can't leave the basement."
The workman only nodded, more concerned with the practical issues of how he was going to start work than he was about an imaginary beast. The wife went upstairs and the man set to work with a sledgehammer, breaking up the concrete floor.
The house rang with the sound of the man breaking up the old floor and dust started to seep under the crack of the basement door. Then, suddenly, the sound of the blows ceased.
For awhile there was silence. Then the sound of footsteps slowly climbed the cellar stairs. The workman emerged from the depths and called out to the owner.
"Miss," he said. "I think you better take a look at this."
"What is it?" she asked.
"I think you better just look," he replied.
Together, they went back down the rickety stairs to the basement through a cloud of dust. The man brought her to where he had started to break up the old concrete floor, revealing the dirt beneath the house. The man picked up a heavy iron pry rod and slipped one end of it under a large chunk of concrete. He heaved up the concrete, flipped it over with a great thud, and then stepped back out of the way. The wife gave a great gasp and felt the blood drain from her face.
There, uncovered from where it had lain hidden for countless years, lay the skeleton of what could only be a large dog.
In shock, the woman stared down at the skeleton of the hound, speechless.
"Get rid of it," she said, finally. "I don't care what you do with it. Just get it out of my house."
The man nodded as the woman fled the basement. He removed the old bones along with the rest of the broken up concrete. Work progressed without further incident.
A new floor was laid, the walls plastered and painted, and before too long the basement was finished. The workman was paid and went on to his next job in another part of the city. The wife never mentioned the bones to her husband, or to her young son.
From that point on, on those days when the weather forced him to play inside, the small boy was more than content to wile away the hours playing down in the new basement of the old house. But he played alone, quietly, and his imaginary dog was never mentioned again.
_______________________________________
Commentary:
Now this is an aspect of the paranormal that I truly find interesting. How to validate or attribute that a haunting is that of a past family pet or animal that resided on the land. Would the animal make a noise when asked? Would it understand what your asking and respond in the case of EVP? (In the case of cats, I don't think it matters which side of the Veil they're on, they would only respond if it suited them.) How do you discern the animal noise you heard on an EVP is that living or dead if you capture a sample?
I've spoken with several people who say they're beloved family pets still visit or reside with them. Several personal experience point to physical contact -- nudging, nuzzling, pressure on the bed where the animal frequently laid. Several personal experiences point to sounds -- the clicking of nails on the floors, stray animal sounds with no locateable source. There were even a few olfactory reports of smelling the animals.
One lady recounted that on several occasions she has been visited by the family's deceased cat at night. This particular cat would hop on the foot of the bed and stroll up to the pillow upon which she was sleeping and then curl around her head. She stated that on multiple occasion, especially when she or other family members sorely missed the cat, that it would come and assume the position on the pillow -- warmth an all.
Another lady recounted the return of the family dog on several occasions. That the visit left a change in the air, the smell of the dog and a "feeling" of its' presence.
I'd love to hear anyone's encounters with animal hauntings or thoughts/insight on the subject. Feel free to share your experience with animal hauntings or children's interaction with entities.
As always -- feedback is welcome.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Original MS Post: 08.24.08
Friday, August 22, 2008
Haunted Leicester- an article
Grace Dieu
Does a white lady wander here?
Paranormal Priory?
Many souls had sought salvation at Grace Dieu Priory and with mysterious occurrences becoming increasingly frequent, it could be claimed that several remain. Could sightings of a white lady be attributed to the disruption of its founder's grave?
There are numerous reports of paranormal experiences at Grace Dieu over the past 80 years.
* Watch: Grace Dieu Priory >
Watch the video to find out more about Grace Dieu's ghostly goings-on...
In 1926, a horse pulling a cart stopped and began trembling before six white figures were seen to drift across the road and move into the ruins.
Bus shelter near Grace Dieu
A youngster playing cricket on Grace Dieu Park in 1934 noticed a white figure moving along a nearby footpath. He watched the apparition with two of his friends as it went under a railway embankment only to disappear before they had reached the archway to look through the tunnel.
One of the most fascinating reports was made in 1954 when a bus driver stopped at the bus stop opposite the ruins to let a woman dressed in white aboard. When the doors opened, there was nobody there.
The conductor and driver both got off the bus to look for the lady but found nothing. He was not the last bus driver to be caught out as another driver slowed down to stop for a figure that vanished in 2002.
