“Who you gonna call?” Shelburne’s ghost hunters – SWOPS!

February 12, 2014 · 0 Comments

Ghost hunting has broken out in popularity over the last few years, in part due to the sensational television programs, such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventurers, where disembodied voices and moving objects defying explanation could be recorded, and witnessed worldwide.

Interest in the topic is not new. As early as 1875, Dr. Blavatsky was one of the founders of the Theosophical Society, where amongst many topics, the unexplained was routinely discussed, tested, and reflected upon. One of the focus’ of the group was the attempt to understand what happens to the energy a body has when the shell dies?

Shelburne’s very own ghost hunters may have the answer. Tara MacDougall owns and operates the South Western Ontario Paranormal Society (SWOPS) alongside her sister, Investigator in Training, Krista MacDougall. Since its inception in 2009, SWOPS have conducted many tours, workshops, and classes, experiencing many unexplained incidents both frightening and occasionally healing in nature. SWOPS’ mandate is to instruct and educate people about ghosts and the unexplained.

Together, this dynamic duo offer ghost hunts that often convert even the most staunch non-believers.

“My mother was the most memorable cynic. The look on her face when her name tag flew off her shirt after we had just asked for proof the entity was with us, was something I’ll never forget,” commented MacDougall.

Although some occasions may incite hysterical laughter following a person’s fearful response, the prospect of hunting ghosts is actually no laughing matter. All the more reason to attend classes of instruction for those thinking of venturing out on their own, according to MacDougall.

“Everyone is welcome to attend classes. My advice would be to do your research before you get into this line of work. If you are going to join my team or go out on your own, I can teach the tools you need to have in case something goes wrong. You must be fearless, a bit cocky, confident, understanding and patient,” MacDougall explained. “If you are going to investigate something, make sure you have permission to go into the building, make sure you have someone with you at ALL times, make sure you have a camera, know your laws, DO NOT show fear to something you can’t see, they will feed off that.”

And what motivates a person to get into this line of work?

“I do this to help people realize there is a whole other level of the world out there, yes it is unknown, but that’s what makes it interesting,” MacDougall commented, continuing, “ I have seen a few ghosts in my time, most memorably was the ghost of my deceased friend, Darla. She came to me one night and said she loved me and that she missed me, smiled, and then disappeared into thin air.”

Often times, a personal experience is the catalyst that sends people into the ghost hunting profession where answers into the afterlife and unexplained are sought out.

Using such tools as a video camera, Gauss meter, flashlight, Digital Camera, Digital Recorder, Ball, EMF Detector, Thermometer, and more, ghosts don’t have a chance eluding MacDougall.

SWOPS’ next Ghost Hunter Workshop will be held at the Mel Lloyd Center on February 22nd at 7 p.m. At the reasonable price of only $15 for one and $25 for two, Shelburne’s Ghost Hunters, SWOPS hope to see you there! MacDougall does offer one word of advice for the faint of heart, “If you are someone who scares easily, this might not be for you!”

For more information visit the South Western Paranormal Society (SWOPS) at www.southwesternontarioparanormalsociety.webs.com, call 925-925-4218 or e-mail swopsparanormal@hotmail.com

By Alex Sher