Do you want to begin a hobby as a paranormal investigator? Are you new to investigations? Wondering what the protocol is for a good investigation? What to become a paranormal investigator but don’t know how or where to start? Well, I can help you get started with the basics, and then you could Google the topic and search through various weblinks later to give you alternative viewpoints and addition considerations.
Selecting a good location is of course, first and foremost and likely the easiest part. You basically have two choices for your first location; a known haunt that is either currently occupied or unoccupied. Whichever location you choose be sure you have, or gain, permission to be on the premises.
If the location is occupied you should discuss with the occupants your experience, your approach and what you feel your investigation will do for them so they know what to expect. Remember they are likely as nervous as you. Keep in mind, however, that your first investigation should not be under the guise of a professional investigation. You should not give suggestions or concrete answers without experience to base you conclusions on. Doing so could be dangerous to the occupants.
In fact, if your first case is an occupied location known to be haunted, be up front and let them know that you are new in the field and would like to gain experience through their location. Always be sure to present yourself and your group with professionalism in mind (be sure to keep appointments and call backs and follow-ups, write down and remember contact names and numbers, be respectful of all property, graciousness etc…)
This initial communication is also a perfect time for a basic interview. Talking to the occupants/owners will determine what the concerning experiences have been and listening to them tell their story also helps the experienced interviewer weed out those stories and individuals who seem less than credible.
Remember, although there are incredible true accounts out there, there are also people who take pleasure in misleading a group into thinking their location is haunted; trying to pull the proverbial wool over your eyes.
The initial interview will do several other things. It allows you to determine where your investigative efforts should focused, what activity you should be aware of and how much or what equipment you might need. For instance if the claim does not include moving items, you may decide there is no need for a video camera. Most groups, however, bring one to document their own work, and validate the whereabouts of individuals and sounds at any given time during the investigation and can be quiet valuable while analyzing the evidence later.
If the location is not occupied, such as old buildings, cemeteries and the like, be sure you have checked out the site during daylight hours before going at night. This way you get an idea of the layout, safety issues that will present themselves, and even get an idea on where you want to concentrate you efforts and put your equipment. Again, a call to the owner should provide you with additional information to help decide where to focus your efforts.
Basic investigating techniques to prove or disprove a haunting are fairly simple and equipment needs are minimal. You can start out with a flash light, pad of paper and a pen, a digital still camera and a recorder. Your recorder can be an older analog model or a digital. Although some people prefer one over the other, however each of them provide good results and will run you about $30-60. Another good piece of basic equipment is a digital thermometer. You should be able to pick one up for about $10. This will help in identifying significant temperature fluctuations in an area which could signify the presence of a spirit.
As your finances allow, you would likely add an EMF meter (used to measure the Electro Magnetic Fluctuations) video camera and a good audio software package. As time goes on you will expand you armaments to incorporate perhaps a laptop, addition monitors and surveillance equipment. By this time however, your experience and understanding of paranormal activity, as well as what area of paranormal research you want to pursue, will guide you on towards acquiring additional equipment.
Now although many think that investigating is cool and adventurous, it can also be very boring. Spirits usually do not comply on demand and we as investigators have to be patient and give them ample time to focus their energy into a response. If that is, in fact, their desire. My philosophy is to always respect the spirits. Remember they are not there to do parlor tricks; they have moved on to a higher plan of existence and although I can claim to know what there ultimate purpose it, I can be certain it is not to entertain us.
Its best to introduce your selves to the spirits when you enter, letting them know you come to observe and that you mean them no harm. Asking for their help or communication doesn’t hurt. Let them know that although you may have equipment they are not familiar with, it is safe and will not harm them. You may even go as far as explaining what they equipment is intended to capture, so that they feel free to interact with it.
Next, if you have brought cameras, find a safe place for them to be set up. Some groups prefer to leave them alone and unmanned, simply taking the time to switch out tapes (note: to eliminate the possibility of false positives, it is good practice to use virgin tapes).
Addition interview time with the occupants may be necessary or reveal new information or experiences. After which your efforts for recording and observing should begin.
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