By David Gibb
Not the darkness, nor the rain, managed to dampen the spirits of the seven brave souls who crept around the sites of Belleville ’s most notorious hauntings last Sunday night. They were all there for the same reason. To see ghosts. Or rather, "spirits", as they prefer to be called.
"Spirits don’t like being called ghosts, spectres, spooks, or ghouls," explains John Boyd, 38, the founder of Belleville’s newly launched “Spirit Walks.” And he should know, after all, as an Indigo Child, John has been bestowed with certain psychic gifts, which, according to him, include the ability to communicate with the dead. He was even dead himself once, claiming to have passed over to the other side for two-and-a-half minutes as a child.
Now, he is certain that his life’s purpose is to educate and enlighten others, a duty he does not approach lightly.
Last month, Boyd began his 90-minute adventures, during which he leads fellow spirit-hunters to 17 different centralized locations that have some sort of spiritual or supernatural significance. And along the way, he shares a bounty of well-researched, often obscure, and always fascinating history about our city. Even those curious about architecture are sure to learn a few things along the easy three-kilometre route.
For instance, how many are aware of a possible connection between Jack the Ripper and The Friendly City? John will tell you. Want to hear stories of a haunted hotel, visit a spirited theatre, or stand on the former site of Belleville’s blood-soaked gallows? Then follow John. He’ll show you.
Dressed in a purple crushed velvet top hat, his cape blowing in the night breeze, and clutching a glowing kerosene lantern to light the trail, Boyd regales his followers with tales of wayward souls, ladies of the night, murders, suicides, and uncanny happenings, all delivered in his rich Welsh brogue. Sometimes he seems friendly and engaging, while at other times he’s slightly unnerving-a modern-day Mr. Roarke, of sorts.
Debbie Berta, a mother of two from Stoney Creek, Ontario, decided to take the walk while visiting her brother in town. She usually takes her kids on a couple of "ghost walks," each summer, and is a strong believer in supernatural beings. “"This is one of the better walks," she says. Having explored sites in Kingston, Fort Erie, Hamilton and Cobourg, Berta claims her most surreal experience happened in Battlefield Park, close to her home in Stoney Creek. “"We had a whole family of spirits pose right in front of the kids," she claims. "“There was a woman with long hair, then a taller man beside her, and a bunch of kids." Apparently her kids love it, and show no fear of the spirit world.
Those who believe in the paranormal will enjoy Boyd’s explanations of residual energy, and the psychic abilities that lie dormant and undiscovered inside most of us. Naysayers and skeptics are welcomed on the walks, and are sure to enjoy themselves regardless.
"I’m used to them," he muses. "Anything that stimulates conversation on brand new topics is a good thing, because it helps the community come together and start talking about things that often aren’t talked about." And he also takes the hecklers in good stride.
Responding to a young blonde-haired girl on a bike who shouted out, "“Is it Hallowe’en?" John immediately quipped, "It’s Hallowe’en for me every night! " And with a genuine smile, he politely passed her one of his calling cards.
Boyd also runs a local business called Shadowicc Metaphysical Boutique. Aside from the tours, he provides psychic readings, house clearings, guided meditations, and astral travel. He has just started exploring past life regressions. And many of his services are provided for donations only.
"Anytime there’s people who need help, and I think it’s a justified reason, I’m going to try to help them the best that I can, no matter where they are," he says. "“Because the Karmic retribution for me is going to be incredible. I’m a big believer in Karma."
Thankfully most of the spirits around Belleville are friendly, or at the worst, simply a little annoying. Not like in Hamilton, where according to Boyd, "“You will get pushed, tormented and slapped around."
Guess they don’t call us The Friendly City for nothing.
For more information on the Spirit Walks, which run every Friday and Saturday night, visit Boyd’s web site at www.shadowicc.com . Chances are, he’ll be expecting to hear from you.
Not the darkness, nor the rain, managed to dampen the spirits of the seven brave souls who crept around the sites of Belleville ’s most notorious hauntings last Sunday night. They were all there for the same reason. To see ghosts. Or rather, "spirits", as they prefer to be called.
