Eating With the Spirits

                                                           

I didn’t actually have a sit down meal with the spirits, but they were there with me and my friends. This week I had the opportunity to do two ghost investigations; one scheduled and one by accident. On Sunday night, Marti Haines and Marcia Moore, the owners of “On Angels’Wings” took a group of professional investigators to a beautiful café in Bordentown, NJ.

Under the Moon Cafe is owned by the mother and son team, Estela and Santiago Orosco and what they offer their customers is a warm and welcoming atmosphere with good home cooked meals which consist of Italian, Spanish/Basque and Tapas bars.
                                                                

While waiting for the rest of the group to arrive at the café, Rita and I ordered dessert and it was absolutely heavenly. As soon as the Café had closed, Santiago and his staff reported what they and their customers had experienced on many occasions. The investigation began soon after.
                                                         

While Marcia and Marti are still reviewing all the results collected that night, I will say this; the café is very active and the spirits friendly. I’m looking forward to returning to Under the Moon Café, but this time before we do the investigation I intend to have the Carne Con Ajos.

Unplanned Investigation

 

On Tuesday, Diane, Jean and I went to visit a fellow investigator at NE Philly hospital. It was late in the afternoon and we were hungry. Diane told us about the very old historical King George II Inn. She said the food was great and that it was haunted. The mention of ghosts convinced us to head on down to the river for what turned out to be a very interesting lunch.
                                                              

The story of the Inn starts in 1681 when Samuel Clift established a ferry service between Bristol, PA and Burlington, NJ. Ferries were the only form of transportation between these two towns until the opening of the Burlington-Bristol Bridge in 1929.

Over the years, the Inn, which is located at 102 Radcliffe Street in Bristol, Pa, passed through many owners and went by many names and the Inn boasts many famous people sleeping there. I often wonder how George Washington ever had enough time to even fight the Revolutionary War because this guy seemed to spend a lot of time sleeping at inns.
                                                             

As soon as we entered the building, all three of us sensed the spirits. Our psychic abilities so strong and the spirits so eager to interact with us that we didn’t need to use our equipment. We were able to get more information about the building from the owners and their amazing staff.
                                                         

After eating an exceptionally delicious lunch, Diane, Jean and I were given a private tour of the entire building; from basement to attic. We will definitely be returning to the Inn for the food, but this time we want to take our equipment and document what we saw and felt.

Conclusion

I see dead people, and so do my friends. Most of the time, we’re not purposely looking for spirits, but it doesn’t matter. The spirits know that we can see them and they want to tell us their stories. We like to listen.
                                                               

Almost all homes have a spirit. It doesn’t matter what the age of the building is because even if the house is not haunted, the land itself usually is. It seems that when the three of us girls are together, our vibrations are much higher and the contact with the spirit world is easier. What made these two investigations even more enjoyable were the fine food, great service and historic ambiance. Sometimes a haunting can be downright fun.

Steampunk Granny Interviews Jersey Paranormal Investigations

                                                                  

                       

Everyone who knows me knows that I love ghosts and zombies. I’ve been seeing the dearly departed since I was two years old, and I've always been interested in what goes on during a professional ghost investigation? I’ve had the pleasure of doing many ghost investigations with several different groups including one with a very capable team known as Jersey Paranormal Investigations. I was able to find out more about the team by interviewing three of the board members: Maureen Carroll, Nikki Steward and Toni Gushue. Join me now as we learn what is takes to search for spirits.

Thank you Maureen, Nikki and Toni for taking this time to explain your work to my readers.What is Jersey Paranormal Investigations, and why was it formed?

​MAC - JPI was founded in November of 2015 by people with many years of experience in the paranormal field.  We were looking to do things just a little different (such as expanding Paraunity and letting the members have greater control over the group as a whole), and thus Jersey Paranormal Investigations was formed.  I've been investigating since August of 2006, so this is my 10-year anniversary!  JPI's investigators are all serious-minded individuals whose main focus is the well-being of our clients.  No matter if the client is a private house, business, or historic location, JPI treats them equally with respect and strives to achieve what the clients have requested of us--evidence, counseling, fundraising, etc. All of our members are volunteers and receive no monetary compensation. Our services are free and JPI is an official 501(c) (3) charitable organization.

