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    • Exploring the legend of Bloody MaryThe urban legend of Bloody Mary, a game involving summoning a ghost in a mirror, raises questions about the power of our minds to create fear and belief in the supernatural, with origins tracing back to historical figures but true believability lying in collective imagination and experiences.

      The urban legend of Bloody Mary, a popular party game, raises questions about the power of our own minds to create fear and belief in the supernatural. The game, which involves summoning a ghost in a mirror, has various versions and objectives, ranging from proving bravery to genuinely trying to contact the spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and encounters with the legend, adding to the intrigue. The game's origins can be traced back to historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, but its true believability lies in the collective imagination and experiences of those who play it. While some may dismiss it as a harmless prank, others maintain that there's a real risk involved. Regardless of personal beliefs, the legend of Bloody Mary continues to captivate and intrigue people, making it a fascinating topic to explore.

    • Summoning Bloody Mary in the BathroomTo summon Bloody Mary in the bathroom, turn off the lights, place a candle on the sink, stare deeply into the mirror, and repeat her name three times. If she doesn't appear, spin around three times and blow out the candle. If you do see her, be prepared for an encounter.

      The experience of trying to summon Bloody Mary in the bathroom is a solitary and potentially terrifying endeavor. Here are the key steps: First, decide who goes first. Second, shut off the lights and place a candle on the sink. Third, stare deeply into the mirror and repeat her name three times. Fourth, if she doesn't appear, spin around three times. Fifth, if you don't see her, blow out the candle and join your friends. However, if you do see her, well, good luck with that. During this process, your friends are likely gossiping outside. If you saw Bloody Mary in the mirror, you might instinctively look behind you, but it's unclear if she would replace your reflection or appear separately. As a side note, this Thursday, July 7th, marks the 2-year anniversary of our podcast, Believing the Bazaar. We've grown and matured over the past two years, and by the time this comes out, we'll have reached 1,000,000 downloads. So, happy anniversary to us!

    • Celebrating 2-year anniversary with a livestream and merchandiseThe podcast 'Believing is Seeing' reached one million listens and is hosting a livestream with listener submissions, merchandise reveal, and limited-time sales. Fans can purchase episode-specific designs and receive freebies with proof of purchase.

      The podcast "Believing is Seeing" has reached a significant milestone of one million listens, and to celebrate their 2-year anniversary, they will be hosting a livestream on Twitch this Thursday, July 7th, at 8 PM EST. During the livestream, they will go through shorter listener submissions and reveal episode-specific merchandise, including shirt designs, which will be available for purchase from July 7th to 10th. If listeners purchase one of these designs during that time and provide proof, they will receive a signed "Not Dear" print and a sticker for free. The podcast team is excited to continue creating merchandise based on popular episodes and invites listeners to suggest their favorite episodes for potential designs. The team is also discussing potential designs based on historical figures, such as Queen Mary I of England.

    • Queens Mary Tudor and Mary Queen of Scots: Brutal Rulers with Tragic EndsMary Tudor and Mary Queen of Scots, known for their brutal reigns, faced personal grudges and tragic ends. Mary Tudor executed Thomas Cranmer for annulling her father's marriage, while Mary Queen of Scots married a suspect in her husband's murder and was imprisoned by her cousin.

      Mary Tudor, also known as Bloody Mary, ruled England with brutal force and was responsible for the deaths of around 280 people due to their refusal to renounce Catholicism during the Protestant Reformation. Her most famous victim was Thomas Cranmer, who was burned at the stake despite his renunciation. Mary's personal grudge against Cranmer stemmed from his role in annulling her father's marriage, leading to her father's marriage to someone else. Mary Queen of Scots, on the other hand, claimed both Scottish and English thrones and was unhappy in her marriage to her cousin, Henry Stewart, the Earl of Darnley. After Darnley's mysterious murder, Mary married one of the main suspects, James Hepburn, and was eventually imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, for 18 years before being beheaded in 1586. Despite the drama and intrigue of their lives, neither queen is remembered as particularly nice, and both faced difficult and violent ends.

    • The Brutal Elizabeth Bathory and Her Pyramid SchemeElizabeth Bathory, a Hungarian noblewoman, was infamous for her cruelty towards women. She married a war hero, then killed wealthy women, bathed in their blood, and escaped prosecution, inspiring urban legends of a bloodthirsty countess.

