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

With reference to spontaneous cases of haunt-type reports, this evidence is interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, high amplitudes themselves need not necessarily index areas associated with haunt-type experiences at all (i.e., a metaphorical hot spot). Such regions could well be indistinguishable from baselines in terms of actual field strength (see Wiseman et al., 2002, 2003). Secondly, the field strengths employed in the laboratory have not been excessive and would be readily available from the living environment. In this sense the proposal has some ecological validity, at least in terms of amplitude levels. Thirdly, complexity itself at such field frequencies could be created by complex distortions in the magnetic environment from natural sources (i.e., tectonic movement, structural building factors, and local geology), manmade sources (i.e., malfunctioning house wiring configurations and faulty appliances), or indeed an interaction of these factors. So it is entirely conceivable that such complex EIFs could be readily available in the natural setting under certain circumstances, at certain times. (2) Collectively, these findings have given considerable currency to the idea of a magnetic component underlying some instances of anomalous haunt-type experiences.

Magnetic Anomalies and Reputedly Haunted Locations

Field-based investigations have revealed a mixed set of findings in accurately characterizing the magnetic microenvironments of reputedly haunted locations. This may be due, in no small part, to inconsistent and inappropriate methodologies and the varying measuring technologies employed. Some research suggests that "higher" levels in either the localized ambient magnetic field or in EMF contributions may define haunted areas (Nichols & Roll, 1998, 1999; Roll & Nichols, 1999; Persinger et al., 2001; Roll, Maher & Brown, 1992; see Persinger & Koren, 2001; Roll & Persinger, 2001). Other studies suggest that it is not necessarily the overall ambient levels that are crucial but the way in which the localized fields are varying and changing (i.e., their complexity) that is the important factor (Braithwaite, 2004; Persinger & Koren, 2001; Wiseman et al., 2002, 2003). In addition, further studies have argued that large transient magnetic pulses and tectonic events could be associated with instantaneous experiences and events (Persinger & Cameron, 1986). To add even more confusion, some studies failed to find any noticeable magnetic signature in their investigations of spontaneous cases (Maher, 2000; Maher & Hanson, 1997). Despite these differences, a common emerging theme across a number of studies is that specific areas associated with haunt-type experiences do seem to contain EIFs that vary more in terms of amplitude than baseline areas (Braithwaite, 2004; Wiseman et al, 2002, 2003; see also Persinger & Koren, 2001).

What Is "Magnetically Remarkable" About Magnetically Remarkable Locations Associated With Haunt-Type Experiences?

Across a number of repeated investigations, the laboratory studies suggest that magnetic fields can induce potent hallucinatory perceptions in certain observers. However, what is not clear is how these findings are to be applied to the natural setting and the nature of spontaneous anomalous experience. If we accept the general case being made for magnetic anomalies, then the question becomes "How are these anomalies realized in the natural setting?" To put it another way, "How should we be thinking of EIFs in relation to reputedly haunted buildings?" These questions could be directed at potential sources such as geomagnetic field (GMF) and electromagnetic field (EMF) contributions summated into a distorted and complex magnetic microenvironment. However, these questions are more fundamental in the sense that what we really need to evaluate is the very nature of these "magnetically remarkable signatures" and what they can actually "look like." This should then allow researchers to evaluate what is both necessary and sufficient for a magnetic context to contain potential experience-inducing properties. This is important not just from the perspective of the environmental physics of such magnetic signatures themselves but also from the perspective of neuroscience and psychology, as establishing the crucial mechanism for interaction would greatly advance our current understanding of brain function and human-environment interaction.