The Importance of Geopathic Awareness in Paranormal Research

*image is adapted from NASA

Although Australia is a 'young country' anyone with an open mind can look and listen and appreciate that the lands are still very history rich. Lore, law and legend leaves it marks, however faint or painfully obvious. Until the time that each story fades and is forgotten they will continue to live on and we will respond with interest. For this reason research from our group has not focused soley on current popular or well known legends. We also research significant tales and legends. We research and investigate to find ongoing data of these things because they continue to lack an otherwise rational explanation. For this same reason we must be extensive, honest and interested in the curiosities of the data we collect. That is our purpose.

Who doesn't love their KII/EMF/EMR? Don't get me wrong I still have a fondness there but it is the total of our research and experiences that will always mean the most to me. I mean no shame to other groups that have their limitations but I often worry that there is not enough curiosity in the data collected and that there is too much data being presented as 'evidence' without enough analysis or critical questioning. I am worried that sitting with a bunch of EMF's in the dark is enough and that 40 more minutes focusing on it isn't going to change my mind. The EMF has a misrepresentation of what it's significance is. What I'm saying is that I would love to see more shows, vlogs and groups minimising the significance of only using a singular method of data alone as 'evidence' or even holding it in such high importance. Whilst at times it may be any kind of singular device alone, too often it is made worse by this specifically being the EMF. I do believe the EMF is an excellent starting point and I always have one handy if someone else wants to use it but an EMF should really be your prompt to obtain more data, correlate it, compare it as well as be mindful of your surrounds. Geopathic Awareness should be as significant as knowing what you packed today, how you got there and what you will do when you get there. The EMF is the prompt to analyse further data critically. We should not be blown away by this prompt. This is our reminder. In all honesty, I often use an EMF to rule out more conclusions than I draw. If and when followed closely I often can be found utilising it in a pre-investigation visit. It will either inform me a section can become a point of interest to or that instead it may be a nuisance area to avoid. An EMF indeed will bring you data to inform you of disturbances but are the readings (including the inconsistent and hard to reproduce) even what they seem?

*image is from ProtectYourEnergy

Confidence in understanding the data from an EMF and its relevance to environmental Geopathic stress is not just about knowing where your power lines are and who left their phone turned on this time. These devices are great but there are are lots of thing that trigger spikes or data readings such as kinetic energy from fast movement/turning (often seen when running in fear through the wilderness) and the flowing of direction from water underground or nearby or linear structures like railway tracks. These things are not evidence of paranormal activity but are instead evidence that your device's batteries are still ok a bit longer. When used in conjunction with other data they have the potential for more value but even then they still only prompt more investigation. If you're in this field that is a good thing. It is when you reach a conclusion or are limited to what you can do next that it is all over.

I'm not saying that you should not investigate such environments but rather instead go with awareness that you will have a significant task ahead of you. You will be up to your eyeballs in data that may or may not mean anything and an abundance will often indicate you should find a more quiet spot. Once the history and awareness of man made and natural structure is kept in mind an abundance of other appropriate and varied additional equipment suddenly becomes even more important. Additionally, research hours for the same spot requires longer dedication to obtain true value and understanding to prevent misinformation and misrepresentation of what researching the paranormal is all about. If you want in depth research YES use an EMF but use it wisely and ONLY IF you are using it in conjunction with other multiple methods to collect and compare data.

*image is from SlimSpurling

Sensationalised venues can at times lose their lustre from too much significance on sensationalism. Sensationalised media coverage of venues just aren't critical enough and venue have often gone to waste once the wrong attention is recieved and a venue become prohibited or vandalised. Over representing the data also reflects on others that utilise the venue long after the beauty is lost. Such practice of others may be by those who mean no harm but if there is a limited and shallow outlook/goal towards quality research opportunities will continue to be lost and the damage is done. This I worry about too. Previously ideal venues become less ideal when the data shared may also misrepresent you. It isn't just confined to when another group  trespasses or falsifies their data on purpose. Most of the time it is from genuine enthusiasts who just don't know any better. There will always be more if study and learning is the true intent and when the focus remains on obtaining critical data. We each have the individual responsibility to remain critical and be thorough in all we do. Bring the values back to venues and be thoughtful in all that you do.

