Orbs and Rods are They Really Paranormal?

Photo of Orbs By Henny van der Swaluwe courtesy of wikimedia commons 

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Orb_op_echtheid_controlren.JPG

The one thing we can almost always count on in most paranormal online groups, is photos of orbs and rods. What are orbs and rods one might ask and, how do they fit into the paranormal field? Well, an orb is best described as a round spot of light that is not visible but is captured on a still or moving film. They do vary in size, form, color, clarity, intensity and are a delight to a lot of amateur ghost hunters and a few professional paranormal research/investigation teams as well. However, most investigation teams will not document an orb as evidence on an investigation. Some do believe that an orb is the spirit of one who is deceased but has not crossed over to the other side yet and is still earth bound. Many people believe that an orb is energy of a deceased one's spirit, angel and sign of other paranormal entities. Orbs have also been known as globes, balls of light.

Alien "UFO" Rods at Harewood House, captured on a warm spring afternoon in 2005 

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alien_%22UFO%22_Rods_at_Harewood_House_-_geograph.org.uk_-_67473.jpg

Now let's move on to rods. What are rods? Well, in the world of the paranormal, rods are like orbs except for their shape. Also, rods seem to leave a tail of light behind them as they streak across the film area. Believers say that a rod is a intense amount of energy a type of strange bug we can´t see with our eyes or even beings of another dimension, also known as ultra-terrestials. Many believe that a rod is proof of the existence of the paranormal because rods seem to leave a trail of light behind them and they see to travel at very fast speeds. Rods are also captured mostly on moving film and camcorders. Rods are also know as energy rods, light rods and swimmers.

As I mentioned before, most investigation teams will not mark a orb or a rod as evidence of the paranormal. The reason for this is simply that, there are very many particles of dust in our air. We have very small particles of moisture, fungal spores, plasma, wood dust, plant material, skin cells, rock particles, sot and so on. We have also have seen insects that have shown up on film as orbs and rods, on top of this are the optical effects that cause orb or rod like shapes to appear. Being a paranormal investigator myself, I always decline to accept a rod or orb as evidence of the paranormal. As I said, there are just way to many particles of whatever in our air and, when one takes a photo, or taping a film the light from the flash and any other light source will be is reflected off of that particular particle whatever it may be.

I have several times been shown photos of orbs, and then when the orb in the photograph is blown up it seems to show images within them, more often then not I would say this is regular parodelia where our mind look at the uneven parts within the image and makes out patterns and organize them into figures in our mind, making them look like horned orbs, numbers of 666 and every other form on the earth can be found in this kind of orb footages.

To be honest about it, I have never seen any photo that would give me any reason to think  the orb or rod in the photo could be the energy of a spirit that is still earth bound. Like I explained in my entry What is Paranormal?, once the paranormal is proven, it will no longer be no more paranormal simply by the word's definition.

If anyone has any way to prove that an orb is of paranormal nature, PLEASE feel free to contact me at waikikiblogboi@gmail.com  If you only have a photo of something that says it has it's own light source then, please do not waste your time or mine. If you have a video of a speck of something that changes direction, pleas do not send me that either. Things like that have long been explained. I do not want to cause an orb war here and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. If you have anything that can change my mind about orbs, please send it my way.

Of course just because orbs and rods are impossible to use as paranormal evidence does not mean that every orb and rod caught on photo or video is not of a paranormal origin, the problem lays in the fact that it is so many things a orb photo can be, and the same goes for rods.

A Dream with The Dead Brother of My Boyfriend

 Illustration Dream Woods, 2007 by TJ

Dear Paranormal Corner, the story "Talking With a Dead Friend" reminded me of an experience I had 40 years ago when I was 17. 

I had met a guy and began to date him one month after his older brother had committed suicide. I had NEVER met him. A week after we started to see each other I laid down for an afternoon nap. During my nap I dreamt I was walking home from high school, when from across the street I saw a scruffy long haired man dressed in this funky green, itchy looking sweater. 

This guy walked right up too me,looked at me directly in the eyes and said "Your going to be with my brother for many years, you are too care for him, he needs you now." I didn't know this guy and said "Okay?" With that he walked away! I stood there thinking how weird was that? Then I awoke, still really puzzled! 

A few days after that my new BF took me to meet his sister. She brought out a family photo album and showed it too me to get familiar with the family. As I flipped through the pages, I saw a photo of the man in my dream, dressed in that funky sweater!!!

