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Aromatherapy Tip of the Day - Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
From the seed, a top note. Has properties similar to Ginger
An oil for Stability and Contentment
Useful for poor concentration, worry and overthinking.
Warm, spicy and sweet it is uplifting and aids in concentration.
When feeling burdened and weighed down, Cardamom acts as a gentle tonic helping us to relax.
Blends well with any of the Citrus oils.
Use in a diffuser or aroma lamp.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by Michael Mackie
Created on: February 28, 2010 Last Updated: March 03, 2010
All magnets have a north and south pole. If the north (seeking) pole is brought close to the south (seeking) pole, they attract one another. If like poles are brought too close together, they desist one another. This force of the interaction between magnetic poles: F:P1 P2/d2 where P1 and P2 depict the power of the magnetic poles. D represents the distance of the magnets.
A magnetic field is generalized by the motion of an electric charge. Electrons in the atoms of a magnet are in constant motion. There are two kinds of electron motions which produce magnetism. The first being the electron spin. The second being the electron revolution. In most magnets, the electron spin is the primary contributor to magnetism. The electron spin being; each individual electron that is spinning on its axis. The electron revolution, being the electron revolving around the atom around the magnet. Every spinning electron is a magnet. The more electrons spinning in the same direction, will produce a more powerful magnetic field. Quite contrary to this; electrons spinning in opposite directions produce a weaker magnetic field. Most atoms produce electrons spinning in opposite directions. This is why most things are not magnets. Magnetic Domains are when a magnetic field is strong enough to cause other atoms to form clusters, which line up with each other.
An electromagnetic, is a magnet that has an electrical current flowing through it. The strength of the magnet that has an electrical current flowing through it. The strength of the magnet can be increased or decreased by changing the amount of electrical current.
Electromagnetic Induction was discovered by a Michael Farady and a Joseph Henry. Both independent with no knowledge of each other. Faraday in England and Henry in the United States . They discovered electric current could be created in a wire simply by moving a magnet into or out of a coil of wire. The motion of a magnet in the wire loop was the key between the wire loop and the magnetic field. The more loops that were interacting with and moving with a magnetic field, produces a greater induced voltage. The amount of voltage also depends on how rapidly the magnetic field is entering or leaving the coil. (Voltage induced- number of loops x magnetic field change/time)
Faraday’s Law summarizes electromagnetic induction. The created voltage in a coil is in proportion to the number of loops in the coil. This is then multiplied by the rate, in which the magnetic field changes within the coils. Current also depends on the inductance of the coil. Inductance measures the tendency of a coil to resist a change in the current, because the magnetism produced by one part of the coil opposes the change of the current in other parts of the coil.
Rather than moving the magnet, it makes more sense to move the coil. This is best accomplished by rotating the coil in a stationary magnetic field. As the power in the magnetic field increases, the created voltage goes in one direction . When the magnetic field decreases, the created voltage goes in the opposite direction. The frequency of the alternating current that is created is equal to the frequency of the changing magnetic field within the loop. This arrangement is called a generator. The generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The Transformer.
An electromagnetic Induction device which consists of an input,(which is the primary) coil of wire and an output(which is the secondary) coil of wire. The primary is powered by an ac voltage source, and the secondary is connected to an external source. Changes in the primary current, produce changes in the magnetic field. This change in turn affects the secondary. Voltage is caused in the secondary by electromagnetic induction. If both coils have the same number of turns, the voltage input and output are the same. If the secondary has more turns than the primary, the secondary produces the greater voltage. And Vice Versa, if the primary has more turns than the secondary, the primary will have more voltage.
Primary Voltage/Number of primary turns=Secondary voltage/number of secondary turns The transformer, transforms the voltage from one coil to the next. The rate in which this transfer occurs is the power output. The primary supplies what voltage the secondary needs, no more no less.
