Continued from: Where Paranormal Investigators and Ghost Hunters Tred - Part I
This is the continuing segment to my last post, where I started discussing questions that have been circling my mind. Questions like, 'What is the intent of paranormal investigators and ghost hunters?', 'What do paranormal investigators and ghost hunters ultimately accomplish?', and 'How do paranormal investigators and ghost hunters help?'.
In the previous segment I covered what, in my opinion the intent of most paranormal investigators and ghost hunters are. In this segment I will continue and talk about what paranormal investigators and ghost hunters accomplish and how they help.
Establishing that paranormal investigators and ghost hunters gather evidence to document and prove the existence of the paranormal, I now need to explore where it leads. As in any scieintific field, after evidence is gathered and proof is presented that something 'exists', then what? As in finding molecules and atoms, or as in finding anything that wasn't 'proved' previously. Once scientists discover and prove the existence of those things, then what? What did they do with it? In the same way, what are the paranormal investigators and ghost hunters doing with the information they gather?
It must be a great relief to those, who have been experiencing paranormal activity, to have someone come in and give them concrete proof that what they were experiencing wasn't a figment of their imagination. It'll confirm to them that others too are hearing, seeing and feeling what they've been. To many, it confirms to them their sanity. Ok, great. But then what?
How do they or we know exactly what it is that they've gathered proof of? What is it that they caught on evp's, on videos, on their cameras? Those who think they have discerened correctly what they have documented, how do they really know? Even if they do know. "Then what?". "What exactly does it achieve?" All that time and effort, what was it for? Just to prove that there IS something there?
At this juncture we could easily stop and say, "Well, we don't know exactly what it is, so let's just forget about it". Yet those who are experiencing activity, especially activity that is unsettling, disturbing and to some frightening, most of the time, want to know what it is and how are they to deal with it.
Today, there are many shows on television dealing with the same genre, namely paranormal investigators, paranormal investigative groups, ghost hunter's stories and the such. They all run along similar lines. A specific place has paranormal activity. The team goes in, gets evidence, present their evidence at the 'reveal', and the show is over.
Just out of curiosity, I've mentally put myself in the position of the 'client'. The person who initiated the investigation by calling in the paranormal investigative team. Let's say I'm the caretaker for a historic building and many day that I work there I experience 'things'. So I call in a paranormal investigative group. The team has completed the investigation and they have collected all the evidence. They have done the 'reveal'. They have shown me that what I've been seeing and hearing is actually there, and not my imagination. I've received proof that something is there when I feel my hair being lifted, when my shoulders get touched. I understand better when papers fly off my desk by themselves without a window being open and the hvac system being off. So I wasn't crazy when I discovered drawers opened, when I know I shut them. Then it wasn't a dream when I couldn't open the door, it being seemingly locked, only to find it wide open ten minutes later. Ok. I'm grateful to have validation of what I've been experiencing. But then what?
Can they help me somehow? Can they help when the activity is present, and fear hits the pit of my stomach like a boulder, making me feel like I just want to run? What exaclty can they do? What ultimately do they accomplish? I've heard many, many stories where a homeowner, having paranormal activity calls in a paranormal investigative team. After all is said and done and the team leaves, the activity increases. Increases? Yikes! To me, personally, that would be quite unsettling if not scary.
Just out of curiosity, I've mentally put myself in the position of the 'client'. The person who initiated the investigation by calling in the paranormal investigative team. Let's say I'm the caretaker for a historic building and many day that I work there I experience 'things'. So I call in a paranormal investigative group. The team has completed the investigation and they have collected all the evidence. They have done the 'reveal'. They have shown me that what I've been seeing and hearing is actually there, and not my imagination. I've received proof that something is there when I feel my hair being lifted, when my shoulders get touched. I understand better when papers fly off my desk by themselves without a window being open and the hvac system being off. So I wasn't crazy when I discovered drawers opened, when I know I shut them. Then it wasn't a dream when I couldn't open the door, it being seemingly locked, only to find it wide open ten minutes later. Ok. I'm grateful to have validation of what I've been experiencing. But then what?
