As paranormal investigators, we should be in the constant pursuit of knowledge. Not just in our ghost research skills, but also in real-life areas that can enhance our critical thinking skills. Because learning new things can be overwhelming at times, I picked a few things that can be learned in five days.
Keep in mind, you’re not going to become an expert in five days. I recommend dedicating five days for each category for a basic understanding. Who knows, you might find out you really like one of these categories and dedicate yourself to becoming an expert!
You can’t be an authority on something if you don’t know have a basic understanding of how the equipment works. For example, you can’t claim to be an expert on orbs and spirit video if you don’t understand the basics of a camera and can rule out logical explanations.
Finally, I didn’t include spiritual gifts or mediumship, as I already covered this in my blog, 8 Psychic Tips from Someone Who Isn’t Psychic.
Photography
You don’t have to become a full out photographer to understand how cameras work Cameras can be tricky to learn, especially if you’re a photographer. One of the most critical skills a photographer can learn is the use of light. I firmly believe that every paranormal investigator and ghost hunter should learn basic photography. This is especially true in the age of orbs. I’ve noticed a trend where when an orb believer learns more about photography, they debunk orbs. What’s great is that you can find resources on YouTube and it’s free!
If someone presents me with something strange in a photo, and I know they have a background in photography and how cameras work, then that can be super interesting. I appreciate it when someone has already tried to debunk their own data and send me what is left. It takes away a lot of extra work.
Video Editing
100% paranormal investigators should learn about basic videography. Not only to be able to rule out things like dust, bugs, orbs, etc., but also be able to know when a video is fake. Video editing has come a long way in the past few years, and it can be difficult to see what’s real and what isn’t. Storytelling in paranormal videos is also important to investigate too. The basics of storytelling involve having a beginning, middle, and end. It’s more than just watching a clip of a shadow figure. There’s a story being told to draw the viewer in. Some of the most viral paranormal videos are heavily edited, but they tell a fascinating story, which is why it went viral.
Debunking
Yes, debunking is a skill. It is a skill that takes some time to learn, but the basics are enough to get by in a pinch. Here is how I approach debunking; I look at who the person is that is sharing the data. It’s crucial to consider that person’s motivation because that is how I tailor my response. I also look at the circumstances surrounding the data. What device was it captured on? Do we have more information about the area or the room? Were there witnesses? What is the pattern of the area? Like are there cars that drive by the window to create a glare? Does the person have pets?
This can be a frustrating area too because we simply don’t know all of the information or the circumstances. I think it’s also important to distinguish what it is that you’re debunking and to have empathy as needed. For example, someone could be share videos of pet dander and thinking it’s ghosts. They also report that they’ve seen the spirit of their grandmother. I make sure to say something like, “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with __________, that must be _______ for you. The anomalies you mention here don’t seem to be paranormal because it’s _____________. But don’t let this discourage you or feel invalidated.” Tailor this to your own needs, but you get the idea.
Interviewing
When you’re interviewing clients and witnesses, it’s important to know how to interview. You don’t want to give away information to the interviewee. You also don’t want to accidentally prime them to believe something that might not be true. Here’s a great video on how to interview paranormal clients and witnesses using a detective approach. It is so important that you know how to interview people in a way that makes them feel comfortable, and you can also get the information you need without tainting the client or witness.
Research
Finally, even if you’re not a historian, you should know how to research. Whether it’s historical research or researching paranormal phenomena, having this skill will make you a valuable investigator. Not only that, this is a powerful skill that can translate beyond the paranormal world. Learning how to research topics, investigate sources, and determine whether or not something is legitimate or not. The best area to start learning research skills is historical research, as that will teach you the skills to investigate sources and interpret the data.
I would add, spend some time to form a working relationship with other investigators in your area. This goes beyond just visiting a website or making a comment. You need to actually reach out and make contact with them. Having such connections is valuable when you get that piece of evidence that really throws you. (if that hasn’t happened to you, you aren’t an investigator!) A second set of eyes approaching a problem from a different perspective may be just what you need. And having someone you can bring in and trust is something you need to be ready to do ahead of time.