Sunday, October 12, 2008

The Rugaroo

Though lore of this creature has been spread throughout both French and Native American lore, the Rugaroo (sometimes spelled Roogaroo, Rougarou, Roux-Ga-Roux, Rugaru, or Ruggaroo) is our next peek into some of the Native American culture and legends.
Versions of the Rugaroo vary from something similar to a mild Bigfoot-type creatures to cannibalistic Native American Wendigos. Some dispute the connection between Native American folktales and the francophone Rugaru. (2)

Just as the Wendigo is part of the traditional belief systems of various Algonquian-speaking tribes in the northern US and Canada, the Rugaroo is an extremely similar tale of metamorphosis triggered the cannibalism among the Ojibwe and Chippewa. As is the norm with legends transmitted by oral tradition, stories often contradict one another. The stories of the Wendigo vary by tribe and region, but the most common cause of the change is typically related to cannibalism. (2) A modified example, not in the original wendigo legends, is that of a motif of harmful sensation story—if a person sees a rugaru, that person will be transformed into one.

Author Peter Matthiessen argues that the rugaru is a separate legend from that of the cannibal-like giant Wendigo. While the Wendigo is feared, he notes that the Rugaroo is seen as sacred and in tune with Mother Earth, somewhat like Bigfoot legends are today. (3)

It is important to note that rugaru is not a native Ojibwa word, nor is it derived from the languages of neighboring Native American peoples. However, it has a striking similarity to the French word for werewolf, loup garou. (2) Aka: the werewolf. But the Native American lore suggests that unlike the Loup Garou (who are limited to the form of a wolf and in some lore more are specifically triggered by full moons with limited or uncontrolled shifting), a Rugaroo can take on any animal form and can shapeshift at any time, multiple times. (1)

Sources:
1. Associated content : L. Lee Scott
2. Wikipedia: Rougarou
3. Peter Matthiessen

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Stonehenge News

Our resident Archaeology major here at ParanormalUnkown has pointed out some interesting information concerning the legendary mystery that is Stonehenge. Apparently a recent excavation of the Stonehenge site has commenced and has already revealed fascinating new findings. Several discoveries were uncovered including some distinctive rock chippings and easily dated charcoal remains.

Researchers are convinced the stone chips are evidence of belief in the healing power of the "bluestones" brought 150 miles from south Wales, which endured long after the monument was thought to have been abandoned. The magical bluestone, spotted dolerite which when newly quarried is a dark blue speckled with brilliant white stars of quartz, made Stonehenge into the Lourdes of prehistoric Europe, they believe, or as Darvill put it yesterday, "the accident and emergency unit of southern England".

Researchers also divulged that the earliest charcoal now found at the site has been dated to 7,000BC, and the most recent to medieval times, suggesting that the site was already important 4,000 years before the oldest stone circle, and continued to draw visitors for centuries after it was believed to have been abandoned.

For more information on the newest Stonehenge findings, bluestones, and stone circles, keep posted.

Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/sep/23/archaeology.heritage

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Bigfoot Lost.

The previously mentioned claims of an actual Bigfoot carcass (Here) were called out by many, and have now been found to be a hoax. Big surprise there. The alleged claims, of both carcass and DNA, appear to have been forged. At least, that is the official story.
Underground sources suggest that the authenticity of this corpse was legitimate, but do to mass skepticism and the discrediting discovering parties, the claims were dismissed. They were said the be covered up by an organization called the "Brotherhood of Bigfoot Protectors". More on the actuality of a cover-up will be given later, I am sure, but until then, we shall stick to the basic strategy and generation of this hoax.
Most sources are claiming that the frozen carcass of bigfoot, see here, is actually an alteration of the internet-born costume, seen here. It appeasrs that the origin of this costume has not been confirmed, however. According to CNN, the hoax was discovered after an "expedited melting process," Kulls wrote. "A break appeared up near the feet area ... as the team and I began examining this area near the feet, I observed the foot which looked unnatural, reached in and confirmed it was a rubber foot." (1) Later that day, Tom Biscardi informed them that both Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer admitted it was a costume.

Sources:
CNN.com
Anonymous
Costume picture from: Thehorrordome.com
Carcass picture from: cryptomundo.com

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Bigfoot Found?

Look at this photo and what do you see? Well, many (including the people responsible for the submission of it) claim that this is undeniable proof that mythical Bigfoot does in fact exist.

Similar to the above, there is an alleged photo of a Bigfoot carcass about to be releases by three men in the US. They claim that this discovery is providing undeniable proof of the creatures existence, even now with pending DNA results. (More about Bigfoot here) This now frozen carcass has been well described in the press-release: Male, 7'7'' high, +500lbs, reddish hair, blackish-grey eyes, human-like teeth, its footprint is sixteen and three-quarters inches long and five and three-quarters inches wide at the heel. (3)

Matthew Whitton and Rick Dyer, Georgia residents who lead Bigfoot-tracking expeditions, say they found the body of what appears to be a Bigfoot in the woods of northern Georgia and will join local Bigfoot researcher Tom Biscardi at the news conference, according to Robert Barrows, who is publicizing the event. The three men plan to release a photo of their Bigfoot and what they claim is DNA evidence at a news conference in Palo Alto on August 15th. (2)

DNA evidence and photo evidence of the creature will be presented in a press conference on Friday, August 15th from 12 Noon to 1:00pm at the Cabana Hotel-Palo Alto at 4290 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, California, 94306. The press conference will not be open to the public. It will only be open to credentialed members of the press.

Whitton, a police officer in Clayton County, and Dyer, a former correctional officer, are not saying exactly where the body was found or where it is now. Biscardi, a veteran Bigfoot tracker who went to Georgia to view the find over the weekend, said that DNA tests are being conducted and a team of scientists will study the body, but declined to name any scientists involved. (1)

Officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division said the largest wildlife they are aware of in the state are black bears and white-tail deer.
Deer. Sure.

Source(s):
1. Source 1
2. Source 2
3. Source 3
Photo From: Cryptomundo

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Ghost Hunting / Paranormal Investigation

What is it?
The term ghost hunt is used when going to a place were there have been no sightings of ghosts and trying to catch some on film, sounds, eyewitness, etc. and trying literally hunting for paranormal activity. The term is often misconstrued as sharing the same definition as ghost investigation, or paranormal investigation, which means going to a known haunted place and recording data, research, interviews, and other evidence to prove or disprove the authenticity of the haunt and to help the owners assist the dead in passing on. This assistance is either provided directly from the investigating party, or by getting the owner in contact with someone who can help them through their situation and let them know their options.

