Paranormal investigating is an ever popular and growing field. Many go into it just for a “thrill” rather than serious investigation. This makes it much harder for teams like ours; teams that are truly trying to bring knowledge into the public eye about the paranormal.
Below are a set of guidelines that should be adhered to by EVERY paranormal investigator. If you are about to conduct your own investigation for the first time, then these guidelines are a MUST READ!
* NEVER go on a ghost hunt alone. Take along a partner for safety and peace of mind. This can also provide a witness to any strange events that might occur.
* DO NOT TRESPASS. Be certain to watch out for any posted warning signs. Always ask for permission before going onto someone else's property and avoid all areas where access is prohibited. Trespassing will can get you thrown in jail or worse.
* REMEMBER YOUR ID. If the police ever question you about being in a private area, you will need some form of picture identification; preferably a driver’s license. Officers have the right to ask any citizen for an ID, and if you don't have one, they also have the right to detain you for questioning.
* BE AWARE of your surroundings at all times. Take a walk through during the daytime for any place with a planned night-time investigation. Check for any dangerous obstacles that may be invisible in the darkness.
* NEVER Smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs. Don't do anything that will impair your judgment or affect the site's environment or those around you. Use common sense.
* Make certain that all of your equipment is fully charged and that you have extra betteries available. Ghosts have the ability to drain fully charged instruments.
* A good investigator steps into the investigation with the best feelings for those who are with him/her, as well as for any ghosts that may be present. This is no time or place to show fear. A gracious ghost will not come around if they know you are fearful, and your fear can empower anything negative or mischievous. Always remember that YOU are the one with the body and the power. Do not give that up to them through fear.
* DO NOT wear colognes, after shave, or perfumes. Never wear anything that creates a noticeable odor. The smells may affect other ghost hunter's judgments, as some spirits make their presence known through smells.
* CLEAN your camera lens OFTEN! Remember to keep the camera strap, fingers, hair, clothing, etc. out of the way of your lens.
* NEVER try to photograph paranormal activity in inclement weather. At night, rain/snow will show up as a LOT of bright orbs. Also, do not take pictures if you have been walking in a dusty area until the dust has settled. To keep from creating FALSE ecto, remember to hold your breath while photographing in cold weather.
* SHOW RESPECT at all times! Respect for each other, respect for the client, respect for the property, respect for the spirits. Never walk on top of someone’s final resting spot; It's rude!
* ALWAYS ask the spirits for permission when taking pictures. Don’t start as soon as you get there. Walk around and get a feel for the place, and allow the spirits to get a feel for you.
* NEVER rough-house on an investigation. ALWAYS conduct yourself and your investigation in an appropriate manner.
* Large groups should split up into teams of 4 or less individuals.
* NEVER dare or deliberately provoke an unseen entity to make itself known to you. Be respectful when asking for validation of thier presence. Remember to thank all spirits at the conclusion of the investigation.
* DO NOT LITTER. Leave the area exactly as you found it. Pick up any trash, containers, scraps of paper and tape. Leave the area as you found it upon arrival; if not better.
* NEVER Forget to tell people where you are. Tell someone where you'll be and how long you plan on being gone. If you run late in the investigation, call and explain the situation. Never leave friends or loved ones wondering where you are.
©2008