Part 1 :
The first order of business, after someone reaches out to you for help is to get their basic information. (It is important to note that some people may not want to give you any personal information because they fear being treated as if they are crazy, however, this may also indicate they do not want to be identified because they are trying to scam you. Use your best judgment.)
This includes :
First Name
Age
Gender
Occupation
Part 2 :
Make sure they are able to provide you with dates, times and locations of events. (Exact, to the minute times are not necessary, but if they cant give you a time frame, or are struggling to give you an answer, this may be a sign they are lying.)
If they can provide you with a floor plan or rough sketch of the house, pinpointing the rooms/locations where activity is taking place. Be sure to mark where the most activity happens, when it happens and who its happening to.
Part 3 :
Find out if there were any witnesses to paranormal events and be sure to interview them seperately. Also, find out what the witnesses were doing during the occurrence. You should also ask what the emotional state the witnesses were in during the time of the event.
*Side note - It is crucial to ask if any of the witnesses were taking any drugs, medicine or if they were under the influence of alcohol during any or all of the events.
Part 4 :
Get as much of a description about what the entities looked like, how they moved, how tall, how big etc. Were they solid or misty? The more detail the witnesses can tell you the better.
Sample Questions :
- Did the entity interact with you?
- What did the entity look like?
- What type of occurrences have you been experiencing?
- How long has this been happening?
- Where does the activity take place? (Have them show you)
- What type of feelings do you get when this entity appears?
- How did/do your encounter(s) begin? How did it come to an end?
- Any strange noises or temperature changes? Any foul smells such as sulfur?
- Were any animals present during the occurrences?
- Does the witness consider themselves a sensitive or psychic?
- Did the entity leave any physical marks behind? Scratches, bruises, red marks etc? (If yes, ask if they have photo evidence)
- What does the witness think he/she saw?
- Has the witness has any experiences in any other location except for their home or business?
More tips for spotting a hoax :
Look for wires and sheets (yes this may seem stereotypical but people have used them to fake ghosts)
Make sure fans/ air conditioners are not on or running in the background (they can give off a high emf which can be mistaken for the presence of a spirit)
Do your research! If there is a rumor or legend circling a business or home, make sure you debunk or validate the story with local historians and records.
Polaroid / 35mm Photos ( make sure you are given digital photos - check these too, make sure theyve not been tampered with. Older cameras often had glitches that people would mistake or pass off as orbs)
*True hauntings are rare , demonic ones even more so, make sure you do everything you can to debunk things that can be mistaken for paranormal activity or that can be passed off as paranormal. Do a full sweep of the building, making sure no rodents are trapped and making noises, no windows are letting air in that can be mistaken as a spirit presence. Use your best judgement.*
This is an interesting article. I know my house has ghosts or spirits. I've witnessed all sorts of things. So has most of my family and a few friends. However, I've never called for an investigation because they don't really bother us. We see them, I'm sure they see us and we keep it moving. One of my friends suggested that I have my house investigated but I figure, why waste thir time. We know they are here and they really don't bother me. They sometimes make things fall, throw things, a knock here and there but what happens here is nothing like I see on some shows. My house wouldn't make for good tv... thanks for the tips though. Perhaps, I will start to jot down dates and times.
ReplyDeleteIm glad my post has helped you. The fact that some of them are throwing things concerns me a bit, as this is usually a sign of an aggressive spirit. However, it is totally up to you how to handle the situation and if nothing else violent or aggressive happens you should be alright.
DeleteThis is an interesting article. I know my house has ghosts or spirits. I've witnessed all sorts of things. So has most of my family and a few friends. However, I've never called for an investigation because they don't really bother us. We see them, I'm sure they see us and we keep it moving. One of my friends suggested that I have my house investigated but I figure, why waste thir time. We know they are here and they really don't bother me. They sometimes make things fall, throw things, a knock here and there but what happens here is nothing like I see on some shows. My house wouldn't make for good tv... thanks for the tips though. Perhaps, I will start to jot down dates and times.
ReplyDeleteI also lived in a home that I renovated and lived in only 5 years. In this time, I had horrible illness, almost died, went through a divorce after being married for 35 years. When I finally found another place to live, I had a stroke in the upstairs bath.
ReplyDeleteThe home was sold to a contractor, was sold to a family which seemed to live well but then in a few years moved out and the property became unkempt and looked abandoned.
I think if spirits are here among us they shouldn't be. They have no place here on earth and need to go to wherever they go with passed family or friends. Being in a home with active spirits is not a healthy atmosphere to live in. At least it wasn't for me. It started off simple and so called harmless but then turned into a living nightmare for me almost cost me my life.
It really depends on the type of spirit. Some have every right to be here if they so choose and if they can. However, spirits or entities with harmful intentions should be taken care of accordingly.
ReplyDelete