By: Sam Little
There is no doubt that in the field of paranormal research different techniques spark different reactions from different people. OK, now that I have aptly abused the word different let's move on and let me explain what I mean by that statement. Some researchers stand firm that digital cameras are the worse thing to hit the paranormal field since Derek Achora, while others stand equally firm in the belief they are the best things. Some will carry digital voice recorders while others are using analog recorders. Simply put different strokes for different folks!
Of all the techniques that are used few get the reaction that "baiting" does. Baiting is using anything from a simple power source to a personal item to attract the ghost. This method tends to come under scrutiny rather frequently and gets mixed feelings.
Several methods of baiting can be used. One is the use of an energy source. This is based on the age old theory that ghost draw energy to manifest and act in the physical world. That being said one needs to know what energy sources can be used. Some researchers bring into a case what is called a mini Tesla coil. This is a device that will produce a steady flow of energy and can be used to produce a miniature version of lightning. The coil while accurate for the production of energy is rather noisy and in a great deal of cases dangerous.
Another popular way, and the way Dravenstar uses is to make use of semi drained batteries. It is not uncommon for a ghost to drain battery life quickly, but in a great deal of instances not all of the battery is drained, just enough to make it unusable by the researcher. We take those batteries and combine them using electrical tape. Now we attach a small hook so we can hang the device in a doorway or wherever we feel it will get the best response. There you go, a simple bait pack that has worked for us in the past.
Other methods exist for baiting as well, and these methods are looked at much differently than that of the use of an energy source to attract the ghost. Often a person will have things in life they enjoyed. This could be a ring or even a musical instrument. These things will not be forgotten by the person in the next world and may act as a link between the world of the living and the world of the dead.
Some researchers will use these personal belongings in hopes of making contact with the ghost of the former owner. This method makes for uneasy conversations in a lot of circles as it is wrong to just assume you have the right to use a belonging that is not your own. A great deal of researchers, myself included in that mix feel that if you are going to make use of this method please ask the ghost first or tell them that you are merely wishing to make contact and you are returning the possession to them. Never assume you have right to any item that does not belong to you even if the owner is no longer among the living!!!!
It is this method that brings questions of ethics into the picture. Is it wrong or right to bait an entity? That is a question I cannot answer for you. You have to find the ground you want to stand on on your own. The question is not is it wrong or right, but is it wrong or right for you as a researcher and person? That is a tough decision to make. IU myself never use a personal belonging as I do not have right to the item. I have asked if there was an item the ghost wanted and if I could get it for them.
As I have said this is one of those questions that makes it difficult for some researchers. I hope you can find your own way to look at this. Happy hunting.