Paranormal Glossary
Understanding the terminology of the supernatural. From apparitions to wraiths, explore the vocabulary of paranormal investigation and folklore.
Alien Species
Andromedans
Andromedans, beings allegedly originating from the Andromeda galaxy (approximately 2.5 million light-years distant), entered UFO literature through various contactee accounts and channeled communications. The most prominent source is Alex Collier (a pseudonym), who claims extensive contact with Andromedans beginning in childhood. Collier describes receiving information about galactic history, Andromedan civilisation, and Earth's role in cosmic affairs through lectures, interviews, and publications since the 1990s. Andromedans are typically described as humanoid, often with blue skin tones, though accounts vary. Some descriptions portray them as tall and slender with somewhat larger eyes than humans, while others describe them as nearly indistinguishable from Earth humans. According to Collier, Andromedans are highly evolved spiritually and technologically, possessing the ability to travel between dimensions with lifespans of approximately 2,000 years. They allegedly oppose the influence of Reptilian and Grey factions. The concept of 'Andromedan Starseeds' has developed alongside similar concepts for other star systems. The Andromeda galaxy's cultural resonance in science fiction—from H.G. Wells to 'Star Trek' to 'Mass Effect'—provides a familiar framework for these claims.
Anunnaki
The Anunnaki are authentic deities from ancient Mesopotamian religion, appearing in Sumerian texts dating back to approximately 2500 BCE. Their reinterpretation as ancient astronauts began with Zecharia Sitchin's 1976 book 'The 12th Planet.' Sitchin claimed to have translated cuneiform texts revealing the Anunnaki were extraterrestrial beings from a planet called Nibiru, which allegedly has a 3,600-year elliptical orbit around our sun. According to Sitchin, the Anunnaki arrived on Earth approximately 450,000 years ago seeking gold to repair their planet's atmosphere, and genetically engineered Homo sapiens from Homo erectus to serve as a slave labour force. In Sitchin's interpretation, the Anunnaki were tall, giant-like beings depicted in Mesopotamian art with wings and horned caps, often connected to the Biblical Nephilim and the 'sons of God' mentioned in Genesis 6:4. David Icke incorporated Sitchin's ideas into broader Reptilian theories. The ancient astronaut interpretation suggests the Anunnaki were responsible for the pyramids, Nazca Lines, and various megalithic structures. The History Channel's 'Ancient Aliens' has devoted numerous episodes to Anunnaki theories. Academic criticism of Sitchin's translations has been extensive, with Assyriologists noting fundamental errors in his linguistic interpretations.
Arcturians
Arcturians first came to prominence through the teachings of American psychic Edgar Cayce (1877-1945), often called 'The Sleeping Prophet.' By 1928, Arcturus had become part of Cayce's readings, where he mentioned the star in more than 30 psychic sessions, describing it as 'the highest civilisation in our galaxy' and a 'gateway' to higher realms of spiritual consciousness. Earlier references include David Lindsay's 1920 science fiction novel 'A Voyage to Arcturus.' Arcturians are described as humanoid beings of average or shorter stature with blue, greenish, or white skin and larger almond-shaped eyes. According to New Age author Norma J. Milanovich ('We The Arcturians'), they have lifespans of 350-400 years and sustain themselves on an 'effervescent' liquid. They possess three fingers and exist primarily in higher dimensions (fifth dimension or above). Unlike many alien species in abduction literature, Arcturians are almost universally portrayed as entirely benevolent, serving as guardians, healers, and spiritual teachers. They communicate telepathically and possess advanced mental abilities including telekinesis. Their civilisation allegedly operates through a collective consciousness. The concept of 'Arcturian Starseeds'—individuals believing their souls originated in the Arcturus system—has gained popularity in spiritual communities.
Ashtar Command / Ashtar Sheran
Ashtar first appeared through channeler George Van Tassel in 1952, who claimed to receive messages from 'Ashtar, commandant of station Schare.' The concept developed through various channelers to describe a fleet commander of benevolent space forces monitoring Earth. The 1977 broadcast interruption in southern England—when a voice claiming to represent the 'Ashtar Galactic Command' broke into television programming—added notoriety to the concept, though the incident was likely a sophisticated hoax. Ashtar is typically described as a tall, blonde, Nordic-type being leading an alliance of positive extraterrestrials committed to Earth's spiritual evolution and protection from negative forces. The Ashtar Command is portrayed as a vast space fleet comprising millions of craft from various star systems, all working under spiritual hierarchy. Different channelers have produced varying details about Ashtar's appearance, mission, and messages, leading to multiple sometimes-contradictory traditions. The concept has influenced numerous UFO religions and New Age groups, representing organised benevolent intervention in human affairs. Ashtar communications typically emphasise messages of love, spiritual awakening, and warnings about nuclear weapons and environmental destruction.
Blue Avians (Sphere Beings)
The Blue Avians emerged primarily through Corey Goode, a self-described 'Secret Space Program' whistleblower who began sharing experiences publicly around 2015. Goode claims recruitment through a MILAB programme at age six and service in secret space programmes for twenty years, after which he was 'age-regressed' and returned to civilian life. His first Blue Avian encounter allegedly occurred in late 2014 when an 8-foot-tall Blue Avian called 'Raw-Tear-Eir' appeared in his living room. Blue Avians are described as approximately 8 feet tall with bodies covered in indigo-blue and violet feathers, bird-like features including flexible beaks, and large expressive eyes. They communicate through telepathy and elaborate sign language. According to Goode, they exist in the sixth density and identify as 'Ra,' connecting them to the channeled 'Law of One' material from the 1980s. Their message centres on spiritual development: practising forgiveness, raising vibrational frequency, and becoming more loving. His testimony was amplified through Gaia's 'Cosmic Disclosure' series hosted by David Wilcock. Proponents point to bird-headed deities in ancient cultures—Egyptian Thoth, Hindu Garuda, Hopi Eagle Kachina—as evidence of historical Blue Avian contact. Critics have analysed Goode's claims as blending New Age philosophy, science fiction tropes, and unverifiable assertions.
Draconians (Draco Reptilians)
Distinguished from standard Reptilians, Draconians are described as a royal or warrior caste allegedly originating from the Draco constellation. They are portrayed as larger than common Reptilians (7-12 feet), more powerful, and sometimes winged, representing the elite of reptilian hierarchy. The concept emerges from the broader Reptilian mythology developed by David Icke and others, with Draconians representing ancient ruling bloodlines. In Secret Space Program narratives popularised by figures like Corey Goode, they are described as leading a 'Draco Empire' opposed to benevolent species including Pleiadians and Arcturians. The term draws on the mythological significance of dragons across human cultures. Some accounts describe Draconians as the original genetic manipulators who created the Grey aliens as a worker or servant race. They are typically portrayed as aggressive, conquest-oriented, and viewing humanity as a resource to be exploited. The white 'Royal Draco' is described in some accounts as the supreme leader, standing up to 14 feet tall. The Draconian concept has become influential in conspiracy culture, representing the pinnacle of alleged malevolent extraterrestrial influence on Earth.
Ebens
The Ebens emerged through the controversial 'Serpo' legend of the 2000s, which claimed to document a secret exchange programme between the U.S. government and aliens from Serpo, a planet in the Zeta Reticuli system, allegedly running from 1965-1978. According to the anonymous postings that first appeared in 2005 on UFO forums, twelve military personnel were sent to the Eben homeworld aboard an alien spacecraft following the Roswell crash, living there for 13 years before most returned to Earth. Ebens are described as short beings similar to Grey aliens but with a more peaceful, benevolent nature. They allegedly operate under a single government with no concept of crime, have a binary star system, and possess technology far in advance of Earth's. The Serpo material created detailed mythology about their society, diet (they are vegetarians), lifespan (approximately 350-400 years), and reproductive practices. Despite being widely considered a hoax or disinformation, the Serpo story attracted significant attention in UFO circles and was investigated by researchers including Bill Ryan. The detailed nature of the claims—covering everything from Eben music to their calendar system—makes it one of the most elaborate alien civilization narratives in modern ufology.
Feline Aliens (Lyrans / Urmah)
Feline aliens emerged primarily through New Age channeling and metaphysical literature of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Stewart Swerdlow, in 'Montauk: The Alien Connection,' described feline races including the 'Ari' (winged lions) and the 'Koroti,' a hybrid species allegedly engineered by Sirius A beings to serve as starship pilots. Contactee Erick Romero describes them as over two meters tall with a civilisation called 'Kaujamut.' Feline aliens are described as tall, muscular humanoid beings covered in fur with distinctly cat-like features: tails, whiskers, slit pupils, and pointed ears. Their faces range from human with subtle feline traits to entirely cat-like. Reported fur colours include white, black, gold, blue, and silver, with some resembling lions, tigers, leopards, or panthers. They typically stand 9 to 12 feet tall. Ray Kosulandich described them as gentle, telepathic beings from 'the 5th dimension.' Ancient Egyptian cat worship, particularly of Bastet, and lion-headed deities like Sekhmet are frequently cited as evidence of historical contact. In science fiction, the Kilrathi from 'Wing Commander' and the Kzinti from Larry Niven's 'Known Space' represent feline alien archetypes.
Flatwoods Monster (Braxton County Monster)
The Flatwoods Monster was first reported on September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, Braxton County, West Virginia. At 7:15 PM, brothers Edward (13) and Fred May (12) observed a bright object that appeared to land on a nearby hill. They gathered a group including their mother Kathleen May and 17-year-old National Guardsman Eugene Lemon to investigate. Witnesses described a 10-foot-tall creature with a blood-red, spade-shaped face or head and glowing eyes. The entity had a dark, metallic body resembling a dress or robe, with small claw-like hands. Glennie Lankford described it as 'like a five-gallon gasoline can with a head on top.' The group reported a pungent mist causing burning eyes and noses, and Lemon's dog fled in terror. The creature allegedly emitted a shrill hissing noise before gliding toward witnesses, then changing direction toward a large pulsating red light. The national press rated the story 'No. 11 for the year' in 1952. Skeptical investigators have proposed the 'monster' was likely a barn owl perched on a tree branch. Today, Flatwoods has embraced its monster heritage with the Flatwoods Monster Museum and giant monster-shaped chairs as tourist attractions. The creature appears in 'Fallout 76' and the History Channel's 'Project Blue Book.'
