Introduction
Do you believe in the supernatural? Have you ever felt an unexplainable attraction to an entity that you can’t see? Spectrophilia is a term used to describe the sexual attraction to a ghostly or apparitional figure. In this article, we will dive deep into the world of spectrophilia and unravel its definition, history, psychology, and legality.
Unpacking the Definition of Spectrophilia
What does spectrophilia mean? Spectrophilia is a combination of two words: specter and -philia. A specter is a ghostly or supernatural figure, while -philia means a strong affinity or love for something. Therefore, spectrophilia is the love or attraction to a ghostly or apparitional figure.
Some people may find this concept odd or taboo, but just like any other sexual orientation or identity, spectrophilia is a valid and real experience for those who have it. In fact, there have been numerous documented cases of people who claim to have encountered sexual experiences with ghosts or spirits.
A Brief History of Spectrophilia
The history of spectrophilia goes back to ancient times, with tales of spirits or gods having sexual relationships with humans. In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus transformed into a swan to seduce the mortal woman Leda, resulting in the birth of Helen of Troy.
In Japanese folklore, there are stories of the Yuki-onna, a spirit who preys on travelers, seduces them, and steals their life force. The story of the succubus or incubus, a demonic creature that appears in dreams to have sexual intercourse with humans, is also well-known in European folklore.
However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that spectrophilia became a more studied and documented phenomenon. In 1952, the book The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks described a case of a man who experienced sexual arousal from images of medieval churches.
Understanding the Psychology of Spectrophilia
What drives someone to be attracted to a ghostly figure? Like any other sexual orientation, spectrophilia doesn’t have a single cause. However, there are some theories that attempt to explain this phenomenon.
One theory is that people who experience spectrophilia are seeking a connection with something beyond themselves, whether that be a higher power, the afterlife, or the supernatural. This desire for connection can manifest as a sexual attraction to spirits or ghosts.
Another theory is that spectrophilia is a form of eroticism that allows individuals to explore their own sexuality without the pressure or expectations of a human partner. This can be especially appealing for people who may have difficulty forming intimate relationships with others.
The Legal Implications of Spectrophilia
Is it legal to have sex with a ghost? On a practical level, it’s impossible to prosecute or regulate cases of spectrophilia because ghosts, by definition, don’t exist in a tangible or physical form. However, if someone claims to have had a sexual encounter with a ghost or a spirit, it could be considered a form of hallucination or delusion, which could have legal implications.
For example, if someone claims to have had a sexual encounter with a ghost in a public space, they could be charged with indecent exposure or disturbing the peace. Alternatively, if someone claims to have had a sexual encounter with a ghost as a minor, this could be considered a form of abuse or trauma.
How to Explore Your Own Spectrophilia
If you are someone who feels a strong attraction to ghosts or spirits, it’s important to remember that spectrophilia is a valid and real experience. However, it’s also important to approach this attraction in a healthy and responsible way.
First of all, it’s important to acknowledge that ghosts or spirits are not physical beings and therefore cannot give consent. It’s also important to remember that any sexual encounter with a ghost or spirit is purely a personal experience and cannot be verified or proven.
If you are interested in exploring your own spectrophilia, one way to do so is through fantasy or imagination. You can explore your attraction to specters through writing, art, or role-play, as long as it doesn’t harm yourself or others.
Real-Life Examples and Stories of Spectrophilia
There have been numerous reports of real-life encounters with spirits or ghosts that involve sexual attraction or arousal. One such story is that of Amethyst Realm, a British woman who claims to have had sexual relationships with at least 20 ghosts.
In an interview with ITV’s This Morning, Realm claims that she has been having sex with ghosts for over a decade and that it’s the best sex she’s ever had. She also claims that she is now in a committed relationship with a ghost named Ray, whom she plans to marry.
Spectrophilia in Pop Culture
Spectrophilia is a topic that has been explored in numerous works of pop culture, from television shows to movies to books.
In the television show American Horror Story, the character Moira O’Hara is revealed to be a ghost who has sexual relationships with the male characters. In the movie Ghost, the character played by Demi Moore has a sensual encounter with the ghost of her deceased lover, played by Patrick Swayze.
In the book The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, the ghostly narrator describes the sexual encounters that she witnesses between her living sister and her sister’s boyfriend.
Top 5 Haunted Places for Spectrophiliacs to Visit
If you are a spectrophiliac and are looking for a place to explore your attraction to spirits or ghosts, here are some haunted places that you may find intriguing:
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The Stanley Hotel in Colorado – this is the hotel that inspired Stephen King’s book and subsequent movie The Shining.
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The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana – this plantation is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former slaves and features a haunted mirror that is said to have trapped the spirits of the dead.
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The Tower of London in England – this historic fortress has a long and gruesome history of beheadings, torture, and murder, and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former prisoners.
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The Winchester Mystery House in California – this sprawling, maze-like mansion was built by Sarah Winchester, the widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle, and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of people killed by the rifle.
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The Catacombs of Paris – this underground ossuary contains the remains of over six million people and is said to be haunted by the ghosts of those whose bodies were stored there.
Spectrophilia: Taboo, Crazy or Liberating?
Spectrophilia is still a taboo topic in some circles, with many people finding it creepy, weird, or even crazy. However, for those who experience it, spectrophilia can be a liberating and fulfilling sexual orientation.
By exploring their attraction to ghosts and spirits, spectrophiliacs are able to connect with something beyond themselves and explore their own sexual desires in a safe and healthy way. Whether it’s through fantasy, imagination, or simply acknowledging their own experiences, spectrophiliacs are able to embrace their own unique experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, spectrophilia is a real and valid sexual orientation that has existed throughout history and is still experienced by people today. While it may seem taboo or strange to some, spectrophilia is simply another aspect of human sexuality and should be embraced and accepted like any other sexual identity.
Whether you are a spectrophiliac or simply curious about the phenomenon, it’s important to approach the topic with an open mind and respect for those who have had experiences with ghostly love affairs.
References
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319385
- https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-strange-and-true-story-of-the-last-american-man-to-5757189
- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/amethyst-realm-sex-ghost_n_5bc4741de4b055bc947aacd8
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/psychology-writers/201507/the-erotic-appeal-supernatural
- https://books.google.com/books?id=mBAgDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA216&lpg=PA216&dq=spectrophilia+psychology&source=bl&ots=pz7JVxUafE&sig=ACfU3U0U6PsEv1fC0wNHlK1xn451YLvgpQ&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiG3Z2B4JjwAhVMGM0KHQPYDcQQ6AEwCnoECAoQAw#v=onepage&q=spectrophilia%20psychology&f=false