Ghost Hunting Basics
Ghost hunting basics include knowing the difference between a ghost hunt and a ghost investigation. When you're ghost hunting, you're looking for signs of ghosts and spirits in places where there haven't been sightings before. When you're doing a ghost investigation, you're visiting a known haunted location and capturing data (for later review) that might give you the evidence you need to prove or disprove a haunting exists.
During a ghost hunt or a ghost investigation, you'll be using tools like video and audio equipment to catch evidence on film, interview people, make notes, and research the location's history. A ghost investigation might go so far as to try to assist in the removal of the spirits that haunt the place. Either you can directly help the owner try to remove the ghost or you can put the owner in touch with someone who can. Helping in these cases should only be done by experienced, knowledgeable ghost hunters.
When you're hunting or investigating ghosts, you can run into more than one kind of spirit. You're most likely to encounter either a ghost that was once human but who has remained on this plane of existence for an unknown reason, or a spirit that was never human. The first kind of spirit might not even realize it has died and could be haunting a place for a number of reasons, including unresolved guilt or unfinished business. The second type of spirit is almost always dangerous and is not something you want to meet unprepared. It's not likely you'll encounter this type of non-humany entity but it never hurts to keep vigilant when you're ghost hunting.
Basic Ghost Hunting and Investigating Tips
Walk around the area in the day time. Look for any areas where you might run into problems in the dark.
Get permission before you try to hunt ghosts in any area that's not public property. Even then, you want to make sure you're not breaking any laws. If you can't get permission ahead of time, be prepared to leave immediately if you're asked to, no matter what. Never argue, because you'll just make yourself and other ghost hunters look bad.
Keep your ID with you so you can provide it if you're asked for it.
Always take someone with you when you investigate. Getting hurt and being alone after doing it isn't going to win you any awards for intelligence.
Most ghost hunters work in the dark, after 9 to 10 pm. Photos taken during this time usually capture more evidence, but don't let this stop you if you can only work during the daylight hours.
Don't forget your research. Researching the location and people who have lived and worked there can give you insight into any ghost sightings or ghostly encounters you have. You can get info from local history books, newspapers, town historians, and the internet. Don't discount folklore and local legends.
