Beginner's Guide to Paranormal Investigation - Learning Module by Michael Shakespeare Gregg

Table of Contents

Introduction………………………………………………………….3 Tools of the Trade ...…………………………………………………5 Basic Types of Haunts………………………………………………13 Looking Before You Leap …………………………………………..21 Time to Investigate ...………………………………………………..27 Reviewing the Evidence ...…………………………………………...35 Wonder What’s Next?...……………………………………………...43 Check Your Answers...………………………………………………49 Sample Paper Work ...……………………………………………….63 About the Author……………………………………………………73

Introduction

As you sit at a desk in the living room, the grandfather clock in the corner strikes 3AM. The chimes could have been explosions and you still wouldn’t have noticed, you are too engrossed in the live video feed on your laptop. The man holding the camera calls out to a woman, asking her to make her presence known. A moment later you see a chair move in the corner of your monitor as the cameraman lets loose an excited cry, he’s so loud that you can here him through the ceiling above you. You and your team of investigators have just recorded your first evidence of the paranormal. More commonly known as “Ghost Hunters,” Paranormal Investigators work across the world in order to try and solve the mysteries of the afterlife. Made increasingly popular by such hit shows as SyFy’s Ghost Hunters or Warner Brother’s Supernatural, as well as an endless supply of horror films from Hollywood, paranormal investigation has seen a sort of revival recently. Despite the appearance of glamour that our newfound national interest in the subject has created, paranormal investigation is not about getting your own show and becoming rich. Ghost hunting and investigating is about advancing a field of study and aiding those in need of our services. Investigators generally have some sort of deeper motivation for wanting to get into the field, try to keep that in mind as you read and work through this book. What fascinates you about the paranormal? What are your beliefs in regards to the spirit world and the afterlife? Why do you want to do this work? Remember that this hobby is often as much about finding ourselves as it is finding ghosts.

Tools of the Trade

Paranormal Investigation is a field of constant reinvention, but there are a few definite tools that every modern day hunter should have at her side. In this chapter, you will learn the various types of equipment that can be of use during an investigation. At the end of the chapter, you will find a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter: 1. EMF Detectors 2. Digital Voice Recorders 3. Digital Camcorders 4. Digital Cameras 5. Digital Thermometers

Tools of the Trade Electromagnetic Field Detectors Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Detectors are one of a Paranormal Investigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friends. Most Investigators seem to agree that paranormal entities make use of various forms of energy in order to manifest themselves. The EMF detector is used to locate the resulting spikes of energy. While this may seem as though definitive evidence of a haunting, ghosts are not the only ways to set off an EMF detector. A good Investigator will explore the home for potentially faulty wiring as well as power lines in the immediate proximity of the area. In order to truly ensure that your readings are relevant to the investigation it is recommended to match them to other, more tangible, forms of proof. For example, an EMF spike at the same time as the appearance of an Electronic Voice Phenomenon can be rather convincing. This will be expanded upon A Simple EMF Detector.

later in the chapter on reviewing evidence.

For the purposes of the typical paranormal investigator, only really the simplest EMF detector is necessary. Knowing that an unusual field exists in a haunted location is really more important than what the exact reading was. However, if you should happen to have a more advanced meter it may just add that extra bit of credibility to your investigation. More advanced equals more precise readings.

Tools of the Trade Digital Voice Recorders During an investigation, it becomes necessary to attempt to communicate with an entity. One of the best ways to go about this is with a Digital Voice Recorder. Very rarely are we able to listen to a spirit without the use of some form of electric device to record it. Whether the spirit is actively trying to communicate, or simply repeating moments of its life, the voice recorder will be able to pick it up. Some investigators maintain that spirits require some sort of noise in order to be able to speak with us. The theory here is A Digital Voice Recorder

that they have a tendency to piggy-back off of the sounds already being made. If you feel that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re

not getting any real results when examining your evidence, you may want to either try using a tape recorder instead of digital. In this case, remember, noisier equals better, but it also means a harder time hearing the evidence over the noise. On the other hand, should you believe that digital works just fine (but would like to cover all of your bases anyway), you could always just create some white noise in the

A cassette-based voice recorder.

background. Turning on a faucet, or setting a television or radio to a static channel or station could give you just the boost you need to get a recording from a paranormal entity.

Tools of the Trade Digital Camcorders Every investigator should have at least one camcorder with them. Between the night vision modes in modern models and the capability to document every instance of an investigation, there is hardly a device that is as powerful for an investigator than a camcorder. If you can, it is highly recommended to get a model that dips into the infrared spectrums of light. Another advantage of using camcorders is that they provide the investigator with a second source of audio recordings as evidence. Oftentimes investigators are left distraught after they discover that none of their voice recorders picked anything up, only to find that missing piece of correspondence when going through their video recordings.

A Digital Camcorder with Infrared Night Vision.

If at all possible, it is really recommended to bring along a few different camcorders when going on a hunt. The ability to set a few up in a paranormal hot spot for the entirety of the investigation means that even if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the room, you still have a chance to pick up some incredible piece of evidence.

Tools of the Trade Digital Cameras Cameras are useful for much of the same reasoning you should bring a camcorder along. Both tools provide the opportunity to capture a tangible image of paranormal activity. This is especially true when using a model that dips into infrared light. While the exact reasoning is still left a bit cloudy to us, it would seem that spirits have an easier time manifesting through the use of energy. This manifestation is not always apparent in the visible light spectrum, however. Infrared light A relatively inexpensive camera from Kodak.

has a greater tendency to pick up these manifestations.

It is also recommended to bring a small disposable camera on your hunt, or even a simple point and shoot. The convenience of having a small camera for taking quick shots of the room is invaluable on a hunt. In addition, remember that spirits are not exactly known for their modeling skills. Keep this in mind when taking your shots and stop worrying so much about where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pointing. Getting the shot is far more important than Disposable film cameras are great tools on a hunt.

how you took it.

