The following are the results:

The results show that most readers believe that people should do this work for free, or just [...]]]> Recently, we polled our readers. In June, we asked how much people (and teams) charge for private investigations. In July, we asked how much people (and teams) should charge for private investigations.

The following are the results:

The results show that most readers believe that people should do this work for free, or just charge travel expenses… and that’s what most do charge, if anything.

The other results were not consistent (opinions v.  actual charges)  but also raise interesting questions.

Here’s my opinion.

Generally, clients are wonderful to work with.  At least 90% of the time, everyone is pleased with the investigation.  However, there are exceptions, even if they’re rare.

I don’t charge anything for investigations, except travel expenses if I’ll be driving more than four hours, or flying to the location.  But, providing free investigations has led to a few problems.

FREE INVESTIGATIONS

Some people don’t value my time (or my team’s) unless there’s a dollar value linked to it.

For example: On a recent investigation, a child didn’t want to turn off the TV while we worked in the living room, and the father seemed reluctant to insist on it.

I don’t generally turn off the lights where I’m investigating (a baseline EMF check is usually enough) but I draw the line at distractions such as loud music and TV shows.

A sadder side of this involves lonely people.  They don’t really think their homes are haunted, they just want someone to visit for awhile.  So, they ask us to investigate their homes… and the homeowners follow us around, steadily chatting.

But, to be fair, lonely people have paid for investigations and signed up for my courses, too.  Within minutes, it’s clear that they’re only vaguely interested in ghosts, and simply want someone to talk to.

So, charging a fee for an investigation doesn’t eliminate that problem.

My biggest concern regarding fees is simple: Many teams aren’t experienced enough to charge for their work.  They’re still learning, and I don’t think it’s fair to ask a client to pay for your education; they’re already providing a good practice location.

My other major concern is something I see far too often: By the time many people are desperate enough to contact a ghost expert, they’ve been troubled for so long, their lives have gone into a decline and they’ve lost their jobs.  So, they can’t really afford to pay anything.

There’s no easy answer to that problem.

FEES

The question of fees  — and how much to charge –  is difficult.  Of course, none of us want to go broke paying for gas or meals and lodging when we’re investigating a site.

The associated problems can be different from what we encounter when we offer free services.

Usually, the client has a firm idea of what he or she should receive for the money.  Some take that to an extreme, and it becomes an entitlement issue.  If we don’t conduct the research to mimic something they’ve seen on TV, or provide the expected answers in the format the client wants, difficulties can follow.

It’s vital to have everything clearly spelled out, and in a signed contract.

With paid investigations, more than the free ones, there can be liability issues.  There are always physical risks with this work, whether a poltergeist pushes you or you trip over a broken stair that the owner didn’t mention.

Or, someone on your team could accidentally break something of value. When it’s a paid investigation, financial liabilities become a bigger issue.

So, it may be wise to have insurance for these risks.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR?

Some clients think that how much you charge indicates how good your work is.  I wish that wasn’t a factor, but… it can be.

The more you charge, the more some clients are likely to take your work seriously.  Sometimes, when I work with a fee-based team, I find out that the client has already paid three previous teams, and they’re simply looking for consensus.  When they ask me how such-and-such a team (that charges more) could have given a very different analysis of the haunting, it always seems as if the other team’s main credential is the high fee they charge.

We’re working in a field without real credentials and without any real proof, beyond the videos, sound recordings and written reports we give to the client.  I’m concerned that the person who charges the most — and provides the flashiest multi-media report — earns the most respect.

That’s a welcome mat for con artists.

I’m not sure how to resolve these issues, and I’d welcome comments and suggestions.

In general, I no longer participate in private investigations for clients.  My current (late 2009+) research is taking me in new directions related to history and predicting hauntings.  So, I can’t respond with first-person advice.

If you’ve found a good solution to the money dilemma, please post your comments, below.

Ed and Lorraine Warren have been — together and as individuals — vital to the development and popularity of this field.  Without their work, I don’t think there would be a “Ghost Hunters” TV show, etc.

I can say the [...]]]> Recently, several people have asked my opinion of Ed and Lorraine Warren.  Here’s my reply.

Ed and Lorraine Warren have been — together and as individuals — vital to the development and popularity of this field.  Without their work, I don’t think there would be a “Ghost Hunters” TV show, etc.