These are Good Reads

Geomancy Australia

Using Electronic Instruments

Australasian Society of Building Biologists

Electromagnetic Spectrum introduction
The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Ispwich Cemetery Guided Tour

*The statue that weeps blood red tears

Ipswich is an area with an abundance of its own legends. Luckily for me, I was able to make time to spend a few hours to wander amongst the Cemetery there that held many stories of its own. For this tour I joined ‘Brisbane Ghost Tours’ and took a journey through the many markers, monuments and tombstones one night away in Ipswich. When it wasn’t eventful it still had its own amazing air of mystery and I left satisfied that I had learnt a little more and that a journey back to this place, a little far from somewhere, would be again worth my while... if I could just find that time again in the future.

In lead up our tour, I was told by my dear friend Rachel that she had stopped by earlier in the day and had driven around the perimeter. As she scoped the place out she did so with a black crow keeping good pace with her. By her driver side window it accompanied her as she drove along the boundaries. Oh what an ominous start! It sure set the scene and tone for the night quite nicely.

Our tour was led along by Jack Sim who told us local legends about the more significant final resting places of the ones we stopped by. Even though I did not hear and see any apparitions or get touched up by the unseen (like a previous tour I had taken) I was still incredibly curious and drawn to this place. I suddenly wanted to be someone who had stayed here through the night in the mostly darkness and creep myself out until dawn. I wanted to be almost alone and listen for sounds or even just let my imagination creep. Most of all I wanted a story to take back with me, I was hoping for one that was so unbelievable that I perhaps would even doubt myself, for years to come.

Jack told us about stories there was no answer for and offered us possible explanations for others. The experience wasn’t an attempt to scare us. It was factual and our experience was kept very real and we were able to consider what may just be possible in this place. Because of this, when someone saw or experienced something we did not believe we were in some kind of psychological frenzy. We questioned everything and Jack told things as they were. 

*Here lies James Ryan... or Dan Kelly....

At one place we stopped, as Jack spoke, we stood at the back and listed to his story about the person buried there. Meanwhile our EMF caught my curiosity as it flashed readings for some of the time while pointed away from our crowd. We had stopped at the final resting place of James Ryan, a man who may have actually been Dan Kelly. Not only was the story a bit of a beauty but we were also standing in the paupers area of the cemetery amidst many unmarked graves. Later before leaving, another woman had asked me what my experience at that place had been as she noticed Rachel and I had been distracted. I explained this to her and in return she informed her children had told her that they had heard voices behind them that they could not pinpoint or explain. I was pretty pleased with this.

As we ventured through the remainder of the grounds and although EMF remained pretty ordinary and my attention shifted to the stories and legends others had told of their experiences in this place instead. I imagined what this area had been like in a previous century as we neared a cleared area where all the markers had been moved to be together so that cemetery maintenance at the time was up to standards. We were explained that when this part had become dense and overgrown in scrub it had become quite unkempt. Markers and graves had been damaged and the surviving markers were moved. Unfortunately, without consideration to their original location data was not taken at the time and this resulted in a large area of unmarked historic graves. Oh how I would have preferred to have wandered and tangled myself in the growth of how bad it must have been to resort to such a decision! It sounds so creepy and inappropriate and I know such an environment has my appeal but I know things are much safer this way.

*Legend has it that these souls are now lost due to the removal of the markers and some say they have seen figures wandering and unable to rest.

After leaving, I decided to try out an urban legend which would take only moments of my time. There is said to be a specific corner by the cemetery at which, if you drive by with you car you may hear a very definite thud which can be both curious and confusing. I did check this out myself and was fortunate to hear the thud. Not long after I had realised that I had misplaced my phone and I very soon forgot the eeriness of it and went straight to panic of it's loss. After looking for my phone and then giving up on finding it, I wondered if maybe I had placed it on the car and the thud was the beginning of its last breath. My phone was indeed found and returned not too many days later, reportedly where I thought I last left it but could not find it. It was not found at the location of the thud. With both my fully functioning phone returned to my possession and my curiosity again peaked and I was delighted that the thud I had experienced was again very mysterious. 

At the time of loss though, without my phone, which I had relied upon for directions, I unfortunately had to postpone my quick stop in at Goodna Cemetery while I was in the area. Although I was probably just worried and I am sure I could have found Goodna Cemetery but after long deliberation I had instead opted for tracking the right path home. Although a long way from home, I am happy with the idea that I have an excuse to visit again some day, hopefully soon.

Jack Sim has published a book about Ipswich's eerie legends, unusual encounters and events (Haunted Ipswich). It looks like it's definitely worth a read and it’s on my list of things to do. The area just sounds so interesting and full of stories. The cemetery is just a small slice and I just want to know more. Until I can return again or explore the area further I guess I will just savour what I’ve learnt and the experience I have had and of course my excuse to return.

