Ghost Hunting From A to
Z
A Scientific
Approach to Paranormal Investigation
Published by L. Lindeman and J. Kroenig at Smashwords
Copyright 2010 L. Lindeman and J. Kroenig
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This book is available in print at most online retailers.
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Table of Contents
Dedication
Preface
Introduction
Chapter
1 – Making Sense of it All
Chapter
2 – Paranormal Theories
Chapter
3 – What Are We after Here?
Chapter
4 – Skills Needed for Success
Chapter
5 – Types of Investigators and Their Methods
Chapter
6 – Tools of the Trade
Chapter
7 – General Standards
Chapter
8 – Performing a Sound Investigation
Chapter
9 – Bringing it all together
Chapter
10 – Choosing your Path
Sample
Forms
List
of Useful Vendors
Glossary
of Supernatural Terms
Bibliography
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Dedication
As a small child growing up in southern Virginia, I can remember staying up late every Friday night to watch “Dr. Mad Blood”, a weekly show that was hosted by a zany character who played B and C horror movies. I can remember asking my parents “Do ghosts and monsters really exist?” to which they emphatically replied “No, they only exist in movies.” Little did I know then just how much of an impact that question I asked as a child would have on my life as an adult.
When we started The Supernatural Research Group, we really had no idea how much of our personal time the group would require from each of us. As a result our families have had to endure the burden of our absence due to investigations, promotions and research.
We would like to dedicate this book to our families, more specifically our wives. The support and understanding of our wives and children have made it possible for us to pursue a dream that we have mutually shared since childhood. Without their continued patience and understanding we would never have had the opportunity to learn, grow or experience many of the life altering events that we have had over the years. The entire process has opened our eyes and solidified our faith in God.
It is for this reason that we would like to dedicate this book to them.
Lowell Lindeman, Founder
The
Supernatural Research Group
8.20.2010
~~~~
Preface
Regardless of the driving force compelling you to get involved in or start your own paranormal research team, there are many things that one should know before blindly jumping into the paranormal field. Based on the experience we gained from starting our own paranormal research team we tried to design this book to give you a very solid understanding of what is involved in scientific-based paranormal research. Whether you are a seasoned investigator or just starting out, we think you will find this material of value. Much of the content of this book stems from our efforts to develop training materials for our paranormal group’s new members. This is the basic information that we strive to provide to new members, as well as what we have learned along the way from conducting investigations, managing, and promoting our paranormal team. We hope that the information we are providing is of value and helps each and every one of you during your quest to find the truth. You are always welcome to stop by our web site at www.tsrg.org and tell us what you think.
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Introduction
You are probably looking at this book and wondering to yourself why someone took the time to write yet another book about ghost hunting. Well, the simple truth is we felt that none of the books currently available do a good job addressing the subject matter from a scientific approach.
This book was written with that in mind. While we do take the time to touch on many of the popular theories out there related to the paranormal, we focus specifically on how to conduct paranormal research utilizing the scientific method. The approach we take to deliver the information contained in this book is unique. We start at the very beginning by talking about the origins of the supernatural and how it has influenced many societies the world over. We use a systematic approach to guide you through all of the information so you have a better chance of understanding the scientific method and are able to apply what you learn to your research.
In addition, we also provide you with information that will allow you to make a better decision regarding how to delve in to paranormal research as well as how deeply you want to get involved. We provide you with information on starting your own group, developing and promoting a website, as well a list of vendors who cater to individuals conducting research of this nature.
Our ultimate goal was to produce a resource that would provide useful information to anyone interested in the supernatural or conducting paranormal research. We hope that we have accomplished this and that you find this publication both useful and informative.
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CHAPTER 1
MAKING SENSE
OF IT ALL
At one time paranormal research was considered taboo and scoffed at by most, especially the scientific community. While the scientific community stands fast by their claims that there is no scientific data to support paranormal belief, it isn’t the case anymore as far as society is concerned given the huge success of all the TV shows that are aired each week on networks such as SyFy, A&E and The Discovery Channel. An article published by the Associated Press in early 2008 states that the increase in popularity of the paranormal realm is closely attributed to the great success of television shows, the internet, and the increase in availability of high-tech equipment on the market today which are all geared toward the paranormal field. Although there are skeptics that maintain that “ghost hunting” is nothing more than superstition or a waste of time, there are those who continue to “search” for answers in an attempt to shed some light on the supernatural realm. Regardless of the driving force compelling you to join or start your own paranormal research team, there are many things that one needs to know before blindly jumping into the paranormal research field.
