SOul Searchers - No 02 - 2011 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SOUL Searchers Paranormal Magazine
Issue Date: September 2011 (Issue 2)
Publisher: SOUL Searchers
Country: Australia
Type: Bi-monthly online magazine

This issue of SOUL Searchers Paranormal Magazine delves into various aspects of the paranormal, with a strong focus on investigation practices, community standards, and specific case studies within Australia. The magazine aims to provide topical information and keep readers updated on developments in the Australian paranormal community.

Editor's Welcome and Mission

The magazine is introduced by Janine Donnellan, founder of SOuL Searchers Investigations and editor. She highlights the magazine's mission to share information about their investigations and from the wider paranormal community, striving to offer logical explanations for paranormal phenomena. Donnellan has over 15 years of experience in paranormal investigations and house clearings and established the SOUL Searchers Paranormal Investigation Team in 2006. Her interest in the occult was fostered by her spiritualist grandfather.

Editorial: Paranormal Problem? Who are you going to call?

In her editorial, Janine Donnellan addresses the proliferation of paranormal investigation groups, often inspired by sensationalized television programs. She criticizes the lack of professionalism and practical experience in many new groups, warning clients to inquire thoroughly about an investigator's experience and methodologies. Donnellan emphasizes that professional investigation requires incorporating behavioral psychology, historical research, technical skills, and an understanding of potential contributing factors like mental illness. She advocates for professional conduct, addressing concerns like privacy and security, and notes that most investigators work free of charge or by donation, with costs to be discussed upfront.

An Open Letter to the Paranormal Community in Australia

Andrea Kaldy, co-founder of 'Validate,' an organization aimed at bringing standards and cohesion to the Australian paranormal community, writes an open letter. She discusses the challenges of a burgeoning industry, where many individuals and groups make loud claims without substantiation, often for personal gain. Kaldy highlights the potential for mediums to either enhance or detract from an investigation, cautioning against those who provide questionable information solely to boost their own ego. She stresses the importance of independent investigation, seeking truth, and contributing meaningfully to research. Validate is described as an independent investigative body exploring paranormal theories, including hauntings, UFO phenomena, and cryptozoology.

So You Want to Be a Paranormal Investigator? Part 2

This section provides practical guidance for aspiring paranormal investigators. It emphasizes thorough preparation, including researching locations, interviewing witnesses, and maintaining detailed notes. A checklist for equipment and essentials is provided, including watches, walkie-talkies, flashlights, and first-aid kits. The importance of monitoring environmental factors like weather, solar, and geomagnetic activity is discussed, as these are believed to influence paranormal experiences. The section also covers crucial aspects of conducting an investigation, such as minimizing conversation, prioritizing safety, ensuring double coverage with recording devices, and turning off mobile phones. It advises against going alone and stresses the importance of calm and safe exits if an unusual event occurs. Data collection is highlighted as the most critical function, requiring comprehensive and logical data to substantiate experiences. The challenges of witness testimony and the need for proper recording and central data collection are discussed.

St Bartholomew's Ghost Tour

This article focuses on St Bartholomew's Church, opened in 1841, and its associated graveyard in the Prospect area of Australia. The church, a Colonial Georgian design, ceased services in 1967 due to vandalism and underwent restoration funded by the Federation. It was purchased by Blacktown City Council in 2001. The graveyard, formerly known as Prospect Cemetery, contains burials of early settlers, including William Lawson and Thomas Willmot. The article notes that the bell has recently been reinstated to the tower.

SOUL Searchers Investigations

This section details the recent activities of the SOUL Searchers team. They conduct private client investigations, often including house clearings and geopathic stress assessments. Investigations conducted between July and September 2011 are listed, including private houses in Oatley, Sans Souci, Kirrawee, Bangor, Menai, and Hurstville Grove, as well as investigations at St Bartholomew's Church in Prospect and Windy Gully Cemetery in Mt Kembla. The team emphasizes conducting investigations professionally and confidentially, free of charge, with all members being volunteers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the professionalization of paranormal investigation, the importance of ethical conduct, and the distinction between genuine research and sensationalism. The magazine advocates for a scientific and evidence-based approach while remaining open to various belief systems. There's a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and ego-driven practices within the paranormal community, promoting integrity and a quest for truth. The editorial stance supports rigorous investigation, thorough data collection, and a client-centered approach, emphasizing that services are provided voluntarily and free of charge.

