101 Ghost Hunting Questions - Answered
Author: Fiona Broome
Date: 2013-04-14T22:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Ghost hunting
Description: LARGE PRINT EDITIONProfessional ghost researcher Fiona Broome shares her answers to the Internet's top 101 ghost hunting questions. In blunt, sometimes funny replies, she offers her opinions, insights, and tips for beginning and intermediate ghost hunters.
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Contents

101 Ghost Hunting Questions, Answered

Dedication

Introduction

1. What are ghosts?

2. What are some terms that refer to ghosts?

3. What is a ghost hunter?

4. How do I start ghost hunting?

5. How can I join a ghost hunting group?

6. How can I start a ghost hunting group?

7. What’s the best place to go ghost hunting?

8. Why do most ghost hunters investigate at...

9. What can you do to attract ghosts?

10. Can ghost hunting groups investigate
things...

11. Why do some people become ghosts?

12. Why do ghosts usually inhabit old, creaky

2
and...

13. Can a ghost follow you?

14. Are some people more receptive to ghosts?

15. When did people start believing in ghosts?

16. What is the main reason ghosts haunt?

17. What makes one house more haunted?

18. What happens if you see a ghost?

19. What’s the difference between a haunted
house...

20. How can you find a nearby haunted place?

21. How can you tell if a place is really...

22. What happens if a ghost gets close to you?

23. Can ghosts hurt people?

24. Has a ghost ever killed anyone?

25. What phobias are related to haunted
houses?

26. How can I get over a fear of haunted
houses?

27. How can I get over my fear of ghost

3
hunting?

28. Are all really haunted houses scary?

29. Are there ghost animals?

30. Is a banshee a ghost?

31. Is Halloween the best time for ghost
hunting?

32. Is it good to go ghost hunting on Friday
the...

33. If you’re going on a date, should you
suggest...

34. How can you catch a ghost?

35. How can you kill a ghost?

36. Is a ghost alive or dead?

37. Could ghosts exist as energy waves?

38. What’s your theory about alternate
dimensions?

39. Is it OK for Christians to watch ghost TV
shows?

40. Why don’t people go ghost hunting in

4

Jewish...

41. Does the Bible mention ghost hunting?

42. Can an Atheist believe in ghosts?

43. What are the most important ghost hunting
tools?

44. What’s the best kind of equipment for a...

45. How do cameras photograph ghosts?

46. How many cameras should you carry?

47. Can you use any digital camera for ghost
hunting?

48. What are the best camera settings?

49. What do ghosts look like in photos?

50. How do video cameras show ghosts?

51. What’s the best kind of video camera?

52. Who sells the best high tech equipment?

53. What does EMF have to do with ghosts?

54. What’s the best kind of EMF detector?

55. How does white noise help some people
hear...

5

56. Do ghost hunting apps work?

57. How much should I budget for ghost
hunting...

58. How do ghosts turn flashlights on and off?

59. How do people use dowsing rods in ghost...

60. How do people use pendulums in ghost
hunting?

61. What do scientists think about ghosts?

62. Is there scientific proof of ghosts?

63. What did ghosts do before electricity and...

64. If ghosts are just energy, how can they...

65. Besides Ouija boards, how do people talk
to...

66. What's the connection between ghosts
and...

67. Are shadow people demons? Are they
dangerous?

68. Are there any grants for paranormal
research...

6

69. What’s the difference between a ghost
hunter...

70. Is the ocean haunted?

71. What happens to ghosts after a fire?

72. What’s the difference between a haunted...

73. How do ghosts affect the afterlife?

74. Has a ghost ever reincarnated?

75. Do ghost hunters ever become ghosts?

76. What are good books about ghost hunting?

77. What are the best TV shows and movies
about...

78. Which TV show is the best, Most

Haunted,...

79. What’s the worst TV show about ghosts?

80. Have TV shows ever found real ghosts?

81. Do TV shows give credibility to ghosts?

82. Why do Ghost Hunters, etc., turn off the
lights?

83. Why do the Ghost Adventures team lock...

7

84. Why did Grant Wilson leave Ghost

Hunters?

85. How do I contact the Ghost Hunters TV
show?

86. What locations have been used for ghost...

87. How can I pitch a story idea to TV?

88. How can I get my own ghost hunting TV
series?

89. What are your favorite haunted houses?

90. About the Lizzie Borden case,...

91. Was there really a Canterville ghost?

92. What’s it like to live in a haunted house?

93. How much does it cost to visit real
haunted...

94. Why do some haunted houses require
waivers?

95. How should I write a ghost story?

96. How should I write about ghost hunters?

97. What’s the best haunted house attraction at

8
a...

98. Is Disney’s Haunted Mansion really
haunted?

99. Do they ever film ghost stories in really...

100. How can I buy a haunted house?

101. What’s next in ghost hunting?

About the Author

9

101 Ghost Hunting

Questions,

Answered

- by Fiona Broome -

(c) 2012, 2014, by New Forest Books™
for Fiona Broome, all rights reserved. No part
of this book may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording
or by any information storage and retrieval
system without written permission from the
publisher. For additional copyright
information, contact Ms. Broome at

10

FionaBroome.com

The phrase "ghost hunter" (lower case) is an everyday expression used to indicate anyone
involved in the study of ghosts or research in
haunted locations. References to ghost hunters
do not necessarily reflect on, in any, way

Syfy.com, Pilgrim Studios, or the Ghost

Hunters ™ television show.

Any trademarks, service marks, or product
names are assumed to be the property of their
respective owners, and are used only for
general reference or review purposes.

Cover art copyright 2014 by

Hitdelight/Shutterstock.com.

DISCLAIMER

This information in this book is provided as
entertainment. Information is based on
personal experience and anecdotal reports.

Readers assume full responsibility for use of

11
the information in this book.

Although the author and publisher have
made every effort to ensure that the
information in this book was correct at press
time, the author and publisher do not assume
and hereby disclaim any liability to any party
for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by
errors or omissions, whether such errors or
omissions result from negligence, accident, or
any other cause.

2.1

Hollow Hill Books, an imprint of New

Forest Books™, NH and FL, USA. /

NewForestBooks.com / HollowHill.com

12

Dedication

To my many friends and fans who
make ghost hunting more fun, more
interesting, and very worthwhile.

Thank you!

Sincerely, Fiona Broome

Fiona's note: Were you looking for a
ghost hunting question that you didn't
find here? Ask me. I'll answer it if I can,
and add it to the list for my next book in
this series, “101 More Ghost Hunting

Questions - Answered.”

13

Introduction

Since the 1990s, people have asked
me great questions about ghosts and
haunted places. I’ve collected the 101
most popular questions, and — in this
book — I’ve answered them as well as I
can.

I talk about ghosts, haunted places,
and how to be part of a ghost hunting
group. I talk about science, politics, and
safety in paranormal research. I even
share my opinions about TV shows and
their stars. I explain what to do if you’d
like to be part of a TV series.

Of course, my answers aren’t the final
word. As researchers learn more about

14
ghosts, answers change. That’s why we keep ghost hunting. Frankly, when
paranormal researchers get dogmatic,
we’ve reached a dead end. No pun
intended.

Keep this in mind: There’s no
scientific proof of ghosts. Something odd is going on at haunted sites. We
can’t prove the cause, yet.

Keep asking questions. Look for the best answers, and share them with
others. That's the only way we’ll figure
out what ghosts and hauntings really are.

I hope you’ll be part of this adventure.

My answers may surprise you.

They’re not what some ghost hunters

15
will tell you, and you’ll rarely hear these opinions on TV shows.

Keep an open mind.

Cheerfully,

Fiona Broome

P.S. If you have a question that I
didn’t answer, drop me a note at

Ghosts101.com. I’m eager to hear from
you.

If you feel that one of my answers is
really wrong, let me know. Tell me why

I’m wrong. I’m interested in intelligent,
alternate opinions.

P.P.S. This book has been heavily
revised since its first publication in

16

2012. I’ve updated information, and
corrected errors & typos. I’ve also
added about 10,000 words to explain
many points in more detail.

17

1. What are ghosts?

Dictionaries say a ghost is the spirit
of a dead person. That may be true.

However, when paranormal
investigators use the word “ghosts,”

we’re usually talking about ghostly
phenomena. You know… things like
apparitions, strange noises, orbs in
photos, and weird EMF spikes.

Some ghost hunters insist that all
ghostly phenomena are disembodied
spirits. Skeptics explain “hauntings” in
very normal terms that doesn’t involve
dead people. Some religions insist that
everything ghostly is demonic and
dangerous.

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Most ghost hunters are between those
extremes. We say the phenomena are
real but unexplained. First, we look for
normal things that explain what’s going
on. About 80% of the time, we can find a
reasonable, normal explanation. The
other 20% — and perhaps some of the

80%, as well — may be ghostly.

This is important: Even though some

“ghostly” phenomena can be blamed on
something normal, the site may still be
haunted.

(To draw a sports parallel: During a
football game, most people on the field
are football players. That doesn’t mean
the occasional streaker is also a football

19
player. Anomalies can happen every
day. Generalizations aren’t reliable.)

Also, few investigators agree on all
paranormal issues. For every person
who insists that all orbs are ghosts,
you’ll find one who says all orbs are
dust or insects. The truth may be
somewhere in-between.

In fact, the “ghosts” label is too
simplistic. We don’t know what most
ghostly phenomena are.

Let’s pool our information and
compare notes. Then, we might find
better answers.

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2. What are some terms that refer
to ghosts?

Ghosts, spirits, apparitions… those
words are related but they don’t mean
the same things. Here are some other,
related words. Some refer to ghosts,
others describe different paranormal
entities. They can be useful.

Some people are happy to use the
word “ghost” for any spirit of the dead.

Others aren’t. When people are sure
who their ghost is, notice the words they
use. Some people happily talk about
their granny’s benevolent “spirit.”

Describing her as a “ghost” could sound
harsh. She’s not haunting them, she’s

21
visiting. The difference is important.

Tip: Looking for fresh places to find
ghosts? Search online and in books for
these words and phrases. You may turn
up a haunted site you didn’t know about.

- Ancestral spirit.

- Angel (or guardian angel), cherubim,
seraphim.

- Angiris.

- Anomaly.

- Apparition.

- Banshee (Bean Sidhe).

- Being (or glorified being, celestial
being, etc.).

- Changeling.

- Coiste bodhar (coach of the dead).

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- Corpse.

- Cuirp dhaondachbach (Celtic spirit in
physical-appearing form).

- Daemon. (Different than a demon.)

- Deceased (usually “the deceased”).

- Demon.

- Departed (or departed person).

- Djin, djinn, genie, genii, or jinnee.

- Entity.

- Fairy, faerie, or one of the good
people.

- Familiar.

- Fiend.

- Form.

- Genius.

- Ghoul, ghoule, ghowl, ghul, ghuli.

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(Definitely not just a ghost.)

- Goblin (or hobgoblin).

- Green Lady.

- Gremlin.

- Guardian.

- Heavenly visitor.

- Incorporeal being (or immaterial
being).

- Intelligence.

- Lamassu.

- Lar.

- Manes. (Note: That’s the singular.)

- Messenger.

- Penates.

- Phantom.

- Pitris.

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- Semblance.

- Shade.

- Shadow person.

- Soul (or beatified soul).

- Specter or spectre.

- Spirit (or earthbound spirit, or vital
spirit).

- Supernatural being.

- The unseen.

- Vestige.

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3. What is a ghost hunter? Why
would anyone want to hunt a ghost?

The term “ghost hunter” is slang. The
person is hunting for evidence of ghosts.

It’s an old expression. I’ve seen it
used in the early 1890s. I think it’s far
older than that. So, don’t think a TV
producer invented the phrase.

The Ghost Hunters™ TV series re-
popularized the phrase in the early 21st
century. The phrase is trademarked, but
only for the TV series and products
directly related to the show.

The stars of the Ghost Hunters TV
series are from a research group called

TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Society.

26

It was around long before the TV series started. They have their own website,
separate from the TV show.

As far as I know, nobody actually

“hunts” ghost. It’s not like hunting game
for dinner. (Some people hunt demons,
but that’s a different field.)

Would you like to become a ghost
hunter? Do you have questions about
ghosts and paranormal phenomena? If
so, ghost hunting may help you find
answers.

Your research may be tedious and
time-consuming. Many investigations
involve uncomfortable settings. The
work can be fascinating. Sometimes, it’s

27
exhilarating. However, it’s still work.

It’s rarely relaxing.

If you’re more interested in being
entertained, try ghost tours. They’re fun.

Many are theatrical performances.

Others may reveal actual ghosts.

You might also like John Sabol’s
presentations. What’s going on in front
of you is real. It’s often extreme and
fast-paced. It’s very different than
typical ghost hunts.

If you’re not sure, sign up for some
ghost hunting events. Try several. No
two are exactly alike. Also, some
researchers and psychics are more
credible than others. (I can vouch for

28

Gordon Ellison, Lesley Marden, Sean

Paradis, and David Wells, among
others.)

The key is whether you have
unanswered questions, or if you’re
looking for entertainment.

29

4. How do I start ghost hunting?

Have you watched a lot of TV shows
such as Ghost Hunters and Ghost

Adventures? You may be ready to
explore a haunted location with other
ghost enthusiasts.

Learn more about the subject, first.

Don’t rush out to a “haunted” site in the
middle of nowhere, thinking it will be
fun. You might be scared (or bored) out
of your mind, and wonder what you got
yourself into. Sometimes it’s easy to get
in your car and leave. At other locations,
especially if you’re in “lockdown,” it’s
not so simple. In addition, some isolated

“haunted” sites are truly dangerous.

30

(Those dangers usually come from the
living more than the dead, but both are
possible.)

Best ways to learn more about ghost
hunting:

- Watch ghost related TV shows. (If
you’re using Roku or other streaming-to-

TV devices, look for ghost-specific
channels.)

- Watch ghost hunting videos on

YouTube, etc.

- Read books by ghost hunters (and the
stars of Ghost Hunters, Paranormal

State, and similar shows).

- Read about haunted places in books,
magazines, and newspapers, and online.

31

- Listen to ghost-related podcasts.

Be sure you understand the risks of
ghost hunting. You can avoid most
dangers if you know what to expect.

Most real investigations include
waiting for hours while nothing happens.

Even at reliably haunted sites, expect a
lull as long as two hours. After that, the

“haunting” may only be an unexplained
sound or a brief shadow seen by one
person, out the corner of his eye. That’s
typical, and it may be disappointing.

Now and then, an investigation seems
tame for the first 20 minutes or so. Then
things turn chilling. You’ll have one
eerie experience after another, for an

32
hour or longer.

If that sounds fine to you, go to

Ghosts101.com and download my free,
four-week course. It explains basic ghost
hunting.

Learn some of the words. Know what
to expect during investigations. Try
some inexpensive ghost hunting tools
like homemade dowsing rods.

Some people start with public,
organized ghost hunts. Often, they’re
advertised online, in newspapers, and on
community bulletin boards.

Ghost hunting events attract dozens or
even hundreds of people. You’ll usually
hear a talk by one or more professional

33
ghost hunters. Then, you’ll learn about the history and layout of the location
you’re investigating.

After that, the audience is usually
divided into smaller groups. Each group
will investigate one part of the location
for a while. Then, you'll swap places
with another group, and see what
happens there. You’ll continue the
rotation until you’ve explored the entire
site.

After that, you’ll share your
discoveries with others at the event,
including some of the professional ghost
hunters.

Tip: Most professional ghost hunters

34
are eager to talk with people who share their interests. A few professionals are
obnoxious. Don’t take it personally.

They’re insulting and arrogant with me,
too.

Some others — including me — can
seem shy, “too busy,” or less accessible.

(Talk to us anyway. Most of us are
happy to chat and share insights and
research methods.)

Events show you what can happen
during ghost hunts. You’ll meet people
who are interested in ghosts. You’ll
understand more about ghost hunting.

If this isn’t as much fun as you’d
expected, it’s okay to quit ghost hunting.

35

You didn't spend much money. You
didn’t commit to membership in any
groups. You met some interesting
people, and maybe a few celebrities.

You have some stories to share with
friends and family.

Did you enjoy the events you
attended? Look for good ghost hunting
groups in your area. See if you can go on
a few investigations with them.

Go on investigations with several
groups. Decide whether you’d like to
join any of them.

No groups in your area, or none you’d
like to join? That’s okay. Find a few
friends with similar interests. Explore

36
safe, popular haunted locations near
you. Start your own group.

Never go ghost hunting by yourself.

Even with friends, avoid isolated haunts.

Haunted cemeteries can be a good
starting point. Often, you can learn about
the cemetery's ghosts, online. Almost
every community has a haunted grave or
cemetery.

Also, ask local residents what’s
haunted. Read regional newspaper
stories, especially around Halloween.

I like cemeteries for many reasons.

For example, you can use information on
headstones to research the real history
of each ghost. (Many haunted houses and

37
battlefields are far more difficult to research.)

Regional books can provide extra
information about haunted cemeteries.

Ask at the public library. That
information can make research more
interesting.

My book, Ghost Hunting in Haunted

Cemeteries: A How-to Guide, can be
helpful, too. Your public library may
have a copy.

38

5. How can I join a ghost hunting
group?

Don’t sign up for the first ghost
hunting group you find. Check all your
options, first.

Start with an online search for local
ghost hunting groups.

- Examine each group’s website. Is it
well organized? Is it believable? Is it
updated regularly?

- Are they open to visitors and new
members? (Some groups welcome new
ghost hunters on investigations. Others
are closed. A few host only fund-raising
events.)

- Read the profiles of individual

39
members and see if they have their own blogs. Do they sound like smart,
experienced, interesting ghost hunters?

Have any of the members already made
up their minds about ghosts?

In other words, are they really
investigating ghostly phenomena? Or,
are they looking for evidence to confirm
what they already believe?

Make sure the group seems a good
match for your interests. You’ll spend
hours sitting in the dark, waiting for
ghosts. If your companions annoy you,
those hours can be pretty awful.

When you have found a likely group,
contact them.

40

- Have several phone or Skype
conversations before meeting anyone.

- Don’t go alone. Bring a friend with
you during your first meeting.

- If something makes you
uncomfortable during the investigation,
leave. You don’t need to make up an
excuse. “This isn't right for me” is
enough. (If a group keeps trying to
include you, ask them to leave you
alone.)

Unfortunately, this is important:

Rarely, sexual predators join (or form)

ghost hunting groups. They like working
in the dark. Women and children are the
most frequent victims, but they’re not the

41
only ones.

Remember: Physical phenomena are
unusual. That includes ghosts that touch,
pinch, or slap you.

If you feel uneasy around someone
during a ghost hunt, you don't need to
make up an excuse. Just leave.

Not comfortable walking away…?

Need an excuse no one will argue with?

- Say that you had fish for dinner and
now you feel like you're going to throw
up.

- Act as if your phone is on vibrate.

Pretend to answer it, wait about 15
seconds, and say into the phone, "I’ll be
right home.” Then, say you have an

42
emergency at home, and leave.

On the other hand, if the group seems
like a good match, go on several more
investigations with them.

Then, try a couple of investigations
with another group, and so on. Identify
what you like and don't like about each
ghost research team and the locations
they investigate.

If you decide to join one of them, ask
what's involved. A waiver may be
necessary. Read it carefully.

Things to avoid:

- A long-term commitment.

- A large, up-front fee.

- A fee to be part of the “inner circle.”

43

- Restrictions on who else you can
ghost hunt with, what you can talk about,
and so on.

After you’ve found a good group,
you’ll have plenty to learn. Be
respectful. Be patient. Learn the ropes.

Continue to evaluate your
experiences. No group stays the same
for very long. Some changes can be
good. Others, not so good.

Keep your options open. Use your
critical thinking skills in every aspect of
ghost hunting.

44

6. How can I start a ghost hunting group?

The free course at Ghosts101.com
covers this subject in detail. Here's a
brief summary.

First, participate in a few ghost hunts
with local groups. Take part in some
public ghost hunting events. See how
different investigations are organized.

Decide what you like and don’t like.

Next, find others who share your
interests. Ask acquaintances if they
watch a certain ghost hunting TV series.

See their reactions. If they seem
enthusiastic, ask if they’d like to go
ghost hunting with you.

45

It’s that simple.

Start with more interested people than
you'll actually need.

Make sure their backgrounds and
schedules are a match. Try to select
team members whose personalities are
compatible.

