This is a question asked by millions of people by now, as The Ghost Adventures crew and Zak Bagans have soared to popularity. Since their first independent documentary in which Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin set out on a quest to prove the existence of ghosts, the three friends have been talked and chattered about globally. This chatter was taking place within the paranormal community and by people who had never even had an interest in ghosts..Until they saw Ghost Adventures.
It wasn't long until the Ghost Hunting team had their own show, which first aired on October 17, 2008. And was practically an instant hit. But the question left lingering in peoples minds was "Is Ghost Adventures Real?"
The best way to investigate this frequently asked question is to first take a look at Bagans himself, which is the producer and narrator of the show "Ghost Adventures". Zak Bagans has stated in various interviews that he was once a skeptic, who had never believed in ghosts. It wasn't until he had his own encounter with a ghost that Haunted his apartment building he lived in that he became a real believer. The details about Zak Bagan's experience that changed his life and set him on a quest to capture evidence of ghosts are few, but Bagans believes that it was the ghost of a woman who had committed suicide in his apartment building. Now years later, Bagans, Groff and Goodwin are three of the most talked about and popular people in the Paranormal world. It does help to know that Bagans was a skeptic for most of life until "the experience"
The Ghost Adventures Crew is known for it's no hold's barred approach to Ghost Hunting. Zak Bagans has used the word "emotional" to describe their methods of investigating. Bagans is often seen taunting what he believes to be evil spirits or ghosts. Unfortunately for Bagans, the spirits have taunted back. On the bright side.. It was all caught on film numerous times. But Is Ghost Adventures Real?
In an interview with CinemaSuicide.com, when asked if the Ghost Adventures footage was available for analysis by independent researchers, Zak Bagans stated " Actually that's why we feature various independent experts to analyze our footage in all our documentaries/ shows to get as close as we can to validating it for the public." So chances are that Bagans and The Ghost Adventures Crew won't be handing over their crown jewels of paranormal evidence anytime soon to the general public. However, Zak also made it clear in the very same interview that when filming his documentary, it took three years and countless hundreds of hours of filming and investigating just to get the evidence for the "Ghost Adventures" documentary.
This is something that we as viewers of paranormal television often forget. The investigations that we see took a lot longer than the 30 minute or one hour shows (including commercials) that we see. Often paranormal investigators leave haunted locations with nothing. It's trial and error, hit and miss for most Ghost Hunters. So the fact that there are many pieces of ghostly and paranormal footage obtained by The Ghost Adventures Crew does not make it fake or any less Real..It just means that they could have spent many hours in a quest to obtain it. Which they did..And still do.
Let's face it. All paranormal investigation shows are "spruced" up by Hollywood in the name of ratings and entertainment. But the footage by Ghost Adventures may very well be real. It's just presented in a more shocking and disturbing way for obvious reasons. Bagans, Groff, Goodwin and even our friends over at T.A.P.S. are all normal people who loved and were fascinated with Ghosts and the Paranormal long before we knew who they were. They were for the most part..Regular people like you and I.
So what if they allow Syfy or the Travel Channel to spruce up or creatively edit footage before airing. Do they even have a choice? Would you be okay with a few stretches of the truth as long as fans were happy and you got to do what you loved to do..And get paid well for it? Something to ponder. So Is Ghost Adventures Real? Only the ones sitting in those dark places with cameras and equipment know that. But I for one..Believe.
Do you hear bumps in the night? Does your hair stand on end when you walk into a room? Maybe you feel as if someone is watching you or perhaps you think you see someone out the corner of your eye, but when you turn to look no one is there? What you may be encountering in those unsettling moments is a ghost. So before you go running out of your house screaming, let's take a moment to talk about ghostly encounters and those that investigate this phenomena.
A ghost is believed to be the spirit or soul of a person who has remained on Earth after death. When a ghost has taken up residence in a location, it is referred to as a haunting. There are two different ways in which a ghost inhabits a location. The most common type of haunting is a residual haunting. A residual haunting is typified by ghostly energy that is static or goes through a number of movements over and over again. It can be likened to watching a movie clip that repeats itself or a record album that has a skip in it, causing the needle to jump back to an earlier point on the album and begin again.