Tools of the Trade Digital Thermometers Remember in the movies, where the heroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s breath is suddenly visible and the temperature of the room has suddenly dropped off? This is a real tendency of spirits, and not simply something Hollywood came up with. As previously discussed, spirits seem to make use of various energies to manifest themselves. This is equally true for heat sources. Bringing a digital thermometer along for a hunt provides the investigator with another way to try and prove the existence of an entity. Now, oftentimes that chill in the air will

A simple Digital Thermometer.

be only a slight variation, so it becomes necessary for the investigator to rule out any other possible causes of the change. Checking for open windows and other sources of drafts is absolutely essential to making sure your readings are legitimate. Should you happen to have the extra funds, it is also recommended to look into thermal imaging equipment. While quite expensive, well into the thousands of dollars, the possible evidence that this tool is capable of producing is definitely exhilarating. Capturing the outline of a figure that isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t in the room is definitely difficult to dispute when it comes to Thermal imaging provides a whole new level of evidence.

presenting your work.

Tools of the Trade Chapter In Review Other potential tools for the more advanced investigator...

In addition to the tools listed in this chapter, investigators are constantly looking for new ways to communicate with, and record the evidence of, paranor-  mal entities. Your own beliefs in the paranormal will dictate which tools you find the most useful when out in the field. Of all the tools at your disposal, however, an open and creative mind is your most useful.

    

Increased Expense Geiger Counter Air Ion Counter Increased Mystery Dowsing Rods Ouija Board Ghost box/Frank’s box Auto Writing Board

If you are interested in more information on these tools, I would recommend contacting a local team of investigators.

Across 5. Capable of capturing motion picture and audio of the paranormal.

Down 1. Used to pick up audio evidence of the paranormal.

Points of Supposedly Common Sense 

Always bring a supply of extra batteries for your equipment.



Do not always rely on there being power outlets for your equipment.



Cell phones and walkietalkies are always useful.



Don’t forget the med-kit!



No whispering, it’s hard enough to find a message from beyond as it is!

2. Detects changes in room temperature. 3. Used to detect the electromagnetic field created by the paranormal. 4. Capable of capturing still images of the paranormal.

Tools of the Trade Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Digital Voice Recorders and Camcorders are capable of capturing what kind of evidence? a. ALF b. EVP c. ABC d. EZ 2. What does EMF stand for? a. Electric Mountain Fruit b. Every Moth Flies c. Electomagnetic Field d. Extraterrestrial Magnet Force 3. Why should your camera be able to pick up infrared light? a. Easier to capture an image of a ghost. b. Makes you seem more interesting c. Makes all of your pictures look better d. It shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t 4. When using a digital thermometer, what should you be on the look out for? a. Storms b. Cats c. Radiation d. Drafts of cool air 5. How important is how good a photograph looks when on an investigation? a. Incredibly b. Kind of c. Not at all d. Sort of 6. Which of the following is absolutely essential to any investigation? a. Batteries b. Video games c. A Boom box d. Scary masks

Basic Types of Haunts Now that you know your equipment, its time to take a look into the various forms of ghosts an investigator may run into at any particular job. In this chapter, you will learn the basic theories behind each form of haunting, as well as each breed of entityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinct symptoms and signs. At the end of the chapter, you will find a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter:

1. Intelligent Haunting 2. Residual Haunting 3. Poltergeist 4. Non-human Spirits

Basic Types of Haunts Intelligent Hauntings When most people think of a haunting, they are probably talking about the intelligent kind. While not typically very disruptive, an intelligent haunting involves a spirit who is capable of communicating with our world. Intelligent spirits may not know they are deceased and simply living their “lives” as they normally would. Other times, they may be very aware of what has happened to them, and they are seeking some way to let you know that they are still here. Generally, an intelligent haunting is what investigators are hoping for. While typically unable or unwilling to discuss much of the afterlife with us, they have a tendency to try and respond to our questioning. This can be through either knocks, flipping lights on or off, or through voice recordings. A prime example of an intelligent haunting comes from a story a colleague told Intelligent or Residual? The evidence will tell.

me about an investigation she did in her

apartment. During the investigation, she and some friends simply sat in silence and left a recorder to run. Upon reviewing the evidence, she discovered what sounded like a car. Now, my colleague does in fact have a cat in her apartment. However, any pets were removed from the area during the investigation in order to maintain quiet, and no one in the room had heard one while the recorder ran. In addition, during a normal day, she and her cat tend to “meow” at one another, which this voice appeared to be imitating.

Basic Types of Haunts Residual Hauntings Residual hauntings are much more common than the intelligent variety. A residual haunting is a form of spirit that seems to be little more than an after image of some event in the past. Residual hauntings are typically found in places where something traumatic had occurred. These forms of hauntings tend to come from a murder or some other kind of violent death, or even just a great enough emotional outburst to affect the area. Residual hauntings are capable of speech or emitting some other form of sound, but will not respond to an investigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s questioning. Sometimes these spirits can involve a sort of sound bite from the event that formed them, such as a gunshot. Residual hauntings in buildings that have been renovated are incapable of changing their patterns. Of course this creates those instances where we see spirits walk through walls that have been added since the haunting began, or where spirits float above the floor because it is now lower than it once was. Probably the largest, and most well known, residual haunting is at the site of the battle of Gettysburg. Visitors produce stories that involve cannon fire, yelling, and of reenactments that were later discovered to be of a more haunted nature.

Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rock, the most haunted site in Gettysburg.

Basic Types of Haunts Poltergeists There are a few different theories on poltergeists. The traditional definition is that the poltergeist is a form of intelligent spirit that is upset or craves attention. This leads to the spirit lashing out on the people around it. This is where we find stories of flying furniture, doors slamming, and demands being made. Typically, poltergeists seem to have a preference towards haunting younger children and teenagers. It is for this reason that we find more modern theories focusing on the potential of poltergeists to be nothing more than manifestations of the angst of youth. However, my issue with these theories is that poltergeists tend to be rarer than other intelligent hauntings, while teenagers are typically seen as rather angst filled individuals. No matter what the actual source of a poltergeist is, I would recommend immediately contacting a local expert. Whether this is a priest, psychologist, or psychic is up to you and your clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal preferences. Either way, I would suggest that the client relocate until the issue is taken care of. In addition, I in no way recommend attempting to interact with the poltergeist outside of the initial investigation on your own.

An homage to the movie Poltergeist. Many investigators believe that spirits really can communicate through the static of the TV.