The Supernatural Realm
Whether you realize it or not, the supernatural realm shapes and influences our lives in some form or fashion on a daily basis and has had an influential impact on the formation of many great nations.
The term supernatural is derived from the Latin root super or supra meaning “above”, plus natura or nature and is used to define anything that is deemed above or beyond nature. The supernatural realm is literally comprised of all things that mankind has no explanation for. Religion, magic, mythology, and even the paranormal are all considered part of the supernatural realm.
The term supernatural is defined by Merriam-Webster as follows:
"Supernatural - of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; especially: of or relating to God or a god, demigod, spirit, or devil"
Main Entry: su•per•nat•u•ral
Function:
adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin
supernatu¬ralis, from Latin super-+ natura nature.
Date of
origin: 15th century
Mankind’s obsession with the supernatural has existed in some form or fashion since the beginning of time; all one has to do to realize this is look at history or some of the ancient ruins that still remain today. Stonehenge for example, located in southern England on the Salisbury Plains, has been the center of countless tales and theories and dates back to around 2600 BC. Another example is the Nazca Lines, a series of geometric shapes or geoglyphs located in the Nazca Desert of Peru. These formations are only visible from the sky and are alleged to have been constructed by supernatural forces or possibly with the assistance of aliens sometime around 400 and 650 AD.
The examples are endless, as is the speculation which is associated with the countless tales that have been recorded and handed down over the last two millennia. But to truly understand what the term encompasses you need to have a firm grasp on the many different parts that make up the whole.
The supernatural realm is comprised of anything and everything that eludes mankind’s ability to either logically explain or comprehend. While our knowledge of the unknown has abated with advances in science and mathematics, the realm of the supernatural is far from being solved. The realm of the supernatural is so immense that the majority of its subtopics can be classified into one of four major categories; Religion, Mythology, Magic and the Paranormal.
Religion – Encompasses all things relating to a higher order, such as God and satan, Angels and demons, Heaven and Hell as well as the human soul.
Mythology – Refers to either the study of myths or a body of myths and can encompass such things as Leprechauns, Elves, Vampires, Astrology and even Greek folklore.
Magic – Encompasses all things related to a means to magically affect the world through various spells, rituals or desires in either a harmful or benevolent way. Magic is believed to embody witchcraft, voodoo, alchemy and divination.
Paranormal – Refers to anything that falls outside the range of normal or scientific explanation. The paranormal realm is vast and includes such things as ghosts or spirits, UFO’s, aliens, cryptozoology, psychics, parapsychology and precognition.
Figure
1.1
These four categories are by no means all inclusive and many will argue they are closely related to one another. A good example of this is the relationship that many individuals feel exists between religion and the paranormal realm; more specifically Heaven and Hell, Angels and demons and the eternal struggle between good and evil for the human soul.
The Paranormal Realm
While it is important to have a solid understanding of the subject as a whole, this book is dedicated to the paranormal realm and as such we will focus our attention on the many areas of study that comprise the field of study.
The paranormal realm, like the supernatural, includes many different areas of focus. As with the supernatural realm, these areas often overlap. It is important to understand that mainstream science considers the study of anything related to the paranormal anecdotal at best. Given the nature of the subject matter, it is almost impossible to apply proven scientific methods to the field as the phenomenon being studied is inconsistent and unpredictable. That is not to suggest that those of us in the paranormal field should not attempt to apply proven methods while conducting our research.
The areas of focus that are generally agreed upon regarding the paranormal realm are as follows:
- Ghosts and other spiritual entities
-
Parapsychology
- Cryptozoology
- Psychic Phenomena
- UFO /
Alien Phenomena
In an effort to provide you with a better understanding of the subject matter we are going to discuss each area listed above in more detail.
Ghosts and Other Spiritual Entities
At one time it was a widely held theory in the paranormal field that a ghost or spirit is the soul of a deceased person. This theory has been expanded over the last few decades to include demons and elementals as a result of increased popularity and advances in technology related to paranormal research. Paranormal researchers, or “Ghost Hunters” if you will, are looking to document the existence of life after death using technology to either record images or audio of the deceased.
