All these classifications are recognized terminology within the paranormal field. We do not ascribe to any of these definitions, rather post it for your information only.


ALTERED STATE





Term used to describe any mental state arising from semi-conscious to unconsciousness. These trances are either spawned through discipline, hypnotism, medication or severe accident (NDE -Near Death Experience). Those that experience this mental state describe otherworldly travel, visitations with the deceased or revealed some inner truth. Typically, the individual treats this experience as indistinguishable from perceived reality. Lucid dreaming, a common subset of this phenomenon depicts a dreamer that is aware and can make decisions as if they were awake.





ANOMALOUS PHENOMENON




These phenomena portray an anomaly that deviates from existing scientific laws or theories. Occasionally, one can predict the occurrence of a specific anomaly but the reasoning behind it still remains unclear. All paranormal activity is anomalous in nature; while, all anomalies that occur are analyzed and defined utilizing pseudo-science.





APPARITION





The majority of photographic or video evidence of an apparition is deceptive in nature while this footage is edited to produce subjective results based on personal experience. The actual possibility of catching a full-bodied apparition on film is very rare indeed. Of the truly authentic evidence captured, apparitions mostly appear as a veiled, distorted form. To view one, indistinguishable from an actual object or being is an extremely rare event while most spirit energies have trouble reconstructing their living form so accurately. Apparitions are found literally anywhere and can also attach themselves to an event, place or person.





APPORT




Any object that appears or vanishes at the behest of unknown forces. People claim this occurs during a meditative state, conducted through a medium; however, most of these events are fraudulent. Spirit energy/entities are also commonly known to move objects from different locations with ease. It is theorized that these energies are able to convert said object into pure energy before rematerializing it in a different locale (see Teleportation).





AURA




Researchers believe that the human body generates its own electromagnetic field. This field usually produces a vibrant refraction of colors. Although only a theory, this "full-body" halo affect, many scientists believe it in its validity. In any case, the Earth generates its own electromagnetic field through nuclear fusion, occurring in the outer core. Each individual atom in our body has its own electromagnetic signature, however, is unique to our body alone. It is not that far-fetched to assume that the combined field intensity from these atoms could create an aura that encompasses our body.





AUTOMATIC CORPOREAL COMMUNICATION (ACC)





A subset of physical manipulation, this type of activity encompasses actual communication through a specific medium, such as: written text, drawings, music or other. A simple example, the investigator would leave a pad of paper and pencil out in the middle of an active location and prompt the entity to write a message. A human medium can be utilized as a conduit for the spirit to work through but this is highly subjective. The best opportunity to validate this anomaly would comprise of preparation, observation and documentation.





BALL LIGHTNING




Elusive and rare, these spheroids can either float in mid-air, move rapidly in random directions or travel across object's surfaces. Usually no bigger than a softball, these anomalies can also erratically bounce off surfaces. When cold/warm fronts collide and produce super cells, these phenomena occur with increased frequency. Sometimes, these objects are mistaken for orbs.





BARNUM EFFECT




This psychological term depicts the tendency of people to accept general or vague characterizations and/or descriptions as accurate. Psychics often attempt to induce this mental state, in their customers to preserve the illusion of precision. A person's susceptibility to this affect, determines their gullibility.





BILOCATION


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Bilocation is an instance where an object or person is in two distinct locations at the same time. A popular form of bilocation, the mythos of the Doppelganger, proposes that a ghostly double of oneself appears to only that person and is usually of evil intent. Whether psychosis or a possible time-echo; bilocation remains an unusual but intriguing theory.





CHANNELLING


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A form of spirit-human association practiced in many world religions. Mystics believe that they can contact spirits of the dead, spirits of non-corporeal entities, angels and elemental spirit energies. This practice also usually involves several non-sensitive individuals that aid in the inter-communication between this world and the next. A medium, or mental conduit for these energies, allows spirits to enter his/her body to relay messages to loved ones, impart kernels of wisdom or foreboding predictions. Of course this practice is wholly spiritual in nature and there is no scientific confirmation of its actual relevance.





