Protection and Dangers Archives - Ghosts and Haunted Places

Ghost Hunting and Respiratory Risks

biohazard With the death of Sara Harris, ghost hunting health risks are now in the spotlight.

She was a healthy young woman, investigating a site that many others had used for ghost hunting, regularly.

She wasn’t wearing a mask. She became ill. And then, despite great medical care, she died.

In my earlier article – written before Sara’s death – I touched on basic health and safety concerns, including respiratory issues and simple steps to reduce your risks. Today, I’ve had time for a more in-depth study of the problem, and I’ve re-recorded my December 1st podcast – released early because it’s so important – with more comprehensive information. It’s a 16-minute podcast.

Remember, I am not a medical professional or doctor and this is not intended as medical advice. For hantavirus information and recommended protection, here’s a link to the CDC website. (Scroll down that page to where they recommend N100 masks.)

I’m trying to strike a sensible balance but even one death is too many, so I’d rather lean in the direction of raising excessive concerns, than treat this too lightly.

Points you need to know

Airborne risks in dusty locations aren’t news. Since speculation about “King Tut’s Curse,” people have been concerned about airborne diseases, especially those that have been dormant at locations where bodies may have been stored (including abandoned hospital morgues) or tombs.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists a wide range of rodent-related diseases, from Hanta to plague to one form of meningitis. Most are spread by “breathing in dust that is contaminated with rodent urine or droppings.” Just last week, I’d pointed to a large mouse or rat in one ghost hunting video, but I think we’ve all investigated sites where mice and rats had once been (or still are) and they’ve left droppings.

Many abandoned hospitals that were described as “insane asylums” were also hospitals for victims of tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases. Eloise Insane Asylum (in Michigan, USA) is a good example of this. Take extra precautions at sites where people have been ill.

Studies of SARS, Covid, and other diseases have shown that dry particles can travel surprising distances, and still cause infection.

Surgical masks are usually designed to protect the environment from the wearer, not vice versa. If you’re buying blue masks, keep this in mind. Depending on their design, those blue masks usually test between 15% and 80% effective. The best are designed to filter the smallest particles, and have something at the nose so air isn’t entering and exiting, unfiltered, at the top edge of the mask.

Masks usually filter particles, they don’t disinfect anything. If you have significant health issues leaving you especially vulnerable, or you’re going to extremes, look for military-grade gas masks designed to protect from chemical and biological agents, as well as flu pandemics. At that level, you’ll achieve maximum protection.

Most medical-style masks do not filter out carbon monoxide or other toxic gases.

Indoors (with no open windows), setting up an air purifier ahead of time may help if it’s designed to HEPA standards. (HEPA filters remove more than 99% of airborne particles, usually down to 0.3 microns.) However, most air purifiers are designed to filter tobacco smoke, pollen, and dust, not chemical or bacterial agents. Make sure the air purifier removes dust, and choose an air purifier with a CADR rating number at least 2/3 the square footage of the space you need to treat. (So, if it’s a room with 120 square feet, you’re looking for a CADR rating that’s at least 80.)

Remember that your hands, hair, and clothing can pick up the same particles you’re trying to avoid with a mask. Keep your mask on when you shake your hair to dislodge particles, and when you change your clothes. Disposable gloves – available in bulk from many pharmacies and beauty salon supply stores (like Sally Beauty Supply) – can be helpful when you might have to touch items that put you at risk, or in locations that are coated with dirt or dust.

There is a happy medium (no pun intended) between making ghost hunting so complex and fearful it’s a chore, and being far too casual about health and safety risks. The precautions you take will vary from person to person, and from one investigation site to another.

Someone investigating in northern Maine and eastern Canada will have very different concerns than someone investigating in Louisiana or an area that’s been affected by flooding. And, someone with severe allergies or respiratory issues will take different precautions than someone who rarely catches a cold and enjoys exceptionally good immunity.

