The Haunted Vessel: Stewardship

The thing about belief is that it is a double-edged sword.  If for example you say you believe in inanimate objects being more than just “things,” it opens to door to much more than you might expect.  Do we then have a responsibility to these items?  Does that depend on what they are?  Or perhaps what is attached to them?  And where does the line get drawn?  I won’t begin to suggest that I have all (or even most) the answers, but they are interesting questions.

This topic has come up periodically at Den of Angels, in various threads regarding the care and even storage of a doll.  In general people seem to view these dolls as needing special treatment because of their price at least, while others also look at it from the vessel point of view.*  Questions are asked on how one should care for the dolls...where should you keep them?  Is it “abuse” to treat them poorly?  Are you obligated to keep your first doll?  

Another question that arises applies more to some of the dolls and/or items I’ve featured here before, like Anabelle or Robert.  If you know that an item is potentially dangerous, do you then have a responsibility to make sure it doesn't harm anyone else?  And, if you believe for example that an item is haunted by a particular spirit, what do you do?

The Warrens were one couple that were well known for not only their work with the paranormal, but also their collection of items.  They became the stewards of many items that were involved in hauntings, were possessed, were cursed, or had any other kind of bad energy attached.  They took Anabelle with them after the investigation concluded, and secured her in a glass case in their object room.  They were always very adamant about the importance of keeping these objects safely away from the public.

This also brings up an associate of theirs, John Zaffis.  Zaffis is perhaps most well known for his show on the SciFi channel Haunted Collector, and his museum where he houses the objects.  This show and Zaffis himself are actually quite controversial in the paranormal community, not so much because of the items but because of his practices.  People have questioned the validity of his investigations, and the process that often involves him taking a very expensive item from a client without really providing any compensation.  

I have encountered this topic with my own dolls, as well as a few items that have come into my possession over the years.  One is a button from a Civil War soldier uniform, and the other is a ring.  In the case of the former, I feel an obligation to keep it safe until I can figure out what the best course of action is for it.  The latter on the other hand I have spent years working with, and it is finally to a place where it seems to have run its course, and is relatively harmless.  I won’t be giving it away by any means (if not for sentimental reasons alone), but I’m glad to have gotten it to a safer status.

*The idea that the doll has a soul/is a vessel for a kind of soul.

The Haunted Vessel: Uriel

Uriel the Magnanimous strikes again. :0

I've been seeing a lot more activity* around my house lately for whatever reason, be it the changing season or the current emotional climate. I've had more doll-related experiences all around, and Uri is no exception.

Last night I got home after having gone to obedience class with my pup and running quite a few errands. I ran upstairs to grab some things for the dog before taking him on a walk, and saw Uri sitting on my bed. I'd left him there that morning propped up against the pillow with both arms tucked into each other (essentially crossed). I grabbed the dog items and glanced at Uri again before leaving.

After taking the dog for a walk and getting rather soggy in the process, I ran back upstairs for a change of clothes. There was Uri on my bed, but instead of looking the same he was positioned differently. Both arms were outstretched and his hands turned as if he was saying "No wait, take me!"

Given Uri's stringing, this wasn't something he could have fallen into. If anything due to how tightly he is strung, his arms would snap back into a folded position. But these were outstretched, barely bent at the joint. I am the only one in the house now, so threre was no one who could have moved him. I of course felt chastized and took Uri down to watch TV with me. :P

*For the sake of clarification, "activity" in these posts will always refer to supernatural activity. I dont' want you to think I mean hiking or biking or something. :)