Basic Types of Haunts Non-Human Spirits As someone interested in becoming an Investigator, odds are you’ve seen such films as The Exorcist, The Last Exorcism, Paranormal Activity, or The Amityville Horror. The link between these films is not simply that they are about spirits, but rather the type of spirit involved. Nonhuman spirits must obviously mean more than the ghost of your childhood pet. Within this category lies any entity that didn’t arise from the passing of a living creature. Typically, when we approach the concept of the non-human spirit, we are thinking of demons. Typically a demon acts similarly to a simply mischievous human spirit. The difference comes in that the human spirit is no where near as powerful as the demon. The signs of a demonic haunting include awful smells with no source, violent attacks (including scratches and being thrown across rooms), and a drastic change in temperature. All of these symptoms are tactics of the demon to weaken it’s victim’s will in order to make possession easier. Should you suspect a demon, you should immediately seek out professional assistance, based on whatever belief system you feel most comfortable with. Never attempt to confront a demon yourself, they love a good chance to show off their strength. Luckily, demons are the rarest spirits you are likely to encounter. Of course, if we assume that demons exist, then it follows that angels must as well. However, the odds of running into an angel on a hunt is basically zero. Angels are ethereal creatures of light, meaning that they aren’t likely to be the ones haunting that old asylum. Rather, they are more likely walking amongst us right now, if at all of course.

Basic Types of Haunts Chapter in Review Points of Supposedly Common Sense

While the species of spirits in this chapter may have seemed rather broad, keep in mind that each spirit is different and no two encounters



Don’t provoke angry spirits! They’re already mad enough!



Just because you don’t believe in something doesn’t mean it might not exist.

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Don’t disregard the power of belief, if your friend wants to say a prayer before the investigation, left them. It might just help!



If you encounter some sort of activity, don’t lose your head, you don’t want to hurt the investigation.



As always, keep an open mind.

will be the same. In addition, just because I have outlined specific types of spirits does not mean there is a full consensus on their existence. If you’d rather believe that demons are simply malevolent human spirits, that’s up to you, personally I try to avoid the concept of demons. However, I won’t dare touch a Ouija Board, just in case it contacts something a bit too dark for my tastes. Better safe than sorry in my opinion!

Unscramble each of the clue words below. Copy the letters in the numbered cells to other cells with the same number.

Basic Types of Haunts Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Which style of haunting is the most common? a. Intelligent b. Non-Human c. Poltergeist d. Residual 2. Some scientists believe Poltergeists are actually... a. Psychic Manifestations of Angst y Children b. Martians c. Angels d. Faeries 3. Why should you never confront a Demon without professional assistance? a. The Demon may harm you. b. The Demon may become even angrier c. You or someone else may become possessed. d. All of the Above 4. Which of the following is most likely to cause a Residual haunting? a. A fight with your spouse b. Being bullied c. The loss of a pet d. Murder

Looking Before you Leap

Any good investigation begins with hitting the streets as well as the books. In this chapter, you will learn how to effectively research the history of a haunting. In addition, you will learn the importance of gaining both permission and trust before moving forward with an investigation. At the end of this chapter, you will find a true/false quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter:

1. Researching a Haunting 2. Interviewing the Witnesses 3. Legal Issues and How to Avoid Them

Looking Before you Leap

Researching a Haunting When it comes to paranormal investigation, most people don’t exactly see it as a research heavy hobby. This false view of the process can be chalked up to a large number of movies and television shows. In reality, a typical Investigator will spend more time with their nose in a book, or in front of a computer screen, than they ever will on site. Most Investigators have some sort of interest in history, or at least in exploring the records that can be found in the local library. In addition to the books, the local librarians are often more than happy to aid your investigation. Sometimes you might even find out about a wholly different case than the one you are looking into! In addition to the library, spend some time exploring the site during the day. If a map or floor plan isn’t available, this will give you a chance to make one! At the same time, getting a feel for the location before you go “lights out” will give you a chance to lay out your plan of attack ahead of time. However, the most important aspect to this scouting trip is really the chance to look out for any safety hazards. End table going to cause an accident? Move it before the show begins. This can also keep you from accidentally getting in trouble with the authorities, should the location typically be off limits. Usually those kinds of restrictions can be lifted, and you can avoid any legal issues, if you just do your research!

Looking Before you Leap

Interviewing the Witnesses Apart from scouring the library for ancient books and decades old news articles, the paranormal investigator must make sure to hear first hand the stories that have drawn them to a case. The interview part of the investigation allows the investigator some much needed one on one time with witnesses and the client, in order to try and get an idea as to what exactly is happening. The key to a great interview is to make sure the witness feels comfortable about discussing the events of the haunting. You can make sure of this by keeping calm, asking simple open ended questions, and by staying as professional as possible. Always remember that a haunting can be an incredibly emotional experience for the witness, and you must always look to keep their needs in mind. Just as the library requires you to be a bit of a historian, the interview requires you to be both journalist and psychologist at once. Always make sure to take extensive notes during an interview, specifically of the witnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emotional state. The words themselves should be recorded on your Voice Recorder (with consent of course) so as not to miss anything. If they are willing, you may even want to videotape the interview, allowing you to later go back and examine their expressions and body language. Remember, what you find in the interview will give you a basis for what you need to try and recreate at the site of the haunting, so be thorough!

Looking Before you Leap

Legal Issues and How to Avoid Them One of the biggest issues a paranormal investigator can face doesn’t come from the deceased. Sometimes it can be the case that a client isn’t exactly thrilled with how an investigation was handled. In order to try and avoid these confrontations, investigators should come equipped with a pile of paperwork. While not exactly binding contracts, the sample paperwork section featured near the end of this booklet provide a starting place for wading through the nearly endless potential issues that can arrive. In order to lessen the odds of this sort of conflict, you should always make sure to treat a location with the utmost respect. Always have your team clean up your messes, and should you break anything, make sure to take responsibility for your mistakes. It’s not just your reputation you hurt when you disregard your client and their property! The biggest issue that newer Investigators run into is that of private property. Many abandoned buildings are still owned by someone, and typically they don’t want people wandering their property at night. This is of course especially true should the location prove to be a safety hazard. Always make sure to check who owns the land you are investigating on, and get their permission to be there. Another location that tends to get Investigators in trouble are cemeteries. While many are open 24/7, some counties or towns have strict laws as to when you can be there. Always make sure to check before you set up your equipment.

Looking Before you Leap

Chapter in Review As this chapter has stated, the steps the investigator must take before actually going to collect evidence are often the most important. Going into a hunt unprepared is the worst decision an Investigator can make, and does little to differentiate him from a tourist who spent a few hundred dollars to rent out a location for the night. You can’t help anyone if you don’t know how to best approach the problem! In addition to the sample paperwork found in the back of this book, you can also find a series of sample questions for your interviews. In addition, all of these papers are really just a starting point for you to develop your own materials. Just remember to remain as professional as possible at all times and you should do just fine out in the field.

