Glossary

Angel - n a messenger or attendant of God [Gr angelos, messenger]

Apparition - n a sudden, unexpected appearence, especially of a ghost. [Lat apparitio]

Compass - n a direction finding instrument containing a dial marked with 32 points and a magnitised needle that always points to magnetic north. In parapsychology, it is thought that spirits can move the compass needle by changing the concentration of electrons in the atmosphere. [Fr compas from compasser, to measure]

Dowse - v (intr) -ing to search for water of spirits using rods.

Drone - v (intr) to make a low humming noise [OE dran, bee)

Electro-magnetic Fluctuation (EMF) - n changes of electro-magnetic ions in a concentrated area. In parapsychology, it is thought that spirits will draw in electrons for energy to manifest, this will cause a higher concentration of EMF in an area which essentially can be picked up by an EMF meter.

Equipment - n instruments nessicary for a particular kind of work [from OFr eschiper, to fit out a ship, probably from Norse skip, ship]

Evidence - n information, etc that gives grounds for belief; that which points to, reveals or suggests something. [Lat evidentia, clearness of speech]

Experiment - n a trial carried out in order to test a theory or to discover something unknown [Lat experimentum, from experiri, to try]

Ghost - n a spirit of a dead person when visable in some form to a living person [OE gast]

Haunt - v (tr) (of a ghost) to live in (a place) or visit (a person or place) regularly. adj haunted. [OFr hanter]

Ion - n an atom or group of atoms given a positive electrical charge by the loss of one or more electrons or a negitive charge by the additions of one or more electrons [Gr, going]

Manifest - v (tr) 1. to show or display clearly. 2. to be evidence of proof of - n Manifestation [Lat manifestare]

Method - n a way of doing something especially in an order of proceedures.[Gr methodos]

Methodology - n - ies the system of methods and principles used in a particular activity.

Orb - n anything in a round shape. In parapsychology, an orb is beleived to be the first stage in the development of a manifestation of a ghost. Orbs appear as round 'lights' on film. [Lat orbis, circle]

Pagan - adj of following a religion which a number of gods are worshipped. 2. without religious belief [Lat paganus, rustic, peasant, civilian (i.e. not a soldier of Christ)]

Paranormal - adj (of occurances) unexplainable scientifically.

Parapsychology - n the study of those mental phenomena, e.g telepathy and clairvoyance, that imply an acquisition of knoweldge otherwise than through the known senses.

Pendulum - n any weight hung from a fixed point so as to swing freely. In parapsychology, the swing is used to determine answers given by spirits. [Lat, neuter of pendulus, hanging]

Philosophy - n - ies the search for truth and knowledge concerning the universe, human existance, perception and behaviour, persued by means of reflection, reasoning and arguement. [Gr philosophia, love of wisdom, philo, love + sophia, wisdom]

Phenomenon - n - ena 1. a happening percieved through the senses, especially is something unusual or scientificially unexplainable. 2. an extraordinary or abnormal person or thing; a prodigy. 3. a feature of life, social existance.

Poltergeist - n a type of household ghost responsable for otherwise unaccountable noises, given also to shifting objects about. [Ger poltern, to make a racket + geist, spirit, ghost]

Possess - v (tr) to own 2. to take hold of (someone) n - possession [OFr possesser, from Lat possessio, possession]

Psychic - adj (also psychical) relating to the mental processes or experiences that are not scientifically explainable e.g Telepathy. 2. (of a person) sensitive to influences producing such experiences; having mental powers that are not scientifically explainable. [Gr psychikos, relating to the psyche]

Realm - n a kingdom 2. a field of interest, study or activity [OFr realme]

Research - n a detailed and careful investigation into some area of study to (try to) discover and apply (new) facts or information. [OFr recercher - To Seek]

Residual - adj remaining; left over - n something which is remaining or left over. [Lat residuus, remaining]

Spirit - n this force as an independant part of a person, widely believed to surive the body after death, and sometimes visable as a ghost. 2. a supernatural being without the body. [Lat spiritus, breath]

Theory - n - ies a series of ideas and general principles which (seek to) explain some aspect of the world. 2. an idea or explanation that has not yet been proved; conjecture [Gr theoria, from theoreein, to view]

Source - Chambers Pocket Dictionary Printed 1992. Copyright W & R Chambers Ltd. 43 - 45 Annadale Street, Edinburgh EH7 4AZ.