You can read more about Ipswich on the links below. Maybe it sounds interesting to you too? Maybe, maybe not? You will need to decide for yourself. 

Happy hunting.

-Mz

https://www.qt.com.au/news/five-ipswichs-creepiest-ghost-stories/3177145/
https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/grab-your-torch-its-ghost-story-time/

Tumbulgum Ghost Hunt

After a few day trips out to explore North Tumbulgum's Historic Cemetery we also made a few trips out at night to check out if there was any interesting or difficult to explain activity. Nestled away in the peace and quiet, and shrouded in shade and natural wonder is this cemetery which has been thankfully restored in recent decades. Although restored and cleared in areas, the solitude that comes from taking a walk through this place has it's own eeriness. Whether it be because we enter such places from a world now high in transport, activity and usual immediate company or that it's own charm is specific to the final resting place of the bodies that lay therein, the eeriness was reassuring but I guess that's because that's what I wanted to find.

I visited twice during the day before our night visits, one of these times I was all alone. There's something about being alone in the bush and alone in a cemetery that can be deemed quite unwise. Snakes, wild dogs or unknown others are not something I am equipped to deal with. Although unlikely to encounter these on such a trip, they are not completely impossible or unheard of and as I ventured further in, the ideals of having someone with me and the idea of having a creepy encounter opposed each other in my mind. Go anywhere alone or fearful and you can guarantee that if thats the experience you are looking for you can never feel let down. You will either be relieved upon a safe uneventful return or amazed and with a great story if your encounters are incredible and hard to believe. Mine have been a mix of both when reviewing all four visits, as a reflection as a whole. Perhaps some will experience nothing. Maybe others will experience more. I do not know but here I am today to tell my story. Take it any way that you will.

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There's leaf litter all over the stairs that lead you up into this bush cemetery. As I begin to climb I immediately start imagining a young child talking to me. I use the word imagining because thats what it feels like. Halfway up the climb I feel like I should not go any further. It's a weird feeling. Knowing that I had not much time to spare and would need to go soon anyway, I chose to press on. I had kinda just been cruising the area and reading up about the Chinderah Golf Course and had been on my way home but I just wanted to catch even a mere glimpse of the cemetery. It would kill me to come this far and not even know what it looked like. As I pressed on, the eerie feeling of being watched crept in my mind. The paranoia (or company) is astounding and I begin to be utterly convinced that I can hear footsteps in the leaf litter immediately behind me, as I continue further. The car park seems like a long way below as I look back. By now I'm both excited and sick at the idea that someone is there. I stop many times before I reach the top, looking back, both relieved and disappointed that I can't see anything there. When I finally sight the cemetery I feel welcome, almost beckoned and I decide that I have had enough. At his point I whisper to the forest 'I gotta go' and that 'I'll come back and bring some friends'. I walk the return path back to the car much faster than the very physical upward journey, hearing footsteps on the way back down behind me as well. Almost at the car I imagine a child waving to me from the track. I look up and wave back back at the nothing and empty bush, a little shaky. I was nervous and I should probably exercise a bit more. The body of a recently deceased bush turkey lays in the forest near my car with flies buzzing, reminding me how uneasy I feel. I leave now very interested in the grounds and sure I had selected somewhere creepy enough to come back and visit, determined to spend a bit more time there.


Trip 2 was during the day, several hours before our night investigation. Lisa, who came with me was very supportive. If you are going to be blind and lead the blind it's still good to know where the hazards are. We could see a bit more clearly how easy it might be to trip over in the dark later as there are so many tree roots and unmarked or worn down graves. The ground and track wasn't so bad. I got an up close look of a fallen tree that was still laying in the path that I had seen from a distance last time and right at the edge of the boundary there was a bit of a drop off point and some loose fencing to invite, or lead up to a terrible accident. I took a few photographs, too many to bombard on a single blog post. We did an amateur video for our Facebook supporters and headed back to civilisation. 