                                                  Maureen and Nikki                                                                   

What are the duties of the Board Members?

Nikki: The duties are to take over the world... Hahaha Just kidding.  The JPI Board of Directors is like the engine of a car.  We are a big component of what makes it run, but not without the rest of the parts working too.  We oversee the day to day operations of the group but also try to keep our members as involved as possible in decisions.  This includes, but is not limited to, helping with new member interviews and voting on group expenditures.  We oversee all of our fundraisers and public events as well.  Board Members review questionnaires, schedule cases, and review case reports with the help of our Case Manager, Beth. 

Toni: There are currently 4 Board Members and seats-Director-Nikki, Co-Director-Maureen, Secretary-Toni and Treasurer-Sharon. Collectively, the four of us run the day to day operations of the group, including training, financials, meeting minutes, dispute resolution, networking with other groups, setting up investigations and fundraisers etc.  The Board positions are elected positions, chosen by the membership, and each seat is for one year, beginning January 1st of the year.  This is something that I think makes our group unique, as well as we put the power in the hands of the membership. 

        

                                                   Toni and Nikki

Often, paranormal groups have a Director and that's it, they are the Director for the tenure of the group.  This isn't necessarily the case with our group.  Plus, in having four Board Members, if we are that split on making a day to day decision where it is a 50/50 vote, we will bring the subject to our membership and have them vote on the topic and give them the power to have a say in how the group is being run.

What inspired you to do investigations?

​MAC - I've always had an interest in the paranormal, but when I was growing up, there weren't any of the paranormal shows that are so common on TV now.  Sightings and In Search Of were pretty much it.  I had three experiences that I can recall growing up, but the one that sticks out the most was when I was around 16 or 17.  It was Christmas Eve and my Mom and I were up late wrapping gifts.  Everything was spread out on her bed, unwrapped, when we both heard footsteps coming down from upstairs.  My house was built in 1906, and the stairs were made from Oak.  Each step had a distinctive sound and we could tell someone was coming down (as opposed to going back up).  My Mom asked me to see who was coming down.  I checked all the rooms as I made my way to the staircase and no one was there.  I even went upstairs and checked, but everyone was asleep--even the cat.  When I went to tell my Mom, we both thought it was weird, but didn’t' think much more of it.  The thing I find most odd now is that my mother has absolutely no memory of this ever happening.

Toni: I always had an interest in the paranormal since I was young.  My uncle's former residence was haunted and I had an experience there when I was a kid and spent the night at the house.  My cousin and I were sleeping in her bedroom in bunk beds.  She had locked the door from the inside, why I don't know but she did.  When we woke up the next morning, a small table had been moved across the room.  She and I were young, maybe  8 and 6, so we weren't strong enough to have moved the table and the door to the bedroom was still locked when I got up to use the bathroom that morning.  There were a number of stories about things being moved around or going missing in that house.

My Nana was always very interested in the idea of ghosts and aliens and would read about them a lot, which was surprising to me as most Italian grandmothers aren't talking about Lizzie Borden while they are stirring the sauce.  So, when she was done with a book, she would pass it off to me and then we'd talk about it afterwards. It was always our thing that was just between us. She will be 90 this year and now watches the paranormal shows and we will talk about my experiences on investigations and I will show her evidence we have obtained from public or historical locations (private clients are always kept strictly confidential).

Nikki: I grew up in homes that had paranormal activity in them.  I became somewhat obsessed with the paranormal when I was about 11 or 12.  At the time, my mom was starting to really delve into her genealogy.  We would spend countless hours at libraries, county probate offices and of course cemeteries.  While she spent her time pouring through records and microfiche at the libraries, I searched for any and all books on ghosts and hauntings.  Fast forward to 2003, a family friend was visiting and we took a photo of her.  Right over her face was what we believed to be an "orb".   This seemed to reignite my passion for the paranormal.  I sat down on the computer and started doing some research.  I found my former group, SJGR, and applied to join, curious about what I would learn and how I could help others.  Luckily, they saw value in what I had to offer and the rest is history.  I have spent many years involved in the paranormal since then.  While i was not always with an organized group, i have always used my passion and intuitive abilities to help those who are in need.  It brings me great satisfaction helping those who may be scared or do not understand why they have activity happening in their home or business.

