What Does 'Paranormal' mean?

by Christopher Orapello

When broken down, in Latin, para means above, outside, or beyond and normal means that which is according to the norm, not unusual. Together, these two terms convey the meaning above or beyond that which is normal, beyond that which is according to the norm. Paranormal is typically used as an umbrella term for psychic phenomena, telepathy, extra-sensory perception, psychokenesis, as well as any type of haunting or similar occurence. What is often referred to as being paranomal are factors that seem to exist in the world which are currently unknown or able to be recognized by orthodox science. Factors that are above science's current ability to know or measure.