This glossary will help you become familiar with terms commonly used on the Friendlyspecter.com site and in the paranormal community. The dictionary is a work in progress, and new words will continually be added.
A
Adfectuspirituality – The field of psychology regarding ghosts’ feelings and emotions.
Apparition – A visual manifestation of a paranormal entity.
B
Banishing – A ritual to dispel negative energies such as demons or elementals from a site, object, or person. It can also mean the closing of a magical ceremony.
Black mirror – A black mirror is also called a scrying mirror or magic (magick) mirror. The mirror is black and often made of polished obsidian, acrylics, or glass. The mirror is used for divination purposes, to look past our dimensions.
C
Cleansing – A spiritual or occult ritual where energies and entities are banished from a space, item, or person. Cleansing can be performed with different tools, such as, for example, pendulums and crystals.
Clairsentience – A psychic ability where you can sense energy fields, emotions, moods, and vibes of a space or person. Clairsentient psychics have an extraordinary “gut feeling.”
Clairvoyant – A psychic ability where you can see spirits, astral planes, or into the future. You are prone to visions and can, for example, see auras and energy fields not seen by others.
Collective consciousness – Collective consciousness refers to the idea that all beings are interconnected and share a universal consciousness or divine energy. This concept is often associated with Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as New Age and spiritual movements.
Proponents of collective consciousness in spirituality believe that individual consciousness is just a small part of a greater universal consciousness that encompasses all of existence. This universal consciousness is seen as a source of wisdom, compassion, and creativity and is accessible to all who seek it through spiritual practices such as meditation, prayer, or mindfulness.
The concept of collective consciousness in spirituality is also related to the idea of oneness, which suggests that all beings are ultimately part of the same divine source. This oneness is often expressed through non-duality, which posits that all apparent dualities in existence, such as good and evil, are ultimately illusory and are transcended in the ultimate state of oneness.
Collective consciousness in spirituality also emphasizes the importance of unity and cooperation among all beings. This unity is seen as essential for the evolution of human consciousness and the transformation of society, as it allows individuals to work together for the common good and transcend the limitations of the individual ego.
While the concept of collective consciousness in spirituality is not scientifically verifiable, it has inspired many spiritual practices and movements. It continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for many individuals on their spiritual journeys.
Confirmation bias – Confirmation bias is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to seek out and interpret information in a way that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or hypotheses. This bias can affect how individuals process information, leading them to ignore or downplay evidence that contradicts their beliefs and seek out information that supports them selectively.
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Demon – An evil and non-human supernatural entity. Demons are thought to have the power to possess items, animals, and people.
Demonic – Demons as a collective, the demonic. It can also refer to things with a demonic attachment.
Demonic possession – When a demon takes full control over a human or animal. The victim has surrendered their body, mind, and soul to the demonic. It is the final stage of demonic possession (attachment, oppression, and possession).
Demonologist – A person with deep knowledge of demonology. It can be a person from the Church and laypeople trained under supervision by the clergy. A demonologist can identify and banish demons from sites, items, and persons.
Demonology – The knowledge and study of demons.
Divination tool – A divination tool is an object used to gain insight or knowledge about future events, the spirit world, or the hidden aspects of a person’s life. Divination tools can take many forms, for example, tarot cards, dowsing rods, crystal balls, tea leaves, and Ouija boards. Some people believe that divination tools can be used to communicate with the spirit world, others believe they can tap into the user’s subconscious mind, and others believe they work through a combination of both.
Dowsing is a technique where you use different tools, such as pendulums or dowsing rods, to locate energy fields or retrieve spiritual messages. Natural causes or other paranormal entities might cause these energy fields.
E
Ectoplasm – A ethereal substance transmitted by a medium when in a state of trans. The substance can take many forms, such as entities and objects. Ectoplasm is debated and, in many cases, believed to be faked.
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) – EMF is a term paranormal investigators use to refer to the energy field surrounding electrical devices and power sources. Paranormal activity is believed to cause fluctuations in these fields, which can be detected using specialized equipment such as EMF meters.
