Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 11 No 3 - 1992 10

Magazine Overview

Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue Date: October 1992
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Publisher: Ghost Research Society
Country: United States
Language: English

This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), marks the 10th anniversary of its first publication in November 1982. The newsletter is published and edited by Dale D. Kaczmarek, President of the GRS, and is released in February, June, and October.

Ghost Research Society Information

The Ghost Research Society, founded in 1980 by Martin V. Riccardo, is dedicated to researching paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts, hauntings, and life after death. The organization offers various membership levels, including Regular, Sustaining, Contributing, Multi-year, Patron, and Lifetime memberships, each with associated benefits such as newsletters, discounts, and access to GRS events. The GRS is also actively seeking officers, State Coordinators, Field Investigators, and Area Research Directors.

Membership fees are detailed, with Regular memberships at $12.00 per year providing three issues of the newsletter, a GRS button, membership card, and discounts. Sustaining Memberships are $17.00 and offer additional benefits, while Contributing Memberships at $22.00 include a state-specific newspaper clipping service. Back issues of the newsletter are available for purchase by both members and non-members.

The GRS encourages submissions of photographs, newspaper clippings, articles, and personal encounters, promising full credit and a free issue to contributors. All submitted materials become the property of the GRS, and return of items requires a SASE with proper postage.

Current Chain of Command and Staff

The leadership and staff of the GRS are listed, with Dale D. Kaczmarek serving as President & Editor, Martin V. Riccardo as Founder of GRS, Howard E. Heim as Research Director, and Tom Perrott as Area Research Director. Regular columnists include Rosemary Ellen Guiley, William Hauck, and Maurice Schwalm.

Inquiries and subscriptions should be sent to the Ghost Research Society, c/o Dale D. Kaczmarek, PO Box 205, Oaklawn, IL. 60454-0205.

Editors Page

The editors express gratitude to members and contributors for making the newsletter a success over the past decade. They mention plans to improve the newsletter's format with desktop publishing. The page thanks Claudette Johnson, Wanda Bloomfield, Charles Carlson, Tom Perrott, and F.S. Miller for clippings, and Tom Perrott specifically for his contributions of British ghost books and audio tapes. Robert Swindell is thanked for a donated book, and Mike Shannon for a book review.

The editors note the addition of 13 new members and 17 renewals since the last issue. New Contributing Members include Bienzen Gelisan, Bobbie Barth, Margaret Heilman, Michele Fehr, Janine Klich, Lee Holloway, and Mark Weaver. New Sustaining Members are Thomas Baker, Teresa Spano, David Almeida, and Fran Pizano. Tony Cirillo and Jeff Pritchard are new Patron Members, and Joe and Rosalie Pavon have become Lifetime Members.

Michele Fehr is congratulated for becoming the Pennsylvania State Coordinator. The newsletter of the quarter is identified as 'Enigmas,' published by Strange Phenomena Investigations, with Malcolm Robinson as Editor. The August/September issue of 'Enigmas' covered topics such as UFOs, the Loch Ness Project, and crop circles, with subscriptions available for $19.00 U.S. for five issues.

GRS Meetings and Procedures

Upcoming GRS meetings are scheduled for September 19th and November 21st at the Oaklawn Public Library, both at 1 pm. The GRS is in the process of compiling its official By-Laws, which will be distributed to members. These By-Laws will outline procedures for officer election, membership policies, and probation. Members with attendance or interest issues may receive probationary letters requiring an interview with the President or Research Director before reinstatement. Two probations can lead to expulsion.

New individuals wishing to become Contributing/Sustaining or Active Members will undergo an interview process initiated in July. The GRS aims to limit the number of Active Members. Members who have not completed their Active Research Application will not be allowed on Field Excursions until this is done. Notices for upcoming Field Excursions will no longer be sent out due to low attendance, despite previous mailings. Field Excursions are scheduled for June and August, with attendance requiring presence at prior meetings in May and July. By-monthly meetings are held on the third Saturday of every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November), with potential date changes communicated to members.