Tip: If your investigations are
interesting, people will rearrange their
schedules. If some members are awful,
people will make up excuses to avoid
your investigations.

Avoid personality problems. Here
are some things to watch for:

- Anyone who always has to be the
leader. That includes you. This person

46
has always done more, seen more, and
knows more than everyone else. (That’s
what he or she claims, anyway.)

- Loud, abrasive, sarcastic skeptics.

For them, no evidence is good enough to
take seriously. Worse, well-meaning
team members will keep trying to change
the skeptic's mind. That wastes
everyone’s time.

- Nervous people. They jump at
shadows. They distract the group by
needing comfort and reassurance. Often,
they’re the people you least expect to hit
the panic button.

- Anyone who makes every ghost
encounter a deeply personal, religious

47
experience. (However, if yours is a
faith-based group, that may be an asset.)

- Over-eager believers. To them,
everything is a ghost or spirit. Be nice.

They might really enjoy ghost research.

Let them continue… in someone else’s
group.

- Anyone who has a troubling mental
health issue. Anyone with a drinking or
drugs problem.

- Anyone who needs extra attention
that distracts you or the group. This
includes anyone whose life is otherwise
fraught with non-stop problems they
insist on telling you about.

-Gossips, bullies, and anyone who

48
ridicules other members, during or after an investigation.

Next, choose a convenient location to
investigate. Meet there to see how the
group works together.

If someone is being difficult, have a
quiet conversation to resolve the issue.

(However, obnoxious people tend to
remove themselves from the group,
usually loudly. Don’t take it personally.

They do this a lot. They’re pros. Nothing
you said or did would have made a
difference.)

More rational people usually try to
adapt to the team. Sometimes, that works
out. Sometimes, it doesn't. That’s the

49
normal ebb & flow of any group, not just ghost hunters.

It’s never easy to ask someone to
leave a ghost hunting group. Feelings can
be hurt. However, ghost research
requires focused attention. If someone is
distracting members from the work, that
person cannot be on the team.

Experiment. Try different locations,
including haunted houses, battlefields,
cemeteries, and so on. Explore private
and public sites, and so on. See what the
team enjoy most.

Keep good records. Maybe team
members get better results at certain
kinds of haunts. Also try different times

50
of day, or on certain days of the week.

After that, you can establish goals,
decide if you need to have rules, and so
on.

Take your time. It may take a couple
of months (or longer) to get a clear idea
of what's working and what isn’t.

51

7. What’s the best place to go ghost hunting?

The best place for ghost hunting is a
location that’s actually haunted.

I’m not being flippant. Really.

The problem is, a lot of people start
ghost hunting by visiting places that are
just "urban legends.” There aren’t any
ghosts there.

Or, they visit sites that weren’t very
haunted to begin with, and — with lots
of people trekking through — the
original ghostly energy has been diluted.

Even the ghosts are bored with ghost
hunting.

So, try to verify that weird things

52
really do happen at the location you’re visiting. Look for recent YouTube
videos at the site, or at least recent,
detailed written reports, online.

A couple of things are important, no
matter where you begin ghost hunting.

- Never go ghost hunting alone. Ever.

-Be sure every site is safe to visit.

Choose sites in safe neighborhoods.

Indoors, look for solid floors and few
obstacles. Outdoors, you’ll want level
ground as much as possible. Bring your
own medical-style mask. That’s
essential if you’re entering a site that’s
has mold, mildew, rodent droppings, or
even a lot of dust. (In 2012, an

53
experienced researcher died from a
respiratory infection. The cause was
rodent droppings. Masks weren’t worn
because the site had been visited —
without problems — by several other
teams. Since then, many of us are more
careful.)

-Make certain the site is open to the
public. It doesn’t matter if “everyone
goes there anyway.” If you’re at a site
that isn’t posted, but the police ask you
to leave, leave immediately. Don’t
argue. In some states, the police have the
right to decide a cemetery (or other
public area) is off-limits.

Try to find a popular location. There,

54
more experienced researchers can
explain the basics to you. For example,

I’m usually happy to spend half an hour
with a new team, showing them the best
research spots. I’ll also demonstrate
basic, low-tech ghost hunting methods.

So, say hello if you see other ghost
hunters. If they’re friendly, swap
information.

However, don’t expect anyone to give
you a free ghost hunting lesson.

Sometimes, we must focus on the
investigation.

(Often, I’m happy to talk about the site
and ghost hunting after the investigation.

Until then, I can seem abrupt.)

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Take part in ghost hunting events that are open to the public. You’ll explore
new locations, and you'll be among
experienced researchers. That can be
comforting and educational.

Is that intimidating? Some beginners
prefer to start investigating with a group
of friends.

-You could spend the night at a
haunted hotel, or a ghostly bed and
breakfast.

-You could visit a haunted battlefield.

-Dine at a haunted restaurant.

-Take a stroll through a haunted
cemetery just before dusk.

You don’t have to leap into a “lights

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out” investigation. Start with whatever seems easy and comfortable for you.

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8. Why do most ghost hunters
investigate at night?

People ghost hunt at night because it’s
traditional. Some choose night
investigations for convenience. If you’re
busy during the day, evening research is
ideal.

Ghost hunting involves a variety of
senses. During the day, visual
distractions can be an issue. In darkness,
you're able to focus on your other
senses.

Some ghosts manifest as orbs of light
or other faint, whitish forms. They're
most easily seen after dark, where the
contrast makes them more obvious.

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For those who think “orbs” are a joke, and just dust or a camera glitch, here's a

1913 description of one kind of
apparition:

“… the ghost or spirit appears as an
immense glistening soap bubble, full of
all the colors of the rainbow. These
colors are constantly changing according
to the thoughts and emotions of the man
to whom the soul belongs.”

I’m not sure that’s why orb colors
change, but the rest of the description is
good… and has nothing to do with
camera errors.

A few ghost hunters believe that
spirits have more power after dark. I'm

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not sure that’s true… but it might be.

Some ghost hunters have better luck
after nine or 10:00 P.M. Others prefer
research around midnight.

Many ghost hunters, including me, like
to start investigations before dusk.

You’ll be able to see more of the
physical details around you.

Then, as night falls, you’ll be more
comfortable in the setting. You know
what's where. You can focus on any
anomalies.

- Tip: Outdoors, shadow people can
be more obvious around dusk. We rarely
see them in full daylight. In total
darkness, it’s difficult to see any

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shadows at all.

If you’re an early riser, try researching
at dawn. That's when a building or
landscape can be eerily silent. It’s one
of my favorite times for research, but it
can be more difficult to find others to
ghost hunt at that hour.

No matter when you go ghost hunting

— at dusk or dawn, or in between —
darkness may be helpful.

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9. What can you do to attract
ghosts?

Let’s say that ghosts are spirits of the
dead.

Think of them as people without
physical form in our plane. They'll
behave the same as the living… more or
less, anyway.

Tip: Many ghosts can be sorted into
one of three categories:

1. Benevolent spirits who are simply
revisiting our plane

2. Ghosts with a story to tell before
crossing over, or some task to complete.

3. Petulant/obnoxious ghosts that act
like two-year-olds in need of a nap.

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In general, consider what might
interest a living person, and cause him
or her to approach you.

Don’t treat ghosts as if they’re aliens,
hard of hearing, slow-witted, dangerous,
or performers. They're not.

Some ghosts are shy. Others have been
taunted (or “provoked”) in the past. Be
patient.

Many ghosts courageously approach
investigators and establish rapport.

Then, those investigators leave and
never return. Often, the investigators
didn’t even say goodbye. Remember,
ghosts have feelings, too. Treat each
ghost with the same respect you'd treat a

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living person.

Some ghosts quietly observe you
before making themselves known. It
helps to wait quietly for 20 minutes
before investigating any location. The
ghosts have time to get used to you.

Other ghosts might respond to specific
stimuli. That could include a trigger
related to the ghost's death and later
hauntings. Or, you could try a trigger
from happier moments in the ghost’s
past.

Theater ghosts are different. Usually,
they respond well to direction. Politely
tell the ghost what you would like him or
her to do.

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You may need to explain how to
communicate with you. For example, you
could tell him (or her) to knock once for
yes and twice for no, or to speak through
a device or an app.

Before investigating well-known
haunts, learn what's been successful at
that location. It may work for you, too.

If you’re at a new location,
experiment. Trial-and-error works. Take
a variety of investigation tools with you,
or plan enough visits to establish rapport
with whatever's there.

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10. Can ghost hunting groups
investigate things other than ghosts?

Most ghost hunting groups investigate
ghosts, and nothing else. When I’m with
a ghost hunting team, I might note
something odd but not ghostly. (If you
can’t tell, see my book, Ghosts - What

They Are and What They Aren’t.)

Generally, focus on one kind of
paranormal energy per investigation. In
my opinion, it’s a mistake to spread
yourself too thin.

In fact, with recent (and extreme)

dangers from demonic activity, it's smart
to limit your research to ghosts. Avoid
demons, UFOs, crop circles,

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cryptozoology, and so on, unless you make one of them your primary study.

Many ghost hunters are trying to
answer questions they’ve had for a long
time. Many investigate until they find the
answer they were looking for. Others
decide there is no answer.

After that, they move on to something
else.

Tips: In general, and especially during
an investigation, focus on one kind of
entity at a time. Even if you’ve become
interested in UFOs, ignore the skies
when you’re on a ghost hunt. You might
miss something important. Also, for
some people, the shotgun approach can

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be overwhelming.

Decide what you are looking for and
why. If you blur the lines between
different kinds of phenomena, you may
not know what you’re looking at.

It’s a relief when I see something
weird and can say, “Nope. Not a ghost . “

I leave it alone and look elsewhere.

Of course, ghost hunting groups can
investigate things other than ghosts. But,
it’s best to narrow your focus to just one
group of phenomena at a time.

If you’re at a haunted location and
something else is manifesting, complete
your ghost investigation first.

Later, you can go back to see what

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else was there.

Keep the two investigations distinct.

Also, allow team members to leave at
the conclusion of the ghost research.

They may not be interested in other
entities.

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11. Why do some people become
ghosts and others don’t?

This is a question many of us ask.

Some ghosts appear to have died with
unfinished business.

Other ghosts seem reluctant to accept
that they have died.

Either way, time has passed, and they
need to move on.

Unfortunately, we can’t even prove
that ghosts exist. No one can prove why
one spirit becomes a ghost, but another
one doesn’t.

In folklore, stories such as The

Canterville Ghost try to explain why
some people become ghosts. Those

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stories follow a formula.

1. Someone died.

2. He or she has something left to do
or say.

3. The ghost connects with someone
who’s in the world of the living.

4. The unfinished business is
completed.

5. The ghost is grateful for help
received, and crosses over.

In real life, most hauntings aren’t that
simple.

- Sometimes, the ghost needs help and
accepts it.

- More often, attempts at help are
futile.

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During investigations, stories can
emerge. That may happen often if
someone on your team is a psychic or a
medium.

Notes about ghostly communications

Some ghost hunters are psychic. That
attracts many people to this field. At any
investigation, about 30% will say
they’re sensitive or psychic.

When you’re at a haunted site, focus
on one thing at a time. (I’ll say that a lot
in this book.)

Are you a medium? That is, are you
the go-between – or medium –
conveying messages between the spirit
world and our realm? That can be an

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important personal or spiritual mission.

However, that’s different from
science-based paranormal research.

Don’t be offended by that comment.

Maybe your psychic impulses are
confirmed by your science-based tools,
such as EMF meters.

Perhaps the scientific investigation is
guided by your psychic insights

They’re still different approaches to
this subject.

Define your main focus, first.

As a ghost hunter, which path are you
on? Are you both a psychic and a
scientific investigator? (I am.)

Identify which role you’re focusing on

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during that particular
investigation. Then, be sure your team
knows what you’ll be doing.

Your work as a psychic medium might
be part of your team’s goals. Some
teams like to include a medium. At the
very least, you can detect the best “hot
spots” for your team to focus on, first.

Some teams refuse to let psychics
join. (I’m not kidding.)

In general, keep your priorities
straight. If you’re like me, psychic
readings can become very emotional.

Make sure your team is okay with that on
that investigation.

And, even if they say they’re prepared

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for whatever happens, be sure you’re not distracting them from their research.

For example: If your team is recording
some great real-time EVP, they'll be
focused on these things:

- The silence (or noise) that’s ideal
for their EVP recordings.

- The quality of that recording. (If
they're listening to it in real time, they
may need to adjust each microphone
until the quality is at its best.)

- How believable the recording will
be. (If the neighbors are having a loud
party, it's difficult to defend EVP
recorded nearby.)

- Information for future study. (Note

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the GPS of the microphone location.

Also record where it is in the room, and
its position related to nearby people and
objects.)

If your psychic “chatter” (vocal or
moving around) interferes with their

EVP efforts, it’s reasonable for your
team to object. (When I’m in “psychic
mode,” I sometimes babble. I articulate
what I think I’m sensing, to see if the
spirit confirms it. I’m rarely loud, but
even low muttering can affect EVP
quality.)

Also, during a startling, scary, or
purely scientific investigation, it can be
easy to lose sight of the humanitarian and

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spiritual aspects of this work. Be patient with yourself — and especially with
others — if this occurs. Everyone has a

“Dude, run!” impulse, now and then.

That’s especially true of people who
have a singular, skeptical view of ghost
hunting.

Likewise, you might need absolute
silence to focus on your psychic
connection to spirits at the site. Some
mediums find electronic devices
unnecessarily distracting. However,
many ghost hunting teams consider those
tools the essence of the team’s efforts.

Remain respectful of your individual
and team goals. In the heat of the

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moment, don't let stress and frayed
nerves highlight your differences.

Remember why you’re there… all of you
as a team and as individuals.

Before an investigation, reach an
agreement about your work. Decide how
you and your team can work
synergistically. (This can take some
trial-and-error experimenting, over
several weeks.)

During at least 90% of team
investigations, I rarely mention what I
perceive as a psychic. My attention is
wholly on the scientific evidence we’re
collecting.

Later, I may return to the site

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informally. Often, I'll invite a couple of other mediums so I get a second and
third opinion. We’ll focus on spiritual
and energy-related research. It’s
completely different from my work with
scientific tools.

I can either pay attention to my
psychic impressions, or I can look for
scientific evidence. I can’t do both. It’s
like trying to play the piano and the
violin at the same time: Possible, but not
practical.

Your experiences may be different.

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12. Why do ghosts usually inhabit
old, creaky and drafty buildings?

I’m not sure that ghosts prefer old
buildings that are creaky and drafty.

That kind of environment puts many of
us on edge. That can heighten our
awareness. It’s why we’re more likely
to notice ghostly phenomena there.

We’re sensitive to subtle anomalies that
we’d overlook – or explain differently –
in a happier environment.

Let’s say a glass object rattles on a
sideboard at your (living) grandmother’s
house. If her house is near a busy street,
you’re likely to figure a heavy truck
drove by. That may be exactly what

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happened.

By contrast, let’s say a glass object
rattles on a sideboard in a creaky, drafty,

“haunted” house. Your first thought
might be, “It’s a ghost.” That may be the
best explanation, but the environment set
the tone.

More ghosts are reported in old
buildings than new ones. That’s logical.

More people have lived, worked, and
died in old buildings. Those sites should
have more ghosts.

Ask me to choose between two
investigation sites:

1. The shiny new town hall in the
middle of town.

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Or, 2. The decrepit, abandoned one a
few blocks from the old burial ground.

I’ll choose the old one, ten times out
of ten. Even if both have great ghost
stories, I’m more interested in the one
with history.

However, the new town hall might
have more intense and startling ghosts.

Maybe I’d miss a great investigation by
choosing the older location. Worse, the
old site might reflect folklore and urban
legends and that’s all. No ghosts.

Old sites with rich history generally
produce more ghostly phenomena than
newer sites. That’s not just because old
sites are creaky or drafty. I think it’s

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because they have history — life and
death events — that leave energy
imprints and perhaps ghosts.

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13. Can a ghost follow you from
place to place?

No, not usually. Ghostly phenomena
seem tied to locations. If ghosts could go
somewhere else, they probably would.

(If you had a choice, would you spend
relentless years at a site where people
ignore you, or are afraid of you?

Probably not.)

Exceptions to this rule are rare. One
of them is Judith Thompson Tyng. Her
ghost moved around Tyngsboro,

Massachusetts (USA) for many years.

Witnesses say she’s still there, over 200
years later.

According folklore, Judith tormented

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(and perhaps killed) two 18th century men responsible for her death.

One of them was John Alford Tyng,
the father of her child. He killed her and
buried her under the hearth of their
home. Then, when Judith haunted him, he
moved to another house. Judith’s ghost
followed him. He tried again, with the
same results.

Finally, when John Tyng was dying,

Judith’s ghost stood at his door and
prevented anyone from helping him.

Judith’s other victim was a quack
called "Dr. Blood.” He’d pretended to
be a minister or a Justice of the Peace
and convinced Judith she was married to

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John. When Dr. Blood was found dead
on a country road, Judith’s distinctive
boot print was on his back. Folklore
claims she’d forced his head into a
puddle, and held him there until he
drowned.

Of course, stories like those must be
studied closely. About 99% of ghosts
seem to stay in one place. Anything that
moves from one location to another
might something else.

For example, poltergeists can follow
and torment the people they select as
targets. That’s why many researchers
don’t believe poltergeists are ghosts.

Demons can follow people or even

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become attached to them. Demons can
mimic ghosts.

Few credible stories describe a ghost
changing locations. Even the Bell Witch
was probably the product of several
entities. Those include at least one
opportunistic (and very alive) person in
that community.

If you think a ghost has followed you,
see a priest or spiritual minister
immediately. Chances are, the problem
isn’t a ghost. It could be something far
worse. You might be at risk.

Don’t seek help from strangers,
online. Not even me. Find a priest or
full-time minister to help you, even if

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you are not a religious person or a member of that congregation. (A good
minister won’t care. His or her job is to
help with spiritual matters, period and
full stop.)

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14. Are some people more receptive to ghosts than others?

Yes. I think it depends on these kinds
of things:

- Is the person vulnerable? If the
person is sad, depressed, or morose, he
or she may attract sympathetic ghosts.

That person may also attract less benign
spirits. Be very watchful if you think this
has happened.

- Does the person have anything
common with the ghost or entity? That
can include appearance, interests,
personal history, and family connections
to a particular ghost. If you’re a ghost
hunter, know your family tree. I

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investigated one Salem (MA) location
for years before discovering I was a
direct descendant of two of the ghosts.

- Is the person looking for contact with
the ghost, or with spirits in general? If
you’re more open to ghosts, you might
encounter more of them.

- On the other hand, if the person fears
ghosts, I think some ghosts like to
torment them.

- If a skeptical critic is startled by a
ghost, watch out. Poltergeist activity may
follow, immediately.

The most receptive people may be
those with the best observational skill.

Those skills often come from practice.

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Can you identify normal creaking noises in a house? If so, it may be easier to
identify other, unusual — and perhaps
ghostly — sounds.

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15. When did people start believing in ghosts?

References to spirits and ghosts
predate the Bible. Whether or not people
believed those were spirits of dead
people… That’s another matter.

Historians have documented attempts
to release or banish ghosts in ancient

Greece.

Earlier accounts of ghosts appear in

Mesopotamian records. Search for
information about the “gidim.” You may
be surprised at the amount of ghost lore
before Abrahamic history.

Some translations of gidim suggest
malicious, demonic entities. Others,

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breaking the word into gi plus dim, translate it to “shadow person.”

In extant Babylonian lore, many
people became ghosts. Noted exceptions
included those who died in a fire, and
those whose bodies were left to rot in
the desert. That may account for the
practice of burning corpses or setting
them out to rot in elevated locations

“closer to the heavens.”

Records from the Epic of Gilgamesh

(ca. 15th century BCE) describe the
ghostly experiences of Enkidu after his
death. In that era, people may have tried
to help or appease ancestral ghosts and
other spirits.

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For many centuries, the topic of ghosts was controversial and dangerous.

People avoided specific references to
them. Especially during the most extreme
years of the Inquisition, the word

“ghost” suggested something demonic.

Studying old diaries and
correspondence, you may need to read
between the lines to recognize hauntings.

We can’t be sure when people began
to think of ghosts as we describe them
today. However, spirits of the dead may
have wandered in this world as far back
as recorded history.

Trivia: The Inquisition started in

France in the 12th century. The Spanish

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Inquisition wasn’t outlawed until 1834.

