When I talk about my ghost hunting excursions with friends outside the paranormal community, a lot of them say how scared they’d be to go to a haunted place. I always think, “What’s there to be afraid of?” After all, ghosts are still mere theories. They haven’t been proven to truly exist. (Well, the first thing I always think is, “You’ve likely already been to many and either weren’t aware of the ghost stories or ignored them.”)
Interestingly, it always seems the unknown scares people the most. The possibility that they could encounter something else, something unseen, and have to face it. Either because it bothers them while they’re wherever they’re visiting or they’re afraid of bringing something dark and/or unclean home with them.
However, the chances of either happening are smaller than miniscule. I mean, some people have reported visiting a haunted place and feeling as if something attached to them, something they couldn’t get rid of after they returned home. Anything is possible and I don’t want to diminish or make light of such circumstances, but in actuality such instances are the exception rather than the norm.
In truth, there are other dangers when ghost hunting. Real dangers. Tangible ones that people don’t think of, or, if they do, often ignore, such as:
- No trespassing signs – It’s a matter of proper ghost hunting etiquette to get permission first before investigating on private property. Sadly, the thrill of being somewhere you’re not supposed to be is part of the fun for some.
- Environmental hazards – Hazards can range from unstable walls or rotting floorboards, to unmarked wells, toxic chemicals or materials (think asbestos or lead paint), contaminated soil or air, etc.
- The locals – I’m not talking inbred, banjo-strummin’ hillbillies who may or may not have cannibalistic tendencies. (Although, that would be concerning and if you ever encountered such a thing outside of a movie, you’d definitely want to beware.) I’m more referring to an area’s culture. Like when we went to Mexico a couple times last year. When we visited the ruins outside of Chacchoben, we definitely saw the military, but luckily didn’t see them in action. That region hadn’t been as affected by all the drug war troubles. However, when we went to Ensenada, that was a much different story. There were more police and military, we didn’t see any fighting or violence, but we witnessed a massive brigade of emergency vehicles screaming through the city, and it just felt unsafe there.
My friends from the New York Shadow Chasers shared a link to an article one of their members, Phil Nye, wrote called “Ghost Hunter Dies After Investigation.”
Unfortunately, a woman named Sara Harris, who was part of a ghost hunting group out of North Carolina, developed a lung infection following the investigation of a vacant house due to breathing in contaminated air. She died a month later.
Ghost hunting is no joke. My heart goes out to Mrs. Harris’s husband and their friends and family. Her husband actually reached out to the New York Shadow Chasers to help spread the word about the real dangers of ghost hunting. They wrote their article and then shared it with me, asking if I could help spread the word too.
My contribution is this post. It might sound cliche, but when ghost hunting, always put safety first. After all, you want to live to hunt another day, don’t you?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
Loading ...
It’s a tragic incident but the radio interview also revealed many other hazards of investigating that were brought to light. Several investigators have died under needless circumstances. Last year two reportedly died after falling to their deaths during an investigation, another was actually hit by a car. It’s not just a ‘thrill’ there are many very real dangers.
Hmm… Actually (from my point of view), you don’t have to believe in ghosts, they don’t really care about if you believe in them or not, they will give you a headache anyway.
The thing is that the way spirits influence your life is quite subtle. You won’t notice it until it’s too late. Show a weakness, allow the spirit to communicate with you and that’s it – you got yourself an attachment, the life force flows, the spirit begins to control your life. And in a couple of years, you’re a mess and your life is destroyed. Of course, such things doesn’t happen always, but the sad fact is: if you seek ghosts, you won’t find them. But they will find you. A nice reason to have few clairvoyant friends to check yourself for nasty spirit attachment from time to time :).
So if you need a clairvoyant, Courtney, let me know and I’ll find a minute or two to check you out :).
Disclaimer: yes, I consider myself to be psychic, clairvoyant and spiritual worker who can see stuff like spirits, energies, auras, chakras etc. You don’t have to agree with me :).
I believe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with Nathan. Spirits certainly can affect your life, which can be especially bad for those who aren’t strong people. And communication with a spirit can encourage them to linger around this world…that’s not necessarily healthy for anyone involved. Not all experiences are negative, though, but if you want to open yourself up to unknown things, be aware of what you’re doing, and take steps to protect yourself – not just physically (as very important as that is!), but mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually as well.
Thanks for leaving a comment Nathan! You know I always appreciate your point of view and insights into these matters of the paranormal!
I didn’t hear about the one who got hit by a car, Phil, but I did hear about the ones who died from falls. It can be dangerous. Luckily, the couple of times I’ve formally investigated, the people I was with were super safety conscious. On my own? I’m not sure I’d have been as wary. But stories like these help emphasize why you need to be. Thanks again for sharing it with me!
Well said, Sparky!