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Are you afraid of demons?
I am. That’s why, when I’m ghost hunting, I watch for warning signs.
You should, too.
Thankfully, demons are a rare danger at haunted sites.
Read this article to learn what demons are and where you can ghost hunt with the most safety.
What is a demon?
The Oxford Dictionary says the word “demon” comes from the Greek term for evil spirit. Since 1706, that’s what it’s meant in English, too: Evil spirit.
Any malicious entity or spirit could be called a demon. That could be an alien or a faerie or something we can’t yet define. My dictionary also says those spirits could be the souls of deceased persons.
In recent and popular use, the word “demon” has been used in a religious context, particularly the Christian beliefs indicating the (singular) Devil or Satan, or — more rarely — one of the evil entities under his command.
A ghost is not a demon.
No matter what your theology, ghosts and demons are two different things.
So, are you worried about ghosts and spirits? Or, are you anxious about a dangerous entity described in the New Testament?
If you’re afraid of unhappy, angry and aggressive ghosts — that is, spirits of the deceased — don’t get involved in paranormal research.
Many ghosts seem unhappy. Some of them vent their anger in aggressive ways.
There’s no way to be involved in ghost hunting without encountering some threatening spirits of the dead.
Sooner or later — usually sooner — you’ll see (or hear, or feel) something that makes you uneasy.
Ghost hunting in cemeteries can be safe-ish.
If you want to learn ghost hunting in a setting that’s relatively free of any dangers from demons, start with “hallowed ground.”
That is, develop your skills in haunted cemeteries, preferably church-related cemeteries.
In most cases, they’ve been blessed to keep Satan (or the Devil) out.
But, this is important: Cemeteries (and churches) can become unhallowed and unsanctified.
In other words, don’t drop your guard.
That church or burial yard may not be as spiritually protected as you think.
Learn more about demons
If you want to understand more about demons, a Long Island Paranormal Investigators’ article, Demonology 101, covers the topic in depth.
I also recommend a 2007 Coast-to-Coast AM interview with John Zaffis and the late Father Andrew Calder, Demonic Forces & the Paranormal.
Over many years, both John and Father Andrew have taught me a lot about the dangers of ghost hunting. On the topic of demons, their advice was always 100% reliable.
But even at a current and well-maintained cemetery, you aren’t entirely safe. For example, I’ve mentioned severe demon-like problems when ghost hunting at Vale End Cemetery in Wilton, NH.
Those were extremely rare experiences.
What we encountered wasn’t a ghost. I’m not certain it was a demon, either.
Either way, it was unique among hundreds (perhaps thousands) of sites I’ve investigated.
Other dangers of ghost hunting
Ghost hunting can be a risky or even dangerous hobby.
Often, you have more to fear from the living than from the dead (or other entities), whether you’re ghost hunting in a cemetery or any other “haunted” location.
If you focus on relatively benign haunted cemeteries, especially if they’re in hallowed grounds, you’re as safe as possible from demons (no matter how you define them).
That doesn’t mean you’re 100% safe. No one can guarantee that, no matter where you are or who you’re with.
If you’re frightened by any aspect of ghost hunting or paranormal research, don’t get involved in this field.
Sooner or later — often when you least expect it — you’re going to encounter something truly terrifying.
- It might be a ghost.
- It might be something malicious.
- It might just be some guy you trusted, but he’s a sexual predator.
Are you fascinated by ghosts and haunted places, and willing to take risks?
Ghost investigations can be a thrilling.
But if you’re uneasy about ghost hunting, even before you’ve explored it… stop now.
Find some other hobby or interest. Ghost hunting isn’t safe, and it’s probably not for you.