What type of cases do you investigate?

​MAC: JPI handles all types of cases from the innocuous to "Emergency" cases that require experienced investigator.  These cases may be human or inhuman, but are considered highly negative in nature.  We also do a lot of work with historic locations, bringing awareness of the location and fundraisers.

Toni: I have only been doing paranormal investigations for about a year, but we are all trained to handle whatever we may encounter along the way.  Sometimes we may go into a residence or business thinking it will be calm and the investigation is going to go one way and anything can happen, so we must always be prepared to roll with the punches.  If we know we are walking into a situation where we believe there to be negative entities at work, we have members of the group who have specialized training and experience that we can send on that type of case.  Nikki has a wealth of experience in this area.

Nikki: JPI handles many different types of cases, including what we consider a "casper" case, which is generally just a human spirit who may be trying to get the attention of the owners, etc.  We also will handle more intense hauntings which may be human or inhuman.

                                            Site of Investigation at Red Mill                                                                  ​

What training is required to do this work?

​MAC: There are several classes that are taught to our trainees before they can be considered for full membership.  These include Psychic Protection, Equipment Training, Electronic Voice Phenomena Training, Evidence evaluation, Understanding the procedures and by-laws of JPI, Cemetery Training, Preternatural Training, and many investigations to gain experience and confidence.  It takes approx. 3 months, but mostly depends on the individual and if the BOD/members feel that person is qualified to obtain full membership status.​

Toni: If someone is an experienced investigator and wishes to join the group, we may just ask them to take a refresher in an area, so that we know they are proficient in it or trained to do things the way we do them within JPI.

Nikki: I believe that it is irresponsible to bring investigators into the homes of our clients without as much information and training as we can provide for them.  While I understand that the paranormal is still a field that there is much to learn about, there are still some basic trainings that are an important foundation for all investigators.

Is it required to have some psychic abilities to do investigations?

​MAC: No, that's a falsity some people believe, but the number 1 ability we require is for people to listen and learn.  We are all born with the ability to interact with spirit energy, but most lose it over time--usually between 7 to 10 years old.  However, it is something you can get back with a bit of work.  We say it's like a muscle that atrophies... you can work on the muscle to get it strong and fully functioning again. It's the same with our psychic abilities.​

Toni: Not at all.  In fact, we joke within the group that I have absolutely no psychic abilities whatsoever!  What is required is a willingness to learn, to listen and patience.  Patience is key because paranormal investigating isn't like it is on TV where all kinds of stuff happens in that hour span for the show.  Those filmings take days generally.  It's a lot of sitting in the dark, in the quiet, waiting for something to happen.  Then it's hours of evidence review-audio, video, photo and the more equipment you own, the longer it takes to review everything.

Nikki: This is a bit of a trick question, as I believe that EVERYONE has psychic abilities!  That aside, it is absolutely NOT required for our members have any psychic abilities.  An open mind is the most that we require in that sense.  It is really beneficial to have a good mix of people with varying abilities.

Why do ghosts stay at a particular home or site, and how do you handle the troublesome ones?

​MAC: There is usually a reason why ghosts and spirits stay where they do, but we might not always know the reason.  Some stay with living family members, especially during the holidays, milestones, and life-changing events.  Just as our family wants to be there to support us in life, they continue to do so after they have passed.  Another reason is they are attached to the home, land, or a physical object.  It's completely understandable if a person spends 30+ years, for example, in their home, and then wants to remain there after they pass.  Maybe to them, that's their version of heaven.  When a spirit becomes troublesome, there might be a reason for it--such as they are just trying to let you know they are there for you during a particular time, or they just want to be acknowledged that someone realizes they still exist even though their physical body has died.  No matter what the reason, we tell our clients they own the space they are living in and they need to take control of it.  They need to make the location feel like their home, bring in light, live plants and maybe add a fish tank. They also need to set boundaries, such as telling the spirit what they want or don't want from them.  People have every right to ask a spirit not to disturb them when they are in the shower or trying to sleep.  We just tell them to be firm, but respectful, and to set boundaries when they are not in fear or angry.  We want to keep everything as positive as possible. ​

Nikki: Since we have an extensive questionnaire and investigation process, we often hope to handle any issues very early on.  I have had many experience with spirits that were just plain ol' grumpy and unhappy with the residents, to Native American spirits that felt their land was being disrespected.  Each of these situations has to be handled with complete care and understanding.  Sometimes we have to get an understanding of any religious beliefs that may be holding the spirit to a location and if that is causing the conflict.  I have had experiences where I've had to not only counsel the homeowners and help them understand why things are happening and how to deal with it, but also there are times when I have had to counsel the spirits as well.

