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!

Old hand made ouija planchette.

AND PLEASE GHOST HUNT RESPONSIBLY!

© 2008 - Gregory Myers, Paranormal Task Force, Inc.
www.catchmyghost.com

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

MySpace: www.myspace.com/gregory_myers I Am Haunted: www.iamhaunted.com/Gregory_Myers

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).

Overnight Paranormal Investigation in Potosi, MO With Troy Taylor & PTF Saturday - April 4, 2009

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