Friday 25 October 2024

The Aztec Death Whistle: A Haunting Legacy of Sound and Ritual

Imagine a sound so unsettling that it sends shivers down your spine, a shriek so unnerving that it echoes in your mind long after it stops. Now, a picture that sound not coming from a horror film or a wild animal but from a small, skull-shaped clay instrument crafted centuries ago by the Aztecs. These chilling creations, known as death whistles, produce sounds eerily reminiscent of the wails of tortured souls. Yet, despite their menacing reputation, these whistles remain a mystery. Why did the ancient Aztecs create such instruments? Were they symbols of death, tools of war, or perhaps something far more ritualistic and spiritual? As researchers continue to explore the significance of these artefacts, the Aztec death whistle lures us deeper into the enigma of pre-Columbian soundscapes.

Discovery: A Sound Unleashed from the Past

The journey of the Aztec death whistle from obscurity to fascination began in 1999, with an archaeological dig beneath modern-day Mexico City. Here, in the ruins of a 650-year-old temple dedicated to Ehecatl, the god of wind, archaeologists unearthed a skeleton. Clutched in the skeletal hands of a sacrificed young man were two small clay objects, sculpted into the shape of human skulls. At first, these artefacts were mistaken for children’s toys or perhaps burial ornaments. After all, what else could they be?

It wasn’t until someone blew into one of these ancient noisemakers—15 years after its discovery—that the true nature of the death whistle was revealed. The sound it produced was unlike anything that had been heard in modern times: a bone-chilling, high-pitched wail that seemed to carry the cries of the dead through the air. Far from a simple toy, this was a tool designed to evoke terror.

Theories and Speculation: Tools of Fear or Guides for the Soul?

Aztec death whistle

When trying to unravel the mystery of the Aztec death whistle, one can’t help but feel a sense of awe at its potential purposes. Theories about its function are as varied as they are fascinating. One of the most prominent ideas is that these whistles were used in sacrificial ceremonies. As the victim prepared to meet their fate, walked toward death, the death whistle may have been blown to accompany their final moments with the sound of spirits howling in agony. Could this be the sound of souls being ripped from their bodies, carried on the wind to the underworld? Perhaps.

Equally compelling is the idea that the whistles were instruments of psychological warfare. Imagine standing on a battlefield, facing a swarm of Aztec warriors. Suddenly, the air fills with the screams of a thousand souls, the shrieks so piercing that your instinct is to flee. Could these whistles have been blown in unison to disorient and terrify enemies? Some scholars believe it’s possible, though the evidence remains thin.

Others have posited more esoteric theories. Certain researchers suggest that the death whistles may have been used in healing rituals, their chaotic sounds intended to induce trance-like states. The erratic frequencies, reaching the upper limits of human hearing, might have been thought to alter consciousness, opening pathways to the spirit world or calming a troubled mind. The truth, as with many artefacts of ancient cultures, may never be fully known. But what remains is the sound—a sound that both captivates and terrifies.

Roberto Velázquez and the Revival of Ancient Sounds

At the forefront of modern research into the death whistle is Roberto Velázquez, a mechanical engineer who has spent decades studying and recreating pre-Columbian instruments. His work has not only breathed new life into these ancient noisemakers but has also challenged the way we think about the sensory experiences of past civilizations.

Velázquez, fascinated by the sounds of his ancestors, has meticulously reconstructed hundreds of ancient whistles, flutes, and other wind instruments. He has travelled the breadth of Mexico to study newly unearthed artefacts, some dating back as far as 400 BC. But recreating these instruments is only part of his mission. Understanding how they were played—and why—is equally crucial. In one instance, Velázquez spent an entire year experimenting with a frog-shaped whistle before finally uncovering its "inner croak." His dedication underscores how much is still unknown about the aural landscapes of ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

Velázquez has said that modern archaeologists have often viewed ancient cultures through a visual and tactile lens, largely ignoring the importance of sound. “We’ve been looking at our ancient culture as if they were deaf and mute,” he has remarked. His reconstructions of the death whistle challenge that perception, offering a vivid auditory glimpse into a past where sound played a pivotal role in both ritual and warfare.

The Complex Sound Mechanism: Chaos in the Wind

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Aztec death whistle is its sophisticated internal design. Far from being a simple noisemaker, the whistle contains intricately crafted chambers that manipulate airflow in ways that are still not fully understood. When air is blown into the mouthpiece, it is split and forced through these chambers, creating unpredictable fluctuations in pressure. These fluctuations, in turn, produce the chaotic, spine-tingling sound that has come to define the death whistle.

Velázquez refers to this intricate mechanism as a "chaos wind generator," a fitting term for an instrument that produces such discordant, unnerving noises. The sound isn’t just a scream; it’s a multi-layered cacophony that can evoke the sound of storms, winds, animal growls, and even human suffering. The chaotic nature of the sound has led some researchers to suggest that these instruments were meant to invoke the elemental forces of nature, perhaps calling on the wind god Ehecatl himself.

A Modern Fascination

Aztec death whistle

Though the Aztec death whistle was born in an ancient world, its legacy is finding new life in modern times. From musicians like Xavier Quijas Yxayotl, who incorporates death whistles into his re-creations of Aztec and Mayan music, to cottage industries producing replicas for Day of the Dead celebrations, these eerie instruments have made their way into contemporary culture. Velázquez’s work has inspired a new generation of researchers, musicians, and even medical professionals interested in how ancient sounds can affect the mind and body.

