Post 8: Ghosts: Real life ghosbusters

Ghost hunting is the process of investigating locations that are reported to be haunted by ghosts. Typically a ghost hunting team will attempt to collect evidences of paranormal activities. Ghost hunters often utilize a variety of electronic equipment, such as EMF meter (Electromagnetic field meter), digital thermometer, computers, digital audio recorder, and static digital video cameras (Thermographic or Infared and Night vision ). There are only a few number of ghost hunters in our population because ghost hunting is not popular.

I learned about ghost hunters because of the movie called Ghostbusters, a supernatural comedy film that was released in 1984 by writers Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis which was mainly about three parapsychologists (Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spenler) in New York city who started a ghost catching business.They use proton lasers to vanquish ghosts, they drive in a customized ambulance, and they finish a job covered with green goo which is totally unrealistic and funny.

Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, and Egon Spenler from ghostbusters

In an article called How Ghost Busters Work by Ed Grabianowski, real life ghost hunters doesn't like the term ghost busters because they dont actually bust a ghost. A ghost hunter's job is to investigate the causes of said ghost hauntings. The ghosts may be considered as busted by the hunters if there is a valid reason for weird sightings or events, for example, when they investigate that a poorly sealed window causing the cold draft or reflected car headlights causing the strange lights moving around a darkened room. When a ghost is proven sensed by the hunter additional investigations like quetioning and background investigation takes place to solve the mystery.


Grabianowski also added. "To actually bust a ghost, you'd need two things an actual, verifiable ghost and a tested, proven method of getting rid of that ghost" the busting of ghosts has never been a job of a Ghost hunters. The term Ghost busters doesn't really exist because a ghost is a hollow form, what can we do to harm them or vanquish them? shoot laser beams? which is kind of the idea we got from watching ghostbusters. There is no such thing as getting rid of ghosts but there is a way in making them dissapear by help them cross the other side.

EMF (electromagnetic field) meter

Related to that article, is an article entitled Local ghost hunters have high tech edge by Erica Rodriguez, modern day ghost hunters are quick to explain that none of their gadgets can really prove whether ghosts exist. Many were adapted from technology meant to detect movement, changes in room temperature or radio frequencies, and some technology they can't fully explain. Ghosts hunters are somewhat unknowable about their fields and they only depend on their gadgets that is why they work voluntary and not payed.

Rodriguez also mentioned that "people would be better off trying to understand supposed ghostly encounters by studying the people who experience such events rather than relying on questionable gadgets touted as being "scientific." I definitely agree that people should be opened up to these kind of matters. Studying them and learning how to communicate with the afterlife is the best solution rather than just basing on gadgets and science because studies are not always 100 percent accurate so its better to know the unknown yourself rather that basing on these said things.

Ghost hunters may not always be accurate, they may not be popular to certain people, they may not come with costumes and or they may not make ghosts vanquish by firing beams, but we have to give them credit for having the courage and interest to do these things. Some of them may not have the ability like a psychic medium would have, but at least they have the dedication and they give their life to help solve these ghostly encounters.

Post 7: Ghosts: Orbs

Ghosts are not only seen by our naked eyes  but they are also seen in cameras and video cameras millions of sightings are posted on the internet but because of the great improvement on our technology we can never trust if any of it is real. Many ghostly videos and pictures are fake or edited in advanced softwares which proves that many pictures or videos are not accurate when it comes to proving ghosts.

In my experiences I see ghosts with my naked eye. I know what they look like and I know how they form or appear to us. I can tell whether a ghost photo or video is fake or real. Spirits often appear as mist like forms with incomplete bodies its somewhat disturbing but it is how they look if seen in personally.

In an article I’ve read called Another orb photo explained by science by Patricia Marin, Orbs (Spirits) which are commonly taken in pictures are said a solid object that serious researchers explain as caused by insects, dust, moisture, reflections, or simply attributes of the way in which cameras function. The light emitted by the orb which is white, blue, green color is explained as a glint from the left edge of the mirror above the strip of pictures is the source of light.

Marin  also added, “a paranormal orb was likely to be a solid object white, blue, or green in color” I don’t believe In spiritual or paranormal orbs because studies shows and scientists says that orbs are somewhat lens flare (the light scattered in the lens systems through unwanted imaged formation mechanisms) and uncertain things caught on the cameras lens. I don’t agree in her  thought because I describe ghosts as misty form and somewhat human shaped.

In relation to that article, is an article called Ghosts orbs or dust and moisture: Paranormal photos explained by Melanie L. Marten,  Ghost orbs are semi-transparent white circles that appear mysteriously in snap shots of family, friends, and even sceneries. Orbs can be explained by photographers as lens flare(The reflection of the camera’s flash), while ghost believers think of orbs as spirits of their deceased family members and finally scientists think that its is mainly caused by dust and other particles that are close to the camera.

