I promised awhile ago to make a video answering some questions that you guys have about who I am and how I got into the paranormal world as well as general questions about investigating. I have attempted to make the video three times, but, my house is a bit loud with 3 kids and 3 dogs; lets just say it's easier if I just type this all out. SO....here goes:
About Me:
My name is Erin and I'm the creator of Hauntings Around America. As you may have guessed, I'm a paranormal investigator and amateur historian. I'm also a stay at home mom to three awesome kiddos and married to Nick, who tolerates my love for the paranormal, though he definitely doesn't feel the same about it. I am also an animal lover, with 3 dogs, two cats and would have more....if I could.
How I Got Into Paranormal Investigating:
I have loved ghosts for as long as I can remember. Apparently my imaginary friends as a kid were the Ghostbusters. It didn't hurt that I grew up next door to an old cemetery...I was bound for this life :) I never really thought too much of it though, until around the year 2000, when I was 14. I went to Gettysburg for the first time with my family and there, was my first paranormal experience. I was standing on Cemetery Ridge looking towards the woods in the area where Pickett's Charge occurred when a regiment appeared. I saw them marching across the field but it was weird because they were completely silent. They marched a bit and then stopped and it was like the restarted again. This happened several times. By this point I had brought my mom over to watch and we were completely dumbfounded. Just about the 4th restart my dad showed up and we asked what was up with the reenactors, pointing across the field. He looked at us funny, looked at where we were pointing and then back at us. He told us he didn't see anyone and that there weren't any reenactments going on. Clearly we were confused. We still saw them but he didn't. Suddenly though, they were gone, just vanished into thin air. It was a seriously bizarre experience but I honestly didn't immediately think ghost believe it or not. I knew it was weird but didn't dwell on it all that much.
A few years later, I was in high school where I found out my history teacher was a member of the Indiana Ghost Trackers. He would tell us all of these stories of investigations he had been on and tied them into history. I was hooked and immediately started attending events. Here I am 16 years later and more obsessed than ever before.
Q & A:
Here are some of the answers to questions some of you have asked me.
What is the scariest place you have ever investigated?
The scariest place I ever investigated was, up until recently, a tie between an old insane asylum and a Graveyard called Gypsies. That all changed last month when I investigated at the Old Lake County Jail. You can read more about that fun little experience by reading the recap on my blog, but let's just say it wasn't a ghost that scared me. It was something much darker.
What's your favorite place to investigate?
Gettysburg. Where it all started for me. I go often and each time, something different happens.
I've always wanted to do investigations but something holds me back...I feel like what's the chances of bringing something back with me into my home with my family do you ever think about that?
I used to be very worried about that. As I got more into investigating I was taught a few techniques that have worked well for me.
Some people are religious so they pray for safety and to not have a spirit follow them home. Or they picture a bright white light for a blessing.
Others use crystals because it is thought certain crystals are natural defenses against negative energy.
Some people carry sage and burn it before even getting back to their car.
Everyone has their own thing. What works for some doesn’t always work for others. I will say this, if you decide to ever investigate, try going with someone who’s been doing it awhile first. I learned so much by doing that and it helped put a lot of my fears at ease.
Is there any real money potential in becoming a paranormal investigator?
That's the million dollar question. I'm sure there is if you were to be on a show or something along those lines, but honestly I haven't found that gold mine yet. All of my investigations are self funded or I am asked to come check them out from worried owners. It's a fun hobby but not the best paying job out there. I do have a book out on Amazon, which is essentially an extension of my blog spotlighting haunted locations around the US.
I've always had some psychic abilities would those abilities help or become a attachment issue?
That is an excellent question! I wish I had a definitive answer for you but the best I can say is those abilities would help with identifying and possibly communicating with spirits. I believe maybe a medium, or someone with these abilities would probably have a better answer for you and there are some amazing ones out there who I know would be very happy to help. I know there are ways to protect yourself if you do have these abilities, but I would definitely ask a medium, or psychic for help with that.
Where do you investigate?
All over the United States. I love checking out all of the different haunted locations we have to offer here. We may have a new country, relatively speaking, but it has a lot of history to it.
Do you investigate as part of a team?
No, I'm usually a solo investigator. Sometimes, however, I come to a place that requires a few more people. If that's the case I usually ask a friend or family members. Most of the time you will see either my husband or mom with me.
How can I get into investigating?
Check for local paranormal groups and see if they are holding events. That's usually the best way to learn how and where to investigate. Also, look for public ghost hunts that pop up, especially around Halloween time.
What equipment do I need?
That is a question that seems to have a different answer depending on who you ask. K-II meters and other emf readers are a go to for almost every investigator out there. You definitely want to have a camera. I prefer my Iphone because it also takes live photos and I can't tell you how many evp's I've caught while not even meaning to. A voice recorder, is another good thing to have. It's really up to you, but there are so many things out there now a days that you won't have any trouble finding the right tools for you.
Do you do any public investigations?
I haven't, yet. I was going to but then Covid popped up and everything went sideways. I would say that I am open to doing one, but I'd really like to team up with other investigator's to co-host an event for the public.
Thanks for sending in your questions! Feel free to keep sending them. I love helping people get started in the paranormal world but I also know how intimidating it can be. If I don't know the answer, I will point you in the right direction!
Erin
