Paracognitive Dictionary: Section A
> Note: This dictionary serves as a reference guide to terms you may encounter in PCA&I materials or broader paracognitive contexts. Inclusion does not imply endorsement or adherence—our priority is clarity, not belief.
Section A
Abacomancy Divination through the interpretation of dust or dust patterns.
Abductee An individual who reports or believes they have experienced alien abduction.
Absent Healing A form of faith or energy healing performed without direct physical contact between healer and recipient. Also known as remote or distance healing.
Absent Sitter
A surrogate who receives healing or spiritual work on behalf of someone unable to attend.
A person who is the focus of a psychic reading, though not physically present during the session.
Afterlife The continuation—or transformation—of consciousness or essence following physical death.
Agent In parapsychology, the person who is the source or focus of a psychic event, such as telepathy or psychokinesis.
Agnosticism A philosophical position in which the existence of a deity, higher power, or creator is neither confirmed nor denied, due to perceived limitations in verifiable knowledge.
Akashic Records A conceptual “energetic archive” believed to store every thought, emotion, and event across time, accessible by those with heightened spiritual or psychic awareness.
Alchemy An ancient esoteric tradition combining chemistry, spirituality, and philosophy, often focused on transmutation, transformation, and the union of opposites.
Aliens Beings believed to originate from planets or dimensions beyond Earth.
Alien Abduction Claims or experiences involving the removal—voluntary or not—of a human being by non-terrestrial entities.
Alpha Rhythm / Alpha Wave Brainwave frequency (8–13 Hz) associated with relaxed, meditative states. Sometimes referenced in altered state research.
Alternative Medicine A category of practices positioned as alternatives to conventional medicine. Often holistic in nature, these approaches may range from herbal remedies to energy work. Some are effective; others remain unverified or controversial—especially in the treatment of serious illness.
Amulet An object believed to hold protective or beneficial energy, often carried for luck, healing, or spiritual shielding.
Ancestral Being / Ancestor Worship Spiritual or ritual reverence for deceased family members believed to influence the living or act as guides.
Angel A nonhuman celestial being found in religious and metaphysical traditions. Commonly organized into nine choirs—Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominations, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Some traditions also describe fallen angels as residing in underworld or infernal realms.
Angelophany A reported visual or sensory encounter with an angelic being.
Animism The belief that all things—living or nonliving—possess a spiritual essence or consciousness.
Announcing Dream A dream in which a spirit or unborn soul communicates its intention to incarnate, often reported by expectant mothers or family members.
Anomalous Cognition A term used in remote viewing and parapsychology to describe the reception of information through non-ordinary means.
Anomaly An occurrence or experience that resists explanation through conventional scientific or psychological frameworks.
Apophenia The human tendency to perceive meaningful patterns or connections in random data—often relevant in paranormal interpretation.
Apparition The visual manifestation—full or partial—of a spirit, being, or energetic presence.
Apport The sudden and unexplained appearance of a physical object, often associated with séance or spirit activity, with no traceable origin.
Ascension A metaphysical concept referring to the elevation of consciousness or spiritual transformation into a higher state of being.
Astral Body A nonphysical or energetic form believed to exist alongside or within the human system, capable of navigating nonmaterial realms.
Astral Plane A metaphysical dimension situated between ordinary consciousness and higher states of being. Often associated with dreams, visions, and out-of-body travel.
Astral Projection The conscious or subconscious experience of leaving the physical body to travel the astral or spiritual realms before returning.
Astral Spirit A nonphysical entity believed to inhabit or traverse the astral plane, distinct from the human astral body.
Astrology A symbolic system—considered pseudoscientific by many—that studies celestial bodies’ positions and movements to interpret potential influences on events and human behavior.
Atavism The reappearance of ancestral traits or behaviors, sometimes interpreted in spiritual or reincarnational contexts.
Atheism The absence of belief in the existence of a deity, higher power, or creator.
Atheist A person who does not believe in—or lacks belief in—a god, supreme being, or divine source.
Attachment In parapsychology and spiritual discourse, a low-vibrational or negative entity that clings to a person’s energy field. Typically dormant, it waits for emotional or energetic weakness to intensify its influence. Often associated with the early phases of spiritual oppression.
Auditory Pareidolia A phenomenon in which the brain assigns meaning—usually voices or words—to ambiguous or random sounds (e.g., wind, static, background noise).
Aura The subtle energy field surrounding a living being. Often described as colorful and layered, each hue and placement is believed to reflect aspects of the person’s emotional, spiritual, or physical state.
Auric Field An extended electromagnetic field surrounding all living organisms and objects. Sometimes used interchangeably with “aura,” though in some systems it encompasses multiple structural layers or sheaths.
Automatic Writing The act of writing without conscious control or awareness—purportedly guided by subconscious, spiritual, or external energies.
A.V.P. (Audible Voice Phenomena) The experience or recording of disembodied voices—believed by some to originate from spirits, entities, or other-dimensional intelligences.
Section B
Banishing A ritual or energetic act intended to remove negative entities, energies, or influences from a person, object, or space. Methods vary widely—from ceremonial magic to intuitive cleansing—and may involve spoken word, symbols, or elemental tools.
Banshee A female spirit from Irish folklore whose wail or keening is said to foretell the imminent death of a family member. Often associated with ancestral lineages and liminal thresholds.
Bilocation The reported phenomenon of a person appearing in two places simultaneously—often associated with mystics, saints, or advanced spiritual practitioners.
Binding A magical or energetic act intended to restrict the influence or actions of a person, spirit, or force. Often used as a protective measure rather than a punitive one.