Can they help me somehow? Can they help when the activity is present, and fear hits the pit of my stomach like a boulder, making me feel like I just want to run? What exaclty can they do? What ultimately do they accomplish? I've heard many, many stories where a homeowner, having paranormal activity calls in a paranormal investigative team. After all is said and done and the team leaves, the activity increases. Increases? Yikes! To me, personally, that would be quite unsettling if not scary.
As exhilirating as it might be, to investigate and gather evidence using modern technological equipment. My question still stands..."What do they accomplish?" and "How do they help"?
I've read the mission statements from many paranormal investigative goups and teams - those who have one. Most of them seem similar. Their goal is to investigate and document paranormal activity. They want to scientifically prove the parnormal. Some also add that they wish to assist those with paranormal problems. Therefore, my question remains. How do they do that? What exactly are they qualified to do to 'help'? There were those that state they use their gifts combined with scienitific equipment to collect scientific data. That's great, but how does that help? If I was someone in need of help in the paranormal, I would be expecting to know what help they offer. Is it scientific? Is it from their 'gifts'? What exactly are they going to do?
When I go to a doctor (another scientific and gifted helper), I'm usually told what test is going to be done. It's not shrouded in mystery. I know what a tongue depresser does, or an x-ray machine. I know that when I get an injection what it's for, what that needle contains. I am told by the medical professional what was found through the testing and what options there are to 'help' the situation that was found. So again, what exactly do they do to help?
I've read the mission statements from many paranormal investigative goups and teams - those who have one. Most of them seem similar. Their goal is to investigate and document paranormal activity. They want to scientifically prove the parnormal. Some also add that they wish to assist those with paranormal problems. Therefore, my question remains. How do they do that? What exactly are they qualified to do to 'help'? There were those that state they use their gifts combined with scienitific equipment to collect scientific data. That's great, but how does that help? If I was someone in need of help in the paranormal, I would be expecting to know what help they offer. Is it scientific? Is it from their 'gifts'? What exactly are they going to do?
When I go to a doctor (another scientific and gifted helper), I'm usually told what test is going to be done. It's not shrouded in mystery. I know what a tongue depresser does, or an x-ray machine. I know that when I get an injection what it's for, what that needle contains. I am told by the medical professional what was found through the testing and what options there are to 'help' the situation that was found. So again, what exactly do they do to help?
You might think to yourself, what about those who have the most altruistic intents? Well, from my point of view, even those who have the best intent, how are they able to help? Where is the handbook that tells them (or us) how to deal with all the different types of entitied that are documented at an investigation? Many use aids from the metaphysical and parapsychological communities. Things like burning sage and other herbs. Walking through the property saying positive affirmations while carrying the burning herb. Sounds mystical, doesn't it? I would have thought so too, if I didn't clearly know that many times, it does little, sometimes nothing, and at worst, those types of positive affirmations and sage burnings only seems to increase the paranormal activity that was bothersome to begin with. Sometimes it only temporarily puts things at bay, for things to only return stronger later. Again, Yikes! For those who are enjoying the paranormal activity, naturally this doesn't apply. They are happily living with the activity, even deriving pleasure from it. I'm referring to those individuals who are bothered, unsettled and even frightened by paranormal occurances.
Now don't get me wrong, I do understand that encompassing the paranormal in a fully scientific way is in it's very early stages, if it's at all possible to encompass this field in a fully scientific way. That, from a scientific standpoint it's a new horizon of discovery. We need to remember though that ghosts and what goes bump in the night have been around as long as man has. It is not a new phenomena. It's just being approached in a new scienitific way.
All that is great. I applaud all who go forth to conquer new frontiers. Yet I have a great apprehension in the pit of my stomach. As described above, where activity can increase after an investigation, it is a pretty tentative proposition, in my opinion, to jump right into something that one knows nothing or very little about. Especially when there are real dangers that could be encountered.
Now don't get me wrong, I do understand that encompassing the paranormal in a fully scientific way is in it's very early stages, if it's at all possible to encompass this field in a fully scientific way. That, from a scientific standpoint it's a new horizon of discovery. We need to remember though that ghosts and what goes bump in the night have been around as long as man has. It is not a new phenomena. It's just being approached in a new scienitific way.
