| Note: Defining the paranormal is a daunting task. We can only answer questions based on our personal experiences, those who have had first hand accounts of the paranormal, and the experiences of individuals before us. Although cases of paranormal activity exhibit patterns of behavior or occurrences, such patterns are not always concrete. FAQ's about Ghosts Q: What is a ghost? A: A ghost is a disembodied spirit or soul of an individual that for some reason has remained earthbound. Q: What is an apparition? A: The physical manifestation of a spirit. Q: Why are ghosts earthbound? A: The reasons for remaining earthbound vary. Some spirits might have died so traumatically that they don’t fully comprehend or understand that they have passed on. Other spirits have unfinished business, some refuse to cross over, while others are afraid of the consequences of crossing over to the other side. Q: Are ghosts evil? A: Depends on the ghost! Spirits don't lose their personalities upon passing. If the spirit was a good person when they were alive then they would be a benign ghost--if they were an evil person when they were alive then they would be a malevolent ghost. Q: Should I be frightened? A: That would depend on your experiences with the spirit. Just like the living, spirits are all different. Therefore, the circumstances of your encounters with a spirit define everything. Whether or not the situation merits concern depends on what occurs. When you first believe that you may be experiencing paranormal activity it is a good idea to document your experiences and to note in every detail any unusual events that transpire. Even simple, but unusual events--events that seem out of context should be documented. For example, if you were to experience more difficulty with electronic equipment than usual and you believe that you might be experiencing activity, write it down. Your notes will prove vital in determining whether or not the situation merits further action. Q: How do I know if I am haunted? A: We have an article in our database entitled, "Am I Haunted" that provides an extensive list of common "symptoms" that occur in a haunting. You can view the article at the following link: http://www.isisinvestigations.com/Articles1.html Q: What is the difference between a haunting and residual haunting? A: Hauntings occur in present time while residual hauntings usually occur after a traumatic event has occurred in the area in question. The energies left behind in the area makes the event replay itself over and over again. This phenomenon is often referred to as a time recording. The easiest way to determine the difference between an active haunt and a residual haunt is to analyze the interaction between the spirits and the living. In a residual haunting the spirits do not respond or interact with the living in anyway, they simply repeat the actions of the event they experienced. Bear in mind that some active haunts do not necessarily interact with the living, however their action will not necessarily be repetitive and will appear more random. Q: Can animals be ghosts? A: Absolutely. There have been numerous, documented reports of pets returning for visitations to owners after death. Q: What is the difference between a ghost and a poltergeist? A: The etymology of the word poltergeist comes from the German words poltern which means to knock and geist which means spirit. Literally poltergeist means noisy ghost. This does not mean that all noisy ghosts are poltergeists. In fact poltergeists seem to have their own criteria of behavior. Poltergeists are frequently known to exhibit specific behaviors including but not limited to unusual sounds (i.e. bagging and rapping), apportation, teleportation and pyrokinetic activity (fire starting). Some people believe that poltergeist activity is the psychokinetic activity of an individual referred to as an agent. Agents are usually individuals undergoing a stressful time or more often, an individual beginning puberty. Q: What is an Orb? A: Orbs are translucent, circular balls of light or energy that often appear in Spirit photography. Some people believe that orbs are the first stage of the manifestation of spirit. Q: Why are Orbs so disputed? A: The fact is that orbs are easily replicated. Dust, rain, water, ect can appear to be orbs in photos. The only way to determine if an orb is a legitimate phenomenon is to examine other evidence that would back up the possibility of spirit activity. For example, if evps, emf readings, or temperature changes occur in the area, this would support the possibility of spirit activity and lend more validity to the argument that the orbs represent such activity. Q: What is a vortex? A: A vortex appears in a photo and look similar to a tornado. It is what some people believe to be the infiltration point of paranormal activities--a doorway between realms. Q: What is Ectoplasm? A: The etomology of the word ectoplasm comes from the Greek ektos which means exteriorized and plasma meaning substance. It is a substance that sometimes appears when a spirit is or has been in the immediate vicinity. FAQ’s about Ghost Hunting Q: Is the Ouija dangerous? A: It can be. The problem with a Ouija is that you have no idea