What Is Ectoplasm?

Ectoplasm is derived from the Greek words Ektos meaning “outside” and Plasma Meaning “something formed or molded”. Coined into history by a man named Charles Richet to denote a substance or spiritual energy exteriorized (left behind) by the possible manifestation of a spirit. Theoretically this substance can even focus psychokinesis.

Originally believed only to manifest as a slime like substance called ectoplasmic residue formed from the deep “trance” of a medium. Ecto (as its commonly called) also took on the form of a white gauze like material expunged from the orifices of the medium. It is theorized be some that this substance can be used by spirits to manifest and interact with the physical world.

The Ectoplasm Phenomenon

Since the discovery or invention (how ever you want to look at it) of ecto it has become popularized in theater and Hollywood. Notably in the 1941 play “Blithe Spirit” and the ever popular 80’s movies “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters 2”. Manifesting in those movies as a green mucous like slime, in fact the entire movie “Ghostbusters 2” revolved around the substance.

Is that all there is to this mystery or is there more to this paranormal phenomenon than Hollywood hype. Many scientists have claimed to debunk the paranormal goo in laboratories, analyzing the substances emitted from mediums and concluding that it is false. The analysis revealed their ecto is including:

Chiffon

Flakes of human skin

Smoke

Gelatin

Are we however to trust the analysis of materials “excreted” by mediums. Mediums have been under major scrutiny since Harry Houdini in the 1920’s. Harry (after the death of his mother) began debunking and challenging them to conjure her, of course they all failed and he was able to prove a great many of them fakes.

Mediums discovered fakes by Harry Houdini considered the best of his day. So what has changed our perception of them over eighty years later? Are we to believe that these so called sensitives have suddenly turned over a new leaf and developed the sixth sense, no, so could science actually debunk all ectoplasmic evidence now as opposed to then, again no.

Ecto Manifestations

In modern paranormal investigations this phenomena more commonly manifests as a smoke like mist in photographs. The mist commonly forms free floating in the center of photographs with no visible source. However the more skeptical of the photographs it appears as a smoke like stream emerging from one of the edges moving inward and or upward.

As for a physical substance I openly challenge any investigator to provide said substance to a laboratory for confirmation. In my years as a paranormal investigator I have never encountered any ectoplasm evidence that I could not explain. That being said does not mean that this paranormal substance doesn't exist it just means it is rare and therefore not a common occurrence.

Ecto Theories

There are several theories on what ecto is some of them include but are not specifically limited to:

A failed spiritual apparition/ manifestation

A successful apparition influencing the physical world

A substance to focus psychokinesis

Spiritual essence left behind

These theories are (as all theories) unproven however are all plausible Without scientific analysis and proof all paranormal investigators can do is speculate on the possible or probable.

Ectoplasm: Fact or Hype?

Until actual ecto is captured either from physical means or photographic evidence we may never be able to be sure. As for the stuff produced by mediums and Hollywood, it is a clever gimmick to draw in new customers. When investigating we must be especially careful as to what we present as evidence and even how we present it (Tip of the Day: A hasty conclusion can damage not just your reputation but all of our reputations as well).

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