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How do I become a Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter?

Many of us have watched investigations on TV of spooky abandoned buildings with excited ghost hunters with a huge arsenal of weird tools and gadgets hoping to catch something out of the ordinary. If you’ve always been fascinated by the dark shadows and weird whispers caught on camera it’s time to learn how to be a paranormal investigator and find proof for yourself. 

There aren’t any real formal qualifications or certifications needed to hunt for the unknown making it easy for people to jump into the field, however it does allow people to easily get themselves in trouble pushing their investigation into dangerous territory. Here is what you need to know as you begin your adventure into the unknown to keep yourself safe and help you find the answers you’re looking for. 

The Hunt for the Unknown

• Research, Research, Research: Learn about what ghost hunting entails, the equipment used, and the different approaches to investigating paranormal activity. There are many resources available, including books, websites, and online forums, that can provide you with information on the subject.
• Don’t go alone: Many ghost hunters work in groups or teams, so finding a local group to join can be a good way to gain experience and learn from others. It’s also safer to travel in groups too! Places people want to investigate are sometimes abandoned and might have areas that could prove dangerous.
• Get the right equipment: Ghost hunters use a variety of tools and equipment, including electromagnetic field (EMF) meters, digital recorders, infrared cameras, and more. You don’t necessarily need to invest in all of these tools to get started, but having a basic set of equipment can be helpful. Remember to take the time to also learn how to use your equipment, there is nothing worse than taking hours of video to then later realize you accidentally deleted everything, and that’s if the camera works in the first place. 
• Practice your skills: Once you have the right equipment, start practicing your investigation skills. Go on investigations with your group or on your own, and take the time to analyze any evidence you collect. On a personal note, don’t investigate the house you live in unless you’re prepared to learn that your house might have more than just you living there… 
• Keep an open mind: While it’s important to approach ghost hunting with a skeptical eye, it’s also important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different possibilities. Remember that not everything you encounter will necessarily be paranormal and will need to be “debunked” to make sure what you find is in fact paranormal.
• Be respectful: When investigating haunted locations, it’s important to be respectful of the property and any spirits that may be present. Follow any rules or guidelines that are set by the property owners or managers, and avoid causing any damage or disturbance.

Remember that ghost hunting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it’s important to approach it responsibly and with respect for both the living and the dead. By following these tips and staying safe, you can become a successful paranormal investigator and contribute to the field in a positive way. Remember to always be respectful and if you don’t feel safe get out of the situation ASAP.

For more on how to debunk activity read Debunking the Supernatural: Why Critical Thinking is Key to Investigating Paranormal Phenomena – Joanna Arcana

Local Ghost Hunting Team:

Fun Fact: 

I learned there is a local group here where I live in Iowa City that I plan on eventually meeting and writing about. Stay tuned! 

Iowa City Ghost Hunters – One great team-one great mission to help you with your paranormal activity (wordpress.com)

Equipment Requirements:

Ghost hunting equipment varies widely, and different investigators may prefer different tools based on their personal preferences and the nature of the investigation. However, some of the most popular types of ghost-hunting equipment include:

• Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Meters: An EMF meter is a device that detects changes in electromagnetic fields. It is often used to detect changes in the electromagnetic field that might be caused by the presence of a ghost or spirit. You will need to be careful when you get a notification that something is close by, a lot can trigger this device including walkie talkies, cell phones, and electrical wires in walls. 
• Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) Recorders: An EVP recorder is basically just a normal digital voice recorder that allows you to play back what you just recorded. This device has been known to capture audio recordings of sounds that cannot be heard by the human ear. Some investigators have brands and types they prefer over others but as a beginner a basic one will work just fine. For the most part, expect to catch very little evidence; but you never know when you might catch potential ghostly voices or sounds.
• Infrared Cameras: Infrared cameras capture images in low-light conditions, making them useful for ghost hunting in dark locations. There is more to see than what we can see with our naked eye. They are often used to capture potential apparitions or other visual phenomena that might not be visible normally.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differences and can be used to detect temperature changes that might be associated with ghostly activity. They can be expensive but are one of the easiest devices to use. 
• Spirit Boxes: Spirit boxes are electronic devices that rapidly scan through radio frequencies, creating white noise that is thought to help ghosts communicate. Investigators listen for any words or phrases that might be picked up by the device. This device is very popular with most famous investigators because all they have to do is turn it on and ask questions. 
• Dowsing Rods: Dowsing rods are often used to detect energy or other paranormal activity. The rods are held by an investigator and move in response to changes in energy or other phenomena. While these might not be popular, I believe it’s one of the best tools because it’s low tech and doesn’t require charging of batteries and cannot be interfered with by the use of walkie talkies and electrical devices.

Remember to always be respectful and if you don’t feel safe get out of the situation ASAP. I can’t say this enough times… it’s very easy to get in over your head. Keep your wits about you! To learn more about investigation safety see my post about Braving the Unknown: Tips for Staying Safe in Haunted Locations – Joanna Arcana

Thanks for stopping by! More to come soon!

Visit: JoannaArcana.Etsy.com for additional resources!