They're ba-ack! Mention poltergeist to someone, and that's
probably what they'll think, if they don't say it out loud, but the 1982 movie
that inspired a string of sequels and talk of a curse may not give a true
representation of this paranormal phenomenon.
The first written account of poltergeist activity was given by
Josephus, a first century Jewish historian, who described phenomena connected
with "possession," that would today be attributed to poltergeist activity.
The first use of the word "poltergeist" appears to have been in the late 17th
century. A German family was beset by knocking noises and flying objects,
and the blame was placed upon a "poltergeist," or "noisy ghost."
Typical poltergeist activity includes objects moving by
themselves, lights turning on and off, foul odors, sudden strange noises, such
as knocking, and more. One of the most unique things attributed to
this paranormal activity is the sudden appearance of random objects. The
Lithobolia case, detailed in a 1698 London pamphlet, told of stones, bricks,
tools and other items suddenly being thrown about a New Hampshire residence and
that did not originate from that home. The Freeling House case, upon
which the Poltergeist series of movies was loosely
based, told of old coins, some from other nations, mysteriously dropping from
the ceiling.
But despite what's been reported down through the years and what's been portrayed by Hollywood, poltergeist activity may not be due to a ghost at all. Some scientists have theorized the phenomena could be the result of static electricity or ball lightening, but the prevailing theory is that poltergeist activity is actually a form of psychokinesis, or the power to move physical objects without using physical means but rather by energy generated in the brain. While this energy remains unexplained, it has been documented and is currently the subject of many scientific studies.
The most common producer of psychokinetic energy is an
adolescent female, most probably due to the physical and hormonal changes
occurring at this stage of development. However, anyone undergoing great
physical and/or psychological stress is unknowingly capable of producing great
amounts of this little understood energy, and, therefore, producing
poltergeist-like activity. The Borley Rectory case in the early part of the
20th century seemed to revolve around a place rather than a person, while
Tennessee's Bell Witch certainly didn't spare John Bell any agony.
If you think you're the victim of a poltergeist, contact a
reputable organization, such as the American Paranormal Society, but it probably wouldn't hurt to talk to a good counselor or
psychologist as well.
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