The second classification of haunting is the classic haunting. In a classic haunting the ghost displays intelligence and interacts with the people in the environment. It is not uncommon during a classic haunting for items to be moved around, for lights or electrical appliances to turn on and off, to hear voices our sounds out of nowhere or to be touched, tickled, stroked or even shoved. These ghosts often reflect the personality of an individual, even after their death. With this type of haunting, the aroma of flowers, perfume, cigarette smoke or other scents that are associated with the individual are often detected.
So whether you think you are being haunted by a ghost and want to have a group of trained professionals to come to your home or are interested in investigating all that goes bump in the night, but don't know where to begin, here's some information that can help you get started.
It is held that ghosts are electro-magnetic in origin and they create these fields when trying to manifest into this dimension. The energy that is given off by a ghost causes disruptions in the locations magnetic field, thus making it detectable by specialized equipment and psychics alike.
Because the presence of a ghost can be detected by specific types of equipment, a ghost hunter can become well equipped with a number of affordable pieces of equipment, many of which you may already own. From basic to advanced, there are many different types of equipment you can use to detect an otherworldly presence. For someone thinking about participating in an investigation, this doesn't mean you have to own every piece of equipment in order to perform a reliable investigation. It does mean that you should at least possess a basic set of tools to use.
Basic Equipment
35mm or Digital Camera - For a beginner, having a camera is probably the easiest and least expensive way to begin. Pictures, whether digital or recorded on film can capture paranormal activity, activity that is often invisible to the naked eye. This is especially true in the case of documenting the presence of orbs and ectoplasm.
Notebook & Pen or Pencil - Simple as this may be, it is always a good idea to have something to record any notes, findings or experiences you may have during an investigation.
Flashlight - Many times an investigation will take you to a dark or foreboding location such as a cemetery, old warehouse, abandoned building or other place that is dark or without electricity. In these instances you will need to have a portable light source.
Extra Batteries - Depending on the paranormal activity of a location, batteries oftentimes will mysteriously and unexpectedly lose their charge leaving you in the dark. Regardless of the type of equipment you use, make sure you bring extra batteries along to replenish depleted ones.
Intermediate Equipment
EMF Detector - The Electromagnetic Field Detector is probably one of the most important pieces of equipment to own if you are serious about doing an investigation. In addition to detecting the energy fields of ghosts, it is a key tool to use when taking baseline readings of a site. A baseline reading is a preliminary evaluation of a location, where investigators identify any existing or man made electromagnetic fields such as those created by power lines or electrical appliances.
Digital Video Camera - Video cameras can be a useful investigation tool. Unlike still cameras, a video camera will document any activity in its entirety including the length of time the phenomena occurs, the surrounding conditions, as well as the phenomena itself. A tripod to rest the video camera on is also helpful, especially if it is going to be left in a stationary position to record the activity in a specific location.
Tape Recorder with an External Microphone - There is no better way to capture EVP's (electronic voice phenomena) than through the use of a tape recorder. Whether using a traditional tape recorder with high quality tapes or a digital recorder, an external microphone should always be used. A detached mic will eliminate the sounds of internal gears and turning wheels that can contaminate your recording.
Advanced Equipment
Motion Detectors - Motion detectors can be used to sense the movement of unseen forces. Many need to be plugged in to an outlet, but battery operated ones are also available. Before you go out and buy one, decide which type will best support you investigatory needs.
Thermal Scanner - A thermal scanner or non-contact thermometer can be used to detect rapid temperature changes. A change of ten degrees or more from the ambient temperature (the temperature of the surrounding area) can indicate an ethereal presence.
Psychics - As An Investigative Tool
In addition to tools such as cameras, meters and gauges that are used by ghost hunters, many groups also utilize the services of trained psychics as a means of gathering information about a site. This is the role I play when working with ghost hunting groups.