CLAIRSENTIENCE




Clairsentience is the ability or aptitude to perceive beyond the normal five senses and touch the spirit world beyond. Two main subclasses: Clairaudience and Clairvoyance. Clairaudience comprises of the aptitude to hear voices/sounds that others cannot perceive without specialized equipment. Clairvoyance is used in medium-ship to relay messages from spiritual entities or to displace one's own consciousness to another location/dimension.





CRISIS APPARITION




This subclass of apparitions consists of those who are about to die, had recently died or are terminally ill. These spirits make themselves known to loved ones usually around the time of their death. Popular theory states that these spirits are astral projections of one's psyche, transmitted through telepathy. The unconscious mind produces these images with those whom he/she has a strong relationship or connection. Often, these visualizations provide a dying wish or message but can on occasion, predict future events.





CRYSTALS




Crystals form in underground caves and develop into naturally occurring, fixed patterns. Spiritually, it is believed that crystals can absorb and redirect the electromagnetic field that surrounds human beings. Scientifically, these minerals constitute atoms/molecules/ions that are regularly ordered into a specified pattern in three spatial dimensions. Crystals are excellent conductors of electromagnetic energy and can bend/focus light.





DEATH-BED VISIONS




This phenomenon involves a dying person's awareness of dead relatives, friends, loved ones on the "other side". These anomalies are unusual and in some cases, unexplainable through modern science. It seems that those who are about to die occasionally get briefly stuck in the transition between life and death. Those individuals have reported seeing their own body from a position above the bed and also have heard conversations or seen events taking place in entirely different locations that they could not know about. This phenomenon lends partial verification of an afterlife.





DOWSING




Dowsing means to search, using rudimentary instruments, to locate objects or substances that are hidden from view/knowledge. Dowsing Rods come in all shapes and sizes but traditionally, they are pendulums or forked twigs. In order to "dowse" mineral deposits, researchers utilize dowsing to determine the flow of electricity through the resident substance. No scientific explanation supports or confirms dowsing's effectiveness in verifying electrical current variances.





ECTOPLASM




In its pure form, ectoplasm resembles white, transparent mucus. While spirit energy may form mists, ectoplasm is the derivative of an attempted manifestation similar to water condensation. It can adhere to objects, while becoming quite viscous in texture and damp in appearance. Although a theoretical substance, scientists would consider ectoplasm akin to plasma because of its highly volatile state.





EDA (ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY)




EDA measures the skin's ability to conduct electricity. This conductivity is different for each individual person, dependant upon: cognition, environment and biology. More specifically, EDA activity analyzes the eccrine sweat glands on the skin, to measure potential conductivity. Epinephrine (hormone) levels in the blood stream influence endocratic activity. Increased glandular hydration would make the skin less resistant to electricity. Fluctuations of sweat saturation are dependant on thermoregulation and emotional states. The skin's EDL (Electro-dermal Level) would influence the contact stimulus to paranormal events.





EEG (ELECTRO-ENCEPHALOGRAPHY)




A technique utilized to record neuron fluctuations within a brain. This measurement of electrical activity is synonymous with brain waves. Scientists apply electrodes on the subject's scalp and analyze these frequencies through various computer software programs to discern the level, location and depth of brain activity.





ELECTROKINESIS




Electro-kinesis is produced through an electric field (with a net-mobile charge) generated through particle/fluid transport. Generally speaking, if electrodes move freely within a solution, while keeping a fixed distance from each other, this electro-kinetic force will propel electrodes (with respect to the fluid). From a human perspective, the neurons in our brains (electrodes) can move unpredictably and a strong electro-kinetic charge can damage cell membranes. An adverse reaction can cause one to experience hallucinations, spatial disorientation or mental breakdown. A beneficial interaction could open a gateway for telekinetic activity.





