Ghost Worlds

I've never met a ghost and I don't really want to, but I am fascinated by the stories and the theory behind the supernatural phenomena. I ask people to tell me their ghost stories. My fellow ghost enthusiasts discuss things like why they stay and whether ghosts are bound to the land or to the people who see them.[return][return]Melba Goodwyn's “Ghost Worlds: A Guide to Poltergeists, Portals, Ecto-Mist, & Spirit Behavior” is a practical guide to ghost manifestation and haunting. The term “practical” has to be taken with a pinch of salt because most people think that believing in ghosts is not something that should be categorised under the term “practical”. [return][return]Moving past that “Ghost Worlds” is a surprisingly easy and engaging read. I expected a book full of complex spiritual and scientific theories. Goodwyn approaches the subject from her background as a parapsychologist and paranormal investigator who is inclined towards the spiritual aspects.[return][return]The first chapter asks, “Do you believe in ghosts?”[return][return]Those who believe in ghosts also believe that they are created of two very distinct energy systems that combine to form one unit - physical, which is condensed energy; and spiritual, which is ethereal energy. Our ability to manifest as a ghost is based on our spiritual body's vibrational frequencies. What does this mean?[return][return]A chapter further in described our existence as such:[return][return]”Our physical bodies exists due to the electrical impulses that keep it energized - the essence of our soul. when we die, we stop breathing and everything that was energized by the electrical charges in our bodies ceases to function. End of story?”[return][return]The electrical impulses have to go somewhere, Goodwyn writes. Since energy cannot be destroyed, it is transformed into ghosts or spirits. This electromagnetic form is able to communicate with us, although it operates on a finer vibrational frequency than its previous form (aka human). This vibration theory is another point you're going to have to accept for the rest of the book to work. [return][return]I found that “Ghost Worlds” do cover a lot of ground. In a chapter is dedicated to haunted places (houses, taverns, cemeteries, hotels, theatres), she lists down reasons why those places are such popular haunts (heh).[return][return]There are various types of haunting, including what is called residual ghosts. These are not conscious entities, but a “recording” of an event where high amounts of emotional energy was released. The energy is trapped in the area or building, and appears during certain occasions and circumstances. These ghosts will not interact with the living any more than Angelina Jolie will notice you while you're watching her in Beowulf.[return][return]The chapter on haunted items, we learn about possible reasons why certain items may randomly attract your attention, and how other items can bring bad luck to its owner.[return][return]A few paragraphs were of particular interest to me because they were about books. The reason you get drawn to a particular book is because of your relationship with the “knowledge and wisdom” contained within. Books often reveal mysterious hidden messages for you alone, which will reveal itself in good time. [return][return]Almost everything Goodwyn described about acquiring books fitted me to a spooky T. Yes, I often find a book I wasn't looking for. Yes, I tend to leave new purchases on my shelf for months or years because picking it up and finding that it's the best book I've read in weeks. And yes, “Ghost Worlds” practically leaped out of the shelf (in a section that I don't normally browse it) and refused to let me leave without it. [return][return]Goodwyn's years of experience in the paranormal field means she has plenty of real life stories to support her explanations about things like poltergeists (which she insists are not ghosts), imaginary friends (did you have one as a kid?), shadow people and light orbs. [return][return]She reminds us many times throughout the book that she is clairvoyant and clairaudient, meaning she can see and hear ghosts, and that she also anticipated that some of us will be thinking, “This is hogwash” at various points of the book.[return][return]For budding ghost hunters out there, there are a couple of chapters dedicated to equipment, ground rules when exploring a haunted house, and how to conduct an interview with a ghost.[return][return]Overall, “Ghost Worlds” is a fascinating read for amateur ghost enthusiasts or those who are simply curious to read what an experienced parapsychologist has to say.[return][return]Meanwhile, a note to any ghosts out there would like to fling me more books I should read: please provide me with means of paying for it and I'll be happy to hear what you have to say.