Questions: Entering the "Field"
Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 03:49PM Wassup guys,
I've decided to openly answer some of the e-mails I get since I think they are either really good questions or ones that I think are of the interest of the general readers, mainly cause some of them are frequently asked. So here we go:
Becoming a Paranormal Investigator
"I saw a few episodes of your show on A&E and was instantly engaged. I respect that the purpose for the PRS is to counsel families who have problems with the supernatural. Also, that you have cases with both ghosts and demons. My question for you is how to begin something like this. I'm interested in joining or starting my own paranormal society after I complete several years of research. What do you suggest I look up first and where to go for there? I enjoy helping people and I believe this way is something that not many people do. Thank you for any help."
First of all, it's smart to do some pre-research first before entering the paranormal investigation field. I spent about six years researching before I started the investigation part. I think the issue at hand is that a lot of people want to hop in the field right away and be a part of the action, which is fine to a certain extent. For example, arranging a ghost hunt at a graveyard or public building for evidence can be a great experience. But walking in to the home of a scared family shouldn't happen.
Turn off the Boob Tube. Pick up a Book. First and foremost, the education is important. Watching shows like "Ghost Hunters," "Ghost Adventures" or even that other show, Para-Whatsitcalled; they're all fine to watch, but if you think they're going to make you a bonafide paranormal investigator, well, that's like saying CSI will turn you in to a forensics expert. Keep dreamin'. "Paranormal State" spends weeks preparing for one case and then we investigate for three-four days. The "best of" is compiled in to 22-minutes. So while our show contributes to some ideas, I suggest also picking up research such as Guy Lyon Playfair's, Ed & Lorraine Warren, Hans Holzer, Carl Sagan, SPR and Rhine.
Find a Group. The next step is to try and join a reputable group. You can look them up online typically by just typing in "paranormal team" with your state. Read up on them. The media has definitely taken notice of the popularity of paranormal investigation. Most papers have covered their local ghost hunting groups at least once. So read up on them and see if it gives you any insight about the group, their methods, what they focus on, etc. After you've narrowed your search, reach out to them and see if you can talk with them. Maybe they will also let you shadow them on an investigation?
Advance your Knowledge. Once you have a basic understanding of the theories and research, and after you've perhaps investigated for a while, it's important to try and advance your knowledge. Attending conferences, reading online research and perhaps putting your own theories to the test are all great ways to do that. You should always reach out for second opinions, as well. There are a lot of paranormal researchers who have been out there for a while who respond to questions. So check them out.
Recommended Books. Here are some books that I recommend. "Spook" by Mary Roach;" "Ghost Hunters" by Deborah Blum; "Grave's End" by Elaine Mercado; "The Demonologist" by Ed and Lorraine Warren; "Can We Explain the Poltergeist" by Owen; "This House is Haunted" by Guy Lyon Playfair; "The Demon-Haunted World" by Carl Sagan; "How to Hunt Ghosts" by Joshua P. Warren. Now, I'm not saying I agree with everything every author wrote here, but it represents, I think, a diverse pool of thoughts and ideas from many different people. Check them out. Maybe you'll learn something.
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Reader Comments (26)
Ryan, thank you for the book suggestions! I'm pleased to see my hero Carl Sagan on your list. You gave some excellent advice, so I hope people will take it!
What excellent advice, Ry! Perhaps you should also add that people should read your blogs so they can get a better idea of how to investigate without hysterics, sarcasm, and melodrama! None of which has ever been presented by PRS and you. Also, we were lucky enough to have a good investigator of some repute take us under her wing and show us the ropes. This also helped us a great deal.
Thank you for giving out much needed tips. Pretty interesting read as always.
Peace.
Ryan that was really sweet of you. I keep telling people who are interested in the field that they've got to do their research.
Cool. Thanks for writing that. I will have to read some of those books.
I want to read your entries but the white font against the black is bothering my eyes.
Thanks Ryan,
I have read many of those books and am about to order more. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to some questions, and offering great advice.
Nice advice and I like the updates to the site. Happy Thanksgiving! I know it's a little late, but better late than never. Well good luck in everything you do. I think that you are inspiring and you have touched a lot of lives. You should be proud. God bless.
Mr. B,
Nice entry here for those who wish to become what you do for a living. :) Lets hope they take your advice. I'm into this stuff immensely, but I know this specific career isn't the career I'm meant to do in life. Helping people is wonderful, but I'm going to do it in a different career by what I feel God wants me to be in. However, I do like to bury my head in paranormal books, and I trust your judgement on the ones you listed. Even though I'm no expert at this career what so ever, I actually have corrected (in the nicest way possible) my friends who are into this stuff on quite a few of their 'critiquing' opinions about certain paranormal investigators that I feel are genuine. You being one of them, no duh there.
I hope we get more people out there who are as passionate as you, let alone the people involved in your society, are.
btw - Nice new look on your bloggie! :)
I didn't know you recently updated this page. Forgive me please. Thank you for the list of books. Just hope I can find them in my small town area. If not I will check out the on-line book stores. Could you also give us a up date on the new up coming PS shows. Cass :)
dude,
Thanks for the advice . Especially the book suggestions. Happy holidays to all of u.
Peace,
Alex
Those were great tips, and i hope u had a great thanksgiving!
?!!
I love the new blog style. Answering questions is really cool of you. Thanks for listening to everyone!
hello Ryan is Ameline MySpace thank you for your answers .. Our group will start investigation, trying to find the place ..
Hi Ryan!
I think that you are very brave. When i was a teenager i had a paranormal experience in my room and i felt very scary because i do not understand about spirits and these stuffs. Fortunatly, i found a solution and resolve my problem.
thanks for all tha advices that you share with others.
greets from Peru and happy holidays
I'm glad you put out the need to pick up a book! Finally! Someone with some SENSE! You really hit the nail on the head when you said that just watching the shows won't do the field of paranormal investigation complete justice. Too many people seem to think of the "glamorized" part of investigations and don't see the dark and maybe sometimes harmful parts of it.
As always, a pleasure to read your thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
p.s. I guess no one except me gets the irony of the black and red colors....lol...I think they are great!
Ryan,
Thanx for changing the font so its easier to read people's comments. I'm really glad you answered this question, it's something ive been wondering as well. I plan on reading those books in the near future. Please keep answering questions, it's really great to read your input. Cant wait for the new episodes of Paranormal State. I hope everything is going well with you and your team. God bless!
Chelsea
Hi Ryan,
I'm a Peruvian guy that wants to make his own paranormal group. I know that first i have to get information about the paranormal staff, but I can't find the books that you wrote on the article in my country. So, I wonder If you can write some web-pages(in english or Spanish) where I can't find information about it. Thank you!
Hey Ryan! This is your friend from Facebook Cherokee. I enjoy reading about what you have to say on the paranormal. I do it on the side. I understand that there is so much more information I even need to know. What I like about your show is that you go head on and your faith keeps you going. You have helped so many people. I admire you for that. Hopefully, in the future I will be able to do the same. Keep up the good work you are doing. Your friend, Cherokee
Ha I sent you an email like that one probably a year ago, so its nice to see a response im sure 50 people a day ask you that same question. im well on my way i think Thanks for pointing out the way.