      Elizabeth Bathory, also known as the Blood Countess, was a historical figure infamous for her brutal treatment of women. She was believed to bathe in their blood in an attempt to preserve her youthful appearance. Elizabeth, who started the first pyramid scheme, was married to a Hungarian war hero and, after his death, began inviting wealthy women to her castle, only to brutally kill them. The extent of her cruelty included scalding, mutilation, and even cannibalism. Despite the heinous acts, Elizabeth was not executed but instead was locked up until her death. A different urban legend surrounding Bloody Mary originated from Pennsylvania, where she was said to live in a cottage and sell herbal remedies. This Mary was not the same as Elizabeth Bathory but rather a different folklore figure.

    • The Cautionary Tale of Bloody MaryBlindly accusing and punishing innocent people based on rumors and fear can have severe consequences. Gathering solid evidence and thinking rationally is crucial.

      The legend of Bloody Mary is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fear and suspicion in a community. The story revolves around a witch named Bloody Mary who was blamed for the disappearance of several young girls in a nearby town. Despite having no concrete evidence, the villagers accused her of taking the girls and eventually burned her at the stake. After her death, it was discovered that she had indeed murdered the girls and used their blood to preserve her youth. The legend warns that chanting her name three times before a mirror will summon her vengeful spirit. This tale serves as a reminder of the consequences of blindly accusing and punishing innocent people based on rumors and fear. It also highlights the importance of rational thinking and gathering solid evidence before jumping to conclusions. The modern retelling of this legend in movies like Hocus Pocus shows how such stories continue to captivate and entertain audiences. Additionally, the conversation touched upon the topic of health and fitness, with the speakers discussing their personal experiences with Athletic Greens, a supplement that promises to improve overall health and well-being.

    • Incorporating daily nutritious habitsAdding Athletic Greens' AG1 shake to your routine can boost mental clarity, support immune system, and contribute to charitable causes

      Incorporating daily nutritious habits, such as consuming Athletic Greens' AG1 shake, can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. This simple addition to your routine can provide mental clarity, support your immune system, and even contribute to charitable causes. On the other hand, focusing too intently on one thing, like your reflection in the mirror, can lead to optical illusions like the Troxler effect, causing you to see distorted or fantastical images. This phenomenon occurs when the brain stops connecting the stimuli it receives in a meaningful way. So, remember, maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally, is key to optimizing your overall well-being. To learn more about Athletic Greens and their nutritional offerings, visit athleticgreens.com/forward/emerging.

    • Exploring the Legend of Bloody MaryThe legend of Bloody Mary can lead to eerie experiences when repeated chants are made in front of a mirror, potentially influenced by factors like prolonged staring, dim lighting, and sensory deprivation.

      The repeated chanting of "Bloody Mary" in front of a mirror can lead to uncanny or terrifying experiences, often involving the appearance of a silent, bloodied apparition. These experiences may be influenced by factors such as prolonged staring, the removal of external senses like smell, and the dim lighting. The stories shared, like "The Silent Scream" and "The Cracked Mirror," illustrate how these experiences can be both unsettling and potentially frightening. It's important to note that these stories are meant to be entertaining and should not be taken as fact. However, they do highlight the power of imagination and the impact it can have on our perception of reality.

    • The enduring power of urban legendsUrban legends like Bloody Mary continue to captivate people and can leave a lasting impression. The anonymity of the internet allows for sharing of these stories, fueling our fascination with the paranormal and the power of the mind.

      The urban legend of Bloody Mary continues to intrigue people and can have a profound impact on those who believe they have encountered her. The story shared by Kelsey about her friend's experience in the bathroom left a lasting impression on her and her friends, and the fear of Bloody Mary has stayed with them to this day. The anonymity of the internet allows for the sharing of such stories on platforms like Reddit, where people can connect over their experiences and beliefs. The idea that one's intention could potentially conjure a spirit, even if the person doesn't fully believe in the paranormal, is an intriguing concept that adds depth to these stories. The experiences shared on Reddit serve as reminders of the power of the mind and the impact that fear can have on our perception of reality. Whether these stories are true or not, they highlight the enduring nature of urban legends and the role they play in shaping our collective imagination.

