Let's talk ghosts -

      As I have mentioned, I'm going to be making posts about things I find fun and interesting to talk about. One thing that has really been a huge interest is ghost hunting and paranormal investigations. One of my favorite movies growing up was The Blair Witch Project, well out of date now, but for the time of its release, we hadn't seen anything like what that movie did through marketing and cinematic execution. It was absolutely an impacting experience. You really felt like you were on an exploration with this mockumentary crew. I was about 11 or 12 when I saw it in theaters (with parental supervision, don't worry) and it forever changed me. I grew up watching Unsolved Mysteries and, much more tame, Scooby Doo. I was just always intrigued by the unknown and mysteries.

      Ghost hunting and paranormal investigations have always been an intrigue of mine. As a younger aspiring witch, I had many experiences growing up. When I was younger I would have premonitions through dreams that would come to fruition about 2 weeks later. From the Spice Girls breaking up (yes, I'm serious and I was a huge fan) to the time I got lice before going to summer camp. No one ever believed me even when it did happen, but nonetheless, the experience was still there. I grew up in a historical building for my area and had quite a lot of experiences there. The 90's had us playing with OUIJA boards like it was a family night party game. While it can be fun we definitely weren't taking protective measures. Not like I would now anyways. For some reason I remember it was taught to us to do 8 figure 8's on the back and then begin and do the same after saying "Good-Bye". Maybe that was our form of protection as nothing "bad" ever really happened to us because of sessions. 

    As I got older I was growing more curious about investigating. I've also learned how to protect myself from attaching spirits and entities (which I'd be happy to make a post about if you are all interested). Now, I understand many view the paranormal as straight up evil. I have to say that has not been my experience. I personally believe what you fear (deeply fear) is what you're going to attract to you. "You find what you're looking for" kind of thing. When I commune I like to keep it light, as if I'm talking to a classroom of peers trying to get to know them. Most spirits were people once. I find this has been received well. When I start getting things like "leave" or "danger" one too many times, then I respect it and leave the area.

      Then there are some who think that ghosts are not real (fair, but not sure why you're here lol). Then there are some that can totally validate what I'm saying. When I think of the spirit realm I feel a if it is a gossamer layer overlapping our world- what some call the "veil". I think that's why there is so much interaction or potential for it. I really am fascinated by the prospects that there is a whole world living atop our own. Of course there are bigger questions (we can totally discuss them in the comments or a later time), however I think on a simple level of it all, it's a wonder to behold.

      My partner and I like to roam cemeteries as they are usually quiet and away from the masses. A lot of them are very pretty like their own park as well. Recently I have taken to carrying some gear and utilizing apps to have conversations. I will post some screen shots of those conversations on my Into The Unknown > Images page. It really is a different kind of fun. If I had access to all this when I was younger, I think I would have made a career out of it sooner. It's just so wildly cool, real or fake it's all so interesting!

     I talk about ghosts because it was the first step into my spiritual path and it's the one I've held on to the strongest. Through seeing my loved ones who have passed and having someone running around aisles at work when no one is there, it's all so wonderous. There is so much about the world that we don't know or fully understand yet. Now mind you, I am a sciencey/"explain what i just saw in real terms" kinda girl before I jump to the spiritual explanation. I'm too rational minded to just assume it's spiritual. So just know when I tell you I've tried to find explanation for a lot of these things and just can't. If you know, then please tell! I'm always open to fresh views.

    Here's a list of some of my favorite compilation channels and investigators if you like "real ghost" footage.

• Nuke's Top 5
• Fearsome Top 5
• Midwest Ghost Hunter
• Project DarkKnight Horror

     A little disclaimer, I'm not associated with these channels personally, I just find their content interesting and entertaining to watch. Keep in mind, I watch these with a skeptical eye as well. But again, they are very entertaining at the very least.

    My next blog post is going to be about my personal ghost stories. I have 3 really good ones that stand out the most that I'll write up for you guys. So stay tuned! Thanks so much for reading. Please comment or reach out with discussion. I'd love to chat and get your perspective (even if it's the opposite, respectfully). Take care!