Sceptical Psychic

Sceptic ~ Derived from the Greek skeptikos, skepsis - meaning enquiry or doubt.

Psychic ~ Adjective: relating to faculties or phenomena that are apparently inexplicable by natural laws, especially those involving telepathy or clairvoyance.

A sceptical psychic sounds like a contradition in terms; how can one be sceptical but work as a psychic?

I have been working as a psychic with Scottish Paranormal for over 18months now and have been 'sensitive' all my life. I've had numerous experiences that have varied from the frightening; to the bizarre; to the explainable and to the unexplainable; but one thing which has remained constant, and even increased over time, is my scepticism.

'Sceptic' seems to be a dirty word within the paranormal community. To be a sceptic seems to mean that you are out to disprove that the paranormal exists. Not so - I view scepticism as a healthy and valuable part of paranormal investigation; in fact I would go so far as to say that it one of the necessary requirements of the job. Without scepticism we have no balance. It is vitally important to question - whether that be yourself, your findings or evidence; how can we expect our research to stand up to scientific scrutiny if we do not explore all avenues and explanations before assuming an event is actually of paranormal orgin?

So - is it possible to be sceptical and a psychic?

Working as a psychic I see, hear, smell and often feel those who have passed into spirit. Do I believe in heaven and hell? Do I believe in reincarnation? Or Spirit Guides? The answer to all these questions, and more, would have to be "I don't know". But do I believe in life after death?

YES!

I know for certain that the human being is an amazing, complex and completely unfathomable piece of organic engineering. It's been proven, through scientific research, that the human brain is capable of amazing and often miraculous phenomena. ESP; Telekinesis; Telepathy; Clairvoyance; Premonition; Healing - there are accounts of these amazing phenomena, and many more, throughout history.

Science cannot explain it - YET! but I have no doubt that there is an explanation.

Since the dawn of man our ideas, theories and philosophies have changed and adapted as our knowledge of the mysterious world around us has evolved. I believe that the answers to paranormal phenomena are out there - merely awaiting discovery.

According to Einstein's general Theory of Relativity

E=MC2

Energy can be created, manipulated and transferred back and forth between matter. He also proved that energy can never be destroyed; it never ceases to exist, it merely changes from one form to another. For example: the energy produced by a candle flame does not cease to exist once that flame has been snuffed out - it is converted from one form into another and continues to exist.

Do I believe it is possible for the human being to continue to exist once the organic body have ceased to function? Yes - because I believem, and science has proved, that the human being is essentially energy. Science has also proven that energy does not cease to exist.

The Paranormal fascinates and amazes me; in the same way that I am amazed each and every day by the natural world around me; how the tiniest particle of energy can affect us; how the moon affects the tides; how life begins and continues to exist against all odds.

I see Paranormal phenomena and psychic ability as a natural part of the world around us; a natural ability which we all share; a part of life that is important, essential but, as of yet, unexplained.

So - I balance by abilities as a psychic and my scepticism with the knowledge that yes, the paranormal does exist; that the human being is capable of producing amazing, unexplained phenomena but that this phenomena has a scientific and completely logical explanation; an explanation that is merely awaiting discovery.

Another Day...

Originally posted on Wednesday, 12th April 2006

Well, I thought it was perhaps time I made the effort to post an entry on my blog.

It’s certainly been a while.

In light of recent events I felt the need to get a few things off my chest.

I am part of an organisation called Scottish Paranormal. I’ll admit the paranormal is a strange hobby; but it’s something that I am fascinated with and I joined the team as one of it’s first members back in November 2004.

I’ve been lucky enough since then to meet some truly wonderful and generous people; I’ve had the opportunity to investigate some wonderful locations and to take part in events that have thrust SP into the public eye.

We look at the paranormal from both a scientific and spiritual stand point. Any ‘evidence’ we collect is scrutinised and questioned; after all how can we expect our findings to be taken seriously if they do not stand up to scientific scrutiny?

One thing I have found in the time I have shared with SP is that the paranormal community is a haven for jealousy, competition and backstabbing.

You might wander why I remain involved – I’ll explain later.

We’ve had our ups and downs, members have left on good terms and on bad; but recently things have taken a turn for the worst.

Due to legal reasons I am unable to name the person involved; however, this person has begun a campaign of harassment, deformation and blackmail since his departure in March.

‘X’ left the team of his own accord; resigning his position on the investigation team without warning. Since his departure he has made personal and highly offensive attacks on members of the team, especially myself.