"Spirits don’t like being called ghosts, spectres, spooks, or ghouls," explains John Boyd, 38, the founder of Belleville’s newly launched “Spirit Walks.” And he should know, after all, as an Indigo Child, John has been bestowed with certain psychic gifts, which, according to him, include the ability to communicate with the dead. He was even dead himself once, claiming to have passed over to the other side for two-and-a-half minutes as a child.
Now, he is certain that his life’s purpose is to educate and enlighten others, a duty he does not approach lightly.
Last month, Boyd began his 90-minute adventures, during which he leads fellow spirit-hunters to 17 different centralized locations that have some sort of spiritual or supernatural significance. And along the way, he shares a bounty of well-researched, often obscure, and always fascinating history about our city. Even those curious about architecture are sure to learn a few things along the easy three-kilometre route.
For instance, how many are aware of a possible connection between Jack the Ripper and The Friendly City? John will tell you. Want to hear stories of a haunted hotel, visit a spirited theatre, or stand on the former site of Belleville’s blood-soaked gallows? Then follow John. He’ll show you.
Dressed in a purple crushed velvet top hat, his cape blowing in the night breeze, and clutching a glowing kerosene lantern to light the trail, Boyd regales his followers with tales of wayward souls, ladies of the night, murders, suicides, and uncanny happenings, all delivered in his rich Welsh brogue. Sometimes he seems friendly and engaging, while at other times he’s slightly unnerving-a modern-day Mr. Roarke, of sorts.
Debbie Berta, a mother of two from Stoney Creek, Ontario, decided to take the walk while visiting her brother in town. She usually takes her kids on a couple of "ghost walks," each summer, and is a strong believer in supernatural beings. “"This is one of the better walks," she says. Having explored sites in Kingston, Fort Erie, Hamilton and Cobourg, Berta claims her most surreal experience happened in Battlefield Park, close to her home in Stoney Creek. “"We had a whole family of spirits pose right in front of the kids," she claims. "“There was a woman with long hair, then a taller man beside her, and a bunch of kids." Apparently her kids love it, and show no fear of the spirit world.
Those who believe in the paranormal will enjoy Boyd’s explanations of residual energy, and the psychic abilities that lie dormant and undiscovered inside most of us. Naysayers and skeptics are welcomed on the walks, and are sure to enjoy themselves regardless.
"I’m used to them," he muses. "Anything that stimulates conversation on brand new topics is a good thing, because it helps the community come together and start talking about things that often aren’t talked about." And he also takes the hecklers in good stride.
Responding to a young blonde-haired girl on a bike who shouted out, "“Is it Hallowe’en?" John immediately quipped, "It’s Hallowe’en for me every night! " And with a genuine smile, he politely passed her one of his calling cards.
Boyd also runs a local business called Shadowicc Metaphysical Boutique. Aside from the tours, he provides psychic readings, house clearings, guided meditations, and astral travel. He has just started exploring past life regressions. And many of his services are provided for donations only.
"Anytime there’s people who need help, and I think it’s a justified reason, I’m going to try to help them the best that I can, no matter where they are," he says. "“Because the Karmic retribution for me is going to be incredible. I’m a big believer in Karma."
Thankfully most of the spirits around Belleville are friendly, or at the worst, simply a little annoying. Not like in Hamilton, where according to Boyd, "“You will get pushed, tormented and slapped around."
Guess they don’t call us The Friendly City for nothing.
For more information on the Spirit Walks, which run every Friday and Saturday night, visit Boyd’s web site at www.shadowicc.com . Chances are, he’ll be expecting to hear from you.
Belleville's own spirit guide, John Boyd, leads brave souls through some of the city's eeriest haunts.
DTHE SPIRITS WALKS AMONGST US. Shield Media - July 18 , 2008.
© uSHADOWICC 2002 - 2009 . All Rights Reserved.
WALK WITH THE SPIRITS . Umbrella .Vol. 18, # 3. July/August 2008.
Johnathon Boyd, of Shadowicc Spirit Walks, invites you to explore Belleville's
historic and haunted past. Travel through the dark streets and buildings in the
downtown area, by lantern light, as tales unfold of spirits and the paranormal.
