Investigating Haunted Places with MJ Dickson VIDEO

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Investigating Haunted Places with MJ Dickson VIDEO 7

MJ Dickson tells Spooky Isles about her paranormal career, including appearing on shows such as Paranormal Captured and Paranormal Lockdown…

MJ Dickson has been investigating the paranormal for over 12 years, as a researcher, psychic medium, writer and television producer.

She’s worked on television shows such as Paranormal Captured, Most Terrifying Places, Paranormal Lockdown and other popular programmes.

MJ tells Spooky Isles about growing up in South Africa where her psychic mediumship was frowned upon, and coming to England where she could fully explored the mysteries of the paranormal.

She also reveals some of her most terrifying experiences filming ghosts, and why paranormal TV shows shouldn’t be afraid to be real.

Tell us your thoughts on this video in the comments section below!

Watch more Spooky Isles videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/spookyisles

Should You Use Spiritual Protection During Ghosthunting?

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Should You Use Spiritual Protection During Ghosthunting? 8

Spiritual protection is a term that sounds a little strange if you’re not already familiar with it. Those venturing into reportedly haunted locations sometimes feel that it’s needed. Guest writer BETH DARLINGTON explains what it’s about.

Spiritual protection

What is spiritual protection?

Spiritual protection is a ritual of varying length, where a person asks to be protected on a spiritual level against any possible negative entitles. 

The type of ritual largely depends on the person’s faith and beliefs of the afterlife and can be as simple as imagining white light surrounding them before they enter any location to burning sage, swirling it around their body and chanting for 10 minutes or so.

Some ghost investigation organisations do this for participants before they start a tour and some investigation groups may also do this as a team before going into a public location to investigate.

Why many feel it’s important

Many people who are interested in the paranormal feel it’s vital to do at least something like a spiritual protection before going into any reportedly haunted location. The belief is that there are not only innocent energies, but also those forces wishing harm to the living. 

How does that look? 

Negative energies can possibly make people feel sick or very emotional, all the way to psychical interactions like scratches or bruises and also the possibility of being pushed or dragged.

Of course, many people wouldn’t want to experience any of these, least of all by an unknown force.

They also don’t want the possibly of a negative energy following them home after being in a reportedly haunted location.

There have been many stories of people who’ve claimed to have had horrible disturbances after attending a ghost tour or paranormal investigation where people have seen an apparition to nightmares and even poltergeist activity.

So…. who do I do spiritual protection?

The above certainly leans towards a case for people to consider doing a spiritual protection ritual. If you are interested in doing such a thing, you may wonder where would you start. 

Intention is the key. Start with something simple if you wish but the main thing is feeling empowered and in control and not in fear of what might happen. 

This could be anything from carrying a lucky charm to maybe even a prayer of some sort. Research online and see what “fits” with you. Does burning sage calm you or do you feel better envisaging yourself in a purple bubble.  

Or, you can be like me and don’t protect yourself spiritually at all. Yes. That’s correct. I actually don’t feel the need to personally.

Revelation – I don’t use spiritual protection!

Much isn’t known of a possible afterlife and there could be many different reasons to explain why people may experience something quite negative. 

For me, it would be counter intuitive to spiritually protect myself because I’m often in the role of investigating possible paranormal phenomena. So, if there could be phenomena present (good or bad) then I want to experience it and find answers. I know, right? But it to me would defeat the purpose of working out what’s really going on and if anything, learning from it.

So – should you spiritually protect yourself? Only if you feel the need to. And if you do, respect those who don’t. Its very much down to personal choice and intent.

Paranormal investigator BETH DARLINGTON, from Access Paranormal, recently relocated to London from Sydney. You can find out more on Beth at https://www.accessparanormal.com

Peter Fuller Discusses Witchfinder General VIDEO

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Peter Fuller Discusses Witchfinder General VIDEO 13

Peter Fuller tells Spooky Isles about his passion for Vincent Price’s 1968 thriller Wichfinder General

Witchfinder General

Before you delve into the haunting world of Witchfinder General, the 1968 British horror classic, take a moment to explore its fascinating backstory. In a comprehensive video interview with Spooky Isles, Peter Fuller, a Vincent Price expert from Vincent Price Legacy UK, shares invaluable insights into the making of this iconic film.

Summary of Video

The film, directed by Michael Reeves, was originally adapted from a novel by Ronald Bassett. The story fictionalises the life of Matthew Hopkins, a self-appointed witchfinder responsible for the deaths of 300 people during the English Civil War.

Tony Tenser, the head of Tigon British Film Productions, saw the potential in the novel and gave Reeves carte blanche to adapt it into a “revenge western thriller.”

Vincent Price’s portrayal of Matthew Hopkins is one of his most villainous roles.

Initially, Price and Reeves had creative differences, but Price later acknowledged the director’s vision, which allowed him to bring depth to his character.

Ian Ogilvy, a childhood friend of Reeves, plays the role of Richard Marshall, a roundhead soldier seeking revenge against Hopkins. The cast also included Nikki Henson, who shared fond memories of working with Price.

