ARTICLES

ARTICLES

Cleansing

In most cases when MPE is called in to do an investigation, we are there to determine whether or not a haunting is taking place. Occasionally our evidence indicates that there may be paranormal activity present. In many of those cases, the haunting seems to be residual or an imprint of past activity or personalities so there isn't a question of ridding the premises of any spirits. In some cases though, we feel that there may be an entity or entities present and the client will ask us to do a cleansing or clearing of their home. Cleansings are not a service we offer but as many groups out there know, you do occasionally get asked to perform them. In our experience, once people understand what is going in their home, they aren't as frightened or anxious to be rid of their resident ghost. In fact many people tell us that once they have an explanation for what is happening around them and we assure them that they aren't crazy, they see things differently and what they previously saw as a threat, isn't any longer.

We have learned several things through our experience. First of all, there is no single cleansing ritual that works for all situations. It seems that the belief system of the residents is what determines the most effective cleansing for their situation. In other words, if they don't believe that it will work, it won't. When people are in a frightening situation that they don't understand or feel they don't have any control over, they generate a considerable amount of negative energy. That energy is a tangible thing and when there is paranormal activity present, it often fuels it - making the situation worse. Once they understand what is happening, they relax a little more and the atmosphere is much less charged. Often, this in itself is enough to resolve a situation. Next, there is absolutely no guarantee that the cleansing will be effective. We have seen many instances where initially a cleansing appears to have some effect in quieting the activity only to find a few days later that things are worse than ever. In our opinion it is irresponsible - even unethical to guarantee results. It is disturbing to see the increase in the number of those offering cleansings for a hefty fee. We will suggest different options available which in most cases don't cost a thing. Often local clergy will come out and bless a home at no charge - especially if you are a member of that church. None of the reputable paranormal investigative groups we know of charge a fee to do a cleansing. The good ones will tell you up front that there are no guarantees but will often do whatever they can to help. There are many gifted psychics who also offer their help at no charge. If anyone charges a fee for a cleansing, run the other way! Lastly, there are many methods used for clearing or cleansing spaces and they can work when done properly by knowledgeable individuals. Some are very involved rituals but more often than not, it can be as simple as reclaiming your space out loud. We have found that a cleansing of any kind is more effective when the home owner is actively involved and the method is one that has meaning for them. If they feel they have control back in their home, they will feel safe and many times the situation resolves itself.

Kathy

ORBS

One subject that continues to be a hot topic of contention in the paranormal research community is the orb and whether it is paranormal in origin or a naturally occurring phenomenon. There are supporters on each side of this debate, ranging from one extreme to the other. Some discount all orbs as pollen, dust and moisture while the other extreme sees every orb as a manifestation of spirit.

The truth is that there is no concrete proof existing that supports either viewpoint. It makes sense to us that this isn’t an issue of black and white but the truth most probably falls somewhere in the middle. It seems in our study of the paranormal that what we find often seems to fall into that “gray area.” Most of us know that when we take a digital photograph at night when it is raining, drizzling, or there is high humidity, our picture will be full of orbs. While this doesn’t mean that none of the orbs are spirit in origin, most of them we know to be rain so it discounts pretty much everything we catch in that photograph.

Driving through cemeteries at night stirs up dust and dirt and makes it much more difficult to say with certainty that the orbs caught in pictures taken there are paranormal in origin. Are some of those orbs in the cemetery paranormal? Most likely they are. So, how do we tell the difference? Again, we are dealing with an area that is continually debated with no proof on either side – just opinion.

Since the digital camera made its appearance, orbs are probably the most common anomalies that show up in pictures. So, how should we approach analyzing our pictures? First the most obvious thing is to avoid taking pictures in conditions that we know will produce natural orbs – like rain, snow, humidity, dust, or high pollen areas. Bugs are also often mistaken for spirit orbs or other paranormal anomalies. Many investigations take place outdoors during the summer when there are bugs everywhere. Each tiny mosquito, when it is hit with the flash, appears as a small – sometimes moving – ball of light that looks like an orb. We have videos full of “moving orbs” that are just bugs, moths, and sometimes small bats! During those same warm months, it isn’t unusual to find the bugs inside as well. Especially in old houses that have broken windows or those with no screens. Videos also capture moving dust particles that are stirred up by breezes or movement in old houses. In these instances, it is helpful in the case of photos to use a good computer program to enlarge the orb to a magnification that makes it easier to see exactly what you have captured.