Who can do it?
Technically speaking, almost anyone can do it if they can keep their emotions in check and follow basic protocol, as well as the ability to do proper research while continuing to approach the investigation in a purely skeptical and scientific manner. If you're looking into conducting independent investigations, we suggest you go here.
Though we at ParanormalUnknown try to encourage new people to get active with the paranormal or paranormal investigation, we suggest that you stick with what you know or people who know what you don't. If you are not experienced in Ghost Hunting, we recommend that you find an established group or society in your area, and tag along until you are familiar with the profession. For some tips on proper protocol, go to Ghost hunting Tips.

What will be encountered?
There are two kinds of entities you will encounter: human or non-human. The bulk of most encounters will be that of either human entities or residual haunts. Though the chances are small that you will ever likely encounter one, non-human entities are nothing to betaken lightly. Unlike human entities such as intelligent haunts, non-human entities are usually hostile and have been known to attempt possession upon occasion. Always stay aware of your surroundings; keep a sharp eye out, and always protect yourself. For more information on hauntings and types of haunts, refer to: Hauntings 101

What kind of Equipment?
Required:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Cellular phone (with confirmed signal) or walkie-talkies (to keep in touch with each other)
- First Aid kit
- Watch (preferably digital)
- Weather appropriate clothing (no strings or toggles on jackets)
- 35mm Camera (needs at least 400 speed film, and can be a single use camera)
- Digital camera (at least 6.0 pixels and infrared)
- Notebook(s) and pencil(s)
Optional / Advanced:
- Digital Video Camera (tripod optional)
- Tape Recorder (with extended microphone and highgrade tapes)
- Digital Audio Recorders
- EMF Detector
- A Compass (same principal as EMF)
- Motion Detectors
- Thermometer
- Thermal Scanner
...other equipment can be useful, but these are just some suggestions.

Please keep in mind that this is a bried overview and is not official. We at ParanormalUnknown do not take responsibility for acts as a result of reading this blog. Other information such a specific procedures and and data recording tips, check out the sources below.

Source(s):
http://www.ghosthunting101.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_hunting

Cryptozoology

Cryptozoology is defined as the study of evidence concerning creatures whose existence is uncertain. It is a profession regarded with mixed emotions among experts, but to some it is a very serious profession.

ParanormalUnknown's Creature Feature:
(Creatures previously covered in blog entries)
- Bigfoot
- Mongolian Death Worms
- Wendigos
- Rugaroos

Related:
- Flying Humanoids

Cryptozoology Sources:
http://www.cryptozoology.com/
http://cryptoworld.co.uk/
http://www.newanimal.org/
http://www.crystalinks.com/cryptozoology.html

Keep checking the most recent updates and resources on Cryptozoology!

Mongolian Death Worn

Science Fiction creatures like the giant Sandworms of Frank Herbert's Dune may seem like a true stretch of the imagination, but there are tales that suspect otherwise. Enter the world of the Mongolian Death Worm, AKA: The Intestine Worm.

What is The Mongolian Death Worm?
It's a giant worm that causes death. *insert evil laughter here*
Alright, for those of you who are still interested, the Mongolian Death Worm is a creature located in the Gobi dessert of Southern Mongolia. For generations, natives of the area have sworn to the reality of the creature they call Allghoi khorkhoi, which literally translates to "Intestine Worm". These Intestine Worms are the legendary inhabitants of the Gobi Dessert, and have almost only spoken of through out mythology and folklore through the area's culture, as one has never been known to have been captured. However, eyewitness accounts by locals and investigators claim otherwise.

What does The Mongolian Death Worm look like?
Several experts and Cryptozoologists, including Czech Explorer Ivan Mackerle, attest to a particular description of this creature. The Mongolian Death Worm is said to be a large, dark red, worm-like creature that is estimated to be over a meter in length and roughly 2 inches thick. It is also referred to as the "intestine worm" because it is said the resemble the description of a cow intestine, distinguished by both color and shape. It's rear tail is short, but not tapered, with no visible facial features. Thus making identification between the rear and head extremely difficult. Descriptions of it's movement vary between that of a sidewinder and something similar to a barrel-roll. Said to only be visible during the hottest months of the year and likes to surface after rain, while the ground is still wet. It is said to be dormant at all other times of the year.
According to the locals, the Intestine Worm is said to have the ability to spray an acid-like liquid that causes instant paralysis and most time death. It is also said that the creature has the ability to kill from a distance with an odd form of electrical discharge. (Worm sign, to all you Dune fans out there. hehe) Those who claim to have seen the worm have described it as being deep, blood-red, in color and measuring between two and five feet long.

Possibly expanations or related creatures?
Regarding the local tales of acid-spray and electric shock emanating from the Intestin Worm suggest two associated creatures. The first would be the Electrick-Eel, which contrary to popular belief is not an Eel at all. The second is the Spitting Cobra, and other similar snakes, which have the ability to spray blinding venom accurately up to 10 meters away.

Is there anyone out there crazy enough to look into this?
Well, if you're reading this blog, you can add yourself to the many. There have recently been attempts at genuine research and investigation concerning the creature, similar to the search for other Cryptozoological entities like Bigfoot. Though it lacks the authenticity of the legendary Lochness Monster, and other like phenomena, Intestine Worms are still on the Cryptozoological list of unknown species and therefore should be subject to research and investigation just as prevalently as other proposals.
In 2005 there was an investigation conducted by British scientists in an attempt to produce scientific proof that the Intestine Worm was a genuine phenomena. After four painstaking week in the middle of the scorching dessert, the team returned, convinced that there were in fact creatures like the Intestine Worms in the vicinity. Interestingly enough, the team did not find any trace of the Death worm, however they did discover two animals previously unknown to science: a dragon-like lizard and a two-meter-long horned snake.

You can find out more about Operation Death Worm (2, 3) and the Intestine Worm at the links below.

