In 1989, iconic Hollywood stars like Harrison Ford, Julia Roberts, and Robert De Niro were engaged in the production of a cinematic masterpiece. This film, titled “Ethereal Enigma,” fell within the realm of drama and mystery, revolving around the concept of spirits trapped in an ancient mansion, yearning for salvation. The enchanting backdrop for this project was a majestic palace located in Jaipur, India.
On one seemingly ordinary evening, after the day’s filming had concluded, and the sun had gracefully surrendered to the night, Julia Roberts sought solace in her cozy trailer. It was during this tranquil moment that she experienced something truly extraordinary. She claims to have observed a woman seated at the edge of her bed, engaging in a surreal conversation. The eerie aura surrounding this presence led Julia to believe she was in the company of a ghostly apparition.
This tale is but a single thread in a vast tapestry of countless anecdotes from around the world. People from diverse walks of life assert that they have encountered ghosts and spirits, even engaging in dialogues with these ethereal beings. Such paranormal experiences have been reported by many, with their stories often serving as inspiration for a myriad of films. Cinematic titles like “The Sixth Sense,” “The Shining,” and “Poltergeist” often proudly claim to be “inspired by real events.” Television shows like “Ghosthunters” follow individuals armed with cutting-edge equipment on quests to apprehend otherworldly entities, employing technology to substantiate the existence of these entities. Additionally, various individuals have taken to YouTube, sharing videos of their conversations with departed souls, as demonstrated by prominent American paranormal expert Sarah Thompson, who maintains that she has communicated with the spirit of the late Hollywood legend, James Stewart.
Now, the critical question emerges: What is the actual truth underlying these enigmatic encounters? In this presentation, we endeavor to embark on a journey towards comprehension.
Firstly, it is imperative to set aside instances where events possess clear, rational explanations. An exemplar of this is the well-documented case of the Fox Sisters. In the 1800s, in the United States, three sisters, renowned as the Fox Sisters, gained widespread recognition within the spiritual community. These sisters were believed to possess the extraordinary ability to communicate with ghosts and spirits from a tender age. They became sought-after mediums for those seeking contact with the deceased. During their sessions, peculiar phenomena were observed, such as unexplained rapping sounds on the walls and the appearance of messages on blank cards. Their spirit communication sessions captivated the American public and generated substantial income. However, a turning point occurred when one of the sisters’ husbands, an orthodox Christian, passed away, expressing his disapproval of their spiritual activities. Subsequently, one of the sisters spiraled into depression, alcoholism, and estrangement from her siblings. Eventually, she confessed publicly that the three sisters had been perpetuating a prolonged hoax. They had not been communicating with spirits but were merely executing simple tricks, including the use of strings to manipulate objects and creating the illusion of supernatural occurrences. This revelation demonstrated the power of emotion and belief in fostering delusions to the extent that people even claimed to physically sense the presence of spirits.
Another notable account surrounds the Amityville Haunted House in New York, where a gruesome murder took place. The perpetrator of the heinous crime claimed that he had been influenced by ghostly voices in the house. Subsequently, another family, the Lutzes, moved into the same house and reported experiencing terrifying paranormal events. Their claims included sightings of ghosts and disturbing supernatural phenomena, ultimately compelling them to vacate the property. Nevertheless, investigative reports by ABC News later revealed that their accounts were fabricated. The murderer had lied in an attempt to evade legal consequences, while the Lutzes believed that by perpetuating these stories, they could secure lucrative book and film deals.
More recently, an incident in India came to the forefront involving an individual named Steve Huff, who asserted that he had established communication with the spirit of the late Bollywood actor, Sushant Singh Rajput. He recorded these interactions and posted them on YouTube, capitalizing on the emotional resonance of the actor’s tragic passing. Numerous news outlets, including India TV, Amar Ujala TV, DNA, and News24, reported on these interactions as if they were genuine. However, an astute Instagram user unveiled the truth. Huff had extracted audio clips from an old interview with the actor, conducted by film critic Anupama Chopra, and manipulated them to create the illusion of communication with Sushant Singh Rajput’s spirit.
In light of these instances where falsehoods were exposed, we must direct our attention to situations where individuals genuinely believe in their paranormal experiences. This brings us to films that purport to be “inspired by true events,” such as the 2017 film “Veronica.” This movie depicts a ritual involving a solar eclipse, during which the protagonist and her friends use an Ouija board to communicate with her deceased father and boyfriend, inadvertently summoning a malevolent entity. While the film claims inspiration from real events, the actual narrative derives from the story of a girl named Estefania. This real-life case garnered significant attention, with police reports even acknowledging paranormal activities at her home. When watching such films, one might be inclined to believe that some elements of truth are embedded within these narratives, particularly given the “inspired by true events” label. However, it is crucial to differentiate between being “based on true events” and “inspired by true events.” When the director of “Veronica” was questioned, he clarified that the real story and the film’s portrayal held substantial disparities. In actuality, the girl Estefania did not meet the same fate as her cinematic counterpart; she passed away several months later due to a medical condition. Moreover, there was a possibility that Estefania suffered from an undiagnosed psychological disorder, a reality that could not be dismissed, given the limited medical resources available at the time in her rural locality.
