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What evidence is there to prove the existence of ghosts and the paranormal?
Unfortunately, there has so far been no evidence produced in the field of paranormal research so strong that it would definitively prove the existence of ghosts and other types of preternatural phenomena. There are many reasons attributed to this lack of "hard" evidence. To begin with, one must consider the very nature of what is being studied. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines paranormal as something that is "not scientifically explainable." We are attempting to study something that seems indefinable by our current worldview and scientific knowledge; even if it is genuine phenomena, one can surely see how difficult it would be to pin it down when by its very nature it is elusive and beyond our current understanding.
Another reason why evidence is so hard to obtain is because of the instruments that are currently employed. Paranormal investigators attempt to document phenomena through the use of tools that are currently used in other types of scientific research for a variety of reasons. We assume that since people can see ghosts, we should be able to see them just as clearly on film and video. We assume that since people can hear ghosts, we can surely hear them on fancy digital recorders. This view, however, is limiting. We have become so used to the technology around us that we assume it is infallible and all-encompassing, but this is not so when using devices like cameras and recorders in the field of paranormal research. These are tools designed to pick up data from limited spectrums, and we do not know enough about the phenomena encountered to assume that these devices should be able to record the phenomena without fail. Dogs can hear sounds that do not get picked up by audio recorders, so we should keep in mind that evidence of the paranormal could be all around us, yet we simply do not have the appropriate tools to see and experience it in the way we would want to. Also, visions and auditory phenomena can be produced through activity in the brain that does not involve our eyes and ears - drug use and epilepsy are but two examples of how this currently happens. Since it is possible that what we see during paranormal episodes is in some way due to an energy interaction between the ghost and our brain, we cannot rule out the existence of the paranormal simply because we cannot see it on a digital camera.
These two reasons lead directly into the third, which is the fact that the best evidence seems to occur to individuals without any proof captured on film or tape. Some of these people claim to be psychic, and some are simply average citizens with extraordinary claims. As stated before, preternatural events are operating beyond our current understanding of nature, and may be caused in ways yet unknown to us. Therefore, we should do well not to dismiss claims we hear from people experiencing paranormal events. Of course, one can not believe everything one hears. However, as the amount of claims continue to build, with many of them being put forth by well-respected professionals, police officers, and so on, we need to think about the possibility of this being seen as real evidence.
The final reason behind the lack of strong evidence is due to the fact that the much-needed research in this field is currently being carried out by such grassroots organizations as the PRS. There are precious few dedicated parapsychology labs in the United States; search online for "ghost hunting groups," however, and one will find scores of them. Because the research is being carried out by those who do not always possess strict laboratory training and the proper precision tools, evidence may be missed, misread, or not presented conclusively enough. It is not the fault of those trying to take this research into their own hands, but rather those that should be funding the research in actual labs in order to help find a definitive answer to the debate, whether pro or con.
Evidence does, however, exist: there have been anomalous images caught on film and video, voices and sounds caught on tape, unaccountable electrical and thermal readings recorded, and so on. Some of these have later been proven to have had rational explanations, but many have not. Add to this the large number of eyewitness testimony and the information produced by psychics which has later been verified (although they could not have known the information in advance) and one can see that if there is no "smoking gun" evidence, there is at least a very large gathering of smaller clues which beg for answers, although none can as yet be found. These clues begin to add up, and one can no longer dismiss them as idle superstition. Instead, new ways of exploring this phenomenon must be discovered, and data must continue to be collected. As the field of paranormal research progresses, so too will the evidence that points to the true existence of the paranormal.
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Can ghosts harm people?
This is actually a much more complex question than it seems. If one applies a strict definition to the word "ghost," then the answer would be no. Paranormal researchers usually describe a ghost as a disembodied spirit that either visits a location or person a finite number of times, or else is in some way bound to a single location (others will describe the latter as a "ghost" and the former as a "spirit"). Many times these ghosts are nothing more than images that have somehow been caught in time - like a character on a movie screen, they can in no way harm the living. Even ghosts that seem to have consciousness do not harm people. there have been instances of severe fright, feelings of bodily pressure, and so on, but there is little if any evidence supporting the claim that a ghost has harmed a living person.
However, this does not mean that there aren't other types of entities which can. Although the average person may consider any encountered entity a ghost, researchers recognize different entities such as demons, elementals, and negative energies. These types of entities are distinctly different from ghosts, and can indeed cause harm. Whether or not these are demons in the religious sense or not, there have been reports of people being scratched, bitten, suffering severe bouts of depression, and even becoming possessed.
It is important to note here that encounters with negative entities make up only an extremely small portion of the multitudes of encounters reported. One should not feel terror in the face of ghostly activity; once the initial fear is over, many people learn to accept such phenomena in their lives and many times feel glad that they have been able to witness something so unique. However, one should be aware of any warning signs that may point to a negative energy in their home, and contact the PRS or another qualified group if they have any cause for concern. Warning signs are listed in the question below, as well as elsewhere on the site.
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Do demons really exist?
The term "demon" usually brings forth images in people's minds of the Exorcist movie and Roman Catholic tradition. However, nearly all major religions have extensive demonic belief systems, and up until modern times they were readily believed by most of their people.
Although the subject of demons and demonology is quite complex, when the PRS refers to demons it is using a broad definition that does not adhere to the tenants of only one faith, and in fact one does not need to be religious at all to believe in these entities. Defined simply, a demon is an entity which has specific intent to harm. They may have been human at one time, or may have never been a human person at all. Regardless of their origins, these entities operate with specific intent, and can cause great harm as they attempt to break down peoples' wills.
