Paranormal Terms

Apparition- an image with distinct features that enables one to recognize it as a person or specific object. Typically associated with residual hauntings.

Ectoplasm- Vaporous substance, often white in appearance, sometimes forms into faces, limbs, or entire bodies of ghosts.

Electronic Voice Phenomenon- (EVP) recording on audiotape, videotape, film, or digital recorder for which there is no physical source. Most often, these voices are difficult to understand. EVP- (Electronic Voice Phenomenon)  A disembodied sound or voice that is caught on an electronic recording device that is not heard by investigators at the time of the recording.  EVPs are believed to be the voices of spirits that have been imprinted directly on the recording device by the entity itself.

Elemental- an angry or malicious spirit, also referred to as "earth spirits".  Elementals are considered to be ancient.

Extra- A shape or face that appears in a photograph supernaturally and cannot be explained away as fraud, developing flaws, or faulty film.

Haunting- repeated manifestation of strange and unexplained sensory events such as smells, sounds, tactile sensations, and hallucinations, said to be caused by ghosts or spirits attached to the locale.

Intelligent Haunting- Paranormal activity that takes place around a person or location that is caused by an intelligent or conscious spirit.  Best described as the spirit of an individual who has passed away but not crossed over.  The spirit interacts with people trying to make its presence known through repeated sights, sounds, smells, and the manipulation of objects.

Orb- Energy anomalies that are recorded on film, digital cameras, infrared monitors, and videotape. They have also been seen using night vision goggles. Considered the most basic form of a spirit.  Orbs provide the best evidence of a haunting.  Do be careful of photographing reflective surfaces as these can create orbs in a photo.

Poltergeist- from the German word poltern "to knock" and geist "spirit" this term is used to define a mischievous or malevolent ghost characterized by noises, moving objects, and physical disturbances.

Séance- Sitting organized for the purpose of communicating with the dead or to witness paranormal manifestations via the services of a medium.

Spirit Photography- Photos alleged to reveal ghosts, spirits, or spirits of the dead.

2007-2009 Lake Shore Paranormal