Hollow Hill

Ghost Hunting – Why to Stop Looking for a “Good Scare”

Ghost hunting? In it for a “good scare”?

Maybe that’s okay… but it might also put you in danger. Something you’ll regret for the rest of your life.

Many people start ghost hunting for fun. They’re looking for a real-life scare… like they’ve seen on TV.

In my opinion, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Not on its own.

Of course, if drinking or drugs are involved, it’s risky to visit haunted places.

That’s not just about ghost hunting dangers. A bigger concern may be the police who closely watch “haunted” sites and arrest trespassers.

We’ve all joked about teachers who warned us about our “permanent records,” but arrests are the real deal.

Explaining one to a future employer…? That can be a challenge, especially if the arrest referenced drinking or drugs.

But if a TV show got you interested in ghost hunting, and you just want to try it yourself, go for it. In fact, many people who thought ghost hunting was a one-time “just for fun” adventure, later become serious researchers.

So, why should anyone stop looking for a “good scare”?

It’s because a problem is emerging.

At this point, it’s not widespread, but it’s important to keep in mind just in case.

It’s related to adrenaline addiction. That is, the constant pursuit of greater & greater dangers, just for the thrill.

A Typical First-Time “Good Scare” Ghost Hunt

Let’s say that Joe and his friends visit a famous haunted cemetery (or a battlefield, an abandoned hospital, or a deserted house).

Maybe they’re just bored, looking for a thrill.

They wander around the site, griping about stupid ghost stories, stupid ghost hunters, and how this visit is a waste of time.

That’s when they encounter something odd.

And, on closer investigation, they realize it’s truly scary.

They run, nearly falling over each other, back to the car.

“Holy crap,” one of them says. “What the heck was that thing?”

“I dunno,” another replies. “I wish we’d never gone there.”

“Me, too,” a third agrees. “Let’s get out of here. Now.”

Eventually, they go home. And, for a few days, each promises himself he’ll never joke about haunted places again.

And Then, the Scare Wears Off

Some time later, Joe decides he was just imagining things.

Or maybe he realizes how alive he felt, in that moment of terror.

He decides to revisit the site – his own or with his friends – to see how it looks, now.

One of four things result:

Nothing happens. Joe is disappointed.
The same thing happens, but Joe debunks it.
The same thing happens, but Joe isn’t so scared, this time.
Something bigger and scarier happens, and – once again – Joe experiences that intense adrenaline rush.

If nothing happens, Joe may shrug and laugh about how scared he was.

In time, he may forget the whole thing.

If it’s 2 (Joe debunks it) or 3 (Joe isn’t so scared), he may decide he’s kind of interested in this. He learns more about ghost hunting, goes on a few ghost hunts, and becomes a serious researcher.

If something bigger & scarier happens (point 4), Joe may quit going to haunted places. He figures he’s learned his lesson.

Or, he might decide he likes that “good scare,” and go looking for bigger and better scares.

That’s when he’s at risk.

Sure, maybe he tells himself he’s ghost hunting, or looking for UFOs, or something else.

But, what he’s really doing is looking for another adrenaline rush.

It can become an addiction, as Joe looks for progressively more terrifying encounters.

That’s the Danger

If Joe doesn’t understand the real risks – physical, emotional, and spiritual – at haunted places, he’s a danger to himself.

Physical risks include stumbling or falling because he’s not watching where he’s going, or he’s ignored warnings about uneven footing, weak floorboards, etc.

Or, eagerly pursuing “a good scare,” he might forget to put on his respiratory mask at a site with deadly mold or rodent droppings.

Emotional and spiritual risks include being tricked or attacked by a malicious entity.

If Joe is on your ghost hunting team, he could provoke spirits best left sleeping. (Joe might do this deliberately, or without thinking about it.)

Or, he might recommend a site that’s truly dangerous, thinking everyone is on the same page.

If you notice “red flags” like this, it’s time to take action… quickly.

Some haunted locations have more than just ghosts, but novices may not realize the difference.

What to Do

If you’re Joe, pause and think about your ghost hunting goals.

Know the warning signs that it’s time to stop.
Put them in writing.
Tell a trusted friend (or team member) what they are, in case you’re in danger and – at the time – don’t realize it.

Instead, consider going to scary movies – the bigger the movie screen, the better – for a safer “good scare.”

Ghost Hunters Survival Guide - Michelle Belanger — A thorough guide to protection methods, from a variety of cultures and belief systems.

Or take up extreme sports. After all, there are prizes and even careers there.

