Will-O-The-Wisp

Will-O-The-Wisp, or Foxfire as it is otherwise deemed, is somewhat of a strange occurrence. Anyone who has grown up in the Midwest on a farm, or out in the country, has undoubtedly witnessed the flickering lights that appear in the fields and meadows after dusk. Much speculation has arisen as to the origin of these lights, everything from swamp gases to pranksters with flashlights, traffic and town lights to sub atomic particle reactions. But the most common and intriguing theory is that they are nothing more than ghostly happenings.

A popular legend that arose from Europe as to the origin on these lights deals with a wicked individual named Will the Smith. Apparently, he was so evil, that neither heaven nor hell would accept him, whereas he was condemned to wander the Earth for all eternity. Whether or not these lights have anything to do with Will the Smith is a mystery. Sightings of these lights occur around the world. The Longdendale Valley, in the High Peak District of Derbyshire, in the UK, has been the location for many sightings of strange lights and other unexplained phenomena. It now has a reputation of being one of Englands most active areas for the will o the wisp phenomena, as well as countless UFO sightings.

In Europe, the will o the wisp lights are also known as ignus fatus (foolish fire), jack-o-lantern, and corpse candle, not too mention there most common name worldwide, earthlights. These lights seem to appear in various colors, sometimes in every color of the rainbow, sometimes just one color. The lights are known to be high in the air, or close to the ground. Stationary, or in motion. They may be just a ball of light, or a sparkling array of numerous colors. The most common characteristics of these lights are their quick appearances and disappearances, and their sudden movement when approached.

It is unknown whether the ghostly origin behind these lights will ever be solved. Some believe that the lights are an omen of certain death. No one knows for sure just what they are or where they come from, but one thing is for sure: Only time will tell. Or will it?

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