Ghost Hunters of South Texas

Validating one ghost at a time!

EVP

Electronic voice phenomena (EVP) refers to the purported manifestation of voices and sounds of paranormal origin on electronic media such as radios and tape recorders. Proponents of EVP commonly attribute the phenomenon to communication from ghosts or spirits, although others have suggested alien communications or psychokinesis from the living as possible explanations. The explanation that EVP are produced by spirits of the deceased was first introduced by American photographer Attila Von Szalay, who believed he recorded the voice of a dead loved one in 1956.

EMF

EMF Detector -  The Electromagnetic Field Detector, also known as an EMF, is the modern day ghost researcher's tracking device, a very important piece of equipment.  With this instrument it is possible to locate and track energy sources.   It will detect fluctuations in electromagnetic fields and low strength moving EMF fields that have no source.  It is a common theory that spirits disrupt this field in such a way that you can tell one is present by higher than normal readings with this meter.  Before using the EMF as a ghost research tool on an investigation be sure to walk around the area and take initial readings around energy sources such as light poles or electrical outlets to be sure of the readings you receive while scanning the area during the investigation.  Most units when purchased come with a manual describing most household and major appliances and their corresponding electromagnetic reading.   When using the EMF as a tracking device look for fluctuations of 2.0 to 7.0, this usually indicates spirit presence.  Anything higher or lower is normally has a natural source.

Examples of Spirit Orbs

When the spirit is moving about, its shape is an orb with a contrail, but when it comes to rest, meaning that it is no longer in motion, the spirit energy that is compressed within the orb is released and this spirit energy expands into what we call Ecto-Vapor or Ectoplasm. Often an orb will contain more than one soul and when its spirit energy is released, multiple orbs flow forth from the single orb. The orb may be observed as a small white ball of light shooting through a room and through a wall.
Spirit Orb
Spirit Orb emitting energy

Examples of Natural Orbs

Dust is the most common anomaly that will be photographed by the beginning ghost hunter. Environmental airborne anomalies may very from grass, trees, grass pollens, to dust motes, to moisture droplets, to ice crystals, to rain and snowflakes. Just because an anomaly is spherical does not translate to paranormal.
Pollen-Lemon Shape
Humidity - Moisture
Dust Particle
Dust Particle

Ectoplasm

Ectoplasm – smoke-like, fog that is not usually visible to the naked eye, but appears in the ghost picture.  Many believe this to be
“spirit” captured in picture.  Of course, it is possible for cigarette smoke, fog or even breath from the photographer to create falseectoplasm pictures.  So, one must be aware of this when taking ghost pictures - especially in cold weather.
  1. The visible substance believed to emanate from the body of a spiritualistic medium during communication with the dead.
  2. An immaterial or ethereal substance, especially the transparent corporeal presence of a spirit or ghost.
  3. (cytology) The outer granule-free layer of cytoplasm.

Vortexes

Vortexes (vortices) – “funnel-shaped” energy usually encompassed or comprised of ectoplasm.  Some believe this to perhaps be
a portal or opening between the spiritual and physical worlds.  Others believe these to be nothing more than the camera strap
having been accidentally photographed.  Many times a camera strap gets into the photograph by accident and looks similar to a vortex.

Apparitions

Apparitions – the Holy Grail of ghost pictures; capturing a full-bodied spirit in a “see-through” human form.  These are rare, and
some ghost hunters maintain they are not possible to capture. It is possible to create false apparition ghost pictures by lengthening the time the shutter remains open or shooting into glass and create a glass apparition false ghost photograph