Title: SOUL Searchers eMagazine
Issue: September 2011
Publisher: SOUL Searchers
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of SOUL Searchers eMagazine delves into various aspects of the paranormal, featuring reports on ghost tours, historical haunted locations, the influence of celestial events on spiritual activity, and the practice of dowsing.

St Bartholomew's Church Ghost Tour

The magazine details a visit to St Bartholomew's Church and Cemetery in Prospect, Australia, which hosts popular Cemetery and Ghost Tours. The article notes the substantial increase in burials over the years, reflecting the district's development. Sightings reported at the location include a tall, kind man, the smell of sulphur or flowers, unexplained door and window activity, ectoplasm, cool breezes, and the ghost of a sea captain. The SOUL Searchers team attended a tour on August 6th, 2011, finding it to be good value for money, though overcrowded. Hazel Magann, the guide, has 35 years of research experience. The tour was described as "relatively uneventful" from a paranormal perspective but offered a "second viewing" opportunity.

Smile for the Camera! - Newcastle Ghost Tours

This section recounts an experience with Newcastle Ghost Tours where a film crew from Channel Ten's "The Circle" joined them on July 6th, 2011. The presence of the film crew significantly altered the planned itinerary, turning the tour into a rapid progression from point to point to capture footage. Despite the disruption, the experience was deemed valuable for television time. Roving reporter Ed Harris, along with two camera men and a producer, participated. Ed Harris, described as a gentleman, walked the tour route on foot with a K2 meter, asking questions. The crew engaged in discussions about paranormal investigation, types of hauntings, and cleansing rituals. Technical staff from Boo! Paranormal, Angela and Kirstin, explained the use of equipment like K2 meters, which reportedly "spookily spike" during the tour. Diana, co-owner of Newcastle Ghost Tours, performed a cleansing at the end of the session. The experience was considered great, highlighting the historic sites and convict past of Newcastle's East End. Newcastle Ghost Tours aims to provide a friendly and safe paranormal exploration, catering to beginners and experienced hunters alike, and offers historical background for sceptics.

Mt Kembla - Windy Gully Cemetery Investigation

On July 31st, 2011, the anniversary of the Mt Kembla mine disaster, the SOUL Searchers Investigation team conducted an investigation at Windy Gully Cemetery. The article provides historical context about the disaster on July 31st, 1902, when a gas explosion in the Mt Kembla Mine killed 96 men and boys. A mass grave was dug in Windy Gully for unclaimed bodies, with most of the miners killed in the explosion buried there. The cemetery is recognized as a site of State significance. The investigation team had dinner at the Mt Kembla pub before visiting the Village Cemetery and then Windy Gully Cemetery. At Windy Gully, they used K2 and EMF detectors, noting occasional K2 light flashes without logical explanation. One investigator reported seeing a dark shape moving near trees. The atmosphere at the front of the cemetery was described as "very sad." Two EVPs were recorded, both male, one indicating a faint 'yes' and the other 'come here or I am here.' The folklore of Mickey Brennan's ghost, a young wheeler whose body was never recovered from the disaster, is also recounted, with reports of his ghost haunting the mine and the Mt Kembla Hotel.

Solar Storms and Paranormal Investigations

This section explores the connection between solar storms and paranormal activity. On August 3rd, 2010, a wave of space weather impacted Earth, potentially sparking auroras. NASA reported a "solar tsunami" racing across space. The article explains that solar flares send charged radioactive particles into Earth's atmosphere, creating magnetic shifts and altering geomagnetic fields. This energetic environment is believed to improve conditions for paranormal activity, providing spirits with a source of energy to manifest with increased strength and clarity. The importance of monitoring geomagnetic forecasts and space weather indicators for paranormal investigations is emphasized.

