[Quix]

I tend toward the latter explanation, too. Though I'm not prepared to say it has to be that in 100% of the cases.

[F16Fighter]

If one assumes there are but two paranormal "powers," in the Universe, one is the Almighty's and the other is...WHO ELSE?

Same as in the case of "demon possession," folks seeing and hearing dead relatives, and "past" Egyptian Queens -- the Evil One does indeed have the power to manipulate an open mind.