The Problem With TV Psychics/Paranormal Investigators (2) : Long Island Medium

In the first installment of this post series, we briefly discussed some issues with paranormal investigators : Ghost Adventures Crew. In this second installment we will be taking a look at some of the major problems surrounding The Long Island Medium, Theresa Caputo and how her show works. 

1. Theresa says "I only channel souls that walk in God's white light." Sorry, Theresa, but a real Psychic cant pick and choose the energies they connect to. Sure, some people with abilities tend to attract either good energy more often or bad energy more often, but we cannot forbid all negative spirits from contacting us, as each individual energy is attracted to different people with abilities for different reasons. Another problem I have with her statement is, while mediums can CONNECT to people and spirits, they cant really channel anyone they want, thus disproving her statement that she only channels "godly" spirits. Being a death medium myself, (and I hate the words psychic and medium because of the connotation)... anyway, I digress ;  being a death medium who comes into contact with negative spirits about 90% of the time, I can tell you straight up I cannot choose who, or what I connect with. 

2. The show is heavily edited. Viewers cannot see what, if any prior research is going on behind the scenes. And, reality TV, as most people know, is hardly realistic. Theresa has a crew and people all around her that may very well be feeding her information, because often times, her statements are grossly generalized. Straight from Theresa's personal site : "Unfortunately being on this list does not guarantee an appointment. The people featured on Long Island Medium are selected from all of the lists. Factors include location, availability, and who feels comfortable being on television are taken into consideration."

3. She has refused to take James Randi's $1 Million test, that is comprised of a variety of tests to prove or disprove psychic ability. If anyone can pass it with flying colors, they win $1 Million. 

4. She is focused on money. She charges massive amounts of money and has a "wait list" for "clients" that lasts up to 3-6 months. Most sources say Caputo charges $250 per 30 minutes. The prices dont seem to appear clearly on her site anymore, but when I checked last year it was upwards of $300 / 30 minutes. Her live shows are upwards of $100 or more per ticket. 

5. Classic Cold Reading. I can tell BASIC things from cold reading, like an estimate of how wealthy you are by your clothing and hair, or cultural background based on appearance, etc. However, Theresa seems to only throw out information based on run of the mill cold reading techniques. She also only refers to her source of information as "spirit", normally, no specific sources or spirits are referred to. Another thing to take notice of is how fast she talks, this confuses the person being read. 

6. According to sources who have attended said live show "experiences" say the show appears carefully staged/choreographed with possible audience plants. (A plant is someone who is put there by the production for intended use in a show) 

7. Is it just me or does her family seem to either be in on it or extremely annoyed with the fact that Theresa is on tv claiming to be a powerful psychic?

8. Caputo claims to be a "certified psychic" through Forever-Family Foundation. No evidence proving this foundation actually exists can be found. 

Possible Evidence Of Fraud By Theresa Caputo

Source Close To Family Reveals Theresa Is A Fraud

While a few of her readings are impressive, there is something about her that I still dont trust. Sources say she does sometimes give free readings if she is drawn to someone out in public. Those who have met her claim she is friendly and kind, and we cant fault anyone for being charismatic and nice, or at least appearing to be.

My personal opinion? Shes a fake.

The Problem With TV Psychics and Paranormal Investigators (1)

Im sure many of you have wondered why and how almost every episode of Ghost Adventures seems to capture Grade A EVPs, photos, audio AND video evidence. My simple answer is this : These investigations are not done over a 10 or 12 or even 24 hour "lock down" as it appears on TV. The illusion that it does is courtesy of careful editing and clip timing. Real, thorough investigations can take days, weeks or even months. I can tell you first hand, because I've not only assisted in the investigation of my previous home along with a paranormal team, but I have also investigated various haunted locations on my own, briefly. The hour or two I spend at the location leaves me with general information and energy. Rarely any quality, or bountiful physical evidence like Zak Bagans and his crew get. I can also tell you that investigations, more often than not, are boring. Yes, boring. It is a lot of waiting and coaxing information. The spirits and energy do not perform on cue as it appears in the show. 

You may now be asking yourself, why? Why are they getting SO much evidence on EVERY SINGLE EPISODE? Below Ill discuss some of the main reasons why. 

1. Like I said above, these investigations take a lot longer than it seems. The crew is most likely there for days, splicing small audio clips together to make it look like they got a substantial amount of evidence during a short period of time. 

2. Made up evidence? A source from reliable site "Quora" says : 

"I worked as the psychic for a paranormal team that was on Zac's reality show he did. It was a total joke. You cannot have a sterile environment in any paranormal investigation no matter how hard you try. Often EVP's are proved to be actual conversations of team members."