James Clerk Maxwell in about 1860-(British Physicist) known by Maxwell’s counterpart to Faraday’s Law
A magnetic field is induced in any region of space in which an electric field is changing with time. Maxwell understood the relationship between electromagnetic waves and light. If electric charges are set into vibration in the range of frequencies that math those of light, waves are produced that are light. Light consists of electrons. Magnetic waves the eye is sensitive to.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by Ian Loft
Created on: September 07, 2008
In the early 1990's I worked in a power station where my job required frequent excursions into the generator room, inside control booths, behind the alternators and around the huge power bus bars carrying many hundreds of amps of electric current. I soon learned to leave my wallet in which credit cards and electronic identification cards on which magnetic strips activated various readers locked in my desk draw because proximity to power generating equipment and high currents exposed them to electromagnetic fields and they became very quickly corrupted.
Few people today realize the importance of magnetic fields and their underpinning of almost all electronic applications in today's world of gadgets, automatic functions, motors, generators, transformers, decoders, electronic filters and speakers just to name a few. Each of these devices or appliances incorporate magnetic fields in various ways and at different frequencies, for example speakers are designed to operate across a limited range of audio signals while a transformer employs the fundamental principle of mutual induction that enables us the ability to boost or reduce power and current.
So what is a magnetic (electromagnetic) field? In simple terms it is possible to visualize a magnetic field by comparing it to a stream of water. The current flows in one direction and vary in strength much as a magnetic field can vary in strength, and where the direction of flow is from north and south poles. This can be demonstrated using a bar magnet and fine iron filings scattered on a piece of paper. Place the magnet under your paper and scatter filings across the top. As you rotate the magnet underneath you will see the field shape and orientation by the way filings line up and form around the magnet shape.
An electromagnetic field is simply a field induced by way of applying electrical current. In the wire itself an electromagnetic field surrounds the core and this field can be increased to incredible strengths by winding the conductor around an iron core. Ever dropped a small screw down an inaccessible place and wondered how to retrieve it? Try this: find a length of find insulated wire say about four or five feet in length. Wrap it tightly around a long screwdriver and use a little sticky tape to hold it in position. Ensure both ends come out close to the handle; you can wind the wire up and down in several layers to increase the power. Bare ends and clamp, screw or solder them to a battery holder (AA size is sufficient), and include a single throw switch. When you insert a battery and close the switch you will have a very effective electromagnet careful the wire does not heat up too much. A brief flick of the switch is usually enough to magnetize your screwdriver but if this is not enough then insert your screwdriver down where you dropped what you are trying to retrieve then close the switch.
Electromagnetic fields are used in alternative current (AC ) applications where induction enables proportional increase and decrease in voltage and current. This enables power boosted to many thousands of volts at a small current to be transmitted hundreds of miles then reduced in voltage (with a proportional increase in current) for domestic and industrial use. This becomes possible because the reversing of field direction (north and south orientation) many times a second is picked up by wires coiled tightly around the magnet (usually an iron core). This process is called induction and is one of the most fundamental principles of electromagnetic field applications universally employed across power and electronic industries.
Audio applications employ two fundamental qualities of electromagnetic fields: frequency combined with the properties of the magnetic core used. The electromagnetic field dynamics of audio engineering are truly a feat of scientific magic enabling hi-fidelity replication of sound improving as new core materials offer improved frequency control.
Electromagnetic fields pass through almost all solid matter which means it is possible to conceal the source for purposes such as security alarms where a balanced electromagnetic field will activate an alarm when the field is broken (door opened) or the field is disrupted by someone attempting to disable it using a metallic object. The density of the solid will vary the distance an electromagnetic field is projected moreover it takes a significant amount of energy to project a magnetic field over a relatively short distance however modern technology is gradually improving field projection with less power.
In all and without launching into esoteric mathematical explanations describing properties of an electromagnetic field it is clear that most of the technology we take for granted today would not be possible without the exploitation of basics such as mutual induction, permeability (ability to pass through solid matter) and frequency response where effects of frequency induce vibrations (sound). As you read this be aware that within your computer there are billions of tiny cells in which individual electromagnetic fields oriented in combinations of north and south orientation make it all possible but that is another story!