In fact, some medical researchers are now investigating whether the erratic frequencies produced by these whistles could have therapeutic applications. Could these sounds, so chaotic and unsettling, be used to alter states of consciousness or influence heart rates? The idea may seem far-fetched, but the ancient Aztecs were known for their sophisticated understanding of the human mind and spirit.

Conclusion

The Aztec death whistle remains one of the most captivating mysteries of Mesoamerican archaeology. Its chilling sound, combined with its intricate design, suggests a deep cultural significance that we are only beginning to understand. Whether used in sacrificial rites, psychological warfare, or healing rituals, the death whistle provides a rare auditory window into the world of the ancient Aztecs—a world where sound was not merely an accessory to life, but a force that shaped it.

Aztec Death Whistle

References

1. Posada Tamayo, S. (2018). Mexico: What Were the Terrifying “Whistles of Death” Used To Be? One of the Great Mysteries of the Aztec Culture.

2. Velázquez Cabrera, R. (2015). ‘Death Whistle’: Cremated Example (Re)Discovered.

3. Broad, W. J. (1988). Complex Whistles Found to Play Key Roles in Inca and Maya Life.

4. Leafloor, L. (2014). Aztec Death Whistles Sound Like Human Screams and May Have Been Used as Psychological Warfare.

5. Watson, J. (2008). Archaeologists Digging Up Pre-Columbian Sounds. Associated Press.

6. Likens, T. (2018). The Aztec “Death” Whistle – Hear What the Wailing of 1000 Souls Sounds Like.

Monday 21 October 2024

Halloween’s 1992 GHOSTWATCH - when BBC triggered a national supernatural meltdown

Henry Fuseli‘s The Nightmare (1781)

Cleverly staged entertainment scares the living crap out of viewers

Halloween 1992: BBC1 scares the living crap out of those viewers who fail to understand that the PTSD-inducing Screen One billed drama presentation GHOSTWATCH was not an actual investigation of paranormal activity, but a cleverly staged entertainment, despite some pretty obvious acting by a cast of real-life presenters (including talk show legend Michael Parkinson) and jobbing thespians.

courtesy of The Radio Times

A million phone calls to the BBC

Scripted by Stephen Volk (The Awakening) and directed by Lesley Manning (who also provided the voice of the ghoul), the show was part of the BBC anthology drama series Screen One. Recorded weeks in advance, the programme was presented as live. On the night of GHOSTWATCH’s only UK transmission, there were a million phone calls to the BBC, a combination of terrified complaints and some praise from the less gullible. The number of calls was so heavy that the BBC recorded message saying the show was a drama, was blocked by the sheer volume.

Briefly, the story (inspired by the ‘real-life’ Enfield Poltergeist Haunting of 1977-79)

A suburban London house in the fictional ‘Foxhill Drive’. Pam Early and her daughters Kim and Suzanne are hounded by a spectre that Kim named ‘Mr Pipes’ because the disturbances were thought by Pam to be simply rumbling heating pipes. The sinister basement-dwelling Pipes possesses and tortures young Suzanne.

Chat show giant Michael Parkinson presides over the show with Dr Lin Pascoe, as kids TV presenter Sarah Greene and TV crew spend Halloween night with the Earlys, whilst outside, comedian/DJ/actor Craig Charles investigates the street's history and talks to the locals.

As the show progresses, increasingly strange phenomena occur in the house. Suzanne is first exposed for making up some of the past events, but speaks in an unearthly voice as scratches appear on her face. The house is revealed to possess a sinister history, previously home to Victorian child-killing ‘baby-farmer’ ‘Mother’ Seddons, who at first was thought to be Pipes, but is later believed to be infant molester-murderer ‘Raymond Tunstall’, a previous occupant at Foxhill Drive, now suspected of being an ancient evil who has dwelt in the spot for millennia, undergoing numerous evil incarnations.

Events become increasingly unhinged, as Suzanne disappears and Pipes takes supernatural hold of the broadcast. Greene attempts to rescue Suzanne from the basement, but she is dragged through the door to a demonic realm. Back in the studio, Pipes’ hold increases, causing Parkie to attempt flight, but he is possessed by the entity, and addresses the watching masses, saying "Fee-fo-fum", the implication being that Mr Pipes is now present in every TV tuned to GHOSTWATCH.

The Fall Out

11 million people tuned in to see GHOSTWATCH, a very decent audience for the time.

The full BBC1 BARB rankings in millions of viewers for the week of 26th October - 1st November 1992:

1. EastEnders(Tue/Sun) (21.34)
2. Neighbours(Mon) (17.97)
3. Casualty (14.74)
4. Noel's House Party (13.39)
5. Birds of a Feather (12.41)
6. Last of the Summer Wine (11.32)
7. Waiting for God (11.20)
8. GHOSTWATCH (11.07)
9. Big Break (10.95)
10. A Question of Sport (10.92)

The 4 main UK TV channels at the same time -WALL STREET (ITV), TESTAMENT OF YOUTH/INSIDE STORY (BBC2),and COURT TV/RACING on Ch4

The Broadcasting Standards Commission concluded that the BBC had made a mistake by not making it clearer that GHOSTWATCH was entirely fictional, but to me personally it was abundantly clear that the show was a Halloween leg-pull, admittedly one conducted with pitch-black humour and seriousness (aside from the jokey contributions of Craig Charles that is).

