Certified Paranormal Investigator
Study Booklet
2007
Certified Paranormal Investigator Contents
1. TYPES OF GHOST
2. SIGNALS OF HAUNTINGS
3. PROTECTIVE BLESSING
4. HOW TO RESEARCH A PROPOSED HAUNTED INVESTIGATION
5. STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS FOR FIELD INBESTIGIATIONS
6. WHERE TO FIND GHOSTS
7. MOON PHASES & CYCLES
8. GHOST PHOTOGRAPHY
9. WHAT IS AN APPARITION?
10. WHAT IS ECTOPLASM?
11. WHAT IS AN ORB?
12. WHAT IS A VORTEX?
13. HOW TO ANAYLYSE PHOTOGRAPHS
14. CLIENT INTERVIEW SHEETS
15. INVESTAGATIONS LOG SHEET
16. HOW TO RECORD EVP
17. WHAT IS EMF?
18. USING DOWSING RODS FOR GHOST HUNTING
19. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
20. GHOST GLOSSARY
21. EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
22. PROPOSAL FOR PERMISSION
23. PROTOCOLS FOR PRIVATE HOME INVESTIGATIONS
24. USING A VIDEO CAMERA TO CAPTURE GHOSTS ON FILM
25. LEVELS OF CERTIFICICATION
26. STUDY GUIDE FOR EXAM
27. LETTER TO THOSE TAKING THE SECOND EXAM
TYPES OF GHOSTS
Ghosts are represented in many different forms. They differ for many reasons.
Some are stronger energies than others, and some are stronger energies than others,
And some are more or less common. All are the essence of life. When the body dies,
The energy-or life force- is left behind. Energy cannot be destroyed- it simply
Changes form. This is what shows up in ghost photographs. I believe these energies possess the emotions, feelings, intelligence, and personality of the person who is deceased. Ghosts are ever-present, day and night. They can haunt a building, object, or even a piece of land.
The Various forms are described below.
1. ORBS
These are the most common form of ghost captured on film and video. They are
Seldom seen with the naked eye. Many different types of orbs show up in
Photographs—some NOT paranormal. They appear as spheres or balls, sometimes
moving. They have been captured in videos as small dots of light that dart back and
forth. May times they appear in colors, although most of the time they are white.
They are most often captured in photos as single objects...
2. THE VORTEX
Form #1-- These appear as strands of light. They can be colorful or white. They look
like neon “lines” quite often. They can also move around, and can be captured on
video as well as any other form. Sometimes they are seen in photographs in groups.
Mostly though, they appear as single object.
Form #2—I have also seen vortices that look like small columns of mist. They have
swirling effect, and can be any shape. They are most often white in color.
Form #3—These vortices look like chains of orbs. One theory states that these are
collection of many separate spirits, and not one alone.
3. ECTO
This Ghost form has many names:
1. Ectoplasm
2. ectomist
3. ectofog
4. ectovapor
5. ectocloud
All five of these names describe the same thing. This spirit energy form looks like a
mist or fog. It can easily be mistaken for natural phenomenon because of this
appearance. It is crucial for the investigator to refrain from smoking and check for
natural moisture levels when at investigation site. In wintertime, it is suggested that
every ghost hunter hold his/her breath for at least 30 seconds before shooting a
photograph, to avoid capturing moisture on film.
4. APPARITION
This is what most people expect to encounter on a ghost hunt. An apparition is a
spirit energy form in the shape of a person or animal. It is what we see in horror
movies, and not usually in real life. This is the most rare form of a ghost, although it
has been captured by serious investigators both in photos and on video.
I believe it requires the most energy from the spirit to appear in this manner. It is
common for this ghost form to appear in photographs as a “partial person”, missing
limbs, head. or other body parts.
SIGNALS OF HAUNTINGS
Here is a list of common occurrences at haunted places.
1. Unusual noises. These can be of any kind-that can’t be explained These often
include footsteps, knocking, voices, screaming, crying, music, scratching, and
growling.
2. Odors that cannot be explained. The most common being; pipe smoke, burning
wood, perfume, flowers (especially roses), rotting flesh, and food.
