Today I find myself contemplating science and the supernatural. The following are things that I tend to ponder as I navigate these otherworldly waters.....

The Phenomenon of Apparitions: A Cognitive Perspective

Our quest commences with the exploration of purported ghostly encounters. In the annals of skepticism, we navigate beyond spectral narratives to unveil the cognitive nuances that may underpin such experiences. Are these haunting tales manifestations of our perceptual intricacies rather than ethereal entities?

Electromagnetic Forces: A Nexus Between Science and the Paranormal

Venturing further, we delve into the realm of electromagnetic energies. Could the unseen forces that permeate our surroundings trigger apparitions and religious visions? As we examine the magnetic pulses that influence our temporal lobes, we question whether the true hauntings reside within the synaptic pathways of our brains.

Illusions of Agency: Evolutionary Psychology and the Supernatural

In the theater of the mind, evolutionary psychology takes the stage. Our innate inclination to attribute agency to events may be the cradle of beliefs in ghosts, angels, and deities. Is the human mind predisposed to perceive the supernatural in the mundane? This inquiry opens the door to understanding the interplay between evolution and our interpretations of the unknown.

Lycanthropy and Psychological Projections: Unraveling Dogman's Tale

Shifting our focus, back to yesterdays post we scrutinize the archetype of Dogman and the ancient concept of lycanthropy. Could these tales be projections of our deepest fears and primal instincts? We navigate the intricate web where folklore intertwines with psychology, questioning the origins of these mythical beings in the collective imagination.

Navigating the Thin Veil: Modern Encounters and Collective Belief

As we navigate the tapestry of modern encounters, the thin veil between folklore and psychology becomes apparent. How do shared beliefs contribute to the manifestation of supernatural entities? In a world inundated with storytelling and media, the line between fact and fiction blurs, adding layers to our collective consciousness.

The Intricacies of the Human Mind: A Reflection on Dementia

Our exploration extends to the profound effects of diseases like dementia on the human brain. As we seek to comprehend the supernatural, we confront the complexities within ourselves. Can understanding the enigmatic nature of the mind bring us closer to unraveling the mysteries that lie beyond the tangible realm?

A Balanced Quest for Truth: Skepticism and the Supernatural

In our pursuit of truth, we traverse a path where skepticism converges with belief. Acknowledging the inherent power of the human body and mind does not negate the possibility of supernatural occurrences. Instead, it invites us to explore the unknown with a discerning gaze, recognizing that the quest for truth is a delicate balance between the tangible and the ethereal.

As we collectively embark on this intellectual odyssey, let us engage with open minds and critical thinking. The pursuit of knowledge is an ever-evolving journey, and in the synthesis of diverse perspectives, we may uncover profound insights into the intricate dance between the supernatural and the human psyche.

Welcome back inside the Caravan, where we delve into the mysterious realms of the supernatural. In today's exploration, we turn our attention to the enigmatic figure known as Dogman, peeling back the layers to reveal the psychological dimensions that may intertwine with tales of lycanthropy.

The History of Lycanthropy:

Lycanthropy, the mythical ability of a person to transform into a wolf or a therianthropic hybrid creature, has deep roots in folklore and legends. Stories of werewolves have traversed cultures, from the European werewolf trials to Native American skinwalker tales. These narratives often evoke fear and fascination, sparking questions about the psychological underpinnings of these mythical beings.

The Psychological Projection:

One intriguing angle to consider when exploring entities like Dogman is the concept of psychological projection. Could the tales of encounters with Dogman be projections of our own fears and primal instincts? The mind has a remarkable ability to manifest images and entities based on collective fears and beliefs.

Fear as a Catalyst:

Fear has been a powerful motivator throughout human history, shaping our perceptions of the unknown. The fear of the wild, of predatory creatures, and of the darkness itself might have contributed to the creation of entities like Dogman. These projections, whether through folklore or shared experiences, become a way for our psyche to make sense of the fears that lurk in the shadows.