who you are actually contacting. Further, because the Ouija can be easily manipulated by the living, it does not provide credible evidence of activity. We do not use Ouija in our investigations nor do we encourage their use. We also do not recommend the practice of seances or the practice of automatice writing for the same reasons as mentioned above. Q: How are ghosts detected? A: Ghosts are detected by both physical senses and modern technology. Investigators detect ghosts with electromagnetic field detectors, photography, electronic voice phenomena samples, temperature readings and various other techniques. Of course they are also detected through actual sightings and physical experiences. Q: Where are ghosts found? A: Virtually anywhere. Ghosts have been sighted in houses, cemeteries ect. Evps have been collected in natural environments, in fact some of the first evps ever captured were captured in the woods while taping bird song. Q: How do you find places to investigate? A: Via referrals and requests made both in person and on the internet. We do not recommend that people investigate if they are not knowledgeable about the paranormal. Investigations are not for entertainment. Q: Where can I find ghost hunting equipment? A: There are numerous places to purchase equipment both on and off the internet. We recommend that you shop around for the best prices. Radio Shack and EMF For Less (located in Albany New York--they have a website too) are good places to start. Q: Temperature readings: What do they mean? Temperature fluctuations can determine the location of cold/hot spots during investigations. Unusual spikes in temperature could mean the presence of spirit. FAQ’S about EVPs Q: What are EVPs? A: Evps, or electronic voice phenomena, are sounds and/or voices that appear on a recording and are usually only discovered after playing the tape back. Myriad theories exist pertaining to exactly how evps are formed and what their origins are. The most common belief is that evps are voices and/or sounds produced by spirits. Q: How are EVP’s collected? A: Evps can be collected with a tape recorder and an external microphone. External microphones are recommend to lessen or omit the sound on internal internal gears working within the tape recorder. Many investigators are now using digital recorders which offer their own benefits (not having to buy tapes) but evps can be easily captured on a standard recorder. Q: What software does your team use to analyze EVPs? A: Our team uses Acoustica 3.10. The program is simple and affordable at a price range of about $30.00. There are other more expensive programs like Adobe Edition (formerly Cool Edit) priced at about $299.00. A web search will provide access to other sound programs. Q: Why do some evps sound clear, while others sound digitalized or mechanical? A: Unfortunately, some evps appear with a lot of noise in the raw data file. The more noise that is removed, the more digitalized the sound becomes. Also, due to space confinement on our site, we save all of our evp samples as mp3 files instead of wav files. Wav files are more detailed and less compressed than mp3 files and therefore provide a better sound quality than mp3's. Q: Why do you classify EVPs? Evps are classified based on their clarity. We notate the classification on our site to let viewers know what the expect when they are listening to the evps we have captured. Q: What do the classifications A, B, and C mean? Class A: This class of evp is easily heard on a raw data file. No improvements are needed for better hearing. Class B: This class of evp may require volume improvements or noise reduction to hear it. Class C: This class of evp is difficult to hear without significant clean up, noise reduction and/or volume improvements. This class also identifies a clear sound that is unidentifiable or words that cannot be made out. FAQ’s about Demonology Q: What is demonology? A: Simply put, demonology is the extensive study of demons or inhuman spirits. Q: Aren’t demons singularly a Christian concept? A: No. In fact numerous religions have beliefs pertaining to demons and/or inhuman entities. Many people mistakenly believe that in order to believe in demons, one must also belief in Christian cosmology. This is not the case. FAQ’s for the ISIS Team Q: Why do you investigate hauntings? A: We investigate the paranormal because we want to know about the unknown. We want to learn everything we can about the origins of paranormal activity and we love what we do. Q: How do I request an investigation? A: You can request an investigation via email or via our forums. We recommend email if you want to discuss your case privately. Q: What kind of places does your team investigate? A: We investigate businesses, private residences, and cemeteries. We also are willing to investigate historic locations. Q: Do you maintain a confidentiality agreement? A: Yes, if a client desires to remain anonymous our team makes every effort to fulfill that request. We when share our investigations on the web or in any other form of media will either leave a party unnamed or change names and locations to protect an individual's privacy. Q: What does an investigation entail? An investigation