Orbs, Mist, and Apparitions

 

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Orbs, Mist, and Apparitions

As an investigator, many ask about orbs, mist, and apparitions and wonder what they are in relation to spirit activity. The standard answer refers to a spirit being some form of energy explained by physics. But a few ask the next question. What does that mean and is there a relationship between orbs and mist, etc.

It is common to find orbs when mist is present. However, I have a theory that only time will either prove or disprove. I've taken tons of orb pictures, most usually are dust or moisture in the air. Then there's the very dense or bright orbs. I've found a possible transition orb from orb to mist at various highly active locations. I wonder if the orb as the simplest form of nature is the basic shape of all spirits. When they have enough energy they become denser and or brighter. Could they then evolve into mist? Since it is not uncommon to see figures in shadows or mist, could the next level be an apparition? I wonder if the evolution of an apparition is orb, into mist/ecotplasm, into an apparition? What do you think as an investigator and/or a sensitive?

Ann, website administrator

Update to this original article coming soon !

Cats, Spirits, and Photography

 

Cats, Spirits, and Photography

The long standing history of cats is without question.  From before the Egyptians, cats have been a royal part of many peoples household.  Some believe cats can protect a home from ghosts.  No matter your stance on cats, they do poses a gift of incredible vision in very low light.  But, how much more can they see? 

Finally science agrees, they can see far more than previously suspected.  This UV (ultra-violet) ability gives paranormal investigators hope.  If cats are able to see spirits, then perhaps regular photography is possible one day.

Why isn't paranormal photography consistently possible now?

The answer is two-fold.  One is that to date, a camera lens close to the ability of a human eye has not been invented.  Therefore, to have a lens as advanced as the eye of a feline is a long way off.  The second part of the answer is for those that can image the paranormal with great much better ability.  Most people do not use their sixth sense when they are behind a camera.  For those reading this that have conversations with spirits, you might understand easily.  It is as simple as asking in your head for the spirits present to please show themselves.  Yup, you simply ask them permission to take their picture.  As with people, some spirits don't want to a picture taken.  Others will be happy to oblige.

There are some basic guidelines to help obtain this very difficult exposure.  The most important is to turn off your flash!  I cannot stress this enough.  Ghosts and spirits are in a whole different portion of the light spectrum.  A flash of bright light will erase any apparition you see with your eyes, and that includes your camera.  The next is the time of day.  Now, the tricky part is the spirit may not be present at the best time of day.  So, if the lighting is too low, use a tripod.  You cannot extend the exposure time with spirit photography.  You can add a small light source pointing away from the spirit.  Next is the most difficult part for many people.  Listen to your gut, to your instinct, and to your others senses.  If you are not a medium/sensitive/physic, then you have to use what you have.  Use all of your senses to see where to take your picture.  Most pictures should be taken sooner rather than later.  It takes a lot of energy for a spirit to manifest.  So you likely only have one great chance early on.  Feel the air temperature, use your EMF spikes, Geiger counter variations, and other tools available to you. 

This isn't about proving or debunking.  It's about working together to gather another piece of a very large and complicated puzzle.  Remember, that if another person not present when you obtained your image "poo poo's" your picture, you know the truth.  Yes, a sadly huge number of images are faked in this digital age.  Creating a ghost is very easy.  However, once you begin to take pictures of the real thing, you will be fast to learn how different each situation and spirit is.

Just like when the cats are staring and following "nothing" on the wall.  They are curious as to what the spirit is doing.  They are seeing movements we cannot do in our human bodies.  And it's pretty darn interesting to see somebody play peek-a-boo through a wall.  Or better yet, maybe they are looking at their long departed kitty spirit friend.

Infants and PK Events

 

Infants and PK Events

Becoming a mom has given me new respect for so many things. Sleep is a fable that was once taken for granted. Add in to the mix an infant with PK (psychokinetic) energy and that little bit of sleep vanishes.


What is PK you ask? It is a known and documented event in which a person can
move objects with their mind. It is common in sleeping children to set off electronic
toys as they play in their sleep. This can happen with or without batteries in the
toys! As we grow up, this can extend to moving objects without touching them and
more.