Black Mirror A reflective surface—often obsidian or dark glass—used in scrying or divination to access visions, messages, or symbolic imagery from non-ordinary states.
Black Shuck A spectral black dog from English folklore, often seen as an omen of death or misfortune. Variants appear in many cultures under different names.
Blenders Spirits or entities that camouflage themselves within their environment to avoid detection. Often associated with subtle hauntings or locations where phenomena are sensed but not seen.
Blood Memory A metaphysical concept suggesting that ancestral knowledge, trauma, or spiritual imprinting can be passed down through genetic or energetic lineage.
Book of Shadows A personal or coven-based journal used in Wiccan, Neopagan, or magical traditions. It may contain rituals, spells, correspondences, reflections, and spiritual insights. Often considered a sacred and evolving document.
Botanomancy Divination using burning branches, leaves, or herbs—interpreting the smoke, crackling, or movement of the flames.
Breakthrough Apparition A rare and often emotionally charged spirit manifestation that occurs spontaneously, often to deliver a message or warning. Typically seen by someone with no prior psychic sensitivity.
Burial Ground Residue Energetic imprinting or anomalous activity believed to occur on or near ancient or disturbed burial sites. May manifest as hauntings, emotional disturbances, or symbolic dreams.
Section C
Channeling The act of allowing a nonphysical entity, intelligence, or energy to communicate through a human conduit—often through speech, writing, or gesture. May be conscious or trance-induced.
Charm An object, phrase, or ritual believed to carry protective, healing, or luck-enhancing properties. Often used in folk magic and spiritual traditions.
Clairaudience The ability to perceive sounds or voices beyond the normal auditory range—often attributed to spirit communication or psychic sensitivity.
Clairsentience The ability to sense or feel information psychically, often through bodily sensations or emotional impressions.
Clairvoyance The extrasensory perception of events, objects, or beings not accessible through ordinary senses. Often associated with “second sight” or the ability to perceive future or hidden occurrences.
Cleansing The intentional removal of negative or stagnant energy from a person, object, or space. Methods may include smudging, sound, salt, ritual, or visualization.
Clearing A term often used interchangeably with cleansing, though more commonly applied to properties or locations. May involve energetic, spiritual, or ritual-based techniques.
Coincidence A sequence of events that appear meaningfully related but lack a discernible causal connection. In paracognitive contexts, often explored through the lens of synchronicity.
Collective Unconscious A concept introduced by Carl Jung referring to a shared reservoir of archetypes, symbols, and experiences inherited across humanity. Sometimes referenced in paranormal theory as a source of psychic or symbolic resonance.
Conjuring The act of summoning a spirit, entity, or force—often through ritual, incantation, or magical practice. Not to be confused with invocation, which typically calls upon benevolent forces.
Cord Cutting A metaphysical practice intended to sever energetic ties between individuals, often used for emotional healing or spiritual autonomy.
Cryptid A creature whose existence is suggested by anecdotal evidence or folklore but not confirmed by mainstream science. Examples include Bigfoot, Mothman, and the Chupacabra.
Cryptozoology The study of hidden or legendary animals—often those considered mythical, extinct, or unverified by conventional biology.
Curse A spoken or ritualized intention to bring harm, misfortune, or disruption to a person or place. Belief in curses varies widely across cultures and traditions.
Cycle of Return A metaphysical concept referring to the recurring nature of existence—often associated with reincarnation, karmic loops, or soul evolution.
Daemon (Daimon) An ancient term referring to a spiritual being that is neither wholly good nor evil. In classical philosophy, daemons were considered intermediaries between gods and humans—distinct from the later Christian concept of demons.
DAR (Digital Audio Recorder) A device used to capture sound, often employed in paranormal investigations to record potential disembodied voices or anomalous audio phenomena.
DVR (Digital Video Recorder) A device used to record video and audio simultaneously. In paranormal contexts, DVRs are often set up to monitor locations for visual anomalies or movement.
Debunk The process of critically examining all possible natural, environmental, psychological, or technological explanations for a phenomenon before considering it potentially paranormal. A foundational step in responsible investigation.
Déjà Vu French for “already seen.” A phenomenon in which a person feels they have already experienced a current situation. Often interpreted psychologically, though some view it as a glimpse into parallel timelines or precognitive memory.
Demon A nonhuman, malevolent entity often described as a fallen angel or force aligned with destructive, oppressive energy. In many traditions, demons seek to influence, deceive, or harm through spiritual manipulation.
Demonologist An individual who studies the nature, behavior, and history of demons. Some also engage in spiritual intervention or deliverance practices.
Demonology The study of demons, their hierarchies, manifestations, and influence across cultures and belief systems. May be approached academically, theologically, or experientially.
Descrying An archaic term for perceiving or discerning something not immediately visible—often used in early texts to describe psychic or visionary insight.
Direct Voice Phenomenon (DVP) A rare form of spirit communication in which a disembodied voice is heard audibly in the environment, not through a medium or device.
Discarnate Entity A being or consciousness that exists without a physical body—often used to describe spirits, ghosts, or non-incarnated intelligences.
Disembodied Voice A voice heard without a visible or physical source. May be experienced subjectively (internally) or objectively (audibly in space).
Divination The practice of seeking knowledge—past, present, or future—through supernatural, symbolic, or intuitive means. Methods include tarot, scrying, runes, pendulums, and more.
Doppelgänger A non-spiritual double or apparition of a living person. Often considered an omen or anomaly, though interpretations vary across cultures.
Dowsing A method of locating water, minerals, or energy fields using rods or pendulums. In paranormal contexts, dowsing is sometimes used to detect spirit presence or energetic anomalies.
