The new hobby of Paranormal investigating or Ghost hunting is slowly becoming a very popular hobby these days. All the new and interesting shows such as Ghost Hunters, Paranormal State, Ghost Adventurers, America's Most Haunted, A Haunting, and Destination Truth have suddenly changed the face of ghost hunting and Paranormal investigating.

Now with all the new hype there are new groups of people from all walks of life wanting to know How to become a Paranormal Investigator?
Paranormal Investigating can be excited and scary at the same time.

It takes a certain type of person to search for paranormal activity and if you really think about it, searching for ghosts or other paranormal activity is quite frankly, a pretty scary situation, which is why a Paranormal investigator must have a strong mental attitude, and be ready to not panic in stressful or dangerous situations.

This is how you become a Paranormal Investigator:
The first step you must take is to really spend some time thinking. Start by asking yourself questions.
Do I really want to look for Ghosts?

What will I do if I have a hostile Ghost in my presence?
Can I perform under stressful situations?
Will put forth the effort to gain the knowledge to do investigations properly and keep myself and my group safe during investigations?

This process is meant for you to really decide if you want to pursue the Paranormal Investigation Field. Ghost Hunting or Paranormal Investigating is not suggest for children or people who are not strong mentally. If you panic easily, the best option for you is to probably stay away from investigating the paranormal. But if you still want to pursue the Paranormal Investigating occupation, then you be able to fill other needs for groups such as case workers, interviewers, and equipment managers. This will at least get you a position on a team.

Now that you know that you have what it takes to become a Paranormal Investigator or a Ghost Hunter, the decision has to be made:
Do you want to start by joining a already existing Paranormal Investigation team?
Or Do you want to Start Your Own?

I would suggest you find a group near you and ask to join the team or at least ask them if you could join them for a investigation. This is recommended for those who have never done any ghost hunting or paranormal investigating before. You will learn some techniques and actually see how a proper investigation is played out.

Joining a near by group may not be possible for everyone. Sometimes groups are locked and filled, and some simply don't want any outsiders to join them, but you will find that most groups will allow you to tag along if you ask them.

If you can't find a group near you. Then it will be up to you to start one. (I would not suggest doing any investigation alone, specially in hot spots.) You can start by asking a friend or family member. If all else fails, put up posters or ads, with all the new found hype, someone will be willing to join your team.

Once you have found your group members. You will need some equipment to at least get you started. The basic equipment any ghost hunter or paranormal investigator will need is a camera and a digital recorder. If you have at least those two types of equipment, then you have enough to do a proper investigation. Another tool I would suggest that is pretty cheap is dowsing rods.

Prices vary anywhere between 3 dollars to as high as twenty dollars for a pair. A good tool for those that don't have sensing equipment.
Now that you have your group and your basic equipment, start by doing a few daytime ghost hunts at a local cemetery.

(Yes Ghost Hunting in the Day is still Ghost hunting. Ghosts are there whether it is night or day.)
Keep doing it until you become comfortable with using equipment and how your group will act during investigating. Each member knowing exactly what they are suppose to do during investigations saves time, and makes investigating a lot easier.

Once you are confident on your investigating skills, start advertising by banners and business cards, and don't forget online advertising. Sooner or later you will get a call for a Private Paranormal investigation.
As a true paranormal investigator you must continue your learning and research all the elements of Paranormal activity. If you have knowledge on what types of entities you may be dealing with, you will then have the knowledge to gather evidence at a higher rate.

You only gain the true experience by actually doing the investigations. Hands on experience and Research is how to become a paranormal investigator.

David Price Jr is founder of the Ghostly True Paranormal Research Society that is located Cass City, Michigan. David has always had a interest in the Paranormal ever since he was a child. David is also the founder and can be found at: http://www.ghostlytrue.com