Investigators use these readings as potential evidence of supernatural activity, believing that spirits and ghosts can manipulate electromagnetic fields to communicate or interact with the physical world. However, these claims remain controversial and are not widely accepted in the scientific community.
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) – Ghostly voices captured by an audio recorder. EVPs are commonly used in ghost hunting and paranormal investigations. The captured recordings are thought to be spirit voices, but there is no scientific proof this is the case. The recordings are often short and faint, but there are records of full and clear sentences.
Elemental – A nature spirit or entity that has existed long before us. An elemental can be good or evil. Elemental hauntings are often powerful and hard to identify as they do not haunt because of a historical cause, as in most other hauntings. Some paranormal experts suggest that elementals might be extraterrestrial spirits.
Exorcism – A spiritual or religious ritual where a demon is banished from a person or animal suffering from demonic possession. An exorcism can be performed at all three stages of demonic possession (attachment, oppression, and possession). Exorcism is a part of the Catholic Church but is performed by shamans and laymen.
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Ghost – A spirit of a once-living animal or person. The appearance of a ghost is often translucent but can, in rare instances, appear as a solid human or animal shape. In everyday language, spirits can refer to anything that haunts a site.
Ghost attachment – A ghost attachment, also known as a spirit attachment, is a paranormal phenomenon in which a ghost or spirit becomes attached to a person or place. This attachment can occur for various reasons, such as unfinished business or a strong emotional connection to a particular location or person.
A ghost attachment should not be confused with demonic attachment, oppression, or possession. Ghost attachments are due to spirits from someone who once lived. Demons never lived and, therefor have no soul.
When a ghost becomes attached to a person, it may manifest in several ways. The person may experience unexplained physical sensations, such as sudden changes in temperature or the feeling of being touched or brushed past by an unseen presence. They may also experience psychological effects like anxiety, depression, or fear.
Sometimes, a ghost attachment may be benign and simply a manifestation of the spirit’s presence. However, in other cases, the attachment may be more malevolent and cause harm or distress to the person or people involved.
Various methods can be used to address a ghost attachment, including spiritual cleansing, smudging with herbs or incense, and seeking the assistance of a spiritual advisor or paranormal investigator. It’s important to approach these situations with an open mind and a healthy dose of skepticism. Natural phenomena or psychological factors could explain many reported cases of ghost attachments.
H
High-level demons – “High-level demons” is not universally recognized or defined in all cultures or religions. However, in some belief systems, it may refer to demons considered more powerful or influential than others.
For example, in Christianity, some demons are described as having higher ranks or levels of authority within the hierarchy of hell. These include demons such as Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Leviathan.
In some traditions, these higher-level demons are believed to have specific domains or powers, such as tempting humans, causing illness or chaos, or manipulating natural phenomena.
In other belief systems, such as in certain forms of occultism or demonology, “high-level demons” may refer to demons considered more intelligent, cunning, or difficult to summon and control than others.
It’s important to note that beliefs about demons can vary widely between cultures and religions, and the concept of “high-level demons” may not be applicable or relevant in all contexts.
Hot spot – A place where you believe by historical research records, psychic sweeps, witness testimony, or ghost hunting equipment that a ghost or paranormal activity is about to occur. This is where the focus of a paranormal investigation or ghost hunt lies.
I
Ideomotor effect – The ideomotor effect is a psychological mechanism where a person’s movements are unconsciously influenced by their thoughts and expectations. This effect is thought to be responsible for the movement of the planchette on a Ouija board, dowsing rods, and pendulums.
Incubus – An incubus is a demon often depicted in folklore and mythology as a male spirit or supernatural being that seduces women. The term “incubus” is derived from the Latin word “incubo,” which means “to lie upon.”
According to legend, incubi are said to have the ability to shape-shift and take on the appearance of a handsome man to lure women into their grasp. They are often associated with the sin of lust and are considered a symbol of temptation and seduction.
Beliefs about incubi vary between cultures and religions, but they are often described as part of a larger hierarchy of demonic beings.
In some traditions, incubi are believed to be a type of demon that feeds on human sexual energy or life force, and their seductive tactics are thought to be a means of extracting this energy.
