Ghost Hunting 101: Preparing for an Investigation

Ghost hunts don’t normally just happen. There’s actually a lot of planning involved in most of the hunts my team goes on. I thought I’d share a few of the steps we go through in planning for people who are considering going on a ghost hunt.

1. The first thing that happens is finding a location and making arrangements with the owners and anyone else that may be at the location. Sometimes property owners will notify law enforcement about what we are doing, in case neighbors get worried and call the cops. We also try and build a relationship with the property owner, so they feel comfortable with having roaming the property.
2. After we have a location, we often do research on it. The internet, libraries, and people living in the area are all great resources for finding information.
3. We also try and visit the location during the daytime, if possible, so we can figure out the best way to investigate. Usually during this visit we will try to figure out where the power sources are (if any) for our equipment, look for spots that may be dangerous, and map out some sort of investigation plan.
4. We try and determine how many people we need to cover the location and figure out which investigators will be the best fit for that spot.
5. The day before the investigation we start charging our batteries and preparing our equipment.
6. Usually shortly before an investigation we have a quick briefing with everyone going to the investigation to share research and information about the site.
7. We load up our vehicles and head out!

Ghost Hunting 101: Protecting yourself during a ghost hunt

Ghost Hunting 101:  Protecting yourself during a ghost hunt

One thing that gets quite a bit of discussion among ghost hunters is whether or not people need to be concerned with being harmed, injured, or influenced by paranormal entities.  While it’s unlikely that anyone is going to die from a run in with a ghost, sometimes bad things do happen. People occasionally get scratched, shoved or threatened during investigations.

Everyone has a different take on how to protect themselves. Many investigators wear jewelry or carry tokens they believe will help to guard them. Others recite prayers or go through various rituals before or during an investigation. Some people avoid saying or doing things to provoke anger from spirits (while others do this with the intention of forcing a response.)

There’s no hard proof that any of these things can stop negative activity from happening but I certainly don’t think it hurts. Sometimes the peace of mind created by a ritual can make a big difference. If you can relieve your fear, you are going to be a better investigator. If something makes you more confident, no matter how silly the ritual, it’s probably worth doing.

Ghost Hunting Lessons from Supernatural

7 Ghost hunting lessons from the show Supernatural

1. Be prepared. Bring all the equipment you may need. Guns, knifes, ammunition, flames throwers, salt. You know, the basics.

2. Do your research. And keep track of every bit of information you come across. You never know when you’re going to cross paths with an earthbound spirit or a werewolf.

3. Ride in style. A good set of wheels is important for every ghost hunter. You want something with a lot of trunk space. You need room for all your ‘tools’ plus you never know when you might have to transport a body.

4. Dress appropriately. Jeans and a t-shirt work great when you’re climbing through a dusty attic. But not so great when you’re imitating an FBI agent. Or a police officer. Or a doctor.

5. Make friends in all the right places. Connections are important. Especially if those connections have supernatural abilities that can be used to bail you out of trouble at the last minute.

6. Don’t tick off a demon. It’s just never a good idea.

7. Keep your priorities in check. Friends and family should always come first. In a world full of monsters and evil, everyone needs a few good people they can trust to watch their back

Ghost Hunting 101: The Importance of a Good Reputation

Everyone has a reputation. Some of them are good, others are, well not quite so good. But in any business or endeavor it’s important to build and maintain a reputation that’s positive. You never know who you are going to run into or who you might work with in the future.

I was reminded of this lesson last week while out shopping with another ghost hunter from my team. We ran into a fellow ghost hunter from another group and got chatting. He proceeded to tell us about several ghost hunting groups he's worked with in the past. He also told us his reasons for leaving each group. All his reasons had to do with the people he worked with. Many of them were, in his words, difficult, unprofessional, or just plain nuts. And he named names.

His casual conversation was really his way of warning us to avoid certain groups and people. And though I believe in giving everyone a fair chance, if one of those individuals contacts our group, I’m going to proceed with caution. I value my reputation and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize it. If people respect you professionally it can open all kinds of doors. You certainly don’t want to go around closing doors just by being careless.

 So here are some tips to help you build and maintain a good reputation.

1. Treat everyone with respect. This should go without saying but some people forget that the person waiting on you today could be your boss tomorrow.

