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MABON RITUAL - EQUIPMENT
READINGS
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| Our primary method of investigation at the ritual was our instrumentation. Our goal
was to see if the equipment we use in reportedly haunted environments was capable of measuring the energy that
the pagan ritual is meant to gather and focus. We stated from the beginning that our goal was not to debunk the ritual or to attempt to assert that the ritual is ineffective. In many ways,
we saw this investigation as a learning experience and a field test of our equipment. |
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Though we were asked to not use our cameras or camcorders during the first ritual,
we were allowed to take equipment readings on the outside of the ritual circle. The question we were addressing
was whether our electromagnetic field detectors were capable of measuring changes (whether it be increases or decreases)
in energy levels around the ritual circle.
We took base readings prior to the ritual, and then took periodic readings throughout the first ritual. The base
readings were complete flat at 0 mG. And at no point during the ritual did this reading change... |
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Prior to the second ritual our base readings were also 0 mG, and at no point during
the second ritual did this change. At both rituals we took readings at all points around the ritual circle. We
took readings away from the circle, near the circle, right up against the circle, and even moved our detectors
between ritual participants, and into the circle itself.
If there were paranormal energies present, then our equipment
was incapable of measuring it. If there was no paranormal energy present, then our equipment was accurate. |
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| Our digital thermometer/pyrometer (DTP) was another piece of equipment we were hoping
to get results from at the investigation. Prior to the investigation, Lord Pegasus let us know that many participants
have reported increased heat at the southern quarter of the ritual circle. This is the quarter where a fire is
"called" to protect the circle and the ritual participants. These anecdotal reports made us very curious
whether we could measure a temperature difference before, during, or after the ritual. Our DTP is extremely accurate
and measures the air temperature three times per second. |
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| Though Trish is pictured using the DTP in the picture above, Shawn was primarily
in charge of gathering and recording temperature readings throughout the night. Here are his notes from the investigation... |
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SHAWN'S NOTES
Here is how it breaks down.
For ritual #1 the initial base readings were as follows:
Northern point (N) 62°, Southern point (S) 62°, Eastern point (E) 62°-63°
fluctuating, Western point (W) 61°.
Until the paper-burning portion (towards the end) of the ceremony, the only temperature changes were registered
at the Southern Point (where the tiki-torch fire wouldn't stay lit). Halfway through the entrance of people into
the circle the temperature climbed to 63° at this Southern Point. Five minutes into the ceremony the temperature
rose to 64° at the Southern Point.
During the paper-burning portion of the ceremony the temperatures were as follows and they stayed this way for
the remainder of the ceremony:
(N) 63°-64°, (S) 64°-65°, (E) 62°-63° and (W) 62°-63°
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During ritual #2 I took initial base readings at the altar and compass points
as follows:
Altar (A) 60°, (N) 62°,(S) 62°, (E) 61° and (W) 62°
(the compass point readings were taken near the circle at those points and NOT
at the actual tiki torch point markers)
During the ritual all compass point temperatures fluctuated 1 degree and after the ritual the altar read 64°....is
any of this conclusive of anything, no...but it is pretty interesting.
-Shawn Geabhart
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In analyzing these results, we've discussed the fact that the first ritual involved
around 80 participants and the second ritual a circle of about 12 people. In addition, there were tiki torches
burning at the four quarters and a flame burning on the altar. Could body heat and 5 flames heat the area of the
ritual? Its important to understand the setting of the rituals in order to come to a conclusion on this matter.
The rituals both took place at the same location, on top of a high ridge that had been cleared of trees. The top
of this cleared ridge was very large and flat and completely exposed to the elements. The cleared area was about
300 feet from side to side and at least 1500 feet long.
Throughout both rituals the wind was whipping across the top of this ridge, buffetting the participants, the alter,
and the burning flames of the altar lamp and tiki-torches. The wind was blowing so hard that the tiki-torch in
the Southern quarter would not stay lit. It is hard for me to believe that body heat and these limited sources
of fire could actually serve to increase the temperature at the top of this wind-whipped high clearing. In addition,
Shawn was careful to take readings at least 5 feet away from ritual participants and the tiki-torches in order
to mitigate their direct influence on the temperature readings. |
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| I commented to AutumnWolf that we had measured some temperature variations during
the ritual, and then I suggested that perhaps the temperature changes were simply weather changes...basically warm
winds blowing in and across the top of the ridge. AutumnWolf jokingly offered that if a pagan ritual did cause
temperature variations, the mechanism for these changes would naturally be weather changes. |
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I would have to agree with Shawn that the temperature variations we
recorded were interesting and thought-provoking, but not conclusive evidence of paranormal forces at work. Weather
and warm winds blowing in were the most likely cause of the temperature variations, and ultimately it is impossible
to find a causal link between the ritual and small changes in the weather.
-Mark Stinson |
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