History of Real-Life Ghostbusting

Did you know that as of 2023, over 100 ghost-busting shows are aired on TV and streaming services? From Ghost Adventures to Kindred Spirits, all the way to Ghost Nation, there’s no shortage of ghost hunters inviting us into their investigations, exposing the afterlife’s most terrifying. 

A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that belief in ghosts has skyrocketed. In 2023, in the US alone, 45% say they feel connected with something, not from this world, and 30% of Americans swear they have seen a specter. 

The idea of ghosts has long captured the human imagination, lingering in folklore and urban legends. While skeptics may dismiss the idea of haunted houses and paranormal activity, many individuals have experienced unexplained occurrences that leave them convinced of the supernatural’s existence. 

Follow along as we delve into the world of ghostbusting, exploring the methods and insights from real-life ghostbusters who confront these spectral intruders. Learn their collective take on the phenomenon and how to properly approach the possibility of a haunting. 

Let’s uncover the hidden world of ghostbusting and gain a deeper understanding of how these professionals approach the eerie realm of the supernatural.

A History of Ghost Hunting

Nearly every religion, cultural belief system, doctrine, theology platform, or niche sect has had a teaching or clerical hypothesis regarding ghosts. There are entire communities, occult groups, and even whole societies devoted to the study of spirits, wraiths, and shades. Even atheists, in a way, acknowledge the “existence” of ghosts, even if it’s just a skeptical belief.  

Here’s a quick review of the world’s earliest paranormal beliefs:

The Ethereal Beings of Mesopotamia

In the cradle of civilization, the ancient Mesopotamians held firm beliefs in spirits and ghosts. They believed the spirits lived alongside them, spouting advice and serving as messengers of the divine. Their literature, including the famous “Epic of Gilgamesh,” featured encounters with restless spirits seeking communication with the living. Mesopotamian rituals and ceremonies aimed to appease these spectral entities, highlighting the significance of ghostly interactions in their daily lives.

Ancestral Veneration in Ancient China

In ancient China, ancestor worship played a crucial role in their spiritual beliefs—and they still do. Those who came before had much knowledge to impart to current generations. Ancestors were considered to possess influence and guidance over the living. Rituals and ceremonies were conducted to honor and appease the departed, solidifying the connection between the living and the deceased.

Haunting Tales from Egypt

In Egypt, where the Nile meets the heart of Africa, tales of restless spirits and vengeful ghosts found their way into religious texts and folklore. Every household had its ghost or protector — some were even “tamed” demons. The “Book of the Dead” and other ancient Egyptian writings allude to spirits lingering in the mortal realm, shaping the concept of an afterlife.

Spirits and Folklore in the Viking World

The Norse, known for their seafaring prowess, also had a rich tradition of supernatural beliefs. Ghostly apparitions, known as “draugr,” were feared by the Norse, with tales of vengeful spirits haunting the living.

The Advent of Paranormal Exploration

Long before the rise of modern technology and scientific methods, early pioneers set the foundation for the study of ghosts and paranormal phenomena. These intrepid individuals delved into the supernatural, paving the way for future generations of ghost hunters.

Harry Price: Bridging Science and the Supernatural

Harry Price (1881-1948) was a renowned British psychical researcher and investigator of alleged hauntings. He became one of the forefathers of modern ghost hunting and left a lasting impact on the field of psychical research. Price meticulously documented his investigations, applying scientific rigor and skepticism to the study of ghosts.

The Borley Rectory Case

One of Prince’s most famous investigations was the Borley Rectory case, often called “the most haunted house in England.” In the late 1930s, Price examined the alleged haunting at Borley Rectory, a remote house in Essex. The Borley Rectory case involved reported phenomena such as phantom footsteps, ghostly apparitions, and mysterious messages on walls. 

Price was determined to separate fact from fiction and disentangle any potential hoaxes. Although some skeptics questioned the validity of the alleged hauntings, Price’s investigation at Borley Rectory became a landmark in the annals of paranormal research.

