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Season of the Spontaneous Investigator
“How to Stay Safe and Still
Have Fun Ghost Hunting This Halloween Season”
By: Greg Myers of Paranormal Task
Force, Inc.
ARTWORK RICARDO PUSTANIO
As the trees shed their leaves, the nights get colder,
and All Hallows Eve approaches, many catch a “haunted
fever”. The primary symptom of such fever is
curiosity about exploring the unknown, specifically
the paranormal. Whether sneaking into an old cemetery,
exploring an urban legend, or blowing the dust of
of an old Ouija Board in the closet, it seems many
at this time of year seek a “cure” for
their curiosity. Many believe that cure comes in the
form of recklessly pursuing a euphoric experience
with the paranormal, even against the advice of others’
caution.
I cannot stop someone from seeking to quench that
curiosity, but I would like to offer advice that may
help smartly and safely satisfy that curiosity without
bringing danger to oneself or others. Common sense
is sometimes forgotten when the fever hits so here
are some basic suggestions to keep safe and out of
trouble this Halloween Season or anytime the spontaneous
urge to explore paranormal realms arises.
Basic Ghost Hunting Protocols
Here are some basic protocols to follow when seeking
to confirm ghostly tales or ghoulish experiences:
NO TRESSPASSING – Always get permission from
the owner before going on their property. This also
includes cemeteries. Just because a cemetery is old
and dilapidated with no posted signs does not mean
it is legal to be there without permission. Some may
be old family cemeteries on privately owned property
or owned by an entity such as a church, or historical
association. In some cases, the county or municipality
may have taken possession of it. Remember, if you
do not own it find out who does and ask for permission.
Preferably, ask in writing if possible. If the area
is public property, such as a park, make a call and
see when the public is allowed on the property. Trespassing
is not only a violation of the law that can get you
arrested or fined, but it can also endanger you and
others. A couple of years ago a group of teenagers
in Ohio trespassed into an old vacant farm house and
one of them was shot and killed by the property owner.
NOTIFY AUTHORITIES – If you get permission
to go to a property or vacant building where people
normally do not go, call the local law enforcement
and let them know when you plan on being there and
that you have permission. This can avoid a neighbor
or someone else calling the authorities on you.
NEVER GO ALONE – Always use the “Buddy
System” and take a friend with you. If you are
injured, you will have someone there to help you.
TELL SOMEONE – Always tell someone else who
is not going with you where you plan to go, who you
are going with, and when you expect to be back. This
ensures that, if for some reason something goes wrong,
someone will know where to send authorities to lend
assistance if needed.
IDENTIFICATION – Always carry photo identification.
If something happens to you then someone would be
able to identify you. In addition, if for some reason
local law enforcement is called then you have proper
identification to show them as well.
CELL PHONE – Ensure you or someone in your
party takes a cell phone in case there is an emergency.
FIRST AID KIT – If you will be in a more rural
area or a place with potential hazards and dangers
then a basic first aid kit is a good item to bring.
DAYTIME VISIT – If you are making plans to
go somewhere at night that you have never visited
before then it is a very good idea to visit the location
during daylight hours. This will allow you to properly
identify and note any hazards or potential dangers
at the location and enable a safer visit at night.
FLASHLIGHT – If you are going when it is dark,
make sure you have a flashlight or other lighting
and carry plenty of new or freshly charged batteries.
ENVIROMENT – Remember to adjust what you take
to include environmental factors. If the forecast
may be calling for rain then take gear to keep yourself
and your equipment dry. If going to an outdoor wooded
area, wear boots or comfortable shoes. Yes, there
was one time I had such an outdoor investigation planned
and someone showed up in fancy high-heeled shoes making
it impossible for them to walk in the area we were
investigating! If you are going to an area where insects
or wildlife may be a problem then take insect repellant
and possibly pepper spray.
RESPECT – Always show respect. Respect the
area you will be at and do not litter or vandalize
it. It should be left the same as when you arrived.
Respect others around you and even those unseen elements
of which you are seeking proof. Provoking the unknown
can bring harm to you and others. Regardless of what
others may say on television shows about the paranormal
not being able to harm you, I know first hand that
ghosts, spirits, demons and other things out there
can be potentially dangerous and capable of causing
injury. Always be cautious. If something has the capability
of pushing someone when they are on a stairway, injury
or even worse can result.
CALMNESS – Even if you encounter something
that prompts you to want to soil your pants, remember
to stay calm. Remove yourself and others from the
situation calmly and rationally. So many people looking
for ghost or experience forget the rule “to
expect the unexpected”. When they finally encounter
the paranormal or just get spooked, some become panic
stricken and lose all common sense. The worst thing
someone can do is a screaming arms akimbo run through
the dark in an unfamiliar location. Dude, walk!