-Kimberly McGeorge

Full Article From Quora

3. Losing Ratings? Now, I understand that this is an entertainment television show. They need to keep the ratings up and the viewer numbers high. However, I feel that shouldnt take priority over maintaining their reputation that they claim to have worked so hard for so many years to obtain. Once the crew started bringing D list celebrities on the show, they lost a bit of my respect. Lately, it has become more about shock factor and bringing in guests, or prolonging interviews to build up the hype for the investigation that now seems to only last for 1/4 of the hour long program. 

4. Misrepresenting evidence? Just like the crew has been accused of faking evidence, it is also possible they have been misrepresenting evidence. Or presenting a sound or audio / video clip as something more or other than what it is. For example : Have you ever listened to an audio clip to play, and you just, for the life of you cannot hear actual words? Well, that probably means there are not any words being spoken. Its possible they are playing a general sound of scuffle, while putting words up on the tv screen, to suggest to you what you should be hearing. 

5. Im just going to come right out and say there is no possible way Zak and his crew members are getting jumped / possessed THAT much. Even with Zaks aggression, "demons" dont jump or possess just anyone because they can. 

Now that weve briefly discussed some of the issues with the investigation process overall, Id like to take this time to focus on Zak in particular. Now, if you have watched even just one episode of Ghost Adventures, you most likely have seen Zak provoke or "call out" one or more spirits. Not only is this dangerous, but it is just plain stupid and wrong. Below, are the main issues with Zak's overly aggressive approach :

1. He does NOT have actual abilities - Not once has Zak eluded to or straight up stated he has abilities. Thats why he brings in psychics, mediums and people with a myriad of abilities and skills, right? Therefore, he really has no clue what he is doing. After seeing one spirit, he set out on a mission to capture what he once saw, right? He doesnt know, or at least he doesnt feel the need to use respectful, efficient, or correct forms of communication. 

2. Condoning the use of ouija boards - Ouija boards have been used a couple of episodes and was even the focal point of the "Zozo Demon" episode. Bottom line, the ouija should have never been used in the first place, for any reason. Its dangerous. 

3. He is not an ordained or qualified individual - Zak is not ordained or officially qualified / educated on demonology, the occult or the spirit world in any way. As said above, he isnt a medium, psychic or anything, but possibly a sensitive. He should not be calling out anything or trying to get rid of anything on his own. 

4. Improper use of white sage, a sacred medicine - In one episode, Zak is clearly shown using white sage with negative intentions. He used the white sage with the intention to, and I quote "to piss [the entity] off". He then lit the sacred medicine and aggressively called out said spirit. 

5. The fame has gone to his head - Zak's attitude toward the show and how he conducts himself have changed quite a bit from the very first seasons. I believe that his role had inflated his ego, making him think he invincible and can do no wrong. How he behaves is the exact opposite of how you need to conduct yourself during a legit, live, real life investigation. If anyone acted like Zak during an investigation I was doing theyd be kicked out immediately. 

Final Thoughts :

Now, please do not take my issues personally or as an attack on the show or any investigator. I was a true fan, and still am of their earlier work. Lately, I just feel they have dropped their standards to an unacceptable low. Do I think the show is complete bull and faked? No. But I think it is heavily exaggerated, misrepresented and spreads a false,  at times disrespectful and dangerous image of what investigating the paranormal is all about. 

Haunted New England : Freetown State Forest , Fall River, Massachusetts

In this installment of "Haunted New England", we will be taking a look at Freetown State Forest, located in Fall River, Massachusetts. The forest itself is secluded and set away from the main roads and town. The area is well known as a dumping ground for bodies and the like, not to mention the rumors of satanic ceremonies that circulate amongst the locals. 

Validity was given to these rumors when multiple unexplainable deaths took place nearby. 

1. 1978 - Body of a local cheerleader found tied to a tree in the forest. 

2. 1987 - Body of a drifter found in the river.

3. Date Unknown - Body of an infant found in a trash can near the forest.

4. 2001 - Two men found shot on a road that intertwines through the forest itself. 

5. 2016 - Wires were discovered, stretched across heavily traveled paths. The purpose was to catch hikers and bikes off guard and cut, trip, or in the worst case scenario, decapitate those who came into contact with said wires. 