Dream Incubation A practice in which a person sets an intention or question before sleep in hopes of receiving guidance or insight through dreams.
Section E
Ectoplasm A mysterious, often semi-visible substance said to emanate from a medium during spiritual or paranormal activity. Typically described as a mist, vapor, or gelatinous material, it has no known scientific explanation and is often captured in photographs or witnessed during séances.
Ectoplasmic Mist A dense, fog-like manifestation of ectoplasm. Often reported in haunted environments or during intense spiritual phenomena. May appear in photographs or be visible to the naked eye.
EEG (Electroencephalogram) A device that measures electrical activity in the brain. Occasionally referenced in parapsychological studies exploring altered states or psychic phenomena.
Electromagnetic Field (EMF) A field produced by electrically charged objects. In paranormal investigation, fluctuations in EMF are sometimes interpreted as indicators of spirit presence—though natural sources must always be ruled out.
Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) Disembodied voices or sounds captured on electronic recording devices that were not heard at the time of recording. Often reviewed post-investigation and categorized by clarity or content.
Elemental A nonhuman spirit or force believed to embody one of the classical elements—earth, air, fire, or water. Often associated with nature-based traditions and sometimes encountered in hauntings or sacred sites.
Empath An individual who experiences heightened sensitivity to the emotions, energies, or physical sensations of others. In paracognitive contexts, empaths may serve as intuitive barometers in anomalous environments.
Entity A general term for any nonphysical being or presence. May refer to spirits, ghosts, interdimensional intelligences, or undefined anomalies.
Ephemera (Paranormal) Transient or fleeting phenomena—such as lights, sounds, or sensations—that appear briefly and leave no physical trace. Often difficult to document but significant in experiential accounts.
Esotericism A body of knowledge or practice intended for a limited or initiated audience. Often includes mystical, occult, or symbolic systems that explore hidden aspects of reality.
Etheric Body A subtle energetic layer believed to exist just beyond the physical body. Often referenced in healing, astral projection, or energy work as the first layer of the human energy field.
Exorcism A ritual or spiritual intervention intended to expel a possessing or oppressive entity from a person, object, or location. Typically performed by a trained or ordained practitioner.
Exorcist An individual—often clergy or spiritually trained—who performs exorcisms. May work within religious, ceremonial, or intuitive frameworks.
Extrasensory Perception (ESP) The ability to acquire information through means beyond the known five senses. Includes clairvoyance, telepathy, precognition, and psychometry.
Section F
Familiar A spiritual or energetic companion—often animal in form—believed to assist a practitioner in magical or intuitive work. Historically associated with witches, though interpretations vary widely.
False Awakening A vivid dream in which the dreamer believes they have woken up, only to realize later they are still dreaming. Sometimes reported in conjunction with sleep paralysis or lucid dreaming.
Feng Shui An ancient Chinese system of spatial arrangement and energy flow. While not inherently paranormal, it is often referenced in discussions of energetic harmony and environmental influence.
Fetch A spectral double or apparition of a living person, often seen as an omen of death or transformation. Similar in concept to a doppelgänger, but rooted in Celtic folklore.
Fire ITC (Instrumental Transcommunication) A method of spirit communication that combines modern technology (radio, video, computer) with a flame source (such as a candle or fire pit). Practitioners believe spirits can visually manifest within the flame, often captured through video or still photography.
Floaters (Paranormal) Not to be confused with ophthalmological floaters, these are small, drifting lights or shapes seen in the air—sometimes interpreted as spirit energy or interdimensional residue.
Focal Person In poltergeist or psychokinetic cases, the individual believed to be the unconscious source or catalyst of the activity. Often a child or adolescent undergoing emotional stress.
Forced Manifestation A phenomenon in which a spirit or entity is believed to be compelled—intentionally or unintentionally—into revealing itself, often through ritual, provocation, or environmental pressure.
Formication The sensation of insects crawling on or under the skin, sometimes reported during paranormal encounters or spiritual oppression. Also has medical and psychological causes.
Frequency Shift A perceived change in energetic or vibrational resonance within a space or person. Often reported during spiritual awakenings, entity contact, or dimensional overlap.
Section G
Ghost A common term for the spirit or energetic residue of a once-living being, perceived in the post-death state. Manifestations can range from full apparitions to subtle environmental changes or emotional impressions.
Glowstick Effect A critical term describing individuals or systems that promote spiritual bypassing. This view holds that emotional pain, trauma, or inner work can be transcended solely by radiating love or “vibration,” often to the exclusion—and detriment—of processing authentic human experience. The term challenges performative spirituality that equates repression with enlightenment and ignores the psychological risks of denied emotion.
Gnosis Direct, intuitive knowledge of spiritual truth—often outside of formal doctrine or belief systems. In esoteric traditions, gnosis is experiential, not theoretical.
Grimoire A compendium of magical knowledge, rituals, symbols, and correspondences. Unlike the personalized Book of Shadows, grimoires often draw from traditional or historical sources.
Guardian Angel A celestial being believed to be assigned to an individual to offer protection, guidance, or intervention throughout their life. Often rooted in Abrahamic belief systems, but referenced across various traditions.
Ghost Light Mysterious orbs or floating lights, often seen in graveyards, rural paths, or open spaces. Also called “will-o’-the-wisp” in folklore. Their origin may be electrical, energetic, or symbolic.
Geomancy An earth-based divination system that interprets patterns in soil, sand, or stones. Traditionally used for guidance and location-related inquiries.
Grave Imprint Energetic residue left on or near a burial site, often cited in hauntings or environmental sensitivity to death-related trauma.
Group Haunting A haunting witnessed by multiple individuals simultaneously, with consistent experiences. Distinguished from mass hysteria by specificity and repeatability.
