Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 07 No 1 - 1988 02

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: VOL. 7 NO. 1
Date: FEBRUARY 1988
Publisher: GRS (Ghost Research Society)

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, Volume 7, Number 1, dated February 1988, is published by the Ghost Research Society (GRS). The cover features the title in a distinctive pixelated font, along with the volume, issue, and date. Decorative borders and a small ghost illustration add to the theme.

Editors Page

The editor expresses that the holidays, particularly Halloween, were busy, with tours going well and plans for new stops in the upcoming year. The editor thanks numerous individuals for their contributions, including clippings, pictures, articles, and cards. Special thanks are given to Eileen Keglovitz for slippers received while in the hospital.

A new column, "The Celebrity Page," is announced to begin with the June issue. This column will feature GRS members who have published articles in their local newspapers about parapsychology or ghost research. Members are encouraged to submit their articles.

The newsletter reports the addition of 14 new members and the renewal of 22 old members, expressing gratitude to all who are part of the GRS family. It also announces the first lifetime membership for William T. Holifield, Contributing Members Evelyn Geras, Phyllis Butcher, Pamela Madrid, and John Anderson, and Sustaining Members Antony Egan, Christopher Varney, and Heidi Hutton.

GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY: Excursions Into The Unknown

The main news for the GRS and Excursions Into The Unknown is the finalization of plans for an upcoming tour of haunted Britain. The tour is scheduled to depart on Friday evening, June 10, 1988, and return on June 24, 1988. The editor will serve as the official guide. The tour will visit some of England's most haunted locations and mystical places, staying in three and four-star hotels with most meals included.

The trip is divided into two parts. Part one is a seven-day motor coach tour covering locations such as Kent, Portsmouth, Isle of Wright, Southampton, Salisbury, Stonehenge, Dartmoor, Plymouth, The West Country, St. Ive's, Land's End, St. Michel's, Polderk Country, Linton, Wells, Bristol, Bath, The Cotswolds, Burford, Oxford, Windsor, and Hampton Court.

Part two involves a six-day stay in London, visiting sites like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Highgate Cemetery.

The total price for the "land" trip (excluding airfare) is $1538.00 for double occupancy and $244.00 for single occupancy, based on international currency market rates. A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 ($150.00) is required for booking, with the remainder due by April 10th. Checks should be made payable to A & P Travel Agency and mailed to GRS, PO Box 205, Oaklawn, IL 60454-0205. For further information, one can call (312)425-5163.

The newsletter also highlights the Gnostic Times Newsletter, a quarterly publication featuring stories and regular columns like "Reader's Share!" and a classified section. Information and subscription rates can be obtained by contacting Gnostic Times, RD#1, B75C, Port Crane, NY 13833.

DEATH DINES AT JEDBURGH

By Tom Perrott

This article explores the ecclesiastical history of Scotland's Border region, focusing on Jedburgh Abbey. The author notes that Jedburgh Abbey is of particular interest to American readers as it inspired Edgar Allan Poe's Gothic masterpiece, "The Masque of the Red Death." The Abbey was founded in 1118 by Scottish King David I for an Order of Canons Regular from Beauvais and was later destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII. Today, only the church remains as a prominent landmark.

The article recounts a legendary event during the marriage of Alexander III to Jolande, daughter of the Count of Dreux, where a shrouded and masked figure appeared, causing horror. It also mentions Thomas the Rymer, a soothsayer and poet, who predicted a stormy day on March 16th. Shortly after, King Alexander III was killed in a hunting accident on that date.

GHOSTS OF RIPON

By Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott recounts his decision to spend a night in Ripon, Yorkshire, a city known for its numerous haunted sites. He describes the ancient tradition of the hornblower, who for a thousand years has blown his horn at the market cross and outside the Mayor's House to signify the start of the night's watch. The last Wakeman, Hugh Ripley, became the first Lord Mayor in 1604. In 1923, the then Mayor suggested preserving the house of Hugh Ripley and continuing the horn-blowing custom outside it. On the first occasion, a "something white" was seen in a window, believed to be Hugh Ripley's ghost.

The article mentions that many members of the Precious family, former occupants of the house, experienced ghostly footsteps and had chairs moved. A wraithlike figure was also seen.

Near Ripon is Fountains Hall, a Jacobean building constructed with stones from Fountains Abbey. The ghost of the owner's daughter, known as the "Blue Lady," is said to haunt the hall after she was brutally murdered there.