Marten mentioned “Not all pictures of ghosts orbs are alike. Some glowing orbs in these pictures are half behind other objects” We can never tell whether what these said orbs really are because for me, I am confused whether these things are related to spirits or do spirits really appear in these forms? I have always seen ghosts as a human misty form and it is what I believe they look when it comes to communicating with people. I will never believe that orbs are somehow related to spirits or ghosts unless I witness them myself.

We should never depend on camera’s regarding the  learning about ghosts because they are not accurate or it can be lies made to scare people but there is a way to see them. Embracing spiritualism and knowing how to control or open your sixth sense or as we call the “Third eye”. We will never believe in them truly unless you see them yourself .

Post 6: Ghosts: Casper, the fiendly ghost

 Ghosts are not only popular to movies and games but was also portrayed in animation or cartoons. One of the most popular cartoon ghost icon was Casper also known as “Casper Mcfadden” a ghost who is quite personable. Casper was introduced to the public on 1939 in a movie called “The Friendly Ghost” and when became popular was then made into a cartoon and introduced in childrens books and comics. Is there really a friendly ghost like Casper?

Stretch(left), Stinkie(right), and fatso(middle)

In my experiences I never see ghosts who are happy or friendly they always look so sad and depressed. Upon watching the movie “Casper” a film released in 1995 starring Christina Ricci and Bill Pullman, I have learned the cause of Casper’s death. According to the film, Casper was a young adolescent who went sledding all day and died of pneumonia. Casper was not alone in this movie he was with three other ghosts uncles who are Stretch, Stinkie, and Fatso who were ghosts who likes to prank and scare people but Casper was different he was kind and he sacrifices for others.

A scene from the movie "Casper, the friendly ghost"

In an article called Casper, more than a friendly ghost by Berit Kjos, Casper is a lonely ghost who befriends a motherless girl in the movie “Casper, the friendly ghost”. He models the ultimate selflessness, the willingness to give his life in the movie. He sacrificed his father’s potion (a potion that can revive the deceased) instead of using it for himself, He resurrected Kat’s father for them to reunite and for her to be happy.

“A supernatural being who is not one of God’s angels . Since the dead have no power to participate in human activities, the bible leaves no option other than to call him a demon and there are no good demons.” Kjos also added. Ghosts that doesn’t go to heaven or be with god are not considered as Demons to me because some ghosts who stays in the human world are not ready to move on to the next place because they are worried about their loved ones and or they have not accepted yet the fact that they are dead.

In relation to that is an article called Is Casper McFadden Really a ghost? By Ken Roberts, Casper is the most famous ghost on earth, he was unlike his spooky brethren, he doesn’t haunt or scare and he was described as a lonely ghost looking for friends that is why he became popular for children in the 1930’s to 1940’s which made children in this era less scared about ghosts.

Roberts also added, “The overall acceptance of ghosts was considerably different than it is today” Nowadays only few people in this generation are familiar with Casper the ghost’s character  because of the disturbing ways of representing ghosts such as ghosts hurting people and exorcism. These factors made them think a lot worst about ghosts. And because of entertainment nowadays doesn’t make movies about ghosts being good and they are only mistaken as trouble makers and petrifying characters.

Ghost can be scary and horrific when it comes to movies and shows but they are only made exaggerated to chills for the viewers. They can be bad, they can be good. Who knows what they really are? But think of it that all ghosts are like Casper it will help you overcome your fear of ghosts. If ghosts can be friendly to us then why can’t we be friendly to them?

Post 5: Ghosts: Breath in, Breath out !

What would you do if it is the first time you see a ghost? typically the answer would be run and scream out loud or run and try to get away from it as far as you could. It is funny how people react when it comes to ghosts some people are scared to death they go crazy. We are trained to be scared at these things that's why we always have that common reaction when it comes to these matters but should we be afraid of ghosts?

I grew up as a child with fear of ghosts just like every other child in my generation. I think fearing of ghosts was one of the disciplinary techniques parents use to discipline children. I remembered that my mom mentioned to me when I was young that I should never stay late outside the house because of the so called "Aswang" would take me away. The first time I saw a ghost I never thought of running away I was so scared that I became frozen for ten minutes unable to move. That experience was pretty scary but I got over it.

I have read an article called Phasmophobia (fear of ghosts) by Lisa Fritscher, Phasmophobia or the fear of ghosts is overwhelming and life-limiting. Some experts feel that a phobia of ghosts may be symptomatic of a more serious disorder. This disorder is commonly related to Thanatophobia (fear of death). This phobia is also affected by magical thinking, religious beliefs, and parapsychology.

