Reverence in Ghost Hunting
“Bathed in moonlight, we approach.
Against the backdrop of a starry sky
gravestones stand tall - sentinels of the night.
A hush befalls our group; a quiet acknowledgement
between living and dead –
– And again, I silently thank my team
for their professionalism and respect.”
– Journal entry, July 2004
Sarah A. Claud
Beyond the glamour of movies and television, and apart from the novelists and playwrights, you’ll find the real paranormal investigators. We’re a dedicated sort; the type of people who think nothing of driving hundreds of miles to sit in the dark. We accessorize our bodies with cameras, recording devices and other equipment, all in the hopes of obtaining a small amount of useful information. “Why spend hours of your life going through pictures and recordings?” you might ask. It’s the thrill of the hunt. It’s not notoriety we seek, nor is it financial gain. It’s the passion that drives us; the gratification we feel as we help other people to understand the unknown. Each moment spent is considered well worth our time.
One of the greatest responsibilities of an investigator in our field is respect. Respect for the dead, respect for nature, respect for those seeking knowledge, and respect for one’s team members. Each element should be kept in the forefront of one’s mind while researching and investigating.
Those that approach us to set up investigations often present common questions: they want to know what’s in their home; how can they coexist with it; how can they help it cross to the other side? For a small moment in this life, our team becomes an integral part of a family or an individual’s life, as each new investigation brings a story shared, a brief glimpse into the past and new memories made. With each unfolding story, a gift of trust is shared among us. This we must not desecrate.
Another key factor to keep in mind is respect for the dead. Treat entities you are working with, as you would want to be treated in death or in life. Sitting on gravestones or taking something that doesn’t belong to you is both unethical and disrespectful, and mockery or poor treatment of spirits is unacceptable behavior from any investigator. Instead, find a positive way to demonstrate kindness to those departed: initiate a cemetery clean up with your group; try to guide those left to wander the Earth towards the light of the Other Side; be an example to others so that they can do the same.
Finally, have respect for the members of your team. It’s a good idea to check egos at the door and remember that each person plays an important role in the outcome of an investigation. It’s a combination of strengths that help us find the information we seek. Each person is valuable.
Remember the immortal words of Morgan Freeman in the movie Bruce Almighty: “Be the Miracle.” Everything we do, every bit of knowledge we impart to others, every action and subsequent reaction we create, makes a difference in the life of someone else. And that, my friends, is what stirs the passion to continue investigating.