Dowsing for the Paranormal

The article "Dowsing for the Paranormal" discusses the practice of dowsing, quoting Albert Einstein who believed it was an instrument showing the human nervous system's reaction to unknown factors. Dowsing has existed for thousands of years, initially for divination and later for finding metals, water, and lost objects. It is described as a communication of subtle energies and information perceived through intuition. The two common dowsing tools are pendulums and dowsing rods. Pendulums are weights on cords or chains, used by determining 'yes' and 'no' directions. Dowsing rods, typically L or Y shaped, are used to detect energy. The article explains how dowsers use these tools to find energy sources or spirit energy, with the movement of the rods or pendulum correlating to the intensity of the energy. It also touches upon the ideomotor effect as a sceptical explanation, while supporters suggest subliminal sensitivity or paranormal abilities. Dowsing rods and pendulums are used in paranormal research to detect energy fields, with some believing spirits can control their movement to indicate answers or guide investigators.

Old Melbourne Gaol

This section features Trace van Lieshout, a Psychic Medium, Author, Artist, and Paranormal Mediator, who writes about her paranormal experiences. The article then focuses on the Old Melbourne Gaol in Melbourne, Australia, a museum and former prison. Constructed starting in 1839, it operated as a prison until 1924, holding and executing notorious criminals like Ned Kelly and Frederick Bailey Deeming. A total of 135 people were executed by hanging. Parts of the gaol were incorporated into RMIT University, with the rest becoming a museum. The author recounts a personal trip to the gaol, mentioning a replica of Ned Kelly's armour.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around paranormal investigation, haunted locations, and the scientific or pseudo-scientific exploration of unexplained phenomena. The magazine presents a balanced approach, detailing personal experiences and anecdotal evidence from ghost tours and investigations, while also exploring potential scientific correlations like solar storms and discussing tools and techniques such as dowsing. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the paranormal, encouraging readers to explore these topics with a mix of curiosity and critical thinking, providing historical context and practical information for those interested in the field.

This issue of SOUL Searchers eMagazine, dated September 2011, delves into various aspects of the paranormal, historical hauntings, and animal communication. The magazine features personal accounts, research insights, and reviews, offering a comprehensive look into unexplained phenomena.

Personal Encounters at Old Melbourne Gaol

The issue begins with a detailed personal account of a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol. The author describes experiencing a series of unusual physical symptoms, including a nosebleed and a feeling of pressure in her head, which she attributes to spiritual energy. She recounts commanding spirits to wait for her at the Gaol, and upon arrival, felt a strong sense of past energies or 'echoes.' During her exploration, she experienced a sense of unease in a cell and later felt comfortable in another. A significant event involved a scarf inexplicably wrapping around her throat near the Gallows, which she interprets as a spiritual sign. The author also details capturing a 'blue streak' anomaly on camera, which she believes validates the presence of spirits. The possibility that the spirit of Ned Kelly may have been present is explored, particularly after encountering a replica armour and a blue streak appearing on her husband's throat in a photograph.

Animal Communication with Heidi Meissl

Heidi Meissl, an Animal Communicator, discusses the profound connection between humans and animals. She explains that animals come into our lives for specific reasons, categorizing them into four roles: teachers, companions, healers, and facilitators. Teachers guide us on our life path, companions fill emotional voids, healers help us learn self-healing and trust our bodies, and facilitators are sent for a specific purpose, often to help us open up to our spirituality. Meissl shares anecdotes, including a story about a Burmese cat whose partnership with its owner spanned multiple lifetimes, highlighting the deep emotional support animals can provide. She also touches upon the symbolic meanings of animal behavior, such as bees representing family units, and advises readers to be open to understanding animal communication through all their senses.

Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meters in Paranormal Research

Steve Millard's article explores the use of Electromagnetic Field (EMF) meters in paranormal investigations. Originally designed for engineers, these meters are now a common tool for paranormal groups. Millard discusses the contentious issue of whether ghosts emit or manipulate EMF energy, noting the lack of definitive studies. He argues that paranormal investigators themselves are driving the research to validate theories. The article emphasizes the importance of environmental vigilance and conducting thorough baseline sweeps to exclude false readings from appliances and external sources like power lines. It also touches upon the concept of a 'fear cage' and how exposure to high EMF levels can cause feelings of being watched, nausea, and headaches. Millard recounts an investigation where EMF detectors responded to direct questioning, providing video evidence that he believes validates paranormal claims, while acknowledging that many readings can have natural explanations.

