Anthony North: There is a problem with much of the paranormal in that we rely too much on classic interpretations. This is not to say that these interpretations may not be true, but that understanding can better be achieved by a radical overhaul of terms.The poltergeist is a perfect example. We have a clear idea of what a poltergeist is. But could phenomena be more open to rational understanding by offering new concepts and names? Let’s consider the possibility. What a poltergeist isn't: A poltergeist is classically understood as an infestation of a spirit throwing this and that about the place, causing a general paranormal nuisance of itself. Yet if we break down the phenomena in the poltergeist, we can see distinct and separate elements.The two central elements are a level of communal consciousness that perceives paranormal activity in a specific location, such as mind/matter interaction and ‘spirit’ sightings; and the ‘possession’ of a person, or focus.For this essay I want to reclassify the poltergeist as a concept I would call ‘psychodrama.’ This can best be understood as the coming together of mind with other minds, an environment, and culture.What you see is what you get: We can see such a concept as the occurrence of an ‘altered state’ contrary to what we consider to be normal reality. However, can such a thing as ‘normal reality’ exist? The philosopher, Kant, argued yes, it can, but it is above human experience, for we view the world through specific ‘mind filters’, which place our prejudices upon reality.This argument is valid when we consider we input a mass of data, through the senses, of the ‘outside’ world, but the vast majority of this sense experience in not intuited by our conscious mind. Rather, we have ‘selective awareness’ of the world we inhabit, only perceiving what we consider important.
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