Research Brings Gifts...

Hi Tante Kati (German for "Aunt Kati")! I just moved into a new place and was told by the downstairs tenants that apparently our suite is haunted! One room specifically. The house is definitely old, probably at least 70-80 years. Do you know how I would go about learning more about the history of the place? Maybe you could come over and investigate it! I haven't noticed anything unusual going on, but I have only slept there one night so far since they are currently renovating it." Natasha, my niece, messaged me through Facebook one Thursday evening.

Of course I was intrigued, and wondered if the renovations would kick up activity. I would have to know more. With a few messages back and forth over the next few days, I received the address of the home and began my trek through the wonderful world of research. I let Natasha know that if anything unexplained occurred over the following week, to write it down, text me any time, and I would help as best as I could. I promised to get back to her within a week. A few days later, Natasha let me know her doorbell had rung with no one there, and she witnessed a shadow person, possibly a woman, looking at her.

Occasionally I receive visitations from spirits in my own home, usually the week prior to an investigation. It seems as if they know I am coming. Sometimes I get a feeling of whom it is, and other times I’m not sure. When I hear the footsteps on my bamboo runners, or the glass smashing in my kitchen, or knocks on my walls, I always rule out the obvious (living in a cement building transmits less noise than in other structures – I check thoroughly regardless). With the upcoming investigation at Natasha’s, I received a visit from what I felt was a female spirit informing me she was looking for someone. I read out the names of the families I had researched and landed on one that made absolute sense. I kept this information to myself.

The Importance of Standing Together - Family!

In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the family involved in this case, we have changed their name and location. This investigation took place in August 2014 around the time of the Super Moon.

Be Advised: VSPI does not stand in judgement of anyone. Most of us go through a period in life when we experience difficulties that become overwhelming, and we struggle to find our way out. Do some of these sound familiar? Teenagers rebelling against parents, illness and/or injury, bills piling up, loneliness and sadness, depression, loss of communication within the family unit, fear of change, loss of a family member and so on...
These are some reasons to stop and recognize what is going on within your family, stand together, and ask for help.
The following case describes a family that appeared to be overwhelmed and reached out for help. They are a lovely family, kind and generous; but were lost in what to do next.

Case: A client emailed VSPI seeking help. His family was plagued with activity in their home over the past few weeks, and it was on an up-rise. There was a story connected to a wind up music box, from an old country, but also significant that whatever it is may be attacking certain persons of the household.
I called immediately, listened, acknowledged, asked some questions and let them know their safety was most important to us. Mr. Smith (we'll call the family the "Smith's") sounded urgent, out of breath, and relieved that someone was responding quickly. He was trying to relay everything in just a few minutes, as if he could not believe it himself. A few points I noted was the Grandfather had an injury which put him in the hospital with internal bleeding, and Mr. Smith kept asking his daughter (let's call her Anne) for information of the occurrences in the home. From the telephone interview, I determined that Grandfather and Anne appeared to be the focal people in this case.

After getting the team together, along with a "sensitive" (or "medium"), we drove to a beautiful area where the trees stand tall, the air is fresh, waters rush down from the mountain, and people were splashing, and having fun in the community pool. Lovely!
Well, not so lovely after all. What came next was most interesting, and definitely filled with negativity. It was growing.

A Good Read - for Paranormal Enthusiasts

I've been engrossed in a book I picked up a month ago: "A History of Ghosts - The True Story of Seances, Mediums, Ghosts and Ghostbusters" - Peter H. Aykroyd with Angela Narth, 2009©.

It's been a great read so far, and reminds me of a book Lesli bought me for my birthday last year, "Poltergeist" - Colin Wilson. Both books refer to a number of the same mediums and paranormal investigators going back to the late 1800's, early 1900's; as well as the information they provide confirms their indepth research. That makes me happy, gives me the feeling that what I'm reading has been thoroughly investigated and confirms each other's findings. Therefore, I find myself following along with excitement and anticipation in what else I have yet to learn.

Yes, Peter H. Aykroyd is the father of Dan Aykroyd, the Canadian actor. According to Peter, his story of spending his childhood watching his family's parlor seances, inspired Dan to make the blockbuster movie, "Ghostbusters". How neato is that? For a parent to know his past experiences have touched their child's life, must be exciting. This is truly family. I know some of the choices I've made have been due to my own parents' experiences. It's a passing of family history.

The book is an easy and delightful read, filled with information and great short stories, as well as is extremely interesting and capturing. Not only does it contain "comments" and "end notes" of value, but also a list of "text sources" and "web sources" we can all check out. It is well worded, and about a subject I've been researching for a while. I tend to browse book stores everywhere I go, whether on vacation or during my weekly visit to neighbouring shops, and pick up on odd books here and there discussing stories/theories about the paranormal and spirituality. I've always enjoyed the touch of a books cover, smelling the paper filled pages inside, feeling each one, and thumbing through for anything that sticks out such as photos or titles on chapters. Books are great!

I'm on the 4th Chapter of this 5 Chapter book. It's definitely captured my interest, and I'm not rushing to get through it. I love to mark pages I wish to read again, and put little sticky notes on topics/paragraphs that hold information I want to research further. This book carries alot of interesting facts and accounts. I will definitely go through it many times again, and refer to the variety of information it provides, as well as share it with my partner. She's into reading as much as I am, and we love to the gift of sharing a good read!

If you have a chance, look for it, and check it out!

My sister Rose, was in Florida over the Christmas/New Year's vacation with her family. She was in an antique book store and picked up a wonderful read for me: "Ghosts in American Houses" - James Reynolds, 1965©. I am excited by this next read. It is filled with stories James picked up from lores and legends passed on. He's also shared his paintings within it's pages. He's a terrific artist! Thumbing through it quickly had me noting that some of the tales are from as far back as the early-mid 1700's. Just what I wanted to read! My sister knows me so well. I'll treasure this.

If you know of any great reads, let me know! I can always use another book! I'll add it to my ever growing paranormal library, and from time to time, blog about it.. so that everyone can catch onto this fever we share.

Happy Reading!
kati