A popular explanation for the supernatural activity is that the figure is the ghost of Rose de Verdon, the founder of Grace Dieu Priory. She had been laid to rest at the Priory before being re-interred at nearby Belton Church.
Many people believe Rose's spirit was disturbed during this process and roams the ruins in the form of the white lady who, it is often reported, has no facial features or feet.
Did two ghostly figures roam here?
While a number of the recorded supernatural encounters involve sightings of the white lady, others involve the energy surrounding Grace Dieu.
A medium named Tarona was driving past Grace Dieu when she felt drawn to the ruins by the energy encompassing them. She reported a negative energy, having sensed betrayal, murder and the plague.
But, with so little information ever being provided from within the walls of the Priory, it is unknown whether these events Tarona sensed ever happened.
A number of unanswered questions remain about Grace Dieu. Is there really a ghost? Is Rose's spirit doomed to wander the grounds for eternity? One thing is certain, there's something spooky about Grace Dieu.
All the content in this article was produced by Claire Davies, Bethan Lewis, Nick Allen Kevin Fowler and Philip Tweddle from the New Media Publishing PGDip course at De Montfort University in Leicester.
____________________________________________________
Just a glimpse into a UK paranormal site.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Original MS Post:08.21.08
Does a white lady wander here?
Paranormal Priory?
Many souls had sought salvation at Grace Dieu Priory and with mysterious occurrences becoming increasingly frequent, it could be claimed that several remain. Could sightings of a white lady be attributed to the disruption of its founder's grave?
There are numerous reports of paranormal experiences at Grace Dieu over the past 80 years.
* Watch: Grace Dieu Priory >
Watch the video to find out more about Grace Dieu's ghostly goings-on...
In 1926, a horse pulling a cart stopped and began trembling before six white figures were seen to drift across the road and move into the ruins.
Bus shelter near Grace Dieu
A youngster playing cricket on Grace Dieu Park in 1934 noticed a white figure moving along a nearby footpath. He watched the apparition with two of his friends as it went under a railway embankment only to disappear before they had reached the archway to look through the tunnel.
One of the most fascinating reports was made in 1954 when a bus driver stopped at the bus stop opposite the ruins to let a woman dressed in white aboard. When the doors opened, there was nobody there.
The conductor and driver both got off the bus to look for the lady but found nothing. He was not the last bus driver to be caught out as another driver slowed down to stop for a figure that vanished in 2002.
A popular explanation for the supernatural activity is that the figure is the ghost of Rose de Verdon, the founder of Grace Dieu Priory. She had been laid to rest at the Priory before being re-interred at nearby Belton Church.
Many people believe Rose's spirit was disturbed during this process and roams the ruins in the form of the white lady who, it is often reported, has no facial features or feet.
Did two ghostly figures roam here?
While a number of the recorded supernatural encounters involve sightings of the white lady, others involve the energy surrounding Grace Dieu.
A medium named Tarona was driving past Grace Dieu when she felt drawn to the ruins by the energy encompassing them. She reported a negative energy, having sensed betrayal, murder and the plague.
But, with so little information ever being provided from within the walls of the Priory, it is unknown whether these events Tarona sensed ever happened.
A number of unanswered questions remain about Grace Dieu. Is there really a ghost? Is Rose's spirit doomed to wander the grounds for eternity? One thing is certain, there's something spooky about Grace Dieu.
All the content in this article was produced by Claire Davies, Bethan Lewis, Nick Allen Kevin Fowler and Philip Tweddle from the New Media Publishing PGDip course at De Montfort University in Leicester.
____________________________________________________
Just a glimpse into a UK paranormal site.
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Original MS Post:08.21.08
Pirate ghosts and hidden treasure
Taken from The Telegram-- St John's Newfoundland-Labrador
Last updated at 8:42 AM on 11/08/08
DALE JARVIS
The Telegram
There are numerous locations across Newfoundland and Labrador that boast piratical phantoms. The community of Boxey on the south coast of Newfoundland, almost midway between English Harbour West and Coombs Cove, was one such locale.
In the 19th Century, Boxey was well known for an opening or "spy hole" in a local rock formation. The hole was used by local sailors to navigate safely amid treacherous rocks in the bay.
According to local legend, a man named Jacob Penney and his companion, Simon Bungay, ran aground close to the spy hole. It was said spirits had tricked them into running their boat onto the rocks.