    • Encounters with the Haunted Bathroom Ghost - Bloody MaryIn the fourth grade, the speaker had two eerie encounters with a ghost named Bloody Mary in a haunted bathroom at school. She saw a ghostly figure and received a scratch without explanation.

      The bathroom in the speaker's school was believed to be haunted due to strange occurrences, and the speaker had two encounters with a ghost named Bloody Mary. The first encounter happened in the fourth grade when the speaker played a creepy version of truth or dare and summoned Bloody Mary in the bathroom. The speaker saw a ghostly figure with pale skin, a white nightgown, jet black hair, and an outstretched arm. The second encounter occurred about four months later when the speaker, with a friend, went to the bathroom and asked Bloody Mary to leave them alone. This time, the speaker received a scratch on her arm without causing it herself. The bathrooms at the school were described as having no windows, being dark, and having only one door that locks from the outside. The speaker's fear of being alone may have contributed to her experiences.

    • The Power of Intention in Paranormal ActivitiesEngaging with paranormal activities, whether real or not, can have consequences due to the power of intention. Be cautious when summoning entities or using tools like Ouija boards or mirrors.

      The intention behind paranormal activities, whether real or not, holds significant power. During a discussion on the podcast, the hosts explored the idea that even if a particular legend, like Bloody Mary, is proven to be fake, the act of summoning or attempting to contact the entity could still have consequences. This concept of intention was further expanded upon when considering the Ouija board and potential entities attached to mirrors. The hosts agreed that the act of seeking out the paranormal could potentially draw out negative energies or entities, making it an "easy entry point" for those interested in the paranormal. Overall, the discussion emphasized the importance of intention and the potential consequences of engaging with the unknown.

    • Exploring the Unexplained: Past Lives, Spiritualities, and Paranormal PhenomenaWhile scientific explanations can offer insights, they don't fully explain unexplained occurrences. Belief in past lives, spiritualities, and paranormal experiences is subjective and varies widely.

      The discussion revolved around the exploration of past lives, spiritualities, religions, theories, paranormal experiences, and the role of mirrors in these phenomena. The hosts agreed that while scientific explanations can provide some insight, they don't fully explain the unexplained occurrences. They also discussed the believability of the urban legend of Bloody Mary and placed it on the viable side of the believability scale. Additionally, they announced upcoming events, including a livestream and merchandise release, and encouraged listeners to share their own experiences. Overall, the conversation showcased the hosts' curiosity and open-mindedness towards the unexplained and the importance of sharing personal stories.

    • Using metaphors in text communicationMetaphors and colloquialisms can add depth and personality to text-based communication, helping to build connections and convey emotions.

      Communication can be playful and expressive, even in a text-based format. The use of colloquialisms and metaphors can add depth and meaning to a conversation. In the given example, the speaker is using a southern belle metaphor to express her desire to be invited to an event. This playful language creates a connection and adds a sense of personality to the interaction. It's important to remember that language is a powerful tool for expression and can be used to build relationships and convey emotions, even in the digital world. So, don't be afraid to inject some personality into your text messages or emails. It might just make all the difference.

    Recent Episodes from Believing the Bizarre: Paranormal Conspiracies & Myths

    Bizarre News and Bigfoot-like Cryptids Blind Rankings

    Bizarre News and Bigfoot-like Cryptids Blind Rankings
    This month in Bizarre News, we discuss a variety of topics such as strange monoliths popping up, weird whale congregations, a psychic claiming we'll discover alien life soon, and more!

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    The Demonic Attachment Felix

    The Demonic Attachment Felix
    We have 3 listener submissions this week!

    Story 1-
    In 2010, Stephanie and her boyfriend's family moved into a spacious rental house that seemed perfect at first. Shortly after moving in, Stephanie experienced a frightening incident in the bathroom when an unseen presence tried to open the door while she was showering.
    Weeks later, she heard unexplained growling in the hallway, and her boyfriend's mother, Deborah, saw a shadowy figure in her bathroom and kitchen. Throughout their stay, the family encountered numerous unexplained occurrences, including constantly unlocked doors, an unusual accumulation of dead flies, and mysterious symbols etched inside cabinets that weren't there when they moved in.
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    Story 2-
    Throughout his childhood, Josh experienced several paranormal encounters in his family home, including seeing an elderly man in rags and shadowy figures roaming the halls. At age 5, Josh was so terrified by these nightly apparitions that he would sleep on his mother's bedroom floor, unaware that he was sleep-talking about "black robes" to her.
    Years later, as a teenager, Josh had a vivid sleep paralysis episode involving a burned figure and a woman instructing him to bleed the radiators, which he seemingly did in reality while asleep.
    After this incident, Josh developed an unexplained scar on his right shoulder that resembled a burn mark, adding a physical dimension to his supernatural experiences.

