Skeptics and Believers Alike Agree, Bring that EMF Detector

True, maybe not every single skeptic will agree. But some prominent skeptics seem to agree with many believers: there is a strong relationship between ghostly activity and electromagnetic frequencies. Therefore, if you are planning your spring and summer vacations around potentially haunted locales, pack an EMF detector alongside the beach towels and sunscreen.

A short while ago, there were some valid criticisms with this technique of using an EMF detector. Ghost hunters and paranormal researchers are using a tool for something other than its originally intended purpose. EMF meters were originally intended for utility workers and other professionals looking for power lines and electrical activity. So they were meant to pick up steady readings enabling the worker to follow it to its source; and not fluctuations in readings, which is what ghost hunters are doing.

However, these tools are not being designed and marketed exclusively to utility workers these days. I have seen more and more EMF readers being designed and marketed to people interested in using them for paranormal-related research. Many models include lights that blink when there is a sudden change in the reading; and some models are being sold with names like "the ghost meter EMF sensor." This suggests a spike in demand for these tools among ghost hunters, and folks with related interest.

And what's more, some skeptics have been using electromagnetic energy as a basis for looking at natural causes for paranormal sightings. In other words, even the skeptics are beginning to have similar theories as the believers! As a matter of fact, some skeptics have been wondering as long ago as the 1970s if electromagnetic energy is causing perceptions of ghosts and other paranormal activity. Skeptical researchers, such as Michael Persinger, have done experiments such building a "haunted house" with deliberate areas of strong electromagnetic energy, to see if others would have ghostly experiences.

If the skeptics think there is something to this connection between electromagnetic energy and the paranormal, it would be logical to say the ghost hunters are truly onto something! So now it does seem reasonable to be asking if electromagnetic energy is perhaps some sort of "foot print" or tell-tale sign of spiritual beings. After all, an active mind is alive with energy; so what happens when consciousness exits the body upon death? Or could it be, as Michael Persinger suggests, energy in the atmosphere is somehow screwing with our heads?

Whatever the case, it is worth bringing that EMF detector-even if you are somewhat skeptical. And there is no better time to get comfortable using the device than during the cold weeks of winter. And while planning warm weather trips around possible ghost-hunting locations, be sure and plan on bringing tools of the trade as well -- such as camera and audio recorders. Come spring time, we'll be ready to get out there and do some paranormal sleuthing.

Sources:

Khamsi, Roxanne, "Electrical brainstorms busted as source of ghosts." BioEd Online, 9 Dec 2004.

Vieru, Tudor, "Scientists Build a 'Haunted' House." Softpedia, 31 Oct 2009.