SOul Searchers - No 01 - 2011 7

Magazine Overview

Title: SOuL Searchers Paranormal Magazine
Issue Date: July 2011 (Issue 1)
Publisher: SOuL Searchers Investigations
Country: Australia
Type: Free bi-monthly online magazine

This issue of SOuL Searchers Paranormal Magazine is a free bi-monthly online publication from SOuL Searchers Investigations, aiming to communicate their experiences and explore the supernatural and unexplained. The magazine provides topical information on the Australian paranormal community, including news, upcoming activities, and events. It features articles, photos, and information on the paranormal, parapsychology, ghost tours, mysterious locations, psychics, and mediums. Suggestions, comments, and contributions are welcomed.

Editor's Welcome and Mission

Janine Donnellan, the founder of SOuL Searchers Investigations and editor of the magazine, has over 15 years of experience conducting house clearings and investigations. She established the SOuL Searchers Paranormal Investigation Team in 2006 and holds a Certificate of Advanced Achievement in Parapsychology. Her interest in the occult was sparked in childhood by her spiritualist grandfather. The mission of the magazine is to present articles and information from their investigations and the broader paranormal community, with an endeavor to provide logical explanations for paranormal activity.

SOuL Searchers Investigation Team

The SOuL Searchers team is unique in its composition, including individuals with diverse talents, encompassing both scientific and psychic approaches, as well as skeptics and believers. Their investigations are conducted from a shamanic perspective, with team members acting as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms. The majority of their work involves private client investigations, which may include house clearings and geopathic stress assessments. The team conducts investigations professionally, respecting client wishes and showing compassion for the souls involved. They utilize psychic talents alongside common-sense scientific approaches, maintaining an open mind to various belief systems and methodologies. All investigations are conducted confidentially, free of charge, with all members being volunteers.

Contents Overview

The magazine covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Welcome (Page 1)
• What is unique about SOuL Searchers team? (Page 3)
• So you want to be a paranormal investigator? Part one (Page 4)
• Paranormal Photography: The Digital Camera Illusion (Page 5)
• Monte Cristo ~ Junee: A Residual Haunting (Page 7)
• Liz Vincent Ghost Tour stopped (Page 10)
• Who are the Shadow People? (Page 11)
• What are Psychopomps or Death Walkers? (Page 13)
• Queen Victoria Hospital (Page 15)
• Hag Phenomena (Page 17)
• Animal Communicator (Page 20)
• Book Review (Page 22)
• Electronic Voice Phenomena (Page 23)
• Haunted Cemeteries (Page 24)
• Central Railway - A Deadly Secret (Page 25)
• Mortuary Station (Page 27)
• Introducing Access Paranormal (Page 28)
• Workshops, Courses & Events (Page 29)
• Friendly Businesses (Page 32)
• SOUL Searchers Advertising & Deadlines (Page 34)

Key Articles and Features

So you want to be a Paranormal Investigator? (Part 1)

This article provides guidance for aspiring paranormal investigators, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and safety. It advises conducting initial site investigations in daylight to assess the landscape and identify potential hazards or 'hot spots'. Investigators are cautioned against trespassing or provoking spirits and are reminded to consider the health and safety of themselves and others. Key ground rules include never investigating alone, being aware of team members, knowing exits, avoiding intoxication, not conducting séances without expertise, doing thorough homework, knowing the history of the location, and being prepared for the unexpected.

Paranormal Photography: The Digital Camera Illusion

This section discusses the use of digital cameras in paranormal investigations, highlighting their utility for documenting locations and procedures. However, it warns against relying solely on digital images for justification, especially with the prevalence of 'Photoshop' technology, which can compromise authenticity. The article suggests that investigation results should incorporate detailed research, reputable photographs, video, EVP, and witness reports. Basic guides are provided for using flash strength and night shots, including advice on ISO settings and understanding how foreign objects, shadows, and mist can be misinterpreted in photographs.