All that is great. I applaud all who go forth to conquer new frontiers. Yet I have a great apprehension in the pit of my stomach. As described above, where activity can increase after an investigation, it is a pretty tentative proposition, in my opinion, to jump right into something that one knows nothing or very little about. Especially when there are real dangers that could be encountered.
7 comments:
I comPletley agree I watch probably all current shOws on television today and they do just that. That come to the scared famous home show them that YES there really ate dead people roaming your house or worse tell them they have demons and then give them a card and say call us, mean while leaving the family there to idure the rath of a pissed of demon and or ghost. Ghost Hunters "TAPS" does it every time and then does one worse by saying some condisending comment like we don't think they"ll hurt you or they just dead people people just like you and I . Not! Paranormal state however does try ate least with prayer and medallions tribal leaders and such. But like you said how do they know that works. This is hey the church dis nit condon messing around eth the spirit rord things we do not Clearly understand. Validation I'd great but at what cost?
That's when we send Kirby in there, he'll tell them to burn or destroy everything. Next thing you know, they have no furniture and the ghosts are still running around. Classic!
your so funny
Thank you all for your comments. They are appreciated :)
Tia: I'm glad you enjoyed the article and understand where I'm coming from.
Anonymous: I wish you weren't 'anonymous', kind of makes me feel like I'm in communist europe... lol.. not the good old USA :) And as far as Kirby's affectiveness, I presume you MUST be jesting ;)
EyeOnTheParanormal: Thank you, I'm of the belief that sometimes humor will drive the point across to those who can use a seed being planted.
Wishing everyone a Blessed day :)
Although many of the shows focus on the actual investigations and findings, there are many of the groups that will continue to work with the people involved in order to do what they can to assist them. That portion is just not seen on their shows, but they have tried to assist them outside of the "show."
In saying that, I do realize there are many groups out there that do not concern themselves with helping people after the investigation. Most of the legitimate paranormal groups I am in contact with, which are probably in the hundreds at this point, ARE interested in both the investigation and assisting those in need. I am leery of those groups that want to charge for their services. We do take donations, should people want to help us with the cost of our equipment and services, but we do not charge to help people. If we are not close enough to help someone directly, then we will even get them in touch with a group we trust that is closer to them. There have been many times where we have spent hours helping the people who have come to us in need. Sometimes, just having someone find out the types of spirits that are in their place can be a big help to people. If they know that the spirit is benign, then they can feel some relief. In the case where negative spirits are involved, then hopefully the team will get assistance if they don't know how to help the people further. I realize that this is idealistic thinking, but we do take this approach on all of our investigations and our clients.
In regard to the "remedies" that Skarlet was discussing, there are several factors have been found to make a difference as to the results for paranormal activity. Skarlet mentioned using sage, which can be effective IF it is used properly. The problem is that not everyone knows what "properly" means. There is more to it than just going through the house with some sage. There is a process that has to take place and then the house needs to be "sealed" once the spirits have been forced out. To begin with, you must start at the furthest part back in the house and completely dowse the entire location while working your way outward. That way the spirit is not "trapped" in the home. This process does no good if there is no "faith" involved. It's not a simple recipe and that is it. In addition, once the home is cleansed, people forget to make sure to "seal" the home. You do that by placing a solid line of sea salt across every outside threshold & window sill. Chris & I are trying to figure out the reasons for it working, but we have seen evidence that it does. We think it has to do with frequency due to the crystalline structure of the salt. That forms a barrier for the spirits and helps keep them from returning. Obviously, there are many people that will be skeptical, but I have seen it work when applied properly. Another thing that can help is by planting something like a cedar tree on the affected property.
In saying all of that, I do agree that there are many groups out there that do not follow through as they should, and may not be prepared to deal with situations that are of a serious nature. Hopefully, those people will do the right thing by doing the necessary research to be prepared, gain assistance from more experienced organizations and people, and follow through on helping the people in need.
Although many of the shows focus on the actual investigations and findings, there are many of the groups that will continue to work with the people involved in order to do what they can to assist them. That portion is just not seen on their shows, but they have tried to assist them outside of the "show."
