This is going to a rather contoversial page but some things need to be adressed head on and truthfully. As long as death exists amongst us so  will industries that deal with death. As long as people are uncomfortable talking about this topic then there will always be a lingering mystery. Where there is a lack of scientific inquiry and testing of theories and applications of standards to determine why and how things operate an entire cottage industry will blossom to either take advantage of the berieved or simply further their own ignorance.

          Because proving the existance of things that we cannot readily see or hear has been elusive it has given lots of people the free hand to abuse others for the sake of the dollar and never be held accountable for wrong doing. Whether you are seeking council because you are experiencing some sort of paranormal activity in your home or business or needing answers due to a recent loss you need to be very carefull and ask lots of questions before you share your personal information or your private space with strangers.. I have been in this situation myself and learned some interesting lessons in the process.

          * We live in the digital age and creating web pages and running glossy advertising is literally a click of a few buttons.

          * If the person whos help you require has a day job totally unrelated to what they claim to be and can only be reached at odd hours let it be.

          * Require a face to face meeting with this person before you agree to allow them access to your home or office.

          * Find out how many investigations they have done before and exactly how much knowledge they possess, hopefully more than you.

          * Ask them if they carry insurance and if they are bonded. Who will be responsible for the damage to your home during the investigation?

          * Are you to be held liable if they injure themselves on your property?

          * Ask them what type of equiptment they will use and how much space it will take up.

          * If they are going to run cable all over the place will there be a risk of a fire or blowing a fuse. Will your older property be able to handle that?

          * How many people will they be bringing into your home? You cannot be everywhere at once watching everyone.

          * Make sure that they can provide a list of names addresses and phone numbers of their members who will be attending.

          * Ask them when they will be arriving and leaving and if you need to prepare ahead of time for their setup.

          * Make sure that they comply with all rules and covenants in your neighborhood and give your neighbors a headsup on the activity.

          * Make sure that they understand your rules regarding eating and smoking and bringing tag along friends on your property.

          * make them aware of any private areas and remove all valuables such as jewelry and heirlooms.

          * How are they going to determine if the activity is paranormal in just one visit?

          * Are they interested in your findings and data or are they just interested in what they will uncover?

          * What method are they going to employ to stop the activity?

          * Are they going to share their findings and conclusions with you after they leave?

          * Are they going to write about you and this investigation on their website? or on any social network? where your privacy may be invaded.

          * Make sure that you draw up a contract or agreement even if they insist that they are doing you a favor and it is a free investigation.

          Before you jump to conclusions by calling a paranormal team what measures have you taken to determine that what has been going on is not related to something that can be explained rationally? Do your best to document these events over a period of time. Make sure that they are not related to seasonal changes and an aging home or animal or insect infestations. Make sure your electrical system and HVAC and other appliances are in good shape. Is this event simply random occurances or does it appear to interact with you and others?

            * Is your home an older or historic home ?

            * Has there been any deaths or acts of violence on your property?

            * Is your home located on native american land or close to such land?

            * is your home located near a cemetary or land that may have once held a small family plot that has been built over?

            * Are you or anyone in your home experimenting with the paranormal and thus creating a potential portal?

            * Have you recently experienced the death of someone you know?

            * Has anyone in your home been sick lately or exhibiting strange behavior?

            * Are your household pets sensing the presence and acting strangely?

            * Was there any one event or occurance that set these activities in motion?

            * Is this activity resulting in any manifestations that are visible to the human eye and does it attempt physical harm?

            * Have you or anyone in your family been on any medication that might cause a sensory malfunction?

            * Is there any family discord or melodrama going on in your home during these activities?

            * Do you live in an area of the country prone to earthquakes?

            * Do you live near or on an active or dormant fault-line?

            * Do you live in an area that has either experienced an extreme draught or excessive rainfall?

            * Do you live near an airport or metro?

            * Is there any drilling, highway work or construction going on close by?

         There are lots of things and reasons that can cause us to jump to conclusions about things that are normal and natural but have caught us off gaurd for some reason. I will never forget a few years back my next door neighbor and good freind installed a ceiling fan identical to ours in their master bedroom. We live in adjacent town homes and whenever they turned on their bedroom cieling fan it would turn our fan on also. they new this which prompted them to play silly games with us at all hours to see if we could figure out what was going on. On one particular afternoon as we were having a moment of passion the ceiling fan came to life and began to first move clockwise  then anti clockwise full force and then the lights began to flash. I know that at the time we were both stunned and staring at the fan in horror wondering what was going to happen next when the phone rang and it was Nora and Scott laughing histerically.

         Last but not least we have Psychics, mediums and Sensatives that also offer services to help fortell the future, advise on money matters, finding true love, helping you find a job and contact loved ones on the otherside .  Here is my advice:

           * Never consult with anyone that works for a 1-800-line or a psychic network, they hire anything that breathes and moves.

           * Ask for references

           * Never allow them to ask you questions they are supposed to give you information

           * When making an appointment do not give them anything that they can research online

           * Google yourself and your phone number and address just to see what you can find so you are aware of what they can also see.

           * Find out what the return policy on your money might be if any.

           * Avoid anyone who operates by doing only phone readings and uses paypal for a quick payday.

           * Do they have a professional website or just a picture advertisement?

           * When making a personal visit gaurd your personal possessions carefully

           * If anything about your personal visit makes you uncomfortable do not hesitate to leave.

           * Do not accept food or beverages.

           * If you have just experienced a recent loss this whole adventure might be timed poorly.

           * If you are emotionally distraught investing in a good therapist may be a more wise choice.