Monte Cristo ~ Junee: A Residual Haunting

The magazine details a Samhain weekend investigation at Monte Cristo, a homestead in Junee, Australia, known as the 'most haunted house'. The article recounts the history of the homestead, built in 1884 by Christopher Crawley, and the tragic events that occurred there, including the deaths of Christopher and his wife Elizabeth, and various incidents involving staff and residents. The strongest reported presence is that of Elizabeth Crawley. The article also outlines terms and conditions for conducting professional investigations at Monte Cristo, including insurance requirements, fees, and restrictions on certain practices.

A Residual Haunting (By Janine Donnellan)

Janine Donnellan shares her profound encounter with a residual haunting at Monte Cristo. She explains the 'Stone Tape Theory,' which posits that traumatic events can leave energetic imprints on buildings and materials, replaying under specific conditions. These replays can manifest in various ways, from full apparitions to sounds or physical experiences. Donnellan describes her personal experience of waking with severe back pain in a room shared with team members Heather and Zoe, suggesting a possible residual energy affecting them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes a methodical and ethical approach to paranormal investigation. The magazine promotes critical thinking and common sense in interpreting phenomena, particularly in photography. There is a strong focus on client confidentiality and providing a professional service. The editorial stance, as articulated by Janine Donnellan, is to explore the paranormal while striving to offer logical explanations where possible, indicating a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the unexplained and the need for rational analysis. The publication serves as a platform for sharing experiences within the Australian paranormal community.

This issue of SOUL Searchers eMagazine, issue 1, features several articles exploring paranormal phenomena, historical hauntings, and psychological states. The cover story highlights the cessation of 'Liz Vincent Ghost Tours' in Picton, Australia, due to council restrictions and community complaints. Other articles delve into the nature of 'shadow people,' the role of 'psychopomps,' and the medical condition of 'sleep paralysis.'

Liz Vincent Ghost Tours Stopped

This article, written by Janine Donnellan, details the history and unfortunate closure of Liz Vincent's popular ghost tour business in Picton, a town known for its paranormal activity. Liz Vincent had dedicated over 20 years to researching the history of the Picton, Camden, and Campbelltown areas, which led to her successful ghost tour business. Sadly, Liz passed away in May 2009, but her husband and daughter continued the tours. However, recent restrictions imposed by the Wollondilly Shire Council, in response to resident complaints about hooliganism associated with the tours, have forced the business to shut down. The author criticizes the council's short-sightedness, arguing it negatively impacts local businesses and the town's economy, potentially turning it into an 'economic ghost town.' The article suggests that a proactive plan by the police and council could have addressed the hooliganism issue without shutting down the tours.

Who are the Shadow People?

This section explores the phenomenon of 'shadow people,' entities often described as dark, human-like shadows. Many people have reported seeing them, often as a fleeting movement from the corner of their eye, and they are frequently associated with feelings of dread, fear, and negative emotions. Shadow people are described as dense, light-impenetrable black masses, sometimes appearing as formless splotches or columns of smoke. Some accounts even mention being attacked by these entities. The article discusses various theories, including them being spirits of the dead, alien beings, or demonic entities. Sceptics attribute sightings to overactive imaginations or neurological disorders, but the article notes that this doesn't explain instances captured on film or witnessed by multiple people. It also touches upon 'hypnogogia,' a state between sleeping and waking, as a potential explanation for some sightings. SOUL Searchers invites readers to share their experiences and offers investigation and clearing services.

What is a Psychopomp or Death Walker?

This article defines 'psychopomps' or 'death walkers' as spirits, deities, or beings responsible for guiding souls of the deceased to the afterlife. The term originates from Greek, meaning 'guide of souls.' Historically, psychopomps were often associated with animals like horses, ravens, and owls. In mythology, figures like Anubis, Hermes, and Hades served this role. In Jungian psychology, a psychopomp acts as a mediator between the unconscious and conscious realms, often personified as a wise being or totem animal. A shaman's role can include being a psychopomp, assisting souls in crossing over, comforting the dying, and finding lost souls. The article explains that psychopomps may possess psychic abilities and can communicate with spirits. It also discusses the role of a 'Death Walker' in paranormal investigations, who focuses on understanding and interacting with spirits to guide them and assist investigators.