Source(s):
1. http://www.yourparanormal.co.uk/mongolian-death-worm/
2. http://paranormal.about.com/od/othercreatures/a/aa053005.htm
3. http://cryptoworld.co.uk/projects/operation-deathworm-1/

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Ghost Hunting Gudelines

While Ghost Hunting and/or Legend Tripping, you can look to these as some basic guidelines and tips to keep in mind before and during your investigation, but these are not official and we do not take responsibility for the actions of independent groups and/or societies, the individuals, or any members of their team before, during, or after their investigation and/or trip. Never use television as a guideline for information or experience regarding paranormal investigation.

Guidelines:
- Always let someone outside of your group know where you are.
- Do not go anywhere alone. Always stay in groups.
- Do not trespass. Always get permission to get on the property and conduct audio/visual research. If the owners of the property or the Cops ask you to leave or for information, cooperate.
- Always carry your ID on you.
- Be smart and use your common sense.
- If you feel uncomfortable, pay attention. When in doubt, get the hell out.
- Keep an eye on weather reports for extreme weather and reschedule if necessary. Also keep an eye on the humidity and pollen count.
- Keep in contact with each other at all times via either walkie-talkies or cellular telephones. If you do opt to use phones, be sure that all areas you intend to investigate supplies good signals.
- Keep a flashlight on you at all times.
- Wear suitable footwear.
- Do not drink or smoke before or during an investigation. Do not arrive hungry, but do not arrive in a turkey coma either. You need to be fully alert, and smoking can create false readings of various phenomena such as fog/ ectoplasm mist.
- Do a walk-over of the site during daylight to familiarize yourself with the area and will help avoid injury in the dark.

- If you are accompanying another group outside of your own, it is polite to provide reimbursement for their time and expenses. However, though most groups will accept donations, groups who charge you to participate are to be regarded with extreme skepticism. Discuss the group's guidelines and be sure that everyone agrees to abide by them before proceeding to an investigation. Cooperation is key. Individuals not willing to abide by agreed standards and guidelines should reconsider their participation in any investigation.


Tips:
- Don't smoke anywhere near the investigation area.
- When taking pictures: keep lenses clean, take straps off of cameras, keep tabs where your fingers are, hold your breath (to avoid false fog/ectoplasm mist), use an empty memory card or new film.
- When taking EVP: talk clearly and do not whisper, pause between comments when possible, when necessary provocation may be used.
- Avoid jackets with strings and toggles.
- Keep a watch and note the time.
- Know when to get out. As mentioned above: when in doubt, get the hell out.
- Keep an eye out for cobwebs, dust, and other natural phenomena that could easily be mistaken as paranormal phenomena.
- Do not wear perfume or cologne. This will hinder your sense of smell and you want your senses clear.
- Try to debunk observed phenomena on-site when possible. It is imperative that you remain objective and logical when conducting an investigation.
- We at paranormalUnknown do not condone the use of Ouija boards, seances, and other modes of contacting the dead outside of basic contact.
...and above all... RESPECT THE DEAD.

Legend Tripping

What is legend tripping?
Legend tripping (AKA: Ostenstion) has become a popular modern day pastime by avid folklorists, intrigued anthropologists, and everyone from the average adolescent to the skeptical. However, the theory of legend tripping has been around for years, even Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, which contains several accounts of adolescents visiting allegedly haunted houses and caves, is a good example.
Legend tripping has recently been popularized by shows like Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International, Weird Travels, Most Haunted, Paranormal, etc. Note that legend tripping is not necessarily ghost hunting. It can result in ghost hunting, but you do not have to have the equipment required for effective ghost hunting in order to go legend tripping.
Legend tripping is a term used to describe nocturnal pilgrimages to a places that have alleged scenes of some tragic, horrific, and possibly supernatural event or haunting. Ostensive definition was coined by semitotician Umberto Eco, designating communicative events in which speakers substitute actions for words. (For example, putting a finger to the lips called for silence.) The term was then applied by Linda Dégh and Andrew Vazsonyi to refer to ways in which real-life actions are guided by legends.

Where to go legend tripping?
While the stories that attach to the sites of legend tripping vary from place to place, and sometimes contain a kernel of historical truth, there are a number of motifs and recurring themes in the legends and the sites. Abandoned buildings, remote bridges, tunnels, caves, rural roads, specific woods or other uninhabited (or semi-uninhabited) areas, and most importantly, cemetaries are frequent sites of legend-tripping pilgrimages.
Legend-tripping sites typically stand in relatively isolated and rural areas that are nevertheless easily reached by automobile, outside of major population centres. For the legend to propagate, first, the adolescent pilgrims must be able to get there and, secondly, the odds must be good that they will be alone when they arrive.
There are a number of literature sources for legend tripping information. Some places often associated with legend tripping here.

What to do while legend tripping?
Once the legend trippers arrive, they spend some part of the night there, and perform the ritual if one is prescribed as a means of daring and testing the evil spirit that haunts the place. The rituals are varied; in legend trips to cemeteries, there is usually a specific grave that the legend attaches to, and sometimes a tombstone that must be climbed, stepped on, sat on, or moved. As they retreat, they interpret any strange sounds, shadows, events, or dreams as evidence that the evil spirit has in fact been adequately tempted. Sometimes the grave is said to have the power to "heal" itself; if a legend tripper returns to the site, and the tombstone has been restored to its original position, the legend has been confirmed. Using ghost hunting experience and equipment can be quite helpful during the investigation.

If you do choose to go legend tripping, please observe these basic tips:

- NEVER GO ALONE. Stay in groups and never lose sight of one another. No one goes it alone.
- DO NOT TRESPASS. Contact the current owners or local representative in an effort to schedule your event and avoid trespassing. It is not cool to trespass and it is illegal. Always keep your ID on you do that you may verify your legitimacy.
- BE AWARE. Always keep an eye out. Watch your team, time, weather reports, temperature and surrounding. Hazards can come out of no where and you must keep on your toes.
- SHOW RESPECT. Show respect for your hosts, your team, the location and those legends or haunts that are said to be associated with them. The last thing you want to do is burn a bridge.
FURTHER TIPS AND GUIDELINES CAN BE FOUND UNDER GHOST HUNTING TIPS.

Have fun!
ParanormalUnknown

Thursday, July 31, 2008

OBE: Out of Body Experiences

What is an OBE?
OBE = Out of Body Experience
characterized by a feeling of departing from one’s physical body and observing both one’s self and the world from outside one’s body. The experience is quite common in dreams, daydreams, and memories, where we quite often take the external perspective. You may have hear of Near Death Experiences and associated symptoms similar to that of an OBE. Truth is, an NDE is a particular kind of OBE. Sadly, there is little known for sure about OBE's. Some of those who experience OBEs claimed to have done so willingly, while others report having found themselves being pulled from their bodies. In some other accounts, the feeling of being outside the body was suddenly realized after the fact, and the experiencers saw their own bodies almost by accident. OBEs often occur during the borderline stage between REM sleep and arousal when sleep paralysis may persist and dream imagery may mingle with sensory input.

