In a recent Colorado article about the haunted Tower of London, the writer talked about a Tower watchman who saw two ghostly figures. When the two figures vanished, the watchman wondered, ‘‘Was the past seeing the future or the future seeing the past?’’

That’s a good question.

When we encounter a ghost that’s not simply stored, residual energy, why do we assume that he or she is in our time?

Is it possible that we’re in a doorway–perhaps a vortex–and the “ghost” sees perceives us as a spirit, just as we declare that he or she is haunting our time period?

There are many instances when the ghost is someone who is visiting our time period for a specific reason. For example, the spirit may have unfinished business. The ghost may not realize that he or she has died, and is confused about what to do next.

But, there may be some instances–particularly in profoundly haunted locations–where the fourth dimension of time is transparent.

Or, both the ghost and the modern-day observer may both be at a spot where each can see into each other’s universe or time. (If that sounds vague or confusing, keep in mind that this is just a glimmer of an idea.)

In an episode of the BBC TV show, Torchwood, the “Captain Jack Harkness” episode includes a plot element that suggests another way for ghost hunters to experiment.

What if we don’t assume that ghosts are dead people lingering in (or visiting) our time period? What if we ask them to do something–leave a note, or move something specific–that we can find in our (later) time?

I’m not sure what would be necessary to suspend disbelief enough to actually witness the change or find the note that was requested. (I’m reminded of the line in the movie, Beetlejuice, in which the couple read that the living won’t see the dead.)

To many researchers, this may sound too fantastic. However, I think that it’s important to explore every possible theory and avenue of research.

If you encounter a particularly vivid spirit that may actually be in his or her own time period, ask them to leave a sign for you to find.

If that works, we’d love to hear about it.

No related posts. Use the Contact form (above) to ask Fiona for more info.