Dangers of the paranormal: a cautionary tale for ghost hunters

/Home/Paranormal investigation/Paranormal Investigation Articles

Dangers of the paranormal: a cautionary tale for ghost hunters
February 2, 2009
by Patricia Marin
Examiner

s investigating the paranormal potentially dangerous? Until recently, I would have said "No," particularly if you are not a sensitive. Since I fall somewhere in between true sensitives and those who are psychic as a brick, I routinely use psychic shielding methods before I begin any investigation or similar type work. I know others on the R.I.P. team also employ their own rituals. However, I've now witnessed something that has me convinced that everyone - sensitive or not - needs to be aware of the possible dangers of ghost hunting and take precautions before investigating.

Last year, a new paranormal investigator visited a popular and reputedly "haunted" site and captured several EVPs. Over a period of several months, she became obsessed with capturing EVPs and she began to collect more and more of them, not only at haunted sites, but in her own home. Eventually, she began hearing the voices with her physical ears, rather than merely when she played back her recordings. She would hear them everywhere and they started to insult and berate her. She began to go out less and less, cutting off contact with family and friends. She would stay up most of the night, talking to her new disembodied "friends," fascinated with this unique form of communication in spite of the insults. Being a compassionate person, this investigator was drawn in by the story one entity told to her and she felt great sympathy for him, to the point of volunteering to act as a liaison between the entity and his supposed family still living on the physical plane. Whenever anyone cautioned her to tread carefully with this entity - or warn her that he might not be what he seems - she would brush off this advice. Finally, she cut off all contact - personal, phone, and email - with people who had been trying to help her. Without her cooperation, there was nothing more that anyone could do. It's a sad story and I don't know how it will end. I only hope her family is able to get her the help she needs.

But what was the cause of this breakdown? Was it a pre-existing mental illness, newly discovered psychic abilities, an obsessive personality, or an evil entity? Could it be a combination of all of these? We'll probably never know. It's a side of paranormal investigating that gets swept under the rug frequently because many people don't want to talk about it. But I believe that the paranormal community has a responsibility to discuss these cases and warn others, particularly young people and investigators-in-training, about what can and does sometimes happen.

The Southern California Paranormal Research Society (SOCALPRS) is trying to do just that with its "Dangers of the Paranormal" project. In their words:


WARNING:
Investigating the paranormal can be hazardous to your health.
It can follow you home and destroy your life.
TV doesn’t tell you that. So we will.
http://www.DangersoftheParanormal.com


Paranormal hazards mentioned include both physical and non-physical problems, such as:

DANGERS AT THE LOCATION/ENVIRONMENT: This covers extremes of temperature, long hours without proper food and water, living on a fast food diet, too much coffee, and even falling asleep at the wheel during long drives home. Their advice is to dress appropriately, wear proper shoes (no flip-flops - an R.I.P. rule!), bring protein bars, and plenty of water. Always have a first aid kit handy. Be aware of the possibility of animal attacks and do not put yourself in danger. NEVER investigate abandoned buildings where floors could be unstable and substances such as asbestos could be a completely unknown hazard. Never scout or investigate alone. Always carry your license and health insurance card. Do not hang out in cemeteries at night - you may encounter local gang members and they can be a lot scarier than any ghost! And don't drive when you need sleep. Get a hotel room and start out fresh a few hours later.

CLIENTS: SOCALPRS points out that clients can also be hazardous to your health and they add that many people claiming to be experiencing paranormal activity may be susceptible to mental illness, drug addiction, alcoholism, or other factors. They may have guns or other weapons. R.I.P. has encountered weapons and loose ammunition in private residences. Always film your activities at the client's home and, before doing anything, ensure that they have completed and signed a Permission to Investigate/Liability Waiver form. Be aware that if you do not find anything to substantiate their claims, they could become angry or even violent. Paranormal investigators have been physically attacked on some investigations by their own clients. In some cases, the police could be called and, remember, it's your word against the client's, unless you have videotaped all activities. At R.I.P., we strive to have multiple screening conversations with clients but sometimes even that is not enough. More than once, one of our Lead Investigators has said during the pre-investigation get-together: "Remember, if I give the word, we all leave immediately!" We're fortunate to have a Lead Investigator who is also a law enforcement official; he is equally empowered to order us to "Get out now!" and we will do so with no questions asked.

OTHER INVESTIGATORS: As the SOCALPRS website points out, people who are attracted to this field may have obsessions, fantasies, or delusions. Some, like the situation cited earlier, can become obsessed with an aspect of the paranormal. Others may have dabbled in the occult or Wicca without proper knowledge or training. Some "armchair" demonologists can actually stir up activity, instead of stopping it. We've all heard the saying, "He knows just enough to be dangerous." And some, unfortunately, may have deliberately chosen to travel down the "left hand path" (no offense to southpaws, that's merely the traditional term) - think you'll be able to spot them and eliminate them? Think again. They're often the most personable and charming. After all, if they presented a demonic appearance, most people would shy away from them. And most have neglected to tatoo "I think it would be way cool to summon a demon" across their foreheads in order to warn you about them.

EVPs: The SOCALPRS site advises that paranormal investigators tread carefully with EVPs. They claim that EVPs can open a path into the spirit world and you have to be extremely cautious about who you invite to walk through that door. According to SOCALPRS, playing back the recordings can set up a vibration that attracts even more spirits who could then form attachments. For that reason, they recommend waiting until you're home before playing back your recordings. When leaving any location, each investigator should state that they do not give permission for any spirits to follow them home. It is also good to do this as a group and to "ground" in a group setting.

PROVOKING: SOCALPRS warns against the popular practice of "provoking" and I agree. I've always thought that spirits should be approached with respect. Most spirits are not negative. Any "positive" spirits that may be around are not going to respond to provoking; instead, they are simply going to remove themselves from your vicinity until you pack up and leave. They can always wait you out - guaranteed, you'll get tired before they do. And why would you want to hear from a "negative" spirit?

DEMONIC OR INHUMAN HAUNTINGS: According to the SOCALPRS site, many investigators who find themselves victims of a spirit attachment begin by collecting impressive EVP evidence - the theory is that the spirits somehow "allow" themselves to be recorded. SOCALPRS says that this usually ends badly with a spirit or even demonic attachment (see my cautionary tale above). They recommend that, at the first sign of any problems, ask for help. Do NOT try to pretend that everything is normal and this isn't really happening. Many experienced paranormal groups have contacts with mediums, exorcists, demonologists, clergy, and psychologists who can be of assistance. Of course, stay away from Ojiju boards. And, if your team finds any reason to suspect that the activity you've encountered could be demonic or inhuman, leave immediately. As SOCALPRS says, "It's never worth the evidence when it destroys everything that you consider valuable in your life."

This site features videos by experts such as John Zaffis, Chip Coffee, Chris Fleming, Mark and Debbie Constantino, and Dave Schrader. I found this video of Father Andrew Calder on YouTube. Listen and learn...