Parapsychology
Parapsychology is the discipline of study related to psychic phenomena using the scientific method. Researchers in this field are looking for scientific proof of the existence of the following abilities in humans and animals:
- Telepathy – The ability to transfer
information, thoughts, or feelings via the mind.
- Precognition –
The ability to “see” future events before they occur.
-
Psychokinesis – The ability to manipulate time, matter, space, or
energy with the mind.
- Clairvoyance – The ability to pick up on
information about a person or place by focusing ones thought. This
ability is often used during Ghost Hunting in an attempt to
communicate with the spirits of the departed.
(This list should not be considered all inclusive)
Cryptozoology
Cryptozoology refers to the study of animals that are considered non-existent to mainstream biology. Researchers involved in this field are actively searching for verifiable proof of the existence of creatures such as Bigfoot, the Yeti, the Loch Ness Monster and the Jersey Devil. Figure 1.2 illustrates some of the better known creatures that fall under the cryptozoology category:
List of well known Cryptides
Figure
1.2
UFO / Alien Phenomena
This area of the paranormal realm is dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects and the possible existence of alien life forms that are reported to have visited our planet. While the area of study has generated great controversy and even greater conspiracy theories, one must remember to keep an open mind to the possibility that intelligent life does exist outside our universe given the vast expanse of the cosmos.
Summary
In this chapter we briefly discussed the supernatural realm and how the paranormal realm relates to it. We looked at some of the areas of study that comprise the paranormal field. In the coming chapters we will delve deeper into the paranormal realm as it relates to ghost hunting, and more specifically the common theories, methods, tools, skills and types of evidence that all paranormal researchers are looking for.
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CHAPTER 2
PARANORMAL
THEORIES
In this chapter we will discuss some of the more common theories that most individuals involved in this field focus on while conducting their investigations. Included will be the types of spirits that one may encounter as well as the theories related to the types of activity that may be recorded. We will also talk about the theories related to how ghosts or spirits possibly affect our environment and the methods currently used to record those changes.
Before we jump into listing the theories it is important to understand that the intent of this chapter is to make you aware of the current theories that exist in the field as well as a general understanding of those theories. To be honest, there is enough information available related to each of these theories to produce several thesis papers on each subject.
Scientific Theory vs. Paranormal Theory
Scientific theory and paranormal theory are two very distinct and different things. Scientific theories are based on reliable observations that result in testable predictions and then explain how those predictions are produced, whereas paranormal theories are based on observations and assumptions while the evidence is either nonexistent or highly contested. A good example of this is the theory related to entities producing an EMF field when they are present. In order for this theory to have merit in the scientific community the EMF fields produced would have to be of a specific frequency and duration which has not been shown to be the case. We would need to be able to prove that in fact an entity was present each time these readings were recorded. The real problem with this is ghosts are extremely unpredictable and do not appear on command.
Did You Know? - EMF is an abbreviation for the term electromagnetic field. The term refers to a physical field produced by electrically charged objects.
This is not to suggest that we as paranormal researchers should become discouraged and not employ the scientific method during our investigations. It simply means that those of us in the paranormal field need to work together in order to standardize our research and reporting methods.
Types of Entities
There are more theories than one would care to count related to the possible types of entities that one may encounter during an investigation. We are going to narrow our discussion to the primary types and steer clear of discussing any theories that speculate about the entity’s origin, classification, or purpose. Again, it is important to understand that at this time we have no real way to validate any of these theories because we lack the ability to converse in detail directly with entities as well as reproduce our findings at will.
Human Entities
Depending on one’s belief system, human entities are believed to be the soul/spirit/energy of someone who at one time walked the face of this planet as a living, breathing human being. It is also believed that these entities can appear in many different forms such as mists, shadow figures, orbs of light or full blown apparitions. It is thought that entities of this nature personify many of the same personality traits that we observe among the living. This implies that one may encounter entities that are helpful, mischievous, angry, sad, or even harmful and threatening.
Human entities are believed to “haunt” a location in one of two ways. The first type is called an “active haunting” which refers to the entity’s ability to interact with the living. Characteristics of this type of activity range from direct responses to questions asked during an EVP session, to being touched, pushed or even scratched when provoked.
