Episode 616: Spooky Games That Will Ruin Your Actual Life Vol.3 With Special Guest Bridget Marquardt from 'Ghost Bunny'
In this episode of Morbid, Bridget Marquardt from Ghost Bunny shares paranormal experiences at locations like the Playboy Mansion, Lizzie Borden house, and Myrtles Plantation. The hosts and Marquardt delve into the occult origins and potential dangers of childhood games like "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board," "The Devil Face," and "Lookie Lookie."
They examine the haunting histories of venues and provide cautionary tales about the improper use of Ouija boards. The episode underscores the importance of properly closing paranormal activities to avoid unintended consequences, offering insights into the seriousness of these pursuits beyond just entertainment.
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1-Page Summary
Paranormal experiences and haunted locations
Bridget Marquardt's experiences at the Playboy Mansion
- Bridget saw the full-body apparition of a former employee named Joni.
- The Playboy Mansion has a history of hauntings, with the ghost of Mrs. Letts being most famous.
Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart at the Lizzie Borden house
- They encountered phenomena like a ghost cat, child spirits, and unexplained light dimming.
- Activity seemed to intensify later at night, closer to 3 a.m.
Bridget's paranormal investigation at the Myrtles Plantation
- Initially no activity, but later they heard unexplained sounds of children, movement, and their equipment malfunctioned.
- Activity continued until around 4 a.m. when the atmosphere felt lighter.
Spooky games and rituals
The Devil Face game
According to Alaina Urquhart:
- Involves lighting candles, chanting at midnight to potentially summon the devil's face in a mirror.
- Considered extremely high-risk with grave consequences if not done properly.
The "Lookie Lookie" game
- Requires drawing eyes on windows, then chanting at midnight in a windowless room.
- An entity pursues the player until sunrise, who must evade to gain future sight.
Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board
As Ash Kelley found:
- Originated as an occult ritual in the 1600s, not just a children's game.
- Historic chant referenced a "dead body" and involved levitation linked to witchcraft.
Closing out paranormal activities
Bridget's negative Ouija board experience as a child
- After using a Ouija board, her cousin had disturbing marks and mental distress.
- Bridget heard unexplained sounds at home afterward.
Venues banning Ouija boards due to past issues
- The Lizzie Borden house and SK Pierce mansion ban Ouija to prevent opened portals.
Importance of proper closure
According to Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley:
- Lack of proper closure, like ending Ouija sessions, risks negative consequences.
- They perform rituals to prevent spirits from following after investigations.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The experiences of Bridget Marquardt and others at haunted locations are anecdotal and lack empirical evidence, which is necessary for widespread scientific acceptance.
- The perception of paranormal activity intensifying at night could be influenced by psychological factors, such as fear and the power of suggestion, rather than an actual increase in supernatural occurrences.
- Equipment malfunctioning during paranormal investigations can often be explained by technical issues or user error, rather than paranormal causes.
- The games and rituals described, such as the Devil Face game and the "Lookie Lookie" game, lack credible evidence to support their supposed supernatural consequences and may be perpetuated by cultural myths or the placebo effect.
- The origins of the game Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board as an occult ritual are difficult to verify historically and may be embellished over time.
- Negative experiences with Ouija boards can be attributed to psychological effects, such as the ideomotor response, rather than actual spirit communication.
- Bans on Ouija boards at certain venues could be more related to the management's preferences or liability concerns rather than the boards' inherent ability to open portals.
- The importance of proper closure in paranormal activities, while a common belief among enthusiasts, lacks scientific backing and may be more related to psychological comfort than actual impact on the environment or individuals.
- Rituals performed to prevent spirits from following after investigations have no proven effectiveness and rely on belief systems that are not universally accepted or scientifically validated.
Actionables
- You can create a personalized "spiritual safety kit" for peace of mind when exploring haunted locations, including items like protective amulets, salt, and a recording of a closing ritual you feel comfortable with.
