Over the years, the paranormal world has fascinated the world of the living, leading many people into the world of ghost hunting.
Popular Media
There are quite a few television shows and movies that relate to ghosts and hauntings. One in particular, called Ghost Hunters, usually aired on the Sci-Fi Channel, attracts several ghost hunters and enthusiasts everywhere. The team in this show is called TAPS, which stands for The Atlantic Paranormal Society. Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson are head of the team that includes regular investigators and trainees. Every hunt they pursue usually have rules and guidelines every hunter should follow.
Unfinished Business
To begin a ghost hunt, there must be a ghost or a spirit. There are many reasons why a spirit may still trouble the living. Some spirits stay near their place of death, confused or not knowing the fact that they have died. There is also a type of haunting called a residual haunting, which is a playback of the past repeatedly. There are also spirits that do realize what has happened to them, and are afraid to leave behind the life they had. They fear their non-existence. The final reason is unfinished business. Spirits stay behind to make sure the people they knew and cared about are okay in their lives before they move on.
Many spirits who have died from an unsolved murder or any other violent way often become vengeful, or seek help from the living to solve their murder. It is the only way they will rest in peace.
Now, the places these spirits remain in become a site for ghost hunters. People who live in the house or work in the building experience paranormal activity that strikes fear. Hunters refer to these places as a haunting or poltergeists.
Is This a Haunting or a Poltergeist?
The root of the word “poltergeist” comes from the German term Poltern, which means “to knock,” and geist, which means “spirit.” Poltergeists are closely related to hauntings. A poltergeist usually consists of a series of disturbances like loud rapping or knocking on walls and doors, and moving objects, whereas a haunting consists of a spirit or spirits appearing often in their place of death. Sometimes, a poltergeist can be triggered by trauma. Hauntings are continuous, and supposedly not as violent, but they do cause fear to those who live with the spirits.
Ghost Hunting 101
The number one rule many feel is important is to never go on a ghost hunt or an investigation alone. Although many are not dangerous, some may come across a spirit with less-than-friendly intentions. It is wise to bring a team of investigators with you.
The one thing a person should do before a hunt is to study and research the place as much as possible. If it’s a very old house or a cemetery, research its history. Also, investigate the place in the daytime, making sure you have noted potential dangerous obstacles. Just in case you are questioned by authorities, bring some sort of photo identification with you, and do not trespass in places that have a “Do Not Trespass” sign.
All ghost hunters bring something to write on and to write with, together with photographic equipment and sound recorders for EVP [Electronic Voice Phenomena]. At least one member of the team should log in paranormal events that have happened during the investigation. It’s also a great idea to note certain lighting, dust, dirt, and smoke around the area in case you see a possible orb or mists in your photos.
Hunting equipment may include a 35mm camera, which can be a 400 or 800 speed film. Single use disposable cameras are great for capturing ectoplasm mists, so make sure you have the entire film developed, even if they assume they are bad. Digital cameras are also a good idea to bring with you.
Never bring a flashlight if you aren’t going to bring extra batteries. Spirits can consume energy in a haunted area, so the power of a flashlight may not last too long. In addition, bring a video camera, if you have one, candles, a thermometer, a cell phone, and radios to contact other members in your team with. Video cameras are great for documenting certain movements in a specific area the resident has said to be haunted.
Often after an investigation, it’s tempting to share your findings with the resident. It’s necessary to review everything that’s been recorded and reported before sharing the conclusions.
The Conclusion
When you arrive to the resident’s home the next day, make sure to bring the recorded footage and pictures along to show them. Also, explain clearly certain experiences you have been through. Most likely, they have experienced the same thing. Most of them are scared, and want the unwanted visitors to leave. Help them by investigating, and informing them of what is occurring. The information may make them more educated and prepared for whatever may happen next.
Then, recommend those you know who will assist in getting rid of the ghosts.
In conclusion, remember to consider the ghost’s past and the resident’s feelings and beliefs, and always be prepared for the unexpected. Anything is possible in the world of the supernatural.
