The EMF Meter: Its Purpose and Techniques for Ghost Hunting

Anyone even moderately familiar with ghost hunting has probably heard of or seen an EMF meter in use. This tool is used by the ghost hunters on popular television shows, and is often referred to in popular literature about ghost hunting.

Quite simply, the EMF meter is an instrument designed to detect fluctuations (measured in units called milligauss) of electromagnetic fields. It is used in ghost hunting, with the theory that paranormal entities emit, are associated with, or disrupt such fields. Hence, the EMF meter is essentially a "ghost detector."

For anyone with more of a fleeting interest in ghost hunting, an EMF meter may be quite useful. Many ghost hunters consider it indispensible.

Below is a basic EMF technique, followed by a couple special techniques that can be used in conjunction with the basic one, or alone. Finally, there are some links to information about different types of EMF meters. The prices range from around ten dollars to hundreds, so it is important to take a bit of time before purchasing, in order to make sure your investment matches your aims.

Basic EMF technique

No matter the technique you use, it is important to first go over your chosen area to get baseline readings, so you are able to tell anomalous fluctuations from mundane ones. Of course, any building is going to have "natural" fluctuations due to wiring and appliances. Most EMF meters come with a manual listing normal readings for general items.

Prior to using the EMF meter for ghost hunting, familiarize yourself with the normal readouts for common appliances and such. At the ghost hunting site, decide on a specific, contained area, and take a baseline reading along walls, and near appliances and objects.

Have a partner take notes as you do this, so there won't be any confusion or mistranslations when you begin to get anomalous readings. Anomalous readings (ghosts!) are said to be measured in the 2.0-7.0 milligauss range.

Once you have the baseline notes down, it's time to begin the ghost hunting. You may choose to walk the area thoroughly and making EMF reading notes on a pre-drawn grid type rendering of the room, using a simple key like in the classic game Battleship (i.e. A-1, B-2, etc.) This grid technique could also be employed for the baseline reading-just make sure to use a separate rendering so there is no confusion.

As you are walking the area, gently and fluidly move the EMF meter to almost arm's length above, below, and to each side, to cover as much of the area possible. Be meticulous, stay focused (no chatting, etc.) double checking your measurements and readings. Don't skip furniture-it is said that ghosts do hang out on it!

Although this all may seem a bit daunting, it's a good way to get the hang of it. You will become more proficient and will soon incorporate your own style, techniques and recordkeeping that works for you.

Photography/EMF technique

After taking baseline readings, proceed with the basic EMF technique described above. When an anomalous reading occurs, have someone take several photographs focused on the area of the EMF meter. Observe all the normal protocols for ghost regular photography.

Also, the photographer should be standing at enough of a distance so that the frame could capture the entire body of an adult (the body of the EMF-taker can be an easy guide.) EMF readings from the camera may also be an issue, so keeping an appropriate distance is doubly important. Make sure to take a baseline reading of the camera before beginning this technique.

You may wish to announce your intentions to photograph, and request that spirits present show themselves to the camera as anomalous readings appear.

EVP/EMF technique

This is fairly the same process described above, except you'll be using an audio recording device in conjunction with EMF readings instead of a camera. Follow the normal protocols of collecting EVP, again making certain to take a baseline reading of the audio device, and staying at an appropriate distance so there is no interference.

Advanced "conversational" technique

If you happen to find yourself getting clear, anomalous readings, you may want to try this technique. It is somewhat akin to the Fox sister's "Rochester rappings"-the dynamic that started the Spiritualism movement.

Simply ask the "spirit" to make the EMF meter spike (or light up, or whatever mechanism your particular meter has.) If this is successful, try asking the spirit to make it spike once for "yes," and twice for "no." You can then begin a dialogue, sticking to appropriate EVP protocols for questions. Be sure to have the note-taker record this.

EMF meter purchasing information

Here are some links I've selected with sound, pertinent information and an array of buying options:

http://theghosthunterstore
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.prairieghosts.com