I can say the same about Hans Holzer, Andrei Puharich, and many other 19- and 20th-century paranormal researchers, too.

However, I’m not overlooking some problems with their early research techniques.  We learn through trial-and-error:  There will be errors — and plenty of them — while any field is becoming understood and codified.

My articles (published in 2000, before ghost hunting developed its current popularity) about one of Ed and Lorraine’s first investigations — the Ocean-Born Mary story — are an example of early research problems.

Ocean-Born Mary’s Ghost
Spoiler: The Truth about Ocean-Born Mary

However, we’re looking back on research in the mid 20th century. It’s easy to forget how little was available to paranormal researchers in that era.

Ed and Lorraine didn’t have the Internet as a resource, and they didn’t have my 30+ years of experience with historical and genealogical research.  It’s easy to point out the shortcomings of others, when they didn’t (or don’t) have the resources that can make a huge difference in how a story is told.

PARANORMAL BUSINESS MODELS

I was sometimes troubled by the business model that Ed and Lorraine used, and said so at the time.  However, there are no simple answers to the money issue.

In a perfect world, spiritual researchers — including ghost hunters — would be supported as many religions have been, by voluntary donations from their believers.  Without that kind of funding, it’s difficult to work in this field.

However, between cynicism and a tightening economy, even established churches are struggling to pay their bills.  So, voluntary donations can be an unrealistic expectation in the paranormal field.

I also feel that we can offer products and services to people, so they get something tangible for their money.  That can be a happier solution to the issue… but it’s not without problems.

Many people view our work as spiritual, and accuse us of being mercenary when we try to recover the money we spend on research, which is largely unseen by the public.  Also, they may not realize what it costs us to travel to help clients… many of whom have reached such a desperate emotional state (from living with hauntings or even demon attacks), they’ve already lost their jobs.

Our options are limited, and some are slippery slopes.

OUR FINANCIAL OPTIONS

We can become “entertainers” …which can sometimes require duplicity in order to build and maintain a fan following, or to meet the demands of ruthless managers and over-zealous producers.

We can charge significant fees from clients who are able to afford it; the recent poll at HollowHill.com showed that some people are doing that, though they are in the minority.

We can sell our writing, conduct classes and workshops, or seek other, field-related ways to earn a living.  However, it can be difficult for some people to maintain integrity there, as well.

Or, we can maintain our regular jobs, though that takes valuable time away from our research and the time we could use helping others.

As I said, there are no easy answers to this dilemma.

THE WARRENS’ LEGACY

In recent years, I’ve softened my views towards 20th-century pioneers in paranormal studies.  Each of them has left an important legacy that remains an essential element in what we do in this field, today.

I am grateful to Ed and Lorraine Warren for facing the skeptics and vehement critics, and maintaining a firm belief in what they were doing.  I’m thankful that they conducted so much research, and were forthright about what they did and the conclusions that they reached.

Their integrity has made it possible for us to go back and review their work in the light of additional facts and tools developed in the 40 or so years since they began studying ghosts and haunted places.

This field wouldn’t be where it is without people like them, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

FLAWED RESEARCH?

Were their methods perfect?  No.  (In fact, our methods still aren’t perfect.) They did the best that they could with the tools that they had, and what little was understood about normal and paranormal phenomena, in that era.

For example, no one carried an EMF meter during early ghost hunts.  Researchers weren’t aware that elevated EMF — from very normal sources — can disorient people and cause them to behave in odd ways.

Today, we check for electrical wiring and other sources of EMF, before leaping to any conclusions about paranormal influences.

In the early 21st century, we’re closer to understanding ghosts and hauntings, but I expect we’ll be harshly criticized by those who follow us 20, 40, or 100 years from now.

MY PERSONAL OPINIONS

When someone asks my personal opinion of Ed and Lorraine Warren as a ghost hunting team, I must reply in three parts:

At first, I was dazzled by them.  In the mid-to-late 20th century, they were pioneers in a very exciting field.

When I later examined their work, using tools available decades later, I was disappointed when I could disprove some of what they said.  That cast a harsh light on their work.  Things that I’d believed as a child turned out to be false, and that can embitter anyone.

Fortunately, I continued my research and reached a more balanced perspective on 19th- and 20th-century paranormal research.