The Papal Inquisition was never
outlawed. It was called the Supreme

Sacred Congregation of the Roman and

Universal Inquisition.

In 1965, it became the Sacred

Congregation for the Doctrine of the

Faith (SCDF). Cardinal Joseph

Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI) became
its prefect.

In 1985, the word “sacred” was
dropped from the title.

The organization still exists, and it’s
the oldest congregation among the nine
in the Roman Curia.

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16. What is the main reason why
ghosts haunt houses?

If we take folklore seriously, most
ghosts have a story to tell, a wrong to
correct, or unfinished business.

When ghost hunters investigate a
haunted site, most ghosts seem to fit that
profile.

In almost every case:

- The ghost wants something specific
to happen before crossing over. Or, the
ghost is afraid to cross over for other
reasons.

- In some cases, the ghost refuses to
believe that he or she is dead. Ask them
what year it is, and you’ll usually get the

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year the person died.

- Or, it’s actually an energy imprint,
not a ghost (or spirit) lingering at the
site.

A few tales — such as the “green
lady” stories of Scotland — offer other
explanations. Green ladies remain in
homes that they loved. Those are
benevolent spirits. They protect the
building and the people who live in it.

Each "green lady” ghost isn’t trapped in the house. She could leave whenever she
wants to. She’s happy to stay there.

Green lady ghosts are like the spirits
of relatives. They visit us to check on
our safety and happiness.

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I’m not sure that I’d call that a ghost.

The spirit isn’t trapped in our plane of
existence.

By contrast, a banshee may also be a
relative of the family it guards. Is the
banshee trapped here? Is it a ghost, or —
as much folklore suggests — part of the
faerie realm? It’s difficult to establish
boundaries and precise definitions.

Until we’re sure that ghosts exist, and
what they really are, we can’t be sure
why they haunt houses… or any other
location.

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17. What makes one house haunted
while the house next door isn’t?

The history of most haunted houses
explains why they’re haunted. Each site
was the scene of conflict, power
struggles, tragedy and death.

However, many older homes and
buildings have similar histories… but no
ghosts. (Skeptics love to point this out,
and they’re correct.)

I believe other factors are involved,
as well. They may explain why one
house is haunted, but a similar one isn't.

Unfortunately, we don’t have enough
information to be certain.

Historical and geographical patterns

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of activity may provide some answers.

Austin, Texas

My research in downtown Austin,

Texas, revealed patterns that connect —
and predict — ghostly activity in that
city.

As I studied Austin’s ghosts, historical
patterns emerged. They pointed to
unique factors affecting most (not all) of

Austin’s haunts.

Here’s one pattern: In Austin,
buildings constructed with Shoal Creek
clay are usually haunted. The haunted

Governor’s Mansion includes those
bricks. So did the UT Tower, site of the
terrible 1966 shootings.

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I describe that in my book, The Ghosts of Austin. Those patterns separate

Austin’s most haunted buildings from
neighboring sites with no ghost stories.

Find houses with those bricks, and
you’ll find ghosts.

Ley Lines

More often, geographical patterns –
usually ley lines (also called "energy
lines”) – seem to make a difference.

Two houses can have almost identical
histories, but only one of them is
haunted. Why? As they say in real
estate: Location, location, location!

Displaced Hauntings

Now and then, I discover a haunted

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site where nothing notable happened at that location. A nearby location — one
that’s not haunted — was where
violence and tragedy occurred.

The Sise Inn in Portsmouth, New

Hampshire, is an example. Some of the
staff have reported amusing ghostly
phenomena at the Inn. My favorite is the
recurring, unexplained trail of ice cubes
in hallways, leading away from the ice
cube machine.

However, the Sise Inn site seems to
have no tragic history. On the other hand,
a nearby building has the appropriate
history… but no reports of ghosts.

I’d like to see more research into

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displaced hauntings. Those studies
could reveal more elements that attract
or repel ghostly energy. That could be
useful as we investigate haunted places.

As ghost hunters, we’re looking for
more answers to why one house is
haunted though a more likely prospect
isn’t.

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18. What happens if someone sees a ghost?

The simple answer is: Nothing
happens to them. They’ve seen
something that looked like a ghost. That's
all. They'll get used to it.

That experience may change how they
look at ghost stories. Aside from the
emotional and cognitive impact, I don't
think anything else happens to them.

They don’t die from it. They aren’t
cursed. They aren’t personally haunted
for the rest of their lives.

If you see a ghost, that’s usually
described as an apparition. Some
people use that term for ghosts that look

104
similar to how they did in their mortal states. In other words, they look like
solid or translucent people. Generally,
the ghost appears as he or she wants to
be remembered. Few apparitions look
gory, gruesome, or even elderly.

Seeing a ghost is like witnessing any
other extraordinary (but natural) event.

It’s an unusual experience, like seeing
the Aurora Borealis, or visiting an
active volcano. Maybe it’s memorable.

Maybe the viewer would prefer to
explain it as “an overactive imagination”

or “the power of suggestion.”

Spiritual contexts make a difference.

Seeing a ghost might be startling,

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particularly if the person had been a skeptic. However, a believer might see
it as an affirmation of an afterlife.

All we can say is: The person
believes he (or she) saw something like
a ghost. That’s a personal, subjective
experience.

(We can’t prove that ghosts exist. So,
we can only say that the person saw
something ghost- like.)

For some people, seeing a ghost
answers all their questions. After that,
he (or she) might quit ghost hunting. The
original goal has been achieved.

Or, the experience might trigger new
questions. The researcher becomes even

106
more enthusiastic about ghost hunting.

Meanwhile, nothing terrible happen to
a person who’s seen a ghost. Real life is
different from movies and TV shows.

And, to be honest, apparitions are
extremely rare. Most ghost hunters never
see a ghost… not one that they’re sure
was a ghost, anyway.

You’re more likely to win the lottery.

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19. What’s the difference between a haunted house and one that has
paranormal activity?

“Paranormal” means something that’s
outside the range of normal. Hauntings
are paranormal. They’re a subset of
paranormal events.

In other words, all unexplained
hauntings are considered paranormal.

However, not all paranormal activity
involves ghosts.

A house with paranormal activity
could have demons or faeries. Its
visitors might be creatures from
cryptozoology, or aliens. I suppose
vampires and zombies could be in the

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mix, too.

A haunted house may have ghosts as
well as other entities, including demonic
activity. This is especially true of houses
built on Native American sites, such as

NH’s Spalding Inn. Likewise, buildings
near early Anglo-Saxon cemeteries, such
as The Falstaff Experience in Stratford-
upon-Avon (England).

Though bizarre things seem to be
going on in a house, the site may not be
haunted. Those events may be something
normal but odd. They could even be a
prank or a hoax.

Never leap to conclusions when a
house seems haunted. It may have

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nothing to do with ghosts, but still be paranormal. Or, it might be a
construction issue. It could result from
tilted floors, unshielded electrical
wiring, or a deep, underground spring.

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20. How can you find a haunted
place near your home?

Ask teenagers. They usually know
every local urban legend, and some will
point you to actual haunts.

Local historians can be good sources
of information, too.

Ask a parent or grandparent,
especially someone who’s lived in the
community for 20 or more years. He or
she may know regional folklore.

Consult local newspapers and
magazines published around Halloween.

Look for back issues, published years
ago. They usually include stories about
local haunted places.

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Regional books may describe ghosts
and haunted places in your area. Check
your public library and local bookstores.

Unfortunately, many ghost hunting books
aren’t well researched. Authors and
publishers threw them together to cash in
on the popularity of ghost hunting. To be
blunt: A lot of books copy from each
other, and simply rewrite stories they
found online.

Many websites and forums list
haunted locations.

Before taking those sites seriously,
verify their stories. Check other credible
sources. Double-check historical
records. Even famous, “everyone

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knows” stories can have fatal historical flaws.

—-

True story: Around 2004, I planted a
made-up “ghost story” online. I wanted
to see how many people would claim it
as their own experience. The results
were troubling. The story appeared in
several newspapers and at least one
magazine. Not one of the credited me as
the source.

Worse, a media-hungry ghost hunter
repeated the tale in an interview, as if
she’d had a personal encounter with the
ghost. (After her story appeared in a NH
newspaper, I went public with the hoax.

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She wasn’t happy.)

Today, that “ghost story” appears on
several websites in the U.S. and the U.K.

Most don’t mention me or the website
where I published it.

Moral of the story: Conduct your own
research. Check everything against local,
contemporary, and historical resources.

If all the evidence is newer than 2004,
and nothing else supports it, look for
more credible stories.

—-

More famous examples:

- One of America’s most famous
ghosts, Ocean-Born Mary, never lived in
the house she supposedly haunts.

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- The Bell Witch was probably
created by a schoolteacher with
ventriloquist skills and secret access to
the Bell family home. He had a
particular interest in one of the Bell
family’s daughters, as well. That can’t
explain everything that happened, but the
teacher may have been a major culprit in
the hoax.

- The “Amityville Horror” house
owners swear that the house is perfectly
normal. (I’m not so sure of that, but if
they’re living there with peace of
mind… good for them!)

- In 1992, a Halloween episode of

“Ghostwatch” presented an investigation

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of a London (England) home. The family reported having terrifying, ghostly
experiences for nearly a year. The
presentation was convincing. People
called the police and claimed “the
forces of darkness” were invading. (See

Hoaxes.org and Suite101.com for more
information about this and many other
ghost hoaxes.)

—-

Advanced ghost hunting tip: You can
use geographical patterns of hauntings to
find more ghosts. However, this
technique requires considerable
research and careful analysis.

The basic concept is to “connect the

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dots” between three regional haunted locations. Use a ruler. All three (or
more) points should line up perfectly.

Most of my lines are no more than a few
hundred feet wide. Others use ley lines a
quarter mile wide or more.

A riskier technique is to connect three
or more regional cemeteries. If they fall
neatly on a single line, ask yourself if
that’s a coincidence.

Once you’ve found a good, precise
line, see what other haunts might be on
that line.

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21. How can you tell if a place is really haunted?

The truth is, nobody can tell if the
place is really haunted. We can’t even
prove that ghosts exist.

Investigators can study evidence a
location. They can say that it's not
haunted, possibly haunted, or even
probably haunted.

An investigator might say that he (or
she) believes the site is haunted. That’s
a personal opinion, not proof.

For example, I believe that the
following locations are among the
world's most haunted locations. I’ve
investigated all of them and they gave

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me chills.

- Brennan’s Restaurant (New Orleans'

French Quarter, LA, USA). Visual
phenomena, even in broad daylight.

- Columbus City Cemetery (Columbus,

TX, USA). Ghost photos and EMF
spikes, even during the day.

- Edinburgh’s underground vaults

(Edinburgh, Scotland, UK). Apparitions
and heavy residual energy.

- The Falstaff Experience (Stratford-
upon-Avon, England, UK). Apparitions,
physical phenomena, poltergeists, and
some activity I’ve never experienced
anywhere else.

- Gilson Road Cemetery (Nashua, NH,

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USA). Physical phenomena, cold spots, hot spots, apparitions (even in daytime),

EVP.

- Golden Fleece Pub (York, England,

UK). EVP, physical phenomena, psychic
energy.

- Greycourt State Park (Methuen, MA,

USA). EMF anomalies, apparitions in
ghost photos, hot and cold spots.

- The Mount (Lenox, MA, USA). EVP
and audible “ghost voices,” EMF spikes,
residual energy, excellent for “ghost
box” activity.

- The Myrtles Plantation (St.

Francisville, LA, USA). Poltergeist
activity, ghost photos, EMF spikes, cold

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spots, ghostly voices and unexplained noises.

- The Salem Inn (Salem, MA, USA).

EMF spikes. Excellent for Ovilus
research. Cold spots and hot spots.

- The Spalding Inn (Whitefield, NH,

USA). Apparitions, EMF anomalies,

EVP and audible voices with no
explanations.

- Hotel Wentworth-by-the-Sea (New

Castle, NH, USA). Very convincing
apparitions, EVP, light poltergeist
activity.

- Witch House (Salem, MA, USA).

Poltergeist activity, objects moving,
psychic energy, ghost photos.

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It takes a lot to impress me.

Reputation alone isn't enough.

For example, I’m not convinced that
the Lizzie Borden House (Fall River,

MA, USA) is haunted by anything more
than residual energy. (However, I did
see the “ghost cat.” It looked solid
enough to be a real cat.)

I’m skeptical of the LaLaurie Mansion

(New Orleans' French Quarter, LA,

USA), too.

A deep personal experience can
convince you that a site is haunted. Seek
hard evidence before you make a firm
decision.

Evidence to look for at most haunted

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sites:

- EVP.

- Unexplained EMF readings.

- Baffling hot and cold spots.

- Other measurable evidence,
including strange photos.

However, none of that is proof that
ghosts exist.

When weird things happen at a
location, it’s easiest to say that the site is

"haunted.” That’s a description, so
everyone understands the kinds of
unexplained activity at a site.

Skeptical critics will almost always
find normal explanations. If all else
fails, they'll claim that the ghost hunter’s

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evidence is a deliberate hoax or the product of mental illness. (Some
skeptics’ rudeness knows no limits.

Don’t take it personally; they're simply
bitter and unhappy people, best left
alone.)

Are you pretty sure that a site is
haunted? Do you have evidence that’s
convinced (or nearly convinced) you?

That may be as good as it gets.

Remember that nobody can prove that
a location is haunted. People who claims
otherwise are either trying to fool you or
themselves, or both.

I’m sorry if that’s disappointing. It’s
the boring, unvarnished truth.

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All you can do is learn what’s normal (but kind of weird), and then see if you
can rule that out when weird things
happen at haunted sites.

As Sherlock Holmes once said,

“When you have eliminated all which
is impossible, then whatever remains,
however improbable, must be the
truth.”

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22. What happens if a ghost gets
close to you?

This is a tricky question.

To ask this, you must believe that
ghosts have physical form of some kind.

Even if it’s mental or psychic energy, if
you feel as if it’s in a particular location
in space, it must have mass. Otherwise,
no “close” (near or far) is possible.

Does a ghost have physical form? I’m
not sure. Consider other explanations.

- It might be something normal that we
sense but cannot see, like an EMF field
or a wave of infrasound.

- If it is a spirit, maybe we perceive
them “through the veil” to the afterlife.

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That veil may be physical energy in our plane of existence, but spirits on the
other side are not actually in this plane.

- Maybe that the spirit is alive and
well in a parallel realm. I’m convinced
that many “ghost” encounters don’t
involved spirits of the dead. They’re not
demons or anything non-human, either.

They’re people like us, and we sense
them, but they’re in their own worlds. (If
this interests you, look into quantum
studies, String Theory, and other
explanations for alternate realities.)

However, that physical form must
exist in some plane, reality, or realm, or
it can’t be located anywhere.

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Often, when ghostly energy is nearby, a physical reaction occurs. Unseen hands
might move an object, or there may be an
energy spike on an EMF detector.

At some locations – especially on
some ghost tours – ghosts make physical
connection with the living. That’s when
some people seem to receive slaps,
punches, scratches, or their hair is
pulled.

During routine ghost investigations,
that kind of activity is incredibly rare. If you’re touched physically — especially
if it’s an attack — be on your guard.

First, look for normal explanations.

I know you’d like to believe you’ve

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had a remarkable encounter with a ghost.

Unfortunately, ghostly physical
phenomena like that are rare. Look for
other explanations, like a prank. In rare
cases, it might be something paranormal
but not ghostly.

During most paranormal encounters,
people describe unique sensations when
a ghost seems near. Sometimes, the
person feels something like a breeze on
his (or her) arms when the air is still.

Others describe it as stepping into a
freezer compartment. Still others talk
about everything going completely silent,
as if they’d lost hearing for a couple of
minutes.

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Except for poltergeist activity, there’s no reason for concern if you think a
ghost is near you. In most cases, it’s
slightly unpleasant. Injuries are rare.

If you’re worried, step away from
where the ghost might be. If you’re still
uneasy, leave the location completely.

The vast majority of ghosts cannot leave
the sites they haunt.

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23. Can ghosts hurt people?

Generally, you have a body but the
ghost doesn’t. Most of the time, a ghost
cannot hurt anyone physically. The
exception is poltergeist phenomena
which may be ghostly, but it might not.

The word poltergeist, translated
literally, means a noisy ghost.

Poltergeist reports have included
unexplained voices, knocking on walls
and tables, the sound of musical
instruments, and so on. Poltergeists
have been blamed for stones raining on

(or inside) a house, and people being
pushed, slapped, or scratched.

Ghostly assaults are very rare. Even

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then, people aren’t seriously hurt.

(However, if it happens around stairs, it
can be dangerous. See my free book, Is

Your House Haunted? for advice about
stairways that might be haunted.)

Normal Explanations

In most cases, normal things explain
or contribute to the problem.

Look for one or more of the following:

- Elevated levels of EMF from
something like exposed wiring.

- Infrasound. This includes
underground streams and highways —
especially bridges — within a quarter
mile.

- Unhealthy levels of carbon

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monoxide. Every home should have a
carbon monoxide detector. If you’re
regularly investigating abandoned
buildings, a portable carbon monoxide
detector should be part of your
investigation kit.

- Something else that might alter
perceptions and behaviors at that
location. (Environmental allergies, drug
reactions, etc.) Check the correlation
between ghost reports at that location or
in that area, against spikes in pollen and
other allergens.

What Is a Poltergeist?

The subject of poltergeists is very
controversial, even among those who

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believe.

Some psychologists think that real
poltergeist phenomena are self-
generated. That is, the victims are
responsible.

According to this theory, victims are
individuals with extraordinary abilities.

They can affect their own bodies, and
remotely influence their environment.

(They’re grouped with people who
receive stigmata.)

Other people, including me, suspect
that two entities are involved.

- One is the person most consistently
connected with the activity. He or she
provides the energy, and – as a result –

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feels somewhat drained after a bout of activity. This person may not realize
anything extraordinary is happening.

- The second “partner in crime” is an
entity, perhaps unknown or paranormal,
that makes the activity occur. That entity
is, in a way, a parasite as well as the
tormentor.

The two combine to manifest
poltergeist activity.

Scientists and parapsychologists are
still studying poltergeists phenomena.

Patterns and answers are emerging. No
matter what your theory about
poltergeists, the following things may
help.

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- Treatment seems to help when it
focuses on the living person most
connected with the activity.

- At other times, it’s a matter of
waiting for the poltergeist activity to
diminish on its own.

Don’t treat the situation lightly. It’s
not a “take two aspirin and call me in the
morning” problem.

Analyze the situation from every
possible angle, both normal and
paranormal. If the energy involves one
person, he or she must be removed from
the environment. Don’t just escort the
person outside. He or she needs to be at
least a dozen miles from the site.

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Test that several times. If the activity always stops when the person is far from
the site, that person is part of the
activity.

You’re not likely to encounter
dangerous poltergeist activity, ever.

Sure, you might witness an object flying
across a room or a TV turning itself on
or off, but even that is pretty rare.

Generally, ghosts do not hurt people.

Paranormal activity may be
mischievous. It might inadvertently
injure someone. That's very different
from anything demonic.

On the other hand, if there’s any
possibility that demons are involved, get

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professional, experienced help
immediately.

In over 30 years of investigating
haunted locations, I’ve only been injured
once. I don't believe the injury was
deliberate; it was simply a prank by a
childlike spirit.

During ghost investigations, keep this
in mind: You have a more to worry
about from the living than the dead.

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24. Has a ghost ever killed anyone?

As far as I know, there is no
convincing evidence of a ghost killing
anyone, ever. That includes the Bell

Witch.

On the other hand, I’ve heard first-
person accounts of demonic attacks
resulting in the death of a victim.

Demons aren’t ghosts. (Aliens aren’t
ghosts, either. These are completely
different entities.)

Be cautious about the locations you
investigate. If you may have encountered
a demon or other malicious entity, get
professional help immediately. (Don’t

“wait and see what happens.” Demonic

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attacks aren’t anything to fool around with.)

Ghosts are a small part of the unseen
world. Some locations — including

Vale End Cemetery in Wilton, NH

(USA) — are haunted, but they’re also
visited by other kinds of entities. Some
of them are dangerous.

Never visit a site that might have
ghosts, just for “a good scare.” The
scarier the site, the more dangerous it
might be. (If you want a scare, go to a
theme park with scary attractions, or a
commercial “haunted house” at

Halloween. Or, watch a scary movie
with the lights out.)

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Many paranormal researchers carry
protective talismans. Some also use
spiritual protection such as prayer or
rituals. That's routine both before and
after a paranormal investigation.

