From: www.GhostHunting101 .com
Dave Juliano
Definitions
Ghost Hunt - going to a place were there have been no sightings of ghosts
and trying to catch some on film (video and photos), sounds, eyewitness,
etc. (graveyards are the number one place to start, churches, schools and
older buildings too)
Ghost Investigation - going to a known haunted place and recording data
(video, photos, audio, temperatures), notes, interviews and other evidence
to prove/disprove the haunting and to assist the owners and the spirits in
moving on and leaving the place if they want that. The assistance can be
either you directly assisting the owner with the situation or putting them
in contact with experienced groups or individuals that will try to
resolve the situation. Your assistance can be something as simple as
educating them on what is going on and their options.
What you may Encounter:
There are generally 2 types of spirits you may encounter. One was a human
at one time and it has remained on this level for some reason. It may not
know it's dead, may be held here by unfinished business, guilt, etc.
These spirits are like the person was when they were alive, so they could
be good or bad, just like the living, but not normally dangerous. This
human spirit is the type you will encounter 95% of the time. You could
also witness a residual haunting which is just a playback of a past event.
This is just like watching a video from the past playing over and over.
The other type of spirit you may encounter were never human and are
generally bad news. You must be aware of this type but not obsessed with
them, the chances that you will encounter them in a regular ghost hunt are
slim. I have experienced both types and I just want to make you aware of
their existence. So be aware and protect yourself and you should have no
problem.
General Tips
Check out the area in daylight so you are familiar with the area. Look
for dangerous places and obstacles that you will not be able to see in the
dark.
Look for no trespassing signs. Make sure you are not trespassing. If you
are on private property you are risking getting a ticket or arrested in
some areas. You can get permission from many owners and or caretakers.
We will often notify the local Police that we will be in a grave yard
"taking pictures" so they are aware of our presence. If you are asked to
leave do so immediately, you will not win this argument and you make other
investigators look bad if you make a scene.
Make sure you bring you ID. (drivers license, etc.) so if you are
questioned by the police you can prove who you are.
Never go alone. This is just common sense. If you get hurt, who will get
help?
The best times are from 9pm to 6am, these are the psychic hours, but
anytime can produce results. Photos have historically been better in the
dark but don't let that discourage you from taking them during the day.
Find out all you can about the history of the locale. Newspapers, town
historians, WWW and books can be helpful finding folklore or hard facts
about the site. The books and web pages dealing with this type of info is
enormous. We have a haunted places listing here with over 1000 places
listed.
What to Bring
The Basics:
* 35mm Camera - Nothing fancy with at least 400 speed film. 800 speed
film is also good at night but you'll have to test your cameras flash
strength to see which speed works best for you. Even those single use
35mm cameras have gotten good results. If you are more experienced
photographer you may want to try infrared film. I have seen results from
Polaroids but I suggest you only use these along with a 35 mm camera so
you can compare the results. I have used Fuji film primarily but I have
also used Kodak and a department store brands with similar results. When
you develop them you don't need to go to a camera shop, the local drug
store or department store is fine. Let them know you want all the
pictures developed so that you get the pictures that they might think are
bad ones. These "bad ones" are normally your best ectoplasm mist photos.
* 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. Not only do they
allow you to see instantly if you have a positive photo, they can also
take photos in limited infrared range of light.
* Flashlight w/ spare batteries - a common sense item. Remember to bring
spare batteries for everything. Due to spirit activity, batteries often
run down very fast and you don't want to miss anything because of dead
batteries. I recommend using a red lens flash light to help preserve
your night vision. More info on red lenses and how to make your own here
* First aid kit - just in case, it's very easy to trip in the dark and
get cut.
* Notebook w/ pens and pencils- you need to write and log in everything
that happens. If you don't then you really don't have much research
information. An example of this is one investigator gets a EMF reading
that's high and never writes it down. Another investigator takes a
picture of the same area but is not aware of the reading and gets a
anomalous image. Without that EMF reading the picture may be good
evidence, but with a report noting the reading, the picture greatly
increases in evidence value. Many investigators use a pocket tape
recorder in stead and that is fine, just make sure you have spare
batteries and tapes.
* Jackets or weather appropriate clothes - if you are cold you are not at
your best and your observation skill could suffer, pretty common sense.
* Watch - so you can log in the times of events and your arrival and
departure.
Advanced and Optional
* Video camera (optional tripod) - Video cameras are an important
instrument for an investigation. Unlike still cameras they provide us
with constant visual and audio surveillance for review and observation.
The video cameras we use are equipped with infrared capability and this is
the mode we use. With video any phenomena occurring can be documented in
its entirety. This will show the length of time the phenomena occurs,
what is happening, the conditions surrounding the phenomena, and possibly
even the cause of the phenomena.. The Sony line of camcorders has an
infrared night shot feature that enables you to video tape in complete
darkness and see beyond what the human eye can see. You can use these
on tripods or walk around with them. You should also invest in an
infrared light extender which will help your camera see in the darkest
places and make the quality of the video better.