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by Angela Shiflett
Created on: July 13, 2009
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is becoming a popular topic in the medical community; as a result, it is important to recognize the symptoms of this particular condition. This condition is also known by various other names. These names include that of "electrical sensitivity", and in some cases, you may see it referred to as "electrosensitivity". This is a disorder that is actually physiologically based. When an individual is exposed to fields that are electromagnetic in nature, they typically experience a wide assortment of symptoms. Based on recent research on electromagnetic hypersensitivity, it has been found that the cases are growing as far as sufferers are concerned. Here, you will learn how to recognize the symptoms of electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
In order to grasp an effective understanding of electromagnetic hypersensitivity, you must first understand the basic elements of the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum is a concept that was developed by professionals in the area of science. It basically defines the radiation types that individuals on earth are exposed to on a regular basis. These scientific analysts basically state that this form of radiation is a form of energy. When it comes to the electromagnetic spectrum, the energy that defines radiation not only travels , but it seems to extend outward and spread.
There are many different forms of radiation that we are exposed to on a consistent basis. These include:
It has been found that objects that exert a large amount of energy, and are "hot" emit a high level of radiation. Cooler, slower objects do not create as much radiation. Basically, something like an X-Ray can emit a large amount of radiation, while something like a simple radio will emit only a small amount.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, it is time to learn a little bit about electromagnetic fields. These "fields" are areas that are actually invisible to the eye, yet they emit energy due to the fact that there is a current of electricity occurring somewhere in close proximity. Based on studies that have been conducted with animals, as well as various people from around the world, it has been determined that these "fields" produce a physiological response that is not exactly "positive". Many side effects, symptoms , and conditions occurred with the animals and humans that were tested.
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity was among one of the conditions that occurred immediately following exposure.
Now, it is essential to understand that there is still testing and basic research being conducting on this particular issue, but to date, many interesting findings and/or conclusions have been brought to light. The test subjects that have been subjected to research and analytical studies based on electromagnetic fields and the onset of electromagnetic hypersensitivity have been found to suffer neurologically. Individuals and animals subjected to electromagnetic fields were found to react in numerous ways, and each seems to have a particular threshold when it came to the frequencies in which symptoms began to occur.
Some scientists conclude that the reaction to the fields of electromagnetic energy seem to be much like when a person suffers from an allergy. For example, there could be two people with an allergy to laundry soap. However, one person may prove to be more sensitive and they may suffer from much more severe symptoms than the other individual. The same seems to hold true for individuals exposed to these fields. One person, may example, may prove to be highly sensitive, while the next person may not show any symptoms until they are exposed to higher frequencies. Therefore, this concludes, that the immune system may suffer in one way or another when exposed to electromagnetic fields.
Many different types of people were studied, and they were exposed to many different types of products emitting radiation to determine if they would experience symptoms. In some tests, many people reacted immediately, while others had symptoms that were more delayed. For example, two people were provided with a new computer . One person immediately began to experience symptoms that are common to electromagnetic sensitivity. The other individual, however, never exhibited symptoms during the study. Products such as lighting, cell phones, televisions, and more were also tested and for nearly every product, someone experienced symptoms.
There are many symptoms that may be an indication that an individual is suffering from electromagnetic hypersensitivity, and these include:
In severe cases of electromagnetic hypersensitivity, many individuals have suffered from severe spasms in the muscles, seizures, and even severe convulsions. If you find that you suffer from any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a professional in electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by Omar Salvador
Created on: February 24, 2011
The Buzz About Electromagnetic Fields Continues
None of us has ever seen, heard, or, at the very least, felt electromagnetic fields. But wherever electric current runs, we can be sure electromagnetic fields are present. Not a few people have expressed concern about the possible dangers these fields pose to human health. Researchers, in turn, continue to study on whether or not there are sufficient grounds to link electromagnetic fields with certain diseases.
Once an electric piece of equipment is turned on, the current running through it generates a magnetic field that envelops the device. Since it isn't possible to block the field, it can penetrate the body , especially when one is standing close to a switched-on or running device.
Substations and power lines generate exactly the same type of electromagnetic fields. This is why many people fear that no one is safe from the ever-present, and possibly health-endangering, electromagnetic fields - they are almost everywhere.