Infinity sign – The symbol looks like this: ∞. The infinity symbol is used in mathematics and is also seen in mysticism and the occult. In some cases, the infinity symbol has been found in connection with demonic hauntings. The symbol can be depicted as a snake biting its tale.
Infrasound – Infrasound is a type of sound that is lower in frequency than what can be heard by the human ear, typically below 20 Hz. It is often produced by natural sources, such as thunderstorms, earthquakes, and ocean waves, and man-made sources, like industrial machinery and music.
Research has suggested that exposure to infrasound can cause physiological and psychological effects, including unease, anxiety, and even hallucinations. Some paranormal investigators and enthusiasts believe these effects may explain why people report experiencing paranormal activity in certain locations.
According to this theory, infrasound can cause vibrations in the human body, leading to discomfort and fear. These feelings, in turn, may be interpreted as paranormal experiences by those predisposed to believe in ghosts or other supernatural entities.
While there is some evidence to suggest that infrasound can have a physiological effect on the human body, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the idea that it can lead to genuine paranormal experiences. However, the idea remains popular among some paranormal investigators and enthusiasts and continues to be a subject of study and debate.
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K
Kindred haunting – Hauntings and paranormal activity caused by deceived loved ones, relatives, friends, and extended family.
L
Law of attraction: The Law of Attraction is a metaphysical concept that suggests that thoughts and feelings can influence the events and circumstances that occur in an individual’s life. According to this philosophy, positive thoughts and emotions attract positive experiences and outcomes, while negative thoughts and emotions attract negative experiences and outcomes.
Critics of the Law of Attraction argue that it lacks scientific evidence and may promote a belief in magical thinking. However, the Law of Attraction proponents maintain that the concept can be a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment.
M
N
Nonlocality – Nonlocality in quantum physics refers to the ability of quantum systems to exhibit correlations that any local theory cannot explain. In other words, the behavior of one particle in a quantum system can affect the behavior of another particle, even if great distances separate them. This concept was first introduced by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen in their 1935 paper, known as the EPR paradox.
Nonlocality is often demonstrated through experiments involving entangled particles, where one particle’s properties are correlated with another’s properties, even if vast distances separate them. This phenomenon has been observed in numerous experiments, including the famous Bell tests, which confirmed the existence of nonlocality in quantum systems.
Nonlocality is a fundamental aspect of quantum physics and has many practical applications, including in quantum cryptography and quantum teleportation. However, it also challenges our understanding of the nature of reality and has led to ongoing debates about the interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Nonlocality is, by some, believed to be the explanation of psychic abilities, especially the possibility of distance readings.
O
Observer effect – A strange happening where photons don’t act as expected at a quantum level. The observer effect is noticed in an experiment. A photon travels towards a shield with two slits. On a screen behind the shield, the photon show an interference pattern. Something strange happens when we add detectors to determine which slit the photon travels through. The interference pattern suddenly disappears, revealing a spot on the screen. We get one result when we observe the experiment; when we don’t, we get another result. According to some researchers, this might be the key to the strangeness of the paranormal.
Orbs – Orbs are paranormal light phenomena, also referred to as ghost orbs or spirit orbs. Orbs appear as bright shining orbs that float in the air. They can have many colors. Orbs are often mistaken for debris, dust, optical illusions, and flairs.
P
Palo Santo – Palo Santo is a wooden stick used to spiritually clean spaces, places, and people. Its latin name is Bursera graveolens. Palo Santo is found in South America and has been used for cleansing rituals since ancient times as a medical plant. Translated from Spanish, Palo Santo stands for “Holy Wood.” The scent of burning sticks is delightful yet powerful. Its smoke is thought to dispel negative energies but keeps the good ones.
Pareidolia – A mechanism where our mind creates meaningful and recognizable patterns when there are non. This can be seen when we see the picture of Jesus in a toast, a face in the moon, and like. We are hardwired to recognize and notice faces for our survival. This might be why we see faces and human shapes when they might be a shadow or reflections. Pareidolia is thought to be a scientific answer to why we sometimes see ghosts and other paranormal entities.