involves the following: 1. Initial paperwork ~ Members of the ISIS team will conduct an initial interview. Also, those who request an interview are required to sign a release allowing ISIS to use any information they discover in any media form. Note: ISIS maintains a serious respect for the privacy of others and we offer people the opportunity to change their names if they don't want their identities revealed. Why does ISIS request a release? The answer is simple...we do our investigations for free and the only requirements are that we have the full cooperation of those who request and investigation and that we are allowed to later use any information we uncover in an investigation in print form for our website and/or future media works. We also request written permission to examine any location. 2. After the initial interview the ISIS team will examine to location, take evp samples, take photos, and do emf and temperature readings of the location, if feasible. 3. Examination: Evidence is then examined by the team for any discovery we may uncover. 4. Once the ISIS team has evaluated the evidence, we will notify the individual who made the request of any discoveries. We offer full disclosure of any evidence to our clients. 5. After notification, the ISIS team will try to answer any questions people may have and will try to assist that individual, if it is possible. The team may also, depending on the circumstances, direct individuals to contact someone from their religious affiliation for further assistance. Note: ISIS makes absolutely no guarantees that a resolution can be found for those who experience paranormal activity! The realm of the paranormal is, in no way, clearly defined and it is impossible for any member of the ISIS team to either predict what may or may not happen, or give any kind of guarantees to individuals. Further, ISIS cannot, and will not be held liable for anything that occurs as a result of paranormal activity or that is supernatural in origin. Q: Are your team members Wiccan? A: Many, but not all, of our members are Wiccan. Q: Do you charge for investigations? A: No. We do not charge for investigations, however, if we are asked to travel a particularly long distance we may request travel expenses. Our team does except donations to help defray the cost of equipment. Q: What regions do you provide investigations in? A: Currently we provide investigations in the New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont areas. This does not mean we will not give due consideration to performing investigations in other areas. If we cannot help you, we will be happy to refer you to another group we can. Q: Do you perform exorcisms? A: We do not perform exorcisms. Exorcisms are a matter that is handled by a Christian Church. We do offer cleansings, which in our belief system is the equivalent. Your religious affiliations will determine what actions you should take in the event that the removal entity is required. Q: Will you pay me if I allow you to investigate or if I allow you to use my information? A: No. Because we provide free investigations we cannot pay individuals to allow us to investigate nor can we pay for any information we collect. Q: Do you do interviews for school reports and for the media? If so, what is the best way to contact you? A: Yes, we are willing to be interviewed. You can contact any of our members at ISISINVESTIGATOR@aol.com Q: Do you accept submitted evidence for review? A: We do accept submitted evidence for review however we can only make assumptions to their validity. For example, if an evp sample of photograph is sent to us via email we cannot say if the original files are authentic or not. We make no guarantees that any evidence that has been submitted to us is genuine, but we are willing to look at evidence and provide our opinions on the matter. Q: How can I become a member? A: Currently we are not accepting new members. Should this status change we will update our website. Q: Can I go on a ghost hunt with your team? A: No. We apologize, but we cannot take along non-members on a investigation. Our members have been trained and know that uncontaminated evidence is crucial to our findings. Someone who is untrained may accidentally contaminate evidence. Also, our investigations are not done for entertainment purposes. Q: What does ISIS stand for? A: When we were deciding on a team name, because many of our members are Wiccan, we wanted our logo to reflect that. Wicca is primarily, although not exclusively, a form of Goddess worship. Some traditions focus on Goddess reverence more than others, but we decided that the name of Goddess would be an ideal choice for our group. We also wanted to select a name that could form an acronym of what it is our team does. Thus, ISIS represents they Egyptian Goddess of 10,000 names and the letters in ISIS mean: Intuitive Supernatural Investigative Services. Of course, in the long run the acronym proved to be a bit cumbersome and we have shortened our logo to ISIS Paranormal Investigations. Note: As new questions arise, we will update this page. We appreciate the questions and viewer feedback. Thank you. ISIS Home |
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