“National Freethought Day is observed annually on October 12. The purpose of National Freethought Day is to encourage people to be free thinkers and to base opinions on facts, science, logic and reason.
This day occurs on the anniversary of the effective end of the Salem Witch trials on October 12, 1692. On this day, Massachusetts Governor William Phips wrote a letter condemning the use of spectral evidence against the accused.
At some point, the trials did resume and “spectral evidence” was allowed but largely discounted and those convicted were swiftly pardoned by Phips.”
Do you believe in ghosts? Do you believe in ghost stories?
I spent today doing the opposite of what Freethought day encourages. Instead of facts, science, logic, and reason – I went on a haunted tour of the East Village and listened to ghost stories all night.
The tour was with Haunted Manhattan, and our tour guide was named Frankie. We booked the tour discounted through Groupon, and it was an absolute blast. I highly recommend the company. My sister and her friend are in town and it was a fantastic way to spend the evening, see the East Village, and get into the Halloween spirit.
I remember a time in my life when I didn’t believe in hauntings or ghosts, but it’s almost so long ago that it’s insignificant. I believe that those who have passed on can still visit us. This isn’t a scary thought to me though. It’s just normal.
My dad’s house, where I grew up, is haunted. You can hear the ghosts walking around upstairs when you are the only one home, and they turn the lights on and off. We all live together quite nicely. I also went to Six Flags with my brother in law a few months ago. After chatting about ghosts, we decided that any time you go on a ride that has an empty seat, there is a ghost riding with you. Because they want to have fun too.
If all of this makes me sound like a nutter to you, I encourage you to take a step back and think for a minute and think about it. Taking a minute to just think about what other people believe or feel is what makes compassionate humans. And we need more of those.
What’s Tomorrow?
October 13