Types of OBE's?
There are several kinds of circumstances surrounding OBE's, and so many have been classified as such.
-During or after sleep: Usually associated with Lucid Dreaming. Pretty self-explanatory.
-Self-Induced: Several researchers and individuals have developed theories of ways to induse an OBE. Naturally, some are said to be more effective than others. Everything from Electroids to illegal pharmaceuticals.
-Near-Death-Experiences(NDE): OBE's associated with extreme trauma or near-death experiences.

How can I experience an OBE?
Out of Body Experiences a far more common occurrence then most assume. Surveys suggest somewhere between 10-20% of the world's population have experienced an OBe at some point in their lives. Most people have experienced such phenomena and just flush it off, probably not knowing the symptoms of the event or it's relevance. Some people who experience them, but can not directly recollect the event. This is most common with folks who have trouble remembering dreams and those who experience narcoleptic tendencies. Some OBEs coincide with lucid dreaming. Some people experience an OBE while under the influence of an anesthetic or while semi-conscious due to trauma. Some people have an OBE while under the influence of certain drugs. OBEs have been induced by electrically stimulating the right angular gyrus (located at the juncture of the temporal and parietal lobes)(1, 2) Also, don't forget NDE's.

Explanations for OBE?
Explantions vary widely, as with most paranormal phenomena.
Some neurologists have suspected that the event is triggered by a mismatch between visual and tactile signals. Astral Projection, Bilocation, Duelism, and remote viewing are all similar terms as explanations for OBE phenomena. Astral Projection is the most often referenced paranormal explanation and suggests that a consciousness is a separate entity from the body and can exist without the body and the body without it. The disembodied consciousness can experience with the same senses as usual. Some speculate that 'mind,' 'spirit,' or 'consciousness' can operate over vast distances and perceive objects by some mysterious power not yet discovered. Others think that they are due to brain states triggered by disease or stress. Interesting question: If people regularly detach themselves from their physical bodies, how do they find their ways back and how do they keep from getting lost or reentering the wrong one? That's a good one.

We chose to do this blog because we received an email from a reader about an experience similarly described as an OBE. If you have a problem, question, or personal experience you would like to share with ParanormalUnknown, you can contact us by email. (click "contact us")
Keep in mind that this is just some basics, not all-inclusive. If you want to look further into it, I would suggest Google.

Sources:
1. http://www.skepdic.com/obe.html
2. OBE triggered by electrictrodes
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Out-of-body_experience
4. OBERF

Friday, July 25, 2008

Bigfoot Basics

We feel it is safe to say that at some point or another we've all considered the possibility of Big Foot, or some other similar ape man, even if you only managed to indulge the idea just long enough to dismiss it entirely.

Who or What is Bigfoot?
Descriptions vary by region and eyewitnesses, but the bulk of reports describe the creature as a tall, hairy, ape-like man who walks on two legs and is a known carnivore. Female versions have been reported to be slightly shorted than the males with larger breasts.
Most Bigfoot accounts describe a Gorilla-like creature, but there have reports of creatures similar to chimpanzees (Humanzee or Manzee), Orangatangs (Yeren), and other variations. Some terms used to describe them include Yeti, Abominable Snowman, Sasquatch, Almas, Skunk Ape, and many other terms.

Where is Bigfoot?
If you follow the reports, it can seem as though Bigfoot is everywhere.
To date, there have been reported sightings of an "ape man" or Bigfoot-type creature in all of Canada and every single state within the US, with the exception of Hawaii. The state of Washington holds the current US record for reported sightings at 437, the last of which was in September of 2007. The Canadian record is held by British Columbia at 102. Stories of Bigfoot-like sightings are not restricted to the US and Canada. There have been sightings in China, Brazil, Russia, Malaysia, and various other countries around the world.

Any real research into Bigfoot?
Similar to the legitimacy and professionalism of TAPS in the world of paranormal investigation, there are a number of organizations striving to legitimize claims of Bigfoot and collect evidence from a more skeptical perspective. Though most have failed to find enough valid proof to convice the world of Bigfoot being a reality, many people and Cryptozoologists have spent their lives dedicating their time, energy to this research and putting their reputations on the line in an effort to uncover evidence of what they believe to be an endangered species. There are several established organizations, like the BFRO, which conduct exhibitions into the suspected hunting grounds of these creatures looking for proof. Interested individuals range from people with firsthand experience to dedicated skeptics, and everyone in between.

More information coming soon, this is just a taste.
Things here at ParanormalUnknown have become quite busy, but we plan to get back to regular blog submissions soon!

Friday, July 18, 2008

Contact Us!

Hello Readers,
We've noticed that while giving you information, we have not given you a great way to give us information. In trying to solve this, we are now opening up communication between readers and ParanormalUnknown. If you would like to reach us, you can do so by emailing us. We are eager to hear your questions, concerns, personal paranormal experiences, and possible haunts.
Thank you for your continued support,
ParanormalUnknown

Email:
paranormalunknown@yahoo.com

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Earthbound Spirits

What is an Earthbound Spirit?
We a ParanormalUnknown approach the term with this outlook: earthbound spirits, technically speaking, are the disembodied souls of people who have left the physical realm, but not entirely moved on. Earthbound spirits account for a large portion of legitimate haunts.
Note: A common misconception people have is that if it is in a realm capable of being perceived by a living being, that all entities or spirits percieved must be an earthbound spirit.

