SOul Searchers - No 11 - 2016 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine
Issue Date: January 2016
Issue Number: 11
Cover Headline: Paracon Australia May 26th - 29th 2016

This issue of Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine, published in January 2016, focuses on paranormal investigations, haunted locations, and the burgeoning ghost hunting industry. The cover prominently features The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba, Australia, advertising the upcoming Paracon Australia 2016 event.

Editor's Note: Is Ghost Hunting Good for Business?

In her editorial, Janine Donnellan reflects on the significant economic impact of paranormal television on various businesses related to the ghost hunting hobby. She notes the increased involvement of people in ghost hunting, leading to spending on equipment, tours, conferences, and workshops. Donnellan highlights how previously unused properties are now utilized for ghost tours and haunted hotels. However, she questions whether the 'ghost hunting bubble' will continue to grow or burst, expressing concern that the focus might be shifting from genuine research to entertainment, especially with venues charging high rental costs, making independent investigations difficult and unaffordable.

The Carrington Hotel

This article details the history and reported hauntings of The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba, Australia. The author recounts a personal experience attending Paracon at the hotel and confirms it is haunted, mentioning a 'disgruntled ghost' known to staff that haunts some rooms, including the billiards room. The hotel, originally opened in 1883 as The Great Western, was renamed 'The Carrington' in 1886 and has undergone extensions and upgrades. By the early 1900s, it was a renowned tourist resort. The article traces its ownership through various stages, including its closure in 1985 and subsequent restoration and reopening in December 1998. The hotel is described as having a 'spooky energy' and offering glimpses of the past.

Paracon Australia 2016

Details are provided for the Paracon Australia 2016 event, scheduled to be held again at The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba from May 26th to 29th. The event promises two days of paranormal talks, panels, screenings, and investigations. International guests are listed, including Ouija Expert Robert Murch, Brian Cano from Haunted Collector, Paul Bradford from Ghost Hunters International, and Roswell author Donald Schmitt. Ticket information is available, with a Summer Sale offering a Two Day Pass for $150 until February 29th, 2016. Contact details for the hotel and event information are also provided.

A Poltergeist named George

Written by Ross Downie, this article explores the history of the Hickson Road area in Sydney's The Rocks, focusing on the restoration of the Heritage building, formerly the Australian Gaslight Company's headquarters built in the early 1840s. The building, made of thick sandstone, was later used by Lend Lease Corporation. Downie recounts his experience working at Lend Lease and the strange occurrences he and others experienced in the Heritage building, such as doors opening seemingly on their own. These events are attributed to a possible poltergeist named George, with the electronic lock system appearing to activate without anyone present. The article contrasts the modern Commercial building with the older, 'gloomy' Heritage building, noting the isolation felt by some employees.

Psychic Sunday

An advertisement for a 'Psychic Sunday' event on March 13th, from 10:00 to 16:00, at the Fairfield City Museum & Gallery in Smithfield, New South Wales. The event offers psychic readings, exhibitors, and free workshops, with an entry fee of $5. Attendees can also enjoy a sausage sizzle in the museum's grounds.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on 'Problems in Paranormal Research', 'Lessons Learned as a Ghost Hunter', 'Animal Ghosts', 'A Shaman's Role in a Paranormal Investigation', 'Apparitions, Ghosts and Hauntings', and an 'Aussie Paranormal Book Corner'. There are also sections for 'Access Paranormal' and advertising.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around paranormal investigation, haunted locations, and the business of ghost hunting. The editorial stance, as expressed by Janine Donnellan, acknowledges the economic growth in the paranormal field driven by media but expresses concern about the potential shift from research to entertainment and the accessibility for serious investigators. The magazine aims to cover a broad spectrum of paranormal topics, from historical hauntings to practical investigation techniques and event news.

Title: Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine
Issue Date: January 2016
Content Focus: Paranormal phenomena, ghost investigations, and research.

Personal Accounts of Paranormal Experiences

The Poltergeist 'George'

The issue begins with a series of personal anecdotes from an individual who worked in a building that was reportedly haunted by a poltergeist they nicknamed 'George'. The author recounts several unsettling incidents, starting with hearing loud noises and furniture being moved around late at night. A particularly disturbing event involved a colleague named Elpida, who claimed someone whispered in her ear and lifted her hair, only for no one to be present. The author also describes objects on their desk being moved and notice board pins appearing on documents.

When the author's team relocated, their new manager, Sabrina, also experienced strange occurrences. One Friday, after cleaning a desk drawer, Sabrina found an unused condom inside, which she adamantly stated was not there moments before. This led to the playful naming of the entity 'George', theorized to be a male spirit.