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Trip 3 I came back that night with Lisa again as well as Nic and Raine. Nic is a very haunted young man who has a story of his own that I cant share right here right now and he is an excellent addition to an investigation. Excited about going at night, on the way I tell the others about the woman who was found not far away, her body dumped and burned. I tell them about car and truck crashes, people that had drowned and other stories that I had read in online news articles as well as the urban legend I had heard that the local pub was perhaps very haunted. On our way up Raine was not able to physically move her legs to continue forward at a certain point, no matter how much she tried. Raine and Lisa then waited in the car in the dark and Nic and I returned to the forest and darkness. Raine watched from the car, later saying she saw us do things in the dark that we didn't actually do, as curious as that sounds, like playing with our torches, shining them in our faces and staring down at her. Nic and I explored the cemetery and Nic learnt first hand and for the first time a bit more history as he read the helpful signs we passed. By the time we reached the top time had flown by quite quickly and in a bizarre fashion. How did we lose half an hour during a five minute walk? It does not take so long to read the signs. At the top and at the graves it was a windy night and the tall trees practically screamed in protest with the wind as they swayed, with their huge branches and trunk towering above us far beyond the reach of the torch. Nic thought he heard a voice at a nearby grave we visited saying 'Hi honey'. He then conducted some audio recordings of his own. With not much else experienced other than a few movements in the corner of my eyes, more imagination, we headed home. As we drove off afterwards, Nic also casually mentions he saw the dark man-like shadow at the car as we began our walk back down, when we could see the car by the road.

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Trip 4 was the last of my recent visits and was the following night. This time it was Nic again and Nix with me. The three of us headed straight to the top and we explored together, as well as independently at times. The EMF flickered in some places but not others. Nic did a few more audio recordings. After we returned I asked him why he behaved the way he did when I could see him from across the cemetery. I had been about 10m away and he was talking and moving his arms. Nic tells me something was touching him on the arms. Another time (as pictured above) Nic paused and looked into the darkness for some period of time. Nic said he could see a girl hiding behind a tree. 

The Cemetery has a few marked and unmarked graves. We looked at the ones we could identify, some of them took our interests more than others. The young, the old, the related or the alone. Here they lay buried, a long time ago.

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Nix, exploring the area with the EMF then became curious of the grave of a dearly departed child. She then wondered out loud how we could communicate with a baby. Next thing you know, lullabies were sung into the night and the EMF reader showed ongoing consistent readings while both held in place or left alone untouched on the grave. I sang with my back to Nix with my torch pointing into the looming darkness ahead. I had moments ago heard what sounded like a gentlemen clearing his throat in the darkness ('ar herm'), I felt vulnerable and I wanted to focus on finishing these songs. Why were we picking up readings on an old bush grave? Was mummy visiting the baby? Was it difficult for her to leave the grave of her baby? How could a baby be possibly anchored to the earth, if any of us could be? Still pretty amazing.

With photos, sound recordings and our experiences the hour grew late and we got ready to leave. On the way back Nic was in the rear as we left single file. Nic claims he was pinched a few times on the way out, much to my delight and entertainment.

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After I got home I looked through many photos. Nothing really exceptional there. In the dark when you're there everything looks spooky. Before closer inspection photos can too. The leaves have faces or the faces have leaves, things out of place don't seem right and ...well.. it's a cemetery.

Anyways, I'm glad I went. I few hours in silence during any visit might go a long way. Maybe next time nothing will happen. Maybe there's another explanation for EMF readings in the middle of nowhere. Who knows? How could we? This is what an investigation and a hunt is like.... we might not ever know, no matter what we see, hear or feel... it is what it is.

I hope you enjoyed your read. I may get a few more posts up this month. Thanks for stopping by anyway.

Until Next time....
-Mz

Guided Ghost Tour at Southport Cemetery

*From one of the parking lots before entering. I looked at this photo a few times. Maybe I'm seeing something thats not there, bad photography, poor lighting or is there a very small person or child wandering this place. I've turned the brightness up in this picture in the event you might be able to see it better?

Not too long ago I booked some tickets to join a guided ghost tour at Southport General Cemetery, Queensland. Both eerie and educational, it was a visit I certainly don't regret. This night we heard stories about the cemetery and it's own local legends. We took quite a few photos and had a few memorable experiences. Most of the photos were just morbid reminders that we very visiting the final burial place for many but a couple of them have left me thinking and wondering. I think I rather enjoy these little mysteries that have sprung from them.

So we entered and made our first stop at the grave of a woman that was potentially the woman who is often seen wandering the outskirts of the cemetery at night and hear the story of her demise. It was sad hearing about Jessie's death. Our guide is talking and I felt uncomfortable, I had a weird sensation on my left foot like I'm wearing a toe ring. In reality I'm convinced I have something in my shoe and it's annoying and I shuffle my foot a bit. He says to us all we will sit down and have a talk soon and I cant wait to take my shoe off and have a look. By the time we get there it goes away and I forget all about it, now distracted by the announcement the toilets are locked. Even though I don't need to go I know I'm here for a few hours and I'm wondering if I will get nervy and this will become an inconvenience.