Manifestation through Belief:

The power of belief in the supernatural is a force to be reckoned with. It has been suggested in various studies that shared beliefs can lead to shared experiences. In the context of Dogman, communities that share similar beliefs may inadvertently contribute to the manifestation of these entities through a collective consciousness.

Modern Encounters and Folklore:

As we examine contemporary encounters with Dogman, it becomes essential to distinguish between folklore and potential psychological manifestations. Modern storytelling, fueled by the internet and media, can amplify these tales, further embedding them in our collective consciousness.

Navigating the Veil:

Here in the Caravan, we plan to navigate the thin veil between folklore and psychology, unraveling the mysteries of Dogman and lycanthropy. Whether these entities exist in some supernatural realm or are projections of our deepest fears, their presence in our collective narrative remains a fascinating exploration waiting to be traversed.

Who doesn't love a scary story, gathering around a campfire and retelling sasquatch encounters. Sleepovers filled with bloody Mary dares or sneaking into abandoned haunted houses. 

Be it you feel a hand brush through your hair or a whisper in your ear when you know your the only one in the room. Perhaps you have seen a shadow dart across the wall from the corner of your eye.

By this point in my life all of the above scenarios have become fairly benign. I feel extremally lucky to be in the paranormal community and know so many people who have had similar experiences. It took me until about 2015 to find my tribe. In fact I have been so submerged within this world that I find it more strange to encounter those whom have never even blinked at some of these subjects. 

But what if you find yourself coming to a point where you  fear you may be to weird, to be weird. What if those things you thought were shadow entities or ghosts where something completely different.

I remember watching tv shows like Vampire diaries or True blood where the "mundane" or "muggle" individuals would come to a point where they realized that not only did vampires exists, but so did werewolves, faeries etc. An awakening. 

If there is one thing I have come to understand it is that the truth has always been right in our face. We just weren't seeing it, at least not until we were meant too. 

This is what I find myself going through right now. A transition from experiancer to a word I rather not say. A word I do not even want to type- Contactee. 

Typing this right now, is an act of bravery for me. I do this in the hope that one day, if someone else finds themselves standing where I stand now, that it eases their transition. 

Two days ago I underwent a hypnotic regression to take a deeper look into an experience I had when I was 7 years old. Since then certain moments of my life have flashed before my eyes, like a flip cartoon at the bottom of the pages in a book while simultaneously puzzle pieces fall out of the sky and create a clearer picture of something deep down, I have always known.  

As I get ready for Ireland, I find much information flowing to me. I go about my day and spirits seem to whisper of their presence in certain locations. I lay my head down at night and dream of events long past. The first vision I had was after reading the itinerary:

"DAY 5
July 5, 2022 After a lazy morning in preparation for tonight, we head out to St. Declan’s Monastery, one of the earliest monastic sites in Ireland which overlooks her seas. We dare you to follow us to the Cork City Gaol, known to be one of the country’s most haunted properties! Later taking a boat ride to another spine-chilling ghost hunt (sleep with ghosts) overnight at Spike Island Prison Park, Ireland’s own Alcatraz!."

As I read the words "Sleep with ghosts, overnight at Spike Island" there was an overlay, I was still reading but what I was seeing in my mind, was as if I were already there. I stood on the grounds in the center of the island, outside. A woman wearing a dress and old tan colored shoes appeared. However it was only the bottom of her skirt and her shoes desperately trying to gain ground beneath her, that I could see. She was being hung and did not make it. A little boy then runs by in outdated clothing. I stand there, watching replays from the past when my attention is grabbed and drawn to a doorway. Within the doorway, down a hall and within the shadows stands a Man. He waits and he watches. Then the vision has ended. 

Nights go by, hotels are booked, meetings have came and gone. I purchase some clothes just for the trip and find myself once more looking at the itinerary. The Maldron Hotel. 