Remember the above protocols are only basic ones
to ensure you have a safe adventure and return. Do
not forget common sense in any situation!
Common Ghost Hunting Items Around
the House
Every Halloween Season entices paranormal potatoes
that watch ghost hunting shows and movies to hop off
their couches and into the field for a night or two
of hands on adventure. We have another frequent question
that is many times asked; “What can I use from
my home to hunt ghosts or document a paranormal presence?”
This is a good question since not all are part of
a Paranormal Research or Investigative Organization
or have access to a collection of specialized equipment.
There are many things you can find around your home
or acquire inexpensively from a local store to hunt
ghost or document paranormal activity. Here is a list
of some of those more common items.
SENSES – The easiest tools to use are your
own senses. There are five basic human senses: seeing,
hearing, smelling, feeling (touch), and tasting. Sometimes
sitting at a location purported to be haunted and
using your natural senses is the best way to experience
and document such. Though many are not normally aware
of it, most people have what is called a psychic or
sixth sense that can be used as well. This sixth sense
may differ in ability from one person to another,
but in many cases can help guide you to a more active
area of a haunting or alarm you that something may
be in close proximity.
NOTEBOOK & PENCIL - If you want to document your
experiences and things you or others witness, you
may want to bring a writing instrument and something
to write on. You can also use this to draw a diagram
of the area you are investigating. Some investigators
even lay out a pencil and a piece of paper with a
written question for a potential ghostly answer.
WRIST WATCH – Almost everyone has something
to tell time with. This can be valuable to take with
you to document properly the times that events may
occur. You will also want a timepiece with the ability
to tell seconds to help document accurate intervals
between or the duration of such events.
COMPASS – If you dig around in your camping
items or go to your local department store, you should
be able to find a magnetic compass. These types are
normally used for finding your way around in the woods
and other places. There are many theories involving
the disruption of magnetic fields when paranormal
activity is present. A basic compass when used can
react erratically to such disruptions and sometimes
spin out of control. Not everyone has access to the
EMF (Electro Magnetic Field) meters seen on television
shows and a magnetic compass provides an inexpensive
substitute.
MAGNET - A simple bar or horseshoe magnet can also
assist in detecting disruptions within the magnetic
fields at a location. You can tie a string to the
center of the magnet and suspend it from a doorframe
or something else stationary within an area purported
to have paranormal activity. Sometimes if the magnetic
fields are disrupted enough, the magnet will move
considerably on its own or even spin quickly as well.
CAMERAS – Almost everyone has access to some
type of camera. Many even have built in ones on their
cell phones. Taking a picture or recording video of
a visual anomaly seen with your own eyes or when something
out of the ordinary happens can really help document
and validate possible paranormal activity at the location.
Do not forget to use your sixth sense. If you have
that feeling something is watching you, behind you
or nearby then use that as an alarm to take some pictures.
You just never know what you may capture!
VOICE RECORDERS – Many homes have tape or digital
voice recorders around in a drawer. The most common
content of a haunting is audible or what is heard.
Using something that can record audio at a location
not only helps document such noises, but can even
capture the disembodied voices from the dead which
is called Electronic Voice Phenomena or EVP. Audio
recorders can also be used to record verbal notes
or experiences of those at the location in lieu of
a notebook and pencil.
POWDERS – Even baby or talcum powder can be
very useful in some investigations. Many times, it
is reported that footsteps are heard or that certain
objects are moved in a haunting. Various surfaces
in reported areas can be lightly dusted with such
powders to document movement of such objects. You
may even capture a foot or hand print of the unseen
as well!
TAPE/STRING – Household tape such as scotch,
masking, electrical and others can be very useful
when investigating the paranormal. Placing such from
a closed door to its frame or to other objects can
be a way to see if certain doors were opened and closed
or if certain objects were moved. You can also add
string or yarn to the equation as well for this purpose.
Tape can also be used to mark where an object is sitting
so you know if it was moved off that mark as well.
COTTON BALLS – Many times there are reports
of unexplainable cold drafts or even gust of winds
inside locations where a haunting is reported. Using
cotton balls and documenting where they were placed
may help determine direction of such drafts or gusts
if they are moved.
THERMOMETERS – Almost every home has a thermometer
to tell the temperature inside or out. They can also
be used on investigations to document temperature
changes in an area as well.
MEASURING TOOL – Having something to measure
distance with is very good to bring. If an object
gets moved then you can measure and document the distance
of such movement. If you visually see something and
make a mental note of where it came up to on a doorway
or wall then you can measure for an estimated height
of the anomaly you witnessed.