2. Don’t act crazy, at least not in public. This is another no-brainer (or should be) but in a field with ghost, Bigfoot, and UFO enthusiasts running around there are plenty of odd individuals.

3. Run your group (or site, or whatever) like a business. If someone e-mails you, take the time to respond. Return phone calls. Be one time. Keep your word. And take the time to invest in business cards. They aren’t expensive.

4. Take initiative. Don’t sit around waiting for good things to happen. You have to go out and find opportunities. If people see you trying to get things done and working towards a goal, they’re going to think more highly of you.

5. Proof read any correspondence. If your website, advertisements, e-mails, or letters look like a kindergartner wrote them, no one will take you seriously.

6. Work on building relationships. Even after we investigate a site we try and keep in contact with the owners afterwards. I never want a client to feel like we abandoned them. And most of our investigations come from our clients referring us to other people so it has paid off well for us to keep in touch. Many of our previous clients have become friends and I love getting to work with them.

7. Be friendly. No one wants to be around someone who is constantly negative or complaining.

8.  Be a hard worker. Enough said.

9. Help other people out when you are able. Occasionally we take guests out on investigations and I love getting to teach them and work with them. The looks on their faces when we see or hear something strange is worth it every time.

10.  Be yourself. Nothing puts people off more than someone not acting genuine.

Feel free to add on with your own suggestions!

Ghost Hunting 101: Research

Anyone interesting in ghost hunting should know a little bit about doing research. It’s important to know what you’re dealing with and the history of a location can give you clues into understanding your evidence. Some people prefer to wait until after an investigation to do their research while others start weeks before. Either way is ok. It’s all about finding what works for you. But many people get lost during the research stage because they don’t know where to start.

One of the easiest ways to do research is right in front of you. Yep. It’s the internet. It’s an entire world of knowledge at your fingertips. You just have to use discernment in finding reputable information. Many newspapers and libraries offer online databases of articles. You may be able to find good information there. Many states also have online cemetery databases that can help you research birth and death dates (if you know where someone is buried.)

Even though many libraries provide online information, there is nothing quite like going in and talking to someone in person. Some libraries have their own archives that can be accessed simply by making an appointment. Try and make friends with the librarians and they may take some extra time to help point you in the right direction.

One of the best sources of information you can find is located at historical societies. They often collect old publications, maps, and letters. The people that work there are usually incredibly knowledgeable about the history of an area and most of them love having an opportunity to share their knowledge.

If you can’t find information about a specific person online, sometimes a visit to a cemetery can be useful. It is time consuming, but headstones can provide you with all sorts of information. As strange as it sounds, I’ve actually met people at cemeteries while doing research that were more than willing to share helpful information. You might be surprised at how many history nuts, archivists, and genealogists hang around old cemeteries.

Sometimes the best source of information is simply asking questions to the business or home owners where you are investigating. I try and interview as many people as possible before an investigation to find out as much as I can. Things like ‘who used to live there?’ ‘Did anyone die there?” or just “what do you know about that place?” can be great conversation starters.

When it comes to doing research you can’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. You’re sure to come out with a wealth of information and maybe even some new friends!

Do you have any techniques you use when doing research?

The 7 Deadly Sins of Ghost Hunting

Lust-Have you seen that shiny new FLIR camera? Those colors? That imaging?  I want it, no, I NEED it.

Gluttony- I’m allowed to eat this much. The ghosts suck up all my energy and I must replenish it. With food. Lots of  food. Preferably cookies. And cheeseburgers.

Greed- I should have no problem making money on this. I mean, look at those TV guys-they’ve made MILLIONS. Right?

Sloth- I will stay in the exact same spot for the next two hours. I can totally spot ghosts from this comfy chair. I will stay awake. I will be alert. I will… ZZZ

Anger- What do you mean I have ZERO power left? How did this thing not get charged??!! What do I have to do to get something to work around here??!

Envy- My equipment is great and everything. It’s just not quite as awesome as their equipment. If I just had what they have I could definitely catch a ghost. On film. And faster than those guys.

Pride- I am the most amazing ghost hunter to ever exist! I am fearless. I am a warrior. I am a ghost hunter. Hear me roar!