Introduction
Keranography, sometimes called “psychic photography,” is the idea that people can imprint images, thoughts, or “auras” directly onto film through psychic means. Popularized in the 20th century by researchers and parapsychologists, keranographs have been presented as evidence of mind-over-matter, ESP, or even spiritual presence.
Origins
The term derives from Greek (keras, “horn” or “energy”), and became a sensation in the 1960s–70s, with Soviet and Japanese researchers claiming to capture ghostly hands, faces, or symbols on Polaroid film—no camera involved. Critics quickly pointed out hoaxes and flaws, but the phenomenon still finds believers in the paranormal community.
Theories and Interpretations
- Psychic Projection: Practitioners claim to “will” an image onto photographic emulsion by concentrating or channeling spiritual energy.
- Technical Error: Skeptics argue it’s all trickery, static electricity, or camera glitches.
- Conspiracy Angle: Some claim “true” keranography is suppressed by mainstream science and kept secret for military research.
Key Examples
- The work of Ted Serios, whose “thoughtographs” caused a sensation and controversy in the 1960s.
- Japanese parapsychology experiments producing blurry symbols and images on instant film.
- Modern ghost-hunting and aura-photography businesses continue the tradition—now with digital cameras and smartphone apps.
Critical Analysis
Keranography is a case study in wishful thinking versus rigorous science—yet it remains an enduring part of the paranormal landscape, hinting at our need to see the invisible.