Suitable for ages 10 and over. There will be Spirit Walks at 7 and 9 PM every
Friday and Saturday until Dec. 20, 2008.
Tickets can be reserved in advance on line , and paid for the night of the tours. Meet at Sweet Escape Cafe, 194 Front St. ,across from Century Place in
downtown Belleville. For information on the Spirit Walks , upcoming events, and
other ghostly productions , visit www.shadowicc.com .
On July 17 , Shadowicc will present VICTORIAN PARLOUR THEATRE at Capers
Brasserie and Wine Bar, downtown Belleville. JOHNATHON SHANNON , your Welsh
storyteller, will tell historic tales and legends of Ontario including murders ,
hauntings , and tortured souls ! For tickets and information, call 613 - 968-2792 or Email john@shadowicc.com .
historic and haunted past. Travel through the dark streets and buildings in the
downtown area, by lantern light, as tales unfold of spirits and the paranormal.
Suitable for ages 10 and over. There will be Spirit Walks at 7 and 9 PM every
Friday and Saturday until Dec. 20, 2008.
Tickets can be reserved in advance on line , and paid for the night of the tours. Meet at Sweet Escape Cafe, 194 Front St. ,across from Century Place in
downtown Belleville. For information on the Spirit Walks , upcoming events, and
other ghostly productions , visit www.shadowicc.com .
On July 17 , Shadowicc will present VICTORIAN PARLOUR THEATRE at Capers
Brasserie and Wine Bar, downtown Belleville. JOHNATHON SHANNON , your Welsh
storyteller, will tell historic tales and legends of Ontario including murders ,
hauntings , and tortured souls ! For tickets and information, call 613 - 968-2792 or Email john@shadowicc.com .
DouSPOOKY TOUR ENHANCES HALLOWE'EN CELEBRATIONS. LOYALIST PIONEER - OCT . 10 , 08 .
DSTORY AND PICTURE BY JENNIFER NEWLANDS .
Ghostly tales: Johnathon Boyd will be putting on dramatic presentation
about the history of Halloween on October 29th at 8 P.M.
at the Capers Brasserie and Wine Bar.
Halloween is in the air, and what better time to explore its roots and the unusual history of our Victorian city.
Johnathon Boyd, originally from Belleville and a paranormal investigator, will be putting on a dramatic presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 29 that will teach the audience how Halloween came to be and what it originated from many years ago. The 90 minute event is called the Victorian Parlour Theatre, and is being held at Capers Brasserie and Wine Bar, located at 272 Front St.
" We're doing the history of Halloween and how it started way back as a Celtic ceremony back in the dark ages over in England and how it has been... bastardized into what it is now a day," Boyd says.
Boyd says the event is very comfortable; people can sit down and enjoy a beer or spirits and enjoy the journey back through time to the burning ages and days of Wiccans. Katie Schick, manager of Capers, says customers have been coming in and inquiring about the event and seem very interested.
" I've heard people really enjoy it," she says. " It is something different for the downtown and Belleville area."
Boyd says they will be discussing how the Jack'O'lantern started, local haunting in Belleville and the history of the Wiccan religious beliefs. October 31 is a very sacred day for Wiccans; it is when they celebrate the New Year.
" It is the time of year to put everything to rest," he says. " For settling debts, for putting the fields to rest and leaving whatever is left in the fields to rot so that the actual goddess of earth gets some karma back from us too, to help us in the new year."
Boyd says it is also a celebration of the deceased. People bring in photos of friends, family, even animals, who have passed in the previous year and within their sacred circle, invite them to cross over to the other side during that evening. It is also the night where they bring new spirits over to this side.
" People can come and join us, and any bad habits they want to get rid of they can write it on a piece of parchment paper and throw it on the bonfire and we can help do a spell to help them get rid of their bad habits," he says, even things as simple as swearing or smoking. If anyone in the audience is interested in ridding themselves of any bad habits they are also welcome to leave their parchments and Boyd will include them in his personal Celtic ceremony.
The cost is $ 10 and is only open to people aged 13 and up. The presentation begins at 8 P.M. and runs for about 60 minutes followed by a 30 minute question session. " There are always questions," Boyd says.