BUT… if Joe might be on your ghost hunting team, sit down with your members. As a group, discuss each person’s goals and limits (time, money, travel distances, fear/boredom levels) in paranormal research. Find out which kinds of sites (or hauntings) intrigue them, and what they’d rather avoid.

Know Your Team Members

When everyone knows more about fellow team members, they can support each other’s goals. Your research results may improve.

But, does it seem like someone is searching for increasing “adrenaline high” moments?

Follow-up with a private conversation about potential risks.

A “good scare” can be a fine foundation for future serious, paranormal research. Many ghost hunters started that way.

The danger is when the person doesn’t realize they’re seeking a thrill, and deliberately looking for an increasingly terrifying experience.

Know the difference, for yourself and your team members.

Should You Avoid Ghost Hunting? Sometimes the Answer is Yes

When should you avoid ghost hunting? Why – at certain times – could your safety (and sanity) be at risk?

At almost every large ghost hunting event, I’ve seen someone put themselves in harm’s way.

I’m sympathetic, and though it’s understandable, the person isn’t thinking clearly.

They’ve suffered a tragic loss. Someone they cared deeply about is gone.

The person decides that, through ghost hunting, they might reconnect with the deceased.

I have never seen a positive outcome to that… not the kind that involves certain contact with the other (deceased) person, or full closure to their grief.

Worse, it puts the grieving person at risk. They may be so eager to communicate with the lost loved one, he becomes vulnerable to dark or malicious entities.

(Yes, some dangerous and demonic entities seem to masquerade as lost friends and family.)

Or, the person may be victimized by charlatans masquerading as ghost hunting professionals.

Online or in person, sleazy people can steal the grieving person’s money, or even their identity.

At the other extreme, when someone is involved in paranormal research with a single, self-serving goal, it’s easy for them to distract their team members.

For example, the person may wander off by himself, thinking he saw something that reminded him of the person who died.

Then, the investigation has to be halted while everyone searches for the missing team member. In many cases, that adds up to a frustrating, wasted research session.

(This is why I recommend a careful interview before accepting anyone new on a critical investigation. Be sure you know the person’s motivation for ghost research.)

Finally, ghost hunting may prevent the person from completing the grieving process. They won’t let go of the past. They’re still trying to hold onto the person who’s gone.

Really, at almost every ghost hunting event, by late in the evening, I’ve found someone sobbing in a corner, absolutely distraught.

In every case, the person was still mourning a lost loved one. And, during that event, the person realized that ghost hunting wasn’t going to bring back their loved one.

Grief and ghost hunting don’t mix.

My advice is: Cherish the memories. Allow yourself to grieve. Give yourself as much time as you need. (I’ve always admired the Jewish tradition of “sitting shiva.” I think many of those traditions could help people of other faiths – including Atheists – as well.)

Seek professional counseling if you need it. Don’t feel embarrassed to reach out to those who can help.

After that, if you’re still interested in ghost hunting – out of curiosity, or a spiritual or scientific interest – get involved.

Meanwhile, you put yourself at risk if you leap into ghost hunting with the goal of reconnecting with a lost loved one.

There are many great reasons to become a paranormal investigator and pursue ghost hunting. Be honest with yourself – and your team mates – about why you’re there.

We need more bright, interested ghost researchers. I hope you are (or will be) one of them… but only when the time is right for you.

Does Your Home Have a Ghost?

Most people who’ve lived in older homes, or stayed in a vintage hotel or inn, have encountered a ghost or two.

In some cases, the ghost becomes a companion or — after a while — even seems like a member of the family.

The ghost leaves the family alone, and they leave him or her alone.

Except for the occasional fleeting glimpse of the ghost, or something slightly odd reminding you that the ghost is there, living with a ghost becomes “normal.”

As long as the ghost isn’t territorial or malicious, or prankish (waking people up at night), you can probably share your home with him or her, comfortably.

If you think your home has a ghost, speak to them, out loud. Ghosts usually respond favorably to requests that are made in a normal tone of voice, talking to them as if they’re a friend who’s visiting your home and needs to know the “house rules.”

Before doing anything else, talk to your ghosts. You may have to remind them of the rules more than once. But, most spirits respond to polite (but firm) requests.

After awhile, you’ll probably forget that your home is haunted.

Take these steps now…

Here’s short-term help if your home is haunted

Some places are too haunted to live in. The Myrtles Plantation is one of them.

shoesbacktotoe — Set your shoes, heel to toe.

On a recent visit, the only way that I could document The Myrtles’ hauntings without interruptions, was to put my shoes side by side, pointing in opposite directions. (See photo at right)

That successfully paused the manifestations for a few minutes, so that I could jot a few notes about what was happening.