Today, looking back on people like the Warrens and their contributions to this field, I’m tremendously grateful for their work.  I was merely an “early adopter” of this research; they were among the discoverers of many things that ghost hunters now take for granted.

AMITYVILLE CHANGED EVERYTHING

The name “Amityville Horror” wouldn’t be as well-known as it is, without the Warrens.

No matter what you think of that investigation, the Warrens were instrumental in bringing ghosts and hauntings to the world’s attention.  They opened the door for anyone — with or without prior experience in this field — to conduct paranormal research and share their results with others.

That research and those shared results have contributed significantly to what we know about ghosts and hauntings.  And, by making ghost research more accessible to everyone, pioneers such as the Warrens built the foundation for our work today.

That is their true legacy, and I’m grateful for it.

I think it’s important to know the history — and admit to it — but I may be different since I’ve been aware of my psychic abilities since earliest childhood.

Sure, it’s impressive when you think that [...]]]> Should psychics learn a site’s history ahead of time, or not?  That seems to be an issue.

I think it’s important to know the history — and admit to it — but I may be different since I’ve been aware of my psychic abilities since earliest childhood.

Sure, it’s impressive when you think that a psychic couldn’t have known what he or she “senses”… but are you sure that the psychic wasn’t fed the information ahead of time?

(I’m talking about psychics in general.  If it seems that I’m referring to someone in particular, I’m not, and I apologize if someone misinterprets my comments.)

Here’s how I see it, as a psychic.

Can’t you tell the difference?

Let’s talk about a similar topic.  If I see a travel show on TV, and later visit that location, I may have a mild sensation of deja vu.

However, I never confuse my memories of the show with what I’m experiencing during my visit.  For me, first-person experiences are totally different from what I’ve learned from prior sources.

During my visit, I’ll say things such as, “Oh, this isn’t anything like it looked on TV.”  Or, “This is the exact same angle they showed in the photos, on TV.”

Likewise, I don’t mix up psychic messages and my historical studies.

If anything, I’ll say, “Oh, the history books missed something important.”  Or, “This gives me wonderful insights into the history I’ve studied.”

If someone is a genuine and experienced psychic, I’m not sure why they’d confuse their sources.

When a psychic gets it “wrong”

This subject becomes important when a psychic seems to make a huge mistake.

For example, if the psychic declares that an incident took place at a certain inn… and it actually took place on the other side of town.

That can look pretty bad.

If the psychic claims no prior knowledge of the area’s history, how can he or she answer questions of credibility?

If someone is a fraud — or faking it for an audience — there’s no place to hide.

On the other hand, if the psychic is up-front about his or her earlier studies (or coaching), the possible responses could be:

• “I may be sensing energy from someone who felt burdened by what happened somewhere else.  He or she brought that energy back to this location.”
• “The energy from that event across town was so intense, it’s affected the entire area.”
• “The history books got it wrong, or they overlooked what also happened here.  With my additional information, maybe we can clear this up.”
• Or — if the psychic is honest — “My accuracy isn’t 100%.  This is one of those times when I misinterpreted the energy.”

However, those responses are most credible if the psychic has already established his or her integrity by honestly admitting prior study or coaching, if there was any.

When a psychic seems “too right”

Psychics have different talents.  Some provide great readings.  Others are excellent healers.  Some — like me — seem to sense past events and their emotional content.  The variations are endless.

Psychics also have different skill levels.  Those with greater accuracy may have a stronger natural gift, or they may have more practice.

However, when a psychic medium gets it “too right” at a location, it’s fair to raise an eyebrow.

Critical thinking skills are important, even when — or especially when — the psychic is charming and likeable.

When we like someone, we want to believe that they’re honest.  That bias may reduce our critical thinking skills.

Look at how the psychic conducts him or herself.  Psychics talk differently than people who are faking it, or fooling themselves into thinking that they’re connecting with the other side.

We often look different from our usual appearance, as well.  The trance state may be evident.

Of course, the waters become murky when the psychic speaks mostly from a genuine spiritual connection… but “supplements” that with information that he or she was given ahead of time.

That’s very clever, and it can be difficult to detect that mix.  Even other psychics can be fooled.  (It’s happened to me, to my chagrin.)

If the psychic rattles off items that could be memorized — exact dates, for example — there’s even more reason to question what’s going on.

A quick online search will reveal how readily the psychic — or his or her coach — could have found that information and memorized it ahead of time.

