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The Vigil
Before deciding whether to take a case on, it is of the utmost importance that you arrive at the conclusion as to whether the request is genuine. This can only be judged by the very careful interviewing of the witnesses concerned. Obviously the more experience and knowledge you have of the technique for interviewing, the better your conclusion. The following hints may be of help. Always have two team members in attendance, one to do the actual interview and the other to indiscreetly observe the subject's body language and reaction to the various questions, also to make note what is observed. Let the witness do the talking and do not ask leading questions or prompt for answers you would like to hear. For example do not ask ‘did the noise you heard sound like...’, rather ‘can you give me an idea of what it sounded like’ etc. Listen to the needs of the witness carefully and stress that the interview will be absolutely confidential. If they are adamant that they do not want the occurrence investigated but only want you to ‘make it go away’, then decline the case and suggest that they contact a priest or specialist in that particular field. Remember you are a researcher not an exorcist. Don’t start going on about the research you’ve done, are doing or how experienced you are. Be a good listener and let the witness do the talking. Focus upon them and their problem, not your ego. Be diplomatic at the way you phrase your questions, you will need to ascertain if they are on any medication, if they are undergoing a stressful period in their life, any possible family disharmony or disputes etc. Amongst other facts you need to know is what is their religious faith if any, are there any young or adolescence children involved, particularly if the reporting is of poltergeist type activity. Enquire if any family member has been playing around with an Ouija board either recently or in the past.
Do not discuss the nature of the case or details of the witness interview with any other team member. It is important that their minds are not ‘primed’ in advance as to what to expect. By them going in ‘blind’ without prior knowledge will hold more credence when findings and observations are compared with what the witnesses said. Decide what equipment is to be used and thoroughly check that is in good working order. Issue a site plan to all who are on the vigil, this should already have been drafted in advance showing the positions to set up various items of equipment and who will be where. Select the team members who will be taking part. Do not forget to synchronize watches and any equipment that needs doing so.
All taking part on the vigil should be in possession of a torch, notebook and pen/pencil and of course a watch. Carry means of identification at all times. Remember in collecting any evidence you need to record what happened, where it happened, the conditions under which it happened and of course the time it happened. Allocate at lest two to a station for a given time and have a changeover of stations, say every two hours. No smoking or alcohol must be allowed on site. Do not wear perfume or aftershave. Keep the talking to the minimum and when it is necessary to do so speak in your normal voices - don't whisper, as you will need to be able to distinguish your voices on any recording you make. [Top]
Hold a debriefing session as soon after the vigil as possible.
Decide if further vigils are required and
justified then plan accordingly. At this stage you should be in a position to know if it is worthwhile researching the history of the site. To have done so before the first vigil may have primed your mindset as to what to expect, always bear in mind that people have a tendency to see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear and see what they want to see.
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