If you are interested in learning how to ghost hunt, here are a few simple suggestions to get you on your way.
First of all, wherever you go hunting, whether it be public or private property, always be respectful of the property. Make sure you carry yourself in a respectful manner. This means no goofing off, horseplay, challenging or daring the spirits (for obvious reasons). And most importantly, ask permission first, if its private property. After all, you want to be able to return if you got positive results. If you trespass, it gives all ghost hunters a bad name.
Don't use alcohol or drugs beforehand. Try not to smoke, it can cause false anomalies to show up in your photos.
You may be wondering what and where the best places for ghost hunting are.
One of the best places to start, is a local cemetery. What seems to make cemeteries such a good place, is their very nature.
Before you go, make an attempt to research the history of the cemetery. This can give you a better feel for the place, and besides, many cemeteries have some colorful history behind them.
Other excellent places to check out, are historical places. Old theaters, hospitals, especially mental hospitals, prisons, and the like, can sometimes give great results.
If you live near any historical battlefields, old crime scenes, anywhere traumatic events took place, can also give good results.
Now, when you've finally found a place you'd like to investigate, you need to make a plan beforehand, to ensure everything flows smoothly.
First of all, make sure you are very familiar with any equipment you may be using. This includes cameras, video cameras, recorders, EMF meters, compass, etc. The last thing you want to happen, is a foul up because you didn't know how to use a piece of equipment.
Take notes, notes, and more notes. When you arrive at your chosen place, always enter the time, weather conditions, and most importantly, the events of each photo. Was the photo taken randomly, was it taken because of a feeling or hunch, etc.
What you are trying to do by taking notes, is establishing some sort of connection between conditions and any positive photos you take. Of course, when you discover certain conditions produce positive photos, you can try again when conditions are similar, and increase your odds. Notes also help you remember why you took that certain photo. If the weather is bad, forget it, try again another time. Wind, snow, and rain, can cause "orbs" to show up in your photos. There's no more a disappointment, than to realize, the positive photo you took, had a natural cause.
Take a look at the current lunar phase. It's been discovered that paranormal activity increases during the full and new moons.
You might also take a peek at a solar storm monitor. During increased solar flare activity and geo-magnetic storms (caused by solar flares), activity also increases.
Never go alone, unless you are very familiar with the area you'll be investigating, especially if its at night.
Last, but not least, always let someone know where you will be going.
When you arrive at your chosen place, the first thing you need to do, (and this is REALLY important) is say some type of protection prayer. You may also want to use the "white light" form of protection. Believe me, it's much better to be safe than sorry.
If you're with a group, split up into smaller groups of 3-4. You don't want to scare away any ghosts (yes, they're as wary of you, as you are of them).
Walk around the area for at least 20 minutes. This gives any ghosts in the area time to get used to you. Try and keep a positive attitude, and send out good thoughts.
During this, or any other time you are at your location, if you start to feel anything negative, or feel that you are not wanted there, then leave ASAP. You don't want to irritate anything there, that you might be sorry for later!
After this brief time, introduce yourself, in a normal tone of voice, to any ghosts that may be close by. Tell them why you're there, and that you mean them no harm. Invite them to appear in your photos.
Next, load some film in your camera. This is a demonstration of your intentions.
Now that you're ready to take some photos, pay close attention to any feelings or hunches you may get, to take a photo in a certain direction. This may even come in the form of smells, or even hearing a voice. If you have an EMF detector or a compass, now is the time to be using it. When and if, you get a reading, take a photo in that direction.
When you and your group finish taking pictures, in a normal tone of voice, thank the ghosts for their cooperation and for allowing you there.
You might consider leaving a gift, such as a crystal, a flower, or a coin.
Say a prayer asking that all ghosts stay at the location. This is another preventive measure. You don't want anyone/anything following you home, especially something with a nasty attitude!
Last thing to do, get those photos developed as soon as you can.
