Hello ~

And happy Wednesday to all! I had thought about posting this in the Greatroom, but since it is somewhat of a ghostly subject I'll post it here.

I've been interested in the paranormal for as long as I can remember. It waxes and wanes, however, lately I seem to be more interested in it, even though a lot of the things scare me to death (that is probably part of the attraction!). When I say interested, that is basically it - I haven't tried to contact anyone from the other side, don't get into Ouija boards, etc. but I've been reading more and educating myself more because I find it so facinating!

I can honestly say that I find it 'facinating' when the stories are someone else's! I know I wouldn't deal well with any ghosties in the house, etc. and I'm hoping that my increased interest lately wouldn't make me more 'of an open door' so to speak, to use what was said of the post about the Ouija board. Does this make sense? I'm just wondering (and hoping not) that my increased interest in the supernatural won't leave me more open for supernatural activity. I'm a 13 year cancer survivor, and when I was going through all the turmoil before I was diagnosed I'm totally surprised that things did not start flying around my house because all the negative energy in there. I do think I might be sensitive somewhat to some activity, but since I don't think about it much (too disturbing) maybe it is surpressed somewhat? I hope someone can riffle through what I've said and make sense of it. Thanks, Madammacabre

Hi Madammacabre,
I've had a couple of near death experiences and I believe it gives you a better understanding of your inner self and of what lies ahead on the other side. As far as opening doors there are several ways in which this can happen. People that practice witchcraft and black magic first give a prospective member books on so-called "white magic" to peak their interest and slowly bring them into the fold. The more you know the more receptive you would be to falling into that trap, so to speak. That's why it is suggested that you don't even read up on the dark subjects.

As far as the Ouija, it's a definite portal to communication with spirits, both good and bad, and if a bad one decides to attach themselves to you or your surroundings, they can wreak havoc with your life. Thus, stay away from Ouija boards.

Spirits have been known to follow people home from graveyards. They can attach themselves to objects or a location. Understanding how this works leaves you no more open or closed to this type of activity. Knowledge really only helps you to better understand the spirit world. It also can help you understand what to do in case a destructive or annoying spirit is bothering you to send them on their way.

So I can recommend that you continue to educate yourself, have fun, but stay away from the two areas I mentioned above.

Lane

Lane ~ Thank you! There is no way that I'd use an Ouija board, no fear. A while back I went through a very rough patch and became very interested in Wicca. I think mostly because of all the rituals involved, and the 'natural' side of it. However, I've since found out that it wasn't for me, no disrespect intended for anyone out there that does practice it, it was just not for me.

After this rough patch I dated a sculptor who was Very Catholic - i.e. we was going to become a monk, then decided he liked women too much (no comment there ) Anyway, I kind of shared my interest - not using the terminology - of Wicca, and he made me realize that I could practice what I liked about Wicca - but through the faith of the Catholic Church (which I was and am) i.e. Incense, revering the earth, the rituals, etc. The only thing that I did not share with him was my interest in magik - not going through any spirits, though, using your own energy. I have done some 'spells' before - mostly for protection - or to change my behaviour and because I believed in them they did work. Like I said, I used my own energy, I did not call upon any other spirits. Do you think this is safe? I mostly go by the books by Scott Cunningham and use incense, oils, herbs, etc. for the 'recipes' but do not draw upon any other 'powers'. In a way I do feel leery about doing this, because of the Catholic thing (this is not really something they teach!) but if I use my own energy - which I believe was given to use all by God - does this make me any more open to what we discussed above? It's all very confusing! Thanks for your help.

I don't see a problem with practicing Wicca as long as you are aware of the difference between worshiping nature and going over to the dark side of witchcraft. There are many methods of self-improvement through religion to reach goals and heal that we don't fully understand but obviously do have positive aspects. I would say that as long as you understand that things can get carried away and know when to draw the line you will be fine.



Lane

[ March 04, 2004, 04:46 PM: Message edited by: poveglia99 ]

Madammacabre,

Hi. My name is Carol, and found your story very interesting. I myself am a cancer survivor, so I'm interested in the negativity you described. I have found that anything that happens around me (spirits, feelings, the touching when nobody physically is there) only makes me smile, as I truly believe this is a sign from my family that has already passed over. My advice to you is to embrace these feelings and signs when you receive them. I totally agree with Lane on the subject of Ouija Boards. Very dangerous to open up the vortex that you don't want to enter.

Hi Carol ~

About a year before I was diagnosed with Hodgekin's disease I knew something was wrong. I consulted a bunch of doctors and my family doctor and was told I was imagining things. When the lymph nodes in my neck started to swell my mother begged me to see the doctor again. Like I said in my other post, the negativity in my apartment was overwhelming. I was 27, living on my own and scared to death while I was waiting for the results of all the tests. I was overwhelmed with anxiety thinking that I might have cancer and die. When I finally had the biopsy and was diagnosed I still had to go through a battery of tests before the chemo started. Anyway, through the support of my family and a wonderful oncologist I have been in remission for 13 years and now am married and have a wonderful son. But those few months were so anxiety ridden for me that the diagnosis was almost a relief, then I could concentrate on getting better. Glad to hear you are a survivor too!

Hi Madammac

Just checking in with you to see how things are going with you. I hope you have had some good luck. Write back and let us know!
=)

Carol

Hello Madammacabre,
I'm just adding my experience for you.
In 1983 my Step-Dad died. In 1989 he came back to me while I was writing X-Mas letters to my family and friends around the globe.
It was on my last letter. I was just getting ready to close when I got a strange sensation in my arm, down to my hand. In an instant my father was writing to me thru me, that was wierd in itself. It took quite a few of these instances before I got comfortable with it. I got to the point where I was getting so tired because he ususally came very early in the am.
Long story short. I can contact anyone on the other side now. My Dad is my initial contact and can usually find anyone.
I have had lots of different experiences with the other side. Since age 2!
If I can be of any help to you or any other member of SpritKeep, just ask.
Good Luck, I hope you keep learning, it's a good experience most times.
Keep us posted.
Tana