Grey Aliens (Zeta Reticulans)
The Grey alien archetype emerged primarily from the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case of September 1961 in New Hampshire, USA—the first well-documented alien abduction in American history. The Hills described beings with grey skin, large heads, and enormous dark eyes during hypnotic regression sessions with Dr. Benjamin Simon in 1963-1964, published in John G. Fuller's 1966 book 'The Interrupted Journey.' Greys are typically 3 to 5 feet tall (though 'Tall Greys' up to 7 feet have been reported), with pale grey, smooth, hairless skin, oversized bulbous heads, enormous black almond-shaped eyes lacking visible pupils, small slit-like mouths, vestigial nostrils, and either absent or very small ears. Their bodies are frail and spindly with long thin limbs and typically three or four fingers. Communication is almost universally reported as telepathic. The species allegedly originates from the Zeta Reticuli star system, a connection made by amateur astronomer Marjorie Fish who interpreted a star map Betty Hill claimed to have been shown. Greys are consistently associated with medical examinations, genetic experiments, and hybrid creation programmes. The Grey has become the dominant alien archetype in popular culture, featured in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (1977), 'The X-Files,' Whitley Strieber's 'Communion' (1987), and countless other productions.
Human-Alien Hybrids
The concept of human-alien hybrids emerged prominently through alien abduction research in the 1980s. Budd Hopkins' 1987 book 'Intruders' documented cases where abductees reported involvement in alien breeding programmes. David Jacobs further developed hybrid theories in 'The Threat' (1998), describing an alleged systematic programme to create beings that could integrate into human society. The earlier 1954 Antônio Vilas-Boas case included claims of sexual contact with a female alien. Hybrids are described with varying characteristics depending on the proportion of human versus alien genetics. Early-generation hybrids reportedly appear more alien: pale translucent skin, larger-than-human eyes, sparse white or blonde hair, and thin fragile bodies. Later-generation hybrids allegedly appear increasingly human, eventually becoming indistinguishable from ordinary people. Abductees frequently report being introduced to hybrid children and experiencing intense emotional connections. Barbara Lamb's 'Meet the Hybrids' (2015) features individuals claiming hybrid ancestry who report enhanced psychic abilities and memories of off-world experiences. Critics attribute these narratives to false memories and psychological factors, noting the biological impossibility of cross-species reproduction. The hybridisation narrative touches on anxieties about bodily autonomy, forced reproduction, and human identity.
Kelly-Hopkinsville Goblins
The Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter occurred on the night of August 21, 1955, at a farmhouse near Hopkinsville, Kentucky, involving the Sutton and Taylor families—eight adults and three children. Around 7 PM, Billy Ray Taylor saw a silvery object streak across the sky before landing. What followed became one of the best-documented close encounter cases: small humanoids, approximately 2 to 4 feet tall, with spindly legs, large round heads, huge glowing yellow eyes, pointed ears, and silvery-grey metallic skin appeared at the property. They had long arms ending in claw-like hands and moved in an unusual gliding manner. Witnesses reported shooting at the creatures repeatedly, but bullets seemed to have no effect—when hit, the beings would flip or float away before returning. One creature allegedly touched Billy Ray Taylor's hair from the roof. The siege continued approximately four hours. Police found bullet holes throughout the property but no blood, bodies, or other physical evidence. The encounter is widely credited with popularising the term 'little green men' for aliens, though ironically the creatures were described as silvery rather than green. Steven Spielberg drew direct inspiration from the encounter when developing 'E.T.' and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' Kelly holds an annual 'Little Green Men' Days Festival.
Mantis Beings (Insectoids / Mantids)
Reports of praying mantis-like aliens emerged in abduction literature beginning in the late 20th century. Brian Thompson documented an early account in 1992 of a 1957 Cincinnati encounter. The beings gained significant attention through psychiatrist Dr. John Mack at Harvard, who documented numerous abductee reports of insectoid entities. Mantis beings are described as tall entities, typically 7 to 9 feet in height, with distinctly insectoid features resembling a praying mantis: triangular heads, large multifaceted or black eyes, thin elongated bodies with exoskeletons, and long spindly limbs with multiple joints ending in claw-like appendages. Skin colour is reported as green, brown, or grey. A distinctive feature is their apparent position of authority—Mantis beings frequently appear as overseers or supervisors during abduction scenarios, directing smaller Grey aliens in performing medical procedures. As researcher John Carpenter noted, 'Why would anyone imagine a large bug directing an abduction experience?' Communication is consistently reported as telepathic, with some experiencers describing clicking or trilling sounds when Mantis beings communicate among themselves. Despite their frightening appearance, many abductees report they project feelings of calm, wisdom, or even benevolence.
Men in Black (MIB)
Men in Black are mysterious figures who allegedly visit UFO witnesses and researchers to intimidate them into silence. First appearing in 1950s UFO literature through researcher Albert K. Bender—who claimed intimidation that caused him to abandon UFO research—and popularised by Gray Barker's 1956 book 'They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers.' MIB typically appear as strange men in black suits and hats, driving black cars, who seem unfamiliar with ordinary human behaviour—using antiquated speech patterns, not understanding common objects, or having waxy, artificial-looking features. They may claim government affiliation or offer no identification. Visits often involve veiled threats to stop discussing UFO experiences. John Keel expanded the mythology, suggesting MIB were not government agents but ultraterrestrial entities. Proposals range from government disinformation agents to hoaxes to actual non-human entities to psychological phenomena. The Men in Black concept entered mainstream culture through the comedy film franchise (1997-2019) starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, which portrayed MIB as a secret agency monitoring alien activity—ironically making the original, much stranger accounts seem like fiction.
Nommo (Dogon Fish Beings)
The Nommo are figures from the mythology of the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa, who entered ancient astronaut literature primarily through Robert K.G. Temple's 1976 book 'The Sirius Mystery.' Temple examined anthropological research documenting the tribe's detailed knowledge of the Sirius star system, including Sirius B (a white dwarf invisible to the naked eye) and its 50-year orbital period. Temple proposed this knowledge could only have come from contact with beings from Sirius whom the Dogon called Nommo. In Dogon tradition, the Nommo are ancestral spirits described as amphibious, fish-like beings who descended from the sky in an 'ark' accompanied by fire and thunder. They are sometimes depicted with fish-like lower bodies and humanoid upper bodies, resembling merfolk. The Nommo are credited with bringing wisdom, agriculture, and civilisation to the Dogon ancestors. Temple drew parallels to similar amphibious culture-bringers like Oannes of Babylonian mythology. Skeptics have proposed the Dogon acquired their Sirius knowledge from European visitors before anthropological research, or that researchers led informants toward confirming preconceptions. Despite criticism, the Nommo concept has influenced fiction and Sirian alien mythology.
Nordic Aliens (Space Brothers / Pleiadians)
Nordic aliens first entered UFO literature through the contactee movement of the 1950s, most notably through George Adamski's November 20, 1952 claimed encounter with 'Orthon' from Venus in the California desert. Adamski described Orthon as a beautiful, human-looking man with long blond hair who communicated through telepathy. His 1953 book 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' and 1955 'Inside the Space Ships' detailed these alleged encounters. Other contactees including Howard Menger, Truman Bethurum, and George Van Tassel reported similar encounters with benevolent 'Space Brothers.' Nordics are described as tall (6 to 7 feet), strikingly attractive humanoids resembling idealised Scandinavian humans, with long straight blonde or golden hair, blue or green eyes, and fair skin sometimes with a slightly luminous quality. They are most commonly associated with the Pleiades star cluster (hence 'Pleiadians'), though some accounts place their origin on Venus or the Lyra constellation. Swiss contactee Billy Meier, beginning in 1975, claimed extensive contact with a Pleiadian woman named Semjase. Nordics are typically portrayed as spiritual guides concerned with humanity's moral development and environmental stewardship. Their influence extends to New Age spirituality, including Barbara Marciniak's channeled works beginning with 'Bringers of the Dawn' (1992).
Orb Beings / Light Beings
Described as pure consciousness manifesting as spheres of light or luminous humanoid forms, Orb Beings appear across spiritual traditions and UFO accounts. They are often associated with higher-dimensional existence where physical form becomes optional. Corey Goode's 'Sphere Being Alliance' includes such entities, with Blue Spheres reportedly capable of transporting individuals across vast distances. Many experiencers describe positive encounters with light beings during near-death experiences, meditation, or spontaneous contact. Descriptions vary from small luminous orbs a few inches in diameter to large spheres of brilliant light and fully humanoid figures composed entirely of radiant energy. Colours reported include white, blue, gold, and multicoloured emanations. Light beings are typically described as projecting feelings of unconditional love, peace, and wisdom. In some accounts, they serve as guides, teachers, or protectors. Photography anomalies interpreted as 'orbs' have become common in paranormal investigation, though skeptics attribute these to dust, moisture, or lens effects. Light beings represent the most incorporeal end of the alien spectrum, with some researchers suggesting they may represent beings who have transcended physical form entirely.
Reptilian Aliens (Reptoids / Lizard People)
The modern Reptilian conspiracy theory was primarily popularised by British author David Icke in his 1994 book 'The Robots' Rebellion' and expanded significantly in his 1999 work 'The Biggest Secret.' However, precedents exist: Maurice Doreal wrote of a 'serpent race' in the 1940s, and Robert E. Howard's 1929 story 'The Shadow Kingdom' featured serpent men assuming human guise. Reptilians are described as large, bipedal humanoids standing 6 to 8 feet tall, with scaly green, brown, or grey skin, clawed hands, pronounced reptilian faces with slitted vertical pupils, sharp teeth, and sometimes tails. According to Icke, they originate from the Alpha Draconis star system and possess the ability to shapeshift into human form, allegedly infiltrating positions of power. A key claim is that many world leaders are Reptilians or Reptilian-human hybrids. Abduction accounts describing Reptilians typically portray them as aggressive and intimidating, associated with underground bases. The Reptilian trope appears in the 1983 TV miniseries 'V,' John Carpenter's 'They Live' (1988), and video games like 'XCOM' and 'Mass Effect.' Critics have noted troubling parallels between Reptilian theories and antisemitic tropes.
Shadow People (Paranormal)
Shadow people gained widespread attention through the Coast to Coast AM radio show when host Art Bell interviewed 'Thunder Strikes' on April 12, 2001. However, the concept has far older roots: ancient Egyptians described shadow beings called 'khailbut,' Romans believed such entities came from the Underworld, and various folklore traditions include similar shadowy humanoids. Shadow people are described as dark, humanoid silhouettes lacking discernible features except for their form. They typically appear in peripheral vision or in dark areas of rooms, doorways, or hallways, possessing depth and three-dimensionality rather than being flat shadows. Some witnesses report glowing red eyes. The 'Hat Man' variant—a shadow figure wearing a distinctive fedora or wide-brimmed hat—began appearing in descriptions by the late 2000s and gained significant traction on social media. Encounters frequently occur during sleep paralysis, a well-documented phenomenon where the body remains paralysed while the brain awakens. Witnesses consistently report feelings of overwhelming dread, menace, or being watched. Psychic medium Natalia Kuna has described shadow people as 'conscious, intelligent, interdimensional beings.' The Hat Man phenomenon has been associated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) abuse, where users report seeing him during high-dose hallucinatory states.
