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Okay, this is for those who believe in such things. Those who don't, you really don't have to chime in, or even keep reading. Those that do believe, please, feel free to add in, share stories(preferrably actual events that happened to you, not fictional ghost stories), or add tips.
*puts on a sport coat and glasses*
Welcome, to Ghost Hunting 101. We'll cover the basics here. First of all, some guidelines. Ghosts are people, or at least were people, prior to death. As such, you don't want to fuck around with them, unless you don't mind being stalked by a spirit that can walk through that locked door and you at the same time.
Basic rules for dealing with a ghost:
- be polite. Never shout, get angry, or scared. This will only make them angry or scared.
- do so at your own risk. Ghosts are etheral beings. Spirits. They can walk through shit. If you have a spirit follow you home, ask it to politely leave in a calm, flat voice. Once again, don't anger what isn't stopped by doors and locks.
- keep an open mind. Just because you don't find one on your first try doesn't mean you should give up. It means you should try again.
- Never, NEVER EVER, ask a ghost if it knows that it is dead. Ghosts are spirits that are either lost, or afraid to pass on. Telling them that they aren't alive anymore will only anger them. Please see the move Poltergeist for a good example of what angry spirits can do to you.
- proper equipment helps. Though, if you know what to look for, you really don't need it.
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This is really for us amatuers, as I don't have the available funds or minions to launch full-scale investigations into spirit activity. Basically, if you feel compelled to do so, or if you're looking for a good spook, keep reading.
The following objects are helpful in ghost hunting:
- a digital camera. A cameraphone will do in a pinch, just make sure it's a high-megapixel one. Preferrably with a night setting.
- flashlight. Always helpful
- a dog. Any breed, any gender. Dogs can pick up easily on things that most humans either cannot or will not pick up on.
- your hands. I'll explain this in a bit.
- a calm, collected, and brave mind. You're delving into the unknown, so it's okay to be scared, but don't freak out at a frog jumping from tall grass or a spiderweb.
- friends. Sometimes this'll help the above situation, sometimes it'll only make things worse. Just remember, most ghosts don't want to hurt you.
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Possible dangers: depending on your choice in religion, you may feel dealing with such spirits may drain you of your mana, life force, chi, etc. If you, at any time, feel that this may happen, just stay home. Watch TV. Masturbate. Just do something other than this. Don't come crying to me if you try to ghosthunt and end up laggy and unresponsive. Not my problem.
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Times to ghost hunt: usually, around 3 a.m. This is because, in those of the Christian Faith, or anyone who's read the bible, God is supposed to be the weakest at 3 a.m., also known as "The Witching Hour". This is also the supposed time the borders between the spirit world and our world are at its weakest, allowing them to pass over easily. But, you know, whatever your faith dictates.
NOTICE: I strongly suggest NOT attempting to summon ANYTHING at The Witching Hour. You're delving into shit you don't know about. Never try to summon a spirit to talk to. You'll end up, 9 times out of 10, getting one that'll harm you, either mentally or physically.
NOTICE: I also strongly suggest not attempting to use a Oujia Board to contact the dead for the same reason, but that's just my belief system.
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Location:
Usually, the most logical places. Older cemetaries, around abandoned hospitals, old prisons*, funeral homes, and nursing homes are the biggest hives of spiritual activity. Just don't get in trouble for trespassing on private property. Just stroll by on the sidewalk, or if you can get a tour of the place, even better. Just snap a few pics.
*old prisons, especially ones that held mass-murderers and the like, aren't recommended, due to the nature of the spirits there.
Cemetaries are usually a prime choice, due to the fact a large number of spirits wander these places, trying to either find their way to the afterlife, or try to deny the fact that they've passed on. The children's sections of cemetaries are often even better, due to the fact most children that have passed on are scared and alone, looking for their still-living, or, deceased parents.
If you do manage to get a "Scooby" in your gang, by all means, use him! Dogs are very good for picking up on spirits. If they seem to start getting curious or start playing with seemingly thin air, take a photo! If they cower, LEAVE. Dogs are often very good judges of character, and if they start to growl or cower, GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM WHEREEVER YOU ARE!!! You'll know you're safe when the dog calms down. Just remember to obey all leash laws and pick up after them.
Use the flashlight for, of course, being able to see at night. YOU CAN GHOST HUNT DURING THE DAY, but it's often much more productive(and much more spooky) at night.
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Types of Spiritual Phenomena:
Cold Spots: the simplest one to spot. In older buildings, sometimes even new ones, you'll come across a cold spot. Once you verify this cold spot isn't because of an A/C duct right above you, or something similar, then start snapping pictures. Spirits usually absorb energy from their surroundings(one of many theories, just the one I choose to adhere to), causing a pocket of cold air. These cold spots are sometimes accompanied by a certain smell. May be perfume, may be old man funk. You never know.
Orbs: you're filtering through your pics, and you see splotches of white. You MAY have a ghost on film! Orbs are often dismissed as dust particles, and sometimes that is correct. But, if you can verify that the air was clear of small particles such as that(such as on a clear night near a cemetary) there's a very good chance that's spiritual energy you've caught on film.
Ectoplasm: similar to orbs, but less...round. They can look like streaks, blobs, maybe even sometimes have distinguishing features. Most importantly, make sure it wasn't a lens obstruction. 7 out of 10 "ectoplasm shots" were either hair, cigarette smoke, or something similar. Tip: keep long hair tied back and don't smoke.
APPARITIONS: the fucking motherload. What every ghosthunter wishes to get on film. A clearly visable, figure, standing or doing something where you KNOW no one was there when you took the photo. Some of these will scare the ever-loving dogshit out of you, mainly because you expected dust-orbs or hair-ectoplasm. These are often criticised and photoshops and fakes. This is why it helps to have friends there to collaborate the story.
Verbal/Audiographical communication: also know as "white noise". This stuff, frankly, scares even me. You record on a tape-type voice recorder in an empty room, then play the tape back to see if you hear anything. You may end up with something garbled, but, a good set of headphones and keen ears can dissect what is said. If not, hit up somebody you know that has audio equipment, and have them dissect the message on the computer. When you hear it, bricks will be shat.
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Now, you've had your fun, you have some pictures, maybe an audio recording. You're tired, and you have baggies full of dog poop you're tempted to set on your neighbor's porches and light on fire. Are we done yet?
FUCK. NO.
Sometimes, spirits will notice you noticing them. Ghosts don't have a lot of people that know they're there, and they found a new one! Sometimes, you'll have a ghost follow you home. Evidence is in cold spots and strange occurances around your house. If this happens, just say aloud, as if to no one,
"I know you're there. Please, leave me alone. I wish you no harm, but I kindly ask you to leave my home."
Or something along those lines. Usually, they'll leave you be if you ask real nicely. If not, consult your religious leader for a possible home exorcism.
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So, basically, that's it. I've been around the block on this a few times. I've lived in haunted houses, I've seen things that can't be explained. I've taken pictures of the Galveston Island State Cemetary(a state landmark, that survived the 1900 Hurricane) in Galveston, Texas, and have had spirits follow me back to the Hotel.
I've seen too much to not believe in ghosts. How 'bout y'all?
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