Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 08 No 2 - 1989 06

Magazine Overview

Title: GHOST TRACKERS NEWSLETTER
Issue: Vol. 8, No. 2
Date: June 1989
Publisher: GHOST RESEARCH SOCIETY

Editors Page

The issue opens with an "Editors page" expressing sadness over the death of Richard Locke and Richard Kerscher, both members who participated in research into the Watersmeet ghost light. The newsletter is dedicated to Richard Kerscher. The editor thanks several individuals for submitting strange photographs for analysis, noting that this is a free service and that the newsletter possesses one of the largest collections of spirit and psychic photographs. Thanks are also extended to Richard Locke for an article, Antony Egan for clippings, Tom Perrott for books, Jon Mullin for a book review, and Rev. D'Andrea and W. Ritchie Benedict for their articles. The "Haunted Bookstore" segment is absent due to a lack of recent submissions but is expected to return in October. The next issue will feature a series of interviews with people in the occult, Fortean, and parapsychology fields.

Ghost Research Society News

The "Ghost Research Society" section acknowledges new contributing member Tim Rae and sustaining members Ralph M. Bird and Spectral Investigations from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Six new members have joined, and four have renewed their memberships. Members are reminded to return renewal forms promptly to avoid missing issues. The section notes the cessation of the Paranet Alpha bulletin board service (BBS) and mentions the relocation of a new alpha board to Colorado. A list of paranormal or occult boards is available upon request with a self-addressed stamped envelope. The recent Psychic Fair held in April was successful, and another is scheduled for September 30th. Information on subscribing to "Factsheet Five," a newsletter reviewing other publications and fanzines, is provided, along with contact details for Mike Gunderloy. The upcoming release of "True Tales of The Unknown, Vol. 2" is also announced.

Macabre London

This article by Tom Perrott explores historical accounts of macabre discoveries and hauntings in London. It details the mummified head of the Duke of Suffolk, father of Lady Jane Grey, believed to be housed in the Church of St. Botolph near Aldgate, and the mummified remains of a Medieval gentleman known as "Jimmy Garlickhythe" found in the Church of St. James, Garlickhythe. The article recounts the discovery of "Jimmy Garlickhythe" during excavations in 1839 and mentions a warning inscription on his coffin. It also notes that a bomb hit the church in 1942, which was believed to have awakened "Jimmy Garlickhythe's" ghost. The article also briefly touches upon Jeremy Bentham, a political theorist, and his bequest for his body to be dissected and his skeleton preserved and mummified, which is now displayed at University College, London.

Ghost Versus Spirit

Reverend Maria D'Andrea's article "Ghost Versus Spirit" clarifies the distinction between ghosts and spirits. Ghosts are described as earthbound spirits of people who have passed away, some aware of their transition and seeking help, others looking to resolve unfinished business from their past lives. Spirits are defined as encompassing all levels, including ghosts. Various categories of spirits are mentioned, such as nature spirits (elementals, devas, elves, sylphs, undines) and entities who have never incarnated or passed on from this life. Low-spirituality entities are described as energy-greedy. Spirit guides are presented as beings who serve and guide those on a higher awareness level, offering information through clairvoyance, clairaudience, or "knowing." The article notes increased chaos on the spiritual plane around Thanksgiving to New Year's due to major changes, emphasizing a struggle between higher and lower spiritual forces. It highlights the need to help ghosts become aware of their death and find their way.

The Purpose of Psychic-A Psychic's View

Evelyn Collins Geras, in "The Purpose of Psychic-A Psychic's View," argues that the true purpose of a psychic is not to predict the future but to offer insight into improving one's present life and understanding its dynamics. The article emphasizes free will, stating that the future is not fixed and can be changed. Geras believes in multiple lives and spiritual growth, viewing God as the totality of all life. Emotional growth, the ability to love, understand, and create, are presented as qualities that carry over into the afterlife. The article stresses personal responsibility for one's actions and reactions, suggesting that challenges may arise from past existences. It encourages individuals to use their own abilities and intuition, rather than solely relying on psychics, to gain deeper understanding and navigate life's experiences. The article concludes by urging readers to take responsibility for their own lives and efforts.