Section H
Haunting The recurring presence or manifestation of a ghost, spirit, poltergeist, or anomalous energy within a specific location. Hauntings may be residual (repeating patterns), intelligent (responsive), or environmental (linked to trauma or energetic imprinting).
Hallucination (Non-Pathological) A sensory experience—visual, auditory, tactile, or otherwise—that occurs without an external stimulus. In paracognitive contexts, hallucinations may be reinterpreted as anomalous perception rather than pathology, depending on context and corroboration.
Harmonic Resonance A metaphysical or energetic theory suggesting that certain frequencies or vibrations can align with spiritual or dimensional thresholds, potentially triggering paranormal phenomena.
Haunted Object An item believed to carry or attract spiritual or energetic activity. Often associated with emotional imprinting, ritual use, or traumatic history.
Hex A magical act—often a curse or binding—intended to bring misfortune or disruption to a person or place. Typically associated with folk magic or darker ritual traditions.
Hierophany A manifestation of the sacred in the mundane world. In paranormal contexts, this may refer to symbolic or spiritual appearances that carry deep personal or archetypal meaning.
Hypnagogia The transitional state between wakefulness and sleep, often accompanied by vivid imagery, auditory phenomena, or a sense of presence. Sometimes mistaken for paranormal experiences or used intentionally for visionary work.
Hypnosis An altered state of consciousness characterized by heightened suggestibility and focused attention. May be induced by a practitioner or self-directed. In paracognitive work, hypnosis is sometimes used to access subconscious memories or explore anomalous experiences.
Hydromancy A form of divination using water as the medium—through ripples, reflections, or movement—to receive symbolic or intuitive insight.
Section I
Imprint (Energetic) A residual energetic pattern left behind by a person, event, or emotion—often associated with trauma, repetition, or high-intensity experience. Imprints may be sensed psychically or experienced as environmental anomalies.
Incubus A male-presenting entity in folklore said to engage with humans during sleep, often in a parasitic or oppressive manner. The female counterpart is known as a succubus. Interpretations range from mythological to psychological to paranormal.
Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) A therapeutic or spiritual technique designed to facilitate contact with deceased loved ones, often through guided imagery or altered states. Used in grief work and parapsychological research.
Infestation A stage of spiritual disturbance in which a location or object is believed to be under sustained influence by negative or malevolent entities. Often precedes oppression or possession in traditional demonology models.
Instrumental Transcommunication (ITC) The use of electronic or technological devices—such as radios, televisions, recorders, or computers—to facilitate two-way communication between the living and the spirit world. Variants include Water ITC and Fire ITC, where elemental mediums are used to enhance visual or auditory manifestations.
Intelligent Haunting A type of haunting in which the spirit or entity is consciously aware of its presence and surroundings. These entities may attempt communication, respond to stimuli, or exhibit purposeful behavior. Distinguished from residual hauntings, which are non-interactive.
Intention Setting The act of consciously focusing thought or energy toward a desired outcome. In paracognitive work, intention is often seen as a key factor in manifestation, protection, or spiritual engagement.
Intuition The innate ability to perceive, sense, or understand something without reliance on conscious reasoning or external cues. Often described as a “knowing” that arises from within, and considered a foundational tool in paracognitive practice.
Invocation A ritual or spiritual act of calling upon a benevolent force, deity, or guide for protection, insight, or presence. Unlike conjuring, invocation is typically aligned with reverence and consent.
Jacob’s Ladder (Symbolic) A metaphysical or visionary motif representing the connection between earthly and higher realms. Often referenced in mystical traditions as a path of ascension or spiritual progression.
Jettatura An Italian folk term for the “evil eye”—a malevolent glare believed to bring misfortune or illness. Protective charms or gestures are often used to counteract its effects.
Jinn (Djinn) Supernatural beings from Middle Eastern and Islamic traditions, made of smokeless fire. Jinn are considered sentient and capable of both benevolent and malevolent actions. Often misunderstood in Western contexts as synonymous with demons, though their nature is more complex and culturally specific.
Judgment Apparition A rare type of spirit manifestation believed to appear at moments of moral reckoning or life-altering decision. Often described as symbolic rather than interactive.
Jungian Archetypes Universal, symbolic patterns or figures residing in the collective unconscious, as defined by Carl Jung. While not inherently paranormal, archetypes often surface in dreams, visions, and anomalous experiences, offering interpretive frameworks for symbolic phenomena.
K2 Meter A handheld device used to detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields (EMF). Commonly employed in paranormal investigations to identify potential spirit activity, particularly when baseline readings shift in the presence of unexplained phenomena.
Karma A metaphysical principle suggesting that actions—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—generate consequences that return to the individual, either in this life or across lifetimes. Often referenced in discussions of reincarnation, soul contracts, or energetic balance.
Kirlian Photography A technique that captures the coronal discharge (aura-like glow) of objects or living beings on photographic film. While often cited in energy work and spiritual circles, its scientific interpretation remains debated.
Knocking Phenomena Unexplained rapping or tapping sounds often reported in haunted locations. These sounds may occur in patterns or in response to questions, and are sometimes interpreted as attempts at communication by spirits or entities.
Kundalini A form of latent spiritual energy believed to reside at the base of the spine. When awakened—through meditation, trauma, or spontaneous activation—it rises through the chakras, often triggering profound physical, emotional, or psychic experiences.
LeyLines Hypothetical alignments of ancient sites, sacred structures, or natural landmarks believed to follow energetic pathways across the Earth. Some traditions suggest these lines carry spiritual or geomagnetic energy, influencing paranormal activity or consciousness.
