Despite the lack of scientific evidence that proves the existence of paranormal phenomena beyond a shadow of a doubt, more than half of all Americans believe in the existence of spirits or paranormal activity. For many people, it's important to consider the possibility of life after death and to remain open to alternate realities. As the past has shown us, just because we can't explain it, doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't exist.

Demonic possession is one type of paranormal phenomena that has been investigated over the years. Cuneiform writings were found on ancient Sumerian tablets, praying for safety from demons. The Bible talks about "demon-possessed" people in the gospels of Luke, John, Matthew, Mark and in the Acts of the Apostles. The Catholic Church believes that individuals can become possessed in order to be tested; often following occult practices, mortal sin, loss of faith or psychological trauma.

Possession is also recognized in the medical community, especially in cases of dissociative personality disorder, where a third of the afflicted refer to themselves as demons and paranormal beings.

Paranormal happenings also include a haunting, which is a recurring activity in a set location. There is the "intelligent haunting," where thinking spirits interact and communicate with living humans. There is the "residual haunting," which seem more like a movie or recording comprised of residual energy, where there is no conscious interaction but the spirits remain. Then there is the "inhuman haunting," which is one of the most terrifying encounters because they're typically attributed to demons, the paranormal and poltergeists.

Extrasensory perception is another broad category of paranormal phenomena; this one dealing with psychic abilities, rather than otherworldly paranormal supernatural spirits. Clairvoyants can gain knowledge about people, places and events they have not previously read or heard about. An offshoot of clairvoyance includes precognition, where psychics may receive detailed information about the future.

Telepathy involves the transfer of information between people, using their minds only. Telekinesis is the ability to move objects solely through the power of the mind and a "medium" has the ability to communicate with departed spirits. Astral projection is another term for out-of-body travel, where the soul leaves the body and returns at will, without causing death.