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One of the hottest subjects for debate is the existence of ghosts. There are at least two TV series devoted to that particular subject. The two series are: Ghost Hunters, on the Sci-Fi Channel, and Most Haunted, on the Travel Channel. Because of these shows, people are beginning to wonder what leads someone to know whether their house is haunted. The question may seem simple, but it is actually a lot harder to answer than one would think. The best person to answer the question is the one who is asking it.

However, you should consider some basics. The main piece of advice that is promoted is to keep a notebook and record anything that happens. If someone experiences something in your house, record it too.

Shadows

If you see shadows, there is a possibility that your house is haunted. However, before you break out the phone book and call the local ghost hunters, you should try to debunk it yourself. First, are the shadows localized, meaning they occur frequently in a certain area? Make note of it. Now, look around the room, or rooms, is there windows, mirrors or glass-encased pictures? If there are any, you might want to check the angle of reflection. Shadows can be formed from reflections. The light that creates the shadow can pass over an object before being reflected where you could see it. The reflected light can also pass over an object before it captures your attention.

That isn't happening? Next thing to look for is any bared wires. Some people are sensitive to electromagnetic fields. They can get headaches, sick, and even hallucinate. Be sure to check every possible source of electromagnetic fields. They can be in the roof, the floor, the wall, or an electrical outlet.

Power "Problems"

Does your TV flicker on and off? Do your lights do the same? Maybe your stereo? First thing you should check for is if the power problems occur in specific rooms. Are they only happening in rooms that you or your family occupies? Next, you should check and make sure that there are no sleep settings involved and that the remote is not somewhere where the dog can step on it. Those things have been checked? Then it is time to call the electrician. You could have faulty wiring. It should be checked regularly anyway, but it never hurts to be careful. If the wiring is faulty, you and your family could be in danger from house fire. If that all checks out you could be haunted.

Doors open and close by themselves

If you have door problems, you might want to look at sources of air current. An open window in the right room can cause the door clear across the house to close with a snap. If all your windows are closed, check the vents. Also, its common for wind to blow across the door and create a vacuum that will pull the door closed. Everything checks out? Look at the hinges, the newer hinges are spring-loaded and can pull a door closed.

Stuff keeps vanishing

In case of vanishing items, check the children and animals. Make sure you were not half asleep when you last saw the item. Too many people have shut their glasses in the freezer not to take exhaustion seriously. The couch is known as a black hole in some households. So, be sure to check the couch cushions, behind objects and under others. Remember to take notes of the vanishing items. Is it the same item that turns up missing? Similar items? Are they vanishing in a specific room? Do they turn up in odd places? How long are they gone? Do they disappear completely? Do you know anyone who is a kleptomaniac?

Debunk

Debunk anything that you can. If there is even a remote possibility to duplicate some of your experiences, chances are they are not paranormal in nature. However, if you still feel uncomfortable, you can borrow or buy some equipment to help you. Items like disposable cameras are almost godsends in the paranormal field. Be sure to take as many pictures of the rooms in question. It is best to take pictures around the same time as the occurrences unless they happen throughout the day.

There are theories that spirits exist on a different plane that humans cannot see or hear. Sometimes, it is believed, that the plane will merge with our own and can create the phenomena that we experience. Equipment such as camcorders and digital voice recorders are capable of picking up more than we are.

In Conclusion

If you still feel uncomfortable and, or, your evidence points to something more happening in your home, then contact the ghost investigators in your area. They may be able to find out more information about the situation. They can also explain face to face what is happening to you and be able to offer personalized support for your situation.

Remember that these are just basics. The only person that can truly answer whether your house is haunted is you. If you think that you should call in a professional investigator, do not hesitate, just do it. Sometimes, your instincts are telling you something that your mind does not want to accept.

Learn more about this author, Chrystina Trulove.
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