Ghost Hunting Articles
Shadow People in Ghost Hunting
Jan 25th
Shadow people are very common phenomena in the paranormal field. Known to be quite elusive these shadowy beings often appear out of the corner of your eye. When you draw your attention to them they vanish. Shadow people can vary in form, but are often said to take the shape of a man.
The main characteristic of a shadow person is the level of darkness they are composed of. They are so dark that you can actually see them well in a dark room. This complete absence of light can only lead us to speculate on what they are made up of. Theories that they are inter dimensional beings or even spirit guardians are quite popular among those who have experienced or researched them.
What’s the difference between a shadow person and a full bodied apparition?
This is a question that a lot of ghost hunters ask when first starting out. There are many theories surrounding the origin of shadow people. Whether or not you’re dealing with a human spirit is still up for debate.
A full bodied apparition is said to be the ghost of a previous inhabitant or an earth bound spirit tied to a location. Often times this is a result of a residual haunting where the spirit is not aware of the physical world and is almost said to be playing “on a loop”.
Shadow people tend to be more elusive as it is rare that one would be seen directly. This elusiveness leads many to wonder if there is intelligence behind their visits.
The best way to capture a shadow person during a paranormal investigation is through camera or video equipment. There have been many notable pieces of evidence on well known ghost hunting programs such as Ghost Adventures and Ghost Hunters for example. Often times due to their elusiveness however shadow people will just be categorized as a personal experience.
I just wanted to touch briefly on shadow people since it is a topic I’m asked about often. Even if a location is not known to be haunted people can experience these strange beings. Let us know if you’ve ever had a run in with these shadowy visitors.
How to Use an EMF Meter for Ghost Hunting
Jan 24th
The EMF meter is easily one of the most popular pieces of ghost hunting equipment available today. The main theory behind it is that spirits will give off an electro-magnetic field due to the fact that they are using energy in the atmosphere to manifest themselves.
This energy can come from a number of different places such as electric equipment and batteries for example. Battery drain is a very common phenomena in the paranormal field. Many people who are on a ghost hunt will also experience a tingling over their body or a sudden lack of energy that can correspond with high EMF levels.
It’s important to note that there is quite a bit of crticism over the use of EMF meters for ghost hunting. Particularly from those that state there are too many sources that can produce a high EMF reading. This is why it’s very important to take baseline readings of any location you are investigating.
Take Baseline Readings
A baseline reading includes going through the entire location room by room and measuring the average (or baseline) EMF level. Make a note of any electrical equpment such as fuse boxes, televisions, monitors and stereos that may put off high EMF levels. This will allow you to easily determine if the EMF fluxutation you’re experiencing is truly paranormal.
Record all baseline levels in a notebook. you should also document any changes or spikes that you encounter throughout the evening.
Smooth and Slow Motion
The most effective way to measure the EMF level in any given location is through slow and smooth movement. There is a slight delay as the emf meter reads the field and reports the detected level. Try and avoid moving the emf meter quickly or in a jerky motion to get the most accurate readings possible.
Look for Alternate Explanations
While it may be easy to get excited when you get a spike the in the EMF level, it’s important to know that often times this can be explained by natural causes. Try and slowly follow the field and check all areas of the room low and high for any source of the high EMF reading. If you’re unable to find an alternate explanation then record the event with the exact time and location.
Time stamps for unusual EMF levels are very important as they allow you to cross reference with video and audio evidence.
The main theory of high EMF levels is that they occur when ghosts are manifesting themselves,. This is a perfect time to have an EVP sessions and try an make contact if there are any spirits present.
While and EMF meter should not be relied upon as a primary piece of evidence for a haunting, it is a great tool that you can use to support your investigation. Every ghost hunter should have an EMF meter, and luckily you don’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
The Importance of Video in Ghost Hunting
Jan 13th
In today’s media heavy world video is among the most important evidence that a paranormal researcher can gather. There are generally several ways to collect video evidence while ghost hunting. Of course there is the more traditional camera method, which has been replaced predominantly with the digital cameras. Many ghost hunters still prefer older film cameras, but I have found that digital cameras work just as well and are becoming increasingly affordable. Not to mention the fact that you can literally store thousands of photos for future research.
Where things really start to get interesting is with motion video evidence. Much like the booming popularity of cameras and spirit photographs in the late 1800s, videos have also exploded in popularity due to sites such as YouTube, and really the Internet in general. I’m sure we have all noticed the increased popularity in ghost hunting, especially within the past five years. Besides the weekly shows such as Ghost Hunters, or Paranormal State there have also been a slew of documentaries that many cable networks have produced and air regularly.