Fritscher also added, "Since the existence of the supernatural cannot be proven, phasmophobia can be somewhat difficult to treat under conventional methods." Not everyone see ghosts as I have mentioned from my past blog that is why it is difficult to treat because some doesn't have any knowledge on how to tackle this kind of problem and other people are has not opened up to these things. You will have a hard time finding people that really knows how to do the work which is kind of expensive.

In another article called Should You Be Afraid of Ghosts? by Stephen Wagner, Ghosts are not evil. We are just living in an era of ghost fearing people and it is mainly because of movies, books and stories that people look at ghosts as if they can hurt people. The exaggeration of the entertainment society has made a great change in the way how people think. Ghosts are harmless though they intend to scratch walls, make weird sounds, and they try to be seen. Poltergeists are the ghosts that are capable of harming people.

Wagner also added, "The primitive parts of our brain that respond to instinct when a threat is something unknown that might leap out of the darkness, we'd just as soon flee."  Every person has this instinct because people are easily overwhelmed by the fear of getting hurt or to be in a trouble which cannot be removed in one individuals system.

People have different reactions when comes to seeing because people are born with different natural instincts and to top it all up seeing anything unusual is startling. Some may scream, some may run, some may cry , and some may die from the horror. Ghosts are ghosts they will always represent fear and horror, that is our way of life. They are everywhere, do not run and never hide so when you see a ghost just breathe in and breathe out !

Post 4: Ghosts: Ghosts vs. Science

Many people nowadays believe in ghosts, spirits, and afterlife but still many people don't believe in its mysteries. In this generation technology is getting greater and greater as time goes by that's why many studies about their existence emerged. Science vs. the existence of ghosts, I am fascinated on how science explains hauntings and ghostly encounters.

As a medium (A person who has the ability to contact with the afterlife spirits) and a ghost believer I am against the disbeliefs in Ghosts. Studying the science behind ghostly encounters is just a waste of time because for me they are real and they do exist. I experienced many hauntings and saw ghosts with both of my eyes ever since I was a child. I believe in their existence.

Based on my research in an article called The Creepy Scientific Explanation Behind Ghost Sightings by Jack Mendoza, He explained some theories regarding the discovery of Vladimir Gavreau from late 1950's, a vibrating pipe of the right length and girth can cause a number of unpleasant effects ranging from mild irritation to serious pain. Infrasounds or Low frequency sounds may affect a persons feelings and make them feel weak, dread, fear and panic.

Mendoza also added "we have a phenomenon that occurs in nature, is invisible, is imperceptible on a conscious level, but can spontaneously make you feel irrational fear, even if you're sitting in an empty room. Notice how we've just described one of the first and primary signs of a "haunting" unexplained feelings of fear or dread." Mendoza's explanation is interesting knowing that frequencies of sound affect how people would act or feel is kind of convincing but as explained in the article, an Infrasound is a low frequency sound created by large and dangerous beasts or environmental events such as volcano eruptions, earthquakes, etc. Not all the time there is these things around you so what would be the explanations for these if it wasn't made by sound.

In another article I've read called 4 possible scientific explanations for ghosts by Chris Gayomali, there are a few perfectly logical explanations behind people's sightings and ghostly encounters. There are four scientific explanations, first is Sleep paralysis (It's like dreaming while awake, It can last from a few seconds to a minute or two and is often associated with hypnagogic hallucinations, pain, and uneasy feeling), second is Brain glitches (Seeing things or apparitions in the corner of the eye), third is Carbon monoxide (oxygen deprivation triggers listlessness and hallucinations), and the fourth is Infrasound (low frequency sound that triggers un easy feelings). these four are what he believes the scientific explanations of ghost sightings.

According to Gayomali,"infrasound can mess with people's brains and even trigger madness." which was related to the first article by Mendoza but this article is somehow convincing because of the fact that he has used a supporting information which was the situation where the scientists learned the cause of the sound and turned it off, then the encounters stopped.

Believe it or not it does not matter, Scientific or speculations everything is a mystery and as long as there is mysteries there will always be holes for scientific explanations because curiosity always finds it's way. It only depends on you, What side are you on ?

Post 3: Ghosts: Dare to play?

In this generation video games are popular and many of us are in to gaming, because of the countless consoles that keeps on upgrading time by time. Video games are meant to be played for fun and excitement. If these games are made for fun why is there categories of games such as horrific and scary ?

In my experiences I have played a lot of horror
games eventhough I am not a fan of it. Games like Silent hill, Slenderman, Outlast and many more these games are pretty scary and startling for many of us players, these games feature a lot of surprising events  and horrific conflicts or climax which will definitely knock you out of your seat or make you pee on your pants.These games helped me overcome my fears in ghosts.