Sirians
Beings from the Sirius star system entered modern ufology through various channeled communications and contactee accounts. A notable event occurred in 1977 when a message was broadcast across parts of Southern England on television, allegedly from an entity called 'Ashtar,' rumoured to be associated with Sirian beings. The Dogon people of Mali have traditions about beings from Sirius explored in Robert Temple's 'The Sirius Mystery' (1976), suggesting ancient contact. Multiple types of Sirian beings are described in ufology literature. The primary type from Sirius A is humanoid with coppery or dark tanned skin. A second type possesses human-like appearance but with vertical pupils similar to cats and elongated noses—Stewart Swerdlow calls these 'Kothory,' genetically created as UFO technicians. A fourth type, documented by Pavel Khailov, includes beings from 'Dzingia' with pale greenish skin, standing about 1.5 meters tall. Sirians are generally described as technologically advanced and aligned with benevolent factions. The star Sirius—the brightest in Earth's night sky—held enormous significance in ancient Egyptian religion, personified as the goddess Sopdet, suggesting to some researchers that Egyptian knowledge of Sirius reflects ancient alien contact.
Tall Blacks
A less common type in abduction literature, Tall Blacks are described as extremely tall humanoids with black or dark skin, distinct from Shadow People. Some accounts describe them as related to or hybrids of Mantis beings, with glowing red eyes, incredibly long limbs, and extra joints on their appendages resembling insectoid anatomy. They typically stand 7 to 9 feet tall or more. Tall Blacks are usually encountered in medical or examination scenarios during abductions, often working alongside Grey aliens in roles that appear supervisory or technical. Reports describe them as wearing dark robes or cloaks in some cases, while others appear unclothed with smooth, dark skin that may have a slightly reflective quality. Their demeanour is typically described as cold, clinical, and emotionless. The name distinguishes them from the more commonly reported 'Tall Whites' and 'Tall Greys.' Reports of Tall Blacks are scattered throughout abduction literature but less documented than major species categories. Some researchers have noted similarities between Tall Black descriptions and traditional folklore about dark entities, suggesting possible cultural influences on these reports.
Tall Whites
The Tall Whites concept emerged primarily through Charles Hall, a former U.S. Air Force weather observer who claimed extensive contact with these beings during his assignment at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from 1965 to 1967. Hall's self-published book series 'Millennial Hospitality' describes his alleged experiences in detail. Tall Whites are described as humanoid beings ranging from 6 to 10 feet in height with chalk-white or extremely pale skin that appears to glow, thin elongated bodies, and large blue eyes. They have fine white or platinum blonde hair and an ethereal, almost angelic appearance. According to Hall, their lifespan is approximately ten times that of humans (around 800 years), and they take ten times longer to heal from injuries. He describes a growth phase around age 400 where they can grow to 8 feet or taller. Hall claims they speak English with a peculiar accent but prefer telepathic communication. According to his accounts, the Tall Whites have an agreement with the U.S. Air Force, providing technological assistance in exchange for a safe haven and resources. Researcher Paola Harris has conducted extensive investigation of Hall's claims, including taking him back to Indian Springs to identify specific locations.
Venusians
Venusians were among the first alleged alien species described by contactees, primarily through George Adamski's accounts beginning in 1952. His first contact, 'Orthon,' was claimed to be from Venus, detailed in 'Flying Saucers Have Landed' (1953) and 'Inside the Space Ships' (1955). Other 1950s contactees made similar claims: Howard Menger described contact with Venusian women, Orfeo Angelucci detailed spiritual experiences with Venusian beings, and British contactee Cynthia Appleton claimed her son's father was a Venusian extraterrestrial. Venusians in contactee accounts are typically indistinguishable from attractive Northern European humans—blonde, fair-skinned, and beautiful—leading to significant overlap with the later 'Nordic' alien category. Their message consistently emphasised peace, spiritual development, and warnings about nuclear weapons. The Venusian contactee wave peaked in the 1950s-60s but declined as space probes revealed Venus's hostile surface conditions—temperatures of 464°C, atmospheric pressure 92 times Earth's, and clouds of sulfuric acid. Some later interpreters suggest Venusians exist in higher dimensions or on an 'etheric' Venus overlapping the physical planet. The UFO religion Aetherius Society, founded by George King in 1955, incorporates Venusian theology and continues to operate internationally.
Cryptids
Bigfoot/Sasquatch
The most famous cryptid in North America, Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch from the Salish word 'sasq'ets') is described as a massive, bipedal ape-like creature standing seven to ten feet tall, covered in dark brown or reddish hair, with a strong, unpleasant odor. Sightings span the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, and virtually every other region of North America. Evidence includes footprint casts some showing dermal ridges, the controversial 1967 Patterson-Gimlin film, and thousands of eyewitness reports. The creature is described as shy, primarily nocturnal, and omnivorous. Indigenous peoples across North America have traditions of large, hairy wild men predating European contact. Scientists remain skeptical, citing the absence of physical remains, the ecological improbability of sustaining a breeding population undetected, and the prevalence of hoaxes. Believers counter that the Pacific Northwest contains vast wilderness capable of concealing rare animals and point to the discovery of previously unknown great apes as evidence that large primates can evade detection.
Chupacabra
The chupacabra (Spanish for 'goat-sucker') emerged in Puerto Rico in 1995 when livestock were found dead with puncture wounds and apparently drained of blood. The original creature was described as a bipedal reptilian being about four feet tall, with large eyes, spines along its back, and a taste for animal blood. Later sightings, particularly in Texas and Mexico, described a very different creature: a hairless, dog-like animal often identified as coyotes or dogs suffering from mange. The two descriptions may represent entirely different phenomena. The original Puerto Rican chupacabra may have been influenced by the creature in the film 'Species,' released shortly before the first sightings. The later canine version appears to be a case of sick animals being given a supernatural explanation. Regardless of its reality, the chupacabra has become a significant figure in Latin American folklore and a popular subject in cryptozoology.
Cryptid
A cryptid is an animal whose existence is claimed but not recognized by mainstream science due to lack of sufficient evidence. The term was coined by cryptozoologist John Wall in 1983. Cryptids range from creatures with some scientific plausibility (such as surviving populations of supposedly extinct animals) to beings that would require rewriting biology if proven real (such as dragons or werewolves). Famous cryptids include Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Chupacabra, and the Mokele-mbembe. The study of cryptids is cryptozoology. While mainstream science is skeptical of most cryptid claims, history has shown that some 'impossible' animals proved real: the mountain gorilla, giant squid, and okapi were all once considered myths. Cryptid claims are evaluated based on witness testimony, physical evidence (tracks, hair, droppings), photographs and videos, and ecological plausibility.
Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology is the study and search for animals whose existence is unproven, including creatures from folklore, reported but unverified animals, and supposedly extinct species that may survive. The term was coined by Belgian zoologist Bernard Heuvelmans in the 1950s. Cryptozoology occupies a controversial position between mainstream science and pseudoscience. Practitioners point to their successes: several animals once dismissed as cryptids were later scientifically described, including the coelacanth (a fish thought extinct for 65 million years), the giant panda, and the Komodo dragon. Critics note that cryptozoology lacks rigorous methodology, often accepts anecdotal evidence uncritically, and has failed to produce physical evidence for its most famous subjects despite decades of searching. Modern cryptozoology increasingly uses technology such as camera traps, environmental DNA sampling, and acoustic monitoring. The field attracts both serious researchers seeking unknown species and enthusiasts more interested in monsters than science.
Jersey Devil
The Jersey Devil is a legendary creature said to inhabit the Pine Barrens, a heavily forested region of southern New Jersey. Descriptions typically include a kangaroo-like body, bat wings, hooves, a forked tail, horns, and a piercing scream. The legend dates to colonial times and centers on 'Mother Leeds,' who allegedly cursed her thirteenth child in 1735, whereupon it transformed into a devil and flew away. Sightings have continued for centuries, with a notable wave in January 1909 when hundreds of people across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware reported encounters over several days. Schools closed, workers stayed home, and armed posses formed to hunt the creature. Explanations range from mass hysteria to misidentified animals (sandhill cranes are a popular candidate) to deliberate hoaxes. The Jersey Devil has become embedded in New Jersey culture and identity, serving as the mascot for the state's NHL hockey team and appearing in countless works of fiction.
Mothman
Mothman is a winged humanoid creature reported in and around Point Pleasant, West Virginia between November 1966 and December 1967. Witnesses described a gray figure, six to seven feet tall, with large wings folded against its back and enormous, glowing red eyes. The creature was often seen near the abandoned TNT plant, a World War II munitions facility. The Mothman sightings culminated with the collapse of the Silver Bridge on December 15, 1967, which killed 46 people. This timing led to associations between Mothman and disaster, casting it as either a harbinger of doom or its cause. John Keel's book 'The Mothman Prophecies' (1975) connected the sightings to UFOs and other paranormal phenomena, suggesting an interdimensional origin. Skeptics have proposed that witnesses saw large owls, herons, or sandhill cranes, with fear and poor lighting conditions transforming ordinary birds into monsters. Point Pleasant has embraced its monster, erecting a Mothman statue and hosting an annual Mothman Festival.
Skinwalker
In Navajo (Diné) tradition, a skinwalker (yee naaldlooshii, 'by means of it, it goes on all fours') is a type of harmful witch who has gained the power to transform into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal. Becoming a skinwalker requires violating a fundamental cultural taboo, typically killing a close family member. Once transformed, skinwalkers can travel at superhuman speeds, become impossible to catch, and cause illness or death. The Navajo consider skinwalkers extremely dangerous and generally avoid discussing them, as speaking of them may attract their attention. The term has entered broader paranormal discourse through its association with Skinwalker Ranch in Utah, where a wide range of anomalous phenomena have been reported. Non-Navajo use of the term is controversial, as it removes the concept from its cultural context and may trivialize genuine religious beliefs. Authentic skinwalker beliefs are deeply integrated into Navajo witchcraft traditions and should be understood within that framework.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is a creature from Native American mythology, described as an enormous bird whose wingbeats create thunder and whose eyes flash lightning. Different nations have distinct thunderbird traditions, but the beings are generally depicted as powerful spirits associated with storms and the sky. In cryptozoology, 'thunderbird' refers to reported sightings of gigantic birds with wingspans of fifteen to twenty feet or more—far larger than any known living bird. Sightings have been reported across North America for centuries, including a widely discussed 1977 incident in Lawndale, Illinois, where a large bird allegedly attempted to carry off a young boy. Some researchers have suggested that thunderbirds might be surviving teratorns, giant birds that lived in North America until about 10,000 years ago. Others propose misidentification of known species such as condors or wandering albatrosses. A persistent legend involves a 'missing' photograph showing nineteenth-century men standing with an enormous dead bird, though no original image has ever been found despite many claiming to remember seeing it.