Walk us through the set-up of an investigation beginning with that first call from a client.

​MAC: Once a client contacts us, we send them out a questionnaire.  This is a form that gives us all the information about the client and the case, starting with contact information, general history of the location and how much time they've been living there, and then questions about what they have been experiencing.  Are they hearing voices or sounds?  Smelling things out of the ordinary? Seeing apparitions?  Have there been other groups involved?  If so, what was their assessment of the case? etc.    

Toni: Once we get the questionnaire back, our Case Manager, Beth, will reach out to the client via phone and confirm details as well as get more information if possible.  After Beth speaks with the client, she confirms with the Board and we decide how we will proceed with the case.  If we are responding to the location, a team leader will be assigned to conduct a short preliminary investigation.  This involves meeting the client and discussing information more in depth, getting a feeling for the location and its layout etc. 

                                                                

MAC: The BOD will read the report and make a decision on what will help the client the best way--either doing an investigation or counseling, etc.  If the client is very sensitive to spirit energy, they might not necessarily need an investigation.  They just need to know how to handle their sensitivity.  That's where counseling is going to be more effective and help the client more than an investigation would.  Ultimately, that's what we want... to make sure that we have satisfied the client's needs and met their expectations.​

Toni: Each case is really a case by case scenario because no two cases are ever the same and each location and client may have different needs that we need to meet.  Our number one priority is just to do everything in our power to satisfy the client and make sure their needs are met and they are happy with whatever the outcome is. 

It isn't always easy for people to talk about paranormal experiences-plenty of times we have heard "You might think I'm crazy, but" and then they will go on to tell us something that they've experienced.  No, we don't think you're crazy, we've heard most everything.  That's why it was imperative that we put the words "without judgment" in our mission statement.  We don't want a client to every feel judged or condescended when they are reaching out to us for assistance.

How can people contact you and is there a fee?

​MAC: We are very active on our social media pages, so Facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc.  They can also email us at JPIHauntedHelp@gmail.com or visit our website at Jersey Paranormal. com All of our services are free of charge to the public.
                                                            

Our most recent cases have been investigating The Red Mill Museum in Clinton NJ.  In September, JPI will be conducting a paranormal fundraising event for them.  We have only been able to do 2 investigations, yet the evidence collected from The Red Mill has been excellent and we haven’t finished evaluating all the evidence as yet!  We have video of a trigger prop’s activation, another of a possible light anomaly, and a slew of EVPs, some of which are interactive with investigators.  There were personal experiences such as investigators being touched, seeing shadows, and hearing disembodied voices.  The Red Mill certainly lived up to its haunted reputation!

Thank you, ladies. If anyone is interested in learning more about ghost investigations or if you think your home is haunted, you now know who to call.

Steampunk Granny Interviews a Fellow Ghost Hunter

                                                               

I’m from South Philly and sometimes go with my sister Lucy to the neighborhood senior center’s Zumba class. When the people at the center found out that I had recently wrote a book, they asked me to do a book signing for the first book in my apocalyptic series, Roof Oasis.

While talking about my book, the subject turned to my doing ghost investigations and one of the people there for my lecture contacted me later to talk about her own experiences with the dead. Join me as I question Psychic Judy Ritchie Hand. 

Marie Gilbert: “Judy when did you first notice your ability to see the dead.”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “I’ve lived many places like Boston and Canada, but I was born in Philadelphia. I think my ability or clairvoyance began while I was still living in Philly and when I was around the age of five. I was hospitalized after falling off a wall. This injury led to me developing lockjaw and being in the hospital for months. Right after this incident, I began to see shadow figures and I began to know things.”