I look at the photos, it seems so new, clean and sharp. What does it hide and hold within its walls? I close my eyes and I see myself placing my hand upon it on the outside before entering. It looks much different than, to what it does now when I close my eyes. I see nurses and a town that is grateful for this building. My heart feels sad and I want to cry, I see the lights go out and darkness. Time stands still. 

A pull for further research washes over me, The North Infirmary was its former name but even in looking at the photographs, even hearing about the buildings transitions, something, hides. What is it. I sit in silence for a moment and I see a swimming pool. I find as well on their website that they do indeed have one. Then I try my best to find any kind of old map showing the wards in the hospital and what was located were. I have no such luck. 

It was then, I had a vision of how best I might be able to communicate with the building and the spirits that still reside there. 

The water -but why? Why was water important? What does water have to do with spirits and psychic abilities? I dig around as best I can in all the nooks and crannies of my brain, "remember" I tell myself. "There was something about water and psychic abilities wasn't there?" However I cannot recall and so I took to google. The first article I found was actually posted by Haunted Journeys which is associated with the company (Mysterious Adventures Tours) putting on this very, Ireland tour. I took it as a sign from the universe that I was indeed on to something. (Read the article HERE)

After learning from the article about the life force in water and how spirits could use this life force, I decided to have some conversations with some dear friends who have been in this field for a very long time. I never thought about it until it was brought up, but so often people, when they are in the shower can sense or feel a presence just on the other side of the curtain. And what about the water that sits next to your bedside? No matter if you have a cap on it or not, you take a sip and tastes....off.  All night long we dream, could our dreams or our nightmares seep into the water within that glass? it brings me back once again to Dr. Masaru Emoto who conducted the water experiments, showing how our thoughts could actually change the molecular structure of water. 

So does it all come down to vibration and energy? If it does, if we can change the molecular structure of water with a thought, with energy. What else can happen? Can water store this energy, the memories, could this be why our dreams effect the water beside our bed? I think of the different movies I have seen, where they are looking into a cup or bowl of water. The water changes and an image appears, it can be the now, or the past and even the future. Which takes us right into Scrying. 

Scrying is the art of gazing into a reflective surface be it a mirror or water for the purpose of divination. Scrying is mentioned in the bible in regards to Joseph. In ancient Persia there was a 10th century epic that spoke about a cup that the kings were able to use to "observe all seven layers of the universe."

So what secrets, stories or memories  could water in a haunted location hold and how would one best access this? 

I intend to find out. 
 

The Scotland highlands evoke an ancient and mysterious emotion. The peaks and rolling green hills beckon. In times past, many men would venture into the forests here and encounter these beings, the Baobhan Sith. With long flowing hair and green dresses that would covered their feet , these beautiful women would come out of the forest at night while the hunters would be enjoying themselves by their fire. Dance with us they would encourage only for these men to meet their deaths. You see unlike traditional vampires these beings bore no fangs. It was their nails that could transform into claws that would rip the unfaithful man apart. Legend has it that any hunter whom was married and unfaithful or whom did not honor his kill properly would meet his demise by the hands of the beautiful baobhan sith. The only way to tell the difference between a human woman and this creature of the night was their feet., as their dresses covered the deer hooves they walked upon. 
There are many creatures of the night that I do so adore and the vampire will always be close to my heart. With myths and legend going back centuries to the stories and teaching of the real living vampyres of today. "Real and Living Vampyre?" you may be thinking, why yes dear reader and as it turns out you may just be reading the thoughts of one right now......

You know where to find me if you shall need,
two dirt roads  near the reeds. 
A handful of dead mans dirt
a drop of blood,
don't worry it wont hurt. 
Black cat bones and two small stones.
Proceed with caution
proceed with care
The Crossroads
you can find me there. 


​Lady Ann

From automatic writing to channeling- I used to receive spirit communication often. I  was a teenager and attending a weekly healing group where the knowledge and help was abundant. After settling down and having a family I took time away from my spiritual interactions, at least I had tried. Some experiences still came forth but nothing deeply initiated by me, that was until now. 

