Is investigating the paranormal potentially dangerous? Until recently, I would have said "No," particularly if you are not a sensitive. Since I fall somewhere in between true sensitives and those who are psychic as a brick, I routinely use psychic shielding methods before I begin any investigation or similar type work. I know others on the R.I.P. team also employ their own rituals. However, I've now witnessed something that has me convinced that everyone - sensitive or not - needs to be aware of the possible dangers of ghost hunting and take precautions before investigating.
Last year, a new paranormal investigator visited a popular and reputedly "haunted" site and captured several EVPs. Over a period of several months, she became obsessed with capturing EVPs and she began to collect more and more of them, not only at haunted sites, but in her own home. Eventually, she began hearing the voices with her physical ears, rather than merely when she played back her recordings. She would hear them everywhere and they started to insult and berate her. She began to go out less and less, cutting off contact with family and friends. She would stay up most of the night, talking to her new disembodied "friends," fascinated with this unique form of communication in spite of the insults. Being a compassionate person, this investigator was drawn in by the story one entity told to her and she felt great sympathy for him, to the point of volunteering to act as a liaison between the entity and his supposed family still living on the physical plane. Whenever anyone cautioned her to tread carefully with this entity - or warn her that he might not be what he seems - she would brush off this advice. Finally, she cut off all contact - personal, phone, and email - with people who had been trying to help her. Without her cooperation, there was nothing more that anyone could do. It's a sad story and I don't know how it will end. I only hope her family is able to get her the help she needs.
But what was the cause of this breakdown? Was it a pre-existing mental illness, newly discovered psychic abilities, an obsessive personality, or an evil entity? Could it be a combination of all of these? We'll probably never know. It's a side of paranormal investigating that gets swept under the rug frequently because many people don't want to talk about it. But I believe that the paranormal community has a responsibility to discuss these cases and warn others, particularly young people and investigators-in-training, about what can and does sometimes happen.
The Southern California Paranormal Research Society (SOCALPRS) is trying to do just that with its "Dangers of the Paranormal" project. In their words:
Paranormal hazards mentioned include both physical and non-physical problems, such as:
DANGERS AT THE LOCATION/ENVIRONMENT: This covers extremes of temperature, long hours without proper food and water, living on a fast food diet, too much coffee, and even falling asleep at the wheel during long drives home. Their advice is to dress appropriately, wear proper shoes (no flip-flops - an R.I.P. rule!), bring protein bars, and plenty of water. Always have a first aid kit handy. Be aware of the possibility of animal attacks and do not put yourself in danger. NEVER investigate abandoned buildings where floors could be unstable and substances such as asbestos could be a completely unknown hazard. Never scout or investigate alone. Always carry your license and health insurance card. Do not hang out in cemeteries at night - you may encounter local gang members and they can be a lot scarier than any ghost! And don't drive when you need sleep. Get a hotel room and start out fresh a few hours later.
CLIENTS: SOCALPRS points out that clients can also be hazardous to your health and they add that many people claiming to be experiencing paranormal activity may be susceptible to mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, or other factors. They may have guns or other weapons. R.I.P. has encountered weapons and loose ammunition in private residences. Always film your activities at the client's home and, before doing anything, ensure that they have completed and signed a Permission to Investigate/Liability Waiver form. Be aware that if you do not find anything to substantiate their claims, they could become angry or even violent. Paranormal investigators have been physically attacked on some investigations by their own clients. In some cases, the police could be called and, remember, it's your word against the client's, unless you have videotaped all activities. At R.I.P., we strive to have multiple screening conversations with clients but sometimes even that is not enough. More than once, one of our Lead Investigators has said during the pre-investigation get-together: "Remember, if I give the word, we all leave immediately!" We're fortunate to have a Lead Investigator who is also a law enforcement official; he is equally empowered to order us to "Get out now!" and we will do so with no questions asked.
OTHER INVESTIGATORS: As the SOCALPRS website points out, people who are attracted to this field may have obsessions, fantasies, or delusions. Some, like the situation cited earlier, can become obsessed with an aspect of the paranormal. Others may have dabbled in the occult or Wicca without proper knowledge or training. Some "armchair" demonologists can actually stir up activity, instead of stopping it. We've all heard the saying, "He knows just enough to be dangerous." And some, unfortunately, may have deliberately chosen to travel down the "left hand path" (no offense to southpaws, that's merely the traditional term) - think you'll be able to spot them and eliminate them? Think again. They're often the most personable and charming. After all, if they presented a demonic appearance, most people would shy away from them. And most have neglected to tatoo "I think it would be way cool to summon a demon" across their foreheads in order to warn you about them.
EVPs: The SOCALPRS site advises that paranormal investigators tread carefully with EVPs. They claim that EVPs can open a path into the spirit world and you have to be extremely cautious about who you invite to walk through that door. According to SOCALPRS, playing back the recordings can set up a vibration that attracts even more spirits who could then form attachments. For that reason, they recommend waiting until you're home before playing back your recordings. When leaving any location, each investigator should state that they do not give permission for any spirits to follow them home. It is also good to do this as a group and to "ground" in a group setting.