Reviews and Publications

PSI REVIEW: This publication includes articles on paranormal topics, seminar reports, and condensed research papers. A sample copy is available for $5/U.S. or $7/International from Florence A. Trouche Enterprises, P.O. Box 4123-GT, Santa Barbara, CA 93140.

THE WILD PLACES: Described as a new journal of the paranormal, it covers UFOs, crop circles, ghosts, Spiritualism, and more. Issue 4 is available, featuring articles on alien intelligences, Spiritualist history, and occultism. A sample issue costs £1.65, and a 4-issue subscription is £6 from Kevin McClure, 42 Victoria Road, Mount Charles, St. Austell, Cornwall PL25 4QD.

The Life Of A Ghost Researcher

By Tom Perrott

Tom Perrott discusses his extensive involvement in ghost research, noting the public's significant interest, evidenced by numerous letters from school children for their projects. He shares his experience as an advisory panel member for a national newspaper's Ghostline Phone-in, where he received many calls from individuals experiencing psychic problems or sharing past encounters. Perrott highlights that these calls are often genuine expressions of concern. He also receives frequent requests from the media for information on haunted sites in the United Kingdom. Perrott explains his own interest in hauntings stems from his early exposure to local legends and folklore, passed down verbally. He suggests that some ghost stories might have originated as deliberate misinformation, such as by smugglers using haunted locations for illicit activities. He also explores ancient beliefs, like the Celtic reverence for heads and the legend of the Wild Hunt, connecting them to modern ghost stories. Perrott emphasizes the folklorist's role in recording traditional beliefs and tales, rather than establishing their authenticity. He recounts his initial approach to ghosts, driven by curiosity, and later joining the Society for Psychical Research to investigate phenomena scientifically. He acknowledges the difficulty in proving alleged phenomena and the tendency to theorize, often leading to accusations of being non-committal. Perrott concludes by quoting Andrew Green, stressing the importance of an open mind for investigators.

Voices From The Beyond?

By Richard Senate

Richard Senate explores the phenomenon of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), detailing an experiment conducted in a haunted hotel room. Despite a thermographic experiment failing to detect any temperature anomalies, a chilling voice saying "You will die!" was recorded on tape. Senate posits that tape recorders can capture strange phenomena, citing other examples such as a mysterious woman's voice recorded by students investigating Creek Road and a haunted site where a group used a Ouija Board. In the latter case, a new voice speaking Spanish, a language unknown to the participants, was detected on playback.

Senate notes that EVP voices often have a raspy, whispering quality, seem to respond to questions, and are best captured in a question-and-answer format. He mentions that running tape recorders unattended in haunted sites typically results in blank tapes. He also touches upon the history of EVP, noting early outlandish claims that led to its discrediting, such as alleged recordings of Adolph Hitler's ghost. Senate emphasizes that while tape recordings can be falsified, the cases he presents appear to lack motive. He recounts his own attempts to duplicate EVP experiments without success.

Senate invites readers who have recorded unusual phenomena to contact him via the newsletter. His biography reveals he was born in Los Angeles in 1948, has a background in archaeology and history, and has encountered what he believes was the ghost of a padre. He is currently the site manager of the Olivas Adobe and the Albinger Archaeological Museum in Ventura and has authored works on local ghost lore.