Since nothing is normal in our household, our daughter began with PK while only a
few months old gestation. That's right, she wasn't born yet. At three months she
setting off her favorite toys. Once she arrived in all her glory, the PK settled down for
a few months. Around 6 months old, I couldn't calm the nightly toy noise. I tried
removing batteries and moving the active toy into different rooms without success.


In time, I learned to not allow her to play with her favorites right before bed. As she
grows, certain times will be more intense. After working with many families, times
of stress and change also increase PK events. The future will be an adventure for
our family. I'm just grateful for the working knowledge of PK events.  It won't keep me
from getting startled when things create noise by themselves.  It will allow me to ignore

it and fall back to sleep more easily.

THURSDAY on FOX40: Haunted Woodland (+playlist)

THURSDAY on FOX40: Haunted Woodland (+playlist)

What a fun time filming.

Using "Gifts" to find fact.

 

Using "Gifts" to find fact.

As a medium and a psychic I am able to draw from very different resources to obtain unseen information.  The responsibility in only stating what I saw without adding or subtracting to the data is huge.  However, when extremely bizzare scenario's present themselves it makes it easy to question one's own sanity - until the scenario is found out to be valid.

All investigations for a sensitive are done with zero information upon arrival.  On this example I was one of three to have most unusual animal experiences.  I walked around a seemingly normal overgrown yard with stables in the rear.  I walked up to the stables.  Having raised horses, I wanted to see how they had them decked out.  To my shock as I looked into the first stall, a ghost tiger jump up to say hello.  However, the reaction scared the living crap out of me.  I walked to the next stall and cautiosly peered in.  I again did not see a horse, but a spirit pot belly pig!  The next stall housed a ghost bear.

There was one last older stall behind.  It's roof was caved in and I was desperate to find a horse and my sanity.  At the last stall, I found lots of spiders and the warm feeling of horses.

Now the bigger challenge was to be honest about my experience with my team.  I walked into the home and found myself speachless from the tiger.  The home owner did catch a glimpse of my expression.  Embarrassed, I confessed with difficulty.  It was then that I learned other member had similar experiences in other places on the property were the zoo animals played years ago. 

Did the horse stalls house lions, tigers, and bears - and a pig?  Yup!  The lesson was to simply state what you as the acting sensitve "see" no matter how bizzare!  Even if that is not fact, it may be how your brain interprets something on importance.  Do not ever try to figure out what you "see".  Just state it and move on to the next.  Give as many details as you see that could be verifiable without reading in to any thing.

That concludes tonights insight.

Paranormal Passion Helping Families

 

Paranormal Passion Helping Families

Hello friends -

After a way past desperately needed break, Dave and I are back to help those in paranormal need.  We dedicated every breathing minute building API up from nothing.  Dave even attended an investigation the eve of our wedding!  I labored over our website, acting case manager, and countless investigations.  Dave worried about all of the required paperwork, team members, new people coming in to ride the wave we created because tV made it cool to do.  And we burnt out after all of the stress that took away from our goal of helping those that NEED it.  So we walked away, thinking we would never return.  While we will not return to API, we have returned to " Provide Potential Solutions to Complicated Situations".  Dave and I focus on families in need and have stopped using the piles of paranormal "equipment" that once seemed essential.  We enjoy the relief of not be responsible for a team and all it entails.  And more importantly, we have been able to take care of us and our business; Classy Creations.

Dave is now a registered gemologist appraiser and I am half way done with the same schooling.  We have nested as a healthy couple - as healthy as two married paranormal investigators can be.  I am back to helping kids deal with feeling unexplained emotions and seeing relative they've never met.  My favorite work will always be with PK children and how it effects the family.  Dave's day job is with disabled kids.  He still loves seeing the relief in those young eyes dealing with paranormal events none of the family understand.

Now we move into our next chapter.  I will not be putting up another website.  If you would like to reach us do not use our old E-mail addresses.  Dave's phone is the same. 

We both still check our E-mail daily - some habits can't be broken.

And to our old and new friends, many life long hugs!



New book coming soon:  "Young and Seeing Ghosts, What to do?"  there will also be a children's book that comes with it for little ones.

Update November 2021:  Well that didn't last !  We are back at it again at http://benderparanormal.com

Can anybody see a ghost?