 *one of multiple creepy pics we looked at in review of what was normal post mortem many many years ago

We sat for a while and looked at some very post mortem pics. This formerly very common trend was pretty important for family at the time. There's something about gluing your child's eye open for one last happy memory that doesn't sit with me right. As creepy as that sounds it has helped calm my nerves and we then headed on for several more stories and stops, one of which is the priests grave. Looking back I'm pretty sure someone was bumping or shaking the cage around it but I couldn't see anyone doing it. There's a bit of vibration there but at the same time I'm worried I'm calling out 'ghost' every stop we make and I remain skeptical, especially knowing I've even bumped it myself. Had I 'rattled' my own cage?
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 *orb on the grave? I have another picture of this same grave moments later and there is no light or anything 'reflecting' off it.

There were multiple other stops and stories on the way to my next creepy pic. I don't think I want to give the whole tour away though. You have to check some of it out yourself and hear it first hand. Quite a few people seemed to pick up pictures of large orbs. I got a few small ones. These I am sure of as I have very deliberately pointed the camera in the opposite direction of any torch lights. I would hate to ruin any potentially good photos by mixing in the reflection of any torches. I also took a few pics towards the outer boundaries of the cemetery in hope to catch someone wandering around who wasn't really there.

*another orb? Heres a pic of the same grave with and without the orb. There's nothing shiny or reflective there

I have to say this second part of the tour was the most interesting but really there is potentially an experience at any of these parts.

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*memorial for the Holocaust victims

 We got to the area by the place they have nick named the Gaza Strip with reference of course made to the religion and heritage divisions and burial places in the cemetery. Our tour guide is talking, again providing some history and even reference to the purpose of the water jug/basin down this end. I have pic I am pretty curious about that I had a good look at when I got home. The grave with the orb is next to 'Wood' is here too. Can you see something in the following random pic? I wasn't sure what to make of it.

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 *its a pretty tidy part of the cemetery. Just gravestones and flat bits. I don't think it's a bush.... I'll have to go back and have another look I think.

Anyways we travelled on this time with some divining rods, EMF etc. There's a few more stories and we stop at these large above ground burial chambers. Something loudly brushes against my pocket and I'm stunned but I actually say something this time because it impossible that anyone else has done it. They just aren't close enough. Next thing I know my daughter is asking me if I pulled her hair. No way. If anyone fakes anything at a time like this just about everything else will be even harder to believe. I also have no intention of leaving the group early if someone freaks out. There's no way it was me. At times for the rest of the tour she mentions that she feels tapped on the ankles. We keep interrupting our tour guide with our experience. Another member of the group captures a light around our feet on film. I may think its a torch light but that doesn't change the fact that I think everything else is real. I am utterly convinced.

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*EMF meter- you betcha that I'll be getting me one of these!!

We journey on and I take a whole lot of other random pics, sometimes I think I have seen something and they aren't in the pictures. Are my eyes playing tricks on me or was there something in the corner of my eye. As we wander on more. My daughter feels the firm pressure on her shoulders as we try to find someones grave. We get side tracked and wander off and then rush back to the group. Time passes fast here and suddenly I wish we could stay forever. As we sit down again for another talk my daughter places her back against me. She isn't scared but she also doesn't appear very happy. She complains that she has the sensation of someone running their finger along her back. It sounds like she's had enough. It bothers me that I haven't felt this too. It's how the brain works I guess. I want a bit more personal space and when my daughter doesn't stop rubbing her back all along me I speak firmly over my shoulder to the nothingness behind us and thank whoever is there for visiting but they have to go now and say something along the lines about them having to stay here.
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*I can't see anything in this pic but I was looking for something because I kept thinking I saw something moving out there. Oh well.

One wish at the cross road later and we then head on for the final few stops at the end of the tour. At this point in time it is getting pretty late but I'm keen to get home and get some kids to bed. Yes I thought the tour was child friendly but I'm also concerned that their own very superstitious beliefs are a gateway of their own to bringing home some kind of unwanted pet that may be a trouble later. We leave and discuss the water cleansing ritual mentioned to us during the tour today. The kids discuss it as fact and we plan a stop in our home town before home to do some water cleansing.

And there we have it.... an attempt to not give too much of the tour away while informing the experience of the visit, as weird as that sounds.... I'd love to say it all but it's best that you see and experience it all for yourself. In review I'm keen to go again, both with and without the tour. Next time I'll definitely bring some of my own tech, well thats the plan anyway. As for value for money? At about $40 its about the same cost as 3 large pizzas and sides. I'd say thats good value for money.

No regrets here, except maybe the wish at the crossroads thing.

It was great fun and very interesting.
I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

Until next time
-Mz