Glossary of Paranormal and ghostly Terms

To help you understand the paranormal we have compiled a list of the most common terms used in the world of the paranormal and ghost hunting.

Earthlights – These lights appear as a football sized sphere in some cases they can be larger or even smaller. They can hover, fly rapidly or perform acrobatic manoeuvres or even merge together. Earthlights have been recorded throughout history and there are many theories as to why they appear. There range from the fiery breath of a dragon, spirits, treasure lights and recently they have been connected to UFO sightings.

Ectoplasm -The term Ectoplasm was first coined in 1923 by Charles Richet. Ectoplasm is an unidentified substance said to be excreted by mediums during trances or slime like substance associated with hauntings and ghostly objects. It is said to ooze from solid objects or from the mediums body involving mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose and mouth.

Ectoplasmic mist – This mist normally shows up in photographic image as a white cloud, it is said that this white cloud is an indication that a spirit was present when the photograph was taken. The mist can also appear in many colours ranging from white through various shades of gray to black and have also known to appear as red or green

Elves – These spirits are trapped between the two realms, not evil enough to go to hell or good enough to go to heaven. These spirits tend to be spiteful and mischievous

EMF – Electro Magnetic Field, this is the field that surrounds all living things as well as given off by wires and electric circuits. In the field of ghost hunting paranormal investigators use EMF meters to record anomalies in the magnetic field, which could indicate the presence of a spirit or ghost.

Entity - An entity is something that has a distinct and separate existence and relates an intelligent being on longer in the physical body. An entity also has the ability to provide information to people who are sensitive to the entities vibrations

ESP - Extrasensory perception is an ability to gather information independently from the other 5 human senses.

EVP - Electronic voice phenomena is the manifestation of voices and sounds of paranormal origin on electronic media such as Magnetic tape, digital sound recorders and even have been to heard over the radio.

Exorcism – Taken from the from Late Latin exorcismus. The term is the practice of evicting demons or other evil spiritual entities from a person or place which they are believed to have possessed (taken control of). The practice is quite ancient and part of the belief system of many religions.

The person performing the exorcism, known as an exorcist, is often a member of the clergy, or an individual thought to be graced with special powers or skills. The exorcist may use prayers, and religious material, such as set formulas, gestures, symbols, icons, amulets, etc. The exorcist invokes God, Jesus and/or several different angels and archangels to intervene with the exorcism. In general, possessed persons are not regarded as evil in themselves, or wholly responsible for their actions. Therefore practitioners regard exorcism more as a cure than as a punishment. The mainstream rituals usually take this into account, making sure that there is no violence to the possessed, only that they are tied down if there is potential for violence.