The Current Debate Part V:The Infrared Spectrum and Implications for Paranormal Investigating

See Parts I, II and III of the Current Debate under July 2010 heading, Part IV under January 2011 heading to learn about AC vs. DC power, atoms and electrons, and a description of how electricity works in the human body.
By Robin M. Strom-Mackey"The Infrared spectrum may be important to ghost hunting because this area of the electromagnetic spectrum seems to be, according to Steiger, where the greatest number of paranormal manifestations occurs."

A Simple Explanation of Electromagnetic Energy

Electromagnetic energy is a combination of electrical impulses and magnetic force coupled together. The two forces move together in waves. The lower end of the spectrum has looser waves with the crests further apart. At the low end of the spectrum, and not shown on this graph are the Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electro-magnetic fields of AC power, which we use to power most of our electric appliances. Above that (shown below) are the Intermediate Frequency Fields (IF) with the wave crests closer together. This is the radio wave and microwaves portions of the spectrum. The infrared spectrum is just below what is visible light to humans. Just beyond the visible light spectrum are the ultraviolet rays. Undoubtedly you’ve heard of ultraviolet rays in connection with using sunscreen on a hot day. These light rays are faster moving and thus have more energy which can be harmful to exposed flesh.

Electricity can be static. For instance, when you break the electrical circuit by turning off a light switch, the electrons that would normally be shifting down the circuit from one atom to the next stall out and merely rotate around their own nucleus. Magnetism can also be static. Consider the magnets you use to pin important pictures to the refrigerator. However, when electricity and magnetism become coupled, and when one of these forces change, it causes a change in the other force. Both begin moving together in waves -electromagnetic waves. The magnetic and electric fields of an electromagnetic wave are perpendicular to each and to the direction in which the wave is moving. Electromagnetic waves appear impervious to such concerns as gravitation or friction. Once created, an electromagnetic wave will continue moving forever unless it becomes absorbed by matter (nasa.gov).

The Infrared Spectrum and Implications for Paranormal Investigating

Infrared light has a wave range just as visible light. The wave length of the farther region of infrared (i.e. closer to microwave) are about the distance of a pin head. Nearer the visible light spectrum, infrared wavelength is about the distance of a one celled organism. The infrared light band can be divided into three regions: Near IR, Middle IR and Far IR depending on their wavelength measurements. The infrared waves in the Far IR region are thermal in nature. Hence, while we cannot see infrared waves as visible light with our eyes, we can feel it in the form of heat – or thermal radiation. The warmth released by a radiator or the heat coming off a sidewalk on a hot, summer afternoon are examples of infrared waves. Thermal IR cameras work in this region recording the thermal heat waves. The NEAR IR waves emit light waves versus heat. (Nasa.gov)

The infrared spectrum may be important to ghost hunting because this area of the electromagnetic spectrum seems to be, according to Steiger, where the greatest number of paranormal manifestations occurs. Many cameras, both video and still, come with the ability to work in near darkness using an IR setting. It should be noted that these cameras work in only the Near IR region, that region closest to the visible light spectrum that we can see with our eyes.

Many digital cameras are still sensitive to both the visible light spectrum and the Near IR region, even when not placed in a specific IR setting. This can account for photographs taken that show an anomaly not witnessed when the photograph was taken.

To determine if your camera is sensitive to Near IR light waves, Haunted Chicago suggests using a TV remote. The end used to direct the television works on the Near IR spectrum. Thus, when depressed and pointed toward a camera the light rays should be visible if the camera is sensitive to this region.

The thermal properties of energy given off by Far IR infrared waves, might also account for temperature fluctuations that are reported so often during or slightly before paranormal manifestations. Odd fluctuations in temperature are often noted during paranormal activity – in particular odd cold spots. According to Steiger these cold areas can demonstrate a measurable drop of anywhere from 10 to 40 degrees. It should be noted that during this temperature dip, temperatures don’t fall throughout the entire building, nor even the entire room, but appear to be localized to one small area. Steiger accounts for this oddity by explaining that entities are attracting to themselves the “condensation of free electrons in the environment. (Steiger, pg. XI).”

By free electrons Steiger means the naturally produced air ions. These ions are created when an atom of a natural gas loses one of its electrons, creating a positively charged molecule and a negative free floating electron. Steiger seems to suggest it is the gathering of these “free electrons” by the entity that it uses to fuel itself. Steiger contends that the movement of dispersed electrons to a specific spot would cause the momentary feeling of chill in the surrounding areas. It is also why many investigators use ion detectors during investigations.

The third similarity, Steiger contends, is found in the infrared spectrum, the area just below visible light.

Based on research and discussions it appears that entities, ghosts, spirits etc. are more sensitive to being seen in IR light than UV light. This is in line with another theory that ghosts move very quickly through our space. A high speed object would be better illuminated with a low frequency/long wave light source than a high frequency/short wave source. It is also possible that whatever the composition of ghosts is (including ectoplasm) is more sensitive to reflecting IR light.