Levitation An extremely rare and anomalous event in which a person or object rises off the ground, seemingly defying gravity. Often reported in spiritual ecstasy, poltergeist cases, or demonic possession. Considered a supernatural phenomenon with no known scientific explanation.
Light Anomaly A visual phenomenon—often captured in photographs or video—featuring unexplained lights, orbs, streaks, or flashes. While some are attributed to dust or lens flare, others remain unexplained and are interpreted as energetic manifestations.
Liminal Space A threshold or transitional zone—physical, psychological, or metaphysical—where boundaries between realities blur. Liminal spaces are often associated with heightened paranormal activity, symbolic transformation, or altered states of awareness.
Lucid Dreaming A dream state in which the dreamer becomes aware they are dreaming and may exert control over the dream environment. Sometimes used as a tool for spiritual exploration, healing, or contact with nonphysical entities.
Luminal Entity A being or presence that appears as light or radiance rather than a defined form. Often reported in near-death experiences, meditative states, or high-frequency encounters.
Section M
Manifestation (Paranormal) The perceptible appearance or presence of a spirit, entity, or energy—whether visual, auditory, tactile, or atmospheric. Manifestations may be subtle (temperature shifts, scents) or overt (apparitions, voices, object movement).
Materialization The physical emergence of a spirit, ghost, demon, or other nonphysical entity into visible or tangible form. Often reported during séances or high-energy events, materializations defy conventional physical explanation.
Matrixing Also known as pareidolia, this is a natural cognitive function in which the brain interprets random sensory input—such as shadows, patterns, or noise—as familiar shapes or figures. Common in visual and auditory misinterpretations during paranormal investigations.
Medium An individual with the ability to perceive, sense, or communicate with spirits, entities, or energies beyond the physical realm. Mediums may receive information visually, audibly, emotionally, or through direct impression.
Mediumship The practice or ability of communicating with the deceased or other nonphysical intelligences. Mediumship may be mental (telepathic), physical (through voice or movement), or trance-based, and is often used in spiritualist or investigative contexts.
Mesmerism A historical term for a form of hypnotic trance or energy healing developed by Franz Mesmer. Though largely discredited in medical science, it laid groundwork for later studies in altered states and energetic influence.
Metaphysics A branch of philosophy concerned with the nature of reality, existence, and consciousness. In paracognitive contexts, metaphysics often intersects with spiritual inquiry, anomalous perception, and the structure of unseen dimensions.
Mind’s Eye A term used to describe the internal visual field where intuitive, psychic, or symbolic imagery may appear. Often referenced in clairvoyance, remote viewing, or dreamwork.
Mirroring (Energetic) A phenomenon in which one person unconsciously reflects the emotional or energetic state of another. In spiritual or paranormal settings, mirroring may occur between investigators and entities, or between group members during heightened activity.
Mysticism A spiritual path or practice focused on direct, personal experience of the divine, the transcendent, or the ineffable. Mystical experiences may include visions, unity states, or encounters with nonphysical intelligences.
Section N
NDE (Near-Death Experience) A profound experience reported by individuals who have been clinically dead or near death, then revived. Common elements include sensations of leaving the body, traveling through a tunnel, encountering light or spiritual beings, and receiving messages. Many describe a choice or understanding that it was “not their time,” prompting their return to life.
Necromancy The practice of communicating with the dead to gain knowledge—often about future events, hidden truths, or spiritual insight. Traditionally associated with ritual magic and often viewed as a dark or forbidden art, though interpretations vary across cultures and contexts.
Negative Entity A nonphysical being or presence characterized by disruptive, oppressive, or malevolent energy. May manifest through emotional disturbance, environmental anomalies, or spiritual interference.
Night Hag A folkloric figure associated with sleep paralysis, in which a person awakens unable to move and senses a dark presence pressing on their chest. Often interpreted psychologically, but also reported in paranormal and cross-cultural traditions.
Nocturnal Apparition A spirit or entity that manifests primarily at night. These encounters may involve visual, auditory, or tactile phenomena and are often linked to heightened liminality during sleep hours.
Nonlocal Consciousness A concept suggesting that consciousness is not confined to the brain or body, but can exist or operate beyond physical boundaries. Often referenced in discussions of remote viewing, telepathy, or survival of consciousness after death.
Numerology A symbolic system that interprets the spiritual or energetic significance of numbers. Often used for divination, personality analysis, or decoding synchronicities.
Section O
Obsessor A nonphysical entity—often negative or parasitic—that fixates on a particular person, feeding off their energy or influencing their thoughts and emotions. Distinguished from possession by its external, persistent nature.
Occult A broad term referring to hidden or esoteric knowledge, practices, or systems—often involving magic, alchemy, astrology, or spiritual symbolism. Not inherently negative, though frequently misunderstood.
Omens Events, symbols, or signs interpreted as foretelling future occurrences. Omens may be seen as warnings, confirmations, or messages from unseen forces, depending on context and belief system.
Oppression A stage of spiritual interference in which a demonic or malevolent presence exerts influence over a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behavior. The individual retains autonomy but may be heavily swayed—consciously or unconsciously—by the entity’s presence. Often follows attachment and precedes possession in traditional models.
Orb A spherical, self-illuminating anomaly often captured in photographs or video during paranormal investigations. While some orbs can be explained by dust or lens flare, others appear to exhibit intelligent movement or interaction, suggesting a potential energetic or spiritual origin.
Ouija Board A commercially produced spirit board marketed as a game, typically used to attempt communication with the dead. Participants place their hands on a planchette, which is believed to move in response to unseen forces. The board has been linked to various anecdotal accounts of spirit contact and possession, including the case of Robbie Mannheim (Roland Doe), which inspired The Exorcist.