3. Feelings of being watched or touched. This happens quite often, usually when
someone is alone.
4. Batteries loosing their charge: This happens frequently on investigations. Even
new batteries can suddenly be drained of energy. It is believed that ghosts seek
energy, and draw it from this source whenever they can.
5. Cold or Hot spots. This can be detected most easily white walking around a
supposed haunted area. This again can be a sign of a ghost drawing energy )heat)—
right out of the air. Hot spots can be a sign of energy becoming concentrated in
order for a ghost to form.
6. Electrical problems: This one is tricky because this happens all the time for
unknown reasons anyway. It is important to inquire of any client as to the exact
description of those occurrences ( I,E, things turning on when unplugged)
7. Levitating objects: This is an unusual phenomenon, but does happen. If things
are found in places other than where t hey were originally placed—this could be a
sign of a haunting. Anytime physical objects are affected by a ghost, this is
considered poltergeist activity.
8. Animals reacting strangely. Animals seem to see and sense things that humans
cannot. It is a common belief that animals can see ghosts. If a dog barks at a certain
area of the house-this might be a sign of a haunting.
9. Glimpses of things. Many times we see something move by us out of the corners
of our eyes. This is very common, and can be a sign of “shadow people” as they are
known. This occurs as fast sighting of a dark and shadowy shape that moves
quickly—then disappears.
10. Disturbances during renovations. It is quite common or “things to go bump in
the night” while restorations of a home or other building are being done. Ghost
seem to be disturbed when this action takes place. Perhaps the spirits feel
threatened, or simply wish for their environments to remain unchanged.
11. Residual haunting. This type of activity is like videotape being played over &
over again. It happens quite often, especially when a traumatic event took place at
the site in the past. (This is not considered a true haunting)
12. Any other paranormal activity. (This means outside the realms of normal human
experience).
Protective Blessing
This blessing is intentionally devoid of any religious affiliation, as it is our view that
each individual must, at such times, draw upon his/her own faith or source of inner
strength.
Upon entering the site of a paranormal investigations, particularly where a hostile
entity has manifested, it is advisable for the participants of the investigation to
initiate a protective, “psychic shield”
One brief method of doing this is to have participants gather in a circle, perhaps
touching hands, while one of them intones the following blessing, or words to this
effect:
“ As we enter this place where impressions of the past are trapped and associations
linger, let us do so with the assurance that we are guarded by the Power which
proceeds from forthright and peaceful intent. We envision a white radiance
encircling us, fortifying us and protecting us from any harm or distraction in our
purpose this day.”
How To Research a Proposed Haunted Site
Before & After the investigation
1. Get a land description from the owner of the property, if available.
2. Search U.S. Census records.
3. Check Cemetery & death records.
4. Interview property owners.
5. Many counties have published histories.
6. Local libraries have many records in public domain.
7. Newspaper archives may contain articles about specific incidences on the property.
8. Old maps of some counties are available.
9. The Internet has many of the records mentioned above.
10. Check with local historians.
Standards and Protocols for Field Investigations
These standards and protocols establish a baseline to judge photos obtained by eliminating the common errors of most beginners. These standards & protocols provide guidelines that ensure professionalism by E.T.P.R.S. members. I encourage you to follow them
Ask the spirits of the dead for permission to take their photos.
No smoking tobacco products during an investigation
No alcohol before, or séances during or after and investigation in on site.
No Ouija boards or séances during or after an investigation if on site.
Always conduct your investigations in a professional manner.
Respect posted property, ask permission and do not trespass
Do not take photographs during adverse weather conditions.
Remove all dust, spots, and finger prints from camera lens.
Remove or wear the camera strap so it does not hang loose.
Avoid shooting into the Sun or lights for resulting lens flare.
Avoid shooting with flash at reflective or shinny surfaces.
Keep fingers away from the lends of the camera
Keep long hair away from the lends of the camera
Avoid shooting when foreign objects are floating near camera
No running or horseplay in cemeteries or historical sites
Show reverence and respect in cemeteries, battlefields, etc.
Always use fresh audiotapes for EVP recordings.
