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Ghost Hunting in the 21st Century
The Paranormal, a 21st Century Point of View
Paranormal Investigation: History and tools.
Definition of paranormal:
‘Denoting events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding’. Or in my understandings; events or instances of phenomena described as beyond normal and beyond scientific knowledge.’
Instances of paranormal activity have been recorded or witnessed throughout time, with stories of ghosts, ghouls, demons and other such entities written into the folklore of various cultures throughout the world. Research into the paranormal and the act of ‘ghost hunting’, otherwise known as paranormal investigating, only really began during the 19th Century, (mid 1800s) by Harry Price and members of the ‘Ghost club’ like Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan-Doyle and W.B Yeates just to name a few. In recent years becoming popularised by television and internet webisodes of ghost hunting shows such as ‘Most Haunted’ and ‘Ghost Hunters’. My personal favourite a web show called ‘Buzzfeed Unsolved’ which delves into, not only the Supernatural – ghosts, demons, aliens and other such entities, but also investigating popular actual crime cases.
By Brooklyn May
Definition of Paranormal
Investigating: Paranormal investigating, most often referred to as ‘ghost hunting’ is the search for tangible evidence of the existence of supernatural beings - more often than not ghosts and other such spirits - in locations where ‘ghost sightings’ have occurred frequently. These are often places of former mass genocide, abandoned places that once housed multitudes of people - hospitals and prisons most notably, as well as ancient sites, burial grounds that have been paved over and built upon and finally, most commonly, in graveyards and cemeteries.
Notable paranormal investigators include Harry Price and Ed and Lorraine Warren, most well known for their involvement in the Amityville Horror haunting. This event led to the book and movies ‘The Amityville Horror’. Then there is John Zaffis, who has created and appeared in many documentaries based on the research of paranormal phenomenon.
Many people are critical and sceptical of the results and findings of paranormal investigations. Many people believed and still believe the Amityville horror case was nothing more than a hoax orchestrated by those involved. In contrast, many believe wholeheartedly that it was real and that there is definite forensic evidence to prove the existence of a demon.
But that’s just it; to a sceptic of the paranormal it’s hard to prove anything when there is no solid scientific evidence of the paranormal existing. The definition of paranormal even states ’beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding.’ As such, there have been many sceptics of the tangibility and factuality of the results provided by paranormal investigators. Arguments often used, are the faking of evidence, as well as the discussion of many of the tools, including electronic devices used. Thus the reactions and evidence collected by ghost hunters could be a result of radio frequencies and other, scientifically explainable reasons. Then, there are the
overdramatised and televised depictions of ‘Ghost hunts’ which can hurt the credibility of many investigations.
Tools typically used in ghost hunting:
1. Ouija boards are a rather dangerous game to play in the locations frequented by ghost hunters. Ouija boards are used in places with high paranormal activity to contact spirits and have spirits relay a message or answer questions for those using the tool. It is considered highly dangerous by many, as there is no clear certainty of whom or what you are contacting. 2. Infrared thermometer is used to detect a change in the heat signatures of a room, area or space. It is how many investigators try to identify hot or cold spots, which are often assumed to be spirits and their presence. 3. EMF (Electromagnetic Field Meter) is used to detect any changes or fluctuations in the surrounding electromagnetic fields, trying to find possibly unexplainable ones that give evidence of the presence of another being. 4. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) devices. One is a spirit box that flicks between various radio frequencies per second and used to help spirits communicate through electromagnetic frequencies. Success is not always guaranteed as some voices that come through, could be someone talking from a radio station and could easily be misinterpreted. Any sort of recording device can be used to collect EVP. 5. Holy water may seem somewhat odd and while not all investigators carry this with them, many do confide in priests before investigations and carry holy water when investigating areas rumoured to house demons.
As someone who feels they have had many a paranormal experience in their own home, I feel I can say that, while there is a lot of glitz and glamour and over dramatization to the whole televised ghost hunting phenomenon, there is definitely a charm and definite intrigue to the findings of some of these investigations. Supernal Magazine
Ghost Tours &
Adventures By Anthony Kilner
As a part of our paranormal edition, I thought it’d be fun to pen some of my thoughts on the topic of ‘Ghost’ Tours as, for over 20 years, it’s been my honour to experience and work with hauntings and spiritual phenomena.