- Having a kit on hand can serve as a psychological comfort and a means to perform any personal rituals you believe in for protection. For example, you might include a small pouch of salt, believed by some to ward off spirits, or a favorite piece of jewelry that makes you feel safe. Record a simple spoken-word ritual on your phone that you can play to signify the end of any paranormal exploration, much like saying goodbye on a Ouija board.
- You can experiment with documenting your own home's environment at different times, especially during the early morning hours, to see if you can detect any unusual phenomena.
- Use a simple setup with a camera or audio recorder to capture any potential activity. Note the times and conditions under which you're recording, and review the footage or audio later to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary. This could be an interesting way to engage with the idea of heightened paranormal activity at certain times without venturing into potentially dangerous games or rituals.
- You can develop a personal routine to mentally prepare and decompress before and after engaging with any paranormal content or activities.
- This might involve meditation, a set of affirmations, or even a physical activity like a walk to clear your mind. The goal is to establish a mental boundary between everyday life and the exploration of the paranormal, similar to the rituals mentioned by investigators to prevent spirits from following them. For example, before reading or watching something spooky, you might meditate for five minutes to center yourself, and afterwards, take a walk to transition back to normalcy.
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Paranormal experiences and haunted locations
Bridget Marquardt, Ash Kelley, and Alaina Urquhart share their personal encounters with the supernatural at several well-known haunted locations, discussing their chilling experiences and the implications of encountering such paranormal phenomena.
Bridget's paranormal encounters at the Playboy Mansion
The Playboy Mansion, renowned for its glamour and the lavish lifestyle it represented, also holds a reputation for being haunted. Bridget Marquardt, a former resident, delves into her personal experiences as well as those recounted by other staff members.
Bridget saw a full-body apparition of a former Playboy Mansion employee named Joni, who had previously passed away.
Bridget Marquardt remembers a particular incident where she encountered a full-body apparition which she recognized as Joni, a social secretary at the mansion. Joni, whom Bridget had met during her initial visit, had passed away from cancer before Bridget moved in. The apparition was slumped to one side and had long, dark, stringy hair, which led Bridget to believe Joni was visiting the new puppy at the house.
The Playboy Mansion has a long history of haunted activity, with the ghost of Mrs. Letts being the most well-known.
The mansion's original ghost story involves Mrs. Letts, an early owner of what later became the Playboy Mansion. When Bridget mentioned seeing Joni to the office, they also pointed out that Joni was said to resemble Mrs. Letts. Bridget expresses a desire to investigate the Mansion now with more sophisticated technology and skills than she had back then.
Ash and Alaina's paranormal experiences at the Lizzie Borden house
Ash Kelley and Alaina Urquhart discuss the intense and eerie experiences they had as guests at the Lizzie Borden house, famous for the unsolved axe murders of Andrew and Abby Borden.
They encountered various paranormal phenomena, including the ghost of a cat and a child spirit.
During their visit, Alaina saw a cat walk across the doorway, which she initially mistook for a child spirit. Later, they heard voices of what seemed to be children, asking them to play and not to leave.
The energy and activity in the house seemed to increase later in the night, with things like the lights dimming and then turning back on.
Ash and Alaina noted that the paranormal energy and activity seemed to increase as the night progressed, emphasizing that "the veil gets thinner" closer to 3 a.m. They experienced various phenomena such as the lights dimming and then turning back on, despite there being no apparent cause for such behavior.
Bridget's paranormal investigation at the Myrtles Plantation
The Myrtles Plantation is often cited as one of America's most haunted homes. Bridget and her partner's visit provided a hauntingly memorable experience that converted her skeptical husband into more of a believer.
Despite setting up equipment and doing a thorough investigation, Bridget and her husband initially did not experience any pa ...
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Paranormal experiences and haunted locations
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Skepticism about the existence of ghosts and the paranormal, suggesting that such experiences could be attributed to psychological factors, such as the power of suggestion, confirmation bias, or misinterpretation of natural phenomena.
- The possibility that the apparition of Joni at the Playboy Mansion could be a case of mistaken identity or a vivid memory playing tricks on the observer.