Possible Paranormal Activity: 

1. UFO / Extraterrestrial sightings and activity 
2. Flying balls / orbs that appear to be on fire
3. Disembodied / unclear voices
4. Dark apparitions
5. Severe feeling of being watched and/or followed
6. Giant Snakes with no origin
7. Black helicopters, again, out of the blue only to disappear
8. Pukwedgie sightings, a Wampanoag tribe humanoid creature

Freetown State Forest has arguable been deemed the most haunted forest in America. It is a part of the somewhat legendary "Bridgewater Triangle". Some say the area is comparable to the famed "Bermuda Triangle", claiming that numerous paranormal events take place there as well as mysterious deaths, as we discussed above. Not only that, but the entire area, specifically the forest is a hot bed for bad energy. 

The slew of creepy crimes and mysterious events is enough to keep most people away from the forest all together. This was especially true when various locals reported to police that they had actually SEEN a satanic cult practicing in the woods. 

Some townspeople, as well as some local police officers thought the sightings may have been connected to the supposed "Fall River Cult Killings" that were reported during the same time the sightings were, in the 1980's. 

Suspicious, man made clearings were discovered along with blood stained rocks and oddly arranged cow carcasses, which were only discovered much later. Whether these were planted to confuse police, or if they were genuinely connected to the horrifying activity that took place is still undetermined. Either way, its unsettling to say the least, and these speculations keep most people out of the forest, especially at night. 

In my efforts to validate / debunk anything I post or read about... I took it up on myself to see if my mother (who is originally from Massachusetts) if she had ever heard of any of the rumors or if she may have been to the area. 

My mother confirmed that yes, she had heard of these things happening and to her knowledge they are true. She describes the forest and area as "[Creepy], and it's a dump" So, there you have it readers, by the advice of my own mother, I do not recommend taking a trip to the haunted forest any time soon.

How Would I Investigate?

I wouldn't, not because of the paranormal events, but because of the evil deeds done there and the dangers of coming across traps in the woods. 

Haunted New England? : Long Lane Correctional Facility, Middletown ,Connecticut

If you live anywhere in Connecticut, or if you've seen any of the plethora of cop shows on TV, youve most likely heard about Long Lane. Long Lane was first opened in 1868 under the name "Connecticut Industrial School For Girls". In 1921, the building was signed over to the state. It was renamed "Long Lane School" in 1943, then in 1972, it was combined with the "School For Boys", in which is was then used as a correctional facility for juvenile delinquents, and referred to as "Long Lane" or "Connecticut Juvenile Training School"

, until it was officially closed for good in 2003. The entire property is now owned by Wesleyan University. 

The rumors about negative energy residing inside the facility have been circulating not only around the town, but the entire state (it seems) since knowledge of the numerous deaths and questionable practices that took place in the facilities early years. Not to mention the fact that, the minors that were kept here, we usually violent, angry, stressed, misunderstood and unfortunately unstable. This caused major negative energy to culminate and stick to the buildings themselves. 

Background:

Original building as it appeared as an "Industrial School For Girls". (1874)

When the building first opened, it was used to "rehabilitate" girls that were thought to be headed down a destructive or "improper" path in life. 

The girls were made to do practical chores that were geared toward helping them build skills that were thought to help them in everyday life. In addition to the multiple chores, religion was pushed on the girls. They were required to go to church and attend Sunday School sessions. 

During the 1950's, more control was given to the girls who had to attend to reform / training school. They were allowed to take academic classes, equivalent to High School or take training/vocational classes in areas such as Makeup & Beauty, Dress Making, Art , etc. 

In the 70's, the facility was officially renamed as "Long Lane" and teamed up with the new Department Of Children and Youth Services, which was later renamed, and is still referred to as the Department of Children and Family (DCF - 1993). 


Connections To Possible Haunting / Residual Energy :

• Tabatha Anne Brendle (1998) - 15 - suicide ( Upon investigation it was found that there were numerous policy violations, and understaffed areas. Unqualified clinicians and abuse and neglect by certain staff members contributed to her death )
• 1998- 2003 Closing ( Certain staff members/teacher were found making inadequate long term plans, or no long term treatments at all for the inmates. Improper restraint techniques, and improper seclusion was also a big problem, causing injury not only to inmates but to officers as well. Investigators found saggy beds, tattered blankets, trash littered in certain holding areas, unsanitary fridges and bathrooms/toilets.
• Allegations of inappropriate relationships, secret "deals" and mistreatment of inmates and officers were also reported during different times during the facility's run. However, these events are not really reported or recorded in public record. 
• This was a rough place, especially after it turned over to more of a prison than a rehab center. There were numerous cases of negative / troubled individuals. Numerous violent fights and out bursts. Individuals with depression, anxiety and other unfortunate issues. 