(Of course, doubt is removed if it later turns out that the date or other information is incorrect and it had been widely misreported.)

Why raise this issue now?

I don’t want to sound like a raving skeptic.  As a psychic and paranormal investigator, I’m very conscious of our vulnerabilities.  It’s hard enough to prove to our detractors that we’re detecting or contacting ghostly energy.

Unfortunately, with the popularity — and income potential — of ghost-related events, I’m seeing more (and better) frauds enter this field.  That hurts all of us.

To put it bluntly, if you need a demonologist, who would you trust:  Someone like John Zaffis, who’s been in this field for years and provided help free of charge?

Or, would you hire someone with a great team tee-shirt who’s been in the field for a couple of months (no matter what his or her claims) and is clearly focused on fame, fortune or both?

The telepathy question

Let’s be honest.  Evidence supporting telepathy is far stronger than evidence for ghosts and hauntings.

Many psychics are telepathic.  We can’t rely on that ability, but it needs to be acknowledged in discussions like this.

There is always the possibility that the psychic is actually reading the mind of someone in the group, such as an historian or someone who read about the site before the event.

If the psychic has a “silent coach” in the audience — someone who is very aware of his or her importance to the psychic  — that coach may have studied the site’s history in detail.

The problem is, as psychics, the information either comes from an external source (a ghost, spirit, or through ESP) or an internal source (our own memories or studies).

It can be difficult to discern more than that:  Outside or inside sources.

Can preparations help?

I believe that historical research can prevent that problem, though it doesn’t entirely eliminate it.

When I have a frame of reference, such as my own historical research, I know how and where that information is coming from.  It’s a sharp contrast with information I receive from external sources such as residual energy impressions or a ghostly encounter.

If something is a “shade of gray” (no pun intended) — different in character than prior knowledge but also different from intense residual energy — I’ll suspect that I’m picking it up telepathically from someone in the audience.

It’s all about integrity and credibility

In lieu of clear, scientific evidence, our most important credential in this field is integrity.

Without that, it’s just a show… it’s entertainment.

There’s nothing wrong with putting on a good show.  I enjoy melodramatic “ghost tours” as much as anyone else, but they’re so over-the-top, I never confuse them with an actual ghost encounter.

Credibility comes into question when a psychic knows a site’s history but pretends that he or she doesn’t.

All it takes is one glaring mistake and the psychic’s reputation is in tatters, and that damage ripples into the community.

In most (but not all) cases, I do know the site’s history ahead of time.  When I don’t, I tell people.

That’s not just a point of credibility.  It also explains why my impressions may not be as clear or as rapid when I don’t know the history.  I may need time to scan my impressions, to fit them into the context of a time period or event.

I’m a better psychic when I already know the time period to focus on, or the history of the location.

(It’s like someone saying, “Oh, look at that car!”  It’s always easier and faster to spot the car if you know its color, vintage, or at least what makes it interesting.  In a similar manner, I can more readily connect with ghostly energy when I know the time period or history that it resonates with.)

While I appreciate that some psychics feel that not knowing history gives them more credibility, I respectfully suggest:

• If you don’t have the expertise to tell the difference between your own memories and external messages, perhaps you need more practice.
• If people feel that you should “prove”  your abilities by not knowing the history ahead of time, you may need to work on your image as a competent professional.

Not knowing a site’s history can be a liability.

I want to make use of every tool within my reach, to provide in-depth information at every haunted site.

Besides impressing the audience and “proving” myself as a psychic… is there some reason why I shouldn’t learn a site’s history before an investigation?

Recommended reading:

Discover Your Psychic Type

What are your thoughts on how much a psychic should know ahead of time?  Share your opinions with the comment form, below.

Now, a storm is brewing, and it’s time to examine our expectations and standards in the paranormal field.

“Fake!” is [...]]]> 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 often in this field… and usually with the wrong people.

I’m not sure if that’s ironic or missing the point.

It’s true that there are fakes, frauds, and con men (and women) working in ghost-related professions.

There are also sincere researchers who are looking for answers to questions that have been around for centuries.

It may be important to know the difference.  Or, depending on your goals and interests, maybe it doesn’t matter.

I can think of four major reasons why people are attracted to this field.

Knowing your goals — and others’ — can help you spot the fakes.  Or, it can help you shrug off the controversy and focus on your own interests.