With a video, it should be slowed down enough for it to be viewed frame by frame. Another thing that can prove helpful is to make an album of pictures taken with each camera you use in different conditions. If you typically use one digital and one 35 mm camera take a picture with both in the same position in different conditions – rain, snow, humidity, fog, etc. – and then post pictures side by side in the album with the date, camera type, and conditions under which it was taken. With this frame of reference, you can go back at any time with questionable pictures and make comparisons.

We have all heard of people catching their camera strap in a photograph and claiming it is a vortex. Because of that, it is also helpful to add other things to your album besides climate and atmospheric conditions. Have someone shake a throw rug and immediately snap a picture. See how the dust shows up in your picture. Dangle a hair in front of the camera lens and shoot that. When people see a hair that is photographed, they would never have imagined that was what it was. Hair is very distinctive when you know what to look for. Spider webs are another good example. When caught by a digital camera, they look very unusual and are often mistaken as paranormal anomalies.

There will be times when we get anomalies on film or with our digital cameras that we won’t be able to explain away and may feel that they are paranormal in origin. This is of course what we hope for as paranormal investigators. It just makes what we do get more credible if we thoroughly check out each photo to rule out explainable anomalies first. Most paranormal investigators know that we can take hundreds of pictures before capturing one that is paranormal.

With all of the technological progress being made, it shouldn’t be too long before equipment will become refined enough to help sort out the questions that we struggle with today. I think it is important in the meantime to do what we can to sort out evidence that is meaningful from what is obviously not valid. I think we also need to keep an open mind with regard to new and effective ways to validate our findings.

Kathy

by Dusty Smith
Cemeteries are places of respect that generally have clearly defined rules posted somewhere on the grounds—usually at the front gate or office area. However, some older, neglected, abandoned or off-the-beaten-path cemeteries may not have these rules posted anywhere. I know of no state, county or city that doesn’t have some laws that protect these cemeteries, whether posted rules are visible or not. Most people who know me or have read any of my published books have read my Cemetery Etiquette, but there are also etiquette rules for ghost hunters & paranormal investigators. The reason being is that some people not only don’t understand the work we do, but do not condone it--especially in cemeteries where their loved ones are at rest. Therefore it is even more important that we adhere to a set of rules while visiting cemeteries—not just the “regular” cemetery etiquette rules, but a stricter set for just us ghost hunters & paranormal investigators. With that stated, I am now going to put into place the Cemetery Etiquette for Ghost Hunters & Paranormal Investigators.