Personal Connections:

I also developed a distant, but strong connection with a few of the female inmates there. I would collect books for a few of the girls that enjoyed reading, because the facility's library and academic fields werent very strong or abundant. 

We have a Christmas ornament that one of the guys made for my dad, and I hang it up every year. 

You might be wondering why this section is relevant to the article. Well, I have my own theories and evidence that the original buildings held some major residual energy...

Personal Evidence Of Haunting/Residual Energy From The Area:

I personally developed a connection to the buildings and people there, even though I never set foot inside. I had a connection to the girls I gave books to. The energy from that building , I believe, attached to my Dad to a degree, and in turn caused paranormal activity in our home and lives.  

*All information such as dates, names and timelines were taken from public record (http://ctstatelibrary.org/RG178_002.html). Any other information cannot be found on record and is only sourced from personal knowledge*

More Images and Bits of Info Below:

The above pictures show how the building looked after its last remodel, this is the part that was merged with the School For Boys, to become CT Juvenile Training School/CT Juvenile Detention Center.

Old land layout of Long Lane

Meditation Suggestions + What I Use Them For (1)

I am continuously finding new meditation tracks that seem to really help me in various ways. Not just while Im meditating, reading people or relaxing,etc,but during everyday tasks. This is not only helped my mood, energy and outlook, it has also made my head more clear and has heightened my ability to read people more easily and accurately. Below, youll find meditation track suggestions, accompanied by a short reason why/how I use them. 


Normally, I would only suggest instrumental tracks, but in some cases, certain lyrics may actually help you. Though I do not use lyrical songs during readings, as they could influence my findings. 

All links are clickable and will direct you to the track.

Orinoco Flow - ENYA

This track helps me focus before readings, helps me clear my head and keep on track. It helps me center myself and calm myself. 

Celtic Music | Irish Village Music

This track helps me clear negative or heavy energy. It helps bring my spirit and energy back up and center/ground myself. This track can also help lift a heavy mood and help with concentration. 

Cord Cutting Guided Meditation

This is a guided meditation that played a big role in helping me cut the connection to my old house. Although I do not like that this meditation references God, overall, it is still helpful if you ignore those elements and take the process more logically and follow the steps. 

Deep Cleansing Guided Meditation

This track can help you rid yourself of heavy, negative energy and influences. This can also help when youre feeling exhausted and having a hard time. This can be a first step in lifting dark energy from yourself and your home. 

Celtic Music | Irish Highlands

This track is super helpful for relaxation, focus and bringing yourself back to a more calm, centered place. This track can also make your energy feel more light.

We Must Preserve The Seaside Sanitarium In Waterford CT

HELP US SAVE THIS HISTORIC AND SIGNIFICANT SITE!

The Seaside Sanitarium must NOT be torn down or changed into a spa/resort. This building is too significant and historical. Please take a moment to sign this petition, all information in included in the petition as to why and how we should save this majestic, haunted, beautiful place.

Help Us Preserve This Location By Clicking HERE

Black Eyed Children

Black Eyed Children are entities/creatures that appear to be kids, normally between the ages of 6 -16 years old. They normally have pale skin and pitch black eyes with no iris. They will try to portray themselves as innocent and in need of help. They will always try to invade your personal space, be it your car, home or your personal bubble. 

They may:

1. Ask you for help
2. Ask to come into your home
3. Say they need to use your phone
4. If you refuse them, they will say its urgent : "You NEED to help me!" or "Youre the only one that can help me!" "It wont take long"
5. They will ring your door bell or knock incessantly until you answer the door
6. Never look into their eyes

If you interact with them for too long, or happen to look into their eyes, you may start to feel as if youre under their control, perhaps in a trance like state. 

There are various theories about what exactly these Black Eyed Children are. Some say they are nothing more than an urban legend or myth, and that is quite possible. As the more people talk about something, the more real it can become to people, especially with platforms like Creepy Pasta and Thought Catalog. 

Other theories include, but are not limited to the following:

"Black Eyed Children are a hybrid" - Now, this is possible because it wouldnt be the first time that weve come across a cross breed of some kind. There has been sightings of such and documentation of such things. Although we cannot conclusively say it is 100% a hybrid creature, its definitely not normal. 

"Black Eyed Children are aliens" - This is the theory that makes the most sense to me, other than "BEC are just a myth". There has been documentation of life on other planets and areas of our universe. There are also solid theories that we ourselves are aliens, and that its quite possible more strains of them are showing up on our planet through various methods. 

