Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Trigger Objects




Article from CPS Paranormal

Trigger objects: what are they, and how do they fit into the world of paranormal investigation? A trigger object is an inanimate object such as a toy, personal belonging, or other object associated with the deceased, which is used to attract the entity's attention or possibly capture the object in motion by creating possible physical contact of the object by the entity.

Many investigators will use items like toys, i.e. stuffed animals, balls, etc., when dealing with the ghosts of children who have passed on, due to the playful nature of a child's mind. It is a way of not only drawing the ghost close to you but also gives it confidence that you are not there to harm it, but just to play and contact it.

There have been instances where a small red ball was placed in a bedroom or hallway by an investigator and then moments later the object in question was moved from its origin of placement. To simply put an object down and see if it moves throughout the night is not enough. The investigator must make the area quarantined, by either sealing off the room or area in question and making video graphic notes on it as well as having another investigator there to validate the experience.

The entities of children are assumed to be playful and most of the time, you may get a response, but there have been instances where the spirits of children have been known to be a bit “disrespectful” for lack of a better word and may cause havoc in a location that is presumed “haunted”. These spirits have a tendency to cause confusion & mischief, but again, you have to remember since they were once alive, theoretically, they are now what they were then, children.

On the other hand, when dealing with an adult entity you have to be a bit more scientific to see if you can not only appeal to their nature but also see if the possible movement can be caught on video. Theoretically since the spirits of adults tend to bind themselves to earthly possessions, people or places, one has to (if at all possible) try to associate that entity's manifestation with an object that was a personal possession of that person, i.e. keys, pen, photo, etc., and see if they are drawn by the presentation of an object that was once theirs, if at all possible. If not, then one must try to use a similar object to see if that entity will associate itself with that particular piece.

Many investigators tend to use a more scientific method as we at EPIC do, by encasing the object in a triangle of electrical tape to note if there has been any movement, or by placing a video device known as a Hi-8 directly in front of the object to capture its possible movement. Upon doing any of such type of experiments one should always remember one of the most important rules, and that is to seal off and quarantine the area from any possible contamination or interference from anyone that may stumble onto the experiment.


In conclusion, trigger objects are not only fun to use but have a way of connecting oneself to the entity if at all possible. Never be frightened to conduct experiments such as these in a client’s home; just make sure that you discuss your intentions with the client and its possible outcome as well as getting their utmost approval to conduct it on their property.


Paranormal Research Equipment – What You Need And Why



This article comes from Ghost Hunting Guide

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on paranormal research equipment to be able to conduct a proper investigation. Most things you need you will have just lying around the house. To make a success of your paranormal research and hopefully find something new you will need to be well prepared and organized before starting your investigation. The main five items you will need are: a torch, an analogue or digital recorder, a camera, a watch and a computer with the appropriate software.

1. The right torch

Finding a torch is easy, everyone has one. Just make sure that the torch you have is powerful enough to light up entire backgrounds and doesn’t just have a narrow beam.

2. Analogue and digital recorders

Most people will have these just around the house. If you have an old tape recorder that will do, just make sure that you have enough blank tapes to use. I prefer using digital recorders as they can usually hold more sound and are far easier to transfer to a computer.

Again, everyone has a camera. It’s best to use a digital camera if you can rather than film. If you have a 35mm they will have a sharper picture, also a digital camera can hold more photos. And let’s not forget they are far faster and cheaper to transfer to a computer for analysis.

4. A watch or clock

This is probably the most important part of paranormal research equipment. When anything happens in an investigation you should always without a doubt make a not of the time and occurrence. This can then be cross referenced with other results.

5. Report software

Coming across as a professional is very important n this industry if you want to be taken seriously. Their are programs online that allow you to present a clear analysis of paranormal data to show people. It also helps when it comes to cross referencing and having general storage for what you have found.

As you can see from this list, most things you will need you will already have or will be able to get hold of pretty easily. The next step is finding other like minded people to go out with and making sure they have the right paranormal research equipment.

To download professional paranormal investigation software, click here (it’s not free, but for $20 you get a lot).


The Treasure Chest, Plainfield, Wisconsin



This case report comes from Wisconsin Paranormal


  • Location: Plainfield, WI
  • Date: 01.31.09
  • Time: 9:00pm - 3:15am
  • Weather: 32.9/Clear (Outdoors) & 44.6-61.5 (Indoors)
  • Investigation Type: Indoor/Business/Residential
  • Investigators: Jay, Katie, Allen, Paul, Maddie, Laura, Perry, Amy, Ashley & Jackie
  • Classification: Public

Details: WPI was contacted via website email by the client requesting help with unexplainable activity. Client claims included, but are not limited to: footsteps, knocking on doors, pounding, doors opening/closing, sound of a woman’s voice, an apparition and lights turning on by themselves. The client wanted validity in their claims and do not necessarily feel threatened.

Findings: The first experience WPI had occurred during set-up when the cash register, which was off, printed the date on the receipt and turned back off. There is a possibility that this was caused by lead investigator Allen who was examining possible live wires in the basement. We also captured unexplainable shadow formations on two photographs taken in the basement of adjacent property. Both photographs share the same shadow on the right side, where the other also includes a shadow on the left side. Please visit the Photo & Video Evidence page and see photograph exhibits: Plainfield Bldg. B Basement Photo 01 - 1 shadow and Plainfield Bldg. B Basement Photo 02 - 2 shadows.

Upon trying to recreate the anomalies, we could not find a way to recreate these same shadows by any means with the same equipment.