Poltergeist – A rare and violent haunting where larger objects and furniture are tossed and thrown. There are also records of the levitation of objects and persons. The cause of poltergeist activity is unclear. One theory is that a person with telekinetic powers causes turmoil without knowing it. Poltergeists are not necessarily demonic, but the same type of activity can also be seen in demonic hauntings (poltergeist-like activity).
Power of suggestion – A mental state where an idea of another turns into truth. This is a psychological state where the behavior changes due to your beliefs and thoughts. You often see this in cults, but also ordinary life. Someone with high authority (for the person) suggests an idea that, in turn, becomes a reality for the person.
Psychic attack – When a person, ghost, or entity attacks you on a spiritual level. The attack is believed to consist of negative energy aimed at your aura and soul to weaken you. For example, negative thoughts, magical spells, and spirit communication with an upset or angry ghost can take the form of psychic attacks.
Q
R
Residual haunting – A haunting that is not intelligent and does not interact with the living. It is sometimes referred to as residuals or place memory. Residual hauntings are often liked as old film loops or recordings. The same event or manifestation occurs time after time when set conditions are met. It is the most common type of haunting.
REM pod – A REM Pod, short for “Radiating Electro-Magnetic Pod,” is commonly used in paranormal investigations. The device is designed to detect and alert investigators to changes in electromagnetic fields (EMF), which are believed by some to be indicative of paranormal activity.
The REM Pod emits an electromagnetic field around the device, and if anything or anyone enters that field, it will disrupt the field, causing an alarm to sound. This is believed to be a potential indicator of the presence of a spirit or entity.
REM Pods come in various designs, but they typically consist of a cylindrical shape with a series of LED lights that light up in response to EMF changes and an audible alarm that sounds when the field is disrupted.
While the use of REM Pods in paranormal investigations has gained popularity in recent years, some skeptics argue that the devices are prone to false positives and that EMF changes can be caused by various natural and man-made sources.
Despite this, many paranormal investigators continue using REM Pods as part of their investigative arsenal and other tools, such as EVP recorders, EMF meters, and thermal cameras, to document and understand paranormal phenomena.
S
Satanism – Satanism is a term used to describe a variety of belief systems and practices that center around the figure of Satan, a character from Christian mythology often associated with evil, rebellion, and individualism. However, the meaning and practice of Satanism can vary widely, and not all forms of Satanism are based on a belief in a literal Satan or the worship of any deity.
Selenite – Selenite is a crystal form of the mineral gypsum commonly found in sedimentary environments. It is a translucent and colorless crystal used for centuries in various cultures for its perceived healing properties.
One of the most popular uses of selenite is for clearing negative energies. It is believed that negative energies can accumulate in living spaces or within the human body and that selenite can help remove them.
Selenite is thought to have a high vibrational frequency, which makes it effective at neutralizing negative energies. When placed in a space or held by a person, selenite is said to absorb and transmute negative energies, transforming them into positive and uplifting energies, which makes it perfect for cord-cutting or breaking spirit attachments.
To use selenite for clearing negative energies in a space, one can place selenite crystals in various areas around the room or carry a selenite wand while walking around the space.
Limited scientific evidence supports the use of selenite for clearing negative energies. However, many people find it helpful for promoting peace and balance and helping them block or detach negative energies after a ghost hunt.
Shadow people – Shadow people (also called hat men) are dark shadows often seen in the corner of the eye. They are often seen wearing a fedora-like hat and a cloak. They often occur during the night and in the vicinity of the bedroom or near the bed. We don’t know what kind of entity shadow people are; some think it is aliens, and others think they are non-human spirits.
Sleep paralysis is a sleep disorder that sometimes creates hallucinations and visions of paranormal beings attacking, sitting, or pushing you down. It is when you are between sleep and wake and cannot move your body or speak. It is believed that sleep paralysis might account for some paranormal experiences. It can be a very scary experience.
Stone tape theory – A theory that suggests that sites can store energy and create residual hauntings. The theory suggests building materials like stone can absorb energy and replay events like an old film loop. The idea is challenged but not fully debunked.