Through my recent studies I came across an author who had written about the art of scrying. Rosemary Ellen Guiley. Rosemary was a leading expert in this field. She had written over 50 books and even created an event called the Necromanteum which was a guided black mirror gazing event that helped introduce people to the art of scrying.  Unfortunately Rosemary left this world on July 18th 2019. 

It was not but 4 days ago now, at the time I am writing this that I received not only Rosemary's book "The Art of Black Mirror Scrying"  but my own obsidian mirror.  I made it to page 13 and I began to remember an experience I had a year ago. It was my birthday and I had received one of those bath bombs from a company called Lush. I have always loved their products as they use natural earthy ingredients. Well, one of those bombs was the black rose. 

With candles lit I let the black rose descend into the water, completely turning it black. I lay there relaxing for a time, 6 candles lit. 3 burned out. It came to a point when I had sat up and something caught my eye. I cannot exactly explain what happened, except for the fact that I felt myself instantly fall into a meditative state. I ran my fingers lightly across the top of the water, gazing into the pure blackness that surrounded me. It was then, that I could feel not a single presence but multiple as if there were a small crowd around me. According to Rosemary's book this would be known as Hydromancy. 

I must admit I became afraid and I pushed myself to move, out of the meditative state. Standing and exiting the tub, draining it and turning on all the lights. This memory over took my mind as I read the words on page 13. I forgot that I was reading as I sit there remembering. I knew this was a message and so I drew a bath. 

lighting 8 candles I brought the book with me and I slipped into the bath. There was mention of my great grandfather James VI King of Scots. Apparently he was very much against anything related to witchcraft, it made me wonder about all of my ancestors. Whom were vastly against it and who deeply practiced- if anyone.  

I reached a point of pause and blew out all candles but one. I placed the book in a safe place, grabbed my obsidian mirror and returned into the bath.  Part of me thought that since this was the last location I had an experience that maybe, this would be a good location to revisit such an attempt. As I slipped back into the water, I closed the curtain. I gazed into the mirror and immediately I could feel a presence. It was a male presence that felt familiar.

Recently I have been tying up loose ends in regards to a spirit I believe is attached to the property where I currently reside.  In all honesty it was so real and intense that I closed the session. Turning out on the light, covering up the mirror and blowing out the candle. I would revisit my attempt the following night. 

It was on this night that the results surprised me. 

Setting everything up similar to before, I lit one singular tea light. The candles I had lit before were larger votives. This offered the perfect lighting. I called upon the energies and beings that I do before I do any type of spiritual work. I believe it is important to have an opening ritual before attempting things such at this. I gazed and the mirror slowly began to develop a depth it had not yet had. Within this depth stars began to appear. Small, white, blue lights that moved as if I was standing underneath a clear night sky. It was beautiful, I was in awe. This was when I felt a presence- one that felt familiar to me once more. However this was not the man from before, this was the energy of the pleadians. Beings I had worked with long ago. 

I felt at peace, that was until I saw what looked like fog or mist slowly "spilling" out of the mirror. At this point it was no longer, at least in my mind a one way viewing experience. This confirmed that it can indeed be a very real two way street.  My inner emotions went from peace to surprise and again I decided this would be the point in which I would thank the energies that came and close the current session. 

I took a night off last night but I plan to return to the mirror later this evening....

​You know where to find me if you shall need,
two dirt roads  near the reeds. 
A handful of dead mans dirt
a drop of blood,
don't worry it wont hurt. 
Black cat bones and two small stones.
Proceed with caution
proceed with care
The Crossroads
you can find me there. 


​Lady Ann

A couple of years ago,  I remember waking from a dream that was so real and so impressionable I never forgot it.  I recall standing in a baron field with a two story farmhouse off in the distance. Everything was dead , the trees had no leaves and all the grass was gold and brown.  I didn't move like we do here in the waking world, it was as if I was floating and teleporting.  I entered the house and the first thing I saw was a set of stairs. Then I was in the attic. 

