#unexplained events

Echoes of Christmas Present: Exploring a Spiritualist Gathering

The Christmas evening gathering in a Middlesbrough sitting room, 71 years ago, was a convergence of the ordinary and the extraordinary. This spiritualist Circle, armed with an early tape recorder, sought to capture evidence of the paranormal. The resulting BBC Radio 4 broadcast, “Christmas Spirits,” is a nuanced exploration of the human experience, delving into the intricacies of spiritualism, authenticity, and the profound impact of transcending mortality.

The broadcast’s narrative is woven around inexplicable phenomena: tangible spirit forms, ectoplasmic manifestations, and the materialization of objects from the spirit world. These events, witnessed by a tight-knit group, including newcomers whose initial skepticism gave way to astonishment, challenge conventional understanding. The descriptions of interactions with the deceased, from the warmth of a handshake to the vibrant lights orchestrated by a young spirit, paint a vivid picture of a realm where the living and the dead coexist. However, it is the emotional resonance of these encounters, rather than their inexplicability, that forms the heart of the story.

The participants’ integrity is subtly yet effectively underscored, implying that these events were not staged for external validation but were an integral part of their spiritual journey. The involvement of a surgeon, whose witnessing of these phenomena led to his membership in the Circle, adds a layer of credibility, highlighting the difficulty of dismissing these events as mere fantasy or deception. Expert analysis further reinforces the genuineness of the experiences, emphasizing the improbability of fraud given the setting and nature of the occurrences. This thoughtful presentation of evidence invites listeners to approach the subject with an open mind, rather than merely presenting a series of unexplained events.

The true profundity of the broadcast lies in its exploration of the human need for connection with what lies beyond mortality. The Circle’s interactions with the spirit world serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring bonds between loved ones, transcending the physical realm. The therapeutic value of such connections is illustrated through the story of a young spirit seeking to comfort his grieving parents, offering solace to those grappling with loss. This aspect of the broadcast humanizes the spiritualist movement, portraying it as a quest for healing and reassurance, rather than merely a pursuit of the unknown.

The production’s use of archival recordings interwoven with contemporary reflections creates a rich tapestry, allowing for a multifaceted engagement with the material. This narrative approach honors the historical context while underscoring the timeless relevance of the events, inviting reflection on the implications of such phenomena on one’s understanding of mortality and the afterlife.

The broadcast presents a complex, deeply human story, one that challenges listeners to consider the possibility of realms beyond our mundane reality. More profoundly, it highlights the universal quest for connection and the solace derived from believing in a continuum of life beyond death, leaving an indelible mark on those who engage with it.

Christmas Spirits (Chris Eldon Lee, Culture Wise, BBC Radio 4, December 2003)

While the broadcast’s narrative masterfully weaves together the threads of the unknown and the human experience, Ann Harrison’s talk serves as a poignant case in point, illustrating the very quest for connection and solace beyond mortality that the broadcast so eloquently highlights. Her personal journey into the spiritual realm offers a powerful, real-life manifestation of the universal themes that resonate throughout the broadcast.

Ann’s talk offers a captivating exploration of the spiritual realm, seamlessly intertwining personal narrative with the legacy of her late partner, Tom Harrison, a renowned figure in the spiritualist movement. The catalyst for her journey into mediumship, the passing of her first husband in 1990, sets a poignant tone, underscoring the emotional depth that often accompanies the pursuit of spiritual connection.

As Ann delves into Tom’s family history, marked by a lineage of mediumship and guided by the influential spirit, Stuart Alexander, the narrative is enriched with a sense of tradition and continuity. Notably, the family’s experiences with materializations and trumpet communications serve as a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of spirits in physical mediumship séances. For instance, the detailed account of a séance in 1997, where a plastic cable tie was seemingly passed through Ann’s arm without harm, not only astonishes but also prompts a deeper inquiry into the mechanics of such phenomena.

The concept of “matter through matter” and the non-solidity of objects and humans at a vibrational level, as explained by Ann, provides a fascinating, albeit abstract, framework for understanding these events. This is further illuminated by the practical challenges of conducting séances, such as the energy-intensive nature of materializing detailed clothing. The strategic use of light, for instance, is highlighted as crucial for verifying authenticity, showcasing the delicate balance between the spiritual and the tangible. By focusing on these intricacies, Ann’s presentation transcends mere anecdotal storytelling, offering instead a nuanced exploration of physical mediumship’s complexities.

The enduring legacy of Tom Harrison and his family is skillfully woven throughout the narrative, with references to his work serving as a bridge between Ann’s personal experiences and the broader spiritualist context. This not only honors Tom’s memory but also underscores the lasting appeal of spiritual gatherings for those seeking connection with the afterlife. The popularity of Tom’s circle, evidenced by a “waiting list,” speaks to a profound human desire for transcendence, a desire that Ann’s presentation both acknowledges and explores.

Beyond its educational value, Ann’s talk sparks a deeper question: what lies beyond our tangible world? In exploring this, we may discover that the true power of spiritual inquiry lies not in the answers, but in the transformative journey of seeking itself.

Ann Harrison on Physical mediumship (Wendy Zammit, July 2018)

### The Dear David Twitter Thread: A Modern Tale of Haunting

In the digital age, where much of our entertainment comes from screens and social media, Adam Ellis’s "Dear David" Twitter thread in 2017 brought an old genre into a new medium. Ellis, a cartoonist by profession, recounted his haunting experiences with a ghostly child named "Dear David." His narrative, rich with disturbing dreams, eerie photos, and unexplained events, captivated millions and redefined how we consume horror stories.

