but in an area located in the back
of the brain. Everything we perceive
to be “out there” is being experienced “in here.”
― Joseph P. Kauffman
Dark Figure in Woods
Yes, I rely on intuitions and feelings to help me explore the hidden history of houses.
I suppose I feel obligated to defend my methods mainly because others see house whispering as esoteric and occultic, akin to Feng Shui, Astrology or even Dowsing.
But what I'm doing is not mystical but practical―I'm trying to help people who are feeling uncomfortable in their own home.
Their dwelling should be a refuge and safe place where they can relax and be sheltered, and not feel oppressed or have the sensation of being watched.
That's why when I'm called in to help homeowners I look at the house and try to discern what is causing a negative impact on the lives of the occupants.
Admittedly, this kind of activity relies more on art than science and some might see it it as intuitively scrying the elementals of the land, or compass points and stars, but I think of it as simply being intuitive as writing a poem or painting a picture.
People want to know how they can make their home a sanctuary, or why it always feels uncomfortable to them, no matter how much they try to improve it.
Purchasing a home will be less of a gamble if you feel the architecture and setting resonate with your sense of comfort.
But what do you do if you've purchased a home with a history and discover it's not a good fit? That's where I come in and that's why my colleague, Gail Simpson, asked me to research her friend's house.
We're sitting in my favourite Italian eatery, ostensibly enjoying an intimate dinner, but she's confided to me that Poppy's house, 'creeps her out', and I've agreed by telling her, I've felt the same thing.
Now the problem is what to do about it.
Gail's eyes grow huge at my disclosure. "Did you see the same dark figure down by the ravine?"
I shake my head. "No, actually I saw a shadowy figure in the house―in the basement where Poppy said she felt uncomfortable."
"Oh great! The ghost is in the house itself," she moaned. "I was hoping it was just outside on the grounds."
"Probably the two sites are connected. It's something I'll have to look into."
Gail was really worried about her friend.
"Do we have to tell Poppy?" she asked, concerned.
"She probably already knows or suspects it, but there's no need to worry her before we figure out what exactly is going on."
"What do you suggest?"
"I think you, Greg and I should go out this Saturday and maybe Greg can distract Poppy while we scope out the two places the figure has appeared."
"I think that will work," she laughed. "They both seem easily distracted by each other."
I had to smile at Gail's remark knowing it applied equally to myself. It was hard to focus on anything else other than Gail's beauty, so I could empathize with how Greg felt when being with Poppy.
I also had to admit I felt somewhat helpless dealing with the supernatural. I wasn't a medium or parapsychologist per se, although I was sensitive.
I was an amateur in the true sense of the term―I was a lover of things dark and mysterious, especially old houses with a rich history.
So, not being an exorcist, the best I could hope for was that the dark figure was not malevolent, but how to deal with it, I wasn't totally certain.