Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Ghost Hunting: Why do I hunt ghost?
Time after time again I've been asked "why dd you hunt ghosts?" Well the simple answer to this is, because it's fun. Why do you play sports, or watch movies, or do any kind of hobby? Because it's fun, it's something you enjoy. I enjoy ghost hunting. Now if you ask, how I became interested in this particular hobby …that's a totally different story. Today, I'm going to share my story with you. You may have a similar story, or event. Please do share. I'm always interested to learn about people's experiences with the paranormal.
First off, I didn't used to believe in ghosts or anything like that. My sister did. My mother did. I kind of stuck by my dad and said it was a bunch of bull. I would make fun of my sister to no end about it. In fact, she often tells me now "I never thought you'd end up being the ghost hunter of the family" …but one day, or night rather, I had an experience that changed my outlook on things.
I was asleep at my girlfriends house. I was on the couch, her parents and little sister where asleep downstairs, and she was asleep in her bedroom. I woke up around 3am, as I opened my eyes I saw what appeared to be her little sister sitting in the floor, wearing a dress, looking down, and playing with blocks. I asked what she was doing up and told her she needed to go to bed. The girl looked up and it was not my girlfriends little sister. I jumped up and sit straight up on the couch. She was still in the floor. As I stared at her, shocked, not knowing what to say or do she slowly disappeared. I was completely terrified and keep in mind I was about 19 or 20 years old when this happened, so I didn't scare that easily. I could not sleep the rest of that night. I sat on the couch staring at the spot on floor wondering what on earth I had witnessed. I tried to tell myself my eyes were playing tricks on me, but they weren't it was too real and had lasted too long.
Day broke and I was still sitting staring. Her mother came upstairs and saw me and asked what I was doing. I proceeded to tell her the story. She said I should ask her husband about the little girl. He has seen her too. As soon as he came up the stairs, before she ever had a chance to talk to him, I asked what he'd seen. He was woke up by her once. He, as I did, thought it was his younger daughter shoving him to wake up. He rolled over to see what she wanted and she ran toward the door and vanished just before reaching it. It was not his younger daughter. She was sound asleep in her bed.
I have had other experiences with this little girl since then. I believe I may have caught her voice in a few different EVPs (Electronice Voice Phenomenon). I will try to post them on here one day. I'm not exactly sure where they are in my audio logs, but I will try to find them soon. I cannot explain what happened.. I want to explain it, but I can't. The best thing I can do, is back up evidence that there are things out there that cannot be explained.
Please share any of your experiences. I would love to hear them.
As always, Happy Hunting!!
First off, I didn't used to believe in ghosts or anything like that. My sister did. My mother did. I kind of stuck by my dad and said it was a bunch of bull. I would make fun of my sister to no end about it. In fact, she often tells me now "I never thought you'd end up being the ghost hunter of the family" …but one day, or night rather, I had an experience that changed my outlook on things.
I was asleep at my girlfriends house. I was on the couch, her parents and little sister where asleep downstairs, and she was asleep in her bedroom. I woke up around 3am, as I opened my eyes I saw what appeared to be her little sister sitting in the floor, wearing a dress, looking down, and playing with blocks. I asked what she was doing up and told her she needed to go to bed. The girl looked up and it was not my girlfriends little sister. I jumped up and sit straight up on the couch. She was still in the floor. As I stared at her, shocked, not knowing what to say or do she slowly disappeared. I was completely terrified and keep in mind I was about 19 or 20 years old when this happened, so I didn't scare that easily. I could not sleep the rest of that night. I sat on the couch staring at the spot on floor wondering what on earth I had witnessed. I tried to tell myself my eyes were playing tricks on me, but they weren't it was too real and had lasted too long.
Day broke and I was still sitting staring. Her mother came upstairs and saw me and asked what I was doing. I proceeded to tell her the story. She said I should ask her husband about the little girl. He has seen her too. As soon as he came up the stairs, before she ever had a chance to talk to him, I asked what he'd seen. He was woke up by her once. He, as I did, thought it was his younger daughter shoving him to wake up. He rolled over to see what she wanted and she ran toward the door and vanished just before reaching it. It was not his younger daughter. She was sound asleep in her bed.