"Black Eyed Children are demons" - This theory is understandable but not likely in my opinion. While demons will try to appear as children sometimes, they normally wont show themselves as evil look children. They will try to appear normal looking, innocent, kind, trustworthy, subtle and try to fly under the radar. They normally wont show up as pushy children who lack an iris with abnormally pale skin. That would be far too obvious, especially since most people who have claimed to encounter Black Eyed Children, say theyve come across them in broad daylight in common places like their homes, the store or near their cars. 

"Black Eyed Children are interdimensional beings" - Now the main problem I have with this theory is that inter/intradimensional beings normally are straight out of a science fiction novel or movie. Now, one could make the argument that so are aliens. But, when I say alien, Im not talking about the big headed, green skinned, black eyed lanky creatures people have come to know. Im talking about beings that look just like us, if not slightly different. Im talking about beings that are human like, but not quite. A humanoid, if you will. (Though Im not fond of that term either, for the sake of keeping this simple and understandable well use that word.)

The exact origin of these "children" isnt quite clear, and I havent been able to trace an original post that wasnt from a scary story website. Below, I will summarize a few encounters that have been documented and shared, so you can get a better understanding of what an interaction with these "children" would be like. 

"Thinking back on it I know that my normal reaction to seeing children in a snowstorm would have been to rush them inside and bundle them up with some blankets and hot cocoa, but that’s not how this felt. The children were very unnerving. They would not make eye contact and when my husband asked them if everything was ok they asked if they could come in. My husband looked at me like “what do I do?” and I asked the kids where their parents were.

“They’ll be here soon,” is all they said. " (- weekinweird.com) 

The woman who submitted this story to the above website, also stated that whenever they asked the children any type of question, their answer was always "Our parents will be here soon." She also mentioned that their voiced were sing song in tone and her husband began to get dizzy, developing regular nose bleeds after the children finally left. But before these kids left, the power went out for over 30 minutes, along with unnerving feelings. In the weeks following, the woman claims her husband got nightly nose bleeds, three of her pets went missing, along with various other pains and misfortunes. 

YouTube sensation Shane Dawson, who is no stranger to paranormal topics also came out with a video claiming he too had an encounter with the Black Eyed Children. He also included various video clips, of supposed sightings of these "children". The video is well done, so I suggest you check it out. I will link it down below.

URBAN LEGENDS- BLACK EYED CHILDREN (SHANE DAWSON)

Paranormal Terminology Index (1)

Angel: a spiritual entity of wholly positive nature.

Archangel: a type of angel, a class superior to the ten angelic orders of traditional angels.

Astral Body: the level of the human subtle body corresponding to the ordinary personality and consciousness : vehicle for astral projection.

Astral Projection: the process by which the conscious self of a living person leaves the physical body and travels in another, subtle body that can penetrate solid matter.

Body Of Transformation: etheric structure created by shapeshifters as an artificial etheric body.

Continuing Apparition: the ghostly image of a person that appears to the living over an extended period, normally appearing to more than one person.

Crisis Apparition: the ghostly image of a person that appears to friends, relatives, or others when that person is undergoing a major crisis such as an accident, a severe illness, or death.

Cryptozoology: the study of biological entities whose existence has not yet been accepted by the scientific mainstream.

Cultural Source Hypothesis: the theory that sightings of monstrous beings are the result of cultural sources such as legends, which are then projected onto ambiguous phenomena by believers.

Demon: a spirit/entity whose actions and apparent intentions toward human being are malicious, hurtful or destructive.


SOURCE: 
Monsters: An Investigators Guide To Magical Beings by John Michael Greer

Haunted New England: Snedeker Demon House : Southington, Connecticut

Some of you may have heard of the Snedeker Demon House before. It is better known as "that house from 'A Haunting In Connecticut' movie." If youre a follower of Ed and Loraine Warren, you may also have heard of this terrifying funeral parlor being turned into a house. 

The story begins in 1986, when the Snedeker family moved into their rented new home in Southington,CT. The new family, which included Allen and Carmen Snedeker took over the home with their three sons and young daughter. Carmen and her family had decided to take a closer look around their new abode. Upon their investigation, she found tools that are used my morticians. It was after this, that they did some digging and finally realized their family home had once been a funeral home.

Shortly there after, one of their sons began to have nightmares and claimed to be seeing apparitions and horrifying images. Other occurrences include claims of inappropriate touching by demons, the smell of rotting flesh and water that turned blood red, only to return back to normal within minutes. 