T A B N V V J A I Q G C H J V

B S X E A O W I O R O Z W O C

H H I F M I Y W S M N E I U L

G I G G T A X M F Q I A Y R C

Y B S N O M E O N V S J Q N T

A R E T I L R T R W C A X A C

COMFORTABLE

Z S A J O T O E O F O F F L N

S Z R B B N I T C S T B Q S I

F F L W I I O A N Y G S V T T

S E N J Q T L U N B S F E E A

HISTORIAN

JOURNALIST LOCATION

S L C R A R T H L M U Q I I O

P Y L P A P E R W O R K A C O

T C E P S E R G A L H R M Q L

A T S G Z F I W R U I C U U N

Points of Supposedly Common Sense 

Make sure your questions do not lead your witness, that helps no one.

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Not every witness is on the level, keep an eye out for people just seeking some attention.

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Recreating the events of an encounter with the paranormal is the most important part of an investigation, so take good notes!

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Never disrespect the client, a witness, or the authorities! You hurt the reputation of every Investigator in the world when you do so.

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Always keep a copy of every document used in an investigation, you’ll never know when you’ll need it!

INTERVIEW

LIBRARY WITNESS

PAPERWORK

PSYCHOLOGIST

L A N O I S S E F O R P R W C

PROFESSIONAL

RESPECT

SCOUT

Looking Before you Leap

Quiz True or False: 1. When interviewing a witness, you should always be respectful and patient. True False 2. A real Paranormal Investigator would never have to step into a library. True False 3. The sample papers in the back of this book are legally binding documents. True False 4. Taking good notes during an interview will be extremely useful during your investigation. True False 5. A good Investigator should never argue with the authorities when in the field. True False 6. Librarians are an Investigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. True False

Time to Investigate Now that all of the library work has been finished, it is finally time to investigate! In this chapter, you will learn how to set up and execute hunts in a variety of settings of the haunted nature. At the end of this chapter, you will find a true/false quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter:

1. Haunted Houses 2. Cemeteries 3. Abandoned Buildings 4. Wilderness Hauntings

Time to Investigate Haunted Houses The haunted house is the epitome of Paranormal Investigation. If it werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t for domestic hauntings, there would be little reason for people to have any interest in investigation, let alone ghosts in general. The key to a good home investigation is to make use of the floor plan and to mark those locations that represent the most active sites. The room that features the least amount activity should be used as a base. Here you should set up any laptops you my have brought, as well as med-kits, walkie-talkies, extra batteries, and any spare equipment. Your team should be split up into smaller groups, typically pairs, and assigned certain rooms or patrols. A rotation should also be set up to ensure that everyone gets a chance to investigate each room. Areas of high activity should be monitored constantly, and should have a motion alarm set up in the vicinity so as to alert the team of activity. Otherwise, these areas should be left alone and monitored remotely. Should a group have to move through the room, they should announce their entrance so as not to create false evidence. As for how to make use of your equipment, remember that taking pictures at random is a better decision than trying to properly frame a shot. If the room requires a flash, announce it to the room so as to avoid someone mistaking your flash for an entity. Video should be running as consistently as power sources allow.

Time to Investigate Cemeteries You may be questioning as to why a cemetery would be haunted, after all, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ghosts manifest in areas they once inhabited? The main culprits include unmarked graves, disturbed resting places, and improper burials. Typically, these spirits simply have no where else to go. Luckily for fledgling Investigators, however, graveyards are everywhere, and all of them have the potential to provide some interesting evidence. The downside to cemetery investigations is lack of power and lighting. Graveyards can still be relatively easily mapped, but can still get you turned about in the middle of an investigation. Should you be working in a cemetery, it is entirely possible for you to sun into other team members and think their flashlights are some sort of apparition! As for setting up a base camp in a graveyard, this step of the hunt becomes increasingly difficult. The only real reason you would even have a base is to make sure everyone has access to the med-kit. In addition, remote surveillance becomes nearly impossible in the graveyard, as the lack of power outlets and increased population of wild animals make stationary equipment significantly less effective. Instead, Investigators should again split into pairs and follow a rotation of posts. As always, Investigators should avoid whispering so as to avoid false evidence creation, and keep an eye out for each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flashlights. Communication by walkie-talkie will be of the utmost importance in the graveyard. Finally, Investigators should move with caution so as not to damage themselves or the resting places about them during such an investigation.

Time to Investigate Abandoned Buildings The investigation of abandoned buildings should follow essentially the same rules as those of a haunted house. The only real differences between the two are the potential lack of electricity, and the increased size of the location. In addition, the number of usable witnesses tend to be lessened in the case of abandoned structures. This is of course due to that if there were witnesses, the building wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly be abandoned, would it? For the most part, these sites are attractive due to their wealth of legends. A large number of people have heard of Eastern State Penitentiary, and everyone has heard of Alcatraz. Does this mean that those places are not actually haunted, but merely tourist traps? At time this is in fact the case. However, not every big name ghost hangout is a fraud, and other time the amount of activity is simply under par, even for seasoned Investigators. The biggest upside to these structures is that the older, and larger, they are, the more likely it is that some sort of activity actual is occurring there. Just remember that just because the odds say something should be going on in these huge abandoned structures, it doesn't mean that they are actually haunted.

Time to Investigate Wilderness Hauntings Easily the most difficult locations to investigate are those in the wilderness. Mapping of the area is not necessarily the most accurate, there is no chance of a power outlet (possibly within miles), and it becomes increasingly difficult not to get lost. The inability to set up any sort of long term surveillance equipment, as well as the large chance that wild animals will interfere with the evidence, means that everything must be done personally. It is recommended to set up a base camp so as to provide some semblance of order to this extreme field work. On the up side, the likelihood of running into other team members is next to zero. This means that so long as you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mistake that dear for a phantom, that anything you find is more likely to be legitimate. However, beware that the elements themselves tend to play tricks on us. In particular this refers to the phenomenon known as Orbs. While I will be touching on this in the next chapter, recognize now that Orbs are almost always a false positive, with any number of outside elements proving to be their source.