    Story 3-
    Sophia (anonymous) lived with her brother John and a roommate named Melissa, who claimed to have a demon attachment and practiced occult activities in their shared house. One night, while home alone, Sophia experienced an inexplicable incident where furniture was rearranged and kitchen cabinets were opened without any apparent explanation.
    A subsequent paranormal investigation revealed the presence of multiple entities in the house, including a potentially malevolent spirit.
    Following this event, Sophia experienced ongoing paranormal activity, including shadow figures, strange noises, and physical sensations, until she moved out of the house in March 2020, after which the haunting phenomena ceased.

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    The Warped Faces and Shadow Entity

    The Warped Faces and Shadow Entity
    It's listener submission time and we have two creepy tales for you today! In the first story, Chris and his friend Mike were interested in the paranormal and started using a Ouija board. Initially, nothing unusual happened, but then they connected with a spirit named Adam Greene. They asked for signs of his presence, and the planchette spun rapidly and flew off the board. Another time, they heard slow, pounding footsteps behind a sheet hung in the doorway, followed by a flash of light. 
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    Story #2 involves Robin.
    When Robin was six, his friend Jason's father took them to a cemetery in the woods at 2-3am after giving them beer. They opened a grave, saw a skeleton, then heard loud footsteps and shrieking. Soon after, Robin began seeing terrifying faces peeking into his room at night that would vanish when he looked directly at them. It caused him great fear, keeping him up at night. One time, he woke to see a face at the foot of his bed staring at him, then his covers flew off by themselves. He ran out of the house in terror. At age 16, Robin returned to the cemetery with friends and was chased off by the angry landowner. That night, they all had the same nightmare of a ghostly female figure screaming at them from the disturbed grave. Now at 21, Robin still sees the scary faces and also hears disembodied sounds. Most frighteningly, he sees a tall, pitch-black figure darker than the surrounding darkness appearing in doorways and on the stairs. It sometimes charges at him on all fours before vanishing. Photos never capture this haunting presence. Robin doesn't believe enough in God to get an exorcism, so he is trying to cope with the ongoing supernatural torment.

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    #alienabduction #ufoabduction #kellycahill #aliens

    Mike Ricksecker | Paranormal Researcher and Author - Interview

    Mike Ricksecker | Paranormal Researcher and Author - Interview
    We are excited to continue our monthly interviews with Mike Ricksecker.
    Mike is the author of the best-selling books A Walk In The Shadows, and Alaska's Mysterious Triangle, as well as several historic paranormal books. His latest best-selling book is Travels Through Time: Inside the Fourth Dimension, Time Travel, and Stacked Time Theory, published in 2023. He has appeared on multiple television shows and programs, including History Channel's Ancient Aliens and The UnXplained, Travel Channel’s The Alaska Triangle, Discovery+’s Fright Club, Animal Planet’s The Haunted, multiple series on Gaia TV, and more. Mike is the producer and director of the docu-series, The Shadow Dimension, available on several streaming platforms, and produces additional full-length content on ancient wisdom, lost civilizations, and the supernatural on his extensive YouTube channel.

