Paranormal

Ghosts, ghouls, UFOs and skeptical investigations; psychics, supernatural beliefs and folklore.

Paranormal

Exploring the limits of skepticism. Part 2: The plot thickens

Chris French - 12th November 2025

Lucid dreaming is a much-tested paranormal claim, never reliably showing positive results - so why did this new experiment seem to bear fruit?

Paranormal

The Grim Rea-purr? The cats claimed to be able to predict death

Brian Eggo - 3rd November 2025

Two feline care home residents have been claimed to be able to tell when elderly patients will die – so, are cats actually psychic?

Paranormal

Halloween for Skeptics: ‘Monsters on the Couch’ by Brian Sharpless

Deborah Hyde - 31st October 2025

Horror stories, as well as being entertaining, give us clues about the human experience, as ‘Monsters on the Couch’ from Brian Sharpless explores

From the archives: The medium is not the message – fighting crime with psychics

Terry Sanderson - 21st October 2025

From the archives in 1992, The Freethinker's Terry Sanderson examines claims that psychics were used to solve crimes.

UFOs

UFO claims take centre stage at National Congress of Brazil hearing

João Lucas da Silva - 20th October 2025

The UFO hearing at Brazil's National Congress didn't reveal proof that aliens exist, but it did illustrate that the public interest in UFOs runs deep.

Superstition

Are scholars legitimising witch hunting in post-colonial Africa?

Leo Igwe - 17th October 2025

By refusing to accept that witches are a mere superstition, academics in Africa unwittingly give cover to those who victimise in the name of witch-hunts

Superstition