Wendigo
The wendigo (also windigo, wiindigo) is a malevolent supernatural entity from the folklore of Algonquian-speaking peoples of the northern forests of the United States and Canada. Associated with winter, cold, famine, and starvation, the wendigo is typically described as a gaunt, emaciated giant with ash-gray skin stretched tight over bones, burning eyes, and an insatiable hunger for human flesh. In traditional belief, humans could become wendigos through cannibalism, even if undertaken to survive starvation—the more a wendigo ate, the larger it grew, so its hunger could never be satisfied. Wendigo psychosis, a culture-bound syndrome, was a condition recognized in some communities where individuals believed they were becoming wendigos and developed cravings for human flesh. The wendigo has become a popular figure in horror fiction, though modern depictions often differ significantly from traditional accounts. The creature serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of wilderness, the consequences of violating taboos, and the thin line between humanity and monstrosity that extreme conditions can expose.
Entities
Apparition
A supernatural appearance of a person or thing, most commonly a ghost or spirit visible to the living. Apparitions range from full-bodied manifestations that appear completely solid and lifelike to partial figures showing only a face, torso, or limbs. Some manifest as translucent or transparent forms, while others appear as mists, shadows, or glowing orbs of light. Researchers distinguish between crisis apparitions (appearing at moments of death or danger), post-mortem apparitions (appearing after death to convey messages), and haunting apparitions (repeatedly appearing at specific locations). The most compelling cases involve apparitions seen by multiple independent witnesses who provide consistent descriptions without prior communication.
Banshee
In Irish and Scottish folklore, the banshee is a female spirit whose mournful wailing heralds an impending death in certain families. The name derives from the Irish 'bean sídhe' meaning 'woman of the fairy mound,' connecting her to the aos sí, the supernatural race of Irish mythology. Traditionally, banshees were attached to ancient Gaelic families, particularly those with names beginning with 'O' or 'Mac.' She is variously described as a young woman with long flowing hair, an old crone in grey, or a pale figure in white. Her cry, called keening, resembles the traditional Irish lament for the dead. Multiple banshees may keen together when a great person dies. Reports of banshee encounters continue into the modern era, with Irish diaspora communities in America and Australia reporting her wail before family deaths.
Demon
A malevolent supernatural entity distinct from human spirits, believed across cultures to represent forces of evil, chaos, or spiritual corruption. In Christian demonology, demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God and now seek to corrupt or possess human souls. Paranormal investigators distinguish demons from ghosts by their origin (never human), their typically hostile nature, and their association with religious phenomena such as aversion to holy objects and sacred names. Demonic encounters are characterized by oppression (external harassment), obsession (mental influence), or possession (complete control of a human body). Signs traditionally associated with demonic presence include foul odors, extreme cold, physical attacks, and the ability to speak in unknown languages. Exorcism rituals across various religious traditions aim to drive out demonic entities through prayer, holy water, and invocation of divine authority.
Doppelgänger
The doppelgänger (German: 'double-goer') is a supernatural double of a living person, distinct from a ghost of the dead. The concept appears across cultures: the Egyptian ka (spirit double), the Norse vardøger (a double who precedes the person), the Irish fetch, and the Scottish wraith. Francis Grose's Provincial Glossary (1787) used 'fetch' to describe 'the apparition of a person living', while Catherine Crowe's 'The Night-Side of Nature' (1848) popularised the German term. Traditionally, seeing one's doppelgänger was considered an omen of death. Abraham Lincoln reportedly saw his double in a mirror after his 1860 election—one face normal, one pale—which his wife interpreted as meaning he would not survive his second term. The German poet Goethe described encountering his double on horseback. Neurology has identified heautoscopy—hallucinating one's own image at a distance—associated with temporal lobe abnormalities. From a physics perspective, there is no known mechanism by which a person's exact likeness could manifest independently.
Elemental
Supernatural beings associated with one of the four classical elements—earth, water, fire, and air—elementals are considered among the oldest and most primitive spirit forms. The concept derives from the work of Renaissance philosopher Paracelsus, who named them gnomes (earth), undines (water), salamanders (fire), and sylphs (air). In paranormal investigation, 'elemental' has evolved to describe any non-human entity attached to a natural location such as forests, caves, or bodies of water. These entities are distinguished from ghosts by never having been human and from demons by not being inherently malevolent, though they may be territorial and hostile toward intruders. Elemental encounters are often reported at ancient sites, wilderness areas, and locations with long histories of human absence. They are said to be particularly difficult to remove because their attachment is to the land itself rather than to human events.
Ghost
The soul, spirit, or consciousness of a deceased person that manifests in the physical world, making it perceptible to the living through sight, sound, touch, or other senses. Ghosts are the most commonly reported paranormal phenomena worldwide and appear in the folklore, religion, and literature of virtually every culture. Paranormal researchers classify ghosts into two primary categories: residual ghosts, which appear to replay past events like a recording without awareness of current observers, and intelligent ghosts, which demonstrate awareness, react to the living, and may communicate. Theories about ghost origins range from the religious (souls unable to move on) to the scientific (imprints of consciousness on the environment) to the psychological (projections of grief or expectation). Common triggers for ghost manifestations include violent death, unfinished business, strong emotional attachment to a location, and the presence of sensitive individuals who may perceive what others cannot.
Incubus/Succubus
Demons that take male (incubus) or female (succubus) form to engage in sexual activity with sleeping humans, these entities appear in the demonology of numerous cultures from ancient Mesopotamia to medieval Europe. Victims report being paralyzed while a presence sits on their chest, often accompanied by feelings of suffocation, dread, and sexual assault. Modern researchers frequently attribute incubus/succubus experiences to sleep paralysis combined with hypnagogic hallucinations—a state between sleep and waking where the body is paralyzed but the mind produces vivid, often terrifying imagery. However, the cross-cultural consistency of these reports, appearing in societies that had no contact with each other, has led some researchers to suggest a genuine phenomenon underlying the folklore. In traditional belief, repeated visits from these entities were said to cause physical deterioration, mental illness, and eventually death. Religious remedies included prayer, holy objects, and sleeping with protective symbols.
Phantom
A general term for any ghostly or spectral figure that appears to exist but lacks physical substance, phantoms encompass a wide range of supernatural manifestations. The word derives from the Greek 'phantasma' meaning 'image' or 'apparition.' Unlike more specific terms, 'phantom' can refer to ghosts of the dead, projections of the living, or entirely non-human entities. Famous phantom types include phantom hitchhikers (spectral travelers who vanish from vehicles), phantom ships (ghost vessels that appear before storms or disasters), phantom animals (spectral beasts including black dogs and ghostly horses), and phantom armies (spectral battles replaying ancient conflicts). The term's flexibility makes it useful when the exact nature of an apparition is uncertain. Phantom appearances are often associated with liminal times (dusk, midnight) and liminal places (crossroads, boundaries, thresholds) where the barrier between worlds is believed to be thinner.
Poltergeist
The term 'poltergeist' entered English from German in 1838, combining 'poltern' ('to make noise' or 'to rumble') and 'Geist' ('ghost' or 'spirit'), literally meaning 'noisy ghost'. The phenomenon has been reported for centuries across cultures, with the earliest well-documented case dating to 856 CE in Germany. Historically attributed to demons, witches, or malevolent spirits. A crucial 20th-century observation emerged: poltergeist activity often centres on a specific individual termed the 'agent' or 'focus', typically an adolescent experiencing emotional stress. This led parapsychologist Nandor Fodor to propose in the 1930s-40s that poltergeists represent 'projected repressions'—unconscious psychokinetic activity rather than external spirits. William G. Roll developed this into 'Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis' (RSPK). Famous cases include the Enfield Poltergeist (1977-78), Rosenheim case (1967), and the Bell Witch (early 19th century). Sceptical investigator Joe Nickell has identified fraud as the most common explanation, noting 'in the typical poltergeist outbreak... usually just what could be accomplished by a juvenile trickster.' Nevertheless, some cases—like the 1967 Miami warehouse case with 224 documented incidents witnessed by police and a professional magician—resist simple debunking.
Revenant
A revenant is a visible ghost or reanimated corpse that returns from the grave, typically to terrorize the living, seek vengeance, or complete unfinished business. The term comes from the French 'revenir' meaning 'to return.' Unlike incorporeal ghosts, revenants in folklore were believed to be physical, capable of walking, eating, and inflicting bodily harm. Medieval European chronicles contain numerous accounts of revenants attacking villages, spreading plague, and killing livestock. The means of stopping a revenant—staking, decapitation, burning, or reburial—would later influence vampire legends. Revenants were believed to rise from the graves of those who died violent deaths, committed suicide, were improperly buried, or had unfinished earthly business. The belief in literal physical return has diminished in modern times, but the revenant concept persists in stories of corporeal ghosts and the undead. Some researchers connect revenant beliefs to premature burial and corpse decomposition gases that could cause bodies to move or make sounds.
Shadow Person
Shadow people are dark, humanoid silhouettes perceived as separate entities rather than ordinary shadows. Typically described as pitch-black masses in human form, they are usually seen in peripheral vision and often vanish when looked at directly. Witnesses commonly report feeling watched, experiencing intense dread, and sensing malevolent intent. Some shadow people appear to wear hats or cloaks; a frequently reported type is 'The Hat Man,' a tall shadow figure in a wide-brimmed hat seen worldwide. Shadow people are distinct from other apparitions by their complete darkness—they absorb rather than emit light—and their tendency to flee rather than interact. Explanations range from the paranormal (interdimensional beings, demons, spirits of the dead) to the psychological (hypnagogic hallucinations, pareidolia, the brain misinterpreting visual data). The phenomenon has gained prominence since the 1990s, possibly due to increased internet sharing of experiences. Some researchers associate shadow people with sleep paralysis, though many sightings occur during full waking consciousness.