I asked" is this a photo of Steve? Jude said "Yes Jana, how did you know, I thought you'd never met him?" I then told her my dream and she said "Oh,I believe you. Steve also visited me in a dream, in mine I was in an old house I used to live in where Steve would visit.

Many times we would discuss suicide." In my dream,the doorbell rang and it was Steve, I was cleaning and saw him at the door, when we hugged, I suddenly remembered he had died! I asked him what it was like to die? (Steve jumped from our famous Aurora Bridge and died from a burst aorta). Steve replied" It was quite a shock at first, especially when I realized I wasn't dead! I was shown Jude that it's just wrong to kill yourself and they let me come too tell you that and that I'm okay but now must come back to finish my mission on Earth. 

Then Jude woke up. That boyfriend and I ended up staying together until we were 30 years old and I could no longer help him. I know I spoke to a dead man and he told me the truth. Mahalo, Jana

Weekly Whisper #4 Terry Dietrich

Tell Us About Terry Dietrich.

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I love photography,  I have for a very long time.  I got involved with the paranormal about 7 yrs ago. I was at the Jenny Wade house in Gettysburg, Pa and got some Orbs in a photo. There was a medium there and I ask her about them. From there one thing led to another and we became very good friends and, I learned a lot from her. The more I learn, the more open I became and my interest also grew. I now go to Gettysburg just about every weekend and go on a investigation just about every Saturday night with one group or another.

Please Tell Us About Some Of The Experiences You’ve  Had

One experience I had was a Sat. night at Devils Den. It's a big pile of boulders on the battlefield. My wife and I were walking around and three ladies past by they had black hupe skirts on and black bonnets, carrying lanterns with candles in. As they past I waited until I thought they could not hear and ask my wife if she noticed anything odd. She said no but ask why I said that, I told her not one of the ladies were living. I can sometimes pick up on that. We turned and the ladies were just standing there staring at us. It was a look I'll never forget.  I know there was no way they could have heard me. As we walked around people were talking about these ladies saying they would not show up in a photo and if you got near them they just vanished in thin air. 

Devil's Den at the Battlefield: Ladies and Orb

I did get a photo with one of the Lady's (above) You see one lady standing there and the lantern on the ground. Later two of the ladies were walking in front of us and I took a pic only the flame from the candle showed up. If you look where the ladies should be there is a orb (below) I have had many things happen but that night was very strange.

Devil's Den at the Battlefield

Sach's Bridge - Walking Apparition

One place I go too a lot is Sach's bridge it's just out of town. It's a covered bridge that was here during the war there have been many sightings and evps, all forms of paranormal things happen at the bridge. Two photos that are among my favorites are from there. I got this figure on the bridge walking in front of me (above) and a horse with a rider going in the bridge (below)

Sach's Bridge - Horse with Rider

In the area that I live in Gettysburg is a very hot spot. People ask all the time where is the best place on the battlefield to get something paranormal to happen. I really don't think there is one place better than a other. I believe if you just go out looking, keep a open mind, show respect and have patience and, any where is good.

Can You Tell Us A Little About The Equipment That You Use.

My equipment is very simple. First Is a open mind. I believe that is very important. If you’re with a group or alone. Also have respect for those around you living and in spirit and for your surroundings try to leave things the way you found them. Cameras I use a Nikon D50,Canon SD1200 IS, and a Olympus D-535.I also use a Olympus WS400-S recorder,  I use a K2 meter now and then. The most used piece I have is my Dowsing rods there cheap and very useful. You really don't need to spend a lot. You can use a cheap point and shoot I've even used disposable and had results.

Do You Have A Web site Or Web Page That You can Be  Reached At ?

For those interested I have a Facebook page @ http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=759249263 and I'm also on MySpace @ http://www.myspace.com/peaveydude 

What Would Tell Someone Who Wants To Get Started

With Paranormal Photography Or Paranormal Investigations In General?

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As I mentioned earlier I think the most important thing to have are; a open mind, respect and, patience. Just go out and have a good time. Most people I run into are very friendly.

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The Haunted Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Midlothian, Illinois

 Orb by the Bachelor's Grove by N.L Mennella

Todays article was sent to us by N.L Mennella, in Midlothian, Illinois

Six years ago, I decided to check out Bachelor's Grove, the famously "haunted" abandoned cemetery in Midlothian, Illinois. I've lived near it all my life but never saw it, despite all its haunted claims. From a lady in white searching for her child to mobsters bodies being thrown in the pond;  this place had many a story.

