Pareidolia can cause people to interpret random images, or patterns of light and shadow, as faces. [10] A 2009 magnetoencephalography study found that objects perceived as faces evoke an early (165 ms) activation of the fusiform face area at a time and location similar to that evoked by faces, whereas other common objects do not evoke such activation. This activation is similar to a slightly faster time (130 ms) that is seen for images of real faces. The authors suggest that face perception evoked by face-like objects is a relatively early process, and not a late cognitive reinterpretation phenomenon. [11] It’s also important to consider that most shadow person sightings appear in our peripheral vision, which is designed to detect motion and movement, not detail. That said, it would be easier to mistake something in the corner of our eye for something it isn’t than it would be if we were to see something head-on. What To Do If You See A Shadow Person They are claimed to be viewed as unrecognizable fleeting shadows out of the corner of an observer’s eye for just a few seconds. I’ve heard stories where they weren’t human shaped at all … more like a ball or a fluttering blanket. And occasionally some, as I have personally experienced, witness these masses straight on; no need for peripheral vision here. We’ve concluded these figures have been around for a very long time. And appear to share a consistent familiarity, they are the most reported type of ghost sighting. Yet, opinions about them vary among paranormal investigators. Much like the theories you hear about doppelgangers, it is also believed that witnessing a shadow person is a bad omen, and may even be a sign of one’s impending death. This theory, however, seems less, and less plausible the more encounter stories you read online. There are many unfortunate individuals out in the world who have been tormented by shadow people for years. Vila-Rodriguez, Fidel (September 2011). "Methamphetamine, Perceptual Disturbances, and the Peripheral Drift Illusion". American Journal on Addictions. 20 (5): 490. doi: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2011.00161.x. PMID 21838855.

Most people who experience this phenomenon say that these shadow figures are used to be seen out of the corner of their eyes and disappears as they look straight into them. But, more and more people have also experienced looking straight to them for longer periods of time. Some people even witnessed seeing eyes, usually red or green in color, and also shadows wearing a hat and named as “Hat Man”. Sightings of shadow people have been reported by numerous individuals worldwide, transcending cultures, demographics, and geographic locations. These personal testimonies offer a glimpse into the variety and impact of encounters with shadow people. Here are some notable sightings and personal testimonies: We have to question why should religious institutions leave such an indelible mark on our countryside especially so many years after their passing? With many people living and dying in the area, why are there so many ghosts of a hooded figure haunting the countryside and not villagers, squires, or lords? Owing to the way designs are engraved and printed, occurrences of pareidolia have occasionally been reported in banknotes. pareidolia". Lexico US English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 16 January 2020.The first shadow puppets were likely made out of animal hides. Since they were strong and flexible, they allowed the puppeteer to move the puppet easily to create the desired effects on the screen. Leather is still a popular material used to make shadow puppets today. When a shadow figure is a benign one, you know it. You feel it. This shadow figure won’t scare you, but it can make you feel supported and protected. I think there is a benign shadow figure around me. What should I do? Shadow puppetry is a popular form of entertainment in countries all over the world. China, India, Indonesia and Turkey have been especially important in the development of this art form over time. Some findings concluded that shadows are of either human shaped or animal shaped. Many believe that they can be classified as different types of beings such as aliens, demons, disembodied people, animals and monsters. Many types of shadow figures are studied in the paranormal subject, but here we will look into the common types that most people experience.

Niğde Alaaddin Mosque in Niğde, Turkey (1223), with its "mukarnas" art where the shadows of three-dimensional ornamentation with stone masonry around the entrance form a chiaroscuro drawing of a woman's face with a crown and long hair appearing at a specific time, at some specific days of the year. [35] [36] [37] The care you need depends on the condition that’s triggering your hallucinations. In many cases, if you can treat that, you’ll stop seeing things.A notable example of pareidolia occurred in 1877, when observers using telescopes to view the surface of Mars thought that they saw faint straight lines, which were then interpreted by some as canals (see Martian canals). It was theorized that the canals were possibly created by sentient beings. This created a sensation. In the next few years better photographic techniques and stronger telescopes were developed and applied, which resulted in new images in which the faint lines disappeared, and the canal theory was debunked as an example of pareidolia. [23] [24] Projective tests [ edit ] Despite the varied origins and myths, the phenomenon of shadow people persists, captivating the human imagination and sparking curiosity about the unseen realms that may exist beyond our understanding. First, you’ll get a physical exam and talk about your health history and symptoms. Your doctor might ask questions like: If you feel lightly touched/caressed on the body, but there is no one at home, we all have an energy field called an aura, and spirits can interact with it to create a physical sensation in our body. The same is true when we feel we are “observed” as if we know that there is someone next to us. We could feel a great calm or, on the contrary, a magnetic attraction towards a point in the room. Cold wind