ELECTRONIC VOICE PHENOMENA (EVP)




Apparent recorded voices that were inaudible until detected on electronic media playback. True EVP are usually brief and hard to decipher but often occur as a response to questioning. Investigators consider these phenomena as a significant step towards instrumental transcommunication. EVP are psychic echoes (echoes from the past), psycho-kinesis (unconscious thoughts of the living), alien telekinetic communication or none of the above. It is important to avoid pareidolia (interpreting random sounds into familiar language patterns), as most EVP are explainable through the analysis of one's surroundings.





FRACTAL




Fractals are artificial/natural processes or structures that embody self-similarity. In other words, certain objects, when magnified, compose of miniature versions of themselves. This epithet of self-similarity theoretically continues into infinity. Fractals exist in natural or are represented through art. Their seemingly infinite complexity and detail alludes to their simplistic origins. Fractals are also excellent modeling tools for all areas of scientific knowledge, as they mimic but also exemplify the ultimate perfection of the universe.





MATERIALIZATION/DEMATERIALIZATION




These terms comprises of the paranormal appearing and disappearing of a spectral form. When an entity draws energy from its surrounding environment, it is attempting to materialize or appear. Precursors of materialization include orbs, high EMF (Electromagnetic Fields), plummeting temperatures and occasionally a brief sense of dizziness or confusion. Upon reaching its full potential, the spirit energy/entity will need to draw constant energy into itself in order to sustain its form. Full-bodied apparitions possibly appear with more frequency around the living because we are a virtual fountain of chemical energy. Dematerialization is the reverse process usually encouraged from a lack of ambient energy. Theoretically, a spirit energy/entity would simply fade away into ecto-plasmic mist, then into its base particles.





MICRO/MACRO PSYCHOKINESIS




Micro Psycho-kinesis (PK) refers to an individual's abilities using extra sensory perception(s) that is only detectable through a thorough comparable statistical analysis. This examination would compare a "normal" reaction or response versus the subject's. Macro Psycho-kinesis (PK) refers to direct observable reactions or events ancillary to statistical data. This type usually indicates valid psychokinetic activity.





MIST




Spirit mediums and psychics originally discovered this phenomenon occur during meditations. At first glance, there is little difference between a natural and paranormal occurring mist. Both exhibit the same characteristics of a vaporous cloud with random swirling effects, dependent air pressure, direction and speed. Questions arise when these hazes linger in atypical environments and move with an apparent sense of purpose. Paranormal mists usually hover several feet off the ground, remain stagnant or move uniformly in some predetermined direction. Mists commonly appear in many shades of white, gray, black but can radiate other colors. Some paranormal researchers believe that these mists form when a spirit initially attempts to manifest itself into a full-bodied apparition. Often during this transition, the entity cannot sustain or intensify this energy field. so it remains a mist. Investigators should look for mists in areas not conducive to their natural formation, preferably indoors.
**Do not confuse mists with cold breath or smoke as they can be indistinguishable**





MULTIVERSE




Scientific theorists believe that there exist multiple realities relative to our own that can embody universal similarity or dissimilarity. These multi-verses or parallel universes comprise the structure of all reality. The multi-verse, or set of disconnected space-times, and there are numerous theoretical levels of classification. The first level dictates an open multi-verse that through cosmic inflation after the big bang is infinite in nature; therefore, a duplicate of everything exists at great distances (beyond the scope of the Hubble sphere a.k.a. known universe). The second level states that due to chaotic inflation of all reality, different regions would have different physical constraints, laws, particle content(s) and dimensionality. The third level of classification depicts reality as an energetic quantum field of space-time; whereby, multiple, identical universes exist but at different states. The final classification affirms the influence of the quantum space-time matrix but signifies a greater importance on the idea that, everything that can exist, does exist. This would include mathematical postulates, dreams and/or fictional scenarios/events/entities.





