Looking Ahead to Autumn as a Paranormal Investigator

When air conditioners aren't being used so much, kids are all back in school and trees are just starting to get the first hint of changing their colors it is a sign that autumn is fast approaching. Along with weather changes there comes a sense of preparedness for the winter that follows. For many paranormal investigators the first signs of fall also means that investigation requests are soon going to be on the increase.

There are at least three different reasons as to why autumn tends to bring about a surge in investigation requests. A lot of investigators will tell you that as there are seasons for the weather, there are also seasons for investigations. Many groups that I have talked with would agree that fall is one of their busiest times followed by a lull around Christmas (see my Christmas Spirits article) that picks up slowly after the New Year and steadily decreases after Spring. Does this mean that paranormal activity also follows the "seasons of investigating"? No, it does not. All this trend tends to show investigators is that the activity that is present is more easily noticed when people are spending more time in their homes. When the weather gets nice and people start spending more time outdoors they simply aren't home to witness activity like they are in the cooler months. One interesting thing to note is that the "investigating seasons" don't appear to be as severe in warmer regions. As I am in New York with its sometimes-harsh winters I have noticed this trend possibly more so than a paranormal group in say south Texas would. However, the warmer the summers are the more people stay indoors in the air conditioning. Because of that several southern groups I have talked with also have a small boost in the hottest months of summer.

Staying indoors more is probably not the only reason for the seeming "seasons". Many investigators will tell you that decrease in humidity levels in the air tend to bring about more paranormal occurrences. The theory behind this is that as humidity levels drop and static increases there is more energy in the air that can be utilized by the spirits/ghosts. As one of the leading theories as to what ghosts and spirits are says that they are mostly made of energy and require energy to do things this theory of decreased humidity aiding them would go hand in hand.

Another main component for the apparent increase in investigation requests in early fall cannot be overlooked. When Halloween is hovering just a page or two ahead on the calendar many people begin to have thoughts of spooks and ghosts. As Halloween was and is thought of as one of the few times during the year when the veil between the living world and that of the dead is thinnest it is no surprise that paranormal investigation requests would be on the increase. Some client's use the holiday as an excuse to finally have their home investigated after years of activity, others aren't so much aware of the time of year but do notice an increase in activity and still there are others who are out for a good time and think that a paranormal investigation would be fun. While our group will gladly help the first two, the third will have to look elsewhere for entertainment.

Besides the few jokers and partygoers out there who would rather laugh at our work, looking ahead to fall is an exciting time for many investigators. Gear is packed, paperwork is waiting and groups are ready to go. From this investigator to all others, please stay safe and aware as you head out for the "fall season".