 

Can anybody see a ghost?

One of the most frequent questions asked is, "Can anybody see ghosts?"

The answer is yes.  In fact, many investigation requests originate from those that have never had an unexplainable experience before and are suddenly meet with something they can't rationalize.  It can be as simple as sitting on a park bench and seeing a lady that isn't there vanish in front of them after talking to that lady.  Or perhaps a new parent is dealing with their infant interacting to something unseen.  Sometimes it's a new house, or an old house that's been remodeled.  Other times there is a recent death and a person is woken to the recently passed loved one.

 In any situation, there doesn't have to be any prior paranormal encounter or knowledge of spirits.  Unfortunately, it is often more frightening the first time one sees a ghost and it isn't on TV.  The natural response is, "I didn't just see that."  The next step is to explain what the person did really see and investigate.  However, depending on what was seen this may be too scary for some.

The number one thing to remember is a ghost or spirit is not like TV and will not typically cause any physical harm.  The media makes ghosts out to be scary for ratings to sell movies.  While each situation must be taken on a case by case basis, if you have had a spirit around for years and it hasn't hurt you.  Then the likelihood of it every bothering you is pretty darn low.  As my husband says, "Just ask them to pay rent!"  Now we have had a case of one spirit doing the laundry.  I offered to bring them home, but my husband said, "no".

So can anybody have a paranormal experience?  Absolutely!  In fact it's usually when you least expect it too.  Just remember to remain calm and not think of those scary Halloween movies.

A private moment between this world and the next.

 

A private moment between this world and the next.

For those that know me growing up, I was able to sleep through anything.  The night of my grandfather's passing (in another state) he woke me with his pipe smoke at the time of his passing.  He even had to wake me a second time to make sure I gave my mother his message.  Now, here was the catch.  My mother and I never spoke of what I had the ability to "see".  Even more distressing, "How does a child tell her mother that her no longer living father has a very important message for her?"  Since I promised him would tell her, I had to figure out a way.  I'll tell you now that it took me five years to deliver grandpa's message.  The message was exactly what she needed to hear most from him and I had no way of knowing.

Why do I share this?  For those of you that sit in silence and are too afraid to break that silence.  There comes a time when you know in your heart that you have to put your own feelings aside.  Yes, you will be hurt from time to time.  However, you will suffer even more by sitting in silence. 

In the end for me, there was a new bond formed between my mother and I.  I was able to share things I saw as a child about her family.  She later showed me pictures that I had never seen.  One of the ladies I thought was a stranger growing up, was actually an aunt that was very close to my mother.

To this day I can still smell my grandfather's pipe smoke.  Mom knows he is around when she smells it now.  I've been visited by other relatives at the time of passing, but never jarred awake for the purpose of giving anybody a message.  It's easy to relate to stranger's that have passed.  However, when it's family asking for help it is so very much more difficult.

Out of this, I was forced to open up.  I had not told anybody to what extent I saw dead people until then.  After that I began work as a paramedic.  I new what equipment to grab because I saw the victims and the injuries before we got to the scenes.  Perhaps grandpa was preparing me?

My First Ghost Story

 

My First Ghost Story

It began with mom and dad cleaning out the closed off room in our 100 year old farm house.  I was five, but it seemed like yesterday.  I peeked inside this once sealed room to see thick dust over old dressers and cob webs everywhere.  It was like the movie "Child of Glass" when they entered the old abandoned farm house.  What made it so odd, was this room had not just been closed, but painted and nailed closed.  I asked once, but there was no answer as to why.

When I first entered the room under restoration, it felt like an ice box and scared me terribly.  It wasn't too long before my sister and I had to sleep in there on our bunk beds.  That was the last time I rested at night.  I felt like I was being watched from the foot of my bed near the window.  I even put my pillow down there so I wouldn't feel my imagination staring at me.  That made it worse, and I slept with the covers over my head.  Not long after that I felt an especially strong urge to look at the corner of my bed, only to see an elderly woman with big curly gray hair in a black high collar dress.  She was not family.  I can only guess she lived in the home with the original owners.  She wasn't mean, but very stern.  I now she looked after me, but I still couldn't rest knowing I was being watched.