Now it’s important to mention that there are several different methods of collecting video evidence many of which have only recently become affordable enough for amateur ghost hunters to use. The most widely available and ready to use of these is the IR cameras, cleverly disguised as a form of night vision on most brands. The interesting thing about video is the ability with our new technology to see different spectrum of light that until very recently we have not been able to see. One of these is the infrared spectrum which is all around us but we are unable to see with the naked eye. With modern technology we can record video in the infrared spectrum. Some paranormal researchers speculate that ghosts or spirits can be more readily seen in the IR spectrum.
A slightly more expensive luxury is using heat vision cameras to hunt for ghosts, this is based on the theory that spirits have a different heat signature than the environment and can be easily detected.These cameras pick up temperature fluctuations and displays them visually as different colors. You may have seen this method use frequently on the sci-fi channel television show Ghost Hunters where the two lead investigators have captured some of the most compelling evidence the show has offered.
This is the part that really makes sense to me if ghosts are said to be invisible, and we are unable to see them with our naked eye perhaps we are able to see them in a different spectrum of light that our eyes cannot see. This is a very exciting time in the paranormal research field where we are actually able to use this technology on a regular basis in our investigations where as before the technology was much too expensive for the average person.
Be sure to bookmark this site or subscribe to our RSS feed to catch the follow up where we go in to different ways to use video equipment during your ghost hunting investigation.
Preparing for Your First Ghost Hunt
Jan 2nd
Everyone has to start somewhere right? When you’re considering taking that leap into the paranormal and starting your first ghost hunt there are a few things to consider. What are you hoping to accomplish?
This may seem like a rather odd question to ask yourself, but it’s important. Are you hoping to document paranormal activity? Do you really want to see a ghost? Are you trying to prove whether a particular location is haunted?
Maybe you’re just a skeptic and you’re either trying to disprove a reported haunting, or finally get that piece of evidence that will help you believe.
Depending on what the answer to these questions are you may have to prepare in different ways. Most people who are starting their first ghost hunt will want to have at least the basic ghost hunting equipment available to them.
The Bare Essentials Can Include
- A Camera
- An Audio Recorder for capturing EVP’s or disembodied voices
- An EMF Detector for documenting changes in the electromagnetic field
- A flashlight
- A pencil and paper for writing down your experiences
Finding A Location
Don’t forget to ask permission when investigating a location for paranormal activity. The last thing you want to worry about it getting in trouble for trespassing. Start small when first starting your ghost hunt. Focus on a friend or relatives house for example.
Graveyards are really not a good place to investigate, simply because the reports of paranormal activity are generally very low at these types of locations.
Once you have a few paranormal investigations under your belt you may want to inquire about local landmarks or public buildings. If you can present yourself as a professional you will have a much better chance of being given permission.
The important thing to know is that we all have to start somewhere. Take a little time and prepare. Be sure to read over our ghost hunting tips article before you go out as well. Most importantly, have a good time!
Different Types Of Hauntings
Sep 24th
As a paranormal researcher you’re expected to be able to analyze and explain a situation such as a haunting. If someone calls on you asking for help due to unexplained events , they’ll have an expectation that you’ll be able to give them good information and help them understand what is happening.
Hauntings have been defined as “the repeated manifestation of strange and inexplicable sensory phenomena — smells, sounds, tactile sensations and hallucinations—said to be caused by ghosts or spirits attached to a certain locale.” The word haunt comes from the same root as the word home, a traditional haunting is said to be the former inhabitants of a home who perhaps died in there. Hauntings are not only confined to a location though, objects have also said to be haunted. From possessed dolls to cursed pianos there have been many strange reports of haunted objects.
In my opinion most reports of hauntings that are said to occur at a particular time, and on a particular day, are most usually false. A haunting generally does not follow any certain time pattern; this is one reason evidence of the paranormal can be difficult to come by. This is also why not everyone that visits a reportedly haunted location will experience anything paranormal. This is not to say that there are not locations where the frequency of haunting activity is higher.
The majority of a reported haunted activity is not visual, but instead involves occurrences such as unexplained noises, footsteps, voices, different odors (perfumes, cigar smoke,etc), or physical sensations such as feeling light headed or a tingling sensation.
Most paranormal investigators will be called to a private residence to investigate paranormal activity; there are several common types of haunts you may encounter
- Residual Hauntings
- Intelligent Hauntings
- Poltergeist Hauntings
Here are some easy ways to determine what type of haunting you are dealing with so you will know how to approach the situation.