- The history of haunted activity at the Playboy Mansion and other locations could be embellished or influenced by cultural storytelling and the desire for sensationalism.
- The experiences at the Lizzie Borden house could be influenced by the house's macabre history and the expectation of paranormal activity, leading to heightened sensitivity to ordinary occurrences.
- The increase in energy and activity reported at night could be due to psychological effects of fear and anxiety in the dark, which are common human responses.
- The lack of initial paranormal activity at the Myrtles Plantation could indicate that such phenomena are not present or are not reliably detectable, even with specialized equipment.
- The unexplained sounds and K2 meter malfunct ...
Actionables
- You can explore local legends and haunted sites by starting a journal to document any unusual experiences or feelings you encounter. Visit historical landmarks, cemeteries, or buildings known for paranormal sightings in your area during different times of the day to see if you notice any patterns or activities. Write down your observations, feelings, and any potential encounters, focusing on any changes that occur at night, similar to the increased activity mentioned in the Lizzie Borden house.
- Enhance your understanding of paranormal respect by creating a set of personal guidelines for engaging with haunted locations. Before visiting a site, research its history and the stories of those associated with it. Draft a list of behaviors that show respect for the energies and spirits, such as speaking politely, not provoking any entities, and leaving the site undisturbed. This approach fosters a deeper connection and respect for the places you visit.
- Prepare for potential paranormal encounters ...
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Spooky games and rituals
Delving into the unsettling world of paranormal games, we explore several that range in risk and potential supernatural consequences.
The Devil Face game
Alaina Urquhart brings to light a game known as the Devil Face game, evocative of the more commonly known Bloody Mary ritual.
Involves locking yourself in a pitch-black bathroom, lighting 12 black candles, and repeating a chant at midnight to potentially summon the devil's face in the mirror.
To play the Devil Face game, one needs to be prepared with 12 black candles, a timekeeping device with an alarm, and access to a bathroom with a mirror. Before the stroke of midnight, participants lock themselves in the completely dark bathroom and light all the black candles. They must then stand in front of the mirror, eyes closed, waiting for the signal of midnight. Upon the arrival of midnight, participants open their eyes and may be greeted by the true devil's face staring back at them through the mirror.
This game is seen as extremely high-risk, with the potential for grave consequences if not done properly.
The "Lookie Lookie" game
Highlighting another perilous activity, the "Lookie Lookie" game requires utmost precision in execution to avoid dire outcomes.
Requires meticulously drawing eyes on every window in a space, then chanting a phrase at midnight in a windowless room to summon an entity.
The game calls for thorough preparation, including drawing an eye on every window in the playing space after sunset, ensuring none are missed which would result in an automatic loss. The space must also have at least one windowless room.
The entity will then pursue the player throughout the space, and they must avoid being caught until sunrise to gain the "gift" of future-seeing.
After the preliminary steps, players proceed to the windowless room with a candle, matches or a lighter, and a timekeeping device. At precisely midnight, they light the candle and chant, "Looky, looky, come and see, looky, looky, you won't find me" three times. Once the chanting is complete, players navigate the space to evade the "looky looky man," maintaining the candle's flame and changing locations frequently. Surviving until sunrise, or for six hours, is said to bestow the capability of future sight, although the extent of this gift remains ambig ...
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Spooky games and rituals
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The belief in the effectiveness of these games and rituals is not supported by empirical evidence, and the experiences reported could be attributed to psychological effects such as the power of suggestion, heightened emotional states, or the ideomotor effect.
- The perceived risk associated with these games may be exaggerated due to the psychological atmosphere they create, rather than any actual supernatural danger.
- The "Lookie Lookie" game's supposed gift of future-seeing lacks any verifiable proof and may be a part of the game's lore rather than a real outcome.
- The historical context of "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board" may be misunderstood or misrepresented, as the origins of folklore and occult practices are often complex and subject to interpretation.
- The association of the "Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board" ri ...