Finding a true psychic to work with can be a real asset to the quality of your investigation. They can play an invaluable role in supporting the efforts of any paranormal investigation. Like a good piece of equipment, a psychic can help to detect anomalies as well as provide additional insights into the nature of activity encountered.
If your group decides to include the use of a psychic as part of the investigation team, there are a few items that should be considered. To maximize the objectivity of the investigation, it is critical that the psychic go into a location "cold". This means that they do not know the details of the location or of any activity that may have been encountered by other members or the property owner. Telling the psychic the history of a property can cause the individual to become "contaminated", which can make it difficult for them to differentiate what they perceive from what they have been told.
Conducting An Investigation
With at least a basic kit of equipment in hand, you are now ready to explore the world of paranormal phenomena. Before you begin, there are a few ground rules to consider. First, never go on an investigation alone, in addition to personal safety, you never know what may happen. Next, consider the fact that ghost hunting groups are often judged by their behavior and professionalism - so always try to be respectful of the people, places and situations you may encounter.
To do an investigation, the first step is to select a location. Locations can include cemeteries, old buildings, historic sites, private homes and businesses. Always get permission to be on a site. This will keep you from getting in trouble for trespassing. Before you begin a formal investigation it is a good idea to do some research on the site. Talk to the owner, check out old newspapers, or contact the local historic society to see if anything happened there in the past. It is also a good idea to evaluate the terrain for potential hazards or/or to identify places where you can setup stationary video cameras, motion detectors or tape recorders.
Most investigations occur after dark, between the hours of 9pm and 6am. These hours are considered the "psychic hours" and are believed to be the best time to record paranormal activity.
When you get to the selected location, walk around to get a feel for it. Next, set up any stationary equipment and take baseline readings of the site. Then let the investigation begin. Take pictures, shoot video, record for EVP and take meter readings. Take them everywhere and anywhere, especially if you feel something or get a reading on another piece of equipment. When you are done walking around a site, turn your stationary equipment on and let it run while you and your group are out of the area.
When you have finished collecting your data, it is time for analysis. Here each picture, video and tape is reviewed for evidence of a haunting. This is probably the most important part of any investigation. As you review your materials, be skeptical. Look for earthly causes of any phenomena. Was someone smoking in the area? Was the room or location dusty? Where there reflective surfaces that could be the cause of the anomaly in your image? It is important to make sure your evidence will stand up to scrutiny by eliminating any other explanations. This will give your data more credibility.
As you pore over your data, what you will find is that not every location you go to will have ghostly activity. You may discover that many of the things you initially detected during your investigation actually have real world explanations as opposed to supernatural ones. What keeps many ghost hunters going is that one-in-five chance that this investigation will be the "real" thing.
When your analysis is done, presenting your finding to the home or property owner or sharing your results with others is often done. Many groups also post the results of their investigations on their group's website, thus share the outcome of their investigation with the rest of the world.
If you are interested in ghost hunting or think your have a ghost hanging around in your local, there is a plethora of information available on the worldwide web. Here you can find articles about ghost hunting in general, stories of other people's ghostly encounters, places that sell ghost hunting equipment and even sites hosted by ghost hunting groups in your geographic area.
So if you think you are hearing bumps in the night, don't be afraid - it just might be a ghost!
(c) Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer (www.soulhealer.com) 2006. All rights reserved.
By: Dr. Rita LouiseArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comDr. Rita Louise, Ph D is a Naturopathic Physician and the founder of the Institute Of Applied Energetics. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive that enlivens her work. Let Dr. Rita assist you bringing health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Visit www.soulhealer.com or www.appliedenergeticsinstitute.com for more information.
The following is a list of ghost hunting definitions and tools you should use on a ghost hunt. It is important that you familiarize yourself with these terms as they are used quite frequently during a paranormal investigation. And as for the tools you don't need to rush out and buy this gear. A basic camera, video camera is the minimum otherwise there is no point in going on a ghost hunt if you can't show others what you may have captured
Amulets - Amulet Jewelry
Some ghost hunters wear jewelry called amulets because they believe the amulet jewelry provides protection; because it is enchanted and charmed with powerful spells - which some believe make it an effective weapon against harmful spirits - ghosts. An example of a common amulet might be a crucifix - a cross. I believe jewelry is only powerful to the mind that believes in it. An amulet is the same as a charm or talisman jewelry.
