Is Motif Haunted? An expert sussed out the spirits in our office and spoiler alert — it is!

Motif headquarters sits on the Blackstone River in an old mill building that creaks and moans as if trying to settle its old bones. While no one in our office has seen a ghost, some folks have reported “getting a feeling” while alone in the building late at night. With the approach of Samhain (Halloween), the time of year when the veil between the worlds is thinnest, an investigation seemed appropriate. If there was anything lurking in the nooks and crannies of this old building, now was the peak time for spirits to make themselves known.

Expert Brenda McGee of Southern New England Paranormal Investigations felt the vibe the moment she entered the building. When asked about this thin veil business she said, “Yes, it is thinner; this is the time when loved ones come through.” She felt it started earlier this year than in years past, and cautioned against using Ouija boards and holding seances as you “attract negativity” with these types of activities. “It’s not a joke,” she said. And she speaks from experience — her qualifications include taking spiritual warfare classes with a Catholic priest.

We walked through the building and moved into a closed-off area that houses old boilers and a huge smokestack. As we opened the door, McGee said, “It felt like something hit me in the chest.” Her impressions were of folks still working, going about their business just as they did in the early 1900s. We left a recording device in this area and McGee invited the spirits to speak if they had anything to say. As we got closer to the river side of the building, she felt families, children and women in old time bonnets from a time period before the mill was even built. Again she felt these folks were doing their everyday tasks.

McGee usually is contacted by folks experiencing unusual activity in their home. Some hear noises, others notice things being moved or doors opening and closing. Some people feel pressure on their chest or feel something heavy on them. In extreme cases, people will exhibit scratches. “I like to talk to [clients] to get a feel as to what is going on in the home,” she said. If she feels it is warranted and she has permission, she will do a full-blown investigation, which includes audio and video recording equipment. She always tells the spirits she means them no harm and would like to hear what they have to say.

If things get heavy, her team of three do a blessing and a clearing. This involves some real bell, book and candle stuff like incense, oil, salt and holy water, along with St. Benedictine medals blessed by a priest who knows what he is doing.

Fortunately, it doesn’t look like Motif will need the full treatment. Upon retrieving the recording device, through the static and white noise some of us detected what could only be described as deep sighs. Since our spirits are going about minding their own business, we decided to do the same.