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Graveyards and relocation

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Hi Everyone, This is a really thrilling tale about a relocated graveyard that may interest you. According to the online Oxford Dictionary, a graveyard is a burial ground near a church. A sacred place, where we lay our dead once they have passed (hallowed ground). Rituals and ceremonies are usually held in graveyards when someone passes on. The dead are lowered into the grave amidst cries, and blessing for the afterlife. Dirt is thrown onto the coffins by family, and the holes are filled by duteous groundsman once the service is over. It is hoped the souls of the dead move swiftly to the afterlife.  Religious leaders teach, that if someone led a good life, their soul will pass through the pearly gates of heaven. Sinners on the other hand, are destined for the chambers of hell. Hindu’s have a varied belief. They believe the souls of the dead are sometimes reincarnated into a new bodies, to settle karmic debts. Or if all debts are settled, the souls join God and are fore...
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HALLOWEEN: A HISTORY

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  Hi Everyone As the hours move us forward to Samhain or Halloween, I thought I might write a few paragraphs on ‘ Halloween a History’ to dispel any misconceptions which have arisen over the past few centuries. Halloween or Samhain pronounced sah-win is a festival of Gaelic origin. It was first documented around the 10 th Century and took place at the end of summer and the beginning of winter, which is around the 31 st of October. This festival was celebrated by Celtic, Scottish and Irish clans. Samhain, celebrated the end of summer with plentiful crops, and the eve of winter a dark time for most. According to Celtic folklore, it was also a time when the gateway to the otherworld was opened and spirits of those who passed were able to revisit the world and their kin. People put out food for their loved ones which is similar to the Hindu festival Pitr Paksha still celebrated today.   It was also believed that on Samhain the fay or sidhe mounds where o...
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Ancestral Protectors I have heard several stories of ancestral and familial protectors during my years in Africa. During the 1700s the Khoisan people of South Africa believed following the righteous living practises of their ancestral heroes would gain them good virtue and strength. So, eliminating all perils in life so they may survive the dangers of the world and reap wealth like their deities. These gods were revered with prayer and animal sacrifices. Such people sometimes created amulets from the animals hide which added further protection   However with time most legends faded but our ancestral protectors have not moved away. They still guide us through paths of righteousness, if we are open to just visions. A friend living in the western suburbs of Sydney told me of several incidents of familial protection and guidance. On such incident occurred at her home and was witnessed by several family members. A few years back her brother died and his passing left hi...
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Born with a Caul(Veil)

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Acknowledgements to crystalinks.com for the image A caul, is generally a piece of the amniotic sac that covers the baby's face during delivery. Babies born as such are said to have special powers. This belief has prevailed over the ages. It has been said that Jesus was born with a caul, however there is no documented evidence of this available to ordinary scholars.  Also it was believed that a person in possession of a caul would not drown. Consequently the sale of cauls was profound during the 15-18th centuries. In Charles Dicken's book David Copperfield , the protagonist is said to be born with a caul and is present during the sale of it. A friend of mine, Sam, was born with a caul. The nun present at his birth asked for this veil, which currently remains in the safe keeping of the church, near the hospital grounds. Bearers of the caul are said to be intuitive and sometimes psychic. Sam has often said, he could see things th...
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Ghost Ship: RMS Queen Mary

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Acknowledgements to the following for the images : lifestoriesandmemories.co.uk ; queenmarystory.com; zanzinger.photoshelter.com I have heard several stories about ghost ships, and oceanic hauntings. Just a few weeks ago, an unoccupied Japanese fishing vessel, the Ryou-un-Maru was sunken by the US navy. The vessel had been floating around the ocean after the Tsunami in Japan, and was only laid to rest on the 5th of April this year. How it remained a float so long, through storms and perilous ocean waves, it can not be said. Some think, it was a ghostly crew that kept the vessel a drift, from prying eyes. Similarly, another vessel as grand as the timeless Titanic, and just as haunted, remains afloat within the cradle of  Long Beach, California. The RMS Queen Mary, lies moored in the harbour of this exclusive suburb, unable to wander the oceans like her fellow spirited counterparts. Though the fine lady remains pristine, with her golden features and crystal chandel...
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Souls that linger

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Acknowledgements to everythingunderthemoon.net for image I have spoken to so many people about the supernatural. Some remain sceptical about faeries, sprites, demons and angels. However all have a similar consensus when it comes to the dead. They believe some linger or return. Sometimes to check on us or to keep us from harm  Have you ever had a dream about a friend or relative that has passed on? Have you ever felt a touch when you were alone, or a breeze when no windows were open? Everyone will answer 'yes' to one of these questions. Our parents say they are here to guide us and watch over us. So we tell others the same.For those of you who still remain sceptical here is a story that may dispel your disbelief's. My hairdresser Bryne, told me about an experience with a spectre, that she had as a teenager. One night, she went over to her friend Maree's home to watch movies. The two girls wer...
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Priests and Saviours

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Acknowledgements to education101intrototeaching.pbworks.com for the image In my short life time I have evolved from the views of an atheist teenager, a part believer in God and a sceptic in the supernatural. From the stories I've heard  while working with people, and being in close contact with the dying I've solidified certain beliefs. One is that humans are not alone,  and there are other beings out there. They may be spirits of the departed, angels, demons or the fey. Whatever they are they exist and our religious leaders are in close contact with them. I heard this story from a young woman living in Northern Ireland, lets call her Sally. Sally had been invited to dinner at the local pastors house when a distraught husband came in.His wife had been acting strange for the past few months. The man explained that during the same time every month , his wife was not herself. She spoke in a different voice and did terrible things. The man was afraid for the l...
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