Communicating with the Dead by Jeff Belanger

Is there life after death? For millennia, humans have been trying to communicate with those who have passed on. Many religions emerged from this yearning to reach across the plane of death. Communicating With the Dead is an objective and journalistic journey into the history and practice of spirit communication devices. Practitioners, scientists, clergy, and psychics all weigh in on the various means and materials used to make contact with the spirit world. From ancient card games to wooden sticks, pencils to board games, there are many tangible devices that millions of people use to reach beyond the grave.

Methods covered include: Talking Boardsbetter known by the brand name Ouija Board, the historic and esoteric impact this enigmatic device has made is significant. Is it really just a game? Tarot Cardswhat began as a card game for royalty centuries ago has evolved into a spiritual system that can be used for divination. Dowsing Rodsoriginally used to find underground water sources, some believe the rods can tap into supernatural energies. Runesbased on an ancient northern European alphabet, Runecasters believe they are communicating directly with the gods. Mirror Gazingby staring into a clear optical depth, some believe we can peer into the spirit world. Spirit Photographyalmost as soon as the camera was invented, photographers began to discover strange, ghostly images in their pictures.

Some were frauds, others believe they made genuine contactand have the pictures to prove it! Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) a practice that is gaining ground with paranormal investigators. Using modern recording devices, some disembodied voices are being captured on tape.

Jeff Belanger is a voracious fan of the unexplained. He's been studying and writing about the supernatural for regional and national publications since 1997.

Belanger is the founder of Ghostvillage.com, the Internets largest supernatural community, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors per year.