Compare anomalous prints with negatives if possible for confirmation.
Flash is only good for 9-12 feet from camera so focus on that range.
Positive Mental Attitude is very important for all investigation.
Follow the Lunar cycles for conducting investigations for best results.
Say the word “flash” just before taking a photograph. No one wants photos of your flash going off.
WHERE TO FIND GHOSTS
Ghosts can be found anywhere. They stay earthbound for various reasons. There is
always some sort of connection that keeps them at any certain location. These
locations are not limited to creepy or scary places-though these types of places are
good areas to start looking for them. Sometimes ghosts may choose to remain at a
place they loves in life. For instance: the ghost of a pilot may like to visit the airplane
he used to fly. Many times ghosts will stay in the home where they used to live, even
if the original building is long gone. This makes historical homes (or places where
they used to be) very good places to search for spirits. Ghosts keep the same
personalities they had in mortal life. Therefore they are likely to be found in places
where they lived, worked, or visited in life They often watch over their surviving
family members as well-especially children.
Some starting points to look for ghost are:
1. Cemeteries
2. Historic homes and buildings
3. Battlefields
4. Museums
5. Old Schoolhouses
6. Churches & Church Yards
7. Any old buildings
8. Old Farms
MOON PHSES & CYCLES
As ghost hunters we need to know how to work with the moon influences, and the cycles of the moon. As the moon affects the tides, it also affects the amount of spirit energy present on the earth (in association with increased magnetic readings).
The Moon goes through an entire cycle of waxing and waning about every 28 days. This is called a Lunar Month. There are about 13 Lunar Months in a calendar (Solar) year.
THE WAXING MOON
When the moon is a Waxing Crescent, the dark side is to your left and the bright
crescent is to your right. (Sometimes the moon is tipped a little, so it may not be
exactly right or left) The waxing crescent moon rises after sunrise and sets after
sunset. It is only seen in the night sky for a short time after the sun goes down.
Every nigh the moon rises in the east a little later and the thickness of the waxing
crescent gets thicker, until the shape of the moon is half a circle. This is the First
quarter, also called by some people the Waxing Half Moon. It is dark on the left and
bright on the right. The Waxing First Quarter moon rises about at noon and sets
about at midnight. After that, the moon starts to look like it is pregnant-it is
perfectly round on the right side, but bulged out past half-way on the left. This is
the Waxing Gibbous Moon. The waxing gibbous moon rises in the middle of the
afternoon and sets well before sunrise.
THE WAXING MOON-PART 2
About 3 days after the true dark of the moon you will see a tiny silver of a moon
near where the sun has gone down. Some people call this the First Crescent. Others
all it the Siva Moon, because the Hindu God Siva is shown with a thin crescent
moon in his hair. The first crescent rises a little bit after sunrise and sets a little bit
after sunset. After that, the moon grows (or waxes_0 to a nice crescent moon. And it
all begins again.
THE FULL MOON
It takes about 14 days of getting larger for the moon to grow or wax to being
completely full. At night you will see the full moon rise as perfectly round disk. The
full moon rises almost exactly at sunset and sets almost exactly at sunrise. The full
moon closet to the fall equinox is the Harvest Moon.
THE WANING MOON
After 14 days of waxing, ending with the full moon, the process is reversed and the
moon decrease in size. It slowly begins to go dark on the right side, while the left
side stays bright. This is the Waning Gibbous Moon. It looks perfectly round on the
left side, but bulges out past half way on the right. The waning gibbous moon rises
in the early evening and sets some time after sunrise Every night the moon rises in
the east and little later and the thickness of the waning gibbous gets thinner, until
the shape of the moon is half a circle. This is the Last Quarter, also called by some
people the Third Quarter or Waning Half Moon. It is dark on the right and bright
on the left. The waning last quarter moon rises about at midnight and sets about at
noon. As the shape continues to shrink, night by night, the moon becomes a waning
Crescent; the dark side is to your right and the bright crescent is to your left. The
waning crescent moon rises between midnight and dawn, but fades out when the sun
comes up.
