by Ryan Bendall

Created on: June 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 23, 2009

Ectoplasm is sometimes the word used to describe the outer areas of a cell, more commonly known as cytoplasm but this is not what you will know it as. This meaning is based in reality, however the ectoplasm really being discussed is rather out of this world.

Ectoplasm as a word originates from the Greek word ektos which means outside and 'plasm' is literally plasma. Put this together and you have 'outside plasma', this is description of the substance said to be excreted from mediums as they connect with the spiritual world. It is claimed that ectoplasm secretes from the orifices of mediums during trances and readings as the spirit attempts to materialise itself in our living realm.

Whenever you hear of someone seeing a ghost, this is the result of ectoplasm as it is this theoretical substance that allows for them to exist in our dimension.

Whilst the phenomenon is widely believed by spiritualists the scientific world remains sceptical and no solid proof has been found to confirm the existence of ectoplasm. Substances have been collected from mediums during spiritual connections but the samples have always been found out to be simply follicles of human skin or tiny pieces of cloth and other debris.

Each and everyone of us has at some point seen an apparent picture claiming to show the apparition of a ghost manifesting itself. These images, are said to only be possible by the existence of ectoplasm and this substance allows the spirits to take partially visible forms.

Ectoplasm, or the concept of it, has been around since mediums first started contacting the deceased but it did not become so widely acknowledged until popular culture rushed it into the public eye. The hit 80s movie Ghost Busters focused most of its comical value around ectoplasm. Ectoplasm and it's oozing qualities lead to the coining of the term 'being slimed' which Ghost busters fully used to portray the materialisation of ghosts and other supernatural beings. The ectoplasm was everywhere, particularly when the popular friendly green ghost Slimer was on the scene. He'd leave green sticky marks on walls and doors that he would pass through. In Ghost Busters 2, ectoplasm was a central concept where it was shown as a pinkish goo begins to take over the city turning humans into ravenous ghouls and also animating inanimate objects.

Whether you believe in the spiritual or not is up to you to decide upon. Ectoplasm has yet to be proven to exist but still remains a common belief amongst mediums and the believers out there.

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