**A Modern Storyteller’s Medium**

Adam Ellis’s choice of Twitter, a platform known for its brevity and immediacy, was unconventional yet oddly fitting for a ghost story. Each tweet, limited by character count, heightened the suspense and left readers in a state of perpetual anticipation. This fragmented style of storytelling allowed for real-time engagement, making the audience feel as though they were part of the unfolding mystery. As Ellis shared photo evidence of strange occurrences in his apartment and recounted his vivid, unsettling dreams, the threads between reality and fiction blurred.

**The Eerie Allure of Dear David**

The story begins with Ellis dreaming of a young, deformed boy named David who appears at the foot of his bed. In his dreams, David can answer only two questions correctly; any deviation leads to a fatal encounter. These initial details cast a spell on readers, combining the innocence of a child with the terror of the supernatural. As Ellis's dreams become more vivid and his waking life begins to mirror the hauntings, the gripping narrative takes a dark turn. Eerie photographs and videos posted by Ellis show household objects moving on their own, odd shadows, and inexplicable phenomena, compelling readers to question their understanding of the paranormal.

**Crafting Viral Horror**

What sets the "Dear David" thread apart is not just the spine-chilling content, but Ellis’s adept use of social media to craft a viral horror sensation. His updates were strategically timed, creating periods of agonizing suspense between revelations. This method of storytelling transformed the thread into an interactive experience, with followers dissecting every post, analyzing photos, and speculating on upcoming events. The widespread sharing and engagement turned "Dear David" into a communal experience, fostering a shared sense of fear and curiosity.

**The Impact and Legacy**

The "Dear David" thread is more than just a sequence of ghostly events; it is a pioneering effort in the realm of digital storytelling. It underscores the potential of social media platforms to bring traditional genres into new light, offering immersive and interactive experiences. Additionally, the phenomenon reflects modern society’s insatiable appetite for horror, amplified by the internet’s ability to connect and engage audiences worldwide.

hey uh, something TRULY inexplicable just happened and i'm coming on here in a desperate search for answers.

this small spray plastic bottle, which was previously filled with a solution of mostly water and a small amount of bleach (used to clean my fridge) just shattered for no apparent reason. i was actually placing some leftovers into the microwave behind it, so it's possible the microwave door might've very lightly touched it, but if it did, it was lightly enough that i didn't even feel it. the next thing i know, i hear liquid spilling and smell bleach and look over to find this bottle shattered. i KNOW it wasn't shattered before bc as i was walking to the kitchen counter to reheat my leftovers, i remember looking at the whole spray bottle full of liquid and trying to remember whether it was a bleach or dish soap solution.

Mystery of Toads Entombed in Stone & Coal Found Alive After 100s of Yrs

There have been many unexplained cases, since the 15th century, of amphibians being found alive but fully encased in coal pockets or stone geodes. Stories of this unexplained phenomenon have appeared in numerous journals. Even Charles Dickens mentioned the phenomenon in his journal All the Year Round.

There is a pattern to the various discoveries. In most cases the frog is discovered in a chamber full of mucous and is usually very pale or white in color. After a few minutes exposed to air it comes-to-life and is usually quite active for a short while before turning grey and apparently developing respiratory difficulties. In most cases the animal dies within 24 to 72 hours but there are some references that when these poor creatures were quickly allowed into fresh pond water they seem to have survived indefinitely.

Where are the Sodder children?

George and Jennie Sodder of West Virginia were forced to cope not only with the immeasurable loss of their children but also with the mysterious circumstances surrounding that loss. After the Sodder home burned to the ground on the night before Christmas in 1945, five of the ten Sodder children were still alive and accounted for. But what about the other five? From all accounts, it would seem that they had vanished into thin air.

In the ruins of the fire, zero physical evidence of the children could be found, which is virtually impossible from a scientific standpoint. But that wasn’t all that smelled off about the events of that night. Apparently George tried to save the children who he believed were still trapped inside by using his coal truck, which strangely, was inoperable; the phone lines to the house were found to have been cut; a woman claimed to have seen all five missing children peering from a passing car while the fire was in progress; and a woman at a Charleston hotel who saw the children’s photos in a newspaper said she had seen four of the five a week after the fire. “The children were accompanied by two women and two men, all of the Italian extraction,” she said in a statement. “I tried to talk to the children in a friendly manner, but the men appeared hostile… and wouldn’t allow it.”

Who was the man?

The man at your door?

He screamed and banged and hurled at your wall

Who was the man?

The man in white?

Who stood there and screamed

All that night?

Why was he there?

What did you do?

He left behind a suitcase

For me to see to.

It opened when I grabbed it

And on the inside 

Was a note written in a suave-like stride

What was on the note?

KillerOrangeCat: reads scary "true" stories but only ones sent to him and nothing found on reddit, so theyre all original. He has a really endearing kind of voice and narration style to me personally, because it’s distinct with a personality but not too polished, although it might not be for everyone, and he has good taste on which to cover. 

TheLittleFears: also reads stories that i think are her own, some are her own. again not just a letsread. They are just EXTREMELY well written and engaging to me and just eerie. Great voice. She is, if anything, an artistic project and less said is more.

BedtimeStories  does bizarre, unsolved paranormal, criminal or simply mysterious events for history. They cover some less and more well known things in incredible detail and the most engaging polished writing I have ever seen in this kind of “Unsolved Mysteries” channel, but less truecrime and more X-files.

DowntheRabbitHole and AtrocityGuide do also very obscure, much more isolated and niche bizarre events from recent history, usually involving strange people or groups of people who have published mysterious or complex writing, art or websites and forums online. They are more amateur/low-budget than BedtimeStories but cover very obscure and vastly interesting events and people.