Alexandra David-Néel’: Encounters with Tulpas

Spiritualist Alexandra David-Néel shared her experiences of observing Buddhist tulpa creation practices in 20th-century Tibet. According to her, tulpas are “magic formations generated by a powerful concentration of thought.” David-Néel believed that tulpas could gain a mind of their own, eventually freeing themselves from the control of their creators, akin to a child leaving its mother’s womb. 

She recounted creating a tulpa resembling a jolly monk, which developed independent thought and had to be destroyed later. While David-Néel considered the possibility of her experience being illusory, others could purportedly witness the thought forms she manifested. Alexandra, as well as her peers, started to investigate the idea that Tulpas could, in fact, be the reason why ghosts and other entities exist. She became a well-known figure in the parapsychology community. 

The Emergence of Tulpamancers

Influenced by portrayals in 1990s and 2000s television and cinema, the term “tulpa” gained usage to refer to a type of willed creation. Tulpamancers consider their tulpas to be sentient and relatively autonomous entities. Online communities dedicated to tulpas flourished on various websites, labeling practitioners as “tulpamancers.” 

The communities surged in popularity when fans began discussing tulpas based on characters from the My Little Pony television series. Attempts to create tulpas involved practices like meditation and lucid dreaming. Practitioners believe that tulpas can communicate with their hosts through means that feel distinct from the host’s thoughts. Some tulpamancers report experiencing hallucinations involving their tulpas, able to see, hear, and even touch these autonomous entities. 

Ed and Lorraine Warren: The Paranormal Power Couple

Ed (1926-2006) and Lorraine Warren (1927-2019) were a renowned husband-and-wife team of paranormal investigators. Most people know them as the couple from James Wan’s The Conjuring franchise. Their work became synonymous with hauntings and demonic possessions, gaining widespread attention and inspiring books, movies, and documentaries. 

They were pivotal because, regardless of controversy and, in many cases, down-right cons, the couple managed to shed light on the subject and draw in much-needed media attention.

The Amityville Horror and The Perron Family Haunting

One of the Warrens’ most notable cases was their investigation of the Amityville Horror, which involved the Lutz family’s alleged experiences in a haunted house in Amityville, New York. The case gained notoriety and became the subject of numerous books and films. Currently, it is believed that “the Horror” was fabricated and is now considered a legendary hoax. 

Another significant case investigated by the Warrens was the haunting of the Perron family, which inspired the movie The Conjuring. The Warrens’ involvement in this case brought attention to the field of paranormal investigation and its potential impact on the lives of those experiencing supernatural phenomena.

The Warrens were the precursor for the movement yet to come.

Modern Paranormal Investigators

With the advent of modern technology and a growing fascination with the paranormal, a new generation of ghost hunters emerged—a keener, more tech-heavy, science-based bunch. These spirited Sherlock-like investigators embraced scientific methodologies and principles while exploring the depths of the supernatural.

Zak Bagans: The Immersive Investigator

Zak Bagans, the lead investigator and host of the popular TV show Ghost Adventures, is a prominent figure in modern ghost hunting. His immersive approach to investigations often involves spending the night in reportedly haunted locations, seeking direct interactions with spirits.

Bringing Paranormal Investigation to the Masses

Bagans’ show, “Ghost Adventures,” has played a pivotal role in bringing paranormal investigation to a mainstream audience. It has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards, has won several other trophies in the industry, and has spawned a line of merchandise, including books, toys, and DVDs. It averages over 1 million viewers per episode. With its intense and immersive style, the show captivates viewers, drawing them into the mysteries of haunted locations and reported supernatural occurrences.

Bagans’ investigative methods have been both praised and criticized. While some appreciate his dedication to exploring the unknown, others raise concerns about the potential impact of provoking spirits and the ethical considerations surrounding such practices.

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson: Founders of TAPS

Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson are the founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society  – TAPS –  and stars of the TV show “Ghost Hunters.” They are known for their scientific methodology and use of advanced equipment in investigations.

Demystifying Paranormal Phenomena

Hawes and Wilson’s approach to ghost hunting emphasizes skepticism and critical thinking. They aim to demystify reported paranormal phenomena, seeking logical explanations before attributing events to the supernatural. Although they do believe in the existence of ghosts and other entities, the duo focuses on rationale. 