I have had other experiences with this little girl since then. I believe I may have caught her voice in a few different EVPs (Electronice Voice Phenomenon). I will try to post them on here one day. I'm not exactly sure where they are in my audio logs, but I will try to find them soon. I cannot explain what happened.. I want to explain it, but I can't. The best thing I can do, is back up evidence that there are things out there that cannot be explained.
Please share any of your experiences. I would love to hear them.
As always, Happy Hunting!!
Ghost Hunting: EVP
Yesterday, I touched on the basics of getting started ghost hunting with as little money as possible. While I suggested you put down $45 for a digital recorder, it wasn't a free way. But certainly not as expensive as some sites lead you to believe. If you still need to purchase a digital recorder you can follow the link below to Amazon. You can find these and other helpful ghost hunting tools at this site. This is where I have got most of my equipment.
So, in a little better detail, today we will discuss going about an EVP session and going over the evidence. But first, what is EVP? It stands for Electronic Voice Phenomenon. In other words, it's voice people cannot explain that show up on recordings that were not heard while recording. Many skeptics say it is just radio transmissions. Well if that's the case, for many years now there have been radio transmissions hitting recorders at just the right time to answer questions. Pretty ironic don't you think? A little too ironic if you ask me. OK, enough of the explanation and on with the investigation.
When you set down and turn on your recorder, it is always a good practice to make note of the date, time, location, and who all is present. Also if there is the sound of water dripping, or a heater running, or another sound you have heard that you can definitely rule out as natural make note of that. Now one last thing before you get started. Let everyone in the group say a quick introduction, so you hear what each voice sounds like on the recorder. This will be very helpful when you go back to review the evidence.
Ok, documentation of date, time, place, and everyone's voices have been made. It's time to get to business. If at all possible set the recorder down. If you are walking through a building it is ok to hold the recorder but hold it firmly and try not to move your hand around too much. This can cause extra noise that you may mistake for something paranormal during review. You can ask questions for awhile. Be sure to give at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before asking another question. This gives the entity plenty of time for a response. They are not always right away like a normal conversation might be. Then maybe stop and talk to one of the group members awhile, but through it all make sure everyone talks loud and clear. You don't want somebody whispering. It may be hard to discern the voice later. Some of my best EVP's have been when talking to my partner. Not while asking questions, so they can come at anytime. Then maybe ask a few more questions. Also, make sure to note if anyone coughs, sneezes, runs into something, anything that will cause a noise. This may be hard to remember at first, but the more you do it the more natural it will become. One more thing, always thank them for talking with you. Even though you don't know, yet, if they did or not. It's always good to say thank you just in case. They may be more open to talk to you again if you show them you appreciate the time and energy they spent with you.
Once the investigation has ended it's time to review. Depending on how long the investigation, you most likely have a long sit listening to your evening all over again. It's good to take breaks now and then and come back. This part can be the most boring. However, it can also be the most rewarding. It is an awesome feeling when you hear a voice played back you did not previously hear, and that you know is not a member of your group. You may also want to get some free software such as Audacity. That can be downloaded at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/. This will allow you to amplify sounds, remove noise, change tempo, and many other useful effects to help figure out exactly what you have captured. It is pretty simple software to use. There are several helpful videos on youtube. Alsog, if you are having trouble, feel free to send me an email or leave me a comment. I will be more than happy to help you. I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
So, there you have it. Keep good documentation, ask, wait, listen, and feel amazed at your findings. Share with friends and family and amaze them as well. Trust me there will be skeptics, people will tell you all kinds of things to disprove you. An important thing to remember is believe in what you believe, not what someone else believes.
Happy Hunting!!!
So, in a little better detail, today we will discuss going about an EVP session and going over the evidence. But first, what is EVP? It stands for Electronic Voice Phenomenon. In other words, it's voice people cannot explain that show up on recordings that were not heard while recording. Many skeptics say it is just radio transmissions. Well if that's the case, for many years now there have been radio transmissions hitting recorders at just the right time to answer questions. Pretty ironic don't you think? A little too ironic if you ask me. OK, enough of the explanation and on with the investigation.
When you set down and turn on your recorder, it is always a good practice to make note of the date, time, location, and who all is present. Also if there is the sound of water dripping, or a heater running, or another sound you have heard that you can definitely rule out as natural make note of that. Now one last thing before you get started. Let everyone in the group say a quick introduction, so you hear what each voice sounds like on the recorder. This will be very helpful when you go back to review the evidence.