Much of the research efforts have been concentrated on electromagnetic fields that are generated by alternating current. These include those that come from home appliances, office equipment, and power lines. Near the source, some electromagnetic fields present in homes and workplaces may be unusually strong. But as one moves away from the source, the fields' power quickly decreases. Weak electric currents are produced in the body once it is exposed to electromagnetic fields.
All the talks surrounding electromagnetic fields seem to center on the possible link between exposure to these fields and certain diseases. To this day, however, science still has to sufficiently and satisfactorily explain how these fields might cause such diseases. Besides this, many of the studies conducted on electromagnetic fields turned out negative for links to any illness or health disorder. In one particular study, in fact, it was found that living near power lines did not increase the risk of cancer as some people suspect.
Still, experts are divided; there are those who insist there's a definite connection between exposure to electromagnetic fields and certain diseases or disorders, including leukemia, adult cancer, birth and developmental defects, behavioral disorders, and even Alzheimer's disease. Some even look down on electromagnetic fields as a possible human carcinogen. The low-level energy emitted from functioning cellular phones is also a form of electromagnetic field. This, too, is suspected of being a possible cause of brain cancer.
With such a disparity on views and opinions, there is an obvious need to do more research and come up with more solid evidence to put a closure to the long-raging debate. In the meantime, people can try to lessen their exposure to electromagnetic fields by taking some steps, beginning with their minimizing the use of electrical devices that are known to emit high levels of electromagnetic fields. These include photocopiers, vacuum cleaners, some power tools, microwave ovens, blenders, hair dryers , and shavers.
Keep a good distance between your electrical bedside devices and your head. Lastly, whenever possible, use a laptop computer rather than a desktop model that makes use of a monitor. And while using a monitor, make sure that you sit as far away from it as possible.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by Alaina M. Coyle
Created on: January 20, 2011
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have been linked to a variety of serious diseases and illnesses – from chronic fatigue to nausea; headaches to miscarriages; brain tumors to cancer. EMFs are radiated from anything that conducts electricity , so the threat is literally all around us. How serious is the risk? Are there ways to protect yourself?
By 1990, over 100 research studies regarding EMF had been conducted worldwide. Of these, at least two dozen epidemiological studies on humans indicated a link between EMFs and serious health problems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated “There is reason for concern.” Yet because of political and economic pressure exerted by computer, military, and utility lobbyists, the public may not be getting sufficient warning regarding the risk of EMF exposure.
When the EPA recommended in a draft report that EMFs be classified as a Class B carcinogen, lobbyists opposed the draft and fought the classification. Consequently, the final draft did not list EMFs as a carcinogen. When the EPA was questioned regarding the change, the response was that it was “not appropriate” to use the carcinogen label until it could demonstrate how EMFs caused cancer and precisely how much EMF is harmful.
Electromagnetic fields are the areas of energy that surround electric devices, including cell phones, computers, vacuums, power lines, transformers, microwaves, televisions, refrigerators and hair dryers – just to name a few. Does this mean we are constantly at risk?
A constant debate rages about what EMF level is considered safe. Many government and utility documents report the usual ambient level of 60-Hz magnetic field to be 0.5 mG, so any reading higher than this is above “usual.” Although some experts and public officials maintain 3 mG as the cut-off point, the EPA proposes a safety standard of 1 mG.
Many household items have surprisingly high EMF levels. Electric clocks have a very high magnetic field – as much as 5 to 10 mG up to 3 feet away. This means if you have a clock on your nightstand, you may be sleeping in an EMF equivalent to that of a power line. Many experts agree that you should sleep at least six feet away from clocks and other electronic devices, since studies have shown a high rate of brain tumors with chronic exposure to magnetic fields.
Electric razors and hair dryers emit EMFs as high as 200 to 300 mG. As alarming as that number is, researchers don’t know if this is worse than chronic exposure to a 2 or 3 mG field. Some EMF consultants recommend not using hair dryers on children since the magnetic field is so close to their developing brain and nervous system.