Residual Hauntings
A residual haunting is a very common occurrence in the paranormal research field. The theory is that a residual haunting is an event from the past that is replaying itself. For example many people will report seeing a man/woman walking across a room and disappearing into a wall. Often what is discovered is that there used to be a door in that location, so what we are seeing is a moment in time that was somehow recorded and replaying.
There are several theories as to how this may occur. One speculation is that the minerals in ground of the location play a major role in this, for example quartz crystal is believed to have heightened properties when it comes to the storage of energy. A location that is built on land with a lot of quartz may have a higher probability of a haunting.
Many common reports of a residual haunting include sounds of unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and full body apparitions.
Intelligent Hauntings
An intelligent haunting occurs when a ghost or spirit appears to be interacting with people in a meaningful way. An intelligent haunting is a bit more rare than a residual, but they are reported quite often. An example of an intelligent haunting may be what people refer to as a visitation where one see’s and interacts with a deceased friend or family member.
Ways to identify this type of haunting include a person reporting to have a two way conversation with a spirit, objects being moved or hidden, or EVP”s that respond directly to questions.
Poltergeist Hauntings
Poltergeist is a German word meaning “noisy spirit”, and is by far the most rare type of haunting. This is very descriptive to what the reports of poltergeist activity have been. Poltergeist can be characterized by sometimes violent physical activity, the moving and stacking of objects, objects or people being levitated or thrown, or rapping and banging noises on doors and windows to name a few.
Often time’s poltergeist activity tends to focus around a particular individual, so it is not attached to a location. For this reason people experience poltergeist activity will try and move only to find the haunting continues. There is also a common theme among many reported poltergeist hauntings that the catalyst tends to be a teenage girl.
Take this knowledge with your when you start to investigate a location to determine which type of haunting yor are dealing with. The easiest to get mixed up are intelligent and residual, mostly because they exhibit much of the same reported activity. Further investigation might be needed in cases like this , so don’t feel like you have to give a definitive answer. Often times what you think going in is not at all what the situation turns out to be. Always have an open mind, you obviously do! Being as you’re a ghost hunter and all.
Getting Kids Interested And Involved In Ghost Hunting
Sep 3rd
The Bangor ghost hunters recently hosted an event for local children where they talked about how they investigate different haunted locations for paranormal activity. On showcase were many pieces of their ghost hunting equipment such as EMF meters and different cameras they use.
This is a really great way to get children interested in the paranormal. It goes without saying that children are the next generation of ghost hunters who are going to carry the field further than we can possibly imagine today. Before we go all out and bring our children to an investigation I think a slow introduction is the best fit.Showing local paranormal investigators who ghost hunt on a amateur or professional basis who can show aspects of their investigations such as which equipment they use, or talk about different methods used would be a great first step in peeking a child’s interest in ghost hunting.
If you’re in a position to volunteer your time to teach children about ghost hunting and paranormal investigation I encourage you to please contact your local library or community center to arrange a meeting.
Originally reported on the WCSH6 website
Ghost Adventures is Growing on Me
Sep 2nd
So I first saw the Ghost Adventures documentary a few years ago and it was very interesting to say the least. On top of several full body apparitions there were plenty of EVP’s and of course the grand finale piece of evidence that needs to be seen by anyone interested in paranormal research.
There have been two seasons of the Ghost Adventures television show now and I must say they are are all amazing. The larger than life personality of the host can be a bit much to deal with, but he starts growing on you after a little while.
On top of using EMF detectors and digital audio and video recorders in their investigation they try to stir up the spirits with a lot of provocation. It can be down right hilarious at times and seems to be very effective as they’re always getting amazing evidence. Just crazy stuff.
From the documentary
Ghost Hunting Locations – Paranormal Investigations and Haunted Locations
Jun 20th
So you want to start ghost hunting but you’re still confused as to where to start looking. Perhaps you’ve read some books, watched television shows and documentaries. You’re ready to start your own investigation, but exactly where do you begin? The Ghost Hunting Parablog has got you covered with a few nice tips to get your feet wet in paranormal investigation.
It may not have occurred to you, but when finding your first location to investigate you don’t need to look any further than your own house. Even if your house has never shown any signs of paranormal activity in the past this is an excellent opportunity to hone your ghost hunting skills. Once you have done a complete investigation, why not try asking other family members and friends to investigate their homes. When we see paranormal researchers like those in Ghost Hunters they make it look seamless the way they conduct their investigations, but this is the result of a lot of practice.
they make it look seamless the way they conduct their investigations, but this is the result of a lot of practice.You may find that investigating familiar locations on your own is a hassle, or maybe even a little spooky. Finding like minded individuals in your area that share your passion for ghost hunting is crucial in your continued success as a paranormal investigator. There’s an excellent online service called MeetUp that allows people to form offline groups, and use the site to manage meetings. This is an EXCELLENT place to find people in your area who are interested in the paranormal just like you. I was able to find a local paranormal group through this site and met other like minded individuals this way. Here’s a link that should get you started find other ghost hunters around you.