Marie Gilbert: “I’ve found that this gift is usually hereditary. I myself inherited my gift from my grandmother and mother. Were there family members that also had this gift?”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “Yes, my mother had this gift as well as my natural father. My real father died when I was around three years old. He was in the Merchant Marines. It was around 1946 and they think he was murdered, although, his body was never found. I do sense a male figure protecting me and think it might be my dad.

I was born with a veil and back in those days, they were given to a captain of a ship. It was for protection of the ship. There was another incident that leads me to believe this gift runs in the family. I was told that when my grandmother died, her children saw her spirit standing on the roof. After that accident, I was able to see the dead.”

Marie Gilbert: “I didn’t know that your dad was murdered. That must have been very hard on your mom. Can you tell us about your mother?”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “It was hard on her. My mother was Blackfoot and Crow. She was an Indian princess.”

Marie Gilbert: “That is awesome. You know the tribal connections pass down through the woman’s side. You should contact the tribe to see if you have remaining family members.”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “I have and that is why I surround myself with Indian artifacts. I also have an Indian spirit guide. And, I know that my brother visits me. While alive, he loved to play tricks on me. He still does when he wants me to know that he is there with me.

Marie Gilbert: “When did you start reading cards?”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “I started as a teenager. I didn’t have tarot cards, but used a regular deck and only looked at the back of the cards to help me focus. Today, I do readings at my home and I will do ghost investigations if people need me to do this. You can give out my phone number for people to contact me.”

Marie Gilbert: “I will do that Judy. Have you ever done public physic events?”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “I worked for a public Radio Station where people would call in and talk about we’d talk about past lives. I can do this, read them over the phone. There are times that I see people from another time period. I’ll see the women and men wearing period clothing and even the surroundings around them are from that time period. I do have an interesting story to tell you about a home I lived in on Bainbridge Street near to Front Street. It had a tunnel that in the older days led directly to the river. We were told that these tunnels were used as wine cellars or maybe an underground railroad, but I knew better. I’d seen the women and men dressed in clothing from long ago. I don’t know if the tunnels are still there, because so much as changed since the building of the highway.”

 

Marie Gilbert: “Oh my God! Judy I believe you about the tunnels. I was just at a book signing where an author friend of mine, Harry Kyriakodis, did a slide show on the history of Philadelphia’s waterfront from his book, Philadelphia’s Lost Waterfront. He talked about these tunnels and that people coming over during William Penn’s time, would have lived in those tunnels until they were able to find a home to live in. The spirits you saw in that tunnel were they dressed in that time period’s clothing?”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “Yes and there were people from other time periods also.”

Marie Gilbert: “This is so amazing. I do have to let Harry know about this. Judy, do you have one more story to tell my readers before I go into your feelings of what is psychically happening in the world right now? ”

Judy Ritchie Hand: “This particular event was very interesting. I had accompanied a friend to Boston to visit the grave on one of his family members. When we have reached the cemetery we could not find the grave. An old black man standing next to a vintage truck began to speak with us. He said “You should go to the office.” After my friend went to the office, the man vanished. My friend came back with the location of his aunt’s grave. Funny thing was that the people in the office didn’t have a clue as to who the man in the truck was. It didn’t matter. I knew he was a ghost and I saw him vanish.”

Marie Gilbert: “It’s frustrating when people don’t believe you. I think they’re afraid to open their minds. This leads me to my final question. As a psychic have you been sensing a big change coming? I know my friends and I have been for some time now.”

                                                            

Judy Ritchie Hand: “My head has been hurting. Earth is changing, going off course. We are picking up too much radiation from television, computers and the movements of planets. We are in a Mercury retrograde. Truth that has been hidden for a long time is now coming becoming clear. People are becoming aware of lies told to them over a long period of time. I fell that my mother and grandmother are sending me messages about what’s happening.

Marie Gilbert: “I am glad that you brought this up, Judy. These signs and dreams that my friends and I are having are all the same. There are a handful of powerful people who spread lies to frighten and control the populace. I’m talking about organized religions and governments, but people are opening their eyes and their minds, and now, they are starting to question those in power.

