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!!!