Ghost Hunting 101: A Beginners Guide
Missy Van Meter
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.
-Marie Curie
You have seen the shows on Discovery Channel or the Learning Channel on Paranormal Investigations and now you want to try it for yourself, but not sure how to get started. Here is a Beginners Guide to Ghost Hunting to get you started in the right direction. These are guidelines based on experience and not meant to be cited as reference.
Before You Begin
Why?
Before you begin your first ghost hunt, you may want to start with understanding why you want to embark on an investigation. Are you curious about things that go bump in the night? Perhaps you are inquisitive about the here-after and want proof? Prior to your first ghost hunt you should contemplate on the "Why" for a better understanding on the focus of your investigation. This is not a necessity, but will help you answer some of your own questions.
Where?
In addition to the "Why", research into the "Where" as well. Where will you perform your investigation? Will you choose a site that is rumored to already be haunted or choose someplace new? Regardless of the site, make sure to perform some type of research on the area. If the area is known to be haunted, research prior investigations for documented data. If it is a new area, research to get an idea if it has a potential to be haunted or not, and if so, by whom? Research is not mandatory but will help in answering some questions presented during the hunt.
After choosing a location, you will need to check if this site is open to the public. Be sure to get permission from the site's owner prior to your investigation since many sites, even public, close at night. Be sure you visit the site during the day prior to the investigation to get the lay of the land and can be made aware of any hazardous areas that you might not see at night. Believe me, the scenery does change at night!
What?
What to bring? Plan ahead on what to bring to the investigation. What type of data will you be gathering is dependent on what instruments you bring. An audio taping device for electronic voice phenomenon (EVP's) or a camera for photographs. Video cameras can be used as well as any data measurement reading equipment (EMF recorders, digital thermometers, etc.). Plan on bringing extra batteries with you so your investigation is not cut short from lack of power. Think about bringing pen and paper and assigning someone to take notes (include time of event) of anything that seems unusual during your investigation. Tools are not necessarily required to go on a ghost hunt. If you just want to observe the happenings of a haunt, just bring yourself. But if you want data that you can take home with you, then tools will help with your validation.
In addition to the investigation tools (or not, depending on your focus), remember to bring a flashlight and cell phone (with ringer turned off!) for safety's sake.
You're Ready!
OK, you have your site chosen, research done, permission granted and are ready to go with desired equipment in tow! Now what? Decide a place/time to meet at the location or a different location and go in together. Keep the group small since too much activity in the area will conflict with data gathered. Is that a ghost voice on the recording or is that Jimmy sneezing? Too many people on an investigation can add conflicting data to the video and audio recordings. Also, let's face the fact that with a larger group comes a larger amount of undesirable behavior. Keep it small, keep it simple.
Make sure to encourage the group members to ask questions during the investigation, but not too many to where talking is an interference. Ghosts like to answer questions, and admit it, we like to hear them. Ask questions such as "Why is this broken glass here?" or if at a cemetery "How did he die, he was so young?". You will be surprised at the responses you may get! Remember to keep the questions respectful and serious, remember this ghost may be someone's grandmother. Ghost hunting should be fun, but should be carried out in a respectful manner.
After the investigation, take your data or experiences home with you to review. If you did not bring any data equipment, you may want to begin a journal to write down your experiences while they are fresh in your mind. You will have them to look back on in the future in case you need or want them. If you did bring data gathering equipment, go over your audio/visuals thoroughly. You may want to read the notes taken during the investigation to help with data received. Keep in mind that the data may be different than what you may expect. In pictures, ghosts appear as apparitions, as orbs, or even as mist. Also, ghosts don't have vocal chords so don't expect them to express themselves loud or even clear. The sound you are listening for is quite ethereal.
The Spiritual Side
One aspect of ghost hunting that is often forgotten (or dismissed) is the spiritual side. This should not be overlooked since the word "spirit" constructs the word spiritual. Ghosts are energy, and so are we. Like energy attracts, thus goes the saying " " . If you are a person with negative thoughts and emotions, well then you are likely to gather more of that energy around you, likewise for positive energy. Before going into any ghost hunt, make sure you prepare yourself mentally for the excursion. Meditate quietly on positive thoughts and emotions, like remembering a happy time when you were a child. Hold on to that thought throughout the investigation. Because if you happen to take a ghost home with you (they have been known to follow people home!) you will want it to be a happy one!
Another suggestion is while meditating before the investigation, to visualize a protective orb around you full of positive protective energy. You will be surprised how effective visualization is, and it sure can't hurt! Protecting yourself from the unknown energies can only assist you in your investigation and help keep you spiritually safe.
Have Fun!
Whether you are a casual ghost hunter or trying to gather data, remember to have fun. Planning ahead can help avoid accidents, trouble, or technical catastrophe. Tending to the spiritual side of the matter can aid you in avoiding unwanted guests. Reviewing your data or experiences can be your reward for your efforts, which you can pass along to other kindred folks. Remember to keep it simple, keep it safe, keep it respectful, but most of all keep it fun! Enjoy!
