A reference guide for Paranormal Down Under readers
This glossary explains the most common and important terms used throughout paranormal research and investigation. These definitions are written to support readers while exploring Paranormal Down Under articles and case studies, offering clarity without sensationalism.
Table of Contents
General Paranormal Terms
Paranormal
Phenomena that fall outside current scientific explanation, including hauntings, anomalous entities, unexplained experiences and other reported abnormalities.
Anomalous Phenomena
Events or observations that deviate from expected environmental, physical or psychological norms and cannot be immediately explained.
Entity
A neutral term used to describe a perceived non-human presence without assigning a specific identity such as spirit, demon or ghost.
Haunting
Reported ongoing paranormal activity associated with a specific location, object or individual.
Haunting Classifications
Residual Haunting
Non-interactive activity believed to be a repeating imprint of past events. These phenomena do not respond to observers or attempts at communication.
Intelligent Haunting
A type of haunting where the phenomenon appears aware, interactive or responsive to environmental stimuli or communication attemps.
Poltergeist Activity
Characterised by unexplained physical disturbances such as loud noises, object movement or electrical interference. Often associated with a living individual rather than a location.
Manifestations & Experiences
Apparition
A visible manifestation reported as a figure, shape or form. Apparitions may appear solid, translucent or shadow-like.
Shadow Figure/Shadow Person
A dark, human-shaped form typically seen in peripheral vision or low-light environments.
Disembodied Voice
A voice heard without an identifiable physical source, distinct from recorded phenomena.
Cold Spot
A sudden, localised drop in temperature not easily explained by airflow or environmental conditions.
Object Displacement
Objects being moved, altered or appearing in new locations without a known cause.
Equipment & Evidence Terms
EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon)
Unexplained sounds or voices captured on audio recordings that were not audible at the time of recording.
EMF (Electromagnetic Field)
Electromagnetic energy measured during investigations. Readings must be contextualised due to common natural and man-made sources.
Baseline Reading
Initial environmental measurements taken before and investigation to establish normal conditions for comparison.
Trigger Object
An item placed intentionally to encourage interaction, often linked to a locations reported history.
Investigation Methodology
Debunking
The process of identifying natural environmental or psychological explanations for reported phenomena.
Data Logging
Systematic recording of readings, observations and events with timestamps for later analysis.
Corroboration
When multiple independent sources confirm the same event or anomaly.
False Positive
Evidence initially appearing paranormal but later explained through non-paranormal causes.
Environmental Contamination
Any external influence – electrical, structural, acoustic or human – that may affect data or perception.
Spiritual & Cultural Terms
Spirit
A term commonly used to describe the consciousness or essence of a deceased person, varying across belief systems.
Attachment
The belief that a non-human presence has become linked to a person rather than a location
Possession
An alleged condition in which an external entity exerts control over an individual. Rare and approached with extreme caution.
Liminal Spaces
Locations perceived as transitional or in-between, frequently associated with heightened reports of unusual experiences/