First off I want to say that our experiences at Mount Union-Pleasant Valley Cemetery (a.k.a. Elisabeth’s grave) fascinated me so much that I decided to research the light phenomenon that we all saw happening in the trees at the back part of the cemetery. Ohio is so rich with Native American history especially the area that we were in, so I wanted to find out if the light phenomenon has ever been associated with Native American beliefs. Below is some of the information that I have found so far. I hope you all enjoy and if I find out more I will post.

There are many names associated with this light phenomenon, ghost lights, will o’ wisps, spook lights, corpse candles, foxfire, fairy lights, and the list goes on. I will refer to them as will o’ wisps because I like the name…lol.

Will O’ Wisps - are lambent flames seen flickering over marshes and fens, recorded for centuries in many different cultures under many different synonyms. Though often explained as ignited marsh gas, some accounts describe behaviors which contradict this theory.

They appear in many colors, shapes, and sizes, most sightings occur at night, when some lights can be seen from miles around.

The word “haunt” is often used to describe the tendency for will o’ wisps to be bound to specific locations, exposing the general perception in folklore of the lights being the spirits of the departed.

The only reference so far that I could find about the Native America beliefs on this light phenomenon is the Cherokee belief that the will o’ wisps were the spirits of slain warriors.

Other cultures believe this phenomenon to be fairies, spirits, demons, ect.

Scientists have studied and continue to study this phenomenon and have yet to come up with a solid explanation.

Tales of these lights predate the existence of automobile and light bulbs. Which shatters the scientific explanation that the phenomenon is refracted light from the headlights of automobiles.

Back to the light show at Elisabeth’s grave. I was there, I saw for myself. As for what I believe the will o’ wisps are. I haven’t come to a direct conclusion yet. There were many sounds heard that night, including some very predominant Native American chanting. Could it be our long departed Hopewell’s are gathering in the woods in the evenings trying to protect the land they once walked? Could it be something demonic and up to no good? (Lets hope not!!!). Could it be the long departed residence of the cemetery angry over the vandalism of their resting place? Many things come to my mind on what it could be. Whatever the explanation, I saw it with my own eyes, it exists and I cannot wait for the chance to see it again.

I thought I would add some additional information that I have come across on Will O' Whips.

Different colors seem to have a significance:
Red- for man
Pale Blue -for woman
Pale Yellow-for child
It is also said that a small light signifies the death of a child, while a large light siginifies the death of an adult.
Some also believe that they are in the same category as Elementals (Nature Spirits).
When I finish my demon and shadow people research and catch up on my notes I will start on Elementals...whatever I find I will post.

Nice research! There are sooo many theories of why the Will O' Wisps are there!!

Very interesting Sarah, thank you for sharing.

That is very intersting. Thanks for doing that research!

LoL....It's still a mystery, but I find it very facinating.

I edited my original post to add a little bit of new information that I have found.

That's so cool that you actually got to see these!

I don't know how I missed this post. This is really interesting! Boy did we see, feel and hear alot that night at Elizabeth's Grave! Looking forward to hearing about what else you find out.

Very interesting stuff sarah...Thanks for sharing and updating us!!! I'd like to hear more as well about the elementals when you get into it..

Will do