Fountains Abbey itself is also reported to have ghostly manifestations, with monkish figures seen when the Abbey is floodlit. The article notes that filming in monochrome once captured what appeared to be faces of a monk and a lady on a pillar, and color film revealed an inexplicable shape on the building at night.

Tom Perrott concludes by stating his intention to share more accounts of hauntings from across the United Kingdom in future articles. His contact information is provided.

PATH OF ROODMAS

An advertisement for "THE PATH OF ROODMAS" offers a journey to the Universe, aiming to help individuals achieve goals, develop psychic strength, and live a richer life. To be one with the Universe, one must first be one with themselves. An introductory book and sample newsletter are available for $1.00. Contact information is provided for PATH OF ROODMAS P.O. BOX 486 NEW HYDE PARK, NY 11040.

PARANORMAL REPORTING

By Maurice Schwalm

Maurice Schwalm discusses the media's recent focus on New Age personalities, particularly in relation to Shirley MacLaine's books. He argues that the insights of parapsychology have been overlooked, and the New Thought movement has been improperly involved. Schwalm critiques the concept of channeling in New Age thinking, where mediums contact wisdom sources from higher planes, noting that verification is often lacking. He uses the example of Ramtha, a supposed 35,000-year-old Atlantean, to illustrate this point.

Schwalm contrasts New Age groups with organizations like Unity, which focus on teaching the divinity of man and infinite possibilities through constructive thinking and obedience to the Indwelling Presence. He also criticizes the discussion of New Age psychic claims with non-parapsychologists, comparing it to interviewing Creationists about geology and astronomy.

He asserts that parapsychology, founded in the 1880s, is the appropriate academic discipline to investigate such claims. The Parapsychology Association has been a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science since 1969. Universities like John F. Kennedy University in Orinda, California, offer master's degrees in parapsychology.

Schwalm believes that professional parapsychologists, rather than skeptics, would reveal that reincarnation as discussed by New Age personalities differs significantly from historical doctrines found in the East and West. He describes pop reincarnation as "body hopping" that lacks the karmic debt aspect and the metaphysical subtlety of Theosophy. He emphasizes that it is not the conscious ego that reincarnates.

Research by Dr. Ian Stevenson indicates that reincarnation, when it occurs, tends to be a local and repetitive experience, not an "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" excursion. Schwalm hopes that the media discussion will help people distinguish serious laboratory analysis of ESP and spontaneous psychic phenomena from New Age enthusiasm and skepticism.

Information regarding psychic development in a group setting can be obtained by calling 816-561-6120. Maurice Schwalm's contact information is provided.

ILLUSTRIOUS VISITORS

By J. H. Halloran

J. H. Halloran describes an experience during a flight landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As the plane descended, he felt a tingling sensation across his shoulders and the back of his neck, which he recognized from past experience as a precursor to something intriguing. He attempted to differentiate this sensation from other physical manifestations by relaxing and focusing on rhythmic breathing, but it did not enhance the signal.

Upon landing, he experienced a joyous reunion with a friend and had dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city lights. Later, at the motel, he felt a strong "drawing pull" and stepped into the courtyard around 2:00 AM. He focused his attention on the Sandia mountains, feeling a tingling sensation and amplified vibrations, but no specific event occurred.

The next day, Tuesday, was spent touring landmarks and meeting people. The sensations lingered throughout the day, particularly when he stepped outside. He continued to feel a connection to a darker patch on the mountain slope.

Returning to his room that evening, he resolved to understand the enigma. He sat in a yoga-style position and entered a theta level of consciousness, where he perceived the room filled with "entities," described as "a thousand Indians." He requested a spokesman, and an old man, dressed in Indian regalia, introduced himself as the Medicine Man of an ancient tribe from approximately 600-800 AD. The Medicine Man explained that his tribe was forced into the mountains for shelter and eventually made peace with another tribe, being absorbed into their way of life.

Despite his entreaties, the Medicine Man did not reveal more facts but conveyed a need to pass a message to a specific person. The author implies that more information would be forthcoming.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter strongly focuses on paranormal phenomena, particularly hauntings and ghost stories, with detailed accounts of locations in Britain. It also engages with the burgeoning New Age movement, critically examining its concepts of channeling and reincarnation from a parapsychological perspective. The newsletter promotes the Ghost Research Society's activities, such as tours to haunted areas, and encourages member participation. The editorial stance appears to favor empirical investigation and scientific approaches to the paranormal, as advocated by parapsychology, while distinguishing it from less rigorous New Age enthusiasm or outright skepticism. The newsletter also highlights personal experiences and encourages readers to share their own stories.