GHOSTWATCH was the first television programme claimed to have caused post traumatic stress disorder. In the March 12, 1994 issue of the British Medical Journal reported that two 10-year old boys were left traumatized by the show. Wimps, if you ask me.

Father holds BBC completely responsible for his son’s death

Much more seriously, GHOSTWATCH was linked to suicide five days after transmission of Martin Denham, an 18-year-old man with learning difficulties. Denham's home, where he lived with his mum and stepfather, had defective central heating, the noise from the pipes making him believe the show’s poltergeist had now taken up residence there.

April and Percy Denham, his mother and stepfather claimed Martin had become obsessed with GHOSTWATCH, directly leading to his death. Britain's High Court compelled a reluctant BSC to listen to the Denham's complaint and thirty-four others affected by the show.

April Denham: “I blame the BBC - it is all their fault. They said it was based on a true story but it was all a hoax.
Percy Denham: 'He was a very nervous lad. He was really into it - he was just gone. I had to keep asking him if he was all right, He thought there were ghosts in our home. In my own mind I hold the BBC completely responsible for his death. But I won't be suing them - I can't afford it.'

Martin, who had a mental age of 13, hanged himself in a local park with a length of plastic hosepipe. Heartbreakingly, his farewell note read, Please don't worry - if there are ghosts I will be a ghost, and I will be with you always as a ghost.

Was there ever a sequel to GHOSTWATCH?

Yes, indeed there was - Stephen Volk later wrote a short story called 31/10 aka GHOSTWATCH 2: Return to Studio One, using the same (surviving) characters and set 10 years after the original programme.

The National Séance

On the show’s 18th anniversary, in 2010, a live event took place where fans were asked to simultaneously play their personal recordings at 9:25pm (when GHOSTWATCH was originally broadcast) and then tweet about the experience as it played; it has since become a yearly tradition.

The Enfield Poltergeist concerned alleged ghostly activity at 284 Green Street, an Enfield council house in outer London. Between 1977 and 1979, the supposed presence preyed on sisters Janet (11) and Margaret Hodgson (13).

ghostwatch
284 Green Street, Enfield, London, location of the Enfield poltergeist (Wikimedia Commons)

From the time:

And an earlier mockumentary - Anglia’s ALTERNATIVE 3 (June 1977)

An investigation into the UK's brain drain reveals a plot to make the Moon and Mars habitable for selected human beings in the event of nuclear war, climate change, and environmental collapse on Earth. Presenter/Tory MP Tim Brinton was the only non-actor in the put-on. All other characters were played by actors. Richard (‘Allo, ‘Allo!) Marner, who played Dr. Carl Gerstein, said he deliberately did not learn his lines, making his delivery as natural as possible. Alternative 3 was made with film stock, making it appear as a ‘normal’ documentary of the era.

The Stone Tape

And if the particular spooky vibe of GHOSTWATCH appeals to you, check out Nigel Kneale’s terrifying THE STONE TAPE (1972), if you have never before, that is. A scientific team move into their new research facility, a renovated Victorian mansion rumoured to be haunted. Their investigations try to determine if the building’s stones have recorded past happenings there (the ‘stone tape’), but instead unleash a terrible malign force.

The League of Gentlemen/Inside No 9’s Jeremy Dyson said The Stone Tape, "strikes a note that it just circumnavigates your intellect and gets you on a much deeper level; it just has this impact on you, rather like being in the room itself. Extraordinary piece of work."

Before GHOSTWATCH was even a gleam in writer Stephen Volk’s eye, Orson Welles’ original War of the Worlds 1938 Radio Broadcast:

The 1957 live presentation on Studio One that dramatized the broadcast and its aftermath.

Welles talks to War of the Worlds author H.G. Wells:

The BBC appear to have rediscovered their taste for paranormal TV, as no less than four shows in the genre have appeared in recent months:

Prior to this, paranormal TV was mainly the preserve of the Most Haunted series of shows, which played on cable channels: Living, from 2002-10 and Really, across 2014-19. Incidentally, co-creator and host Yvette Fielding (1987-1992) was, like Sarah Greene (1980-83), a former presenter of BBC children’s show Blue Peter. The Most Haunted brand now resides on YouTube:

Stephen Arnell’s novel THE GREAT ONE, is available on Amazon Kindle:

An excerpt:

Friday 18 October 2024

Samhain: A Witch’s Sacred Power Source

samhain
Photographer: freestocks | Source: Unsplash

The Power of Interior Investigation

Today my fiancé asked me how humans could ever get organized enough to fix the many colossal problems in the world. She said that even if substantially sized groups banded together to work on worthy humanitarian causes, she probably wouldn’t trust them. I feel that.

Groups of humans can so quickly become cultish, power-hungry, vapid, and out of touch. An astounding number of the most seemingly heart-centered nonprofits are run by corrupt CEOs who have the same defunct moral compasses as their corporate counterparts. Numerous spiritual collectives swiftly transform into vampiric MLMs, demoralizing pyramid schemes, or divisive churches and cults. Even well-intended creative organizations will cave to the seductive call of late-stage capitalism and sell out their original target mission for a fat check or fast cash.

