True ghost stories throught the Washington, DC Metro Area as told by Al Tyas, the Founder & Chief of Washington, DC Metro Area Ghost Watchers.

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Reviewed by: Dave Schumacher
Science & Technology Advisor
Southern Wisconsin Paranormal Research Group

The book begins by describing why the paranormal is worthy of scientific investigation and why belief in the paranormal has increased over the last 10 years. Next it reviews the areas of neuroscience, neurotheology, and quantum physics. These are relatively new areas to mainstream science and therefore can be unfamiliar even to the veteran paranormal investigator. The brief overview of each topic provides one with a general understanding of the topic and explains why they are important to paranormal research and how they may someday make the paranormal very normal.

The basics of the three-step investigation process used by The Center for Paranormal Research and Investigation (CPRI) is presented next. This is the same process used by the group I am affiliated with and it is good to see others using it. This investigation procedure is very successful and should be used by more paranormal investigators. A little bit more information on what types of questions are asked during the interview and the specifics of the full-scale investigation would have been an added bonus.

The review of theories on infrasound, electromagnetic fields, and geomagnetic fields, their effects on the brain, and how they can be the cause of some subjective paranormal experiences is extremely well done. Complex theories from Michael Persinger and Vic Tandy are presented in a logical and easily understandable format. Examples from the scientific literature and real-life case studies provide the needed support in order to drive the information home. The reader will also enjoy learning about some of the unique equipment the CRPI is using to test these theories in the field.

The next couple of chapters deal with hardcore scientific, psychological, and parapsychological information and concepts as they relate to the paranormal. Bobbie proposes that 90% to 95% of the cases the CPRI have investigated are haunted people/haunted minds and NOT due to a discarnate entity, poltergeist/RSPK (Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis), or residual haunting (of course there is still that 5% to 10% that may be paranormal for you true believers). She discusses the haunted people/haunted minds concept within the framework of known psychological conditions such as: dysfunctional families, bipolar disorder, childhood trauma and sexual abuse, and temporal lobe epilepsy. It is clear that Bobbie has a firm grasp of the published scientific literature and has done an excellent job of applying that information to her field research.

The book then goes on to describe the various psychological phenomena that can be mistaken for paranormal experiences. Not only does one learn what causes the phenomenon but is also educated on what type of paranormal activity it resembles. Once again I enjoyed how each point was reinforced by real-life examples.

Finally, there are various case studies that have been investigated by the CPRI. The reader will particularly enjoy the Dangerous Orbs chapter!

Only two minor things could have made this book better for me. The first thing is the format. I downloaded the pdf file. Even though I love computers, I like to have a paper copy in my hand. So, I printed out the book. After it printed, I noticed that the text was centered and there were only two or three paragraphs per page. On the positive side, this made for a very quick read of the 203-page book (never thought of myself as a speed reader but I felt pretty smart)! The print version is slightly shorter but more or less formatted the same way. Besides using a lot of paper this isn’t a big deal, especially if you are going to just read it on the computer.

The second small thing is that in one of the case file chapters there is a nice review of the three major types of ghostly paranormal phenomena that could have been expanded upon and made a separate chapter. I still think there is a lack of knowledge by most ghost hunters and paranormal investigators on what the differences are between an apparition of the intelligent type, a poltergeist (RSPK), and a residual haunting/place memory.

Overall I think this is an excellent book!

No matter what your level of interest in the paranormal, either amateur ghost hunter or serious paranormal investigator, you need to read Haunted Minds, Haunted People by Bobbie Atristain. It contains the information you will need in order to determine what is normal (though somewhat strange) and what might be paranormal. Knowing and using the up-to-date information in this book will enhance your credibility as a serious paranormal investigator and gain your further acceptance by mainstream science.

"A Paranormal Casebook"
By Loyld Auerbach
Reviewed By Charles Stayton of CPRI

 First off let me say that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Mr. Auerbach has a great writing style making it both enjoyable and fun to turn the page. The book is a compilation of both Mr. Auerbach ideas of the Paranormal and a grouping of cases he has worked on as an investigator. His views of the Paranormal make a lot of sense and the cases he picked are some of the most dynamic he has been involved with. They include haunting in homes, poltergeist activity, an aircraft carrier, and even some that were not so paranormal. He has brought together a good collection.