Spirit
The non-physical essence of a living being, believed to survive physical death and potentially interact with the material world. While often used interchangeably with 'ghost,' spirit is a broader term encompassing all non-physical consciousness, including beings that were never human. The concept appears in virtually all world religions and philosophical traditions, from the Hebrew 'ruach' and Greek 'pneuma' to the Hindu 'atman' and the Chinese 'shen.' In paranormal contexts, spirits are understood as conscious entities existing in a non-physical realm who may communicate with the living through mediums, dreams, or direct manifestation. Spiritualism, a religious movement beginning in the 1840s, is founded on the belief that communication with spirits of the dead is possible and beneficial. Modern paranormal investigators use various tools—EVP recorders, spirit boxes, EMF detectors—attempting to capture evidence of spirit presence. The question of whether spirits represent surviving personalities, residual energy, or something else entirely remains central to paranormal research.
Wraith
A wraith is an apparition or spectral image of a person, particularly one seen shortly before or after their death, traditionally interpreted as an omen of impending doom. The term originates from Scottish dialect and carries connotations of both ghostliness and prophecy. Unlike ghosts that linger, wraiths are typically seen only once, at the moment of crisis or transition. Historical accounts include people seeing wraiths of loved ones at the exact moment of their distant deaths, a phenomenon documented extensively by the Society for Psychical Research in the late 19th century. Wraiths are often distinguishable from ordinary apparitions by their timing and their association with specific individuals rather than locations. In fiction and gaming, the term has evolved to describe particularly fearsome or incorporeal spirits, but its traditional meaning emphasizes the prophetic rather than the frightening. The experience of seeing a wraith—often of someone later confirmed to have died at that moment—represents one of the most compelling categories of anecdotal evidence for consciousness surviving physical death.
Yurei
Japanese ghosts bound to the physical world by powerful emotions experienced at death, yūrei are among the most distinctive and influential ghost types in world folklore. The term combines 'yū' (faint, dim) and 'rei' (soul, spirit). Unlike Western ghosts who may appear as they did in life, yūrei have a characteristic appearance: white burial kimono, long disheveled black hair, and hands hanging limply with wrists bent. They often lack feet, floating above the ground. Yūrei are created when a person dies with intense emotions—grief, jealousy, rage, or love—that prevent their spirit from passing on. They typically haunt specific locations or people connected to their unfinished business. Categories include onryō (vengeful ghosts seeking retribution), ubume (mothers who died in childbirth), and funayūrei (ghosts of those drowned at sea). Japanese ghost stories, kaidan, feature yūrei prominently and have influenced horror cinema worldwide. Rituals to appease or release yūrei include Buddhist prayers, proper burial, and resolving the circumstances that created their attachment to the living world.
General
Anomaly
Something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. In paranormal research, an unexplained occurrence or object.
Fortean
Relating to paranormal phenomena, named after Charles Fort who catalogued unexplained events. Covers UFOs, cryptids, anomalies.
Ley Lines
Alleged alignments of ancient sites and natural features believed to have spiritual significance or paranormal energy.
Liminal Space
A transitional space between two states or places. Often associated with heightened paranormal activity.
Paranormal
Events or phenomena beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding. Includes ghosts, cryptids, UFOs, and psychic phenomena.
Parapsychology
The study of mental phenomena excluded from mainstream psychology, including telepathy, precognition, and psychokinesis.
Portal
A doorway or gateway to another dimension or realm, through which entities may pass.
Supernatural
Attributed to some force beyond scientific understanding or the laws of nature.
Thin Place
A location where the barrier between the physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be thinner, allowing easier communication or manifestation.
Veil (The)
The metaphorical barrier between the world of the living and the spirit realm. Said to be thinner at certain times (Halloween) or places.
Investigation
Debunking
The process of finding natural explanations for alleged paranormal phenomena. Essential to credible investigation.
EMF (Electromagnetic Field)
A field of energy produced by electrically charged objects. Paranormal investigators use EMF detectors to identify unusual activity.
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena)
Electronic Voice Phenomena refers to unexplained voices or sounds discovered on electronic recordings. The phenomenon emerged with Friedrich Jürgenson, a Swedish artist who in 1959 was recording birdsong when he discovered voices on the tape not present during recording. He announced his discovery to the Swedish press in 1963 and published 'Voices from Space' (1964). His work caught the attention of Konstantīns Raudive, a Latvian psychologist and former student of Carl Jung, who documented over 100,000 recorded voices through three methods: the microphone method (recording in silence), the radio method (recording white noise between stations), and the diode method. In 1971, Pye Records invited Raudive to their soundproof London studio, where he allegedly captured over 200 voices. Scientists classify EVP as auditory pareidolia—the brain perceiving meaningful patterns (particularly speech) in random noise. The phenomenon is particularly susceptible to priming effects: when listeners are told what to hear, they typically hear it. Nevertheless, EVP remains popular in ghost hunting, with organisations maintaining databases of purported spirit communications.
FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared)
Thermal imaging technology used in paranormal investigation and UFO tracking. Captures heat signatures invisible to the naked eye.
Full Spectrum Camera
A camera modified to capture light beyond the visible spectrum (infrared and ultraviolet), used in ghost hunting.
K-II Meter
An electromagnetic field detector popular in ghost hunting. Originally designed for detecting EMF from household sources.
Ouija Board
A board marked with letters and symbols, used with a planchette to allegedly communicate with spirits.
Provocation
A controversial technique where investigators attempt to anger or challenge entities to elicit a response.
REM Pod
A device that creates an electromagnetic field and alerts when the field is disturbed, used to detect spirit presence.
SLS Camera
Structured Light Sensor camera that maps 3D environments and can detect humanoid shapes invisible to the naked eye.
Spirit Box
A device that rapidly scans radio frequencies, believed to allow spirits to communicate through audio snippets.
Thermal Imaging
Technology that detects heat signatures, used to identify cold spots and anomalous temperature variations.
Trigger Object
An item placed in a location to encourage spirit interaction, often something connected to the location's history.
Phenomena
Cold Spot
A localized area where the temperature is noticeably lower than the surrounding environment, often associated with paranormal activity.
Ectoplasm
A supernatural viscous substance supposedly exuded by a medium during a spiritual trance. Popularized during the spiritualist movement.
Haunting
A manifestation of a ghostly presence attached to a specific location. Can be residual (replay) or intelligent (interactive).
Hitchhiker Effect
Paranormal phenomena that follow investigators home from a haunted location. Reported at Skinwalker Ranch and other sites.
Infrasound
Sound waves below human hearing range (below 20 Hz) that can cause feelings of unease, fear, and visual anomalies. Proposed explanation for some hauntings.
Intelligent Haunting
A haunting where the entity is aware of its surroundings and can interact with the living, responding to questions or actions.
Manifestation
The appearance or materialization of a spirit or supernatural entity in a perceptible form.
Materialization
The alleged appearance of solid objects or beings from nothing, particularly during séances.
Orb
Spherical anomalies in photographs attributed to spirits. Most are dust or moisture, but some remain unexplained.
Possession
The belief that a person's body can be inhabited and controlled by a spirit or supernatural entity.
Residual Haunting
A haunting where past events replay like a recording. The entities are not aware of the living.
Sleep Paralysis
A state of temporary paralysis upon waking or falling asleep, often accompanied by hallucinations. May explain some supernatural encounters.
Stone Tape Theory
The hypothesis that emotional events can be 'recorded' in stone or building materials and 'played back' later as hauntings.
Trans-medium
The ability of an object to transition between different mediums (air, water, space) without apparent change in performance. Associated with UAP.
Practices
Automatic Writing
Writing produced without conscious thought, believed to be guided by spirits or the subconscious mind.
Channeling
The practice of allowing a spirit or entity to speak through a living person. Similar to mediumship.
Cleansing
Rituals performed to remove negative energy or spirits from a location. May involve sage, salt, prayers, or holy water.
Exorcism
A religious practice of evicting demons or evil spirits from a person, place, or object.
Medium
A person claimed to have the ability to communicate with spirits of the dead.
Necromancy
The practice of communicating with the dead, especially to predict the future. Considered dark magic in many traditions.
Psychometry
The claimed ability to read information about a person or event by touching an associated object.
Remote Viewing
The practice of seeking impressions about a distant target using extrasensory perception. Studied by US military (Project Stargate).
Sage Smudging
Burning sage to cleanse a space of negative energy or spirits. Originated in Native American traditions.
Scrying
Gazing into a reflective surface (mirror, crystal ball, water) to receive visions or communicate with spirits.
Séance
A meeting at which people attempt to make contact with the dead, typically conducted by a medium.
Theories
Crisis Apparition Theory
A crisis apparition is a visual or sensory experience of a person occurring at or near the moment of that person's death or life-threatening crisis, perceived by someone at a distant location. Edmund Gurney, Frederic W.H. Myers, and Frank Podmore published 'Phantasms of the Living' (1886), analyzing over 700 such cases. They proposed that at moments of extreme crisis, individuals might unconsciously transmit telepathic signals manifesting as apparitions to emotionally connected percipients. The SPR's 1894 Census of Hallucinations found that hallucinations of living or recently deceased persons occurred far more frequently around the time of death than chance would predict. Irish folklore speaks of the 'fetch' appearing at death, while Scottish tradition describes the 'wraith'. Crisis apparitions remain intriguing because they potentially involve verifiable information—the percipient reports seeing someone later confirmed to have died at that moment.
EMF Theory of Hauntings
The connection between electromagnetic fields and paranormal experiences gained scientific attention through Michael Persinger at Laurentian University. Beginning in the 1980s, Persinger demonstrated that weak, pulsed magnetic fields applied to the temporal lobes could induce experiences resembling paranormal phenomena: sense of presence, out-of-body sensations, and apparitional encounters. His 'God Helmet' experiments suggested that fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic field or localised EMF anomalies might explain some ghostly experiences. Paranormal investigators adopted EMF meters as standard ghost-hunting equipment. The theory developed in two directions: some proposed that ghosts generate electromagnetic fields (hence spikes indicating presence), while others suggested environmental EMF causes hallucinations. Attempts to replicate Persinger's findings have produced mixed results, and the fundamental problem is that his effects required prolonged exposure to carefully calibrated laboratory fields.
Infrasound Hypothesis
The connection between infrasound (sound below 20 Hz, beneath human hearing) and ghostly experiences was established by Vic Tandy, an engineer at Coventry University, in 1998. Working late in a laboratory reputed to be haunted, Tandy experienced cold sweats, fear, and peripheral visual disturbances. Discovering his fencing foil vibrating, he found a 19 Hz standing wave generated by an extractor fan. With Dr. Tony Lawrence, Tandy published 'The Ghost in the Machine' in the Journal of the Society for Psychical Research. He proposed that infrasound at approximately 19 Hz could cause symptoms associated with hauntings: fear, unease, and visual anomalies (possibly from eyeball resonance). NASA research noted that 18 Hz was near the resonant frequency of the human eyeball. While offering a testable physical mechanism, attempts to replicate the effect under controlled conditions have produced inconsistent results.