Why is a Spirit Earthbound?
Firstly, when trying to identify with an earthbound spirit you need to remember that this spirit was and still is a person. They have the same feelings and plight of man, and sometimes more. Most people think that earthbound spirits are prevented from moving on because of "unfinished business". Though this is sometimes the case, there are a number of reasons why a spirit could be earthbound (and a number of people make a living off of identifying the reasons and also by helping the earthbound spirits move on), here we will go over a few of the most common reasons:
-Unfinished Business-
The most popularized reasoning behind earthbound spirits, spirits that stay due to unfinished business are also found in other categories of earthbound spirit, notably including vengeful earthbound spirits. These spirits usually only stay until their business has been tended to and then easily move on.
-Lost-
Some earthbound spirits stay within the immediate vicinity of their death, often when their death is surrounded by sudden or unexpected circumstances. These souls are are usually confused and having trouble accepting or coping with the reality of their death, some may even fail to realize that they are dead at all. These lost earthbound spirits are often vary eager to make their presence known, trying to attract the attention of anyone that passes, especially those who are more sensitive to spirits.
-Vengeful-
What does a vengeful earthbound spirit want? Revenge or vengeance. These earthbound souls are often found in similar circumstances to lost earthbound souls, usually surrounding violent or sudden deaths. But unlike lost spirits, vengeful spirits have a single purpose for staying here and not moving on. They want revenge or to avenge their death, only then would they be able to find peace and move on.
-Guilty-
Guilty earthbound spirits are earthbound due to guilt or regret, usually surrounding suicides, overdoses, or and other accidental deaths. They feel guilty because of their acceptance of the responsibility of their death and the consequences that follow(ed).
-Fearful-
When a spirit realizes their death, and the existance after, some are reluctant to move on for fear of a finality to it all. To some spirits, going to the light symbolizes the end, and officially be dead, not just walking around spooking unsuspecting tourists. It could be the finality, the unknown, or the possibility of being judged or going to hell: whatever is holding a spirit in fear is responsible for keeping it earthbound; fearful earthbound spirits are earthbound by their own fears of moving on.
-The Living Hold-
When people say that you have to learn to let go, they mean it. Literally. This is a term for a particular circumstance. When someone passes, we as humans have a tenancy to cling to what was rather than what it. Death is an odd, and more often difficult, concept to grasp despite experience or belief. Often earthbound spirits will stay until they feel that their loved ones have come to terms with their death and/or moved on, thus freeing them to do the same, but the living hold is what we use to refer to more extreme cases. The living hold is a term we use to describe situations where the living become obsessed with the desceased, going beyond what is seen as the general terms of grieving. You have to remember that these earthbound souls are human spirits, with emotion and empathy; they are not going to want to abandon their loved ones if they do not feel it is right to do so, nor if their loved ones can not learn to let go.
Note: A residual haunt can be an earthbound spirit, even though it's technically not an intelligent haunt. It still feels and is a human soul, it is just unaware of its current condition or circumstance. Some residual haunts have been theorized to be surrounding lost or vengeful earthbound souls.

The Reality is...
...that the likelihood of a deceased loved one haunting you for the sake of it is rather rare; it has and does happen, but it's not as popular of an occurrence as most would like (or tend) to believe. As with any kind of experience that suggests a haunt, we suggest that you try to observe objectively. We have encountered several incidents where people wish to contact their death loved ones so badly that they will start to assign normal occurrences, or other non-related paranormal phenomena, to the presence of the loved one as a means of affirmation. No matter the situation, sometimes the living hold just is not enough and when emotions get involved things always get messy. Earthbound spirits deserve to move on.

If you have had an experience, or are curious as to whether or not you or your home might be haunted, there is useful information in the Hauntings 101 blog.

Source(s):
Shadowlands

Personal knowledge from various research and investigation.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Ley Lines

What is a Ley Line?
Ley lines are hypothetical alignments of a number of places of geographical interest, such as ancientmonuments and megaliths. Their existence was suggested in 1921 by the amateur Archaeologist Alfred Watkins, whose book The old Straight Track brought the alignments to the attention of the wider public. It is important to note the Watkins did not invent or discover, but merely re-discover and popularize the theory of Leys or Ley Lines.

What do Ley Lines mean?
The existence of alignments between sites is easily demonstrated. However, the causes of these alignments are disputed. The major interpretations are:
-Archaeological-
-Cultural-
-New Age-
-Skeptical-
The Archaeological interpretation of Ley Lines suggests a new avenue of archaological study: archaeogeodesy. Archaeogeodesy examines Geodesy as practiced in prehistoric time, and as evidenced by archaeological remains. One major aspect of modern Geodesy is surveying. As interpreted by geodesy, the so-called ley lines can be the product of ancient surveying, property markings, or commonly traveled pathways.
The Cultural interpretation of Ley Lines suggests many cultures use straight lines across the landscape. In South America, such lines often are directed towards mountain peaks; the Nazca lines are a famous example of lengthy lines made by ancient cultures.
The New Age interpretation of Ley Lines suggests that Ley Lines and their intersection points resonate a special psychic or other form of mystical energy, often including elements such as Geomancy, dowsing, or UFOs, stating that, for instance, UFO's travel along ley lines (in the way that one might observe that cars use roads and highways). This belief postulates that points on lines have electrical or magnetic forces associated with them.
Lastly, the Skeptical interpretation of Ley Lines often suggests the classification of Ley Lines to be pseudoscience. Such skeptics tend to doubt that ley lines were planned or made by ancient cultures, and argue that apparent ley lines can be readily explained without resorting to extraordinary or pseudoscientific ideas.
Note: The existence of the observed alignments is not controversial. Both believers in magical and ancient theories of ley lines and skeptics of these theories agree that these alignments exist between megaliths and ancient sites.

According to claims by investigators of Ley Line theories, some points along the lines possess higher magnetic energy than the average geomagnetic intensity. These claims have been published in "Places of Power" (Paul Devereux; Blandford Press, 1990) and "Lodestone Compass: Chinese or Olmec Primacy?" (John B. Carlson; Science, 1975).

Ley Line Controversy?

According to Paul Devereux, it was the Occultist Dion Fortune in her 1936 novel The Goat-Foot God (republished in 1971 by S. Weiser, New York, and in 1989 by Aquarian Press, Northamptonshire) who invented the idea that ley lines were "lines of power" linking prehistoric sites. A few years later, it was suggested that ley lines followed lines cosmic energy in the Earth and could be detected using dowsing rods. In the 1960s, ley lines, or "leys" as they were now called, became linked with UFO sightings.
The demonstration of the plausibility of the current evidence under the null hypothesis is not a formal disproof of Ley Line claims. However, it does make skeptics likely to consider Ley Line theories as unsupported by the current evidence. Most skeptics would be willing to reconsider the hypothesis of Ley Lines if there were non-anecdotal evidence of physical, geomagnetic or archeological features that actually lie along the lines. Skeptics believe that no such convincing evidence has been presented. There is a broad range of beliefs about and theories of Ley Lines, many of which are not falsifiable, and which are thus not generally amenable to the Scientific Method. Some people find Ley Lines compatible with a scientific approach, but much of the literature is written by people who are indifferent to or actively oppose such an approach.