The two men had been on a treasure hunt to haunted Deadman's Bight, just up the coast from Boxey, when the boat ran aground.
The legend goes the men were able to pull the boat off the rocks and continue on the hunt for the buried treasure. The twosome arrived at what was reported to be the location of the treasure, but their misadventure on the rocks had cost them valuable time.
They arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of the fabulous treasure before a rock door slammed shut before it. The treasure was never recovered.
Another community with active pirate ghosts is Portland Creek, on the west coast of the island. The local ghosts are said to be the phantom remains of pirates who made the cove the location of their secret treasure hoard. According to different versions of the legend, the pirates had either been shipwrecked in the area, or had sought out the cove purposefully. Either way, it was said they had buried their gold there and that they had returned year after year gradually picking it up.
One intriguing claim has been made which states that, at one point, Portland Creek was so haunted by pirate ghosts that it was nearly impossible to keep a dog in the community. Apparently the dogs, sensitive to the phantom menace, were driven wild by paranormal visitors and would keep owners up with their nightly howling.
Portland Creek lies in a C-shaped cove, and if one stands in the middle of the beach looking out, the two points of the cove can be seen curving in towards one another. The most visible manifestation of the ghostly buccaneers were lights that would appear on one of the points.
The apparitions would materialize on the beach at dusk. They took the form of flickering lights, looking almost like lanterns. No one could find any explanation for them, other than that they were the ghosts of the pirates returning to look for and dig up their buried gold.
Some houses in the community were also troubled by spirits. One man by the name of Payne was particularly tormented by the phantoms. Night after night, he and his wife would be in bed and hear the sound of dishes rattling downstairs. They would go downstairs to find the kitchen empty.
Payne would quite often get into his bed and feel someone, or something, slowly pulling the bedclothes from the bed. Eventually, this became too much for the man. One night as he got into the bed, he felt the ghostly tugging at his blankets.
"Listen here, buddy," said the angry fellow. "You might be taking the bed, but you are not getting my blankets!"
He got out, took the blankets and went downstairs. Presumably, he got a good night's sleep, pirate ghosts or no pirate ghosts.
______________________________
Just an article I thought I'd share.
Comments welcome.
Thanks for stopping by.
Original MS post: 08.20.08
Last updated at 8:42 AM on 11/08/08
DALE JARVIS
The Telegram
There are numerous locations across Newfoundland and Labrador that boast piratical phantoms. The community of Boxey on the south coast of Newfoundland, almost midway between English Harbour West and Coombs Cove, was one such locale.
In the 19th Century, Boxey was well known for an opening or "spy hole" in a local rock formation. The hole was used by local sailors to navigate safely amid treacherous rocks in the bay.
According to local legend, a man named Jacob Penney and his companion, Simon Bungay, ran aground close to the spy hole. It was said spirits had tricked them into running their boat onto the rocks.
The two men had been on a treasure hunt to haunted Deadman's Bight, just up the coast from Boxey, when the boat ran aground.
The legend goes the men were able to pull the boat off the rocks and continue on the hunt for the buried treasure. The twosome arrived at what was reported to be the location of the treasure, but their misadventure on the rocks had cost them valuable time.
They arrived just in time to catch a glimpse of the fabulous treasure before a rock door slammed shut before it. The treasure was never recovered.
Another community with active pirate ghosts is Portland Creek, on the west coast of the island. The local ghosts are said to be the phantom remains of pirates who made the cove the location of their secret treasure hoard. According to different versions of the legend, the pirates had either been shipwrecked in the area, or had sought out the cove purposefully. Either way, it was said they had buried their gold there and that they had returned year after year gradually picking it up.
One intriguing claim has been made which states that, at one point, Portland Creek was so haunted by pirate ghosts that it was nearly impossible to keep a dog in the community. Apparently the dogs, sensitive to the phantom menace, were driven wild by paranormal visitors and would keep owners up with their nightly howling.
Portland Creek lies in a C-shaped cove, and if one stands in the middle of the beach looking out, the two points of the cove can be seen curving in towards one another. The most visible manifestation of the ghostly buccaneers were lights that would appear on one of the points.
The apparitions would materialize on the beach at dusk. They took the form of flickering lights, looking almost like lanterns. No one could find any explanation for them, other than that they were the ghosts of the pirates returning to look for and dig up their buried gold.
Some houses in the community were also troubled by spirits. One man by the name of Payne was particularly tormented by the phantoms. Night after night, he and his wife would be in bed and hear the sound of dishes rattling downstairs. They would go downstairs to find the kitchen empty.