Generally, those are personal choices
that do not involve the entire team.

Many teams gather for a moment of
prayer or to request spiritual protection.

If you’re uneasy with that, speak up.

If a site is frightening, leave. Don’t
even step through the gate or the front
door. You shouldn’t be there. Maybe no
one should.

If you feel nervous at a site, there may
be a very good reason. If you feel

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unreasonably frightened at any time
during an investigation, leave
immediately. That's especially true if the
feeling seems to hit you “all of a
sudden.”

Demonic threats and malicious
activity are rare. You are unlikely ever
to encounter them.

Nevertheless, every haunted site has
risks. Follow your gut instinct. If you
feel uneasy about anything during an
investigation, say something. In many
cases, it’s in your best interest to leave
right away.

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25. What phobias are related to
haunted houses?

Paranormal research can trigger many
fears and phobias. In a stressful
situation, otherwise benign concerns can
surge up out of nowhere and become
issues.

Phasmophobia and spectrophobia are
the fear of ghosts or spectres. Many
people, especially beginners, are
somewhat afraid of ghosts.

Necrophobia is a fear of the dead and
dead things. That’s not just about
zombies or vampires. A ghoulish
apparition can trigger paralyzing fear if
someone is already worried about the

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dead.

Scotophobia and myctophobia mean
the person is afraid of the dark.

Achluophobia is another word for that
fear. Since darkness play such a big part
in ghost hunting, a team member with
those issues may do better in a lit area.

Assign him or her a role in monitoring
equipment via a laptop in a lighted
room, hallway, or vehicle.

Lygophobia is sometimes described as
a fear of darkness, but it's more correctly
a fear of twilight. According to folklore,
the “between times” include twilight,
dusk, midnight, and dawn. That’s when
some entities may be more active.

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Eosophobia is the fear of dawn or dusk.

Nyctophobia is the fear of the dark or
fear of nighttime darkness. Noctophobia
is simply a fear of the night. Many
haunted sites are active during daytime
hours. Someone with severe nyctophobia
can still participate in ghost research
during the day.

Domatophobia, eicophobia,
ecophobia and oikophobia relate to a
fear of houses and/or the objects in them.

Is a team member uncomfortable in other
people's homes? Perhaps he (or she)

should skip those investigations, and
focus on outdoor haunts and public
buildings.

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Nyctohylophobia describes a fear of
dark, wooded areas. That can be a
problem at some haunted battlefields and
rural homes. Also, many cemeteries are
enclosed by heavily wooded areas on
three sides. When I’ve witnessed this
issue, the fearful researcher couldn’t
explain what was bothering her. She’d
never experienced it before.

Taphephobia and taphophobia include
the fear of being buried alive, as well as
a fear of cemeteries. In many cases, the
person can be desensitized over several
visits, so this won’t be an issue during
investigations.

Coimetrophobia is another term if

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someone is afraid of cemeteries. It’s far more common than people may realize.

Frequently, the phobia is very specific,
such as when someone is afraid of
stepping on a grave.

Other phobias can trigger anxiety
among investigators. Keep them in mind
if a team member seems uncomfortable
on certain kinds of research. Chat with
that person. Find out exactly what
bothers him or her. Phobic researchers
should avoid locations where there
anxieties might distract the team.

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26. How can I get over a fear of
haunted houses?

If you’re deeply and profoundly afraid
of haunted houses, don’t become a ghost
hunter.

Are you certain that your fear is
irrational? Think about that carefully. It
may be your internal radar warning you
to stay away from haunted houses. If it
is, pay attention to it.

On the other hand, if you really want
to get past your fear, you can probably
desensitized yourself.

Start by visiting popular haunted
houses.

- At first, stay just a few minutes and

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then leave.

- After a few visits, stay longer.

- Once you’ve built up to an hour
without panicking, go on a few ghost
tours.

- Next, sign up for a public ghost
hunting event with an investigation.

Keep expanding your comfort zone.

After a while, most people can lose that
kind of fear.

However, if you feel profound dread
when you think about a specific haunted
location, stay away from it. Trust your

“gut feeling.” That’s important.

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27. How can I get over my fear of ghost hunting?

There is nothing wrong with being
afraid of ghosts, or being too fearful to
go ghost hunting. See my answer to the
previous question. Start there.

However, if you suffer from a
generalized anxiety related to ghosts,
education is the best answer.

Learn all that you can about ghosts.

Read about haunted locations. Try some
research tools and techniques used by
ghost hunters. (Just use them in non-
haunted locations, and in broad
daylight.)

Remote education won’t make you a

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skilled ghost hunter, but it can build your confidence.

When ghost hunting tools and
techniques seem familiar, you won’t feel
so afraid. Then, you can go on a fun,
local ghost hunt. Put some of your new
skills to use.

Never use medication to desensitize
yourself in potentially haunted locations.

Maintain your awareness of your inner
alarm system.

Of course, ghost hunters shouldn’t
startle easily. They can’t conduct
research if they jump at shadows.

Still, ghost hunters should never
become so insensitive that they place

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themselves in real danger. Somewhere in-between, there is a healthy middle
ground.

Remember, there’s nothing wrong
with being afraid of ghosts or haunted
places. In fact, it could be an important
warning. You might be vulnerable to
malicious energy. If so, ghost hunting
isn’t for you.

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28. Are all really haunted houses scary?

If you wonder if a scary house means
it’s haunted, the answer is no.

Most haunted houses aren’t scary. Not
once you’re used to ghostly phenomena.

Ghosts may startle you or surprise you, but they usually won’t frighten you.

The more locations you investigate,
the more you’ll get used to ghosts.

Things move by themselves. You may
hear ghostly voices or unearthly
footsteps. Objects may seem to move

“by themselves.” It’s all part of a normal
night of ghost hunting, if you’re lucky.

Even in a really haunted house, ghost

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hunters spend most of their time waiting for something to happen. I suppose it’s
like fishing, except you’re in the dark so
there’s nothing to look at.

Sure, “Dude, run!” moments can
occur. Still, experienced professionals
are rarely (if ever) frightened, even in
the most haunted locations. They may
jump a foot or two when something
startles them, but that’s different from
being afraid.

Scary sites aren’t always haunted.

Haunted sites aren’t always scary. In
fact, once you’re used to ghostly
phenomena, haunted houses become
interesting.

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Fright is not an accurate way to be
sure a house is haunted. We’re looking
for measurable anomalies, not whether a
place gives you the chills.

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29. Are there ghost animals?

If ghosts are real, there are ghostly
animals.

I have personally seen ghostly cats
and ghost fish.

The ghostly fish was very odd. It’s not
as if the family was especially attached
to the fish. It was just a fish. It didn’t
even have a name, until it started
haunting them.

The Lizzie Borden house in Fall River

(MA) reports a ghostly cat. I’ve seen
what I thought was a solid, living cat at
the house. It never crossed my mind until
the owner explained that no cat was in
the house that night.

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One of my own cats "haunted” us for over a year after his death. I might have
chalked it up to “wishful thinking,”

except other people — who didn’t even
know about the cat — saw him as well.

In a way, it was comforting, but I was
just as happy when he finally decided to
cross over. (That didn’t happen until his
brother also died.)

Many pet owners happily describe
being visited by the spirit of a beloved
cat or dog, too.

In addition to ghost animals, some
paranormal creatures resemble animals.

They’re described in cryptozoology.

They include Bigfoot, flying snakes, and

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thunderbirds. In fact, they’ve been
described in folklore for centuries.

Most people who encountered one of
them have no doubt they’re real, not
imaginary.

Some early American settlers seemed
to bring fantastical, cryptozoological
creatures with them. One might be

Maryland’s “Snallygaster,” from the
area where the Blair Witch Project was
filmed. The “Snallygaster” came from

Germany, where it’s known as the

Schneller Geist, or “quick spirit.”

Cryptozoology can be fascinating, but
it’s not ghost hunting.

However, if you’re wondering if

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Fluffy or Fido might be visiting you from the other side, it’s entirely possible.

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30. Is a banshee a ghost?

A banshee (in the Irish language, bean
sidhe) is usually considered part faerie,
part ghost. However, with the banshee,
the line between those labels blurs. A
banshee may represent an actual
ancestor, so she’s like a ghost. She may
be a shapeshifter as well, so she’s more
mystical or fae.

Many people think a banshee causes
death. That’s absolutely false. The
banshee protects the family she’s
attached to.

Other people think the banshee
predicts death. That's not always the
case. A banshee warns family members

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about a potential, upcoming tragedy.

Sometimes, that tragedy can be avoided.

At other times, it cannot. The banshee
wails because she sees the tragedy and,
on her own, she can’t stop it. However,
another family member — someone
living in physical form, at that moment

— might be able to.

Most families with Irish ancestry have
their own, individual banshees. They
may never know she’s protecting them.

(Scottish families, and those with

Scottish ancestry, are more likely to
have a green lady. She protects the house
and those in it.)

Recently, some people have

161
speculated that each banshee was
profoundly psychic during her lifetime.

So, there may be “banshees in training”

that are very much alive right now. In
fact, that makes sense, since the network
of banshees expands with each
generation.

Banshees probably aren’t trapped in
our world. Not unless the banshee’s
unfinished business includes guarding
her descendants. I believe she manifests
in this plane by choice, and she helps the
family she tries to protect.

Also, her protection doesn’t usually
extend to harming others, even enemies
of her family. She will warn and defend

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her family, but she is not an aggressor.

If you study Irish folklore and history,
you’ll understand banshees far better.

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31. Is Halloween the best time for ghost hunting?

Halloween can be one of the best
nights for ghost hunting, if you believe
folklore.

Traditionally, Halloween is one of
two nights when the veil diminishes
between the our world and the other
side.

Why Halloween

In the past, Halloween was better
known as Samhain, the end of the
agricultural year in the northern
hemisphere. It’s the time when the
harvest is brought in and the land may be
prepared for the next growing season.

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Halloween is between agricultural
seasons. So, it’s another “between time”

like dawn, dusk, twilight, and midnight.

During “between times,” spirits and
otherworldly creatures can enter our
realm. “Between times” are ideal for
ghost hunting. They’re also popular for
faerie research, cryptozoological
studies, and watching for alien craft.

In other words, the “between times”

aren’t just about ghosts. (For example,
the old Charmed TV series featured the

“betweens” in a leprechaun episode.)

Halloween has always been
associated with spirits of the dead. It’s
associated with All Soul’s Eve and, on

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November 1st, All Saint’s Day.

Despite efforts to make Halloween a

Christian holiday, it’s still a night for

“ghosties and ghoulies and things that go
bump in the night.” Huge crowds gather
at Pagan celebrations at Salem (MA)

and other “witchy” communities.

Many ghost hunters schedule their
most important research at Halloween.

Often, they stack the “betweens,”

planning research at dusk, twilight, or
midnight on Halloween.

Another legend says that 3 AM is the

“devil’s hour.” So, some ghost hunters
investigate during the wee hours of

November 1st morning. I don’t

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recommend that, due to obvious risks.

Problems with Halloween

Halloween’s popularity can present
problems. Crowds of aspiring ghost
hunters gather at the most popular
haunted locations. They can distract you
from your research. Also, too many
voices from the living can interfere with

EVP recordings.

Most police departments are on high
alert due to pranks and vandalism on

Halloween night. During October, many
haunted cemeteries are off-limits and
regularly patrolled.

No matter when it’s an issue, if the
police ever ask you to leave a site, don’t

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challenge them. Leave quietly and cheerfully, if you can. Police are among
ghost hunters’ best resources for
information about haunted places. Don’t
turn them into enemies.

At Halloween, the police deal with
belligerent “ghost hunters for the night.”

By presenting yourself as rational,
agreeable professionals, the police may
later remember you favorably.

However, Halloween isn’t the only

“best” night for ghost research.

April 30th

Most people don’t realize that the last
night of April can be nearly as good for
ghost hunting.

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Folklore claims that the veil is equally thin on the night before May first. That
night is exactly six months after

Halloween. In “wheel of the year”

traditions, it corresponds to Halloween
and keeps the universe in balance.

Halloween is the Celtic festival of

Samhain. May 1st (and the night before)

is the festival of Beltane (or Bealtaine).

This time of year is another

“between,” since it launches the new
agricultural year.

Largely lost to history, April 30th and

May 1st used to be just as boisterous as

Halloween/Samhain, worldwide.

- In Germany, it’s Walpurgisnacht.

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That night is celebrated by as many as 35,000 people in Thale (Germany)

commemorating “the flight of the
witches.” According to legend, witches
once flew through the Harz Mountains,
terrorizing livestock and people alike.

- In Rome, this time of year includes
the festivals of Floralia and Bona Dea.

On the last night of April, the weather
may not be warm enough for ghost
hunting in some areas. Still, the
significance of this “between time” is
important.

In addition, the revelers who get in
our way on Halloween are less likely to
intrude at Walpurgisnacht.

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32. Is it good to go ghost hunting on Friday the 13th?

Dates such as Friday the 13th can be
energized by people’s beliefs and fears.

Paranormal research can be more
successful.

In quantum terms, the observer’s
beliefs or fears can affect the site. (In
overly simplistic terms: What you
expect to happen may be more likely to
happen, just because you’re watching.)

You’re not as likely to encounter
crowds at haunted places on Friday the

13th. Despite that, police are more alert
for trespassers at cemeteries and other
well-known haunts.

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If it’s convenient, schedule a ghost investigation on Friday the 13th. Your
results might be better than another night
of that week.

Do you use a “planetary hours” system
to plan your ghost hunting? That’s
ancient astrological system several ghost
hunters use, and it varies by location.

Generally, the night after Friday the 13th
could be a good choice. (To learn more
about planetary hours, see my article at

Ghosts101.com/ghost-hunting-witching-
hour .)

So far, Friday the 13th hasn’t been a
powerful night for my research, but it
hasn’t been a bad night, either. I’ve had

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better luck the following night.

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33. If you’re going on a date, should you suggest ghost hunting?

Except that so many people have
asked this question, I would think it's a
joke.

Ghost hunting is a terrible idea for a
date, unless both of you are experienced
paranormal investigators

Ghost hunting requires your full and
focused attention. On dates, you are (or
should be) at least somewhat distracted
by your companion. If you’re not, drop
the date at home and call a few
teammates for ghost hunting. That way,
the night isn't a total loss.

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34. How can you catch a ghost?

As far as I know, you cannot catch a
ghost. We have no proof that ghosts have
physical form in our world, so there is
no trap to contain them.

Some people believe that

“dreamcatchers” also snag ghosts. I’ve
seen no evidence of that. However,
dreamcatchers may confuse ghosts or
prevent them from entering a home. That
defense might help if a ghost is
immediately outside your home. (Of
course, that’s the opposite of attracting
and catching them.)

You might convince a ghost to remain
in a particular location, temporarily.

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For example, if the ghost has unfinished business and you act as if you could
help, the ghost might linger.

Other than that, I don’t think there’s
any way to catch or entrap a ghost. I’m
not sure why anyone would want to do
that, anyway.

Some paranormal entities can be
caught. For example, some believe you
can trap a leprechaun — or at least a
clurichaun ( clobhair-ceann) — in an
open bottle of whiskey. This requires
having a clurichaun on the premises, and
leaving an uncorked bottle of whiskey
near him. Around dawn, the trapper must
sneak up on the clurichaun and cork it

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while the clurichaun is still inside.

Some people believe a bottle can hold
a ghost, as well. As I’ve heard it, the
person waits in a haunted location until
shortly before midnight. (That’s another

“between time.”) As midnight
approaches, place a candle inside a
bottle and light it. When any ghost is so
attracted to the light, he or she goes into
the bottle, cork it quickly.

That particular idea is riddled with
problems. For one thing, some bottles
will crack or explode if exposed to
flame. Another is more obvious: If
ghosts were actually attracted to light,
they wouldn’t be more prevalent at night.

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Finally, I’m not sure how anyone could tell if a ghost enters a bottle.

I’ve also heard variations of Vodun
and Voodoo practices involving. One

“ghost catcher” uses cemetery dirt and a
metal-lined (or lead-lined) box with a
lid. I don’t know the specifics. If
someone tries to convince you that this
works, run in the other direction. Vodun
and Voodoo are intensely spiritual
practices. The Guédé should not be
treated lightly.

Likewise, if “summoning” ghosts is a
bad idea. You might summon something
much darker. Sending it back might
require expert spiritual help.

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35. How can you kill a ghost?

If ghosts are spirits of the dead, they
don’t have bodies. Not in this plane of
existence, anyway.

Killing usually means destroying the
body. Ghosts don’t have one to destroy.

In fiction, “killing” a zombie is a gray
area. Is the zombie body animated by a
spirit? It depends on the story. (I’m
being flippant. In some parts of the
world, zombies are taken very
seriously.)

In general, I’m not sure it’s possible to
destroy a spirit. Someone with the most
evil intentions might attempt that. I doubt
they’d succeed. Either way, the effort is

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likely to produce unfortunate and dire consequences.

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36. Is a ghost alive or dead?

The spirit of the person remains alive.

The body of that person, in this plane of
existence, is lifeless. That’s a semantic
issue.

I believe that ghosts are as alive as
you and I are. Despite that, we usually
refer to ghosts as spirits of the dead.

Some people (and some ghosts) object
to the “living v. dead” distinction. When
that’s an issue, I stick to words like:

ghost, spirit, deceased, and entity, or I
always refer to the ghost by his or her
assumed name. For example, although
we’re not sure the most famous ghost at
the Myrtles Plantation is actually called

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“Chloe,” we use that name for her
anyway.

Also, most ghosts seem to find very
little humor related to the subject of
death. The jokes and puns at Disney’s

Haunted Mansion attraction may seem
funny to you. (They strike me funny, too.)

However, avoid using them during ghost
investigations. (I’m talking about things
like “dying to meet you” and “feeling
dead tired,” and so on.)

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37. Could ghosts exist as energy
waves? Are they on planes of
existence that we don’t know about?

Many people believe in an afterlife.

Some people believe it’s exactly as
described in their religious scriptures.

To them, “ghosts” are demons and
servants of (or proxy for) the Devil.

Discussing ghosts, it’s easy to wander
into conflicting beliefs. Even scientists
avoid this kind of rhetoric.

Science simply isn’t advanced enough
to address the subject of ghosts, one way
or the other.

- We can’t prove that ghosts exist.

- We have no evidence of the world

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where they might live.

- We don’t know if it’s actually our
reality or something on the other side of
an invisible membrane.

- We don’t understand what connects
ghostly phenomena to a location. This is
true of ghosts and residual energy
hauntings.

With that in mind, my answer to this
question is yes. Ghosts could exist on
energy waves or planes of existence that
we don’t know about, or at least can’t
prove.

I usually ghost hunt with a yes/no
device like a loosened flashlight or

Ghost Meter Pro. Early in the

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conversation, I ask, “Are you alive and well and living in your own time?”

At least 20% of the time, the answer is
yes.

Rosemary Guiley has described an
experience where she was using a Ouija
board at a haunted site. She asked, “Do
you have a message for us?” The
response was, “No, do you have a
message for us, Rosemary?”

Many ghost hunters have had similar
experiences.

I believe some “ghosts” aren’t dead.

They’re just in a parallel realm, very
much like ours. Their century may not be
the same as ours, but everything else

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seems similar to our reality. It’s just from the past, the future, or an alternate
present.

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38. What’s your theory about ghosts and alternate dimensions?

I believe that some “ghosts” are
people who are alive and well in a
parallel world. I'm not sure if there are
geographical locations where the veil

(or the membrane) between us is thinner.

Nevertheless, I’m certain that many
hauntings have nothing to do with dead
people.

We’ve seen glimmers of this
possibility throughout history. Stories of
doppelgangers could be explained in
quantum terms.

Even within our world and time, some
paranormal researchers believe that

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EVP can be a recent energy echo. For example, archaeologist and ghost
excavator John Sabol recorded EVP that
sounded exactly like a previous
investigation by Jason Hawes and Grant

Wilson at the same location.

Was that a time echo? We don’t know.

Some spirits may be visiting us from
the other side. If they are, I think they
represent a small percentage of the
entities and phenomena we label

"ghostly.”

I’m closely watching studies related to
gravity. It's an anomaly. Gravity doesn’t
make sense.

As explained in the Wikipedia entry

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about five-dimensional space,

"Physicists have speculated that the
graviton, a particle thought to carry the
force of gravity, may ‘leak’ into the fifth
or higher dimensions, which would
explain how gravity is significantly
weaker than the other three fundamental
forces.”

