FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Q: What are ghosts?

A: A Ghost is the residual energy of a deceased body, whether it be human or otherwise. Theoretically, it is an unknown energy that needs to absorb other forms of energy to either manifest itself, or to cause physical change (e.g., make noise, move objects). Ghosts are mostly seen in human form, but may appear to someone as a shadow, mist, or even felt as a cold spot. One theory is that ghosts remain earthbound due to certain unknown reasons. One of the most prevalent theories is that the person, at the time of their demise, may have had a traumatic death, or even a sudden unexpected one and that person may have had unfinished matters while alive. There are many theories but no specific answers, only speculation. It is, however, well known that ghosts tend to mainly appear mostly at night. There is a very simple explanation for this. Ghosts require an abundance of energy to manifest, and it is easier for them to do it in darker areas, such as nighttime, because they use less energy to be able to show themselves, whether it be a silhouette or a full bodied apparition. This is not always the case, but in a way it makes perfect sense.

Q: Are ghosts malicious?

A: In regards to what most religions and folklore tells us and it's teachings, ghosts are not malicious. Over time some people have come to assume that the study of paranormal research is connected with occult crafts, e.g., Witchcraft, Voodoo, etc. This has made a lot of non-researchers think that most ghosts are demons. Many religions teach us that channeling the spirits of the dead (Necromancy) is wrong. This has become a factor in having the believers of these faiths think that since this is wrong to do that all ghosts must be evil as well. There is no proof that all ghosts are malicious and that when dealing with a ghost that you are dealing with an inhuman spirit (demon). So the best thing to do is to research the location, learn the history of the haunt (if any), and always follow your instincts.

Q: Do Ghost's follow people?

A: There have been few cases where an entity has followed a person from location to location, so it is not unheard of. There have been instances where a family moves into a home and that home has, unknowing to the family, paranormal activity. Then, when these persons have moved from a location where there is activity to another location, thinking that they will escape the issue, they find that the entity in question that was making their life a living nightmare has become attached to them or a family member for uncertain reasons and has followed them to their new home.

There are many reasons why this happens. One theory is that the spirit of the deceased has found comfort in that person's company, and if it is an intelligent haunting, it will try to communicate with that person in many different ways, e.g. moving objects, noise, banging, feelings of being watched, etc.

Theoretically speaking, ghosts haunt people for reasons unknown to us. However there are a few speculations such as the above mentioned, where an entity is attracted to a person. Another is that an entity is trapped in space and time (residual hauntings), but these mainly pertain to locations rather then people.

There is not a lot of information on the subject of transient haunts; this is one of many questions which go unanswered. We as "ghost hunters" of a more scientific nature, try to find the most rational explanation for many of these questions and we are sometimes put to the test.

Q: Can I be a Ghost Hunter?

A: Yes, anyone can join this amazing and intriguing field. My best advice for anyone that wants to be a Paranormal Investigator is to make sure that this is what you really want to do. You must have an affinity, conviction and a passion for doing this type of work. It is time consuming and can become expensive

Many people ask me "Why are you doing this? Why do it for free?" My answer to that is because I love what I do, I have a passion for it, I enjoy the research and the investigating but what drives me to get up every day and say to myself, I love this field is the fact that the team and I help people with hauntings, ghost's, and paranormal activity..

It is with a passion for the unknown that you must enter this field; the more questions that you have the better, that is what make's a good investigator. As far as why EPIC does the work at no charge, it's because we base our findings on evidence and reasonable explanations and not on feelings. Unlike the glorified groups out there that have a 900 number and charge you an arm and a leg to tell you that you have ghosts, well that speaks for itself.

Every paranormal investigator has their own way in which they do things and they will also create their own theories on ghosts and hauntings. There are no true experts in this field, only people with many years invested in the field and most of them are really good. They have theories and factual statements that are interesting, whether they are the correct answer's is yet to be known.

You don't need all the fancy equipment that some team like TAPS or EPIC has, but a couple of basic tools are helpful, such as an EMF detector, IR Thermometer, mini tape recorder and a note book to log vital information in. Make sure to study the history of a location, e.g. the stories behind the hauntings, any deaths, recent activity, etc. It is always good to have a partner with you to not only verify your findings but so you don't get paranoid. Always ask for permission before entering a location, don't trespass, act professional and bring credibility to yourself or your team.

If you have any further questions on how to get started in the paranormal field (ghost hunting) please don't hesitate to e-mail us. We would love to hear from you and your stories.

Q: Ghosts, why do we see them more at night?

A: There are many theories and hypotheses why we see ghostly apparitions more at night then we do in the daytime. According to one-leading theory, visual paranormal activity (ghosts) are made up of energy, and this energy manifests itself into a visible formation, e.g. vaporous-mists, luminescent formations, full figured apparitions, etc.

