Is it conceivable that certain objects may exhibit supernatural characteristics that transcend logical explanation? Is it possible for an object to be possessed or haunted, to express good or evil or to impress some mystical quality upon the human psyche? A few examples would be lucky charms or talismans, items that bore witness to human trauma or exceptional events, and objects subjected to a formal blessing. Unexplainable energies are ostensibly attached to these things that may directly or indirectly have an impact on people's lives.
Some psychics are gifted in psychometry, a word that comes from the Greek words "psukhe" (spirit or soul) and "metron" which means to measure. Wikipedia defines psychometry as "The paranormal ability to discover information about an object's past, and especially about its past owners, merely by handling it."
Below are photos and descriptions of several objects that are worthy of introspection. They are part of a collection, and the owner graciously allowed SCOPE NJ to display them here. It would be interesting to subject these items to psychometry so that their history could be studied.
Description: Late 1800's pocket knife with an assortment of tools including a medicine bottle corkscrew.
Source: Purchased at a flea market in New Jersey.
Background: After this item was purchased, the new owner was immediately overwhelmed with an intense presence of evil as he returned to his car. He ignored it, but that evening after he retired he experienced horribly graphic and frightening nightmares. Relief came only after prayers were offered for protection.
Description: Kachina Doll
Source: Purchased from an Indian reservation in Arizona.
Background: Kachinas are sacred spirits associated with the Hopi Indian culture.
Each kachina has three components-- the supernatural entity who lives in the surrounding mountains; the costumed and masked ceremonial dancer; and the little carved doll that is decorated in that likeness.
Cottonwood root is the wood used for all Hopi kachina dolls as well as the better Navajo pieces. Through dancing and ceremonies, the kachinas carry the prayers of the Hopi to the gods. The dolls are displayed in the households for decoration and to remind the occupants of the kachinas.
Description: Fragment of Roman Brick from Pompeii
Source: On site of Pompeii
Background: The fragment was found during a tour of the Roman city that was destroyed and ultimately buried during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
It was witness to the agony and death of countless Romans. Could there be anything impressed in its composition that might be revealed through psychometry?
Description: Double Barrel Shotgun: Baldwin Gun Co., Louisiana.
Source: Antique shop in NY state.
Background: Gun is missing a forward grip and is not safe to shoot. It is believed to be late 19th century or early 20th century vintage. Teenage visitor saw a transparent male figure standing next to the gun while it was displayed in the recreation room of the house. When the weapon was placed in the garage, the figure disappeared.
Description: Hag Stone
Source: Stream
Background: Hagstones are stones that have a hole running completely through them. They are usually found near running water at streams, rivers, and tidal pools. When hung around the neck, they are believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits, witches, and the evil eye. Other magical powers have been ascribed to this stone. Supposedly, the bearer of the stone was given the unique ability to see faerie folk and to be immune to their enchantments or spells. Also, if a cord was passed through the hole and tied, it could be swirled about the head to disperse rain clouds and diminish strong winds.
Description: Bewitched Tree
Source: Tulip tree wood from an estate in New Jersey
Background: The tulip tree or tulip poplar has a dark side to its history. Back in the days of the Salem Witch Trials, it was favored for hanging witches because of the lateral growth of its limbs. This particular tree was over 100 feet high when it was hit by lightning. It survived, but every July it would start dropping its leaves and littering the property well before autumn. Tree experts could not correct the problem, so the owner had it taken down. The wood was given away for firewood. Study the picture carefully and see if you can spot a sinister face in the charred wood. All that's left of the tree is a rotting stump.
This curious figure made of wood is representative of the folk art from a variety of cultures. Such objects often deified various entities in nature.
To learn more about haunted artifacts and paranormal archaeology, visit the websites of John Zaffis and Richard Kimmel. They are recognized experts in this area of research. Links are below.