I believe that some answers will
emerge as we understand more about
discrepancies and flows connected with
gravity and higher dimensions. They may
help us understand parallel realities, the
beings that inhabit them, and those that
seem to interact with us.

It may sound completely “sci-fi,” but

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if you try and explain electric lights to some ghosts, they react with equal
skepticism… and often think we’re
demons.

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39. Is it OK for Christians to watch ghost hunting TV shows?

Most Christians’ beliefs allow them to
watch some (perhaps not all) ghost
hunting TV shows. Some denominations
may not. Follow your own belief system.

If you’re not sure, talk with your
priest, minister, or spiritual leader.

Some related issues may be best
discussed privately and in person.

That’s especially true if ghost-related

TV shows make you feel frightened,
depressed, or question your spiritual
beliefs.

For Christians who do not believe in
ghosts, ghost hunting TV shows may be

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nothing more than farce and
entertainment.

As long as ghost hunting TV shows
don’t disturb you, or feel like a
transgression, I think it's fine to watch
them.

Whether all ghost hunting TV shows
are worthy of your time… that’s another
matter.

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40. Why don’t people go ghost
hunting in Jewish cemeteries?

Some people are ghost hunting in

Jewish cemeteries and don’t realize it.

Some community cemeteries include a
section for the Jewish community. That
section might be (technically) a separate
cemetery, but you might not notice the
sign, if there is one.

In other areas, Jewish cemeteries are
as distinct from non-denominational,
community cemeteries.

When people choose a cemetery for
ghost research, they usually start with
one that has ghost stories.

For my experience, most Jewish

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cemeteries have no ghost stories.

Therefore, there is no reason to
investigate them.

I’m not sure if Jewish burial and
mourning practices bring better closure
to the deceased. I haven’t investigated
this, in comparison with other religious
and cultural practices.

I have no ghost stories from Jewish
cemeteries. By contrast, I have hundreds

(or more) from Christian and non-
denominational or community
cemeteries. It’s an interesting
distinction.

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41. Does the Bible mention ghost
hunting?

There are several references to ghosts
and spirits throughout the Bible. Many
are in the New Testament. They include
references to Jesus:

- In Mark 6:49, “…but when they saw
him walking on the lake, they thought he
was a ghost.”

- In Luke 24:37 – 39, “They were
startled and frightened, thinking they saw
a ghost… Look at my hands and my feet.

It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost
does not have flesh and bones, as you
see I have.”

That’s not a religious mandate to go

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ghost hunting. However, it’s compelling evidence for a belief in ghosts, at least
in that culture when those Scriptures
were written.

Many Christians are opposed to ghost
hunting on religious grounds. They use

Bible references to support their
arguments.

The story of Saul and the Witch of

Endor is the most popular, Biblical
arguments against ghost hunting. In 1

Samuel 28, the "witch” summons the
spirit of Samuel. The result was tragic.

This is a personal decision. It’s one
you’ll decide on your own, or with your
spiritual advisor such as your priest or

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minister.

Some people object to ghost hunting
on Biblical grounds. Usually, he or she
was already uncomfortable with
paranormal research. If so, never try to
push that person to join you on an
investigation.

Whether you call it spiritual guidance
or a “gut feeling,” each person should
follow his or her instincts.

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42. Can an Atheist believe in
ghosts?

Most Atheists do not believe in God.

However, that does not prevent an

Atheist from believing in an afterlife.

Many people believe that spirits of the
dead walk among us. A belief in Deism
isn’t necessary.

Likewise, an Atheist can witness and
believe in ghostly phenomena.

Something paranormal (or
unexplained) is going on. Anyone can
become a ghost hunter without
referencing religious beliefs.

From my experiences so far, Atheists
are more likely to focus on scientific

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evidence. Spiritual phenomena or
explanations may be less interesting.

First, let’s prove that something is
going on. Then, let’s identify likely
causes of it. After that, it’s time to
explore whether it’s a ghost, and how
that fits spiritual beliefs.

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43. What are the most important
ghost hunting tools?

The most important tools for any ghost
hunter are your five senses, and possibly
your sixth sense, if you believe in it.

Nothing is more important than
personal observation. Never rely on
tools that absorb most or all of your
attention. They can prevent you from
witnessing an important paranormal
encounter.

During your first few ghost hunts, take
only a camera that you’re very
comfortable with. (Even that can be a
needless distraction. However, a great,
ghostly photo confirms that something

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unusual was going on at the haunted
location.)

If a site is actively haunted, a lot can
happen suddenly, all at once. As a
beginning ghost hunter, it’s easy to
become overwhelmed. (That’s true for
experienced ghost hunters, too. I was
baffled by conflicting evidence at The

Myrtles Plantation. Bizarre events at the

Falstaff Experience disoriented me, too.)

Even the most stoic ghost hunter can
become startled when unexpected
physical phenomena occur.

What’s worse? Well, when something
dramatic happens, and you miss it. You
were too busy reviewing your photos or

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staring at your EMF meter.

Don’t miss the excitement of ghost
hunting. Rely on your senses, not
research tools.

- Look for lights and shadows and
anything unusual. (Many visual
anomalies are seen "out the corner of
your eye.”)

- Listen carefully for quiet taps,
whispers, and sounds you cannot
explain.

- Use your hands to detect baffling
areas of hot and cold.

- Some people are sensitive to ghostly
odors.

- Others, especially psychics, mention

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odd, unexplained tastes.

So, your five senses are your best,
first tools for ghost hunting.

As you gain experience, add new tools
one at a time. Learn every nuance of
each tool or device before you move on
to another one. Discover how each tool
responds to paranormal phenomena. Test

— multiple times in different settings —
to see if it works well for you. (Don’t
waste your time with any tool that
requires your full attention.)

Many ghost hunters who get great
results with one kind of tool are less
successful with others. For example, I’m
great with ghost photos, but not as

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successful with EVP recordings.

Likewise, many researchers who are
adept with EVP don't have equal success
photographing ghosts.

In other words, expect to specialize.

Try a few basic tools. See what works
best for you. If certain tools don't work
well for you, that’s normal.

No matter which tools you use as a
ghost hunter, don’t let them distract you.

Your best discoveries will come from
first-hand research using your own five
or six senses.

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44. What’s the best kind of
equipment for a beginning ghost
hunter to buy?

The best ghost hunting equipment
includes tools you can afford and learn
to use, easily.

Learn from my mistakes.

Until you're confident about
becoming a ghost hunter, don’t invest
in expensive or specialized tools.

For example:

- Cameras and voice recorders can be
useful for more than ghost hunting. Mine
are useful whenever I travel, not just for
ghost research.

- Equipment such as expensive heat-

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sensing tools could be a waste of money if ghost hunting isn’t fun, after all. I’ve
been involved in paranormal studies
since the 1980s, and I still don’t use my
most expensive equipment very often.

(Oh, I keep buying new tools that sound
hi-tech and impressive. “Ooh, shiny!”

toys will always suck me in. I just don’t
actually use them.) If I don’t use them,
you probably won’t, either. Not as a
beginner, anyway.

Stick with simple equipment. Learn
exactly how your tools work.

For example:

- Some of my best photos were taken
with point-and-shoot film and digital

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cameras. I’ve gone through three low-end Nikon Coolpix cameras and take
consistently surprising “ghost photos.”

- I own two fairly expensive, complex
digital SLR cameras. I’ve never made
time to figure out how they work. Not
well enough to rule out “user error”

when I see an anomaly, anyway. So,
they’re dead weight (no pun intended) in
my ghost hunting backpack.

The simplest (and perhaps cheesiest)

tools may produce the best results.

For example:

- When my Ghost Meter Pro arrived, I
couldn’t believe it came a box that said

“As Seen on TV.” The whole thing

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seemed pretty silly. However, within the first 10 minutes, I knew how to use
every tool in the device. Within the first
half hour, my tests showed its responses
were at least 80% accurate. (I use it only
as a regular EMF meter, and in “seance”

mode. So far, the other settings still
seem kind of lame.)

- My Ovilus III is an amazing tool. It’s
practically the Swiss Army Knife of
ghost hunting. It’s pretty and it impresses
fellow researchers. It’s also so complex,

I use only a couple of settings. (One of
these days, I’ll figure out how everything
works. For now, I keep defaulting to the

Ghost Meter Pro.

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45. How do cameras photograph
ghosts?

Cameras can capture ghostly images.

Hardly anyone sees an apparition and
has a photo that shows it. That’s true,
even when the figure is seen by the
entire team, as plain as day.

More often, your photographs will
show orbs and streaks of light. No one
saw them when the picture was taken.

Usually, we have no idea why. It just
happens.

Learn exactly how your camera
works. Digital cameras capture images
differently than film cameras do. Know
the difference. Learn what can make

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your camera take "weird” (but normal) photos.

I like digital cameras because I can
take hundreds of photos during an
investigation, and it costs nothing. I’ll
take film photos, too, but far fewer.

Do digital cameras detect ghostly
energy anomalies better than film
cameras? That’s a popular but
controversial theory.

In my book, Ghost Photography 101,

I recommend using a simple camera that
you're comfortable with. Then,
experiment. See how that camera
responds to unusual weather and light
conditions. Do what you can to create

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false anomalies, like orbs. After that, you’ll know what to watch out for during
investigations.

That’s the very best way to learn to
photograph ghostly anomalies. And, if
you’re like most beginning ghost hunters,
your first genuine photographic anomaly
will be a thrill.

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46. How many cameras should you
carry when you go ghost hunting?

Ghost hunters should carry at least
two cameras.

1. Your first camera should be your
favorite. It does everything you want.

You can operate it with your eyes
closed, or in total darkness, even
without moonlight.

2. Your second camera should be a
no-frills camera with few moving parts.

A cheap film camera from a discount
store is fine, as long as you know it’s
reliable. (I look for budget cameras.

Usually, that’s a cardboard box with a
flash, a “good enough” lens, and film

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inside. Then, I stock up and always keep one in my car's glove compartment.)

These days, I rarely take film photos.

The backup camera is strictly for weird
haunts where my regular camera balks.

Note: I’ve talked with several ghost
researchers who are returning to film
cameras for investigations. Some feel
the anomalies are more credible. Others
can’t articulate why they think film is a
better choice. Even if it’s just a “gut
feeling,” I respect those researchers to
take their views seriously.

Always have two cameras in case the
location is profoundly active. The more
complex the camera, the more likely it is

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to fail completely.

Don’t rely on the camera in your
phone. Mobile phones may stop working
at haunted locations. Usually, that
happens before digital cameras and EVP
recorders fail. If the phone won’t work,
it’s camera may not work, either.

My usual backup camera is a really
old, simple, point-and-shoot Olympus. If
all else fails, I rely on cheap, disposable
cameras.

Always carry extra batteries for your
equipment. At haunted locations,
batteries – even fresh, new ones —
routinely lose their charge. If you have
backup batteries, and lots of them, you

214
increase your chances of a successful ghost hunt.

Think about this when buying a digital
camera. My Nikon Coolpix digital
camera uses standard AA batteries.

Even if all of my batteries fail during an
investigation, I can buy more at a nearby
convenience store.

With a built-in battery, I might miss an
important opportunity for great ghost
photos.

Note: If your camera stops working
and seems broken, don’t panic. In most
cases, the camera will work fine if you
move a few feet away from the “hot
spot,” or after you leave the haunted

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location. Rarely, you'll need to be many miles away, or wait a day or so.

Before the spring of 2012, no camera
remained broken after I left a haunted
location.

Then, the lens on my favorite digital
camera stopped working. At the time, I
was in a strange little NH haunt best
described as "a cemetery that’s not a
cemetery.” Eventually, I gave up and
bought a replacement camera.

I want to conduct more research at that
weird little site. Then, I might know if
the problem was an aging camera or
something more interesting. (And, until
then, I won't reveal the exact location.)

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It’s possible that I’ve stumbled onto a site (thanks to researcher Sean Paradis)

that’s so active, it actually breaks
cameras.

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47. Can you use any digital camera for ghost hunting, or does it have to be
something special?

If you’re a beginner, use the simplest
possible digital camera with a built-in
flash.

If you’re buying a ghost hunting
camera, make sure it has a flash. Ask if
it’s designed to take good pictures in
low light conditions, too.

Other than that, you don't need
anything special.

Later, you can explore more
specialized cameras. Those can include
infrared cameras, heat sensing cameras,
and cameras with clearer glass lenses.

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(Many budget cameras have plastic
lenses. The quality can be fine, but a
good glass lens might produce far
crisper results. Then, you can identify
normal — but odd — things in

“anomalous” photos.)

You might also test remote flash
lighting and other devices. Still,
beginners probably won’t need that
equipment for at least a few months.

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48. What are the best camera
settings for ghost hunting?

Most people set their cameras to about

400 ISO (formerly called 400 ASA) in
low light conditions. At that setting, your
camera will be sensitive enough to
capture subtle light anomalies.

Settings lower than 400 ISO don’t
detect much in low light conditions.

Some ghost photographers recommend
a setting of at least 1000 ISO to detect
the maximum number of anomalies. I
disagree, but it depends on the camera.

Usually, anything higher than 400 ISO
produces images so grainy, it's difficult
to figure out what I’m looking at.

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Don’t take my word for it. Test ISO
levels for each camera you intend to use.

See what works best for your research.

In addition, I generally set my camera
so the flash will always be triggered. If
you’re taking photos of ghostly
anomalies, you’ll usually get better
results with a flash.

Unfortunately, the light from the flash
can reflect your own breath. This is
especially risky when the weather is
chilly or the dew point is high.

Experiment so you know what your own
breath looks like in photographs.

I believe that breath is the number one
cause of false anomalies in ghost photos.

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Be sure you know what it looks like with each of your cameras. Test that in a
variety of weather and light conditions.

Your breath can show up in photos on
warm summer evenings as well as on
icy, bone-numbing winter nights.

Once you’re comfortable with ghost
photography, experiment with other
camera settings. I've seen interesting
results in low light conditions when I’ve
left the lens open for an extended period
of time. I’m sure there are other settings
you can test to see if they improve your
results. Test everything!

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49. What do ghosts look like in real ghost photos?

We’re not sure what ghost photos
really are. They’re anomalies. They’re
baffling. The images may not represent
actual spirits or ghostly energy.

We call them “ghost photos” because
we take them in haunted places, and
weird images show up. We’re not sure
they’re actually ghosts.

Most ghost photos contain unexplained
orbs and baffling columns of light. It is
extremely rare to photograph an
apparition. Most “apparition” photos
have been debunked. Often, it was
disappointingly easy.

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Remember, you can download a

“ghost photo” app. When those were
first in the marketplace, I received
dozens of faked photos. The effect is
attractive and eerie, but if you know
what to look for, you won’t be fooled.

Shadow people seem to be easier to
photograph. I’m not sure why. We’re
still trying to understand what shadow
people are. They may be ghosts. They
may be something else.

I’ve photographed a shadow person
and the image was clear. I’ve never
photographed an apparition that looked
like a solid or translucent figure with
features.

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50. How do video cameras show
ghosts?

Video cameras show the same kinds
of anomalies we see in ghost photos.

The difference is, those anomalies move
in most ghost videos.

The main, most reliable anomalous
images in ghost videos are orbs and
shadow people.

Apparitions

Apparitions are ghosts that look like
people. They might seem solid or
translucent.

In photos, most “apparitions” are
people who stepped into the frame when
no one noticed. Enlarging the frame

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usually helps the team identify who it was.

If possible, one team member should
take a photo of everyone at every
investigation. That includes staff
members, visitors, and so on. Each
should be a full-length photo. That way,
you have a reference if someone’s arm,
leg, or foot shows up in the frame.

Orbs

“Floating orbs” are among the most
common and controversial images. To
rule out normal dust, experiment with
your video camera in dusty attics and
basements. Also film outdoors in fields
and dirt roads.

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Dust, dirt, insects, and pollen may be easy to detect. Gravity causes them to
sink slowly towards the floor or ground.

The exception is when a fan or
ventilation duct creates an updraft. That
keeps the dust (etc.) to continue bobbing
along in mid-air.

Sometimes, orbs float in a steady line,
or even seem to climb or bob up and
down. If the activity can’t be explained,
those videos are some of the most
interesting evidence we have.

Shadow People

Shadow people are unexplained,
shadowy figures. Usually, we see them
moving. Sometimes, they show up in our

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photos and videos.

If you want to study those unexplained
shadows, video footage is much better
than still photos.

When we see an unexplained shadow
in a regular (still) ghost photo, we must
return to the site. We have to see what
might have cast that shadow.

When a video camera captures a
moving, shadowy figure, it’s far more
compelling evidence of paranormal
activity.

Other Anomalies

Learn what’s normal (but sometimes
weird-looking) for your video camera.

Just like regular cameras, it’s important

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to experiment with video cameras, too.

Test them with dust, pollen, dirt, and
in locations with lots of insects.

Moths and mosquitoes are the leading
culprits when you see an orb in your
photos or video recordings. They’re also
the easiest to identify, once you know
what to look for. After dark, take lots of
photos and video footage of different
insects. Learn the irregularities that
separate highlighted bugs from
anomalous orbs.

Tip: If you’re not sure if the site has a
lot of bugs, wait until dusk or slightly
after it. Then, look up at nearby
streetlights. Usually, if insects are

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nearby, you’ll see them highlighted by the streetlight.

If you think you’ve filmed a ghostly
anomaly, run tests. Try to recreate the
effect.

If you can’t explain what the image is,
that is — by definition — paranormal.

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51. What’s the best kind of video camera for ghost hunting?

You should be comfortable with any
camera you use. Many mobile phones
include video cameras, but the video
quality may not be good enough.

For beginners, the best video camera
is the one you’ll really use. If that’s your
mobile phone, it’s fine for now.

Later, choose a dedicated video
camera for your ghost investigations. It
doesn't need to be very expensive.

Your video camera should include:

- A good lens. Glass lenses are better
than plastic lenses. Even if the video
camera seems expensive, ask if the lens

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is glass or plastic.

- A stabilizer to steady the image if
your hands are shaking. Today, that’s a
fairly normal feature in video equipment.

- The ability to film in low light
conditions.

- Also, make sure you can secure your
video camera to a tripod, so you can set
it up and leave it running. (If it wobbles,
that can affect video integrity.)

Are you good at capturing ghosts on
video? Explore specialized video
cameras. Some can produce
extraordinary results.

Any equipment I’d recommend in this
book might be "old” and replaced by

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better options by the time you read this.

I recommend watching ghost-related

TV shows to see what equipment they're
using. (Sometimes, they get access to
specialized tools before the public
does.)

Also go to public ghost hunting events,
and ask professional ghost hunters which
brands and models they prefer. Ask them
which video camera features (what bells

& whistles) are most useful. They’ll
probably point you in the direction of
high-end equipment… but maybe not.

Always ask, “Can you suggest a good
video camera for someone on a
budget?” Most professional ghost

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hunters started out with limited budgets.

They know what’s worth buying, and
what isn’t.

Keep in mind: Some professional
ghost hunters don’t really understand
their equipment. Always get a second
and third opinion. In some cases, the
extraordinary results from a certain
camera may be more about the person
using it than the camera itself.

That’s true of all ghost hunting
equipment.

For example, I know two high-profile
paranormal researchers who own

“Frank’s Boxes.” Those boxes really
were made by Frank Sumption. I’ve seen

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Researcher A use a Frank’s Box with
astonishing accuracy. He has complete
faith in the box.

Researcher B has a better reputation,
but flits from one tool or theory to the
next. That researcher swears that, after a
while, Frank’s Boxes stop working.

In my opinion, Researcher A gets
better results because he maintains faith
in the box. (He’s also convinced that

Frank has a unique, mystical gift that
transforms each box.)

I believe ghost hunting tools work best
when people are confident about the
results. That’s less about integrity (of the
user or the tools) than the attitudes of the

235
person using them.

Get and use equipment you feel good
about. That includes video cameras.

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52. Where do I find the best high
tech equipment for ghost hunting?

If you’re asking this question, I hope
you’ve been involved in ghost hunting
for many months. Until you’re sure ghost
hunting is for you, don’t invest in
specialized equipment.

Important: Don’t try to impress others
with fancy equipment. Instead, learn to
use basic tools well. That impresses
fellow researchers.

I used to raise an eyebrow at “Shack

Hacks,” until I saw John Zaffis talk to
one. Suddenly, it talked back, clearly
and in context.