She followed up her observation with, “So how will we ever get out of this mess we’re in?”

After some marination, a thought emerged:

I don’t think we’re going to get out of this mess and through these discordant evolutionary growing pains via groups, gurus, or mass organizations. At least not at first.

That’s not to say I don’t believe in the power of protests, activist movements, and covens. They are badass and necessary. But I think the central work of this astrological moment is overwhelmingly and surprisingly, solo. For eons, we have traversed the cycles of corruption, wars, and revolution. My intuition (and the ancestors I work with) tell me this time is different.

It feels like there’s some supremely witchy shit on the horizon.

Even within the cacophony of noise in central LA (where I currently live), I can feel it.

The Aquarian Age and the resurgence of feminine power call for surrender, wisdom, and radical interior investigation. That means, this time, the revolution must come from within.

Samhain Harm Ye None

This isn’t a new concept. During the Occupy Wall Street and Women’s March movements, a similar idea was frequently thrown around. And before them, it was popular amidst the waves of activism in the 1960s and 1970s. Both Gandhi’s and Martin Luther King’s movements were driven by the core of this ideology, radical non-violence. Non-violence is a beautiful concept and can be understood intellectually with ease. But to live non-violently in a consistent manner requires cultivated wisdom, empathy, inner compassion, and connectedness. This is far more difficult to achieve and it stems from prioritizing internal change and personal revolution over external change and global revolution.

That much-needed wisdom and reflection come only from that interior investigation. It comes from meditation, communion with nature, shamanic journeys, and/or other healing practices that can trigger the memories of our unfathomable connection to each other, the divine feminine, the sacred Earth and Star spirits, and the original breath of our earliest existence.

The Aquarian Age has valuable messages for us, perhaps the most important among them being the death of guru outside of oneself. This is the point in our collective growth when the bravest among us will let go of the rigidity and pressure of our very civilization and embark on billions of vision quests. One by one.

Only then can we truly evolve.

jack o'lantern
Photographer: David Menidrey | Source: Unsplash

Connections to Samhain

So what does this have to do with Samhain (more commonly known as Halloween)? As the veil between realms gets thinner, as it does every year at this time, we can use this energetic opening to spur our own vision quests. We can celebrate this ancient Celtic festival by turning off our phones, sitting in dark, liminal spaces, and listening for answers from within. There are unseen spirits, guides, and entities all around us, waiting and willing to aid in our spiritual development. Especially during Scorpio season.

Samhain is the Witch’s new year. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the darkest part of the year, in the northern hemisphere. It is an intrinsically introverted and liminal time, which makes this solo interior work more accessible. The lessons gleaned from deep, meaningful shadow-work, although immensely uncomfortable, can be absorbed more quickly at this time. Because our spirits and ancestors have more access to us, they can powerfully aid in unraveling old and stubborn karmic knots, if we are open and allow.

book open surrounded by lights and leaves
Photographer: Natalia Y | Source: Unsplash

My Witch’s Charge

Identifying as a Witch and practicing the Craft have different meanings for different people. For me being a witch is about three central aspects (I think of them as sides to a sacred triangle):

The first is Bravery (Maiden):

Bravery to face the inner layers of the self.

Bravery to admit both our deepest, ugliest folly and internal power that’s beyond measure.

Bravery to rise against the waves of patriarchy by invoking the Divine Feminine.

Bravery to be resilient in the face of the often excruciating contrast of this binary planet.

Bravery to stay awake enough to refocus on the Magick of love, laughter and compassion.

Bravery to remember the reality that exists beneath all realities.

The second is Power (Mother):

Power in knowing that we co-create uncountable realities, thousands of times each day.

Power in service of the receptive Feminine Spirit that binds us all.

Power in a lineage that we both revere and make manifest, simultaneously.

Power in the sacred act of original creativity (birth).

The third is Wisdom (Crone):

Wisdom of radical compassion especially projected to those who seem not to deserve it.

Wisdom of the ancestors, spirits and entities of all realms, both seen and unseen.

Wisdom of cultivated humility when bestowed with Magickal power.

Wisdom of the elements and cosmos in ritual workings.

Wisdom of Great Grandmother Spirit.

Final Thoughts

So, when October comes around each year, I am reminded of the sacred responsibility of this path. This is our time to journey within and connect with the deepest, truest versions of our sacred selves. If throughout your days you often feel disconnected from a happier, livelier version of yourself, use the power of Samhain to remember who you are.

I am reminded that for us to collectively evolve, I must be brave, powerful and wise enough to look within and listen closely. Only there, in the quiet, innermost crevices of our being, can we conjure the necessary spells to break our subconscious bonds to the outdated, destructive patriarchal beast.

Make no mistake, to be a Witch is to be a warrior.

But, unlike the traditional warriors of the past, we know the real battle is fought within.

On Samhain, when the power is high, and the veil is thin, So Mote It Be.

Friday 11 October 2024

The Vital Role of Psychological Evaluation in Paranormal Investigations

Clarion Call for All Involved in the Mysterious Field of Paranormal Investigations

In the fascinating world of paranormal investigations, the stakes are high, ranging from haunted locations to cases alleging demonic possession. However, one often overlooked but critical aspect of these investigations, is the necessity for comprehensive psychological evaluations. Why are these assessments so vital?