(I have no idea why such a silly folk remedy works, but it does.)

That can solve a short-term problem at an inn or hotel.

But, if you want to continue living in a house that’s “too haunted,” that may not be enough.

As long as you’re not living in fear, space clearing may help. There are many ways to accomplish this.

Spiritual approaches to space clearing

If you are religious, any minister from your church or faith-based group can probably bless your home for you.

A small donation ($35 or so) is routine for this kind of visit, but not usually required.

That’s one kind of “space clearing.”

For a New Age approach, you might try incense, a singing bowl, or other simple space clearing remedy.

In a pinch, you could vacuum clean (hoover) your entire home. Be sure to vacuum every corner, especially near the ceilings, whether they’re dusty or not.

According to space clearing experts, the noise plus the electrical energy seem to banish ghosts.

Likewise, any incense can work, as long as it gets into every corner in every haunted room.

If you’re afraid of ghosts

Generally, ghosts don’t hurt people. Poltergeists can cause mischief. They may throw things at you, or push you when you’re walking.

As far as I know, there is no real evidence of a ghost killing someone.

But, if you are truly frightened, don’t waste your time with space clearing and don’t stay in the house. Visit friends or family, or check in to a local hotel for a couple of days.

After a few good nights’ sleep, the situation may look much better.

Also, if you’ve recently moved into a house that’s too haunted, you may have legal options. Learn more at Buying or selling a haunted house – When to see a lawyer.

Photo by Øctavian Iördache

Psychic? Ghost Hunting? Ways to Protect Yourself.

Many ghost hunters have sensed ghosts, seen them, or even sensed messages from them. So, in a way, we’ve sometimes been “mediums.” That doesn’t mean we’re evil, or witches, or even making up stories from our imaginations.

It only means that we’re sensitive to “ghostly” energy.

Maybe that comes naturally to us. Maybe it’s something we acquire after many encounters with ghosts.

Either way, it’s normal.

This is important

A medium is someone who acts as the go-between. You’re in the middle, acting as the conduit between the ghosts’ world and ours. Most mediums seem to be psychic, but not all psychics are mediums.

In general, ghosts and spirits can’t take over a person without his/her permission.

Even misguided ghosts aren’t that powerful.

Really.

I’m not talking about demons or malicious spirits. That’s another topic. I’m seeing increased reports of demons and malicious entities, but it’s still a very small issue in ghost hunting.

When someone is dealing with a demon or possessions, I refer them to professionals.

Find out more here: If You’re Frightened and Need Help.

However, there are times when a medium — or someone developing his or her psychic gifts — feels an unwanted presence in their field of energy, or even in their mind.

Whether or not you’re psychic, always know where your boundaries are… and when they’ve been crossed.

Begin by studying how you feel without the influence of others, including spirits.

Start your day with a reality check

First, see how you feel when you start the day. I’ve talked about this in other articles, notably Baseline… Yourself.

Here’s a quick summary:

When you wake up each morning, pause before getting out of bed and do a reality check. I mean that literally:

Check your emotions. Are you cheerful or grumpy? Calm or anxious?
See how you feel, physically… healthy, allergies, etc. Do you feel energized, or is it especially difficult to get out of bed today?

After completing that “baseline” check, it’s time to look ahead. I like the phrase, “pave the road.” That is, visualize how your day is likely to go, and how you’ll feel as you accomplish items (specific items) that you intend to complete.

During the day, pause regularly to see if you’ve accepted energy or emotions from people or the environment around you.

During each ghost hunt, pause regularly. See if you’ve been gradually accepting impressions from spirits. It’s best to notice this before it becomes a problem.

As you’re ghost hunting, if you feel imposed upon by spirits, re-center yourself.

Revisit those morning feelings and emotions. Use them as as your reference point.
Remember how you felt then, and do your best to re-experience those feelings.

Creative visualizations

Some psychics and ghost hunters use creative visualizations to protect their personal space. Here’s one way to do that.

Imagine a real, physical room in the “psychic space” where spirits contact you.