Whether there is any real power or reason behind Ley Lines, the world may never know.



Monday, July 7, 2008

Some Famous Apparitions

Following our Apparitions blog, we've decided to put together a small collection of legendary or well known folklore surrounding a few kinds of apparitions. Please keep in mind that this list is extremely limited and does not include any ghost stories. If you have not yet checked into our blog on apparitions and basic types, you can see it HERE.

Some Famous Apparitions:
- Doppelganger -
Doppelganger is a German word that literally means "double-goer". It is a term used when referring to a ghostly double of a living person. Though most cultures view this phenomena as negative, many believe it to be a death omen similar to seeing a black shuck, especially one that haunts it's fleshy counterpart. Doppelgangers are generally seen as full-bodied apparitions and usually considered to be crisis apparitions.

- Wraith -
An old term sometimes used to denote the Astral Body, when seen as an apparition of a living person, or a ghost. (3) It is viewed as an apparition of a living person that appears as a portent just before the person's death. Much of this theory is based upon a legendary ghost that brings misfortune or death to anyone who sees it, often resembling the commercial appearance of The Reaper. These are generally full-bodied and often thought to be a crisis apparition, these have also been reported a deathbed apparition.

- Black Dog -
AKA Black Shuck or Hellhound, among many other names. This is a rather commonly reported phenomena. Notably though, it is not always, but often, reported as as apparition. There is an extensive history and numerous theories behind the Black Dog phenomena; some even classify the phenomena under Cryptozoology, while others simply file it under Demon. Usually seen as a full-bodied apparition, sometimes only missing single parts of the body such as the head, ear, or leg. The sightings of this apparition are rather random. Though some see them as a death omens, many people who claim to have seen them have lived full and healthy lives. Other more dramatic theories suggest they are the guardians and/or soul collectors/punishers of hell, while more plausible theories suggest the phenomena is related to an actual wild dog, or just the spirit of a wild dog.
(Click "Black Dog" for more information.)

- Lepke -
A very unique and interesting type of spiritual manifestation, not technically "legendary", but interesting nonetheless. They are full-bodied apparitions that may even converse with someone before vanishing. Such apparitions are generally reported within or immediately outside cemeteries. Few, but some, reports of these apparitions have been of collective apparitions.

Other terms for some interesting kinds of apparitions or other general terms include: Tash (Irish), Vorthr (Norse), Phantom, Specter, Deceptive Phantom (theory), Dybbuk (Jewish), and many others. Most of the terms followed by their origin(s) are accompanied by interesting backgrounds and have their own associated folklore.

Source:
Personal knowledge from various research and investigation.

Apparitions FAQs

What is an Apparition?
Apparition
is defined as "
a ghostly appearing figure" and/or "the appearance of a ghostlike figure". (1) Some simply define apparitions as "paranormal appearences suggesting the presence of someone distant or dead". TAPS defines apparitions as "the projection or manifestation of a quasi-physical entity".(2) Paranormal investigators sometimes use the term differently due to personal variations, but most folks interested in the paranormal have a personal definition themselves. Here at ParanormalUnknow, we like to refer to an apparition with the use of both definitions.

What could cause an Apparition?
Though the term is fairly general, there are several explanations and terms assigned to various experiences and situations associated with the appearance or perception of an apparition. Some people readily attribute apparitions to disillusion, Astral Projection, and other causes readily dismissing the possibility of paranormal entities or earthbound spirits. Others think quite differently. Many people have talked to us throughout our investigations, along with other avenues, and it is surprising to see how few people know about the classifying of apparitions. There is no guarantee as to who or what an apparition is or it's cause, but here we would like to give you some information on the kinds of apparitions we at ParanormalUnknown have encountered, either in the field or through extensive research.


Kinds of Apparitions?
- Full-Bodied Apparitions -
This is a basic term used to define apparitions that are of the full or almost full figure of a human or other entity and can be either transparent or solid. Any apparition can fall under this category if it fits the previously stated perimeters.

- Crisis Apparition -
Roughly put, these are apparitions viewed in a time of great distress or crisis in a familiar person's life, such as a family member or close friend. Typically, the ghosts appear only once to a special loved one who may be many miles away at the time of the accident. This phenomenon can also manifest in the person hearing a voice of a friend or loved one with some message or warning while the person who is heard speaking is no where near and totally unaware that this has occurred. Most of these crisis apparitions occur at a moment of great crisis or death when a person is in some form of danger or pain. (4)
(Click "Crisis Apparition" for more information)

- Collective Apparitions -
These apparitions are manifestations of the living or the dead that are viewed by multiple witnesses in multiple locations at the same moment in time. It has been estimated that at least one third of apparitions sightings are experienced by collective witnesses.

- Reciprocal Apparitions -
These apparitions are manifestations of both the agent and the witness appearing to the other simultaneously. These cases are rare but have similar aspects of crisis apparitions. One theory in regards to reciprocal apparitions is that there is a strong desire in the agent and percipient to see one another unconsciously causing an out-of-body experience. (5)

- Verdical Apparitions -
These are apparitions that can be corroborated by facts. For instance: Lady A., a famous night club singer, was murdered in the hall of her Victorian mansion with a candlestick in 1930. The story was printed in all the local newspapers at that time. Since then, she appears in the hall dressed as she was on that fateful night at the exact time of her murder. She can be positively identified by photographs taken in 1930 as well as by her one of a kind voice that can be heard seconds before she appears. These cases are considered to be the best to study as there has been prior documentation to back up the claims of witnesses. In many cases these apparitions are unaware or are oblivious to any witnesses. They appear to be replaying a specific moment in time as if it were a video recording of the event or incident. These cases are classified as Residual Haunts. (5)

- Apparitions of the dead -
These apparitions are the manifestations of the recently deceased. Usually, their purpose is to complete unfinished business, convey information, comfort loved ones or, in some cases, announce themselves as a spirit guide. (5) These are, for obvious reasons, one of the most popularly reported apparitions, along with Religious Apparitions.

