Investigation Basics

The following information is what Ngrit-UK class as core information / requirements prior to conducting a paranormal investigation

How to Investigate

Before we can discuss some basics of ‘ghost hunting’ or conducting a paranormal investigation / vigil, you need to know and understand what it is and when and where to do it.

Permission

NGRIT strongly suggest you get permission from the land/building owner before conducting a paranormal investigation. NGRIT do not advocate or encourage people to enter onto any property without permission. Be sure to leave a site the way you found it. Do not destroy, damage or deface any part of the site and take your litter home with you!

Insurance

NGRIT suggest you take out liability & accident cover to ensure you are protected in the case of an accident occurring.

Your Team

NGRIT do not suggest anyone does an independent vigil. As a team, we ensure that there are always at least two members together at any one time – that way, if an accident occurs, you have someone who can immediately help you. Get a few people together in your team and always have at least 2 people in the same room.

What is a vigil?

A vigil is a term which is banded about the paranormal sector – it basically means that a period of time is spent in a certain location looking for spirits, ghosts and other paranormal activity. (Also know as an investigation).

When should I do a vigil?

After the appropriate permission has been granted, NGRIT suggest you conduct your vigil during evening/early morning hours. However, it is personal preference – there are suggestive reasons why vigils should be done in daylight hours, but we won’t discuss those here.

If a vigil is conducted in the dark – ideally between 22:00 – 06:00, you can begin to rule out plausible explanations for some activity. For example, it is a lot quieter during these hours, so you are more likely to be able to establish the source of a noise, or to find the source of a light.

Research conducted by NGRIT has found that vigils are best to be conducted on evenings which are calm, clear or cloudy, in April / May time and between 6°C and 14°C. As you can appreciate though, it is not possible to get the weather exactly correct, so just get out there!

What should I do on a vigil?

Each group will suggest you do different things, from filming everything on video camera, to just going back to the basics and noting everything down.

NGRIT conduct various types and styles of investigation, depending on the location and how many types of a vigil have already been conducted there. For example, one vigil may be conducted with basics, such as notebooks, red torches and trigger objects, whereas the next vigil in the same location may involve Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP), video camera, DVR system, various other electronic equipment and flash photography.

Personal preference wins the day here – go with what you are comfortable with and what your budget allows. The latest electronic gadgetry may in the end show no results (battery drain can be quite common in supposed haunted locations), while a basic investigation may reap all the rewards.

Unlike some television shows, NGRIT suggest investigators remain calm, quiet and collected, as this makes it easier to investigate any possible activity.

Screaming and running out of the room will make it almost impossible to track any activity

COVER THE BASICS

1. Check for Electrical wiring, especially hidden cables – main cause of EMF

2. Check for Plumbing & heating problems - sounds

3. Check for Drafts - Broken windows, gaps in doors etc - main cause for cold spots & breezes

4. Creaking floors / doors - sounds

5. Check for Waste on the floor – e.g. leaves & paper - main cause for sounds

6. Get a up-to-date weather forecast - Adverse weather - sounds

7. Check the Moon cycle – Moonlight, wind & clouds – main cause of shadows

8. Check for any hidden dangers – Health & Safety

9. Make a floor plan for every room you investigate. - Pass this info to all team members

10. Conduct On-site Environmental checks before the vigil - check for any changes throughout the investigation.

11. Record ALL the data for future investigations.

12. Take notes during the investigation and write a full report.

13. LOOK for a rational and natural explanation for all and any “Unknown Activity” Never jump to the paranormal until all other explanations have been exhausted.