1. Create a visual sense of boundaries… physical walls with windows and a door. Imagine your perfect room in your perfect house, with perfect views out windows on at least three sides of the room.
2. Make this very clear and very specific. Write it down, if that helps. Or, use a photo from a decorating magazine, or a place where you’ve lived or visited.
3. Decide that you are the only person who can enter the room through the door. Perhaps its similar to a door in Star Trek, and only responds to your voice. The door always works. You can always leave the room and return to your own world easily and immediately.
4. As a psychic, imagine that you’re opening only one of those windows (with a screen) to talk with the spirits. If, at any point, you want to close the window, you can. Or, you can turn your back on that window, and look out at least two other windows with happier views. Spirits cannot enter this room, but only communicate through the window. Make the screen electrically charged, if that helps. Imagine a line of salt along the window ledge, since — in folklore — ghosts generally can’t cross salt. (So far, that’s worked well for me.)
5. Make sure the room seems real to you. It’s your spiritual haven in a “between-worlds” space. Mentally visit it every morning, and remind yourself of its decor, and how restful and safe it feels.
6. Use this imagery whenever you are preparing to contact (or open to) spirits. Treat it very seriously; this space is as real as you make it. It is

Rely on spiritual protection if you need it.

As long as you’re dealing with ghosts — not demons — the following methods have been successful.

Use tried-and-true spiritual protections, including crosses, pentacles, stars of David, holy water, sage smudges, and so on… they work.
Sea salt seems to work well, too. According to stories, it’s a line that ghosts can’t cross. (Interestingly, some people report take kelp daily to reduce or prevent anxiety attacks. I use it myself when I’m stressed. Kelp’s composition is similar to salt’s.)
If you say to a spirit, “I banish you from my presence in the name of [deity],” they usually go away.

You may need to repeat whatever you’re using regularly until the spirit/s get the point. Like persistent suitors who won’t take no for an answer, some spirits need to be told steadily and firmly that they are not welcomed.

Warning: If you try any of those remedies and the situation becomes dramatically, frighteningly worse, stop immediately. Leave the site immediately and seek help if you’re feeling anxious. Do not go online and ask for help. Instead, find a trusted, mainstream spiritual professional – a religious minister – and tell them what’s happened.

When you’re dealing with ghosts, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Well-researched guide to protection for ghost hunters, based on a variety of spiritual beliefs and practices.

Keep in mind that, along with psychic gifts, people are also given psychic protection.

It’s mostly a matter of activating it.

Whether you choose a spiritual protection from your religion, or use creative visualization to keep spirits from intruding, there is little to fear as long as you remain alert and keep your boundaries in place.

Ghosts can be bullies, but ghosts aren’t dangerous. (Other entities can be, but that’s not what I’m talking about, here.)

Most spirits respond to what you say, out loud. As silly as it may seem, it’s helpful to say “Leave me alone,” or “Step back, you’re in my space,” if you need to.

Say it loudly and clearly, and be firm about it.

Most ghosts do not follow anyone home from ghost hunts. If they could leave the location that they’re haunting… well, they’d have left it long ago. Something is holding them there, and it’s usually a self-imposed limit.

Daily “reality checks” will help you discern how you feel, and more quickly recognize external influences from the spirits.

Remember, if you reassert your personal boundaries when the problem is small, it’s easier to keep spirits from intruding where they shouldn’t go.

Ouija Boards and Ghost Hunting

Ouija boards are a controversial topic, and not just among ghost hunters. Many people ask me about Ouija boards, and if I believe in them. Others warn me about demons and divination tools of all kinds, but especially Ouija boards.

If someone is having problems with demons, we refer him or her to John Zaffis. He’s the very best in the demonology field.

However, demons (or malicious entities, no matter what you call them) aren’t the only reason I don’t use or permit Ouija boards at my own investigations.

For me, credibility is a huge issue. If a research tool can’t be trusted, I prefer not to use it.

We know that spirits can lie and — with a Ouija board and many other divinatory tools — it’s difficult to sort the truth from very clever lies.

Also, when someone is using any device like a Ouija board (such as an upside-down glass on a table), it’s difficult to tell if someone is pushing the glass, platen, or indicator. In most cases, the person influencing the motion doesn’t realize he (or she) is doing that. To an onlooker, the unintended manipulation can be far more obvious.

Independently, I’ve had convincing experiences with Ouija boards. I have no doubt that they can provide valid and predictive answers to questions.

However, people are vulnerable when they think they’re talking to a loved one or a lofty “spirit guide.” It’s too easy for a prankster (human or spirit) to have fun at the expense of a beginner.

In addition, I’ve seen researchers actually lose locational advantages by relying on divinatory tools during ghost hunts. It’s like using a mobile phone to talk to someone who’s standing next to you. It’s silly, at best.

For a variety of reasons, including recent, increased reports about demonic attacks and malicious entities, I no longer recommend using Ouija boards during ghost investigations.

Here’s the late Father Andrew Calder explaining some of the issues. I knew Andy and still have the greatest respect for the work he did while he was among us. He had far more experience with demonic energy than most people I know.