Tickets can be purchased by cash only upon arrival or make reservations by visiting Boyd's website at www.shadowicc.com or calling 613.968.2792. This event can only seat up to 35 people, so arrive a little early to guarantee your seat.
Boyd also offers Spirit walks and Haunted tours, where the public can accompany him on a walk throughout the city where he will show guests some of the most historically haunted locations in Belleville and share some of its strange and unusual secrets.
Boyd has been conducting Spirit Walks and dramatic presentations successfully in Hamilton for the past 5 years and has been offering it to the Quinte community since June.
" I wanted to bring things down this way," he says. " I'm from the area and a lot of people don't know the things that have happened here because they have all been swept under the rug for a long time."
Anyone interested in joining him for Spirit Walks can meet at the Sweet Escape Cafe on Front St., at 8 P.M. every Friday and Saturday until November 1, and every Saturday at 8 P.M. until November 22.
Ghostly tales: Johnathon Boyd will be putting on dramatic presentation
about the history of Halloween on October 29th at 8 P.M.
at the Capers Brasserie and Wine Bar.
Halloween is in the air, and what better time to explore its roots and the unusual history of our Victorian city.
Johnathon Boyd, originally from Belleville and a paranormal investigator, will be putting on a dramatic presentation on Wednesday, Oct. 29 that will teach the audience how Halloween came to be and what it originated from many years ago. The 90 minute event is called the Victorian Parlour Theatre, and is being held at Capers Brasserie and Wine Bar, located at 272 Front St.
" We're doing the history of Halloween and how it started way back as a Celtic ceremony back in the dark ages over in England and how it has been... bastardized into what it is now a day," Boyd says.
Boyd says the event is very comfortable; people can sit down and enjoy a beer or spirits and enjoy the journey back through time to the burning ages and days of Wiccans. Katie Schick, manager of Capers, says customers have been coming in and inquiring about the event and seem very interested.
" I've heard people really enjoy it," she says. " It is something different for the downtown and Belleville area."
Boyd says they will be discussing how the Jack'O'lantern started, local haunting in Belleville and the history of the Wiccan religious beliefs. October 31 is a very sacred day for Wiccans; it is when they celebrate the New Year.
" It is the time of year to put everything to rest," he says. " For settling debts, for putting the fields to rest and leaving whatever is left in the fields to rot so that the actual goddess of earth gets some karma back from us too, to help us in the new year."
Boyd says it is also a celebration of the deceased. People bring in photos of friends, family, even animals, who have passed in the previous year and within their sacred circle, invite them to cross over to the other side during that evening. It is also the night where they bring new spirits over to this side.
" People can come and join us, and any bad habits they want to get rid of they can write it on a piece of parchment paper and throw it on the bonfire and we can help do a spell to help them get rid of their bad habits," he says, even things as simple as swearing or smoking. If anyone in the audience is interested in ridding themselves of any bad habits they are also welcome to leave their parchments and Boyd will include them in his personal Celtic ceremony.
The cost is $ 10 and is only open to people aged 13 and up. The presentation begins at 8 P.M. and runs for about 60 minutes followed by a 30 minute question session. " There are always questions," Boyd says.
Tickets can be purchased by cash only upon arrival or make reservations by visiting Boyd's website at www.shadowicc.com or calling 613.968.2792. This event can only seat up to 35 people, so arrive a little early to guarantee your seat.
Boyd also offers Spirit walks and Haunted tours, where the public can accompany him on a walk throughout the city where he will show guests some of the most historically haunted locations in Belleville and share some of its strange and unusual secrets.
Boyd has been conducting Spirit Walks and dramatic presentations successfully in Hamilton for the past 5 years and has been offering it to the Quinte community since June.
" I wanted to bring things down this way," he says. " I'm from the area and a lot of people don't know the things that have happened here because they have all been swept under the rug for a long time."
Anyone interested in joining him for Spirit Walks can meet at the Sweet Escape Cafe on Front St., at 8 P.M. every Friday and Saturday until November 1, and every Saturday at 8 P.M. until November 22.