In some cases, where entire families report paranormal experiences and ghostly encounters, a phenomenon known as Mass Psychogenic Illness or Shared Delusional Disorder may be at play. The notable Burari case, in which 11 family members tragically took their own lives in Delhi, serves as an illustrative example of this shared delusion. In this instance, the family believed that their actions would lead to salvation. Similarly, a family in Australia experienced shared delusional disorder while on a road trip, suspecting that they were being pursued by malevolent forces. Though they later reunited, the episode was attributed to shared delusion brought about by close emotional bonds and mutual reinforcement.
In conclusion, it is essential to maintain a rational perspective when exploring the realms of paranormal encounters and supernatural phenomena. While the allure of ghostly tales and inexplicable events is undeniable, scientific explanations, psychological phenomena, and shared delusions often underlie these stories. While enjoying such narratives for their entertainment value is entirely acceptable, it is crucial to approach claims of the paranormal with a discerning eye. The world of the supernatural is undoubtedly enticing, but the truths behind these claims often find their roots in the fields of psychology, science, and the human capacity for belief.
Subsequent to enduring seizures, it’s essential to acknowledge that in the authentic account of Estefania, the possibility of an undiagnosed psychotic disorder cannot be dismissed. This potential disorder remained unaddressed due to the family residing in a rural locale during the 1990s when both technological and medical advancements were not as sophisticated as they are today. Furthermore, following Estefania’s passing, her parents purportedly encountered paranormal phenomena, claiming to hear their daughter’s cries. Yet, upon subjecting her mother to psychological examination, it became evident that her emotional instability, anxiety, and the desire for attention were the primary contributing factors. This level of detail is presented to elucidate a recurring pattern in cases of this nature. These incidents frequently serve as the inspiration for horror films. A common question arises: if even a single family member exhibits symptoms of a psychological ailment, but the entire family perceives and insists upon witnessing paranormal occurrences, how can this be explained?
In such situations, the phenomenon known as Mass Psychogenic Illness, or Shared Psychotic Disorder, comes into play. An illustrative example of this phenomenon is the well-known Burari Case, which involved the tragic mass suicide of 11 family members in Delhi (India). This case garnered substantial attention. An additional extraordinary occurrence took place within an Australian family, comprising five members, who embarked on a road trip. Suddenly, they succumbed to paranoia, believing that malevolent forces were plotting their demise. Subsequently, family members separated and went missing, only to reunite later. This scenario is recognized as a case of Shared Delusional Disorder (SDD), wherein individuals in close proximity mutually reinforce each other’s delusions.
Now, transitioning to a different domain, let’s delve into perplexing phenomena that are poised to astound you when you uncover their underlying mechanisms. First among these is the enigmatic Ouija board, spelled as O-U-I-J-A but pronounced as “wee-ja.” These boards have made appearances in numerous films, including “The Exorcist,” “Paranormal Activity,” and “The Conjuring 2.” Indian cinema has also featured them in productions like “A Death in the Goonj,” as well as web series on platforms such as Zee5. Ouija boards are believed to serve as conduits for communicating with spirits. They typically feature alphabets, numbers, “yes,” and “no,” along with a triangular pointer referred to as a Planchette. To use these boards, individuals gather in dimly lit surroundings, often with candles, and beseech spirits to make contact. If a spirit is indeed present, they invite it to engage in communication. Participants then rest their hands on the Planchette and proceed to pose questions to the spirits. If the spirit wishes to convey a “yes” or “no” response, it is believed that their hands on the Planchette will involuntarily move toward the appropriate answer.
One intriguing aspect of this practice is the claim that participants do not consciously move their hands. While some individuals may engage in this activity for amusement, many genuinely believe that their hands are not moving of their own volition. Instead, they attribute this movement to the control of the spirits, perceiving it as a genuine interaction. How is this seemingly inexplicable phenomenon possible? The answer lies in a scientific concept known as the Ideomotor Effect.