TOYS & GAMES – Even toys, game pieces,
puzzles, and other similar items may assist in your
investigation. If there are reports of children ghosts
then you may be able to place a ball, doll, or similar
object that a child may want to play with. Mark where
you place it and see if it gets moved. The small letter
pieces from a Scrabble game may allow an intelligent
spirit to leave a worded message. In addition, an
Etch-n-Sketch or Magna Doodle may produce interesting
results as they are affected by magnetic properties.
If a video camera is used in the investigation then
you can place such items in view of the camera for
further documentation.
The above is not an all-inclusive list of the common
everyday things sitting around that you may be able
to use. If you find other things and have a creative
imagination concerning how to apply them in the field
to help further validate and document paranormal activity
then by all means give it a try and share your results.
Spirit Communication
Another important area to cover is Spirit Communication.
This can be done in several ways though many have
a number of opponents objecting and ridiculing their
use. At the same time many of these methods have produced
very interesting results and I feel have been very
valuable towards the advancement of paranormal research.
Such methods may include scrying, séances,
use of talking boards (Ouija), and many other methods
depending on ones spirituality or cultural background.
The most common method used today is the good old
Ouija Board which is still found in many households
abroad collecting dust in the closet until the seasonal
time comes.
In my personal belief, the Ouija Board when new in
the package is just a piece of wood or plastic adorned
with letters, numbers, and an accompanying planchet.
A new Ouija Board in itself is not “evil”
and will not manifest demonic spawns or other entities
from it. However, there is always a “Catch 22”.
This comes into play when individuals use the board
and planchet in hopes of communicating with a spirit
or long lost family member. At this point they are
touching the planchet and inviting “anything”
to enter them and use their bodies to move the planchet
over various symbols to communicate. Once something
does communicate, this is the point that you do not
know for sure who or what you just invited into your
body and what recourse it may have. Spirits, demons,
and other entities are not always “good”
and they can lie, deceive, or pretend to be others
for their own benefit. This is also the point that
I believe the Ouija Board through the will and invitation
by individuals may actually open a doorway or portal
and connect to something that could potentially be
“evil”. This connection may be the point
that the Ouija Board becomes tainted by acting as
a permanent portal or doorway for other entities to
come through. Alternately, it could allow what came
through to stay at the location where the board was
used.
I do not believe the Ouija Board in itself causes
this, but rather the will of those who invited something
through it by using it. This will and invitation could
be applied to a piece of paper, doll or anything and
still achieve the same results. With this in mind,
is it a good thing to do? How many times have you
heard of a séance, horror movie, possession,
or haunting that started with an Ouija Board session
go badly?
I know of an account of a group of friends who thought
it would be entertaining to have an Ouija party in
one of the friend’s home. As they played, the
planchet suddenly began to move and spell out messages
on the board indicating that a demon was present.
One of the group members, a skeptic, decided make
light of what was occurring by taunting the entity.
After the party was over, the homeowner soon discovered
that the malevolent entity had decided to take up
permanent residence in the basement of their home.
No one including the family dog would go into the
basement from that point and the haunting became so
bad that the family eventually fled their home.
I do believe that some individuals who are devout
enough in their beliefs and spiritual practices may
be able to use such spirit communication devices safely
without ill effects. Use of such devices should be
left to them and not the amateur looking for a seasonal
thrill.
I will not preach any certain religion or faith,
but, in closing, will state that being devout in whatever
faith you believe in and practice is possibly the
most important factor for your safety when becoming
involved with paranormal realms. I hope that you have
found these important safety tricks and tips useful
to temper your case of “haunted fever”.
Have a safe and sensible Halloween!
This is the Halloween season and time for eerie and
spooky things. If you are interested in having any
Member(s) of the below mentioned Ghost Hunting –
Paranormal Investigative and Research Group on your
show, at your event or featured in your written media
then please contact:
Sandra Oates at 314-606-8022 or email Gregory Myers
at greg@paranormaltaskforce.com
The St. Louis, Missouri area based Paranormal Research
and Investigative team, Paranormal Task Force, Inc.
(formerly Missouri Paranormal Research) ( www.catchmyghost.com
) is still doing what they do best and that is hunting
ghost. After receiving the “Best Ghost Evidence
of 2006” award last year at the very large Ghost
World Conference held in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania,
they have continued to maintain a “top notch”
professional stature within the paranormal realms.
