They say seeing is believing. Well, that's not always the case when it comes to photos. And we're not talking about Photoshopped or otherwise manipulated photos. Here we're referring to images that fool your brain into seeing something that isn't really there. It's called pareidolia or matrixing -- optical illusions. Apparently, our brains are wired to try to make sense out of chaos. That's why we see animal forms in fluffy clouds, faces in jagged rocks and wallpaper patterns, and religious figures in rust stains, tree bark and toasted bread. What do these simulacra prove? They prove that the human mind can easily be tricked by random formations of shapes, light and shadow. And that's why we must do careful investigation into claims of sightings of ghosts, weird creatures, UFOs and religious apparitions.
Here are some remarkable examples of pareidolia. Don't be fooled, but you're allowed to marvel at these natural illusions.
Images 1-8 of 8
 Jesus or Child? |  Madonna and Child |  Patron Saint of Fishermen |  Dogwood Tree |
 Face of Ike |  Fire Spirit |  Face on the Water |  Puppy in the Basket |
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