Entertainment

Many people enjoy ghost-related TV shows, ghost tours, dinner and stage presentations, and ghost-themed events.

If you’re looking for entertainment, you are more likely to encounter fakes.  Keep the focus on the fun. Don’t worry about how much of it is real or a clever presentation.

In real life, ghost hunting is often tedious.  The one-hour show you see on TV may have taken two to five days to film.  You’re only seeing the interesting moments.

If you’re at an event and one or two people keep you entertained for an entire evening, as if it’s a show… maybe it is.

But, if you’re only there for the fun and an occasional “good scare,” does it really matter how much of it is real?

Disney’s Haunted Mansion attraction isn’t “real.”  However, many ghost enthusiasts — including me — wait in line for an hour or longer to enter that attraction, because it’s great entertainment.

If you’re at an event or watching a show to be entertained, judge it by the fun, period.

You want a question answered

Many people have questions about ghosts.

• You may want to know if there really is something after death.
• You may have had a ghostly encounter, and want to know if it was real.
• You may suspect that you’re psychic, but you’re not sure.
• Or, a movie or TV show may have scared you, and you want to know if that kind of phenomena is real.

If that’s what draws you to paranormal research, get involved with a good research group, or start one yourself.

Some TV shows*, dinner and stage presentations, and even some events lean towards “entertainment.”   In other words, they may be faking some or all of what’s presented.

Unfortunately, people who want to believe in an afterlife can be among the most gullible.

If you’re looking for answers to spiritual questions, there are two important things to keep in mind:

1. You may never find absolute proof of an afterlife or ghosts.  And, what’s clear evidence for one person may seem ridiculous to someone else.  Only you can decide if you’ve found answers to your questions.

2. You may be among the most vulnerable people, in a field where some are looking for money, popularity, and power.  My advice: Become a skeptic.  Don’t confuse performers with genuine researchers.  Learn to tell them apart.

After you find an answer to your spiritual question — or decide that there is no answer — you may lose interest in paranormal studies.  That’s fine.  Or, your interests may change so you actually increase your scientific or psychic studies in this field.  Your help is encouraged!

It’s okay to walk away from ghost hunting if (and when) it stops being interesting.  Don’t keep watching TV shows, paying for events, or going on investigations if they’re disappointing you.

If others ask, it’s fine to say, “I found the answer that I was looking for.  It’s personal.”  And then, change the subject.

You’re accompanying a friend who’s interested in ghosts

Sometimes, people  join a friend (or friends) at a ghost tour or a ghost investigation.  Reality takes them by surprise, and soon they’re involved in paranormal research, too.

Or, they go to an entertainment-style event, find it intriguing, and become a fan.

Remember why you’re there, and — before taking anything seriously — use your critical thinking skills.  Get educated.  Listen to believers and skeptics alike.   Both provide important advice.

Power, fame, money, applause and popularity

When any subject becomes a fad and the subject of TV shows, some people are drawn to it for self-serving reasons.

Entertainers quickly adapt to their new audiences.  That’s what a good actor does.  Maintain your critical thinking skills.  As long as you remember it’s just a show, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it.

While a topic is popular, it can also be a cash machine.  In my opinion, too many people have already jumped on the ghost hunting bandwagon.   If you’re looking for overnight wealth, choose another field.

My advice for fans:  Treat ghost hunting like any other hobby.  Decide your spending limit and stick to it.

Some people see fads as opportunities to increase (or acquire) their own popularity.  That’s a risk.  The field may implode with excessive and ruthless competition, or mini-cults that take advantage of others.

Frankly, many people — including me — feel that the ghost hunting field reached its popularity peak at least a year ago.

In fact, we look forward to when we won’t have to deal with people who use ghost hunting for fame, fortune, or a sense of celebrity.

It’ll be a relief when most of us are sincere researchers and/or genuinely helping people deal with apparent (and frightening) hauntings.

Entertainer or researcher… or both?

In this field, some people are entertainers.  They can be tremendous fun, on- and off-stage.

Some tell wonderful stories.  They may also be moderately psychic, or good at convincing you that they are.

Enjoy that for what it is:  Great fun.

Others are serious researchers.  I’m one of them.  Frankly, we can be very geeky, boring people at times.  However, if you can keep awake when we talk about our latest projects, you may glean some useful insights for your own research.

