Ghost hunting preparations.
A basic guide to paranormal investigation.
Setting up for the investigation.
Some Basic guidelines:
Before we set off willy nilly there are some preparations to be made. Check the list below to make sure everything on your ghost hunting investigation will go well. Use your common sense and all should go well. Good luck to you, and have yourself a good time.
Choose your place of investigation. Normally, a building that is known to be "haunted". Ask for permission to enter the building. Do not ever trespass. Make the date and time clear to the owner so no misunderstanding occur. If you are asked to leave, do so without any angry words or actions. Always carry a photo ID. We need to make a good impression on all our investigations. Better PR makes for more yes's when we ask for permission. Please don't be the bad apple in the barrel for the rest of us.
You should enter the building before hand with your EMF detector (explained in equipment) to gather information, and get a feel of the building. You'll need to know the layout so you don't get lost. Some buildings you hunt may be very large, such as a warehouse. Check for any hazardous areas, rotted floors etc.
Please do not do your ghost hunting alone. A small group of people is best. People you know and trust. If the building or area is big enough you may want to split up in teams. Always use the buddy system. Never go alone.
Have a plan of what you want to do. Be prepared with all the equipment. Use the equipment beforehand so you know how to use it properly.
Be well organized so you know what is going on and where people are and remember to record everything that happens. You will get better at this as you do more investigation. Practice always makes for better returns.
Wear comfortable clothing and a good sturdy pair of shoes.
Have a light supper so you are not hungry. Don't over do it and go there stuffed full.
Do not do drugs or drink alcohol before or during a ghost hunt. If somebody in your party seems to be high or intoxicated, ask them not to come along.
When first getting to the location, do not break out the equipment and start snapping photos. Walk around and observe quietly for about the first half hour or so. I call this the settling in time. The exception to the rule would be at cemeteries. There, activity could occur right away.
Being frightened:
Ghost hunting should be fun. If you become overly frightened, leave the premises. If this happens to you all or most of the time, maybe ghost hunting isn't for you. It is natural to get excited or become frightened but you should be able to control your fear.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
Follow your instincts. If your instinct tell you to leave, leave.
Generally a ghost or spirit will not follow you home.
They do not affect your thoughts.
They do not posses people without their consent. If you feel that something is trying to enter your body, tell it to stop, leave you alone, you are not wanting them "in" you. Be strong, project yourself as being bigger and stronger than the entity that is trying to take control. If you or someone seems to be "possessed", it may be best to seek counsel with a priest or some other member of the clergy. It is possible it is not a ghost.
Often times haunted sites are deserted. These places could be good spots for illicit activity. Make sure you don't have any unwanted living visitors. If news gets out that you are planning this investigation, someone might think it fun to play a prank on you.
Do not speak badly to, or about the spirits while on an investigation. The spirits could try to get even.
You will be going into the ghost "home". Treat them with respect and polite behavior.
Some ghost hunters like to use a Ouija board. The problem with this is, you never know if the entity you've come in contact with is being truthful. I have found that many like to lie to you or direct you the wrong way. I would not rely on them during an investigation.
If you feel the need to talk to the ghost and try to convince it to "move on", "go to the light" or whatever, its probable best not to spend to much time on it. Generally, you cannot help them anyway. Most ghost are tied here because they want to change something that has already happened (and they can't)or just want to stay in the home they had loved so much while they were alive.
Sometimes, after an investigation it is hard to settle down. On an active hunt, many things may still be going through your mind. You could feel a bit unsettled or even a sense of fear. If this should happen here are some things that could help change the mood.
Leave the lights on.
Watch a comedy or other "happy" movie to get your mind of things.
Make one of your favorite "comfort foods".
Talk to a friend, spouse or family member.
Go shopping or just be around a lot of people.
My favorite, make love, cuddle.
Remember, ghost hunting is supposed to be fun. It should be something you really like to do.