In the attic it was as if I was opening my eyes from a dream,  I was standing, without shoes  looking down, I saw a man wearing white. Almost like a yoga outfit, loose fitting, light weight. He was speaking in a language I could not understand. There were symbols on the floor and yellow powder. I remember he looked up at me and when his eyes met mine I felt as if he could stare directly into my soul. 

The man only looked at me for a moment, then went on doing whatever it was he was doing. I felt dismissed almost as if I had happened upon this moment, this place, on accident. I moved away from him and looked around the room. It was empty, the  floor boards were cracked, the paint chipped off the walls and there was a window. The window was akin to those you see in the old western movies, where it has the wood around it and the cross of wood in the middle, creating 4 sections. Only this window, had no glass. 

I was drawn to it, I walked over forgetting all about the man and the symbols. I looked out and took in everything that I could. I felt it was important, I needed to try and understand more of where I was. Again, a sea of golden brown dead grass, a broken down rusty car. It felt as if I was in the mid west but in another world altogether. 

Then that was it. The next day I remember seeing faces, come out of the darkness when I closed my eyes, it was only for a brief second like a flash. They were male faces, painted with white markings. 

I recount this dream to you tonight because two nights ago I had another dream. This other dream was so vastly different but for some reason something is almost wanting me to join the two together. The dream the other night, I remember being inside my house, a man appeared with blond hair and blue eyes. He was tall and his hair curly, we spoke but I do not recall the conversation, he brought me a green powder I was suppose to use. I do not know for what however, yet it almost seems like it was for protection. Than I woke up. 

Maybe these dreams mean nothing, maybe they are fragments of all my research and tv shows that I have watched during the day or even that week, coming together in my own little movie. Or perhaps maybe, they  are signs. 

You know where to find me if you shall need,
two dirt roads  near the reeds. 
A handful of dead mans dirt
a drop of blood,
don't worry it wont hurt. 
Black cat bones and two small stones.
Proceed with caution
proceed with care
The Crossroads
you can find me there. 


​Lady Ann

Come in, come in. Step up into the caravan, warm yourself by the fire. Take this towel to dry your hair, the rain has not let up in days. Would you like a cup of coffee? Or perhaps tea? I shall tell you a story while you drink. 

I have been traveling and reading for so long it has kept me away from the  blog. Recent events however have brought me back to check in with you.  A huge thank you to Heather for keeping you all updated on our adventures and travels.

Do you know what synchronicities are? Significant events that seem to have no connection but feel as if they are a sign, coming to tell you or lead you somewhere? Or perhaps even of confirmation you are on the right path. 

This month has been full of these, in fact I think I will be letting them lead me on my next adventure. I have been working on a project with Grimshaw, he works over at KPNL Radio. He  has a new blog called Case Files. Something came across his desk the other day, the location was The Stanley Hotel.  You can read this entry here. 

At first it seemed like any other case, there are many haunted locations around the world especially within the united states. I noticed however that this particular experiencer has also shared multiple other locations, one of which was also not far from the Denver airport (which houses many conspiracies itself). Within the past month, I had been wondering what might be in Colorado to explore. 

You see, Denver is a pretty common layover spot. On my way home recently from Ohio, upon landing in Denver, I had wished to stay so I could explore the airport more and discover what else might be near.  So this particular case, piqued my interest. 

I took note of the locations and looked into staying at The Stanley, I even picked a date and put it in my hopper app. Tickets have changed from 97.00 to 71.00 to a current 57.00 almost beckoning me, to book the flight. That day I had also messaged The Stanley to see what their availability might be for their "Spirited Rooms"  

I have not yet heard back, as life has been a whirlwind for us all but something significant happened. Two hours after sending my message to them, I had been watching Supernatural. I am new to the series and had made it to season 2, so two hours later I was on episode 11 of the second season. This was called "Playthings" I couldn't believe it as there were multiple references to The Shining in this episode. How synchronistic right? Well fast forward to the next day, (now I want to add in, that the only other person whom I had spoken to about all of  this-up to this particular point- was my sister who has plans to go with me.) Upon waking I was checking my messages on my phone. I saw that I had been tagged on Instagram which doesn't happen to often. There it was, another Stanley Hotel sign not only was I tagged in something dealing with the hotel, but it was a hotel stay giveaway itself! No, I did not win, as I was half asleep and didn't read everything and it was to late to enter but still a significant sign. 