Out-of-Body Experience (OBE) A phenomenon in which a person perceives their consciousness or spirit as separate from their physical body. OBEs may occur spontaneously, during trauma, or through intentional practices such as meditation or astral projection. Not to be confused with dissociative states.
Overshadowing A subtle form of spiritual influence in which a nonphysical entity temporarily merges with or impresses upon a person’s consciousness. Unlike possession, the individual remains aware and retains control, though their thoughts or actions may feel externally influenced.
Section P
Paracognitive A term used to describe modes of perception, inquiry, or awareness that operate beyond conventional cognition. Paracognitive processes engage nonlinear, intuitive, or anomalous ways of knowing—often intersecting with phenomena that challenge empirical frameworks. Within PCA&I, paracognitive refers to the disciplined exploration of these expanded states of understanding, emphasizing rigor, ethical responsibility, and epistemological openness.
Paranormal A broad term referring to supernatural, mysterious, or anomalous events that defy explanation by current scientific understanding or physical laws.
Paranormal Photography The intentional use of photographic equipment to capture potential evidence of supernatural phenomena, such as apparitions, orbs, shadows, or light anomalies.
Paranormal Research The systematic investigation, observation, documentation, and analysis of phenomena considered outside the scope of conventional science. Often includes fieldwork, instrumentation, and theoretical inquiry.
Parapsychology The academic and experimental study of psychic phenomena, including telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, and survival of consciousness. It bridges psychology and anomalous experience.
Pareidolia (pronounced pear-e-dole-lee-ah) A psychological phenomenon in which the brain interprets random stimuli—such as patterns, sounds, or shadows—as familiar shapes or meanings (e.g., faces in clouds). Common in visual misinterpretations during paranormal investigations.
Past Life Regression A therapeutic or spiritual technique in which a practitioner guides an individual into a hypnotic or altered state to access memories or impressions believed to originate from previous incarnations.
Pendulum Divination A method of dowsing in which a suspended object (often a crystal or metal weight) is used to receive yes/no answers or directional guidance through subtle movements.
Phenomena Extraordinary or observable events that stand apart from ordinary experience. In paracognitive contexts, phenomena often refer to unexplained or anomalous occurrences.
Phonemes (pronounced foe-nims) The smallest units of sound in language that distinguish one word from another. In EVP analysis, phonemes are sometimes studied to interpret disembodied voices.
Planchette A small, heart-shaped tool mounted on castors, traditionally used in automatic writing or with spirit boards (e.g., Ouija). It may hold a pencil or serve as a pointer to spell out messages.
Poltergeist From the German for “noisy ghost.” A disruptive force that manifests through physical disturbances such as object movement, loud sounds, or electrical interference. Poltergeists may be spirit-based or the result of repressed psychic energy from a living person.
Possession A state in which a demonic or nonphysical entity is believed to inhabit and control a living person’s body. The individual may lose autonomy over speech, movement, or behavior. Possession is typically preceded by oppression and may require spiritual intervention or exorcism.
Premonition A strong intuitive sense, vision, or dream that something is about to occur—often of an unpleasant or urgent nature. Premonitions may arise spontaneously or through altered states.
Psychic An individual with heightened intuitive or extrasensory perception, capable of receiving information beyond the five physical senses. Abilities may include telepathy, clairvoyance, or precognition.
Psychokinesis (PK) The purported ability to influence or move objects using only the mind or energetic will. Also referred to as telekinesis.
Psychometrist A psychic who receives impressions, emotions, or information by touching or holding objects—especially photographs or personal items.
Pyromancy A form of divination that interprets flames, fire movement, or burning patterns to gain insight or receive messages.
Section Q
Quantum Consciousness A theoretical framework suggesting that consciousness may arise from or interact with quantum processes. While speculative, it’s often referenced in discussions of nonlocal awareness, anomalous cognition, and the survival of consciousness beyond the brain.
Quantum Entanglement (Paranormal Context) A phenomenon in quantum physics where two particles remain connected across distance. In paracognitive theory, it is sometimes used metaphorically to explain telepathy, synchronicity, or simultaneous experiences between individuals.
Quija Effect (variant spelling) A term used to describe the ideomotor response during Ouija board sessions—where participants unconsciously move the planchette. While often cited in skeptical explanations, it also opens inquiry into subconscious or collective psychic influence.
Quotidian Haunting A subtle, recurring paranormal presence that integrates into daily life—often overlooked due to its routine nature. These hauntings may manifest as minor disturbances, emotional shifts, or symbolic patterns that repeat over time.
Section R
Reincarnation The belief that after physical death, the soul or consciousness is reborn into a new life form—human or otherwise. This cycle may repeat across lifetimes, often for the purpose of growth, karmic resolution, or spiritual evolution.
Remote Viewing A structured form of extrasensory perception (ESP) in which a person attempts to gather information about a distant or unseen target using only the mind. Often used in experimental parapsychology and intelligence research.
Residual Haunting A type of haunting in which a spirit or energetic imprint replays a specific moment or behavior, often related to trauma or sudden death. These hauntings are non-interactive and lack conscious awareness—like a looped recording embedded in the environment.
Resurrection The act of returning to life after death. In spiritual and religious contexts, resurrection may refer to the literal reanimation of the body or the symbolic rebirth of the soul into a new state of being.
Revenant A spirit or entity that returns from the dead, often with a purpose—such as delivering a message, seeking justice, or completing unfinished business. Revenants are typically aware and intentional in their manifestations.