I was a complete skeptic of the paranormal at the time but tried to stay as open minded as I could. I brought my 35mm camera and my digital and took off.  It has been told that you will get evidence of any kind when shooting photos at the Grove, no matter what. Well, I was there alone during the daytime and all I was getting was mosquito bites and heat rash while taking photos; I decided to investigate on a hot humid July day.  I was there for a good hour when it started raining, so I headed back to the parking lot on the other side of the cemetery.

I got to the middle of the woods and decided what the hell, even though I don't believe in spirits, let me thank them for letting me "visit."  So I stopped and said "thank you."  I started to walk again and suddenly heard whispers. I turned around but no one was there. I started walking again and heard the whispers again, this time a little louder.  I stopped, turned and said, "Is someone trying to communicate with me?"  Silence.  As I walked away I swore I heard "welcome..."  I just shrugged it off and went to have my film developed.  It was probably just some kids playing around the area or on the local bike path.  It was a little strange but nothing to set me running.

I had my film developed and brought it home. All the pictures where of the tombstones, pond, trees-nothing out of the ordinary.  As I was putting them away one picture of the pond caught my eye.  A strange orb is seen floating above the water.  I studied it and studied it, but I couldn't explain it.  Was it a spirit?  Did I actually catch a "ghost" on film?  Or was this a fluke, a malfunction of the camera or the film?  I was baffled, and I am to this day.  Here is the picture;  I will have you decide. I have been to Bachelor's Grove half a dozen times since, but have not captured anything else on film.  Hmmmm....
Maybe this was the spirit saying you're welcome?

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Talking With a Dead Friend

This is the single strongest event in my life that propelled me into believing in the paranormal. I have always been interested in the paranormal since grew up in Gettysburg, PA, next to the Gettysburg Battlefield, but notting like after I had this most earth-shattering experience, and experiences that followed like The African Violets only strengthened my belief in the paranormal, I will also give my thanks to James for helping me fix the english in my entry.

Several years ago, I had a friend who I was very close to. We ran around together and we did almost everything together. Usually when you saw one of us you saw both of us. My friend had a key to my house that I shared with my family, as my family considered him to be part of our family and he could come and go as he pleased. The point is we were always together.

One night in early December, I was asleep and all of a sudden woke up at 2:12 am. I had a very strange feeling inside of me. I didn't know what was wrong with my friend, but I knew something was indeed wrong. I got dressed and went to my car and because our town had a few all night places that were open I started looking for him not really knowing why. After about two hours of driving around and looking for him with no luck of finding him, I returned to my home and got ready to get back in bed.

I got up and went to work the next morning, and I just had a very strange feeling inside of me all day at work. He knew when my break was and almost always called me while I was on break, but today there was no phone call from him. I was working a split shift that day meaning that I worked my regular eight hour shift then I had a three hour break and then went back to work to finish the next shift. I live only 10 minutes away from my job so I went home during my break and tried calling his house. His father answered the phone and told me he had not seen him all day but that was not unusual at all, so I hung up the phone and walked into my room and in my room I thought I heard him say “I'm sorry but I had to go. I didn't want to go but I had no choice”. I shrugged that off and just thought it was me being stupid. However, to be honest, we had just gone 16 hours without talking to one and other and for him and I, that was almost unheard of. I went back to work and finished the next shift, and it seemed like the shift lasted forever and the entire time I just could not help feeling so upset because I just knew something was wrong and very wrong at that.

After my shift was over I went straight home and ran upstairs and called my friend's house again. Once again his Father answered the phone and once again I aske if my friend was at home. His father replied by telling me “no he was not home yet”, and even he was getting concerned because by this time it was 11 pm. My friend's mother took the phone and told me she was going to start calling around to see if she could find him because even though most times he would stay at my house, it was not like him to not at least call home and let her know where he was and that he was ok. His mother told me that she had just assumed when he didn't come home the night before that he was at my place.