Section one covers his explanation of what a "ghost" is and he categorizes them as the big three, apparitions, hauntings, and poltergeists. He also talks about photos and some of the pit falls in camera use and the proverbial "orb" argument. He talks about "PK" or psychokinesis involved in poltergeist cases, and then brakes down the difference in the types of hauntings, mainly "intelligent" or "residual". Over all this is an excellent section for those who have no experience in either paranormal research, or for those who have been doing investigations for a while and want some review.

Section two is the actual casebook, and is a joy to read. Even if your not a paranormal investigator and just enjoy a good ghost story this section is just plain fun to read. His descriptions of the cases are broken down, to the reported phenomena, a good background of the area and the haunting, and the actual investigation. For the paranormal investigator, he or she will find good information on how investigations work, interview process and how sometimes not everything you run into is paranormal (see the story)"Footsteps in the Attic".

Section three involves special cases and goes into more detail. They involve cases like the "Blue Lady" and the "USS Hornet". These cases are more involved and include a lot of information about multiple investigations and the use of more equipment. I have to say that the "Blue Lady" case was my favorite in this section it has all the parts of a good intelligent haunting and makes a good case for returning to scenes with high activity.

Section four is a series of question asked to Mr. Auerbach over his years of investigation and gives you a good look into his mindset as a paranormal investigator. These are questions that any "Ghost Hunter" will be familiar with and gives a good background into Mr. Auerbach's training and philosophy in researching the paranormal.

Section five I think is the true hidden treasure of this book. Mr. Auerbach has created a "What to do" and "What not to do" list for Ghost Hunting. These lists are good sound advice and will be found to be essential for every new paranormal investigator. He also includes a resource list of books and web sites for the investigator.

Overall I found this to be a great book with some good advice and sound principles. The only fault I can find with Mr. Auerbach is his use of referring to himself as a Psychic Entertainer. This title worries me a little in the fact that I believe that any time the word entertainer is used; it creates an atmosphere of just that; entertainment and takes away for the professional impression that we are trying to create. I also was a little surprised when going to Mr. Auerbach's web site I found that his organization the "Office of Paranormal Investigations" actually charges for doing investigations. It is my belief that if we are truly trying to help these people we shouldn't charge, but that is just my belief.

I think that this is a good book and that every investigator should have one in his collection.

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Electromagnetic Fields
A Consumer's Guide to the Issues and How to Protect Ourselve
By B. Blake Levitt
Harcourt Brace & Company 1995
Reviewed by: Karl Balliet, CPRI, Inc.

This is mostly about human exposure to electromagnetic fields and their effects on people and on other forms of life. It does not have anything to say about possible relevance to anything paranormal, but it does have a simple, easy-to-understand description of emf's including those produced by human use of electricity and electric applliances, radio, television and microwave broadcasting, and also natural sources.

The data on natural sources is of interest to anyone investigating effects of emf on paranormal occurrences. Here are some things the author says.

"The earth itself is a gigantic complex dipole magnet - not unlike the common bar magnet, with its north and south poles, - . . . micropulsations in the 10-hertz range emanate constantly from the planet's core.

" . . . science is increasingly coming to understand that all of life, including those most basic rhythms of waking and sleeping, are affected by our interactions with this intricate natural magnetic environment. . . . it influences everything from the migration patterns of birds down to the very cell division (mitosis) that takes place in the human body."

Also - "Unlike the simple bar magnet, the earth's electromagnetic fields have incredibly subtle, complex interrelating aspects that create a wondroua orb to cradle, sustain, and influence all of the earth's biological systems. A great deal about the subject remains a mystery, and much of what geophysicists have postulated remains theoretical, as in fact do electromagnetic waves themselves. We are still in our infancy regarding this subject."

There are several pages about the possibility that dowsing works because the dowser can detect some natural magnetic fields,and changes in them due to presence of running water.