Anomaly
Something found on a picture, photograph, video or voice recording that has no explainable source.
Apparition
These are the holy grail of ghost hunting. A spirit that is in human form and usually visible to the naked eye; or may appear in a photo undetected originally by the naked eye. Often this anomaly is dressed in period clothing. Very hard to capture on film but many have reported seeing this type of ghost. This is the "Hollywood Type" ghost featured in many movies.
Cameras
Cameras are an invaluable tool and a must for investigating a haunting. They provide visual documentation of the investigation and the phenomena occurring. Since, cameras are neither for or against the paranormal, they allow what we do not see with our closed minds to be photographed. Digital cameras provide more results and are best for ghost hunting because they can show you what's in your picture right after you took the photo.
Digital photos are available to upload to your computer immediately after the ghost hunt, while the events are still fresh in your mind.
Psychic photography is simply just following what you feel or sense, and taking pictures using intention and intuition. When attempting psychic photography you should load the film into the camera on arrival of the investigation site. Many say this will show the intention you have and draw spirits to you to photograph. When taking pictures it is also wise to notify others in the area you are taking a photo, so they are prepared for the flash. Psychic photography is usually best achieved during the hours between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.; but the best time for you will be when you have the feeling something is near you or watching you - you should go with that instinct.
While photographing at the investigation site, you should try to avoid mirrors, glass, lights, poles or any other obstruction that will interfere with evaluation or determination of the photograph and it's elements; otherwise you may want to note the possibility of a false result with those photos taken. Also, make sure your camera strap is removed and fingers are not in front of the lens, as they can appear as convincing paranormal evidence. It is good to catalog your photos with the corresponding negative for archival storage. If using a digital camera, simply save the ghost photos and corresponding notes to a cd disk.
Dowsing Rods
Traditionally, a forked branch or stick that is believed to indicate subterranean water or minerals by bending downward when held over a source. Divining rod, a rod, commonly of witch hazel, with forked branches, used by those who discover water or metals under ground.
Dowsing or divining rods can also be made of metal, and bent in an "L" shape - one for each hand. In ghost hunting, when the rods cross while being held out in front of the "dowser" they indicate spirit presence at the spot the dowser is at.
What is ectoplasm? It is the name given to a form of dense energy liberated by living things which is believed to make possible the materialization of ghosts. In short, it appears in photographs like a fog or mist, and is spirit. We prefer to see orb vapor trails (such as in the above ghost picture), to determine conclusively that it is indeed ectoplasm. Vapor trail cannot be re-created through fog, breath or smoke. Many ectoplasm pictures are created by mistake, when the ghost hunter has not been careful. Moisture, fog, cigarette smoke and human breath in cold weather can produce some believable ectoplasm ghost pictures. Be sure to hold your breath before taking ghost pictures, and do not smoke during your investigations for positive results.
EMF Meters
The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF meter, is the ghost hunters tracking device. Using this instrument, it is possible to locate and track energy sources. Before using the EMF meter as a ghost hunting tool on an investigation, be sure to walk around the area taking readings around energy sources such as light poles and electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you will receive while scanning the area during the investigation. Some EMF meters come with a manual describing common household appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading. When using this device be sure not to leave it on for the full length of the ghost investigation, as this will prevent the instrument from burning out.
When a positive EMF meter reading occurs, take as many photos as possible. Be sure and point the camera in the same direction as you are pointing the EMF meter. This is also a good time to take a temperature reading. Be sure to always report the times of positive EMF readings, temperature drops, and the times and numbers of each photo. This provides collaborating evidence of the paranormal occurrence. At the end of your ghost hunt, you may find that positive EMF and temperature readings occurred at the exact time you took the photograph which shows an anomaly.