The Sighing Ghost of Carpenter Street

Bob Barraco recounts his personal experience with a haunting in a house they rented in the historic district of Salem, Massachusetts. The main house was built in 1807, with additions made in 1860 and 1930. Barraco suspects the spirit of the former owner from 1930 may be the haunting entity. After two months of living in the house, they began experiencing unusual occurrences, including a heavy sigh and the apparition of a partial figure. The following month, they heard sounds of closet doors opening and light switches turning, as well as footsteps from the floor above. The most significant event was the full apparition of a man, appearing to be around 60 years old, dressed in dungaree clothing and work boots, walking down the brick walkway. Barraco initially mistook him for an intruder but recognized a look of belonging in his expression.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the paranormal, specifically ghosts, spirits, and hauntings, with a particular focus on historical accounts and personal experiences. There is an emphasis on the spiritual realm, including the distinction between ghosts and spirits, the nature of spirit guides, and the concept of spiritual growth. The newsletter also touches upon the role of psychics and personal responsibility in navigating life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, providing a platform for various perspectives and personal accounts, while also acknowledging the importance of spiritual development and personal empowerment. The dedication of the issue to a deceased member highlights a sense of community and remembrance within the organization.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1989, delves into various paranormal phenomena through reader submissions, book reviews, and opinion polls. The content focuses on ghost sightings, apparitions, UFOs, and other unexplained occurrences, reflecting a strong interest in the supernatural.

Reader Accounts and Personal Experiences

The issue opens with a detailed account from Bob Barraco of Salem, Massachusetts, describing a personal encounter with an apparition at a homestead. His research into the property's history revealed a former owner, a Cuban diplomat, who died in the house under melancholic circumstances. Barraco also interviewed the current owner, who had experienced similar phenomena, suggesting the presence of 'spiritual visitors.'

Letters from readers offer a diverse range of experiences and inquiries. Vic DeVincenzo, an editor, is seeking documented spirit photos. R. H. Martin from Hanford, California, asks where spirits go after a house is torn down and shares observations of spectral figures in his former home. Charles from Corpus Christi, Texas, recounts several significant paranormal experiences, including a vision of his deceased grandfather in Vietnam that may have saved his life, and an encounter with spectral figures in a purportedly haunted house in Ohio.

June Francis from Roslyn, Pennsylvania, shares a chilling experience at Hever Castle in England, where she felt a spectral tug, speculating it might be the spirit of Anne Boleyn. The editor responds, acknowledging the possibility due to the tragic circumstances of Anne Boleyn's death and suggesting a British expert might comment further.

Opinion Polls

Several readers share their thoughts and suggestions. Matthew Collins from Illinois proposes dedicating a page to haunted spots in the Chicago area for readers to explore. Dale Sizemore from South Carolina expresses interest in poltergeists and objectively recorded physical phenomena, particularly infrared photos of ectoplasmic materializations. Lisa Werner from California congratulates the magazine on its directories and shares her own background in ghost-hunting, wishing success for a tour to England.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews, offering insights into paranormal literature:

• Mysterious California by Mike Marinacci is described as a well-balanced book covering ghosts, poltergeists, UFOs, Bigfoot, and water monsters, illustrated with photographs and praised for its writing style and knowledge of California lore. It is rated 9 out of 10.
• Ghosts Of The Old West by Earl Murray is reviewed as another great book on ghosts of the western states, detailing various locations and legends, including La Llorona. It is noted for being readable but lacking a bibliography. It is rated 7 out of 10.
• The Astrology Of Genius: A Study of the Nobel Prize Winners by Roy Tate is presented as a fascinating study of Nobel laureates and their astrological implications, exhaustively researched. It is recommended for inclusion in one's library.
• House of Evil and Other Strange Unsolved Mysteries by Margaret Ronan is highlighted as an eerie and compelling collection of true supernatural occurrences, including famous cases like the haunted German submarine UB-65. It covers a wide range of phenomena and is considered an excellent introduction to the paranormal.