What I’m adding to my own ghost hunting supplies

Basic blue surgical masks, for my own use and for anyone who’s with me that didn’t bring respiratory protection, and a few P95 or N95 masks, just to have them on hand for severe situations that surprise us.

I like the looks of WoodyKnows nose filters for discreet, short-term use, since they’re praised by people who use them for allergies.

N100 or P100 masks, preferably with the Cool-Flow feature, for hot climates.

Disposable gloves, for places where I don’t want to touch anything. (I have a very low “ick!” threshold.)

A more comprehensive HEPA-style breathing mask, in the $30 – $50 price range.

A personal air purifier that’s been proved effective in scientific studies. As of 2012, one possibility: the Wein As150mm Ionic Air Purifier. It’s small and can be worn as a pendant. As long as it doesn’t interfere with electronic sensing devices or other ghost hunting tools, it’s the kind of thing I’d wear routinely in dusty locations, basements and attics, and abandoned buildings… and when I’m on an airplane.

Dangers of Paranormal Research

For years, many of us have warned about dangerous aspects of ghost hunting.

From physical safety to legal issues, and personal liabilities to spiritual protection, this field has more pitfalls than most hobbies and professions.

In general, the paranormal community can be divided into three groups:

- Those who know the risks and take appropriate precautions.
- Those who don’t know the risks, or have only a vague idea, and aren’t as cautious as they might be.
- Those who see the warning signs (literal and figurative) and ignore them, thinking they’re immune to the risks.

I want to be sympathetic when someone is arrested for ignoring a “no trespassing” sign, or when they go to Vale End (or a similar site) and return home, terrified… a fear that stays with them for years. I’ve warned about scams and con artists, and sleazy people who like the cover of darkness.

Experienced professionals usually know the risks and do what they can to minimize them. Event planners try to organize activities so no one is placed in unnecessary danger.

Trespassing (an illustrated rant)

A wide spectrum of ghost enthusiasts seem to be oblivious to all risks. I see that in my email inbox, with questions and tales of woe, daily.

But, the symptoms aren’t only in my incoming email. Looking for good videos to explain issues related to the haunted Eloise Insane Asylum in Michigan, I found three videos with the following content.

All were filmed by a group of kids, emulating the Ghost Hunters TV series.

First, the kids filmed the no trespassing sign. Then, they ignored it and entered the property anyway.

Then, they captioned portions of their videos, repeatedly proclaiming that they were on private property.

Worse, when one of the kids said she was afraid to slip under the fence because she might be arrested, her friends talked her into breaking the law.

Okay, they’re 12-year-olds, so you might ask, “Where were the parents?”

The answer…? In at least one part of the video, the mom was holding the camera.

I don’t want to single out these kids as if they’re an example of the primary problem.

They’re not.

Adults are doing this kind of thing even more often than kids are.

Laws and legal penalties aren’t the only dangers

The bigger issue is what “no trespassing” signs can indicate.

Those signs might indicate major safety problems, including some that may be life-threatening.

They might include something as simple (but deadly) as asbestos dust or as urgently perilous as structural damage. An issue might be toxic waste underground or a site known for harboring territorial, poisonous snakes.

And, almost all abandoned structures have rodent issues. I talked about that risk in my earlier podcast about ghost hunting and respiratory risks and in my article about ghost hunting and health issues.

Here’s the reason for alarm: With “no trespassing” signs prominently displayed, many site owners and communities figure they’ve done enough. They’ll make repairs later when they have more funds to work with.

They (reasonably) assume that the signs will protect an unwary visitor from putting him- or herself at risk.

“No trespassing” signs rarely go into detail. (When I last checked, the fenced-off area near Gilson Road Cemetery in Nashua, NH, did not explain that it’s a possibly toxic Superfund site.)

But, don’t rely on “no trespassing” signs as warnings.