The Supernatural

By Robin Stoub

Robin Stoub discusses the nature of the supernatural, posing questions about its reality versus human imagination. The author notes the controversy surrounding the topic, with believers relying on faith and skeptics on scientific facts. Stoub aims to prove that ghosts are real, asserting that the paranormal plays an active role in our lives. The article mentions that psychic experiences extend beyond ghosts, citing Lawrence Miller's view that psychic occurrences are linked to a sensitive brain. It also introduces Extra Sensory Perception (ESP), defining it as a mental communication method requiring true belief and a technique called alpha relaxation. Alpha relaxation involves visualizing objects and their colors to empty the mind and receive messages, with colors being the easiest form of ESP to transmit.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ghost Trackers Newsletter strongly advocates for the reality of paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts and hauntings, as evidenced by the articles and the GRS's mission. The editorial stance is one of investigation and open-mindedness, encouraging members to share their experiences and contributing to the collective understanding of the supernatural. The newsletter serves as a platform for members to connect, share research, and stay informed about the GRS's activities and the broader paranormal community. The emphasis on personal accounts, research, and reviews of related publications reinforces the magazine's commitment to exploring the paranormal.

This issue of "The Ghosts Of The Crusades" magazine, dated 1992, delves into various aspects of the paranormal, with a focus on spirit communication and unexplained phenomena. The content includes personal accounts, historical context, and explorations of psychic experiences.

The Ouija Board: A Gateway to the Spiritual World?

The issue begins with an exploration of the Ouija board as a popular method of psychic communication. It traces the board's introduction in 1892 and its resurgence in popularity, noting instances where people followed its directions to extreme ends, even murder. The article highlights how the board's popularity surged again after Pearl Harbor, with one instance of the Ouija board predicting the fall of the Nazis, which Professor R.S. Woodworth attributed to a desire for security. In contrast, J.B. Rhine suggested that Ouija boards merely bring forth subconscious feelings from the medium. The article describes the components of a Ouija board: the alphabet, numbers zero to nine, and words like 'yes,' 'no,' 'good,' 'evil,' 'goodbye,' and 'I don't know.' The planchette, a heart-shaped platform with a window, is explained as the part that moves. Two theories are presented for the planchette's movement: muscle twitches from the medium's palm, or the influence of etheric world entities seeking to interfere with physical life. The article also introduces 'Ghost Writing,' where a pencil in the planchette allows spirits to write words or symbols. A warning is issued that inexperienced users might attract 'inferior entities' who can lie or cause dangerous physical phenomena. To prevent negative occurrences, it is advised to maintain pleasant, positive thoughts, a practice called a 'cloak of insulation.' The unpredictability of spirit messages is noted, with one medium reporting better answers during the day.

A group of friends conducted their own experiment with a makeshift Ouija board. They contacted a spirit named Cyndi, a nine-year-old Hispanic girl who communicated in Spanish and phonetics, raising questions about the source of the information, as none of the experimenters knew Spanish. They also tested the theory of subconscious influence by having a medium remove her fingers, but Cyndi continued to answer personal questions correctly. Another spirit contacted identified himself as 'evil' and swore frequently but claimed he could not cause harm. This spirit spelled 'ME6' when asked his name and 'SIN' when a cross was placed on the board. The experimenters observed that this older spirit moved faster, suggesting more experience and power. Their experiment concluded when they sang Christian music, causing the planchette to slow down and eventually spell 'GOODBYE.'

Another spirit claimed to be a mind-reader, and the group was convinced when it spelled out their thoughts. When asked to prove its presence, one spirit attributed its inability to do so to a lack of 'codaz,' a term that other spirits knew but refused to explain. In a separate incident, a medium's door closed on its own when she asked Cyndi to prove her existence without the Ouija board.

The article concludes that while psychic activities are categorized individually, they all play a part in life, with ESP often aiding Ouija board communication. It poses the question of the spirits' role in the grand scheme of things. The general theory of the supernatural is deemed fascinating and a mystery that people are intrigued by, likening it to a jigsaw puzzle. The Ouija board is presented as a makeshift solution to understanding spirits, prompting ponderable thoughts about opening the door to the other side.

Bibliography

The issue includes a bibliography citing several sources related to parapsychology, psychic dictionaries, and articles on Ouija boards and temporal lobes. Notably, it lists "The Encyclopedia of Parapsychology and Physical Research" by Arthur and Joyce Berger, "Encyclopedia Psychic Dictionary" by June Bletzer, "Radical Spirits" by Ann Braude, "Ghosts from the Temporal Lobe" by Lawrence Miller, and "Ouija" by James P. Johnson.