THE NEW MOON
Finally growing smaller still, the moon as waned completely-then vanishes. This is
called the Dark of the Moon or New Moon. On the night of the new moon you will
see no moon at all, because the new moon rises at sunrise and sets at sunset.
HOW YOU CAN TELL WHAT PHASE THE MOON IS IN
To tell whether the moon is waxing or waning is fairly simple. All you have to do is
go outside at sundown and take a look. If you don’t see the moon then, you will have
to outside later at night and check again, or check during the day. If the moon is
already up in the sky in the evening. When the sun goes down, then the moon is
waxing, Every night it will rise a little later in the day and look a little fuller. At full
moon it will rise almost exactly when the sun sets. If the moon is not already up in
the sky when night falls, but instead rises long after sunset, or if you see if faintly
during the day, then the moon is waning. Every day it will rise a little later and look
a little thinner. At new moon it will rise almost exactly when the sun does, but you
won’t be able to see it at all.
New Moon – The Moon’s unilluminated side is facing the Earth. The Moon is not visible (except during a solar eclipse).
Waxing Crescent – The Moon appears to be partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s dark that is illuminated is increasing.
First Quarter – One-half of the Moon appears to be illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s disk that is illuminated is increasing.
Waxing Gibbous – The Moon appears to be more than one-half but not fully illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s disk that is illuminated is increasing.
Full Moon – The Moon’s illuminated side is facing the Earth. The Moon appears to be completely illuminated by direct sunlight.
Waning Gibbous – The Moon appears to be more than one-half but no fully illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s disk that is illuminated is decreasing.
Last Quarter – One half of the Moon appears to be illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s disk that is illuminated is decreasing.
Waning Crescent – The Moon appears to be partly but less than one-half illuminated by direct sunlight. The fraction of the Moon’s disk that is illuminated is decreasing.
GHOST PHOTOGRAPHY
The best area of time to take ghost photos is between dusk and sunrise. The main
reason for this is to get a dark background so that anomalies show up better in your
pictures. Photographs should be taken using high-speed film and a flash. I
recommend using ASA 400 or faster film, as orbs can move quite swiftly.
Any type of camera will work fine; Even one-time use cameras have produced
positive ghost photos. Many people prefer using a digital camera to save money on
film processing. There is a huge debate on this subject within the ghost hunting
community. I have found that using a digital camera saves me a lot of money
because I usually shoot between 100 & 200 pictures at an investigation site. Some
investigators say that digital cameras produce false-positives in images. I disagree. I
believe that digital cameras, if used correctly, can be valuable assets for ghost
hunting. Not only do they save money, but also their criteria for using digital
cameras:
1. Set your resolution setting to the highest quality.
2. Use a Flash
3. Follow all other protocols for taking ghost photographs.
Taking pictures of ghosts is easy if you know what you are doing. Here are some
good guidelines:
1. Make sure there are no adverse weather conditions like rain, wind, snow, or fog.
2. Do not kick up dust while walking around an investigation site.
3. Hold very still while taking your pictures.
4. Have a friendly mental attitude while at the site.
5. Ask the spirits’ permission to take their photographs.
6. If using 35mm cameras, bring lots of film with you.
7. Remember that a camera flash is only good for up to about 15 feet away.
8. Tale photos of “areas”, not objects. Ghost tend to hover over things. Do not zoom in to far while taking pictures.
9. If the weather is cold, hold your breath for at least 30 seconds before taking a picture. Your breath can easily be captured in your image.
10. Avoid taking pictures toward a light source. (I.E., the sun, lights)
11. Do not take photos of any shiny objects. Even some headstones have a reflective shiny surface.
12. If using a video camera, place it on a tripod for best results
By following these protocols, you should have success capturing images of ghosts
in your photographs.
Do remember though, that there may be times you go out to a site and take lots of
pictures, then up on analyzing them—discover you have captured NO paranormal
activity whatsoever. This happens often. Don’t get discouraged. The spirits are the
ones who decide if they are to be photographed-not you. That is why a friendly
attitude is necessary when you are a ghost hunting. .
.
WHAT IS AN APPARITION?
