Techniques for Efficient Paranormal Investigation:

Are you an expert in the field of the paranormal called in to do an investigation? Do you have your investigative team ready and assembled?

Before you move forward, take note of the following tips for a better investigation:

• De-stress and keep your team members unstressed. Negative energy  can influence your investigation, and can agitate spirits.

• Take notes before, during, and after the investigation.

• Research the site you plan to investigate, and make sure you have legal access to it.

• Plan ahead: assign which team member will operate what piece of equipment.

• Bring cameras, both still and video. Keep back-up  blank tapes and recording materials ready.

• Batteries seem to run out rapidly during a paranormal investigation, so bring as many extra as you can spare, afford, and carry.

• Bring voice recorders such as tapes or digital recorders with an external microphone.

• Bring thermometers or a thermal scanner. These will monitor drastic changes in the area’s temperature, which may signal the presence of an entity.

• Bring an EMF, or Electromagnetic Field Meter, which will monitor changes in the area’s energy. They may be expensive, and will require you to bring more batteries, so a compass can sometimes suffice. Any disturbance in the area’s magnetic field will be picked up by a compass needle.

• Bring a first aid kit. You may suddenly fall and hurt yourself, especially if you are investigating old, historic sites. Not all spirits are friendly, and violent ones have been known to do more than bite and scratch.

• Allow the spirits to get used to you. Before conducting the investigation, walk around the site for a quarter of an hour or more. This will also allow you to get to know the area better, and to keep you from stumbling or getting lost should you suddenly find the need to run.

• Don't wear perfumes or colognes. Some spirits use scents to signal their presence.

• Don't smoke or drink alcohol during the investigation. Behave as though you were investigating living people,  show the spirits and the site your utmost respect.

• Don't take pictures in rain, snow, or fog. Keep your lenses clean and moisture free.

• Don't whisper or talk during the investigation, as this will affect your recordings.

• Never go to any part of the site alone.

Be on your guard as you investigate, and keep an open mind. Sometimes phenomena may actually have an explanation, and will need less imagination and more logic.