An editor's note clarifies that while they are happy to publish such articles, they do not recommend experimenting with Ouija boards, seances, or automatic writing due to potential dangers.

Notes from the Hangar

This section announces the availability of "Notes from the Hangar," the National UFO Museum's quarterly journal of UFOlogy. It is described as a 64-page digest-size publication featuring articles, interviews, and Close Encounter Reports. Subscriptions are available to members of the "Friends of the Museum Association," and individual copies can be purchased for $4.95 in the U.S.

The Ghosts Of The Crusades

This article, by Maurice Schwalm, details a series of eight paranormal photographs taken at the Spanish Chapel of the Nelson Gallery. The author describes encountering unusual phenomena, including a translucent male figure standing in front of a choir stall, who seemed to be carrying a book but did not have a visible hand in the photo. Other images included a woman appearing solid yet translucent, a priest preaching at a phantom pulpit, and a gaunt head superimposed on a silver processional cross. A stained glass window of a knight was also superimposed on a painting. The author relates these images to "thought-forms" as described in the book "Thought-Forms" by Annie Besant and C.W. Leadbeater, which discusses patterns formed by agitation and tone. The article also mentions visual phenomena observed in the Spanish Chapel, such as undulating lines and bands of light, possibly related to music or synesthesia, and speculates about their function within the context of religious practice.

Schwalm also notes an encounter with individuals he identifies as Knights Templar, who wear black hoods and are photographed from the rear, suggesting a connection to tantra yoga and the continuation of the Crusades.

Arabesque

Authored by Jeanne Keyes Youngson, this narrative recounts the narrator's experiences in Tangier. The narrator, Jessie Carlson, is visiting her cousin Jason, an attorney. She becomes intrigued by a beautiful woman named Maria Teresa Garcia, who goes by the name Mariposa. Mariposa, an oriental dancer (belly dancer), offers to teach Jessie to dance. Their lessons take place in the penthouse, and Mariposa provides verbal instructions. One evening, Mariposa arranges for Jessie to be taken to a mysterious tent in the desert for a private performance. The performance is described as mesmerizing, with Mariposa adorned in jewels and performing a sensual yet pure dance. The narrator experiences a sense of faintness during the performance. Afterward, she is driven back to her hotel, and her cousin Jason seems unimpressed by her story, leading her to suspect there is more to the event.

Jessie returns to Tangier after Christmas to seek answers but cannot find Mariposa. Feeling alone and missing Tangier, she has a final encounter with a butterfly, which she interprets as Mariposa's way of saying goodbye. The narrative touches on themes of beauty, mystery, and the search for answers.

Scrappy

This short piece by B.M. Perry recounts an experience with a friend's poodle named Scrappy. The poodle, who had a strong bond with the narrator, reportedly appeared at the foot of the narrator's bed shortly before 11 p.m. on the night it died in Canada. The poodle then disappeared through the bedroom wall. The narrator's friend Mary confirmed that Scrappy had died around the same time.

ENIGMAS and Eclectic Directory

An advertisement for "ENIGMAS," a magazine published five times a year by Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI), is included. It covers topics such as UFOs, poltergeists, spiritualism, and life after death. A separate listing for an "Eclectic Directory of Psychic Services" from 1992 is also present, offering a descriptive, international, and indexed listing of psychic services.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the paranormal, including spirit communication through Ouija boards, photographic evidence of ghosts, psychic experiences, and UFOlogy. The magazine appears to present personal accounts and explorations of these phenomena without necessarily endorsing them as factual, as indicated by the editor's note cautioning against experimentation with Ouija boards and seances. The overall stance seems to be one of curiosity and exploration of the unexplained, acknowledging the mystery and fascination surrounding the supernatural.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page number 19, features a cover story titled "Family Encounters Ghost At Virginia Inn" by William Hauck. The content primarily consists of a detailed account of a family's alleged paranormal experiences, followed by numerous book reviews and a press release.