A spirit apparition is the classic form of a ghost. It is the form we expect to see,
considering our knowledge from movies and books. It is the shape of a human being
or an animal. This is the hardest for to capture in photographs or videotape. This
form requires the highest amount of energy possible for the spirit to take shape. It is
a rare and wonderful occurrence when an investigator captures this ghost form.
Many ghost hunters never have this experience.
Many times, these apparitions are not complete. There may be an arm or leg
missing or even a hand. Sometimes the apparition only takes a partial form, with
the remaining body parts looking cloudy or deformed. I have seen some odd images
of apparitions with these anomalies. At first glance, the ghost looks like it has had an
injury of some kind. But, this may not be the case. The amount of energy it takes for
form a complete apparition is not known. Perhaps enough energy is not available at
the site where the spirit chooses to form. In that case, only a partial figure may
develop.
WHAT IS ECTOPLASM?
Some theories on ectoplasm:
1. Ectoplasm is residue left over by a spirit who was recently in an area. It’s slightly more difficult to catch ecto on film that it is to get orbs.
2. Another theory is that it could be clouds or fog which can be outside of on the lens. This has happened several times to me so make sure you go out when conditions are right; NO wind, fog, rain, snow, etc.
3. Another theory says that ectoplasm is elector magnetic energy from the earth that forms a solid substance.
4. What ever theory you ascribe to, it seems ecto-anything is only captured on film when conditions are exactly right. Large amounts of energy must be present, weather must be good, and the moon phase must be strong, not to mention the entity must be willing!
This is the second most common for of ghost captured on film or video. It is also the most commonly mistaken image on film. It is vital to be aware of dusty or moist surroundings when taking photographs at a haunted location or investigation site!
Spirit Ectoplasm:
Looks Swirling
Looks “lit up” with energy
Changes form quickly
Is almost always white
Natural Phenomenon or cigarette smoke:
Looks like puffy cloud
Looks gray and translucent
Remains steady with no wind
Is bluish or grayish most often
WHAT IS AN ORB?
An orb can be many things. It is always a sphere or ball. Sometimes it is caused by
natural occurrences like rain or dust. A spirit orb looks different from a natural
orb, and is the most common ghost form captured on film or video.
Spirit orbs must meet certain criteria in order to be considered genuine.
Here is a list of those criteria for you to go by when analyzing your ghost photos:
1. The orb must NOT be gray and “foggy” looking
2. The orb MUST look as if it is emitting its own light. It must have at least a slight
“glow”
3. The orb should be round, and can have the appearance of having a tail if the
camera captured it while it was moving.
4. The orb should be itself, or in a VERY small group of 2 or 3. Photographs with a
large amount of orbs in them are false-positive photos. (A false-positive is when an
anomaly looks like a ghost, but is not)
5. The orb can be in color or be white. Spirit orbs are never brown or gray.
6. The photograph must have been taken with NO LIGHT SOURCE in the frame.
Photos with the sun or lights in the background most probably contain lens flare,
and not spirit orbs.
WHAT IS A VORTEX?
A Common ghostly phenomenon is the cortex. These are almost as commas as orbs.
I believe that vortices may be portals between dimensions through which ghosts
travel. My second choice for an explanation is they are more powerful for of orb.
Some theories about vertices are:
1. They could be portals from dimension to dimension, which is the theory I got
with. This is probably the most well accepted theory.
2. Another theory is that vortex may be orbs in motion. Maybe that’s why they
sometimes seem to look like orbs forming a contrail, but they could be just traveling
through the vortex. The orb theory could also explain why the vortex always seems
to be bending in different directions.
3. Another theory that most skeptics go by is that vortex could just be a camera
strap. I viewed some pictures in which the camera strap got in the way of the lens
and I could look pretty convincing to untrained eye. I never use a camera with a
strap, but if you do you should keep it out of the way of the lens.
This does not explain all the strange pictures of transparent vortexes and the orbs
moving through them. Most ghost hunters can explain camera straps away the
instant they see them.
4. I have been able to capture several vortices on film. There are few different types:
Ribbons-Have bands that run long-ways through the vortex. They can be white or bluish in color.