Haunted Places in Victoria and Sydney

The magazine features a section on 'Haunted Places in Victoria,' detailing the Abbotsford Convent and the Old Treasury. The Abbotsford Convent, a historic landmark, is described as a 'haunted hot spot' with a history of housing the Good Shepherd Sisters and hundreds of women. The Old Treasury, a significant 19th-century building, is reported to have a resident spook, a former public servant or caretaker whose apparition has been encountered. The issue also touches upon 'Spooky Secrets of Sydney Townhall,' revealing that the site was a burial ground from 1793-1820, interring approximately 2000 bodies before the cemetery became full and was closed.

Book Review: The Paranormal Caught on Film

A book review highlights 'The Paranormal Caught on Film' by Dr. Melvyn Willin. The book is described as a collection of paranormal photographs that aims to balance sensationalism with academic analysis. It covers a range of phenomena, including ghosts, poltergeists, eerie lights, and levitating children, with commentary from the author, a ghost expert. The review suggests the book is invaluable for learning to spot common errors in paranormal photos and recommends it for those interested in exploring the paranormal world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the exploration of the paranormal, the investigation of haunted locations, and the potential for communication with non-human entities (spirits and animals). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting personal experiences and research findings while acknowledging the need for critical analysis and the possibility of natural explanations. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these topics, whether through personal investigation, understanding animal behavior, or exploring historical sites with a paranormal interest.

This issue of SOUL Searchers eMagazine, dated September 2011, is primarily a directory of paranormal groups and related events across Australia. It also features an article detailing archaeological findings at Sydney Town Hall.

Sydney Town Hall Archaeological Investigations

The issue details several archaeological investigations conducted at Sydney Town Hall. In 1991, during restoration works to lay new stormwater pipes, workmen discovered evidence of burials under the Lower Town Hall. Archaeologists were employed to excavate the site. The story is recounted that when the Town Hall was constructed in 1869, a contractor was paid to exhume bodies, but it's suggested he may not have transferred all of them.

In 2003, more graves were discovered north of the Town Hall during building alterations. When paving was removed between the Town Hall and Druitt Street, the old ground surface was found, revealing several graves, including brick vaults, all aligned east-west. This suggested that in 1868-69, the Council had simply cleared the site of headstones and only removed graves when they obstructed construction. Plans for a new forecourt were redesigned to avoid disturbing the remains.

Of the four graves discovered in one excavation, only one was relatively intact, revealing a brick vault with a wooden coffin set in clay. The coffin was made of Australian red cedar and fastened with iron nails and brass tacks. Forensic examination indicated the skeletal remains belonged to a woman. Following excavation, the remains were re-interred in a simple ceremony conducted by the Anglican Dean of Sydney.

In 2007/2008, the proposed excavation of a services basement in the western half of the Peace Hall led to further archaeological investigation. This excavation, undertaken in January 2008, recorded a total of 66 graves, with some areas excavated in late 2009 due to inaccessibility. The article provides a link to the City of Sydney's website for more information.

Directory of Paranormal Groups within Australia

The majority of the magazine is dedicated to listing paranormal groups across various Australian states. Each listing includes the group's name, a brief description of their focus and methods, and contact information or website links.

