Whilst many may read this post title and wonder how else could we investigate, many others know the truth and that as investigators we are not banished to the dark and should be following the data. Equally I may make reference to ‘data’ and perhaps ‘facts’ on a regular basis throughout the series. Many may use the term ‘evidence;’ but I wish to avoid this where possible to ensure we do not sound as if any claims made are factually proven. Generally speaking, evidence for the paranormal is weak and provides little to no objective proof. So, I will try an reserve my use of ‘evidence’ for more appropriate times.

Why do I mention all this in relation to investigating in the dark? Well primarily the reason behind such a choice is one of convenience or to apply some drama to the situation. There is certainly little or no data to support an overnight investigation in the dark, with little or no light. 

Many years ago when I first started to attend overnight investigations, these were primarily large groups at public locations with late night access to hopefully spot a ghost. At that point I followed the crowd without question, but it would not be long before that changed. I began to ask lots of questions as I wanted to learn much much more. It was during this that I asked why we investigated in the dark and to my surprise many had no real reason. It was a case of everyone done it, as did TV shows, so we do it too. This for me was an insufficient and I needed more understanding. At that point in time, there appeared to be two main reasons for this approach; a) others in that group and in other groups had always used this approach; b) all the TV shows always used this approach. Basically the approach was the norm for all. However, just because everyone was using this method, it did not mean it was right. 

There are some obvious benefits to investigating in the dark overnight at public locations; the locations are quiet and a better environment is available to find those ghosts. This means there is less sensory noise confusing things. It is often the only time that ghost hunters are able to gain access to these wonderfully historic locations. 

However, this often presents a small problem in most cases. The investigation time does not match when previous reports of phenomena may have occurred. This would relate to the original or ‘alpha’ case report, which may not be overnight at all. This alpha case report is then masked by vague loose reports by other ghost hunters during their visits. Something which can sometimes send investigators down the wrong trail. 

This has always provided me with a paradox in the approach to paranormal investigation that I have taken. Some will advocate its best to approach with as little information as possible, knowing only that the location is haunted. Whilst others may gather as much information as possible to help direct their investigation. Although available time in the past has caused me to approach the odd public ghost hunt with little information, I am firmly in the do the research first camp. This being especially so for private investigations, where knowing as much as possible can help to direct your investigation and focus it better. 

Now, directing your investigation based on a single report that only outlines an experience that may have happened at a location is not really possible. Which is why I ensure that initially I interview the witnesses of the phenomena in order to ascertain as much detail about the experience.  Having them provide their own story without any interruption helps to begin with, but I then ask additional questions to establish a finer understanding. This can then help us determine where in a location the experience may have occurred, when it occurred, which gives us a day, date and time; who was present and what exactly occurred. I often try to have people explain what they think occurred avoiding related terms like ghost or spirit, this is because I want them to describe it as it was and not in terms as something paranormal, as this can often present logical explanations or at least reduce bias towards something spiritual. Sometimes I may also ask the experiencer to tell me what they believed they experienced, as this helps to identify their interpretation of the experience. 

At this point many may arrange to visit the location and conduct an overnight investigation. As I have an understanding of one or a couple of their experiences I could conduct an investigation based on those, but generally speaking I will ask the individual to keep a diary of paranormal everts over the next two weeks, that way we can collate more data on the phenomena to help determine the best strategy for investigating. Often is the case that people are unwilling or inpatient to do this, so the case becomes inactive when nothing more occurs. 

This is what I call the ‘Experience Led Approach’ as it’s determined by the experiencers information on activity. The two weeks of activity logs help to determine frequency of events and potential patterns. In contrast to Ghost Hunting this method of investigating takes patience and understanding that whilst an experience is interesting, it does not really quantify a full blown investigation. In fact most of my cases involve me writing up one or two experience, but never really making it to an on-site investigation. However, this is the work that must be done. 

I am always reminded by the early founders of the SPR and the work they done collecting the experiences of many individuals to help their understanding of the paranormal. It is a practice the SPR still works at today. One that I am personally involved in as a member of the Spontaneous Cases Committee. However, these days we receive the reports of various experiences from all over the world through our website (spr.ac.uk).

These days there are without doubt some variations to the paranormal; there are public locations with more public groups, which could be seen as ghost hunts or events. Paranormal investigations (in my opinion) are more serious than ghost hunts. They require a more detailed organised approach to enable the gathering of information correctly to help build a case relating to the experiences that have been had at one or multiple locations. A ghost hunt can certainly take place in the dark for dramatic effect or the benefit of those seeking ghosts. Interestingly a paranormal investigation can also take place in the dark, but only if the previous experiences determine that when the phenomena may occur. 

How you go about searching for ghosts is as always, up to you. I just thought it may be interesting to address something that many ghost hunters do the world over, that actually has little or no true justification in relation to an actual paranormal case. Perhaps in reading this blog post some may question why they are doing an overnight investigation. I know as I gained greater knowledge and experience as an investigator and paranormal researcher, I not only questioned why we sitting in the dark at various public locations; but also why we were investigating at all. As I mentioned earlier, understanding the frequency and location of phenomena can help you investigate smarter. This information should also assist with the planning of an investigation so you can focus your investigation correctly. Hopefully, gaining better results by approaching it with a structured plan. 

Ghost hunting or paranormal investigation can be seen as both fun weekend hobbies and serious passions from some. However, we should really be clearer on our own approaches. A serious investigation of phenomena within a family home should be seen as such and good practices adopted throughout. Equally we should not stop having a little fun in darkened old buildings whilst on a ghost hunt. We just need to be honest and transparent about it. 

What are your thoughts on investigating in the Dark, I would love to hear them and let’s begin a discussion on this?