Did You Know? - EVP is an acronym for the term Electronic Voice Phenomena. The term refers to disembodied voices or sounds captured on an audio recorder during a paranormal investigation.
The second type is called a “passive haunting” which means that the activity witnessed is nothing more than an event from the past being played over and over again. This theory suggests that energy emitted from the living at times of great stress or trauma can be absorbed and stored by inanimate objects and then played back over and over during the right conditions, producing a scene from the past. The activity witnessed does not interact with the living and show no signs of acknowledgment to those who witness it. Examples of this type of activity can include foot steps, knocking, unexplainable talking or screams, slamming doors or apparitions appearing and walking off through walls. Often the only way to actually discern between the two types is by conducting an EVP session or attempting to provoke the entity into interacting with the investigators.
Theories related to why human entities exist include:
- They have some sort of unfinished business and
are in need of assistance.
- They’re here as the result of a
traumatic event such as murder or being a casualty of war.
- They
died suddenly and don’t realize they are dead
The above theories were founded based on small bits and pieces of information collected over the years from countless investigations. The truth is we really don’t have concrete evidence to support any of them but overall they have been embraced by most researchers in the field.
Elementals
There are many theories related to this type of entity. At one time Elementals were thought to be demons, but this is no longer the case based on general consensus among most paranormal researchers. The characteristic commonly agreed upon by most researchers is that Elementals are not and never were human. Elementals are often referred to as nature spirits and are believed to inhabit and protect nature. Entities of this nature are believed to be inquisitive and sometimes aggressive. Elementals are believed to belong to one of the four elements:
Earth - Swiss alchemist Paracelsus classified Gnomes as earth elementals. He describes them as two spans high, very reluctant to interact with humans, and able to move through solid earth as easily as humans move through air.
Fire - SaSalamanders – Although spelled the same, these elementals are not to be confused with amphibian salamanders. The Element Encyclopedia of Magical Creatures cites the salamander to be a poisonous beast of mythology.
Water - Undines appear in European folklore as fairy-like creatures; the name may be used interchangeably with those of other water spirits.
Air - Sylphs are described as invisible beings of the air or elementals of air by Swiss alchemist Paracelsus.
During Medieval times the belief in elementals was widely accepted and highly influential in medieval natural philosophy. Many believe that entities of this nature are fairies, pixies, gnomes and even leprechauns.
Demons
Demonic entities are believed to be malevolent, unclean spirits that have the ability to possess humans. The belief in the existence of demons is widely accepted among Christian, Jewish and Arabic cultures. One difference in the opinion of demons is the Arabic culture believes that demons can be both good and evil, and they refer to them as “jinn”.
Most paranormal researchers agree that if one encounters a haunting where there is suspected demonic activity, it is in everyone's best interest to seek qualified assistance from the Church to help resolve the matter. Many feel that the only truly qualified organization to intercede in a demonic haunting or possession is the Catholic Church. One little known fact about the Catholic Church is that although all priests are trained in performing exorcisms, the Vatican only allows one priest in every diocese to perform the ritual. The identity of that priest is closely guarded and the authorization must come from Rome.
Theories Related to Paranormal Activity
Up to this point we have discussed theories related to the types of entities that you may encounter while conducting a paranormal investigation. We are now going to shift our discussion to the theories related to the types of activity that one may encounter during a paranormal investigation.
Like all living creatures on this planet we rely heavily on our five senses; sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste when interpreting the world around us. From a scientific standpoint there is an inherent problem with this as not everyone interprets everything the same way. One individual’s vision or hearing may be better than another. Therefore, one person may feel something and describe it one way while another person who feels the exact same thing may describe it as something else. This is the primary reason that the scientific community mandates that scientific data and methods related to their research must be archived so that others can gain access to it to test the data and methods in order to build on the research that has been done.
With that said it is easy to understand why paranormal researchers have struggled to gain credibility within the scientific community. There are countless video and audio recordings floating around the World Wide Web that the original publishers claim contains proof of the existence of ghosts or spirits. Most of these contain mysterious voices or sounds that seem out of place. Some depict anomalous readings obtained on hand held EMF meters (see figure 1.3) during question and answer sessions. Some even contain what appear to be objects moving on their own. What does this all mean? It means absolutely nothing because the evidence being presented is considered anecdotal at best, given the fact that most researchers do not take the time to document the methods that are related to the details associated with the data presented.