The film’s locations are characters in themselves. Shot in the East Anglian countryside, the film captures the essence of the places where the real-life Hopkins operated.

Locations like the medieval village of Lavenham, Kersey, and Castle Acre provide a gothic and imposing backdrop that adds to the film’s atmosphere.

Released amidst the political turmoil of 1968, including student riots and anti-Vietnam War demonstrations, the film resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Its legacy has been further cemented by film scholars who see it as a reflection of its tumultuous times.

In the US, the film was released as The Conqueror Worm to fit into AIP’s Edgar Allan Poe cycle, despite having no connection to Poe’s work. This version included a narration by Price, adding another layer to its complex history.

Peter Fuller’s insights offer a rich understanding of why Witchfinder General remains a well-loved classic today.

Whether you’re a first-time viewer or revisiting this masterpiece, Fuller’s stories from the cast and crew add a new dimension to the experience.

For a deeper dive into the making of Witchfinder General, watch the full video interview

Watch Witchfinder General Interview with Peter Fuller

Thames Torso Murders, The Unsolved Victorian Crimes VIDEO

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Thames Torso Murders, The Unsolved Victorian Crimes VIDEO 15

True crime author and London tour guide TREVOR BOND tells Spooky Isles about the 1880s Thames Torso Murders and how they are still unsolved to this day…

Today it is estimated that, on average, one dead body per week is fished from the river Thames.

Between May 1887 and September 1889, however, a particular series of discoveries could not fail to attract special attention.

From Battersea in the west as far east as Essex, no less than six complete or partial torsos, six complete or partial legs, five complete or partial arms, a liver, a pair of buttocks, and a pelvis were brought to shore.

What were the Thames Torso Murders?

That two of these discoveries – in Westminster and Whitechapel – took place on dry land has not deterred history from immortalising them, collectively, as ‘the Thames Torso Murders’.

Thames Torso Murders
The River Thames in London, in the 1890s, shortly after the Thames Torso Murders shocked the capital

In truth, these incidences followed in a grand Victorian tradition.

The preceding three decades had produced bones and flesh in a bag near Waterloo Bridge, the left side of a torso in Battersea (soon followed by the corresponding half and an arm nearby, the pelvis around ten miles downstream, and a scalp in between).

There was another torso and leg the following year, and the majority of the body of Julia Thomas – the only victim in this earlier unfortunate list to be identified – discovered after being thrown from Richmond Bridge, with a missing foot discovered in a dung heap soon after.

Of course, it didn’t stop there either.

Find out more in 10 brutal murders that shocked London.

Graham Humphreys talks Horror Film Posters

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Graham Humphreys talks Horror Film Posters 18

Graham Humphreys, one of the UK’s leading horror film poster illustrators, talks to Spooky Isles about his career and some of the stories behind his famous works

Graham Humphreys
Graham Humphreys

If you’re a fan of horror cinema, you’ve likely come across the iconic work of Graham Humphreys, even if you didn’t know the name behind the art. Known for his vivid and often visceral illustrations, Humphreys has been a cornerstone in the world of horror film posters for decades.

Graham Humphreys is a British illustrator and designer who has carved out a niche for himself in the horror genre. His work graces the covers of horror films, record albums, and even books. He’s the go-to person for anything related to horror, be it slashers, supernatural thrillers or classic monster movies.

Humphreys started his freelance career in the early 1980s, a time he describes as “change was in the air”. Initially aiming to work in the film and music industries, he found his calling with independent film distribution companies like Palace Pictures. His first significant project was the UK poster for The Evil Dead, a film that has since become a cult classic.

Humphreys cites a range of influences, from classic film posters of the ’60s and ’70s to artists like Drew Struzan and Tom Chantrell. He also mentions the impact of punk rock culture and the burgeoning gothic scene of the ’80s on his work.

Humphreys discusses the challenges of creating art that resonates with audiences, especially when dealing with classics. He mentions that while it’s hard to pick favourites among his works, he particularly enjoys private commissions that allow him to bring his own interpretation to a film.

Beyond film posters, Humphreys has also been involved in various projects celebrating classic horror. He talks about “Hammer at the Vault”, an event celebrating Hammer films, where he created promotional material. The event was held in the vaults underneath Waterloo Station, adding an extra layer of spookiness to the proceedings.

Humphreys’ work has not only stood the test of time but has also influenced a new generation of artists. His art is a celebration of the horror genre, capturing its essence in a way that few can.

Graham Humphreys is more than just an illustrator; he’s a storyteller, capturing the essence of horror and suspense in each stroke of his brush. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his work, the interview provides a fascinating look into the mind of a man who has made an indelible mark on the world of horror.

So, before you dive into the video, remember: the next time you see a horror film poster that stops you in your tracks, there’s a good chance Graham Humphreys might be the man behind it.

You can watch the full interview below!

Watch Graham Humphreys Horror Film Posters Video

Spooky Isles is the UK and Ireland’s leading independent horror and paranormal online magazine. We're dedicated to exploring all the dark history, horror, folklore and mysterious phenomena our islands have to offer.

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