pre·ter·nat·u·ral (prE-t&r-'na-ch&-r&l) : adjective
1. existing outside of nature
2. exceeding what is natural or regular :
3. inexplicable by ordinary means; especially : PSYCHIC (preternatural phenomena)

re·search (ri-'s&rch) : noun
1. careful or diligent search
2. studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical application of such new or revised theories or laws
3. the collecting of information about a particular subject
so·ci·e·ty ( s&-'sI-&-tE) : noun
1. companionship or association with one's fellows : friendly or intimate intercourse : COMPANY
2. a voluntary association of individuals for common ends; especially : an organized group working together or periodically meeting because of common interests, beliefs, or profession
3. an enduring and cooperating social group whose members have developed organized patterns of relationships through interaction with one


The Preternatural Research Society (PRS) was formed on May 1, 2003 in order to study all aspects of paranormal events and research. The society was founded on the idea that paranormal phenomena must be studied and experimented upon carefully using a mixture of both scientific and metaphysical techniques in order to better understand its nature. In order to apply this idea, the PRS believes that a new way of approaching the study of paranormal phenomena must be developed, since there are misconceptions and inadequacies within the currently accepted methods and techniques of paranormal research. Therefore, it is imperative that all aspects of the paranormal investigative process itself must be studied in a controlled, scientific manner in order to devise proper ways of studying phenomena. In addition to this study of investigative processes, the PRS also aims to perform on-site investigations of areas expressing paranormal behaviors, research all types of paranormal and preternatural events, and develop new theories and methods in the field of preternatural research.







The initial goals of the PRS are as follows:

  1. To carry out extensive research on those anomalies considered "classical paranormal evidence," including but not limited to orbs, vortices, ectoplasm, and EVPs. The presence of these anomalies on film, video, and audio tape are traditionally used as an indicator of paranormal activity, but a decisive explanation of their nature has yet to be given; therefore citing them as evidence casts doubt on paranormal research. If proving the existence of paranormal phenomena depends upon these anomalies being truly paranormal in nature, then either their nature must be defined or else new types of paranormal indicators must be discovered.

  2. To hold investigations which are scientifically controlled, fully documented, and thorough in their research. These investigations may utilize metaphysical means, as long as these means are carried out in a well-documented manner and as scientifically controlled as possible.

  3. To discover new tools which can be used for preternatural investigation, as well as to fully understand the ones currently being employed in research.

  4. To produce evidence that can be presented in refereed journals in order to gain credibility for the field of paranormal research.

  5. To explore all aspects of paranormal research, from the traditional and scientific to the more esoteric.

  6. To share data and experiences freely with other groups and societies in order to foster community within the field.





The PRS will implement all forms of investigation, inquiry, and study when researching the paranormal. Some ways will involve highly scientific means while others will involve more esoteric and metaphysical methods such as psychic impressions, mediumship, et al. Regardless of the means used, the following will hold true for investigations, experiments and research:

  1. All data and experiences will be fully documented and recorded.

  2. All research will be conducted as scientifically and controlled as possible.

  3. Research and investigations will be carried out with an open mind; nothing will be accepted as absolute fact until it is proven, and negative results well be regarded as being as valuable as positive ones.

  4. All research will be conducted as strictly and uniformly as possible in order to produce unbiased, accurate information which can then be presented to the public through the internet, refereed journals and other available means.





"Magic, the paranormal, and the supernatural are intimately tied to issues of boundaries, distinctions, and foundations. The phenomena violate boundaries, blur distinctions, and overturn foundations. Conversely, when boundaries are violated, or distinctions are blurred, or foundations overturned, the supernatural erupts into the world. This is why the phenomena are so difficult to deal with within a rationalistic worldview."
George P. Hansen, The Trickster and the Paranormal

The PRS realizes that although it is vital to carry out investigations using strict scientific standards in order for the evidence to be considered valid and worthy of consideration by skeptics and refereed journals, the very nature of preternatural phenomena is something existing "outside of nature." Therefore this type of phenomena is inherently often at odds with traditional scientific attempts to understand it. Just as it is impossible to understand Quantum Mechanics using only Newtonian Physics, there will be times when correlations and theories will be reached using means not usually considered "scientific," such as:

  • Folklore and legend
  • Anecdotes
  • Coincidence
  • Synchronicity
  • Psychic impressions, etc.
This type of evidence will be used to try to view and interpret patterns and develop new theories in the field of preternatural research. Although it may not be seen as skeptics as definitive proof, it is necessary to research preternatural events on their terms as well as by current scientific means in order to form a complete picture. Demanding preternatural events to be validated only through currently employed scientific tools and modes of analysis precludes the possibility that unique methods may be needed in order to properly understand this type of phenomena, something that has occurred throughout history as new aspects of the universe were discovered.







The role of investigations within the PRS is three-fold:

  1. To gather evidence and data to be used to further test and develop theories and methods of paranormal research.

  2. To serve as a testing-ground for theories and investigative processes developed through prior research and experimentation.

  3. To aid individuals and families who are undergoing any type of paranormal phenomena. This includes but is not limited to educating them on the nature of their phenomena, explanations of its meanings and origin, and aiding in the cessation of certain types of activity deemed "negative" or dangerous.

Since the majority of investigations will be taking place at private residences, the third role listed above will always be considered of greatest importance. Investigations will be offered free of charge and under the protection of anonymity if so desired by the individuals or families. All investigations will receive our full attention and resources and will be carried out to their conclusion. In addition to scientific means of investigation, the PRS will also employ such "traditionally unscientific" methods as house cleansings, blessings, etc. when necessary in order to help people when needed.






The PRS will strive to be a forerunner in the field of paranormal research, validating and debunking old concepts while developing and researching new ones. Investigations will constitute a large part of the group's activities, and the PRS will try to be seen as a premier organization in terms of its professionalism, thoroughness and success while investigating on-site. The PRS will share its results freely with other groups and individuals in the hopes of fostering a united community between all researchers and societies and above all will strive to be an active, professional society that produces beneficial results for the field of preternatural research as a whole.









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