NEGATIVE ENERGIES




Many different cultures personify these beings as supernatural entities of evil intent. Their main purpose: to enact pain, suffering and corruption, particularly to an innocent or virtuous soul. Commonly, they can embody all or none of the above listed phenomena. Negative forces react when one attempts to banish or confront them and will personify the force that runs counter to an individual's own religious beliefs. Most negative forces are elemental in nature; however, it is possible for a human spirit to become a negative force through their own emotive state. These energies are usually found around vortices, areas of negative emotions and areas where death as occurred.





OCCAM'S RAZOR




This principal derived from William of Occam (a famous philosopher) states that the simplest of explanations is usually correct. His thoughts on adding complexity to a problem based on assumptions. Skepticism and belief aside, this mode of thought encourages clear discernment of a paranormal event.





OLFACTORY MANIPULATION




Occasionally the investigator will notice an unfamiliar scent that emanates from a specific locale. A confusing experience at first, most olfactory anomalies are explainable through the analysis of the surrounding environment. Certain odors can last for a prolonged period; such as, cigarette/cigar smoke, natural oils, plant extracts and even urine. The length of olfactory radiance is highly dependent on the absorption material. Investigators believe that certain "phantom" aromas exist because of paranormal activity. Spirit entities can either manifest these smells from memory or ambient energy generates these residual anomalies.





ORB




Portents of latent paranormal activity, these small collections of energy are frequently captured in photographs and on video. They appear as tiny, transparent spheres of light that hover and move in systematic trajectories. Researchers occasionally catch these tiny, glowing spheres moving in specific patterns with evidence of an inner nucleus. Around ninety-five percent of all spheroids captured on film are naturally occurring but some defy explanation. The latter are uniquely extraordinary because they exist on the frontier of scientific knowledge. Investigators consistently mistake bugs or dust for these phenomena. Investigators measure the Doppler shift of these particles to ascertain their speed, as some produce a lingering trail (indicative of high speed). It is also crucial to ensure a secure, uncontaminated environment: devoid of dust, bugs and reflective surfaces. After meeting these criteria, spheroids appear to materialize in areas of specific coldness, high electro-magnetivity and historical significance. Researchers theorize that these objects represent spirit energy, new life-forms, environmental reaction or a naturally occurring phenomena generated by the Earth's magnetic field.





PARAMNESIA




Also called, Déjà-vu is a sensation of witnessing/experiencing a new situation previously. Scientists believe that lucid dreaming produces this mental state. Subconscious thoughts recount an episode that occurred in our dreams. Although Déjà-vu can be created artificially, through hypnosis, it still begs the question: If we dream event before it happens, are we not psychic or at the very least extremely intuitive?





PHANTOM VEHICLES




These phenomena comprises of all apparent "phantom" vehicles. Some believe that this proves that "ghosts" are not spirits because inanimate objects should not produce residual energies. For example, one would intuitively conclude that a phantom automobile viewed near the site of a horrific traffic accident belonged to the victim. Naturally, reports of ghostly mechanized transportation did not occur before the invention of cars, trains and planes. We can safely assume if these "phantom" vehicles exist, these projections are attached to the psyche of a spiritual entity.





PHYSICAL MANIPULATION




This type of paranormal activity includes any physical contact of unknown energies and a physical object. Examples of this manipulation include: Self-rocking chairs, self-rearranging furniture, flung dishes and even bodily interaction. Physical contact is the most personalized experience because it involves the actual interface between the living and the unknown. Investigators are pushed, scratched, nudged, caressed and sometimes even injured or killed! While the latter is very rare, it can and does still happen. This type of activity usually denotes communicative, mischievous, malevolent or benign intentions. It is important that the investigator determine why this type of activity is occurring before proceeding any further in the investigation.





POLTERGEIST




Researchers are not one-hundred percent sure what events encompass poltergeist activity; however, there are many theories on how and why these mischievous entities/energies manifest. The first theory construes that activity occurs through a psychic individual. Those who knowingly or unknowingly attest to this extreme mental acuity and sensitivity are the most likely candidates. A form of psycho-kinesis borne in the mind, produces affects that replicate extreme trauma that person has endured during his/her life. A second theory states that these beings are comparable to concentrated elemental energy or intelligent entities from another dimension that have somehow gained access to our reality through astral projection. The last theory explains that powerful emotions; such as, happiness, rage or depression do not expire when the person dies. This energy remains embedded in an object or an entire location until it dissipates over time.





