T.H.A.T. , Resonance, and Ghost Research
(For more reviews, please see “Other book reviews” below)
My theory of resonance has been cited in a recent book, “The Resonance Key: Exploring the Links between Vibration, Consciousness, and the Zero Point Grid”, by Marie D. Jones and Larry Flaxman. This book “is a most significant contribution to the ongoing efforts of serious, dedicated, and scientific-minded researchers everywhere….to bring a better understanding and a more meaningful and complete interpretation behind previously unsolved…mysteries of science” (Review by Brent Raynes, Alternate Perceptions Magazine Online, #139, August 2009.
According to Andy Lloyd’s book reviews (www.darkstar1.co.uk), “drawing on the work of John Sabol, the authors argue that ghosts are energies that manifest through resonance effects….such evidence leads us to a new understanding of the way we experience reality…”. It is encouraging that my efforts in developing a new theory of intelligent haunting manifestations (the resonance theory is part of my T.H.A.T. methodology) are included in this perception of “serious, dedicated, and scientific-minded researchers”, considering the recent criticism by a few “investigators” of my theories and field methodologies, even before these so-called “investigators” tested my theories for themselves in the field!
Resonance is an essential element of the P.O.P. investigative phase of T.H.A.T. (The Haunted Archaeological/Anthropological Theatre). Jones and Flaxman cite two articles that were published on Ghostvillage.com (“Natural Selection and the Involution of the Gettysburg Ghosts”; “Ritual, Resonance, and Ghost Research: The Play in the Fields”). These are earlier (written more than three years ago) concepts of P.O.P. Recent and extensive fieldwork has refined and enhanced this methodology (becoming a comprehensive W.H.A.T. field methodology and theory).
Jones and Flaxman use my resonance theory with reference to the repetitive behavior of a haunting. The authors speculate that perhaps the repetition of ghost hunting practices add to the existing residual activity of a haunted location, and assist in the manifestation of a ghost through resonance.
I want to expand their point here by clarifying some elements of my early resonance theory. I still agree that resonating activities and field practices lead to a “manifestation”. But these resonating activities must be initially participatory. They must also be contextual (historically, culturally, and ethnic-specific). This resonance identifies the “ghost hunter” (I prefer the term “ghost excavator”) as a socially-acceptable individual in that entity’s particular “ghost culture” (Sabol 2007). Once a manifestation is recorded, a resonating performance is enacted. This performance “targets” a particular “dead” individual. This is “P.O.P.” (Participate-Observe-Perform), the middle investigative phase of T.H.A.T. methodology.
Current ghost hunting practices, ones that scan the environment with electronic devises, make commands (“do something”, “show us a sign”), and ask irrelevant questions (“Is anyone here”?), merely because they are repetitive (vast majority of “ghost hunts” do this) does not mean that these activities create a manifestation through resonance. Quite the contrary. I propose that these “resonating” ghost hunting practices create more layers of contemporary haunting elements, not manifestations of past (“dead”) presence! Most ghost hunters, through their field practices, are identified as “foreign” (different culture) and “strange” (different behavior) by an intelligent entity. Their activities do not resonate!
T.H.A.T. is based on contextual participatory and performative resonating practices that do initiate a manifestation. The methodology has been used successfully at Ft. Mifflin, on the Gettysburg batlefield, and at other haunted locations. T.H.A.T. investigators will continue to use resonating “P.O.P.” practices at haunted locations as “serious, dedicated, and scientific-minded researchers”. Stay tuned for the results of those investigations in the upcoming months!!
P.S.: The authors also explore the importance of sound which they believe is central to our understanding of many important things about our world. I have advocated the use of soundscape analysis in ghost research for many years (see particularly my books, Ghost Culture, Gettysburg Unearthed, Politics of Presence, and Bodies of Substance, Fragments of Memories). The utility of this analysis is based on my fieldwork and knowledge in acoustical archaeological investigations.
Other book reviews:
Spectral Times: Nick Brown Reviews, page 60