No matter where I roam around the globe, I have encountered spirit. At times, it has made my hair stand on end and other times, made me almost physically sick.
Working as a psychic medium and ghost investigator, with Gary Sullivan (Forever Haunted) and Australian Ghost Adventures (now defunct) has opened the doors to the paranormal in a big way and allows me now to share my take on it all.
I have been intrigued by spirit since aged seven, when my sister and her friends held a séance. We gathered around the dining room table with candles lit, windows darkened and doors closed. My sister began, asking spirit to come forth. She also wanted Jesus to appear.
Candles flickering, funny odours pervading the room, (maybe someone pooped their pants?); ‘eerie faces’ appeared in the darkness. All I remember after that is girls screaming, doors and curtains flung open and kids in tears. Strangely, I found myself unafraid, as
Photo Credit: Anthony Kilner, Mystical Guides,
I watched what I now know to be a spirit person floating in the corner of the room.
Enough said, here are my tips on ghost tours.
Tour Experiences
There are various types of ghost tours; most are walking with spooky stories to enthral the audience, building up fear-based energy. Others allow patrons to spend time trying to connect with ghouls, and spirits of the dead – a vigil. Others have sleep-overs and entertaining fright nights.
I prefer operators that run multiple groups at once, covering the tools of ghost hunting, the history and offering a mediumistic, spiritual experience. This means each group experiences all levels of a hands-on ghost investigation.
Before you sign up for any tour, work out what you would like to experience and find a company that offers it.
Location
If you’re travelling, do some research and incorporate a tour or two along the way. We did a couple in Edinburgh, UK and, while one section was genuinely haunted, the tours themselves were informative, fun and packed full of awesome history!
Operators
There are certainly some interesting characters involved in the haunted tour business. It’s unregulated and, like all businesses, you’ll find good and bad. My advice is scrutinising any potential company.
I’ve heard about operators that promise ‘the hounds from hell’, but use smoke and mirrors instead!
Spirit
One thing I’ve personally noticed is how many Mediums, Demon Hunters, Spirit Busters and Ouija board experts there are! They will regale you with stories and experiences to frighten the pants off the gullible and, personally I find that interesting in people claiming to be ghost busting mediums - mediumship is all about healing!
Spirit, or ghostly apparitions, are often misunderstood and, as portrayed in the series Ghost Whisperer, where a ‘ghost’ appears to be disgruntled, due to an understanding medium, he or she, eventually moves forward into the light, leaving the crowd standing around with sighs of' “ooh - ahh!”
I’ve always thought it funny, when participating in a ghost tour, that on more than one occasion I’d be involved in assisting, shall we say ‘a stuck spirit’ to move on. By allowing my energy to be utilised by workers from the spirit world, lost or confused souls are able to shift their energy; no waving of hands and woo-woo on my behalf, just willingness and good intention. This ultimately leaves that location a little less haunted! Please note: sometimes tours insist you agree to not ‘assist’ any ‘stuck’ souls into the light!
Ghost Hunting Tools
Many companies use EMF meters, temperature gauges and other cool stuff. My suggestion is that if you have your own ghostbusting gear, ask if you can bring it along; there’s nothing like a ghost adventure to learn how it works!
I also suggest people take a low wattage torch along, as too much white light tends to send spirits packing. A great experience I had at the
Old Geelong Goal was when one guy turned on his torch and it lit from one wing to the other! He was carrying a battery in a backpack. OMG, I laughed, it was like a real-life Ghost Busters Movie. I have no idea what he thought was going to gobble him up, but he was definitely (emphasises the humour) going to see it coming!
Photography
Photography is another area that has set the paranormal world apart. Are ‘orbs’ real or are they just dust particles floating through the air reflecting flash light back at the camera? As a professional photographer, I understand the technical components to assessing photos. I’ve taken lots of shots and seen many photos that show something I can’t explain. However, with so many apps and ways to modify a photo these days, I am always sceptical. Ask your tour operator if you can take your camera!
A last piece of advice - don’t invite a spook home with you, cos it just might! Now listen to the spookiest laugh in the world
– Vincent Price!
Anthony Kilner