This is mostly about electromagnetic effects that are, or might be, related to paranormal occurrences. This is fascinating and amazing and has lots of information and case studies. The author has made extensive and intensive studies of the subject and has concluded that all paranormal experiences including close encounters, hauntings, alien abductions, nad other visitations are halliucinatory side-effects of electromagnetic sensitivity. Everyone interested in the paranormal should read this book. It can be found by searching Bookfinder on the internet.

Of particular interest is Budden's report about the Hutchison Effect, discovered by an amateur physicist in Vancouver, Canada. By operating various types of electronic equipment (including Tesla coils) simultaneously he occasionally obtained poltergeist types of effect such as levitation, moving of solid objects and spontaneous fires. A possible explanation is that strange, distorted emf fields were sometimes produced, accidentally, which caused the effects. This would be most remarkable if true, but I have a suspicion that it might be a hoax. I checked csicop for any mention of it, but they apparently have not investigated it.

There are numerous case studies (not related to the Hutchison effect) with many details and analyses.

SHADOW OF THE DARKNESS is the much-anticipated book written by John Zaffis and Brian McIntyer. The most unfortunate thing about this book is that you cannot yet buy it on the shelves of large, mainstream bookstores. As a researcher we spend time looking for paranormal activity. This book discusses the darker forces that we may come in contact with. After reading it, I think that it should be a staple for any paranormal researcher or ghost hunter, much like a gun safety course is essential to a game hunter. Ignorance is not bliss.

There are hundreds books on the subject of ghosts and hauntings. They tell us where to find ghost, how to photograph ghost, how to use ghost hunting equipment but, most leave out a very crucial topic. As ghost hunters we often put ourselves into situations where we are at risk for unwanted, unwelcome, and unsolicited negative energy. John and Brian explain how the powers of evil often work their way into people’s lives with out them knowing it. Mr. Zaffis discusses the stages of possession and tells us ways we can recognize a non-human presence, even when it is surrounded by residual or classic human spirit hauntings. My favorite, and most personally relevant chapter is called The Banishment of an Oppressive Force. It deals with the experience of a paranormal researcher. It describes how she became oppressed and her battle with an unforeseen entity that plagued her life.

John Zaffis and Brian McIntyer share a sampling of their vast experience with the reader. John has participated in numerous exorcisms with a variety of clergy, catholic, native-American, Buddhist and other religions. This book is a retelling of the stories associated with some of the exorcisms minus the gross details and Hollywood hype you might find in books of fiction. Bear in mind that the stories and the pictures are real. I can’t wait for the next one John. Get busy.

You can purchase the book on Johns website www.prsne.com or www.johnsaffis.com .

Ghost, Witches & Weird Tales of Virginia Beach

I have just finished reading a copy of Ghost, Witches & Weird Tales of Virginia Beach. There are several books written about Virginia Beach. Some deal with Myths, some with History and some with Ghost Stories. This book is a delightful combination of all of those. I think what I like best about the book and what makes it special is that most of the places in the book still exist and are available for the public to visit. The stories are for the most part personal accounts of things that have happened. The witnesses tell the story in their own words whenever possible. Also, the historical facts, names, dates, times and sources are there to back up the stories along with pictures.

It is obvious for this book that the authors really care about Virginia Beach. To them the area is precious and rich. Anyone who knows about Edgar Casey knows why Virginia Beach is such a wonderful mystical place. These writers embrace Virginia’s wonderment and history. There are quotes in this book from other Virginia writers, such as Al Chewning, a local historian, and L.B. Taylor, This book is a MUST for anyone visiting Virginia Beach on Ghost Hunting expeditions. The last chapter tells about many ghostly destinations that you can visit. You can purchase the book by mail at Bayside Researchers 3636 Virginia Beach Blvd, #108 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 or www.wildriversoutfitters.com. Copies are available at Borders Books at Hilltop, Ferry Plantation House, Heritage, Ragged Robin Gifts, The Old Coast Guard Station, and Cape Henry Lighthouse: all in Virginia Beach, VA I picked up my at copy at Wild Rivers Outfitters on Virginia Beach Blvd. You can call 757-431-8566 also.