1. Follow the standard rules of cemetery etiquette at all times when visiting a cemetery.
2. Obey posted hours of operation. If there are no posted hours of operation—the rule of thumb is closed from dusk to dawn; this is the law in most states.
3. Get permission to be in the cemetery after hours. If you don’t have permission to be in the cemetery—don’t go in, especially after dark.
4. Survey the cemetery during daylight hours. Find out where dangers will lie in darkness and inform your team members of them prior to entering the cemetery in the dark. Many older cemeteries have open graves and vaults as well as local flora and fauna that make their homes in the cemetery—be aware of these things before going in at night.
5. Do not trespass. If you see a locked gate, do not jump the fence, gate or find another way in.
6. Respect the dead. Some spirits may feel that the cemetery is now their home—which technically it is—if you feel you are intruding on someone’s personal space, leave the area immediately. Some spirits can become territorial during death and can cause harm to humans—it is best to just leave the area and find another—more willing spirit to deal with.
7. Do not sit, lean or otherwise place your body on any memorials in the cemetery. This includes: headstones, vaults, crypts, sarcophagi, niches, fountains, monuments, mausoleums, or memorial benches. If you feel you are unable to stand for the time period you will be in the cemetery, bring a folding chair, take a break in your vehicle, or simply don’t go.
8. Do not bring alcohol (which should never be used before or during an investigation anyhow), firearms or entertainment items into the cemetery. If you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon discuss that with your team leader. Some cemeteries may not be safe at night—the choices are: carry your permitted weapon or find another cemetery to investigate. I would choose the latter.
9. Ask permission to take a spirits photo. Some ghost hunters and paranormal investigators choose not to take this step. I feel it is an important one because you are in someone else’s space taking pictures of them. We are supposed to be professionals, not paparazzi.
10. Speak in soft tones but loudly enough as to not be thought of as an EVP.
11. Do not leave anything behind. The only thing that should be a reminder of your visit is your footprints. It is appropriate to remove trash if you find it. If you see beer or soda bottles or cans, food containers or wrappers of any kind—pick them up and put them in a trash receptacle. If there are no trash receptacles in the cemetery, take it to your vehicle and dispose of it when you get home. The caretaker and the spirits will appreciate you doing this small act of kindness.
12. Take only photographs. In some cultures it is considered taboo to take photos of mourners and cemeteries or headstones. If told to put your camera away—do so with no argument.
13. Remove nothing from the cemetery. Don’t take flowers—whether growing in the cemetery or in a vase, ribbons, medals or other personal memorabilia left by loved ones. These belong to the deceased and need to stay where they are. Do not remove naturally growing plants or any animals that live in the cemetery either. If you find an injured wild animal—call animal control or the police for assistance with helping this animal. Do not move any items in the cemetery. If it looks like a floral arrangement fell and belongs to one of two graves—leave it alone. The caretaker will know which grave it belongs to and correct the problem if you make him aware of it.
14. If you are having trouble reading an inscription on a headstone—even with a good flashlight, come back during the day. You may want to bring a rubbing kit along as well. Do not use shaving cream as it can damage headstones. Using a mirror at right angles to the sun will also help in daylight hours.
15. Do not bring your pet with you. Some investigators now use dogs to help locate spirits. This is fine on an investigation in a private residence or business, but not in a cemetery. While some cemeteries do allow pets, it is not a safe situation for you, your pet, your team members or the residents of the cemetery to do this—especially at night.
16. Do not initiate a conversation with other visitors to the cemetery. Many types of people visit cemeteries. Genealogists, historians, loved ones, photographers, headstone rubbers, and others. Many of these people don’t believe in spirits and may not appreciate your presence or comments about what you are doing in the cemetery. Your comments about an interaction with a spirit may be offensive to them —especially family members—as many people like to feel that their passed on loved ones have crossed over and are no longer stuck here on earth.
17. Making verbal jokes is VERY inappropriate! Never say anything that includes statements like, “wake the dead”, “dead tired”, “you’re looking pretty grave”, “did you know ghosts eat boo-longa sandwiches?” and the like. I’m not saying that you need to be bored, but if other people hear you making these comments—including the departed—it can be very inappropriate and can get you thrown out of the cemetery and never invited back. If someone does start making jokes—because of boredom or fear—stop them politely and immediately. I have seen people who’ve made a joke get injured shortly after—possibly one of the ghosts getting back at them.
18. Do not drink, eat or smoke while in the cemetery. You may forget a soda bottle or can, attract insects, inadvertently leave food wrappers behind, and smoking can ruin photographic evidence—not to mention leaving cigarette butts behind is a form of littering. Do not litter!
19. Report any suspicious activity or vandalism to the authorities immediately.
20. Use common sense while visiting a cemetery. This is not your private investigative location. It is a place of respect where people visit passed on loved ones. Whether a cemetery is still in use or not—is not your place to determine who can act in what manner. Follow the local laws, the posted rules and these guidelines and you and your team members will have a safe and productive investigation.

A Look at IC Recorders
By Mike Sullivan

There are many digital recorders on the market today and all of them are capable of capturing EVP. In this article I will not attempt to determine which type is better at recording paranormal voices, because to be honest, I don't know for sure. I have a preference for Panasonic IC recorders but other members of the group have gotten excellent results using digital recorders from Sony, Olympus and Radio Shack. By the way, "IC" stands for the "Integrated Circuit" that is in most of these recorders. Some people know them as "digital note takers." The focus of this article will be on IC recorders in general.
It really wasn't all that long ago that the audio cassette recorder replaced open reel units as the recorder of choice for EVP. Now the digital recorders are quickly making audio cassettes a thing of the past for EVP. And how could they not? There are so many advantages to recording with an IC recorder over a cassette unit, from the tiny size to greater reliability. Even the smallest micro cassette recorder is larger than an IC recorder and cassette recorders eat batteries and sometimes cassettes.

With IC's, there is no tape and hence no preparation, just hit "record" and your session has begun. Another advantage of the digital units is a feature that allows the user to play back the recording with a touch of a button, immediately, without having to rewind a tape. Like cassette units, IC recorders start a new recording each time "Record" is pushed, but unlike cassettes, the IC's begin each recording as a separate file, saved in numerical order. The files can be erased with the push of a button or locked to prevent accidental recording and can be played back immediately by scrolling through the numbered files. The IC recorders also display the time and date the recording occurred, which is important for EVP.

There are a few advantages that cassette recorders have over the IC's. One is the ability to remove an audio tape when it has reached capacity. You can't do this with IC recorders except for the models that use a memory card. Even though new models are being introduced with longer recording times, the fact remains that eventually a digital recorder will run out of storage space, leaving the user with no choice but to erase files or stop using the recorder until the files can be downloaded into a computer.

On playback, the fidelity from most cassette units is far better than that from the tiny speakers of the digital recorders. When you want to really hear that amazing EVP you just captured, with a cassette, it's as simple as dropping it into a quality cassette player. Do you want to pass out copies? With cassettes, no problem but with a digital recorder it's back to the computer to load the files onto the hard drive and then distribute them by email or Compact Disk (CD). That's not a problem for many of us but for some, it makes it impossible to share your EVP without having to play it back on the IC recorder itself.

There is one area where cassette and digital recorders do share something in common. The use of an external microphone has been a necessity when using a portable cassette recorder due to the mechanical noise generated by the drive mechanism. Digital recorders have no moving parts and are generally not considered noisy but they are very sensitive. Pressing the record button and putting the unit down in a desired location almost always results in unwanted sounds being recorded at the beginning of the session and again at the end, when picking it up and turning it off. Using an external microphone eliminates this problem as well as providing a better quality recording due to the superior quality of the microphone in comparison to the one built into the recorder. However, because there are no moving parts, using an external microphone on an IC recorder is an option you might want to save for a serious investigation. In general, all the digital recorders deliver clear soundtracks using the built-in microphone, so if you suddenly get the urge to hit the record button on a digital unit, don't feel like you have to stop and attach a microphone. Just do it.

As I mentioned earlier, to some, the biggest drawback to using a digital recorder is the need to download the EVP into a computer in order to clear space, better hear the recording and to share EVP with others. But actually, this "drawback" is a strength, because it's given us the ability to send our EVP captures all over the world via Internet without having to send a CD or audio tape through the post office. In addition, it allows us to edit and filter the EVP we record, greatly enhancing the quality and often times drawing out faint voices that otherwise would not be heard. This can be done with cassette recorders, but rewinding and fast forwarding to find the exact spot before recording into the computer is a tedious task.

Here's a little information on recording EVP into a computer. Some of the more expensive digital recorders include software and a USB connector that connect the recorder to the USB port of the computer. For those who are so equipped, the next few steps won't be necessary. However, if you have multiple recorders, than more than likely you'll be using the method I'm about to describe since the majority of IC recorders, including some of the most popular, are not equipped with a USB connector.

The first thing needed to connect to the computer is an audio cable available from any Radio Shack. Here are the part numbers from their catalogue:

PN: 42-2420A—6 foot Audio Cable (1/8 mono plugs)

PN: 274-327C—Mono Plug Adapter (1/8 mini phone plug to 3/32 sub-mini phone jack)
Almost all IC recorders and cassette recorders use the 1/8 mono to 1/8 mono plugs listed above. The Panasonic RR-DR60, uses a sub-mini phone jack, so if you have one, you'll also need to order the adapter which plugs into the headphone jack of the recorder.

You can record onto both channels by adapting the mono cord to the computer with PN: 274-374 (1/8 mono jack to 1/8 stereo jack). The computer jack is stereo.

Once you have the cable, the last step is to connect the cable to the recorder and the computer. Unfortunately, there isn't enough space to write a step by step guide on how to accomplish this but hopefully these general instructions will help get you started. If anyone has additional questions or would like my help, I'm always available through the AA-EVP Egroup.

To connect the cable, plug one end into the headphone jack of the recorder and the other end into the "Line in" jack on the back of the PC next to where the speakers and microphone are connected. Next, double click on the "Speaker" icon in the system tray in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. This brings up the volume control panel. You'll want to be sure that the "Line In" control is present and not muted. Then click on OPTIONS, then PROPERTIES and select RECORDING. Be sure that "Line In" is checked in the box that opens below. Lastly, click OK and then select "Line In" by checking the "Select" box below the volume control.
You should be ready to record using the basic Windows Sound Recorder or by downloading the free trial version of Cool Edit 2000 (www.syntrillium.com) or other sound editing programs available online.

Article by Mike Sullivan ~ A member of the American Association of Electronic Voice Phenomena.
For more information on EVP ~ www.aa-evp.com