According to Oxford Languages the meaning of paranormal is “denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.”
Where does the word paranormal come from?
The word paranormal was first used in the 1920s by scientists to describe events or experiences that were beyond the range of normal experience or scientific explanation.
The word ‘paranormal’ comes from the combination of two Latin words: para, meaning ‘beside’, and normalis, meaning ‘normal’. Thus, the word paranormal is defined as anything that lies beyond the range of normal experience or scientific explanation.
Taking a more specific look paranormal phenomena could include things like ghosts, hauntings, telekinesis, levitation, extrasensory perception, and so on.
Investigating Paranormal Activity
A paranormalist is someone who studies the paranormal. Often times paranormalists, referred to as paranormal investigators, will study paranormal phenomena or go ghost hunting where they perform a critical investigation of claims of paranormal activity.
Tools Used to Study Paranormal Phenomena
There are a number of tools used by paranormal investigators in an attempt to gather scientific evidence to back up claims of a paranormal experience. Some of the most common tools are digital voice recorders, Structured Light Sensor Cameras (SLS Cameras), spirit boxes, and ouija boards. Many investigators also believe their own bodies are the best tool for observing a paranormal powers.
Many times teams of investigators will set out together in an attempt to use science to try to debunk a paranormal phenomenon. These teams will consist of believers as well as skeptics. Many times the skeptics on these teams become paranormal believers due to their own paranormal experiences.
What is paranormal literature?
Paranormal fiction is fiction whose plot revolves around paranormal phenomena. Many times these works will include themes of death, religion, out-of-this-world strange occurrences, and people with supernatural powers. Sometimes they are also based on ghost stories or urban legends.
A few examples of paranormal literature are Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, Dark Operative – The Dawn of Love by I.T. Lucas, Midnight Wolf by Jennifer Ashley, and A Song Below Water by Bethany C. Morrow.