Sometimes, we’re called into homes and businesses (in use, not abandoned) with significant risks – structural and health issues – as we explore moldy basements and attics with rodent droppings.

Every researcher needs to be aware of the dangers, as well as precautions to take.

Very sick and troubling dangers

I’ve talked about blunders with Ouija boards and sleazy people groping team members in the dark. I’ve ranted about cult-like groups and thrill-seekers with an adrenaline addiction.

So, yes, this field can seem like a minefield to the unwary.

The key word is “unwary.” Once you’re aware of the risks, you can evaluate which you’re okay with and what limits to place on your research.

In the past, I’ve avoided describing ghost hunting dangers because… well, that’s not the focus of this website.

In the 1990s, I wanted to interest people in ghost hunting.

Now, I’m doing my best to make ghost hunting interesting and safe.

Risks need to be assessed on a site-by-site basis.

It’s one thing to go into a paved, haunted cemetery after dark, where you’ll meet dozens of joggers and dog walkers.

It’s quite another to go into an abandoned building with a wide range of structural and health concerns.

Every site presents challenges. Know the risks you’re taking, not just in general but at the specific site you’re investigating, and the people you’re trusting in dark and low-light conditions.

Learn the best ways to find ghosts, in local (and legal!) places…

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This is the classic guide, updated and expanded. It goes far beyond the basics. Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or someone intrigued by eerie places, this book is your key to unlocking the mysteries that lie within haunted cemeteries.

Available at Amazon and other booksellers.

Exorcisms and Demons

Exorcisms date to earliest times. The belief in demons and demonic influence is documented in many pagan cultures, beliefs and practices.

However, not all demonic possessions were attributed to evil spirits. For example, in classical Greek, daimonan merely means to be mad or insane.

The treatment for that kind of demonic problem is less than — and very different from — the rituals used to drive out malicious entities or spirits.

As I explained in Possessed? Need help?, the vast majority of so-called demonic possessions have nothing to do with demons… or even ghosts.

Before deciding that you’re dealing with demons, calmly evaluate the situation.

What you’ve seen on TV is often created to make the show more sensational and increase ratings. That’s entertainment, not reality.

Modern and historic exorcisms range from simple to complex, but they generally have one element in common.

Pagan and earth-based rituals often involved salt and/or water, or herbs, or some blessed object, plus a casting-out ritual invoking the name and assistance of Deity.

Modern-day rituals also use holy objects plus the name or names of Deity to empower the rite.

In other words, most traditions recognized that spiritual assistance is necessary to cast out — or reject the influence of — an entity with evil intentions.

Development of exorcisms

Over many centuries as religions emerged, very precise and effective exorcism rituals were developed. In the Jewish faith, exorcisms were fine-tuned and included specific names, varying with the situation.

From the 1913 edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“The chief characteristic of these Jewish exorcisms is their naming of names believed to be efficacious, i. e. names of good angels, which are used either alone or in combination with El (= God) … it was considered most important that the appropriate names, which varied for different times and occasions, should be used.

“…It was a popular Jewish belief… that Solomon had received the power of expelling demons, and that he had composed and transmitted certain formulae that were efficacious for that purpose.” (emphasis added)

In other words, there are specific rituals that work. Others can do more harm than good. That’s important to keep in mind.

Today, many exorcists rely on the rituals documented in church history. Whether they believe in Jesus Christ or not, many exorcists note that the use of Jesus’ name seems to be among the most effective for banishing a demonic presence.

However, inexperienced ghost hunters and paranormal researchers usually don’t know the difference between a demonic possession and the far more dangerous devil (or Devil) possession.

They are two different issues, and must be treated differently.

Types of Christian exorcisms

Christian exorcisms trace their roots to the ministry of Jesus.

There are three kinds of exorcisms in the historic church:

Baptismal exorcism, performed when someone is accepted (baptized) into membership in the church.
Simple exorcism, including the blessing of a house.
The Rite of Exorcism, used to cast out demons or the Devil from a human.

