The Great Big Book of Ghosts

The Great Big Book of Ghosts

An Anthology

Robert J Dornan

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This book is protected by copyright laws and international treaties. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this work, in whole or in part, constitutes a violation of the author's rights and is punishable by law.

Copyright © 2024 Robert J Dornan

Contents

Preface

1.CHAPTER ONE

The Origins of Ghosts

What is an Apparition?

Theories on the Nature of Ghosts: Energy, Souls, or Psychological Phenomena?

Residual Hauntings vs. Intelligent Hauntings

Ghost Encounters

Ghosts and the Afterlife

Are Ghosts in Purgatory?

Ghosts in Different Religions and Spiritual Beliefs

2.CHAPTER TWO

Paranormal Phenomena

Paranormal Investigations: The Science Behind Ghost Hunting

Famous Paranormal Investigations: Intriguing Cases and Their Astonishing Findings

Famous Paranormal Investigators and Their Remarkable Successes

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP): Ghostly Whispers from the Beyond

Ghost Hunting Equipment

Conjuring Ghosts: Mediums (Part One)

Conjuring Ghosts Part 2: Séances

Conjuring Ghosts Part 3: Edgar Casey

Conjuring Ghosts Part 4: Leonora Piper

Conjuring Ghosts Part 5: Mina Crandon

Poltergeists: Unseen Forces of Chaos and Terror

Malevolent Spirits and Demonic Entities

The Phenomenon of Ghosts Causing Physical Harm

Real Unexplained Ghost Photos

3.CHAPTER THREE

Gidim in Mesopotamian Folklore: Spirits of the Ancient Dead

Ghosts of Ancient Greece: Shades from the Underworld

Ghosts of Ancient Rome: Spirits from the Past

Ghosts of Ancient China: Spirits from the Middle Kingdom

Ghosts of Ancient Prussia

Ghosts of Ancient Japan: Spirits and Supernatural Beliefs

Ghosts of Scandinavia: An Exploration of Nordic Hauntings

Ghosts of South America: An Exploration of Haunting Legends

Ghosts of Ancient and Present Day Africa

Ghosts in Eastern Europe

Ghosts of India

Ghosts in Russia

Ghosts in the Philippines

4.CHAPTER FOUR

Waverly Hills Sanatorium

The Rosenheim Poltergeist

The Bell Witch

The Ghost of Borley Rectory

Ghosts and Ouija Boards

The Haunted Hinsdale House

The Haunting Tale of Patience Worth

The Entity Case

The Enfield Poltergeist

The Tower of London: Anne Boleyn

The Tower of London: The Princes

The Tower of London: The White Lady

The Terrifying Paranormal Activity at Bobby Mackey's Music World

Ghost Ships

The Ghosts of Hampton Court Palace

The Headless Priest of Miriam College

The Murdered Monks and Dame Blanche of Mortemer Abbey: A Haunting Tale from Normandy

The Monks of Capuchin Catacombs: Eternal Guardians of the Dead

The Ghost of Grigori Rasputin

The Haunted Halls of El Paso High School

The Ghost of Giles Corey: A Haunting Legacy from the Salem Witch Trials

The Ghosts of Gettysburg

The Haunting of Heidelberg Castle: The Legend of the White Lady

The Ghost of Hohenzollern Castle

The Hanoverian Ghost Infantry

The Curse of the Villa di Vecchio

The Ghosts of World War I in Flanders Fields

The Phantom Fleet of Pearl Harbor

The Monte Cristo Homestead

The Ghosts of The Savoy Hotel, Mussoorie

The Haunting in The Castle of Bardi

The Haunting of Predjama Castle

The Ghost of Montebello Castle

The Haunted Island of Poveglia

The Haunting of Alcatraz

The Haunting of Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls), Mexico

Aokigahara, Japan's Suicide Forest

The Haunted House in Nairobi

The Ghosts of the White House

The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall

The Houska Castle

The Spirit of La Sayona

The Lizzie Borden House

The Banshee Ghost

The Stanley Hotel Room 217

The Amityville Horror

The Incredible Winchester House

The Ghost of Molly Malone

The Hauntings at Old Changi Hospital

The Fox Sisters: Pioneers of Modern Spiritualism

Ghostly Urban Legends

5.CHAPTER FIVE

Debunking Ghosts: Exposing Hoaxes and Explaining Ghostly Phenomena

Conclusion

Preface

The book you are about to read is a reference book that you can turn to for decades to come. I made sure to add fifty true ghost stories from across the globe to spice up the book against the chapters of informative research. I should mention that the ghost stories – other than the London Tower - are in a random order so as to eliminate country repetition. You’ll notice that no matter what country is being represented, the stories all have similar backdrops, meaning that ghosts are not only universal, but far from unique to any specific culture. Nor are they limited to a group of countries. Every nation in the world has their own legends and haunted homes, castles, or battlefields.