New South Wales

• W.S.P.R - West Sydney Paranormal Research: A Not-for-Profit organization using a 'logic first' approach to investigations with a wide array of equipment.
• APPI - Australian Paranormal Phenomenon Investigators: Uses a combination of scientific and spiritual methods, emphasizing life experience, common sense, and teamwork.
• SOUL Searchers: Undertakes investigations from a shamanic perspective, free of charge, and publishes a bi-monthly eMagazine.
• UFO and Paranormal Research Society: Aims to provide the public with information on the unexplained and produces a series called 'EERIE ENCOUNTERS'.
• E.C.P.S - East Coast Paranormal Society: Focuses on scientific investigation and data collection to understand paranormal activity.
• Hunter Paranormal: Dedicated to SCIENTIFIC, LOGICAL, UNBIASED research and investigation, with proceeds directed towards historical restoration projects.
• Validate: An independent investigative body seeking key elements that may provide evidential support for paranormal theories, operating with a clean slate approach.
• Sydney Spirit Stalkers: A group of four investigators specializing in tech, equipment, photography, safety, location finding, research, and mediumship.
• Australian Ghost Adventures: Enthusiasts using scientific and alternative methods, offering investigations, tours, seminars, and media productions. They run tours of haunted locations like the Old Geelong Gaol.

South Australia

• Southern Tablelands Paranormal Research Society (SAINT-PRS): Investigates paranormal reports from the Southern Tablelands and beyond.
• S.A Paranormal: A social group interested in all aspects of the paranormal, holding monthly meetings for ghost tours, cemetery visits, etc.
• Eidolon Paranormal: Founded by Allen Tiller, using various tools and technology for research, offering investigations free of charge.
• Paranormal Field Investigators: Researchers focusing on ghosts and hauntings in Adelaide and South Australia, emphasizing confidentiality and a balanced view.
• Murrylands Paranormal: A fledgling group seeking local stories of urban legends and haunted locations in the Murraylands area.

Queensland

• Haunted Australia: Researching locations and intending to travel overseas for research.
• Australian Paranormal Investigators (API): A small team of dedicated researchers based in Brisbane, focusing on a logic-first, scientific approach.
• Downunder Paranormal: A team of researchers and investigators based in Brisbane, supporting clients experiencing unexplained phenomena.

Victoria

• Celestial World Australia: Founded by Michael Barnett, focusing on new age areas, mediumship, and spiritual healing, conducting paranormal investigations confidentially.
• Spookspotters Paranormal Research: An active investigation group covering southeastern Australia, also offering ghost tour development and an online forum.
• Colonial Paranormal Investigations Australia: Based in Victoria, conducting investigations and historical research, aiming to share costs for access to locations.

Tasmania

• Team Strigoi: Based in Launceston, investigating hauntings, cryptology, UFOs, and urban legends across Tasmania, offering services free of charge.

Western Australia

• Twilight Paranormal Investigations: A spiritual team combining spirituality and a scientific approach, offering free, non-judgmental investigations.
• West Australian Paranormal Researchers: A passionate group using spiritual and scientific approaches, offering free, confidential services.
• Albany Research Paranormal Society: A team aiming to document and record paranormal activities using scientific methods to help people regain peace of mind.

Workshops, Courses and Events

The magazine also lists various paranormal-related workshops, courses, and events:

• Workshops: Including 'Adelaide Gaol All Night Workshop', 'How to be a "Ghost Hunter" Seminar' by Australian Ghost Adventures, and 'Introductory Paranormal Investigation' by Hunter Paranormal Australia.
• Courses: 'Paranormal Investigators Course' by Validate, and 'Foundations of Parapsychology' and 'Intermediate Parapsychology' by Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe through The School of Parapsychology.
• Events & Ghost Tours: A wide range of tours and investigations are listed, including:
• Australian College of Mediumship Ghost Tours & Investigations
• Paranormal Investigator Tour
• Newcastle Ghost Tours (East End Tours, Weekly Tours, Investigator Nights)
• Minmi Cemetery Tour
• Monet's Soup and Screamer Tour
• Sleepover at Masonic Hall
• Civic Theatre - Newcastle Tour
• West Sydney Paranormal Research Ghost Hunts at The Oaks
• Australian Ghost Adventures (Old Geelong Gaol, Old Geelong Gaol - Sleepover, Private Tours)
• Adelaide's Haunted Horizons (Tailem Town Ghost Tours, Tailem Town Paranormal Investigation Tour, Adelaide Gaol Paranormal Investigation Tour)
• Hunter Paranormal (Introduction to Paranormal Investigation)
• Colonial Paranormal (J Ward investigation)
• The Rocks Ghost Tours (Parbury Ruins, Australia's First Hospital)