Our interest has nothing to do with how popular the subject is.  Many of us were working in paranormal fields long before TV shows made ghost hunting popular**.  We’ll be here long after the fad is eclipsed by the next popular trend, too.

If you’re attending an event, listening to the radio or watching TV, ask yourself:

• Is this person an entertaining speaker presenting  reliable information?
• Is this improving your understanding of ghosts and ghost hunting?
• Or, is he (or she) putting on a show?  If so, is it entertaining?

Houdini wasn’t a “fake”; he was a performer. The same can be said for modern-day stage magicians.  The fun (and the challenge) is figuring out how he or she makes it seem real.

The excruciatingly boring speaker at a conference isn’t “fake,” he or she is sharing research results.  If you thrill to news about scientific breakthroughs, the fun is examining the evidence to see if it’s helpful.

Often, there’s no clear line between a performer and a researcher.  But, if you know what your goals are, use them to judge the merits of the TV show, event, investigation or personality.

Fake?  That’s an issue if you’re looking for answers and a genuine encounter with the paranormal world.

A better question is whether you’re disappointed, and if the show, event or person is worth your time.

—

This article is primarily about the differences between entertainers and researchers.  If you’re concerned that someone is a fraud, see my article, Scams and Con Artists.

*I still defend Jason Hawes’ and Grant Wilson’s work on the Ghost Hunters TV show.  It’s beyond my expertise to know if they were set up.  We all know that editing can dramatically change how something looks.

That said, either Grant or Jason faking something paranormal is as likely as a rabid Red Sox fan cheering for the Yankees.  It’s not likely to happen, ever.

**I began writing for FATE magazine in 1982, with the true California ghost story, “Boots.”  This website — first as “Yankee Haunts” and then Hollow Hill — has been online since the mid-1990s.  I do my best to be an entertaining speaker, but first and foremost, I’m a very geeky ghost hunter.

However, there are no guarantees. As Gertrude Schmeidler said in her 1972 report to the American Society for Psychical Research, “The Ph.D. is the union card.” It doesn’t assure you that [...]]]> Parapsychology Degrees–or a degree in Paranormal Studies–can open the door to many ghost hunting opportunities, and secure a formal career in this field.

However, there are no guarantees. As Gertrude Schmeidler said in her 1972 report to the American Society for Psychical Research, “The Ph.D. is the union card.” It doesn’t assure you that people will take you seriously… but it can help.

In most cases, universities offer parapsychology courses, but edge away from controversy by labeling them something else. Catch phrases include “consciousness” and “alternative psychology.”

Some colleges study the beliefs, causes, and attitudes towards psychic phenomena–including ghosts, “luck,” remote viewing, etc.–but usually in their departments of psychology, biology, or social sciences.

Ivy League colleges such as Harvard sometimes conduct parapsychology research, but it is not advertised and they do not offer degrees in the field.

If you choose one of these colleges, your formal major might be in physics, biology, psychology or engineering, or some other field. You may study the same topics–and at the same level–as someone in a parapsychology program, but the diploma will look more mainstream. This can be useful in career terms, if you don’t find a full-time career in the paranormal field.

(And, the fact is: Even with a parapsychology degree from a respected academic institution, you’re unlikely to find full-time research work in this field. Most full-time ghost hunters are self-employed, and have spent considerable time marketing themselves. That’s very different from the luxury of doing serious, full-time research in a respected scientific setting.)

Some research groups offer workshops, symposia, and other educational opportunities. Some of them include academic credits or certification.

Some accredited colleges offer degrees that are designed for the individual, and include credit for life experience. But, even they are unlikely to award a formal degree in parapsychology.

As of mid-2006, no accredited American college or university offers a formal parapsychology degree. That’s not for lack of funding, but because they want to distance themselves from wild and extravagant claims made by a small (but vocal) fringe element within the New Age movement and paranormal fields.

Many “degree mills” have sprouted up since the late 1960s. Their letterhead may look impressive and they may now claim a 30+ year history in the field, but they’re still degree mills. They have no accreditation, and very little respect in the professional community. In our opinion, that’s a waste of your time and money.

Likewise, any ghost hunter certification programs–including ours–merely provide a basic background in paranormal research, and some credibility among people who believe in ghosts. The value of certification depends entirely upon the individual and his or her social context. We can’t recommend spending more than $100 for this, no matter how good the training.