Intelligent Haunting Theory
An intelligent haunting involves a conscious entity capable of interacting with the living, representing the traditional understanding of ghostly phenomena—the idea that some aspect of a deceased person's consciousness persists after death. The Society for Psychical Research, founded in 1882, was established largely to investigate such claims scientifically. G.N.M. Tyrrell, SPR president in 1945, devoted forty years to classifying apparitions, identifying intelligent hauntings by their responsiveness: these spirits acknowledge observers, respond to questions, move objects deliberately, and may attempt to convey specific messages. Modern investigators use EVP recorders, spirit boxes, and EMF meters to detect responsive entities. From a scientific standpoint, intelligent hauntings require not merely a recording mechanism but a conscious entity operating outside a physical brain—a challenge mainstream psychology explains through hallucination, suggestion, and grief responses.
Place Memory Hypothesis
Place memory refers to the hypothesis that locations can somehow retain impressions of past events, particularly those involving strong emotions. The concept emerged in the early days of the Society for Psychical Research as investigators sought explanations for location-based hauntings. Edmund Gurney and Eleanor Sidgwick proposed that buildings or materials might store 'records' of past events, which could be 'played back' by sensitive individuals. This provided a naturalistic alternative to location-bound spirits. The concept intersects with psychometry—the claimed ability to obtain information about an object's history through physical contact. No mechanism is known by which physical locations could store or transmit emotional information. Sceptics argue that 'place memory' experiences reflect the percipient's imagination informed by knowledge of a location's history, combined with environmental factors creating suggestive atmospheres.
Psychic Ether Hypothesis
The concept of a 'psychic ether' was proposed by H.H. Price, professor of logic at Oxford and SPR president, around 1940. Price sought a theoretical framework accommodating both physical and mental aspects of apparitional phenomena. He postulated a substance—neither purely material nor purely spiritual—in which mental images could exist independently. This 'ether' could carry 'telepathic charges' and might become localised in specific places, explaining location-based hauntings. Price's theory attempted to solve several problems: if apparitions were purely mental, how could multiple witnesses see the same thing? If purely physical, why did they often pass through walls? The psychic ether provided an intermediate realm where images could persist. The concept has no support in physics—the physical ether was abandoned after Einstein's special relativity. It remains primarily of historical interest, illustrating the challenge of bridging subjective experience and physical reality.
Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis (RSPK)
RSPK is a parapsychological term coined by William G. Roll to describe poltergeist phenomena without presupposing a spirit origin. Working at the Psychical Research Foundation from the 1960s, Roll observed that poltergeist activity typically centred on one individual—usually an adolescent experiencing emotional stress. He proposed that this 'agent' unconsciously caused the physical disturbances through psychokinetic ability. The theory built on Nandor Fodor's 1930s-40s characterization of poltergeists as 'bundles of projected repressions'. RSPK offers testable predictions: activity should correlate with the agent's presence and emotional state; it should diminish when the agent receives psychological support; it should be more common in adolescents. Roll investigated numerous cases, including the 1967 Miami warehouse case with 224 documented incidents. RSPK shifts the explanatory burden from spirits to unconscious human agency, but replaces one unexplained phenomenon (ghosts) with another (psychokinesis).
Residual Haunting Theory
A residual haunting is defined as a paranormal event where energy from a previous occurrence becomes embedded in a location and replays itself repeatedly, like a video stuck in an endless loop. The concept emerged from 19th-century SPR investigations into 'place memory.' Frederic W.H. Myers coined the term 'vertical afterimage' to describe these phenomena. The key distinction is their non-interactive nature—unlike intelligent hauntings, residual phenomena show no awareness of observers. Common examples include spectral footsteps heard at the same time each night, battlefield apparitions replaying combat scenes, and figures walking through walls where doorways once existed. Proposed mechanisms include buildings with high quartz content acting as piezoelectric storage media, or water retaining and transmitting emotional impressions. None of these hypotheses has experimental support.
Stone Tape Theory
The Stone Tape Theory proposes that certain materials—particularly stone, quartz, and other geological formations—can absorb and later 'replay' intense emotional events, much like a magnetic tape recording. The intellectual foundations stretch back to 1838, when Charles Babbage speculated that spoken words leave permanent impressions through particle motion. H.H. Price, Oxford professor and SPR president, later postulated a 'psychic ether' enabling objects to carry memory traces. However, the theory received its fullest articulation from Thomas Charles Lethbridge in his 1961 book 'Ghost and Ghoul'. The term itself derives from Nigel Kneale's 1972 BBC television drama 'The Stone Tape'. From a physics perspective, the theory lacks any known mechanism—as critics note, 'chunks of stone just do not have the same properties as reels of tape.' Nevertheless, it remains influential for explaining residual hauntings where apparitions repeat identical actions without responding to observers.
UFO/UAP
Abduction
Alien abduction refers to the reported experience of being taken against one's will by apparently non-human entities, typically associated with UFO encounters. The phenomenon gained public attention with the 1961 Betty and Barney Hill case and has since become a major theme in UFO research. Common elements include paralysis, being transported to a craft, medical examination by grey-skinned beings with large eyes, and missing time upon return. Abductees often have fragmented memories that emerge through hypnosis, a practice that raises concerns about false memory creation. The psychological impact on experiencers is real regardless of the phenomenon's objective nature—many report PTSD-like symptoms. Skeptics attribute abductions to sleep paralysis, false memories, and cultural conditioning from media. Believers point to the consistency of reports across cultures and independent witnesses who recall similar experiences. The late Harvard psychiatrist John Mack took abduction reports seriously, interviewing hundreds of experiencers and finding them psychologically normal.
Adamski-Type
Adamski-type UFOs are named after George Adamski, one of the first and most famous 'contactees' of the 1950s. Adamski claimed to have met human-like aliens and photographed their spacecraft. His images showed a distinctive bell-shaped or domed disc with portholes around the rim and a spherical landing gear arrangement underneath. Whether Adamski's photos were genuine, fakes, or misidentified objects remains debated. Skeptics have noted similarities to common household objects and lamp parts. Despite controversies surrounding Adamski himself, the basic design he depicted—a domed disc with a rim and porthole-like features—has been reported by independent witnesses who had no knowledge of his claims. Some researchers see this as evidence supporting his accounts; others suggest cultural contamination, where Adamski's images influenced later reports and hoaxes. The 'Adamski-type' remains a recognized category in ufology, whatever its origins.
Arcturians
Arcturians are alleged advanced beings from the Arcturus star system, a red giant approximately 37 light-years from Earth. They appear primarily in channeled material rather than physical contact claims, described as highly evolved spiritual beings who serve as guides and healers. Accounts portray them as non-physical or semi-physical entities existing at higher vibrational frequencies than humans. They are associated with healing technologies, crystalline energy, and assistance in humanity's spiritual ascension. Edgar Cayce, the famous 'sleeping prophet,' mentioned Arcturus as an advanced civilization in some of his readings from the early twentieth century, which some see as lending credibility to later Arcturian claims. Like Pleiadians, Arcturians are more prominent in New Age spirituality than in traditional ufology. The concept demonstrates the fusion of extraterrestrial contact themes with metaphysical and spiritual traditions, creating a hybrid phenomenon that spans multiple domains of belief.
Black Triangle
The Black Triangle phenomenon became prominent during the Belgian UFO Wave beginning November 29, 1989, when police officers Heinrich Nicoll and Hubert von Montigny observed a massive triangular craft hovering near treetop level in Eupen, Belgium. These craft are described as enormous (often football field-sized, 300+ feet wingspan), dark or black, with bright white lights at each corner and a central red or orange pulsating light. The flat underside sometimes shows subtle texture or panels. Operational characteristics include near-complete silence despite enormous size, extremely slow hovering capability, low-altitude terrain-following flight, and sudden dramatic acceleration from near-stationary to hypersonic speeds—during the Belgian Wave, radar tracked objects changing speed from 240 km/h to over 1,800 km/h in seconds with no sonic boom. No visible propulsion system, exhaust, or contrails observed. The National UFO Reporting Center has cataloged over 8,100 triangle sightings since the 1960s. Key sightings include the Belgian UFO Wave (1989-1990) with 13,500 witness reports and F-16 jet scrambles, Phoenix Lights (March 13, 1997), Illinois Triangle (2000), and Hudson Valley 'Westchester Boomerang' (1982-1986).
Boomerang/V-Shaped Craft (Flying Wing)
Boomerang or V-shaped craft gained major attention during the Hudson Valley UFO Wave beginning December 31, 1982, in Kent Cliffs, New York, known as 'The Westchester Boomerang'. Just before midnight on New Year's Eve, residents reported a large, boomerang-shaped craft with multicolored lights moving slowly and silently. Over the following years, more than 5,000 witnesses—including police officers, pilots, and professionals—reported similar sightings. These craft are described as V-shaped, boomerang, or chevron configuration, enormous (larger than a football field, 300+ feet wingspan), with a dark body featuring rows of red, green, and white lights along the edges. Operational characteristics include near-complete silence, extremely slow movement, low-altitude flight, ability to stop mid-air, and rapid acceleration with sharp turns. They sometimes hovered over specific locations including Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant. While local pilots from Stormville Airport admitted flying Cessnas in tight formation as a prank, many witnesses insist some sightings could not have been aircraft. Key sightings include the Hudson Valley Wave (1982-1986), Phoenix Lights (March 13, 1997—thousands witnessed a V-shaped object estimated over a mile wide), and the Belgian triangles share similar characteristics.
Cigar-Shaped Craft (Mothership)
Cigar-shaped UFOs predate the modern flying saucer era, with reports during the 1896-1897 'Mystery Airship' wave across the American Midwest. George Adamski claimed to witness a large cigar-shaped 'mothership' in October 1946, and in July 1948, commercial pilots Clarence Chiles and John Whitted reported a glowing, cigar-shaped object with two rows of windows flying alongside their Eastern Airlines DC-3 near Montgomery, Alabama. These craft are described as long, cylindrical, sometimes tapering at the ends, among the largest reported UFOs—estimates range from hundreds to thousands of feet ('aircraft carrier' size). The surface is typically metallic, smooth, dull silver or grey, often with rows of windows or portholes, bands of light, or glowing sections. No visible wings, fins, or conventional propulsion. Operational characteristics include high-altitude travel, general silence, horizontal movement or hovering, and frequently associated with smaller craft entering or exiting (hence 'mothership' designation). Associated with Nordic/Pleiadian beings in contactee lore. Peak period was 1950s-1960s. Key sightings include the Chiles-Whitted encounter (1948), Mount Kilimanjaro sighting (1951), and Yukon Territory, Canada (1967).
