|
 What is the difference between being a ghost hunter and a paranormal investigator?
Thanks to the advent of Paranormal Reality Shows, the public has become very acquainted with the terms Ghost Hunter and Paranormal Investigator. But very little understanding of what they really mean.
While the terms themselves, sound synonymous with one another; they are not. Thinking about that statement it maybe simplifying things a bit too much. The reality is that a Ghost Hunter and Paranormal Investigator are in fact similar in a lot of ways .
How so?
Well before I get into that, there are some who consider Ghost Hunters as nothing more than hobbyists, thrill seekers, glory mongers. They're considered to be individuals who have little to no education in the field of ghost research and investigation. But are simply driven by the glorification and slick production of current Paranormal Reality Shows. Again I believe this is an oversimplification and to be honest that assessment is laden with a little bit of snobbery.
Let's be honest, most people start off in this field as "hobbyists". Rose and I started researching paranormal phenomena; after my son began having the same experiences our daughter had when she turned two years old. I've recounted this story literally hundreds of times since we ventured on this path over 12 years ago, so I won't bore you with the details here. But you can look for the story on the site, if you like.
It should also be noted, that in all seriousness there are no "real experts" in this field. There is so much we don't know and there's no real ground breaking technology that has brought us closer to proving or disproving in any definitive way whether or not a spiritual realm exists. Obviously each of us has our own personal beliefs as to what exists or doesn't, but let's face it, evidence is what we're after. The evidence we seek is the kind that stops short of saying you have without a shadow of doubt, discovered the thin veil between the living and the dead, but at least it can't be readily explained.
Anyway I digress, so what is the difference between a Ghost Hunter and a Paranormal Investigator?
As I said before almost nothing, both experienced Paranormal Investigators and Ghost Hunters use much of the same equipment, their individual talents and experience to investigate, document and or debunk the existence of paranormal activity. The difference lies in their objectives, but here again it's pretty thin.
Investigators and Ghost Hunters often use a lot of the same "tried and true" tools of the trade such as; video and digital still cameras, voice recorders, EMF detectors and infrared thermometers to name a few. Whether you are "Hunter" or "Investigator" utilizing common sense and deductive reasoning; in the hopes of documenting proof of or to debunk possible paranormal activity is a must have in your bag of tricks, otherwise you lose your credibility.
A paranormal investigator only differs in that they are not just dedicated to only hunting ghosts or "spirits" if you will. A paranormal investigator will investigate anything that might be considered paranormal. Merriam-Webster's definition of Paranormal is : not scientifically explainable or supernatural. So Paranormal activity would apply to anything that might be beyond the range of normal or scientific explanation. So by extension a Paranormal investigator will investigate anything that might be considered paranormal.
The next question would be; doesn't that include ghosts and other spiritual entities? Yes, but it also includes fields of study such as; UFOLOGY, Cryptology, possible psychosomatic causes of paranormal activity, such as telekinesis, along with possible atmospheric, electromagnetic or geological conditions that may be contributing to reported paranormal activity. While they use many of the same tools Ghost Hunters use, they also utilize other tools when necessary, such as radiation detectors, metal detectors , soil sampling, GPS equipment, etc... They also make an effort to experiment with new technology, test theories and methodologies in an effort to further the field.
Both Ghost Hunters and Investigators, may even let a little of their own spirituality creep in, with the use of bibles, crucifixes and other religious and spiritual items. Some Investigators and Hunters may choose to use people with purported Paranormal gifts such as empaths, intuitives , mediums, spirit guides, psychics or priests. Some investigators may even claim to have paranormal abilities themselves.
I also want to mention that most, reputable Paranormal Investigators and Ghost Hunters, do not charge for their services. If results are requested to be kept confidential, most will agree to do so.
So what about all those folks who watch shows like Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State and The Ghost Adventure Crew; then get up to buy K2's and head out in search of the unknown? Well they could be considered hobbyists I guess and yes, curiosity seekers or thrill seekers hoping for a good scare. Maybe a new term? Paranormal Groupies? Many might even be driven by the hopes of being "discovered" and become the next TAPS. While it's true, with the onslaught of Paranormal shows that seem to be literally coming out of the wood work, has filled the field with a lot of would be "Investigators" who just don't know what' they're doing and are simply mimicking what they see on TV and believe they are truly being "scientific".
Does that mean we should turn our noses up at them? If we did that I think we'd be missing an opportunity to reach out and educate others who have even a passing interest in paranormal research and discovery. After all what we do is not an exact science and involves a lot of trial and error. However, through that trial and error process; a basic foundation of tools and methodologies, that are generally accepted by the Paranormal community has evolved. The field of Paranormal Research and Investigations will benefit greatly, if we utilize patience, education and innovation.
To label yourself an honest to goodness Paranormal Investigator or Ghost Hunter, you first and foremost have to be honest with yourself and your client about who you are and what your level of experience is. Notice I did not say Expertise, since none really exist in this field. Having said that, expertise in electronics, geology, medicine, even forensics and Psychology are all very useful tools for investigators and hunters alike, as they allow us to make thorough, educated assessments of what might be occurring during an investigation.
In both cases though, ghost hunters and paranormal investigators are interested in two things. Documenting proof of the paranormal and helping anyone who might be affected by it.
Until technology catches up with our imaginations, ultimately whether or not a spiritual realm exists or not, will be answered for all of us when our time has come. The big trick of course, will be to come back and tell everyone else about it.
Oh FYI THOMAS EDISON (YES THE AMERICAN INVENTOR, WHO INVENTED THE LIGHT BULB AND PHONOGRAPH, AMONG OTHER NOTED INVENTIONS). DID NOT, I REPEAT...DID NOT INVENT OR EXPERIMENT WITH A DEVICE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE DEAD. IT'S A COMMON MISCONCEPTION BASED ON AN INTERVIEW WHERE HE JOKINGLY ALLUDED TO THE IDEA OF CREATING SUCH A DEVICE. READ OUR ARTICLES ON EVP AND THEIR HISTORY.
Copyright 2009. All Rights Reserved. The El Paso Alternate Reality Project.
Trackback(0)
 |
PARANORMAL 
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/Hide comments
Show/Hide comment form