Interview with a Demonologist: Patricia Gardner

Patricia Gardner resides in Upstate New York where she is the High Priestess of the Coven "The Dragon Warriors of ISIS" and the Co-founder and Co-Director of ISIS Paranormal Investigations. In addition to investigating purported hauntings, Patricia has embarked on the life-long study of demonology and believes that inhuman hauntings not only exist, they are the cause of terrible grief for the victims of such experiences.

Q: What first stirred your interest in the paranormal?

A: "I had my first spirit encounter when I was fourteen-years-old. I remember an incident where my mother and I witnessed a fly-swatter on the wall begin to swing like a pendulum without explanation. I also remember being woken up in the middle of the night because all of the water faucets in the house were on full-force and the toilet was repeatedly flushing by itself! What's funny is that I wasn't scared-I was more fascinated by the events than anything else. I thought it was hysterical when I would have friends come over to visit and our television and stereo would 'pop' on and off! Of course, it wasn't very long before my friends didn't want to visit my house anymore."

Q: When did you begin investigating the paranormal?

A: "Right after my initial experiences began. My childhood experiences made me want to know more. I'm a creature of curiosity. I like asking questions and finding answers. What is fascinating about the paranormal is the fact that there are so many unanswered questions. Unanswered questions only make me all the more curious."

Q: What do you like about investigating?

A: "The fact that we never know what is going to happen-each site is different. I enjoy helping people and teaching them about what might be affecting them. Often times, people who experience paranormal activity feel that they have lost control of their lives. Through education people can get back an element of control that they feel they have lost."

Q: What do you dislike about investigating?

A: "Being ridiculed for my beliefs. I don't expect people to believe what I believe in, but I do expect people to respect my right to believe what is true for me."

Q: How long have you been an investigator/demonologist?

A: "I started studying the paranormal when I was a teenager: I read everything I could--I still do. Since the paranormal is unexplained, both investigating and the study of demonology is a life-long learning process."

Q: Is investigating the paranormal dangerous? If so, why?

A: "Not always, but it can be. When dealing with the unknown you never know what could happen next. What is also dangerous is when people believe that they can just go out and investigate a location without proper planning and permission. Trespassing, if it doesn't get you arrested, can get you hurt. Investigating is not a game."

Q: In brief, what exactly do you do on an investigation?

A: "That depends on the circumstances, each case is different. However, we do have some fundamental methods. Our team conducts a taped interview, electronic voice phenomenon sessions, electromagnetic readings, temperature readings and we take extensive photos for later analysis."

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face when investigating?

A: "Funding. Investigation is costly and because our team is a non-for-profit group, we bear the weight of all the costs of equipment and travel."

Q: In your opinion, what does it take to be a good investigator?

A: " 'Fraidy cats need not apply! Fear cannot be a factor. You also need a keen eye and to know how to ask the right questions. You also need a healthy dose of skepticism-not everything that you look at is of paranormal origin. Plus you need to enjoy investigating."

Q: What is the strangest experience you have ever had while investigating?

A: "On a recent investigation I witnessed a fellow investigator get shoved at the top of a staircase. Later analysis of the evidence revealed a semi-manifested apparition at the top of the same staircase. This is probably not the strangest thing I have witnessed, but the experience is still fresh in my mind."

Q: What is your take the Ouija Board and séances?

Q: What do you think of the occult in general?

A: "The occult is not a bad thing if the knowledge is used both constructively and wisely."

Q: Have you been harassed because of your beliefs pertaining to the paranormal and the occult? How do you handle it?

A: "Unfortunately, it does happen. How to handle it depends on the situation--sometimes the best way to handle it is to ignore it. You're fighting a losing battle when you attempt to change the mind of someone with a fixed mind set. Just remember that everyone has the right to believe what they want."

Q: What is the difference between a paranormal investigator and a demonologist?

A: "You can be a paranormal investigator and not believe in demons. Some investigators do not focus on faith, but center their attentions on scientific data only." Q: Do you perform exorcisms?

A: "Our group performs cleansings which are performed differently. If a client desires an exorcism, we referred them to their religious affiliation."

Q: How do you explain the recent, increased interest in the paranormal?

A: "The Web provides a lot of exposure and spreads information about the paranormal. Other media like television and radio help spread information. What's more, people are beginning to question their experiences and that has led to increased interest."

Q: If someone wants to be an investigator, what should they do?

A: "Learn everything you can about the paranormal and be prepared to read a lot! Becoming an investigator doesn't happen overnight. If you are interested in learning "sensitive techniques" you should work with a group to hone such abilities."

Q: If someone wants to be a demonologist, what do they have to do to become one?

A: "It is the same as becoming an investigator, only far more focused. Be prepared to study a lot of different theories."

Q: What do you believe is the biggest mistake paranormal investigators make on investigations?

A: "The biggest mistakes happen during evidence analysis. You can't believe that everything you have captured is of paranormal origin. On the same token, sometimes credible evidence is written off because of overly skeptical views. Maintaining a healthy balance of skepticism and acceptance is essential."