A traditional baptismal exorcism includes phrasing that is the basis for many other kinds of exorcisms.

The following text is from the 1894 book, The Glories of the Catholic Church – The Catholic Christian Instructed in Defence of His Faith.

Then the priest proceeds to the solemn prayers and exorcisms, used of old by the Catholic Church in the administration of baptism, to cast out the devil from the soul, under whose power we are born by original sin. ” I exorcise thee,” says he, ” O unclean spirit, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, that thou mayest go out, and depart from this servant of God, (name of the afflicted) ; for He commands thee, O thou cursed and condemned wretch, who with His feet walked upon the sea, and stretched forth His right hand to Peter that was sinking. Therefore, O accursed devil, remember thy sentence, and give honor to the living and true God. Give honor to Jesus Christ His Son, and to the Holy Ghost, and depart from this servant of God.”

Those kinds of prayers and rituals were developed over many centuries, and refined to work as quickly and effectively as possible.

A well-researched book with a wider range of spiritual protections.

Other religions and spiritual traditions may use different approaches.

However, most demonologists explain that exorcisms rarely work on the first try. The person may seem to be free of the demons, but relapse later. It’s not unusual to require ten or more rituals of exorcism, and each one of them can be excruciating and exhausting for everyone involved.

In addition, treating a non-demonic situation as if demons are involved can be dangerous. It can trigger mental, emotional, physical and spiritual issues that weren’t a problem before the attempted exorcism.

For this reason, physical and mental illnesses must be ruled out before an exorcism begins. No one, including the afflicted person, should have to go through an exorcism if other treatment — medical or pastoral — is more appropriate.

Experience matters

Even it appears that a demonic entity is the cause of the problem, the solution isn’t always simple.

In the hands of someone inexperienced, exorcisms can go horribly wrong. The methods and rituals that can drive away malicious spirits that were once human, and cause lesser demons to cower, can make things worse if a more powerful presence is involved.

Currently, the biggest liability is the example set by TV show and movies.

Even when they’re presented as “reality” shows — a loophole that allows networks to pay far less than an actor would earn in a regular TV show — what you’re seeing may not be reality… or anything even vaguely like it.

Waving a cross and walking briskly through a “possessed” house is not a Rite of Exorcism.

In addition, deciding that something is definitely demonic after just one visit… that’s not what really goes on in this field, either.

One of our biggest concerns is the number of people who see something on TV and think that’s what real paranormal researchers do.

They either emulate what they’ve seen acted-out on TV, or — if they’re clients — they expect the team (or expert) to do what was shown on TV.

Both are unhealthy approaches, and they can even be dangerous.

For that reason, we recommend contacting an experienced demonologist if someone is dealing with a potentially dangerous possession.

Remember that a demonologist is someone with expertise in the field of demons. A demonologist may also be an exorcist, but many demonologists work with exorcists and do not initiate the rituals themselves.

Exorcists must know how to identify an actual possession — since most cases appear to only mimic possession — and which rituals and practices to use at each level of actual possession.

—

Illustration modified from a photo by Ricardo Ortiz

Ghosts – Why Do Banishing Routines Work?

Earlier this week, a writer asked me why people use banishing techniques (sea salt, sage smudges, etc.) to get rid of ghosts.

Here’s part of reply to her:

Of course, people don’t actually “get rid of” ghosts.

The ghosts (or things that seem like a haunting) just stop bothering them so much.

In other words, I don’t think anyone kills or banishes a ghost… not completely. (I don’t believe that a spirit can be completely destroyed or eliminated. I think the energy continues in some form. Views vary among religions.)

Tools such as sea salt, smudging, rice, turned shoes, etc…? I have no idea why these techniques work. Maybe we’ll figure it out once we better understand quantum mechanics.

For me, this subject is lumped into the same category as why “correspondences” seem to work.