Queen Victoria Hospital ~ an Impression from the Past

Written by Trace van Lieshout, a Psychic Medium, Author, Artist, and Paranormal Mediator, this personal account describes a visit to the remains of the Queen Victoria Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. The author recounts experiencing a vision of a woman named Elizabeth, who was being forcibly taken to the hospital by her husband in the 1940s, resisting the commitment. The author felt Elizabeth's confusion and anger, realizing she was being tricked into institutionalization. Later, while touching a bluestone brick outside the building, the author received a confirmation of the vision through a five-cent coin featuring Queen Elizabeth. Research into past institutionalization practices revealed horrifying reasons, including husbands wanting to be rid of their wives. The author reflects on the progress made in women's rights and the importance of appreciating freedom in the 21st century.

Hag Phenomena Or Sleep Paralysis

Authored by Jenny Taylor, this article explains sleep paralysis, a frightening condition where a person is unable to move for a short period, typically upon falling asleep or waking up. It is physiologically linked to the normal paralysis (muscular atonia) that occurs during REM sleep. Sleep paralysis happens when the brain wakes up while the body's paralysis mechanism is still active, leading to awareness without the ability to move, often accompanied by terrifying hallucinations. The article distinguishes between Common Sleep Paralysis (CSP), which is brief, and Hallucinatory Sleep Paralysis (HSP), which can last longer and is often associated with hearing footsteps, feeling a presence, or experiencing a weight on the chest, sometimes referred to as the 'Hag Phenomena' or 'Old Hag Syndrome.' Sceptics attribute these experiences to psychological factors, but the article acknowledges the profound fear and distress victims experience, sometimes leading them to believe they are attacked by malevolent spirits or demons. The article advises reducing stress and ensuring adequate sleep as the primary cures for sleep paralysis, noting that it is a benign condition that does not pose a physical risk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the paranormal, the unexplained, and the intersection of psychological states with perceived supernatural events. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet investigative stance, presenting personal experiences, historical accounts, and scientific explanations for phenomena such as hauntings, shadow people, and sleep paralysis. There is a clear interest in local Australian paranormal history and experiences, as seen in the articles on Liz Vincent's ghost tours and the Queen Victoria Hospital. The editorial stance seems to be one of exploring these topics with a degree of empathy and a desire to inform readers, while also acknowledging sceptical viewpoints and providing potential scientific or psychological explanations where available. The publication aims to engage readers by inviting them to share their own experiences and offering investigative services.

SOUL Searchers eMagazine, Issue 1, is a publication focused on paranormal phenomena, animal communication, and related investigations. The magazine features a diverse range of articles, from personal experiences and interviews to reviews and event listings.

Heidi Meissl: Animal Communicator

The issue prominently features Heidi Meissl, an Austrian-born animal communicator living in Australia. Meissl shares her lifelong ability to communicate with animals, which she uses to help and heal them. She recounts childhood experiences, including rescuing a guinea pig and a rat, and how a near-death experience helped her embrace her gift. Meissl explains that animals can offer profound insights and guidance, often revealing issues stemming from their owners. She also touches upon the concept of reincarnation, suggesting that some souls choose to incarnate as pets to assist humans.

Book Review: A Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigation

A review is presented for 'A Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigation' by Mark Rosney, Rob Bethell, and Jebby Robinson. The book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of paranormal investigation, including equipment, methods for investigating ghosts, EVP, cryptozoology, UFOs, and photographic anomalies. It emphasizes a scientific approach and provides advice on interviewing witnesses. The review highlights the book's value in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations, and its ability to make paranormal investigation accessible to readers.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

An article by Steve Millard delves into Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), exploring the alleged disembodied voices of the departed. The piece touches upon the history of EVP research, mentioning Thomas Edison's interest and Marcello Bacci's early recordings. It discusses the use of modern digital recorders for EVP sessions and addresses skeptical viewpoints, such as Apophenia. The author shares personal experiences with EVP, finding it difficult to rationalize some of the voices heard in isolated environments. The article concludes with a quote from Winston Churchill on the nature of truth.