However, even after Ed and Lorraine were hired and determined the house was taken over by demons, there were still holes in the family's story. No one in the family could give a straight, clear account or story about their experiences. And, after their story had been told so many times, and after they had signed a book deal, information came to light that this family was very aware that the Lutz family, of the Amityville horror house, had made a nice chunk of cash selling their story to the media and to publishers. 

Not only that, but many of their experiences seemed to be straight out of a horror flick or horror book. On top of THAT, the family couldnt gather any solid evidence that something paranormal was going on. It is alleged, by Ray Garton, that Ed Warren himself called the family "crazy" and that anything they couldnt tell the writer themselves, should be filled in and made up. The validity of Garton's statement cant really be determined, but this is one case that shook the state of Connecticut, especially after the 2009 movie telling of their story was released. 

Whether or not their story is completely true, half true or completely false, this wouldnt be the first time a true story was embellished for a book or the big screen. Because, in reality, true paranormal events, even the most frightening ones, wouldnt be all that interesting to watch if they took 100% true events and portrayed them accurately. Many "demonic" occurrences are much more subtle, and only in RARE instances does it get chaotic, dangerous and down right terrifying, as shown in many movies like "The Exorcist" and "The Conjuring". 

With all that said, the Snedeker family holds firm on their version of what happened to them and what they saw during their time in their Southington home. They have gone on record with several media outlets, including my states very own "Damned Connecticut". Below I will link a short interview that Damned Connecticut was able to get with a member of the Snedeker family:

http://www.damnedct.com/snedeker-family-member-goes-on-record-with-damned-connecticut

Here is another angle of the Snedeker household. As you can see, the morgue doors were still there upon them moving in. It is my speculation and assumption, that this family may have already known that the house was once a funeral home. The structure of the house gives that away pretty clearly. 

The many holes in this story make it hard for me personally to believe this families stories 100%. Do I believe SOMETHING went on with their house? Yes, I do. Funeral Homes can be a hot bed for activity. But, so I also think the family has some explaining to do? Yes. I also think the holes in their story are far too big and far too stereotypical/cliche. I encourage you to do more digging on this case and let me know what you think of it!

How To: Log Paranormal Occurrences (The Basics)

Today Ill give you a simple, quick guide on how to properly, accurately, and most importantly, how to HONESTLY log any paranormal occurrences that you may experience. Logging paranormal events is helpful when you experience them regularly, especially if they are major events or if they happen to be violent or frightening. Personally, I didnt realize to log the events until YEARS after I started experiencing frequent and scary paranormal phenomena. I spent years denying it and trying to ignore it, trying to explain it away. Had I started to log it earlier, I wouldve been able to debunk things quicker and keep track of the true paranormal experiences I was having. 

Quick Tips: Below I will list some of the most important information that you should include in any log you keep.

Date (What day did this occur? Ex: Monday, September 26th, 2016)
Time (What time of day? Ex: 11:04 am // Between 11-12 pm in the afternoon)

*Try to be as specific as possible when logging the date and time. If you do not have an exact time, try to give an estimate of time, as seen above. 

*Try to log any events directly after they occur, or even better, while they are happening to give the most accurate and honest account. 

What happened (Explain directly and clearly what occurred. Ex: I was sitting on the couch, when I looked over to the hall way, a ball moved down the hall on its own.)

How you felt (What type of emotions or feelings are you experiencing during the event? Ex: When the ball moved down the hallway, I felt a sense of fear and anxiety)

Who experienced it (Its important to record who exactly experienced the event. If you are the only one home or the only one who sees it, make sure to write that down. Ex: My sister and I both experienced the event OR Ex: I am the only one who experienced this event.)

Senses (If possible, record any other things you sense while the event took place. Did you smell anything odd? Did you feel something odd? Did you hear any voices or sounds that are abnormal, or seem to not have a source? Any drastic changes in temperature? etc.)

* It is crucial to be HONEST when keeping these logs. I know it can be hard, especially when you may be frightened or confused to not put your fear into the log and accidentally embellish the event or make it out to be more than what it was. *

* Also, try to be neat about it, I, myself have been guilty of scribbling down an event, usually a rare one that actually scared me, only to look back and not be able to read it. So remember to stay calm. *

Pro Tip:

If you happen to actually see an apparition or entity, be sure to take note of what it looked like as well as the other info listed above. 

How tall was it?
What color?
Did it look human, animalistic, humanoid-like, etc?
How did it move?
What did it do?
Features?
etc.

Any questions? Need more tips? Let me know in the comments below!