Energy Lights
These show up on photos as colored lights during some manifestations of hauntings. They usually are not visible to the naked eye and can appear in different colors such as red, orange or green.
EVP
Electronic Voice Phenomenon is the recording of audio tapes at a suspected haunted site; and although no voices were heard at the time of the recording, unexplained voices may be discovered during playback of the audio tape. Both digital recorder and traditional tape recorders may be used with an external microphone.
Kinetic Energy
Description for the movement of objects by a ghost. A physical manifestation of an unseen force which may move, throw or even destroy objects. These ghosts are known as "Poltergeists" (German for "noisy ghost").
Orbs
Not all orb ghost pictures are ghosts. In fact, most orbs are caused by moisture, dust, flash reflection, solar flare, and insect. Many have videotaped orbs flying around rooms - some are dust with light reflecting off of it; others are balls of energy that many ghost hunters are not sure just what they represent. We do not claim to have the answers, but we seek to present the evidence we receive and allow our viewers to research and decide on their own.
It is hard to determine exactly the source of an orb for sure. But one test is pretty cool. Take a picture while stirring up some dust and watch how many "orbs" appear in the picture. This is a good test to learn about orbs caused by dust.
Motion Sensors and Detectors
Motion sensors and detectors are another investigation tool that many ghost hunters use. Simply put, motion sensors or motion detectors are used to let the ghost investigator know if something is moving in another room, while the investigator is elsewhere. Motion sensors work well when left in a room during the time when no investigator is present. Motion sensors have alarms that sound when movement is detected in the room in which they are placed. Typically, they will sound in rooms where no previous activity had been reported; and upon further investigation, one may find much evidence of paranormal activity in the room where the motion detector or sensor sounded its alarm. The motion sensors used by ghost hunters project an infrared beam. When the beam is disrupted by movement of any kind (natural or spirit!), an alarm will sound that the investigator can hear while in another room: a clue that spirits may be present in that area where the motion detector resides. Usually motion sensors have an alarm mode and chime mode. The chime mode will only announce the visitor or movement, but will not blare as a siren for a long time. Most ghost hunters prefer the chime mode setting on their motion detector, as it is less offensive and won't scare the dickens out of you!
Plasma/Plasmoid
Moving orbs caught during the time of camera exposure. Orbs have also been filmed moving, on video. In photos, they appear as streaking light or as an orb with a tail showing the path of motion. These are also known as "supercharged orbs" in motion.
Poltergeist Hauntings
Poltergeists or poltergeist hauntings may be the most misunderstood type of haunting, as some believe that poltergeist hauntings are not even a haunting at all. The German word, "poltergeist," means "noisy ghost." The best defining mark of a poltergeist is if there is any manipulation of the physical environment such as the movement of objects, physical attack, spontaneous combustions, etc, then this is a poltergeist-type of haunting.
A common thread between different poltergeist hauntings has strongly indicated that they are caused by psychokinesis (the ability to move things by power of the mind alone). The question becomes whether the psychokinesis is from the people who live within (or visit) the place where the activity takes place, or if it is actually occurring from an unseen troubled spirit, called a ghost. The reason for this is because typically poltergeist hauntings center around an adolescent girl (although young males and even adults have exhibited the same phenomena) in the household. Typically, this central person is usually emotionally disturbed in some fashion, and is somehow the root cause of objects moving, knocking sounds (and other noises), the turning on and off of lights and electrical appliances, etc. What is interesting is that the person whom the activity centers around, is unaware that they are the one who is bringing about the disturbance. But in true poltergeist hauntings, none of the activity will continue after the person is removed from the environment, as they are not there to create it or influence an unseen entity. However, it has been reported that activity can return later if the "right" person visits or lives in a notably poltergeist-haunted place. This would lend one to believe that it requires a combined psychic energy to manifest such terrible hauntings.