Normally, most leading authorities on the paranormal believe that this energy is accumulated then drained out of the air by co-existing non-formed energy. One of these energies has been researched to be ionized atmosphere, in which other forms or energy (ghosts) can charge themselves (for lack of a better word) and manifest itself into a visible plasmatic form of energy, hence the apparition. This has been noted by the readings that have been acquired by a device which measures energy field disruptions, known as an EMF or Electro Magnetic Field meter.

If disruptions in the atmosphere can be recorded and noted by this small yet scientific device, then we may be able to deduce an anomaly to be relevant. Ionization of the atmosphere is common during thunderstorms; this occurs when the air is charged with electricity, and this electrical charge is the same one to be believed to help manifest apparitions of ghosts. It is believed by many that they have the ability to drain the energy directly from the air (among other things) and use it to their advantage.

Take for instance the "flashlight effect:" picture a flashlight turned on in the daytime. You really cannot see the light that is emitted from the bulb (source), but when turned on at night you can see the luminescence much better. The same goes for ghostly apparitions. It's not that ghosts don't like to come out in the daytime; on the contrary they have no barriers from what we know. They are however more prevalent to be seen more at night then in the daylight. That's why paranormal investigators work mostly at night and feel that the atmosphere makes for a better situation for ghost manifestations to appear.

Q: What type of equipment is used by the EPIC team to investigate paranormal activity?

A: EPIC uses state of the art technology and advanced electronics such as electromagnetic field meters (EMF), radiation meters (Geiger counter), digital video, digital & standard 35mm photography, digital & analog audio for (EVPs), infrared thermal scanners, 0-lux night vision (IR Technology) to see in total darkness, and much more that we bring to an investigation to try to not only find tangible evidence of any anomalies, but to try to find answers to why these anomalies are occurring. The EPIC team will not use or put relevance in dowsing rods, Ouija boards, or Séances. We use strict scientific methods and equipment to either PROVE or DISPROVE any findings.

Q: What is the EPIC fee to Investigate?

A: Our investigations and advice are always FREE of charge to you! We do not charge as many groups do, they are out to make a fast buck and to become a propaganda group. EPIC is a not for profit organization. We are willing to help any one and everyone that claims to have paranormal claims of ghosts, hauntings , etc., FREE and at NO COST!

Q: Dose EPIC trap & dispose of ghosts?

A: We are not "The Ghostbusters." EPIC Paranormal is a team of knowledgeable and professionally trained individuals who will attempt to find a logical and reasonable explanation to the causes of the events which are disrupting your daily life. We will come to your home or business to try to classify the type of ghost or haunting into a specific category (if any are found) to note it for further research. We can then advise you how to cope with the situation. Either way, EPIC will be there to help you to see it through. We know what it is for someone to live with a daily haunting and not want to. The choice is entirely up to you.

Q: Why do you not use psychics on the Team?

A: EPIC is a strictly scientific-minded team. This means that all the information that we gather MUST be either tangible evidence or have some relevance to fact. We have nothing against psychics, mediums, or sensitives, and we will gladly work with them, but we can not go by their feelings or visions to prove or disprove an event or claim of the paranormal, ghosts, hauntings, etc. All claims must be documented either on video, audio, and even on a physical level at times.

Q: Are places the only things that can be haunted?

A: No, there have been cases where researchers have found that people and inanimate objects, i.e. dolls, music boxes, etc., have been haunted by ghosts. People have attracted ghosts because ghosts find that person to have a certain quality that they can associate themselves with while they were alive, so they tend to for lack of a better word to "hang around a person". On the other hand objects are haunted in a totally different way. They tend to have a residual impression of that ghost and that memory that is left on that item is so strong that it imprints an entity's energy to it, so the entity is somehow attached to that particular object. It may be anything, and range from, homes to dolls, books, even furniture! These are easier to solve, get rid of the object and get rid of the haunt!

Q: What does EMF stand for?

A: EMF stands for Electro Magnetic Field. It's an energy field created by all living things, it's what makes birds find the North and South, and also guides us when we use a compass. It can also be created by man made things like super conductive electro magnets. You can learn more about EMF meters themselves in our Tech Talk section here: EMF Meters

Q: What does EVP stand for?

A: EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena. It is the imprint or impression of electrical impulses that are recorded and then can be heard upon playback of a recorded message. The way they work is by holding an analog or digital (preferred) recorder and asking a question, waiting 10 to 15 seconds and then play back the recording. Upon playback you may hear a sound or even words! They may be in response to the primary question that was asked in the beginning. You can learn more about EVPs and the types of recorders that we use by checking out our Tech Talk area here: EVP

EPIC was formed to help those who believe that they are experiencing paranormal phenomenon and to answer any question that you may have. We will try to answer your questions to the best of our ability, and at the same time provide you with an honest service, FREE of charge.