* Tape recorder w/ external microphone and high grade tapes - recorders
or digital voice recorders are with out a doubt one of the most important
pieces of equipment that you should have in you investigators toolbox.
audio recorders are used for many different purposes throughout an
investigation. Recorders are used for interviews, spontaneous thoughts,
your notes and electronic voice phenomena (EVP). You have to use a
external microphone when recording EVPs (ghosts voices). If you rely on
the internal microphone you will also be recording the internal gears and
motors and this will make your tape worthless. Any sound you hear on the
tape could not be used as evidence because of this, so use the external
mic, they are pretty inexpensive. The type of tape that is most often
recommended is high bias tapes or metal tapes.
* Digital audio recorders - This recorder is small and easy to carry.
You can also use the voice activation feature so there is less audio to
review. I use this for my notes as well. Most units record the time of
the recording as well which is very useful. When using audio recorders be
sure to state the location, time of investigation, and investigators
names. When recording investigators names it would be wise to have each
individual present state their own names, which will make it easier for
distinction amongst voices heard on the tape during review. Voice
activation mode should be deactivated on tape recorders during use when
electronic voice phenomena is trying to be achieved due to the fact that
it usually cuts off beginnings of words, sentences, and phrases. This is
not necessary with digital recorders and they actual seem to work better
in voice activation mode.
* EMF Detector - The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an
EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device, a very
important piece of equipment. With this instrument it is possible to
locate and track energy sources. It will detect fluctuations in
electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no
source. It is a common theory that spirits disrupt this field in such a
way that you can tell one is present by higher than normal readings with
this meter. Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an
investigation be sure to walk around the area and take initial readings
around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure
of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the
investigation. Most units when purchased come with a manual describing
most household and major appliances and their corresponding
electromagnetic reading. When using the EMF as a tracking device look
for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence.
Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source.
SJGR training sheet I give all my new trainees on EMF meters.
* Cellular phone - if you have one it can come in handy in case of an
emergency.
* A Compass - it's a useful instrument to an investigator due to its
compact size and low cost price. When used on an investigation this will
indicate spirit presence when the needle cannot come to a precise heading
or spins/moves erratically. This works on the same principle as a EMF
meter.
* Candles & matches - batteries often run low during hunts so you may run
out of them and still need a light source. Another good idea is a camping
lantern that runs on lamp oil. Be careful using the candles around
motion detectors, they will set them off.
* Motion Detectors - these can be used to sense movements by often unseen
forces or spirits. You can get battery operated ones for about 20 dollars
and they are great for inside but I have seen them used successfully
outdoors as well, just watch the placement. You don't want a tree branch
setting it off.
* Thermometer or Thermal Scanner - Thermometers are an instrument that is
also very useful There are two types used regular digital thermometers
and infrared non contact thermometers. When used on an investigation this
will aid as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature
drop of 10 degrees of more could indicate spirit presence. I recommend
using the infrared non contact thermometers but cause they react in less
than a second to a temperature drop and you can scan a large area quickly.
* Hand Held Radios - Or Walkie Talkies are very useful in a large
outdoor area and a building with groups spread out in various rooms. They
could be great in emergency situations or just to rotate groups. Be sure
to be aware they could interfere with your EVP recording though.
Step by Step Procedures
Here's a condensed version the most popular procedures for conducting
outdoor ghost hunts:
1. Have everyone meet near the location and decide who will work each
piece of equipment and divide into teams if necessary. Pick a person or
leader that will talk to anyone who comes in contact with the group (i.e.
Police, Reporters, etc.)
2. Enter the site and either privately or as a group ask for blessing or
protection for the duration of the hunt. YOu can use this time to put
yourself in a positive frame of mind. It does not have to be a religious
thing so everyone can do this in some way. I do encourage everyone to
take the 10 seconds this takes and do this. What can it hurt? It's
better to be safe than sorry. Many experienced groups believe that there
are evil spirits in many areas such as cemeteries and by saying a 10
second prayer or making sure you are in a positive frame of mind you can
safely go about your business without worrying about them. An experienced
demonologist will tell you that by doing this in the name of God or
whatever good deity you worship, you will keep any non human spirits at
bay since they have to leave you alone when told so in this manner. The
prayers I use are found here.
3. Walk around the area to get a feel for the surroundings and allow the
spirits to get a feel for you. Do this for about 20 minutes. Log in
your start time and weather conditions and any other relevant information.
You can also begin to set up any stationary equipment like camera on
tripods or motion detectors. Make note of any areas that may cause you to
get false readings or false positive pictures.
4. Now go out there and get some pictures and recordings. Be sure to
note anything unusual that happens especially meter and temperature
readings, visual sightings and strange sounds. Also make notes of any
feelings or emotions you feel that may be odd or out of place. You can
compare notes after the hunt and look for similarities in readings and
feeling in certain areas or at certain times.
5. Whether you stake out a spot or you walk around try to give everyone
the opportunity to try everything and be everywhere. This keeps every one
fresh and at attention. Rotate a few times during the investigation.