The BioInitiative Working Group has reviewed more than 2,000 scientific papers regarding EMFs. Their reports document scientific evidence that links childhood leukemia to exposure to power lines, as well as brain tumors and Alzheimer’s disease associated with the prolonged use of cell and cordless phones. Dr. David Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment in New York, estimates that EMFs are a contributing factor in 20 to 35 percent of child cancers. EMFs have also linked to a number of other ailments, ranging from depression to skin, eye, heart, reproductive, and neurological problems. Organizations like the BioInitiative are actively trying to educate as many as possible about the potential problems associated with EMF exposure.
Obviously it is impossible to avoid EMFs completely. We are surrounded with electronic devices on a daily basis, whether we want to be or not. Although the World Health Organization claims that non-chronic exposure to low EMF levels is not a threat, many are not willing to take that chance. So how do you avoid the risk? The answer is “prudent avoidance.” Take reasonable precautions to limit your exposure to EMFs in your home and office. Don’t sleep under an electric blanket or stand in front of your microwave. Distance yourself at least six feet from your television, and place all large appliances against outside walls to minimize EMF in adjoining rooms. It’s also important not to let your children play near transformers, radar domes, or power lines.
Individuals with EMF sensitivity may experience fatigue, insomnia, muscle pain, foggy thinking, and other symptoms. If you are concerned about EMF levels in your home, purchase a Gauss meter – an instrument which measures magnetic field strength. Although pricey, the Gauss meter may alert you to dangerous levels of EMF and help you keep your family safe. Hopefully the EPA and other health organizations will continue to perform research regarding the negative effects of exposure to EMFs and keep the public updated and sufficiently warned.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by C. Ann Cunningham
Created on: November 17, 2009
You are on a paranormal investigation. You and your teammates are moving slowly around, asking the entities that are reported to be there to make themselves known to you, to knock on something, to move something, to show themselves. Mysteriously, a moment later, you feel a cold spot, an area that feels colder than the rest of the room. Excitedly, you announce the cold spot to your fellow investigators...but what do you do next?
The first thing that should be done is to verify the cold spot by taking a temperature reading of the area. Then you proceed to start looking for anything that might be producing that patch of cold air other than an entity from the beyond. The easiest way to do verify this is with an infrared thermometer, equipped with a laser for pinpoint accuracy, or with a camera that digitally reads the temperature of whatever it is pointing at.
Check nearby windows to see if any are open, even a crack. An errant cool breeze could have come in a small opening and not moved the blinds or curtains. If no nearby windows are actually open, check for drafts around the edge of the window frame. If that does not pan out, start checking the floors and walls for vents that might be blowing central air into the room. Also, if there is a fireplace in the room, check to ensure it is not cool air blowing down the chimney from outside.
I know it may sound ridiculous to go to that extent over a cold spot when you want to be checking for EVPs and EMF spikes, but if you are a paranormal investigator, then part of your job should be to try to debunk events as they happen. If you have checked all the possible causes of a cold spot and nothing seems to fit, then you may be experiencing a true attempt at manifestation.
There is no reason why checking for the possible causes needs to interfere with the investigation, either. If you have already had several events happen that you cannot find a cause for, then by all means, continue the investigation as if you are experiencing true paranormal activity. Doing a temperature sweep of an area needn't take up much time at all. Five minutes should be sufficient time to check temperature readings, and you can easily move on to the next part of your investigation.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by M. L. Kiser
Created on: September 28, 2010
I’ve said a million times, if I’ve said it once that this would make a great study if scientists ever dared to stretch their probability-limited minds into the realm of real science, e.g., the study of, possibilities. What wonderful things might we discover just by eliminating the habit of negating things just because they weren’t “probable”. Hmmm, “the possibilities”, really could become, “endless”.
Electromagnetic fields, or EMF’s, are energy, radioactive energy and science has already proven that these fields have an effect on the behavior of biological cells. We have EMF energy around all of the time, cell phones, TV’s, computers, alarm clocks, radios, stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, tanning beds, cell towers, ratio towers, light bulbs and florescent lights. Even the Sun and Moon emit Electromagnetic energy fields that our bodies then absorb, as does the Earth, itself, the plants, stones, trees, even the ground and water. Everything around us that catches the Sun’s or Moon’s rays are affected by this energy.
