Spiritual Activity in the Mid-South
You are probably familiar with the story of Mary, the Orpheum Theatre's resident ghost. According to the legend, Mary was a little girl who was struck and killed by a car outside the Orpheum. She somehow made her way inside the theater and chose a seat for herself (C-5), where she is reportedly spotted from time to time.
But Mary is not the only ghost who resides in the Mid-South. In fact, some say that Memphis is an area full of spiritual activity.
Rich Ervin, a paranormal investigator with the Memphis - Mid South Ghost Hunters(MMSGH), has experienced such activity first hand. "I have seen, heard, and been touched by spirits on many occasions and have witnessed objects being moved," Ervin said. "I have seen and heard many, many spirits."
Other members of the MMSGH team have had similar experiences.
"The most incredible thing I've seen," said 'Southern Phantom,' "is a shimmering, semi-transparent full bodied apparition of a woman wearing a Civil War era antebellum dress who 'floated' past a doorway in an old house in Bolivar Tennessee." And Southern Phantom wasn't alone -- two other team members and a guest also witnessed this apparition.
Theaters, old houses, and cemeteries may not be the only places to find ghosts. In fact, some spirits may be too close for comfort. Eddie Beloate, another MMSGH investigator tells this story of one investigation: "A family thought their child's imaginary friend was a ghost. Not only do I agree with them, but the ghost made it perfectly clear that it did not want me around. I would not say that he was evil, just looking out for his little buddy."
Read about other local ghosts.
How to Hunt for Ghosts Yourself
If you think you might have a ghost or are simply interested in the paranormal, you may want to try your hand at ghost hunting. Investigators with the Memphis - Mid South Ghost Hunters offer these tips:
Choose a Good Location for a Ghost Hunt
- Look for ghosts in historic sites such as old homes, businesses, theaters, churches, schools, and battlefields where there is often an abundance of spiritual energy.
Be Mindful of Conditions
- Avoid rainy, snowy, or dusty conditions.
- Conduct outdoor investigations during the fall and winter months when there is less humidity, pollen, and insects, and more static electricity.
- Choose a time when there is a high amount of geomagnetic disturbance and solar flare activity.
Bring the Right Equipment
- Digital camera
- Tape recorder (capable of fairly low noise recording)
- EMF (ElectroMagnetic Field) meter
- Wireless phone (this is for your personal safety; however, it is best to turn off during an investigation)
Additional Advice
- Never ghost hunt alone.
- Always carry identification.
- Obtain written permission from the property owner before investigating a site.
- Remember that successful ghost hunts can and do take place during daylight hours.
- Maintain a positive attitude.
- Treat ghosts like they are people. Ask them questions and show them respect.
- Document everything.
If you have encountered any local spirits, we would love to hear about it! Send ghostly stories and pictures to: memphis.guide@about.com.