They work under the Holmesian logic of “if you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.” In their case, they exhaust every logical venue before declaring a haunting.  

As leaders of TAPS, Hawes and Wilson emphasized the importance of using scientific tools and techniques to gather evidence. Their methodology included analyzing data, conducting controlled experiments, and seeking natural explanations for reported hauntings.

Understanding the Modern Ghostbusting Phenomenon

Ghostbusting, the art of investigating and eliminating paranormal activity, has emerged from the depths of popular culture. Movies, TV shows, and books have romanticized the concept of intrepid individuals donning proton packs to trap ghosts, of braving the unknown —  but the real-world practice is far from Hollywood’s portrayal.

Methods and Approaches

Real-life ghostbusters utilize a variety of methods to investigate and confront the supernatural. Their toolkit is equipped with cutting-edge technology, from electronic voice phenomena recordings to thermal imaging. They also employ more traditional means, such as dowsing rods and pendulums, which have been used for centuries to detect spiritual energy.

The Demand for Ghostbusting Services

The demand for professional ghostbusting services has increased, driven by curiosity, belief in the paranormal, and a desire to find answers in the unexplained. In some regions and areas around the world, you can actually find ghost-busting services right there in the Yellow Pages or online ads. People seek assurance that they are not alone and want to resolve any disturbances caused by lingering spirits.

The Role of a Ghostbuster

Investigation and Analysis

When summoned to investigate a haunted location, ghostbusters gather historical data and witness accounts. They assess the authenticity of claims and determine if paranormal activity is present. They use specialized equipment, like EMF meters and infrared cameras, to detect abnormal energy patterns or temperature fluctuations.

These investigations use a three-prong approach:

• Historical: An analysis of the historical importance of the area and where the supposed haunting is taking place.
• Physical: The team audits all physical facts and evidence that might point to hauntings, including EMF readings, photographs, white noise detection, etc.
• Psychological: The team takes into account the emotional state of those affected by the haunting—in fact, they try, like an exorcist, to disprove the haunting as nothing more than a manifestation of that person’s emotional turmoil. 

Cleansing and Removal

After a thorough investigation, the Ghostbusters proceed with cleansing and removal if necessary. This stage involves various rituals and practices aimed at purifying the location and releasing trapped spirits. These rituals often include smudging with sage, prayer, and invoking positive energies to restore balance.

The Legacy of Famous Ghost Hunters

The tales of famous ghost hunters throughout history weave a tapestry of courage, curiosity, and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the supernatural. From the pioneers of early psychical research to the modern investigators embracing scientific methodologies, their contributions have shaped the field of paranormal investigation.

As we continue to explore the unknown, let us celebrate the legacy of these remarkable individuals who have paved the way for a deeper understanding of the spirit world. Their work not only inspires curiosity but also encourages us to approach the mysteries of the paranormal with a blend of skepticism and open-mindedness.

Spark that curiosity with US Ghost Adventures. We offer ghost tours in over 150 cities, overnight stays in three different haunted locations, including the Lizzie Borden House, and a series of professional ghost-hunting equipment. Book a tour or come see the haunting world of the dead with us. Until then, happy hunting!

Sources:

• Ghosts Among Us: Uncovering the Truth About the Other Side” by James Van Praagh
• “The Ghost Hunter’s Survival Guide: Protection Techniques for Encounters With The Paranormal” by Michelle Belanger
• “Ghost Hunters Society” (https://www.ghosthunterssociety.com/)
• “TAPS” https://the-atlantic-paranormal-society.com/
• “Ghost Hunting 101: A Guide for Beginners” by Fiona Broome
• “The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed and Lorraine Warren” by Gerald Brittle
• “Paranormal State: My Journey into the Unknown” by Ryan Buell and Stefan Petrucha
• “Ghost Hunting for Dummies” by Zak Bagans and Jeff Belanger
• “The Most Haunted Places in America” by Eric Vernor