Before his departure he created an admin account giving himself administrative rights to alter, amend and edit posts on our main discussion forum.

During the early hours of one morning he then logged on to this account and spent time editing specific member’s posts to include offensive material, bad language, homophobic opinions and sexually explicit content.

Lucky enough this admin account was discovered and removed before any more damage could be done.

At this point it was decided by the founder of SP, Ryan O’Neill, that the police should be contacted.

We are currently waiting for the police to visit ‘X’ in order to request that he stop this malicious vendetta he apparently has against us.

Unfortunately, while we wait, ‘X’ continues to use all means at his disposal to cause trouble and misrepresent Scottish Paranormal, its founder and team members.

Most recently, he has contacted our friends at the Real Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh; for whom we work during public events. He has made false accusations of fraud, financial gain and is threatening to contact the press if MKC continue to work with us – a blatant attempt at blackmail. Fortunately MKC are happy to work with us, along with their legal department, to resolve the situation.

‘X’ has of course denied everything; but considering the evidence we have, including emails from his own and his partner’s email accounts, we have sufficient evidence to have him charged by the police.

Now – you may ask why I remain part of this organisation.

I’ll admit that it has been stressful, and personally upsetting considering some of things said about me; but I refuse to allow such people to dictate what I will and will not do.

I refuse to give ‘X’ the satisfaction of knowing that his actions are causing me concern… and I refuse to allow such homophobic, offensive, derogatory, racist, uninformed attitudes affect me.

Those who truly know me will know that I am an accepting person; I prefer to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and will only see the good in people until they give me cause not to. I am open to all possibilities and like nothing better than discussing a difference of belief or opinion; but the one thing in this world that upsets me the most is a lack of understanding, compassion and acceptance for our fellow human beings; no matter their background, belief system or race.

I am saddened enough by the world around me without having to deal directly with such negative behaviour.

The world is a dangerous and horrible place on occasion and human beings can be truly malicious; but I believe in karma and am sure that ‘X’ will only reap what he sows.

I only wish that he gets on with his life and is able to accept that his actions and opinions are not only unjustified but are wrong.I can only hope that he finds happiness and love in his life.

Comments Received:

Dave said...

Heh everyone, that's my daughter!!!

3:58 PM

Kriss said...

Hi Rach,Love the blog, keep positive,luv you xxx

7:10 AM

Rachel said...

Thanks guys!:o)

7:19 AM

Fiona C L Williamson said...

((((((Rachel))))))Feexx

11:41 AM

It Never Rains...but it Pours...

Originally posted on Sunday, 16th April 2006

OK - a further update on the 'situation'.

Recently myself and other members of the SP Team have been lucky enough to be invited to join Alex Hastie on Talk 107 - a speech radio station that covers Edinburgh and East Lothian - to talk about all aspects of the paranormal.Unfortunately this added attention has brought more negativity.

Only this morning we had a member of another team post derrogatory and hurtful posts on our shout box. Calling myself and Ryan names and making completely untrue accusations.

Now - from a personal point of view I will say only this.This woman does not know me - I've met her once... and even then I don't recall actually talking to her. But she's accused me of being a fraud, only wanting fame and that I'm greedy.

Firstly - the work we do at Scottish Paranormal is 100% free of charge. We make no money whatsoever and count on the generosity of our team members and friends in order to be able to afford to travel to locations and buy equipment.

Secondly, from my point of view... if I was seeking fame and fortune it sure as hell wouldn't be through working with a paranormal investigation team.

It's all starting to get a little much now - we've never asked for any of this... we've been lucky enough, through the hard work of the team and founder, to grow into a respected organisation in a very short space of time.

I guess that makes people jealous doesn't it?

Thanks for your interest though - we must be doing something right if you feel the need to attack us in such a way. But I would suggest that you look at your own actions before accusing others of negativity and deceitfulness. I'm comfortable with my spirituality and my motives... are you?

Sorry - rant over.

Celebrating Beltane

It’s dark; the sun just having set in a blaze of colour behind a bank of gathering cloud.I’m standing in the middle of a huge mass of people, surrounded by the quite murmur of excited conversation.

My feet are numb from the cold and I’m trying to stop my teeth from chattering.Like thousands of people I’ve gathered on the top of Calton Hill in Edinburgh for the annual Beltane Fire Festival.

This year it’s estimated that around 12,000 people will attend and as I stare around at the growing number of bystanders I can quite believe it.

