AI Magazine Summary
Ghost Trackers Newsletter - Vol 15 No 2 - 1996 06
Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?
Across the Airwaves
You’re on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.
20,263
issue summaries
Free. Always.
Support the Archive
Building and maintaining this collection is something I genuinely enjoy. If you’ve found it useful and want to say thanks, a small contribution keeps me motivated to keep expanding it. Thank you for your kindness 💚
AI-Generated Summary
Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter Issue Date: June 1996 Volume: 15 Number: 2 Publisher: Ghost Research Society
Magazine Overview
Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue Date: June 1996
Volume: 15
Number: 2
Publisher: Ghost Research Society
This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter, the official paranormal publication of the Ghost Research Society (GRS), offers a variety of content related to paranormal research, personal experiences, and organizational updates. The GRS, founded in 1978 by Martin V. Riccardo and with its newsletter starting in September 1982, is dedicated to the study of ghosts, hauntings, poltergeists, and life after death.
Editorial and Organizational Information
The "Editors page" by Dale D. Kaczmarek discusses his process of revamping the newsletter, including potential redesigns and the possibility of a full-color cover. He also mentions upgrading his personal computer to enhance his capabilities for producing the newsletter and working on photo ID cards for active members. He thanks various individuals for their contributions, including books, tapes, clippings, and photographs. The GRS has added 7 new members and received renewals from 8 veteran members since the last issue. The newsletter also features a brief mention of "Spinning In The Light," a new age publication.
The "Current Chain of Command" lists Dale D. Kaczmarek as President & Editor, Tom Perrott as Area Research Director, and Maurice Schwalm and Richard Senate as Regular Columnists. Inquiries and subscriptions are directed to the Ghost Research Society via mail or phone, with checks payable to Dale D. Kaczmarek.
Media Appearances and Paranormal Shows
Dale D. Kaczmarek reports on his recent appearance on the Rolanda show, which was based on the "What's My Line?" format, where he demonstrated his ghosthunting equipment. He also mentions being contacted by "Unsolved Mysteries," "Paranormal Borderline," and another producer for a new series. Kaczmarek notes the current "media blitz" of paranormal shows, including "Sightings," "Mysteries, Magic & Miracles," and "Encounters: The Hidden Truth," and states he is recording these segments to build his video library.
Internet and Paranormal Research
An article titled "Ghosts In The Machine" by Todd Womack, Georgia State Coordinator, provides a guide on using the Internet and World Wide Web for paranormal research. Womack explains what the Internet is and how to access it, recommending a Web Browser like Netscape. He advises caution when navigating online, warning about misleading website titles and potentially undesirable content. The article lists several paranormal websites, including "True Ghost stories," "The Ghost Page," "Obiwan's UFO-free Paranormal Page," "The Dark Side of the Web," and "Spirit WWW." It also lists paranormal magazines with web pages, such as "Fortean Times" and "The X Chronicles," and notes that television shows like "Sightings" have online presences.
Personal Ghost Encounter: Lucy's Story
Cara Lee Raggi contributes a personal account titled "Don't Panic If You See A Ghost." The article recounts the experience of Lucy, a middle-aged nurse who, after the death of her son Bob, saw his apparition in her basement. Initially frightened, Lucy later confided in Raggi, who interpreted the apparition as a comforting message from her son, assuring her he was all right and that she no longer needed to worry. Raggi encourages Lucy to explore her potential psychic abilities and emphasizes that such experiences are normal and can offer valuable insights.
Ghost Hunt: The Ojai Manor Hotel
Richard Senate details a ghost hunt conducted at the Ojai Manor Hotel, one of the oldest structures in the Ojai Valley. The investigation team included psychic Debbie Christenson Senate, historian Pat Fry, sound expert Brian Black, video crew leader Kay Rolfe, and team leader Richard Senate, along with the hotel's owner/manager Mary Nelson. The psychic, Debbie, experienced a sense of depression and a choking feeling in a closet, and heard children's laughter. During a midnight seance, a spirit named "John," identified as a suicide victim filled with hate, communicated. Debbie also demonstrated psychometry by identifying a ring belonging to Kay Rolfe. Despite the team's efforts, including a second tour and video recording, the investigation did not yield strong evidence of haunting. The article notes the building's history, originally constructed in 1879 as a school, and its later conversion into a hotel.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue consistently emphasizes the exploration and documentation of paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts and hauntings. The Ghost Research Society presents itself as a dedicated organization for research and analysis, offering various membership levels. The editorial tone is informative and encouraging, aiming to educate readers about paranormal experiences and provide resources for further investigation, both online and through publications. There's a recurring theme of demystifying paranormal encounters, encouraging individuals not to panic and to seek understanding, while also acknowledging the potential for skepticism and the importance of credible reporting.