Ritual A formalized sequence of actions, words, or symbols performed with spiritual, magical, or symbolic intent. Rituals may be used for protection, invocation, banishment, or transformation.
Rods (Skyfish) Elongated, fast-moving anomalies captured on video or film, often appearing as flying rods with undulating fins. While some attribute them to camera artifacts or insects, others consider them unexplained aerial phenomena.
Runes Symbols from ancient alphabets—particularly Norse or Germanic—used in divination, magic, and spiritual communication. Each rune carries symbolic meaning and may be cast or drawn for insight.
Section S
Saging The ritual burning of sage—typically white sage—to cleanse a person, object, or space of negative or stagnant energy. Often used in spiritual practices, ceremonies, or paranormal investigations to restore energetic balance.
Seance A gathering of individuals—often seated in a circle—who attempt to communicate with spirits of the deceased. May involve mediums, channeling, or the use of tools such as spirit boards or automatic writing.
Scrying A form of divination using reflective or translucent surfaces—such as crystal balls, mirrors, or water—to receive visions, symbols, or intuitive impressions.
Shadow Figure A dark, humanoid silhouette often seen peripherally or in low light. Shadow figures are reported in hauntings and sleep-related phenomena, and are typically associated with feelings of unease or observation.
Sigil A symbolic design created with magical or spiritual intent—often used for protection, manifestation, or banishment. Sigils may be drawn, carved, or visualized and are sometimes charged through ritual.
Smudge Sticks Bundles of dried herbs—commonly sage, cedar, or sweetgrass—bound together and burned for the purpose of spiritual cleansing, protection, or healing. Used in many Indigenous and spiritual traditions.
Soul The nonphysical, animating essence of a living being. Often considered eternal and capable of existing beyond the physical body, the soul is central to many spiritual and metaphysical belief systems.
Spirit The consciousness or essence of a once-living being that continues to exist beyond physical death. Spirits may be benevolent, neutral, or malevolent, and are believed to interact with the living in various ways.
Spirit Attachment A phenomenon in which a spirit or entity becomes energetically connected to a person, object, or location. Attachments may be benign, parasitic, or protective, depending on the nature of the entity.
Spirit Photography The intentional use of photographic equipment to capture images of spirits, apparitions, or anomalies. Often includes orbs, mists, or full-bodied figures not visible at the time of capture.
Spirit Rights The ethical principle that spirits—like the living—deserve dignity, respect, and the right to rest in peace. This concept underpins responsible paranormal investigation and spiritual engagement.
Stigmata The spontaneous appearance of wounds resembling those of the crucified Christ—typically on the hands, feet, or forehead. Considered a supernatural or mystical phenomenon, often associated with religious ecstasy or deep spiritual devotion.
Supernatural Describes events, beings, or forces that transcend natural laws and scientific explanation. The supernatural encompasses a wide range of phenomena, from ghosts and miracles to divine intervention.
Superstition A belief or practice rooted in tradition, fear, or symbolic association rather than empirical evidence. Superstitions often involve rituals or taboos intended to influence fate or ward off misfortune.
Synchronicity A meaningful coincidence in which two or more events align with such precision or emotional resonance that they appear connected beyond chance. Often interpreted as signs, guidance, or confirmation from unseen forces.
Section T
Table-Tipping A form of physical mediumship in which participants place their hands on a table, which then moves, tilts, or rotates—purportedly under the influence of spirit energy. Often used as a method of spirit communication in séance settings.
Telekinesis The purported ability to move or manipulate physical objects using only the mind or energetic will. Also referred to as psychokinesis, this phenomenon is central to many paranormal and parapsychological studies.
Telepathy The transmission of thoughts, emotions, or information from one mind to another without the use of known sensory channels. Often categorized as a form of extrasensory perception (ESP).
Temporal Distortion Anomalous shifts in the perception or flow of time, often reported during paranormal encounters, altered states, or near-death experiences. May include time loss, time loops, or acceleration/deceleration of events.
Threshold Entity A being or presence encountered at the boundary between life and death, waking and dreaming, or physical and nonphysical realms. Often symbolic, these entities may serve as guides, gatekeepers, or tests of will.
Thoughtform An energetic construct created through focused intention, emotion, or belief. Thoughtforms may take on symbolic or autonomous qualities and are sometimes mistaken for independent entities.
Trance A semi-conscious or altered state of awareness in which the individual becomes highly receptive to suggestion, vision, or spiritual influence. Trance states may be induced through meditation, hypnosis, ritual, or spontaneous experience.
Transcendental Experience A profound shift in consciousness that surpasses ordinary perception, often involving a sense of unity, timelessness, or contact with higher intelligence. These experiences may occur during meditation, near-death states, or spiritual ecstasy.
Transitional (Entity) A human soul that, after death, chooses not to cross into the light or higher realms, instead aligning with lower vibrational or demonic forces. These entities may retain human traits but operate with distorted intent.
Transitional Period The liminal phase immediately following physical death, during which the soul detaches from the body and begins its journey into the afterlife. This period may involve healing, orientation, or resistance, depending on the soul’s awareness and readiness.
Trigger Object An item placed in a haunted or energetically active location with the intent of eliciting a response from a spirit or entity. Often personal or symbolic, trigger objects are used in paranormal investigations to encourage interaction.
Section U
UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) An aerial phenomenon that cannot be immediately identified or explained. While often associated with extraterrestrial craft, UFOs may also refer to advanced technology, interdimensional vehicles, or misidentified natural phenomena. The term has evolved into the broader category of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) in contemporary research.
Ufology The study of UFOs and related phenomena, including sightings, abduction reports, government disclosures, and theories of extraterrestrial contact. Ufology spans scientific, folkloric, and experiential domains.