It wasn’t his Shack Hack, and it was at

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least a dozen feet away from him. (Since then — around 2009 — I’ve never seen
anyone achieve the same results with a

Shack Hack. Maybe I just haven’t seen
others as skilled as him.)

Where you find ghost hunting
equipment will depend on how
specialized the devices are.

For example, cameras and voice
recorders can be purchased at any
electronics store or online. Amazon and

Overstock offer low prices for basic and
backup-level equipment. Other retailers
do, too.

Ovilus or real-time EVP devices
require an equally specialized shop or

238
online retailer.

It’s important to feel confident about
your purchase. You may need to discuss
your options with a store clerk or seller
who's familiar with ghost research.

It’s equally important to check
reviews by professionals who’ve tried
that equipment. It helps if they’re also
experienced paranormal investigators.

Some electronics wizards specialize
in dedicated equipment for paranormal
researchers. Digital Dowsing — the
website featuring Bill Chappell’s
custom-designed equipment — is one of
the best-known.

Others keep a lower profile. You’ll

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see their equipment at ghost-related events, but not in stores and rarely
online. To find them, go to events,
especially off-the-beaten-path events
where high-profile investigators get
together. That’s where you’ll find the
most experimental tools… devices you
may see on TV shows, several months
later.

Investing in experimental devices can
be risky. Generally, they have a 50/50
chance of working as well as hoped.

Some will work great for a short time,
and then break. (Most
designers/manufacturers will replace the
item.) Never spend money you can’t

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afford to lose if the seller turns out to be completely clueless about this field.

That said, I rarely run into that.

In many cases, the best, specialized
equipment is made in small batches, as
few as two or three at a time. Expect to
sign up for a waiting list. It may take
months to receive the high-tech tools you
want.

Like the “high rollers” tables in

Vegas, this is a risky area for beginners.

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53. What do electromagnetic fields (EMF) have to do with ghosts?

Unusual levels of EMF can occur at
haunted sites. That's practically routine.

In the mid 20th century, some
researchers talked about bafflingly low
levels of EMF at haunted sites. In the

21st century, we hear more reports of
extraordinarily high surges of EMF. If
they can’t be explained by faulty wiring
or EMF-emitting devices, they’re
paranormal.

High EMF can disorient people. High

EMF can cause headaches, nausea, and
even hallucinations. So, a site with
unhealthy EMF levels can seem ghostly,

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when the issue is a normal, electrical issue.

Professionals must rule out elevated

EMF from electrical problems. That’s
one reason we do a baseline sweep of
each investigation site. We’re looking
for normal issues that can produce
paranormal-like phenomena.

Often, paranormal EMF spikes are
fleeting. Those are the anomalies that
interest us… but what are they, really?

We don’t know.

Some people believe that ghosts
manifest electromagnetic energy. Others,
including me, suspect that the EMF
spikes occur as a signal that ghostly

243
energy might be entering the site.

I explain it in terms of the old TV
show, Quantum Leap. In that TV series,
one character (Al) regularly traveled
through time. Then, he emerged through
an energy doorway.

We don’t usually see that kind of
doorway at haunted locations. However,
energy transference – through time or
between worlds — might manifest as

EMF spikes.

Of course, that’s just a theory. I have
no proof. My guess may be completely
wrong, and – by the time you read this –

I may have revised it. (I try not to be
dogmatic. At least 90% of what we think

244
about ghosts is speculation, not fact.

We’re a long way from having proof.)

Frankly, we don’t know what EMF
levels have to do with ghosts. We only
know that we observe more unexplained

EMF spikes in haunted places. For all
we know, that may be a mere
coincidence.

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54. What’s the best kind of EMF
detector?

Most EMF detectors are designed to
help people measure unhealthy levels of

EMF energy. You’d use one to check
electrical equipment like computers,
microwaves, and electrical wiring.

Ghost hunters need specialized EMF
devices.

K-II meters were among the first
highly acclaimed EMF detectors used by
ghost hunters. The K-II is still one of my
favorites. It’s sensitive and easy to use.

However, I’ve discovered
inconsistencies among K-II meters. Two
identical K-IIs can respond completely

246
differently. I used one that belonged to Grant Wilson and it was great. It seemed
to detect all kinds of subtle, anomalous
energy.

Since then, I acquired another,
identical K-II. After nearly two years of
testing, it’s not sensitive enough.

Today (2014), I use a Ghost Meter

Pro. However, it comes in an “As Seen
on TV!” package. So, I can’t vouch for
consistent quality. I might have an
extraordinarily good one.

I also have an Ovilus III. Likewise,
it’s a good meter, but it costs about five
times as much as the Ghost Meter Pro.

(It also does about five times more

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things. It senses temperature variations, and “talks” from a dictionary or using
phonetic sounds. It does other things, as
well.)

The best EMF meter is the one you use
with confidence, that produces good
results for you.

You have many choices. Some EMF
meters make noise, others have colored
lights, and some have both. Many EMF
meters have a dial so you can see the
precise level of EMF you're
encountering.

For ghost hunting, make sure your

EMF meter has at least one setting that is
extremely sensitive. A standard EMF

248
meter from the hardware store may be great for seeing if your microwave oven
is leaking energy. It probably won’t be
sensitive enough for ghost research.

Read reviews and recommendations
by other ghost hunters. Ask friends and
team members if you can try their EMF
meters. See what you like, and what
works well for you.

Above all, avoid EMF meters that you
have to watch all the time. The meter
should be a tool, not a distraction.

You may find gently-used EMF
equipment online at a reasonable price.

Check sites like eBay for good, used
equipment with a money-back guarantee.

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55. How does white noise help some people hear ghosts on digital
recorders?

White noise is controversial.

White noise might provide spirits with
sounds (”noise energy”). In theory, they
can manipulate it to form words on EVP
recordings. I've heard remarkable
results. This theory might be credible.

It’s the same reason some
investigators encourage people to talk
normally during EVP sessions. Using
software, they can filter out the
researchers’ voices. They can highlight
anomalous sounds and ghostly voices,
too. Ghosts might use, manipulate, or

250
recycle ambient noise to communicate with us.

A few ghost hunters believe white
noise might provide a wall or
background. Against that, ghosts feel
confident that their words can be heard.

To me, that seems unlikely, but I could
be wrong.

I’m just guessing. In this field, most of
us are.

When it comes to white noise, scant
scientific research exists. Until we know
more, test white noise and other audio
input to see if it improves your EVP
recordings. (This applies to all real-time
communications with spirits, recorded

251
electronically.)

You can download white noise free

(or at low cost) at sites like
rain.SimplyNoise.com. Also, 99-cent
apps can generate white noise to use
during EVP sessions.

Experiment with other “colors” of
noise at
http://mynoise.net/NoiseMachines/whiteNoiseGenerator.php (Try noise calibrated with more brown
or pink in it.)

You may prefer Coffitivity.com. It’s
not white noise, but it could be a good
background for your EVP sessions.

If specialized noise makes a dramatic
difference, use it. If it doesn't, don’t

252
bother with it.

Note: Some team members are
distracted by certain noises. So, be sure
to check with them before conducting too
many tests.

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56. Do ghost hunting apps work?

I’ve tried several different kinds of
ghost hunting apps. Many of them rely on

EMF anomalies to produce flashing
lights and sometimes spoken words.

Some show the direction the energy is
coming from.

Initially, I dismissed ghost hunting
apps as toys. How could a 99-cent app
do what my $300+ tools do?

Then, I was in Canada to speak at a
ghost hunting event. When a few of us
went out to lunch, one of my companions
took out her phone. It had a ghost app on
it. I’m pretty sure it was the Ghost Radar
app.

254

She put the phone — with the app
running — on the table where we were
eating.

Another companion said that, if the
app really worked, she’d like a message
from her mother.

The app started “talking.” It said
several words, none of which seemed
significant to the woman who’d asked
the question.

However, as I sat there, nearly every
word the app said… it described the
mural on the wall, next to us.

After several minutes, I spoke up, and
pointed to the mural since the words
were a match.

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Then I pointed to the signature on the mural, also indicated by the app. (I
believe some of the words it said
included “word,” “sign,” and “picture.”)

The woman who’d asked the question
nearly lost it. The first name of the artist
was the exact same, slightly unusual
name as the her mother.

Maybe it was a coincidence, but none
of us thought that. Not with the clarity of
the indication, once I pointed to the
mural. (To me, it had been obvious after
the first three or four words.)

So, that was my first experience with
a ghost hunting app. Even if that had
been my only experience, it was

256
powerful enough to change my mind in favor of ghost hunting apps.

The second experience was a couple
of years later. I was in a NH cemetery
with psychics Lesley Marden and Sean

Paradis. We were testing equipment,
collectively. That is, each of us was
working with some kind of ghost hunting
equipment. We wanted to see if the
results correlated. In addition, we drew
on Lesley’s psychic skills, since her
accuracy rate is high. (Sean’s is good as
well, but different. Mine is not as sharp,
around 85%.)

Sean was running the Ghost Radar app
on his phone, and it indicated an energy

257
form (or ghost) approaching us. My

Ghost Meter Pro was running in

“seance” mode. Lesley was chatting
with us when she had the strong
impression of a spirit named Jonathan.

Then, the Ghost Radar suggested that
the ghostly energy was within 15 feet of
us. At the same time, my Ghost Meter

Pro signaled the option of conversation
with a spirit. Lesley was sure the grave
of that ghost was outside the enclosure
where we were. That seemed confirmed
by both the Ghost Meter Pro (in yes/no
terms, anyway) as well as the words

“said” by the Ghost Radar.

So, we left that enclosure. We

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followed directions given to us by
dowsing rods, the Ghost Meter Pro, and
the Ghost Radar, plus Lesley’s guidance.

We walked about 60 feet when the

Ghost Radar shouted “Pennsylvania.”

We laughed because we were in

Concord, New Hampshire, nowhere
near Pennsylvania. However, the Ghost

Meter Pro also signaled something
nearby. At the same time, the dowsing
rods came to a halt, pointing at one very
tall monument to the left of us.

When we got there, the grave
belonged to a man named Jonathan. He’d
been killed at Valley Forge. It’s in

Pennsylvania.

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There is no way that had been set up by any of us. It also confirmed that ghost
hunting tools can work together to refine
research results. Mostly, I was very
impressed that the Ghost Radar app had
been exactly right. Everything it said
was an exact match for the grave marker,
in ways we didn’t have to contrive to fit.

So, I’m now a firm believer in the
merits of ghost hunting apps.

Do apps like Ghost Radar perform
better with certain investigators? Are
some people “lightning rods” attracting
psychic energy? Does it help if they’re
psychic?

At other investigations, some ghost

260
hunting tools have seemed worthless
until the right person came along. Then,
the devices went from near zero
accuracy to at least 70%.

On its own, I’m not sure that the Ghost

Radar app is as useful as other,
dedicated ghost hunting tools.

Nevertheless, for the price and
convenience, apps may be worth trying.

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57. How much should I budget for
ghost hunting gear?

Beginners should never invest in
specialized ghost hunting equipment.

First, make sure this will be a long-term
interest, hobby, or profession.

Whether you are a beginner or a pro,
never invest more money than you can
afford to lose.

- People drop things when they’re
startled. In the dark, you might not find
whatever-it-is. (The problem becomes
worse if you drop what you’re carrying,
and run away in terror.)

- If you drop a sensitive $5k camera
or a $2k heat sensing device, it can

262
break the same as a $40 camera or a $15
digital thermometer. If you didn’t buy a
replacement warranty, or it doesn’t
cover that kind of mistake, you may have
wasted thousands of dollars.

- Electronic equipment can fail in
extremely haunted settings. In fact, many
of us use unexplained equipment failure
as an indicator of paranormal activity.

Personally, I think EMF spikes are to
blame. Most electrical devices, will
glitch or fail when exposed to intense
magnetic energy. That’s reasonable,
unless it’s remarkably well shielded.

If your expensive camera or other
device won’t work when you're ghost

263
hunting, you’ve wasted your money.

Worse, it can be difficult to return that
equipment if it shows any wear, or if you
can’t demonstrate how it fails.

Instead, focus on just one aspect of
ghost hunting. If you like ghost
photography, invest in photographic
equipment. If you like divinatory tools,
buy or make specialized dowsing rods
or pendulums.

If I were starting fresh, today, I’d
probably budget $100 or less.

- I’d get a pretty good camera, perhaps
a used, refurbished point-and-shoot
digital camera. For software, I’d use

GIMP, or something else that’s free.

264

(Today, I use Photoshop, but GIMP and other programs work well enough to tell
if you’ve captured an anomaly.)

- I’d make dowsing rods from coat
hangers. (If you’re not sure how, see

Ghosts101.com for instructions.)

- I’d use the voice recorder on my
phone, or buy an inexpensive one at an
office supply store or warehouse. (Make
sure the microphone is omni-directional,
so it picks up sounds all around you, not
just in one direction.)

- I’d buy an inexpensive flashlight
with a metal case. I’d make sure the light
bulb housing unscrews easily, to test
yes/no responses when the housing is

265
loosened.

- I’d get a good surgical-type mask
that protects me from toxins, bacteria,
and viruses around me. (Not vice versa.)

- I’d put all of that in a backpack with
lots of pockets (to find things in
complete darkness). I’d also add a
small, inexpensive first aid kit.

Don’t spread yourself too thin, in
terms of learning or financial investment.

Set a firm spending limit and do not
exceed that.

It’s easy to get carried away. Keep
your ghost hunting expenses low. Don’t
let ghost hunting jeopardize other
aspects of your personal, professional,

266
or family life.

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58. How do ghost hunters get ghosts to turn flashlights on and off?

Ghosts don’t actually turn the
flashlight on and off. The effect comes
from a loose contact between the
batteries and the light bulb.

A ghost might be able to move the
flashlight just enough to make the light
blink on for a split second.

Or, ghosts might generate EMF
energy. That’s a popular theory. If it’s
true, a small amount of energy might
reconnect the battery and the light bulb.

Either way, ghosts might be able to
communicate through a loosened
flashlight. That’s how it’s looked in tests

268
on TV and in the field.

You’ll use the kind of flashlight that
turns on and off with a gentle twist of the
flashlight case. The Mag lite brand is
the most popular. Inexpensive clones can
work just as well, as long a the flashlight
has a metal case, not plastic or resin.

(I’ve talked with the staff at Mag lite.

They were baffled by my questions.

They wouldn’t tell me which metals are
in their flashlight cases are proprietary.

Still, they insisted that conductivity
wasn’t likely.)

To communicate with a ghost, here’s
what you’ll do:

- Turn the flashlight on.

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- Twist the case just enough so the
flashlight is off.

- Gently shake the flashlight. If the
light flickers on and off, the setting is
right. (If it won’t flicker easily, adjust
the case until it does.)

- Place the flashlight on a level
surface.

- Then, instruct the ghost to reply to
questions by briefly turning the flashlight
on if the answer is yes.

This kind of real-time communication
can be exciting and produce remarkable
results.

There’s at least one big problem:

This is far from actual, scientific

270
evidence. Heavy footsteps, a passing truck, a nearby train, or music with a
heavy base can be enough to make the
flashlight flicker. In other words, a
blinking flashlight isn't proof of anything,
even if it seems eerily accurate and
consistent.

Generally, I ask questions with known
answers: “Is my name Fiona Broome?

Flash the light once for yes.” “Flash the
light once if I’m male, twice if I’m
female.” (I mix things up. I want to be
sure the flashlight isn’t responding to
footsteps in a nearby room, or
infrasound from trucks.) “Are we in

[name of location]? Flash once for yes.”

271

“Did George Washington (or some
other, obviously impossible name) live
here? Flash once for yes, twice for no.”

If the answers aren’t at least 75%
accurate, I don’t bother with a flashlight

“seance.” The responses must be more
accurate than a coin toss.

If the flashlight responds accurately
enough, I set up my equipment nearby.

My usual tools include EMF detectors,
real-time ghost communication devices,
and EVP recorders.

Flashlight communication with spirits
can be exciting to see. However, I
believe you need more evidence,
collected at the same time. The best

272
evidence includes correlated results from a variety of tools, including
flashlight responses. After that, I look
for documented history that supports or
refutes the findings.

Unless historical evidence exists, the
rest is speculation. It might seem
reliable, but I’m looking for more than
just a consensus from a loosened
flashlight and a few other tools.

I want something on paper that’s
independent of any ghost investigations.

That means census records, vital records

(birth, marriage, or death records), court
documents, and so on.

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59. How do people use dowsing rods in ghost hunting?

In the right hands, dowsing rods can
be useful ghost hunting tools.

First, you’ll use them to detect normal
phenomena that can make a site seem
haunted. For example, dowsing rods can
detect underground springs and streams.

Underground water can contribute to
infrasound. Its low-level frequency
disorients some people. They might think
they've encountered a ghost when they
haven’t.

Some ghost hunters use dowsing rods
to identify active areas at a haunted site.

For that, you may need skill and

274
sensitivity. You can learn the skill. I’m not sure everyone can develop the
sensitivity.

Dowsing rods can respond to yes-or-
no questions, as well.

Some people use just one rod. I use
two, and hold one in each hand.

Hold the rods with a light grip. It
should be loose enough so the rods can
move without much resistance. (The
exception is dowsing rods that include a
casing between your hands and the rods.

Since your hand won’t influence the rods
one way or the other, hold the casing as
tightly as you like.)

Also, check the length of the rods and

275
what they might hit — especially your face — if they start swinging wildly.

(That’s happened to me a few times.)

Initially, hold the rods so they are
parallel to the floor or ground.

Then, tilt your hands so the tips of the
rods are at a slight downward angle…

less than a 10-degree drop. This allows
gravity a gentle influence on the rods. If
the rods are able to swing wildly,
they’re useless.

However, don’t let the rods point too
far downward, or gravity will pin them
in place.

Ideally, the rods move slightly against
the pull of gravity.

276

I start by asking basic questions I can answer myself, such as, “Is my name

Fiona Broome?” The movement of the
rods tells me what the rods will do for a

“yes” answer, if anything. The rods may
swing in opposite directions. They might
swing towards each other and cross.

They might point to the right or to the
left.

I try enough yes/no questions to detect
a pattern.

After that, I put a coin on the floor or
ground, and stand at least ten feet away.

Then, I tell the rods to lead me to the
coin. I do this aloud, saying something
like, “Where is the coin? Point to it and

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lead me there.”

In most cases, both rods point in the
direction of the coin. When I get there,
they either return to resting position, or

— more often — they’ll cross in front of
me as if to prevent me from walking
ahead.

After that, I’m ready to use them on
that investigation. I know how to detect a
yes, a no, and how to tell where the rods
are leading me.

During the investigation, I might use
them for yes/no answers. For example:

“Is this ghost female?” “Is this ghost
male?” “Is the ghost a child?” “Did this
ghost live in the 17th century?” “… the

278

18th century?” “… the 19th century?”

And so on.

Note: Never start by asking when the
ghost “died.” Many ghosts seem to reject
the idea that they’re dead.

More often, I simply hold the rods in
the “ready” position, and walk around. I
let them lead me to a “hot spot.”

If the rods indicate a “hot spot,” I
usually walk around, testing different
directions. Dowsing rods can detect
underground water, water pipes, and
electrical wiring. So, I see if the rods
indicate (or point to) a long, straight
line. If they do, I know the reading isn’t
paranormal. I’ll check that same line

279
with an EMF meter. I’m looking for
normal (but elevated) EMF levels. If I
find it, I’ll avoid that area as I continue
my research.

If just one spot or a small area seems
active, I set up my ghost hunting
equipment. I’m looking for anomalous
readings and responses.

You can ask dowsing rods to lead you
to the “hot” areas of a haunt. You can
use them, seance style, to ask — and
receive answers to — questions about
the ghost.

However, dowsing rods don’t work
for everyone. So far, we don’t know
why.

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If dowsing rods work, but not as well as you’d like, you may need more
practice. Place small objects around
your living room. Then, ask the rods to
lead you to a particular object. The more
often you do this, the more skill you’ll
have with dowsing rods, and the more
confidence, too.

Warning: Do not expect ghostly
energy to work “through” you. Maintain
firm boundaries. The ghostly energy
works with the tools. You’re just
propping them at the correct angle. (This
is why I prefer to use dowsing rods with
casing-type holders. I make no direct
contact with the actual rods.) Never give

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a spirit permission to enter or use your body to communicate. That may seem
like a fine point, but with increasing
dangers in ghost hunting, precautions are
important.

