Dr. Mark Farley's Personal Blog

A haunting is nothing more than an attachment that enables a spirit to interact in our world. Without that ability to interact in our world, we would never know that a site is haunted. In fact, I surmise that paranormal investigations consist of nothing more than investigators collecting evidence of these interactions.

So, what should you do in the beginning? First, don’t go out and buy a lot of equipment. I know veteran investigators are against using cell phones, but really, they are the best tool to have. They already have a quality camera, and you can download a voice recorder app for EVP’s.

Over the years, I have posted several hundred ghost photos on social media. Every time I do, there always seems to be a self-proclaimed professional photographer commenting that the photo is fake and here’s why, and then other “debunkers or paranormal experts” chime in, agreeing with them. So, in response to this, I don’t post as many ghost photos.

Almost every paranormal investigator has an infrared thermometer in their investigation kit. In my former career as an aircraft mechanic, I used infrared thermometer guns to troubleshoot windshield heat problems, locate blown ducts, troubleshoot anti-ice problems, and various other aircraft systems. It was a very useful tool in certain situations. However, for paranormal investigations, I think they are next to useless.

The most commonly accepted definition of a residual haunting is one that recurs repeatedly, like a video playing on a perpetual loop. In my experience, if a haunting truly repeats itself, it should be predictable.

So, I allow team members to carry their cell phones during investigations. There are just too many advantages to having them.

I also think investigating cemeteries is extremely beneficial for new investigators. Until you get established, investigations are hard to come by, and if you rent out haunted locations, it can be rather expensive. Cemeteries are free, open year-round, and a great opportunity for investigators to gain experience.

There is also another side of an investigation that cannot be solved with the Scientific Method: the research side. The site's history and the reasons why it’s haunted. The side of the investigation that answers the who, what, when, and why questions of a haunting. Waving equipment around may help answer some of these questions (in the form of responses), but never entirely.

One of St. Louis’ greatest urban legends is the fate of the 1904 World’s Fair Ferris Wheel Axle. There is a staunch belief among many St. Louisans that the axle is buried somewhere in Forest Park. The Ferris Wheel was one of the main attractions at the 1904 World’s Fair. This technological marvel stood over 264 feet tall.

One of St. Louis’ greatest sins has been its willingness to tear down its past in favor of something new. This was almost the fate of the Lemp Mansion and Lemp Brewery. In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Interstate Commerce Act. This revolutionary bill paved the way for the construction of our present-day interstate system. Forever changing how Americans travel and conduct commerce across our vast country. St. Louis’ geographical location made it a prime candidate for