In other words, I think something taps into quantum laws that transcend reality (and worlds) as we perceive them from our side.

My other theory regarding sea salt, smudging and — weirdly, using a loud vacuum cleaner — relates to filling the environment with a sensory experience that the spirit doesn’t like. Or, perhaps the sensory elements push the undesirable energy out…?

It’s just a guess, and far from anything scientific.

Those methods have been documented (some, for centuries) as effective, and I’ve seen some of them work in real life.

Use shoes to repel ghosts — Set your empty shoes, heel to toe.

Turning my shoes in opposite directions worked at The Myrtles Plantation. To me, that’s even weirder than its ghosts.

A lot of these getting-rid-of-ghosts practices are rooted in mythology. Perhaps these tried-and-true methods have been around long enough to appear in really ancient tales.

Note: They seem to work with ghosts, full stop.

As far as I know, salt and sage smudges won’t help with UFOs/abductions. Also, I’ve found no record suggesting that these methods banish good energy from spiritual sites or churches.

Logic..? I won’t pretend that any exists. Proof…? Ditto.

All I know is that these things keep getting rave reviews from people who try them.

Salt photo credit: bruno sersocima, Brazil

Psychics and Mediums – What’s the Difference?

Moon and Eta Aquarids — Image courtesy of Gabriella Fabbri, www.i-pix.it

In ghost hunting, many people use the words “psychic” and “medium” to mean the same thing.

The words are alike in popular use. However, they mean two very different things.

Psychics

The word “psychic” comes from the Greek word meaning of the soul, or of life. (Paul uses it in the Bible, I Cor ii,14.)

“Psychic” can relate to the spirit or the mind, depending upon the context.

When someone is a psychic, he or she can perceive — and sometimes influence — things that are outside traditional physical laws and perceptions. For example, some psychics can bend spoons or make objects move without personal physical contact.

Moving objects at a distance can be called telekinesis or psychokinesis (PK). Tests for this usually include attempts to influence the roll of dice.

That can be amusing, but this proven ability has far wider implications.

For example, it may explain some poltergeist phenomena. There’s a pattern to many poltergeist incidents. They almost always happen in proximity to someone who is experiencing roller coaster emotions. Most often, this is a female adolescent, but there are exceptions.

Could someone unconsciously and remotely cause poltergeist activity? I believe that’s happening in some — but not all — cases.

During a ghost investigation, a psychic may be able to:

Tell you what others (including ghosts) are thinking.
Describe areas of residual energy.
Detect high EMF levels without a meter, and so on.

Psychic abilities can be tested and measured in many ways. Early in the movie, Ghostbusters, Bill Murray’s character holds up cards, one by one. Each card has a specific symbol on it. The test subject — who cannot see the face of the card — guesses the image on the card.

Some psychics’ correct guesses exceeds the odds of random chance.

A wider range of psychic abilities is shown in the Cyndi Lauper movie,Vibes. Her character communicates with a spirit guide. The guide transmits messages to her, sometimes from people on the other side. Other messages pertaining to locations, the character’s personal safety… and which horse will win the race.

Mediums

The word “medium” indicates something that’s in the middle. In terms of size, a medium is between a small and a large.

In ghost research, a medium is able to communicate between our world and the other side.

One early 21^st century medium is John Edward of TV shows such as “Crossing Over” and “Cross Country.” He’s shared messages between people who’ve crossed over, and those who remain in this world.

Does he also receive communications from ghosts? Is there a difference? I don’t know. Some mediums have strong connections to one category of spirits but don’t communicate with other entities.

Technically speaking, most mediums are also psychics. They perceive things outside our usual physical laws.

However, not all psychics are mediums.

Some psychics can bend spoons or identify the owner of a key simply by touching it. The same psychic may not perceive anything ghostly at haunted locations.

Gifts, abilities and skills

Different people perceive psychic abilities in different ways.

Some people believe that these are spiritual gifts, as mentioned in the Bible and other Scriptural references.

