So now that you have a very brief introduction to how I started the ghost hunting business I would just like to point out that whilst I label those who attend our hunts as mentalists, it is really more of a term of endearment.
ha!
Ok, so I mentioned that the thing that drew me to the paranormal was not so much wanting to see a ghost, but the irrationality of the whole paranormal subject, but more so the mediums/psychics/clairvoyants et al.
They hold a real strong interest for me in a psychological sense.
Are they good actors? I think a vast majority of them are. But what is more interesting is that a lot of them GENUINELY believe they have this 'gift' to be able to talk to the dead. I was not joking before when I asked if it could be a mental illness. I am, and will always research the subject heavily, but there are only so many books you can read without having to roll up the sleeves and meet psychic claimants, hence starting up the company.
I recall one of my first 'real-life' introductions to a psychic claimant.
We had organised an event at a small(ish) location in the North West, which had an apparent reputation for being severely haunted.
We had a small team and we had invited a woman who claimed psychic/clairvoyant and trance ability.
Now trance, is, for those who aren't aware, the ability to let spirits in and effectively 'take over' so the spirit can communicate using the hosts vocal chords.
Fans of Derek Acorah will already be familiar with this sideshow routine.
Half way through the ghost hunt and my notebook was full of claims by this medium, which I was to later research and discover that it was available, almost word for word on the internet. I was all but ready to give up hope of any entertainment for the evening when all of a sudden, the medium, who was sat on the stairs at this point (apparently the most haunted part of the building?) when she started breathing deeply.
Now, I thought she was launching into an Asthma attack, but no, it was much more fun than that.
2 minutes of heavy breathing and her face starts to scrunch up to what I can only describe as a bulldog chewing a wasp.
Then, in the dead of night, a booming voice came from her 'GET OUT'
Girls wept, car alarms activated, buildings shook.
Maybe not, but at the time it was for a split second rather disconcerting. Until my rationality kicked in.
She spoke no more, merely transitioned her breathing to normal and opened her eyes, with claims that she did not know what she said, but that she felt the spirit of a Monk had been close by her previously.
Now afterward, I conducted research on the history of the building and there was categorically no religious associations with the building what so ever. In fact, it had previously been used as a large private house.
Why do mediums and psychics always claim to be possessed by monks/important figures in life.
Where are all the peasants/commoners?
Why would a Monk, who is obviously an religious person of the highest order, come through and possess a woman and shout 'Get out'? Western religions, by doctrine veto any kind of spiritualist activity. They are forbidden to meddle or express any interest in the subject.(Please do not mention the 'Holy Ghost' you will have me ranting for hours!) So why would this religious 'spirit' go against this?
Quite simply, because it is bollocks.
And there ends my first encounter with a medium, and my first encounter with one who does 'trance' work.