Further incidents included furniture being moved around outside a room when no one was present, and lights in the office being repeatedly turned off and on manually. Sabrina eventually left the building due to these experiences. Another colleague, Sally, also reported strange occurrences, including hearing furniture being moved when she was alone. The author notes that the 'Mundy' room, named after union leader Jack Mundey, was particularly unsettling, with reports of a shredding machine turning on by itself and an office chair slowly spinning.

The author theorizes that 'George' might have been a homeless person who died in the building when it was derelict, describing the entity as more annoying than scary.

Lessons Learned as a Ghost Hunter

Craig Phoenixwolf shares his experiences as a ghost hunter, reflecting on the use of equipment versus focusing on the experience itself. He recounts an early encounter in primary school where he visualized a lost jumper in his desk, which then appeared. As a ghost hunter, he has spent considerable money on equipment like EMF meters and audio recorders, but found that sometimes the most profound experiences came when he put aside the gadgets and focused on his senses. He describes an instance where an EMF meter detected a field that moved with them as they investigated, suggesting the presence of a child's spirit. Phoenixwolf emphasizes the importance of being appropriate in one's approach and understanding the context of the spirits being investigated. He concludes that while gadgets have merit, he personally experienced more by being open to the experience itself.

Animal Ghosts

Dale Kaczmarek, President of the Ghost Research Society, addresses the question of whether animals can return as ghosts. He presents evidence suggesting that animals, particularly pets like dogs, cats, and horses, can indeed manifest as spirits. He notes that the circumstances of an animal's death, or the strong grief of its owner, can influence their return. Kaczmarek discusses reports of phantom animals, including smoke grey silhouettes of horses and riders at a dangerous intersection in Chicago, and the alleged sounds of dogs at Ellen Glasgow's grave in Hollywood Cemetery. He also mentions sightings at Hinsdale Animal Cemetery. Kaczmarek suggests that perhaps only intelligent species have souls capable of returning.

Problems in Paranormal Research

'The Paranormal Analyst' discusses the significant challenges facing the field of paranormal research. The article highlights the valid criticisms leveled against paranormal research, as well as those that are misguided. Key issues addressed include:

• Use of Instruments: Skeptics criticize the use of devices like EMF detectors as unscientific, arguing they haven't proven to measure ghosts. However, the author argues that an investigator must use devices to establish correlations, though acknowledges that the *way* many ghost hunters employ these instruments is unscientific.
• Falsifiability: A core principle of science is falsifiability, meaning a claim must be able to be proven false. The author points out the difficulty in proving that ghosts *don't* exist, posing a challenge for paranormal claims to be considered scientific.
• The Participation Problem: This paradox describes how scientists are reluctant to investigate paranormal claims because they don't meet scientific rules, yet these claims cannot become scientific without scientific involvement to generate testable evidence.
• Methodological Naturalism: This rule states that supernatural claims are denied the label of science. The article questions the definition of 'supernatural' versus 'natural', using examples like Bigfoot and cryptids.
• The Research Problem: The author argues that the core issue is a lack of hard research. Many scientists and skeptics engage in topical analysis for financial gain or ego boosts, rather than rigorous investigation. The article emphasizes that hard research is not popular, lacks funding, and is often thankless work, but is crucial for advancing understanding.

A Shaman's Role in a Paranormal Investigation

Janine Donnellan explores the role of a shaman in paranormal investigations. A shaman is described as a conduit to the spirit world, populated by ancestors, plants, animals, and other astral beings. Shamans journey into the spirit world, acting as mediators between the physical and spiritual realms. During an investigation, a shaman is focused and aware, able to identify spirit types and deal with them effectively. They can direct investigators to areas of activity and may assist lost souls in moving to higher realms. The article notes that in modern society, shamans may need to find new ways to build bridges to the spirit world, connecting to ancestors and drawing from various spiritual systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine consistently explores the intersection of personal experience and the scientific approach to the paranormal. The magazine presents anecdotal evidence of hauntings and unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining the methodologies and challenges within paranormal research. There's a clear emphasis on the need for more rigorous investigation and a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the potential for unexplained events and the importance of critical thinking. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages open-mindedness towards paranormal claims while advocating for a more scientific and evidence-based approach to their study. The inclusion of diverse topics like animal ghosts and shamanic practices broadens the scope of paranormal inquiry presented to the reader.