So, will the caravan end up at The Stanley Hotel? Will the Ghosts of the past be willing to have a drink with me? We shall see, I shall keep you updated, here of my travels and what messages I receive from the other side.

Now, are you finished  with your drink? Please, hand me your cup. Ahh, the crescent moon, look here. Do you see that? The crescent moon symbolizes the need for introspection, it is time to go within, and over here the oak leaf, a very lucky sign indeed.  Yes, tis time we part dear traveler. Heed the message of the crescent and rest within the oak. 

You know where to find me if you shall need,
two dirt roads  near the reeds. 
A handful of dead mans dirt
a drop of blood,
don't worry it wont hurt. 
Black cat bones and two small stones.
Proceed with caution
proceed with care
The Crossroads
you can find me there. 


​Lady Ann

It has been a while, traveler! Welcome back to The Caravan! I am relieved that our paths have crossed again. Step on up and ride along with me for a bit, I have a story to share with you...perhaps you would even be willing to play a little game with me?

As you may already know, recently I stole away Lady Ann to join me for a few days in and around the foothills of the Appalachians. We went on many adventures during this short visit and brainstormed many more adventures to come. Perhaps you joined us on our final night together. A night of communing with the spirits...or attempting to, anyway. Ouija boards and card games. Have you ever played such games in the dark? Were you there to play along with us that evening?

Aside from the Ouija boards, we opened a little black book filled with pages dipped in crimson. A book that promised to show us something new...a forbidden game. Of course, we found one worth our time. Oddly enough, the game that seemed perfect for us (and of which we readily had the components) was The Playing Card Game. Without going into too much detail, we used a standard deck of playing cards to perform cartomancy in an attempt to see if any entities were around us that evening. 

The suits of the cards are key here. Diamonds represent ‘maybe’ while Clubs mean ‘I don’t know.’ Spades indicate ‘no’ and hearts convey ‘yes.’ Before the game can begin, one must light some candles, use a bit of salt, and shuffle the cards the appropriate number of times. Then, the test truly begins. First, you must ask the cards if anyone is willing to play with you. If a spade appears, the game must end post haste. The deck must be destroyed. If any other suit appears, however, it is (relatively) safe to continue speaking with the other side. 

Lady Ann and I were able to have some communication with an entity that claimed to be an observer, watching our behavior after we spent some time in a haunted location. The story of that night, however, is for another time. 

Now that I have you here, traveler, let us try this game together. Perhaps we will have similar fortune as Lady Ann and I did. Let’s stop the horses for a bit and climb into the vardo. I have all we need ready to go. (I had hoped to run into you soon enough.)

Don’t be alarmed. I took the liberty of having the game setup prior to your arrival. The initial ritual has been complete. I just need you to sit opposite of me. 

Excellent.

Now...focus...you are going to be the one pulling the cards this eve, so be careful! Above all else, though, be RESPECTFUL!

Are there any spirits willing to speak with us this evening?

Move your hand over the cards, palm down, until one calls to you.

Did you find it? Yes? Turn it over.

A spade! Oh, dear traveler, the game is over before it has begun! I should have known better. Forgive me for dragging you into this too soon!

Quickly, now! Blow out the candles! Give me the deck. I will destroy it appropriately. We must go at once. We cannot stay here tonight...



Until next time,
Heather







​
Further Reading:
“The Playing Card Game.” Dangerous Games to Play in the Dark, by Lucia Peters, Chronicle Books, 2019, pp. 186–193.