Ghost 2.10.25
Overview of Ghost Hunts
Five ghost hunts observed in various locations including:
Private homes
Public locations
Abandoned institutions
Notable location: abandoned mental institution in Staten Island.
Background on Abandoned Mental Institutions
Many were abruptly closed due to funding cuts in mental health services.
Patients released into the streets without family support.
Local lore includes:
Eight child murders/disappearances in the area during the closure period.
Urban legend of a patient kidnapping children.
Ghost Hunting: A Blend of Science and Folklore
Ghost hunting paradox:
The pursuit of evidence of ghosts using scientific methods.
Ghosts perceived as supernatural entities, raising the question of how to study them scientifically.
Most ghost hunters are blue-collar workers (e.g., plumbers and electricians) using various tools:
Thermal imaging cameras
EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meters
Video recorders
Engaging in the study of an elusive phenomenon without clear understanding of what ghosts are.
Challenges in Ghost Hunting
Lack of a concrete definition for ghosts creates challenges for research.
Complications in utilizing scientific methods:
Tools can measure phenomena (e.g., temperature fluctuations) but cannot definitively identify a ghost.
Types of ghosts speculated include:
Spirits of the deceased
Electrical anomalies
Cold spots or orbs of light.
Field Work and Equipment Use
Description of ghost hunts:
Conducting investigations in private homes (Chelsea example).
Use of unconventional devices:
Candlestick microphones to capture audio.
Context of previous occupants experiencing flying objects in the kitchen.
Seance settings featuring diverse tools including:
Holy water
Crystals
Tarot cards
Ad hoc methods and creativity in equipment use to attract spirits (e.g., attaching toys to motion detectors).
Learning and Methods in Ghost Hunting
Attended a class on ghost hunting to understand tools and theories.
Theoretical frameworks for understanding ghosts:
Ghosts as electromagnetic phenomena.
Difficulties in replicating evidence of paranormal activity after initial findings.
Investigative Locations and Findings
Example: Wall Street, historically a slave market, believed to have absorbed energy from violent events.
Use of pendulums for spiritual communication, demonstrating a blend of high-tech and low-tech methods.
Noteworthy case at Selma Mansion:
Rich history tied to the Revolutionary War.
Attempted to capture child ghost evidence using strings, EMF meters, and dolls.
Notable encounter involving a thermal imaging pad showing a potential palm print.
The Nature of Evidence in Ghost Hunting
Review of findings often led to debunking claims of paranormal activity:
Explanations for phenomena like plumbing issues or faulty wiring.
Investigators often prioritize client comfort over sensational claims.
Insights on Ghost Hunting as a Social Phenomenon
Ghost hunters as a particular demographic:
Mostly middle-aged, white, blue-collar individuals.
Tension between science and belief in the supernatural.
Cultural context recognizes variations in ghost-hunting experiences:
UK focus on historical exploration versus US emphasis on adventure and confrontation.
Understanding hauntings through three main theories:
Ghosts as intelligent spirits communicating.
Residual hauntings where energy is replayed in a location.
Psychological hauntings based on personal perceptions and experiences.
Personal Beliefs and Perspectives on Ghosts
As an anthropologist, the primary interest lies in how beliefs in ghosts shape culture and cognition rather than if ghosts exist.
Engaging with ghost hunters highlights America's ambiguous relationship with science and belief:
Trust in anecdotal accounts and personal experiences as valid data points.
Final reflection: It raises questions about broader understandings of reality and belief systems in American society.