Please note: These are NOT our Investigation Rules. We have set these out as advice to anyone who is thinking of starting their own Investigation Team.
If there is anything you think could be useful to someone who is just starting out, please Email the S.P.I.T. Team and we'll consider all of your suggestions.
To find our Investigation Rules, click the 'I' button on the Ouija Board, or go to the main Forum (all links below).
Paranormal Investigations
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 Always make sure you can trust those attending one of your Investigations. You don't need someone making you look bad or causing trouble! |
 Always set clear rules and run on a schedule you're going to stick to! Set clear times and have a plan of action for anything that may go wrong during the evening. |
 If you are running your first Investigation, don't be afraid to stand your ground. We know it is difficult to be firm with people you don't know - especially Adults, but it is your 'job' to keep any participants in order and make sure they abide by your rules, so don't feel guilty for telling them what to do. |
Always make sure you wear comfortable, sensible clothing and shoes and if you're not wearing something warm, always pack something just in case! A lot of Investigations require you to stand or sit around for long periods of time, so you'll need to feel comfortable. |
We and most other Paranormal Investigation Groups will advise you NEVER to drink alcohol or take drugs before or during an Investigaion. This will not only stop you from acting yourself, but it will also make you more vulnerable to any negative energies and Spirits that may be in the Property. |
 We advise you not to smoke, eat or drink during an Investigation, other than during break times and only in the areas provided by your Team Leader or the Proprietor. |
Always take plenty of food and water with you for break times during the Investigaion. You will need to stay alert and awake at all times. |
Always go along with an Open Mind... even if you are 100% sceptical! After all, how is anything going to be proven to you if you refuse to allow it?! |
Always be aware of who is around you and be sure they aren't causing any of your findings before you put them down as Paranormal. |
Whatever you do - DON'T RUN! |
If something happens, try not to scream. Remember, fear is contagious! |
Be aware of your volume. Some Properties require you to be discreet in order to avoid public attention. Don't be too loud, but make sure you don't whisper, as this will intefere with any EVP readings you may catch. |
 Always go in pairs. Wherever you go in the Property, go with someone else. If something happens while you are gone, you will have a witness to confirm the occurrance. |
 Never expect too much. If you go along expecting activity, only to find nothing happens, you'll be disappointed. |
 Always be aware of 'The Power of Suggestion' - but not to the point where you close your mind completely. |
Be Patient! |
 Don't wear Perfumes or Aftershaves as this will interfere with any Spirit smells you may capture. |
Always make sure you know the Property layout before you begin your Investigation. When the lights go out, it won't feel so strange and accidents will be avoided.
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Equipment and Experiments
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Always carry a camera - you may need it! |
Always take a torch with you. It is probably the most important part of your Equipment! |
 If you are conducting an outside Investigation, take a small First Aid Kit along with you. Accidents are far more likely to occur when outside. |
Digital Dictaphones are better for indoor use - they don't pick up as much static energy as they do outside. |
S.P.I.T. Top Ten Member, Dave Wood suggests using a Dictaphone instead of a pad for taking notes. It's quicker, easier and you don't need a torch on! |
Always take plenty of spare batteries and tapes! |
If you conduct the 'Imprint Experiment' it is better to use Flour instead of Talcum Powder, as the scent will interfere with Spirit smells. |
If you conduct a Table Tipping experiment, make sure all participants keep only their fingertips on the TOP of the table and that all feet are away from the legs of the table. This will save anyone the offence of being doubted. And remember - never expect too much, but keep an open mind at all times! |
If you take part in a Ouija Board experiment, make sure you can trust those around you, but don't make anyone feel left out. Don't take the information you are given too literally and always keep an open mind. |
If you conduct a Trigger Object experiment, always try to set up a lock-off camera to watch the object throughout the evening and always make sure you can get the entire object AND the paper you placed it on in shot. Otherwise, if it moves, it'll be hard to prove it's Paranormal. |
Always conduct Baseline Tests before the start of ANY Investigation. This will allow you to measure temperature changes and EVP readings and compare them over the course of the evening.
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And by far the best piece of advice... Enjoy yourself, be sensible and respectful to everyone and everything at all times and don't be paranoid you are recording too much or taking too many photos! They could come in very handy one day!! |