POSITIVE ENERGIES




Most world cultures and religions view these entities as the quintessence of righteousness and goodness. They can appear randomly, around religious sites or during a traumatic or historic human event. These forces are assumed non-violent in nature and are sometimes mistaken for intelligent human spirits (as they often choose to take a human form). Often, they can manifest near natural/supernatural vortices or any location where death has occurred.





PRESENCE




Almost everyone has experienced a feeling of being watched. This conditioning is written into our genetic code. This sensation of presence is usually as concrete and real as an actual visualization. The totality of an individual's senses help offer cues to these super-sensory perception. We can also have sensitivity towards determining the level of impending danger associated with said entity/energy. The collective effect of these instinctual cues can lead one towards the assumption of a ghostly presence. It is important for investigators to establish a sensory base of any location they wish to study before jumping to conclusions based solely on paranoia.





PSYCHOMETRY




This is the art or discipline of gleaning paranormal knowledge from any particular object. Those that claim to have ESP (Extra Sensory Perception) utilize this "touch" technique to mentally analyze the resident energy residue left behind.





RADIETHESIA




A supposed paranormal ability to detect the aura human bodies radiate. The human body produces electromagnetic fields through bio-electric and thermo-gentic chemical reactions occurring in the body every nanosecond. Theoretically, these "radiations" also occur in all living things. Mystics profess to manipulate this bio-field to discern/elevate mood, focus energy or read thoughts.





RADIONICS




It is the idea or practice of measuring, transmitting and/or manipulating the subtle energy fields that connect living beings to each other. This technique is not recognized scientifically but is practiced through alternative medicine, those gifted with extrasensory perception and/or rogue scientists.





SHADOW




Often caught out of the corner of the eye, this phenomenon is mostly discounted as tricks of a weary/anxious mind or objects taken out of context. Subordinate classes of apparitions, shadows usually materialize as short humanoids, comprising of dense mist/ectoplasm. They can appear and disappear in the blink of the eye and because of this, they are extremely elusive. It is important to nullify any evidence where doubt exists. The shadow could be either a natural shadow or even a small animal. As always, securing the site will reduce the risk of contamination. Shadows appear both indoors and outdoors and seem break all the laws of psychics in regards to their movement.





TELEPORTATION



Teleportation is the movement of objects or elementary particles from one area to another, instantaneously, without traveling through space. Present technology can utilize "exact" quantum teleportation (only photons and atoms). "Inexact" quantum teleportation is also possible but the state of matter is not preserved; only its encoding information is transmitted. In the context of paranormal phenomena, objects vanish only to reappear in other locations. Investigators believe this is due to spirit activity. The entity/energy somehow absorbs the object into itself and rematerializes elsewhere. This type of activity has never been scientifically documented but those in the field swear it occurs.





VISUAL ANOMALIES




Unusual lights have been observed throughout the course of history. Orbs and mists are a subordinate class of this category. Related phenomena include: glowing spheres, luminous streaks, or iridescent gas. Scientists have concluded that these phenomena are probably related to the Earth's magnetosphere and/or a natural atmospheric disturbance. Many cultures view these phenomena as demonic or angelic in nature. Visual anomalies can appear anywhere and appear to blink rapidly when seen at a distance. Most of the time, these lights are imperceptible to the human eye but can be readily caught on camera or video.





VORTEX




These phenomena are extremely rare and appear as a funnel of high-speed particles (orbs). A vortex usually materializes as the solitary focal point within a mist. Comparable to a small tornado, this object is found in areas of strong electro-magnetivity, specific coldness, low barometric pressure and/or historical locations. It is theorized that these anomalies are either rifts between dimensional spaces or the focal point of spirit energy.





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