Without original, independent reflection, everything one knows is just an echo of other people's thoughts. -- Eric Tsai

Before continuing on this specific page, one must understand that theories are in no way carved in stone. They are hypotheses formulated from research, investigation, experiences and circumstantial evidence gathered from paranormal investigators and ghost hunters. Theories are not yet proven OR disproven. Therefore, they are subject to change or become scientific fact as new research and technologies are uncovered. This web page is always subject to re-evaluation and change.

Andy K. / Active Member

After investigating sites for a year, it seems to me that spirits react to the presence of the living. We have all heard stories of direct interactions such as touching, feeling, or even direct communication. But, I believe that spirits often choose not to interact with the living - in fact, I think they might prefer not to interact.   I base my belief upon my investigations at Gettysburg, but I have also noticed a similar pattern at other locations. When I first started investigating Gettysburg with a small group, we were basically the only ones going out on the battlefield at night looking for ghosts. We had very good results on these early trips and, the basic atmosphere of the battlefield was different - you could almost feel the presence of many spirits around you. Since that time, and since the possibility of photographing ghosts on the battlefield has become well known, the battlefield is alive almost every night with investigators searching all parts of the park. When an investigator travels onto the battlefield now, it is much more difficult to successfully feel or photograph ghosts. It seems to me that the spirits are avoiding all of these people who are now wandering around their domain.

I began to suspect this a few months ago, but feel even stronger about it now. Not too long ago, a small group of us went to an area of the battlefield that is relatively unknown, thus, probably rarely, if ever, investigated. We had incredible results at that location. My feelings have been further confirmed, at least for me, by a statement I recently heard that came from a well known psychic that lives in the Gettysburg area. She stated, that the only time that she goes near the town of Gettysburg is during the battle's anniversary - a period when the town is overrun with tourists. She said that this is the only time that she finds it to be "quiet". The spirits apparently isolate themselves when so many people are in the town. This could also explain why there are fewer sightings of ghosts in the day - perhaps they choose to roam at night because that is when fewer humans are around.

Obviously, my theory would not hold true with all spirits. As I noted before, some apparently like to interact. But, for some reason, it seems to me that most spirits avoid "strangers" - especially if they are in large groups.

This theory might also help us to develop investigative techniques.

Perhaps it is better to remain as quiet as possible during an investigation. Perhaps it is better to try to respect the location that we are investigating. Perhaps it is better if we try to understand what has happened to these individuals who are now in the spirit realm - in the case of a battlefield, we should try to understand and respect the tragedy of the event. Maybe then, we will be less a "stranger" to the spirits and more of a welcomed presence.

Bob R. / Inactive Member

My Theory on Investigations To the Same Site.

One facet of investigations that numerous others and myself have been mulling over is how it seems that the more we go to a specific site, the more that seems to happen. This has been true of Forest Hills Cemetery, Fort Mifflin, and Beechwood Cemetery just to name a few. It seems that the more we are at these sites, the more sensory experiences we will have.

For instance, the last investigation to Forest Hills yielded many startling and amazing results. With the night vision and without, numerous members of the group saw the figure of a man. This figure would either seem to be watching us from the woods, or from behind a tree, even a couple feet behind me.

One idea on this is that the spirits that inhabit this area are becoming familiar with the members of the group. Up until one of our newer members left, our experiences were particularly minor. Once this member left, a lot of things started happening. The figure really became apparent to those of us still there. We had numerous results with photos and video.

We even then started to have experiences where someone or something was poking some of us. It seemed that when the more experienced members were investigating that this particular spirit seemed to want to make his presence known. Could it have just been timing? I don't believe so. Too often, our experiences and observations have taken off when a certain group that was either at that cemetery a few times were present or when the more inexperienced members of the group had left.

I have done only one investigation at Forest Hills. Although I did not have the same familiarity as the other members with this site, I still had many intense experiences. I think that we can attribute this in part to everyone else's comfort in my presence. I feel at ease when certain people are with me and I am certain that most of the group could say the same. I think this comfort level tends to lend itself to helping to present a positive atmosphere. This can only promote the results that we were getting.

In conclusion, when investigating, I would recommend that you surround yourself with people that are positive, open minded, and people that you care for and trust. I also believe that if you can present yourself in such a manner, that the spirits or ghosts will be more willing to trust you and give you the positive experience that you are trying to study.

Lew G. / President

One theory of mine pertains to electronic voice phenomena, or EVP's. Many ghost hunters have obtained audio recordings of ghostly phenomena. In most cases, a ghost will make an audible sound on tape but, that sound will not have been heard by anyone present. I have formulated a theory which gives explanation to how such an event can happen.

Ghosts are crafty in manipulating our physical environment. We know that they can create cold spots, generate odors and manifest themselves in many visible forms. Also, ghosts have been found to create electro-magnetic fields, or EMF's. My theory is derived from the presence of such EMF's at haunted locations.

In order to comprehend this theory, one must first understand the process of recording. First, a microphone will detect an audible sound and send it to the recorder. Next, the recorder will take the information from the microphone and translate it into a magnetic signal (so to speak). That magnetic signal, as it is translated, is imprinted onto a magnetic ribbon. This ribbon is the audio tape onto which you are recording. So, when you are listening to your favorite group on cassette, you are listening to the magnetic information that was recorded on the  magnetic tape.

Now the question remains, "How can a recording be obtained with no audible sound being made?". My theory is that ghosts are imprinting EVP's onto audio tape through electro-magnetic fields (EMF's). In doing so, they are bypassing the microphone and recorder stages of recording. I believe that ghosts can not only create EMFs, but they are capable of using them for specific purposes. One purpose is to leave a magnetic imprint onto a magnetic tape resulting in an audible sound on the tape. This is specific as to how a sound can be recorded and not actually heard as it is recorded.

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