In a timely podcast episode, Investigating Demonic Cases: Paranormal Psychological Evaluation, host Jock Brocas underscores the importance of psychological evaluations, noting that he personally receives about four to five new cases every month. Although a significant majority—over 95%—are not serious, the small percentage that may involve something more sinister requires utmost caution.

The Thin Between Psychiatric Illness and Demonic Influence is Easily Blurred

paranormal
(Image: Canva)

Jock Brocas, a professional medium and spirit interventionist, emphasizes the importance of psychological evaluations to distinguish mental health issues from genuine paranormal occurrences. A clarion call for all involved in this mysterious field to adopt practices rooted in professionalism, ethics, and multidisciplinary cooperation.

“There's a very gray area between psychosis, mental psychosis, psychiatric illness and demonic possession/obsession. There is basically a pattern. There's an intelligence. And some of this pattern and... intelligence actually comes through looking at a potential case which is out of the realms of science and...psychology and psychiatry. And a lot of people that are claiming that they are having a psychiatric illness, do actually suffer from... some spirit obsession or spirit oppression, not necessarily demonic, by the way.” Jock Brocas

While the necessity for a professional psychological evaluation when assessing paranormal claims speaks for itself, Brocas explains that individuals often refuse these evaluations, firmly believing they do not need them. This refusal complicates matters because the line between psychiatric illness and demonic influence is thin and easily blurred.

“One of the things that stops people in their tracks is when you start to say, this case actually needs psychological evaluation, we need to bring in a psychiatrist or a psychologist and they need to be able to evaluate that person. Nine times out of ten, most of these people will say they don't need an evaluation and they don't want an evaluation and they're not interested in having that done because they know.
Unfortunately, that's where things get a little bit gray because there are so many people out there claiming that they have a haunting... a demonic possession or an obsession, and do not have the history to back it up, and they do not have the phenomena to back it up. And they think that just a little imbalance in the mind or negative thoughts or bad things is completely oppressive and demonic. And it's not.” Jock Brocas

The Allure and Misconception Around Demonic Cases

A common trend among people who contact Brocas, is an almost eager conviction that they are experiencing demonic oppression, obsession, or possession. This excitement can be problematic and reveals a significant misunderstanding of the complexities involved. Paranormal professionals, including mediums and parapsychologists, must address these cases cautiously, ensuring that they don’t contribute to unnecessary fear or misinformation.

“There is a pattern to diabolical possession. There is an intelligence. This is also the same in obsession and oppression, before even you get to possession. So be very careful, don't jump on the bandwagon. Make sure that you have all your bases covered that you actually go through, that you have a relationship with a professional, with a psychologist, with a psychiatrist, someone that you can rely on that can actually help you to evaluate that case. It's important that this is evaluated professionally.” Jock Brocas

Occult illiterate, mainstream mental health professionals who dismiss the paranormal world as nonsense, will be of no help to spirit interventionists, mediums and others who are called upon to assist troubled souls. Experiencing mental imbalances because of innocent, ignorant tinkerings with spiritual realms, is more common than many people realise. Basic occult education and holistic health pathways should be taught in universities and medical schools but that is unlikely to happen any time soon. In the meantime, taking heed of the reality of paranormal and potential interferences is highly recommended when assessing mental/emotional imbalances.

Patterns of Alleged Demonic Activity Symptoms

Several patterns can manifest in cases involving alleged demonic activity and often overlap with various psychiatric conditions, such as psychosis. Brocas notes that some symptoms attributed to demonic influence might actually stem from psychiatric illnesses like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

However, there is an intelligence that drives genuine paranormal cases, making them distinguishable from psychiatric conditions but identifying this intelligence requires more than intuition; it needs evidence and professional validation.

A Multi-disciplinary Approach Prevents Misdiagnosis of Mental Health Conditions

The importance of psychological evaluations lies in their ability to provide a clear, clinical perspective on the individual’s mental health. Collaborating with psychiatrists and psychologists is a valuable multi-disciplinary approach because it ensures any paranormal investigation is grounded in reality, thereby preventing the misdiagnosis of mental health conditions.

“You want to be able to identify if there is psychiatric or psychological illness there. Is there a pattern of psychological illness in the family? Is there a pattern of psychosis that's developing here? As a medium, you're not going to be able to give those answers but you can bring in a professional that can. As professionals ourselves in mediumship, we can talk to people and get the background and intelligence, give them advice and things. But when it comes to something that's serious or maybe needs looked at deeper, you really do need a professional.” Jock Brocas

Brocas collaborates with the Wisconsin Paranormal Society, illustrating how effective teamwork and network-building with medical professionals can enhance the credibility and outcomes of paranormal investigations.

When investigating paranormal claims, building trust with the affected individuals and their families is paramount. This approach mandates a professional demeanor and a commitment to ethical standards. Professionals should never hastily diagnose a situation as demonic without thorough evaluation, including psychological assessments.

Cutting Through the Noise: The Myths and Realities of Possession

On the topic of misinformation proliferated by some religious entities and media that sensationalize demonic possession, Brocas contends that many individuals who believe they are possessed are, in reality, experiencing psychological or emotional turmoil.

Certain religious narratives and sensationalist media presentations fuel misconceptions about possession, often advocating for extreme views without substantial evidence, contributing to the public’s misunderstanding.

