Ghost Hunting 101
Fun or Serious?
Ghost Investigation - a comprehensive and methodical process involving specialized equipment and devices that are used to collect data and to find evidence of ghosts and spirits. The goal is to prove the existence of the paranormal ... and trying to see a ghost, while trying not be scared.
Some Procedural Steps.
6. When you are done have everyone meet in one spot. Thank the spirits for receiving you. Ask, in The Name of God, for them not to follow you home. This takes about ten seconds, unless you want to draw the blessing out for one reason or another. Always remember to treat spirits respectfully. If you insult them, you never know what kind of paranormal mess you will get yourself into.
The Most Common Paranormal Encounters:
Spirits - There are generally two types of spirits. One was a human at one time and has remained in the physical world for a reason. It may have died suddenly and violently and does not know it is dead. It may feel it has unfinished business. It may have died plagued by excessive guilt. It may have been murdered and seeks resolution or vengeance. This is the type of spirit you will encounter 90% of the time.
General Tips.
What to Bring.
The Basics:
* 35mm Camera - Nothing fancy with at least 400 speed film. 800 speed film is good at night. Test your cameras flash strength to see which film speed works best for you. Even disposable 35mm cameras have gotten good results. If you are a more experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film. Instant cameras, we have seen OK results from Polaroids. We suggest you experiment with the different cameras and their different formats by taking shoots of the same subjects and comparing the results. Most 35mm film will do but Fuji and Kodak lead the field. When you drop off your 35mm film for developing, make sure you let them know that you want them to develop the role 'as-is.' The "bad ones" with streaks and shapes of light that film developers tend to discard are very often the captured images of spirits.
* Digital Camera - Regardless of what you've heard, digital cameras are great tools for ghost researchers. Once upon a time, they had their limitations and problems but that is no longer the case. The photo quality is excellent. There is no film to develop. Memory cards allow you to store thousands of pictures. And you can your send your images directly into your computer for editing, distribution, posting.
* Flashlight & Spare Batteries - Need we say more? There are hundreds of different kinds of flashlights. Find something small and powerful rather than big and powerful. Have at least one flashlight with a red lens to help preserve your night vision. At some point, your batteries will run out of juice in the middle of an investigation. Or, you may find your batteries drained by spirits needing all the available energy around it to manifest. We often have with us a case just for spare batteries. * First Aid Kit - Just in case. It is very easy to become injured in the dark.
* Notebook, Pens and Pencils - Keeping a detailed log of your experiences, observations and feelings serves many purposes. The most obvious, you will have a comprehensive record of your participation in the investigation. You will not forget the details of key findings or important information that you have tried to committ to memory. And you will be able to comprehensively compare notes with other researchers when your are compiling the investigation's findings. A detailed investigation report greatly increases accurcy, and credibility.
* Jackets or Weather Appropriate Clothes - Quite simpy, if you are cold and shivering or hot and light-headed, you will not be at your best, and your investigation skills could suffer.
* Watches - You need to record the time of experiences and findings throughout the investigation.
* Video Cameras - Unlike still cameras, camcorders can document the entire investigation. And provide constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation. The video cameras we use are equipped with infrared capability. Some Sony camcorders are equipped with infrared NightShot features that enable you to video tape in complete darkness. And see beyond what the human eye can see. You can use stationary camcorders on tripods or walk around with them.
* Tape Recorders - Mini-tape or traditional tape voice recorders are without a doubt one of the most important pieces of equipment you should have in your investigators' toolbox. Audio recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an investigation ... for interviewing the clients, surveilancs of the site, recording the investigation, capturing video of a paranormal occurrence and EVPs. External hand-held microphones produce clear sound, which means clearer playback.
* Digital Audio Recorders - Digital Camcorders are invaluable. You get everything you get from microcassette records, plus an account of the entire investigation, from the initial client interview to survelliance of the property to conducting the investigation to critiquing it when it is over. Everything is documented. Experiences and evidence are preserved. Evidence can be presented to the client visually.
* EMF Detector - The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device of choice. With this instrument, it is possible to locate and track energy sources. It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. It is believed that since spirits are electromagnetic energy, they can change the electromagnetic energy in an area when they try to manifest into the physical. EMF detectors can also pick up electrical devices and electrical wiring in walls. Preventing false positive readings is one reason why it is imperative to turn off the power for the entire house. Any electrical or electromagnetic field will present higher than normal readings. When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this is the usual range for paranormal activity. Anything higher or lower is normally a reading of appliances, fuse boxes, electrical wiring in old homes.
* Cellular Phone - Due to it being a disruption as well as a source of cellular energy that can interfere with EMF readings, it is best to either turn it off and only use it important reasons, or leave in the car.
* Compass - Due to the magnetic properties of a small hand-held compass, it can be used as an impromptu EMF meter. When the needle spins erratically or will not provide a precise heading, it may have detected a spirit's electromagnetic field.
* Candles & Oil Lamps - With the power off, flashlights are good tools with which to make your way around in the dark. As stationary light sources, a camping lantern that runs on lamp oil and candles avoid electricity issues. With any open flame, use extreme caution.
* Motion and Thermal Detectors - An option you can use to monitor rooms and areas while you are in other parts of the house, motion dectectors detect movement of any kind. Thermal detectors can read paranormal energy sources. Placement is key. They work outdoors as well.
* Thermometer or Thermal Scanner - A spirit or ghost can change the temperature of areas in a room, and often the whole room. In order to manifest into the physical, the spirit must draw on any available energy (including your batteries.) Energy is heat and heat drawn out of something produces cold. A particularly powerful spirit can raise the temperature. Always carry either a traditional outside thermometer or an infrared non contact thermometer.
* Hand-Held Radios - Walkie Talkies keep everyone connected when the group is spread out over large outdoor areas or inside buildings.