In the following videos about the dangers of paranormal research — including Ouija boards — Father Andy’s advice is credible and something to pay attention to.

–

What to Do if a Ghost Hunt Frightens You

After a particularly vivid ghost hunt, people sometimes get nervous about what they’ve just experienced.

Some people feel genuinely frightened.

If you’re one of them, it’s okay to be worried. Some ghost hunts are scary. Commercial events and tours can be designed to provide the “good scare” many guests expect.

Generally, there is nothing to be afraid of. Not from the dead, anyway. Here are a few facts to remember, from an article I wrote in 2005. My opinions haven’t changed much since then.

Ghosts aren’t likely to follow you home. Ghosts haunt a location, particularly cemeteries, for a reason. If they felt like they could leave, they wouldn’t be at the cemetery (or house, or battlefield) in the first place. Except for legends like The Flying Dutchman (a ghost ship) and the John Alford Tyng hauntings, few stories describe a ghost that moves from one location to another.

Ghosts cannot make you do things you don’t want to do. Ghosts are not hypnotists and they do not have powers beyond those that they had in life. Frankly, any spirit of the dead that’s tied to the earthly plane, has a specific reason for being here. Usually, their powers are significantly less than an average living person’s.

If you’re having “unwanted thoughts” after encountering a ghost, seek professional advice. Ghosts are not the problem. Hollywood imagery can be fun, but it’s not real. Steering wheels don’t jerk out of your hand. Bed canopies don’t sprout spikes and fall on people. People are not “taken over” by ghosts unless they agree to accept the trance state, or unwittingly give permission for something to use their bodies. Usually, if someone is “possessed,” something else is going on. It’s not a ghost. Get help right away.

Ghosts do not “curse” you. Ghosts are just people living in another dimension, or perhaps on another plane. They have no superhuman powers other than – perhaps – enhanced telepathy. They cannot curse you. They do not turn into “witches” when they die.

Ghosts cannot hurt you. Poltergeists are the only “ghosts” that ever harm people, and even then it’s usually nothing worse than bruising. People often ask why I warn against ghost hunting alone. It’s not because of ghosts, it’s because you might turn an ankle in a neglected yard or cemetery, and need help. Or you might encounter a bunch of drunk teens or (animal) hunters who don’t want you around. I’m not afraid of ghosts, but I’m very wary of isolated sites.

Ghosts will not haunt your dreams, keep you awake at night, etc. Unless you’re deliberately sleeping in a haunted house or camping at a haunted battleground, ghosts do not usually travel from their earthly locations to bother you.

Most ghosts “move on,” eventually. Spirits of the dead remain on earth for a specific reason. Usually, they’re fighting reality and want to turn back the clock. They want to change an event from the past. In rare cases, they simply have a message to pass on, or a minor task to accomplish. I’ve only encountered this once in hundreds of hauntings. One notable exception is when a spirit returns to help a friend or family member, or just check to be sure you’re okay. Spirit guides, angels, and totems, are a different topic. They are not malicious, ever. Don’t worry about them. You never have to worry about a ghost following you forever. It simply doesn’t happen.

Spiritual energy is pretty much all the same to a casual observer. If you’re in a setting where there is poltergeist phenomena, you probably won’t be able to guess whether it’s from a spirit of the dead, or someone nearby with RSPK. (RSPK is Remote Spontaneous PsychoKinesis, or the ability to move things using your thoughts, consciously or not). Don’t assume that the dish that flew across the room was propelled by a spirit of the dead. It could be a prank – or unintentional movement – caused by an ESP-gifted person who is very much alive, and near you.

I hope this puts your mind at rest.

Young woman, anxious. Ghost hunting is fun. For people like me, it’s fascinating to encounter ghostly manifestations.

Haunted sites can have risks, but they’re usually physical (like frail floorboards in the attic, or uneven stairs).

It’s nothing directly related to ghosts.

Ghost hunting itself is not hazardous, and ghosts are not maliciously wandering the earth as portrayed in movies and novels.

Nothing bad is likely to happen to you if you go on a ghost tour or public ghost investigation and take proper precautions.

(For example, always take a friend with you to an event or tour. If you’re on your own, watch your back and never treat the evening like speed dating.)

Frankly, most of your concerns should be about the living, not the spirits of the dead.

Consider another hobby if spirits and hauntings really frighten you.

It’s worth repeating: If ghost hunting isn’t fun, find something else for your spare time.

The more you go ghost hunting, the more spirits and manifestations you’re likely to encounter. If you’re uncomfortably nervous now, things will only get more intense if you continue.