Ghost Hunting Tools: Equipment Rationale and Video Demonstration of Actual Investigation Use

Have you ever had the feeling of being watched? Out of the corner of your eyes, have you ever seen shadows of people or captured the shadow of person in a photograph and wanted to communicate? Do you frequently hear unexplained noises both night and day? Have you taken pictures and seen unexplained "dust" with faces you now feel may be orbs? Have you "put your foot" down by laying down some house rules for cohabiting with a paranormal presence? Have you attempted to communicate by listening for responses to questions (EVPs) on an audio recorder? While the later of these questions may seem definitive should you hear a reply, sometimes, it is quite difficult to make out a response and many people may have different interpretations of the same response in much the way people can see different shapes in the same cloud, if that makes sense.

There is a tested method that may seem elementary beyond that of listening for an EVP or using a Ouija board, which someone usually ends up guilty of moving, unfortunately, in most experiences. If you are a fan of any of the popular reality ghost shows, you’ll be familiar with scenes of communication using a flashlight with which an entity uses to address questions of the investigator in the manner of responding “yes” or “no” or not at all. The flashlights used on these shows vary; however, there is a flashlight you may find quite easy to use and have a paranormal entity easily (if present) manipulate.

The best tool for the job is the MAGLITE flashlight. The reason? Its size. The flashlights used on the network television ghost hunting shows, though pocket sized, can and should be smaller. Why? Well, if you're a fan of these shows, you'll know physical manipulation by anything paranormal (be it spirit or demon) requires energy. The less mass an object has, the easier it is for manipulation to occur, or in this case, turn the flashlight on or off, whatever the case may be. I should note here that these entities are deemed "paranormal," NOT "supernatural." What does this mean? It means that they exist WITHIN the laws of physics and nature; however, they are just not yet completely understood by us. Thus, again, the smaller/less mass an object has, the better.

Below, is a video I posted on YouTube of an entity actually manipulating one of these flashlights.  Note, you'll need to twist the flashlight just so to where it's a "hair pin" twist or touch away from being turned on.  Again, the less energy that needs to be exerted upon this, the better, since you'll find the communication can last a bit longer since so little energy needs to be used on the physical manipulation of the flashlight.  Here is the actual footage of the first time I used this technique along with the flashlight:

In the video above, the audio recorder I place next to the flashlight is the SONY ICD-PX312 Digital Flash Voice Recorder. My choice for an audio recorder hinged upon affordability and ability for easy transfer of files to my computer for easy editing such as ampification and noise reduction. If you happen to be on a budget, the recorder without the USB connection (SONY ICD-BX800 2G) is a good alternative and about twenty dollars cheaper. Even though minus the ability to transfer files via a USB connection to computer, the BX800 still has the ability via an alternative method--connect (with an 1/8 inch stereo or mono cord) by using the recorders headphone jack into your computer's microphone jack. You should find there is very little difference in quality if any.

When I was looking to purchase audio recorders, I was, naturally, faced with the decision of how many to get. My recommendation here is that for every camera in a team of investigators, you should have one audio recorder. The reason for this is that additional sources can help to debunk sounds that might otherwise be considered evidence. On the flip side, they can, too, validate evidence if something is captured by more than one investigator.

In the video above, you may have noticed the red laser being shone next to the flashlight. The thermometer is important. Researchers of the paranormal have documented/reported drops in temperature that are concurrent with other events such as spikes in EMF detectors and meters, increases in negative ion counts, appearances of orbs in photos, and the "appearance" of EVPs in audio recordings. The IR thermometer used in the video above registered a drop of a about ten degrees from the base reading prior to the "flashing." The IR thermometer I selected is manufactured by EXTECH.

It was this event and, I must say, proper tool (the flashlight) that led me to completely change my stance on the field/hobby of ghost hunting and paranormal activity.  The proper tools really can make the difference between communication and nothing at all.  Before anyone begins ghost hunting ghosts I recommend being prepared with the proper mentality (to interpret the evidence), the courage (to keep from running away in fear), and tools (as I hope this article and YouTube video evidence).  

RowCad is an adjunct professor of English Literature and Language at a Tier I university and has elected to ghostwrite (no pun intended) as "RowCad" to remain anonymous and protect his identity. Please be certain to review RowCad's profile for more information.