By Barb Bachmeier

A Seattle ghost hunter made his first trip to North Dakota just in time for Halloween, stopping at Vangstad Auditorium Thursday night to speak to students. Ross H. Allison, president and founder of Amateur Ghost Hunters of Seattle and Tacoma (AGHOST), introduced students to his chosen profession, ghost hunting. Allison said ghost hunting is largely self-taught. Although he's had a lifelong interest in the paranormal, his serious pursuit of the subject began after Halloween 2001, after which he started AGHOST. The organization started with eight members, and now has more than 100. According to Allison, it is the largest, most active and technologically advanced group of it kind on the West Coast. They conduct up to four investigations each month. The group has studied more than 100 cases, performing more than 100 expeditions such as night outings to cemeteries, in the three years since they began. Allison said that although he has never physically seen a ghost, or apparition, he has witnessed paranormal activity. "There is something out there," he said. For example, when visiting Al Catraz, Allison felt someone squeeze his shoulder when no one was there. Ghosts have been a subject of inquiry since the beginning of civilization. Before his death, Thomas Edison was working on a ghost communication machine, Allison said. Allison speculated the reason paranormal research isn't considered a science is simply because there's no profit to be made by proving the existence of ghosts. Allison described different forms of ghosts and hauntings, as well as tests and equipment his group uses for their inspections.

Allison bases his research on evidence found with the group's technological equipment. "You're only as good as the tools you use," he said. Investigation equipment includes cameras, audio and video recordings, thermometers for changes in temperature, electromagnetic field (EMF) meters to gauge electricity in the air, and an ion counter to measure static electricity. Allison said extra batteries are always necessary because they get drained quickly in a haunted setting. Allison showed video clips of unexplainable moving orbs and one of an unidentified moving shadow, which prompted one astonished audience member to exclaim, "Oh my God." One method employed by AGHOST is the Scrabble test: Scrabble game tiles are set in a specific pattern to see if the letters get moved while under surveillance. Allison showed before and after pictures of one incident in Seattle when after an hour, some of the tiles had been moved to spell "CAT." Another common piece of evidence discovered by Allison's group is electronic voice phenomena (EVP). Allison played several examples of unidentified voices on audio recordings. Because ghosts do not have vocal chords, Allison speculated the voices result from ghosts manipulating what he called "white noise," which is background noise such as a fish tank, fan or refrigerator hum. Some skeptics claim the EVP noises are radio, cell phone or TV interference. Allison said it is easy to identify as EVP if the voices answer a specific question. As an example, he played a recording of a voice answering "I'm here" when the ghost was asked if it was still around. Allison said in the field of ghost hunting, it is good to be skeptical and rely on solid scientific research; a lot of what people believe to be paranormal activity really isn't. It is important to look for logical explanations first. He added that as a ghost hunter, it is important to be aware of all the known possibilities.

According to Allison, Hollywood portrayals of ghosts have led to some irrational fear of paranormal phenomena. "The scariest thing about ghost hunting is your own imagination," he said. Allison said some reasons for ghosts to exist are an attachment to a person, place or object; sudden, tragic or premature death; or unfinished business. Ghosts may haunt a specific location to make contact and let people know they're not alone; for revenge; to protect or watch over loved ones; or, they may be unaware they're dead. According to Allison, signs of a haunted house may include unexplained moving objects, noises, smells, or cold breezes; strange images or shadows; and the feeling of being watched or touched when no one else is around. Allison said there are at least three components necessary for his group to conduct a ghost hunt: a technician to handle equipment, an observer to document all findings, and a psychic to read the energies of the haunted area. Allison believes everyone has some psychic ability or potential, but most people do not tap into it. He added that most people have had experiences they cannot explain. Allison told the audience about a few of the cases he has investigated.

"Diana's House," one of AGHOST's first investigations, produced strong EMF readings and photographs showing shadows and ectoplasm, a white misty form that looked to have a human shape. At "University Heights Center," Allison's crew heard doors slamming and captured EVP recordings of voices, one of which was a child saying "mommy." A photo of the building shows a window reflection of a human with no face. Prior to his presentation, Allison was given a tour and did a short investigation of the Valley City State University campus. Although he did not have enough time to make a thorough inspection or to carefully study the photographs taken, he did find strong magnetic readings in Vangstad Auditorium. A picture of the stage in Vangstad had an orb. An orb was also seen in a photo of a Snoeyenbos Hall dorm room, where students have reported doors opening by themselves and unexplainable temperature changes. Allison promised to contact the university if his study turned up any other evidence. For more information on Allison's research and AGHOST, including photographs and video clips from the group's investigations, visit www.aghost.us.

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