Basic guide for ghost hunting – Part 4

Ghosts, goblins and things that go bump in the night have been one of the worlds greatest mysteries. As we try to feign our mortality we are constantly seeking proof of life after death, and ghost hunting has become almost as popular as any other sport.

Do ghosts exist? Maybe, but there are too many examples of incidents that show some tangible form of proof of the existence of our spooky friends. I think almost everyone knows one person or another who has either encountered or knows someone that has a tale to spin. A true ghost hunter needs a few tools of trade to start his expedition into the paranormal unknown.

1. A simple digital thermometer is very important since a spectral presence has a significant impact on the surrounding environment. A decrease in several degrees in a specific spot can be a key indicator that something ghostly is within close proximity.

2. Next both a video camera, and a common camera (35 mm recommended) can be used to catch a spirit on film or video. This task is a little more difficult since most ghosts never make their physical presence a visual experience. Sometimes it can be possible to catch something in a mere shutter of the camera or in a flicker of video, and they are usually very unnoticeable unless you carefully scrutinize the film or footage taken. Orbs appear as globular circles found in photos, but are quite frequently discounted to environmental or light causing anomalies. I have captured such things in several photos, and of twelve of my best photos only one could be explained by a local photo specialist. Video is less likely in catching a spook posing, but you may capture strange noises, occasional blurs, or if your lucky some manifestation causing moving objects like doors or chairs.

3. Another tool in ghost hunting is an Electro Magnetic Field Meter, used to measure electromagnetic changes in a specific area. The EMF meter is sometimes also called a Gauss meter, does have some drawbacks since it is very sensitive to any other electrical devices like cell phones. On any of my hunts I have done my investigation in two stages; one with a flashlight camera, and an EMF, and another with other equipment that may cause false readings.

4. A good tape recorder can be used to capture things like bumps, footsteps or my favorite phenomenon the holy grail of ghost hunting: E.V.P. (Electronic Voice Phenomenon). E.V.P. was made famous by the movie White Noise, and is an actual recording of spirits communicating from the dead.

5. Last but not least, you need to use your eyes, ears and other vital senses. During a midnight visit to Leap Castle In Ireland, I didn’t have my other tools but I was able to detect a hideous odor in one of the hallways, and later on I could hear footsteps, and various other noises.

So if you’re not afraid of the dark, and you have the constant pang of curiosity about what lies beyond the world of the living; than my friend you have the makings of a ghost hunter. There are millions of websites with good locations, and some are found just by talking to the locals when visiting a new town. I have never actually seen a ghost, but I have had a lot of spooky fun in my searches, and a few unexplainable experiences to go along with them. Good luck, be careful, respect the law, don’t go alone, and make sure someone knows where you are going, and most important of all: BOO!