PROVOKING: SOCALPRS warns against the popular practice of "provoking" and I agree. I've always thought that spirits should be approached with respect. Most spirits are not negative. Any "positive" spirits that may be around are not going to respond to provoking; instead, they are simply going to remove themselves from your vicinity until you pack up and leave. They can always wait you out - guaranteed, you'll get tired before they do. And why would you want to hear from a "negative" spirit?
DEMONIC OR INHUMAN HAUNTINGS: According to the SOCALPRS site, many investigators who find themselves victims of a spirit attachment begin by collecting impressive EVP evidence - the theory is that the spirits somehow "allow" themselves to be recorded. SOCALPRS says that this usually ends badly with a spirit or even demonic attachment (see my cautionary tale above). They recommend that, at the first sign of any problems, ask for help. Do NOT try to pretend that everything is normal and this isn't really happening. Many experienced paranormal groups have contacts with mediums, exorcists, demonologists, clergy, and psychologists who can be of assistance. If your team finds any reason to suspect that the activity you've encountered could be demonic or inhuman, leave immediately. As SOCALPRS says, "It's never worth the evidence when it destroys everything that you consider valuable in your life."
This site features videos by experts such as John Zaffis, Chip Coffee, Chris Fleming, Mark and Debbie Constantino, and Dave Schrader. I found this video of Father Andrew Calder on YouTube. Listen and learn...
Comments
Pat, There were a few episodes of A HAUNTING where a woman who was a paranormal investigator was investigating a barn where she found a pentagram on the floor. I believe her name was Mary. She ended up being possessed by a demon and had to have an exorcism. Another woman moved into a house where there was a pentagram on the floor so she thought this was a sign that she should get involved with Wicca. Without really knowing what she was getting involved with, she started to have some problems.She believed taht whatever spirits she was speaking to were helping her. Another case a man wanted to know if there were any spirits in his house so he used a Ouija board and encountered a spirit, then he started having problems with some form of an entity.
I guess if you are looking to buy a house, and there is a pentagram on the floor, maybe you shouldn't buy it?
When we moved into our home, we had the local priest come and bless each room. I had my office at work blessed. The Native American practice of smudging is also wise. Protect yourself.
Interesting read, a lot of common sense there (whatever common sense is) I do think there are quite alot of mentally disturbed people in this world who appear nice only to reveal their colours at a later date and stab you in the back: equally in the 'other world' I'm sure it is a similar problem, where spirits may become attached to you only to damage you later on. Plan or unintentional; it is vitally important you do all you can to protect yourself.
My Mother always said, it's not the dead you should fear, it's the living and I think that is so true.. still it doesn't hurt to protect yourself when on an investigation, to ensure you don't take any of these disturbed spirits home with you.
Enjoyed that read, thanks Patricia Marin. I will ensure the only spirits in my home... is in the drinks cabinet ;o)
I was attacked physically by "a man who wasn't there" while serving as a soldier in Germany. I wasn't looking for it, nor was the other soldier with me. We were doing security checks in an Army building ( formerly WWII Luftwaffe ) and were both pushed down a flight of stairs, backwards, by something we couldn't see. It led to my acceptance of Christianity: I figured that if evil spirits really did exist, I'd better get on the right side of the battle.
This stuff is real. Don't mess with it; it doesn't care who or what you are.
ok well i have done many E.V.P'S and i have odd thing going on but no one listens they all say oh your making that up or you were dreaming... so i gave up on people i keep things to my self and by the way smudging does NOT work it only gets rid of them for a few days some times weeks then they are back and things are worse than they were before you smudged your home. any ways im only teen so most wont listen to me about these things and i cant see anyone for much help about all of these problems just please can anyone help out by posting so i can read them and find any ways that will help me... u just need some help thats all some thing that will work and i cant smudge because the minute i try i feel like i am stuck by a fist or kicked and i get many bruises and my excuse is that i play hard and i was teaching my brother how to fight correctly. please can you people give me some advise?
You just need to find the right people to listen to you. And actually smudging dose work if you do it right, its not just waveing a smudge stick around there are spells or what ever you want to call that you say with the smudging. About the physical violence before you smudge try casting a protective circle before you do anything i dont advise you try it alone though because what ever it is sounds powerful so id get some help.
ive had entities follow me home, it got crazy. the only thing that worked was having a group from church go through the entite house and pray the deliverance prayer.
dont waste time, get your problemtaken care of as soon as possible .
Oh goodness. Did someone respond to Lone Wolf? It sounds as though he is experiencing the type of activity that warrants explanation and/or advice. I might just say that your plea for help is heard but I have little knowledge of how to free you from hauntings. I hope educated others can reach you.