Rods-Usually look like long, twisted, and stretched neon lights. I have taken photos of red, white, blue and yellow ones.
Orb Chains – These seem to portals or pathways through which orbs travel. They could also be many orbs linked together. Usually white in color, but can be blue.
ANALYSYING PHOTOGRAPHS
When analyzing your photographs to determine if you have captured paranormal
activity, there are several criteria you need to consider. These are listed here
according to the type of anomaly that may be present in images.
1. ORBS-
There are many types of orbs that show up in photographs, including dust,
moisture and sprits. Make sure the orbs in your photos look like they are producing
their own light, and are not just brown or gray spheres. They should be rounded,
maybe have a halo effect. They are often colored, but most often white and glowing.
If they were captured while moving, they may seem to have a “tail” Too many) more
than 3) orbs within the same photograph are most likely NOT spirit orbs.
2. ECTO
Ecto looks like fog-yet different. It tends to be whitish in colors, and whirling. Make
sure there is no natural source at the site when you take pictures. If the night is
damp or dusty-the anomalies in your photos are not paranormal. It is quite easy to
pick up moisture and dust when using a flash camera. Do not take photos in an area
where anyone has been smoking in the last hour. Cigarette smoke lingers for several
minutes at least!
VORTICES-
A vortex can appear in photos in a few different forms.
The ones that look like neon rods must look like they produce their own light. They
can be colors or white. The vortices that look like a chain or orbs are most often
white. Sometimes vortices look like they are striped. When taking photos, make sure
no objects can get in the viewfinder and produce false vortices. Phone cords, camera
straps, hair and even bugs can be easily mistaken for vortices in images. Do not use
a camera with a short strap. Replace it with one that you can wear around you neck.
APPARITIONS-
These are most rare of all anomalies within ghost photographs. The easiest way to
tell if you have one is to make sure no living person was in front of you when you
took the photo. Many times if you do capture one of these, it will not be a complete
image, Some apparitions are missing body parts. The imagine should look like a
person or animal. It maybe in colors, is white, or be simple black silhouette. It may
be blurry or foggy looking also.
The most important thing about analyzing ghost photos is to be skeptical! If you are
not sure your image contains a ghost—DO NOT proclaim that it does. This will only
damage your credibility and that of all other ghost hunters as well.
Interview Questions
1. Name and Address of site:
2. How many occupants at location?
3. Occupants names and ages:
4. Occupants’ Occupation:
5. Occupants’ religious beliefs:
6. Length of occupancy at the location:
7. Age of the site:
8. How many previous owners?
9. History of the site: (tragedies, deaths, previous complaints)
10. How many rooms in the site:
11. Has the location been blessed?
12. Has there been any recent remodeling?
13. Any occupants on medication?
14. Any occupants drink alcohol heavily?
15. Any occupants interested in the occult?
16. Any occupants currently seeing a psychiatrist?
17. Has religious clergy been consulted?
18. Any media involvement?
19. Any other witnesses besides occupants?
20. Have there been any odors?
21. Have there been in strange sounds?
22. Have there been any strange voices heard?
23. Any odd movement of objects?
24. Any noticeable hot or cold spots?
25. Any problems with electrical appliances?
26. Any problems with plumbing?
27. Any occupants having trouble sleeping or nightmares?
28. Any physical attacks?
29. Are pets affected?
30. When was first occurrence of the phenomena?
31. What was the witnesses’ reaction to it?
32. How long was duration of phenomena?
33. How often does phenomena occur?
34. Do occupants feel threatened?
35. What do occupants believe is happening?
36. Do all occupants agree?
37. Have there been any levitations?
HOW TO RECORD AN EVP
The recording of ghost voices is simple to try. This anomaly is called: Electronic Voice Phenomena. Any tape recorder will do, as long as it has an external microphone. Here are some other important criteria for recording the voice of ghosts:
1. Record in small increments. Trying to analyze a long tape-recording can be tedious, and you will undoubtedly miss something during the long period of time you are sitting and listening. Two minutes is a good amount of time.
2. Announce the location, time, and date at the beginning of each recording session. This gives you information later when you are listening, so you won’t have to remember or write things down in a dark area.