At that point, my friend’s mother said to me, “Hey, hang on a minute. The doorbell just rang and maybe it is him because he is always misplacing his key.” I said, “ok, sure”, and I heard her put the phone receiver down . About 30 seconds later, I heard my friend's mother scream so shrill that I could have sworn she was standing right beside me. My heart began to race as I now was sure, very sure that something was very wrong. I tried to hear what was being said but all I could hear was my friend's mother crying and she kept saying “NO ... there must be some mistake. Not my son.” Finally, my friend's father came to the phone and explained to me that the doorbell ring was the state police and my friend had been found dead about 2AM that morning and that he died in a car accident. For some reason it took the police almost twenty-four hours to notify the family.

Well, I was devastated to say the least, and the next few days seemed like a year for me, and I didn't even know what I was doing half the time. I remember my friend’s father asking me to help carry my friend to his final resting place and I did that. After the funeral was over, I collapsed and was admitted to the hospital for several days.

Eventually, life started to return to at least somewhat normal. About two years after my best friend’s death, I was at a convenience store in town about 11 pm. I paid for my stuff, and I was talking to the clerk in the store when I happened to look out the store window. In the store parking lot was my friend's car.

I started to walk away, and I heard my friend call my name. How could this be? I mean, he has been dead for two years. I turned around and there he was walking toward me. Starting to shake, I said, “Who are you? You are not suppose to be here.” He said, “Oh really? Well I though you of all people would be happy to see me dude.” I was the only person he ever called dude but he use to call me that all the time.

He told me that yes, it was really him and that he had come back to tell me something. He informed me that even though it was him, he was still dead sorta. but that he couldn't finish his journey without letting me know that he was ok and that he knew it was really rough on me and his family when he died but that we all had to go on and we would all be ok, that is was just his time. Through my tears I ask him if he was an angel. He said no not yet because I haven't been able to cross over because you and my Mom just will not let me go.

I put a photo of him and me in his casket at his funeral. He actually took it out of his shirt pocket and wrote something on the back of it and gave it to me. It said... remember me this way dude. I am sure no one was as close as friends as you and I were. I miss you but I have to go now. You do not need to worry because I will always watch over you) He then hugged me and then it was like I woke up or something. However, I was not asleep, the clerk at the store confimed that she saw me talking to a young man when I let the store Now even I thought I had a very real dream, I was not asleep, i was not even home at the time. However, when I came to myself I was sitting at the kitchen table, with the grocery bags next to me, in my hand was holding the photo I put in his casket two years ago, and I never even remember even leaving my car.

I told a very good friend of ours about this experience. She told me that I most likely really did see him and talk to him even though he was dead. She stated it happens all the time to people. She looked at me and said “I was at the funeral with you. I was with you by your side when you put the photo in his casket. So, how else do you explain him writing on the back of the photo and you having it after you placed it in the casket two years ago?” She stated, “of course you saw him and spoke to him.” She also reminded me that the photo I was holding was the the original and that no copy was ever made.

Now, that was about 11 years ago and even now from time to time, I will see or at least think I see his car go down my street. or, I think I will hear him say nope don't do that or there ya go dude. they were two of his favorite sayings.

Think I am crazy? Well, think as you may but, I know my friend is still with me. Also I am not the only one to experience something similar, The Phantom Cross by Otterbeme comes to mind.

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The Falling Photo

The illustration photo is not of my aunt

In our family home in Gettyburg, PA, my Mother kept a photo of her sister in Baltimore, MD, hanging on the wall in the living room. She had it in a nice frame right on the wall for all to see. One night right before it got dark my Mother was sitting in her favorite chair and was talking about her sister (Sandy). She was explaining to me that she couldn't stop thinking her sister all day and she was going to call her before she went to bed that evening.

As soon as she said that, the photo fell off the wall and the glass in the frame must have gone into a thousand pieces all over the floor. The first thing my Mother did when it fell was she picked up the phone and started to make a call. I ask her who she was calling as I was carrying a broom and dust pan into the room to clean the broken glass up off the floor. My Mother informed me that when a photo falls off a wall that usally means that whoever the photo was of has just died and she wanted to call and make sure her sister was ok.

She dialed and then hung up saying that her sister's line was busy. As soon as my Mother finished telling me that our phone rang and my Mother answered it and she began to cry. After she hung up from the phone call she told me that it was a call about her sister. It seems he sister was at her home and suffered a stroke and fell down the stairs and died. It was not the stroke that killed her but instead it was the head injuries she had received from the fall.

I never was very superstitious but still after that, I do not hang photos of loved ones on any wall.

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