Frankly, you can learn as much or more by reading books by ghost hunters, studying regional folklore, and going on as many ghost hunts as possible. And, all that takes is a library card and time spent in the field.

That said, we’re aware that the public often respect any kind of education in a chosen hobby, occupation, or field of study, especially if it sounds official. If you’re helping frightened people deal with ghosts in their homes, they’re more likely to trust you if you’ve been trained and certified in the field of ghost hunting.

Ghost hunting courses can also save you years of “reinventing the wheel” when they tell you honestly what ghosts and hauntings are really like: Ghosts don’t usually look like dead people, they don’t usually moan or rattle chains, and they don’t usually think that they’re irrevocably dead.

However, that’s very different from college courses that provide an overview from a psychological standpoint, or laboratory studies of psi-related phenomena.

A growing number of respected, accredited colleges offer courses and degree programs in studies related to parapsychology and the paranormal. Here are a few offering solid academic opportunities.

Universities with courses in paranormal studies and parapsychology degrees

UK
• Edinburgh – The University of Edinburgh is among the most highly respected in the field of parapsychology, and has awarded parapsychology degrees. Their Koestler Parapsychology Unit hosts considerable psi-related research.
• Hertfordshire – Professor Richard Weisman researches luck and paranormal-related phenomena at the University of Hertfordshire.

USA

• Arizona – The Center for Consciousness Studies at the University of Arizona offers many courses that focus on issues related to alternative and paranormal studies. These include web-based courses as well as on-campus resources.
• New Jersey – Princeton University takes a slightly different approach with Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR), with a focus on the “Scientific Study of Consciousness-Related Physical Phenomena” including paranormal studies and remote perception.
• North Carolina – Duke University’s Rhine Research Center is “an Institute for the Study of Consciousness,” and offers many psi-related courses, workshops, and seminars.

JAPAN

• The International Society of Life Information Science (ISLIS) offers academic symposia and parapsychology research opportunities.

NETHERLANDS

• Amsterdam – The Psychology department at the University of Amsterdam has offered courses in paranormal studies. In July 2006, parapsychology courses were not featured at their website, which is in Dutch. With further research, you may find their courses, or they may feature them later. (Also see the nearby University of Utrecht courses, below.)
• Utrecht – Professor Dick J. Bierman at the University of Utrecht (UU) offers an Internet-based introduction to parapsychology. The University (on-campus) also offers courses in related fields.

More parapsychology degree & study links

• Cognitive Sciences Laboratory – government-funded STAR GATE research, etc.
• In France, see the Institut Metapsychique International.
• The Institute of Noetic Sciences (No. California) was started by astronaut Edgar Mitchell and fellow scientists.
• Saybrook Graduate School (San Francisco) has offered parapsychology among its studies.
• Union Institute and University (Ohio) allows students to design their own degree programs.

Some ghost groups and individuals charge a fee to investigate private homes and businesses. They may charge [...]]]> Can you earn a living as a ghost hunter? Yes… and no. In general, few ghost hunters can support themselves without charging for some aspect of what they do. Here are some options.

Professional ghost investigations

Some ghost groups and individuals charge a fee to investigate private homes and businesses. They may charge per-hour, or a flat fee for a certain number of hours plus a printed, illustrated report. The problem with this is that many ghost clubs do this kind of work, free of charge. And, while some (but not all) professionals may do a much better job, ghost research is fairly intangible. It’s difficult to compare your work with others’, especially to people outside this field.

However, there are few careers that provide the kind of satisfaction you’ll feel when a frantic client is finally able to rest comfortably in his or her home, thanks to your help.

Teach ghost-related classes

Some groups and individuals teach classes in ghost-related subjects. They may teach privately, through an adult ed or community group, or at a college. This can be rewarding on a personal level, in addition to providing much-needed income. But, not everyone is comfortable speaking to groups, or dealing with highly individual students. The fact is, paranormal studies often attracts independent-minded people. As a teacher, flexibility and a sense of boundaries are essential.

If you can handle that, it’s a fine career choice, and you’ll meet fascinating, intelligent people. Everyone has a story to tell, and every day–and class–is more interesting than the previous one.

