Paranormal, Or Perinormal?

When we hear the word “paranormal,” we often think of ghosts, psychic abilities, or UFO sightings. But what does the term really mean?

Many of us have had moments that feel mysterious or beyond our understanding — experiences that challenge the way we see the world. What’s interesting is that these experiences aren’t always “paranormal” in the traditional sense — they may actually be “perinormal.”

Understanding the difference between these two ideas can help us see our everyday experiences in a new light, making it easier to connect with the mystical side of life without feeling overwhelmed by the unknown.

“The word “paranormal” comes from the Greek word “para,” which means “outside” or “beyond” normal. It refers to things that are beyond the limits of what we can scientifically measure or explain.

Paranormal experiences, such as ghost sightings or psychic phenomena, defy logic and leave a lasting impact on those who experience them. They’re those mystical or supernatural experiences that break the rules of reality and are completely “outside of normal.”

“Perinormal, on the other hand, comes from the word “peri,” meaning “around” or “near.”. These experiences are on the edge of “normal” — they’re those things we sense, feel, or observe that are related to subtle, measurable energies or natural laws, but also remain mysterious and unexplained.

Perinormal experiences show us that the spiritual and mystical are often much closer to reality than we realize – they just exist in a space we do not yet fully understand, or perhaps never will?

As we acquire more knowledge, things do not become more comprehensible, but more mysterious ~ Albert Schweitzer

The Paranormal: Mysteries Beyond Explanation

Paranormal phenomena are inexplicable and mind-boggling. They are mysterious and defy logical explanation, often leaving us in awe and wonder.

Ghost sightings are a classic example – why do so many people report seeing apparitions, yet physical evidence is rare? The same can be said for psychic phenomena, which continue to defy conclusive scientific proof.

Things like prophetic dreams, out-of-body experiences, shared death and near-death experiences also fall into the paranormal category. While many people have personal stories about these experiences, they still defy clear scientific explanation.

The paranormal cannot be proven or disproven, remaining beyond the grasp of conventional science. Yet, research shows that paranormal experiences are very common and actually quite “normal.” For instance, a 2018 survey by Chapman University found that as many as 50% of Americans believe in at least one paranormal phenomenon, such as haunted places, psychic abilities, and telekinesis. And it’s not just in the US — similar beliefs are found in the UK and many other countries.

Yet, these experiences cannot be measured with scientific tools, so we may never have solid proof that they exist. Why is that? I believe it’s because the spiritual and supernatural operate at higher vibrational frequencies – frequencies that our physical senses cannot access and our human instruments cannot measure. The spiritual realm simply doesn’t follow the same rules as the material world and the metaphysical does not operate according to physical laws.

Still, the power of paranormal experiences is undeniable. They often push people to discover higher consciousness, find a greater sense of purpose, or connect with the divine. These experiences inspire awe, inviting us to explore life’s mysteries with a sense of wonder and openness.

Some of the more commonly reported paranormal experiences include:

Apparitions: Ghostly figures or spirits that people see, sometimes accompanied by sounds or unusual sensations.

Hauntings: Locations that seem to have a supernatural presence or energy, often linked to tragic or violent histories.

Poltergeists: Supernatural activity that causes physical disturbances, like moving objects or making loud noises.

Telekinesis: People who can moving objects with their mind.

Extrasensory Perception (ESP): Sensing or knowing information without using the five physical senses, such as having a premonition that later proves true.

Reincarnation: Experiences some people have of being reborn into a new body, often with memories of past lives.

The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery ~ Anaïs Nin

The Perinormal: Where Mysticism Meets Science

Perinormal experiences, in contrast, sit at the crossroads between the mystical and the measurable. These are the experiences that seem extraordinary, but can also be linked to subtle natural phenomena that science is just beginning to understand.

Take, for example, the feeling when the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. While it might seem like something mystical is happening, it’s usually a response to subtle changes in electromagnetic fields — an energy shift that may be behind the sensation.

While science can explain this response in your body, it doesn’t necessarily take away from the possible spiritual implication. The unanswered question is not what caused the hair to stand on end, but what caused the change in the energy field around you.

Clairempathic and telepathic awareness between people, especially close family members or friends, often seems mystical, but it can also be somehow supported by science.

Twin telepathy, where identical twins often seem to share a deep, inexplicable connection, is a perfect example. Twins often know what the other is feeling, thinking, or doing, even from a distance. While there is no proof that it’s supernatural, the bond between them is undeniable. Science speculates that this connection may be related to subtle biological or energetic factors, but it’s still largely unexplained.