There is an ever growing sense of anticipation; heightened by the number of strange and rather frightening figures that creep through the crowd, their faces painted a blood red, their bodies clad in black cloaks that sweep and rustle across the grass. They hiss at the crowd around them and whisper what sound like strange incantations as they disappear into the mass of bodies.

Suddenly a flame can be seen above the crowd, another one appears and another… until a line of torches flicker beneath the impressive columns of the Acropolis that stands at the very centre of the hill top. T

he sense of anticipation grows until it’s almost tangible and when the first torch is raised, setting alight one of the many pagan symbols raised high above the heads of the watching people; a spontaneous shout erupts from the crowd. The shout gathers momentum and sweeps across the thousands gathered here, growing in volume until it becomes a loud cry of appreciation.

The drums begin.

A steady beat that accompanies the bright progress of the flame as it engulfs the symbols high above the crowd. A chalice, an Ankh, ancient symbols burning brightly in the darkness. A procession begins to make its way through the crowd towards us. Flames flicker, highlighting painted masks and bright costumes.

The drums grow louder as the procession moves closer and I can see the crowd parting before them, moving aside to allow this amazing troupe to move freely through the thousands of eager faces.

The drums become a vibrating, booming rhythm that seems to fill my chest, and vibrate down my legs; it makes my feet want to dance and stamp, makes me want to shout and sing and cry all at the same time.

I can feel a primal joy growing within me and I’m transported to a time where people danced unabashedly and welcomed the coming of summer with flame, celebration and hope.

Scottish Paranormal - Videos

Comments Received:

Prophet of God said...
What a very sad person you are. You spend time, effort and money to go to derilect buildings, to feel cold and spooky and (in your words) pissed off. What a sad critter you are.A lover of dark things eh! Rachel.And there was you lecturing me on pride. When all you've got is a cold and dinghy, damp derilect building to go to with you like-minded friends, to practice your witchcraft.When I have hope, and the promise of eternal life; you? only the promise of hell.How very sad Rachel.You find pleasure in communing with demons from hell, Jesus said because you believe not in Him, then you condemn yourself-how true.You think to justify yourself by a video, and proud I bet of you being the longest serving member of the covern too? eh!You are a witch Rachel and just because you like to put the name "paranormal" there does not make it right.You have no hope Rachel, oh yes you get tempary peace and some short lived joy now and again, but on the whole when you look at your life you aint got a thing.A partner called Mike - who could die at any time, or leave you for another women. A couple of feline friends for your role as witch, a job you can't stand and rent or mortgage on a house without Christ as the head.Yes Rachel.... it seems to me that you've got everything, except, eternal life, peace, joy, hope and the ability to overcome this sin sick world filled with violence and unfairness.But hey!!! your not bothered right?"The Fool has said in his heart there is no God". Well I believe in something, is your cry; when I go into these buildings they feel cold and I get pissed off, (your words not mine).maybe it only gets cold when you turn up, eh?You have nothing to believe in, other than a room getting cold, or maybe you spoke to old aunty Betty who's been dead for twenty years, An experience played out by emotions,you believe in something because you feel it.... Just like Thomas in the bible you have to feel it eh Rach?I just believe in Jesus, and His power to change me from having a life like yours, to a life of faith and trust in Almighty God.You need to repent Rachel, you are practicing things which are unpleasing to God-but then again you don't believe in God do you!-or do you?Repent Rachel of your wickedness, turn to Christ Jesus and walk according to the scripture.I want to ask you one thing.....what good is there in what you do, will it change mans wicked heart to know that a room goes cold when you enter it? or change mankind to know aunty Betty spoke to you, after being dead for twenty years.Will it give you hope, as you draw near to death Rachel, to know there is something after death to go to?You see, to be a christian; a follower of Jesus, you must believe and repent and do enough of them both to be saved and keep doing them. you must reject the fables of witchcraft and spiritism and believe in the one true living God.There is no hope in what you are doing Rachel, only a weird curiossity in strange practices.I'm truly sorry if plain speaking hurts you; enough to blame me for you not wanting to give up the life of witchcraft, spiritism and paganism and the things of this world;truly sorry RachMaranatha, Jesus is coming very soon repent, give your self to christ Jesus, ask the father in heaven to forgive you for rejecting Him in His sons name, He is faithful! He will wash you of all the wasted time of living without Him, give you a new heart, one filled with hope, peace and joy and surely, yes surely, give you eternal life.Bye Rach!

Rachel said...