Most researchers are working off of theories that are either widely accepted or variations of these theories based on their research. While this is all well and good, the main problem with the evidence or data being presented is that it lacks the supporting details that would go a long way towards improving its credibility.
Poltergeist Theory
While this book is dedicated to the scientific method as it pertains to paranormal research, the theory related to poltergeist activity is worth mentioning. This theory is highly controversial and pertains to a type of activity that one may encounter during an investigation. The term poltergeist is derived from the German word poltern, meaning "to rumble or make a noise" and Geist, meaning "ghost or spirit" and simply means noisy spirit. While the true nature of the source of activity is agreed to stem from the living, the activity that is associated with the theory is not as cut and dry. Most are in agreement that the source of the activity is generally tied to a single person occupying a dwelling, usually being a young female. With respect to the activity itself there are two general schools of thought. One suggests the poltergeist phenomena itself may stem from an individuals ESP abilities, while the other suggests that the activity is a result of a spirit or ghost reacting to the individual.
Did You Know? - ESP is an abbreviation for the term extrasensory perception. Perception of information about events, that is external and previously unknown to one's self, through means beyond the normal five senses. Telepathy, clairvoyance and precognition are examples of psychic abilities in this category.
Theories Related to the Environment
There are many theories out there related to how entities are either energized by the environment or related to their ability to affect the environment around them. Theories revolving around such topics as ionization, temperature changes, static electricity, humidity, lightning, solar storms, and gamma bursts have been debated for some time. In order to effectively cover each of these subjects in detail it would take many chapters and is beyond the scope of this book, however we will touch on each to give you a general understanding of the theory associated with them.
The primary idea that supports the basis for each of the following theories revolves around the concept that paranormal entities derive their ability to interact on our physical plane from some form of energy. The exact nature and source of this energy is still unknown, but it is believed that this energy source can be either natural or manmade.
Theories Related to EMF
EMF, or Electromagnetic Fields, are physical fields created by electrically charged objects. Objects such as electric power lines, alarm clocks and even the planet we live on produce EMF fields.
There are two controversial theories in the paranormal community related to EMF. One suggests that entities have the ability to affect or produce EMF fields and as such paranormal researchers can detect or track these entities using handheld EMF meters. The other theory, which is more controversial than the first, suggests that researchers may be able to communicate with entities by using a specific type of EMF meter called a K-II or some other variation of an EMF meter that works under the same principle as the K-II.
Figure
1.3
Deluxe K-II EMF Meter
Did You Know? - When the K-II meter is exposed to a magnetic field, an electrical current is induced within the device's circuitry and the relative strength of the field is visually displayed on a scale of 5-LED lights. The K-II is only capable of measuring electromagnetic fields from 30 – 20,000 Hz.
While we will agree that there is no hard evidence to support these theories, we can tell you that we have had more than one compelling experience that would support these claims. On one case in particular, we were able to get very convincing responses on a K-II meter which was stationary on the floor in the middle of the room. We verbally asked the entity to approach the meter to give us a sign of its presence and the meter went off. Being the warm and fuzzy skeptics we are, we repeated this process at least a dozen times with the same results. We were actually able to witness this force illuminate the meter to specific levels by simply asking during two separate investigations.
While there are many paranormal researchers that have downplayed or even denounced the K-II meter because they feel it is too sensitive and easily produce false positives, we feel that if used correctly the K-II has its place in paranormal research. It is very important that each and every one of you take the time to learn how to use each piece of equipment that you own in addition to understanding their limits and known flaws. We never rely on the K-II alone and always deploy additional EMF meters of different types to validate our readings. We will go into more detail about the K-II as well as other equipment used for paranormal research in chapter six.
Manmade Energy Sources
Manmade energy sources are those which are produced from sources such as A/C power lines, electronics and transmission signals generated from electronic devices. Such devices include cell phones and radio or television broadcast signals, right down to the walkie-talkies that one may use during an investigation.
Numerous reports have been documented regarding investigators experiencing battery drain on equipment such as a camcorders or digital cameras during an investigation just prior to witnessing or experiencing some sort of elevated paranormal activity. These reports are key to support the theory that spirits require energy to manifest or manipulate the environment around them.