Allen and Ashley, while investigating the apartment of the Treasure Chest, captured an EVP. Allen asks a question in regards to the man having died in the room and there is a faint “Yeah” in response to his question. Please visit the EVP page to hear EVP exhibit Treasure Chest Bedroom EVP 01.

Allen found EMF readings in excess of 15.0 coming from a coax-cable in the ceiling above Lona’s bed. A situation such as this may cause headaches, uneasiness, feelings of being watched, mild hallucinations; et al. WPI believes the cable in question requires better grounding to reduce these EMF levels. Otherwise temperatures appeared normal and did not fluctuate within rooms. We did find the basement of the adjacent property was home to several bats; however there have been no claims pertaining to this property.

We also noted the vast amount of religious artifacts and materials spread about the apartment of the tenants residing in the adjacent property. This may be due to their cultural and religious beliefs and not due to possible paranormal activity.

Conclusion: WPI believes there could be something paranormal based upon some of the claims where we were not able to find natural, reasonable explanations for these claims. The only exception would be with the high EMF readings explained above, which would not only cause the noted side effects, but could also lead to Electrical Hypersensitivity (EH). Despite the EVP and photographs we cannot say that the Treasure Chest and adjacent property are haunted, as the evidence overall is inconclusive.


The Treasure Chest ~ Plainfield, WI 01.31.09

Investigators: Jay, Katie, Allen, Paul, Maddie, Laura, Ashley, Perry, Amy & Jackie

The following are unexplainable shadow formations on two photographs taken in the basement of adjacent property. Both photographs share the same shadow on the right side, where the second also includes a shadow on the left side. Upon trying to recreate the anomalies, we could not find a way to recreate these same shadows by any means with the same equipment.




Treasure Chest Plainfield 1

Treasure Chest Plainfield 2

Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast - Milwaukee, WI



This report is from Appleton Paranormal


Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast

November 9, 2008

Conclusion:


VISUAL EVIDENCE:

A.P.I. was unable to gather any visual evidence other than video recordings of other evidentiary tools in operation such as EMF detectors fluctuating or dowsing rod movement during communication sessions. Only a couple of photographs showed anything, and those were unsubstantiated orb activity which, due to a lack of other corroborating evidence, could be explained as dust or moisture in the air.


AUDIO EVIDENCE:

A.P.I. captured various audio experiences during the investigation, but these were seemingly normal occurrences given the age of the structure and the household material present such as HVAC equipment. Throughout the evening, various knocks and creaks were captured, and while some were unexplained, there was nothing to indicate any paranormal sources of these noises.

TECHNICAL EVIDENCE:

EMF readings throughout the building were relatively steady and unremarkable. Only two areas within the building exhibited EMF readings that were notable: The first area was in the laundry room in the basement of the facility. This extremely high area of EMF was emanating from the dehumidifier operating in the room. The readings were well into the 190s and above. The second area was located in the Gold Room. In this instance, there was a higher-than-normal reading which emanated from the electric digital clock on the nightstand. In both circumstances, it is possible that any person who has EMF sensitivities could experience the usual negative effects such as paranoia, nausea, feelings of being watched, and a susceptibility towards visual and auditory illusions.

Temperature readings throughout the evening were relatively steady. A couple of minor fluctuations were noted such as a ‘cold feeling’ or a small ‘cold spot’, but there was nothing major to report from this evidence.


A.P.I. uses dowsing rods as another tool to help communication. In a couple of instances, responses appeared to be given to direct questioning. A.P.I. acknowledges that these ‘responses’, while very interesting, do not necessarily constitute firm evidence of paranormal activity. There was no corroborating evidence such as EVPs or EMFs detected during these sessions. Those who review this evidence are asked to keep this in mind when drawing any distinct conclusions.


PERSONAL EXPERIENCES:


There were no notable personal experiences besides hearing the previously mentioned creaks, or knocks. Team B did believe they heard a door rattle, but nothing that was experienced was corroborated by other evidence collected.

Team members agreed that there was no overall ‘feeling’ by anyone of any presence during our investigation. Team members felt comfortable in the building and did not have any physical experiences which could be construed as personal evidence of paranormal activity.


ANALYSIS:


Appleton Paranormal Investigations was unable to collect any evidence of paranormal activity during this investigation. While others persons have, in the past, reported unexplained experiences, no such happenings occurred during our visit.

One notable issue is that of the reported history of the Mansion. In particular, the topic of a Brumder family member reported named Susan and referred to as ‘Aunt Pussy’ in mansion legend. In a conversation with the Brumder Mansion innkeeper, it was revealed that in a discussion she had with a Brumder family member that no such person existed. This may lend credence to the theory that at least some of the previously reported paranormal experiences were created by the previous owner of the facility.

NOTE: A.P.I. recognizes that simply because no evidence was collected during our investigation which would indicate a paranormal presence, that does not eliminate the possibility of such activity altogether. Paranormal activity is often sporadic, and while we cannot conclude that it does exist in this location, we cannot conclude that it does not. We simply did not collect any evidence towards either conclusion.

A SPECIAL THANKS


Appleton Paranormal Investigations would like to thank Tom & Julie Carr, owners of the Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast, as well as Innkeeper Cheryl Deppe, for their incredible graciousness and their decision to allow API access to their beautiful inn.

They were very interested in our work and very trusting in allowing us complete access to all the public areas of the facility. Cheryl also treated Team API to a wonderful breakfast on Monday morning, and for that we were especially grateful.

We look forward to assisting the Brumder owners & staff in the future with any concerns or inquiries.