"Orbs"...A Spirits Presence or a Misunderstood Phenomenom

In the Paranormal field, there have been many, sometimes heated, debates about "Orbs".

"Orbs" are circular shaped light objects that are picked up in many photos and videos by novices and experts alike. They appear above or next to an individual. (Sometimes they appear in photographs without any people. ?? graveyard photos) Some say they appear to have a familiar face within the circle of the Orb. They are thought to be the energy of a spirit. Sometimes a loved one, sometimes someone unknown to the viewer.

With over 30 years personal experience in the world of Paranormal investigations, I have been a part of these debates. And just like most of society it is easier to believe than to be objective about what it is you are viewing. The thought that we have captured the energy of Grandma or Grandpa is not only exciting but also comforting.

Keeping in mind that this is my personal blog, I do not intend to offend, but to educate. Of the over 3000 photos and videos I have reviewed, I have yet to come across an "orb" that I believe to be spirit. While I hate to disenchant enthusiastic ghosthunters, I do not get excited about the potential of orbs as spirits and I concentrate my efforts on other artifacts such as Light anomalies.

Images of "orbs" are relatively easy to capture. We tend to raise our camera or our video recorder and randomly shoot without any inspection of what is around and to the side of us. Most "orbs" are easily identified as a glare from the sun, a reflection from a mirror, a picture, a window or even a wall. With photos taken outdoors, it is even easier to identify the culprit. The angle of the lens, the aperture of the camera the position of the sun as well as the person or object being filmed must be taken into consideration.

Bugs and dust are another culprit which look very impressive when caught in a photo, but that is all they are. Under close examination, and with use of special equipment the ragged edges of the dust and even the wing span or legs of an insect or bug can be seen. These commonly fool the naked eye.

Early morning or evening photos also seem to produce their fair share of these types of photos. Moisture particles in the air, dew and even the placement of the moon can cause this phenomenon.

Try this, next time you are outside at night or even in your home when it is dark, Take out a flash light, turn it on and watch all the particles that are flying around us all the time that we do not see. Or pay attention to the sun streaming into our windows, you can see all the particles swimming in the beam. These are what are caught when the flash or light is just right in our photos. "Orbs" do not have an intelligent flight pattern. Once out of the light field that is being cast upon them, they are gone.

So, I guess you can tell where I stand regarding the subject of "Orbs". Scientifically speaking, my rational side tells me, "If it can be anything else, you cannot state with certainty that it is Paranormal".

Now, some of you will say, Hey, you're a Paranormal Investigator and you wrote about spirits, you must believe in them. They must appear sometimes.  Well, Your right, I do believe and they do appear.. Spirits do produce energy and can in fact be picked up in a photo or video, but these are not "Orbs"… they are called Light Anomalies......

And we will discuss that next time.

I will be discussing these topics and more at the Bristol Public Library, Bristol Ct, September 8, 2012, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Following the presentation will be a book signing. Hope to see you there.