Work as a media consultant

Movies and TV shows often rely upon professionals for insights, script corrections, and advice on realistic special effects. However, these jobs are few and far between. Even people who’ve worked with Hollywood often, still need another source of income if their sole focus is ghost-related productions. One of the best avenues into this field is to write a story, book, or script that is chosen for production. From there, you may network your way to a full-time career, or at least regular part-time paychecks.

We’ve done this kind of work on a small scale, and enjoy it.

Do space clearing

Whether the house or business is plagued by ghosts, poltergeists, or some other negative energy, space clearing can be a fulfilling and interesting field. And, since many states’ laws require disclosure of ghosts when a house is sold, realtors can be a fine source of work. If you can banish a house’s ghosts, it’s likely to sell for a much better price… and faster. As you get results, you’ll also get referrals to homes and offices that aren’t on the market, but need help with negative energy, and perhaps hauntings.

This is a field that covers far more than ghosts and hauntings. For more information, we recommend reading books such as

• Creating Sacred Space With Feng Shui: Learn the Art of Space Clearing
• Space Clearing: How to Purify and Create Harmony in Your Home

For our own work, we use Lillian Too’s Feng Shui Space Clearing Kit.

Debunk ‘hauntings’ (false anomalies)

There are many opportunities in this field. As we’ve already mentioned, realtors are dismayed when they have to tell a buyer that a property is haunted. If you can prove that it’s not haunted, you can provide a valuable service to the real estate community. Obviously, we believe that some hauntings are genuine. We’ve researched and confirmed many of them. However, more than half the reports that we receive turn out to be something odd that can be explained in normal–not paranormal–terms.

Have a membership-supported website

Several people support their full-time ghost research with members-only websites, or members-only sections of their sites. The difficult side of this is defending your fees when so many websites–including Hollow Hill–don’t charge for the photos and information that they make available. But, we’re very aware of the expense of running a graphic-intensive website, whether you charge a membership fee or not.

Your research has to be supported somehow, and if this is your best choice, go for it. It’s probably better than taking a day job that you don’t enjoy in an unrelated field, leaving you free for research (and sharing your findings) just a few hours each week.

Share your research via the media

Whether you have your own TV or radio show, or write for print media (books and magazines), you can support yourself by sharing what you’ve learned with others. This isn’t an easy choice, and you need to be skilled in your chosen medium, but this line of work can allow you the time that you need for research… with few compromises. This is how some of our Hollow Hill researchers earn a living. We write books and articles for magazines.

There can be challenges, however. First of all, you need to be comfortable with the world knowing that you’re a ghost hunter. You will be called names, and your sanity questioned. If your children find this embarrassing, a pseudonym (pen name) is a good idea.

If you’re self-employed–and many people in the media are–you’ll constantly need to look ahead to your next income opportunity. However, if you have an agent or a business manager, that can free you to focus on the actual work.

Qualifications

Recently, someone wrote to us saying, “there are no 100% set guidelines in this field, no certification, no degree, etc.” That’s an unfortunate misunderstanding. While most professional ghost hunters rely on their track records for credibility, you can earn a degree related to ghost hunting from an accredited college or university.

For example, the University of Virginia’s program is called the Division of Perceptual Studies. Princeton calls it, Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research. At the University of Edinburgh, studies are in the Koestler Parapsychology Unit.

Not every college or university offers a full-time program in parapsychology, but you can certainly achieve a degree based on studies that will take you to the forefront in the field of ghost hunting.

Summary

No matter how you choose to support your full-time research in ghost-related studies, there are difficult decisions to make. There will always be critics, too. Many people expect you to do research and share your results with no income to show for it. The clergy have faced this same dilemma for years: Unless you have an income from some aspect of your work, how can you support yourself and still be ‘on call’ to help people, 24 hours a day?

The income has to come from somewhere, unless you’re independently wealthy or supported by a philanthropy.

No two ghost hunting professionals will make the same income choices, or agree with each other on acceptable compromises.

In general, we can’t pretend that everyone can succeed with a career in ghost hunting. However, by diversifying your income sources among areas such as those described above, you can definitely earn a living in this field. More importantly, you will find the paranormal field tremendously rewarding on a personal level.

Listen now

Background: I’ve known Jamie for many years and respect his enthusiasm for ghost hunting, as well as his integrity as a researcher with a solid background in science. When we decided to add an interview section to this website, he was a logical choice for our first interview.