Integrity is a researcher’s most valued asset. In this field, it’s especially important.  However, since entertainment has become part of the paranormal scene, the lines have blurred between reality and showmanship.
Now, a storm is brewing, and it’s time to examine our expectations and standards in the paranormal field.
“Fake!” is a charge I see far too [...]

Orb sightings occur every day.
Most orbs are seen in photographs or videos in haunted places. So few people see them floating in mid-air, some researcher speculate that they can only be seen by gifted, psychic people.
What are orbs?
“Orbs” usually refer to the round, usually translucent, round or ball-shaped images that we sometimes see in [...]

Residual energy hauntings can be just as “real” as active hauntings.  Since at least 80% of hauntings seem to be residual energy, it’s important to recognize them.
In our Hollow Hill Glossary, we’ve used this definition:
Residual energy – Many ghost hunters believe that emotionally charged events leave an imprint or energy residue on the physical objects [...]

Readers often ask me if there’s an ideal age for ghost hunters, or if ghosts are more receptive to young people.
In my opinion, age is rarely important.  What makes a difference is how receptive the (living) person is.
Some researchers have hectic lives.  In many cases, they need at least a few minutes to unwind before [...]

Ghost orbs are a controversial topic, even among believers.
Most of us agree that at least 90% of orbs can be explained as refracted light from moisture, reflective surfaces, insects, pollen or dust.
Some of us believe that the remaining 10% (or so) are unexplained –  called anomalies — and indicate possible paranormal activity.
Skeptics fall back on [...]

Do exorcisms work? Many people wonder about exorcisms when they’re dealing with paranormal and dark forces.
The answer is yes… and no.
I never thought much about exorcisms until I met demonologist John Zaffis. I’m simply not interested in the subject of demons.
However, after a short, informal conversation with Mr. Zaffis, I was a [...]

Many ghost hunters carry — and recommend — spiritual protection in dangerous and profoundly haunted settings.
There are three main issues to consider when choosing protection. They include innately powerful tools, your own spiritual references, and the spirituality of the ghosts.
INNATELY POWERFUL TOOLS
Regardless of your beliefs (or lack of them), a few tools have [...]

Orbs can appear anywhere.
They appear to be floating or gliding energy forms, so they can be anywhere at all.
We’ve heard reports from people who successfully ask orbs to move to certain locations for photos.  For example, they tell the ghost to move the orb over a particular doorway or gravestone.
(Generally, we only ask ghosts to [...]

Hauntings — or reports of them — have increased at colleges and universities in recent years.
Apparitions, “cold spots” and poltergeists are becoming almost commonplace at many schools.
There are many possible reasons why we’re hearing more — and more credible — reports from colleges and universities.
A FEW REASONS
The media have increased our awareness of the spirit [...]

original photo (unretouched)

scanned image, outlined

 
We took the photo on our webpage, Ghost Hunters – Ecto and Smoke, as part of a controlled experiment. We were demonstrating how smoke can look like “ecto” in photos.
However, although this picture was not taken in a “haunted” location, we wonder if the spirits are [...]