Last Updated:July 25, 2011

Anomalies – deviations from the norm

Astral being – spiritual life force of a person, also referred to as the Soul

Cold spot – an area that is noticeably colder than the surrounding environment. Believed to be caused by spirits attempting to manifest

Dead time – a designated period of time where effort is concentrated on making contact with spirit. Also known as a séance and is usually done in circle formation, with participants joining hands

EVP – Electronic Voice Phenomena – disembodied voices/sounds imprinted on audio recording devices

Exorcism – the expulsion of ghosts, spirits or other entities from a living person’s body or a particular location

Ghost – the spirit or apparition of a deceased person

Ghost hunter – an individual who seeks out ghosts in a variety of locations in an attempt to document their existence

Grounded spirits – refers to an entity that is constantly in residence or trapped at a location

Haunting – the manifestation of ghostly presence, or presences, attached to a specific locale

Medium – an individual than can access higher planes and/or dimensions to acquire knowledge beyond the space/time continuum, allowing them to access the past, present and future knowledge. This opens channels to communicate with the deceased

Orb – a sphere of energy, believed to be the energy of spirits trying to materialize. They can vary in size and colour. Criteria for orbs include:

*must be spherical
*must generate their own light
*must show an intelligent flight path

Paranormal – not explainable by science or natural causes

Portal – a ‘doorway’ for spirits to enter or exit a location

Residual energy – psychic imprint of a scene that perpetually repeats itself

Spirit guide – a spiritual entity that provides information of guidance often through a medium

Spirits in visitation – refers to an entity that is not in residence – it comes and goes or ‘visits’ at will

Third eye – an ‘unseen’ eye located in the middle of the forehead, believed to be the center of psychic vision

Vigil – similar to dead time though usually performed alone or in pairs