Haunted Cemeteries in Sydney

The magazine explores haunted cemeteries, with a specific focus on locations in Sydney. It discusses the common speculation that ghosts may linger due to strong attachments to their physical bodies. Several Sydney cemeteries are highlighted for their paranormal activity: Rookwood Necropolis, St Bartholomew's Church, St Stephen's Anglican Church (associated with the shipwreck of the Dunbar), and Waverly Cemetery. The article notes that while cemeteries can be peaceful, they can also possess uneasy energy, making them hotspots for investigation.

Central Railway ~ A Deathly Secret

This section uncovers a 'deathly secret' related to Sydney's Central Railway Station. It reveals that the station stands on the site of the old Devonshire Street Cemetery, the principal burial ground for Sydney until the 1860s. Bodies were exhumed in 1901 for the railway construction. The article suggests that the supposed haunting of 'ghost platforms' 26 and 27 might be linked to the disturbed remains of the cemetery. It also mentions the historical Mortuary Station, built in 1869, which was used to transport funerals to Rookwood Cemetery.

Introducing Access Paranormal

Beth, the Creator and Manager, introduces 'Access Paranormal,' an Australian paranormal networking website. Launched in response to a perceived lack of a central hub for the Australian paranormal community, the website aims to connect groups, individuals, and businesses. It offers a directory for paranormal groups, event listings, job adverts, and resources for aspiring investigators. The site's mission is to provide an informative and up-to-date platform to foster the growth of the paranormal industry in Australia.

Workshops, Courses and Events

The magazine lists several upcoming paranormal-related events, workshops, and courses:

• Space Clearing & Psychic Protection Workshop: Scheduled for July 9th, 2011, at Lotus Health & Wellbeing Centre in Wollongong.
• Validate Paranormal Investigators Course: Scheduled for September 24th, 2011, at Camden Golf Club and Studley Park House.
• The School of Parapsychology: Offering 'Foundations of Parapsychology' and 'Intermediate Parapsychology' courses starting September 26th, conducted via the web.
• Australian College of Mediumship Ghost Tours & Investigations: Scheduled for August 27th, 2011.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the unexplained, including personal experiences with psychic abilities (Heidi Meissl), scientific and anecdotal evidence of paranormal phenomena (EVP, paranormal investigation), and the investigation of potentially haunted locations (cemeteries, historical sites). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives from personal accounts to reviews of investigative guides, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints. The magazine aims to inform and connect individuals interested in the paranormal field within Australia.

SOUL Searchers eMagazine - Issue 1 is a publication focused on paranormal investigations, ghost tours, and related services, primarily within Australia. The magazine provides listings and details for various paranormal events and organizations, offering readers opportunities to engage with the supernatural.

Paranormal Investigator Tour (ACOM)

This tour, offered by ACOM, is described as an interactive ghost tour experience led by mediums. It provides access to locations with investigative equipment. A specific 'Paranormal Investigator Tour' is scheduled for Saturday, 17th September 2011, at 7:30 pm, priced at $70.00. This tour is designed for those more serious about investigations, offering the chance to experience being a paranormal investigator under the guidance of Kerrie and her team. Discounts are available for ACOM Members and the Southern Highlands Ambassador program.

Newcastle Ghost Tours

Newcastle Ghost Tours offers several experiences:

East End Tours

These walking tours explore the historic East End of Newcastle, including entry into the old 'LOCK UP'. Tours are scheduled for Friday, 9th September, Friday, 2nd October, Friday, 18th November, and a TBA date in December. They start at 6:15 pm for a 6:30 pm start and last approximately two and a half hours. The price is $45.00. Participants are advised to wear sensible footwear and bring an umbrella/raincoat as tours operate in most weather conditions. A torch and camera are recommended. The tour concludes with a drink at The Great Northern, a historic Inn.

Weekly Tours

Available every Friday for small groups (minimum of four people), these tours run from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and last two and a half hours. The venue is The Lock Up on Hunter Street, Newcastle, and the price is $45.00, including entry into the Old Council Chambers (United Serviceman's Club).