Human beings are sensitive to these EMF’s because our bodies also contain them. It’s easily verifiable with the use of an EMF meter, a device that was constructed for electricians to detect hidden wiring. These meters, especially the, “TriField Natural EMF Meters”, are used by ghost hunters, to detect changes in electromagnetic fields.
When held within range of these EMF’s, the readout on the meter will show the level of energy in or around a human being, body part, around technology and, yes, even with there’s seemingly, nothing there in front of you, your EMF meter may just pick up some energy because the energy of ghosts and spirits are easily detected with these meters.
There are numerous reports of meter readouts spiking when in the vicinity of ghost or spirit energy. You may not see anything, but it can be right there, in front of you, that ghost or spirit that is haunting your home or business.
Many an avid ghost hunter has seen his or her meter spike and many have asked that if a ghost or spirit is present, to make it spike again or even blink one, two or even three times to verify that they are indeed there. It occurs more often than scientists would have us to believe and many ghost hunters go further by carrying on whole conversations with the energy that is spiking their EMF meter.
Once detected by the EMF meters, ghosts and spirits can possibly be photographed, their voices and other sounds, recorded; even whole conversations can be carried out in front of a camera and recorder, with these entities. It’s easier to tell whether the entity moves to another room or closer to the holder of the meters because of the fluctuations in the energy levels.
Those who believe that human beings have something called a, “soul”, will probably understand that the “soul” is energy; electromagnetic energy and it’s that energy that we often pick up and call a ghost or spirit.
Every physical thing in this world contains something called an, “Aura”; an electromagnetic field around it. Many people and objects have had their auras photographed with, “Kirlian” photography. Even non-physical objects, such as ghosts or spirits have been photographed by simple cameras like the, Polaroid, Instamatics, SLR’s and even Digital cameras are picking up this energy in various places; often in graveyards or around individuals who claim that they have an entity around them.
We humans seem to think that because we can’t see, touch, taste, hear or smell an entity that it’s not really there. Surprise! There are many who have claimed to have seen ghosts, spirits or other entities in areas reported to be haunted. There are also people who can feel this energy, smell scents whenever a familiar spirit is around. There are even those who claim to have touched entities. They may not be physical, but those who experience them are often maligned by non-believers, scientists and skeptics; many of whom seem to want to demean and humiliate those who experience them if they possibly can.
The skeptic websites, shows, magazines and other publications are full of skeptic debunkers who spent their time trying to disprove anything that they can’t see, hear, feel, touch or taste, themselves. They’ll even poke fun at those scientists who actually open their minds to the possibility of spirits and ghosts and engage in research that explains their existence. These, “probability” hounds refuse to allow for the “possibility” or anything that their limited minds can’t prove. Even their explanations of why ghosts and spirits are not possible, often sound sillier than they claim the ghost hunters explanations sound.
While a little skepticism may be a good thing, even the experts can overdo and often do. Sometimes a meter may pick up the moon’s rays through a window or perhaps the energy of stones in jewelry or the phone in a corner of the room so it is very important to eliminate the “probabilities” in order to gain the substantiation of a ghostly or spirit presence. The fact of the matter is that, too much skepticism can and does eliminate some very wonderful, “possibilities”. Do we all really want to live in a limited world of limited minds or is there still room for hope and possibilities? I, for one, think that there is still room.
Ghost hunters and paranormal investigators must take care not to mis-interpret a cell tower signal from the outside of an alleged haunted house from an actual energy that is spiking their EMF meter. Likewise, scientists must learn to open their minds if they are ever going to make any progress with science.
Limited minds hinder progress and prevent hopes and dreams from physically manifesting and society needs progress in order to thrive. We should be careful not to “cut off our…” proverbial, “…nose to spite our face”
A good and thorough team of ghost hunters should have at least one scientist among them in order to validate what the meters are reading. Humans make mistakes and all-too-often an energy spike can be mis-interpreted. Cameras, recorders, and these meters are all great tools, by which to detect ghosts or spirits and ghost hunting is certainly a field that needs some scientists on-board in order to further research into the, “possibilities” that are everywhere, but few have joined the search. Kudos to those few and may they influence others to dare the, allegedly, impossible!
Article 1, click HERE.
Article 2, click HERE.
