Another theory out there is that running water increases or intensifies paranormal activity.  Even as a paranormal investigator I’m not all that convinced of the connection.

These are the theories:
Water is an electrical conductor - To a certain extent yes, but a very poor conductor.  Paranormal activity is electrical in nature therefore, water conducts it.
Running water produces energy - Running water does have energy and since paranormal activity requires energy it draws it from the water.
Running water produces ‘White Noise’ - White Noise will be a subject to talk about in a later posting.

The truth is nobody knows how water affects paranormal activity.  No studies have been done.  There is no direct correlation currently.  However, this is slowly changing.   The data is finally starting to be collected in some areas.   For example, in the ParaMap database (www.paramap.com), you can run geographical scans of states, plotting haunting reports against their water table zones.   In some cases there are patterns.   This does not mean that the paranormal is affected by water, but it is food for thought.

Mark Rowland
Lead Investigator
Black Hills Paranormal Investigations

If you are experiencing any paranormal activity and are in need of help contact us at either help@bhparanormal.com or though our website www.bhparanormal.com

The term ‘Stone Tape Theory’ came from a 1970’s British TV play called The Stone Tape.  Paranormal investigators began to use the term to describe a theory that the materials found in stone or brick may contain properties suitable for recording images and/or sound.

It is believed that certain rock formations, stones etc are able to retain or ‘tape’ energy from living beings.  Under certain conditions this energy can be replayed, just like a video recording.

Most hauntings come from a tragic event such as a death, accident or time of distress.  It is this event that has managed to imprint or record itself onto the surrounding environment.  This is usually a building but, it is not always the case.

It has been theorized that in order to replay this recording it needs to be triggered by someone or something that sends out the right signal.  The replay can be visual or audible but the recording is not interactive, aware of the ‘trigger’ or present surroundings in any way.  Paranormal investigators often refer to this as a residual or imprinted haunting.

Should Stone Tape Theory be true imagine the possibilities.  Imagine being able to find the signal that can reply scenes of the past.  Think about how much history could be embedded in surviving buildings from pyramids to modern accommodation.  History could be rewritten as new facts emerge from the stone vaults.

We don’t know yet if these recordings suffer the same fate as videotape and degrade over time.  The Stone Tape Theory may help explain some of those ghosts that appear but don’t fit in with their current surroundings or interact with us - unlike their spirit counterparts.

The argument against Stone Tape theory is that it has no scientific basis and therefore it is just a term used by paranormal enthusiasts.  It does seem incredible that the environment can capture and replay full motion, three-dimensional, full color and sound.

Looking at how tape, DVD recordings are made, they follow a fairly set sequence.  When replayed it follows the same sequence as it was recorded.  So, if an event had taken place how could the environment record and store so all that information?   How does the rock formation, building, etc know the right sequence to replay it?  This has to involve some degree of intelligence or programming?

When you start to analyze the recording of such scenes it seems less plausible, especially in some circumstances when most of the original environment has been removed, buried or destroyed.  Yet, the scene still plays as if the original location is still present. 

If  the environment does capture scenes and record them maybe it’s time for scientists to get involved, as the potential for discovery is huge.  So, until definitive proof is discovered to prove Stone Tape theory true or false, I personally find it a good explanation so long as I don’t dwell on the technicalities!

Mark Rowland
Lead Investigator
Black Hills Paranormal Investigations

If you are experiencing any paranormal activity and are in need of help contact us at either help@bhparanormal.com or though our website www.bhparanormal.com

A lot of people ask about the paranormal activity here in the Black Hills area. Here I will talk a little bit about why the Black Hills is rich in paranormal activity.

Paranormal activity is often attributed to tragedy in the area/location. The Black Hills certainly has its share of tragedy in its history. Deadwood itself is a renowned location for activity. During Deadwood’s heyday, it housed some of the west’s most well known figures. Seth Bullock, Wild Bill Hickock, Poker Alice, and many others have history in Deadwood. Some of the places currently in Deadwood, are the original buildings. The Bullock Hotel(kind of), and most of the downtown buildings are original. These downtown buildings include the infamous 4 brothels upstairs of some of the casinos. Obviously, with these historical figures, and these historical places, there was tragedy that took place. Wild Bill was killed in Deadwood, Seth Bullock died in Deadwood, and many of the ladies who worked at the brothels were killed in incredibly brutal and heinous ways.

Many times, when a tragedy takes place, with a person killed quickly, their spirit may not ready to move on. It may not know it has moved on from this world. Other times, energy from everyday life can become trapped in the surroundings. One theory is it could be a geologic process. Quartz is known to hold energy and is a main culprit in this phenomenon. The geologic aspect, known as Place Energy, or the Stone Tape Theory will be explored at a later time.

Needless to say, Deadwood isn’t the only location here with activity. Rapid City has many reported haunts. It seems that every little town around here also has reported activity. Is it the geology? Is it the history? As for me, I think it’s a lot of both. They both play into the activity. We’re happy to be middle of this wonderful area, with the incredible amount of activity.

If you, or anyone you know might be experiencing a paranormal occurrence, contact us about helping. We offer complete privacy and confidentiality.  Contact help@bhparanormal.com

Before we get started, Black Hills Paranormal Investigations would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Olson family as well as his extended family at BHAPS. We will continue with the same thought provoking and interesting information on the paranormal that Dan did.

BHPI is a local group that has been conducting paranormal investigations in the Black Hills area.  Some of those investigations can be found at our website at http://www.bhparanormal.com/ or through our forum. Come take a look.

As a paranormal investigator I get some fairly interesting looks from people, thinking we are crazy looking for ghosts.  Some folks just think it’s crazy because they don’t believe in ghosts or spirits, and that is fine.  But, I have talked to people who never believed in ghosts or spirits until they had an experience that changed their whole outlook on paranormal phenomena. I too, was one of those people and never gave it a second thought until I experienced something that changed my whole outlook on the paranormal. I am still looking for answers all these years later.

I guess what I am saying is, the field of paranormal investigating or study or whatever you want to call it tends to leave us with more questions than answers.  That might sound strange coming from someone who is trying to find evidence of ‘ghosts’, but that is why the paranormal field is so compelling.  We might find evidence of a ‘ghost’, but now what?  I sure don’t have the answer, other to say it is nothing to be afraid of.  I believe we, as humans, have an innate need to learn about the unknown and what is really hiding in the dark.  We might never find the answer, but we sure can’t find it if we hide our heads in the sand and ignore what many believe -  ghosts do exist.

Many see ghost hunting as an avenue that will answer those questions we all have about life and death.  We all want to know what becomes of us when we die.  I have a strong belief in what will happen to me, but there are those out there that have had an experience that might shake to the very foundation their belief system.  I make no grand statement that what we do or that fact any paranormal group can do will solve your dilemma of faith or belief system, but we will try to help you to understand what it is you are experiencing with understanding, compassion, and anonymity.

If you have any questions about the paranormal or have bumps in the night that you can’t explain, contact BHPI at http://www.bhparanormal.com or
 e-mail us at help@bhparanormal.com.

Until next time, keep the lights on.
Mark Shadley/Mark Rowland
Investigators - BHPI