In an article called What makes horror games scary by Andrew Groen, The emotional stimuli which is found in the brain, affects how we feel in a game. Upon experiencing it, it makes us feel fear and horrified eventhough the  scene did not happen in real life because the brain can often only barely tell the difference between media and reality.

Groen also added “if we do become immersed in a story, then the empathetic bonds we create with the characters will cause us to feel the fear they experience much the same way we would in real life” We are aware  that we are in a game but somehow we get startled and scared because as a gamer I can say that when we play games, we always feel like we are the characters that are inside the game because of our wild imaginations. We feel everything that a character feels eventhough it has no connection to reality.

In another article called Body of fear: How your body keeps you from playing horror games by Anthony Agnello, Our nervous system is responsible for the fear we feel in playing the horrific video games. The activations of dophamine and endorphine, hormones that are released throughout the brain that affects the heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and blood sugar. This state also involves adrenaline rush.

Agnello also added “As we get scared, our body stops everything else it’s doing and focuses only on self preservation” We become careless when we are petrified and think about only ourselves, how we escape in a scary situation and we don’t think straight or sometimes because of the fear we become immobile. Just like what happened to me on my first experience in seeing a ghost.

Scary games may not offer fun and happiness like every other games should offer but in this generation scary games are way too popular because of the fact that people are more attracted to horrific excitement which is  different from the norm. Playing scary games is like seeing an actual ghosts because of our wild imaginations. This feeling of fear and excitement is kind of addicting and as the time goes by scary games become more and more realistic and scary. What if scary games were to be too realistic? Would you dare to play?

Post 2: Ghosts: Watch me not?

Horror films or movies is a film genre made to elicit a negative emotional reaction from viewers by playing on the audience's primal fears. These films often make scenes  that would somehow startle or knock you out of your seat. Ghosts, murderers, supernatural, aliens, and monsters are the common characters that film creators are usually using in creating these film genres. Horror films often deal with the viewers nightmares, hidden fears, revulsion, and terror of the unknown.

Based on my experiences, I can say that horror movies about ghosts are somehow too exaggerated. I am not always happy or satisfied on how they present ghosts. Horror movies are also not accurate and I understand that because movies are made to entertain, but we must respect the fact that there are people like us who story writers can depend on when it comes to ghosts facts. But the question is why are we drawn to these movies? Why do many of us watch these movies eventhough these movies make you cry and scared?

I've read an article called Horror movies: why people love them by Leslie Fink. There are reasons why people love watching horror movies, one is the so called Desired effect which is explained by researchers as one reason why we watch, it is because the thrill calls up primal behavior, mainly in males, to assess threat levels. the second is the Just plain suspense which is the wanting to watch these movies that give you chills and unwanted feelings of fear and excitement. The third one is the In your brain which explains that the brain has the ability to interpret or horrific situations because the brain has an enormous capacity for thinking, reasoning, and just plain musing, allows us to worry and to exert these feelings when we watch horror movies.

"We watch for different reasons, which include enjoying the adrenaline rush, being distracted from mundane life, vicariously thumbing our noses at social norms, and enjoying a voyeuristic glimpse of the horrific from a safe distance." as Fink mentioned. People are watching these movies because of the adrenaline rush and the excitement. These emotions are what people want because we don't usually have this feelings in our normal lives. These feelings we get from horror movies are weird but its what our minds wants us to experience and feel eventhough we don't want to see these movies.

In another article I've read called Why do we watch horror films? by Anthony Rivas. People are drawn to these kinds of movies because it somehow helps us in our everyday lives and here are three reasons, Understanding archetypal fears through horror explaining that because of the fact that we put ourselves in situations to be scared because we want to understand what our population fears as a whole making us knowledgeable on the fears of the public. Another reason is Horror films give viewers a psychological ride which gives higher levels of arousal thoroughly enjoy the response heightened feelings of awareness their bodies have to intense experiences. These experiences range from watching horror films to skydiving and bungee jumping. And lastly the Overcoming fear of horror films some of us are too scared to watch these movies but when viewed makes us overcome our fear of these movies.

"Some people want to watch something that addresses their archetypal fears, while others just want to go along for the psychological ride." as Rivas Mentioned. People are attracted to these movies because they are sometimes mainstream and having the knowledge in the archetypal fears we somehow overcome our fears knowing that you are not the only one who fears.

Horror movies are made to entertain it does not matter whether it is made too exaggerated or unreal. Watching horror movies can be so scary and terrifying but it is not that bad to try and watch them because you may learn something from it. So the next time you watch scary movies about ghosts do you have the guts to watch ?