Spirit – The supernatural spiritual energy (soul) of a deceased person or animal. In everyday language, the spirit is an energy that causes hauntings and other paranormal activity.
Spirit walk-in – When a ghost enters a living person’s body to manifest.
Succubus – A succubus is a demon commonly depicted in folklore and mythology as a female supernatural being that seduces men. The term “succubus” is derived from the Latin word “succubare,” which means “to lie under.”
According to legend, succubi are said to have the ability to shape-shift and take on the appearance of a beautiful woman to lure men into their grasp. They are often associated with the sin of lust and are considered a symbol of temptation and seduction.
Beliefs about succubi vary between cultures and religions, but they are often described as part of a larger hierarchy of demonic beings. In some traditions, succubi are believed to be a type of demon that feeds on human sexual energy or life force, and their seductive tactics are thought to be a means of extracting this energy.
T
Thought form – A energy field or entity created by strong emotions or thoughts. A thought form might appear if people project a particular feeling or belief into a site or place. For example, believing a demon exists on a site might create a demonic-like thought-form.
Timeslip – A timeslip, also known as a time slip or time shift, refers to a paranormal phenomenon in which an individual or a group of people perceive a sudden and unexplained displacement in time. This extraordinary occurrence has captured the imagination of many individuals, often leading to fascinating accounts and speculation regarding the nature of time itself. Many believe that portals can cause these time slips.
Tourmaline – A black crystal believed to give spiritual protection. The crystal is often used in amulettes and is thought to absorb negative energy.
Trigger object – A trigger object is a common tool used in paranormal investigations to help elicit a response from a ghost or spirit. It is believed that trigger objects have some connection to the ghost or their past and can help investigators gain insight into their story.
Trigger objects can take many forms, such as objects from a specific time period, items related to a certain person or event, or even personal items of the deceased. These objects are placed where the ghost is known to be active or where activity has been reported. Investigators may also try holding the objects and asking the ghost to communicate with them.
While trigger objects can be useful in paranormal investigations, it’s important to approach any ghostly encounters with respect and caution. Not all ghosts will respond to trigger objects, and some may not be interested in communicating. Additionally, investigators should ensure that they are not causing damage to the site or any artifacts in their use of trigger objects.
Overall, trigger objects can be a fascinating way to try to make contact with a ghost and learn more about their story. However, it’s important to approach any paranormal investigation with a critical and open mind and to prioritize safety and respect for any potential entities involved.
Trigger object banks – Trigger object banks are collections of items that are believed to be connected to the history of a haunted site or location. They are used in paranormal investigations to help investigators identify potential trigger objects that may elicit a response from any ghost or spirit present at the site.
The idea behind trigger object banks is to have a variety of objects on hand that are associated with different time periods, events, or individuals relevant to the location being investigated. For example, a trigger object bank for a haunted house from the 1800s might include objects such as antique furniture, period clothing, or items related to specific individuals who lived in the house during that time period.
Using trigger object banks can save time and effort for investigators who may not have the resources to gather many relevant objects. By having a pre-selected group of trigger objects on hand, investigators can focus on setting up and conducting their investigation rather than spending time searching for objects that might be relevant.
However, it’s important to note that not all investigators use trigger object banks. Some may prefer to gather their own trigger objects based on their research of the specific location they are investigating. Additionally, as with any paranormal investigation tool, trigger objects should be approached with caution and respect for any potential entities involved.
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W
Witching hour – The witching hour is a term used in folklore and popular culture to refer to the time of night, usually between midnight and 3:00 a.m., when supernatural events are thought to be at their peak. The term’s origin is unclear, but it has been used for centuries in various contexts.
In many cultures, the witching hour is believed to be when witches and other supernatural beings are most active. In some traditions, witches are believed to gather together during this time to perform rituals and cast spells.
Others believe that ghosts and other malevolent spirits are most active during the witching hour and that it is a time when the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
The witching hour is not scientifically recognized, and no evidence supports the belief that supernatural events are more likely to occur during this time. However, the term remains a popular cultural reference and is often used in literature, films, and other forms of media.
