Ghost Hunting for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started

by Rich Newman

Overview

If you're one of the countless fans of ghost hunting TV shows itching to get off the couch and track some spirits on your own, this book provides everything you need to know to conduct a successful paranormal investigation.

Professional ghost hunter Rich Newman shares proven scientific methods, tried-and-true low-tech approaches, and the latest technology used by the pros. You'll learn what ghosts are, why hauntings occur, the different types of supernatural phenomena, and the importance of conducting responsible investigations. Find out how to form a team, interact with ghosts, gather and examine evidence—and what not to do when seeking spirits.

Along with helpful hints, insider tips, and seasoned insights gained from Newman's decade of field work, Ghost Hunting for Beginners is peppered with true accounts of ghost stories from famous cases and the author's own investigations.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738726960
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	10/08/2011
Series:	Llewellyn's For Beginners , #31
Pages:	218
Product dimensions:	5.20(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Rich Newman is the author of seven books, including The Ghost Hunter's Field Guide and Ghost Hunting for Beginners. He has made appearances on paranormal television programs around the world and has appeared multiple times on Coast to Coast AM. When he isn't traveling to haunted places, he can be found at his home outside Memphis, Tennessee, where he plays with his synthesizers and plots his next book.

Table of Contents

Ghost Hunting for Beginners

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter One — Human Experience

      What are ghosts?

      Popularity of the Paranormal

      Brief History of Ghost Hunting

      Types of Hauntings

      Non-Haunted Paranormal Activity

      Religion, Demons and Inhuman Entities

      Possession

      Theories about Hauntings

      Typical Haunted Activity

Chapter Two — The Investigation

      Pre-Investigation

      Being Professional

      Research Strategies

      Equipment Maintenance

      Choosing Your Team

      Interviews

      Walkthrough

      Investigation

      Rally Point

      Ground Rules

      Neutral Approach

      Evidence vs. Experience

      Performing Day Investigations

      Documenting an Investigation

      Performing a Vigil

      Using Walkies and Line-of-Sight

      Reacting to an Encounter

      Post-Investigation

      Psychological Ramifications of a Haunting

      Reviewing the Evidence

      Preparing an Investigation Report

      Returning to the Location

      Specific Types of Evidence

Chapter Three – Audio

      What is EVP?

      Theories about EVP

      Disembodied Voices

      Instrumental Transcommunication

      White Noise

      EVP Gear Needed

      Live EVP Methods

      Direct Computer Recording

      Typical EVP Questions

      Using Singapore Theory

      Analyzing Audio and Editing

      Enhancing Your Audio

      Classes of EVP

Chapter Four – Video

      Video for Ghost Hunting

      Types of Video Cameras

      Needed Accessories

      Using a Video Camera

      Using a Webcam

      Shooting in New Spectrums

      Video ITC

      Analyzing and Editing Video

Chapter Five – Photography

      Types of Cameras

      Dangers of Flash Photography

      Shooting in Full Spectrum

      Tips for Using Cameras

      Analyzing and Editing Photos

      Orbs and Mists

Chapter Six — Environmental Monitoring

      EMF Detectors

      The Paranormal Battery

      Weather and Temperature Monitors

      Motion Detectors

      Ion Counters and Projectors

      Geiger Counters

      Static Electricity and Dowsing Rods

      Paranormal Specific Gear

Chapter Seven – DICE

      DICE – Detect

      DICE – Interact

      Using Participation

      Instigators

      DICE – Capture

      DICE – Escalate

      Trigger Phrases

Chapter Eight — Creating a Paranormal Group

      Decisions and Direction

      Psi Groups

      Religious Groups

      Getting Your Group Together

      Recreational vs. Professional

      Avoiding the Demonic

      Science Based Group

      Getting Online

      Maintaining Your Group

      Getting Your First Case

Appendix A: Suggested Gear List

Appendix B: Investigation Step-by-Step

Sources and Resources

Glossary