Close Encounter
A classification system for UFO encounters developed by astronomer J. Allen Hynek during his work as scientific consultant to Project Blue Book. Close Encounter of the First Kind (CE1) involves a visual sighting within 500 feet. Close Encounter of the Second Kind (CE2) involves physical effects such as interference with vehicles, ground traces, or physical sensation. Close Encounter of the Third Kind (CE3)—made famous by Steven Spielberg's film—involves observing occupants of a UFO. The system was later expanded by ufologists to include Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind (CE4) for abduction experiences and Close Encounter of the Fifth Kind (CE5) for direct communication or conscious contact with extraterrestrial beings. The classification system remains widely used in ufology despite its limitations, providing a common language for categorizing and comparing reports.
Cylinder UFO
Cylinder UFOs are barrel-shaped or drum-shaped objects, distinguished from cigar-shaped craft by their shorter length relative to diameter. They are sometimes reported rotating or with visible surface details like seams or panels. Cylinder UFOs have been reported worldwide, occasionally captured on video. Some reports describe the objects hanging stationary, while others describe rapid movement or rotation. The shape has been compared to propane tanks, storage tanks, or other cylindrical objects, leading to misidentification concerns. However, some cylinder sightings involve objects of enormous size, unusual motion, or multiple independent witnesses. The cylindrical form is relatively rare compared to discs and spheres but represents a consistent category in UFO reports. Whether cylinder sightings represent a distinct phenomenon, variations of other UFO types, or misidentified conventional objects remains uncertain without more data.
Diamond-Shaped Craft
Diamond-shaped UFOs are less commonly reported but have produced notable cases, particularly the Cash-Landrum Incident on December 29, 1980, near Huffman, Texas. Betty Cash (52), Vickie Landrum (57), and Colby Landrum (7) witnessed a diamond or kite-shaped craft, large as a water tower, dull metallic/aluminum-colored, emitting intense flames from the bottom and producing extreme heat. Approximately 23 helicopters, including CH-47 Chinooks, appeared to be escorting the object. The craft hovered, rotated slowly, and emitted fire/flame from bottom points. The incident resulted in severe health consequences: Betty Cash developed cancer, required multiple surgeries, and lost her hair; both women were hospitalized with symptoms consistent with radiation exposure. Their lawsuit against the U.S. government was dismissed. No concentrated 'wave' period has been identified for diamond-shaped craft, and they are less common than disc, triangle, or orb shapes. The Cash-Landrum Incident remains the defining diamond-shaped UFO case and one of the most medically significant in UFO history.
Egg-Shaped/Oval Craft
Egg-shaped UFOs have been reported since at least 1939, with the most famous incident occurring on April 24, 1964, in Socorro, New Mexico. Police Sergeant Lonnie Zamora, while pursuing a speeding car at approximately 5:45 PM, witnessed a bluish flame and loud roar, then an egg-shaped craft with landing gear on the ground, two small beings in white coveralls near the craft, and a red insignia on the craft's side before it lifted off with blue flames. The case was investigated by Project Blue Book's J. Allen Hynek, the Air Force, and FBI. Physical evidence included burnt bushes and landing gear impressions. These craft are described as elongated oval or egg-shaped, rounded on all sides, typically 12-15 feet in length, white, silver, or metallic with smooth shiny surfaces. Sometimes reported with landing gear, windows, or insignia. Operational characteristics include vertical takeoff/landing capability, blue or multi-colored flames during propulsion, loud roaring during takeoff, and silent hovering. Associated with small humanoid beings in white coveralls and Grey-type beings. Approximately 1,300 egg-shaped and 6,500 oval-shaped UFO reports were documented between 2001-2017. Key sightings include Socorro (1964), Levelland, Texas (November 1957), and Valensole, France (1965).
Flying Saucer (Disc-Shaped Craft)
The modern flying saucer phenomenon began on June 24, 1947, when private pilot Kenneth Arnold observed nine shiny objects flying near Mount Rainier, Washington at an estimated 1,200-1,700 mph. Arnold described their motion as 'like a saucer skipping across water'—referring to movement, not shape—but newspapers coined 'flying saucer'. These craft are typically described as circular discs, often resembling two saucers pressed together with a domed top, ranging from 20 to over 2,000 feet in diameter. The metallic, silver surface often features a dome or protrusion on top, sometimes with rows of lights or windows around the circumference. Operational characteristics include silent or humming flight, motionless hovering, extreme acceleration, sharp right-angle turns defying aerodynamics, and spinning motion. Associated primarily with Grey aliens since the 1961 Betty and Barney Hill abduction, and with Nordic beings in 1950s contactee reports. Peak period was 1947-1960s, with thousands documented through Project Blue Book. Key sightings include Roswell (July 1947), McMinnville, Oregon photographs (1950), and Chicago O'Hare Airport (2006).
Foo Fighter
Foo Fighters were first formally reported in late November 1944 by the US 415th Night Fighter Squadron operating over the Rhine Valley during World War II, with earlier RAF sightings dating to March 1942. Lieutenant Edward Schlueter (pilot), Lieutenant Donald J. Meiers (radar observer—credited with coining 'foo fighters' from the comic strip 'Smokey Stover'), and Lieutenant Fred Ringwald (intelligence officer) observed 'eight to ten bright orange lights off the left wing...flying through the air at high speed' while flying a Bristol Beaufighter over the French-German border. These spherical, self-illuminating orbs—red, orange, yellow, white, or changing colors—appeared like 'balls of fire' from small (Christmas tree lights) to several feet in diameter. They appeared to follow aircraft in formation, matched speed and maneuvers (200+ mph), made wild erratic turns, never attacked, and could not be tracked on radar. Each side suspected secret weapons; post-war German scientist interrogations found no evidence of 'Feuerball' technology. Sightings occurred in both European and Pacific theaters from Allied, German, and Japanese pilots. Sightings largely ceased when the war ended—which remains unexplained.
Grey (Alien)
Grey aliens are the most commonly reported type of extraterrestrial being in abduction accounts and close encounter reports. They are typically described as three to four feet tall with grey skin, oversized heads, large black almond-shaped eyes, and small or absent noses, mouths, and ears. They are often associated with medical examinations, genetic experiments, and telepathic communication. The Grey image became iconic following the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case of 1961, where Betty described beings with large eyes under hypnosis. The Greys have since appeared in thousands of reports worldwide, raising questions about whether they represent genuine encounters, cultural influence, or psychological archetypes. The large-headed, large-eyed being resembles human fetal proportions and the neoteny (retention of juvenile features) seen in domesticated animals, leading to various psychological and evolutionary interpretations. Whether Greys are real beings, hallucinations, or cultural constructs, they have become the dominant image of extraterrestrials in modern culture.
Hybridization
Alien hybridization refers to the alleged creation of human-alien hybrid beings through genetic manipulation, a central theme in many abduction accounts. Experiencers report procedures including the extraction of reproductive material, implantation of fetuses, and later encounters with hybrid children who combine human and alien (typically Grey) characteristics. Harvard psychiatrist John Mack documented numerous such accounts, noting their traumatic nature and consistency across independent experiencers. Abduction researcher David Jacobs has proposed an extensive hybridization program aimed at infiltrating human society. Skeptics attribute these narratives to false memories, sleep phenomena, and psychological factors, noting that the biology involved would be impossible—humans could not produce viable offspring with an alien species. Believers counter that sufficiently advanced technology might overcome such barriers. The hybridization narrative has significant psychological dimensions, touching on fears of loss of bodily autonomy, forced reproduction, and existential concerns about human identity. Whatever its reality, it represents a significant and disturbing element of the abduction phenomenon.
Little Green Men
Little Green Men is a colloquial, often humorous term for extraterrestrial beings that has become embedded in popular culture despite its uncertain origins. The phrase may derive from the 1955 Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter in Kentucky, where witnesses described small, goblin-like creatures—though they were described as silver rather than green. Earlier science fiction depicted Martians and other aliens in various colors, including green. The term's playful nature has made it a shorthand for dismissing UFO reports as fantasy, while believers sometimes use it ironically to acknowledge cultural stereotypes. The 'little green men' image contrasts with the now-dominant Grey alien type, reflecting how alien imagery has evolved over decades. Interestingly, in 1967 when astronomers Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Antony Hewish discovered regular radio pulses from space (later identified as pulsars), they initially designated the source 'LGM-1' for 'little green men' before determining a natural origin. The term persists as cultural shorthand for extraterrestrial life, despite having little basis in actual UFO reports.
Mantis Beings
Mantis beings are insectoid aliens resembling large praying mantises, reported in a significant percentage of abduction accounts. They are typically described as tall (often taller than Greys), with triangular heads, large compound eyes, and limbs jointed like insect legs. In abduction scenarios, Mantis beings often appear in supervisory roles, directing Grey aliens during medical procedures. Experiencers frequently describe them as emanating authority and ancient wisdom. Some report telepathic communication conveying complex spiritual or cosmic information. The Mantis archetype appears in various esoteric traditions, and some researchers note similarities to entities encountered in DMT and other psychedelic experiences. Whether Mantis beings represent actual entities, archetypal images from the collective unconscious, or artifacts of altered states of consciousness remains debated. Their consistent description across independent accounts—often by people with no prior knowledge of the type—is noted by believers as evidence of genuine phenomena.
Men in Black
Men in Black (MIB) are mysterious figures who allegedly visit UFO witnesses, researchers, and contactees to intimidate them into silence. First reported in the 1950s, MIB typically appear as strange men in black suits and hats, driving black cars, who seem unfamiliar with ordinary human behavior—using antiquated speech patterns, not understanding common objects, or having waxy, artificial-looking features. They may claim government affiliation or offer no identification. Visits often involve veiled threats to stop talking about UFO experiences. Albert Bender, founder of the International Flying Saucer Bureau, claimed his organization was shut down after MIB threats in 1953. Researcher John Keel expanded the mythology, suggesting MIB were not government agents but ultraterrestrial entities. The phenomenon has never been satisfactorily explained. Proposals range from government disinformation agents, to hoaxes by witnesses, to actual non-human entities, to psychological phenomena. The Men in Black concept entered mainstream culture through the comedy film franchise, which ironically made the original, much stranger accounts seem like fiction.
