So... you want to be a paranormal investigator? Welcome to an exciting, rewarding, yet controversial field. Expect to be met with at best skepticism, and at worst outright criticism. But don't let that stop you. Our field is quickly gaining credibility and exposure, thanks to the efforts of groups like TAPS and many others. Before you go out and start chasing things that go bump in the night, read this short guide and remember... never go out alone!

 

First, here are some guidelines. Always follow these, no matter what.

 

1. Never, under any circumstances go investigating by yourself. Bring at least one person with you, more if possible.

 

2. Always get permission to investigate a location from the owner and/or the authorities. Trespassing is a serious offense punishable by law. Make sure you have permission before investigating.

 

3. Do not attempt to provoke an entity. Their behavior is unpredictable and you could get hurt. If you believe you're encountering something hostile, leave the location immediately. Don't take any unnecessary chances.

 

     If you're just starting out, a flashlight and digital camera will work just fine. For more advanced investigations, you'll want a digital voice recorder and camcorder (make sure it has a night mode). There's other, more advanced equipment but what we've listed will be more than adequate.

 

    Here are some basic investigation techniques: You should approach every investigation as a learning experience. Your objective should be to prove or disprove a paranormal presence through the use of methods that have been proven by many investigators. Take a lot of pictures, and if you have a camcorder, video. A lot of times you catch something in a picture or on video you didn't notice at the time. You can also conduct an EVP (electronic voice phenomenon) session. Find a place to sit, set up your recorder, and ask questions of the entity. A good example would be asking their name. Make sure you allow enough time between questions to give them a chance to respond. A favorite method of ours is the flashlight one. Again, find a place to sit but this time set up your flashlight (it needs to be the kind that turns on by twisting the top). Twist it enough so that it turns off but only a slight touch will turn it on. Explain this to the entity, then ask yes or no questions, where the entity turns on the light if the answer is "yes."

     An important thing to remember is you might not always obtain proof of the paranormal. Don't let this discourage you... keep at it! Our field can be a fun, educational, and rewarding one. So... what's next? When you feel you're ready, search in your area for investigation teams and join one. Make sure you do some research into the group first, though. Unfortunately, there are dishonest teams out there who don't share our goals and values. Remember: stay safe, always respect the location your investigating, always get permission, and have a little fun along the way.

     Best of luck, and if you have any questions... feel free to contact us.