Meaning
What does Spectrophilia mean?
Spectrophilia is a term used to describe a phenomenon wherein individuals claim to experience sexual or romantic attraction toward ghosts, spirits, or other supernatural entities.
It refers to a unique form of paranormal interest that some people believe they have, often asserting that they can communicate and engage in intimate relationships with non-corporeal beings. While “Spectrophilia” may sound unusual or even comical, individuals who profess to have this attraction often express sincere emotions and desires towards these entities, highlighting the diverse range of human sexuality and the extent of human imagination.
It’s essentially a super advanced form of Necrophilia, where an individual is affectionate toward the diseased – after their complete decomposition. Other notorious paraphilias include Somnophilia, Forniphilia and Emetophilia.
Example: One example of spectrophilia is the story of Emma, who claims to have fallen in love with a ghost named Michael. Emma asserts that she deeply connects with Michael’s otherworldly energy and often feels his presence in her life. While others may find it hard to comprehend such a relationship, Emma genuinely believes in the emotional connection she shares with the ghostly presence of Michael.
Origin
What's the origin of Spectrophilia?
The exact origin of spectrophilia is difficult to pinpoint, as the concept of sexual or romantic attraction towards supernatural beings has existed in various cultures throughout history. References to relationships between humans and spirits can be found in folklore, mythology, and even ancient religious texts. These tales often depict individuals engaging in romantic or sexual encounters with ghosts or entities from the spirit realm.
Perhaps the most prevalent mythical creature in Western culture is the succubus and incubus duo, who are evil female and male spirits, coming from the abyss to impregnate unsuspecting dreamers.
However, the term “Spectrophilia” itself emerged in recent years due to increased discourse surrounding unconventional sexualities and expanded understandings of human desire. The term is comprised of the Latin word “spectrum” meaning appearance or image and the Greek suffix “–philia” which means liking or love toward something.
Spread & Usage
How did Spectrophilia spread?
The spread of “Spectrophilia” can be attributed to several factors, including the rise of internet communities and the increased acceptance and discussion of alternative sexualities. Online platforms and forums allow individuals to connect and share their experiences, providing a sense of validation and support for those who believe they have spectrophilic attractions. Additionally, media and popular culture have also played a role in spreading awareness of “Spectrophilia”, with movies, books, and television shows often featuring romantic relationships between humans and supernatural beings.
While “Spectrophilia” may seem strange to some, it serves as a reminder of the vast diversity of human sexuality and the endless ways in which people experience attraction and desire. Whether “Spectrophilia” is a genuine attraction or a product of human imagination will continue to be debated, but it highlights the importance of respecting individual experiences and embracing the complexity of human sexuality.
From the tales of ancient times to modern stories about ghosts and spirits, episodes of sexuality are scattered around even in popular culture; from “Ghostbusters” to the show of “Travel Channel” called “Ghostly Lovers”.
External resources
- The Cut – Everything You Need to Know About Ghost Sex
- Cosmopolitan – An Expert Explains “Spectrophilia,” aka Ghost Sex