3. Set the recorder down while recording, Footsteps or any other kind of movement will be heard on the tape, and can block out ghost voices because quite often they are quiet and hard to hear.
4. Avoid recording near power lines. This can produce a loud hum on the tape.
5. Ask questions, and then pause to give the spirits a chance to answer you. This method works quite well.
6. After recording, make a list of all the natural background sounds that were present. This will help you to make out what was going on so you don’t mistake a natural sound for an EVP.
7. DO NOT whisper when you speak on the recording. Ghost voices are often whispers, and can more easily be identified if there is a contrast between your voice and the spirits voices.
8. Be polite. Ask the spirits permission to record their voice. Ask them if there is anything they wish to tell you. Many times ghosts remain earthbound because there is a message they wish to convey. Give them this opportunity!
An EVP is good evidence of a haunting. Skeptics, who can easily say that your tape is a fake, of course, easily debunk it. However, you should keep records of how many people were present at the time of the recording, where it took place, and a detailed description of the EVP. This, along with photographic evidence, can create a very convincing argument for a location being haunted.
WHAT IS EMF?
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) are invisible forces that surround any electrical device or living creature. Power lines, electrical wiring, and electrical equipment all produce EMF. There are many other sources of EMF as well.
Electric fields are produced by voltage and increase in strength as the voltage increases. The electric field strength is measured in units of volts per meter. Magnetic fields result from the flow of current through wires or electrical devices and increase in strength as the current (speed of flow) increases. Magnetic fields are measured in units of gauss (G).
Most electrical equipment has to be turned on for a magnetic field to be produced. Electric fields are often present even when the equipment is switched off, as long as it remains connected to the source of electric power. Materials that conduct electricity weaken electric fields. Even materials that conduct poorly-including trees, buildings, and human skin, can weaken the fields. Magnetic fields, however, pass through most materials and are therefore harder to shield. Both electric fields and magnetic fields decrease rapidly as distance from the source increases.
Electric fields and magnetic fields can be characterized by their wavelength, frequency, and strength. The direction of the field alternates from one polarity to the opposite and back to the first polarity in a period of time called on cycle. Wavelength describes the distance between a peak on the wave and the next peak of the same polarity. The frequency of the field, measured in hertz (Hz), describes the number of cycles that occur in on second. Electricity in the United States alternates through 60 cycles per second, or 60 HZ.
For Information PURPOSES ONLY
USING DOWSING RODS FOR GHOST HUNTING
Dowsing has been around for centuries. It is the oldest form of divination known to man and has been used for variety of different reasons:
1. Searches for underground water.
2. Discovering the location of unmarked graves.
3. Even locating ghosts!
How dowsing works is a mystery, but it has proven to be quite accurate. The original purpose of dowsing was to search for underground water sources. In most cases, a dowser searches an area with either one Y-shaped rod or two L-shaped rods. He concentrates on what he is looking for and when he finds the right spot, the rods will either bend downwards or will cross over one another. No one knows how this works.
TO FIND GHOST:
To use dowsing rods to find ghosts, most dowsers recommend using who L-shaped rods that have been made from a lightweight metal. Some dowsers have even used coat hangers. There is no standard material. The rods should be about two feet long and bent into a L-Shape. Hold the short end of the rods so that they longer pieces point outward and away from your body. The rods should be held loosely so that they have room to swing back and forth.
Then begin searching the location. Walk around and follow where the rods lead you. They will point in the direction of any energy they detect. Once you have found the energy source rods will cross, signaling that the exact spot has been found.
Working with Dowsing Rods
1. Holding the Rods – make sure you hold them in a comfortable position loosely enough so they can move freely.
2. Positives and Negatives – Positives and negatives for each dowser are different. A good way to determine this is to experiment. Ask the rods a yes or no question that you know the answer to and check the response, of the rods.
3. Concentration – You need to concentrate on what you are looking for. You may find ghosts, energy, or portals. It is important to clear your mind of any distracting thoughts.
