Back from the Shadows

After nearly eight years out of the public eye, I’ve decided it’s time to return.

That time away wasn’t wasted—I was still doing the work, just not where everyone could see. I needed that break to reflect, recharge, and dive deep into what really matters. I’ve spent those years writing, researching, and handling cases mostly on my own. It wasn’t about stepping away from the field—it was about going inward, getting back to my roots, and sharpening my understanding.

I’ve worked professionally in this field for over two decades. In that time, I’ve dealt with just about every type of case you can imagine—hauntings, demonic activity, UFOs and abductions, cryptid encounters, occult-related disturbances, and even spiritual elements in cold cases. This isn’t a hobby for me. It’s a life I’ve committed myself to. And now, I feel called to share it again.

Back in May, I made the decision to step back into the public space—to start writing more, speaking again, and reconnecting with the people who have followed my work over the years. I launched this website, brought the podcast back, and started laying the groundwork for new projects. There’s a lot coming.

Recently, I found myself revisiting some older notes and reflections. One in particular stuck with me. It was a paper written years ago by a friend that discussed the state of modern paranormal investigation. It got me thinking about how far we’ve drifted from the deeper roots of this work.

So many investigators these days go through the motions without really understanding the pur

pose behind the methods—especially when it comes to things like working in the dark, using certain tools, or repeating questions during EVP sessions. These techniques, whether people realize it or not, are forms of ritual. And ritual, even when unintentional, has power.

There’s a reason why investigating in the dark has become so common—but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best approach. In many cases, it’s just what people have seen on TV or in movies. What they don’t realize is that this can put someone into a more suggestible or altered state—especially those who are new to the field. When that happens, you’re not just documenting activity—you’re opening yourself up to it. And without understanding or protection, that can be dangerous.

Another thing I’ve noticed is how many investigators develop attachments to certain tools or objects—an old recorder, a certain hat, or even a specific piece of clothing. While some might call that superstition, I see it as a form of personal ritual. If you repeatedly use an object with purpose and intention, it can become spiritually charged in a way that affects your experience. That energy matters. It’s worth paying attention to.

The truth is, there’s a spiritual side to this work that many ignore. And when people dabble in things like magic, ritual, or even just spirit communication without fully understanding what they’re doing, it can go south fast. I’ve seen firsthand the effects of careless experimentation—especially in private homes where people may have already opened doors they don’t know how to close.

At the heart of all this is a kind of faith. Not blind belief, but the deep-rooted knowing that there’s something more—that the preternatural is real, and that we’re drawn to it for a reason. Many of us were led to this field after feeling let down or pushed aside by traditional religion. For a lot of people, paranormal investigation becomes a very personal spiritual journey. It’s not just about ghosts—it’s about meaning, truth, and connection.

As I step back into the spotlight, I’m doing so with intention. I want to dig deeper, ask bigger questions, and help others do the same. Whether you’re new to this work or have been in it for years, I encourage you to be mindful in your approach. Question your methods. Know why you do what you do. Don’t just follow the formula—understand the meaning behind it.

We have a responsibility—not just to those we help, but to each other. Let’s support one another, share knowledge, and keep this community grounded in truth and respect.

There’s more to come. I’m just getting started again.

As above, so below.

Shawn Sellers

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