Finding the Right Fit.: The quest for your own investigative family.

I am officially ordained. Or rather, I will be when I pay upwards of 5.99 ( PLUS 7.99 S&H) to http://www.themonastery.org/ check it out. The world needs more Ministers, Rabbis, and Masters of Wicca. That's what's up.

Besides that little interesting event today I would like to talk about the dynamic of a paranormal group. While working on my college degree alongside working with the paranormal the two have become intertwined in my overall education experience. I write about my group at school and use what I learn at school in the field. One of the major things I've have learned at college is interpersonal communication skills and their importance are in paranormal investigating. About a year ago with my team, someone said that this has become more than a hobby and more of a job. Truer words have never been spoken. And like a typical workplace, there are people who get along, people that don't get along, friendships, alliances, and people who quit to go find somewhere else to work (investigate). Since paranormal groups don't offer pay checks or health benefits, the latter is often the most used option when things get a little tense. With a little cooperation and patience most problems can be resolved.

However, there are times, many a times, when ties should be cut and wounds should be left to heal. Paranormal investigators often have both a friendship and a professional relationship with members. You may love the experience or knowledge that someone brings to the investigation but the car ride back with that person may make a you uncomfortable, uneasy, or awkward. This problem may compound when you add sexual harassment in the mix. The lines between a joke and making someone feel uncomfortable may be a little blurred. If you ever feel uncomfortable, speak up and tell someone. It may be embarassing or uncomfortable to talk about but just leaving it alone will make it WORSE. Trust me. SPEAK UP!

Anyway, past that tangent, finding a paranormal group that suits your needs may be a little difficult. And once you find a group it will undoubtedly take a lot of moving, stretching, and dismissing before you find the right people for you. Here are some helpful guidelines when looking for a group:

1. For the interview or first meeting, meet in an open public area and if best bring a friend with you.
2. When meeting your potential group ask questions. Ask: how often they investigate? how late do they investigate into the night? Is there car pool? How much are dues? What are their polices on evidence reviews and attendance/participation? Does anyone carry weapons? Who's in charge?
3. Check out their website. Any legit group should have some kind of web presence where the public or group members can communicate
4. Find out what kind of activity they support is evidence. Are they orb supporters? Or do they rely on psychics? Nothing can be as frustrating as arguing over activity in the field or at the review table.
5. Find out if they are fakers. No one looks good if you associate or have been associated with a group of investigators that fake evidence.

I hope this helps anyone interested in pursuing an investigative group.
Email me for questions at ashley.miller09@hotmail.com