Haunted New England: Devil's Hopyard, East Haddam, CT

Devil's Hopyard is one of New England's most beautiful and picturesque locations. It also happens to be one of my favorite spots to go in the fall, not only for the scenery but for the history. This location has been thought to be the main spot where Satan, the Devil, Lucifer itself hides. Some have even claimed to see an entity sitting atop the waterfall surrounded by other negative entities. People have also claimed to see apparitions, shadows and figures creeping throughout the woods, behind the trees and on the trails. People claim to have captured laughing, disembodied voices and whispers on tape. 

Not only does the location have rumors of paranormal activity, there is evidence of a violent past and a variety of events that have contributed to the parks current atmosphere and energy. 

In fact, Devil's Hopyard was the site of an attack carried out in 1775, by the Sons Of Liberty. The mill area was owned by British Loyalists. In the early 1700s, there may have been an early version of a brewery nearby, as there is evidence of an actual hopyard. 

In 1999, 5 men snuck into the park after hours and claimed that they had been frightened and disturbed by demonic phenomena and voices. Two of the men claimed to hear a voice saying "Leave now, or youll join us forever" and one of the men said upon the group heading out of the park, he heard laughter. Not only that, but one claimed to have spotted a large "beast- like demon" and a "shadow with a jagged edge". They then ended up fleeing the park and driving to a pastors house, asking for help with their recent encounter. The pastor called the police, claiming the men looked uncomfortable and had weapons. All 5 men were arrested and taken into custody, although police found zero evidence of the men being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their story cannot be proven fully, as there is no documented evidence of this particular encounter. 




I have my own little experience with this location, as does my sister, though she was too young at the time to remember what it was clearly, now. 

My experience: I went on a day trip to the hopyard with my family. After a day of activities we decided to take one last stroll around the park. I remember being drawn to the Chapman Falls, waterfall. Now, its important to note that I am incredibly fearful of lakes, rivers and ponds. Any dark water for that matter. But for some reason, my fear was over shadowed by an intense feeling of belonging. I stepped along the rocks and sat above the black water on one of the ledges. I wasnt afraid of the fact that I was practically dangling above black water that was who knows how deep. It is completely unlike to me even go near water like that. So I just thought it strange that for that moment I seemed to unafraid and almost too comfortable peering over into this inky water that I otherwise wouldve had a legitimate panic attack over.

Besides some other intense feelings and shifts in atmosphere, I havent had any other major experiences there. However, my younger sister, who was quite young when this happened, did see something. Oddly enough, it was the same day I had my own experience. 

We were walking along one of the more open trails, heading back up to the exit. My sister kept looking back behind her, like she was staring at something. We stopped and she said, "Theres a BIG cat thing over there!" We all turned around to where she was pointing and there was nothing there. No animals in view, no people, no nothing. But she insisted there was still a "big cat thing" walking behind us. Perhaps this was just a young child playing pretend or a trick of the eye, or perhaps she did see something, as she has proven to be a great clairsentient, reader, and empath. 

I hope you have enjoyed this haunted post and if youd like to find out more info, please feel free to ask or head on over to google and discover a vast amount of haunted information! 

The Witch Trials + Explaining Mass Hysteria

The preponderance of people in this region, and country have heard of the Witch Trials. In this post, I will be discussing some of the common myths about colonial + modern witchcraft, as well as the role hysteria played in the trials, as well as the hand it had in spreading fear and misinformation. 

When the Puritans settled in their colonies here in New England, they brought along their strict religious beliefs, which often featured fear mongering, hate, and a need for control over every detail about their new society. The Church and religious leaders often took advantage of peoples fear of the unknown, they also took the knowledge they had of real Wise Craft, and further twisted it to fit their agendas. They preached that any participation in religious practices that did not conform with the churches teachings was evil and a result of one giving into the temptations that the devil has lured them with. Anyone who strayed from the churches control was shamed and labeled evil or a witch. More often than not, those thought to be witches or possessed, were executed before any investigation took place. The churches reasoning? Kill them before they can spread the devils work and harm the community. 

The hateful preaching and mistreatment of innocent people by the early Puritans set the path for the Salem Witch Trials (1692-1693) and even before that, the Connecticut Witch Trials, which took place between the years of 1647 - 1697.

This photo shows a depiction of a trial taking place during the Salem Witch Trials. 

During various trials, those who accused community members of being witches, would twitch, convulse or thrown themselves to the ground and scream nonsense, to further make the accused look guilty of witch craft. They would then claim that the accused was casting spells and harming them during the duration of the trial. Judges took these outbursts as solid evidence that the accused, was in fact a witch. In some cases, it was decided right then and there that the accused must be executed and charged with witch craft. These outbursts, naturally, only added fuel to the fire and reinforced the panic amongst the colonies and villages. 