- Deathbed Apparitions -
Not to be confused with apparitions of the dead. These are the things seen by people who are entering or are already in the process of dying, but have also been reported by people who claim to have had a Near Death Experience (NDE).

- Shadow People -
AKA Shadow Men, Night Shades, or simply Shadows. There are numerous reports and no real explanation behind the shadows Phenomena. Shadow People are generally observed extremely briefly, most often out of the corner of the eye(s).
(Click "Shadow People" for more information.)

- Religious Apparitions -
Since the celebration of religion, apparitions of the their particularly glorified deities have been reported and well documented. Apparitions of religious deities have always been quite popular, especially those concerning the sight of Jesus Christ or the Holy Mother Mary.

If you feel that your apparition or other paranormal experience is worth looking further into, be sure to check out the "Hauntings 101" and "Earthbound Spirits" blogs for more helpful information and tips.

Sources:
1. Princeton Dictionary
2. TAPS Glossary
3. The Mystic Cauldron
4. Ghost Central
5. GHS Glossary
Personal knowledge from various research and investigation.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Who is La Llorna?

La Llorona is a fairly common tale in the North America, as if finds it's roots in Mexico, but has reached as far as South America and other countries where Hispanic folklore is more widespread.
The most common storyline goes:
There was a beautiful woman named Maria who wished, to and eventually did, marry. The couple had three children, but as the husband started to work away Maria, who was ignored and eventually cheated on by her husband became quite troubled. So one day she finally snapped and killed her children by drowning them, consumed by a jealous rage when she learns her husband is going to wed the other woman. Realizing what she has done, Maria then becomes overwhelmed by guilt weeping and crying hysterically and eventually kills herself. After a man finds her body by the river with her children and they are buried, the tale of her ghost spread quite rapidly as people heard tales of mysterious weeping sounds. Thats the background, at least.
The theory behind exactly why and where her mournful spirit haunts are rather broad and typically vary, some by topography and other means of geographic reference. Various accounts portray how La Llorona acts similar to the crying banshee, mourning the deaths of people around her, while other darker varieties of the tale foretell of death omens, and even how La Llorona will haunt and sometimes kill people, and children. The tales of her murderous spirit generally are accompanied about how she haunts various topographical entities: near a river or some other small body of water, a small back road or alley, and some even say she will come if you live near a particular variety of tree. Most of the darker conclusions of the haunting story result in drowned children or dead men as La Llorona lurks for revenge against her unfaithful husband.
Typically, the legend serves as a cautionary tale on several levels. Parents will warn their children that both bad behavior and being outside after dark will result in a visit from the spirit. The tale also warns teenage girls not to be enticed by status, wealth, material goods, or by men making declarations of love or any promises too good to be true. Some also believe that those who hear the cries of La Llorona are marked for death.
Personally I have some quite unnerving memories associated with the story of La Llorona. When I first heard the tale, I was about 4 or 5 year old and living in a small town in called Saguache, Colorado. The tale of the weeping (or crying) woman (literal translation of La Llorona) reached my school and scared the heck out of a lot of us. It was the first scary story anyone every told me and the cautious fear of it is one of my earliest memories. Thoughts of La Llorona often left me sleeping with a baseball bat as a means of protection. These days I know better than to try and hit a ghost with a baseball bat, but it just goes to show how this tale has spread and why I would have a particular interest in it. I also think it's interesting to note how the Susan Smith murder case resembles that of La Llorona tale.

Sources:
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Llorona
2. http://www.literacynet.org/lp/hperspectives/llorona.html

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Hauntings FAQ's

Ever feel as though you are not alone?
Hauntings and contact with the other side has been well documented since the written word. It's man's attempt at the age old question of what happens after death. Whether there is a paradise in the sky, or we are simply here for eternity in a more spiritual form: when some people die, they don't want to leave. This is going to be more of an educational and informational blog and not one of a recent event or news bulletin in the world of paranormal phenomena. Today we are going to cover a few basic questions: How can I tell if I am haunted? What is haunting me? What am I haunted? Whether it is all in your head (common ways to debunk)? What can I do about it?
There is a lot of ground to cover here, so you might want to get comfortable.

How can I tell if I or my home are haunted?
If you have any reason to feel you are haunted, know that you are not alone. We are not trying to tell you that there's not the possibility that you are entirely schizophrenic, but we will say that you may not be all that crazy.
Though most occurrences can be easily debunked, there are a variety of occurrences associated with a haunting including apparitions, EVP, Ectoplasm, voices, high EMF readings, large temperature fluctuations, banging or rapping, orbs... and the list goes on.

What is haunting me?
If you genuinely do feel that you are haunted, there are some simple things you can do to check out the other world around you and help you legitimize or debunk your claim. First off, you need to find out what's going on and identify your symptoms. I speak as though it's some kind of ailment, but in all honesty, most haunts are harmless. You might be surprised to find that it's easy to categorize a haunt if you have an intelligent full-bodied apparition standing beside you, but otherwise it can sometimes be tricky.
There are three basic categories of haunt:
- Residual -
- Intelligent -
- Inhuman -
A Residual Haunt is an unintelligent haunt. Plain and simple. Residual haunts are, generally speaking, a haunt where there is a repeated event or phenomena regardless of outside influence. An unintelligent/residual haunt will not notice the presence of it's fleshy observers, and often will occur around the same time and/or place. There have been many documented reports of unintelligent apparitions and various repetitive events; if you see it and it doesn't see you, it's a good bet that it is a residual haunt. Most residual haunts are as if someone recorded an event or scene and then replayed it on an eternal loop. As mentioned before, apparitions along with EVP's or sounds, are generally reported, but it does not have to be either to be a Residual. Just a repetitive sight, sound, event or unintelligently motivated paranormal occurrence. Generally speaking, you will not have to worry about a residual haunt because they are an unintelligent haunt and not malevolent in nature, occasionally they have been reported to be the cause of property damage. Though not an intelligent haunt, these can be the result of an earthbound spirit.
An Intelligent Haunt is broad category covering everything malevolent and benign from a previous owner to your mom's dead great aunt who just wanted to drop by and say hi. These are spirits or entities that respond to outside stimuli including conversation, provocation, or even just noting the presence of other people or objects in the surrounding area. These can be apparitions, EVP, or any other sight of intelligence or motivation behind the signs of a haunt. Generally speaking, you have to remember that most intelligent haunts are by entities that were at some point human and are now earthbound spirits, so they have emotions just like any other human; they can be angered or joyful, and can be easily affected by their surroundings. In other words, it's not a good idea to pick on a ghost because sometimes they hit back harder.
Lastly, there are Inhuman Haunts. There are two inhuman haunts: Demonic and Poltergeist.
Poltergeist. The word poltergeist is a German word and literally translated means "noisy ghost". For the most part a poltergeist is exactly that, an intelligent entity that communicates through various avenues of noise or the moving of objects (some also attribute asports to poltergeist activity). The down side of discovering you have a poltergeist us that they tend to be rather moody; not necessarily malevolent, but just easily irritated. The odds of one throwing knives at you like something out of a movie are extremely unlikely, but I have seen reports of people having chair pulled out from under them and other similar occurrences. Usually manifested due to children or teenagers and is enhanced by limestone and/or quartz deposits. Some people attribute poltergeist activity to Psychokinesis.
Demonic haunts. A lot of people see demonic and start thinking of Hell, Satan, and any number of other commercial identifications associated with the word. Truth is, these entities are rare and they are mean. These are hostile and resentful, non-human, entities often accompanied by several symptoms; most notable of which is the presence of sulfur or some kind of similarly ill-scented odor. Though little is actually known about the entities origin, it is rather obvious that they would be malevolent in nature, as most Demonic haunts are a direct attempt at possession, though not all are swift and direct about it. Interestingly, some Demonic entities have been known to mimic the signs of a poltergeist. Please note that these are extremely rare and if you believe you have a poltergeist, do not freak out about how we told you that you have a demon in your closet because the reality is that you probably don't.

