Ashe couple studies the paranormal

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Ashe couple studies the paranormal
March 30, 2009
by Jesse Campbell
Jefferson Post

Brandon Blackburn knows that paranormal phenomenon is still a theory, yet to be proven by science, but it is the goal for him and his wife, Christal, to lead a paranormal investigative unit that can legitimately contribute to what he describes as a growing science.

Formed in 2002, Into the darK is a nonprofit investigative team that researches local paranormal activity in hopes of shedding some light on certain occurrences while hopefully offering some peace of mind to those directly affected by these types of events. It is also their goal to advance the field of parapsychology and other related fields.

Blackburn’s interest in the paranormal began as a child, thanks in part to his mother’s fascination to horror movies and novels. His intense research and interest of the unknown and paranormal followed him into his adult years and became a passion for him that could be enjoyed with his wife.

Together, the Blackburn’s have investigated between 80 and 100 cases involving paranormal activity since the group’s conception shortly after the turn of the millennium. Although Into the darK is comprised of only Blackburn and his wife, he said that he has received numerous inquiries from people interested in joining the unit but said most of the interested parties are only intrigued by the thrill of being scared and have nothing substantial to offer the organization.

“The idea of just wanting to be scared is aged old,” Blackburn said. “All they want is that feeling of being scared and that is no benefit to me. That is not an attribute that I can utilize for my investigation.”

Blackburn also said that Into the darK strives to protect the confidentiality of those who request his services. This means that the unit will not disclose the areas that they investigated or the findings from any particular investigation. By protecting the identities and findings of the investigation he feels that this will ensure that no animosity exists between him and those he helps.

Blackburn stated that part of the reason he formed the investigative team was to discern whether or not certain situations were paranormal or had some type of logical explanation behind it.

“There are indeed events that take place that would be called paranormal phenomenon despite the fact that many of these instances can be explained by a number of sciences,” Blackburn said. “But what I’ve also learned is that there are things that take place beyond science and a rational explanation.”

Blackburn also said that in most cases of alleged paranormal activity, a logical explanation has been the source of the misunderstanding. But this does not mean that those who witness these events are not deeply affected by what they see, Blackburn said.

“What I’ve also learned is that these individuals will suffer psychologically and it can have a profound negative impact on that individual,” Blackburn said. “They will begin to question the wrong senses, sensibility, and they will even question whether or not they are experiencing some type of psychological episode.”

He also said that these types of activity and sightings, whether it be a ‘haunting’ or some other type of paranormal activity can leave a severe negative impression on the children who inhabit the house.

“If there are strange or ‘scary’ situations happening in the child’s daily routine and the parent starts running out of explanations then what is that parent to tell that child to ease his or her mind?” Blackburn said.

Blackburn explained that he takes great satisfaction in getting to the bottom of alleged phenomenon which provides peace of mind to those who have witnessed the strange happenings in their home. He also said that he is not discouraged if the investigative duo is unable to discover any phenomenon as they are able to use what they have learned from past experiences in future cases.

Much of what comprises Blackburn’s research and investigations is what he calls ‘after-life research’. This type of research examines different environments for the presence of disembodied entities which may or may not exist. Blackburn stressed that the type of research he does is not meant to step on the toes of any religion as he considers himself a devout follower of the Christian faith. He said he hears a common argument from some communities that the paranormal and related activity should not be bothered and should be left alone. Blackburn also said he feels it his duty to help those who are experiencing some type of paranormal activity and does this at no cost.

Blackburn feels the skills he has learned in the work place and in college have thoroughly prepared him for his venture in investigating the paranormal. He has a lengthy history in mechanical and maintenance technology and has took classes pertaining to basic electronics and physics which helps when dealing with highly technical equipment associated with the investigations. Currently, Blackburn is an engineering technician at Gates Rubber Company in Jefferson and said much of what he was learned in the workplace can relate to his experiences in the field.

Christal, on the other hand, also brings a vital skill set to the team. She is an employee at the Ashe County Library and as Blackburn explained, is invaluable to the unit in terms of researching census reports, microfilms, war records, and other archival information as some of their investigations hinge on the history surrounding a certain environment.

In order to safe guard against possible paranormal hoaxes or those who may wish to deceive the team, Blackburn said the team does not publish a telephone number but they can be contacted through email. If the team thinks the inquiry or request is legitimate, a claim of activity form will be sent to that person to be filled out in a very detailed fashion. A claim of activity form is completed so the investigative unit can best examine all the factors and ascertains how to conduct a possible investigation.

For more information on this investigative unit, visit www.into-the-dark.com.