Identifying Haunted Sites

It must be acknowledged here that for every known haunting recorded in North America, there have been dozens of suspected hauntings that were ultimately attributed to natural causes, hoaxes, or confusion on the part of witnesses. However, by following the steps below one can confidently confirm or disprove a site's haunted nature. The advice is given in no particular order and, although written with the assumption that the site is a suspected haunted house, most of the tactics can be easily translated to cover all other haunted sites.

·         Investigate the geography of the area - Sometimes, during the course of an investigation into ghostly phenomena, it is discovered that the afflicted house rests atop a cave, mine, underground stream, fault, ore deposit, or other unusual geographical incident. Any such natural occurrence can cause a wide range of disturbances within a home that, although unsettling, are not the work of ghosts. In particular, ore deposits cause magnetic fields that disrupt televisions and other appliances. A frequently moving fault creates the illusion of poltergeists, as does a sinkhole or similar unsound foundation. Caves, underground streams, mines and the like can echo with bizarre noises that rise into the "haunted house", creating the illusion of disembodied voices floating through the home.

·         Study the landscape - In particular, look for large power lines, train tracks, nearby airports or subway lines, power plants, radio towers, or other manmade structures. Passing trains, landing planes, or even large trucks driving past the site could be responsible for alleged poltergeists. Erraticradio or television waves, toxic waste, and energy emissions of any kind can also cause people to see "phantoms" or experience other strange visions.

·         Check the plumbing - A burst or leaking pipe that has gone unnoticed for any length of time can cause a host of problems often associated with ghosts, including strange noises resembling disembodied moans and weird strains or ominous cracks on the ceiling and walls.

·         Search for rats and other vermin - Raccons, rabbits, stray cats, skunks, mice and rats can infest attics, basements, crawl spaces and hollow walls with surprising ease. The movements of the creatures, as well as their incessant chattering and chewing, have often been misinterpreted as ghostly phenomena.

·         Investigate the house's history - A house that has been remodeled, rebuilt or otherwise altered extensively can have many quirks easily misinterpreted as a haunting, such as frequent settling, creaking supports, electrical abnormalities, and the like. The same is true for any house forced to endure a natural disaster, including a tornado or flood. However, the house's history can also suggest a ghost's presence.

·         Bring animals into the house - Almost all animals are incredibly sensitive to the manifestation of ghosts. Dogs are among the most vocal upon sensing an invisible spirit and will typically bark ferociously at the unseen visitor, whine pathetically, attack the air or flee from the house altogether. Cats become increasingly nervous when in the presence of ghosts and are known to hiss or spit at the apparitions before ultimately fleeing as well. If you bring an animal into the house and the creature exhibits any of the above behavior, the home is probably haunted.

·         Observe the behavior of children - Children will often feel a ghosts presence, and even a spirit's personality, long before anyone else, although they are often reluctant to reveal the phantoms existence. Watch for children who talks to empty rooms or play with invisible companions. Alternately, be aware of children who are constantly upset,nervous, or paranoid, for they may have sensed a far more malign entity within the house.

·         Search for hot or cold spots - Temperature fluctuations are usally the first sign of spectral manifestation. On a mild day, wander the house in the hopes of stumbling across an area that is inexplicably much warmer or colder than the other parts of the house. However, once such a spot is discovered, be sure to check any heating or air conditioning systems, as well as nearby appliances, for problems. Next, assess the integrity of the walls, floor, and ceiling near the spot, as a broken vent, cracked wall, or loose floor board can easily alter the temperature in the area.

·         Call in a psychic - Many people balk at this suggestion, but a professional medium, sensitive, or psychic should be able to detect whether or not a house is being visited by a spirit. When you first contact a prospective psychic, only reveal that you are experiencing unusual phenomena at the site, but do not give specifics. Furthermore, while leading the psychic through the haunted site, reveal very little information about the house. Ths psychic's observations about the location's history and current troubles should reveal the extent of his or hers abilities. If the psychic is unable to sense anything relevant about the house's past or present, you have probably hired a fraud.

·         Invite a skeptic - If all else fails and you are still unable to determine the forces behind a suspected haunting, ask aid from a logical skeptic.

Information courtesy of The Field Guide To North American Hauntings, by W. Haden Blackman

Conducting a Ghost Hunt

Cemeteries and Haunted Houses

Arrive early with your necessary ghost hunting equipment and give yourself plenty of time to set everything up. Some of the equipment that you might want to use is a video camera, EMF detectors, 35 mm cameras loaded with brand new film and thermometers. Always remember to bring along plenty of flashlights. Don't forget to bring along some patience. Conducting a ghost hunt is a lot like fishing. You have to use patience!

Start by selecting a private room or a general area for a main base of operations. This base is where all monitoring should be done and it should not be an area where ghost activity is high. After the base has been selected, do a complete walkthrough of the general area. Check out every room and in graveyards walk around the tombstones in a 50-yard radius. Videotape the walkthrough if you are using video cameras. Make sure that you know the layout before you begin the ghost hunt. Get use to the area. The ghost hunt will go much better if everyone feels comfortable with the surroundings.

Use the EMF detectors to searching for anything out of the ordinary. If you do pick up EMF distortions or if you feel that there is an unearthly presence nearby take more photos. Just be aware that in cemeteries smooth glossy tombstone faces will reflect light from the flashlights or the cameras own flashes that could create strange light patterns in the pictures. Glass objects and mirrors will reflect light inside houses.

During the initial walkthrough or at any other time during the ghost hunt try not to unnecessarily touch or move objects. You should leave the natural environment alone. As you are doing the walkthrough in haunted houses hang up ghost catchers in doorways, between rooms or on staircases. If a ghost passes near the ghost catcher they will chime alerting anyone nearby.

If there are objects or pieces of furniture that have been reported to move put a chalk line or sticker on the floor next to these objects. If the objects happen to move you'll have a marker to judge and measure the exact distance.

Everyone participating in a ghost hunt should always know where the others are that way there isn't any confusion or misinterpretations. Sometimes handheld or headset radio communicators are good devices to stay in contact with the other ghost hunting members.

Always log every event that seems out of the ordinary, doors that lock, electrical problems, chandeliers swaying, strange lights, etc. Videotape everything for proof.

You can attach glow-in-the-dark or reflective tape to objects to help you with the layout or to mark special areas. They will be easier to see in the dark with the tape on them.

You don't need to turn off the lights inside of the haunted house to have ghosts appear unless it is vital to that particular ghost's appearance, and even then, leave some lights on for personal safety. Always have a couple mini spotlights ready for outside ghost hunts in case something happens and you need light fast.

Don't be afraid to experiment on ghost hunts. Ask the ghosts to appear. Put the video cameras on different settings. Try the EVP audio taping methods. Use anything that you think might have an effect on the ghosts. If nothing seems to be happening you might try to shake things up by playing religious music or by reciting prayers.

On any ghost hunt make sure to have packed plenty of snacks, drinks and maybe a board game. Ghost hunts can be long and tedious. You may have to spend several weeks inside at a haunted location before you experience anything strange. Patience is key!