Poltergeists are associated with strange phenomena such as objects moving and flying without any visible cause, and the phenomena often center around a specific person or location.
The causes of poltergeist activity can be either natural, such as physical phenomena and misperceptions, or paranormal, involving spirits or recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis (RSPK) triggered by stress.
Resolving poltergeist cases involves educating and supporting affected families, addressing psychological stressors or deceptive behaviors if natural causes are identified, and considering interventions like exorcism or assistance for spirits if a paranormal cause is determined.
Deep dives
The Origin and Meaning of Poltergeist
The term 'poltergeist' comes from the German language, combining the words 'geist' meaning spirit and 'poltern' meaning to make noise or rattle. The term was coined in the 18th century and is more commonly used by English speakers than Germans. Poltergeists are associated with strange phenomena such as objects moving and flying without any visible cause, and the phenomena often center around a specific person or location.
A Case Study of a Poltergeist Encounter in a Vienna Workshop
In 1906, a poltergeist case was reported in a Vienna metal workshop. Objects were thrown and moved with no apparent explanation. Witnesses, including the workshop owner and an investigator from the Society for Psychical Research, confirmed the events. Investigation did not find evidence of natural causes or trickery. The phenomena continued even when apprentices were outside the workshop, ruling out prankster involvement. Physical tests, including examination by an electrician, found no signs of electromagnetic activity. The case lasted for several weeks, and injuries caused by flying objects were reported.
Exploring Natural and Paranormal Explanations for Poltergeists
Poltergeist phenomena can have natural or paranormal explanations. Natural causes include misperceptions, memory lapses, physical phenomena like tilting floors, and natural noises. Paranormal explanations include spirits, both human and non-human, and recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis (RSPK) by a living agent. RSPK is a form of psycho kinesis triggered by stress and frustration, typically observed in youth. Some poltergeist cases involve a combination of natural and paranormal factors.
Resolution and Assistance in Poltergeist Cases
Resolving poltergeist cases often involves education, counseling, and stress relief techniques. Investigators help families understand the phenomena and provide support. If natural causes or human agents are identified, appropriate actions can be taken, such as addressing psychological stressors or educating about deceptive behaviors. If a paranormal cause is determined, interventions like exorcism or assisting spirits in their journey may be pursued. In most cases, poltergeist phenomena tend to resolve on their own within weeks or months.
The Loss of Water on Mars
Mars's atmosphere has largely leaked away into space over time due to its smaller size and weaker gravitational pull. This has resulted in the loss of much of its water, which was carried off into space.
The Paradigm Shift and Resistance to Change
The scientific community has been slow to change its views on the existence of life on Mars, even in the face of mounting evidence. Scientists tend to resist changing established theories and may explain away evidence that contradicts those theories. However, a paradigm shift can occur when new evidence becomes overwhelming and forces a reevaluation and change of existing theories.
For centuries, people have reported strange phenomena of objects moving on their own, flying into walls, even injuring and killing people. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the phenomenon of poltergeists, what they are what causes them, and what the latest research reveals about them.
