Introduction:

I'm doing background research into the foundation of parapsychology and how to conduct effective investigations. I'm really more interested in the ghost aspect of parapsychology but as I'm finding out a lot of the different fields associated within this area of study are all closely related.

For instance, the use of psychics (or ESP in general ) is used in many haunting investigations. Furthermore, there is quite a bit of speculation that some hauntings of a poltergeist nature are not ghost related at all, but in fact are often attributed to psychokinetic activity of one of the the individuals present during paranormal events. This aspect especially intrigues me. I often wonder if some of the haunting activity recorded by "hunters" may in fact be projects that they cause themselves.

That's not to say that I believe ALL hauntings are of this nature but I simply submit that it's another theory that should be evaluated before declaring that paranormal activity is indeed caused by a disincarnated entity (fancy talk for ghost).

I will make it a point to post my theories and observations (and especially investigation reports) as they are developed. I am also affiliated with http://www.houstonghost.com

To view a draft of my unpublished book on the subject please click on the link below:

Basic Concepts in Paranormal Investigation 2003
(PDF File, 203 Pages, 283kb)

• Lone Star Spirits
  http://www.lonestarspirits.org
  (I've seen a conference presentation from this group as well as spoken to a few of their members privately. They seem to be an incredible friendly bunch and are hands-down one of the most respected groups in my area. They've been featured several times on national television programs as well.)
  
  
• GhostSafari.com
  http://www.ghostsafari.com/
  (GREAT prices for equipment. I've ordered from them myself. Great investigation reports with all types of media.)
  
  
• The Shadowlands
  http://theshadowlands.net/ghost/
  (I'm not thrilled with the site design but there's an absolute wealth of information here. I especially appreciate the listing of haunted places and their statements on orbs.)
  
  
• American Ghost
  http://www.prairieghosts.com/
  (I have his video and his book. Both are GREAT! They take a serious scientific approach to their investigations. Just as it should be.)

Books/Media:

• Conjuring up Phillip: An adventure in Psychokinesis. (book)
  ISBN: 0-06-013279-5
  (Great book! A "must read" for any serious scientifically founded investigator. It centers around a study where a mythical ghost is created and then manifests itself psychokinetically from the sub-conscous of the participants of the experiment. It's out of print so I had to obtain a copy via Interlibrary Loan. Check your local library for more information on this service. It's usually free.)
  
  
• Basic Ghost Hunting (video)
  Video Hammer Productions - available from www.ghostsafari.com
  (This is an outstanding video for individuals interested in getting started in the ghost hunting field. It covers the basics of an investigation as well as the basic equipment most often used. It also incorporates several clips from actual investigations. The quality on the video isn't that great because it was shot during an actual lecture but it's well worth the money. I must stress however that there is NO THEORY on the origins of ghosts or hauntings discussed in this video. It's simply a great "how to" guide for conducting investigations. The lecturer is also the founder of proprietor of http://www.prairieghosts.com/ )