December 21, 2004
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Season's Greetings and Happy Solstice, Ghostvillagers!
I've been thinking a lot about Santa Claus lately (I bet you wonder why, huh?). Santa was really my first brush with the supernatural. As soon as I could understand words, my parents told me about the great omniscient elf from the North Pole who could deliver toys to deserving children all over the world. And I believed. I believed based on faith in my parents and because there was evidence. On Christmas Eve, we left out milk and cookies and by the morning most of the milk was gone and bites were taken out of the cookies. One year, I even found a piece of torn red fabric on the fireplace doors. Clearly Saint Nick was in a rush and got snagged on his way out. I saved that fabric for years -- physical proof of Santa!
Collective faith in something is a powerful thing. Santa is real because we make him real. For as long as I live, I'll never forget the magic I felt through my earliest years. It's magic that I'm seeking to find in my own spiritual journey as an adult (okay, adult by age, not maturity level).
I've come to realize that spirituality by its very nature is an individual experience. We all have to find it for ourselves. Religious leaders may offer some insight or direction, but the road will ultimately be traveled by you alone. But I take some solace knowing we're all on that road. The journey is what brings us together. I'm trying to remember that when I get annoyed at close-minded evangelists or politicians who evoke powerful religious names in order to imply they have divine backing in their decisions, or people who ring my doorbell in order to try and test my faith.
2004 was an incredible year for Ghostvillage.com. A year of records, more people decided to make a home in our village than all other years combined! In our message board community, we have some new additions happening in the coming weeks -- new features, new sections, and more discussion than ever before. And just wait until you see 2005 -- I've seen the future, and it looks incredible -- I'm glad you're going to be a part of it.
Have a great holiday, a cool Yule, and a happy New Year -- I'll see you in 2005. Enjoy the rest of the newsletter below.
Supernaturally yours,
Jeff Belanger
info@ghostvillage.com
Mayor of Ghostvillage.com
P.S. My New Year's resolution is to get the opportunity to meet more of you in person (it gets me out of the house), to smile more (many think I'm crazy as it is, this will just make them wonder even more), and to quit smoking (I don't smoke anyway, so this one will be easy. I advise all of you to add a throw-away resolution to your own list -- you'll feel great on New Year's Day knowing you've already accomplished something).
| Find the Ghost and Win! |
The
"winner" icon on the left has been hidden somewhere on Ghostvillage.com. If you're the first to find it, email us
with the page it's on, and you win this month's
prize. The graphic could be on any page on the Web site (except in the message boards) -- maybe at the top of the
page, maybe the bottom, etc. Once we have a winner, we will
announce it on our home page as soon
as possible. By clicking on the "winner" icon within Ghostvillage.com, it should launch your email with the appropriate
subject. If not, email info@ghostvillage.com, and in the subject or body,
put the URL of the page you found the icon on. Good luck!
(Only Ghostvillagers who have not won a prize from us in the last year are eligible.)
This month's prize:
we're giving away another autographed copy of the newly-released The World's Most Haunted Places: From the Secret Files of Ghostvillage.com!
Didn't win? Want to buy a copy? Click on the graphic.
| ATTENTION Paranormal Investigators |
I'm editing and compiling a directory of haunted places and paranormal investigators from all over the world, and I'd like to involve as many investigators as possible. This is your opportunity to have your work, your name, and your organization's name published in a book that will be on the shelves in 2005. Please email me for more information at: info@ghostvillage.com.
Please contact me soon, as this book is coming together fast.
-Jeff Belanger
| Who's Who in the Town Square? |
>>anasuya<< - member since March 19, 2004What is your name?
Nicole Hanna
How old are you?
28
Where do you live?
Eastern Michigan.
How did you first hear about Ghostvillage.com?
Word of mouth. There are many supportive members who are proud to say they are a part of a site such as Ghostvillage and who willingly share it with others.
What role do you think religion plays in a ghost encounter?
I think faith in a higher power can often cloud judgment when considering paranormal phenomena. However, I understand that some feel there is a need for such beliefs, especially when personal safety is at stake. I've often heard many researchers suggest prayer or protective circles (depending on one's religious practices) during a spectral or ghostly encounter, and I have even done this myself. Later, however, I'm left to wonder if my personal faith perhaps altered my perceptions of the encounter in the first place. For example, there are many sects of Christianity that believe ghosts of any kind are evil or demonic and so, should such an entity appear, the subject is immediately afraid and could easily perceive themselves in danger without any activity to suggest that theory. In this instance, prayer would automatically play a vital role in establishing safety and security. For all we know, it's dear Aunt Myrtle coming by to say "hello". It's easy, however, to say there is nothing to fear... until the lights flicker and a cool breeze surrounds you, and you see shadows dancing on the walls.
Have you ever experienced a ghost?
