Book Review – The Ghost Hunter’s Survival Guide by Michelle Belanger
I recently read “The Ghost Hunter's Survival Guide” by Michelle Belanger and as far as practical paranormal books go, it's pretty decent.
I had quite high expectations, as I'm familiar with Michelle's work via other books and chatting with them on the Witch Talks Podcast so I went into it expecting awesomeness.
Listen to Michelle’s episode on the Witch Talks Podcast where we chatted about Demons and Negative entities in what is probably my favourite interview I’ve ever done.
What I liked
I loved that there was an element of narrative learning woven throughout the chapters. We get to see the techniques in practice at Irving's house; which needs a deep spiritual cleansing, and some extra house guests need to be relocated too. I definitely retain more information this way so appreciated this aspect of the book.
Adore the concept that buildings have ghosts too. Not as just inhabitants, but the building itself leaves a spiritual imprint, residue or 'ghost' image behind.
Some of the historical knowledge drops were really fascinating like the fact protective amulets were made by the clergy and used by the inquisitors to protect themselves from evil, yet if they found those same items on another person it would be seen as proof of witchcraft.
Loved the perspective that ghosts have just as much right to exist as the living, and that it isn't our place to be forcing anyone into 'the light' like we see on TV and in so many paranormal investigative books.
This quote is so necessary. "In all of these diverse systems, there is an underlying theme: spirits can be controlled, compelled, and restrained by someone with proper knowledge and skill. Please don't immediately assume that someone is you."
The section on ethics and ghost hunting responsibly is wonderful.
There are minimal tools required to ‘do the things’ which makes it quite accessible information for folks.
What I disliked
In chapter 3 there's a whole segment on 'smudging' and using white sage. Whilst it does reference the origins of this as a practice 'borrowed' from Native Americans it isn't something I like seeing promoted anywhere since so many Native American people have spoken up about this as cultural appropriation. Seeing this in the book kind of throws the rest of the practices into question as what may or may not be appropriative.
In a similar scenario, there's a whole segment on dream catchers in chapter 5 without a caveat that they should be purchased only from Native American people. We see so many mass-produced dream catchers, and certainly here in Australia where anyone would be hard pressed to find a genuine dream catcher. It doesn't even specifically mention the Anishinaabe tribe when talking about the origins of dream catchers.
As a ghost hunters survival guide I think I expected more anecdotes on real-life scenarios and what to do if you encounter them. There were a few in the book I think I just wanted more.
Do I recommend it?
Yes, I really liked it and if you can read it critically with the caveat of 'don't culturally appropriate' then you will get a lot out of it.
I give it 4 witches hats.
My witches’ hats rating system:
0 - Problematic, this book should be burned.
1 - Did not like this book, do not read
2 - It was ok, wouldn’t recommend it though.
3 - I liked it but it might not be for everyone
4 - I really liked it and think most people will like it
5 - AMAZING, I loved it and everyone should read it
Meet Hana
Hana O’Neill, the Suburban Witch is a professional Tarot & Astrology reader, Intuitive Coach and the host of the Witch Talks podcast.