Family Encounters Ghost At Virginia Inn

The lead article recounts the experiences of the Schaffenberger family during a vacation in July 1991. While seeking shelter from a thunderstorm in Manassas, Virginia, they checked into the century-old Old Town Inn, Room 54. Initially, they experienced unexplained sounds of objects crashing in the bathroom, with no visible cause. Later, Jan Schaffenberger was awakened by a strange tugging on her mattress. After she and her husband, John, switched beds, John also felt the sensation. Jan then witnessed John levitate off the bed and fall to the floor. The following morning, while John was getting ready, the plug to Jan's hairdryer repeatedly dislodged from the wall socket. John discovered it was only 1:30 a.m. and they returned to bed. Upon inquiring at the front desk, the manager, Janine Pugh, attributed the phenomena to 'Miss Lucy,' a resident ghost who usually stayed in Room 52 but sometimes wandered into nearby rooms. The article also mentions a separate incident where a lady in an old overcoat and nightgown approached Jan and David in the restaurant asking for food to go, but John, who had just returned to the table, did not see her.

Opinion Polls

This section features letters from readers offering feedback and suggestions. Vivian Pollok of Richmond, Virginia, suggests using more scientific methods for ghost research and improving the magazine's paper quality. Robert Swindell of Livermore, California, provides comments on newsletter content and layout, suggesting wider margins for binding. Patrick J. O'Brien of Odenton, Maryland, requests a state-by-state listing of ghost research agencies, to which the editor notes a directory is forthcoming. M.J. Richardson of Aberdeen, Maryland, suggests including ghost poetry or personal stories.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes several book reviews:

• Witches, Pagans & Magic In The New Age by Kevin Marron: Reviewed by an unnamed individual, this book is described as exploring witchcraft, black magic, and satanism in Canada. It discusses the historical background and modern aspects, including the use of computers by witches and the concept of energy raised in a circle. The review notes the author's research into groups like those involved in ritual abuse and a libel trial in Victoria concerning Wicca practices. The reviewer praises the book's unique Canadian focus and detailed research.
• Dead Zones edited by Sharon Jarvis: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this compilation of paranormal stories is considered an improvement over previous works but still lacks consistently believable stories. Kaczmarek highlights four writings by Dale Kaczmarek himself, including accounts of the 'Orland Hills Poltergeist' and haunted Civil War battlefields. Other notable stories include 'The Ozark Spooklight,' 'The Sword Wielding Ghost of Cascade Avenue,' 'Woman of the Way Station,' and 'The Strange Keeper of Pilot Island.' However, some stories are criticized for straining credibility. The review rates the book 6 out of 10.
• Savannah Spectres and Other Strange Tales by Margaret Wayt DeBolt: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is initially described as lacking references but improves with the inclusion of street addresses and pictures. The reviewer notes the constant reference to a psychic named Stephen. The book covers numerous hauntings in Savannah, Georgia. Kaczmarek recommends buying it if found and rates it 6 out of 10.
• A Guide to the Ghosts of Lincoln: Second Edition by Alan Boye: Also reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this is an updated version of a previous book, including new stories. Kaczmarek highlights specific stories like 'Shapes in the Fog Around Lake Street Lake' and 'A Woman in the Field - The Spirit at Antelope Park.' He rates it 5 out of 10.
• Weekend Book of Ghosts and Horror edited by Richard Whittington-Egan: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this book is described as a potpourri of paranormal stories, lavishly illustrated. It covers ghost stories, horror, bizarre mutilations, Sherlock Holmes, EVP, werewolves, demon possession, and strange kidnappings. Kaczmarek found it well-researched and enjoyed it, rating it 5 out of 10.
• Ghost Hunting Professional Haunted House Investigation by Bevy Jaegers with Ray Jaegers: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this guide offers investigative procedures and tips, along with case studies. Chapters cover topics like psychic imprints and releasing entities. While the printing of some pictures is criticized, the content is deemed good and valuable due to Mrs. Jaegers' experience. It is rated 6 out of 10.
• The Marfa Lights: A Viewing Guide by Dennis Stacy: Reviewed by Dale Kaczmarek, this is a small booklet detailing the mysterious Marfa lights in southwestern Texas, featuring photographs and a bibliography. Kaczmarek recommends it for those interested in ghost lights and rates it 8 out of 10.

