“GHOST, n. The outward and visible sign of an inward fear.”
Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
I was looking for some information and came across a video of a paranormal investigation at a place we are very familiar with… Avebury. It centred on the old Red Lion pub, reputed to be haunted by a whole host of ghostly presences; from the shade of Florrie, thrown down the well in what is now the dining room by a jealous husband, to the bedrooms that have seen guests packing their bags in the middle of the night and vowing never to come back, right through to the spectral coach and horses that clatters into the yard. I watched out of curiosity, enjoying the glimpses behind the scenes of the 16th century inn I know so well.
A further bit of browsing took me through several other clips along the same lines, and while it may make for popular entertainment, it does little to substantiate the insubstantial, seeming instead to offer such a clichéd approach that it is more likely to cause people to be dismissive than to question whether there might actually be some truth in the phenomena.
I am not a blind believer in much of what is purportedly paranormal activity, particularly as it is shown in popular media. I am sceptical and will always look for the logical explanation, while thoroughly enjoying the old tales. On the other hand scepticism does not discount belief and I am more than willing to admit that there are a good many ‘more things in heaven and earth, Horatio’ than we can account for with logic.
Over the years I have experienced enough subjective examples of such weirdness to be convinced that there are layers of reality not measurable by the scientific means currently at our disposal. We are, however, constantly developing new ways and technologies with which to see and understand our world. Just because we cannot prove something empirically or scientifically at this stage of our evolution does not mean we will never be able to do so and the anecdotal evidence of centuries holds some fascinating trails.
We may not even be asking the right questions as we attempt to define the unexplained. Is the perception of a ghostly figure a manifestation in space or across time? And if the latter, which may not exist at all as the linear phenomenon we generally accept, how could we measure it? Or is it perhaps that the mind gives form to something less tangible, something sensed at a subliminal level?
“MIND, n. A mysterious form of matter secreted by the brain.
Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
The mind itself is an unexplained object in many ways. We know so very little about its workings or its capacities. We are intimately acquainted with our own mind and believe without question in the invisible but seemingly evident minds of others. Yet, let’s be fair, we’re not even sure where the mind is, although we can probably agree that the brain is its primary vehicle of expression; a junction box that brings that insubstantial and elusive quality of self-awareness into physical and measurable manifestation. Perhaps we underestimate its capabilities as well as its whereabouts?
“ELECTRICITY, n. The power that causes all natural phenomena not known to be caused by something else.”
Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
There are, after all, a good many things we simply cannot see and do not know, yet we can deduce an explanation… a description… from the actions of their presence, absence or combination with other materials or forces. Think about electricity, for example. Without it you wouldn’t be reading this. We know how to generate, capture, direct and harness it. There are long scientific papers about electrons, particles and flow, but I’m still not sure we know what it actually is. ‘Life’ is another…some of the ‘definitions’ are wonderful examples of the way we accept description without question rather than realising we simply have no clear answer.
“LIFE, n. : A spiritual pickle preserving the body from decay.
We live in daily apprehension of its loss; yet when lost it is not missed.”
Devil’s Dictionary, Ambrose Bierce
But then, would we really want to take all the unknowns out of life? Where would be the sense of wonder or the joy of discovery if we were omniscient? For me the mystery is half the beauty.
France & Vincent 
I agree with you, Sue, a bit of mystery is a good thing. The scientists among us may not agree though.
LikeLike
Possibly not, but every perspective has its place in the journey towards understanding 😉
LikeLike
One thing I’ve learned is that no matter how far we delve, how far we go, there will always be a Mystery, just beyond our fingertips … as there ought to be. 😀
LikeLike
Without Mystery, I doubt the world would have Purpose. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your writings are always fascinating, Sue. Who you are born to, how you are brought up, circumstances, etc., and that mysterious ‘something’ which make us all unique, combine to make us who we are. Brought up in the 30’s and 40’s, was, obviously, hugely different in many ways, not least affected by a world war, but I’m a logical person, still VERY curious about life and all its many mysteries, nevertheless. I’m intrigued by the human mind and make-up, while a complete “‘lay- person” in that direction. x
LikeLike
I have a feeling that most of the experts are still lay-people where the mind is concerned. We know a great deal about how our thought processes develop, but very little about mind itself 😉
LikeLike
There will always be some mysteries in life, like where do the missing socks and Tupperware lids go or why do people go into the basement when they know there is something weird down there? Some things are best left unanswered. It certainly provides great material for authors, playwrights and movie makers as it did for the storytellers of old. Great post!
LikeLike
I wonder just how much fiction there would be without all the great unknown’s of life?
LikeLike
Reblogged this on GrannyMoon's Morning Feast.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reblogging, Granny. It is much appreciated. 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve also had enough unexplained experiences to know that I don’t know it all and I’m not sure anyone does. I’m always a bit disturbed by people who are ABSOLUTELY SURE about things that you can’t be sure about.
LikeLike
Yes, me too. I wonder why it is some folks cannot accept that there can be both beauty and strength in uncertainty?
LikeLike
There is still so much that is unexplained, like you Sue I rather hope it always stays that way. Knowing everything is like a Pandora’s box, we may not like what is inside.💜
LikeLike
But even for Pandora, there was always hope when all else was lost 🙂 xx
LikeLike
Yes very true Sue 💜💜
LikeLike
❤
LikeLike
I agree too, Sue. Mystery will always remain, even if Zak Baggins tries to investigate everything. xxx
LikeLike
Investigate all you like, some things we will never know the questions to, let alone the answers. I hope. xx
LikeLike
Really interesting, Sue. This is a good post as Halloween is approaching. 🙂 — Suzanne
LikeLike
Glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne.
LikeLike
Your observations about the paranormal are very interesting, Sue. As far as possible I have tried to retain an objective stance in my forthcoming book ‘Paranormal Warwickshire’. I listen to stories, and I respect the people telling them. But I try to use phrases like ‘curious tales have emerged’ or ‘many have told strange anecdotes’, or ‘several strange experiences have been reported’ rather than ‘the ghost of X haunts y.”. I think books on the paranormal are more convincing and much sharper if the author’s stance is cool and considered. However, there are some places in the book where it is easier and much more economical to say, ‘the spirit of.. was seen’. Personally, I am most convinced by stories from several people unknown to each other, who have independently reported the same experience in the same place over a considerable length of time. I also prefer stories told by people who have absolutely no expectation of seeing anything paranormal, and respond to what they see as if it is perfectly normal, in the real world, before something happens that defies scientific explanation.
LikeLike
What people see and believe is, and has to be, a matter of personal perception. I never swallow tales whole, but am open to all experiences.
LikeLiked by 1 person
True we wouldn’t have much left to ponder 🤔 I love mystery and the unexplainable. Great descriptor line – “ a junction box that brings that insubstantial and elusive quality of self-awareness into physical and measurable manifestation. “
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jay 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well…. yesterday, I read in a Czech publication that the scientists who dream such things up are now leaning towards the idea that everything exists all at once. The past, the present and the future….there is reasonable evidence to support this hypothesis they say. Not having read the scientific paper myself, I cannot say, but science is crazier than we are…. multiple realities, the cat in the box that is dead or alive according to the observer, parallel universes, and so on. When it comes to the mind and consciousness, no clue so far as I can tell yet many confident scientists to tell you the paranormal doesn’t exist even as they show it actually does. LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know… a source of endless amusement 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person