Lone Wolf, we tried to respond but your email failed twice. Can you contact me directly: ghosthunterpat@gmail.com? Maybe I can offer some assistance. Thanks, Pat
Pat, yes i will send you mail from my gmail thank you so much.
Smudging does not always work very well, at least it did not with my sons condo he rented. Shortly after he moved in with his family the footsteps, and doors opening and closing began. Then one night he woke up to see a dark figure leave his room and go upstairs and disappear. We done some recordings to see if there was really something going on, not only did the spirit of a man tell us his name, but he would join in on conversations with us, he did'nt seem bad, but the voice that said, "let me in" was, you could just tell that one was up to no good!! All kinds of things started happening, thats when they moved out, I think the person that lived there before them opened a door, and they were just waiting for their next victims. We did call in a ghost hunters team, they did get evps but nothing on video. They did a smudging, for a while it was okay, then we started hearing our names being called, and things were being thrown at us. That was the end we left and never went back!!!!
Smuddging is NOT a cure all for spiritual problems folks. In fact it can make things much, much worse. Let me explain.
Demons hate a any thing associated with God or the divine in general (be it christian, native american, buddhist, etc). When you present a religious or magical symbol like sage you will anger the spirit. Now if its part of you're own spiritual beliefs it also gives you protection. What's really important, in terms of protection, is you're spiritual faith which the object used will help focus and enhance. If you don't have faith in what you use it will anger the spirit with out providing protection. The best solution? Use symbols appropriate to YOU'RE religious beliefs. Catholics should use holy water and crosses, Jews should use mezzuzahs, Taoists a yin yang, Wiccans a pentacle, and so forth. Use a symbol you have personal faith in because you have faith in it don't just smudge because some one told you to.
Pat, I am so glad to see that someone else has taken the time to post up this information ! I founded Plant city Paranormal research in 2007 as a result of my feeling that there needed to be a team of Christian Based paranormal investigators, since other teams (particular members) I had been with previously were offended by my including them in the prayer i said before and after investigations.
I have strived to educate people that there is a Dark Side of this , and I have witnessed it personally many time , and have also lost members ( scared off ) ,lol due to attack from what I feel was Demonic Entities.
I warn anyone before allowing them membership to my team of all the unspoken realities behind the field we choose to persue !
Alright. I found this article extremely helpful. Ive been trying to get a paranormal group going for nearly two years. so far i have me and my friend. well, we found this old farm ground and house that was abandoned out here in NE. To get to the point. Weve got some very impressive EVPs. A girl saying Knock it off to our picture taking. A Man saying hit that hit that repeatedly and once telling us, possibly, that if we dont get the fug out, hell kill us. The girl on many occasions has asked for help. Guided us to spots and has once said Here he comes, before the comment the man made above. You could hear him come up the steps of the house. We've been there numerous times and always pick something up. The activity is amazing. My worry is about the man and its polarity, which seems negative. We've both saw something at our homes. Me, a boy in period clothing. But that was when i awoke from sleep. Any suggestions would be grand. My emails is my name @yahoo.com. Thank You!
I'll continue. I havent had any problems sense. i blame it on my crazy dreams i have. sometimes they get vivid. The reason i am inquiring is because im moving back to dayton ohio and want to do bigger and more professional things as a group. ala waverly hills sanitorium and athens ohio. i do let these spirits know that the openness ends at the door. so to speak. when we leave, its over. they stay, we go. i am usually the one doing the evp sessions, which worries me. Ive tried to get my partner to be more open during the sessions. I am usually the one reveiwing the evidence and he'll come by to back it up. Anyway, the intellegence of the evps we are getting is what leads me to worry.we have gotten some where the evp's or spirits actually act and speak openly about our presence. in some saying THEY are here or when we are addresses its obvious they know its BOTH of us and not the one. Not a professional at the trade yet and i am serious about it. Again, any help is greatly accepted!
Nice info. Glad you wrote about it
David Galvan
We are a new paranormal investigation group and we are very new to this. We have been to several famous haunting spots but have just recently started to record at the locations and tried gathering data. Our last visit was at the Amargosa opera house at Death Valley Junction and I am just a little worried about what happened there. 3 of the 5 people staying in our room were under some sort of seemingly spiritual influence. It started with one of our members and caused him to become confused, cry silently quite a few tears for about a 15 minute period and he became very resistant to us, almost confrontational. He never attacked but admitted that deep down inside he wanted to. then the influence left him and jumped into his wife (my sister) causing her to first become very confused/ collapse/ and then laugh menacingly while holding our EMF detector as if to mock us. She then regained control of herself and the "influence" seemingly jumped into another member of our team causing more confusion and silence for a period of time.All recorded on video and the influence can be noticed by their actions. The first member I spoke of encountered the tears several other times and later became fully influenced, stating that he did not want to leave because he was home, and he spoke and laughed in a voice that was not reminiscent of his own. My question is how can we protect ourselves from this influence whether it be possession or whatever. our email is my name@yahoo.com please send advice
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