Author Archives: trmcswain

About trmcswain

Tina R. McSwain is Founder & Director of The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society or CAPS. She also serves as Lead Investigator and Historian of the group, and has amassed over 15 years of experience in research and study of the paranormal. She is a native Charlottean, and has been interested in the paranormal since reading Nancy Roberts' North and South Carolina ghost books of the 1960's/1970's. Early TV shows such as Dark Shadows and Kolchak - The Night Stalker aided to further pique this interest. Since childhood, she has had a profound curiosity about ghosts, hauntings and paranormal events, and throughout her adult life, has continued to learn and gain knowledge in this world around her. Her catalyst for studying the paranormal was her first encounter in 1989 with a full blown apparition of a friend's grandmother. The lady's ghost walked toward Tina, smiled, waved, and then turned around and disappeared. After the initial shock, Tina realized this was a rare occurrence and one she wanted to repeat. Thus, she began to research her experience. Soon after, Tina found and worked with local metaphysical advisors and psychics, and read and studied many volumes on paranormal investigation techniques, equipment used, and the science and theory behind it. After several years of study, she desired to practice what she had learned. She sought out and joined a number of North and South Carolina Paranormal and Ghost Hunting groups over the years. While serving in varying capacities, she gained valuable experience and continued to learn and experiment with and utilize new technology. Wanting a more professional and scientific based research oriented group, Tina formed CAPS with a small group of like-minded colleagues. Since its formation in 2005, CAPS has assisted over 150 private home and business owners, historical sites, and government agencies in both the Carolinas and Tennessee who have had concerns of paranormal activity. When not helping a client, the CAPS team visits reportedly haunted locations, both famous and not-so-famous, in an effort to validate or dismiss these claims. In addition, CAPS serves as mentors to area high school students choosing ghost hunting as the subject of their North Carolina High School Project Graduation requirements. Tina also formed and handles the CAPS Cemetery Clean-up Committee. Believing that CAPS can make a difference in its community at large, Tina chose The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina as CAPS Official Charity. Tina and her CAPS team members volunteer their time throughout the year in support of the charity's efforts to end hunger. Tina also speaks to groups at various venues and events to educate the public on the vast world of the paranormal. She has appeared on national internet radio shows on the ParaX Network, as well as local radio and television programming, in various print media, and has served as paranormal consultant on a recent TV pilot production. Under Tina's direction and leadership, the Charlotte Area Paranormal Society continues to aid and support our clients; conduct research, investigate, study and gather evidence of, and document encounters with, the unknown.

Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

In honor of this Irish holiday, let’s talk about the most popular Celtic legends.  The most prominent are the will-o-the-wisp, the leprechaun, and the banshee.  The most terrifying by far is the banshee, a female entity whose wailing is a warning of something bad to come.  Customarily, the foretelling of a death.

The will o’ the wisp are mysterious lights that were said to lead travellers from the well-travelled paths into treacherous marshes or bogs where they met their deaths. They are thought to be malevolent spirits either of the dead or non-human intelligence. They have a mischievous and often malevolent nature, luring unwary travellers into dangerous situations, by enticing them with their light.

And, finally, the leprechaun who hoards and hides gold from man.  He is a type of faery in Irish folklore, and is usually seen as an old man, wearing a red or green coat, who enjoys partaking in mischief. Like other fae, leprechauns have been linked to the Tuatha De Danann (the people of the goddess Dana/Danu) of Irish mythology. Leprechauns spend their time making shoes, and store all their coins in a hidden pot o’ gold at the end of the rainbow. If ever captured by a human, the leprechaun has the magical power to grant three wishes in exchange for their release.

Therefore, may Irish eyes smile upon you, may you find your pot of gold, do not follow the will o’ the wisp, and beware the banshee!

 

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

A Different Kind of Convention

We are so used to the various science fiction, gaming and horror fantasy conventions out there.  This weekend in Charlotte, there is a different kind of convention.  A metaphysical convention called Shift Charlotte.

This convention will still have its vendors, its programming, and its interested clientele, but what you will find here are those folks who are Reiki healers, psychics and readers, tarot readers, and other practitioners in the metaphysical arts.

Why not check it out.

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Small Cons Are Conventions Too…

There are many conventions throughout the United States on any given weekend.  Some are very large and well known like DragonCon.  Others, not so much.

However, the small Cons offer the fan an intimate feel and still present the genres that fan-goers have come to expect.  The writers, the gamers, the fan groups, all are present, and may be a little easier to get to talk with. 

