What is The Legend of the Haunted Dutchman?

Thanks to  "Haunted Salem" - I'm republishing their story about the legend of the Flying Dutchman. I've always been fascinated by this legend, having grown up in the northeast, and wanted to share it with you, too.  Please visit and like the Haunted Salem Facebook page, too! There are lots of interesting things from a town known for the infamous Witch Trials (which were all just false hysteria).  Enjoy this legend! - Rob

What is the Flying Dutchman Legend?
A ship that has been cursed to sail the ocean for eternity, The Flying Dutchman is considered by sailors to be one of the worst possible omens. In some stories anyone who sets eyes on it will die a horrible death. In others the crew of The Flying Dutchman will try to give letters to any ship that hails it. These letters are always addressed to people who have long been dead and touching any of the letters will bring you great misfortune. The captain of the Flying Dutchman is believed to be Captain Benard Fokke who was known for his impressive sailing speed, so much so it was believed that he was in league with the devil.

There have been many theories about the origin of The Flying Dutchman. In most cases the crew and captain of the ship were guilty of a horrible crime which lead to them being punished by condemning them to sail the sea forever. In other tales it is a dutch ship that was lost off The Cape of Good Hope in 1641. Sightings of the ship date back to the 17th century but 19th and 20th century sightings claim that the ship was surrounded by a ghostly light. One documented sighting was by Prince George of Wales when he was teenager and on a three year voyage:

"At 4 a.m. the Flying Dutchman crossed our bows. A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the masts, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief as she came up on the port bow, where also the officer of the watch from the bridge clearly saw her, as did the quarterdeck midshipman, who was sent forward at once to the forecastle; but on arriving there was no vestige nor any sign whatever of any material ship was to be seen either near or right away to the horizon, the night being clear and the sea calm. Thirteen persons altogether saw her … At 10.45 a.m. the ordinary seaman who had this morning reported the Flying Dutchman fell from the fore topmast cross trees on to the top gallant forecastle and was smashed to atoms."

Paranormal Q&A: How do you know if you're picking up words from a spirit ?

Each week, I'll answer a question about the paranormal, whether a general question, or one about human or animal ghosts (Earthbound) or spirits (crossed over). Here's this week's question: 

Q: How might one know, if they're really picking up words from a spirit (or loved one that has passed),or if it's all in their mind? (maybe because they knew this person so well)...

  

A: Good question! Spirits (those who crossed over as opposed to ghosts who chose to remain Earthbound) usually come around on birthdays, anniversaries or holidays (and sometimes a week or two away from those events). So, if you "hear something" that you think may be from spirit, check if one of those special times is near.

   Spirits will also tell us a word or give us a clue about something we would not know about, forcing us to ask someone else they know to make sense of it. Messages from spirit, and mediumship are puzzles that we have to put together.

  Also, if you find yourself suddenly thinking about something that is tied to someone in spirit, it's likely that the spirit influenced you to think about it out of the blue. Spirits can also influence us to drive down different streets at a given time to avoid an accident.

   Try to think back, too, to see if someone mentioned the object recently, because that may trigger the word in your head. If that's the case, it's not a message from spirit, just something you're remembering.

For Rob Gutro's 6 books on the paranormal, visit: www.amazon.com. All of Rob's books were written to help explain the paranormal, and teach readers how to find signs from spirit.

 Rob Gutro's latest books "Ghosts of England on a Medium's Vacation" and Kindred Spirits are available in paperback and E-book on Amazon.com. 

A Recap and Nice Compliment from last night's interview

Last evening I was a guest on Paramania Radio's "On the Horizon" with hosts Brock Burroughs and Vicki Johns. Not only did we talk about my latest book, Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking," but I received a really nice compliment about my "Kindred Spirits" book.

I've been fortunate enough to join Vicki and Brock on many occasions and discuss my other books.

Last night we talked about earthbound ghosts versus spirits who have crossed over, and touched upon some of the experiences in my latest book "Case Fires from Inspired Ghost Tracking." Vicki is a medium, so she and I can relate about our interactions with ghosts or spirits. Brock mentioned Ouija boards and we covered that topic as well as a case in the book where a Ouija board was used in a home and opened a portal, bringing in a lot of dark energy that physically sickened people who lived in the home.
     Brock paid me a nice compliment about my book "Kindred Spirits: How a Medium Befriended a Spirit" when he said he didn't want the book to end. I was very touched by that.
  The good news is that Ed's spirit, the topic of the book, is still very much around me and has been his active self. In fact, after I published the "Kindred Spirits" book last year, I already began writing "Kindred Spirits 2."
WHAT KINDRED SPIRITS IS ABOUT: 
     Kindred Spirits is about my husband's late partner that has been with us since I met my husband in 2005, and I've grown to know Ed so well from the other side, that I consider him a close friend. You''ll learn about that in the book, as well has how he solved the mystery around his own death, and how he sent a look-alike to rescue us when we got lost in the English countryside. He was there when our dog Sprite passed, and has given many signs to us and his family. Since it's also PRIDE MONTH, it's a perfect book to read and get "In the Spirit of Pride"

