The Truth About Ghost Hunting

Thanks to Sci-Fi channel's popular series on ghosts and ghost hunters, the paranormal societies are finally gaining a bit of respect. Is ghost hunting really like it is on the shows?

Those ghost hunting shows are so cool. They actually are now describing how to hunt for ghosts. They show the tools, how to use them and why they use them. That's what I like about it. It used to be they would send people with just an interest, usually a bunch of teenagers. They would go in and search through a supposedly haunted place, and in return you get a lot of running, screaming and not a lot of scientific research. I felt those shows were pretty much a waste of air space.

Thankfully, the interest in ghost hunting was good enough to put a real team on there. The Ghost Hunters actually show how they hunt for ghosts, their methods of scientific evidence and what they think of the results. For once, not every glowing white thing is a ghost or spiritual entity. They know the difference between dust, bugs and an actual orb. And they don't make big deals about orbs. They discuss the difference, but orbs don't make for a haunted place -- if that is all they find.

Other shows, I hope, are soon to follow. I prefer scientific evidence, of course, because that's where you'll find real information about the existence of ghosts.

Unfortunately, I'm afraid the show airing on Sci-Fi channel has made it seem like ghosts pop up at almost every real haunted place, and that if you wait long enough, something will appear. It is true; though you have no idea how many places those guys show up at in order to get the evidence they collect. Because of the funding they have, they are able to explore more places than most ghost hunters. And they don't show all of the places they go. For most ghost hunters, you're looking at sometimes years of research before you run into something that might be worthwhile. Especially if you have limited equipment.

If you are going to go ghost hunting, remember a few simple rules. Never go alone. Always take a buddy. Bring extra batteries for your flashlight. Societies are out there that you can join and you can ask if you can go along for a ghost hunting trip. If you are respectful and follow the rules, you might be able to join the society. It's great fun and you get to meet up with other ghost hunters, like-minded people who soon become friends.

Just remember that, apparently, eyewitness accounts are not evidence. Personal experiences are great, but that's just what they are. I'll believe you. I always thought it was funny how an eyewitness was good enough to put someone in jail for murder, but not good enough to prove ghosts are real. Unfortunately, ghosts are one of those things that you either believe or you don't, until you find one. Then you know they are real.