Metallic Orbs/Spheres (Modern)
Modern metallic orb reports have gained prominence since the 2000s, particularly through military sensor data. Pentagon officials confirmed in 2023 that metallic orbs are among the most commonly reported UAP shapes worldwide. Director Sean Kirkpatrick of AARO confirmed in a 2023 NASA presentation that metallic orbs have been tracked 'all over the world'. These craft are perfectly spherical, typically 1-4 meters (3-13 feet) in diameter, metallic, silver, or reflective (some appear dark or solid), with smooth apparently seamless surfaces and no visible propulsion, windows, or appendages. They demonstrate 'very interesting apparent maneuvers' with no evidence of thermal exhaust, can appear stationary or in active flight at variable velocities, and are observed at altitudes between 15,000-25,000 feet. Trans-medium capability (air-to-water) is suspected. According to AARO's 2024 report, 'orbs, spheres, round' UAP constituted 22% of reported sightings from May 2023 to June 2024. Key sightings include the 'GOFAST' video (2015), Mosul Orb surveillance footage (2016), and USS Omaha incident (2019—spherical object filmed descending into ocean).
Missing Time
Missing time refers to periods that UFO witnesses or abductees cannot account for, often associated with close encounter experiences. A witness might recall seeing a UFO, then find that hours have passed without memory of what occurred. The phenomenon was central to the Betty and Barney Hill case (1961), where the couple arrived home hours later than expected and only recovered memories of their abduction through hypnosis. Missing time has since become a signature element of close encounter reports. The experiences typically come to light when witnesses notice time discrepancies—clocks showing hours passing when only minutes seemed to elapse, or arriving at destinations much later than expected without explanation. Hypnosis often reveals detailed abduction narratives corresponding to the missing time, though critics note that hypnosis can create false memories. The missing time phenomenon also appears in folklore—fairy abductions and visits to supernatural realms often involve distorted time. Whether missing time represents genuine anomalous experience, psychological response to stress, or the workings of suggestion and expectation remains debated.
Nordic (Alien)
Nordic aliens are extraterrestrial beings reported to resemble tall, blonde, blue-eyed humans—essentially idealized Scandinavian people. They typically appear in contactee accounts rather than abduction scenarios and are usually portrayed as benevolent beings concerned with humanity's welfare. Nordic aliens were prominent in the contactee movement of the 1950s, appearing in accounts by George Adamski, Howard Menger, and others who claimed physical meetings and even visits to other planets. They conveyed messages about nuclear weapons, spiritual evolution, and cosmic brotherhood. As the Grey alien became dominant in abduction literature, Nordics declined in prominence but never disappeared entirely. Some researchers note that Nordic aliens conveniently resemble the cultural ideal of the era and demographic of most early contactees (white Americans). Others point to their appearance in diverse cultures, including reports from South America. The Nordic phenomenon may represent a distinct category of encounter, cultural projection, or deliberate presentation by non-human intelligence adapting to human expectations.
Orb (UFO)
UFO orbs are spherical objects, often luminous, ranging from inches to several feet in diameter. Unlike photographic orbs (typically dust or moisture close to camera lenses), UFO orbs are witnessed by observers and sometimes captured on video exhibiting apparent intelligent behavior. Orbs have been reported changing color, splitting into multiple objects, merging together, responding to observers, and performing maneuvers inconsistent with balloons, aircraft, or natural phenomena. They are reported worldwide in diverse contexts—from military encounters to UFO hotspots to random sightings. Some researchers associate orbs with 'balls of light' phenomena reported at locations like Hessdalen, Norway, where scientific study has documented unusual aerial phenomena for decades. The simple spherical shape makes orbs difficult to classify, as they could represent diverse phenomena from ball lightning to advanced technology. Their frequent association with intelligent behavior distinguishes them from natural luminous phenomena.
Pleiadians
Pleiadians are alleged extraterrestrial beings from the Pleiades star cluster (the Seven Sisters), a prominent feature of the night sky 444 light-years from Earth. In contactee accounts, Pleiadians are described as tall, beautiful, human-like beings with blonde hair and light eyes—essentially idealized Nordic humans. They are typically portrayed as benevolent beings concerned with Earth's spiritual evolution and warning humanity about nuclear war, environmental destruction, and spiritual stagnation. Swiss contactee Billy Meier, whose claims date to the 1970s, is the most famous proponent of Pleiadian contact. His photographs of 'beamships' remain controversial. The Pleiadian narrative has become central to New Age spirituality, where channeled messages from Pleiadians are common. Skeptics note that the Pleiades are young stars unlikely to host evolved life and that the benevolent, human-like Pleiadian concept may reflect wishful thinking and cultural ideals rather than actual contact. The phenomenon demonstrates how UFO beliefs can merge with spiritual and utopian movements.
Reptilian (Alien)
Reptilian aliens are reported as tall (six to eight feet), humanoid beings with scaly skin, vertical-slit pupils, and reptile-like features. They appear in abduction accounts, contactee claims, and extensive conspiracy theories. British author David Icke popularized claims that reptilian shapeshifters have infiltrated positions of power in human society, a theory with unfortunately antisemitic undertones derived from older conspiracy traditions. Setting aside conspiracy theories, reptilian beings do appear in some UFO contact reports, often described as intimidating or hostile, in contrast to benevolent 'Nordic' types. Some researchers note that reptilian humanoids appear in myths and religions worldwide, from the Nagas of Hindu mythology to serpent beings in various traditions. Psychological interpretations suggest the reptilian form may tap into deep-seated fears encoded in the human brain from our evolutionary past. Whatever their origins in the collective imagination, reptilian beings represent a significant category in the broader alien contact phenomenon.
Saturn-Shaped Craft
Saturn-shaped or ringed disc UFOs feature a disc with a visible ring or band around the equator, resembling the planet Saturn. The most famous case involving this type is the 1958 Trindade Island incident off Brazil, where a naval vessel observed and photographed an unusual object near the island. Multiple witnesses, including the ship's captain, reported a 'Saturn-shaped' craft that approached the island, passed behind a peak, and departed at high speed. The photographer, Almiro Baraúna, took a series of images that showed a disc with a pronounced equatorial band. Brazilian naval analysis found no evidence of fakery, and the photos were published in newspapers worldwide. The case remains controversial, with skeptics suggesting the photos could have been faked and believers pointing to the multiple witnesses and naval investigation. Saturn-shaped craft are relatively rare in UFO reports but represent a distinctive and memorable form when they do occur.
Tall Whites
Tall Whites are alleged extraterrestrial beings described by Charles Hall, a former US Air Force weather observer who claims to have encountered them at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada during the 1960s. According to Hall's accounts, published in his 'Millennial Hospitality' book series, Tall Whites are humanoid beings approximately six to seven feet tall with pale, almost translucent skin, large blue eyes, and platinum blonde hair. They wear tight-fitting, temperature-regulated suits and are sensitive to heat and cold. Hall describes them as having their own base on government land and maintaining a working relationship with the US military. The Tall Whites reportedly age slowly compared to humans, with lifespans of several hundred years. While Hall's accounts are detailed and internally consistent, they remain unverified and controversial even within UFO research circles. Critics note the lack of corroborating witnesses; supporters point to Hall's sincerity and the specificity of his claims.
Tic Tac
The Tic Tac became the most famous UFO of the 21st century following its encounter with the USS Nimitz Carrier Strike Group on November 14, 2004, approximately 100 miles southwest of San Diego. Key witnesses included Commander David Fravor (Black Aces squadron commander, Top Gun graduate), Lieutenant Commander Alex Dietrich (wingman), radar operator Kevin Day aboard USS Princeton, and Chad Underwood who recorded the famous FLIR video and coined the term 'Tic Tac'. The craft was described as smooth, white, oblong (resembling a Tic Tac breath mint), approximately 40 feet long, with no wings, windows, rotors, exhaust, or visible propulsion—a 'solid' appearance blocking out the sky behind it. It demonstrated physics-defying capabilities: stationary hovering 50 feet above churning ocean water, instantaneous acceleration to hypersonic speeds, radar data showing descent from 80,000 feet to sea level in less than a second, no visible heat signature, 'cat and mouse' behavior anticipating Fravor's maneuvers, and reappearing at his CAP point before he could arrive. Trans-medium capability was observed with underwater disturbance beneath the craft. The Pentagon confirmed the footage's authenticity in April 2020, with Congressional testimony in July 2023.
UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena)
UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) is the current official US government term for UFOs, adopted to remove the cultural baggage and stigma associated with 'flying saucers' and to encompass phenomena beyond the aerial domain. The term was initially 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena' before being expanded to 'Anomalous' to include objects observed underwater and those demonstrating trans-medium capabilities. The shift to UAP terminology accompanied a broader change in government approach, with the establishment of official investigation programs and unprecedented public hearings. The UAP term signals serious institutional engagement with the phenomenon, moving beyond the dismissive attitude that characterized official responses for decades. Congress has legislated UAP reporting requirements and whistleblower protections, while intelligence officials have testified about retrievals of non-human technology—claims that remain controversial and unverified. Whether UAP represents a new era of disclosure or merely rebranded deflection remains to be seen, but the terminology shift indicates that the phenomenon has achieved a level of official recognition previously unthinkable.
UFO (Unidentified Flying Object)
UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) is a term coined by the US Air Force in 1953 to describe any airborne object that cannot be immediately identified by the observer. Importantly, UFO does not necessarily imply extraterrestrial origin—it simply means unidentified. Most UFO reports have mundane explanations: aircraft, satellites, weather balloons, astronomical objects, or optical illusions. However, a consistent percentage of reports—typically estimated at 5-10%—resist conventional explanation even after investigation. These unexplained cases form the core mystery that drives UFO research. The term UFO replaced 'flying saucer' in official usage but became equally loaded with extraterrestrial implications in popular culture. This led to the adoption of UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) in recent government terminology. Throughout its history, UFO research has struggled with signal-to-noise problems: separating genuinely anomalous cases from misidentifications, hoaxes, and psychological phenomena. The UFO remains one of the most persistent and controversial anomalies in modern experience.
Ufology
Ufology is the study of UFO reports, sightings, alleged encounters, and related phenomena. Practitioners are called ufologists. The field emerged in the late 1940s following the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the Roswell incident and has developed its own methodology, literature, organizations, and debates. Ufology encompasses diverse approaches: some researchers focus on physical evidence and radar data; others emphasize witness testimony and abduction accounts; still others explore connections to consciousness, paranormal phenomena, or government conspiracy. The field has always been marginalized by mainstream science, which generally considers it pseudoscientific. However, recent government acknowledgment of unexplained aerial phenomena and Congressional hearings have lent ufology new legitimacy. Major figures in the field include J. Allen Hynek (who moved from skeptic to believer), Jacques Vallée (who proposed an interdimensional hypothesis), and Stanton Friedman (who investigated Roswell). The field continues to debate fundamental questions: Are UFOs extraterrestrial spacecraft? Interdimensional phenomena? Secret technology? Mass delusion? Or something else entirely?
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