Protection doesn't stop at physical safety.  Some things may be more dangerous than banging your head... 

                              
Unlike the physical safety aspects of paranormal investigation, those related to psychic or spiritual protection vary greatly and are debated in terms of the philosophy behind them, the mechanics of their performance and
their effectiveness.

I have to acknowledge right from the beginning that over the years I have taken only what most would call minimal precautions in this area.  I’ve taken some heat for that from time to time even from the other founding member of this very team.

But the truth is I’ve always considered the entities we seek to be more manifestations of energy rather than anything of a spiritual nature and that being the case, spiritual protection didn’t seem to apply.  Furthermore, while I certainly appreciate the views of those who see this differently than I do I’ve often wondered whether by virtue of protecting themselves they ultimately repel the very entities they’ve come to find. 
 
It seems to me that few of the approaches I’ve seen offer the balance required to invite paranormal experiences while guarding against the potential dangers.

On the other hand I once went to hear Stephen King speak and one of the things that always stayed with me was that we all know there’s no monster under the bed.  But we also know that as long as we don’t hang our leg over the side it can’t grab us.

So a little caution can’t hurt, and my routine in this area is unchanging…

First, a friend once gave me some protective items (pictured here) which I carry on all investigations and have come to consider as important as any other equipment we use.

Upon arrival at a location I attempt to make it clear to any entities that there is nothing threatening about my presence, but that I simply want to learn and communicate.  It’s not my intention to exert my will on them in any way.

I’m always respectful.  I must admit that when I first started I was occasionally combative and tried to provoke action or manifestations through aggressiveness, and this did on one occasion have an unexpected and disturbing result.  I’ve since learned it’s a method that’s not only disrespectful but unsafe.

Prior to leaving the location I state that the entities present must stay where they are.  I do this out loud, although whether that matters or not I don’t know.  I tell them they aren’t welcome to accompany me nor are they welcome to attach themselves to any of my belongings.  
 
Running water is considered to be very efficient at dispersing negative energy.  So the final step in my routine is that as soon as I arrive at home I wash my hands at the very least, or if things were on the more active side I may take a shower.  The cleansing can be enhanced by envisioning the negative energy running off your body and down the drain.  Others recommend using various high quality herbal soaps, particularly those with sage or cedar as
primary ingredients.

And there you have it.  Minimal and unchanging.  
 
However many, in fact most, will tell you there is much more to spiritual protection than this, and what I’ll try to do here is simply discuss some of the various philosophies and methodologies in a way that is impartial and educational.  Click on the links below to learn more and decide what you think...

There are some methods of protection that require or entail the use of items that are thought to have protective properties.  These range from a Bag of Salt to something called Smudging, which can take numerous forms.  There are many other items used as Protective Devices.  Some may be a surprise but most won’t…

Other methods are more spiritual in nature and are inwardly focused.  

Shielding is a method of psychic protection that many feel does not repel paranormal entities.  However there are thought to be other drawbacks to Shielding, so many people feel as though Filtering is a better option.

It’s not possible to discuss protection methods and leave Prayer off the list.  While many investigators use other methods a large number turn to the oldest protector in the book.