The Ghost Hunting Issue, Part 1

From spirit bottles to how to win the lottery, and, of course, ghost hunting, issue 82 of the Paranormal Review brings you the best writing and most interesting theories on parapsychological subjects.

Paranormal Review, 82 (Spring 2017)

EDITORIAL
We begin this issue with the President of the SPR, Prof. John Poynton, continuing his exploration of the SPR’s philosopher-presidents. In his President’s Letter he considers William James.

Dr Peter Hewitt presents another unusual exhibit from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall – the spirit bottle, or spirit house – for our Permanent Paranormal Object column.

Controversially, Steve Parsons challenges us to consider whether the Society for Psychical Research is still relevant to the needs of today’s paranormal investigators. On the other hand, one might ask whether the desires of today’s paranormal investigators are relevant to the Society for Psychical Research? Dr Sharon Hill takes the modern ghost hunter to task by criticizing the wasted effort playing pretend scientist. SPR member Ken Smith presents us with four ghost stories from the North of England, including a pink lady who turned white.

Titus Rivas and Anny Dirven present a new case of psychic reading given in the context of the best evidence presented to date. Drawing on his recent SPR conference presentation, Dr David Vernon asks whether using precall could help to win the lottery. The question may be tongue-in-cheek, but the research is intriguing. For different reasons, Prof. Eckhard Kruse argues that we should still investigate mediumship, even if we do not believe in it, and gives us seven reasons for doing so.

Prof. Adrian Parker concludes his interview with Brian Millar in ‘The Occult Life of an Extraordinary Ex-Parapsychologist’ about his interrupted career as a parapsychologist. Our regular contributor, Brandon Hodge, explores the use of light in the séance room and presents an object from the Lily Dale Museum.

Steve Parsons first presented his article at the SPR conference in Leeds last year and more recently at the last SPR Study Day ‘New Approaches to Ghost Hunting’. In our Letters section, Paul and Charla Devereux respond to the Study Day and Parsons’s appeal in particular.

I am also pleased to include the announcement of the SPR’s next conference and the call for papers. Finally, eagle-eyed readers may also notice the use of the new SPR logo, agreed recently by Council. ψ

Dr Leo Ruickbie
Editor

 

CONTENTS
4 President’s Letter
The President of the SPR, Prof. John Poynton, continues his exploration of the SPR’s philosopher-presidents with a look at William James.

7 Permanent Paranormal Object
Dr Peter Hewitt presents another unusual exhibit from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall: the spirit bottle, or spirit house.

8 What Have the Romans Ever Done For Us?
Steve Parsons challenges us to consider whether the Society for Psychical Research is still relevant to the needs of today’s paranormal investigators.

13 A Pink Lady, Shades of Grey and Other Ghosts
Ken Smith re-examines four ghost stories from the North of England, including a pink lady who turned white.

16 Sounding Sciencey
Dr Sharon Hill argues that modern ghost hunters are wasting their efforts playing pretend scientist.

20 Reading Previous Lives
Titus Rivas and Anny Dirven present a new case of psychic reading given in the context of the best evidence presented to date.

23 How to Win the Lottery
Dr David Vernon asks whether using precall can help to win randomized prize draws.

24 7 Reasons to Research Physical Mediumship
Prof. Eckhard Kruse argues that we should still investigate mediumship, even if we do not believe in it.

26 The Occult Life of an Extraordinary Ex-Parapsychologist
In the second of a two-part interview, Prof. Adrian Parker talks to Brian Millar about his interrupted career as a parapsychologist.

31 Announcement
The 2017 SPR Conference and call for papers.

32 Ghosts in the Machines
Brandon Hodge explores the use of light in the séance room and presents an object from the Lily Dale Museum.

34 Letters
Paul and Charla Devereux respond to the SPR Study Day ‘New Approaches to Ghost Hunting’.

35 Contributors

36 Help Build Your Society

The Paranormal Review is part of the benefits of being a member of the Society for Psychical Research.