Randell Van Alst .::Spirit Investigator & Author::.
E-Mail Interview
Personal:
Q. Your Full name & age?
A. Randell S. Van Alst, Age 38.
Q. Where were you born - grow up?
A. The small community of McCutchenville, Ohio, about 75 miles south of Toledo.
Q. What are your likes/dislikes? Hobbies?
A. Likes: I think history, has quite a hold on me. Not only does it help in the ways of ghost hunting, knowing about our past, the good and the bad, but being a student of history, (historian) helps me understand the customs and circumstances of which each era entails. (The Wild West is my favorite era.) There are a lot of "Wild West's" ghosts out there haunting the Spirit World. All kinds of music. Especially 80's Heavy Metal. I am a musician and have played guitar professionally for the last 30 years.
Q. Do you believe to have any paranormal abilities & if yes which ones?
A. The "paranormal" or, unexplained abilities of which you speak, we all possess. As far as mine, I thank the Lord everyday. I have "in Spirit," seen ghosts from a child, till present day. "Spirit communication" is also an important factor in my field.
Q. How did your interest in the paranormal begin & why?
A. As a child, I did not understand what was happening to me. I communicated with the spirits all the time, as if talking to a person of the flesh. It wasn't until my early twenties, that my interest in ghosts and hauntings were taken more seriously. I started to study the Bible, and I learned why ghosts are around. My first "real" understanding of ghosts happened in Tombstone, Arizona, at the Bird Cage Theater. During a visit, of which I stayed for many hours, I was transported back, a "place memory," when the Bird Cage was booming. I could hear, see, and even smell as it was back in the 1800's. I saw everything from phantoms, olfactory spectral manifestations, finding myself surrounded by a drunken crowd; despite the fact the rooms remained empty. I stood there in awe! I could not believe what I was seeing! I even saw poltergeist activity, with things being moved about in front of me, like chairs toppling over, and small items being moved! It all started from there. I liked it so much, I returned to Tombstone, for my honeymoon! I've been back several times since.
Q. Where has your belief's within the paranormal taken you?
A. First, it's gotten me a lot closer to God. He has shown me a lot. In the research of ghosts, one's spirit is the true source in understanding their existence. As far as traveling is concerned, all over the country.
Haunted Grounds:
Comment: Too many to count. My favorites are: The St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, The Bird Cage Theater in Tombstone, as well as the town of Lincoln, New Mexico.
Q. What could you tell us about the place you grew up in?
A. My birthplace was on the site of a Mohawk Indian cemetery, thus, "sacred ground." Two pioneers took over the site, building a cabin, over the cemetery. The Mohawk Indians retaliated by massacring the pioneers in the cabin. Their blood was soaked into the wood supports. I was born, along with my twin sister, on that spot. I remember as a child, seeing the spirits of the haunted site, the two pioneers, as well as the Indians that were buried, on a daily basis. Several ghosts haunt the house, even today.
Q. What were the paranormal experiences you encountered there?
A. Ghosts of the pioneers, as well as several Indians. I encountered countless paranormal experiences, everyday. As a child, I remember having no fear in these paranormal happenings.
Q. How did you research the grounds to find out what happened there?
A. At first, my family told me about it. Documents where found in the attic and basement of the house, from past years. My research took me throughout northern Ohio, as well as to newspaper articles throughout the area's history. The house was so old that it was constructed with wood pegs. Document records showed the use as farmland, but the cemetery wasn't mentioned. I do not know how long the burial grounds have been there.
Q. How did you come to know the spirits whom dwelt there?
A. As friends. I lived, to say the least, in a "troubled" home. They protected me, and gave me companionship throughout my stay.
Q. What did you find amongst the Indian Graves?
A. Indian relics, grave markers, (well-placed rocks), as well as Indian jewelry, but mostly, arrowheads.
Q. Have you ever returned to the place where you grew up?
A. No. I've been meaning to return because I fell the place is especially active. Even my twin sister, who lives nearby, has invited me, I just haven't had the means to go.
Religion/Beliefs:
Q. What are your belief's?
A. I believe in the Father, the Master, and the Holy Spirit, in "spirit." I do not believe in religion. I personally believe that "religion" is "man" serving God "man's" way, not God's way.
Q. How do your beliefs incorporate within the paranormal?
A. I believe that if you want to research the spirit, you need to go to the source. My investigations are "spiritually" based, not "scientifically" based.
Q. What have you found out relating to the two? ( Both Religion & Paranormal ).
A. That "religion" simply has nothing to do with the "paranormal."
Q. Have you encountered any negativity because of this?
A. Yes, a lot. Because there is good and evil in both flesh and spirit, I have received negative experiences on both levels.