Time to Investigate Chapter in Review Points of Supposedly Common Sense

When it comes to the actual hunt, it is up to you, the Investigator, to deter-



No smoking while on a hunt, the smoke can be mistaken for an entity.



Staying sober during an investigation is extremely important, being drunk while in the field can lead to poor evidence and potential bodily harm.



Always make sure to look for the causes of your readings! A sudden chill in the room? Check for a draft!



Never rely on a single tool at a time, always make sure to continuously swap tools in order to get the most accurate picture of what is going on in front of you.

mine exactly how things are going to be set up. While I have provided the basics behind hunting in each of these locations, it will be your own instinct and ingenuity that will get you the evidence you seek. In addition to random camera shooting and not whispering, there are a number of other does and don’t involved in the investigation itself.

Just because you’ve received no physical response from a spirit, doesn’t mean you didn’t get any evidence. Make sure to check every last file that came from your investigation! 

Stay calm and focused, your teammates can tell when something is wrong and it can kill the entire expedition. 

Be polite! Even spirits like to be treated well. All it takes is a simple please and thank you sometimes. 

Time to Investigate Quiz True or False: 1. Wilderness Hauntings are the easiest to investigate. True False 2. When investigating any location, it is advised to set up a base camp for your team. True False 3. Team members should patrol the same locations all night, just incase they missed something. True False 4. Stationary equipment is most useful when investigating outdoors. True False 5. When taking pictures, you should say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flashâ&#x20AC;? in order to warn your teammates.. True False 6. Abandoned buildings such as .Alcatraz are not actually haunted, except during tourist season. True False

Reviewing the Evidence At the end of the night, the average paranormal investigator will have a mountainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of evidence to examine. In this chapter, you will learn how the significant difference between actual proof of life after death and the wide variety of environmental factors that can throw you off the trail. At the end of this chapter, you will find a matching and fill in the blank quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter:

1. Orbs Versus Dust 2. Electronic Voice Phenomenon 3. Video Footage and Still Images 4. Matching Readings to Other Evidence

Reviewing the Evidence Orbs Versus Dust The vast majority of photo evidence of the afterlife comes from supposed “Orbs.” These circles of light and color have overrun the more traditional photos in recent years, causing the Internet to be flooded with what people believe to be the spirits of the long deceased. However, there is a slight issue with the vast majority of Orb photos. Most of the time these circles are nothing more than a floating dust particle or droplet of water. Even reflections from a camera flash or the flutter of insect wings are capable of producing Orbs.

Drops of water are a common producer of Orbs.

In the summer of 2009 I was on a trip across the UK, visiting various religious sites.

One particularly rainy day we were visiting an ancient burial ground. Upon getting back to our hotel, a friend of mine excitedly rushed over to me to show me the fabulous Orbs she had captured. It didn’t take long for me to debunk each image as water on her lens, seeing as the “Orb” was in approximately the same location every time, no matter the camera angle.

A series of color as well as black and white Orbs specifically produced in an experimental setting using dust particles

Reviewing the Evidence Electronic Voice Phenomenon Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) is are various voices and noises that were inaudible at the time of recording, only to be discovered during the review of the evidence. Often considered the most invaluable evidence of spirits, EVPs provide us with something much more difficult to dispute than even the best photographs. EVPs are the reason why we need to A sample image of an EVP.

avoid whispering, and to remain as silent as possible

when not asking questions of the entity at large. Locating an EVP in an audio recording can be incredibly tricky. The average investigation contains hours of evidence, and EVPs are hardly ever longer than a few seconds. Patience is key when it comes to locating EVPs, as boredom tends to dull the senses and makes it harder to hear that subtle â&#x20AC;&#x153;helloâ&#x20AC;? in the background. The editing software known as Audacity provides some powerful tools for isolating these noises. This is particularly impressive as the program is free to use. For the most part, however, all you will need is a basic graphic equalizer, so as to boost certain sounds and soften others. Then you simply have to split the track and save the chunk for later use. Otherwise,

An example of how to isolate an EVP from a main audio track.

simply playing with the tools given to you should be enough to locate decent EVPs. Just make sure not to do too much editing, as it will decrease the quality, alongside the authenticity of the track.

Reviewing the Evidence Video Footage and Still Images Outside of the audio track on your video camera, filtering through video and still Images are very similar processes. Basically, the Investigator must sit and watch video for hours, looking for even the smallest sign of the paranormal. Still images are about the same, since after having had any film shots developed you must simply examine each and every image for some sort of sign of an apparition. Since we have covered that Orbs are most likely irrelevant, what exactly should you be looking for? Spirits will often manifest as simply floating limbs or heads. The Holy Grail of paranormal photos is that of the full body

A desktop set up for video and audio editing.

apparition, where every part of the spirit is visible to the viewer. Other potential spirit images include the ghostly shadow that has no source. The shadow in particular is often a sign of a demonic haunting however, and should be taken very seriously should you happen upon one. Once you have discovered any sort of potential spirit image, it is important to have them confirmed. Make sure to have other members of your team examine the image, or watch a particular clip. Make sure never to specifically point out what it is

This image captures some ghostly sailors watching the game.

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve spotted, as independent confirmation is the only real acceptable proof in these cases.

Reviewing the Evidence Matching Readings to Other Evidence After making it through your mountain of photos, video, and audio you’ve finally found a shot of an unexplainable mist. What do you do now? It’s not quite enough on its own to prove anything substantial. Before you can call it true evidence, you’ll have to match it up with the rest of your notes and recordings. Remember that you’ve also got EMF and temperature readings from throughout the night. Having properly documented your readings from the investigation will allow you to quickly match up the time and location of the image to the rest of your data. Should an unexplained EMF reading have been recorded, alongside a drop

The lowered temperature in the room corresponds nicely with the captured image.

of temperature, you have some pretty convincing evidence of the paranormal on your hands. The only thing better would probably be to then find an EVP from the same point in time asking you “What are you doing?”

Reviewing the Evidence Chapter in Review Points of Supposedly Common Sense

No one ever said the life of a Paranormal Investigator was a



Keep quiet and listen! You don’t want to miss the good parts.



Make sure to double and even triple check your work, don’t want to miss anything!