Ok, documentation of date, time, place, and everyone's voices have been made. It's time to get to business. If at all possible set the recorder down. If you are walking through a building it is ok to hold the recorder but hold it firmly and try not to move your hand around too much. This can cause extra noise that you may mistake for something paranormal during review. You can ask questions for awhile. Be sure to give at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before asking another question. This gives the entity plenty of time for a response. They are not always right away like a normal conversation might be. Then maybe stop and talk to one of the group members awhile, but through it all make sure everyone talks loud and clear. You don't want somebody whispering. It may be hard to discern the voice later. Some of my best EVP's have been when talking to my partner. Not while asking questions, so they can come at anytime. Then maybe ask a few more questions. Also, make sure to note if anyone coughs, sneezes, runs into something, anything that will cause a noise. This may be hard to remember at first, but the more you do it the more natural it will become. One more thing, always thank them for talking with you. Even though you don't know, yet, if they did or not. It's always good to say thank you just in case. They may be more open to talk to you again if you show them you appreciate the time and energy they spent with you.
Once the investigation has ended it's time to review. Depending on how long the investigation, you most likely have a long sit listening to your evening all over again. It's good to take breaks now and then and come back. This part can be the most boring. However, it can also be the most rewarding. It is an awesome feeling when you hear a voice played back you did not previously hear, and that you know is not a member of your group. You may also want to get some free software such as Audacity. That can be downloaded at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/. This will allow you to amplify sounds, remove noise, change tempo, and many other useful effects to help figure out exactly what you have captured. It is pretty simple software to use. There are several helpful videos on youtube. Alsog, if you are having trouble, feel free to send me an email or leave me a comment. I will be more than happy to help you. I will try to get back to you as quickly as possible.
So, there you have it. Keep good documentation, ask, wait, listen, and feel amazed at your findings. Share with friends and family and amaze them as well. Trust me there will be skeptics, people will tell you all kinds of things to disprove you. An important thing to remember is believe in what you believe, not what someone else believes.
Happy Hunting!!!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Ghost Hunting: Getting Started
So you've seen it on tv and online. You think it would be cool to roam around old abandoned buildings in the dark looking for the unknown. But don't know how to get started. Well there's a couple of ways. One of which I'll mention briefly and the other I will go into greater detail.
The first (briefly mentioned) way is to join your local paranormal group. Most cities will have them. Just go to google and search "Ghost Hunter Society in (Place city/state here)" You will most likely pull up something in or around your area.
The second way is to start your own group. After attending a meeting with my local group, I decided to take this route. It would be something I could do in my own time as opposed to them assigning you investigations on certain dates, that if you are unable to attend, may lessen your chances of getting another investigation for awhile.
I know you are wondering "So how do I go about this?" and "Is it expensive". All you need is one or more friends who share your interest in the paranormal. You don't have to have a big elaborate group with personalized shirts and hats and a cameraman filming you so you can get on Youtube and be an internet star like TAPS is on t.v. And no, it doesn't have to be expensive. Some people will tell you that you have to have a KII meter, digital recorder, several infrared cameras, thermal imaging camera, an EMF dector, the list goes on and on of expensive things average people can't readily buy all at once to start a new hobby. These are all great things to have, and over time your collection of these products should grow, but they are not necessities. When I started I had a flashlight and a digital recorder. You can pick up a digital recorder at Amazon.com for around $45. This really isn't a bad deal. If you have an old tape recorder you can use that but it does not work as well. Sometimes it picks up the sounds of the mechanics within the machine. If you are going to go this route I would use an external microphone.
"OK, I've got a flashlight and some equipment to record audio. Now what do I do?" Well first you find a place LEGALLY that you can hunt. This may be some abandoned hospital that has stories of being haunted and the owners let people take tours, or this may be your own house where things have turned up missing, you've seen apparitions, or hear footsteps in the night. Once you've found your spot wait until it's dark and get ready to hunt. Make sure if you do not follow anything else you follow this. NEVER go alone. This is a major safety concern. Not only can these entities sometimes hurt people (though this is very very rarely the case), but you could fall or run into something and nobody be there to help you. Remember you are going to be roaming around in the dark.