Resources
Electromagnetic Spectrum (1996) http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/dir-013/_1941.htm
Retrieved January 6, 2011.

Jennifer. Infrared Imagery Springfield Paranormal Research Group

http://springfieldparanormal.net/ir.htm Retrieved January 7, 2011

Layton, J. How Does the Body Make Electricity - and How Does It Use It? http://health.howstuffworks.com/human-body/ Retrieved January 11, 2011.

Magnetic Flux Definition http://www.answers.com/topic/magnetic-flux#ixzz1AMTK2txP Retrieved January 7, 2011.

Rowlett, R. How Many? A Dictionary of Units of Measurementthe University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/dictG.html retrieved January 6, 2011

Steiger, B. (2003) Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits and Haunted Places

Visible Ink Press. Canton, MI.

The Electromagnetic Spectrum: What are Electromagnetic Waves? (2007) http://science.hq.nasa.gov/kids/imagers/ems/waves2.html Retrieved January 6, 2011

The Appearance on Electronic Video Capture Devices of Anomalous Images That Are Normally Not Visible to Humans. (1998-2002) http://www.hauntedchicago.com/research.htm. Retrieved January 7, 2011.

Types of Electromagnetic Fields http://corrosion-doctors.org/Voltage/electromagnetic-def.htm#various_forms Retrieved January 6, 2011.

Using Alternate Light Spectrums for Paranormal Investigations (2003-2011) Long Island Paranormal Investigators. http://www.liparanormalinvestigators.com/light.shtml Retrieved January 7, 2011.

Electromagnetic Energy Disruptions and Paranormal Activity

By Robin Strom-Mackey

Brad Steiger in his book Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits and Haunted Places explains briefly that documentation over years of paranormal investigating have repeatedly reported three distinct similarities: electromagnetic field disruptions, temperature changes and infrared spectrum manifestations.

Probably of no surprise to seasoned investigators are the documented occurrences of low-level electromagnetic field disruptions. These mainly fall between the 3 to 100 mliligauss (Mg) range the lower range wherein our own bioelectric bodies function. He believes these fluctuations are the, intangible “biomagnetic” field that comprises a “ghost (Steiger, pg. XI).” Basing his theory on the work of Brian Schill, (The DNA of Ghosts) he suggests that when a body dies, the bioelectric energy they possess is released. Remember, if you will, the scientific theory that energy is neither created nor destroyed. If this is true than the energy produced by our bodies may depart in the form of low frequency raw electromagnetic energy that usually disperses into the local environment. However, under unusual circumstances [my emphasis] this same energy may,

“’through covalent bonding, remain in the local environment and attach itself to a certain place or object that the person was attached to in life, or any place that has an electron deficit . The energy may, upon rapid release from the physical body (such as an accidental death tragic situations, or a rapid natural release, etc.) coagulate within the local environment over a short period of time, perhaps only a minute or two, and amass to such a degree that the greater portion that was originally in the body has now become self-aware outside the body (Schill).’ Psychological forces of conscious will may also trigger this type of reaction. When self-awareness occurs, there is generally a degree of confusion because of the new form that the person is in, one of pure energy rather than a physically manifested body (Steiger, pg. XI).”

These low-scale electromagnetic disturbances, occurring at the outset of paranormal phenomena might further explain why electronic devices suddenly stop functioning.

Resources

Steiger, B. (2003) Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits and Haunted Places

Visible Ink Press. Canton, MI.

The Use of Dowsing Rods in Paranormal Research

By Robin M. Strom-Mackey

When I pull out my dowsing rods at an investigation I get a mixed reaction, from those extremely interested in their use to those who feel the rods are useless and wonder why a paranormal researcher would bring a tool for finding water to a paranormal investigation.

A little research into the subject shows, however, that dowsing rods are an ancient tool that have been used to find, not only water deposits, but minerals, metals and petroleum. At the same time they’ve been used by occultists as a tool of divination. And yes, many paranormal researchers are incorporating them into their investigations.

The rods are a tool used by the dowser to tap into energy sources, which are believed to be channeled through the user’s subconscious, and manifested by the movement of the rods. Carl Jung, noted Swiss Psychiatrist theorized that the subconscious was the portion of our psyche capable of tapping into the collective human pool of knowledge. It’s also the portion of the psyche many believe capable of picking up and interpreting psi or ESP information. In other words the rods are thought to be a tool that reads messages from the user’s subconscious, and is therefore divining that which the user directs it to divine.

If you would like to learn how to make your own dousing rods, click the link below 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgf-xOE8QEM&t=188s

Spinning Rods and Yes/No Communication

In the About.com article by Stephen Wagner entitled, Dowsing: Subconscious and the Paranormal, Director of Western New York Paranormal of Rochester. Dwayne Claud explains, “researchers will often use these instruments to demonstrate through a physical means a reading of spiritual energy.” For example, the dowser will ask the instrument to ‘show the energy in the area,’ and their pendulum or rod will spin. The faster the spin, the more energy that is registering in the area.