I enjoyed every second of creating this reference book and I sincerely hope it is a learning experience for you as well as a thought provoking, or creative muse to writers, poets and filmmakers. If you are someone considering a career in the paranormal or paranormal investigation, you must read this book instead of relying on video nonsense. Enjoy and try not to read too much before sleeping as many of these stories are not only engrossing but also horrifying.

1

CHAPTER ONE

A Reference Guide to Ghosts

The Origins of Ghosts

We have all watched ghost videos or seen photos that challenge our belief system, but we always look for a reason to debunk a photo or prove it is fraudulent. We need to open our minds to possibilities instead of looking for the negative. Hopefully this book will enlighten many who have sat on the fence for too long and make them believe the unbelievable.

The history of ghosts and their origins is a fascinating subject that is alive and kicking in every country and culture on Earth. Ghosts, also called spirits or specters, are believed to be the souls or consciousnesses of deceased individuals that continue to exist in some form after death. The concept of ghosts has existed in various forms since ancient times, and interpretations and beliefs about their existence have evolved over the centuries. No one knows for sure when the first ghostly experience occurred. We rely on the words written on walls and tablets, but they are often subject to interpretation, translation, or the belief systems of the time. Regardless, every country or civilization has its own tales of ghosts, which is interesting because the appearance of ghosts or spirits in ancient civilizations has been documented in different countries at the same time.

Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks strongly believed in the existence of spirits or shadows of the deceased. The Egyptians, for example, believed that the soul was composed of several parts, including the ka and the ba. The ka was the life force or life essence, while the ba represented the individuality and personality of the deceased. If proper rituals and ceremonies were not performed, the ba would be agitated and become a ghostly entity.

In ancient Greece, the belief in ghosts was deeply tied to their understanding of the afterlife. The Greeks believed that the souls of the deceased traveled to the underworld, a world ruled by Hades. However, some spirits were thought to remain on Earth as restless entities. The most famous tale of ghosts in Greek mythology is that of the shadow of the prophet Tiresias, who appeared to Odysseus in Homer's epic, The Odyssey. (In Greek mythology, a shadow referred to the spirit or soul of a deceased person that resided in the underworld. Shadows were considered dark and insubstantial, existing as ethereal beings without a physical body. They were considered the remains of the deceased, retaining a semblance of themselves but lacking the vitality and life force they possessed in life. The concept of shadows in Greek mythology influenced later literary works, where the term shadow was associated with ghosts or spectral entities.)

In Eastern cultures, such as China and Japan, the concept of ghosts has been deeply rooted in their traditions for centuries. In Chinese folklore, ghosts are considered the spirits of ancestors or people who have died in tragic circumstances. The Chinese also celebrate the Ghost Festival, a time when spirits are believed to return to earth, and elaborate rituals and offerings are made to appease them.

Japanese ghost lore is rich and diverse, with many types of spirits known as yokai or yurei. Yurei are vengeful spirits that often appear as pale, long-haired women in white kimono. These ghostly figures are believed to haunt specific locations or seek revenge on those who wronged them in their lifetime. Japanese folklore and literature, such as Lafcadio Hearn's Kwaidan, have popularized these ghostly tales.

In Western cultures, the belief in ghosts has existed since ancient times and is often associated with religion and specific cultural beliefs. In Christianity, for example, the concept of ghosts is linked to the existence of an immortal soul and the idea of ​​an afterlife. The Bible mentions apparitions and spirits, including the famous story of the prophet Samuel's ghostly appearance to King Saul.

During the Middle Ages, ghost stories became common in European folklore. Belief in ghosts was closely linked to the concepts of purgatory, where souls were believed to be temporarily confined until they could achieve salvation. Ghostly apparitions were often seen as souls seeking prayers or help from the living to ease their passage to heaven.