Advertisements and Announcements

The issue includes advertisements for various publications and services related to the paranormal and occult. Notably, there is an announcement for the "Continent Dowsers and Other Phenomena" Dowsing School and Conference in June 1989. Other ads promote "Total Eclipse!" magazine, a personalized natal chart service, and several classified listings for newsletters and books on psychic phenomena, occult subjects, and ghost investigations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the paranormal, particularly ghosts and apparitions, and the sharing of personal experiences. The magazine actively encourages reader participation through letters and opinion polls. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into supernatural phenomena, providing a platform for diverse accounts and reviews of related literature. The editor also engages with readers, offering brief responses and insights, and indicates a commitment to compiling information on spirit photography.

This document appears to be a promotional insert or a section from a larger publication, featuring two distinct items: a bibliography on Bigfoot and a magazine focused on vampires.

Big Footnotes: A Comprehensive Bibliography

The first part promotes 'Big Footnotes: A Comprehensive Bibliography Concerning Bigfoot, The Abominable Snowmen And Related Beings.' It describes this work as a pioneering compilation of numerous Bigfoot references found in various media, including books, magazines, journals, newspapers, bulletins, encyclopedias, television, radio, records, tapes, comics, and miscellaneous publications. The bibliography is organized into thirteen chapters and is presented as an international resource. The text highlights the importance of studying folklore, even if the beings themselves do not exist, quoting anthropologist Doctor Vladimir Markotic. It also mentions a debate about the height of Mount Everest versus K2 to illustrate how 'established facts' can be challenged. Anthropologist Dr. Grover S. Krantz is quoted as finding the bibliography comprehensive and potentially useful for Bigfoot research. The publication is available for $14, plus $2 for postage and handling. California residents must add 6% sales tax. Delivery is estimated at 6 to 8 weeks. Orders should be made payable to the Center for Bigfoot Studies, with checks or money orders mailed to their address in Norwalk, California.

The Vampire Journal, Issue 4

The second item is an advertisement for 'The Vampire Journal,' Issue 4. This issue is described as "Bizarre! Fascinating! Horrific!" and features content such as "Dracula's Brood" (Modern Day Vampire Cults) by Peter Hiess, "Reflections of a Gravedigger" by Brian Miller, and an interview with Leilah Wendall, author of 'The Book of Azrael.' It also includes poetry and fiction with artwork by artists like Jim Garrison, Allen Koszowski, and others. The journal is over 100 pages, has a "blood red cover," and is available for $5.90, which includes postage. It is scheduled for release in May '89. Checks should be made payable to Baker Street Publications and mailed to their P.O. Box in Metairie, Louisiana.

Additionally, there is a separate advertisement for a book by Margaret L. Carter, author of 'Specter or Delusion? The Supernatural in Gothic Fiction' and editor of 'Dracula: The Vampire and the Critics.' This new work is described as an enchanting dark fantasy about a medieval vampire, expected to delight vampire lovers. It is a paperback available for $3.95, with a pre-publication date of July 1st. Checks for this book should also be made payable to Baker Street Publications and mailed to the same P.O. Box in Metairie, Louisiana.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document showcases an interest in the paranormal, cryptozoology (specifically Bigfoot), and the supernatural, particularly vampires and gothic fiction. The editorial stance, as suggested by the content, is one that embraces the study of folklore and the supernatural, presenting these topics with a sense of fascination and intrigue. The promotion of detailed bibliographies and fictional works indicates a leaning towards in-depth exploration and appreciation of these subjects.