“I'm blaming religion... some of these evangelical type people that will say that there are so many demons inside of you. There's no proof in this and there's no evidence to the contrary. So anybody who thinks that they are actually oppressed, would have to go through a series of tests and a series of studies to be able to have a professional identify if that person seriously is being influenced by a demonic being or a spirit being or is being oppressed in some way.
There is a need for anybody that is seriously claiming that they're possessed, or the family is claiming they're possessed, to have a psychological evaluation, not just of them, but also the family. So if you're a professional and...you have people who come to you and say that they are actually demonically possessed, and you start to kind of believe it, and you go down the realms of checking everything and... you don't have any professional psychological testing or evaluations done, then you're kind of doing yourself a disservice. And you're doing them a disservice because 99% of cases are actually explainable. There's very, very little out there that is seriously a diabolical possession and people who think they are, normally aren't.” Jock Brocas

Avoiding the Pitfalls: Responsible Paranormal Investigation

Avoid the pitfalls of rushed or unsubstantiated conclusions by approaching each case with an open mind, rigorous methodology, and a willingness to seek professional psychological insights.

Ethical responsibility is a cornerstone of credible paranormal investigation. Even if a case appears to fit the criteria for demonic possession, investigators should ensure that it undergoes comprehensive evaluation. This approach not only protects the individuals involved but also upholds the integrity of the investigative field.

Stay Informed and Engaged with Deadly Departed Podcasts

For those interested in delving deeper, the Deadly Departed podcast is a rich resource of knowledge and case studies which aim to shed light on these intriguing and complex phenomena. The perfect place to engage with the community by posing questions and sharing experiences to foster a more informed and respectful dialogue about the paranormal.

The ongoing journey to understand the paranormal is filled with both challenges and revelations. Psychological evaluations serve as a crucial tool in this quest, bridging the gap between mental health and supernatural phenomena. By embracing a rigorous, ethical approach to investigations, we ensure that our work contributes meaningfully to both fields.

Stay tuned and stay curious. The more we learn, the greater our ability to navigate the shadowy intersections of the seen and the unseen.

Watch the Video

Investigating Demonic Cases: Paranormal Psychological Evaluation

(Run time: 13 mins)

Sunday 6 October 2024

Ghostly ‘White Ladies’ of the British Isles - an enduring paranormal phenomenon

White Lady Waterfall, Lydford Gorge, Devon (Wikimedia Commons)

‘The White Lady’ phenomenon

The phenomenon of ‘The White Lady’, a ghostly apparition of the British Isles, is most associated with Welsh/English wells, streams, lakes, seashores, valleys, at crossroads, churchyards, and beside lonely roads and tracks. Some speculate she might be a vestigial folk memory of pre-Christian water goddesses. Such deities were venerated in Britain well into the Roman period, but others suggest that most are a post-Reformation mix-up with St Mary, to whom many wells were dedicated.

Author Katherine Langrish posits two kinds of appearance; the White Lady, or dynes mewn gwyn, a true spectre, and the ladi wen, a haunting of a specific location associated with violent death. The White Lady is often a sad, white-clad creature who inspires the terror of deep emotional sadness.

Wales

Wales, is a land associated with myth, legends and Celtic superstition is heavily linked to them; especially in the north of the country. The White lady of Rhyl is a a regular visitor along the seafront; in nearby Dyserth, another lingers by a roadside pool.

At Goblins Well, Mold, people passing by would encounter a hooded headless lady in white. In Scenes and Stories Little Known (1861), Margaret Butler Clough tells of a visitation with a white lady motioning to a passer-by that treasure was to be found in the well.

Ffynnon Fair Bryncroes, St Mary's Well (Wikimedia Commons)

By Ffynnon Fair near Aberdaron, the spectre is associated with St Mary, said to have visited the well, riding over the sea on a white horse. Although this spirit once supposedly appeared to a girl, letting her know how the power of the well could grant her dearest wishes. Not exactly Christian.

At Deborah’s Well near Loggerheads, press reports said a White Lady appeared - with her hair on fire.

