This is one of the oldest skeptic questions of all time, but I thought I would pose it to everyone here. The question is, why do ghosts wear clothes? When ever you hear of manifestations. There are comments like "the little girl was wearing a nightgown" or "he was dressed in clothes from that period".
Does cotton somehow transcend into the afterlife? Do spirits have Victorian values? Or perhaps it's just the minds idea of what spirit should look like.
I have gotten a couple of explainations from my friends on the other side.
1. Our clothing reflects our personality and in the case of a nightgown can depict a time of day. The clothes of "the day" can also tells you a time frame when the person lived. They are trying to provide you with clues to their identity. Showing you clothing also distracts from the lack of a physical body. Most of the time people report no face for instance.
2. They will try to represent themselves in the way you knew them. When people see loved ones who have crossed they report seeing them looking approx the same way that they remember them best minus any health issues.
3. Sylvia Browne says that everyone is 30 on the "other side. Although I do not agree with an exact number it does seem to be true that the person will project themselves looking at their best. So if they died of old age and you remember them when they were young they may appear young to you.
Perhaps the generic thing to say is that they do not have bodies anymore but they are trying to get you to recognize them or at least not to be fearful. If their agenda is communication they really do not want you to run screaming. They will project their "best foot forward". They may show you injuries if that is an issue for them but in my experience they would rather just tell you about it. Since it is all energy they can project whatever works for them and for you.
I agree that some people will see a shadow and make a lot of detail out of that shadow. Much like looking at the shapes of clouds. Spirits materializing is not as common as Hollywood would have you believe.
Thanks for the GREAT question. Bonnie Vent San Diego Paranormal Research Project www.sdparanormal.com
I have been asking my little question to well-known psychics and some authors. The answers I'm receiving are very interesting, and sometimes even incurring anger. Which I find even more interesting.
Years ago I was very intrigued by residual haunting. But here is the problem, I always encountered. When ever I would go spend the night at a supposedly haunted location. This would consist of historical areas, which includes illegally spending one night in a battlefield. Old bed and breakfast and all historic sites in Philadelphia, New York, Boston and even London. And yes, San Diego.
I'd never experienced anything in any these places, but the one thing that was consistent is that every time without prompting someone would tell me all about. The ghost in the room, usually with great enthusiasm. If I was someone who had never heard of the reputation of the room or the area. After my conversation with caretaker or the landlord, I would certainly have an education on what to expect.
If I were of a certain mindset and would let the caretaker's conversation play on my fears. I could certainly see hallucinating or imagining a paranormal event. Or taking out of the ordinary events, which is normal and misinterpret it as paranormal.
I agree. Take the visit by the UK show "Most Haunted". They did not check the history that shows that Yankee Jim Robinson was not hung on the property. They set up a seance in a archway in the parlor and even supposedly spoke with Yankee Jim. This is the lore of the place, not the reality. James Robinson was hung in Old Town Plaza which is several blocks away from the Whaley House.
Being that I have the ability to communicate I would think that James Robinson would have asked me for help. The fact of the matter is that Thomas Whaley asked me to help him. Thomas Whaley feels responsible for James Robinson's death. There is a prankster spirit at the house but he has not identified himself to me. Most people seem to think this spirit is Yankee Jim.
I find it interesting that other psychics expressed anger at your question. I think it is perfectly valid to ask.
BTW...Do you know any scientist types that have the equipment to monitor frequency levels given off by the living?
Thanks, Bonnie Vent San Diego Paranormal Research Project www.sdparanormal.com
May be a bit premature for that! However I have always maintained an 'open skepticism' about the rather unusual things I have witnessed over the years. It is difficult to ignore these things, especially when your background is in the very field that is generally used to fool the public, namely conjuring.
More to the point though, I am finding a stretch in many directions. For example, I am noticing more significant evidence for mediumship as we develop better tests that quickly ferret out likely correct and incorrect statements. This is more to focus on the important points than to prove or disprove the validity of the process.
Never fear though my friend, we will always have something upon which to agree and disagree!
