Saturday, June 28, 2025

Orbs: Suggested Criteria for Paranormal Classification

Orbs: Suggested Criteria for Paranormal Classification

If such phenomena exist, here is what they must demonstrate to be considered truly anomalous.

Mystics and energy-sensitive individuals often report orbs in their surroundings or photographs—sparks of light believed by some to represent spirits or energetic presences. While countless accounts exist, it's important to note that no orb to date has been scientifically verified as paranormal. The following criteria represent the minimum threshold such a phenomenon would need to meet to be considered truly unexplained and potentially spiritual in origin.

✅ 1. Self-Illumination

The orb must emit its own light—not reflect it from the camera’s flash or ambient sources. True self-illumination implies it should be visible to the naked eye and maintain brightness across varying environments and angles.

✅ 2. Tail or Trail of Motion

The orb should display a discernible trail or motion blur, indicating deliberate movement through space. This helps differentiate it from airborne particles, dust, or lens flares that drift without clear trajectory.

✅ 3. Three-Dimensional Presence

It must show clear 3D properties: height, width, and depth. Many photographic artifacts appear flat or distorted; a genuine anomaly would hold volume and consistency across multiple frames or vantage points.

✅ 4. Intelligent Behavior

Finally—and perhaps most critically—the orb should exhibit signs of intelligence, such as responsive movement, intention, or interaction with its environment. This would separate it from all known natural or mechanical explanations (dust, bugs, moisture, digital compression, etc.).

📌 Until one or more orbs can withstand rigorous scientific scrutiny and meet all of the above, we must consider current evidence as inconclusive. That doesn’t mean people’s experiences lack meaning—it simply means we label responsibly.

This material is part of an ongoing inquiry. It is not to be copied, republished, or excerpted without explicit permission. Integrity matters—context is everything.