The following information is a basic rough guideline for anyone interested in becoming a Paranormal Investigator.
Many Investigators have their own styles and preferences. There is no "set in granite" structure as to how to investigate potential phenomena. One team may prefer to rely on their Mediums` impressions more, while another may prefer using emf meters or ion detectors more. Often teams try to use a balance of mediums/technical equipment. Whatever approach you or your team use, don`t be afraid to experiment.
First Steps
You do not neccesarily need to have a scientific or theological background to be an investigator, although Courses are available on subjects such as Psychical Research and Parapsychology. Scientific study into the paranormal is certainly showing some interesting results, such as Professor R Wisemans recent experiment into infrasound. If you have a grounding in science, all the better, but in this area, there is no better qualification than experience in the field. Every investigation conducted, can be a valuable lesson itself.
Why did I get all these orbs on film? Could it be moisture in the air? Perhaps the dust rising around my feet has been reflected on the flash? My EMF meter is rising fast! perhaps there is a power cable in this wall?. On the first few investigations you will certainly make some mistakes. It`s only natural. As you become more experienced, a routine will become second nature, baseline readings done. check. draughts noted. check. motion detectors set. check. locked off cameras positioned. check. evp recorders positioned. check. etc.
There is just no substitute for experience, so don`t worry that you do not have fancy letters after your name.. few have!
Setting Up
Okay, you know that you want to be an Investigator.. How do I start?
Whether you have a group of friends interested or are solo, it dosen`t matter.. There are so many Paranormal groups out there, you won`t be solo for long, if you so wish.
What equipment do I need? Don`t worry, you do not need a truckload of expensive technical equipment to begin.
I have seen people on Vigils who didn`t know how to use their EMF meters properly. "This reading is really high!!", "um yeah, you are on the wrong scan mode.. thats the electrics you`ve picked up"
All the basics you need are: a 35mm camera with flash, spare batteries, spare film, pencil paper, torch. Thats it! the very basics! If you have a digital camcorder and a thermometer with a probe etc.. fine, but to begin. you need very little. The most important piece of equipment, you supply... your brain. It will distinguish between what could be natural or paranormal.
Finding a location
For your first investigation, an ideal location could be an old ruin at night. When you pick a location like this, there are 2 important things to be aware of.
1. This location is not on private property, if it is, ask the landowners permission. 2. Be aware that crumbling ruins can pose a danger with falling stones etc. Scout the place first, plan where you will be standing, walking etc. Try not to stand under overhanging stones.. it could be sore and possibly fatal!.
Right, you have your location and have picked a time to do your investigation.
Have you checked your equipment is working properly? Fresh batteries installed?
If you DO have a thermometer or/and EMF meter, an important part of your equipment will be the checklist. Using paper and pencil, you can draw a table with the following information: Baseline EMF_/Baseline Temp _ , these will be your readings that you take at the start of the investigation. then you can have a Temp_/EMF_ spaced at regular intervals, every half hour or hour (depends on preference and if anything happens). (As you become more experienced you can add trigger object boxes etc. to the checklist, but for now we will deal with the basic list.)
Okay you are ready, did you bring some sandwiches and a flask or soft drinks? Investigations can often be long, uneventful and cold!.
Your 1st Investigation
After an intitial scout of the location, you should perform your baseline tests, get a record of the temp/emf (if you have the equipment. if not, don`t worry). Now, pick a spot and quietly wait there for a while (30/60 mins is fine),this is your first Vigil. After your allocated time is up, try moving to another area and settle down to observe. rince and repeat. Get accustomed to any nightlife sounds (owls etc,). Try not to let your imagination run away (yes, Ruins in the dark can be very eerie). Simply listen and observe. If your intuition is drawing you to look or move to a certain spot. listen to it. Take a picture when you feel like it, you did bring spare batteries right? I guarantee that on some investigations, fresh batteries will be drained, also sometimes, recently checked cameras/equipment will fail to work!
For the duration of your investigation, keep a legible record on your checklist if you are using one. If something happens, check the temp/emf reading straight away for a comparison and indication that something unusual is indeed happening. i.e a Temp drop of say 8 degrees or wild fluctuation on the EMF. Takes notes of anything you feel is interesting at all. Later those notes and readings will be invaluable, especially if you want to write a report.
If anything strange begins to happen.Don`t panic, stay calm and think "Is this really Paranormal?", try and think of a logical explanation for what is happening. Hear a screech? Could it be the owl nearby or wind whistling through the ruin.., Hear footsteps? Could it be loose rubble shifting.., Is that a ghostly form up in the corner? Could it be the moonlight shining through a window/gap..
Only when you have tried every possible logical explanation and failed.. should you then look towards a Paranormal explanation.
If you wish to try communication attempts, go ahead. Always be respectful in your attempts though. The deceased should be treated with the same respect as the living. If you brought a small tape recorder or dictaphone, ask respectfully if anyone would like to leave a message and then leave the audio device recording. Stay still when it is recording or place it in another part of the location, otherwise the spooky footsteps you hear, will be your own..
Whether your first investigation yields any paranormal activity or not, don`t worry about it. You have gained your first bit of experience. Now you can think about any mistakes you may have made and plan your next investigation. what should you maybe try different etc..
Whatever happens, do not panic.The biggest danger on investigations is usually in the mind of the investigator. If you become terrified and rush off, the potential for an accident increases, especially in the dark and maybe in an unsafe location or near stairs. If something does happen and you become very frightened, simply gather your things quickly and walk away.
A quote I firmly believe in is "The living have more to fear from the living, than the dead".
While we at Spectre have had our fearful moments, they have tended to be in situations like The Clydesdale Hotel investigation, where we had to crawl under the hotel, through very small tight spaces that were very claustrophobic. In the years before i personally became an investigator, some hair raising things happened. Things which made me realise that although the risk of physical harm was low, the mental risk was high, as the human mind is quite vulnerable and certain things can be quite alien to our way of thinking.
Hopefully this basic guide will help you start out on the path of the Paranormal Investigator.
Investigations using techinques such as locked off cameras, trigger objects, thermal heat imaging, divination etc, are for a bit further down the line..
Good Luck on your Investigations!
Mike.
If you have any questions or queries, we can be contacted on the link from the main menu.
© Spectre 2004
