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In search of magnetic anomalies associated with haunt-type experiences: pulses and patterns in dual time-synchronized measurements

Journal of Parapsychology, The, Fall, 2004 by Jason J. Braithwaite, Katty Perez-Aquino, Maurice Townsend

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To summarize, the magnetic signatures measured in the TR pillow area were significantly distinguishable from those available in the immediate proximity. This is in terms of the overall background variability and both transient and sustained temporal anomalies. The fact that this area has also been associated with some striking instances of strange experience may also be no coincidence.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

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The idea that some haunt-type experiences could be associated with magnetically remarkable environments has been gaining considerable currency over recent years (Braithwaite, 2004; Nichols & Roll, 1998, 1999; Persinger & Koren, 2001; Persinger et al., 2001; Roll & Nichols, 1999; Roll & Persinger, 2001; Wiseman et al., 2003; see Persinger & Koren, 2001; Roll & Persinger, 2001, for reviews). The tantalizing implication is that these magnetic microenvironments could influence and bias susceptible observers, inducing anomalous experiences, perceptions, and interpretations. However, few field studies have detailed the magnetic microenvironment in an appropriate way, and even fewer have reported detailed investigations of the anomalies themselves across studies.

The present paper reports a follow-up study of a recently documented magnetic anomaly (Braithwaite, 2004). As well as replicating the basic findings from the original study, the present investigation has revealed even more about the varieties of magnetic signatures that may distinguish reputedly haunted areas. The evidence provided here shows that a crucial region associated with numerous reports of striking haunttype experiences contains a number of magnetic components that may distinguish this area, both relative to other proximal regions and baseline locations. Based on the data provided so far these components include (1) significantly greater degrees of amplitude variability, (2) significantly more disparate magnetic contributions from all directions, and (3) increased burst patterns impinged upon and distorting the ambient background field.

It should be noted that these findings relate to a detailed investigation of one type of experience reported from a classic case of a reputedly haunted English castle. Future research will need to address whether these findings can be generalized to other experiences also reported from this location and whether they can be extended to other instances of similar experiences from elsewhere. These findings are next discussed in terms of the general anomaly accounts outlined earlier and their potential relevance to haunt-type reports in the natural setting.

Ambient Magnetic Variability

In line with previous findings, we found that the pillow area of the TR contained magnetic fields that varied significantly more than those measured at exactly the same time only a few meters away (see Braithwaite, 2004). This was the case throughout the measuring period. If we assume that the nature of this variability could be crucial, then it would appear that this particular anomaly exists as an undercurrent permanently available and present to be measured at any time. In many respects it is plausible to assume that this undercurrent could be sufficient to induce such experiential changes in observers.

In search of magnetic anomalies associated with haunt-type experiences: pulses and patterns in dual time-synchronized measurements

Journal of Parapsychology, The, Fall, 2004 by Jason J. Braithwaite, Katty Perez-Aquino, Maurice Townsend

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