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Lets start off the Investigation thread with a simplified procedure and
preperations on ghost, spirits, and other related hunts.

I. Research
II. Safety
III. Tools/equipment
IV. Setting Roles/jobs
V. Setting the Stage
VI. Arriving and Departing


I. Research

One of the greatest weaknesses for paranormal investigations is lack of
information and history based research.
Example: "There's a screaming voice asking for help out of this certain
room..." Then why not research and try to find out "who" it may be that is
screaming. Look through library archives, use trigger words like "murder,
accident, missing, etc..." . It takes a bloody mary of a long time to
research and look for clues into incidents and paranormal occurrences.
But in the long run the investigator will know what history is in the place,
and what s/he may encounter. Better yet, s/he may know if there is
possibly a supernatural danger that may be involved with the investigation.
You may even want to try to ask willing natives what may be causing the
haunting, or what has happend in that area. Sometimes people love to tell
stories, and share history with others.

II. Safety

Safety should also be at the top of your list. Always gain permission to go
into an area, yes, even if it has a "No Trespassing" sign. Of course there
are those areas that are just simply abandoned, and in many cases, those
places are actouly housing animals, or worse yet, very lively humans.
Always scout an area, and make shur it is safe, and even try to map out
the lay of the area. Draw areas that are not safe, and those that are. Also,
make a "Safety Zone" or "Base" for everyone to meet, or to have your
equipment based at.
It really wouldnt hurt to learn some first aid as well, just in case.
Never venture by yourself, theres safety in numbers, and it helps to have
someone else there to back up your expereinces.
All in all, use common since, if the cieling is falling, im pretty shur the
building isnt structuraly sound.

III. Tools/equipment

Video Recorders, voice recorders, cameras, paper and pen, walkie talkies,
and flashlights. The basics to any investigation. Of course if your real
lucky (And pocket heavy) then you can get some real fantsy, pretty, hi-
tech toys... i mean, equipment.
For those of certain faiths, bring in your bible, your charms, your candles.
Faith is the most powerfull tool of all, especially with this breed of
investigation. Iv also heard of pets being used in investigations. Dogs,
cats, even rodents. Make shure to check and double check the life span
and condition of your equipment. Dont forget the batteries, and extra film,
memory card, etc... trust me, your gonna need them if you get in to the
investigation.

IV. Setting Roles/jobs

Another weakness in investigations is the lack of order. These
investigations are often like science experiments,and there is something
called a Controled Expirement. This is often safer and gets more results.
So you want the safest, and more responsive results in your investigation.
Everyone needs a role.
Photographer, video guy, voice recorder, equipment and support, and so
on. Its really according to the group what kind of jobs there will be, but its
a lot easier then just doing the exact same thing, and getting the exact
same results. Which in many cases, is just another boring night with
freinds. Supernatural investigations will very often bring no results. but
when you work for it, and finaly catch something, its well worth the long
hours, creepy places, and poison ivy...

V. Setting the Stage

There are many different types of ghosts and spirits (which will be
addressed in another thread and/or topic group) and all of them can be
caught and addressed in different ways. Example: If there is a story of a
chair moving across the floor, then set a chair up, and test out the story.
For those of you that like the show "Ghost Hunters", youll know how
important it is to debunk claims and expereinces the investigator has.
Also asking questions, and at times edging on a spirit is a part of the
investigators methods of catching a spirit. Even entertaining a spirit can
cause a reaction, like playing music from their time period, telling your
own story, or maybe even their story just using different names.
You should want to help any spirits or ghosts that have not found their
way. Try to guide them to the light, or explain to them what they have to
gain, that there is no reason to regret. This is where research comes in
handy.

VI. Arriving and Departing

When you first arrive on sight, its a safe and good idea to do a prayer of
protection. It doesnt matter what faith you follow, i highly suggest this.
Ill reasearch some different prayers, and post them shortly. (Your also
welcome to post any if you have them)

And finally, when its time to pack up and go home; Tell the spirits that
they cannot come with or follow any in the group. Its important to do this
and once again, highly suggested. Prayers can also be used for this as
well.

Wow, thanks for the link! Ill have to remember this site, you coverd all he different faith based prayers im going to post on here mrgreen . Well, i better start writing them up, thanks again.

you basically outlined what is common sence, but also what would easily be forgotten, and left behind. which is comon of mostly everything. good job. now to apply this.

A lot of this has already been covered here.
It's an old guild thread, but it covers a lot of the same issues. I highly recommend checking both this and the Golden Rule of Occultism thread before conducting investigations or any field research.
I would also like to say that first aid kits are wonderful for any type of activity where you may be injured. A very basic first aid kit with bandages, gauze, antibacterial wipes or cremes can be purchased at a local hardware store for about $5, and can fit inside a glovebox, backpack, or even a purse very conveniently.