It was a pleasure to chat with you, Judy. We will get together again because I wanted to know how Astrology has helped you in your day to day life. If anyone is interested in having a reading done, or a house investigated, you can contact Judy Ritchie Hand at this number: 1-267-579-8075

Marti's Angels On the Go

                                                           

Last night a group of friends, who I’ve nicknamed Marti’s Angels, and I headed over to The Playhouse in Burlington County to see the Footlighters perform in the musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The 1961 show which was based on the musical by Frank Loesser and book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert, was based on Shepherd Mead's 1952 book of the same name. The story concerns young, ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch, uses the book How to rise from window washer to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company.

                                                   

Going to a show was just the ideal way to shake off the winter doldrums. The Playhouse is a charming little theatre. Founded in 1938, and originally known as the “Footlighter Players of Palmyra & Riverton.” In May of 2000, Footlighters officially bought this historic building.

 

                                                            

                                                              

Although, I was going to be with friends, I was still a bit curious as to how good the show would be. I usually head over to Philly and the Walnut Street Theatre for plays, but I am a promoter of Independent Art and I had heard such great reviews about the Footlighters. I was not disappointed. The show was fabulous and the members of the cast put on one hell of a professional show. I had never seen this particular musical and had no idea what to expect. The music was foot tapping great.  Here is a list of the cast:

Matt Becker as J. Pierrepont Finch-Angela Longo as Rosemary- Kevin Esmond as J.B. Biggley-Scott C. Angehr as Budd Frump-Alexandra Haas as Smitty-Rick Williams as Bratt-Gabrielle Affleck as Miss Jones- Kaitlyn Delengowski as Hedy LaRue-Al Krier played Twimble and Wally Womper- Adam Pascal as the book voice.

Ensemble: Steven Ciceron, Elizabeth Deal, Cara Dickinson, Carla Ezell, Fred Ezell, Casey Grouser, Erin Gupta, Neil Gupta, D.J. Hedgepath, Jocelyn Mitchell-Williams, Paul Sollimo.

Production Team:

Brenda Kelly Bacon-Director/Choreographer---Cameron Stringham-Music Director---Lori Howard-Associate Choreographer/Tap Consultant

“How to Succeed” will be playing at the Playhouse until February 7^th, so get your little booty over there and watch the show. You can call for tickets at 856-829-7144. The Playhouse is located at 808 Pomona Road, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

Conclusion

During intermission we were offered refreshments and after the show we were able to chat with the cast and even take pictures with Scott C. Angehr who played Bud Frump. Did Marti’s Angels like the show? Hell yeah! You will too.

                                                                

below is Marti Haines "our fearless leader" of the Angels with Jodie Marie Pilla and Janet Lima.

                                                           

Here is the site: http://bcfootlighters.com/category/shows/  Check out the upcoming shows.

Steampunk Granny does History & Ghosts at the Historic Gabreil Daveis Tavern

                                                        

This past Saturday a few fellow investigators and I, met with Marti Haines of the South Jersey Ghost Research Group at a 265 year old Historic Tavern located at the base of 4th Avenue, just off the Black Horse Pike in the township’s Glendora section on New Jersey. Did we find ghosts? Hell yeah!

                                                                     

Our group was greeted by Sharon L. Mickle, president of the Gloucester Township Historic and Scenic Preservation Committee, a 15-member body that manages the property. With her were two lovely ladies who volunteer their time to teach visitors about the history of the building and the grounds. “We are gaining more knowledge about the house and Gabriel Davies, the first owner,” said Sharon Mickle.

                                                                

The building has served many purposes during its 256 year history. Also known as the Hillman Hospital House because George Washington had designated it as so during the Revolutionary War, the tavern at one time housed boatmen who used the Big Timber Creek to ship goods to Philadelphia. The Tavern sits near the creek.

                                                                       

Despite its public use as a tavern, town hall and tax collector's office, the Gabreil Daveis Tavern was used continuously as a home from 1756 to 1956, when its last private owner, William F. Schuck died. The tavern was deeded to Gloucester Township upon Schuck's death. Schuck requested that the township preserve it as an historic site. Today, the tavern and its property occupy 28 acres of open fields, woodlands, and marshland along the northern branch of the Big Timber Creek. The tavern is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and overlooks the creek.

                                                                   

Ghost Investigation

Some of us had our own equipment, but Marti Haines of the Ghost Hunter Store in Burlington brought along several cases full of equipment. The Ghost Hunter Store is the headquarters of the South Jersey Ghost Research Group. We broke up into teams and it wasn't long before we were all busy recording and documenting the highly active (Spirits) encounters.

