Paranormal Investigating; Preparation and Protection

Protect Yourself Fully

Paranormal investigation is certainly fascinating, exciting and sometimes thrilling, and often deeply personal. Whether you’re stepping into a centuries-old fort or a quiet, abandoned house, it’s essential to protect yourself, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Preparing Prior to An Investigation

Preparation and aftercare are just as important as the investigation itself, helping you to stay energetically and physically safe, balanced, and grounded. What are the steps you can take before and after an investigation, including simple scripts, advice, and the kit you’ll want to bring along? Let's explore this...

Before an investigation even begins, it is recommended to look at weather conditions (heat and humidity or cold and rain) as this means a different preparation. Once at venue leave plenty of time for daylight to conduct a walk round of the location. This isn't just about getting a feel for the atmosphere, although yes this can help, it’s primarily about safety. Look out for trip hazards like loose floorboards, uneven ground, cables, and rubble. Check for low ceilings, sharp edges, broken glass, and any structural weaknesses, especially in older buildings. Identify clear exits in case you need to leave quickly, and make sure your group knows where they are. Note any areas that are off-limits or unsafe to enter, and be extra cautious near stairwells, basements, or confined spaces. It’s also wise to mark any dangerous spots mentally (or even with a small glow stick or marker if allowed) so you can avoid accidents when it’s dark later on. A careful walk round protects you and your team, and sets the tone for a professional, mindful investigation.. In addition, conducting an EMF baseline reading can also help when getting emf spikes later!

Mentally, Physically and Spiritually

Preparing to Conduct the Investigation

Before the investigation starts, it’s crucial to set your intention and protect your personal energy field. Think of this as putting on an invisible suit of armour. A really simple but powerful way to do this is to say a short protection while visualising this. You can speak it out loud or say it in your mind, it is the intention that is important:

“I ask for protection from all harm and negative energy during this investigation. I am surrounded by light and guided safely through this experience. Only energies for the highest good may interact with me. I am shielded, grounded, and safe.”

The important thing is to mean it, as I have already mentioned, intent is everything when it comes to energy work. If you would prefer a religious or spiritual prayer, and some do, you can adapt it to suit your own beliefs. Some investigators also like to use visual shielding techniques, imagining themselves surrounded by a bubble of white or golden light that nothing negative can pass through.

Crystals can offer an extra layer of support; black tourmaline, obsidian, and hematite are some of the most popular for protection. You might also want to spend a few minutes grounding yourself too, that is stand still with your feet flat on the ground and visualize roots growing from your feet deep into the earth, anchoring you firmly.

With all this protection, and here is a key point, you are less likely to uncover evidence, but be pleased that if you do, it is the right energy and you have done your best to be protected.

Physical Safety in a Paranormal Investigation

While energy protection is vital, physical safety must never be overlooked. Many locations can be dark, damp, unstable, or full of hazards. A strong torch or headlamp (with spare batteries) is essential. Always pack a basic first aid kit, protective gloves for handling rough or sharp objects, and perhaps even a face mask if you’ll be entering dusty environments. Good footwear with solid grip is a must, as is dressing in layers to adapt to cold or unpredictable conditions. Always bring personal ID, an emergency contact card, your phone (fully charged), a backup power bank, and plenty of water.

A notebook and pen are useful for recording any experiences manually, while your investigation kit, perhaps EMF meters, cat balls, digital recorders, will help you capture evidence. Lastly, always tell someone where you’re going, and when you expect to be back. My tip is to use What three words (you will this link goes to the car park at Dering Woods! This allows for more accurate and easy referencing.

During the Investigation

During the investigation itself, remaining calm, grounded, and respectful is key. You’re entering someone else's space, even if that “someone” is no longer living. Before you begin, it’s a good idea to speak a short opening script as a group:

“We come with respect and curiosity. We mean no harm. We ask that only energies of the highest good communicate with us.”

Staying emotionally steady during an investigation will not only make your experience safer but also more productive. Try not to provoke or challenge any spirits, no matter how quiet things may seem. Avoid shouting or using aggression, and instead focus on creating a space where respectful communication is possible. An essential part of team leadership is to keep a close eye on your team, if anyone feels dizzy, overwhelmed, or sick, escort them out into fresh air and allow them time to recover. You can also carry extra protection with you during the session, such as a sachet of salt in your pocket, or wear a grounding bracelet made from hematite or black onyx. I also carry Florida Water as a spray (acts like sage but is more expensive but smells fantastic!). In extreme investigations, running cameras and EVPs continuously is a must. It isn't just about capturing evidence, it is about your safety if something happens and you go missing.

After the Investigation

Once the investigation is over, it’s just as important to close down your energy properly and cleanse yourself of any lingering connections. Before leaving the location, gather your group and say:

“We thank any spirits who communicated with us. We now respectfully end all communication and ask that no energies follow us home, all energies remain here. This place remains theirs, and we leave in peace.”

When you get home, it's a good idea to wash your hands with saltwater. I have also seen smoke cleansing which I believe to be a very good idea and can be very effective, waft sage, or even incense over your clothes, shoes, and equipment. Spend time outside the next day, ideally barefoot on grass or earth, to ground yourself fully and reset your energy. You can also visualize yourself filling up with clean, golden light to seal off any gaps left from the investigation.

If you happen to feel like something has followed you home, e.g. you notice bad dreams, heavy feelings, or unusual activity, don’t panic. Repeat your protection rituals, do a thorough smoke cleanse of your home, and take another salt bath. Speaking about the experience with trusted fellow investigators can also help release any lingering attachments. If the feeling persists, it may be worth seeking help from a professional who specialises in energy clearing. Sometimes when the spirits sense someone is interested in talking to them, they may want to continue, BUT will more than likely get bored and return / leave. Remember you have spirit with you all the time.

Paranormal investigating is an incredible journey and like any adventure, preparation is what keeps you safe. By protecting your body, mind, and spirit before and after each session, you’ll be free to explore the mysteries of the unseen world while staying grounded firmly in this one.

What Does This Look Like in Practice

Here is an example of good protection before and afterwards. There are a few areas for improvement but they get it right in the main: