Now that your research has been conducted, interviews have been done and your pre-investigation data has been collected, you’re ready to begin your investigation. Any witnesses that have not been interviewed should be interviewed, while the rest of the team continues with the investigation.

The Investigation

Now that you research has been conducted, interviews have been done and your pre-investigation data has been collected, you’re ready to begin your investigation. Any witnesses that have not been interviewed should be interviewed, while the rest of the team continues with the investigation.

As stated earlier make sure you have permission to be there, if you’re investigating a cemetery or park, it’s probably a good idea to call the police department to let them know you will be taking photographs and what you will be doing so they are aware of where you will be and what you will be doing.

DO NOT TRESPASS! If you are asked to leave; don’t argue, just leave. If you stay and get yourself arrested, not only have you done yourself a disservice, but this does not bode well for other researchers either. This just makes us all look bad.

Make sure all your equipment is good working condition and they have fresh, fully charged batteries. Remember to be sure to keep plenty of extras batteries.

Although investigations can be conducted at any time, the best time to conduct an investigation is at night. Some researchers suggest anytime between 9pm-6pm as the best times to start. The team from Paranormal State; prefer 3am, as that’s what they refer to as dead time. Some researchers and priests refer to this as the real witching hour.  In our opinion when you start should be based in part on the information you obtained during your research and witness interviews, as this will help you determine when the most activity is occurring. In some cases, there is activity occurring throughout the entire day; that it won’t matter what time you start. Typically speaking though, night time will allow you to take better photographs.

Make sure to plan ahead, establish a meeting point before and after the investigation.

As a group or individually say a prayer for protection for the duration of your investigation. This will help put you in a positive frame of mind. This has less to do with religion, than putting yourself in the right frame of mind and insuring a safe and worry free investigation. So no matter your belief system, you can do this in any way you like. But take the few seconds it takes to do so. It won’t hurt and as I stated before, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Many experienced groups and researchers believe there are evil spirits, you might encounter, so taken those few seconds to say a quick prayer, will help you safely go about your investigation with having to worry about them. Many experienced demonologists will tell you that saying a prayer in the name of God or whatever good deity you believe in, will keep any non-human spirits away, since they have to leave you alone, when told to do so in this manner.

After having had your moment of prayer, start setting up any stationary equipment, such as cameras, motion detectors, audio monitors, computer equipment, etc. Be sure to refer back to you notes to avoid areas that might give off a false alarm or reading.

Make note of any lights that might be on so as not to confuse them with anomalies later on when you review video and photo footage.

Log in your start time, the date, make note of current temperature and current weather conditions. If you are doing an outdoor investigation and it’s raining, snowing or foggy, reschedule it, you can’t conduct a proper investigation in adverse weather conditions.

As you begin the investigation, take a few minutes to walk around and get a feel for your surroundings and allow any possible spirits that might be there to get used to you. Introduce yourself and your team, let them know why you are here and that you mean them no harm. Let them know you have a recording device and they are welcome to communicate with you, through that device. Always be respectful of the living and the dead. They are as unsure of you as you are of them. When recording be sure to speak normally so you don’t confuse what you’re saying with an EVP. Never dare an unseen presence to make itself known to you. However, it’s okay to ask those present if you can take their picture or record their voice. Large groups should breakdown into smaller groups of 4 or 5 people; make sure each group has a note pad and recording equipment to take notes for comparison when reviewing the evidence. Record all meter abnormalities, strange sounds, sightings and feeling or emotions.

Do not show fear, a gracious ghost (yes there are some) will not make itself know if they sense you’re afraid. A mischievous ghost will feed on it, that’s not a good thing. Remember you are the one with a body, so you are in control; don’t give up that control by showing your fear.

If you sense that an unseen presence wants you out of there - then by all means, get out. Never ignore those feelings; or you could end up with something at home. It’s called Karma, don’t screw with it.

If your taking photographs make sure you’ve taken a moment to read our photo tips. But make sure your flash is on and several pictures in each area you investigate.

Be sure to take temperature and EMF readings at each location and write them down or record them as your taking EVPs.

When recording EVPs ask pointed questions, don’t goof around, speak normally and be clear. Do not whisper. Pause for 20-30 seconds in between each question, to allow a spirit to answer if it wants to.( Be sure to check out our guide and recording EVPs soon) It’s also a good idea to pick a location and leave a recorder running while you off investigating other areas. Let any spirit that might be in that general vicinity, what you are doing and that you would like for it to communicate with you. Don’t forget to pick it up when the investigation is over.

Remember to take EMF readings and compare them to your earlier notes. For those of you who aren’t familiar with EMF meters, we’ll be posting a little guide soon, on where you can find a decent meter and how to use and read one.

When your investigation/hunt is over be sure to end it be evoking the power of God as a prayer of protection. You can refer to the prayer we’ve included here or you can say something to the affect spirits/souls must remain here in the name of God (or modify according to your religious beliefs). Don’t for get to thank those spirits/souls for cooperating and providing any evidence you might have gathered. It may seem silly, but as I’ve said before, it only takes a few seconds to do and there’s no harm in doing so.
Be sure to also thank your client and proprietors for allowing you to investigate on their behalf. Give yourself and your team a reasonable amount of time to review your evidence before presenting anything to you client.

Always bear in mind that more often than not people who request and investigation are doing so for a number of reasons, from seeking validation, that what they are experiencing is not a product of their imagination, they are seeking to comforted and if in fact their assumptions are correct, based on your results, they may request your help in asking the spirits to leave. Be prepared that this might be a possibility and do not misrepresent yourself. Above all be honest with your client and yourself. If you are not willing or unable to help them in the manner they would like, refer them to someone you know who can. Networking with other groups or researchers is a good resource to have at your disposal. Also make the effort to educate you client so they understand what is going on. When explained in an intelligent and clear manner, goes a long way to calming their fears. Having succeeded in that you will have done a great service.

If you or your group is able to provide help through the use of psychics, spirit guides, blessings, etc; remember that the well being and feelings of those living in this world come first. In short make sure you know what you are doing.

If we’ve missed something please let us know and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. Next we’ll be talking about the do’s and dont's when conducting your hunt/investigation.

Copyright 2008-2009. Allrights Reserved.  The El Paso Alternate Reality Project.

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