Lecture on Poltergeist Phenomena

Introduction

• Host: Jeffrey Mishlove
• Guest: Dr. Steven Browdy
  • Author of "The Limits of Influence," "The Gold Leaf Lady," "Immortal Remains," and "Crimes of Reason"
  • Past President of the Parapsychological Association
  • Past Chairman of the Philosophy Department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Definition and Distinction

• Poltergeist: Derived from German, meaning "noisy spirit" or "noisy ghost."
• Distinction from Haunting:
  • Haunting: Place-centered psychokinetic events.
  • Poltergeist: Person-centered, follows a "poltergeist agent," often with emotional difficulties.

Characteristics of Poltergeist Phenomena

• Emotional build-up in the agent (often adolescents) leads to psychic activity.
• Common phenomena include objects moving, shattering, bursting into flame.
• Historical cases date back to the 16th century with remarkable similarities across cultures.

Observations and Skepticism

• Phenomena include stones, excrement raining inside a house, floating objects.
• Warmth of objects after movement is a common detail.
• Skeptics often attribute to fraud, bias, or misperception.

Case Studies

• Elanor Zukun (1920s): Romanian girl experiencing phenomena after being told she was cursed.
  • Bite and scratch marks appeared on her without self-infliction.
  • Phenomena ceased once she matured (got her period).
• Enfield Poltergeist (England): Studied by the Society for Psychical Research, involved voices and objects moving without clear agents.
• Australian Cases (Humpty Doo & Mayano): Long-lasting cases involving multiple possible agents.

Interpretation

• Living Agent Theory: Emotional issues in living agents causing phenomena.
• No Discarnate Entities: No strong evidence supporting the involvement of spirits.
• Psychodynamic Perspective: Emotional resolution in agents often stops phenomena.

Unique Aspects

• Matthew Manning: Developed control over his psychokinesis, leading to a career as a psychic.
• Case Variations: Some cases involve harmful activities, such as puncturing by needles.

Theories and Speculation

• Psychokinesis (PK): Some believe phenomena are human psychic activities.
• Energy Studies: Attempts to measure energy involved in poltergeist activity.
• Occurrence: Difficult to predict; often linked to emotional distress.

Challenges in Research

• Lack of predictability and control over phenomena.
• Difficulty in gathering data due to the spontaneous nature of events.
• Importance of combining psychological and observational skills in investigations.

Conclusion

• Despite many reported cases, understanding remains limited.
• Study of people with extreme luck or misfortune may provide insights into psychic phenomena.

Additional References

• Barry Colvin's Study: Different acoustical signature in paranormal wraps.
• Personal Anecdotes and Observations: Mishlove’s and Browdy's experiences with poltergeists and psychokinesis.