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    The Kelly Cahill Alien Abduction

    The Kelly Cahill Alien Abduction
    In August 1993, Kelly Cahill, a 27-year-old mother of three from Victoria, Australia, experienced a life-changing UFO encounter. While driving home from a party with her husband, Andrew, they witnessed a mysterious craft with orange lights in a nearby field.
    Later that night, they encountered the same object hovering above the road, and as they approached it, they saw figures inside before it disappeared.
    Suddenly, a bright light engulfed their car, and they experienced a mysterious blackout, losing an hour of time. In the following weeks, Kelly and her husband suffered from various inexplicable symptoms, including headaches, nausea, and fatigue. Kelly discovered a strange triangular mark and a scar on her body. As her memories of the encounter began to resurface, she recalled being approached by tall, thin, black figures with luminous red eyes.
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    #alienabduction #ufoabduction #kellycahill #aliens

    Finland's Myths and Monsters

    Finland's Myths and Monsters
    Finland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is home to a captivating array of mythical creatures and tales.
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    In the vast forests, one may encounter the shape-shifting Peikko, giant trolls feared as bogeymen who kidnap and torture children.
    The enchanting Keiju, delicate fairy-like beings, grace the skies and woodlands in three distinct forms: Luonnotar, Ilmatar, and Metsänneito. The enigmatic Hiisi, towering humanoid creatures, dwell in the mountains and forests, marking sacred sites and challenging those who dare to enter their domain.
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    Lastly, the majestic Otso, the king of the forest and bear spirit, is revered as a friend, brother, or even a transformed human, symbolizing the deep connection between the Finnish people and the natural world.
    These mythical beings, each with their unique characteristics and stories, continue to capture the imagination and inspire awe in those who explore the fascinating realm of Finnish mythology.

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    #paranormalpodcast #finlandmyths #finlandfolklore #finlandcreatures #finnishfolkloreÂ

    Sleep Paralysis Stories: Vol 1

    Sleep Paralysis Stories: Vol 1
    Sleep Paralysis Stories: Volume 1

    Over the years we have had tons of listeners submit potential sleep paralysis stories, so we decided to combine a handful of them into a new, unique listener submission collection - sleep paralysis stories!
    Sleep paralysis is a terrifying experience where individuals find themselves conscious but unable to move, often accompanied by hallucinations of shadow figures, entities, and the infamous "old hag."
    Theories range from supernatural encounters to a dream-like state caused by the brain's inability to control the body during sleep. People from various locations have shared their unsettling experiences, highlighting the fear and helplessness felt during these episodes.
    Some individuals, like Madison, have had sleep paralysis for years, with recurring visions of a woman in a 1920s dress and the mysterious "Hat Man." Despite the initial terror, Madison eventually found comfort in these encounters, particularly during a difficult period in her life when a shadow figure appeared to offer support. Alex, on the other hand, had a particularly vivid experience involving a menacing dog and a shadowy figure, leaving him questioning the line between reality and dreams.
    Zacharia, a 15-year-old living in an old San Francisco house, has been sensitive to the paranormal for years. He has seen balls of light, experienced unexplained occurrences, and even encountered an apparition he calls "George."
    Recently, Zacharia has been experiencing nightly episodes of sleep paralysis, accompanied by strange noises and a feeling of being weighed down, leading him to believe that a poltergeist may be responsible.
    Kieren, who has had various paranormal encounters, including UFO sightings and experiences with spirits, learned about sleep paralysis through his studies as a biology major.
    While his first experience was relatively tame, a subsequent episode involved a shadow person appearing in the corner of his eye. By reminding himself that it was a trick of the mind and focusing on relaxing his muscles, Kieren was able to make the shadow disappear and regain control of his body.

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    Bizarre News and Alien Abduction Blind Ranking

    Bizarre News and Alien Abduction Blind Ranking
    It's time for a new monthly segment! On the fourth Friday of every month, you can expect Bizarre News and Blind Rankings.

    This month in Bizarre News, we discuss a wide variety of topics. From a puzzling earthquake in Turkey followed by a dazzling display of UFOs, to a mysterious neon blue cloud hovering over Quincy, Massachusetts, we explore the strange and the supernatural.
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    Next, we venture into the cosmos, where scientists may have stumbled upon evidence of hyper-intelligent civilizations living in theoretical Dyson spheres. Could these advanced beings be harnessing the power of stars and black holes?
    We'll explore the tantalizing possibilities. Finally, we'll take you on a journey into the heart of the Angeles National Forest, where a hiker's recent encounter with a set of mysterious tracks has sparked a frenzy among Bigfoot enthusiasts. 
    Also, we finally have Producer Ben on the main feed and are playing Blind Rankings.
    This month, Ben has chosen 8 Alien Abduction stories that must rank, but the catch is, we don't know the list of abductions when we start ranking them.
    We hope you enjoy these new segments!

