Ghost Hunting

Ghost Hunting

Ghost hunting in media 

In media, ghost hunting is portrayed as an activity just anyone can do, which isn’t true at all. Ghost hunters are people who go out seeking evidence supporting the existence of paranormal activity at locations that are reported to be haunted by ghosts. 

According to Wikipedia, “Ghost hunters use a variety of electronic devices, including EMF meters, digital thermometers, both handheld and static digital video cameras, including thermographic and night vision cameras, as well as digital audio recorders. Other more traditional techniques are also used, such as conducting interviews and researching the history of allegedly haunted sites. Ghost hunters may also refer to themselves as ‘paranormal investigators.’ “

Let’s dissect this, and I’ll explain what I heave learned through my research as well as my personal experiences with people who investigate the paranormal.

False Ghost Hunters 

False ghost hunters are people like those you would see on popular sites like YouTube who are looking for views/clickbait. I am talking about YouTubers such as the ones doing those “3 AM” challenges or the “Do not do [this activity] at [this ‘haunted’ time of night like midnight, 3 am, or 11:11]” Videos like these are based on facts, but they aren’t based in reality in any other ways. For example, there are certain times of the day/night that have magickal benefits and other properties, but no ghost will haunt you if you, for example, calling Mickey Mouse at 3 AM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkCZxuJof3I). 

However, what does anger spirits is entering sacred places like graveyards and being disrespectful. In the following video displaying just that, I can already tell they may very well have angered something real. Just in the first few seconds I can see that they are stepping off the trail and directly next to some gravestones, which means they are probably stepping on top of the deceased, and they definitely didn’t ask to approach. This is not only disrespectful to the families, but also to the spirits/guardians of the graveyard. They are using some tools real ghost hunters use, however they don’t have respect for the ghosts they may be finding. 

Graveyard Etiquette According to Princess Rae on The Pagans & Witches Amino

1. Bring coins as offerings to the gatekeepers. As well as protection of yourself before coming to the graveyard.

2. Leave coins at the entry way for the gatekeeps.

3. When walking around the yard, DO NOT step on headstones. If you do apologize, and clean it up if you made it dirty.

4. Leave an offering by a tree or away from the headstones themselves as offerings to the spirits.

5. Clean up neglected headstones. This is out of respect for the dead.

6. Before you leave, make sure you haven’t littered or made a mess of anything you shouldn’t have. As well as thanking the spirits for your time if you came to communicate.

7. Leave the way you came.

https://aminoapps.com/c/pagans-witches/page/item/graveyard-etiquette/7eop_a5jCNIag20g8LYnY0wJ5z8anWBYL85

Hired witches and practitioners 

Witches throughout history have been chastised for communicating with the dead, and it is one of the main pieces of evidence used against those suspected of witchcraft, since withcraft was originally viewed as the act of being a servant of the devil.

Witches today do communicate with the dead, however it comes in the form of talking to, honoring, and otherwise working with one’s own ancestors. 

According to Ancestor Communication Spell For Ancestor Worship By Emma Kyteler , “Through prayer, sacrificial offerings, meditation, and ritual, you can bring your ancestors to the table and gain their insight on your life. Intuitively, we sense the presence of our ancestors in our lives. And the wisdom they hold from life and death is a valuable resource for any witch.” 

Furthermore, Kyteler states that “Ancestor worship is a means to assure their own immortality, as well. When a family stays together and venerates their ancestors together, one can go into the afterlife knowing they will be respected and remembered in the same way. Some believe ancestor worship could be the world’s oldest religion. The belief that the dead continue on after death is so common, and that belief is what creates more formal ancestor worship. When an ancestor is angry, it can be a fearsome force that causes misfortune, bad luck, and may jeopardize ones own place in the afterlife.” 

Witches are typically hired for spell casting, as you’ll see on places like fiver and Etsy. This includes banishment spells and home protection spells, which can be used to get rid of unwanted spirits. This is what can be seen as “getting rid of ghosts”, because it is similar in a way. 

https://witchesbrewtours.com/2018/11/26/brief-history-ghost-hunting/

https://blogs.loc.gov/law/2017/10/communicating-with-the-dead-can-the-unknown-be-regulated/

https://www.cantonrep.com/article/20120319/BLOGS/303199919

https://eclecticwitchcraft.com/ancestor-communication-spell/