6. When you are done have everyone meet in one spot and ask the human
spirits here not to follow you home and to remain here. Tell the others
they must remain here in the name of God (or other good deities). Again
this takes 4 seconds, it's simple and it can save you some problems down
the road. If we are wrong about these prayers at the beginning and end of
the hunt and they are not necessary then you wasted 14 seconds of your
time. If we are right about them, you saved yourself from allot of
problems and grief.
Some additional steps for a house or building ghost hunt/investigation
* Every investigator or team should keep a log of events/times -
everything needs to be logged, not matter how trivial. You sneeze, log
it in, it may have sounded like something else to another member elsewhere
in the building.
* All members and owners if possible, walk through the location. One
members map location noting: air vents, heater, electrical appliances,
fuse boxes, computer, etc. Mark down the temperatures in the rooms and
any EMF reading you get during this walk through. One member take 5-10
test photos during the walk through. Do not discuss the details of the
case during this walk through.
* Any witnesses that have not been interviewed before should be
interviewed by 1-2 investigators and taped/videoed if it's ok with the
witness. The other members should walk around the location and record any
feelings or observations. Only the interviewers will know the location of
events and sightings.
* Make no conclusions. Share no conclusions or opinions with the
witnesses or owners until all the reports, photos and tapes are reviewed.
You need to see the evidence and correlate it before you can give an
educated opinion.
Taking Pictures
* For 35mm cameras ; Open your film and load your camera after walking around the location for about 20 minutes first.
* For 35mm cameras ; Use at least 400 speed 35 mm film. 400 and 800 speeds work the best. Black and White film also works well.
* For 35mm cameras ; If you are an experienced photographer, you may want to try infrared film which also has had excellent results in the past.
* Make sure you note any other lights in the area so when you view your developed pictures you will not think a street light is an orb.
* Make sure you clean your camera's lens regularly.
* No smoking at the location, this can appear like mist on the photos so you don't want to contaminate your evidence.
* Watch for dust or dirt being stirred up in the area you are photographing they can give false positive pictures.
* All long hair should be tied back or under a hat, again this is to eliminate any false positive pictures and to give the skeptics less ammunition.
* Remove or tie up any camera straps so you don't take a picture of that, it looks like a vortex when photographed.
* Don't bother with your cameras viewfinder. Hold the camera out in front of you and aim at the area you want to take a picture of. Many newer digital cameras do not even come with view finders, this also helps in cold weather by keeping your camera away from your breath.
* Watch for reflective surfaces and make notes of them. The flash reflected off shiny surfaces such as windows, polished tombstones, etc.can look light an orb or other anomaly. Make note of street lights and any other light source that may appear on the film.
* Let fellow investigators know when you are taking a photo so that you don't get double flashes and the night scope operators can look away. If you think you have a double flash photo or any other false positive, log the picture number so you can exclude that photo from the batch when they are developed. Night scope operators can get eye damage if they are looking at a flash through the scope so this is important.
* In cold weather be conscious of your breath so you don't photograph that, it'll look like ectoplasm mist. If you think you may have, log that picture number and discard it when you develop the pictures.
* Many people like to ask the spirit if they can take their picture , it can't hurt.
* Take pictures anywhere and everywhere. If you feel some thing or someone else does, take a picture. Did you think you saw something, take a picture. Take photos whenever you get a positive readings on any piece of equipment.
* Sometimes you will see an orb, mist or sparkles in your flash or others flashes, take more pictures right there, you may be near a spirit.
* You may only get about 1- 2 pictures for every 50 you take, that's about the average, so don't get discouraged. I've been at sites where I didn't get any and others where 30% of the ones we took were positive.
* Don't pay for fancy developing , you can get them developed anywhere. Just let the developers know to process and print every photo. I use the local discount stores photo service.
Audio and Video Recording
* You can set up stationary recorders and just let them run or you can walk around with them. During audio recording, ask questions whether general ones or one specific to a certain spirit. You can find a few ideas of question on or near the gravestones (i.e. how did you die, ask
who left flowers, etc.)
* Make sure you view or listen to the whole tape. EVPs are usually not heard at the time of recording but are heard only after the tape is reviewed.
* Review notes where you should have recorded any normal sounds as well as unexplained ones (dogs barking, cars, etc.) This way you can tell what a sound is that wasn't heard by you at the time but is now on the tape.
When dealing with ghosts don't look for any rules or absolutes. There are circumstances that seem to create a more ghostly atmosphere, but there are no guarantees on predicting when and where a ghost will appear. A ghost may appear once in a hundred years or once every Tuesday. It could haunt a house or dwell in a small spot in an open field. Even with the perfect conditions for a ghost it doesn't mean that one will ever show up. In fact, even the ghost's appearance doesn't seem to follow any special pattern. Sometimes a ghost is nothing more than a sharp chill felt on your body. In other cases the ghosts cannot be distinguished from a living person. Ghosts can also be in the forms of animals, headless bodies or even as simple as a single ghostly hand carrying a book down a dark hallway.
Ghosts have been known to interact with the living or just make acknowledgment with a quick glance or eye contact. In other accounts the ghost seems unaware of the presence of living people and appears to be acting out some part of their own life.
When it comes to ghost hunting the only rule is Be ready for anything.