Mystery, Wonder and Spooky Lights near Joplin

Mystery creates wonder and wonder is the basis of man's desire to understand. - Neil Armstrong

I interviewed Paranormal Researcher Chis Brethwaite for Talking to Nightlights and asked him to make a second guest appearance on Conscious Living. Chris is an expert on the Haunted Heartland and Director Kansas City IANDS (The International Association for Near-Death Studies). The group meets the third Sunday of every other month at Unity Temple on the Plaza. Meetings are for anyone interested in NDEs (Near-Death Experiences), ADC (After Death Communication), spirituality and metaphysics.

Somehow we never get around to talking about the fact that Chris is also a Humor Writer for Hallmark Cards. (Good excuse for Interview number 3.)

In the Conscious Living interview, we talk about Ghosts, The Coleman Theater and the Joplin Spooklight: also known as the Hornet Spooklight. We talked about the *Spooklight in College but I didn't check it out at the time. I had enough spooky stuff going on in my life at that time and didn't need to compound the issue. However, I did check out (late at night when it was still a neglected relic) Brutus - the giant crane sitting out in a field near West Mineral. No mystery there - but definitely a wonder. We climbed up into the monster machine and stood in the lobby/cab. Wow.

After thinking about my answer to Chris in the interview, I realize I can't name even one person who saw the spooklight and I only have vague memories of talking with people from college who said they saw it. So it might be time to take a road trip. (Slightly related - The list of locations for large things.)

Given my own experience with unusual light phenomena, I like knowing these kinds of events are available to anyone who wants to venture out for a look. I have used the photo before. This time I will explain why. It was one of a sequence taken in late December 2007 when my yard light decided to come on (on several occasions) without the benefit of me actually flipping the switch. Also happened to coincide with the ten year anniversary of the beginning of my nightlight journey.

At this time, there is no good explanation for the Spooklight nor is there a solid debunking. It remains a genuine mystery. Mysteries keep life interesting.

Here's a blog site with a perspective and details on the Spooklight and another for extra measure: Spooklight 2. Connect with Chis Brethwaite here.

From the Prarie Ghost site - Directions to the Spooklight -

Take Interstate 44 west of Joplin, Missouri

then take the Route 43 Exit and go south

Turn onto Coyote Road (Right) off Route 43 and pass through Hornet

Turn right onto Gum Road

Turn Left onto State Line Road

Take the first Right to what is called "Spook Light Road"- You'll likely see markings on the road where people park and watch for the light

It's a four-mile stretch of road that extends into Oklahoma. At a dip in the road, park your vehicle. There will be a field on your right side, facing left. This is the best location and you should see a slight rise ahead of you to the west and a much steeper hill behind you.

Be sure to park your vehicle as far to the side of the road as you can (we suggest turning around with your car facing back toward Missouri) and watch out for any oncoming cars. Be careful and stay on the road so that you are not trespassing.]

Mystery and Light - the perfect combination.

RE: Wikipedia, The earliest published report dates back to 1936 in the Kansas City Star.

Here's a quick note on recent and upcoming confirmed guests for the next few weeks.

Conscious Living

9/10 Jim Self - Mastering Alchemy

9/16 Dr. Ivan Misner - Network Guru

9/17 Father Joshua - Psychic Surgeon

9/24 Before I Die I want to... the Polaroid Project

10/1 Dr. Story Musgrave - Space and Beyond

10/8 Ross Holcomb - Life, the Universe and Everything

Talking to Nightlights

9/30 David Baker - The Spirit Garden - A Medium's Journey - How a Deputy Sheriff became a Medium.

10/14 Denise Zak - Intuitive for People and Pets - Denise and I share what works for us and how you can enhance your own intuitive ability.

Details as we do the shows... Check us out at Talk Shoe - Conscious Living - show number 11638.