Here are other perinormal phenomena that seem to bridge the gap between the mystical and the scientific:

Ball Lightning: Mysterious glowing spheres that appear during thunderstorms, defying explanation. Science believes it may be  caused by the interaction of electromagnetic fields, plasma, or even chemical reactions within the atmosphere. But what if it is a sign or omen, a manifestation of elemental forces, or even a connection to the otherworldly?

Biophotons: The human body emits light in very small quantities that are invisible to the naked eye. These ultra-weak photon emissions (UPEs) are considered to be part of our biological systems. Biophoton light emissions have been observed in various biological processes, particularly at the cellular level, hinting at the existence of the aura or light body.

Distant Intentionality: The idea that our thoughts or intentions can affect distant people or objects. For example, when you think about a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while, and shortly after, you receive a message or call from them.

Distant Physiological Correlations: When one person’s physical changes seem to match those of another person, even across great distances. For example, in studies of empathy, it’s been reported that some people can “feel” what another person is experiencing physically — such as a sudden pain or emotional shift — despite being far away.

Electromagnetic Biocurrents: The study of electromagnetic fields around living things, which could explain some of our more subtle interactions with energy.

Electromagnetic Sensitivity: Some people experience physical symptoms, like headaches, when near electronic devices, though the scientific understanding of this is still evolving.

Emotional Contagion: The way emotions can “spread” from one person to another, making them feel the same way. For example, in 1962 in the small village of Kashasha in Tanzania, a group of schoolgirls began laughing uncontrollably, leading to a widespread outbreak that affected over 1,000 people.

Geopathic Stress: The idea that certain areas of the Earth, like places over fault lines or underground water, might have harmful energies. For example, many people report better sleep or reduced health symptoms after rearranging their living spaces or avoiding areas that are thought to be affected by these stress fields.

Human Magnetism: Some people seem able to attract metal objects to their bodies — something that might be connected to the chemical properties of their skin or sweat. One such case involves Miroslaw Magola, a man from Poland who became widely known for his ability to make objects like bowls stick to his body, often using what he describes as “thought power.”

Infrasound: Low-frequency sounds that humans can’t hear, but which can make people feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

Mass Psychogenic Illness: A situation where groups of people experience similar symptoms, often linked to psychological or emotional causes rather than physical ones. For example, in 2006, a group of schoolgirls in Qatar began exhibiting symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, and nausea, which spread rapidly through the school. Health authorities initially considered the possibility of a viral outbreak, but no infectious cause was found.

These phenomena exist at the meeting point between what we know and what we do not fully understand yet. They show us that the line between the mystical and the scientific is more fluid than we may think.

Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature. And that is because, in the last analysis, we ourselves are a part of the mystery that we are trying to solve ~ Max Planck

Why The Difference Matters

Understanding the difference between the perinormal and the paranormal helps us make better sense of our beliefs and spiritual experiences while remaining grounded in the world we live in.

By recognizing that perinormal experiences are part of the natural world, we can embrace the wonder they bring without falling into fear or superstition. We can enjoy the mystery without getting lost in it.

At the same time, these experiences remind us of the invisible forces that influence our lives — whether it’s the energy around us, the connections we feel with others, or the rhythms of the natural world. By becoming more attuned to these energies, we can bring more harmony into our relationships, our health, and our environments.

While paranormal experiences might be rarer and more inexplicable, they invite us to expand our spiritual horizons. Sometimes, there’s simply no logical explanation for the strange things we experience. But that doesn’t mean we can’t find deeper meaning in these experiences. Whether we see them as moments of awe or as invitations to explore life’s mysteries, they can help us grow personally and spiritually.

Bridging Science And Spirit

In the end, the line between the paranormal and the perinormal is just a reminder of where our current human understanding ends. But history shows that what once seemed impossible or bizarre often becomes part of the natural world as our awareness deepens. Things like the healing power of plants, the movement of the stars, or the invisible force of magnetism were once mysteries and caused much superstition and fear, but now they’re part of the world we accept as real.

In the same way, the experiences we label as paranormal today — like the deep connection between twins, precognitive dreams, or powerful premonitions — may one day be understood as a normal part of life.

Rather than dismissing these experiences, we should view them as clues to a deeper wisdom, urging us to connect with the divine and the universe around us. Life is a dance between the known and the unknown, inviting us to grow in both awareness and wonder.