Payne would quite often get into his bed and feel someone, or something, slowly pulling the bedclothes from the bed. Eventually, this became too much for the man. One night as he got into the bed, he felt the ghostly tugging at his blankets.
"Listen here, buddy," said the angry fellow. "You might be taking the bed, but you are not getting my blankets!"
He got out, took the blankets and went downstairs. Presumably, he got a good night's sleep, pirate ghosts or no pirate ghosts.
______________________________
Just an article I thought I'd share.
Comments welcome.
Thanks for stopping by.
Original MS post: 08.20.08
Japanese Ghost Season - an article
COURTESY OF TOKYO DOME CITY PHOTO
(Taken from the Japanese Times)
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080812i1.html
It's ghost season in Japan — who you gonna call?
By JUN HONGO Staff writer
The creature walks: A ghost emerges through a door in Yurei Bukken, a haunted house at the Tokyo Dome City amusement park in Bunkyo Ward. The limited feature runs through Sept. 15.
If there are eerie goings-on in the neighborhood — and Halloween is still two months off — it could be because Japan's traditional "ghost season" maxes out at this time of the year.
While belief in the afterlife and in wandering spirits kept from peaceful rest can be found anywhere in the world, ghosts in Japan take on a unique persona. Gripping tales of phantasms have been made into Hollywood movies, including the hugely popular "The Ring," serving up story lines featuring grudges, curses and spine-chilling plots.
Following are questions and answers about Japan's ghosts and their background:
What do Japan's ghosts look like?
Called "yurei" (faint spirits), ghosts typically wear a white garment and triangular forehead cloth. This is rooted in the way the dead are traditionally laid to rest in white Buddhist burial kimono, and is the preferred attire for the deceased to travel to the other world.
Japanese-style haunted houses at amusement parks will most likely feature a pale-looking ghost with wild black hair, arms stretched forward and wrists dangling. Japanese ghosts are also usually legless. Experts theorize that this is a reflection of their supernatural powers.
Why is summer ghost season in Japan?
Mid-August is considered a spiritual season because of Buddhist traditions. Many honor the dead during Bon by gathering and paying respects at ancestral graves.
The date and customs vary depending on region, but family members typically meet on Aug. 13 and begin a bonfire called "mukae-bi." It is believed the practice brings souls of the dead back from the other world.
After cleaning family graves, families greet and show respect for the dead by chanting sutras and preparing special meals.
The souls are sent back to the other world with "okuri-bi" bonfires, which are usually lit on Aug. 16.
How do Japanese and non-Japanese ghosts differ?
Most ghosts are generally considered to be wandering souls of the dead that are deprived of a peaceful rest.
But religious backgrounds and concepts of death lead to significant differences, said Haruo Suwa, a professor emeritus at Gakushuin University.
While Western religions, including Christianity, and even Islam of the East, believe in the existence of one deity, divinity is omnipresent in Shinto. Beliefs held in Japan include the notion that men can be transformed after death into supernatural beings.
Whereas Western ghosts may be regarded as the extension of one's self after death, a yurei was originally believed to be godlike.
This belief can be observed in the fact that Japanese ghosts are usually depicted without legs or only from the waist up, to demonstrate the individual has been transformed from what it was when alive, Suwa said.
Why are ghosts often depicted as being vengeful and bearing a grudge?
According to Suwa, whose published works include "Nihon no Yurei" ("Japanese Ghosts"), ghost tales have been documented since the early eighth century in the Heian Period.
Beliefs in supernatural beings were common even before that, he said.
But the yurei of ancient times was considered harmless and even favorable. They only manifested grudges and eeriness with the spread of Buddhism throughout the country.
"The religious perception of heaven and hell came into Japan" with the new religion, Suwa said, noting the Buddhist theory of reincarnation and folklore-inspired supernatural beasts helped redefine the concept of yurei. Ghosts "eventually became visually terrifying," Suwa said.
Folklore, in which ghosts are portrayed as the soul of someone robbed of life and deprived of a peaceful afterlife, also influenced the characteristics of Japanese ghosts. Today it is widely believed a yurei returns to the world to exact revenge, and will not stop until its goal is met.
One notable tale is "Yotsuya Kaidan" ("Yotsuya Ghost Story"), which is probably one of the most famous in Japan.