Natural Energy Sources
When it comes to natural energy sources which a paranormal entity may draw power from there are endless possibilities. We mentioned several of these earlier and now we will elaborate on them and the theory associated with them.
Ionization – Weather events such as thunderstorms charge the surrounding atmosphere with negative ions. But what are ions and how are they related to paranormal investigations?
In its most basic definition an ion is an atom or molecule in which the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons and results in either a positive or negative electrical charge. The energy required to detach an electron from a molecule, in this case atmospheric gas, is supplied by lightning strikes. When a lightning strike occurs it creates a massive influx of electrons in the atmosphere that overloads atmospheric molecules with free electrons causing them to become ions. Based on research, which was published by Dr. Klaus Heinemann in his book entitled “The Orb Project”, paranormal entities are thought to be able to draw on the energy resulting from an increase in negative ions at a location. As a result many paranormal investigators will utilize ion meters during their investigation in an attempt to establish a correlation, and validate the theory between any paranormal activity witnessed and the associated ion reading.
Temperature Changes – Cold spots, while naturally occurring, are believed to be associated with paranormal activity when they are isolated to a specific location or small area within that location. The theory is based on the assumption that paranormal entities are able to draw energy from the air that surrounds them which results in a temperature drop, in order to manifest or to manipulate objects around them. Based on this theory paranormal investigators will employ one or more instruments that are able to record ambient temperature readings.
Static Electricity / Humidity / Lightning – Each of these are environmental conditions believed to be relevant to an entity’s ability to absorb energy from its surroundings and are closely related to the Ionization theory. Essentially researchers believe that spirits or entities are better able to derive energy from the environment when these conditions are either present or at elevated levels in order to manifest or manipulate objects.
Solar Storms, Magnetic Storms and Gamma Bursts – Each of these events are magnetic in nature and have a direct impact on EMF fields on our planet. The theory behind these events suggests that they may be a catalyst for increased paranormal activity based on the idea that paranormal entities are either able to draw energy from EMF sources or are affected by them.
Everything Else – The truth of the matter is there are so many theories out there that attempt to link paranormal activity to the elements of nature that one could write several books solely dedicated to the few that we have discussed so far.
Summary
With everything that we have discussed up to this point it is easy to deduce we as paranormal investigators must make it a priority to research every detail available to us about a site that we investigate. We also need to record baseline readings for everything that we have the ability to measure. By doing so, each and every one of us has the capability to either validate or improve on many of the theories that exist related to the paranormal thus substantiating these theories and lending credibility to the field of paranormal research.
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CHAPTER 3
WHAT ARE WE
AFTER HERE?
The Holy Grail has been the subject of countless stories spanning thousands of years while its legend has mystified many civilizations the world over. What does the Holy Grail have to do with the subject matter of this chapter? Simple, in addition to the obvious religious meaning associated with the Holy Grail, the Holy Grail is also considered a metaphor which signifies the ultimate prize at the end of a quest. Isn’t that what each and every one of us involved in the paranormal research field is doing, seeking irrefutable proof of the paranormal?
Today the metaphoric grail may symbolize something different for each and every one of us involved in paranormal research. At one time it was believed that video footage of an apparition was considered the most coveted piece of evidence one could ever hope to obtain during his/her research endeavors. While we would love to have the opportunity to investigate a location where that type of evidence is captured, the simple fact is that advances in technology have made it possible for the average high school student to produce video special effects that would make Steven Spielberg envious. It’s no wonder people are skeptical when it comes to the validity of some of the evidence being released these days.
We as human beings rely heavily on our five senses to process the environment around us, so it is no surprise that much of the evidence paranormal researchers are working diligently to obtain is centered on them. Many in the field have digital thermometers, audio recorders, and countless types of video recording equipment which they lug from location to location in a feeble attempt to capture something they hope will help shed some light on the field that we study. Prior to the technology available today, researchers were armed with nothing more than analog tape recorders and 35mm film-based cameras (which some folks still prefer today) as they headed out to locations with reported claims of activity.
While much of the evidence that we are after today is still based on the five human senses - sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell - the increase in the availability of high tech devices has broadened the search to include other forms of evidence as well. In this chapter we will discuss each of the types of evidence that we are looking for and how to document it.