When I was in my early teens, I was given the option of moving into the front tiny bedroom or staying in that large one by myself.  To my parents surprise, I jumped at the chance to leave the room.

I don't know how long after it was that the dreams of a fire began.  Our whole family got out every time, but the fire was always in the same place. When I asked about the fire in the kitchen downstairs, my mom turned white.  She had never spoken of it.  I begged her to tell me what she knew.  She made me tell her why I was asking and every detail of my daily dream.  She still had no colour.

She finally confirmed that there was a fire exactly were I told her and to stop asking questions about it.  It was made clear that my "vision" was unacceptable.

I struggled through many years of growing and seeing things that I knew to be glimpses of the past or future.  It wouldn't be until I was over 30 until I found a way to share what I saw routinely.

This is why I have such passion for helping children and families with unexplainable events.  Nobody needs to live in fear by themselves.  They could have taught me how to figure out that some of what I heard, was just an old creaky house.  Now we have an amazing relationship and I would not have changed a thing in how they raised me.  It made me who I am and able to help others.

Ann Bender (Overhiser), API Co-Founder

Fraud and Death in the Paranormal Field

Fraud and Death in the Paranormal Field

While I prefer to simply help people, I understand that public education is an inherent tool to helping people understanding how we help.  It is also important for the public to understand how not not be fooled by those just our to make a quick buck, fraudulently.  I like to teach by example.  While I don't judge a medium or psychic that takes money for service rendered (it's not my place).  I do wish there were some sort of guidelines in place that addressed fraudulent activity that has come to run rampant across the country in this hard economy.  Also, while psychics are an easy target, I do not believe they are by far the worst offenders.

Just like in the early EMS (Emergency Medical System) days of the 1970's, there are NO regulations for the paranormal community as a whole that has now become an industry of it's own.  Example: and yes, this is true, ambulances originally carried bodies to the morgue or patients to the hospital.  The "ambulances" were paid more money to bring a body to the morgue than a live person to the hospital.  Some companies brought more to the morgue than the hospital that could have survived.  It took over 25 years for regulations to establish this fact and correct this atrocity.  Not all was because of deviancy, but simple lack of training.  I was a paramedic for 10 years and those in the field, this is fact not fiction.  It was a living horror movie not yet made to date.  There was a comedy made in the 1980's called "Mother, Jugs, and Speed".  Believe it or not - this was how it really was in some ambulance companys!  If you know this movie, it is NO different for the paranormal world today.

There is fraud ongoing on an international level, but is not life and death.  I fear because of that, it will be far longer than 25 years before there are some guidelines for the everyday paranormal investigator.  The deaths will stack up from people trespassing and perishing on unsanctioned investigations.  Since tragedy drives legislation, more will need to perish this way before central guidelines are established and recognized.

Sadly, it is the deviant individual that prey's on a scared family in crisis or need.  Or the prepetrator will seek out an elderly person grieving the lose of a loved one.  These people may eve form "teams" that can consist of one, two, or more people that may or may not be real.  Meantime, hardworking teams/individuals that are there to never take money are grouped into the same category. Some of these people may charge for their professional service as this is how they make their living AND have years of experience to offer for that service. Hence why I do NOT judge a single person.  Each person taking money knows why you accept that money and under what pretense it is handed over.  The paranormal field is deeply entrenched in psychology.  This is a great thing and at other times a deadly thing for the victims.

Case and point:  If you are looking for paranormal help, I BEG of you to research the people you are asking to help you.  These are strangers in your home and life.  Just like you trust a doctor with private information, you need to feel comfortable with them.  If you do not - no matter the team - find one that is a right "fit" for you.  Ask questions to the people you meet.  Find out about their day jobs.  Observe their eye contact and body language.  Get copies of anything you sign, or did they even ask you to sign anything?  Think in legal terms when confidentiality like when you visit a hospital or any professional (whom would you give personal information to).

Perhaps the team is new and teams are limited in your area?  Maybe you know some legalities they may need and don't do - then offer to help.  Watch for the response.  That response will tell you volumes.  Also, just because they are new, doesn't mean they can't help, either.  They may not have the years of experience to draw from, but enthusiasm and a listening ear will go miles if they are ethical!

Best of luck to you all!

