Colin Wilson: ‘The Occult’, ‘Poltergeist!’ and the Outsider’s Paranormal Encyclopaedism

Colin Wilson: ‘The Occult’, ‘Poltergeist!’, and the Outsider’s Paranormal Encyclopaedism

The History and Background

Colin Wilson (1931-2013) was an English novelist, philosopher, and social critic whose work delved into the darker aspects of human psychology. His early foray into paranormal research, particularly his 1975 book The Occult, marked a pivotal moment in his career. The book’s publication coincided with a burgeoning interest in the occult during the late 20th century and positioned Wilson as one of the leading voices in parapsychology.

Key Events or Sightings

Wilson’s interest in the supernatural was catalyzed by several key events, including the notorious Amityville horror house case. In 1975, he interviewed the owners of the house, George and Lorraine Lutz, who claimed to have experienced a poltergeist activity. Wilson documented their experiences in his book The Occult, which became one of his best-selling works.

Another significant event was the sighting of a ghostly figure at Bletchley Park, where codebreakers worked during World War II. In 1983, Wilson published an account of this incident, describing how he encountered a woman in the grounds who vanished before his eyes. This encounter added to his growing body of work on paranormal phenomena.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Wilson’s book Poltergeist! (1975) detailed his investigation into poltergeists and other paranormal phenomena. One of the most compelling cases was that of the Borley Rectory in Essex, which has become infamous for its numerous hauntings and is often cited as one of the most haunted places in England.

In 1938, a series of unexplained events began at Borley Rectory, including poltergeist activity, ghostly apparitions, and strange noises. Wilson visited the site in 1974 and documented several accounts from residents who claimed to have witnessed paranormal phenomena over the years. He noted that the rectory had been ransacked by vandals but remained unexplained.

Investigations or Research

Wilson was not just a writer; he actively participated in investigations into paranormal phenomena. In 1968, he joined forces with the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) to conduct an investigation at Wiltshire’s West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic tomb. During this visit, Wilson reported experiencing strange sensations and hearing unexplained noises.

Wilson’s methodical approach often involved collecting firsthand accounts from witnesses and conducting rigorous research. His book The Occult included detailed examinations of various paranormal cases, such as the case of the Haunted House in Liverpool, where a woman named Mary Ann Winkfield claimed to have been tormented by an evil spirit.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

While many of Wilson’s investigations and writings remain influential, the nature of supernatural phenomena often resists definitive conclusions. The Borley Rectory continues to draw paranormal enthusiasts who hope to experience the same unexplained events that plagued its former inhabitants. Similarly, the West Kennet Long Barrow remains a site of interest for those intrigued by prehistoric mysteries intertwined with the unknown.

Wilson’s legacy is perhaps best captured in his ability to weave together historical and contemporary accounts, providing readers with a rich tapestry of paranormal phenomena. His work has influenced subsequent generations of researchers and writers who continue to explore the boundaries between the known and the unknown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why did Colin Wilson become interested in the occult?

A: Wilson’s interest in the supernatural was sparked by personal experiences and his broader philosophical inquiries into human nature. His early works often explored themes of existentialism and the darker aspects of the human psyche, leading him to delve deeply into parapsychology.

Q: What specific paranormal cases did Colin Wilson investigate?

A: Wilson investigated several notable cases, including the Borley Rectory in Essex, which became infamous for its series of unexplained events. He also visited West Kennet Long Barrow and documented his experiences at Wiltshire’s ancient burial site.

Q: How did Wilson’s paranormal work influence other writers and researchers?

A: Wilson’s detailed accounts and methodical approach to investigating the supernatural provided a framework for subsequent researchers. His books, particularly *The Occult* and *Poltergeist!*, are considered seminal works in the field of parapsychology.

Q: What is one of the most controversial aspects of Colin Wilson’s paranormal investigations?

A: One of the most controversial aspects was his willingness to accept anecdotal evidence as valid. This approach sometimes placed him at odds with more empirically minded researchers who require more stringent proof before accepting claims of paranormal activity.

Q: How did Colin Wilson’s work contribute to public interest in parapsychology?

A: Wilson’s engaging and often dramatic narratives brought a new level of credibility to the field of parapsychology. By weaving together personal accounts, historical events, and his own observations, he made complex phenomena accessible to a wider audience, thereby increasing public interest in paranormal studies.