Another way to use the rods is as a form of Morse Code communication with the spiritual world. The user can set simple parameters of communication and then ask a series of questions, the simplest allowing for yes/no responses. For example a yes response is often the rods crossing, while a no response is the rods uncrossing. I’ve often seen dowsers use the uncrossed position as a neutral position as well, directing the rods to return to the uncrossed position in between questions in readiness of the next question.

Using an EMF detector to measure the electro magnetic energy in the area can further confirm any unusual energy fields. Therefore, it’s usually recommended that the rods be used in conjunction with an EMF detector. The Long Island Paranormal Investigators group list dowsing rods on their website as a tool they incorporate in their investigations. The group gauges the range of dowsing rods as reactive to energy fields 0 – 2 feet away from the user, and estimate that the field increases up to a ¼ mile, if a body of water is in the surrounding area. The article also suggests that while the rods can be made of any type of material, such as wood or metal, that users seeking electro magnetic field anomalies should use rods made of metals.  

Holding and Working the Rods

No rods? Most experts agree that rods can be made as easily as purchased, although many apparently believe brass to be the metal of choice. Several suggested bending metal coat hangers into a L-shape. Obviously a piece of wood in a Y shape can also be pressed into service.

When using L-Rods, the rods should be held with hands as flat as possible, not tilted, so that gravity can’t be counted as a contributing factor in the spin or movement. Hands should be loose around the rods so as not to restrict their movement in any way. Brian of Nature Sprite.com suggests in his video that arms should be held straight out from the body, so that the rods don’t pick up the user’s energy. He further instructs the user to use the index finger to curl around and hold the rod just below the bend, and to rest the handles against the palm of the hand. The hands should be held about 9 inches apart with the palms of the hands facing each other vertical to the floor. The dowser can either walk about with the rods in order to test different areas of the environment, or stay in one spot with the rods and invite whatever energy is in the area to come to them.

Learning and Calibrating the Rods

Several sources suggest that some type of meditation or prayer is necessary before using the rods. Whatever the user’s spiritual background, all the sources I found agreed that the user should be in a relaxed state before attempting to use the rods Sherry Sims, in the article Dowsing Rods on Spiritual.com contends that the use of the rods is not a matter of control but of channeling. When using new rods she suggests the user ask the rods what is a “yes” response and which a “no” first, allowing the rods to dictate to the user the way in which they should be used. Sims says that after each question and response the user should thank the rods mentally for answering.

It has already been established that the rods can be used for yes/no communication. Sims suggests that after the yes/no signal has been agreed upon by user and rods, that the new dowser should then warm up to the use of the rods by asking simple, direct, non-emotional questions such as, “is today Monday?” or, “is my sweater blue” She indicates that the questions need to be specific. For example instead of asking the rods whether or not you will buy a new car, ask instead if you will buy a car in the next three months. It is important that the dowser be unemotionally attached to the question, in order to not direct the rods but to allow them to channel for the proper response.

In the Wikipedia article “How to Use “L” Type Dowsing Rods” by of Jack H et.al. you can train or test your ability to use dowsing rods. Make a few number cards, and then place them on the floor, face up, in a line with the cards about 1-2 feet apart. Starting at one end of the line, hold up the rods as indicated and ask the rods to identify one of the numbers with a yes response. For example, you might ask the rods to give a yes response over the number three. Walk slowly down the line until the rods give you the correct yes response for the number.

Next, close your eyes and visualize the number you would like the rods to find. Again walk down the line and wait for the yes response, pausing over each one and see if the card you requested is the one to which the rods respond.

Finally, take the cards and shuffle them randomly, placing them face downward on the floor 1-2 feet apart. Visualize or ask the rods to find a number, and walk the line pausing over each card. When the rods give the signal for yes, see if the response was correct. If the rods are not responding properly the author suggests several reasons; either that the user is not relaxed enough, is holding the rods improperly, is psychically challenged or is simply too skeptical of their usage.

Cheats and Sneaks?

I’ve spoken with many investigators that have gone on ghost tours and seen amazing things that left them questioning the validity of the experiences. A question that seems to come up on message boards and blog sites often, is whether the rods can be cheated. To them I say yes, certainly it is a simple thing to cheat with the rods. A simple, subtle flick of the wrist, hardly noticeable by watchers, can set the rods spinning. Again, before seeing is believing one should confirm activity with an EMF detector. However, we are a society mired in scientific dogma, believing anything electronic must needs be more reliable than divining rods. Before putting all your faith in EMF detectors, please note that these too are easily cheated. EMF detectors detect electricity - any electricity. That includes live walkie talkies and cell phones. Put a live walkie talkie in your pocket and move a K2 meter in front of it, and voila you’ve got spikes. I would suggest if you pay the price of admission at one of these ghost tours you consider what you experience as entertainment not valid spiritual activity.