Why am I (or my home) haunted?
There are a number of explanations for ghostly occurrences. Once you know what kind of haunt you are experiencing, it is fairly simple to identify possible reasons these occurrences are taking place. The best way to find out possible explanations for a haunt is to learn the history of not only your house and/or it's previous owners, but also the history of the land. Of course, there is always home remodeling, invocation, and other obvious ways to provoke an intelligent entity. A history of some form of burial grounds, suicide, psychotic episodes, war, murder, and other extreme circumstances are often found surrounding the areas of genuine haunts.

What are the odds that it's all in my head?
For every person that has a genuine experience with a ghost or some other kind of paranormal phenomena, there are two others out there lying. Unfortunately, such a statistic is taken a great toll on the credibility of various sightings and the possibility of phenomena in society today.
The best way to tell if you have anything paranormal going on is to approach it as skeptically as possible. There is nothing going on unless there is no other way to prove that it happened.There are a number of easy ways to debunk occurrences that people believe to be paranormal, but it can be anything from noisy pipes to a bad camera. Here I will give a few quick and easy ways to debunk some classic occurrences. Keep in mind that not all of these occurrences can or will be debunked and that's where the paranormal phenomena comes into play.
- - Some Basic Debunking - -
Sulfur Smell - There can be any number of explanations other than a demonic haunt for this occurrence, seek them out. In many houses the water smells, I've personally seen this a number of times. It resembles rotten eggs and is often attributed to a demonic haunt.
Drafts/Temperature Fluctuations - check for vents, windows, and other ways for air to enter or travel.
Voices / EVP's - be sure there are no outside influences such as pedestrians, etc.
Poltergeist activity (including Rapping/banging) - A lot of older places have noisy pipes that run through the walls and fluctuations in the temperature(s) of those pipes can cause noises similar to poltergeist activity. Keep in mind that drafts can move doors , shutter, etc. Another explanation for Poltergeist activity is Psychokinesis, which is self-induced.
Orbs - Orbs are often seen as some kind of apparition or spirit. I personally do not believe this. Orbs have also been attributed to the creation of crop circles and have been associated with other paranormal phenomena such as rods, but honestly I have to say that I do not know. I must say that orbs in still photography, digital or otherwise, have no impression on me because of the high tendency for it to simply be dust on a lens or some other kind of film or camera edit or glitch. More often then not, still photographs of orbs can easily be attributed dust in the air or on the actual camera lens.

What do I do if I am haunted?
If all else fails and you find yourself with a genuine haunting, the first thing I would recommend doing is relaxing. If it is a residual, benign, or non-malevolent entity you really have nothing to fear. If it is a malevolest entity, poltergiest, or even a demonic haunt, you still need to relax. These are entities that feed off of negative energy and fear. There are three steps I recommend doing in the case of the latter:
1. Take back your home or self - This is your home, your body, your space. Yours, not theirs. You have the right to tell them to go away and force them to, enforce and empower that right. Sometimes something as simple as asking it to leave will work.
2. Cleanse - If after trying to take back your space or home you are still faced with paranormal phenomena associated with the haunting, there are a number of ways you can cleanse your space. The easiest way is to burn Sage; there are a number of different options available though for various entities and belief systems. If you want more ideas, try Google.
3. Exorcism - An Exorcism, in my opinion at least, is just an glorified cleansing ritual. Popularized by the Roman Catholics, these ceremonies can have more of an impact for cleansing than other rituals because of the faith many people put in the Clergyman, High Priest, Shaman, etc.

Sources:
TAPS
TAPS Glossary
My personal knowledge from various research and investigation.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Barbury Castle Crop Circle


"From first glance, it appears that this enormous design, near the banks of Neolithic Hill Fort Barbury Castle shows echoes of the ratchet, which was one portion of the Burbary Castle triangle/tetrahedron of 1991. Its is still regarded as "the mother of all pictograms". The proportions within this 2008 event indicate a far more intricate rachet than its 1991 predecessor." (1)

Found in a local barley field, this crop circle (roughly 285ft. in diameter) is close to the ancient hill fort of Barbary Castle (Swindon in Wiltshire). It appeared on the 1st of June 2008. Resembling it's 1991 predisessor in both location and size, this circle has numerous mind-bending possibilities and explanations within this formation. A fascinating conundrum. There are multiple theories as far as a logical explanation for this attempt at what some assume to be communication. Everything from obvious indications of it being an astronomical map, to some kind of diatonic musical ratio, and even the epicness of Pi has been found within its fascinating geometric shapes, up to the first 10 decimals. (1,2)
Multiple meanings, multiple locations; a new world of possibility; Wiltshire Cereologists certainly appear to have their hands full with this formation.


Sources:
1. http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2008/barbury/barbury2008a.html
2. http://www.cropcircleconnector.com/2008/barbury/barburyRC2008a.html