Hauntings And Paranormal Investigation

The existence of ghosts and the paranormal has been a topic of debate and controversy for centuries. With something so abstract it is nearly impossible to find fact in every ghost story. These tales are many times shrouded in myth, legend, and superstition.

However, there are those who make it their life’s work to prove the existence of ghosts and the paranormal. These people, known as Paranormal Investigators, use various tools and methods to detect any presence of energy that may be other worldly.

The modern field of paranormal investigation requires much more sophisticated tools than one may think. Aside from the basics such as pen, paper, and a watch, professional investigators will carry an array of various gadgets and tools, each with its own unique purpose.

For me, when you ask (a ghost) a question and get an intelligent response, it just blows my mind ~ Marty Seibel

For basic equipment, most investigators would go nowhere without a camera and a voice recorder. Whether or not the camera and recorder are digital, or more traditional, the purpose is still the same: documentation. It will do an investigator no good to report a fantastic sighting without having any audio or visual evidence to back up their claims.

For the more seasoned investigator, an electromagnetic field meter (EMF) and an infrared (IR) thermometer are crucial to a successful and thorough investigation. An EMF detects high levels of electromagnetism, but they are not “ghost detectors”. An EMF will capture the information, but it is up to the investigator to decipher this data. High readings near telephone lines or wiring may be false positives, but a presence in an abandoned building or open field are likely to be more suspect.

An IR thermometer will simply detect changes in temperature, but as with EMF readings these readings must be analyzed and all other sources must be ruled out, before deeming it supernatural.

But what are the signs of a paranormal incident or haunting? While an actual sighting is the most obvious indicator, there have been reports of other strange signs of hauntings. This is one of the reasons why professional paranormal teams often include a psychic or medium. Strange smells or noises in one’s home, for example, can be an indicator of an otherworldly presence. These minor signs can become stronger and more aggressive depending on the level of haunting.

I worked on a case in Pittsburgh that you would call a demonic haunting. Blood would materialize on the walls, crosses were bending, we’d hear sounds. Just crazy things ~ Ryan Buell

It is also not uncommon for people to report changes in their own moods or behaviors, which could be an indication of the presence of a being or entity with ill intentions. Every person’s experience is different, which is why it is difficult to develop a concrete list of signs.

When a haunting has been confirmed, the last step is to send the entity to its final resting place so that it may be at peace. If someone thinks they are being haunted, they can try home remedies or even seek the services of someone who is trained to help guide these lost spirits to the Light, such as a priest, shaman or psychic medium. Using home remedies, such as burning sage, is said to be an effective way to ward off minor entities.

Hauntings and paranormal events can be fascinating, but they are not to be taken lightly. Every investigation and research attempt should be made carefully and responsibly. Cleansing your home of a ghost or haunting is not as easy as it may seem in the movies. It may be best to call in the help of professionals.