Many believe that most paranormal activity occurs during phases of a new moon and a full moon. Beginning 3 days prior until 3 days after each event, spiritual activity is said to increase.
Also thunderstorms are said to increase activity due to the increased electrical energy in the air.
Paranormal Investigation Team
Morgantown, WV
There are alot of things we don't believe in, but we have the weird feeling that they believe in us. THAT is the scary part.
Welcome to our little part of the paranormal world, located in Morgantown, WV. We are a small group excelling in the field of paranormal studies. As our experiences are broadening, we are now co-ordinating our efforts on historic sites, including but not limited to: cemeteries, abandoned hospitals, churches, battlefields, etc. Our main goal is to get a better understanding of what makes the spiritual world come alive. Believe us when we tell you that when the spiritual world is active, there is nothing like it. You will find yourself doubting everything you ever thought about the afterlife.
Basic Tools
* CAMERAS: digital cameras are the norm but many people use 35mm so they have a negative of the picture. The use of 400 or 800 speed is recommended.
* VIDEO CAMERAS: highly recommended by professional investigators. Be sure to use a camera that includes night-vision or a low-lux feature. Be sure to carry extra batteries and tape. You may not realize how much video you are shooting until it's too late.
* TEMPERATURE GAUGE: Many believe that a sudden change in temperature is indicative of a ghostly presence. Find a laser pointed gauge to use on your investigations. Make sure you do a reference temperature check of the area to get an average temperature reading of the investigation area.
* EMF GAUGE: same as above only electromagnetic readings. Changes in the electro-magnetic field are thought to be the work of spirits trying to manifest.
* DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER: a must if you plan on doing any EVPs. Use an external microphone instead of the internal one. You will pick up the noises of the voice recorder, especially if you use a mini-cassette recorder. Motor noise will make any EVPs useless. When listening to the recordings, sit in a quiet area without any distractions,using headphones, noting any anomalies and the time on the counter for fast reference.
* FLASHLIGHTS: Their use is self-explainatory. Be sure to use a light that has a red cover that can be placed over the lens. Red light does not cause your eyes to have to readjust to the darkness as much as white light. It also does not blind others if you happen to shine the light on them accidently.
GHOST HUNTING ETIQUETTE
* ALWAYS let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. Make a courtesy call if your plans change. This is for your safety, as well as peace of mind.
* Be mindful of others around you. Do not walk into the middle of an investigation area while a team is already conducting EVPs or other forms of study.
* Do not play games! (i.e.-hide & seek, chase, tag, etc). This only shows your immaturity and creates an unpleasant atmosphere with advanced or professional investigators.
* Do not expect to find everything you see on TV. Those shows are recorded over many nights and edited to fit the time allotted for the show.
* Courtesy and repect for other investigators and the propery are always a top priority.
* Be safe, especially at night. Avoid areas in which you are uncertain of the terrain, floors or otherwise seem unsafe. If an area is considered unsafe or hazardous, do not enter. Again, a safety issue.
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL HUNT
*NEVER do an investigation alone, especially at night. Make sure that safety is your #1 priority.
*Always do a 'dry run' while it is still daylight. Check the area carefully ensuring that there are no obstacles that could trip you or could be somewhat dangerous, especially in the dark.
*Always carry extra batteries for all your equipment. Some entities feed off the energy of your equipment batteries.
*Always carry a flashlight even during a day investigation. Time flies when you are having fun and night comes sooner than you think....
*Carry extra film for your 35mm camera even if you think you have enough. If you are having an exceptionally good hunt, you will use film very quickly.
*DO NOT take pictures or video during inclement weather. Rain, snow and fog will play havoc with your pictures.
*Be sure to have permission from the property owner to conduct your investigation. Ask the owner to sign a simple release form granting you permission. The police can ruin a good investigation very quickly. Trespassing is against the law, no matter the reason.
*Be courteous to the property and the owner. Be sure to thank the owner when you are finished. Chances are you may want to go back and do another investigation, especially it you found something interesting while examing your evidence.
*Take everything out with you that you took in. Do not leave any type of trash. This gives all of us a bad reputation and could result in denial of any future access to the area. It is a good idea to carry a small trash bag and place all trash in it, after you are finished. Also pick up anything you see that someone else may have left. This shows the property owners you respect them and could help with the decision to allow future hunts on the property.
*DO NOT SMOKE!!! Try to leave all smoking material in your vehicle. If you must smoke, leave the immediate area. Do not handle any equipment while you are smoking. Many 'mist' photos are dismissed as smoke or breath, especially on cool nights.
*Turn off all cell phones!! Set it to vibrate if you must carry it with you, especially if you are performing EVPs.
* If your party is fairly large, and you split into smaller groups, consider carrying 2way radios in case of an emergency or you become lost or disorientied.