There are several instances when I believe I've encountered a ghost. The most memorable occurred six years ago in the living room of my apartment. I was sitting at my computer desk, playing solitare and listening to the radio. It was midnight when suddenly my computer shuts itself down. The screen is black and the lights of the chandelier above me were bright. I could see my own reflection clearly in the glass of my monitor. Suddenly, while looking at the blank computer screen, I see a man walk across my living room towards the front door. He paused a bit, turned his head, and looked in my direction. When I turned around, there was no one there. I recall that, as I was searching my living room for this man, my chandelier began swinging and three of its four lights blew. The lamp across the room began shaking and that light also popped and went out. There was a noticeable drop in temperature, but otherwise, everything returned to normal. I slept with my lights on for the rest of the night, in a circle of pillows and blankets on my bed with a knife beneath my pillow. Oh, and yes, I was muttering prayers to myself all night long!
Do you have any New Year's resolutions?
No. I don't believe we should limit promises to ourselves nor to others to only one day a year. I've resolved to quit smoking, but I'm certainly not going to wait until January 1st to put into action those personal promises. I'm a month smoke-free today!
| Supernatural Library |
Lee Prosser's New Year's Resolution: "My New Year's Resolution is to look more often at life through the eyes of a small child in an effort to regain a sense of innocence and trust so lacking in the world of adults."
And his wife, Debra's: "My New Year's Resolution is to open myself more fully to planes of existence that will allow me to help others, including myself."
This past month's Library additions:
777 and Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley Edited by Israel Regardie
Lammas by Anna Franklin and Paul Mason
Exploring Wicca by Lady Sabrina
Haunted Encounters Series by Atriad Press
The Healer's Manual by Ted Andrews
Tarot and Individuation by Dr. Irene Gad
Masters of the Living Energy by Joan Parisi Wilcox
Moksha by Aldous Huxley edited by Michael Horowitz and Cynthia Palmer
Learning Ritual Magic by John Michael Greer, Clare Vaughn, and Early King, Jr.
Llewellyn's 2005 Sun Sign Book AND Llewellyn's 2005 Moon Sign Book
The Way of the Cat Dana Kramer-Rolls
The Way of Four by Deborah Lipp
The Illustrated Beast by Sandy Robertson
| Recent Encounters |
The Scream Orb - Indianapolis, Indiana [pic]
Tyler's Torment - Sterling Heights, Michigan
Ribhu's Last Visit - Siliguri, West Bengal, India
Grandmother's Shadow? - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Spell Casting Mockery - Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The Woman of Whiskey Row - Prescott, Arizona [pic]
Dad's Helping Hand - Grand Rapids, Michigan
Great Grandfather's House - Spartanburg, South Carolina
Family's Mysterious Mist - Glenville, West Virginia [pic]
Grandma's Goodbye Hug - Bellingham, Massachusetts
Jimmy and Jacob's War Games - Toledo, Ohio
| Resources |
New articles since our last newsletter:
Christmas Ghosts by Lee Prosser - December 20, 2004
Old Maps by Lee Prosser - December 13, 2004
Missouri Witchcraft by Lee Prosser - December 3, 2004
| Welcome New Members |
In the last month, the following people have joined our ghostly community. Please welcome:
Travis0329, cammille333, eemal, theheadlesshorseman, BlackScarlet6, shawnhopkins, Mama'sAngel01, ghostresearch, summer, HOOOHAAAHIII, AngelDevil7901, kikigirl211, kalley, BrandedPrincess, Clarice, Genoah78, DarkestCave, kelly1974, thespirs, smellofyourfishhigh, RabidX, ihatelife, ghostlady816, mom23, moonwitch_1972, blackcat42, vlcreations, wanderer, judithsmiles, margaretegrace, chris271103, lab267, CathandDavid, dreamer12, cricket64, The_Darkness, Gunslingerx, shahdhch, ghstgirl1, sdparanormal, Dak_Angel, OoLindseyoO, zanshin2004, BrendaAnn, laurie&ron, predigree13, johnnybloom3, gizzardwoman, ghosthunter68, dreamsweetly00, Jackslove, star_2_glitter_4_u, emily, toxin995, daz, deedra71273, mybusiness, ghostlyduo, noneofyourbusiness, mloaf, MELLY, BLACK