Q. What positive aspects have you encountered because of this?
A. The most positive, " I am doing what God wants me to do."
Q. Please explain to us the quote: "That to see the spirit, you must think in spirit, from the spirit out." & it's meaning.
A. Everything comes from within. Since my investigations are "spiritually" based, the foundation of spirit, not that of science, directs every investigation. Science helps in the documentation of a haunting only. That's what it's meant to do.
Q. What would you tell someone whom wishes to follow in your footsteps? ( Go the way of the Spirit ).
A. Always put God first. He is the foundation of your research. Only through his wisdom, can you be protected, and learn the truth about the "Spirit World." Research all you can, investigate, and learn from other's in the paranormal field. Never stop learning. Put simply, there are no "experts" in the field of the paranormal. Take full acknowledgment of your situations. In the unexplained, there are many untold dangers. Use the V.S.I. procedures: Permission, Respect, and Safety.
Q. What all in the paranormal do you believe in? ( For example, Bigfoot, UFOs, etc. ) & why?
A. I believe there are many things out there we cannot explain. Some man-made, as well as, some by God. Ghosts and hauntings are the only things I have researched. Near death experiences, hauntings, as well as spirit-related investigations into the afterlife are what catch my interest.
Lessons/Encounters:
Q. What paranormal occurrences did you encounter when you left home?
A. I have experienced countless "unexplained" events, and continue to do so today, and everyday.
Q. What did you learn from these experiences?
A. That the mercy of our Creator is amazing, beyond any explanation. Also, the "true" sacrifice the Son of Man gave to us.
Q. What could you tell us about your thoughts on how the 'paranormal world' and the 'normal world' intertwine?
A. Spirits, or "Ghosts," far outnumber those in the flesh. Ghosts have been reported in every country, on every continent throughout the world, since the resurrection of Christ.
Q. How can a person learn to deal with both worlds?
A. "Dealing" with life is something we all have to do. The spirit is a lot easier to deal with. In the flesh, there are many answers to a single question. In spirit, there's only one. The more "advanced" mankind gets, the more confusing the answers become.
Investigations:
Q. What made you decide to begin Van Alst Spirit Investigations? ( V.S.I. )
A. The most common misconception about ghosts in society is the "fear" of ghosts, as well as the misunderstanding of their existence. V.S.I.'s research is there to help in the exploration and documentation into the unexplained realm of hauntings and ghosts.
Q. Where are you based?
A. Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Q. How do you conduct each investigation?
A. I conduct investigations using the three basics: Permission, Respect, and Safety. These are practiced on both levels, of the Spirit and of the flesh. We always begin in prayer. We document everything!
Q. How do you do research?
A. Though my investigations are "spiritually" based, being skeptical about an investigation is always a good way to research. I have found many investigations as nothing more than "active imaginations." There are many techniques I use, on both levels, and can be reviewed on the V.S.I. website under "ghost hunting," and more indebt in my new book. Many occurrences believed to be that of the "paranormal" can be clarified. The "unexplained" is what is of interest to V.S.I.
Q. Whom are the members of your team and what do each of their jobs consist of?
A.
Randell Van Alst: Author and Founder of V.S.I.: Spirit Investigator, Photographer, video footage, spirit communication, EVP, all phases of research and documentation, as well as leading all paranormal investigations of the V.S.I. team.
Frank Chacon: Photographer, as well as researcher. Frank also helps in the documentation of investigations, setting up equipment, Video, Audio, EVP, etc..
Christopher Trujillo: Official recorder, video coverage, as well as building architect: Many buildings we enter are unstable due to deterioration. Chris's experience in helps us understand hidden physical dangers during the "walk through" of the property.
Nettie Van Alst: Helps with reports, as well as document research.
Jeanette Hodkinson: Honorary member, as well as web designer.
Elizabeth Vaquera-Trujillo: Updates website.
V.S.I. is always recruiting members throughout the country, and the world to continue its investigation of ghosts and hauntings.
Q. What have you learned through your investigations?
A. A lot. Investigating sites that have immense history in dealing with the trails and tribulations throughout different generations, such as family, heartbreak, sadness, despair, as well as death, imprinting itself in spirit on the site. These experiences have taught me that people build their 'kingdoms" on earth, not in heaven. They sacrifice their entire lives for their kingdom on earth.
Q. Could you give us some examples of investigations you have done?
A. With over 180 on site investigations concluded, the era of the "Wild West" has always been my favorite. Traveling to the old mining towns throughout the Southwest is always an "experience" of the spirit, as well as the era's history. Some of my preferred locations are, Cimarron, Dawson, Lincoln, White Oaks and Elizabethtown, (all in New Mexico). But I am always ready to return to Tombstone, Arizona.