The tale of vengeance takes place in Edo Period Tokyo in the Yotsuya district, featuring Oiwa and her husband, Iemon. Eager to marry an affluent neighbor, Iemon poisons Oiwa, causing her hair to fall out and leaving her face disfigured. Oiwa dies but returns as a ghost and exacts her revenge, killing her husband.
The story was originally written as a play in 1825 and was later adapted for kabuki and movie scripts.
How can one stop being haunted by ghosts?
In the Christianized West, holy water and crosses may help ward off ghosts, but they won't keep their Japanese counterparts, buried under Shinto or Buddhist rites, at bay.
Instead, "ofuda" strips inscribed with Buddhist sutras are believed to be effective in keeping evil spirits away. Some Shinto shrines also provide "oharai," a purification ritual that removes bad omens with wooden wands and chants.
Do ghosts really exist in Japan?
Some sites, notably cemeteries, tunnels and old battlefields, generate ghost sightings. Widely known folklore has it that ghosts are most likely to appear between 2 and 3 a.m., the "time of the three oxes."
Gakushuin's Suwa says he "can't tell if ghosts exist."
"But it is a fact that many Japanese believe in the existence of supernatural spirits. Studying the beliefs and their background is key to understanding Japanese customs and people."
For those who do believe in ghosts, is there any way to detect them?
Try Baketan 2, a ghost detecting gadget that Tokyo-based Solid Alliance Corp. sells online for ¥1,980.
The detector runs on a single lithium-ion battery and captures the "specific rhythm of ultrawaves in an area" that are supernaturally aligned, according to Solid Alliance spokesman Shuichiro Saito.
The detector also translates what the maker calls "spatial algorithms" into electronic sounds, warning the user if a supernatural being is approaching.
Solid Alliance claims on its Web site that Baketan 2 reacted strongly when tested at sites that are deemed haunted. The gadget maker clearly states that the product is a toy, but the hit series has sold more than 50,000 sets in less than three years.
_______________________________
Original MS post: 08.18.08
Prayer of Saint Micheal & Exorcism
The Prayer of Saint Michael
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our protection against the wickedness
and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke
him, we humbly pray, and do Thou,
O Prince of the Heavenly Host,
by the power of God, cast into Hell,
Satan and all the other evil
spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin souls.
Amen.
Short Version of Prayer of St. Michael
THE HISTORY
The history of this prayer is perhaps not the most solid, however, it's main premise stays the same. Pope Leo XIII wrote and printed this prayer in response to a vision he had. The date of the occurrence, as well the circumstances during which the prayer was created, and its' publication varies from 1884 to 1888. However, the recounting of the vision seems to transcend this confusion.
Pope Leo XIII is said to have had a vision of a conversation between God and Satan (in some cases Jesus and Satan). This visionary episode was said to have happened after a mass or a meeting with the Cardinals. The Pope was said to have collapsed and appeared to be in a trance, a coma or seizure like state. It was the tale he recounted that determined his creation of prayer.
Pope Leo XIII recounted that Satan was stating that with enough power and enough time, that he could destroy the church. (In some recounts it says Christainity.) To which God responds, 'How much time and how much power?' Satan replies, ' A century and influence over those who would give themselves to him.' (In some recountings it says 75 years.) To which God responds to Satan's deadline, 'So be it.'
Pope Leo XIII startled by this vision set out to write the prayer of exocism - The Prayer of Saint Micheal. Pope Leo XIII requested this prayer to issued after every Mass to protect the Church. It was performed until the 1968 when Vatican II decided to dispense with the prayer. Which, on a curious note, right before what would be the return of Satan to overthrow the Church in the 1980's. However, Pope John Paul II reinstituted it 1994 to yet again protect the Church.
Miche'al is believed to be translated as "He who is like God". Michael the Archangel is a key role in Revelations in the Battle for Souls. It is Michael that drove the Fallen Angels from Heaven. A summation by Catholic Herald of Saint Michael's duties include:
St. Michael has four duties:
(1) To continue to wage battle
against Satan and the other fallen angels;
(2) to save the souls of the faithful from the power of
Satan especially at the hour of death;
(3) to protect the People of God, both the Jews of
the Old Covenant and the Christians of the New Covenant;
and
(4) finally to lead the souls of the departed from this life
and present them to our Lord for the particular judgment,
and at the end of time, for the final judgment.