If you can’t find any evidence, don’t be discouraged. It takes time to develop the ability to differentiate between a spirit and trick of the light.

glamorous one. Now that you know how much work goes into finding even a second of valid evidence you’re probably thinking “Do I really want to do this?” Well, as I said in the Introduction to this booklet, you’re going  to have to confront what exactly

Have your evidence cross examined by another teammate. Best way to confirm your discovery!

got you interested in this hobby to begin with. Even if you find that this is no longer your cup of tea, I hope you can at least now find an appreciation for all the work that goes into ghost hunting. Across 6. Validates your work. Down 1. It's change can mark other evidence valid. 2. The Holy Grail of Ghost Pictures. 3. Audio Editing Program. 4. What are you looking to find? 5. Possibly malevolent, always looks dark. 7. Ghost whispers. 8. Just dust in the wind.

Reviewing the Evidence Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. A drop in temperature at the same time as ____ makes for good evidence.. a. an EVP b. a dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bark c. a cell phone rings d. a gun shot fires 2. The Holy Grail of ghost pictures is... a. a floating foot b. an Orb c. a full body apparition d. a flashlight reflection 3. Orbs are typically caused by... a. ghosts b. a clean home c. dust particles d. none of the above 4. A dark shadow with no source is often created by.... a. Casper b. a Demon c. an Angel d. dust particles 5. Too much editing of an EVP canâ&#x20AC;Ś a. lower the quality of the track b. lower the authenticity of the track c. a & b d. none of the above

Wonder Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? When all the tapes have been watched, the recordings been analyzed, and the false readings thrown out, there is still one last job you need to do. In this chapter, you will learn how to handle the aftermath of an investigation, particularly how to best help your client with their ghost problem. At the end of the chapter, you will find a multiple choice quiz to test your knowledge.

Areas Covered in this Chapter:

1. Explaining the Results to the Client 2. The Varieties of Specialists 3. What is an Exorcism?

Wonder What’s Next? Explaining Results to the Client With the evidence reviewed, it is time to show the client your findings. It is at this moment that our people skills must be their strongest. It is difficult enough for us as Investigators to grasp the world of the paranormal. Now imagine how hard this all is to understand for your average man or woman. No matter how popular ghost hunting gets, the vast majority of people will still require a degree of handholding through all of the video and audio evidence you may find.

The most important part of this “reveal” is making use of terms that your client can comprehend. Words like Poltergeist and Demon invoke a fear in your client, that while completely rational, is probably more than you’ll be able to handle. Instead, you should use terms such as Malevolent or Non-Human Spirit. Meanwhile, terms such as Residual and Intelligent Haunting will have little to no meaning to the average person. Instead, you should simply inform them that while yes, their house is haunted, the spirit is not anything to really worry about. In both cases you may refer the client to a specialist in order to try and remove the spirit. Obviously should the haunting prove to be of the more dangerous variety you should probably have said specialist on speed dial already.

Wonder Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? The Varieties of Specialists So, your investigation is done, and the evidence all points to a malevolent spirit. Luckily, there are all kinds of different specialists you can get in contact with. From Catholicism to Voodoo, Parapsychologists and Demonologists, there are people in every belief system on the planet that specialize in protecting us from the darker aspects of the afterlife. However, even the most devout believers should hold some kind of doubt when looking for someone to help with their case. I have met a number of spiritualists myself that I doubt have ever actually even seen an apparition. Some of these people wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to exorcise their way out of a paper bag. Keep this in mind when calling around town for help.

Wonder Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? What is an Exorcism? What exactly is an exorcism? Exorcisms are rituals, found worldwide, for the removal of malevolent spirits. Whether this is the cleansing of a home, or of a possessed child, the ritual is designed to provide peace of mind and protection. While most people think of Catholic priests when they discuss exorcisms, in reality the concept has existed as long as man has believed in beings from beyond our world. However, this does not mean that the rituals are safe. You should never attempt an exorcism without guidance from someone trained in the intricacies of the rite. While an exorcism should be done by someone trained to perform the rite, anyone can pray for protection. No matter your beliefs, there is probably a prayer for you. While some believe the prayer to be nothing but a sort of spiritual placebo, it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt anyone to try it.

Wonder What’s Next? Chapter in Review When it comes to the actual hunt, it is up to you, the Investigator, to determine exactly how things are going to be set up. While I have provided the basics behind hunting in each of these locations, it will be your own instinct and ingenuity that will get you the evidence you seek. In addition to random camera shooting and not whispering, there are a number of other does and don’t involved in the investigation itself.

Points of Supposedly Common Sense 

No smoking while on a hunt, the smoke can be mistaken for an entity.



Staying sober during an investigation is extremely important, being drunk while in the field can lead to poor evidence and potential bodily harm.



Always make sure to look for the causes of your readings! A sudden chill in the room? Check for a draft!



Never rely on a single tool at a time, always make sure to continuously swap tools in order to get the most accurate picture of what is going on in front of you.



Just because you’ve received no physical response from a spirit, doesn’t mean you didn’t get any evidence. Make sure to check every last file that came from your investigation!



Stay calm and focused, your team-

Y D S X Y O B P U D S F Z X X

B G Q Q O T J U E S P C V Y J

L I O D E Y F M I U E Z J A U

V A O L I X O B F N C T Z T Q

M O U U O N O H A X I K F L S

V H Z T O H M R P S A U F S W

N E L L I C C J C K L I F X Q

I Z O A U R R Y S I I W S V H

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W J E R N K D E S W J R P U N

DEMONOLOGY EXORCIST PARAPSYCHOLOGY PRAYER PRIEST REVEAL RITUAL SPECIALIST SPIRITUALIST VOODOO

X Z D Q Y J P R I E S T A L F

B T S I L A U T I R I P S P N

D K J R A D P J R E Y A R P V

Wonder Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next? Quiz True or False: 1. Every religion around the world has some sort of exorcism ritual. True False 2. All Psychics and Priests are made equal. True False 3. Normal people are able to easily grasp the concepts of Paranormal Investigation. True False 4. You should tell a client that there may be a Non-Human Spirit in their home, not that there is a Demon. True False 5. A prayer of protection may be all you need to keep the darkness out. True False 6. Clients may still want to exorcise a spirit, even if you assure them it is benevolent. True False

Check Your Answers

Congratulations! You have successfully made it through this Beginnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Paranormal Investigation. You have learned all of the steps necessary to begin going out on your own hunts!

Now that you have this newfound knowledge, you can start putting it to use out in the field! In the meantime, feel free to check your answers to the activities and quizzes on the next page...