According to his account of the 1980s, local historian, the late Councillor Arthur Smith, writes that during the 6th century, there was an outbreak of cholera in the area. A local girl, by the name of Deborah, was recognised as a white witch, or healing woman, who used plants and herbs gathered from the wild to cure the sick. With no mainstream medicines available at the time, the services of these women were widely called upon. But when things went wrong, as inevitably they sometimes did, these healing women fell under deep suspicion.
At the start of the outbreak, perhaps aware that infected water was the cause of the disease, Deborah is said to have led the villagers up the hill and away from the well, thereby protecting them from infection. A hospital was established here, and villagers were kept safe for a while, but eventually the disease reached them, and people began to die. The blame for this fell upon Deborah, who was now branded as a black witch. The building was set alight, with the inhabitants – including Deborah – still inside. Nobody survived the ravaging flames.
SUPERNATURAL FLINTSHIRE
Have you ever heard strange noises in the middle of the night? Maybe it was just the windows rattling in the wind, or perhaps it was something more… With its enigmatic castles and rolling hills, Flintshire is known for its cultural heritage and outstanding natural beauty. Yet beneath the surface of this historically rich county, there lies another strange and enigmatic realm. Join me on a journey into the unknown, to explore the ghosts, strange sightings, and otherworldly mysteries that have been reported here, in the ancient county of Flintshire. Deborah’s Well Deborah’s Well can be found by the side of the Cadoleto Gwernaffield road, a simple structure of local stone at the woodland’s edge.Deborah’s story, if true, is a strange and tragic one. According to his accountof the 1980s, local historian, the late Councillor Arthur Smith, writes that duringthe 6th century, there was an outbreak of cholera in the area. Alocal girl, by the name of Deborah, was recognised as a white witch, or healingwoman, who used plants and herbs gathered from the wild to cure the sick. Withno mainstream medicines available at the time, the services of these women werewidely called upon. But when things went wrong, as inevitably they sometimes did,these healing women fell under deep suspicion. At the start of the outbreak, perhaps aware thatinfected water was the cause of the disease, Deborah is said to have led thevillagers up the hill and away from the well, thereby protecting them frominfection. A hospital was established here, and villagers were kept safe for awhile, but eventually the disease reached them, and  people began to die. The blame for this fellupon Deborah, who was now branded as a black witch. The building was set alight,with the inhabitants - including Deborah - still inside. Nobody survived the ravagingflames. However, there are some problematic details contained in this story. Cholera was only recognised as an identifiable disease in Britain in the year 1831, and though it is not impossible that cholera was present before this date, it does throw into question such an early association. Perhaps the story relates to the 16th century rather than the 6th, when a real fear of witches and witchcraft pervaded the country. Like most stories of this type, the tale most likely has its roots in a centuries-old oral tradition, which has changed and been elaborated on over the years. However, the name of Deborah is well established in the area: the woodland where the memorial stands bears her name, as does a field across the road, and a nearby lead shaft. Has this story evolved from a tragedy years ago, the truth of which has been lost to time? OS maps from the 18th century have no mention of a well in the area, though there is an indication of one in nearby Cornel, where Deborah is believed to have been born…is this just coincidence? Food for thought, certainly. A further strange tale relating to the site dates from the early 1970s, involving a married couple driving home late one night from Loggerheads. Needing to ‘pay a visit’, the man pulled over near Deborah’s Well, and went off into the woods to answer the call of nature. As she waited for him in the car, his wife was horrified by the sudden appearance of a woman with blazing hair emerging from the woodland. Terrified, she ran to find her husband. On returning to the car, the couple found no trace of the burning woman. So shaken were they by this incident that they reported it to the authorities, and the next day police called at the area to investigate. They found no trace of anything, save the woman’s handbag, dropped in her panic. Golden Ghost of Goblin Hill In 1833, an extraordinary cape of gold was found by workmenworking in a field known as Cae Ellyllon (Field of the Goblins), on theoutskirts of Mold, either when filling in a gravel pit, or when quarrying forstone – the details are uncertain. Dating from the Bronze Age, it was fashionedfrom a single ingot of gold about the size of a golf ball and placed on thebody of someone who had been interred in a stone-lined grave within the burialmound known as Tomen yr Ellyllon (Tumulus of the Goblins). It is considered tobe the finest example of prehistoric gold work in Europe and can be seen ondisplay in the British Museum.There is also a copy in Mold Museum. Before the discovery of the cape however, locals had formany years spoken of a spirit called Brenin yr Allt – King of the Hill – whichwas said to haunt the area. Legend tells that in 1810 a woman was leading herdrunken husband home from a pub in the town, their route taking them throughCae Ellyllon, where the cape was later uncovered, when they encountered anapparition, “clothed in gold which shone like the sun”, towering over the tomen,before disappearing into it. The encounter scared the woman out of her wits,and her husband into sobriety! A detailed report dating from 1830 recounts that one summerevening, a ‘respectable woman’ was riding home when she noticed that some ofthe trees on the opposite side of the road were lit with a strange, glimmeringlight, before she was confronted by “an apparition of unusual size, and clothedwith a suit of golden armour”, which then disappeared into the tomen.  Stunned and shaken, the woman immediatelyturned back for Mold to relate her encounter to the Vicar of Mold, ReverendCharles Butler Clough (laterArchdeacon of St. Asaph), who duly recorded what she told him, and had threeother ‘respectable people’ witness the account. He later confirmed that thestory of the golden ghost was well-known locally before the discovery of thecape in 1833, though we should note that its dimensions mean that it could onlyhave been worn by a small woman or a teenager, rather than a warrior of “unusualsize”. So, whether we have tangible evidence of a golden ghost, or evidence ofcollective memory stretching back millennia and preserved as a ghost story,this tale is truly remarkable. Plas Teg An impressive and brooding Grade 1 listed Jacobean mansion located between Mold and Wrexham on the A541, Plas Teg was built in 1610 by Sir John Trevor. It is believed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Wales, with no fewer than 15 unquiet spirits said to wander the house and grounds. One of these is said to be SirJohn’s own daughter, Dorothy, who fell in love with Iorwerth, a local farmer’sson. Her father strongly disapproved of the match however and forbade thecouple from meeting. Heartbroken, Dorothy planned to elope with her love, andburied her jewellery near a well in the grounds of the mansion. On the night ofthe planned elopement, Dorothy went to retrieve her jewellery but tragically slippedand fell down the well, to her death. Her body was not discovered for twomonths, and her jewellery was never found. Over the centuries, there have beennumerous reports of  a woman in whitewandering on the A541 – could this be poor Dorothy, looking for her belovedIorwerth? Frightened of being accused of Dorothy’s murder, poor Iorwerth hangedhimself, and his ghost is also said to haunt Plas Teg. Yet more tragedy was to befallthe Trevor family in the mid-18th century. The fifth Sir John Trevordiscovered that his wife was having an affair, and in a fit of jealous rage, heis alleged to have killed her. Later, reputedly riddled by all-consuming guilt,a drunk Sir John drove his carriage at reckless speed towards a tree in thegrounds of Plas Teg, severely injuring himself, and subsequently dying a slowand lingering death. The house has attracted manysupernatural investigators over the years, including the team from thetelevision show, Most Haunted UK, many of whom claim to have seen shadowyfigures, sensed ghostly presences, and heard loud wailing noises. Darkness is its own kingdom While some may dismiss these stories and  incidents as mere coincidence or imagination, others believe that they are indisputable evidence of supernatural activity. Whether you are a believer or not, there is no denying that strange things happen in this part of Wales when darkness falls...
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Beside Flint Mountain’s Pwll-y-Wrach pond, the local White Lady predicted the death of a passing farmer who happened to disturb her ghostly peace, a prognostication which supposedly came true the very next Spring.