Visual Based Evidence
The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” has never been more true when it comes to paranormal research. Researchers the world over are pushing the envelope with regards to the number and types of cameras they are using during their research. When it comes to visual-based evidence, paranormal researchers use a varied combination of devices in an attempt to capture anything out of the ordinary.
Visual based evidence ranges from ordinary objects that seem to move on their own, to full blown apparitions that have been witnessed walking through walls. The following list covers most visual based evidence believed to be possible.
Apparitions
An apparition is defined as the projection or manifestation of a quasi-physical entity. Theories abound regarding the types, purpose, and even classification that an apparition may have, but to be honest, this is all speculation and unfounded. We will focus the subject of this topic on what you may witness or capture on film during a paranormal investigation, leaving the proposed theories for another time. There have been countless documented reports from all over the world where people either seen or captured on film many different types of apparitions. Reports have described apparitions ranging from partial to full bodied formations that appear to look as real as anyone you may know, to various lesser translucent forms. There have also been reports which describe apparitions as nothing more than a dark silhouette; these are commonly referred to as shadow people.
Orbs and Mists
Orbs and mists are another form of commonly reported anomaly by many paranormal researchers. This form of evidence has become heavily debated over the last decade based on the fact that these anomalies seem to be easily reproduced in the right conditions. Explanations for this type of anomaly involve the cameras flash in combination with anything ranging from dust or moisture in the air, to flying insects. The controversy has literally divided the field to form two distinct groups consisting of those who totally ignore any type of evidence related to orbs or mist on one side, and those who feel this type of evidence should not be overlooked. Proponents for orb and mist evidence received a huge boost for their cause when two well know and accredited Ph.D.’s, Klaus Heinemann and Micheal Ledwith, published a book entitled “The Orb Project”.
Object Manipulation
This particular type of visual evidence is one of our favorite and involves the use of one or more video cameras, preferably stationary, that captures an object, such as a door, chair, or table lamp moving unassisted. Skeptics maintain that this form of evidence is easily discredited given the fact that we are generally only presented with a single angle of the anomaly, and the fact that this type of evidence is the easiest form of which to create a hoax. While researchers have no way of predicting any type of activity, they should take measures during their equipment setup to ensure that any evidence captured on video has multiple angles and detailed records to support the evidence.
Light Anomalies
Light anomalies are another form of visual evidence some maintain may have paranormal origins. This form of anomaly generally involves unexplained flashes of light in an area of total darkness and upon investigation witnesses are unable to locate a potential light source. The light produced from this type of anomaly can range in intensity as small as a dime, to enough light to fully illuminate a room. These anomalies have been witnessed and documented indoors as well as outdoors, and have been reported world wide.
Audio Based Evidence
Evidence of this nature is based on sound and ranges from unexplained knocks and bumps to spoken words. The acronym EVP stands for electronic voice phenomena, and refers to the process of capturing disembodied voices or sounds on a digital or analog audio recorder. Another form of audio based evidence is called Direct Voice Phenomenon and was once primarily associated with mediums and séances. Today the term is used to describe any unexplained sound that is audibly heard by the unassisted human ear while conducting a paranormal investigation. As stated earlier, the sounds can range from foot steps to words and are classified under one of the following classifications that were originally established by Sara Estep, founder of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena:
Class A EVP – “Loud and Clear. No headphones are required.” (Estep, 2008) This type of EVP is easily discernable and everyone who hears it is able to identify it with no guidance or instruction.
Class B EVP – “louder and clearer and can often be heard without headphones.” (Estep, 2008) This type of EVP, while louder and clearer than a Class C, often requires the use of headphones to hear. Another characteristic of the classification is you are not able to decipher all of the words or sounds on the recording.
Class C EVP – “Faint whispery voices that require headphones to hear them and rarely can all the words be interpreted.” (Estep, 2008) This type of EVP is the most prevalent; its characteristics include whispers or unrecognizable sounds. Often with this type of EVP researchers are only able to decipher just enough to indicate that what has been captured is out of place.
Some paranormal researchers have taken upon themselves to expand upon Sara Estep’s original classification system by adding additional classifications and attempting to expand each criteria. In addition to the attempts to expand the classification system, others have added to the confusion by attempting to assign acronyms to the sounds heard and even the method used to hear them. While these expanded classification systems may serve those groups or individuals well, the lack of standardization does little more than add to the confusion that exists in a field already full of controversy.