Advice for new paranormal investigators

As paranormal investigation becomes more popular an increasing number of ordinary people are going out into the field with little or no practical experience.  This matter is further complicated by the mistakes and outright lies of groups like International Ghost Hunters Society who claim that investigations are safe and that truly dangerous entities do not exist.  The truth is ghost hunting is an extremely dangerous field.  Injury, mental illness, and criminal charges are all very real threats to investigators who do not know the basics of what to, and not to, do.

1)    The first and most important thing to do is study.  Read books by demonologists and competent ghost hunters.  In particular the writings of Ed and Lorraine Warren, “The Amityville Horror”, and “The Dark Sacrament” should be required reading by any one that seriously wants to investigate reports of paranormal phenomenon.  In general you can judge the reliability of a book by seeing what it says about demons.  Any source that dismisses the existence of malevolent spirits or that there is a real risk in investigation is going to be a waste of time.  Another good indicator is how seriously they take orbs.  Orbs are basically photographs of dust, pollen, moisture and other airborne particles that people often mistake for ghosts, there are a handful of orb photographs that are legitimate but more often than not it’s completely explainable.  Any book or web site that depends on orbs as its main proof of the existence of ghosts, or encourages people to accept orbs as ghosts should be treated with skepticism.  Aside from reading up on the subject this studying should include taking photographs of mundane phenomenon.  Get to know what dust, mist, cigarette smoke and other naturally occurring phenomenon look like on film.  Build a library of these kinds of pictures so that when a possible psychic photograph does turn up during a case there’s something to compare it to. 

2)    After having taken some time to research start to look for a group in your local area.  It’s far better to find a competent team that can train you in the basics rather than striking out on your own.  If you can’t find a group start with historical sites and cemeteries.  A trip to the local library or search of the internet should turn up a range of local haunted locations you can explore.  Once you have a list it’s VITALLY important you obtain permission to enter the site.  If it’s a public site, like a cemetery, contact the local police department and request permission to enter.  This is especially important with sites that are very well known as these places are often monitored by police to keep teenagers who are likely to vandalize the site out.  For example Union Cemetery in Connecticut, which has appeared on many TV shows and web sites, is off limits to the public from dusk till dawn due to many years of problems with trouble makers.  If you can’t get permission don’t go it's that simple.  Alternately consider a daytime trip, most cemeteries are open to visitors during the day, while this may not feel appropriately spooky ghosts can and do appear during the day and by doing so you can avoid potential problems with authorities.

3)    Never go alone:  This really should be obvious but it isn’t.  Do not go to any location by yourself.  The reason for this is one of safety.  If you fall down, injure yourself, run into a dangerous person or group, and so on it’s better to have someone else there to offer assistance.  Ghost hunting is dangerous enough without risking breaking your ankle in the middle of nowhere with no one to help you get back to your car.

4)    Before going into a site it’s extremely important to prepare.  Check your camera and audio recorder to make sure they are in working order and the batteries are fully charged.  It’s also very wise to bring spare batteries and multiple cameras in case of equipment failure, many investigators have had batteries suddenly die after only minutes of use while in a haunted location.  Also keep in mind how you dress, especially if you are going into a person’s home.  You want to dress in an appropriate and respectful manner that will make you look like a professional.  Think about how you dress in terms of how you’d dress for a job interview or even a funeral.  The last part of preparation is to say a prayer asking for protection and that nothing follows you when you leave.  The prayer used should be drawn from your own religious beliefs, for Christians and others who recognize his power and authority the Saint Michael prayer penned by Pope Leo XIII which follows.
“Saint Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle;
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray:
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen”

5)    Conducting the investigation:  Start with an interview of anyone who’s already experienced the phenomenon.  If the investigation is taking place at a historical site or business talk to the employees and ask them about their own experiences, or ask the family if it’s a private home.  These interviews should be recorded either via audio or, ideally, video recording equipment.   Use the information you’re given to focus the investigation but also just check the property in general.   Rely on your own instincts if you feel some part is particular active spend some time there, and most of all if you feel threatened get out.  If you need to leave because you feel it is unsafe excuse yourself as politely and calmly as you can.  Running from a building in a blind panic is not only unprofessional but it’s dangerous for reasons that should be obvious.  In particular if you are in a person’s home it’s important not to upset or disturb the person who’s home you are in since this can only make things worse for them.

6)    Psychic photography:  It’s a basic truth of paranormal investigation that if you see something you probably will not get it on film and if you get it on film you probably won’t see it with the naked eye.  As such rely on your instincts when trying to take photographs instead of focusing on trying to snap pictures of something you’ve seen.  When you actually take the photograph make sure to: remove the camera strap or get it out of the way, keep your fingers clear of the lens, hold the camera about half an arm’s length from your body and if you are taking photographs outdoors especially on a cold night hold your breath.  Also if you are a smoker designate a specific area for smoking, outside if you are indoors even if smoking is allowed, so that the smoke will not interfere with your photographs.  Finally if you are using a traditional camera and a roll of film wait until you get on site to load the camera and make sure to shoot the entire roll, also when getting the film developed leave instructions that every shot should be developed so that a developer does not accidentally discard you’re psychic photograph as a film error.

7)    Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP):  With recent TV shows and Lou Gentile’s much publicized ability to produce audio recordings of spirit voices under any conditions the subject of EVP has become very popular.  Briefly an EVP is an audio recording of a voice that cannot be explained.  This can be done with virtually any kind of recorder, although the Panasonic digital recorder #RR-DR60 has produced some particularly astounding results.  While doing evps set the recorder down on a stable surface and press record.  First indicate the date, time and location for future reference and at that point you can begin to ask questions.  Between each question you should wait approximately 15 seconds to allow time for a response, most of the time you will not hear an audible sound it will simply appear on the recorder (like photographs as a rule if you hear it you won’t record it and if you record it you won’t hear it).  It’s particularly important to be cautious about the questions you ask.  Do not make inquiries about God or other religious matters, ask if the spirit was ever human or ask for a display of power.  All of these questions can potentially antagonize a malevolent spirit putting yourself or others at risk.  Finally make sure to keep as quiet as possible during the recording and verbally note any loud noises that are likely to turn up on the recorder later for the sake of clarity.

8)    Wrap up: When you’re done pack up you’re equipment and thank your hosts when appropriate.  You should always make an effort to be as clean and respectful of the location you are visiting as possible, if visiting a historical site it’s appropriate to inquire about making a small donation as a thank you for their kindness.  When you get home write up everything you’ve experienced, and ask your fellow investigators to do the same.  Review the information from everyone who was involved as well as all photographs, video and audio carefully for any useful information. 

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