For these reasons, Christian iconography depicts St. Michael as a knight-warrior, wearing battle armor, and wielding a sword or spear, while standing triumphantly on a serpent or other representation of Satan. Sometimes he is depicted holding the scales of justice or the Book of Life, both symbols of the last judgment.
(http://www.catholicherald.com/saunders/05ws/ws050929.htm)
ITS' ROLE IN EXORCISM
As part of an exorcism by either layman or priest (or whatever religious figure presides), the inital step is to protect themselvesand the participants. The prayer of Saint Micheal serves this purpose. There are numerous variations of the prayer but it remains the key in stregnthing not only the convictions of the participants but to "activate" the Divine intervention that is about to occur.
Below is a recount from St. Micheal's World Apostolate of an Exorcism ritual:
(http://www.smwa.org/St_Michael/Document_St_Michael_Exorcism.htm)
Exorcism Against Satan and the Rebellious Angels
Published by Order of His Holiness Pope Leo XIII
The Holy Father exhorts priests to say this prayer as often as possible, as a simple exorcism to curb the power of the devil and prevent him from doing harm. The faithful also may say it in their own name, for the same purpose, as any approved prayer. Its use is recommended whenever action of the devil is suspected, causing malice in men, violent temptations and even storms and various calamities. It could be used as a solemn exorcism (an official and public ceremony, in Latin), to expel the devil. It would then be said by a priest, in the name of the Church and only with a Bishop's permission.
(The crosses (+) below indicate a blessing to be given if a priest recites the Exorcism; if a lay person recites it, they indicate the Sign of the Cross to be made by that person.)
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
+ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Most glorious Prince of the Celestial Host, Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the conflict which we have to sustain against principalities and powers, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places (Eph. 6.12). Come to the rescue of men whom God has created to His image and likeness, and whom He has redeemed at a great price from
the tyranny of the devil. It is thou whom Holy Church venerates as her guardian and protector; thou whom the Lord has charged to conduct redeemed souls into Heaven. Pray, therefore, the God of Peace to subdue Satan beneath our feet, that he may no longer retain men captive nor do injury to the Church. Present our prayers to the most High, that without delay they may draw His mercy down upon us. Seize the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, bind him and cast him into the bottomless pit, that he may no more seduce the nations (Apoc. 20.2-3).
Exorcism
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, strengthened by the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Blessed Michael the Archangel, of the Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints, [and powerful in the holy authority of our ministry]*, we confidently undertake to repulse the attacks and deceits of the devil.
*Lay people omit this text
Psalm 67
Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish away: as wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
V. Behold the Cross of the Lord! Flee, bands of enemies.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Offspring of David has conquered.
V. May Thy mercy descend upon us.
R. As great as our hope in Thee.
We drive you from us, whoever you may be, unclean spirits, Satanic powers, infernal invaders, wicked legions, assemblies, and sects.
In the name and by the virtue of Our Lord Jesus Christ +. May you be snatched away and driven from the Church of God and from the souls redeemed by the Precious Blood of the Divine Lamb +.
Cease by your audacity, cunning serpent, to deceive the human race, to persecute the Church, to torment God's elect, and to sift them as wheat +. This is the command made to you by the Most High God +, with Whom in your haughty insolence you still pretend to be equal +. The God Who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth (I Tim. 2.4).
God the Father commands you +.
God the Son commands you +.
God the Holy Ghost commands you +.
Christ, the Eternal Word of God made Flesh, commands you +.
He Who to save our race, outdone through your malice, humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death (Phil. 2.8). He Who has built His Church on the firm rock and declared that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Her, because He dwells with Her all days, even to the consummation of the world (Matt. 28.20).
The hidden virtue of the Cross requires it of you, as does the power of the mysteries of the Christian Faith +.
The glorious Mother of God, the Virgin Mary, commands you +.
She who by Her humility and from the first moment of Her Immaculate Conception crushed your proud head. The faith of the holy Apostles Peter
and Paul and of the other Apostles commands you +.
The blood of the Martyrs and the pious intercession of all the Saints command
you +.
Thus, cursed dragon, and you, wicked legions, we adjure you by the living God +, by the true God +, by the holy God +, by the God Who so loved the world, as to give up His only-begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him may not perish but may have life everlasting (St. John 3.16).