4. Theory on Dowsing Rods – Dowsing rods act as antennas, which pick up our own electromagnetic current. The rods act as sort of “psychic crutch” to enable the user to tap into abilities otherwise unknown. Pay attention and learn how the rods react, and with practice, you can probably find anything.
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the process by which scientist, collectively and over time; endeavor to construct an accurate (that is, reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary) representation of the world.
Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both our perceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena, w aim through the use of standard procedures and criteria to minimize those influences when developing a theory. As a famous scientist once said, “Smart people can come up with very good explanations for mistaken points of view.” In summary, the scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter when testing a hypothesis or a theory.
The scientific method has four steps:
1. Observation and description of a phenomenon or group of phenomena.
2. Formulation of a hypothesis to explain the phenomena. In physics, the hypothesis often takes the form of causal mechanism or a mathematical relation.
3. Use of the hypothesis to predict the existence of other phenomena, or to predict quantitatively the results of new observations.
4. Performance of experimental tests of the predictions by several independent experimenters and properly preformed experiments.
GHOST HUNTING EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
THE BASICS:
1. A GOOD FLASHLIGHT
2. COMFORTABLE SHOES
3. APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR WEATHER CONDITIONS
4. A CAMERA
5. IDENTIFICATION
6. A WAY TO COMMUNICATE ( A CELLPHONE, CAR PHONE, ETC.)
7. AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON
8. LOTS OF EXTRA FILM
9. EXTRA BATTERIES
10. PERMISSION TO BE AT THE SITE
OTHER GOOD THINGS TO HAVE:
1. EMF METER
2. AUDIO RECORDER
3. VIDEO RECORDER
4. WALKIE TALKIES
5. THERMAL SCANNER (OR SOMETHING ELSE TO MEASURE TEMPURATURE)
6. PEPPER SPRAY ( FOR THE OCCASIONAL SKUNK!)
7. A DIGITAL CAMERA
8. EXTRA FLASHLIGHTS
9. DOWSING RODS
10. A GEIGER COUNTER
11. FOOD AND DRINKING WATER
12. A FIRST AID KIT
STANDARDS AND PROTOCOLS FOR PRIVATE HOME INVESTAGATIONS
1. Do a through interview with the client.
2. Make sure no vacuuming or other dust-generating procedure has been done recently.
3. turn out all lights and distinguish candles.
4. Be respectful of the client’s wishes as to where you are permitted on the property.
5. Take only a handful of investigators with you. Too many makes for photos that include people, and the chance of bumping into something and breaking it.
6. Get written permission to publish photos of the site. Do not publish photos that give away the location-for the sake of the client’s privacy.
7. Research the location beforehand to get history of the property if possible.
8. Do not wear clothing, etc. that may be objectionable.
9. Conduct the investigation in a professional manner.
10. If needed, try to help the client understand what is happening.
11. Be prepared to answer any questions the client may have.
12. Follow up with the client afterwards and let them know your findings.
USING A VIDEO CAMERA TO CAPTURE GHOSTS ON FILM
The same rules apply to video as still cameras. Lens flare, dust, bugs, etc. should be watched out for. The great thing about video is the ability to capture the movement of the spirits. One unusual thing about using video is that often one can see orbs moving around on a pop-out screen if the camera has once. This is not always the case, but I have seen it more than once.
A video camera should always be placed on a tripod for filming ghost. Orbs move very quickly sometimes, and can be un-noticeable on the film because of camera movement. Using night-vision is a good idea. It is much easier to see images on the video tape afterwards. Some anomalies are faint, and can’t be seen without the night-vision on.
STUDY GUIDE FOR CERTIFIED PARNAORMAL
INVESTIGATOR EXAMINATION
YOU NEED TO KNOW:
1. Standards and Protocols for investigations.
2. What is a false-positive?
3. Common mistakes
4. How to analyze a ghost photo
5. How to record a EVP
6. What a new moon is?
7. Digital vs. Film cameras
8. Video usage for ghost hunting
9. What is a residual haunting?
10. Typical places to find ghosts.
11. What ghosts are attracted to children.
12. Proper attitude for an investigation
13. What is a hot/cold spot?
14. Clothing for an investigation.
15. The rarest form of ghost photo.