Q. In what way(s) do you contact or speak to the spirits of a location?
A. They seem to "contact" me. Spirits know, that I know they are there, and are eager to approach me. I do not practice any rituals or seances, nor do I use any "spirit" boards, especially not the Ouija board. I've noticed that "child" ghosts are especially enthusiastic to make contact with me. Adult spirits approach me with their intentions. Some are good, and some are bad.
Q. Have you ever encountered anything else besides a spirit? If yes, please explain.
A. Yes. History. Every property has a sense of "history."
Q. Have you ever been asked to rid a place of a spirit(s) & what was the result of this if yes?
A. Yes. Many times. Unfortunately, you cannot "rid" a property of a spirit, unless the ghost "itself" is ready to move on. There are many reasons why ghosts stay. Sometimes, asking the spirit to leave is all it takes. True forgiveness is also an important tool. Sometimes, "spirit war," or "confronting" a ghost is needed. All investigations into this have been successful.
Q. How can someone contact you & your group for help or advice?
A. They can go to the V.S.I. Website at www.vanalstspiritinvestigations.com and go to "haunted help" page. You can contact the founder, as well as all members personally through the website. All help and advice is given free of charge, and is given, "personal" attention by the founder.
Author/Books:
Q. What inspired you to write about the paranormal?
A. First, God. Ghosts and Hauntings have remained unexplained since the resurrection of Christ. Of all the questions we ask in this world, the subject of "life after death" is always at the top of the list. Is death in fact, "the gateway to the afterlife?" Death is a subject usually avoided, often feared, but is inevitably faced by all of us. To some, death is merely the doorway to the traditional concept to heaven or hell. To others, it's the bridge to reincarnation, or a graduation to a higher place, and still others feel death as the end. The scientific termination of existence. If you haven't given thought to your own death, it is approaching, and is deserving of your consideration. Not in morbid preoccupation, but in curiosity and awe, the natural phenomena, as full of mystic now, as when time began. Ghosts and Hauntings help us to understand what science cannot.
Q. What does your book "Ghosts in Reality: the Unexplained truth about Hauntings in our World today", consist of?
A. This book "is" the title. This book gets to the "true" basis of a ghost's existence. It explains "in Spirit, about the Spirit. The book is simple and direct, and answers questions about the unexplained realm of the haunted. This book gives advice explaining everything from "ghosts in general," to what to do if you live in a "haunted" dwelling. Direct subjects covered are: Understanding death / Haunting of the human spirit / Ghosts in the Bible / Science VS. Spirit / Hauntings of the future / Ghost Photos / 50 Most Haunted Sites / Ghost Hunting, and much more.
Q. Where is your book available for purchase?
A. www.publishamerica.com / amazon.com / B&N.com / Borders.com / Chapters.com, as well as, 50,000 corresponding bricks and mortar stores. You should be able to order the book through any bookstore, if not already in stock.
Q. What other books have you written?
A. "Spirit World" : Since the first man walked the earth, more than 100 billion people have been born. Today, have a worldly population of around 7 billion people living today. No less than 2 million die every year in U.S.A alone. In America, that's 5,5OO burials are witnessed daily. You do the math. Mass graves, unknown, unnamed and forgotten, leave spirits in search of closure. These lost spirits continue to remain in a different dimension, seeking peace. Society talks about it, Religion preaches it, And Hollywood fantasizes about it. It's the #1 question on our minds as humans. Is there life after death? When we die, is that all? Or do we enter into the "Spirit World"? Some of us have FAITH, Some do not BELIEVE. Most of us have FEAR. Ghosts, Poltergeists, and Hauntings are real. It's natural to fear, when you don't understand. This book gives a more personal, indebt look at our Spirit, from within, as well as what happens when we pass on in life, coinciding with the Holy Bible, after death. Subjects covered are: The "human" ghost / Spirit Photos: What we don't see / Spirit Time: the time of a ghost / Ghosts of Evil / The Holy Spirit / Traveling in Spirit, and much more.
"The Death Report": I've often said, "Those of the Spirit World, far outnumber us of the flesh. To understand the subject of ghosts, or that of the "Spirit World," as well as why ghosts "haunt" the flesh, one must know the world's history, and how mankind "dealt" with the dead. Many questions have to be asked about the history of humankind, like:
-Famine and disease, also keeping in mind many of the fatal accidents that have happened.
-How many people died in wars throughout history?
-How many people died from disease?
-What are some of the other circumstances humans died for?
-How does mankind "truly" handle the dead?
