Finding Locations
People always ask me how do I know where to investigate. The answer is simple. I don't.I like to explore new places and am always on the lookout for possible locations. This does not mean that I do not like going back to a place. I do. This can be a source of great information. The first time I go, I know I am only taking base reading and getting the feel for the place. If I am lucky enough to be able to return, I can use that prior knowledge to delve deeper into a location's atmosphere.
What types of locations are suitable for investigating?
Any place that is safe, accessible and for which you have the necessary permissions, can make a great location. I do not shy away from a location simply because it is too new or too exposed. Even new built homes can be fascinating. A background check of the area often turns up some fascinating information.- What is the history of the immediate area? Could the house have been built on a graveyard, ancient cairn or other symbolic, yet long destroyed site?
- Is there an old church, graveyard or abandoned institution nearby?
- What stories are told about strange or unusual events in the area?
- Was a battle fought close by?
- Did a tragedy happen near to the site?
These are only some of the questions I ask as I build up a picture of the history of the location.
The Hell Fire Club, Dublin
So, I've found a possible location, what happens next?
The next things to consider are, can the location be reached easily? Is it accessible by road? Is it fenced off? Will I need permission to enter the location? Is it safe to enter the location? What type of equipment will work best here?
As soon as I have answered these questions satisfactorily, I can then plan the investigation.
I don't know where to start looking for locations
Some good places to start include:
- Old abandoned buildings - houses, churches, institutions (seek permission)
- Old graveyards (be respectful at all times and do not investigate if the graveyard is still in current use)
- Mass rocks, stone circles, fairy rings and other places like these with a lot of stories or folklore attached to them (seek permission if necessary)
- Private houses if the occupants request you to help them
- Former battlefields
- Ancient forests
There are many more, suitable places. I tend to treat everywhere as a possible location - even the local pub or butcher shop!
Abandoned farmhouse
Word of mouth
A lot of the investigations that I have attended have come about from a chance remark or a direct request from the owner or occupant of the property. On these types of investigations, the onus is on the investigator to try to debunk the claims made by the occupants.
- Cold spots - could be just that. A current of cold air, which can easily be tracked, can often be caused by something as simple as a window not properly latched.
- Dark shadows and feeling of being watched - can be caused by high levels of emf in the house.
- Nausea, being ill at ease and even feelings of dread - can all be symptoms of the emf being too high.
- Noises - even the sound of footsteps can be caused by water pipes, central heating or just the normal noises houses make at different times
Even if nothing of a paranormal nature is found at the location, it can still be a learning experience.
Look around at your local area. There are probably lots of possible locations. Why not try investigating a few of them? And if you don't feel like doing that...
Give me a call!
