Basics in Paranormal Investigations:
Our team didn't start out with fancy equiptment or a large team. If fact it started out with two friends with the same interest. We bought cheap digital voice recorders a couple of flashlights and went on our way. We were lucky, we caught some amazing evp's. You can also use 35mm dispossible camera's, paper and pen, for logging weather info and for just taking notes. Don't worry about expensive equipment yet! The basic tools can be just as effective.
Finding Locations:
The number one talked about places are cemeteries. They are well known for being haunted especially in some areas. They are a great starting place. First rule of thumb when investigating anywhere is ALWAYS get permission to investigate a location first! Jail time is not cute if you want to become a professional. Ask friends if you can practice an investigation by using their house. Sometimes friends and family members can help with getting in a lot of practice. Don't worry though, everyone makes mistakes, it's part of the experience. Always know what you are dealing with! If you don't think you have had enough experience with something and need help, always ask. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all learn as we go.
Always Research the Property :
It is always great to research the land, building or home that you are investigating. Spirits can be attached to the land just as much as they can be attached to homes or objects. We have come across this many times. The home owners for example, were unaware that their property was build over an existing cemetery. Things like this come up all the time if you do extensive research on the area. Start out by doing some online searches on the land or building in Google or another search engine and see what you can dig up. If you need to do more extensive research, you can try genealogy websites like Rootsweb or Ancestry.com they can be a wealth of valuable information. Our suggestion is to wait and do the research after an investigation is completed, that way you go in without contamination.
Here is a great website with tips and information on tools of the trade: We are not responsible for the content of this sight below:
http://www.jesusreligion.com/ghost_hunting_tips.html
Ghost Hunting Tips: The How-Tos of Paranormal Investigations | Suite101.comhttp://www.suite101.com/content/ghost-hunting-tips-a26058#ixzz1ReL7aAzh
Here is a great website with tips and information on tools of the trade: We are not responsible for the content of this sight below:
http://www.jesusreligion.com/ghost_hunting_tips.html
Ghost Hunting Tips: The How-Tos of Paranormal Investigations | Suite101.comhttp://www.suite101.com/content/ghost-hunting-tips-a26058#ixzz1ReL7aAzh
If You Think You Might Have a House Guest:
Start by paying close attention to your surroundings. Sometimes it's not what you think it is. If you are experiencing the lights going on and off, then it would be a very good idea to get in contact with an electrician. You might have faulty wiring that could lead to a house fire. Or is could be something very simple. Maybe you are hearing footsteps? Is what your hearing just the house settling? Walk around for awhile, and listen to what your feet sound like. Does it sound the same? Start a Journal of all the paranormal activity that you are experiencing. Keep this for several months, maybe even years. Do things occur in any particular order/time/day? Or is it random? Keeping a journal will be beneficial to yourself and a paranormal investigator that comes into your home. If you still feel like you are being haunted, then you can ask the entity to leave your home. Hold your ground, it is your home and you cannot stay here. If this doesn't work you might need to contact a professional paranormal team or clergy to help assist you. DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES use a Quija Board, perform seances, or try to conjure in any way. This could lead to something coming into your home that may be dark in nature.
EVP Rating System:
Here are Seventeen helpful tips:
Rating system for EVP's
Class A : The voices are understood by all that listen. The words are actually somewhat loud and clear (rare).
Class B: Voices cannot be deciphered clearly and tones are very low and hard to understand
Class C: Voices are extremely faint and almost completely incomprehensible (most common)
Rating system for EVP's
Class A : The voices are understood by all that listen. The words are actually somewhat loud and clear (rare).
Class B: Voices cannot be deciphered clearly and tones are very low and hard to understand
Class C: Voices are extremely faint and almost completely incomprehensible (most common)
Helpful Guidelines for getting the best EVP's.
1. If possible, use an EXTERNAL microphone. This will drastically cut down on the motor noises and internal sounds from the recording device. Extend the MIC away from the unit when recording.
2. If you have to talk on an investigation, do it in a normal voice. Whispering can sound like a ghost voice when playing back the tape.
3. Always maintain a positive attitude and expect to get results.
4. As you are recording, be sure to make note of any sounds or noises so as to not confuse it with something paranormal during playback.
5. If you're recording unit has a sensitivity level, adjust it to the highest level possible. A ghost voice is usually very faint and anything we can do will help.
6. Consider setting your unit to "voice activated" mode if it has it. But only do this if your unit is extra sensitive or has the ability to adjust the sensitivity to high.
7. Both digital and regular tape recorders seem to work fine. However, some say that reel to reel and full size cassette players work the best. That could very well be true, especially when using an external MIC, but I haven't noticed a distinct difference.
8. At the beginning of your recording session state your location, the time, and the weather conditions. This can be very helpful later on.
9. Ask the spirits to talk loudly and even shout if possible. We need that voice as loud and clear as possible.
10. On playback do not confuse background noise and garble as a ghost voice! If it sounds like it could be background noise, then it most likely is just that.
11. There are several programs that can be used to edit your voice results. You can find some of these on the web at Downloads.com & Tucows.com .
12. When asking questions for a ghostly response, never say "is anyone there?." ALWAYS assume they are there. So say something like "what is your name?" or "is there something I can do for you?" Try it.
13. During playback it is advised that you use earphones that completely cover your ears as to not allow distractions when you're reviewing for the first time. Oh, and when adjusting the volume make sure it is at a safe level so that a sudden loud burst will not deafen you. :)
14. Read this investigation report and note how all the steps in this report are followed.
15. Always express your gratitude at the end of the recording session. They like it when you say Thank you.