This issue of Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine, dated January 2016, focuses on the multifaceted topic of apparitions, ghosts, and hauntings. The cover prominently features an announcement for "PARANORMAL AFTERNOON TALK SESSIONS" with several researchers and investigators, including Dr. Tony Jinks, Beth Luscombe, Andrea Kaldy, Dan McMath, and Anne Rzechowicz, offering their findings and knowledge in an interactive session. The magazine also includes detailed articles exploring the nature of these phenomena, potential explanations, and related experiences.

Apparitions, Ghosts and Hauntings

The main article, "Apparitions, Ghosts and Hauntings," provides a comprehensive overview of these phenomena. It defines an apparition as a visual experience of a person or animal out of sensory range, and a ghost as an apparition of a dead person. Haunting is described as phenomena associated with a specific locality. The article references early studies, such as the 1894 "Census of Hallucinations," and Louisa E. Rhine's later work. It details the characteristics of apparitions, noting they are perceived as real, appear and disappear spontaneously, and can sometimes be witnessed by multiple people. Secondary features like sounds, touch, or feelings can be associated, and apparitions may appear to pass through solid objects.

The article discusses various explanations for apparitions, categorizing them into:

• Misperceptions: Attributed to poor light, short duration, or emotional exaggeration.
• Imagery or Hallucination Hypothesis: Where the witness unconsciously generates the apparition, possibly influenced by archetypal images or telepathic data.
• Survival Hypothesis: The belief that a spirit or soul remains after death.

It notes that while misperceptions and imagery fit most cases, the survival hypothesis is difficult to prove scientifically. The article also touches upon tests involving "fake ghosts" and the commonality of misperceptions.

Hallucinations and Related Experiences

The magazine explores the concept of hallucinations, noting that they are not exclusive to psychosis and can be experienced by normal individuals. Factors like vitamin deficiency and eidetic imagery are mentioned as potential contributors. The article highlights that elderly people, particularly widows, may report hallucinations of deceased spouses. It also details "Ruth's apparitions," a case study involving a woman who experienced and could even summon apparitions.

"Supernatural assault" is defined as a frightening experience in bed involving paralysis, a perceived presence, chest pressure, and breathing difficulties, often referred to by various cultural terms like "Old Hag" or "incubus experience." This phenomenon is noted to be distinct from nightmares and can occur in individuals without medical history, though narcolepsy increases susceptibility.

"Sensed presences" are described as feelings of a supernatural influence or guardian angel, which can be seen or just felt, and may be an adaptive reaction to stressful or unusual situations.

Psychic Detection of Ghosts and Haunted Houses

The effectiveness of psychics in detecting ghosts in haunted houses is examined, with studies showing mixed results and often reflecting common preconceptions rather than objective detection. The article suggests that factors related to the locality, such as electromagnetic effects, might play a role in hauntings.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are featured:

• "Afterlife: Uncovering the Secrets of Life After Death" by Barry Eaton: This book explores life between lives and the afterlife, based on the author's experiences communicating with those who have passed over. It aims to provide comfort and answer questions about death and the spirit world.
• "Great Australian Ghost Stories" by Richard Davis: This collection compiles ghost stories from Australia's history, spanning two centuries and various regions. It promises hair-raising tales of vengeful, aloof, and mysterious spirits.

Organizations and Courses

The Australian Institute of Parapsychological Research, Inc. (AIPR) is highlighted as a non-profit scientific society promoting research and public education in parapsychological phenomena. The AIPR advocates for the scientific method in studying psychic experiences and places them within a broader context of human experience. The magazine details the AIPR's membership, fee structure, and its donation of books to libraries. Information is provided on various AIPR certificate courses, including:

• AIPR Certificate in Parapsychology and AIPR Advanced Certificate in Parapsychology (online academic courses).
• AIPR Certificate in Experiential Parapsychology (hands-on, experiential course).
• A course on "Poltergeist Disturbances and Hauntings" in Sydney.

Contact information for AIPR, including Robb Tilley (Public Officer) and Dr. Lance Storm (course administrator), is provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and understanding of paranormal phenomena, particularly ghosts, apparitions, and hauntings. The magazine adopts a scientific yet open-minded approach, advocating for the use of the scientific method in parapsychology while exploring various theories and personal experiences. There is a clear emphasis on research, evidence, and providing a platform for both established researchers and individuals interested in the paranormal. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting education and exploration within the field, encouraging critical thinking while acknowledging the subjective nature of many paranormal experiences. The inclusion of book reviews and information about parapsychological organizations further reinforces this stance of fostering knowledge and community within the paranormal research sphere.

This issue of Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine, dated January 2016, focuses on spiritual and paranormal development, featuring a Psychic & Mediumship Development Circle and information about the online magazine Axis Mundi.