Once you have a few mock investigations under your belt you may want to consider doing some local research into known haunted locations in your area. There are several paranormal websites that catalog user submitted locations. One that helped me find a few good locations in my area is the shadowlands. Take note of locations in your area, you may have driven by them everyday and not even known there were reported hauntings.
Please be very aware that many places that have reported haunted activity in your area are private property. Contacting the owner or decision maker for the property to request permission to do an investigation is a must. I can not stress this enough so unless you want to spend the night in jail, and explain to a judge that you meant no harm and you were only looking for ghosts… cover your bases. Besides this is the absolute best way you will have access to people who can tell you about the history of the property, and also known activity for you to investigate.
To summarize
- Start small by investigating your own house and those of willing friends and family. Hone your skills and practice on your professionalism.
- Research haunted locations in your area via your favorite search engines.
- Find others in your area who are interested in ghost hunting, meet up and form a group to investigate local haunted sites.
- Establish a professional relationship with the owners of the property, this will ensure your reputation as a paranormal investigator is in the highest regards. Success in the ghost hunting field is not only measured by the evidence you bring in, but the networks and relationships you build along the way.
Now you have a newly formed paranormal investigation group, some haunted locations in your area with full permission to conduct your investigations. Happy Ghost Hunting!
Let us know what kind of tips you have for finding locations in your area, or share how you first started ghost hunting in the comments.
Ghost Hunting Tips – Rules All Ghost Hunters Should Live By
Jun 19th
Hey everybody, hope your investigations are going well.
I’ve collected a lot of ghost hunting tips from different paranormal groups across the country, I’ve chosen some of the most important ones I’d like to share with you. Leave some more suggestions for any ghost hunting tips you would like to share in the comments.
All paranormal groups have rules, and even if you choose to just investigate with some friends you should set guidelines. For a list of paranormal groups across the country visit our paranormal group links. I’m building the list up as I discover new groups, so feel free to submit yours to be included.
Ghost Hunting Tips
- Never go ghost hunting solo. Groups of 2 or more are absolutely necessary, and besides you can always use your partner as a shield in case any particularly nasty spirits show up
- Always have a way to contact the other members of your team, and report your locations to each other regularly
- Keep very good track of your equipment, that is some valuable stuff. Bring a checklist and make sure you make notes about where you leave your equipment.
- Always have permission when investigating a location. This is a no brainier guys and gals, Unless you want to be spending the night in jail or worse getting a little up close time with the spirits you’re hunting call ahead and ask.
- You need to be well rested for an investigation. Ghost hunting involves using all your senses and being alert and aware of your surroundings. Most of the time you’ll be in the dark and sometimes in a unfamiliar location. So it goes to reason that you’d want to at the top of your game not only for your own safety, but to maintain the integrity of your evidence.
- Research your location. Investigating a location is only half of the battle, knowing the accurate history of a location is equally as important. A lot of times stories get passed around and embellished by each new person. This can put you off track and cause you to waste your valuable time chasing false leads.
- Conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. When it comes to paranormal investigating your success weighs greatly on your reputation. Sure you can have a solid technique and be a very thorough investigator, but if you come off the wrong way to a client you can be sure they won’t recommend you to someone else who might need your help.
- Always look for alternate explanations. It’s very easy to get wrapped up in the moment when something paranormal happens. It’s human nature when something happens that surprises us our “fight or flight” response occurs. This is when we can get sloppy, or in a unprofessional way. Stay cool and level headed, remember you are a paranormal investigator you are driven to know the truth.
- Always have your essential items. These are things that you would not want to be tromping around the dark without. Think flashlight, appropriate clothing and footwear for the environment, snacks and water. These are things other than your ghost hunters toolkit.
Battery Drain Is A Drag
Jun 14th
Ghost Hunting Tips
Making sure your have spare batteries during a paranormal investigation is an incredibly important detail you do not want to overlook. One reason in particular for this is the phenomena known as battery drain. One of the predominant theories behind this is that spirits that attempt to manifest themselves draw energy from there surroundings.
This includes batteries for your ghost hunting equipment. It is not uncommon, and I have experienced this personally, that a digital camera reporting a fully charged battery will suddenly die leaving you scratching your head.
Remember, battery drain is a drag! So for the sake of either having to leave your investigation to buy more batteries, or having to stop it all together bring enough batteries to feed both the ghosts and your gear!