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    The Contorting Entity Hugo

    The Contorting Entity Hugo
    The Contorting Entity Hugo

    It's listener submission time again! The listener has requested to stay anonymous, so as always, we got a Sophia story!

    From a young age, Sophia possessed an innate sensitivity to the paranormal, able to sense the emotions and energy of those around her, including spirits. Despite her belief in ghosts, she had never directly encountered a shadow person until she was 12 or 13 years old. 
    In her bedroom, she began to feel a presence watching her, which she eventually named "Hugo." Initially, the presence seemed benign, but after a series of unsettling events, including a lotion bottle mysteriously moving and recurring dreams of Hugo clinging to her wall with large, black eyes, Sophia's fear grew, forcing her to seek refuge in her sister's room. 
    Sophia's family home in Georgia, shared by her parents, sister, and grandparents, held its own secrets. She always felt nervous in her grandparents' house, hearing strange noises at night that were dismissed as the settling of an old house.
    As a young adult, while living in a nearby mother-in-law suite with her fiancé, Sophia experienced intense feelings of panic and unease when alone in the main house, particularly while using the bathroom. These feelings eventually subsided, only to be replaced by scratching sounds and other unexplained occurrences.
    One morning, while Sophia's grandfather was confined to a hospital bed in the living room, she heard knocking and footsteps while showering. The footsteps ran down the hallway towards the spare rooms, but the door, known for its loud creak, never opened. When Sophia emerged from the bathroom, she found the door still shut and her grandfather claiming to have heard nothing.
    Shaken, she quickly left the house, marking the end of her personal encounters in the family home. Despite the passing of her grandfather, Sophia's grandmother (Nanny) continues to reside in the house, claiming to have friendly encounters with ghosts.
    Both Sophia and her Nanny have experienced moments that felt like the presence of her late grandfather, leaving them to wonder about the reality of their experiences. Though the fear was genuine at the time, Sophia now reflects on these events with a sense of curiosity and wonder, forever changed by her journey through the paranormal.

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    Madeleine Arnoux, Marius DeWilde, and Maurice Masse Alien Encounters

    Madeleine Arnoux, Marius DeWilde, and Maurice Masse Alien Encounters
    This week on Believing the Bizarre we have three incredibly alien encounters that took place in France.

    Our first story takes place in the summer of 1944, when 13-year-old Madeleine Arnoux was on a bicycle ride to pick up food from a nearby farm. 
    During a brief rest in a meadow, she stumbled upon a strange, metallic craft and tiny humanoid creatures dressed in brown one-piece suits. Frozen in fear, Madeleine eventually fled the scene, keeping her encounter a secret for nearly 30 years before finally sharing her story with the world.
    Fast forward to 1954, when railway worker Marius Dewilde experienced a chilling encounter near his home in Nord, France. One night, his dog's incessant barking led him to discover a strange object and two small humanoid figures near the railroad tracks.
    Paralyzed by a beam of light from the object, Marius helplessly watched as the beings boarded their craft and ascended into the night sky. In the aftermath of the incident, investigators discovered physical evidence supporting Marius's account, solidifying his place in UFO history.
    Our final story takes us to the picturesque region of Valensole, France, where farmer Maurice Masse had a close encounter of the third kind in July 1965. While taking a cigarette break, Masse noticed an oval-shaped object landing in a nearby lavender field, accompanied by two humanoid figures.
    When one of the figures raised a cylindrical device, Masse was struck by a beam that left him paralyzed on the ground. As the figures boarded their craft and flew away, they left behind physical evidence that would later support Masse's incredible story.
    These three extraordinary French alien encounters serve as a testament to the enduring mystery and allure of UFOs in France and beyond.

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    Contact me or send in your stories to:https://afterthe3ver.com/contact/  or  pumpkinqueen@afterthe3ver.com  

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    Sources:

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    mark@theboskogroup.com

    https://www.discoveryplus.com/video/helltown/helltown 

    atlasobscura.com

    Allthatsinteresting.com

    http://www.weirdus.com

    https://www.ghostsofohio.org

    https://www.americanhauntingsink.com

    http://www.the13thfloor.

    rare.us

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    https://instagram.com/robert_shimmin?igshid=9d7s1cz7imc0