Check Your Answers Chapter 1

Across 5. Capable of capturing motion picture and audio of the paranormal.

Down 1. Used to pick up audio evidence of the paranormal. 2. Detects changes in room temperature. 3. Used to detect the electromagnetic field created by the paranormal. 4. Capable of capturing still images of the paranormal.

Check Your Answers Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Digital Voice Recorders and Camcorders are capable of capturing what kind of evidence? b. EVP 2. What does EMF stand for? c. Electomagnetic Field 3. Why should your camera be able to pick up infrared light? a. Easier to capture an image of a ghost. 4. When using a digital thermometer, what should you be on the look out for? d. Drafts of cool air 5. How important is how good a photograph looks when on an investigation? c. Not at all 6. Which of the following is absolutely essential to any investigation? a. Batteries

Check Your Answers Chapter 2

Check Your Answers Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. Which style of haunting is the most common? d. Residual 2. Some scientists believe Poltergeists are actually... a. Psychic Manifestations of Angst y Children 3. Why should you never confront a Demon without professional assistance? d. All of the Above 4. Which of the following is most likely to cause a Residual haunting? d. Murder

Check Your Answers Chapter 3

T A B N V V J A I Q G C H J V

B S X E A O W I O R O Z W O C

H H I F M I Y W S M N E I U L

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A R E T I L R T R W C A X A C

COMFORTABLE

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S Z R B B N I T C S T B Q S I

F F L W I I O A N Y G S V T T

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HISTORIAN

JOURNALIST LOCATION

S L C R A R T H L M U Q I I O

P Y L P A P E R W O R K A C O

T C E P S E R G A L H R M Q L

A T S G Z F I W R U I C U U N

INTERVIEW

LIBRARY WITNESS

PAPERWORK

PSYCHOLOGIST

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PROFESSIONAL

RESPECT

SCOUT

Check Your Answers Quiz True or False: 1. When interviewing a witness, you should always be respectful and patient. True 2. A real Paranormal Investigator would never have to step into a library. False 3. The sample papers in the back of this book are legally binding documents. False 4. Taking good notes during an interview will be extremely useful during your investigation. True 5. A good Investigator should never argue with the authorities when in the field. True 6. Librarians are an Investigatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best friend. True

Check Your Answers Chapter 4

Check Your Answers Quiz True or False: 1. Wilderness Hauntings are the easiest to investigate. False 2. When investigating any location, it is advised to set up a base camp for your team. True 3. Team members should patrol the same locations all night, just incase they missed something. False 4. Stationary equipment is most useful when investigating outdoors. False 5. When taking pictures, you should say â&#x20AC;&#x153;Flashâ&#x20AC;? in order to warn your teammates.. True 6. Abandoned buildings such as .Alcatraz are not actually haunted, except during tourist season. False

Check Your Answers Chapter 4

Across 6. Validates your work. Down 1. It's change can mark other evidence valid. 2. The Holy Grail of Ghost Pictures. 3. Audio Editing Program. 4. What are you looking to find? 5. Possibly malevolent, always looks dark. 7. Ghost whispers. 8. Just dust in the wind.

Check Your Answers Quiz Circle the correct answer for each question below: 1. A drop in temperature at the same time as ____ makes for good evidence.. a. an EVP 2. The Holy Grail of ghost pictures is... c. a full body apparition 3. Orbs are typically caused by... c. dust particles 4. A dark shadow with no source is often created by.... b. a Demon 5. Too much editing of an EVP canâ&#x20AC;Ś c. a & b

Check Your Answers

Y D S X Y O B P U D S F Z X X

B G Q Q O T J U E S P C V Y J

L I O D E Y F M I U E Z J A U

V A O L I X O B F N C T Z T Q

M O U U O N O H A X I K F L S

V H Z T O H M R P S A U F S W

N E L L I C C J C K L I F X Q

I Z O A U R R Y S I I W S V H

L G U E E N V D S H S X F J N

Y A Z V U P Y J W P T T U S L

W Y J E V R A T B H A D A Y C

W J E R N K D E S W J R P U N

DEMONOLOGY EXORCIST PARAPSYCHOLOGY PRAYER PRIEST REVEAL RITUAL SPECIALIST SPIRITUALIST VOODOO

X Z D Q Y J P R I E S T A L F

B T S I L A U T I R I P S P N

D K J R A D P J R E Y A R P V

Check Your Answers Quiz True or False: 1. Every religion around the world has some sort of exorcism ritual. True 2. All Psychics and Priests are made equal. False 3. Normal people are able to easily grasp the concepts of Paranormal Investigation. False 4. You should tell a client that there may be a Non-Human Spirit in their home, not that there is a Demon. True 5. A prayer of protection may be all you need to keep the darkness out. True 6. Clients may still want to exorcise a spirit, even if you assure them it is benevolent. True

Sample Paper Work

The following pages contain sample forms than you can adapt to your own team of Paranormal Invetigators.

Ghost Hunt Log Date: ________________

Time: ________________

Investigator: _______________________________ Location: ______________________________________________________ Weather:_______________________________________________________ Other Investigators Present_________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ Equipment:

Camera

Video Camera

EMF Film Speed_________

Thermometer

Color

Audio Tape: Micro Cassette 60min

Video Tape: VHS Length

Exposures___________

Infrared

APS

Standard Cassette

90min

VHS-C

Digital Camera

Night Vision

Brand____________

B&W

Length

Tape Recorder

120min

8mm

Digital

30min

60min 90min 120min

Thermometer:

Standard

Electronic

Infrared

Phenomena witnessed by investigator Time:

Phenomena:

_________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

Investigators initials_______________

Phenomena witnessed by investigator Time:

Phenomena:

_________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

Other Comments: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________ Investigators initials:______________

Final Record Roles of film used: _______________ Audio tapes used: ________________ Video tapes used: ________________ Number of Psychic Photos: ________________ Number of EVP recorded: _________________ Phenomena captured on film: _______________ Summation: _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Investigators initials____________