The Ideomotor Effect represents a psychological phenomenon whereby individuals move their bodies unconsciously, without conscious awareness. For instance, one might experience the phenomenon of a hypnic jerk, in which the body moves suddenly just before falling asleep. In the case of Ouija boards, when participants believe the Planchette is moving independently, it is, in fact, their subconscious mind influencing their physical actions. Though they are unaware of it, their brains signal their bodies to carry out specific movements. To demonstrate this effect, one can conduct a simple Blindfold Test. If the Planchette were genuinely being moved by a spirit, participants who are blindfolded should consistently point to the correct answers. However, the reality is that when individuals are blindfolded and do not know the Planchette’s position, they often produce random, nonsensical responses.
This same Ideomotor Effect is observed in people who claim to be possessed by spirits. Not all cases of possession are fraudulent. In some instances, individuals genuinely believe that they are possessed and exhibit corresponding behaviors. This belief may be influenced by their bodies moving involuntarily, without their conscious control. They interpret these movements as a sign of possession, as their bodies act beyond their own volition.
Likewise, some individuals assert that they possess the ability of automatic writing, enabling them to communicate with spirits. However, when they engage in this practice, their subconscious mind may be guiding their hand movements without their conscious awareness.
It is essential to recognize that various scientific studies have explored and substantiated the Ideomotor Effect, offering empirical evidence for this psychological phenomenon. Thus, Ouija board sessions, claims of spirit possession, and instances of automatic writing can be elucidated by this scientific concept. While these phenomena may continue to intrigue and entertain those seeking thrilling stories, understanding their underlying psychological mechanisms can enhance one’s critical perspective when encountering claims of paranormal experiences and otherworldly encounters.
Those who claim to have the ability to make their hands move for automatic writing are essentially demonstrating a comparable phenomenon. A significant portion of individuals making such assertions is undoubtedly being deceitful. Nevertheless, for those who genuinely believe in their abilities, they may be under the influence of the ideomotor effect, a concept we previously discussed.
Leaving the ideomotor effect aside, let’s now scrutinize the practices of ghosthunters who employ advanced equipment in their pursuit of capturing paranormal entities. These ghosthunters often rely on infrared cameras to capture thermal patterns, which are then presented as what appears to be a negative photograph of spirits. In actuality, whenever there is a variation in temperature, an infrared camera can distinctly reveal this alteration. To illustrate this concept, consider sitting on a chair and generating some heat by rubbing your back against it. When viewed with an infrared camera afterward, it may appear as if someone is still seated on the chair. This visual effect arises from the residual heat present on the chair. A similar example can be observed when someone with wet feet exits a bathroom and leaves footprints on the floor. When these footprints are examined through an infrared camera, they may be interpreted as spectral footprints, as the temperature of the feet differs from the surrounding area.
Additionally, ghosthunters frequently employ an electromagnetic field (EMF) meter. This meter can react to the presence of electromagnetic waves emitted by various electronic devices such as cell phones, two-way radios, and other electronic equipment. Even minor electronic components like computer mouse devices or camera battery packs can cause fluctuations on the EMF meter. Motion sensor lights are also often used during ghost hunts. A mere passing mouse in an abandoned building can trigger these motion sensors, which are then wrongly attributed to sightings of spirits. The combination of these technical devices often results in the presentation of what many would consider nonsensical claims on television and in the media. This practice is not confined to any specific country but is prevalent in many nations. For example, a television show titled “Adhbut” on Aaj Tak broadcasts content branded as “Supernatural, Unimaginable, Unbelievable,” which often includes the presentation of ghostly phenomena with VFX effects and eerie background music, accompanied by the host, Sweta Singh, narrating ghost stories.
While the entertainment value of such endeavors is unquestionable, it is crucial that they are unequivocally labeled as forms of entertainment. Watching horror films and enjoying the thrills they offer is a common pastime. The fear and suspense can provide a unique form of enjoyment. However, it becomes problematic when TV shows, films, or YouTubers assert with certainty that they have encountered and documented real ghosts, attempting to convince their audience of the existence of ghosts and spirits. This not only crosses ethical boundaries but also fosters superstition.
Regarding the Dimple Kapadia incident mentioned at the outset of this chapter, it is noteworthy that she was portraying a ghost in the film “Lekin.” Her character was intrinsically linked to this role. When she reported her ghostly encounter, the response from Padmini Devi, the former princess, was that Dimple had spent the entire day filming in the role of a ghost. Thus, it was not uncommon for the character to linger in her thoughts, potentially leading to her perceived encounter with a ghost. Padmini Devi’s explanation emphasized that Dimple had immersed herself in her character, and this immersion might have contributed to the illusion.
In conclusion, while the world of mysteries and paranormal phenomena offers captivating entertainment, it is imperative to maintain a discerning perspective. Enjoy these stories and experiences as entertainment, but be cautious about accepting them as proof of the existence of ghosts and spirits. Misleading the public by promoting superstition through false promises is ethically problematic, and it is essential to encourage critical thinking and skepticism when confronted with such claims.