You obviously know as little about investigating the paranormal as you do about me.You sound like a hypocritical, ignorant and highly offense bore.

You know nothing about me, my beliefs or my life - you hide behind an anonymous persona and criticise other people for being themselves.

I deteste people like you. You are a blight on the world and it's religious fanatics like you that are the cancer of our society. Your lack of respect, knowlege, empathy and tolerance is astounding - and no matter what you say YOU will always come out looking like the 'bad guy'.

For someone who is supposed to believe in compassion and love, as I've said, you show neither. Only hate and fear of things you don't understand.

If your God IS good - then you are certainly not going to heaven; because you are not good. you are full of resentment, bitterness and hatred - things that Christ himself spoke out against.Please do not post on my blog again - if you can not hold a theological discussion in an adult manner, without resulting to personal attack and name calling I would appreciate you not bothering.

You don't hurt me. You don't scare me. You don't upset me.

I feel so sorry for you. You must lead a very lonely and miserable life.

Ryan O'Neill said...
Dear anonymous hidden Prophet of god.

Why do you hide behind a PC screen if you feel stongly about subjects; use your real name and show the world who speaks such words.

As Rachel has said you obviously know nothing about Paranormal investigating and have decided to just open your mouth and let your belly rumble. You know what my friend, you have actually made me laugh with your post here. I cant really imagine you sitting watching the full videos then taking your time to post all your cult like comments.

A covern you say, goodness I never knew that was the type of organisation Scottish Paranormal was - oh what will people say LOL LOL.

You seem to go on about Rachel and attack her for no reason what so ever, I hope she puts a spell on youBe afraid be very afraid as she will zap that spell down your IP address mwahhahahahahah

Anyway ive had my fun, Rachel ignore the crazy Prophet

Anonymous said...

well hello rachael you obviously have a brilliant life and enjoy the paranormal lifeline you have i can only say that any god above is misguided and cant accept what a pathetic case he has by sending us spiritual lunatics like said prophet well know this many believe in you and trust and value your opinion i personally enjoy reading yourposts and comments as you are logical and open minded unlike said prophet ......harlequin maybe no harbringer of misery better suits you prophet...unicorn

ian pratchett

take care rachael i especially enjoy reading your topics xx

Orb - The Real Dirty Word of the Paranormal Community

OK - first and foremost the opinions I express here are my own, personal and individual thoughts, feelings, ramblings... whatever.

Since the influx in digital technology and the availability of high quality digital images the paranormal community has experienced a wave of pictures and footage claiming to be proof of the existence of the paranormal. These pictures and footage show small... or even large 'orbs' of light that some believe are the first manifestation of a ghost or spirit.

Personally - I think it's a load of old balls! No offense - but, as one of my colleagues from Scottish Paranormal likes to say, if this is the first stage of manifestation... (An example of an 'orb' - or rather 'dust') ...why do we never see the second or the third... if orbs, light anomalies or LBTs (Light Blobby Things) are proof of the paranormal... well, I'll agree to salt and pepper my pants and chow down!

Ok - all joking aside... When I first entered the world of paranormal investigation I was like a lot of other people, niave and inexperienced and taken in by just about everything I saw. I'm thankful that now, however, with a little more experience under my belt I'm proud to be a lot more sceptical about things and feel the need to demand something a little more concrete than a blob of light on a photograph.

You see pictures taken in dusty environments... and people still insist that what you are seeing is a ghost of a spirit... no... it's light refracting off a partical of dust... simple at that. Or moisture... or an insect... or a photon... or a fibre... or any number of logical and perfectly natural items. It's been investigated, debunked, tested and analysed who knows how many times... and people still insist that an orb is evidence of a spirit.

I don't know about 'scepticism' being the paranormal communities dirty word... 'Orb' gets my vote every time!

Great article to be found at http://www.parascience.org.uk/articles/orbs.htm - it explains it much better than I can!

Comments Received:

Sue said...
It's funny, today I got back some photos from our niece's 6th birthday party and they are filled with orbs!

No, my sister's house is not haunted, but 25 kids under the age of 6 sure kick up a lot of dust .. lol .. :)

I agree that those who are really interested in advancing this study, and care about it must learn to demand better evidence.

Cheers!

12:36 PM


Rachel said...
Thanks for your comments Sue - couldn't agree more.

How can the paranormal community ever expect to be taken seriously by the scientific community unless we demand more solid evidence that the paranormal really does exist.

1:41 AM