Cease deceiving human creatures and pouring out to them the poison of eternal perdition. Cease harming the Church and hindering her liberty. Retreat, Satan, inventor and master of all deceit, enemy of man's salvation. Cede the place to
Christ in Whom you have found none of your works. Cede the place to the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church acquired by Christ at the price of His Blood. Stoop beneath the all-powerful Hand of God. Tremble and flee at the evocation of the Holy and terrible name of Jesus; this Name which causes hell to tremble; this Name to which the Virtues, Powers and Dominations of Heaven are humbly submissive; this Name which the Cherubim and Seraphim praise unceasingly, repeating: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord, the God of Hosts.
V. O Lord hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
V. May the Lord be with thee.
R. And with thy spirit.
Let us pray.
God of Heaven, God of earth, God of Angels, God of Archangels, God of Patriarchs, God of Prophets, God of Apostles, God of Martyrs, God of Confessors, God of Virgins, God who has power to give life after death and rest after work, because there is no other God than Thee and there can be no other, for Thou art the Creator of all things, visible and invisible, of Whose reign there shall be no end. We humbly prostrate ourselves before Thy glorious Majesty and we supplicate Thee to deliver us from all the tyranny of the infernal spirits, from their snares, their lies, and their furious wickedness. Deign, O Lord, to protect us by Thy power and to preserve us safe and sound. We beseech Thee through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
V. From the snares of the devil,
R. Deliver us, O Lord.
V. That Thy Church may serve Thee in peace and liberty,
R. We beseech Thee to hear us.
V. That Thou would crush down all enemies of Thy Church,
R. We beseech Thee to hear us.
(Holy water is sprinkled in the place where we may be.)
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
*Indulgence of 300 days, plenary under the usual conditions, if this invocation is recited daily during a month.
Imprimatur: + Manuel, Bishop of Barcelona, December 19, 1931
LONG VERSION OF
SAINT MICHEAL'S PRAYER
"O Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in the terrible warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come to the aid of man, whom Almighty God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of Satan.
"Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity.
"These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where the See of Holy Peter and the Chair of Truth has been set up as the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be.
"Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious power of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly find mercy in the sight of the Lord; and vanquishing the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered the root of David.
V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as supplicants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious St. Michael the Archangel, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all the other unclean spirits who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen."
Roman Raccolta, July 23, 1898, supplement approved July 31, 1902,
London: Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1935, 12th edition.
_______________________________________
Information on an odd but useful subject. I'm not Catholic, so I had to hunt this information down via the net. Feel free to correct or add to. Hopefully, no one will have to use it but it's here anyway.
As always input, comment and thought is welcome.
Original MS post: 08.17.08
Frank’s Box - A Brief Commentary
After having viewed an episode of Paranormal State where the team instigated contact via a "Frank's Box", I became curious about the device. So I've been researching Frank's Box and other ITC forms for this and upcoming blogs. I haven't used a Frank's Box personally but have talked to a few people who've either used it or been around one.
On the basis of how a Frank's Box work -- it's a modulation and scanning between the AM/FM frequencies and the white and pink noise spectrum, usually only lasting seconds dependent on the basis of the algorithm that the scanning system is protocolled to use. It is in these small spurts of static and broken syllabics that an entity is supposed to be able to capitalize and generate words for
the user to interpret.
Since the Frank's Box does use "in use" frequencies that's where a bit of debate on the credibility lies. Some also argue that cell phones (post-1990's models do not operate within the frequency scanned) and wireless household phones (would have to be pre-1990's to be on the radio band) are contributing to the words popping up. Technology that it may intercept are specifically low band
operators -- existing radio stations, hand held radio sets, baby monitors, some children's toys and ham radios. So with the consideration of these modern encroachments onto an experimental device, the recovery of fallacious responses has to be considered.
Using a Frank's Box also creates the translation/comprehension debate. Largely an investigator is trying to interpret a staticy word, phrase or burst. What one person may interpret as a possible response by an entity using the static may to another sound of pure static. The interpretation is, for the most, purely subjective. Based on ones' demographic and semantics, interpretation of the
Frank's Box encounter may and most likely will vary leaving doubtful evidence.
An additional issue with the Frank's Box is validating the response. Not only verifying the fact but being able to support the device through other methods of investigation. Running of secondary recording equipment might provide this validation. Duplicating the session without the Frank's Box and using other equipment and attaining is the same response will provide additional validation.
Research into the answer and the location may reveal the responses accuracy. Validation of the information attained via the Frank's Box will be crucial to its' accuracy and its' evidentiary property.