Some companies – including Joey

Korn at Dowsers.com — manufacture
powerful dowsing rods designed for
ghost hunting. I’ve used their larger rods

(18 inches) with researchers who swear
that dowsing rods don’t work. So far,
they’ve had success with those rods

100% of the time.

I’ve also used the Dowsers.com
portable (collapsible) rods with great
results. However, in my field tests,

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others had weaker (or no) results with smaller rods. So, start large. Over time,
work down, if the big rods become too
sensitive (swing too wildly) for your
research.

You don’t need to buy dowsing rods.

Make your own from wire coat hangers.

Visit Ghosts101.com for step-by-step
instructions. If you want to use a casing
for handles, visit a DIY store (like

Lowe’s or Home Depot). Ask them to
cut two small lengths of narrow, straight

PVC pipe or brass piping. You’ll slide
your dowsing rod handles (the shorter
sides of the bent coat hangers) into them.

Then, your hands can’t influence the rods

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at all.

In my opinion, the more active my
dowsing rods, the more active the
haunting. If the rods barely move, not
much is going on. If they respond
vigorously, I’ll usually see EMF spikes,
orbs in photos, and other phenomena.

In rare cases, my smallest dowsing
rods have swung in complete circles,
repeatedly. (It can look silly, like a tiny
helicopter blade.) I’m pretty sure those
were active, paranormal spots.

They occurred at:

- Cambridge (MA, USA): At the mass
grave of Revolutionary soldiers, buried
under a mound in the Old Burial Ground

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at Harvard Square. Also at the tree in front of Peet’s Coffee House, 100 Mt.

Auburn Street, Harvard Square. (It’s the
site of a “witch jail” during colonial
times.)

- Methuen (MA, USA): Upstairs at

Tenney Gate House, in one of the front
rooms. Repeated several times before
the anomaly ceased.

- Salem (MA): In the basement of 127

Essex Street. (The basement isn’t open
to the public. Also, excellent ghost tours
leave from in front of that shop).

- Stratford-upon-Avon (England): One
room in the Falcon Hotel, but only
briefly. Several times at the Falstaff’s

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Experience (Tudor World), 40 Sheep

Street.

- York (England): The Golden Fleece

Pub, but only a few times, in odd spots
near the entrance. Did not repeat during
additional visits.

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60. How do people use pendulums in ghost hunting?

Pendulums are divinatory tools.

They’re usually made with a weighted
object suspended from the medium's
hand by way of a chain, ribbon, or
string.

If you’re going to buy one, look for
handmade pendulums that attract you.

Never buy a used pendulum, no matter
how pretty it is. (But, if you just can’t
resist it, be sure to clear residual energy
off it. Submersing it in sea salt,
overnight, is one option.)

Online, I trust pendulums from

Sleeping Meadows. In real life, I’ve

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bought pendulums in Salem (MA, USA)

from Hex and from shops on Pickering

Wharf. I like all of them, but — though I
rarely use pendulums — I keep going
back to my pendulums from Sleeping

Meadows. They seem less formal and
more user-friendly, in a weird, woo-
woo, animistic way.

You can make your own pendulum,
easily. A ribbon and a ring or even a
metal washer can work fine. Generally,
the ribbon (or chain, or string) should be
around eight or ten inches long, or
longer. That’s one way to see if you are
adept with a pendulum, and if you like
using it.

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In the right person’s hands, pendulums can answer simple yes or no questions.

Some investigators use them to
determine the direction to move in, the
same as others use dowsing rods to point
the way.

Several remote dowsers use
pendulums over maps.

Some people use pendulums with with
special charts. Some charts strongly
resemble the symbols and alphabet —
plus yes and no — on a Ouija board.

You can create your own charts, too. All
you need is a pen and a normal sheet of
paper. On it, mark years, numbers,
words, colors, or compass directions.

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Really, there’s no limit to to the kind of charts you can design for use with a
pendulum.

Hold the pendulum over your chart.

Once it’s still, ask a question. The
pendulum may swing along, or point to,
the best answer on the chart.

Divinatory tools are not for
everyone. Always direct the spiritual
energy to the tool, not to or through your
hand. Prayer or shielding is a good idea,
before you being your work.

In the field, I’ve tested pendulums
with people who claimed no psychic
gifts. One test involved about 20 people
at haunted Gilson Road Cemetery in

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Nashua (NH, USA). The results were no better than a coin flip. (Keep in mind: I
wanted to see if pendulums worked
accurately for absolute beginners .)

My own results have been okay, but
not impressive enough to rely on
pendulums for my research.

However, I’ve seen pendulums work
really well for others. For example,

Lesley Marden’s results are impressive.

Remember, this is a controversial
topic. No two researchers will answer
this question the same way. Consider all
opinions carefully before using
divinatory tools of any kind.

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61. What do scientists think about ghosts?

Scientists believe in ghosts the same
as the rest of the public do. In other
words, some believe and some don’t.

They’re as likely to be skeptics (or
believers) in the same percentages as
non-scientists.

In public, they may not admit to
believing in ghosts. Some scientists
pretend they’re hardcore, skeptical
critics. That’s to protect their reputations
and their jobs.

Other scientists won’t accept the
reality of ghosts without significantly
more evidence. That’s a rational choice.

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In general, scientists are accustomed to laboratory research. They rely on the
scientific method. That's why they
separate their personal experiences from
their professional opinions.

Healthy skepticism is important in our
research. That’s why many paranormal
investigators freely admit that we cannot
prove that ghosts exist. We know that
something unusual is going on at some
locations. For now, trying to prove that
is enough of a challenge.

I’ve investigated with several MIT
scientists, and several regional police
officers, as well. They’re as interested
in this topic as anyone else.

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In other words, stereotypes don’t
apply to scientists. Whether they believe
or don’t believe in ghosts is a matter of
personal opinion. That opinion is usually
rooted in their personal experiences.

If a scientist joins your research team,
don’t assume he or she is going to be a
skeptical critic.

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62. Is there any scientific proof of ghosts?

There is no scientific “proof” of
anything. “Proofs” come from
mathematics and logic. Science relies on
evidence, and much of it is provisional.

Scientists are constantly improving
techniques and research methods.

Thanks to a steady supply of new
discoveries, there is no final word in
science. That makes it an exciting,
evolving field.

So, there is no proof. If you want
conclusive, scientific evidence of
ghosts, it doesn’t exist yet. You may find
an answer that makes sense to you. It

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might be all the evidence you need.

Scientific evidence is something else.

We can go to a haunted site and —
often but not always — trigger
unexplained phenomena. However, our
results aren’t consistent.

In other words, ghostly phenomena
can’t be duplicated to lab standards. If
we could reliably duplicate it, we might
find better answers to many ghost
hunting questions.

Whole Brain Emulation (WBE) or

“mind uploading” could open doors for
ghost research. It’s the storage of
intelligence — what’s in your brain —
in digital format. Engineer Ray Kurzweil

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predicts that will be possible by the year 2045.

Let’s say we could routinely store
memories for every human being. Let’s
also assume we’ve refined
communication with ghosts. Then, we
could compare what the ghost tells us
about his life, against his digitally stored

(WBE) memories.

At the moment, that’s pure sci-fi.

However, it’s one of many possibilities.

If the data in the computer or avatar
matches what’s conveyed by the ghost,
point for point, that could be compelling
evidence.

We’re also trying to refine EMF

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detection. Some orbs may result from EMF that accompanies a haunting. With
better research tools, we may understand
more about orbs, EMF, and ghosts.

However, people have been trying to
understand ghosts for centuries. We’re
still far from turning this into a credible
science.

For now, there’s no “proof.” We can’t
convince skeptical critics that ghosts are
real, either. Of course, there may never
be enough evidence for that. Many
people what they want to believe. After
all, some people still insist the world is
flat, and nothing will persuade them
otherwise.

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63. What did ghosts do before
electricity and electronic appliances?

When someone asks me this, my
flippant reply is, “They did what the
living did, before electricity. They used
what was available.”

Ghosts can communicate without
modern devices.

Time tested, non-electrical
communications include:

- Pendulums.

- Dowsing rods.

- Table tipping and table tapping. (The
first involves the table moving. The
other means rapping sounds on the table.

Both may occur at the same time.)

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- Automatic writing.

- Ouija boards and spirit boards.

- And, one of my favorites: Direct
requests to ghosts. In other words, just
ask them to respond in specific ways,
like moving an object or making a sound.

Of course, that’s not scientific. It’s
flashing lights, full-body apparitions, or
ghostly voices on a recording.

Non-electrical communications can be
entertaining, but they're not scientific
evidence. Most people want more than
entertainment from ghost hunting.

Today, scientists and technicians are
developing high tech, paranormal
research tools. They're designing

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devices that might produce consistent results under laboratory conditions.

We’re getting closer, but it may be
several years until we have ghost hunting
devices that work consistently in haunted
locations.

However, for an entertaining — and
often convincing — display of ghostly
activity, old-school methods can be a
fine choice.

If that’s what you’re looking for,
follow the careers of two ghost hunters.

One is Brian Cano, who appeared on
the “Haunted Collector” TV series. He’s
familiar with many old-school ghost
hunting methods.

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The other is paranormal researcher

Sean Paradis. He’s exploring very low-
tech investigation tools.

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64. If ghosts are just energy, how can they interact with people?

Ghosts aren’t “just energy.” If they’re
actual spirits, they have a consciousness.

They’re unique individuals, and each
one finds unique ways to communicate
with us.

If you’ve seen the Patrick Swayze
movie, “Ghost,” you’ve seen how he had
to learn to interact with the world he’d
left behind. It wasn’t easy.

Is that an accurate portrayal of what
ghosts deal with, trying to cross the gap
between the living and those who’ve
passed on?

I’m not so sure.

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At the moment, we’re using any paths that ghosts are able to use. Sometimes
it’s through EVP. At other times, they
make noise or get a flashlight to turn on
and off. Some have learned to
communicate with talking devices such
as the Ovilus, Frank’s Boxes, Ghost

Radar, and so on. Others are able to
share impressions with psychics,
mediums, and sensitives.

However, as communications means,
they range from tedious to unreliable.

They’re far too primitive.

Now, I’m about to sound like the geek
that I am.

First, remember that computers are

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based on binary activity. That is,
something is on. Then it’s off. It’s all
zeroes (nothing) and ones (something).

Maybe the on/off flickering of a
flashlight or EMF surges with K-II
device could be filtered into zeros and
ones.

Anything that can produce zeros and
ones can convey complex data with the
right interpretive tools.

At this point, the issue is speeding up
the data transfer. And how do we
explain this to a ghost, even one from the

20th century? (Rhetorical question. This
is exactly what several researchers and
engineers are working on. The question

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is: Are we making this too complex with efforts at talking devices? For now, no
one knows.)

Something is creating the anomalies.

We’re not sure what. Energy is
involved. We can measure it with a
variety of devices, from EMF meters to
thermometers.

However, is that energy connected to
consciousness? And, is it what we call a
ghost?

For now, we don’t know, but
something is interacting with us.

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65. Besides Ouija boards, how do
people talk to ghosts?

Turn on any TV show like Ghost

Hunters or Ghost Adventures. You’ll see

“ghosts” talking to us on a variety of
tools, from loosened flashlights to EVP
recordings.

However, that may not be the
question. Maybe they’re not asking how
ghosts communicate with us; they’re asking how people can talk with ghosts.

(I’m ignoring the fact that we don’t use

Ouija boards to talk to ghosts. Not
unless the very presence of a Ouija
board opens two-way communications
between the worlds. It’s possible, but

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I’m not sure it’s likely.)

So, is it as difficult for people to
speak to ghosts, as it is for them to
contact us? I think this needs to be
considered and explored. I’m not sure if
ghosts if have difficulty receiving
messages from us.

In many cases, when someone is
troubled by a ghost in his or her home, I
say, “Just talk to your ghosts, out loud.”

So far, readers report success with this.

However, they may have a special
connection with their ghosts. After all,
they share the same space, day in and
day out. That may improve
communications across the divide.

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When I’ve talked out loud to ghosts at haunted sites I’ve visited, I’ve had
mixed results.

- At Gilson Road Cemetery (Nashua,

NH), I get the feeling the ghosts really
don’t care if I talk to them or not.

Oh, they’ve misbehaved when I’ve
investigated the site with skeptics. They
also manifest in various ways when
researchers are there. But, do ghosts
actually care what we say to them? I
have no idea.

- I’ve seen the other extreme, too. It
was at Falstaff’s Experience/Tudor

World (Stratford-upon-Avon, England).

There, at least one ghost responded to

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almost everything that was said. He also seemed to read thoughts. It was
disconcerting.

- In-between, ghosts have responded
inconsistently, even at very active sites.

So, how do people talk to ghosts? So
far, we just talk. Maybe we need to try
other means. Many of us — including me

— have assumed ghosts are hanging on
every word we utter. Perhaps they hear
only 10% of what we say, or less.

There’s a lot to consider. Maybe
ghosts can read what we write.

Can they detect EMF spikes on their
side of the veil? Perhaps we could try
turning EMF generators on and off,

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repeatedly, to get their attention. Maybe they can hear whistling, or singing, or…

well, this could be a very long list.

My point is: This is a good question.

Maybe we need to explore better way to
communicate with ghosts, instead of
focusing on better ways to hear from
them.

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66. What’s the connection between ghosts and demons?

Let’s say ghosts are spirits of some
people who once lived among us.

By contrast, demons never lived as
humans. They are very different kinds of
beings.

Some religions don’t believe in Satan,
the Devil, or similar entities. Usually,
those religions don't believe any entity
could be a significant threat to Deity. In
fact, among those religions, it’s heresy
to believe in a supremely powerful,

Devil-like being.

However, if spirits exist, some seem
to have better intentions than others. At

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extremes, some spirits may be
benevolent and described in angelic
terms. Others seem to thrive on evil and
malicious behavior.

Many investigators use the word

“demon” to describe energy representing
something profoundly malicious. It’s a
relative term with a lot of variations.

Ghosts aren’t always well-behaved.

Some may be pranksters or mischievous.

Some may be angry or territorial.

Nevertheless, there is a distinction.

Demonic energy seems intent on fooling
us so we drop our defenses. Then, it
attacks.

Crossovers may exist. Some ghosts

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were, and perhaps still are, under the influence of demons. I’m not sure of that,
but if a spirit seems malicious, I avoid
it. If danger is possible, I leave. I’ve
listened to demonologists I trust, like

John Zaffis and the late Father Andrew

Calder. Their tales have been terrifying
and convincing.

However, ghosts do not become
demons and demons do not become
ghosts. So, there seems to be no direct
connection between them. They’re
different kinds of entities in the spirit
world. When they interact with us, their
behaviors are very different.

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67. Are shadow people demons? Are they dangerous?

Recently, I’ve received many emails
asking about shadow people. Frankly,
shadowy figures used to be so rare, I’d
never thought of them with a label.

The first time I heard the phrase

“shadow people,” I think Grant Wilson
used it. Oh, I knew what he was talking
about, but hadn’t realized those entities
seemed to be increasing in our world.

Now, it looks like the are, or maybe
they’re not as reticent as they used to be.

In recent years, I’ve seen shadow
people in TV show footage. I’ve also
taken a photo of one.

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About a month ago, I turned on a
ghost-related TV show. On it, I heard the
star declare that shadow people are
killers. She insisted they’re extremely
dangerous.

At this point, it’s irresponsible to tell
homeowners that shadows in their homes
might kill them. (In Dr. Who episodes,
maybe. In really life? No.)

If a shadow person has ever killed
someone, I haven’t heard about it.

Likewise, shadow people don’t have
features. It might feel as if they’re
looking at you. Being certain of that…?

Nearly impossible. It’s just the outline of
a body. You can’t see its face.

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I have seen the Ghost Hunters’

episode where a shadow person seemed
to peek out from behind something. We
can assume the shadow was looking in
the direction of the investigators, but we
can’t be certain of that.

Shadow people look like shadows.

While you can find a lot of speculation
about what they are (and aren’t), we
really don’t know.

They might be ghosts that manifest as
shadows. Maybe they’re not able to
create EMF spikes or generate EVP, and
they can’t rap on tables, but they can
create shadows. I doubt that anyone
knows with certainty.

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Shadow people may be something
entirely different than ghosts. They’re
simply other kinds of beings.

At this point, anything is possible.

Shadow people may be fearful
apparitions, trying to hide from us.

Shadow people might be minions of
demonic entities. Then again, shadow
people might be aliens in a form we
didn’t expect.

One of my experiences might indicate
an alien element. (Or, it may have no
connection to shadow people.)

Around 2009, my husband and I were
driving from New Hampshire to

Dragon*Con. It was nighttime. The sky

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was fairly dark and a little cloudy.

Driving south on I-95, we saw an odd
column of darkness on the left side of the
road. It seemed to be in back of a stand
of trees, and about 100 yards from the
shoulder of the highway. It was the same
kind of column created by a searchlight,
but it was darker than the sky, not
lighter. In that rural area, there were no
spotlights or searchlights to create an
illusion with contrast. (At the time, we
didn’t realize it was an anomaly. I asked
a few scientists at Dragon*Con what
might have caused it, and they said
nothing like that was possible.)

Since then, we’ve never seen it or

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anything like it.

With the increasing reports of shadow
people, was that column some sort of
conduit for them? I haven’t a clue and it
may have nothing to do with shadow
people. It’s just an idle thought I wanted
to share.

In terms of shadow people being evil,
malicious, or demonic, I’m skeptical.

The shadow person I photographed was
about 30 or 40 feet from me, and I
sensed nothing at all from him. He was
just there. His form wasn’t sucking up
light, like some sort of energy vampire.

He wasn’t menacing or cowering or
sending evil death-ray energy at at me.

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He was just a shadow.

Until we know more about shadow
people, keep your distance. That’s just a
precaution. So far, I haven’t seen or
heard credible reports to suggest they’re
dangerous.

Whatever they are, I don’t think
they’re ghosts, but I may be wrong. It’s
fine to make note of them. Other than
that, I’d keep the study of shadow people
distinct from ghost investigations.

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68. Are there any grants for
paranormal research and ghost
hunting?

No, there are no grants for ghost
hunting. Most paranormal research funds
are intended for parapsychologists.

Many books and movies start with an
aging, wealthy individual who wants
definitive proof of an afterlife. He or
she hires a team to spend the night in a
haunted house and return with proof —
one way or the other — about life after
death.

A variation of this offers a large
reward to any of the group who who stay

(or survive) the night in the haunted

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house. And, for good measure, they’re locked in the house, similar to the
staging for the TV series, Ghost

Adventures.

Ah, if only someone would present me
with that kind of offer…

In real life, I don’t think that’s ever
happened. Not like in the movies,
anyway. No decrepit billionaires
offering large sums of money for
evidence of life after death.

You may find grants related to ESP
and other areas of parapsychology.

However, you're not likely to find
corporate funding or individual grants
for ghost hunting.

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This is why some ghost hunters accept individual clients or conduct readings
for a fee. It’s controversial. Some
people say that’s preying on vulnerable
people who want to contact lost loved
ones. Often, it is.

I’m not sure where to draw the line. Is
it more moral to take a day job in fast
food than to work as a paid psychic
medium? That’s something you’ll need
to decide for yourself.

Charging a high fee just to investigate
a private residence…? I won’t do that.

There are more honorable ways to earn
a living in paranormal research.

In other words, don’t expect grants to

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finance your ghost hunts. If any exist, I haven’t heard of them.

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69. What’s the difference between a ghost hunter and a parapsychologist?

A ghost hunter is usually someone
who is looking for evidence of ghosts
and hauntings.

Parapsychology is a subset of
psychology. Parapsychology deals with
a wide range of phenomena including
ghosts, ESP, remote viewing, and
various related studies.

Some colleges and universities offer
courses and symposia related to
parapsychology. Due to tenuous funding
for those programs, they rarely continue
for more than a year or two.

Also, some interpret parapsychology

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as the study of specific mental illnesses, including delusions of ghostly
encounters. In many cases, that kind of
parapsychologist has already made up
his (or her) mind that ghosts, ESP, and
so on, do not exist outside fantasy.

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70. Is the ocean haunted?

Some of the most enduring ghost
stories describe haunted ships and
galleons.

- For over a century, we’ve heard
tales of the ghost crew on the Flying

Dutchman.

- Ghost ships regularly visit Salem

(MA, USA) harbors.