Paranormal Task Force has continued to maintain “first
class” service to the clients they serve who
are experiencing all levels of ghostly and sometimes
not so ghostly activity while also providing paranormally
themed education to the public through various written
articles and oral presentations. With the belief that
it is important to give back to the community, they
devote time assisting historical organizations to
raise much needed funds for preservation and restoration
of their historical properties.
Their professionalism, dedication and hard work have
been recognized this year as well. Paranormal Task
Force was honored to have been recently named as the
Best Paranormal Investigative Group in America for
2008.
Lead Investigator, Greg Myers, having the honor of
being voted as the number five paranormal researcher/investigator
on the top ten list of best paranormal researchers/investigators
in the United States for 2008 as well. ( http://www.hauntedamericatours.com/toptenhaunted/2007/ghosthunters/
)
They can still be seen in action on reruns of the
Spooked Television Releasing (Booth Brothers) documentary
titled “Children of the Grave” which first
aired on the Sci Fi Channel earlier this year. They
have also filmed for inclusion in another Spooked
Television Releasing documentary title “The
Possessed” which will be released on DVD this
December and air on the Sci Fi Channel sometime next
year.
Where will the peculiar winds of the paranormal take
them from here? All Paranormal Task Force knows is
that they plan on doing what they have always done
and that is placing their clients first and above
all else. Other than that they can say that they are
in process of producing their own paranormal documentary
with a project headed by one of their directors, Jeremiah
Niere, along with some paranormal themed books in
the works by a few of their members as well which
they anticipate having done and releasing next year.
About Greg Myers
Greg Myers - Director - President
Paranormal Task Force Co-Founder - Lead Investigator
- EVP Specialist
Administrator MPR Divison Email: greg@paranormaltaskforce.com
Greg has had personal paranormal encounters since
being a teen and has years of paranormal investigative
experience. He is well versed with haunting classifications,
paranormal investigative techniques and leadership
through example. Greg has served as a technician and
supervisor while serving in the military and has further
enhanced his education and abilities with legal issues
while serving over ten years in the legal field. With
his background of legal issues, lobbying experience
and issue advocation, he hopes to apply these skills
to the enactment and strengthening of "haunted
house" and "psychological impact" disclosure
laws for prospective property owners, tenets and lessees.
Greg also has an extensive background in genealogical
research and familiarization with record research
vital to the research of potential haunted properties.
Greg is one that shares the philosophy that paranormal
investigations can come with many unknown dangers
which are not properly addressed by most of the paranormal
research field. This and other important issues are
overlooked and need further advocation to current
and future researchers and investigators within this
field. Greg adheres to a Humanistic Approach to investigations
which always places the client first above everything
else.
Greg became part of MISSOURI PARANORMAL RESEARCH™
in August of 2005 serving as a co- administrator,
lead investigator and EVP specialist. While serving
with MPR, Greg became an instrumental element in the
collection and analysis of evidence in a case involving
an extreme "inhuman" haunting and possession.
This Haunting was featured on the Discovery Channel's
"A Haunting" series as the Season 3 opener
in October 2006. Greg then co-founded PARANORMAL TASK
FORCE, Inc. in October 2006. PARANORMAL TASK FORCE™,
Inc. is a not for profit incorporation which educates
and promotes the awareness of paranormal research
as well as other historical and paranormal related
issues along with providing assistance to the public
and other organizations. MISSOURI PARANORMAL RESEARCH™
now serves as its non-extreme investigative and research
division while other divisions will be launched making
Paranormal Task Force™, Inc. a "One Stop"
resource for all paranormal needs of clients, the
public and other organizations as well.
Greg has been a featured guest on many radio stations
across the US, UK, and Canada and has completed filming
in 2007 with Keith Age and The Booth Brothers for
"Children of the Grave" which was released
October 2, 2007 on DVD and aired on the SciFi Network
in 2008 and recently finished filming for another
Booth Brothers (Spooked Television Releasing) production
titled "The Possessed" which should be released
on DVD in 2008 and air on the SciFi Network sometime
after that. He also served as a Location Manager for
that project. He also completed filming for the Exspiro
Productions documentary "The Other Side"
which was released in 2007. Greg has also authored
articles and short stories concerning his experiences
within the paranormal realms and theories related
to such which are published on the World Wide Web.
Some of these articles and stories have been selected
for inclusion in “Weird Encounters” and
“Weird Missouri” which will be published
in the near future.
Greg has also recently been added to the League of
Paranormal Gentlemen and is also a Missouri Statewide
Representative for the American Ghost Society (AGS).
He was also voted as one of the top 10 best most haunted
up and coming people, places and things to investigate
on Haunted America Tours (www.hauntedamericatours.com).
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