Article 2, click HERE.
These articles will be posted here on CWGB.
This article was found on http://www.helium.com
It was written by C. Ann Cunningham
Created on: November 16, 2009
EMFs or electromagnetic fields are given off by numerous objects, and attempting to debunk EMF readings is an essential part of any paranormal investigation. Most people are aware, either from reading or watching television shows about the paranormal, that indoor wiring can give off high fields, and that those fields are capable of passing through a floor and into the rooms above if the concentration of wiring is big enough. However, indoor wiring is not the only thing that can give off EMF readings that can alter your investigation. Video displays, fluorescent lighting, space heaters, some appliances, certain metals, minerals, and even vehicles give off fields so you need to make sure that you examine all possibilities before declaring that something is spiking due to a paranormal entity.
As you are investigating the location, pass the EMF meter close to anything you think might be radiating a field. If you have a meter that has separate settings for magnetic and electric fields, switch it between the two to ensure you are getting an accurate reading of the object. If you get a hit on an area within the location that is not clearly coming from an object, double check the possibility of wiring in the location giving off the fields.
If you or someone in your group is highly sensitive and often feels ill in areas with a high EMF, they may be suffering from electrical hypersensitivity. Keep them aware of areas where there are high concentrations of EMF from wiring and objects, and make sure they keep their exposure to a minimum, and ensure that they avoid fear cages completely.(A "fear cage" is an small enclosed area with an extremely high EMF reading that can lead to paranoia, nausea, fear, etc.) Whenever someone starts to feel ill on an investigation, the best thing to do is to remove them immediately to an area with a lower EMF reading.
If you have investigated an area and there is little chance of a high reading coming from any other source, then you may have stumbled across a paranormal entity. The important thing is to ensure the accuracy of your findings and readings by thorough investigation and research into the area and location with an eye toward truly debunking the EMF results. If and when you cannot debunk a spike, that is when the investigation moves into the next level.
Article from W-FILES.COM
This is an antiquated list at best. We will be updating this section to better focus on procedures, such as the scientific method when resources allow. Until then, enjoy what someone wrote for us a decade ago!
There are many things to take into consideration when doing an investigation. I will do a basic walk-thru of what works for me. This is the ideal. As we are all aware, the ideal is usually not the norm. We must remain flexible as each case is different. Each group of investigators find what works best for them, and you will need to do this for yourself as well. With so many theories about ghosts and hauntings out there now, you will find some of us at opposite ends of the spectrum. However, I feel that this can be a good thing. It is documenting different aspects in different ways. I would really like to stress that you should read over the other articles here relating to tips, equipment, spirit photography, etc. I will not go into depth here about any of those individual areas, but they are certainly extremely important to know before going on an investigation.
Once contacted about doing a ghost investigation, you need to determine the necessity. Is an investigation warranted? The easiest way to do this is with a phone interview. That way you can get a better idea of the activity going on, and the person requesting the investigation. I try to get some basic details to see what activity is occurring. This can help to rule out natural occurrences, or possible classify the type of activity by any patterns that their may be. If the activity was a one-time occurrence, you would not need to go on an investigation. I like to find out why they contacted me and what they expect to happen. Are they looking to end the activity? I also find out about other witnesses to the activity. I then ask that a journal is started to write date, time, weather, activity, etc. If an investigation is warranted, we than move on the first step of the actual investigation.
The first and most important thing to remember is to arrive (with prior written permission) with open-minded skepticism. Start by proving the "not." Search for and rule out any natural causes. We need to be aware of natural occurring events that can mock paranormal activity. Misinterpreting normal sounds can happen quite easily. The foundation of a building should be checked for shifting and cracking. Plumbing needs to be ruled out. Leaking, rattling pipes, or even air pressure in pipes, can cause odd noises, wet spots, faucets that seem to turn on by themselves, etc. Electrical problems can often appear ghostly in nature also. Weather conditions should be checked. Also the soil content can make a difference. If there is a large content of clay and/or chalk, settling can occur after wet weather causing odd noises and shifting. Underground water sources, tunnels, mine shafts, etc., have been known to echo odd ghostly noises. Banging water pipes, shutters, and design faults in structures can also mimic scary noises.
