How To Investigate The Paranormal

Hi everyone. Firstly, I'd like to reiterate that we're enthusiasts and not experts. What we know about this sort of thing, was learned from watching shows about 'ghost-hunting' (I am not a fan of that term). Also, from doing more interactive ghost tours, and watching YouTube videos on the subject.


If doing this in your spare time is something that interests you, we'd like to share some advice for your safety, both physically and spiritually.

1. Don't do it alone. This is number 1 because it's very important! Whenever you're reaching out to talk with a spirit, you might be speaking with a non-human, someone with the intent to cause harm. If you are alone, then you risk serious harm to yourself, and may not be able to get out of it. We're not trying to scare you, just let common sense keep you safe. Two or more people is recommended. That also makes this more exciting!
2. Pray for guidance. This is just as important as number 1. In the same vein as protection of not being alone, make sure your own soul is not alone, while reaching out to others. Whether you identify as Christian or another religion, make sure you pray for protection and guidance during this time. Personally, when I talk with a spirit, I ensure it's of a person who feels earthbound and I want to remind them that GOD loves them and wants them back with HIM. No matter how bad a person feels about what they've done, they can be forgiven with an open mind and heart. The other reason you want to keep talking about GOD is to ensure that demons, who are frightened of GOD's Power over them, will stay away from you when they sense your faith. Remember, even though they may fascinate you, it's not safe to reach out to them. 
3. Don't use a ouija board! In the same vein as above, the reason most 'true' paranormal investigators refuse to use these, is because they have a different kind of connection. While EMF readers and Spirit Boxes use the science of electromagnetic frequency, the ouija board uses a person's soul and personal energy to create the connection. By using one of these, you're basically giving your own soul to an unknown entity, and in many cases they turn out to have evil and harmful intentions. This has actually led to several documented possessions. 
4. Do a proper opening and closing, if you want to talk with spirits. It's tempting to just turn on the Spirit Box (either an app or the real thing, from Amazon) and start spitting random questions. However, since there are a variety of entities around you at any given time (not all nice ones), it's very important that you open with a powerful prayer, to protect yourself and to guide the earthbound spirit(s) to The Light. When you ask questions, keep them respectful in nature (never mock any spirits, even if they appear to mock you). When the conversation feels done, thank them for their time and effort responding to you, and pray for them to be able to let go of fear and go into The Light. Leaving it open makes it worse for the spirit(s) and possibly for you - we actually learned this from experience when we left our Spirit Box app running on white noise for 20 minutes in a hotel room, and suddenly a male voice said "Get out!"
5. Choose questions carefully. If it's your first time talking with the deceased (especially a loved one), it can be very exciting to hear their voice! Just make sure that the questions you ask, don't offend. For instance, try not to ask how they died (unless you already know). If they appear to be rude to you, remember that they must be feeling a lot of bad things and need to vent. Rather than get into a supernatural argument, you can politely end the conversation, or ask what they're feeling and why. Stay as calm as you can. See below for more suggestions.
6. Make sure not to disturb the living. This may sound odd, but if you're in a widely public place (perhaps a hotel lobby, during busy hours, or a restaurant still open to the public) try to tone down your investigation. We all remember the movie Ghostbusters, when they got their first case in that upscale hotel (when they caught 'Slimer') and the big scene that caused... try not to do that. We've read of professional paranormal investigators being asked to leave by police.
7. Make sure to rule out the 'normal' first. Flickering lights? Check for an electrical or bulb issue. Orbs in the picture? Rule out dust, moisture, reflections, etc. Even creaky stairs can be attributed to seasonal temperature changes. Finding evidence of the paranormal is much more exciting when you've "run out of logical or scientific explanation."
8. Bring a whole variety of investigative tools. These sorts of activities are more fun when you come very prepared. Personally, I've gotten a few EVP responses that were very cool, and we wish we had the camera recording when it happened. The tools we recommend bringing are:

• An EMF (electromagnetic field reader) which detects changes in the energy around you.
• A temperature detector, which can tell you when there are cold spots. We recommend - same as with the EMF reader - to take pictures as soon as you get a cold reading. 
• A Spirit Box (or app on your phone) - this is to capture EVPs by giving spirits the radio frequencies and white noise to speak through. This energy helps them be heard.
• A camera - can be film such as 35mm, or even a Polaroid. Cellphone and digital cameras work too; just make sure the flash is off at all times.
• A video camera/recorder. This can get moving shadow people, orbs, and EVPs.
• A set of dowsing rods. You may have seen these in shows like Ghost Adventures or other similar shows. They are magnets that are held loosely in your hands, and move in response to questions, such as "Where are you standing right now?" and "If you're okay with us being here, can you please cross these over each other?"
• Other people - at least a partner, or a group of good friends.
• If it makes you feel safe, also bring something Pure and Holy with you, such as written prayers. Have Faith.

Questions to Ask:

• "My name is [your name]. What is yours?"
• "How many people are here with us right now?"
• "How old are you?"
• "Are you a man/woman/boy/girl?"
• "How do you feel about us being here?" or "Is it okay to ask you questions?"
• "How long have you been at this location?"
• "Do you identify as a spirit or ghost?" (remember not to ask about death).
• "Do people talk about you haunting this location?"
• "Are you trying to scare people?" 
• "Do you mean any harm to anyone, or do you feel misunderstood?"
• "What message would you like to share?" 
• "Who would you like to share that message with?"
• "What are you feeling right now? Why?"
• "Are you trying to get to The Light of GOD?"
• "Is someone holding you back? Is it fear?"
• "What is holding you back? Can I pray with you?"
• [and if you're brave!] "Would you like to touch me?"

Make sure to keep any questions you ask, fairly neutral and respectful.

Praying:

I saved the best for last, and it's here so hopefully you remember it the most. 

We respect that everyone has a different religion with which they identify. However, GOD loves all HIS children and wants you all safe and sound. If you decide to embark on this, here are some prayers to bring with you and recite:

2 Corinthians 5:8-9 “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with The Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.”

1 John 5:18 “We know that everyone who has been born of God does not sin, but the One Who Is born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.”

James 4:7-8 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

I do believe that generally, all people do not become ghosts - if they have had a peaceful passing. Many Christian people will say that ghosts absolutely don't exist.

However, terribly strong emotions at time of passing, could result in someone having trouble coming to terms with it, and they might need extra help to continue on. This is a major reason you should pray for the departed, so they feel peace and love with them.