DoutHave you ever had a haunted experience ? Do you believe in life after death ? Then CJLX's new radio show , the Vortex, is for you . The new show is hosted by Johnathon Boyd with the help of production manager and radio broadcasting student Chris Robinson .
The Vortex answers listeners questions about paranormal and supernatural states . Boyd talks about his stories from all across Ontario for the Vortex . He speaks about Ouija boards , exorcisms and his own stories relating to ghosts and haunted encounters . Boyd pitched his idea for the show back in August and it's taken a little while to get to where it is now . The Vortex has only broadcasted two shows in total so far .
““ The radio show is another way to reach more people and everyone has questions about it,” said Boyd . Boyd does the interviews for the show and the research for 91X while Robinson produces the work and adds the music , along with sound effects .
“ Putting it all together takes me about an hour to an hour-and-a-half , ” said Robinson . “ I try to make it more interesting by adding sound effects such as screams and scratches and I put in the music . ” Robinson said the work is tedious but enjoys working on the show . Boyd and Robinson are also working on a Christmas special for the Vortex . “ The show isn't live but it's 30 minutes long and is broadcasted every Wednesday at 10 P.M. , ” Robinson said .
Boyd takes people through the city of Belleville for Spirit Walks , works on his CJLX show , and does bus tours across Ontario . He is also a paranormal investigator and occasionally does some psychic readings.
“ If you want to see ghosts, it usually doesn’t happen , ” said Boyd . Boyd believes that parts of Belleville are haunted , according to him the two most haunted places in Belleville are Glanmore House and the armouries . “ They had a priest go into the Glanmore House to do an exorcism back in the 1970’s before the city took it over . Everyone knows things happen in there ,” said Boyd .
Boyd believes there are a lot of people who won't come straight out to say that they believe in spirits but once they get more relaxed with it then they are more open to tell their stories . “ It doesn't bother me at all now , I'm so used to it , and it's like a second nature . I am here to dispel a lot of myths and when I do investigations we want to prove there is no spirits here . ”
The Vortex answers listeners questions about paranormal and supernatural states . Boyd talks about his stories from all across Ontario for the Vortex . He speaks about Ouija boards , exorcisms and his own stories relating to ghosts and haunted encounters . Boyd pitched his idea for the show back in August and it's taken a little while to get to where it is now . The Vortex has only broadcasted two shows in total so far .
““ The radio show is another way to reach more people and everyone has questions about it,” said Boyd . Boyd does the interviews for the show and the research for 91X while Robinson produces the work and adds the music , along with sound effects .
“ Putting it all together takes me about an hour to an hour-and-a-half , ” said Robinson . “ I try to make it more interesting by adding sound effects such as screams and scratches and I put in the music . ” Robinson said the work is tedious but enjoys working on the show . Boyd and Robinson are also working on a Christmas special for the Vortex . “ The show isn't live but it's 30 minutes long and is broadcasted every Wednesday at 10 P.M. , ” Robinson said .
Boyd takes people through the city of Belleville for Spirit Walks , works on his CJLX show , and does bus tours across Ontario . He is also a paranormal investigator and occasionally does some psychic readings.
“ If you want to see ghosts, it usually doesn’t happen , ” said Boyd . Boyd believes that parts of Belleville are haunted , according to him the two most haunted places in Belleville are Glanmore House and the armouries . “ They had a priest go into the Glanmore House to do an exorcism back in the 1970’s before the city took it over . Everyone knows things happen in there ,” said Boyd .
Boyd believes there are a lot of people who won't come straight out to say that they believe in spirits but once they get more relaxed with it then they are more open to tell their stories . “ It doesn't bother me at all now , I'm so used to it , and it's like a second nature . I am here to dispel a lot of myths and when I do investigations we want to prove there is no spirits here . ”
LOYALIST PIONEER - NOV. 28 , 08 .
DoSTORY AND PICTURE BY MARINA OSMOND .
tMystery: Chris Robinson (front) and Johnathon Boyd
work together on the new radio show The
Vortex for CJLX on Thursday .
work together on the new radio show The
Vortex for CJLX on Thursday .
DNEW CJLX SHOW EXPLORES THE OCCULT
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