Nearby railroad tracks can cause rattling that can make objects appear to move. Squirrels nesting between walls or in the attic, or even other rodents and/or insects can make odd noises. If natural causes are ruled out, then we move on to beginning an actual investigation.
Before going to the location of an investigation, it is important that each member present knows what their position will be for the evening.
Equipment is delegated to different members. If it will be a long investigation, positions can be traded off so that everyone gets a chance to do each position and use the equipment. This is also a way to get corroborating evidence. I like to have one group who knows the history vs. one who doesn't. In the group that I am currently working with most often, Wisconsin Ghost Investigations, members mostly have their own equipment. However, if there is a member who has two of something, or more than they can handle, they often hand off something to someone who does not. It is extremely important that each member really knows the equipment that they are using. People are divided into groups with team leaders. We then decide who will be driving and riding with who. That way we don't all show up in our own vehicles at a location looking conspicuous.
Upon arriving at the location, the group as a whole meets with the property owner. They then divide up into the groups. One group is in charge of an initial walk-thru of the premises. I like to have a "sensitive" type person in the group walking around. One member makes maps of the location, the "sensitive" person marks locations of interest to them, and another takes initial readings of time, temperature, humidity levels, emf readings, etc. All natural sources of energy are clearly mapped. Stationary equipment can be set up at this time. Another group is with the persons requesting the investigation. They are signing papers to give permission to do the investigation and to post evidence collected. An interview is then conducted of those people involved with the suspected haunt. All information possible is obtained. The interview needs to be recorded and detailed notes taken. Try to get full and complete details. Events that have occurred should be recreated if at all possible to rule out any natural causes. One example of this may be a door that mysteriously opens when you walk towards it could easily be a loose floor board. If there is a pattern to activity, measures should be made to document the area at that time. Try to do as many field experiments as possible.
The interview is very important. It is important to ask pointed, direct, in depth questions. Some sample forms and interview questions can be seen at Troy Taylor's site. It is on the links page here. Look for patterns in activity. Repeat important questions to look for consistency. Rule out any doubts that you may have. You need to make the people involved as comfortable as possible. Keep your personal intuitions to yourself and keep the media uninvolved as it can tamper with evidence. Witnesses can be often be unintentionally influenced. Take detailed notes, it will help when writing the report later. If you believe that it could be a hoax, they are lying, unstable, or whatever, try to rule that out also. After the interview, this group does a walk thru, noting areas on the map where the people involved have had experiences, and any variances in readings of equipment. It is interesting to see how this can correlate with intuitive feelings of the other group, as well as equipment readings. The entire thing should be documented on film. EMF readings need to be taken, temperature and humidity readings documented, photos taken, camcorder walk-thru, other equipment used and documented, etc. Stationary equipment is watched and checked on often. Details should later be checked. A historical research of the building can also be done later if necessary either by you or the family involved. Public libraries and local historical societies can be a huge help with this tedious activity.
The last thing that is important with the investigation is to follow up. Follow up calls, repeat visits, further investigations, and a timely report need to be given consideration. The journal that the owners had started can be checked for any further activity. We also like to give the family ideas to peacefully coexist if a haunt is suspected. Further assistance is offered only thru support and names of people we know in the field who may be able to help. Then comes the fun part. Sorting thru all the evidence and photos for any type of anomalies to study. It is important to have others look at everyone's stuff too to make sure nothing was missed. Then reports are given to the people and posted on the webpage.
I know that this seems like a lot of information. I did not cover how to use the equipment here, or tips on how to use them or how to be on an investigation. Please see the other areas on the web site for that information. I do not claim to know everything, or do it the way that others do. I am merely sharing with you the way that I have found to work the best for me. And by all means, if this is your hobby, don't forget to have fun!
Happy Hunting and Hauntings!
Did you know...
Cold spots are commonly associated with the presence of a ghost or spirit.
Rapid loss of battery power in electronics may accompany spirit activity.
Nearly half of Americans say they believe in ghosts, or that the dead can return in certain places and situations. - CBS News
(This tip came from ghosthunting.com
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