Anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about local spirits and ghosts — or simply find out about the psychic and “seeing” abilities that they and others possess — might consider checking out the seminars organized by local businesswoman Ankhasha.
“I hope people will come with an open mind, expecting the unexpected,” Ankhasha said.
Last year, she offered several events as a celebration after opening her consignment business at 155 East Sunset Way. The building itself is thought to have several spirits in residence, including those of two men referred to by Ankhasha and her employees simply as “the guys.”
“The guys” owned a truck repair shop in the building in the 1950s, and are well known for playing pranks and tricks around the store, she said.
“They never do anything scary,” said Ankhasha, who also does consultations as a seer and works on paranormal investigations. “We really are glad that they are here.”
Among other pranks, “the guys” like to move items around in the store, and are also big fans of hair-pulling – particularly if the customer or employee is a blonde or redhead.
The third spirit in the building is a woman who owned the shop. Ankhasha describes her as a protector, with a bit of a sweet tooth.
“We say hello to them (the spirits) in the morning and goodnight to them in the evenings,” she said. “People will ask, ‘Why don’t they move on?’ I think they like it here. We think they’re happy being here.”
This year’s seminars will kick off with “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” is the most laid-back of the three, and will feature Loyd Auerbach, author and director of the Office of Paranormal Investigations and a professor at JFK University.
“He’s a very humerous, entertaining speaker,” Ankhasha said. Those who attend will also have the chance to ask questions.
“Ghost experiences — almost everyone has had one, but not everyone talks about it,” she said. “It’s not like what you see on TV, and most of them are very meaningful to the people who experience them.”
The weekend of events each feature Ankhasha and Auerbach. They include:
• Friday, Oct. 17: “Things That Go Bump in the Night,” from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17 at Ankhasha’s Consignments, Etc., 155 East Sunset Way, Issaquah. $20 per person.
• Saturday, Oct. 18: “Explore Your Psychic Abilities,” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct 18 at Pine Lake Community Center, 21333 SE 20th St., Sammamish. Designed for people who want to find out whether they have psychic abilities, or how to use them. $100 per person.
• Sunday, Oct. 19: “Is Your Child Psychic?,” from 1 to 4 p.m Oct. 19 at Pine Lake Community Center. This workshop is designed to help parents be supportive and kids to deal with their abilities in an emotionally responsible way, Ankhasha said. $50 per adult; $25 per child.
To register for any of the events, call 391-3825.
Or, for more information, stop by the store or visit www.ankhashas.com.