Others are convinced that these are inherent abilities that some people have. Or, perhaps everyone has them but some don’t realize it yet.

Most agree that psychic sensitivity can improve with practice, so it can be described as a skill.

For some people, psychic gifts are part of their spirituality and/or religious beliefs.

In other words, these terms — psychic and medium — can mean different things to different people. They may disagree based on their individual backgrounds and beliefs.

In ghost hunting groups, remain flexible about words like “medium” and “psychic.” It’s fine to explain the difference to someone who’s genuinely confused.

However, treat the subject lightly. Instead, focus on our common interests.

Helping Spirits – My Advice

In the past, I’ve talked about time limits for helping ghosts during routine investigations.

Of course, someone has to help spirits if they’re ready to be helped.

I don’t mean to discourage anyone from helping… if they can.

Here’s the problem: Many ghosts seem to be lingering for reasons that aren’t especially healthy. They want to turn back the clock and relive their lives. They want sympathy, or at least attention for their own poor decisions.

Giving them attention only compounds the problem. I don’t think it helps them.

I’ve related this to working with a toddler. If all the child wants is attention, you have to be smart about it. You’ll reward good behavior and gently guide the child towards healthier choices.

However, the first step is to understand what’s going on with the spirit. Rapport must be established, but — unless you’ve trained to safely interact with spirits — it may be safer to set time limits. That’s especially true if the rest of your team is there to investigate and collect data.

Time limits as protection

In my opinion, it’s good to set the time limit ahead of time. Then, everyone knows what to expect and when to say, “That’s enough.”

Later, the psychic/medium may not be the best person to draw the line. He or she may need to be reminded that you’d already said you’d stop after 10 or 20 minutes, or whatever the time limit was.

Remember, entities aren’t always what they seem. A malicious entity can put you at risk if — in pursuit of rapport — you drop your guard and allow that entity access to your thoughts.

I don’t want to sound overly dramatic, but this must be said: What may seem like rapport to you, may actually be an attempt to gain control over your mind, your body, or your soul.

That’s why psychics/mediums should never be left alone, and may need assistance from the team.

You’re probably not the first person to try to help the spirit. Some sites — such as Edinburgh’s vaults or the Myrtles Plantation — have been visited by tens of thousands of people. Some of them tried to help the ghosts.

If the spirits could be helped at those kinds of sites, surely someone else would have succeeded by now.

Everyone wants to feel unique and gifted. You might like to say, “I succeeded where thousands couldn’t.”

That’s bordering on pride, and it’s one of those “deadly sins” that can lure you into dangerous territory, spiritually and psychically.

Could you be the one to help that spirit? Maybe. I suppose it’s worth a try.

Keep your guard up, especially at sites with a reputation for being dangerous.

If you can’t, be sure your team knows when to come to your rescue, and acts quickly.

From the start, know your talents and set clear goals

I’m not sure that anyone can help a spirit that’s determined to remain at a site. That’s something ghost hunters have debated for over a century.

We can agree that every paranormal investigator has unique talents.

Identify yours. Put them to good use for the benefit of this field, and set clear goals in those areas.

If your goal is to help spirits find comfort and cross over, focus on that. Don’t dilute your efforts by trying to be the EVP expert, and the EMF genius, and the person who pre-screens sites and… Well, you get the idea.

Remember that being good at something doesn’t mean it’s your calling.

I’m a good psychic. So are a lot of people. (I’m also a fast typist and I bake amazing chocolate chip cookies.)

However, what I do uniquely is: I find unreported and under-reported haunted sites, and I explore innovative research techniques.

Those are my most unusual gifts. That’s where my attention is, now.

Know where you shine, and focus on that. If you’re called to help ghosts, one-on-one, that’s wonderful.

However, if it’s not, don’t feel guilty. Each of us has something to contribute to this field. Discover what it is, and share it with the paranormal community.