Author Brad Steiger contends that the central figure in a poltergeist haunting actually brings additional energy which the troubled ghost then uses to manifest with physical attacks or manipulation. This can be especially true if one is somewhat psychic and/or full of fear. The ghostly entity seems to feed off of low energies such as fear. This is when more harmful attacks can occur. Sometimes the effects of a poltergeist are more playful than harmful, but have been known to be downright nasty. Reports of scratches, bites, harmful objects being put in one's way (such as glass shards on a pillow or tacks under a bed sheet) have been noted, as well as ghost possession. Perhaps Brad Steiger's best phrase is, "Ghosts haunt houses; poltergeists haunt people." Perhaps many times, the troubled spirit wants only to communicate a message to those who still are in bodies.
Residual Haunting
When a spirit is seen doing the same thing over and over, many believe this to be simply an energy imprint or residual haunting. In other words, a strong, traumatic event that occurred in some other time, repeating itself over and over. Usually these spirits do not interact with those who see them. My opinion, is that this could simply be a state of mind I call "hell;" being trapped by one's own mind in darkness or lack of understanding. Sort of reliving of an event perhaps through fear, guilt or condemnation until that spirit finds truth and freedom.
Think of a residual haunting as a movie being re-run on TV day after day. It is believed by ghost hunters that some events, due to perhaps strong emotional energy attached to it, imprint themselves somehow on the environment where the event took place. Sort of "trapped in time," the event is recorded in the atmosphere of a place. If one were to see a ghost doing the same activity over and over, and with no response to the present environment, it is most likely a residual haunting. Residual hauntings are past events playing in the present, but with no interaction with today. It is a common ghost hunters theory that most residual hauntings occur in places built over top of limestone, quartz stone and/or water. These seem to act as a transmitter, perhaps creating the perfect environment to allow the residual haunting energy to manifest.
How can residual hauntings occur? Energy is spirit and spirit is life. All of us are spirit, with or without the physical body, and we live and exist within spirit. Spirit is the life-force of all, whether plant, animal or human being, and is everywhere. Everything that is, exists within spirit. Spirit or energy is everywhere. Thus, is it possible for an event or person to imprint its energy upon a place? Most ghost hunters believe so...
Dark Shadows/Shadow People
Dark shadows in ghost pictures usually appear as a black smudge or fog over an image. Some certainly could be caused by a finger or something else over the camera lens, but many are not. There have been many interesting observations of shadow ghosts (dark shadows or shadow people). They are usually seen out of the corner of one's eye, hence this is why some call them shadow people - they often observe others. Also, dark shadows have actually been recorded playing with one another. This has led some ghost investigators to believe they can be children, as well as adults. Some have seen shadow ghosts 6 feet tall with broad shoulders, for example. Shadow ghosts can see and react with people. We have theorized that perhaps their darkness may be just an indicator of their lack of progression into the light and unto their life review...call it "in darkness," or "lack of understanding of truth" - unaware of where they are, having unfinished business, or afraid to move on.
Thermometer / Thermal Scanner
Thermometers are an instrument that are also very useful. There are two types used regularly: digital thermometers and infrared non-contact thermometers. When used on an investigation this will aid as a detection system for spirit presence. Rapid temperature drops of 10 degrees or more could indicate spirit activity. I recommend using the infrared non-contact thermometers because they react in less than a second to temperature drops and can scan a large area quickly.
As mentioned, good thermometer can detect changes in room temperature quickly. But some still use the old-fashioned mercury-filled, red-line, thermometers. Electronic thermometers should be used, but in high paranormal, haunting activity where electromagnetic forces have been reported they may fail right when you need them. So bring an old mercury thermometer with you as back up, and you should be o.k. during your ghost investigation.
Vortex
A long streak across a photo that may be caused by a very high-speeding "orb;" some believe vortices are a gateway between both realms (physical and spirit realms). They are usually white in color and may appear as a funnel-shape. Camera straps, human hair, a tree branch, etc., right in front of the camera lens during exposure have been notoriously mistaken for a vortex. It is important to make sure anything that may interfere with your photo is removed from within the front of the camera.
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