In saying that, I do realize there are many groups out there that do not concern themselves with helping people after the investigation. Most of the legitimate paranormal groups I am in contact with, which are probably in the hundreds at this point, ARE interested in both the investigation and assisting those in need. I am leery of those groups that want to charge for their services. We do take donations, should people want to help us with the cost of our equipment and services, but we do not charge to help people. If we are not close enough to help someone directly, then we will even get them in touch with a group we trust that is closer to them. There have been many times where we have spent hours helping the people who have come to us in need. Sometimes, just having someone find out the types of spirits that are in their place can be a big help to people. If they know that the spirit is benign, then they can feel some relief. In the case where negative spirits are involved, then hopefully the team will get assistance if they don't know how to help the people further. I realize that this is idealistic thinking, but we do take this approach on all of our investigations and our clients.
In regard to the "remedies" that Skarlet was discussing, there are several factors have been found to make a difference as to the results for paranormal activity. Skarlet mentioned using sage, which can be effective IF it is used properly. The problem is that not everyone knows what "properly" means. There is more to it than just going through the house with some sage. There is a process that has to take place and then the house needs to be "sealed" once the spirits have been forced out. To begin with, you must start at the furthest part back in the house and completely dowse the entire location while working your way outward. That way the spirit is not "trapped" in the home. This process does no good if there is no "faith" involved. It's not a simple recipe and that is it. In addition, once the home is cleansed, people forget to make sure to "seal" the home. You do that by placing a solid line of sea salt across every outside threshold & window sill. Chris & I are trying to figure out the reasons for it working, but we have seen evidence that it does. We think it has to do with frequency due to the crystalline structure of the salt. That forms a barrier for the spirits and helps keep them from returning. Obviously, there are many people that will be skeptical, but I have seen it work when applied properly. Another thing that can help is by planting something like a cedar tree on the affected property.
In saying all of that, I do agree that there are many groups out there that do not follow through as they should, and may not be prepared to deal with situations that are of a serious nature. Hopefully, those people will do the right thing by doing the necessary research to be prepared, gain assistance from more experienced organizations and people, and follow through on helping the people in need.
Although many of the shows focus on the actual investigations and findings, there are many of the groups that will continue to work with the people involved in order to do what they can to assist them. That portion is just not seen on their shows, but they have tried to assist them outside of the "show."
In saying that, I do realize there are many groups out there that do not concern themselves with helping people after the investigation. Most of the legitimate paranormal groups I am in contact with, which are probably in the hundreds at this point, ARE interested in both the investigation and assisting those in need. I am leery of those groups that want to charge for their services. We do take donations, should people want to help us with the cost of our equipment and services, but we do not charge to help people. If we are not close enough to help someone directly, then we will even get them in touch with a group we trust that is closer to them. There have been many times where we have spent hours helping the people who have come to us in need. Sometimes, just having someone find out the types of spirits that are in their place can be a big help to people. If they know that the spirit is benign, then they can feel some relief. In the case where negative spirits are involved, then hopefully the team will get assistance if they don't know how to help the people further. I realize that this is idealistic thinking, but we do take this approach on all of our investigations and our clients.
In regard to the "remedies" that Skarlet was discussing, there are several factors have been found to make a difference as to the results for paranormal activity. Skarlet mentioned using sage, which can be effective IF it is used properly. The problem is that not everyone knows what "properly" means. There is more to it than just going through the house with some sage. There is a process that has to take place and then the house needs to be "sealed" once the spirits have been forced out. To begin with, you must start at the furthest part back in the house and completely dowse the entire location while working your way outward. That way the spirit is not "trapped" in the home. This process does no good if there is no "faith" involved. It's not a simple recipe and that is it. In addition, once the home is cleansed, people forget to make sure to "seal" the home. You do that by placing a solid line of sea salt across every outside threshold & window sill. Chris & I are trying to figure out the reasons for it working, but we have seen evidence that it does. We think it has to do with frequency due to the crystalline structure of the salt. That forms a barrier for the spirits and helps keep them from returning. Obviously, there are many people that will be skeptical, but I have seen it work when applied properly. Another thing that can help is by planting something like a cedar tree on the affected property.
In saying all of that, I do agree that there are many groups out there that do not follow through as they should, and may not be prepared to deal with situations that are of a serious nature. Hopefully, those people will do the right thing by doing the necessary research to be prepared, gain assistance from more experienced organizations and people, and follow through on helping the people in need.
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