Actionables
- Explore the psychological effects of suggestion by conducting a safe, controlled experiment with friends where you create a fictional game with harmless rituals and observe how the power of suggestion influences their reactions.
- Gather a small group of willing participants and invent a game with simple, non-threatening rituals, such as sitting in a circle and passing a token while telling positive stories. The key is to suggest that the game has a history and see if participants report feeling different emotions or sensations that aren't actually caused by the game. This can help you understand the power of belief and suggestion without engaging in risky behaviors.
- Delve into historical research by studying the origins of folklore games and their impact on culture, then share your findings through a blog or social media to educate others.
- Use online resources, books, and academic papers to trace the roots of one of the games mentioned, like Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board, and document how its perception and practice have evolved over time. By sharing your research, you contribute to a deeper understanding of these cultural phenomena and provide a historical context that can demystify and de-sensationalize them.
- Create a narrative-ba ...
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Closing out and properly handling paranormal activities
The conversation between Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley, and Bridget Marquardt emphasizes the importance of closing out paranormal activities properly to avoid ongoing negative consequences.
Importance of properly closing out paranormal activities
Bridget's experience with a Ouija board as a child
At age 12, Bridget Marquardt had her first paranormal experience when she saw a full-body apparition. This occurred after she and her cousin played with a Ouija board in an attempt to contact her recently deceased great-grandfather. Following the session, her cousin had strange indents in the shape of X's on her leg, which left her mentally disturbed to this day. Bridget also experienced hearing the back door slam open repeatedly after returning home. Bridget swore off Ouija boards due to this negative experience but was later told that a Ouija board is no different than using other communication tools like pendulums and voice recorders.
Venues banning Ouija boards
Some venues like the Lizzie Borden house and SK Pierce mansion have banned the use of Ouija boards due to past issues with portals being opened. The Lizzie Borden house placed a ban after a returned stolen Ouija board came back with a note pleading to "make it stop." The SK Pierce mansion enforces the ban because they believe portals have been opened there. Such measures underscore the perceived risks associated with uncontrolled paranormal interaction.
Potential dangers of improper closure
Bridget's Myrtles Plantation experience
Bridget mentioned another unsettling event at the Myrtles Plantation, where her investigation with her husband endured unexplained paranormal activities until the morning. This suggests that Bridget and her husband did not close the connection properly, leading to prolonged phenomena.
Alaina and Ash's USS Salem encounter
Alaina Urquhart and Ash Kelley discuss the potential dangers of improperly handling paranormal activities. They specially mention the importance of closing out sessions, such as with Ouija boards, to prevent negative consequences. This also tran ...
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Closing out and properly handling paranormal activities
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The experiences and beliefs described are anecdotal and lack empirical evidence, which is a common criticism of paranormal claims.
- The effectiveness of rituals and specific actions to close out paranormal activities is not scientifically proven and may be considered superstitious.
- The banning of Ouija boards by venues could be more about managing the venue's reputation and avoiding hysteria rather than a response to actual paranormal risks.
- The psychological effects experienced after using a Ouija board or during paranormal investigations could be attributed to the power of suggestion and heightened emotional states, rather than actual paranormal activity.
- The idea that specific actions can prevent spirits from following someone is not supported by scientific evidence and may be challenged as a placebo effect or a psychological coping mechanism.
- The n ...
Actionables
- Create a personalized closing ritual by combining elements from your daily routine with symbolic gestures to signify the end of any activity that you feel needs a clear boundary. For example, after a stressful day or a heated discussion, you might wash your hands with a scented soap you designate for this purpose, symbolizing the washing away of negative energy, followed by lighting a candle with an intention to bring peace and positivity into your space.
- Develop a "spiritual toolkit" with items that resonate with you for protection and closure, such as crystals, salt, or herbs like sage. Carry a small pouch with these items when you visit places that might have a heavy energy or historical significance. After leaving, you can use the items in your toolkit to perform a simple grounding exercise, like holding a crystal and visualizing a protective barrier around yourself.
- Journal your experiences and feelings after engaging in any a ...
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