Disclaimer and Access Paranormal

A disclaimer notes that the listed groups are not endorsed by SOUL Searchers and advises readers to make their own enquiries. The 'Access Paranormal' section aims to educate and support the Australian paranormal industry, inviting submissions for paranormal publications and websites selling investigation equipment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the paranormal, the methodology of paranormal investigation (emphasizing both scientific and spiritual approaches), and the documentation of historical sites with alleged paranormal activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of providing a platform for paranormal enthusiasts and researchers, offering resources, information, and a directory of groups and events, while also maintaining a degree of caution regarding endorsements and encouraging due diligence from readers. The inclusion of archaeological findings at Sydney Town Hall suggests an interest in the intersection of history, archaeology, and the paranormal.

Title: SOUL Searchers eMagazine
Issue: September 2011
Volume: 40
Publisher: SOUL Searchers
Country: Australia
Language: English

This issue of SOUL Searchers eMagazine, dated September 2011, is primarily an advertisement and directory for paranormal services, ghost tours, and related activities within Australia.

Featured Advertisements and Services

Ghost Tours

The magazine prominently features "GHOST TOURS The Rocks Australia," providing contact information including phone numbers (+61 (02) 9241 1283, +61 (02) 9247 7910), email addresses ([email protected], [email protected]), and website addresses (www.ghosttours.com.au, www.therockstours.com.au). The cover also highlights "NEWCASTLE GHOST TOURS," promising to "DISCOVER THE CITY'S HAUNTED PAST - STORIES OF CONVICTS, MURDERS AND MADAMS!"

Another featured tour is "Ours of Richmond," described as the "Tasmanian tour to take... if you dare!" It has been operating for 7 years, takes approximately 2 hours, and leaves after dark most nights. Contact is available at 0488 2782 99 for details or booking.

Paranormal Networking and Investigations

"Access Paranormal" is presented as "Australia's chosen paranormal networking website," with an option to "Find out more."

• Two paranormal investigation organizations are detailed:
• A.P.P.I (Australian Paranormal Investigators): Dedicated to providing a confidential service, balancing spiritual and parapsychology in their approach. Contact is via email at [email protected] and their website is www.appiorg.au.
• W.S.P.R (West Sydney Paranormal Investigators): "In Search of the Truth." W.S.P.R is dedicated to assisting clients in understanding their paranormal experience. Contact is via email at [email protected] and their website is www.westsydneyparanormal.org.

Psychic Readings and Space Clearing

"Rosebud Psychic Readings" features Psychic Medium Tracy van Lieshout. Readings are located in Rosebud, Victoria, 3939. Appointments can be made by phone at 0418 3165316 or via email at [email protected].

"SPACE CLEARING CONSULTATION" is offered by Janine Donnellan from Spheres Of Light & SOuL Searchers. This service aims to clear negative or stagnant energetic imprints from homes or businesses and replace them with positive energies. Bookings can be made via email at [email protected] or by phone at 0408025268.

Magazine Operations and Advertising

Mailing List

The magazine offers a mailing list service to notify subscribers when a new issue is available. An "Unsubscribe" option is also provided.

Bi-Monthly Deadline Dates

• The publication schedule and deadlines are listed for bi-monthly issues:
• July issue deadline: 12 June
• September issue deadline: 12 August
• November issue deadline: 12 October
• January issue deadline: 12 December
• March issue deadline: 12 February
• May issue deadline: 12 April

Advertising Rates

• Information on advertising rates in "SOUL Searchers Paranormal Magazine" is provided. Advertisers can send an email to [email protected] or phone Janine on 0408 025 268. Rates are based on A4 page sizes:
• "Business card": $25 per issue or $135 for 6 issues.
• "Quarter page": $50 per issue or $275 for 6 issues.
• "Half page": $90 per issue or $500 for 6 issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to serve as a platform for promoting paranormal investigations, ghost tours, psychic services, and related phenomena. The editorial stance is supportive of these services, providing contact information and descriptions to potential clients. The focus is on connecting individuals with paranormal practitioners and experiences, particularly within Australia.