                                                               

As much as I enjoy a great investigation, the highlight of the night was having Sharon Mickle and her two lovely volunteers help confirm what we were picking up with our equipment. There were several of us in the group that are Empaths. We can pick up the emotions and sometimes the background history of a spirit. Sharon confirmed that what we had obtained from the spirits was in fact documented. I had made contact with the original owner of the land before he sold it to Daveis to build his tavern. Pretty neat, right? Later in the night, Sharon read from a collection of letters, some as old as the tavern. Several of us sat around the kitchen table and listened, as if spellbound, to the daily goings on of the different people who had made that tavern their home.

                                                                 

We even got to hear some old family gossip. It was a great experience, but I need to return to the tavern. I have to get Sharon Mickle to finish reading the letters for me. There was a certain young man who'd taken a job out west as a stagecoach driver and I'm wondering if he ever made it back to see his sweetie or his baby girl. The Gabreil Daveis Tavern does have events scheduled during the year and you can check their Facebook site for the phone number to call: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gabreil-Daveis-Tavern-House/104121246291519

 and if you're interested in learning more about ghosts and how to do a proper and safe investigation then check out The Ghost Hunter Store here: http://theghosthunterstore.com/

 

 

 

 

Steampunk Granny's Latest Ghost Investigation

                                                                    

I was called out this weekend to investigate a series of suspected spirit activity in a South Philly row home. This is still an open case, so I won’t reveal names or address. This is also a warning to be careful of what you bring into your home. Remember spirits can attach themselves to objects.

Case

A couple with a young child had contacted me after experiencing objects being moved and knocked off of a shelving unit. They were also hearing strange noises which kept them and their baby up at night. At first, they just chalked it off to natural events, but when the wife was attacked while in bed just this past week, they suspected the past events to be more closely related to a supernatural event.

After interviewing them and surveying the room where most of the activity took place, I had them join me in a binding prayer that I use to protect not only myself but the people experiencing the event. I had sensed a spirit when I first entered the particular room, but this spirit was harmless and was a former resident of the home. This spirit was actually trying to protect the home.

I started at the far corner of the room splashing holy water as I asked GOD to protect the home and the people inside the home, but when I reached the clothing rack that held men’s shirts and a coat; I stopped cold. I felt a force push against my chest. There was negative energy in this spot; extremely negative. I said to the couple who were next to me, “There is something bad in this spot. What do you keep here?”

The young lady told me that the clothing was from her father that had passed away and she wondered if that was what I was picking up. It wasn’t and after I touched the clothing, I was positive that the negativity was coming from the shelving behind the clothes rack.

                                                                 

I pushed the clothing aside and pointed to the shelf that I felt the negativity pouring from and asked again, “What are you keeping in there?”

The young man began to pull things off the shelf, saying, “Just jewelry and stuff....wait...I forgot all about these.” He turned and handed me a velvet bag that held Tarot cards.

                                                                     

“If you don’t know how to use these cards, you can pull in an evil force,” I instructed when he handed me another item.

“You might want this, too,” he added. It was something he had used to curse a person.

“You should never curse anyone. When you send out a curse it comes back to you,” I explained to the frightened couple.

I blessed the whole home and then placed the tarot cards and the voodoo item in a bag and covered it with sea salt. I told the young man to bury the bag in the yard.

Conclusion

I’ll be going back a few times to check on the couple and I have, because of their faith, instructed them to hang a few blessed crucifixes up over each door way. I also sprinkled sea salt around the baby’s crib. They contacted me the next day to let me know that they were able to sleep that night and they had no further problems.

 

I’ll still check on this couple until I feel that they are safe. Tarot cards are in themselves not dangerous, but when used unwisely can cause the possibility of an evil spirit entering your home. When a medium uses tarot cards, she prays for protection first, and then, once more after doing a reading. I, myself, don’t feel comfortable using tarot cards. I don’t need them for what I do. I can sense the emotions of the living and the dead and, as an Empath I cans sense a spirit as soon as I enter a room. Most of time the spirits are friendly, but when someone is so angry that they wish hateful energy against another person, what comes back can be deadly. Luckily for all involved, the removal of the objects have stopped the attacks.