In Ogmore, Bridgend, a spirit would wander the area until approached by a daring fellow, who was led to a cauldron filled with gold, hidden within the old tower of Ogmore Castle. She allowed the man to take half the treasure for himself, but the greedy chap later returned later and took the rest. This naturally ired The White Lady, whose fingers turned into claws and attacked the man as he left the castle with his loot. He became extremely ill, but only passed away once he had confessed his greed.

From then on, Y Ladi Wen's Revenge was said to befall any person who carked it before disclosing hidden riches, damned to lie forever in the nearby river.

England

Some English tales of The White Lady hold she may be a victim of murder or a suicide, who died before she could tell anyone the location of a hidden treasure (again).

In 2019, its said that a family camped at the castle of Blenkinsopp in Northumberland. One night the parents were woken by their boy screaming, "The White Lady!" but by the time they got to him, she had vanished. The lad claimed the spectre was very angry, after he refused to accompany her to a box of gold buried in the vaults below and tried to take him with her.

The same events took place the following three evenings...but The White Lady no longer disturbed him, after he understandably began sleeping in his parents’ bed.

A White Lady is seen retracing her steps at Portchester Castle; she was said to have jumped off the the battlements when trying to retrieve her stricken child.

Chillingham Castle, 1718 (Wikimedia Commons)

At appropriately named Chillingham Castle in Northumbria (Britain’s most haunted castle), a footman was startled by the unexpected presence of a lady dressed in white, appearing frail and asking for water. This pale figure is still seen today, the prevailing theory that her longing for water suggests poisoning.

The "Running Lady"of Beeford, East Yorkshire appears on the Beeford Straight, a road between the villages of Beeford and Brandesburton. Motorists have reportedly seen her scampering apparition by the road, and anecdotes include a motorcyclist picking up a female hitchhiker there, who shortly after, turned around to find his passenger absent.

Another story recounts a car on the road crashing into a tree, killing 6 people - the result of The white Lady's curse?

An old ballad haunts Okehampton Castle, "My Ladye hath a sable coach, with horses two an four. My Ladye hath a gaunt blood-hound, that goeth before. My Ladye's coach hath nodding plumes, the driver hath no head. My Ladye is an ashen white – as one who is long dead."

She is said to be a noble Howard, of the 17th century, who slew several husbands and children of hers. She is cursed to collect grass blades in the castle ruins until the end of time itself.

The White Lady of Radford in Devon is a young woman who wanted to see her beau living in nearby Oreston, but being forbidden to do so by her family. But one evening, wearing virginal white, she took a boat across a lake to see her boy.

The boat capsized, with The White Lady pulled by her dress under the water - some say the Lady's lover was in the boat with her when it sank. Many have since told of seeing the White Lady sitting beside the lake in her ghostly form, waving at dumfounded witnesses. As a result of this, a street nearby Radford park was named "White Lady Road".

Ghostly Matilda (also called Margaret) is told to haunt Berry Pomeroy Castle (also in Devon), acting as a harbinger of death to everyone who glimpses her in the dungeon of the St Margaret Tower.

She was said to have been starved to death by her sister in that very dungeon. In 1806, Edward Montague wrote a spooky novel titled The Castle of Berry Pomeroy.

White Lady Stones

There are quite a few ‘White Lady’ stones in England and Wales. The petrified remains of the haunted spirits? Natural phenomena? Or pre-historic erections? You decide.

I guess.

White Lady
The White Lady Standing Stone, Hayfield, Derbyshire (Wikimedia Commons)
White Lady
The White Lady at Porth Padrig, Anglesey (Wikimedia Commons)
The White Lady of North Ormsby, Lincolnshire (Wikimedia Commons)

A life-sized statue of a woman in a classical style that has been here for hundreds of years, no-one really knows how or why she came to be here, but there are countless folk tales about her. Some say it's Roman, others say 18th century in the Greek style; the site reputedly marks the spot where a woman was once killed whilst out hunting. The valley is rich in history and she stands on the site of a Gilbertine Priory founded in 1184 and close to the deserted medieval village of North Ormsby.

White Lady
The White Lady, Lynton and Lynmouth, Devon (Wikimedia Commons)
Wilkie Collins The Woman in White

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