There is a science of the paranormal.
Actually, as the front-lines researchers will hammer, their mission is to take beliefs and values beyond the "fright factor." Through painstaking investigations, they uncover often mundane causes for so-called other-worldly events.
Last night I attended a two-hour discussion by paranormal investigator Jon Nowinski at Connecticut's Smoking Gun Research Agency [SGRA], based in Orange. I was not the first media source to check it all out. SGRA has been featured on AOL, "Nightline," THE NEW YORK TIMES, Fox, and myriad state newspapers. Here is the AOL coverage.
Nowinski, who started nonprofit SGRA back in the 1990s, picked haunted places to separate the facts from what has come down in folklore, thanks to the fright factor. One fact we learned right away was the settings with paranormal legacies often have iron in the soil which can leach into crops, water, and whatever. In excess that iron can trigger delusions, including visions of ghosts. Salem, Massachusetts had plenty of iron in its soil at the time of those odd activities which finally resulted in witch-burnings.
There had also been iron in enclaves in Connecticut with reputations for being haunted, Nowinski explained. However, other factors could also have played a part in why residents and visitors to places like Dudleytown, Connecticut reported strange experiences. Those include malevolent creatures bringing in negative energy. Also, human beings living there in secret at the time might have wanted to scare off intruders. In addition, the volume of human traffic in itself might have upset the local equilibrium.
The conclusion? Yes, areas could be embedded with paranormal entities. However, the lion's share of those were likely existing more in the mindsets of folks who enjoyed becoming scared than in some soul-force.
Nowinski then moved into the larger subject of how negative energy becomes part of an entity and then how it can be released. With the popularity of buying and selling used objects, be that on ebay, the thrift shop, or a flea market, people are finding themselves in the midst of negative energy in their homes.
The typical situation, Nowinski explained, was the person who buys a Native American relic or a cool-looking military jacket. A few days after their lives are turned upside down. In a panic they might contact a paranormal investigator such as Nowinski or John Zaffis. Likely, something about the person triggered the object to emit the energy. The solution? Frequently there is a "cleansing" ritual and the object is removed.
Incidentally, objects are not the only triggers. Human beings who are depleted spiritually or emotionally and/or haven't protected themselves against the mischief-doers out there can be invaded. Groups like SGRA teach how to block those energy-drainers.
Several days every week there are discussions, films, lectures, and group processes at SGRA. Members also have access to a lending library. Here you can find out more, including the calender of events.
Wonderful article Jane! We were glad you could join us this week, and hope to see you again at future events!
Maureen
Posted by: Maureen Boles | July 29, 2011 at 03:09 AM