General Newcastle Ghost Tours

These Friday night walking tours explore the historic East End of Newcastle, covering the first streets of the settlement. Potential encounters include the ghost of James Hannell, visits to the site of the Gaol where public hangings occurred, the old Royal Hospital, and the old Cathedral cemetery. Participants are encouraged to bring cameras. Tours finish with a drink at the United Serviceman's Club on Watt Street, where visitors can see WW1 and WW2 artefacts.

Minmi Cemetery Tour

Scheduled for Saturdays in July, August, September, and October, this tour investigates the haunted Minmi Cemetery. Times vary between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm starts, with a meeting time of 5:45 pm. The price is $35.00. The tour guide will share the history of the site, and participants may encounter spectral forms like the lady on the bridge or the headless horseman. Covered shoes are recommended. These tours are run during colder months to avoid mozzies and focus on historic grave sites, emphasizing respect and proper behaviour. A percentage of tour charges supports the community and Heritage Trust.

Civic Theatre - Newcastle

A special tour of the Civic Theatre is scheduled for Friday, 16th September, from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. The tour will explore areas like the stalls, ladies room, and below the stage. The special guest guide is a veteran of the premises with over 30 years of experience. The theatre will be exclusively for tour participants.

Colonial Paranormal – Investigation

This event is an investigation at J Ward in Ararat, VIC, on Saturday, 6th August, from 8:00 pm to 3:00 am, priced at $50.00. J Ward was a county gaol and later housed the 'criminally insane' before closing in 1991. Colonial Paranormal aims to debunk results from previous visits. Supper and equipment are provided, and participants can bring their own gear. Overnight accommodation is available in local hotels.

W.S.P.R - Western Sydney Paranormal Research

The Bridge, The Rocks and The Hill

Scheduled for Thursday, 4th August, at 7:30 pm, this tour is for Official W.S.P.R Members only (membership is $15 per year). The tour investigates the Sydney Harbour Bridge, exploring its history and potential hauntings. It then moves to Lower Fort Street and finishes at the haunted 'Observatory Hill', where participants will learn how to conduct their own 'Ghost Hunt'.

Ghost Hunts at The Oaks

W.S.P.R will be holding mini-investigations at 'The Oaks' Historic Homestead in Oakhurst (Plumpton), NSW. These events are for W.S.P.R Members only, with a maximum of 10 people. Proceeds will go towards renovating the homestead. Participants will be briefed on the history and then split into smaller vigil groups for investigation. These are planned to start in July/August.

The Rocks Ghost Tours

This month's featured location is "PARBURY RUINS", where a sceptic sensed a strong presence, a customer diagnosed a ghost named Amelia, and another felt a bad odour and being touched. Bookings are essential. The next location will be "Australia's First Hospital".

Other Paranormal Services and Organizations

Access Paranormal

An advertisement for Access Paranormal, described as Australia's chosen paranormal networking website.

GHOST TOURS / The Rocks Australia

Provides bookings and tour information for ghost tours, with contact details and website addresses.

OURS OF RICHMOND

Offers a Tasmanian tour operating for 7 years, taking approximately 2 hours and leaving after dark. Contact number provided.

APPI (Australian Paranormal Investigators)

APPI is dedicated to providing confidential paranormal investigation services, balancing spiritual and parapsychology approaches. Contact details and website are provided.

W.S.P.R (Western Sydney Paranormal Research)

This organization is dedicated to assisting clients in understanding their paranormal experiences. Contact details and website are provided.

SEBUD Investigators of the Paranormal / GHOSTSBEGONE.ORG

Offers assistance, investigation, and mediation. Contact email and phone number are provided.

Space Clearing Consultation

Janine Donnellan from Spheres Of Light & SOuL Searchers offers private space clearing for homes and businesses to remove negative or stagnant energetic imprints and replace them with positive energies. Booking contact details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes paranormal investigation and ghost tours as engaging activities. It highlights historical locations with alleged supernatural activity and provides practical information for participation, including dates, times, prices, and booking details. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging exploration of the paranormal, offering services and events that cater to both casual enthusiasts and serious investigators. There is also a focus on community support, with some tour proceeds going to heritage trusts. The magazine also serves as a platform for advertising related services and organizations within the paranormal community.