This issue of "The Ghost With A Criminal Complaint" presents a collection of paranormal accounts, ghost stories, and investigative reports, primarily focusing on hauntings and supernatural phenomena. The magazine features articles by Maurice Schwalm, Anita Stapleton, Malcolm Robinson, Gerald Polley, and John Roth, exploring a range of cases from alleged hauntings to spiritual messages and cultural folklore.
The Ghost With A Criminal Complaint
This lead article by Maurice Schwalm details the case of a lawyer named Jim Beam who, after his death, was reported to be haunting his former residence. The new owner of the property experienced minor phenomena, such as doors opening and crashing noises. The ghost was described as a swirling form with a skull-like head. Investigations into Beam's death revealed it was not as peaceful as initially believed, with him complaining of heart pains for hours before collapsing. His former paralegal provided insights into Beam's difficult circumstances, including legal troubles and personal issues.
The Woman In The Tomato-Patch
Authored by Anita Stapleton, this story recounts a haunting in Queensland, Australia. A man named Harry and his wife Hilda lived in a country town where rumors suggested their marriage was unhappy. After an argument, Hilda disappeared, and Harry claimed she had eloped. However, a woman dressed in white was seen standing in their tomato-patch. The police investigated, and Harry confessed to murdering Hilda and burying her in the garden. Her body was found in the tomato-patch, suggesting her spirit appeared to reveal the crime.
Tullibody Ghost Case
Malcolm Robinson reports on an investigation conducted by Strange Phenomena Investigations (SPI) at a house in Tullibody, Scotland. The resident, Janet, reported experiencing a cold temperature, the family cat acting strangely, a depression on her bed as if someone had sat there, and seeing a tall thin man disappear. Her son also reported strange occurrences. During the investigation, a psychic medium reported seeing various entities, including spirits and a message from extraterrestrials concerning Janet's son. The psychic also experienced a phenomenon where she and others saw tiny white pinpricks of light on their hands, described as 'pure psychic energy'. The extraterrestrial message suggested they were looking after the boy and that their work was done. Following the investigation, Janet reported that the strange occurrences ceased and her health improved.
The Beginning Of A Haunting
Speaker Gerald Polley shares a message received from the spirit of Nicole Simpson, who was allegedly betrayed by the judicial system. The message expresses intense anger and a vow of relentless haunting against O.J. and anyone involved with him, stating that she will never rest until justice is served. Polley describes this as the beginning of a powerful haunting.
Ghosts, Death and Little People
John Roth's article explores the connection between ghosts and 'little people' in Native American folklore, as well as in European and African traditions. It discusses how these beings are often associated with the earth, common origins, energies, and fears. The article mentions various entities such as Tommyknockers, Nain Rouge, Sombreron, Truk ghosts, Wati', Curupir, Aya, goosile, Tzotzil, 'Water spirits', and Anchimallen, highlighting their diverse characteristics and associations with the supernatural and the dead.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around hauntings, ghost encounters, paranormal investigations, and the broader spectrum of the supernatural. The magazine appears to adopt an open-minded stance towards these phenomena, presenting various cases and accounts for the reader to consider. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and exploring unexplained events, encouraging reader engagement through comments and queries. The inclusion of a "Weird NJ" advertisement and a "Total Eclipse" journal advertisement suggests a focus on the unusual and the bizarre within popular culture and the occult.
Title: Ghost Trackers Newsletter
Issue: 27
Volume: 1
Date: 1996
This issue of the Ghost Trackers Newsletter explores the complex and often overlapping folklore of ghosts and 'little people' across various global cultures. It examines their characteristics, behaviors, and their relationship with death, the supernatural, and human consciousness.
Folklore of Ghosts and Little People
The lead article, "Mapuche and Hispanics in Chile as an 18 to 24 inch-tall, ugly white-dressed pygmy," begins a broad survey of these entities. It details various cultural interpretations, such as the malevolent Anchimallen in Chile, evil spirits like Baku in Haiti, and Bakru from Suriname made from dead body parts. Drolls in the U.S. are described as spirits of children who died painfully. The article notes that while many 'little people' are not derived from ghosts, they share common traits like living underground and being associated with the dead.
Euro-American tales are contrasted with Native American perspectives, where ghosts and dwarfs can be both helpful and harmful. They often sponsor shamans and possess curing abilities. Examples include the Pilaga paya'k of Argentina and the powerful ghosts revered by Shoshone curers in Wyoming. The Guya of the Pomo in California are described as monkey-like spirits that acted as 'Outside People,' participating in feasts and dances to maintain good relations and assist in punishment and healing.