The PRS has conducted a number of investigations in which demonic activity has been present. Although cases like these are rare, they do happen. We will be publishing more detailed information on our website in regards to the signs and nature of these types of cases - what follows below however is a brief list of some of the warning signs of demonic activity:
- Unexplainable foul odors
- A general feeling of malaise or indefinable sickness by family members
- Scratches, bites, or other marks appearing on family members
- Apparitions that invoke terror as opposed to fright
This is not a complete list, and these phenomena should not always be taken as a foolproof sign of the demonic at work. It is instead a general guideline, and you should contact the PRS or another qualified organization if you feel that the phenomena you are encountering may be dangerous.
Regardless of the origins of these types of entities, the PRS believes that demons do indeed exist, and are conscious, intelligent, and dangerous.
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How is a PRS investigation carried out?
The PRS carries out each of their investigations differently, depending upon the nature and complexity of the case. However, there are similarities between most case protocols, and what follows below should help shed some light on what it is that we do. If you are interested in an investigation of your home, we will of course review with you exactly what we will be doing beforehand, and answer any questions that you might have before we arrive.
To begin with, all of the investigations carried out by the PRS are done so free of charge. We fund our group through our own funds and donations, so we do not ask for fees for the work we do. We also treat each request for an investigation as a case rather than a solitary investigation - we will return whenever the need arises, or until the phenomena is appropriately understood or eliminated (in cases involving negative energies).
Our investigations are usually initiated by a homeowner through an email after they have been referred to our site. We then contact them for an initial phone or email interview in order to properly understand the phenomena being reported, and this includes a number of basic questions which we will ask in order to get a better grip on the case. A date for the investigation is then set, and a team is carefully selected which contains members best suited for that case. These team members discuss the case in detail, perform any necessary background research, and then decide how the case investigation will be carried out.
Oftentimes a psychic will be involved with the case. Sometimes they know details beforehand, but usually they know nothing and arrive at the house later than the other team members so that they will not overhear anything which could later influence them. The team will also include between two to five other individuals who help with interviewing and the different types of equipment used. These members may also have sensitive abilities, which are an asset to the investigation.
Once at the home, a longer interview is conducted, lasting somewhere between thirty to sixty minutes. The answers to these questions usually help the team to see patterns within the case, and some theories will then be raised concerning the activity. After the interview, the hands-on part of the investigation begins, and this can take many forms.
Many different pieces of equipment are used, such as cameras, audio and video recorders, temperature and electrical meters, and motion detectors. If there is a psychic present they may begin by attempting to "read" the house, and the family will be able to let us know how much of the information seems applicable to them and their home. Sometimes all we do is collect data through the equipment, while other times different cleansing and smudging techniques may be employed. It all depends upon the nature of the case.
The team then continues the investigation after they leave. Over time, they analyze the evidence recorded, study the case files and interview sheets for clues and correlations, and perform research such as property history. This extra work helps to make meaningful sense of what is occurring, and is different than the approach used by many groups which are seeking only to capture evidence on film and tape.
The PRS team will not draw attention to your home while they are there, and no information is posted on their website without your written approval. We strive to work as professionals and to involve you in what we are doing - we do not try to do anything that will make you uncomfortable. Everything is explained beforehand, and our main goal is to offer you aid in whatever way possible.
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How can someone become a "ghost hunter?"
Many people have a strong interest in ghosts and paranormal activity, and are pleased to learn that there are groups out there that research and explore these topics. However, although it seems like there are an abundance of groups out there, many of whom actively recruit new members, one should carefully consider what it takes to carry out work in this field.
Since there are so few professionally-staffed parapsychology labs in the United States, most of the actual research and work is carried out by "normal" people. Some have college degrees in different areas of science or experience in a lab setting, while many do not. Having some type of expertise is surely an asset, but there are many others who have become great researchers due to hard work, an open mind, a willingness to learn, and good reasoning skills. These are but some of the attributes that separate wonderful researchers from mediocre ones.
Many sites on the internet proclaim that all that one needs to become a "ghost hunter" is a camera and a flashlight. Many of these same groups are also willing to take people with them to reputably haunted locations, as long as their membership fee has been paid. They are right about one thing - it takes very little in order to become witness to paranormal activity. The people who send reports into groups like the PRS did not have any fancy equipment with them when they had their encounters - it can happen to anyone, anywhere. So, you can carry little or no equipment with you in a haunted location, and you may just witness something amazing, scary, or both.
There is a question, however, that remains unanswered: "What then?" Do you have the equipment necessary to document the occurrence, and do you have the knowledge and experience to know if what you saw was truly a preternatural event? Do you know how to investigate it properly so that people will believe your evidence? Do you have a grasp of what this phenomena actually means? If there is a negative entity in the location, do you have the means to protect yourself and others? Do you know how to properly interview someone who has claimed to have seen something?
People can become grassroots paranormal researchers by talking to those who have experience in the field, by reading and studying, by learning how to observe, and how to question. A fancy degree is not always necessary, but a mentality that goes beyond the "all you need to do is take a picture of it" attitude of many groups in existence today is. If you would like to work in this field, realize first of all that it takes a lot of time and work, and there is little if any monetary reward in it. Next, realize that you need to read whatever you can find and meet people that have expertise in this field - a mentor is highly recommended. Even if you know a lot about the paranormal already, learn about the equipment, proper interviewing techniques, ideals of professionalism, how to perform truly scientific experiments, and so on; the more you learn, the better you become.
Beware of the groups that sell manuals, certificates, and membership cards. You must ask yourself: if a group is willing to take me to someone's home on an investigation, not because they know me but because I paid my ten dollars, what does that say about their professionalism? Don't be scared away from joining a club or doing your own exploring just because you do not have prior experience - we all need to learn from somewhere. Just realize that the more seriously you take this field, the more work you put into it, and the more people of high quality that you surround yourself with will ultimately help determine how successful and fulfilled you become.
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