Another issue with Frank's Box that's been discussed a lot lately -- repeatable/reproduceable results. Getting an answer to a question once is fine. Rephrase that question and get the same answer is better. Come back a whole different number of times- and get it again -- that's grand! Establishing a successful series of reproduceable results is the best way to develop the Frank's Box as a reliable form of evidence. At present, I've not encountered anyone who has experienced this success unquestionably.
Frank's Box and the other ITC formats are open to so much interpretation. Establishing a series of guidelines/standards like what was done for EVP is highly suggested and needed. Reproducing "successes" numerous times - also highly necessitated to generate a background of reliability. Being able to validate the information and creating a record of the success is also necessary.
Personally --there are too many variables in the use and interpretation with Frank's Box at this point. As evidence-- it should not be proffered by itself -- if you can back it up with other recordings and such, maybe. Too many variables -- including the subjectivity of the investigator -- are standing in the way of the Frank's Box being considered a valuable evidentiary device.
USEFUL LINKS:
http://www.spiritsearchsociety.com/theghostbox.pdf
Schematic of a "Frank's Box"
http://www.keyportparanormal.com/ghostboxschematics.html
2 Versions of a "Frank's Box"
http://www.keyportparanormal.com/simpleghostboxhack.html
A "hacked" version of a "Frank's Box"
_______________________________
As always, input is welcome.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Original MS post 08.12.08
On the basis of how a Frank's Box work -- it's a modulation and scanning between the AM/FM frequencies and the white and pink noise spectrum, usually only lasting seconds dependent on the basis of the algorithm that the scanning system is protocolled to use. It is in these small spurts of static and broken syllabics that an entity is supposed to be able to capitalize and generate words for
the user to interpret.
Since the Frank's Box does use "in use" frequencies that's where a bit of debate on the credibility lies. Some also argue that cell phones (post-1990's models do not operate within the frequency scanned) and wireless household phones (would have to be pre-1990's to be on the radio band) are contributing to the words popping up. Technology that it may intercept are specifically low band
operators -- existing radio stations, hand held radio sets, baby monitors, some children's toys and ham radios. So with the consideration of these modern encroachments onto an experimental device, the recovery of fallacious responses has to be considered.
Using a Frank's Box also creates the translation/comprehension debate. Largely an investigator is trying to interpret a staticy word, phrase or burst. What one person may interpret as a possible response by an entity using the static may to another sound of pure static. The interpretation is, for the most, purely subjective. Based on ones' demographic and semantics, interpretation of the
Frank's Box encounter may and most likely will vary leaving doubtful evidence.
An additional issue with the Frank's Box is validating the response. Not only verifying the fact but being able to support the device through other methods of investigation. Running of secondary recording equipment might provide this validation. Duplicating the session without the Frank's Box and using other equipment and attaining is the same response will provide additional validation.
Research into the answer and the location may reveal the responses accuracy. Validation of the information attained via the Frank's Box will be crucial to its' accuracy and its' evidentiary property.
Another issue with Frank's Box that's been discussed a lot lately -- repeatable/reproduceable results. Getting an answer to a question once is fine. Rephrase that question and get the same answer is better. Come back a whole different number of times- and get it again -- that's grand! Establishing a successful series of reproduceable results is the best way to develop the Frank's Box as a reliable form of evidence. At present, I've not encountered anyone who has experienced this success unquestionably.
Frank's Box and the other ITC formats are open to so much interpretation. Establishing a series of guidelines/standards like what was done for EVP is highly suggested and needed. Reproducing "successes" numerous times - also highly necessitated to generate a background of reliability. Being able to validate the information and creating a record of the success is also necessary.
Personally --there are too many variables in the use and interpretation with Frank's Box at this point. As evidence-- it should not be proffered by itself -- if you can back it up with other recordings and such, maybe. Too many variables -- including the subjectivity of the investigator -- are standing in the way of the Frank's Box being considered a valuable evidentiary device.
USEFUL LINKS:
http://www.spiritsearchsociety.com/theghostbox.pdf
Schematic of a "Frank's Box"
http://www.keyportparanormal.com/ghostboxschematics.html
2 Versions of a "Frank's Box"
http://www.keyportparanormal.com/simpleghostboxhack.html
A "hacked" version of a "Frank's Box"
_______________________________
As always, input is welcome.
Thanks for stopping by!!
Original MS post 08.12.08
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