So, you want to be a ghost hunter?

If you’re a child of the 80s, you’ve probably spent quite a bit of time marvelling at the ghost busting escapades of Venkman, Stanz, Spengler and Zeddemore and wishing that you too had a Proton Pack and a Ghost Trap! For many though, an interest in the paranormal goes beyond watching Ghostbusters movies and this is when ghost hunting turns into a real life hobby.

So, do you want to be a ghost hunter? If you’re getting ready for your first ghost investigation, here are eight top tips to make sure it’s a success.

The size of your kit depends on the size of your budget. But if you don’t have the budget of an established parapsychology investigation unit, you can still conduct a worthwhile investigation on a shoestring budget. Stretch your budget to include as many of these items as possible:

• Paper and a pen (essential!): Write down EVERYTHING that happens, noting the exact time.
• A watch – so you can note down the exact time of any events.
• A torch – you’ll usually work with the main lighting off, but you will still need a torch to navigate safely.
• A camera: choose from instant, 35mm or digital. If using a digital, beware of orb anomalies as described on my Orb Hub.
• Audio recording device: a tape recorder or Dictaphone.
• Flour – a cheap way to make sure that your setup isn’t tampered with. If you’re doing an experiment to see if an object is moved, you can sprinkle flour all around it to ensure it hasn’t been tampered with by anyone who leaves footprints.
• A compass – these can be purchased quite inexpensively and serve two purposes: firstly, to navigate the area you are investigating and, secondly, to see if there is paranormal activity that affects the magnet of the compass.

Of course there are many other items you could purchase if your budget allows – e.g. room thermometers (go for instant digital readings, rather than traditional mercury thermometers) and EMF (electro magnetic field) detectors.

It’s wise to get as much information about your chosen location BEFORE you begin your investigation.  If possible, speak to eye witnesses to find out exactly the type of activity that’s taken place and where it happened, so you can identify “hot spots”. Set up your equipment in daylight if possible and take base readings (e.g. temperature readings, EMF readings) for comparison.

Always, always, always get permission from whoever owns the land or building that you’re investigating.  Even if it’s abandoned, it’s still owned by someone, so if you go ahead and do an investigation there, you’ll be breaking the law by trespassing – it’s that simple.  You should also notify the local police that you’re conducting an investigation and let them know who will be there and when.

And I mean EVERYTHING.  If somebody sneezes, write down exactly when it happened.  If a cat meows outside, write down exactly when it happened.  That way, when it comes to reviewing your audio and/or video recordings, you can check if seemingly inexplicable noises can be explained away by perfectly explicable sneezes!  Also ask each team member to write down any feelings or impressions they have at any time, noting which room they are in.

If someone hears a strange noise or feels a presence, take a photo – or even a few photos.  You never know what you might find when you examine your evidence later on.

This is basic common sense, but you should always go in groups – at the very least, go in pairs.  Paranormal activity aside, you will often be investigating old buildings so from a basic safety point of view, it makes sense to have company in case you run into difficulty.

If you feel you are in any danger – paranormal or otherwise - quickly and calmly evacuate your team from the building.

Enjoy your investigation and remember to stay calm, whatever happens!  Fear spreads like wildfire, so if one member of your team starts to freak out it’s probably best for someone to wait outside with them while the rest of the team continue the investigation.

Happy ghost hunting!

(Hub 2 / 30 for 30 Hubs in 30 Days Challenge)