WHAT CASE FILES OF INSPIRED GHOST TRACKING IS ABOUT: 
Case Files of Inspired Ghost TrackingWhen earth bound ghosts have traumatized families in their own homes, Inspired Ghost Tracking (IGT) of Maryland has gone in to cross them over. In this collection of IGT cases, you’ll read about a very haunted Maryland mansion, many ghosts of Baltimore’s Federal Hill, the Burned Ghost, ghosts of two different time periods in one building, the dark things Ouija boards brought into homes, a ghostly attachment, a Steelworker’s ghost, poltergeist activity, the famous IGT “Double Murder Ghost Investigation” and many more. You’ll also learn about ghosts vs. spirits, energy and lots of Q&A. So, come along with us on these IGT investigations and learn that the paranormal is quite active!

Sunday June 7 at 8pm ET- LIVE! Paramania Radio's "On the Horizon" talks with Rob

Sunday, June 7 -Interview Paramania Radio's "On the Horizon" talks with Rob about "Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking." Hosts Brock Burroughs and Vicki Johns talk about paranormal, spiritual and current events that affect people and the world. LISTEN HERE: http://paramaniaradio.com

Celebrate Pride Month - Read "Kindred Spirits" by Medium Rob Gutro

June is National Pride month, and we celebrate the diversity of the LGBT community. One of my books, "Kindred Spirits," is about how the spirit of a gay man has come through to me for the last 14 years and I've actually befriended him. The book examines the amazing signs he's given to prove he's around, sent a look-alike to save us from being lost in England, and helped solve the mystery around his own death... plus more!

ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Kindred-Spirits-Spirit-Befriended-Medium/dp/1081229837/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

  (Just $6.99 paperback and $3.49 ebook) 

   ABOUT THE BOOK:  It's uncommon for a medium really get know a spirit so well that the living person considers the spirit a best friend. But that's exactly what happened to medium and paranormal investigator Rob Gutro. When Rob met his partner Tom in 2005, Ed's spirit came along for the ride. Rob never knew Ed in life, but Tom did. Now, Ed often communicates to Rob and has revealed his sense of humor, his heart, and helped solved the mystery of his passing. Ed's "Spirit Treasure Hunt" showed his family he's with them, too. Ed even sent a look-alike to rescue Rob during a vacation in England.As you read about this special spirit named Ed and his sometimes funny communications, you'll learn signs your loved ones send. This book will teach you how to be more aware of messages from your loved ones in spirit. "Being a friend with Ed in spirit is like having a friend who lives in another state" - Author Rob Gutro describing his relationship with Ed's spirit.

Video: Investigation Clip; Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking book

This short video will give a brief explanation about the new book "Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking" by Rob Gutro, and you'll see a short clip of an actual investigation that IGT did in a home in Virginia.
VIDEO: https://youtu.be/2TL9P-uwhck

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Case Files of Inspired Ghost Tracking (Available on Amazon.com in paperback and E-book under $10)

When earth bound ghosts have traumatized families in their own homes, Inspired Ghost Tracking (IGT) of Maryland has gone in to cross them over. In this collection of IGT cases, you’ll read about a very haunted Maryland mansion, many ghosts of Baltimore’s Federal Hill, the Burned Ghost, ghosts of two different time periods in one building, the dark things Ouija boards brought into homes, a ghostly attachment, a Steelworker’s ghost, poltergeist activity, the famous IGT “Double Murder Ghost Investigation” and many more. You’ll also learn about ghosts vs. spirits, energy and lots of Q&A. So, come along with us on these IGT investigations and learn that the paranormal is quite active!

Thurs. June 4 at 9:30pm LIVE INTERVIEW- Late Night in the Midlands

 Thursday, June 4 at 9:30pm EDT -Rob Returns on "Late Night in the Midlands radio Network" a You Tube and radio talk show with Michael Vara to talk about IGT Cases, Ghosts of England and Kindred Spirits..

The show is broadcast to 110 countries and with around 1.5 million listeners each evening LISTEN: https://www.latenightinthemidlands.com

OR WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/user/michavl12

People can listen live at www.wcetfm.com , or click the chat &; listen page https://www.wcetfm.com/chat-listen from our drop down menu tabs where player & chat is located.