It is in this vein, we find StellarCon.  A small but feature packed Con this weekend in High Point, NC.  CAPS and I will be there and on the paranormal panels.

Come on out and see us!

 

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

On a sad note…

The Passing of Carolyn Massad

It is with great admiration and sadness that I announce the passing of Carolyn Massad. Carolyn was my friend and mentor. She taught me so much and helped to guide my journey of self discovery. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, and her colleagues in the Metaphysical community here in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Go with God, Carolyn, and rest in peace.

Tina R. McSwain, Founder & Director

The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society (CAPS)

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Are you tired of talking about it?  Want to experience what you have read or seen on TV?

CAPS offers the general public an opportunity to see what a paranormal investigation entails.  If you’re local, come join us for Dinner and a Ghost Hunt.

We’ll meet for dinner at 7PM at Bubba’s BBQ on Sunset. After dinner, we’ll be heading to our investigation destination. The investigation will be outside, so please dress appropriately. Long range weather forecasts are calling for rain, so I do hope that our investigation doesn’t get rained out. Bring your flashlight, camera, digital audio recorder, EMF meter, or any other ghost hunting equipment you may have. I look forward to seeing you there.

 

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

New Year’s Resolutions

Did you make any?  Have you kept them?  If not, here’s one to consider for 2012.  How about attending a Con if you have never done so. 

There is a good website called Southern Fandom which lists Cons all across the United States.  See what is coming up in you area.  You may even find that Gail Z. Martin, J. F. Lewis, and/or Crymsyn Hart just may be attending.  Come on out and meet them!

As for me, Tina R. McSwain, and CAPS – The Charlotte Area Paranormal Society, we’ll be appearing at StellarCon, ConCarolinas, and the grand daddy of them all, Dragon Con!!

Hope to see you around the Con!

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

Friday the 13th

Is it unlucky for you?  I have experienced no bad luck in the past on this date.  Conversely, I seem to have my issues on Thursday the 12th if I were to recall the timing of some of those instances.

The number 13 has long been considered “unlucky”.  Could this have come from the past in that Judas was the 13th disciple?  Perhaps, but couple this with an old belief that it is unwise to travel on Fridays, brings us the dreaded Friday the 13th.

So, be safe, be careful and don’t travel unless you have to. 

 

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

The Power to Heal

There have actually been studies performed that seem to point to evidence that prayer does indeed aid in the healing process.

I myself, am a firm believer in the power of prayer, love, light and healing energies ability to help heal a person.  Collectively, this power comes at an awesome strength, especially when focused on a common goal.

My Mom is in the hospital with a serious medical concern.  I believe it is possible to make a difference in her case with a concerted effort at sending healing power.  I would like to elicit your help in making a difference in my Mom’s life. Please keep her in your thoughts, place her on your congregation’s prayer list, and send positive healing energy and love and light her way.   Her name is Pat.

Much gratitude to you all.

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

The Holidays

This is the time of year for many religious celebrations.  From Yule, to Hanukkah, to Christmas to Kwanzaa.  People of various religions observe some of their most deeply rooted traditions at this time of year. 

It brings me to a point that I want to make relative to paranormal research.  You have to honor and respect, as well as, possess a basic understanding of the beliefs of you clients.  This is especially true when trying to help in remediation of a situation where an entity is present.  I depend on a client’s strong faith and belief system, no matter what that may be, when assisting them in regaining control of their home or business where an unwanted spirit is present.

In that vein, I would like to wish all a Joyous Yule and observance of the Winter Solstice, Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and an empowered Kwanzaa.

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Paranormally Speaking

By Tina R. McSwain

A Note to My Readers

The Paranormally Speaking section has been somewhat of a ghost itself as of late.  The reason, my Mother has been in the hospital and now in a nursing home.  This has been quite the learning experience for me.  Dealing with social workers, case managers, nurses, doctors, CNAs, dietitians, directors, physical therapists, transportation specialist.  I was not aware of how many separate people would be involved in my Mother’s care and rehabilitation.

I am happy to say, she is doing well, steadily improving, and I am back at writing this Blog for your information and enjoyment.

And, on that note, there is a Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse on Saturday.  Does this increase paranormal activity?  Many believe so.  It is usually reported by many sources that three days before, during, and up to three days after a Full Moon, paranormal activity and ghostly manifestations appear to be on the rise.

I plan to be in an old, creepy, and supposedly haunted location to find out.

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