OK, lets say you are in your basement, where your entire family has had several unexplained things happen to them. It's about 10:00pm. Lights are out, recorder in hand. "what now?" Find a spot where you or someone else has experienced something paranormal. Maybe there was an unexplained noise, or sighting. Turn OFF your cell phone. I know, I know this is going to be the hardest part for some people, but this can mess with your equipment. Turn on your recorder and start asking questions. Give at least 30 secs to a minute after each question for a response. Even if it's a yes or no question. Sometimes it takes a while for them to get enough energy to answer. After doing this for an hour or two, or after you run out of questions, turn on the lights and listen back. Don't be discouraged if all you hear is you asking questions to the air around you. Some nights are more active than others. However, don't be surprised if you hear a voice talking back to you that you did not hear before. Congratulations you just caught an EVP in your very first EVP session.
This, by far, is not all there is to ghost hunting, but it is a good way to get started if you are low on cash. And it's very rewarding and exciting when you do capture a voice. This is probably my favorite part of the hunt. If you found this article helpful please subscribe. There will be many more hints, tips, and tricks to come. Along with personal thoughts and experiences. Please stay tuned.
Happy Hunting!!!
The first (briefly mentioned) way is to join your local paranormal group. Most cities will have them. Just go to google and search "Ghost Hunter Society in (Place city/state here)" You will most likely pull up something in or around your area.
The second way is to start your own group. After attending a meeting with my local group, I decided to take this route. It would be something I could do in my own time as opposed to them assigning you investigations on certain dates, that if you are unable to attend, may lessen your chances of getting another investigation for awhile.
I know you are wondering "So how do I go about this?" and "Is it expensive". All you need is one or more friends who share your interest in the paranormal. You don't have to have a big elaborate group with personalized shirts and hats and a cameraman filming you so you can get on Youtube and be an internet star like TAPS is on t.v. And no, it doesn't have to be expensive. Some people will tell you that you have to have a KII meter, digital recorder, several infrared cameras, thermal imaging camera, an EMF dector, the list goes on and on of expensive things average people can't readily buy all at once to start a new hobby. These are all great things to have, and over time your collection of these products should grow, but they are not necessities. When I started I had a flashlight and a digital recorder. You can pick up a digital recorder at Amazon.com for around $45. This really isn't a bad deal. If you have an old tape recorder you can use that but it does not work as well. Sometimes it picks up the sounds of the mechanics within the machine. If you are going to go this route I would use an external microphone.
"OK, I've got a flashlight and some equipment to record audio. Now what do I do?" Well first you find a place LEGALLY that you can hunt. This may be some abandoned hospital that has stories of being haunted and the owners let people take tours, or this may be your own house where things have turned up missing, you've seen apparitions, or hear footsteps in the night. Once you've found your spot wait until it's dark and get ready to hunt. Make sure if you do not follow anything else you follow this. NEVER go alone. This is a major safety concern. Not only can these entities sometimes hurt people (though this is very very rarely the case), but you could fall or run into something and nobody be there to help you. Remember you are going to be roaming around in the dark.
OK, lets say you are in your basement, where your entire family has had several unexplained things happen to them. It's about 10:00pm. Lights are out, recorder in hand. "what now?" Find a spot where you or someone else has experienced something paranormal. Maybe there was an unexplained noise, or sighting. Turn OFF your cell phone. I know, I know this is going to be the hardest part for some people, but this can mess with your equipment. Turn on your recorder and start asking questions. Give at least 30 secs to a minute after each question for a response. Even if it's a yes or no question. Sometimes it takes a while for them to get enough energy to answer. After doing this for an hour or two, or after you run out of questions, turn on the lights and listen back. Don't be discouraged if all you hear is you asking questions to the air around you. Some nights are more active than others. However, don't be surprised if you hear a voice talking back to you that you did not hear before. Congratulations you just caught an EVP in your very first EVP session.
This, by far, is not all there is to ghost hunting, but it is a good way to get started if you are low on cash. And it's very rewarding and exciting when you do capture a voice. This is probably my favorite part of the hunt. If you found this article helpful please subscribe. There will be many more hints, tips, and tricks to come. Along with personal thoughts and experiences. Please stay tuned.
Happy Hunting!!!
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