The Victorian era saw a surge in ghost stories and a fascination with the supernatural. With the rise of spiritualism, the belief in communication with the dead through mediums gained popularity. The famous Fox Sisters, who claimed to communicate with spirits, played a significant role in the spread of spiritualism and the interest in ghostly phenomena during that time. (Chapter 4)

It is important to note that while many people strongly believe in ghosts, skepticism and alternative explanations also exist. Some interpret ghostly encounters as psychological manifestations, tricks of perception, or simply as products of popular culture and imagination.

Interpretations of ghosts have varied across cultures and time periods, but the fascination and intrigue surrounding these ethereal beings have endured throughout history. Whether one believes in the existence of ghosts or approaches them with skepticism, the stories and beliefs associated with them continue to captivate and inspire our imagination. Have fun and learn what we have known for years.

What is an Apparition?

Apparitions are visual manifestations of deceased individuals or entities. They have a rich history and have been a subject of fascination and intrigue since the earliest civilizations.

Belief in apparitions’ dates to ancient times when cultures had a strong belief in the existence of spirits or souls that could linger on Earth after death. The origins of apparitions are deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs surrounding the afterlife and the nature of the soul. As expected, and based on the nature of their environment, unfamiliar cultures held dissimilar beliefs as to why apparitions exist. Here are some examples:

Unfinished Business: Some apparitions are believed to appear due to unresolved issues or unfinished tasks they had in life. They may be seeking closure or attempting to communicate valuable information to the living.

Traumatic or Sudden Death: Violent or sudden deaths can result in apparitions, as the intense emotions surrounding their demise may cause their spirits to linger or seek justice for their untimely end.

Emotional Attachment: Apparitions may appear due to their strong emotional attachment to a person, place, or object. The love, grief, or deep connection they had in life keeps them tied to the earthly realm.

Guardians or Protectors: Certain apparitions are believed to serve as guardians or protectors of specific locations, people, or families. They watch over and offer guidance or assistance when needed.

History and Cultural Beliefs:

Further to what was detailed in the previous chapter, the belief in apparitions is found in every culture and civilization known to man. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, had strong beliefs in the existence of spirits and their ability to appear as apparitions. In Roman culture, ancestor worship played a significant role in daily routines as well as decisions, and the spirits of deceased ancestors were revered and thought to provide guidance and protection.

During the Middle Ages, the belief in apparitions – not surprisingly - became intertwined with religious beliefs. The Catholic Church recognized the possibility of souls appearing as apparitions, and some accounts of saints, such as St. Thomas Aquinas or St. Francis of Assisi, reported encountering apparitions.

In the Victorian era, a surge of interest in the paranormal and spiritualism led to a proliferation of ghost stories and accounts of apparitions. Spiritualists claimed to communicate with spirits, and seances were conducted to contact the deceased.

Famous Stories of Apparitions

The stories below are detailed in Chapter 4. The following is simple and brief description of apparitions.

The Brown Lady of Raynham Hall: This famous apparition is believed to haunt Raynham Hall in Norfolk, England. The ghost is said to be the spirit of Lady Dorothy Walpole, who was locked away in the house by her husband. Numerous witnesses, including members of the British royal family, have claimed to have seen her apparition.

The Ghost of Abraham Lincoln: Numerous reports and sightings have claimed that the ghost of former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln appears in the White House. Witnesses have described seeing his apparition or feeling his presence in various rooms, including the Lincoln Bedroom.

The Tower of London Ghosts: The Tower of London is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in England, with several apparitions reported. Famous ghosts include Anne Boleyn, the executed wife of Henry VIII, and the ghostly figure of a headless drummer boy.

The Bell Witch: The Bell Witch haunting is a well-documented case of an apparition that plagued the Bell family in Tennessee during the early 19th century. The entity, believed to be the spirit of a witch, tormented the family with physical attacks, strange noises, and disturbing visions.

These are just a few examples of famous stories associated with apparitions and we have many stories to tell you in upcoming chapters.

Theories on the Nature of Ghosts: Energy, Souls, or Psychological Phenomena?

The nature of ghosts has been a subject of intrigue and debate for centuries. Various theories attempt to explain the phenomenon, often falling into three main categories: energy-based theories, soul-based theories, and psychological theories. The following will explain the different theories on the nature of ghosts:

Energy-Based Theories:

Residual energy, also known as residual haunting or residual energy haunting, refers to the theory that certain locations or objects can retain and replay energetic imprints of past events or emotions.

