Ghost Hunting 101By: Sarah Bonilla (Advent Geek Girl)

IntroductionHi! I’m Sarah Bonilla. I’m an amateur ghost hunter and I’ve been investigating in various forms for the last 15 years. I hunt to answer my own questions and to find results for myself. Rarely do I tell others about what I do, because I have been received with some level of mocking.

What Is Ghost Hunting?Ghost hunting typically involves searching for energies in our world that are beyond what we engage with in an everyday way. Typically they exist in the unseen world, but try to bridge the seen with the unseen. Hunters try to capture the spirits’ attempts to bridge.

EquipmentAudio Recorders and Microphones● Digital Records

○ Great for enhancing audio and review post-investigation.

● Tape Recorders○ Old school, but some feel it is better.

● Additional Microphones○ Not necessary, unless you’re recorded is having issues.

EquipmentCameras and Video Cameras● Digital Cameras

○ Best for quick review and zoom examination

● Film Cameras○ Super old school, but can reveal interesting images.○ More likely to get false visuals.

● Night Vision Cameras○ Great for hunts when you get into really dark locations, but really only for seeing.○ Good for recording evidence for later, could be worth the price depending.

● Thermal Camera○ Interesting and cool, but the results are hit and miss.○ Not worth the price for amateurs.

EquipmentSpirit Boxes, Radio Frequencies, and White Noise● You have to have a keen ear to pick up voices.● Great results.● Have to know how to use them.● Might want an extra speaker.

EquipmentEMF Detector● Very useful, if used properly.● Do a general sweep of the area.● One with a light is helpful.● Mark on recorder if recording event.● Establish responses codes.

EquipmentR.E.M. Pod● Works similar to an EMF● Energy gets close and lights it up.● Anything getting close affects it.

EquipmentLaser Grids and Temp Gauges● Laser Grids

○ Hard to set up○ Can catch some things, but strain the eyes.

● Thermometers○ Good for mapping locations.○ Validating cold spots.

EquipmentDivining Rods or CrystalsThere are some items that people consider new-agey, but can help you if you find that you’re sensitive to spirit energy. Both are subject to user error.

Equipment WarningBe aware of how much equipment you’re carrying. Think about what works for you and streamline.

Must have:● Flashlight● Back-up Batteries (for flashlight and equipment)

Home vs. Public● If you’re just going to check out your own

home or maybe even a friend’s, like I’ve had to do, you don’t need to do a great deal of set-up.

● If you’re going to a public location, do your research. Go on a tour or visit the local library. Even talk to the owners.

Home vs. PublicIf focusing on a home that isn’t yours (supposing you know your own history), you might want to get a family history either before or after.If going to a public location, make sure you know where activity is occurring, when, where and under what conditions.

Finding Public Places● Go on local Ghost Tours of the area. ● Find out tour times of locations and if they allow

lingering.● Go to overnight Ghost Hunts.● Contact local ghost hunting groups.

Note: Always ask permission before investigating.

When InvestigatingTake stock of the room (objects, people, windows, etc.)Take in the energy of the room (sit quietly)If the room feels empty, move on.If the room feels strange in any way, choose a piece of equipment.

When InvestigatingIf you’re using audio recording, tag, tag, tag. Tag the sound of your shoes. Tag when you are coughing. Tag the presence of another group. Tag a trip. Tag a sigh. Seriously tag everything and note who is in the room, where in the room. I know it sounds silly and irritating, it is a must!

When Investigating● Take it slow.● Don’t leave just because nothing is

happening.● Try different strategies.● Return to locations you’ve left earlier.● Investigate with a different partner.● Take time to take everything in.

When Investigating● You will get scared and your heart will race.● Don’t run, unless you absolutely must due to

feeling threatened or feeling touched or you just have that ultimate knowing feeling.

● Ask questions if you feel you aren’t alone. ● Set up a response system.

When Investigating● Let the spirits guide the interaction.● If they stop, give them a minute and move

on.● If they stop, set up equipment where you

interacted and leave.

Provoking● Mixed signals from professionals on

provoking.● Not recommended in an unfamiliar place.● Not recommended if it has a history of

violence.● Not recommended if you’re already getting

interactions.

Reviewing Evidence● TEDIOUS! So be prepared.● Choose equipment at the beginning that you’

ll be comfortable reviewing afterwards.● When tagging, take a notepad so you know

where to review specifically.● Divide the evidence with partners.● Review each others evidence if necessary.

Story Time● My House ● New Orleans - Investigation/Voodoo House● Savannah, GA - Hotel ● Edinburgh - Edinburgh Vaults● Milwaukee, WI - Shaker’s Cigar Bar● Ohio State Reformatory● Louisville, KY - Waverly● My Middle School● My Current Home● West Bend, WI

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