How to Document a Haunting

Do your keys (socks, scissors, earrings) mysteriously disappear? Do you hear strange bumps in the night? Do you ever have the feeling that someone is watching you? Or, perhaps, you catch a glimpse of a figure out of the corner of your eye but when you investigate no one is there. If so, you may have a ghost.

Ghost hunting is a science. The techniques for detecting spirit infestations look a lot like science. Once you suspect you have a ghost, the first step is to investigate the scene. For this job you will need tools.

Film Camera

Ghost photography should be done with film. The ghost's negative ions interact with the chemical layer on the film itself. Do not use a digital camera for ghost hunting. Even if you are able to capture a ghostly image, your photo will be suspect. PhotoShop manipulation is too easy with digital photography. Be sure to use ambient light rather than a flash. The flash can cause light distortions. Also make sure the camera lens is dust free. Dust particles on the lens can create false orbs.

Video Camera

A video camera with tripod is essential for collecting data. Point the video camera at a location where ghostly activity is suspected. Video cameras are especially useful for poltergeist phenomena. If doors or furniture move video is the best way to document it. Again analog media (video tape not memory cards) is recommended.

Thermal Scanner

Thermal scanner is used to detect "cold spots" When a ghost is present temperatures have been recorded 50 degrees or more lower than the surrounding areas.

Sound Recorder

Sound recordings can be made with a video camera, however many paranormal investigator like to use a separate device. The sound recording device will capture EVP (electronic voice phenomena) EVP sound like human voices captured on tape. Usually they are not heard during the investigation. Some investigators have heard spirits answer questions or call the investigators by name.

EMF Meter

EMF (Elecro Magnetic Field) meters are able to measure the fluctuations in the elecro magnetic field caused by ghosts.

Dowsing Rods

Dowsing rods are not as popular as they once were. They are the oldest form of spirit detection. Many investigators prefer the more modern devices, but in skilled hands dowsing rods can provide valuable information about the location of ghosts.

Once you have staked out the scene and put the tools in place, the waiting begins. In order to collect reliable data you will have to remain vigilant for many hours. Drink coffee, keep the temperature low, but do not fall asleep. Falling asleep could cause you to miss an opportunity to document ghostly activity.

When you have gathered your data, you can then determine which type of spirit infestation your house has.

Orbs

Orbs or plasmoids are transparent balls of light(plasmoids have a tail). They may be remnants of energy from humans who have passed on. Orbs are occasionally seen by the naked eye but most commonly appear in photographs. No action needs to be taken in the case of an orb haunting. Orbs are harmless, unless of course you are a profession photographer.

Residual Haunting

Very little can be done to rid a house of a residual haunting. This type of phenomena is like watching a movie of an historical event playing in an eternal loop. Ghosts who participate in residual hauntings are unable to communicate with the living. Although the experience can be unsettling, it isn't dangerous. The ghost isn't even aware of your presence. Redecorating or remodeling in some cases removes the residual haunting. If objects or spaces are changes significantly the ghost may disappear.

Sentient Discarnate Personality

A sentient discarnate personality, often referred to as an earthbound soul, is perhaps the most interesting type of ghost. This ghost retains the personality and the appearance of the person he or she used to be. Just like people, ghosts have a wide variety of personality types - some are nice and polite, others aren't. Communication with the ghost is often the best way to remove him from your house. A discarnate personality has often suffered a violent or unexpected death. He may not know he is dead. The first step is to explain the situation to the ghost. If this doesn't resolve the problem the ghost may have unfinished business. Assisting the ghost to complete this unfinished business will often send him on his way.

Disembodied Spirit

The disembodied spirit is closely related to the sentient discarnate personality. This ghost is also able to communicate with the living. The disembodied spirit, however, is not trapped on the earthly plane. He or she is only visiting. Disembodied spirits are usually welcome guests. They are often a family member or close friend. They may have a message or warning to deliver or they might just be stopping in to say hello. No action is needed to remove them, their visits are usually short.

Demonic Haunting

A haunting by a non-human entity is a serious problem. (you've seen the movie) Do not attempt to to interact with a non-human spirt if you are a beginner. Once you are certain that the ghost is non-human contact an expert.

If you find that you enjoy ghost hunting you might consider making it your profession. For this you will need a certificate in paranormal investigation.