SHUCK, bekah, minnieou81, saxymandan, HDLady65, malditza_08, kjohns2001, jgrimm73, darkwolf, greydevlin69, beih, legend, dchastain, teresa strong, niteofthelivingdead, yumyumkitty1, Jack Smith, Enochian5, wiccanfairy, Saltwater, wcentralgaghost, mjudarkangel, F3swordfisch, *Pagan Soul*, Halliesmom, TheSurfer, Ghost-snake, Sunshine, steven215, lightworker73, yaritzabreanna, tss, Whyte, slanted_eyes, PTL4, who_dat, angel_of_mercy, quitzlikopochli, scaredecat, mysticmary, Der_TodesEngel, shauny, jebby, headlesshorseman21, GhostGirl1984, leslie, yssacute@yahoo.com, light21, kingston333, kittie1979, bradread1, HIM_666, believer68, spankme, jesslovesbud, sassyrdhd, Humbajoe, toniferous, jordantl, jjjj, Orah52, crazed_bytch, deep_pandya_18, kalagi, t4mmy, Luna_Filth_Loves_Raven_Filth, gimmeaghost, babyangel347, disconnected, Jen, baby_gurl16, Requiem62, Crapped_My_Pants, carolyn france, kingconan9, Staypuft, troubleRZR, angel_eyes_104_2222, croftonRE, ghostchaser, pittbull, Don Patrol, onyxsangel, BIGNEDSHELDON, FizzleNizzle, vadella, planckton, volupciousmamigg, oldmike, BringBackZezel, Cloud, bangbang, juhie, skindemons, maria gracia, witch, SpookSeeker, DonnaBrazee, cranberrysauce, american_angel5167, haunted girl, andy_desperado, sagerun, kapu, PookaSpirit, pickels187, floridaspectre, catcher3ville, FlyingDutchMan, Daemon-, FroggyBuddy, curbsidepoet, Boudicca, ungay, mamadukes, no1cardfan, greeneyedgoddessofdickinson, deckardnrachel, stacy1970, SERT ROB, spectrevision, Begley, annepatricia, mina_sue, creature1961, willowskylark, Black Bile Humour, seamus51, crazybone123, Nephandus, Satori, hendogg, selvester149, Melegeant, zeejay, iopliopl, creepynat, Victoria, babygurl22, tributerry, chicorooster, RoosterSocks, ghosthunter14, Ghost_Gurl89, MysticalLibra, Monika, shadowhawk1000, Jship1970, Libramoon, GhostMagnet666, allyka, archibald, HANKSTER, galgasaur_the rock_beast, rctc101, lazer, Deb, ChildofGod, camein, chrisda4thhorsemen, young_wiccan, Manda, esther7688, lilmandy933, Randa78, MMalouf, ghost_guy, Neji, luda beogradjanka, Moon_wizard, gladysian_24, maxmeyer1, killian, littlemagick, Aryseth, 616shea616, CrackDaWhip, Arra Asakura, glace, Gabrielle, lindzi, relicthief, blitz26, Chaotic Fiend, hk22, Lukky, pamela grace, spiritwolfwoman, mysterious, stormdancer, Memelz33, darkangel_tempest, fancpantz2, mnkyprincess704, dowser, donvega, teznlyns, mober54, ladyblue, Max_7, Dire, littlerdhen, streakey25, kogarahboy, sltford, drewjk, GH0STM4N, theenie, sambo555, Isle, nightowl, Chigglet, F0X, Rhonda67, Rhonda1967, darkangel251978, grainne, Little Field Mouse, tpso, dipitymnstr, MNGhostHunters, froggie, joemug, Japanese_American, greylady, jpetro, bearcymru, stephanie anne, goth, UticaJohnson, sachin1361, keirah, Kambriel, cypher, gettylee2, muskrat720, Nightwing, HAGGARD, joelrthomas, SoulKitchen, hotbailagent, outkast, lindsaylou, conveyor, Penguin Banana, seacher, abbie, michelle1, carcasscreator, MadwomanSpirit, Liam161, crsblonde8908, wildhowd, nextfoolmartyr21, Dr Damien Miller, Cyn, cindylouwho169, Ceraena, andrewlyn_27, sharonkings, witch_hunter12, glennsintl, TerminalError404, joynersgeneralstore, carlos, Dark_Angel_of_Tortured_Souls, john_lee, jdubb, Tannis, Jimstewart, aminuts, Wiccan364, Wotan, itsmekaiye, paige, Lady_Drizzt, Mystic Rose, cidric123, gravedigger, Angelandeves, soumik34, StellaBlue, soldiergurl14, Casper1111, angels306, andrewlee, Lynxycat, octbeanie, rcarey97, tommylee, cabaumis, ~*~*Ghosty_Grl*~*~, tifphanie, PETERSPAWN, zumatara, blue_twinkle, micki89, rajeev_coolguy, viv4u, HannibalSpecter, April323, -.-, thaliamodel, Strange_Gal, MARYALICE, what-if, anne d haunted, supermage12, Ectoplasm, Idolstorm, wendy, doeboy6969, majikmack, craigfrancis, DOUGLAS, AGAJ, PROOF_Justin, eblkhm, mat21daltx, gogoody, timsmom77, hellcat51, TashaG, Axman, angelson, durelen, deff808, ~*Bri~*, forensicfreak33, alexoleszek, judybird2, cindyw, ghostlovelorn, and ESPOO.
| Ghostvillage.com Quick Stats: |
6,702 Members in the Town Square
112 "Encounters" listed in 2004 so far
201 Paranormal Web sites in the Ghost Search directory
12,182 Subscribers to this newsletter
5,921,079 total Web site "hits" for Ghostvillage.com in November
| Support Ghostvillage.com |
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