Press Release

Prism Entertainment announced the October 1992 home video release of the mini-series "Out On A Limb," starring Shirley MacLaine. The series explores MacLaine's search for purpose and meaning, culminating in a journey to Peru. The release includes a 160-minute version and a 234-minute "Collector's Edition" which includes MacLaine's books.

Advertisements

The issue also contains advertisements for "Imagine Hearing A Sound Portrait" by Howard Richman, offering personalized musical compositions, and for "Realm Of The Vampire," a society dedicated to the preservation of vampires, offering memberships and publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts, hauntings, and unexplained events, as evidenced by the lead story and the numerous book reviews. There is a clear interest in investigative techniques and personal accounts. The inclusion of opinion polls suggests an engagement with reader feedback and a desire to cater to their interests, whether scientific or anecdotal. The book reviews cover a wide range of occult and paranormal topics, indicating a broad scope within the genre. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained, presenting various accounts and perspectives while also critically reviewing related literature.

This document is a single page, page 29, from a publication titled "INFO". The content consists entirely of classified advertisements and announcements, with the main heading "Classified" prominently displayed at the top.

Classified Advertisements and Announcements

Paranormal Documentation Opportunity An advertisement seeks individuals who can produce paranormal phenomena for the purpose of scientific documentation. Interested parties are instructed to write to SSDPE, PO Box 48862, Niles, IL. 60714, or call (312) 774-5284.

The Journal of the International Fortean Organization - General Index This section announces the availability of the General Index for INFO Journals, Issues 1-50, which covers material published from 1967 to 1986. The index is a culmination of many months of work and makes available the wealth of Fortean material from those years. The majority of the INFO Journals covered can still be obtained from INFO. Dealer inquiries are invited. The index is 140 pages, softbound, and priced at $12.50 plus $2.50 for postage and packing within the U.S. and foreign. Orders should be sent to INFO, PO Box 367, Arlington, VA. 22210-0367.

Psychic Pathways Newsletter This advertisement describes Psychic Pathways Newsletter as an enjoyable and informative resource on a variety of Metaphysical and New Age subjects. It is a bi-monthly publication. A one-year subscription costs $15, and a two-year subscription costs $25. Subscriptions can be ordered from PO Box 418, Woodmere, NY. 11598.

Count Dracula Fan Club An announcement invites individuals to join the Count Dracula Fan Club. For $4.00 (check or money order), members receive a sample Journal, Bites & Pieces or Letterzine (whichever is current), and full membership information. The payment should be sent to Dracula Unlimited, PHN, 29 Washington Square West, New York, NY. 10011 U.S.A.

The Eagle's Spirit Newsletter This monthly newsletter is seeking New Age writers, poets, and artists. Interested individuals are asked to query for guidelines. Subscriptions are available for $10 per year. Contact information is 917 1/2 6th St., Clarkston, WA. 99403, or call (509) 758-5825.

Fortfest 1992 This section promotes Fortfest 1992 as a "Fortean treasure-house of lectures, information, books and a ghost tour." It is scheduled for November 1992. For detailed information, prices, and brochures, interested parties should write to INFO, PO Box 367, Arlington, VA. 22210-0367.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The content of this page is solely advertisements, reflecting the publication's focus on Fortean topics, the paranormal, New Age subjects, and related interests. The editorial stance, as inferred from the advertisements, is supportive of research into paranormal phenomena, the dissemination of Fortean information, and community building around these interests.