-Wars, disease, crimes, terrorism, and natural disasters, are just a few of the world's "causes" of death. How can "one" know ghosts, if "one" has no concept of the Spirit World? Though no one truly knows how many people have died throughout the world's history, (Except the Creator, and the Son of Man). "The Death Report" gives estimated numbers of the dead. A historical "body count" if you will. The wars we fought, not to mention, some of the massacres mankind has committed, as well as the massive human suffering, doesn't surprise me one bit, why our world remains so haunted. Subjects covered: Cemeteries: Residence of the Dead / the history of Death / The American Holocaust / Death on our highways / Natural Disasters / what are the Odds of dying? / The 20 worst things people have done to each other, and much more.
"The St. James Hotel: Historically Haunted": This book is about one of the most haunted sites on American soil. Subjects covered: Cimarron: The cowboy capital on northern New Mexico / hotel of the famous / history of the haunted / St. James most famous ghost, and much more.
"New Mexico Hauntings" This book will be a "must-have" for anyone investigating ghosts and hauntings in the state of New Mexico. From the ghost-filled Dawson cemetery, to the Santa Fe New Mexico State Penitentiary, the paranormal experiences throughout the state of New Mexico are experienced on a daily basis. Because of the state's past, it remains one of the most haunted states in the country.
Q. Are there more books to be written in the future?
A. Yes, many. I have a lot of subjects. Like I stated before, "You never stop learning."
Closing:
What would be your opinion to the following:
1. What is a ghost?
A. A spirit of "one" who has departed from the flesh, but for untold reasons, chooses to stay among the flesh.
2. What to do if your house is haunted?
A. It depends on the "reasoning" behind a ghost's existence. I have never walked into a house that hasn't had some sort of spiritual activity within it's walls. One thing is for sure. Ghosts are not meant to "interfere" with the living, and vise-versa.
3. Why do ghost appear in different ways?
A. There are many reasons to this. I believe the spirit has the choice in reference to it's own appearance. "Spirit Time" is also a major factor in a ghost's existence.
4. How to rid yourself of a ghost.
A. There are different ways to rid one of ghosts. Possession of a ghost in your house is much different from possession of one's body, isn't it?
5. Do ghost's have emotions?
A. Absolutely! Just like the flesh. Incidentally, emotions are part of one's spirit.
6. How to get someone to believe you have seen a ghost.
A. As in all spirit-related occurrences, it is one-on-one. Convincing others is not a factor. If you look for ghosts, you will find them.
7. Can animals become ghosts?
A. Yes. I have seen them. Animals are sensitive to the spirit. They remain "uncontaminated" to the ways of the world. The loyalty animals have for their masters is unconditional, thus following them into the afterlife.
8. Why do ghosts haunt an area, person or place?
A. Because they choose to. There are a number of reasons to this, all of which are "world related."
9. What are the differences of good and evil? ( An evil spirit, entity - A good spirit, entity ).
A. A benevolent, or good spirit chooses to stay for reasons that do not "disrupt" the flesh. A malevolent spirit, or "evil ghost," haunts for different reasons.
10. What is your opinion(s) about other entities, for example demons?
A. It's funny you should mention "demons." I am reminded of an experience in reference to demons. One night, a bunch of friends got together to experiment with the Ouija board. Seeing the game as an "innocent" toy, they continued to summon spirits from beyond. At first, they were curious, then skeptical, and then, all of a sudden, everything went crazy! Unexplained lights filled the room, and a ghostly voice cried out! This activity went on for simultaneously for 4 days!!! When I received the call, I asked the kid what were you doing messing with the Ouija board? He protested, "I have nothing to do with evil spirits; I communicated only with the "good" ones! I asked, "How do you tell the difference between good spirits and evil ones?" His parent, (who happened to be a preacher), got on the phone. He stated that there was immense spiritual activity in the house, and that his son saw the spirit "clothed in white light" so the spirit has to be "good." I reminded him of 2 Corinthians 11:13-14, "For such are false prophets, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself in transformed into an angel of light." Yes, "light" as a matter of fact! Satan, as well as his demons, are masters of deceiving! I have had several experiences in reference to good and evil entities.
11. How should a paranormaly gifted child be taught?
A. We are all "paranormally" gifted. We simply choose "not" to open our "spirit eyes," to see. In the teaching of a child, God shows us what to do in reference to upbringing, as well as, in reference to that of the spirit world. What "paranormally" gifted is to man is "unexplained." I believe God sees it as "normal." There are many examples of this in life. Miracles, ghosts, healings, unexplained coincidences to name a few. All of which remain "unexplained" to mankind.
Any comment's for our viewers?
A. To find and understand ghosts, open your eyes and your spirit. They are all around us. It's not a matter of "proving" the existence of ghosts." That has already been done. The proof lies "within," as with all things of the "spirit." Listen to the words of God "his way." It's all there. Always remember, a "ghost" is not a "human" spirit, but a "spirit," that is human.
Thank you Mr. Van Alst for this interview, and we wish you much success with your Life, Investigations & Books!
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