Ultraterrestrial A theoretical classification of nonhuman intelligences believed to originate from dimensions or realities beyond our own, rather than from other planets. Often proposed as an alternative to the extraterrestrial hypothesis in anomalous contact cases.
Urban Legend A modern myth or cautionary tale circulated as true, often involving strange, eerie, or supernatural elements. While unverifiable, urban legends reflect cultural fears, archetypes, and symbolic truths.
Uncrossing A spiritual or magical practice intended to remove hexes, curses, or negative attachments. Often involves ritual cleansing, protective symbols, or spoken incantations.
Unmanifest A metaphysical term referring to that which exists beyond form, perception, or material reality. In some systems, the unmanifest is the source from which all phenomena arise.
Section V
Vampiric Entity A nonphysical being or energetic presence that feeds on the life force, emotional energy, or vitality of the living. Unlike folkloric vampires, these entities may not take physical form but are experienced as draining, oppressive, or parasitic.
Veil (The) A metaphorical boundary or membrane separating the physical world from spiritual or nonphysical realms. The veil is believed to thin during certain times (e.g., Samhain, liminal hours) or in specific locations, allowing for increased paranormal activity or spirit contact.
Vibrational Frequency A metaphysical concept referring to the energetic resonance of a person, place, or entity. Higher frequencies are often associated with clarity, healing, or spiritual beings, while lower frequencies may correlate with fear, illness, or malevolent forces.
Vortex A concentrated energetic portal or opening in the veil between dimensions—particularly between the living and the dead. Vortices are believed to facilitate spirit movement, heightened psychic perception, or anomalous phenomena. Often reported at sacred sites, ley line intersections, or locations of intense emotional history.
Visitant A spirit or entity that appears temporarily—often with a specific message, warning, or emotional resonance. Visitants may be deceased loved ones, guides, or unknown presences that manifest with purpose and then depart.
Section W
Ward A spiritual being, energetic construct, or protective force assigned to guard a person, place, or object. Wards may be invoked, created, or naturally present, and are often used in protective magic or spiritual defense.
Water ITC (Instrumental Transcommunication) A method of spirit communication that combines technological devices (e.g., cameras, radios, computers) with a container of water as a reflective or energetic medium. Practitioners believe spirits can visually manifest within the water, often captured through video or still photography.
Watcher A non-intervening spiritual presence that observes rather than interacts. Watchers may be ancestral, angelic, or unknown in origin, and are often reported during liminal or transitional states.
Wendigo A malevolent spirit from Algonquian folklore associated with insatiable hunger, possession, and winter desolation. Often interpreted as a cautionary archetype of greed, cannibalism, or spiritual corruption.
Witch Shaming The act of targeting individuals—particularly those who identify as witches or practitioners of alternative spiritual paths—with harassment, ridicule, or violence. Rooted in historical persecution, witch shaming seeks to silence, marginalize, or delegitimize spiritual autonomy.
Witch’s Mark A physical mark—real or symbolic—believed in historical witch trials to indicate a pact with supernatural forces. In modern contexts, it may refer to symbolic tattoos, birthmarks, or energetic signatures.
Wraith A spectral or ghostly double of a living person, often appearing just before or after their death. Wraiths are typically seen as omens or manifestations of the soul in transition.
Wyrd An Old English term meaning “fate” or “destiny,” often used in esoteric and magical traditions to describe the unfolding of events through unseen or spiritual forces. Related to the concept of synchronicity and karmic unfolding.
Section X
Xenoglossy The spontaneous or trance-induced ability to speak or write in a language previously unknown to the individual. Often reported in cases of possession, mediumship, or past life recall.
Xenon Flash Anomaly A rare photographic phenomenon in which high-intensity xenon flashes (used in some cameras) reveal unexplained shapes, shadows, or light forms not visible to the naked eye. Sometimes cited in spirit photography.
X-Factor (Paranormal) A term used to describe an unknown or unmeasurable variable that influences the manifestation of paranormal phenomena. Often invoked when standard environmental or psychological explanations fall short.
Section Y
Yeti A cryptid from Himalayan folklore, often described as a large, bipedal, ape-like creature. While typically categorized under cryptozoology, the Yeti also appears in spiritual traditions as a guardian or elemental force.
Yūrei (Japanese) A spirit of the dead unable to find peace, often due to unresolved emotions or improper burial rites. Yūrei are typically depicted in white funeral garments and are central to many East Asian ghost traditions.
Yin Energy In Taoist metaphysics, the receptive, intuitive, and shadowed aspect of duality. In paracognitive frameworks, yin energy may be associated with the unseen, the subconscious, or the liminal.
Yara-ma-yha-who A creature from Australian Aboriginal lore—small, red-skinned, and said to drain energy from its victims. Sometimes interpreted symbolically as a warning against spiritual vulnerability.
Section Z
Zener Cards A set of five symbol cards (circle, square, wavy lines, cross, star) used in early parapsychology experiments to test for extrasensory perception (ESP), particularly telepathy and clairvoyance.
Zodiac (Esoteric) A symbolic system based on twelve archetypal constellations, often used in astrology to interpret personality, fate, and spiritual cycles. In paracognitive contexts, the zodiac may serve as a symbolic map of soul development.
Zone of Influence The energetic perimeter around a person, object, or location within which paranormal phenomena are most likely to occur. Often used in field investigations to define the active range of a haunting or anomaly.
Zetetic Method An approach to inquiry that emphasizes open-ended investigation and skepticism without defaulting to belief or disbelief. Sometimes adopted in paranormal research as a counterbalance to dogma or premature conclusions.
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.