Dowsing with Dänna Wilberg on Paranormal Connections

Dowsing with Dänna Wilberg on Paranormal Connections

I was humbly asked to be on Paranormal Connections with Dänna Wilberg, recently airing Oct. 4th and 5th locally in Sacramento. She was a joy to talk to and made me feel very comfortable on a topic very personal.


I will be stepping outside of my shell on Oct. 28th and teaching a small dowsing class to others at the Sacramento Learning Exchange.  You may make your reservation at http://www.ap-investigations.com.

This is all to benefit American Paranormal Investigations and to help them assist others in need of understanding the unexplained in their homes or place of work.

 

Nightwatchers at the old hospital in Virginia City, NV

It's now the St. Mary's Art Institute by day.  If you wish to stay the night you may see more than art.  The old hospital sits on 5 1/2 acres of original cemeteries, mine shafts, and old artifacts not yet rediscovered.  The caretakers of the surprisingly huge 3 story building are happy to give anybody a guided tour and share experiences.  They have had blinds move that didn't exists, to sightings as far back as the 1960's of a lady in white.  While the rooms are very comfortable some come supplied with more than the usual furnishings.  In one room we began our tour by hearing a man's voice whisper very firmly at us.  While we couldn't hear the words, I didn't get the impression he wanted us hanging out in his room.

In the old surgery, now the new meeting area and second kitchen, nothing seemed unusual during the daylight.  Nobody present could explain the difference at night except for a heavy feeling that made it very uncomfortable to stay there.

Up on the the second floor where the bulk of the patients slept is now the main art area.  Michelle took an interesting picture of bright lights that we actually saw zipping at us.  It's easy to brush off "orbs" but this experience was very different in that we saw what she took a picture of.

On the third floor I stood in the psychiatric room and source of at least one fire.  On the tour Angela had mentioned that they heard wheels on the floor at any time of day or night.  Right by the outside of the door I heard a set of 2 wooden wheels go back and fourth.  I looked and nobody was there and the investigation had not started.  I never heard that sound again all night during the investigation.

The best part about the weekend was how wonderful the caretakers, Angela and Ron, and every single Nightwatcher was that came to the event.  It was a joy to meet and investigate with you all.

I look forward to a return visit.

Personal Paranormal Experiences

By definition a personal experience is a witnessed occurrence that an individuals brain interprets.  Your brain either goes into "fight or flight" mode or recognizes the stimuli as none threatening.  All ghost encounters, even filmed ones, are subject to possible alternate causes by people not present at the time of the event.  Basically put, two people can witness the same unexplained event, but it will be different for them both. The baffling point is why do hard core skeptics forget this and hid behind "science" that doesn't exist to prove or disprove paranormal phenomena.  That's right, there is NO science to prove or disprove a paranormal event.  There are basic laws of physics and theories.  There are even "ghost" particles that not measurable and around us every day.  There is no re-creatable way to prove spirits are there or not.  There are lots of people that have added very intriguing research and strides to on day having a ghost camera or detection device.  Kirlian photography is one of many curiosities. 

Now, think of the ghost argument from a legal perspective.  By the preponderance of evidence; billions of people of every culture since the beginning of time, have told ghost stories.  Thousands have had verifiable encounters that have been proven.  Therefore, has not a precedence been set far stronger than DNA testing to support the fact that ghosts are real?

On the other side of the coin, there are thousands that experience events sue to very explainable events.  Those events, may be unknown to them at the time.  Medical issues and chemical use do create the effect of a paranormal event as one perceives it.  Also, those that fake "evidence" of the paranormal only help to discredit possible unexplained events.

So what am I saying?  Well, even documented events are perceived by the human brain.  And since we understand so little about the human brains working in relation to parapsychology, proving one has had a ghost encounter is impossible.  It is important to note that after a profound unexplained encounter, many explainable things can become paranormal to a person due to fear.  That is not to say the experience was even scary.  For a new paranormal experience there is nothing to relate to that is real or understandable.  It confuses the brain and we are back to "fight or flight" responses.  The "flight or fight" response is any persons animalistic way to stay alive without getting technical or nerdy.

