Defining the Paranormal
Welcome to Field Notes from the Beyond!
General Paranormal Studies
International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS) - An international association with the mission to advance the global understanding of near-death experiences and related phenomena through research, education, and supportive communities and resources (iands.org).
Ghosts & Hauntings
BooBuddy - An investigative tool that detects changes in electromagnetic field, motion, temperature, and vibration. This stuffed bear also asks questions for investigations. Some people believe they are a friendlier tool for child spirits.
Cryptids
Seilag - A freshwater lake monster found in the Scottish Loch Shiel in the Highlands. It has a long neck and three to seven humps on its back. Sightings range from 1911 through 1998.
Aliens & UFOs
Non-human Intelligence - Sentient, cognitive, or advanced intelligence not originating from humans. While it is often associated with extraterrestrial life, it also covers animal cognition and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Non-Human Entities
Vishnu - The Hindu protector or preserver god and part of the Trimurti. He is the supreme god in Vaishnavism and maintains cosmic order or dharma by incarnating on earth, most notably as Krishna and Rama. He represents compassion, mercy, and goodness, and is often depicted with blue skin and resting on the serpent Shesha in the cosmic ocean. His primary consort is Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune and prosperity. He holds four symbols, including a conch representing creation sound, a chakra representing mindfulness, a lotus representing freedom and a mace representing strength.
Psychic Abilities
Ogham - An ancient Celtic alphabet from the 4th to 6th century CE, often used today in psychic divination. It consists of 20 symbols that are commonly associated with specific trees and is used to gain insights into personal energy, nature-based wisdom, and the past, present, or future.
Magic
Beltane - An ancient Gaelic festival that marks the peak of spring and beginning of summer. It is celebrated on May 1st (May Eve) and is known as a “bright fire” festival. It signifies fertility, renewal, and passion.
Coming Up Next
Next in Field Notes from the Beyond:
5/4: This Day in Paranormal History
5/6: What’s new on Beyond the Human?
5/8: Defining the Paranormal
Who are we?
We are a group of scholars interested in understanding paranormal, supernatural, and anomalous phenomena from an academic perspective. We want to document and validate experiences people have and study them in a rigorous way to bring credibility to these phenomena. Join us for our monthly podcast Beyond the Human and follow us on Spotify, Instagram, and Patreon to learn more about who we are, our methods, and what we want to learn!