Definition: Residual energy is believed to be a form of psychic imprint left on the environment or objects due to intense emotions, repetitive actions, or traumatic events. Rather than involving conscious entities or spirits, residual energy is considered a non-intelligent haunting.

Energy Imprints: According to the theory, when a significant event occurs, especially one that is emotionally charged or repeated frequently, it can leave an energetic imprint on the surroundings. This energy is thought to become imprinted on the environment, much like a recording, and can be triggered to replay under certain conditions.

Playback Phenomenon: Residual energy hauntings often involve the repetitive playback of past events. This replay can manifest as visual phenomena, sounds, smells, or even tactile sensations. Witnesses may experience a sense of reliving or witnessing the event, even though the original participants are not present.

Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors are believed to trigger the release of residual energy, allowing the replay of the imprinted event. These factors can include specific times of day, changes in temperature or humidity, electromagnetic fluctuations, or the presence of certain individuals with heightened psychic or empathic abilities.

Non-Interactive Nature: Unlike intelligent hauntings where entities can interact with the living, residual energy hauntings are typically non-interactive. The events replay in a repetitive manner, often regardless of the presence or actions of individuals witnessing the phenomenon.

The Stone Tape Theory: The Stone Tape Theory, proposed by British archaeologist and parapsychologist Thomas Charles Lethbridge, suggests that certain materials, such as stone or water, could absorb and store energy. This stored energy can be released, resulting in the playback of the past event.

Timelessness and Perception: Residual energy hauntings are often described as being outside the confines of linear time. Witnesses may feel as though they are glimpsing into the past or experiencing a moment frozen in time. Perception of the phenomenon can vary, with some individuals experiencing it more vividly than others.

Scientific Exploration: The study of residual energy hauntings falls within the realm of parapsychology, where researchers investigate and attempt to understand the phenomenon using scientific methods. These studies often involve measuring electromagnetic fields, conducting environmental monitoring, and gathering witness testimonies to analyze the nature and characteristics of residual energy.

While residual energy hauntings offer an intriguing explanation for certain paranormal experiences, the phenomenon remains subject to ongoing research and investigation. Scientists and paranormal researchers continue to explore the mechanisms behind residual energy and the conditions that trigger its manifestation, seeking to uncover a deeper understanding of this fascinating aspect of the paranormal realm.

Soul-Based Theories

Survival of Consciousness: One prevailing theory suggests that ghosts are the disembodied spirits or souls of deceased individuals. According to this view, when a person dies, their consciousness or soul may continue to exist in some form and can occasionally interact with the living or the physical world.

Unfinished Business: Some theories propose that ghosts remain on Earth due to unfinished business, unresolved emotions, or a reluctance to move on to the afterlife. These theories suggest that ghosts may linger until their objectives or emotional conflicts are resolved.

Psychological Theories

Hallucinations and Pareidolia: Psychological theories propose that ghostly encounters are subjective experiences resulting from a range of factors, such as hallucinations, pareidolia (the tendency to perceive meaningful patterns in random stimuli), or suggestibility. These theories suggest that ghosts are psychological constructs rather than external entities.

Memory and Perception: Certain psychological theories suggest that ghostly experiences may be attributed to memory recall, altered states of consciousness, or perceptual distortions. They propose that the mind constructs the perception of a ghost based on internal cognitive processes rather than external stimuli.

These theories are not mutually exclusive, and multiple factors may contribute to ghostly phenomena. The field of parapsychology continues to explore and investigate these theories, utilizing scientific methods and empirical research to better understand the nature of ghosts. That all being said, due to the elusive and subjective nature of the phenomenon, definitive conclusions have yet to be reached and, let's face it, may never be reached.

In a nutshell, beliefs about the nature of ghosts vary across cultures, religions, and individual experiences. Theories on the nature of ghosts offer different perspectives and explanations, reflecting the complexity and diversity of human understanding and interpretation of paranormal phenomena.

Residual Hauntings vs. Intelligent Hauntings

The following is fairly important in that it gives readers a jump start into ghost science. The world of the paranormal is vast and complex, filled with various types of hauntings that have perplexed and fascinated humans for centuries. Two primary categories that researchers and enthusiasts often encounter are residual hauntings and intelligent hauntings. While both involve the presence of ghosts or spirits, the nature and behavior of these hauntings are fundamentally different. Understanding the distinctions between residual and intelligent hauntings is crucial for anyone wishing to learn more about the mysteries of the supernatural.