Both ghosts and little people are identified as psychopomps, guiding the newly deceased. Their visibility is said to increase during dying or through altered states of consciousness. A common association is coldness, with various cultures reporting dwarfs and ghosts as feeling cold. Illnesses attributed to certain dwarfs were treated with 'hot' remedies.
The article further distinguishes between ghosts and little people, noting that while both can be old, ethereal, and mediators, ghosts are more often found in human dwellings, whereas dwarfs can die. Some little people, like the Ona dwarfs of Chile, exist between people and dead souls, while Ojibwa Little People originate from souls between the human and dead worlds. Crow dwarfs in Montana are enemies to Morningstar and associated with the sky and water beings.
Little people are also depicted as actively countering ghosts. The trickster Tokway is said to have made death permanent by scaring away returning ghosts. Ute water babies offered protection, and Snuqualmie shamans received help from Little Earths when recovering souls from ghosts.
The fear of death is linked to the fear of what humans associate with it: darkness, decay, madness, and the unknown. The article suggests that people who fear death may not be ready for the lessons taught by dwarfs, particularly during vision quests. Little people are seen as more prevalent in priestly religions where the link to non-human nature has been weakened.
Acceptance of individual death is contrasted with the horror of species extinction, which dwarfs are said to personify. Dwarfs protect animals and plants, even though extinction might increase their own populations. The concept of memory, both individual and collective, is explored, with the idea that long-lasting memory helps atone for past deeds, such as the genocide of the Mbaya culture.
Sightings of little people increased after the Civil War, possibly as spirits displacing earlier cultures. Ancient human ghosts may merge with non-human spirits, especially those of species driven to extinction. The article posits that increasing global extinction of species and cultures may lead to more experiences of ghosts and non-human dwarfs, who may appear as shape-shifters.
Dear Debbie: Past Lives and Karma
The "Dear Debbie" section addresses a reader named CB who experiences intimidation from others, leading to job loss. CB believes this is due to past-life karma. Debbie's response includes a past-life reading suggesting CB has lived multiple lives, including a child in the old west who died in a train accident, a Confederate soldier who killed retreating Union soldiers, and a Turk soldier who mistreated women and children. Debbie advises CB to seek a past-life regressionist for deeper understanding and to use past lives for instruction rather than dwelling on them.
Opinion Polls and Book Reviews
The "Opinion Polls" section features reader feedback. Chris Roberts suggests short fictional paranormal stories and a photograph-based cover. Derek Sutphin inquires about ghost footage tapes, and Adam J. Ketzner requests articles on other paranormal events. The editor notes a preference for non-fiction ghost stories and states there are no ghost footage tapes currently for sale.
The "Book Reviews" section provides critiques of several paranormal-themed books:
- The World of Ghosts and the Supernatural by Richard Cavendish: A lavishly illustrated book covering various aspects of the supernatural globally, including ghosts, witchcraft, UFOs, and more. It is rated 7/10.
- In A Dark Place by Ray Garton: A book about demonic possession and exorcisms, focusing on the experiences of the Snedeker family. The reviewer, Dale Kaczmarek, notes the Warrens' frequent encounters with demonic forces and rates the book 6/10.
- Animal Ghost Stories by Nancy Roberts: A collection of ghost stories involving animals, including tales of the Jersey Devil, Ogopogo, and the Lizard Man. Rated 7/10.
- Ghosts Along The Mississippi: Haunted Odyssey II by Jim Longo: A book tracing ghost stories along the Mississippi River, featuring photographs of locations and eyewitnesses. Rated 8/10.
- Ghosthunter: Investigating the World of Ghosts and Spirits by Eddie Burks and Gillian Cribbs: This book follows ghosthunter Eddie Burks. The reviewer finds Burks' method of attempting to communicate with spirits and release them automatic, questioning its effectiveness. Rated 5/10.
- Welcome Inn: Haunted Inns, Restaurants and Museums by Ed Okonowicz: A collection of regional ghost stories about haunted public places in Maryland, with an informative 'INNformation' section. Rated 8/10.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The newsletter consistently focuses on ghosts and hauntings, with a strong preference for non-fiction accounts. The editorial stance, as expressed by the editor's note, is to avoid fiction and other paranormal topics like vampires or werewolves, maintaining a singular focus on ghost stories. The recurring themes throughout the issue include the diverse cultural interpretations of ghosts and little people, their connection to death and the afterlife, the concept of past lives and karma, and the exploration of haunted locations through book reviews and reader submissions.
This document appears to be a collection of pages from a magazine focused on paranormal topics, including UFOs, ghosts, and the New Age. It contains book reviews, an article on paranormal detection, classified advertisements, and promotional material for newsletters and societies.