| There are "glossaries" and "lexicons" on almost every paranormal website. In many cases they agree, and in many cases they do not. Some may seem to be in conflict. Don't sweat it. Terminology changes so fast these days that no one can really keep up with it. When dealing with SJP, there a few basic terms that we use. Paranormal Any activity, event, or occurrence that does not have a scientifically proven cause within the limits of natural laws. Paranormal research studies the existence, patterns, and causes of these phenomena. There are four major branches of paranormal research; ethereology, cryptozoology, metaphysics , and ufology. Ethereology The study of non-physical natural phenomena such as ghosts, the afterlife, nature spirits, demons and angels, and natural events related to them. Due to the nature of the subject, many researchers include elements from metaphysics, theology, and psychology in their efforts. When the common public talks about "paranormal investigation," they almost always really mean ethereology. The term comes from the Greek word "ether," which described a spiritual layer of reality dividing the world from the heavens. The concept of different "planes of existance" had not yet developed, so all of these things were believed to exist side by side in our own reality. Click [HERE] for more on this subject. Cryptozoology The study of phenomena relating to animal life that is not believed to exist (Bigfoot, chupacabra, and Moth Man) or are thought to be extinct (Tasmanian tiger, Siberian god-bear, and previously the coelacanth and giant squid). This is a actually sub-field of cryptobiology, which includes all forms of animal and plant life. This field is better respected in the scientific community since it deals with well-understood biological standards, but also has a great drawback; when a creature is proven to exist, it no longer falls within the realm of cryptozoology. Metaphysics The study of human paranormal activity such as psychic phenomena, ESP, and various mind-based abilities that may affect the natural environment. Some branches also deal with cutting edge psychology and human behavior research that duplicates "psychic powers." There has been more official study in this field than any other, including long-term research programs run by five major universities, the US Army and Air Force, and the now-defunct Soviet KGB. It continues to be well supported because it can be easily tested in laboratory conditions. Ufology The study of extra-terrestrial life and technologies, and how they interact with life on Earth. Ufology deals only with Earth-based alien activity. Life on other worlds is studied by exobiology, astrobiology, and xenobiology. This is possibly the least respected of all four fields, since many researchers are unable to divide legitimate research from rampant conspiracy theory. These fields can overlap and often do. For example, Parapsychology is a composite field that combines elements of ethereology and metaphysics under critical clinical conditions, and is usually the field that is supported by university programs. As a matter of course, San Jac Parasciences does research into all four fields from time to time, but it's primary focus is on Ethereology. Onward! To the Ethereology Page Back to the Front Page |
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