Psychic & Mediumship Development Circle

The magazine announces a Psychic & Mediumship Development Circle, described as an excellent way to enhance natural psychic abilities like clairvoyance, psychometry, telepathy, mediumship, telekinesis, and energy healing. The goal is to tap into psychic intuitive abilities for personal and business life. The classes are facilitated by Janine Donnellan from SOL Illumination (formerly Soul Searchers Spiritual Centre).

Classes are conducted fortnightly, with five nights per term. The location is Sylvania Cottage, Venetia Street, Sylvania 2224, Australia, situated at the corner of Venetia & Holt Street, with allocated parking in Holt Street. The dates provided are fortnightly on Tuesday nights: February 9th, February 23rd, March 8th, March 22nd, and April 5th, 2016. The time for each session is 7:00pm – 9:00pm, and the cost is $180 per term. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Janine on 0408 025 268. A non-refundable deposit of $50.00 is required, payable via a provided link: http://illumination.spheresoflight.com.au/mediumship-psychic-development-circle/.

Axis Mundi Magazine

The issue also introduces "Axis Mundi," a free online magazine published quarterly by Spheres Of Light, accessible at axismundi.spheresoflight.com.au. It aims to provide topical information to keep readers updated on news and developments within the Australian Pagan community. Subscribers are notified by email when a new edition is ready. The magazine contains articles and information that correspond to seasonal themes, highlighting the rhythms and cycles of the natural world and human lives. The magazine encourages suggestions, comments, and contributions from its readers to foster growth and empowerment through shared spiritual ideas, knowledge, and experiences.

The name "axis-mundi" is explained as the axis of the world, representing a shamanic connection between sky and earth, where the four compass directions meet. This symbolizes travel and correspondence between higher and lower realms, reflecting the concept of 'as above so below'. In the context of the magazine, it signifies a group coming together from various ideologies to share spiritual insights and evolve.

The cover image for Axis Mundi Summer 2015 is noted as "Summer Solstice by Amanda Clark."

Soul Searchers: Centre for Paranormal Research and Investigations

Soul Searchers is presented as more than just a paranormal investigation team, with its website serving as a central hub for all things paranormal. They offer:

• Information and articles about their investigations and research.
• Training, workshops, and paranormal meetups.
• A quarterly paranormal magazine.
• Private investigations in the Sutherland Shire, Sydney.

Soul SPI, their specially trained paranormal investigation team, conducts in-depth evaluations of spiritual activity from a unique perspective to resolve client concerns and assist spirits. Their mission is to investigate logical explanations for paranormal activity using a common-sense scientific approach while remaining open to all theories and methodologies. The Soul SPI team comprises individuals with diverse talents, including both scientific and psychic abilities, encompassing skeptics and believers.

For general inquiries or to request an investigation and clearing, Janine can be contacted at 0408 025 268 or via email at [email protected]. Their website is http://soulsearchers.spheresoflight.com.au/.

Soul Searchers Workshops

Soul Searchers also announces upcoming workshops for the year. In addition to their comprehensive weekend Parapsychology and Advanced Parapsychology Certificate courses, they will offer individual modules as stand-alone workshops. This allows individuals to attend specific modules of interest or to spread the certificate course over time as an affordable option. They will also provide workshops on Space Clearing and regular paranormal meetups and discussion groups. Further information will be published on their website shortly.

Advertising and Deadlines

The magazine provides advertising rates and quarterly deadline dates for the Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine. Advertisers are informed that SOL Magazines have received over 100,000 visits, and advertising in the Soul Searchers Magazine includes a free ad placement in Axis Mundi. Advertising options include "Business card" ($10 per issue or $30 for 4 issues), "Quarter page" ($20 per issue or $70 for 4 issues), "Half page" ($35 per issue or $120 for 4 issues), and "Full page" ($50 per issue or $150 for 4 issues), with sizes based on an A4 page. Advertising inquiries can be sent via email to [email protected] or by phone to Janine on 0408 025 268.

The quarterly deadline dates are:

• July Issue: Deadline 12 June
• October Issue: Deadline 12 September
• January Issue: Deadline 12 December
• April Issue: Deadline 12 March

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around psychic and spiritual development, paranormal investigation, and the promotion of a community centered around these interests. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouragement for personal growth in psychic abilities, open-minded investigation of paranormal phenomena, and the fostering of a supportive community through workshops, circles, and publications like Axis Mundi and Soul Searchers Paranormal Magazine. There is a clear emphasis on providing resources and platforms for individuals interested in the paranormal and spiritual realms.