Title: The Messenger
Issue: 12
Date: Undetermined (content suggests 1980s)
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "The Messenger" explores various facets of the paranormal, including mediumship, afterlife communication, and ghost hunting. It features personal accounts, book reviews, and survey results related to psychic experiences.

Personal Accounts of Mediumship and Afterlife Communication

The issue includes a significant personal narrative from Lily O'Donnell regarding her deceased husband, Jack O'Donnell. Since his passing on November 5, 1986, Jack has reportedly manifested and communicated with Lily through various mediums. Initially, Lily felt his presence through intense sensations of love, and later, Jack began communicating directly, his messages appearing in her mind. One notable message warned of impending natural disasters: "Honey, I have to leave you now for a while. I am needed. There will be fire, earthquake and flood. Many, many will die. But it will not come near you." Lily later connected this warning to the Chernobyl meltdown.

Lily also recounts an amusing incident where she appeared to be talking to herself while walking with her "Indian companions," causing a lady to flee in panic. She emphasizes that her experiences with Jack are not those of a "ghost" but an "intelligent presence" that she can see, hear, and talk to.

Another personal account details a psychic experience where the narrator was seemingly controlled by a "Medicine Man" who dictated information. This experience left the narrator exhausted but with a sense of mission accomplished.

Psychic Survey Findings

A section titled "Psychic Survey Finds" reports on a study conducted by Mike J. Nanko of 92 students at Citrus College. The survey, published in the Journal of Parapsychology, found that a surprising 70 percent of college students surveyed reported having had psychic experiences. Specifically, 29 percent had experienced precognition, 7 percent had precognitive dreams, 2 percent had poltergeist experiences, 3 percent had out-of-body experiences, and 13 percent had apparent contact with spirits. The survey also noted that students who reported these experiences tended to be responsible, stable, curious, sociable, and risk-takers.

Book Review: The Ghost Hunter's Guide

The issue features an extensive review of "The Ghost Hunter's Guide" by Peter Underwood. The book, published in the UK and distributed in the USA, is described as a comprehensive guide to ghost hunting. Underwood, president of the Ghost Club, approaches the subject cautiously, emphasizing the need to rule out all alternative explanations before concluding a haunting. The review highlights the book's discussion of various types of ghosts, from poltergeists to crisis apparitions, and the equipment useful for investigation, such as photographs and tape recordings.

The book also includes quotes from The Earl of Lauderdale on the subject of exorcism and provides sample questionnaires for investigators. It features photographs of famous ghosts and investigations, including the "Brown" Lady of Raynham Hall and the 1959 Corroboree Rock Ghost. The review notes that Underwood covers well-known cases like Borley Rectory and the Tulip Staircase Ghost, as well as lesser-known ones that make the book particularly fascinating. The book's scope extends beyond the British Isles to include sections on Europe, North America, Australia, and the Far East. A unique aspect mentioned is the calendar of "ghostly dates" when apparitions appear with clock-like precision, with Halloween and Christmas being particularly active periods.

Opinion Polls and Reader Submissions

Several reader submissions are included under the "Opinion Polls" section. Rick Webber suggests inviting readers on ghost hunts. Bill Malecek comments on the desire for attractive covers and interesting content, including UFOs and Bigfoot. Ronald Wilson expresses a desire for broader coverage of the occult world beyond just ghosts, including fairies, vampires, and demons, and suggests a "Dear Abbey"-style column for addressing reader questions.

Classified Advertisements

The classified section contains numerous listings for publications, newsletters, and services related to the paranormal and occult. These include opportunities to submit articles, subscribe to newsletters like "Psychic Press," "American Forum," and "New Metaphysical Magazine," and services offered by E.S.P. experts and advisors. Advertisements also promote books, photographs of paranormal phenomena (e.g., Marfa Mystery Lights), and metaphysical manuscripts. Several clubs and organizations are advertised, such as the "Psychic/Occult Friendship Club" and "Candid Crest."

Feature: A HERO is buried there!

A separate feature highlights the story of Felix, a fire dog who was buried in the forest preserves. The article describes Felix as a heroic dog who never missed a fire call and saved lives. It mentions that his story, along with photographs, can be found at the Green Hills Public Library. The article also appeals for contributions to a Felix Memorial Fund to commission a statue of the brave fire dog.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, the nature of consciousness, and the possibility of communication beyond physical death. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded but investigative stance, presenting personal experiences, research findings, and reviews of relevant literature. The inclusion of reader submissions and classified ads suggests an aim to foster a community of individuals interested in these topics, encouraging participation and further exploration.