Tunein is another place you may listen http://tunein.com/radio/LNM-Radio-Ne
Itunes Radio
go to the Radio button on your itunes, click on the drop down for News/Talk and it's in the list (LNM Radio Network)
Archive can be found at https://www.wcetfm.com/account/new-page

Our dog Tyler Shows Love and Care for his Older Sister, Dolly

In my books "Pets and the Afterlife 1 and 2," I explain how, scientifically it has been proven that dogs have the same emotions as humans. Here's a good example.  
  Our black and tan Dachshund Tyler (10 yrs old) is such a good boy to his older sister Dolly (a 15 year old Weimaraner). Dolly sleeps in the kitchen because she is incontinent in #1&2. But she has difficulty getting to sleep, so Tyler sits with her every night until she gets sleepy. Then Tyler comes to his bed. Such a good, caring, loving boy.

In the news: The famous sobbing ghost of Langley Castle which inspired JK Rowling

Recently an article in the United Kingdom's Northern Echo newspaper published a story highlighting a castle and a ghost that inspired famous "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling. Here's the story!



The famous sobbing ghost of Langley Castle which inspired JK Rowling  
By Chris Lloyd echochrislloyd Chief Features Writer, Northern Echo


Durham border near Haydon Bridge in Northumbria, is said to be the only fortified medieval castle hotel in England. Sadly, due to the lockdown, it is closed at the moment, but it’s only current resident has been in the headlines this week. She is the Grey Lady, one of the North-East’s most famous ghosts, who is regularly seen sobbing uncontrollably as she glides through the corridors towards a high window. She looks back with a tear-stained face, and then jumps and disappears…

The hotel makes much of its spooky occupant and has previously named her as Maud de Lucy, who was watching from the highest window for the return from battle of her husband, Sir Thomas. When she heard her brave knight would never be returning, she flung herself from the portal. However, genealogical research shows it can’t be Maud. She was actually Sir Thomas’ daughter, born in 1350.

It is true that her first husband, Sir Gilbert de Umfraville, died in battle – at Neville’s Cross near Durham in 1381 – but she was not so distraught as to take her own life.

In fact, she remarried and lived happily with her second husband until her natural death at St Bees in Cumbria in 1398. The ghost cannot be Sir Thomas’ first wife, Margaret, as she died before 1350 when he built the castle – he constructed it using the proceeds from his fighting in France with King Edward III as a bastion against the Scots.

 Therefore could it be his second wife, Agnes de Beaumont? No one knows how or where she died, so she is in the frame – but Sir Thomas himself died in 1365 without being killed in battle, so she didn’t fling herself from a window on his behalf.

And so the mystery of the ghostly Grey Lady gained valuable column inches for hotel in last weekend’s Sunday Times, which noted that the weepy spectre was so famous that it had inspired JK Rowling to create Moaning Myrtle and Grey Lady which both haunt Hogwart’s.

Q&A with Rob: How can we be sure a Medium isn't reading a person's mind to give "signs"?

Here's a fascinating question from a woman named Laura who read my "Pets and the Afterlife" book - inquiring if all "spirit messages" are just mediums reading people's minds. It's not, and here's why.

COMMENT/QUESTION: After reading Pets and the Afterlife I am left wondering how Rob Gutro so easily believes that anytime a psychic hits on some accurate information about a deceased pet that it is proof that the animal is communicating from the other side? And not just that the psychic is reading the mind of the owner? I'm waiting for a deceased animal to impart some information that the owner doesn't know but which can later be verified! Then I can be convinced of what I so desperately want to believe! Laura.

ANSWER: That's a great question. Laura's question would also then suggest that mediums are all just mind readers, including those mediums who communicate with people (I have communicated with both. So, there are a lot of things to explain here.

First, there's a difference between a psychic and a medium and a mind reader. 
A psychic connects with energies of past, present and future. They can't read minds.

A medium, of which I am one - and I am NOT a psychic, only can receive messages from people or pets who have passed on.

Mind reading is an entirely different gift.

Second, mind readers read minds of people they are near. They don't do it from afar because they need that personal energy connection. As such, the readings I give people are always done remotely  by email. I don't have any physical closeness to the person, don't know anything about them, their lives, their homes, their lifestyle or their pets.

Third, like people in spirit, pets in spirit convey things that ONLY their pet parents would know. That's how they prove their identity.  Sometimes spirits they share pain of death with me.

In many cases of readings I've done, the pet parent didn't know exactly what their pet was suffering from, or how they passed, but their pet conveyed that- as in a story in my Pets in the Afterlife 2 book, where a dog named Clancy showed me he was eating plants that proved toxic to him.
   When I emailed the mom and told her, she confirmed that Clancy loved to nibble on plants in the backyard, and she found several toxic plants in her yard from the SPCA list of toxic plants that I gave her. That said, if I were a mind reader, how could I provide an answer to a pet's death that only the pet knew, and the pet parent didn't know, but ultimately understood?  I couldn't.