Elementals

Great question but I don't know the answer, sorry.

I think that's precisely the problem! I would imagine there's plenty of occult literature on the matter, but if you're talking about some sort of scientific mode of detection then it seems very difficult.

I don't mean scientific as such (that's wishing for too much!). What I mean is, do I simply have to rely on someone's word that there is an elemental in the room with me or could I see or feel anything myself? How would they differ from a ghost, say?

I'd supposed you'd have to rely on psychic impressions. Certainly, places such as Woodchester Mansion have a tremendous feeling of nature about them which would be intepreted by some as a form of elemental spirit.

Most groups claiming to have detected an elemental seem to have only a cursory and very new-age knowledge of this subject, hence their interpretation of anything and everything as an elemental!

Did any claim of an elemental at Woodchester precede Derek Acorah's pronouncements on the subject on 'Most Haunted'?

Since I am not psychic, it sounds as though I have to believe some bloke who tells me after all...

As I understand it, whatever is said to reside in Woodchester was reported before Delboy and company turned up.

The fact that talk of elementals comes from esoteric/occult sources means unfortunately that it's going to be prone to crap groups hijacking the whole thing.

Yes but is there any source prior to MH that quotes elementals there? I've heard people mention elementals at Woodchester but they always mention MH as their source.

My understanding is that there was talk of an elemental at Woodchester pre-MH, but I admit I'd struggle to find any evidence to back that up.

There's certainly something weird at Woodchester, but it's been hijacked by years of supposition, rumours and bad psychics. Quite possibly, MH's visit was the point where the elemental rumours were crystalised in many people's minds.

I've got a horrible feeling that this whole 'Woodchester elemental' idea started with Derek Acorah and that all subsequent repots by others were probably inspired by psychological suggestion.

Further, there were virtually no reports of paranormal activity at Woodchester until the 'Angel' hoax. Virtually ALL the reported phenomena there have come from vigils, where many of the participants expected activity. I'm not convinved that Woodchester is even haunted.

One reason I chose Woodchester as an example is precisely because a lot of crap has been created around it by groups.

There are reports of paranormal activity from the grounds and the house predating the Angel hoax, but you're right in saying that a lot of it boils down to expectation and the flawed initial investigation by the Ghost Club. Not least of which is the myth that has built up around the "elemental".