The reason that judges at the time were allowed to do this, was because spectral evidence was still considered fact and solid evidence.

("Spectral evidence refers to a witness testimony that the accused person's spirit or spectral shape appeared to him/her witness in a dream at the time the accused person's physical body was at another location. It was accepted in the courts during the Salem Witch Trials." - https://salemwitchmuseum.com/blog/2013/02 )

Mass hysteria is the term that is used to describe a situation in which various people (large amount of people) believe they are suffering from similar symptoms, from either a phantom illness or an unknown source/inexplicable event. 

So, because of the actions of the accusers in the court room, combined with the hate speech and fear tactics by the church, a mass hysteria and mass panic was created. Large groups of people began to believe they were being attacked by witches and the devil, simply because someone told them they were, or someone told them over and over that there were witches and evil among them. 

An example of this, is shown in a book entitled "The Crucible". Neighbors, family and friends start to turn on each other and accuse anyone who acts out of character. Mass hysteria also interrupts the ability to think logically and blocks individual thoughts. 

Some not so fun facts:

• The amount of people executed during witch trials around the world is in the tens of thousands.
• In some colonies, people were "tested", to see if they were a witch in various, gruesome ways. One way in which they "tested" people, was to tie the accused up, and drop them into a body of water. Because they thought witches couldnt be successfully baptized, they also believed that the water would reject a witch, thus making them float. If one wasnt a witch, they would submerge and sink to the bottom. Either way, the persons life was in danger. 
• A common misconception about the witch trials in America, are that witches were burned. This is not the case however. In New England, witches were hanged. The thought that they all were burned, comes from England, where they DID burn accused witches. 
• Many people blame Massachusetts for starting the witch hysteria. This is not true, a "Witch Craft Act" was put into effect in England in the 1500s and kicked off the witch hunts.

For more information, please feel free to do personal research or ask questions here! I hope youve found this post informational and interesting. More like this to come!

Haunted New England : Gay City State Park, Hebron, Connecticut

If you grew up where I did, you spent many summer days in the lake at Gay City, running along the small beach and hiking along the trails that run through the over 1000 acre area. But, did you know that the beloved park is thought to be haunted?

Gay City was once owned by the Gay family, named after John Gay and operated as a village in the 1700s, when the town was founded. There are still pieces of its original glory that can be found there, such as stone structures and remnants of the old mill, which was built in 1811. The mill itself burned down twice and after the unfortunate events, the town once known as Factory Hallow was never able to recover 100%. There are also confirmed and rumored deaths of mill workers that took place on the property. The town is also took a hit because of two rumored murders,both of which were never fully solved.

Supposedly, locals and visitors alike have claimed they saw the spirits of these murder victims and rumored spirits of those that died while working at the Mill Site. More recently, there are new rumors of the spirit of a teenager who DID drown in the lake in 2010, showing up at the park. May they rest in peace. 

There have been reports of mists, orbs, footsteps and whispers throughout the entire lot. Some claim to hear a man whisper "the hollow" at night, but to me, that sounds like something out of a bad 90s horror movie. 

Others claim a girl also drowned many many years ago and can be heard screaming and crying near the lake. While the lake has always given me the creeps, thats most likely due to the fact I am deathly afraid of all dark water. I will admit the beach area does have an unsettling atmosphere. 

The father back into the woods you get the more unsettling it feels, it not spirits, there is most definitely some residual energy that this former town has absorbed over the years. 

The Gay family, along with other extended family are buried on location. If you go, please do be respectful and tread lightly across this area of the park. The graves can be found just inside the entrance.

 How would I investigate?

I would probably start with an EVP session at the entrance near the graves. I may do a question and answer session or pendulum session to establish or confirm some information. 

In the picnic, lake area EVPs are also a good idea, photos and night vision images. Heat detecting equipment to help spot any temperature fluxuation. 

 Near the Mill Site, I would do EVP, photos and video, pendulum sessions and motion detectors. Trigger objects may be helpful in establishing a connection with anything that may be there. 

I would also record myself, to document any physical or emotional changes or reactions. A lot of activity that may take place here stems from energy and emotion. Therefore, taking careful note of how people are reacting and behaving during the investigation is key.

Can you go?

Yes! Gay City is open to the public all year round from 8 o'clock in the morning until around 6-7pm (sunset). The beach area and trails are also public. 

Ive never experienced any outstanding or solid experiences other than feelings and things Ive heard through clairaudience.