So - next time a person shares an experience they've had, listen to them.  Know that you can never experience what they did.  It was theirs to encounter and really is personal.  For paranormal teams, remember about the medical, environmental, psychological, or pharmaceutical  issues that can affect an experience.  In cases that a known reason exists, look for other people that may have had experiences.

I am not even touching on people that may be the cause of the unexplained event.  This can include object movement, lights flickering, battery drain, and so very much more.  That is for another time.  But if you have kids and activity, there is something else to look at besides ghosts.  Now, that is not to say this only happens in kids at all.  It is just new to parents when toys without batteries go off and on and they have never had a paranormal encounter before.  It is unexplained, but not always without a real explanation.

So if you've never seen a ghost and don't believe.  Remember it's not fair to judge one who believes they have.  You may be that person saying, "You are gonna think I'm crazy, but...........".

 API Web Promo, courtesy Kane and Jeremy 2006

Finding a Safe Paranormal Team

Every state has a person or team that acts without basic ethics or for self benefit under false pretenses. Sadly, these individuals prey on scared families not knowing where to turn for real help. The families are afraid to talk to even the ones they love most at times. They, or their children have had terrifying experiences (sometimes of a very personal nature). So I caution those that are going through a trying time of unexplained events - DO YOU HOMEWORK!

1) Research all of the teams in your area before contacting anybody. Do not take the shotgun approach of contacting every single team you find. Rather, stop, think, and look for professional organizations that do NOT charge.

2) Look for balanced teams. Beware of a team that is only science or only phsychic. That is not to say either is bad or good. It is just a factor to consider. Think about what you are looking for in asking for help.

3) Monitor whom you contact and how fast they return your request for assistance. If the team has not gotten back to you in 5-7 days, contact them back. Things do happen with E-mail. If they still do not answer your request, consider another team.

4) Don't use multiple teams at the same time. You wouldn't go to two primary doctors, since you may get two conflicting treatments. Try one team out and if they are not a good fit, move on to another. There are many areas with multiple teams, different styles, and not every one will be the correct fit for you and your family.

5) Remember - It's NOT TV! Television is for entertainment and never will display a real investigation. There are many, many variances from real life to TV. Most apparitions are seen during the day. However, it's not scary to film ghost shows during the day.

6) Know that personal experiences are just that - personal. They can never be debunked or filmed. Two different people can experience the exact same thing, but report two different events because of how their brains interpreted that experience. So try not to get frustrated when nobody else experiences what you did in a certain location. It was a personal experience.

7) Make sure the team you invite into you home respects you, your family, and your property. That means they need to obtain signed permission to be there and to post any evidence they find or stories they write. Far too many teams/individuals forget to ask if it's OK to enter. Without permission - it is trespassing. That extends to ANY property. This is by far the violation I see broken the most. Sadly, it gives a bad name to every paranormal team across this nation and the world.

8) Lastly, remember your residence is yours. And unless the spirit you believe is their pays rent, you can ask them to leave. You need to be firm, but not mean. It is your place after all.

 Balance between skeptics and paranormal believers

I laugh and shake my head when people claim to be skeptics and involve themselves in the paranormal field.

How can a person open their minds to possibilities outside of normal reason and still investigate with peace of mind - all while thinking that didn't happen.

Now, don't get me wrong and confuse balancing plausible alternatives to potential paranormal events with skeptics. I'm only speaking of those close minded to go as far as to deny an object moving in front of them, witnessed by others, and still saying that didn't happen. I do think it is very important to include serious science and "debunking" with personal experiences. It's all about common sense and good balance. If you walk in thinking either way, "There's got to be activity here" - or "There's nothing here".

If we as a paranormal field are to gain any respect and credibility, shouldn't we all keep open minds. The same goes for the person that believes everything is paranormal. Give me any location and I promise you at least half of the events have a plausible cause. The average person has a new or scary unexplained experience and then everything can seem unexplained. It would be disrespectful to ignore that person's private encounter.

My hope is that we all can find balance in order to help people scared by paranormal events. Various teams have a million different methods and beliefs. If you are looking for a team, ask questions to see if their methodology will meet your needs. One great team may not meet the needs of you, the client. It's no different when you are looking for the perfect dress, or correct doctor for your needs.

I'm my next blog, I will go into basic questions for you, the client, to ask when trying to find a team.