Proposal for Permission to Conduct a Field Investigation for Prospect Cemetery & Crematorium or any place To Whom It May Concern: I represent a small group of student researchers, in the field of paranormal studies. As part of our ongoing education, we must coordinate our research efforts on historical sites, including cemeteries, churches, parklands, etc. We seek permission for the three of us to have access for 1 (ONE) evening, preferably this week sometime, it would be after regular gate hours, for a duration of 3 hours, from 8pm until 11pm, in order to conduct the following field investigation: 1. Photography, standard and infrared, 3 rolls (24 exposures per roll), for location verification 2. A small tape recording unit, for documentation of our efforts 3. A few other tools, such as flashlights (for obvious reasons), compass, candles for emerg. light source, and spare film, batteries and tapes, as backup, and a small hand-held electric field sensing device, as well as a notebook to record the steps as we go through them. We expect this to be a dry run for future coordination of professional research, upon earning our certification. It will also establish base readings so that we may more ably gauge when future readings are anomalous. Our research is dependent on clear weather, and will have to be postponed if fog, rain, high winds, snow or other inclement weather occurs on the set date and time. We will notify you of any cancellation, and if there is a need to reschedule, your permission will again be sought. We understand, and fully respect that we will be on private property at all times, and all due consideration will be given, so that no damage come to any burial sites, mementos, or any part of your property. If through accident, or neglect on our part we do cause damage, we will repay your organization in full for the cost of repairing it. We each have the utmost respect for all those who have a loved one buried here, and solemnly promise there will be no intoxicant consumption, horseplay, or any other disagreeable conduct, just the research as mentioned above will be done, for the duration permitted, and on the agreed site(s). We will also notify the appropriate division of Metro Police of the date and time of our study, so that there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a false alarm. We agree that we undertake this research at our own risk, and understand that your organization is not responsible for any injury or damage to the students or their instruments, while on your property. We agree to conduct the entire study out of view of passerby, and the general public, so as not to arouse their interest. We ask that if you give your permission, please leave a current copy of your propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s map with the caretaker, so that we can accurately make our way to our location, with no needless walking around. Please give us your consideration, in this matter, if you require any other conditions to be met, we will accommodate them into our proposal, and sign to it. The other two students will disclose their names and contact information, and sign to your terms as well, on the date of the study. We will also provide ID, if requested. Yours truly, ____________________________ your name 96 Main Street, City, State Home: (555) 555-8772 Work: (216) 555-1224

Release Form for Access to a Site I, __________________________ , have the authority to allow access to S.J.G.R. members and affiliated persons to __________________________ located in ________________ for the purpose of conducting an investigation into possible paranormal occurrences or conducting field research at this location. The investigation process has been explained to me and I give S.J.G.R. permission to conduct one at this location. SJGR releases the owner of the location from any liability for injuries and/or damages incurred during the investigation. SJGR assumes responsibility for any damages to the property during the investigation. Signed___________________________ Date___________ Witness__________________________ Date___________

Release Form for Confidentiality and Release of Information S.J.G.R. respects your right to privacy. All of your personal information will be kept confidential. S.J.G.R. would like to use some or all of the information and evidence collected during the investigation for possible inclusion in our website, newsletter and other future media considerations. Please check the level of confidentiality you would like to request: ___ S.J.G.R. may not release any part of the investigation to the public. ___ S.J.G.R. may release the information providing that the identity of witnesses and clients are changed and the exact address of the location is excluded. ___ S.J.G.R. may release any/all of the information and evidence collected during the investigation. ___ Other comments/requests______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Signed___________________________ Date___________ Witness__________________________ Date___________

Interview Questions 1. Address of site: 2. Name of witness: 3. Mailing address if different: 4. Phone number: 5. Email Address: 6. How many occupants at location: 7. How many pets: 8. Occupants' names and ages: 9. Occupants' occupations: 10. Occupants' religious beliefs: 11. Time of occupancy at the location: 12. Age of the site: 13. How many previous owners (if known): 14. History of site: (tragedies, deaths, previous complaints) 15. How many rooms in the site: 16. Has the location been blessed: 17. Has there been any recent remodeling (if so, what and where): 18. Any occupants on prescribed medication (anxiety, depression, pain, etc) Please list names and medications: 19. Any occupants using illegal drugs (this will be kept confidential): 20. Any occupants drink alcohol heavily (this will be kept confidential): 21. Any occupants interested in the occult: (Ouija, sĂŠances, psychics, spells) If so, who and what? 22. Any occupants currently seeing a psychiatrist or in therapy (this will be kept confidential): if so, who: 23. Any occupants with frequent or unexplained illnesses (if yes, describe): 24. Have any religious clergy been consulted: If so, please list church: 25. Has there been any media involvement: If so, who: 26. Have there been any other witnesses besides the occupants (names and relationships) 27. Have there been any odors: (i.e. perfumes, flowers, sulfur, ammonia, excrement, etc) If so, when, where and what: 28. Have there been any sounds: (i.e. footsteps, knocks, banging, etc) If so, when, where and what: 29. Have there been any voices: (whispering, yelling, crying, speaking) If so, when, where and what: 30. Has there been any movement of objects, If so, when, where and what: 31. Has there been any apparitions, If so, when, where and what (describe the apparition): 32. Have there been any uncommon cold or hot spots: If so, when, where and what: 33. Have there been any problems with electrical appliances: (TV, lights, kitchen appliances, doorbells) If so, when, where and what: 34. Have there been any problems with plumbing: (leaks, flooding, sinks, toilet bowls) If so, when, where and what: 35. Any occupants having nightmares or trouble sleeping: If so, who and when: 36. Have there been any physical contact: If so, who, where and what happened: 37. Are pets affected: If so, how: 38. Describe the first occurrence of the phenomena: (what and when happened?) 39. Who first witnessed the phenomena: 40. What time was the first occurrence of the phenomena:

Interview Questions 41. What is the witness's reaction during the phenomena: 42. Were there any other witnesses during the first event: 43. How long is the average duration of the phenomena: 44. How often does the phenomena occur: 45. Do any of the occupants feel the phenomena is threatening: If so, who and why? 46. What do the occupants believe is happening: (i.e. it's supernatural, natural, unsure, etc.) : 47. Do all of the occupants agree on what is happening, Do any think it's nonsense or not happening: 48. What would you like to see accomplished from our visit?

About the Author

Michael Gregg is a Photographer and Graphic Designer from Wilmington Delaware. He earned his Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Communications Media, with a Minor in Religious Studies, at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Michael is currently working towards his Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree in Adult Education and Communications Technology, once again through IUP. Michael decided to produce this Instructional Module due to his fascination with the Paranormal, which his background in Religious Studies has only helped fuel.