Residual Hauntings: Echoes of the Past

Residual hauntings, often referred to as place memories or stone tape theory phenomena, are akin to a replay of a past event. In these hauntings, the spirit or ghost is not actively aware of its surroundings or the presence of the living. Instead, it appears to be a recording of a specific moment in time, playing out repeatedly without interaction with observers.

Characteristics of Residual Hauntings

The most defining characteristic of a residual haunting is the repetitive nature of the phenomena. The ghost or spirit will perform the same actions, at the same time or under the same conditions, over and over again. This could be a soldier marching through a battlefield, a woman descending a staircase, or a child playing in a room.

Lack of Interaction: In residual hauntings, the spirit does not acknowledge or interact with the living. It does not respond to questions, attempts to communicate, or changes in the environment. This lack of interaction supports the theory that the ghost is simply an imprint of past events.

Environmental Triggers: Residual hauntings are often linked to specific locations with significant emotional or traumatic events. The theory suggests that these intense moments leave a psychic imprint on the environment, much like a recording on a tape. Natural elements like quartz or limestone are thought to enhance this effect, possibly storing the energy of the event.

Famous Examples of Residual Hauntings

Gettysburg Battlefield: Numerous reports of ghostly soldiers marching, cannon fire, and battle cries have been documented at the Gettysburg Battlefield. These apparitions and sounds are believed to be residual echoes of the intense and tragic events that took place during the Civil War. (Detailed in Chapter 4)

The Tower of London: The ghost of Anne Boleyn, seen walking the corridors or standing by a window, is often considered a residual haunting. Her apparition appears to be a replay of her final days before her execution. (Detailed in Chapter 4)

Intelligent Hauntings: Spirits with Awareness

Intelligent hauntings, on the other hand, involve spirits or entities that exhibit awareness of their surroundings and can interact with the living. These ghosts appear to have retained their consciousness and personality, and they often communicate or respond to the actions of those around them.

Characteristics of Intelligent Hauntings

Interactive Behavior: The most prominent feature of an intelligent haunting is the spirit's ability to interact with the living. This can include responding to questions, moving objects, or making noises to attract attention. These spirits seem aware of the present moment and the people within their vicinity.

Purposeful Actions: Unlike the repetitive nature of residual hauntings, the actions of spirits in intelligent hauntings appear purposeful. They may try to convey messages, warn of danger, or seek assistance from the living. Their behavior can be unpredictable and varies based on the individual spirit’s intentions.

Emotional Presence: Spirits involved in intelligent hauntings often convey strong emotions, such as anger, sadness, or protectiveness. This emotional intensity can sometimes be felt by those experiencing the haunting, creating a profound and sometimes unsettling atmosphere.

Famous Examples of Intelligent Hauntings

The Amityville Horror House: The Lutz family, who lived in the infamous Amityville house, reported numerous instances of intelligent hauntings. These included physical attacks, disembodied voices, and apparitions that seemed aware of and hostile towards the family. (Detailed in Chapter 4)

The Winchester Mystery House: Sarah Winchester reportedly built her labyrinthine house to appease the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles. Visitors and staff have reported interactions with ghosts who seem to be aware of the house's layout and the people within it. (Detailed in Chapter 4)

Key Differences and Implications

The primary difference between residual and intelligent hauntings lies in the level of awareness and interaction exhibited by the spirits. Residual hauntings are like recordings, with no consciousness or interaction, while intelligent hauntings involve spirits that are aware and capable of purposeful actions.

Understanding these differences is crucial for paranormal investigators, as the approach to each type of haunting varies significantly. Investigating a residual haunting may involve studying the history of the location to understand the recorded event, whereas investigating an intelligent haunting requires attempts at communication and understanding the spirit's motives.

Residual and intelligent hauntings represent two fascinating aspects of the paranormal world. Residual hauntings offer a glimpse into the past, replaying historical events like echoes across time. Intelligent hauntings, meanwhile, provide compelling evidence of spirits with awareness, capable of interaction and communication.

Whether one believes in ghosts or remains skeptical, the stories and phenomena surrounding residual and intelligent hauntings continue to captivate and mystify. They challenge our understanding of reality and the afterlife, inviting us to explore the unknown and ponder the possibility that the veil between the living and the dead is thinner than we might think.

Ghost Encounters

Ghost encounters are experiences where individuals report sightings, interactions, or other unexplained phenomena involving spirits or apparitions. These encounters can be intriguing, awe-inspiring, or even unsettling, as they