- According to a recent PBS series, a
ghost ship appears before the death of
each Duke of Argyll.

Stories like those are difficult to
investigate. Those ships appear without
warning, and at different locations.

Nevertheless, sightings are so well

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documented, it’s a mistake to think all of them are folklore.

Evidence suggests a connection
between ghostly anomalies and water.

Colin Wilson noted the poltergeist-water
connection at the Winchester Mystery

House in San Jose (CA, USA).

Researchers reported far more ghosts
in New Orleans’ after it flooded during

Hurricane Katrina. Of course, graves
and crypts were disturbed or destroyed
by high water. I think it was more than
that.

However, I’m not sure the ocean is
more haunted than land masses. Maybe it
is. For example, I’ve heard reports of

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normally stalwart divers feeling
uncomfortable around the sites of sunken
ships.

For now, it’s an interesting question,
but one I can’t answer.

I think lakes may be as haunted as
parts of the ocean. Visit almost any
isolated but popular lake in the off-
season, and see for yourself. If the lake
has an island and you have access to it,
rent a canoe or motorboat and
investigate it.

Similarly, coastal islands seem to
have more ghosts (and ghost stories) per
square mile than many nearby towns on
the mainland.

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71. What happens to ghosts when a haunted house burns down?

I’m pretty sure the ghosts remain,
whether a house is there or not. Ghosts
seem to be tied to the location rather
than the structure on it. While “green
lady” ghosts may actively protect their
homes, they may be unique in that kind of
attachment.

A good example is the site of the

November 1942 fire at the Cocoanut

Grove nightclub in Boston (MA, USA).

That was a tragedy with enormous
impact, and it changed building codes
across America.

Today, the site of the fire — at what

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used to be 17 Piedmont Street — is
mostly a private parking lot in Bay

Village, a residential neighborhood. The
parking lot is protected by a strong
fence. As far as ten feet from it, ghost
hunters still record baffling EMF spikes,
eerie EVP, and “hot spots” (thermal).

Also, we see interesting, light-related
anomalies, even during the day.

I’m not sure the site was haunted
before the fire. Since then, it’s one of the
most unusual, highly active sites I’ve
visited. So, though the original building
is gone, it’s definitely haunted…

intensely haunted.

Now and then, a client asks me about

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her newly-built (but haunted) house.

Sometimes, it used to be the site of
another home or building. The old one
either burned down, was torn down, or
fell into decay. (More often, the site has
a more ancient history, including Native

American associations.)

In general, I don’t believe any ghost is
injured when the home it’s attached to is
destroyed. I'm not sure that it’s “set free”

by the fire (or bulldozing, or whatever),
either.

In some cases, it appears that the ghost
remains at the location. The ghost seems
to wait until a new house is built on the
same site. Then it may stay, or decide to

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move on.

I can think of one case where a ghost

(or ghosts) remained attached to the
physical structure rather than its former
location. That’s the Tyng Mansion in

Tyngsboro, Massachusetts (USA). The
house was haunted long before it was
destroyed by a devastating fire. (The fire
was rumored to be arson.) What
remained at the site — mostly charred
building materials — was bulldozed.

They pushed the rubble into a slightly
marshy field next to the home’s
foundation.

(You can visit the site. It’s next to the
parking lot at the Boston University

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Corporate Education Center on Tyng

Road in Tyngsboro.)

The remaining foundation of the house
seems normal and generally inactive.

Instead, I’ve seen EMF spikes around
the overgrown, somewhat marshy,
rubble-strewn land next to it. That’s
where you’ll see evidence of decaying
outbuildings. You’ll also find what’s left
of the house, after a 1982 archaeological
team removed everything of historical
value. (It’s not a safe place to
investigate, due to uneven ground, lots of
brambles, and a large overgrowth of
poison ivy.)

Other than that, I’ve never investigated

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a site where the ghost (or ghosts) clung to the actual building instead of the land
it had been on.

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72. What’s the difference between a haunted object and a haunted house?

To be honest, it can be pretty hard to
tell the difference. Mostly, it’s a case of
trial-and-error. The Haunted Collector

TV series presented a basic view of
what’s involved.

From my experience, the size of the
haunting can be a hint. Characteristics
can vary, too.

Most actively haunted houses have
extensive ghostly phenomena. The ghost
may appear in just one room or in a
variety of locations throughout the
house. You sense that a spirit is
involved. It’s aware of you. It responds

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to what you do, and it’s not the same activity, over and over again.

Other haunted houses might have
residual energy. For example, a cold
spot might appear every night at about

10 PM. It might last 20 minutes. If
nothing else happens, it’s probably just
ghostly energy stored at the site. A
space clearing can reduce or eliminate
that kind of problem.

A haunted or cursed object can affect
a small area, a room, an entire floor, or
the whole house. It’s smart to investigate
using an EMF meter to see if one object
is the focal point of the ghostly activity.

Unless an object is magnetized or runs

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on electricity, it shouldn’t affect your EMF meter.

Remove the object. Take it several
miles away. See if the problems stop.

If everything seems normal (or
gradually becomes normal after a week
or two), the problem was probably the
object. Don’t burn it. Contact someone
like John Zaffis, who’s an expert in that
field.

Unfortunately, tests like this require a
lot of trial and error. If more than one
object in the house is haunted, the
process can be nightmarish. (No pun
intended.)

In the 19th century and early 20th

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century, newspapers often talked about haunted and cursed objects. The Hope

Diamond is a good example. Until the

Haunted Collector TV series, the
subject had been pretty much forgotten.

As a result, few ghost hunters are
experts in this specialty.

I have no idea what percentage of
haunted houses are actually plagued by
haunted objects. It’s too early to guess
the impact of haunted objects in this
field.

I do know that the energy from a ghost
and the energy from a haunted object…

well, they’re different. It’s difficult to
articulate.

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When I’m near a haunted or cursed
object, my reaction is more like, "Uh-oh.

Something is not right, here.” In my
head, I can practically hear the shark-is-
on-the-way music from the movie,

“Jaws.” I’m uneasy. I feel unsafe.

Investigating, I usually zero-in on an
object. That’s when I’ll tell the owner
to remove whatever-it-is before I return
for a more complete investigation. I
absolutely, positively do not like
haunted objects. And, among haunted
objects, creepy dolls are the very
worst… in my opinion, anyway. Some
defaced photos and advertising images
are a close second.

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If you want a first-hand encounter with haunted objects, go to any old, dusty
antiquities museum.

- The Hope Diamond is in the

Smithsonian Natural History Museum in

Washington, DC, USA.

- I’m uncomfortable with some objects
at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology
and Ethnology, Cambridge, MA, USA.

- Also in the U.S., John Zaffis has
displayed his personal collection of
haunted objects. Ed & Lorraine Warren

— John Zaffis’ aunt and uncle — had a
similar collection in a separate museum.

I’m not sure if either are open to the
public. Check their websites for more

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information.

- Several buildings at the Tower of

London (England) contain objects that I
consider haunted.

- The British Museum, London,

England (UK) is another place to sense
haunted and cursed objects. (And,
admission is free.)

Many of those wonderful old items
were donated by people who were eager
to get the objects out of their homes.

Bad memories or bad energy…? Beauty

(and unearthly energy) may be in the eye

(or “gut feeling”) of the beholder.

Note: This is different than
diminishing residual energy stored in

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objects. For fun, a few of us frequent antiques shops to compare notes as we

“read” the energy on objects displayed.

Even at museums, haunted and cursed
objects stand out. They may as well have
neon arrows pointing to them.

You can learn to read this kind of
energy, so you can spot a haunted object
in a client’s home. Visit lots of antiques
stores. They often include haunted
objects, whether they realize it or not. (I
regularly use an EMF meter to confirm
my reactions to objects. Weirdly, no one
who works at them has ever asked what
the EMF meter was, or why I was using
it.)

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Thrift shops aren’t nearly as good for this kind of research. Their objects
rarely have the history — and layers of
energy — you’ll find at antiques shops.

The main difference between a
haunted object and a haunted house is
simple. If you remove a haunted object
from a house, the house settles down in a
day or so. If the house is haunted by a
ghost or residual energy, it remains
active.

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73. How do ghosts affect the
afterlife?

Three things are required to answer
this question:

- First, you must believe in ghosts. I
believe spirits visit us and sometimes
interact with us.

- You must believe that the afterlife
can be studied from our plane of
existence. I’m not sure we can make
many inroads there. We seem to do
better studying ghosts and spirits —
visitors from the realm of the afterlife —
than trying to perceive where they do (or
should) reside.

- You must conduct that kind of

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research yourself. This is such a
subjective topic, nothing I can say or
speculate about would be useful.

In general, we can speculate that
spirits on the other side are sympathetic
to the plight of ghosts. I believe some
spirits are trying to help ghosts cross
over, just as people on this side want to
help. I’ve wondered if ghosts represent
something that pre-dated the “in limbo”

concept, because that’s what they’re
doing, more or less.

It’s a great concept for fictional tales
in which an angel or spirit briefly
reincarnates to help a spirit (or ghost)

cross over.

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I also wonder if some ghost hunters —
especially mediums and psychics — are
prompted by spirits on the other side.

Those spirits may lead the ghost hunters
to sites where ghosts are trapped, and
need some encouragement to cross over.

It’s a happy thought, but I have no basis
for it.

Mostly, this is wandering so far into
spiritual topics, I cannot address the
subject credibly.

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74. Has a ghost ever been
reincarnated?

This is one of the stranger questions

I’ve been asked, and I’m amazed by the
number of people who ask it.

If you believe in reincarnation or past
lives, this may be a credible concept.

Perhaps someone lived on earth, died,
and then became a ghost for awhile, by
choice or by default. After that, the ghost
decided to re-enter this plane for another
life experience. (That’s a plot device in
some paranormal romance novels and
movies.)

I suppose it’s possible. On the other
hand, if it happened often, I think more

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people would remember past
experiences as a ghost.

To date, no one has shared that kind of
memory with me. If you have, let me
know.

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75. Do ghost hunters ever become
ghosts?

I’ve never heard of a ghost who used
to be a ghost hunter or paranormal
investigator. In fact, those who've left
this world intending to convey a
message from the other side – such as

Harry Houdini – have yet to make a
completely credible connection.

Do ghost hunters become spirits who
visit this world? Maybe. That answer
depends on your theology.

My spirituality is somewhat eclectic. I
can’t imagine any benevolent Deity
who’d refuse to let people return here to
check on the well-being of friends and

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family.

So, whether you call the entity a

“ghost” or a "spirit,” I think it’s normal
for people to visit us after they’ve
crossed over. That includes ghost
hunters, your great-grandmother, and
maybe your favorite teacher from “way
back when.”

Maybe you’re asking: Is a ghost hunter
likely to become trapped in this world,
not cross over, and remain to haunt a
location?

I suppose that’s possible. It seems
unlikely. Most of us have cajoled and
argued with dozens (even hundreds) of
spirits stuck here. Repeatedly, we’ve

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told them to go to the light or find Grandma. So, I think we’d know what to
do if we felt constrained here.

It’s possible that a ghost hunter – like
any other spirit — might choose to be a
ghost and haunt some location in
spectacular fashion, just for fun. It
sounds pretty silly to me, but I think we
all have free will, to stay here or cross
over.

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76. What are good books about
ghost hunting?

Any book that resonates with you is a
good book about ghost hunting. My
judgments are very subjective, based on
my experiences in this field.

- For years, I’ve been an almost rabid
fan of Colin Wilson’s books. I don’t
always agree with him, but I’m dazzled
by his innovative ideas and research.

- I like the books by Jason Hawes and

Grant Wilson, because I know them. I
understand the context of what they’re
describing with each story and case.

- Troy Taylor’s book, The Ghost

Hunters Guidebook, is superb for

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beginners.

- I like the speculation in Marie Jones'

book, PSIence.

- Michelle Belanger may be my
favorite authority on paranormal topics,
but I’m biased. I know Michelle, like
her, and I’m always impressed when
someone has read more books than I
have. (I’m pretty sure she has.)

- I love the insights and humor
provided by Lesley Marden’s book,

Medium, Rare. And, I’m proud of my
own books, including Ghost Hunting in

Haunted Cemeteries: A How-To Guide.

- Since childhood, my favorite ghost
stories have been those by Edward

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Rowe Snow. He specialized in eerie
folklore of New England. Many of those
tales are being updated by Jeremy

D'Entremont, who has a commitment to
authentic stories.

- Nick Redfern isn’t a ghost research,
per se, but many of his books touch on
related topics. I believe we need to look
outside the ghost hunting field to
maintain a healthy perspective on some
of the truly weird things we encounter.

Nick Redfern talks about very strange
topics. When he writes a new book, my
work is put “on hold” and my husband
can count on take-away dinners and
store-bought pizzas until I’ve finished

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reading.

- In fiction, I still like The Haunting
of Hill House, by Shirley Jackson.

For more complete recommendations,
see my reviews linked at

Ghosts101.com.

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77. What are the best TV shows and movies about real ghosts?

“Best” is in the eye of the beholder.

I’m very opinionated about this topic.

My favorite ghost-related movies
include the 1963 version of The

Haunting. Although the marsh scene and
the ending spoiled the Daniel Radcliffe
movie, The Woman in Black, I thought
much of it was compelling. I like many
dramatizations of The Turn of the

Screw. The old Roddy McDowell move,

The Legend of Hell House, can seem
ridiculously dated and sensational.

However, some elements in it are
excellent.

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My favorite ghost-related TV show
was probably the Ghost Lab series by
the Klinge Brothers. It seemed the most
genuine, though I winced at much of the
editing. When I met them — and got past
my starry-eyed fangirl moment — they
seemed genuine and had some great
ghost insights.

I’ve liked many episodes of Ghost

Hunters, mostly because I’m dazzled by
the locations they visit. In terms of the
show itself, I know (and like) many of
the cast members, so I won’t pretend I’m
biased. (I also won’t pretend I actually
watch many ghost-related TV shows. I
don’t. I’ve seen fewer than a dozen

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Ghost Hunters episodes.)

Other than that, I like about 3% of
ghost-related videos on YouTube. The
other 97% are so silly, hyped, or badly
filmed, I can’t watch. Still, when a

YouTube video is good, it’s often great.

Most movies don’t accurately
represent ghosts and hauntings.

Likewise, TV shows are entertainment.

They don’t show everything that goes on
at haunted places. They don’t
realistically portray ghost hunting.

Often, the team’s research was
genuine. Then, the footage was edited to
amuse or entertain the viewing
audience. Remember: these shows aren’t

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documentaries. Instead of pretending they’re “reality” shows, producers call
them “unscripted” shows.

If you want to know the truth about
ghost-related TV series, look for
interviews with former stars of Extreme

Paranormal. They’re no longer bound
by the terms of their TV contracts, and
they’re talking about what really goes
on, behind the scenes.

My answer to this question: The best
way to identify good ghost-related TV
shows and movies, is to become a ghost
hunter yourself. Soon, you’ll be able to
spot what’s real and what’s fake.

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78. Which TV show is (or was) the best, Most Haunted, Ghost

Adventures, or Ghost Hunters?

When people ask me this kind of
question, I think they’re establishing my
attitudes towards ghost hunting.

Each of those shows took a different
approach to the subject. However, the
fact is: I rarely watch American TV
programming of any kind. I’ve seen a
few episodes of most ghost-related
shows, but I’ve never arranged my
schedule to watch them. ( Ghost Lab
was my favorite ghost-related TV show,
and — even now — I still haven’t seen
every episode they filmed.)

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I’ve liked episodes of Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures, and Ghost

Hunters… each for different reasons.

Most Haunted visited locations with
fascinating histories. (I only watched the

UK version of that show.) I’m not sure
the channeled information or the stories
were always accurate. If you don't take
ghost shows seriously, that was a fun TV
series to watch. Of the three, it
entertained me the most. Yvette was far
too easy to prank.

Ghost Adventures intrigued me for
different reasons. I like the details
included in each episode. I don’t mean
the narrative, but the way it’s filmed.

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Their cameras capture more nooks and crannies at investigation sites. I’m
always interested in that. I think many
viewers like seeing the stars of that
show. During the few episodes I
watched, the guys seemed genuinely
interested in paranormal research.

Ghost Hunters has remained one of
the most authoritative shows in the
genre. Some episodes are far better than
others. I liked every series in the
franchise. I wish they’d allowed Barry

Fitzgerald more input for the
international episodes. I liked how Steve
and Dave were portrayed in the

“academy” episodes; they’re both

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sincere, funny, caring guys.

Ghost-related episodes of

Destination: Truth highlighted locations
that were new to me. I felt the shows
were rushed, but they brought something
different to the niche.

Though it’s long gone and not a ghost
hunting show, per se, I liked John

Edward in Crossing Over. I’m aware of
the criticism of the show and take most
of it with a grain of salt. The reason I
liked the show was its authenticity.

Genuine mediums have a certain way of
talking. They trust “the other side” more
than the people in front of them. Those
mediums do their best to articulate the

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odd images and sensations that come
through from the other side. Sometimes,
those translations are so subjective, the
medium can’t get it right. That’s normal,
and it can be worse under the pressure
of “performing” for an audience, much
less a TV crew. Through his accurate
readings and his shortfalls, John Edward
helped me understand my own psychic
gifts. Among all the TV shows with a
paranormal theme, I think I got the most
from his shows, and watched more of
them.

Also, I’m still a fan of the really old

TV b&w series, One Step Beyond.

When I find episodes on “oldies”

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channels, I watch them. The shows are dated and usually include very bad
acting. Most episodes are based on true
stories, and can give you fresh locations
to investigate, yourself.

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79. What’s the worst TV show
about ghosts?

Among shows I’ve seen, Extreme

Paranormal was near the top of that list.

Many other, short-lived series —
especially “fear” style shows — have
been perfectly awful, too. Don’t blame
that on the stars of those shows. It’s how
they’re written, directed, and edited.

From the few episodes I’ve seen,

Dead Files is on my worst list, as
well… but only if people take the show
seriously. In my opinion, it’s a side
show, and nearly a parody of what
people like me really do.

Ghost hunting and TV shows are two

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very different things. I'm interested in ghost research, not the TV shows. In
general, when I turn on my television,

I’m watching documentaries on PBS or

BBC Four. The only reason I check
ghost-related shows is to understand the
context of the emails and comments I
receive. When something seems to come
out of left field, it’s usually the result of
a TV show.

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80. Did any ghost hunting TV shows ever find real evidence of ghosts?

Why don’t people on the Ghost

Hunters TV shows ever really find
anything?

They don’t find real evidence of ghost
because, so far, there is none.

Investigators can show that something
is going on. By process of elimination,
they can show that it had no obvious

(normal) cause. Despite that, no one can
prove a ghost caused whatever
happened.

Shows such as the Ghost Hunters
franchise and Ghost Lab have impressed
me. They’ve shown the world fresh,

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effective research techniques and tools.

However, that’s not scientific ("real”)

evidence of ghosts.

For now, I doubt that anyone will
produce scientific evidence on ghost-
related TV shows… or in real life. I
hope I’m wrong, but I haven’t seen the
progress I'd expected.

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81. Do TV shows help give
credibility to the spirit world?

Simple answer: Yes. Shows such as

Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures
increased interest in ghosts and ghost
research.

As of late 2014, that interest may have
peaked. Popular interest is fading.

However, I think the long-term results of
public awareness has been valuable in
this field.

Some people watch ghost hunting on

TV and mutter, “That can't be real.” At
some point, many of those people want
to check out “this ghost hunting stuff,”

themselves.

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People may joke about ghost-related

TV shows, but they keep watching them.

Privately, I think most people want to
believe in an afterlife. Many people
want to believe in ghosts, too.

Ghost-related TV shows have given
the field enough credibility to attract
new researchers. We’re at least one step
closer to finding real ghostly evidence.

Shows like Ghost Hunters and Ghost

Adventures have moved paranormal
research forward. More people are
looking for evidence, and we have more
tools to document what we find.

If that’s all those shows did, they’ve
still made a valuable contribution to the

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field. I think there’s been an uptick in belief since the shows aired. Personal
field research makes a bigger difference.

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82. Why do they turn off the lights on most ghost hunting TV shows?

I’m not sure.

Of course, darkness makes the show
more dramatic. Night vision cameras
always give an eerie look to the location
and the people in it.

Normal EMF can be reduced by
turning off as much electrical equipment
as possible. That includes lights,
especially fluorescent lights. Reducing
that electrical "background noise” makes
it easier to detect anomalous EMF
readings.

Also, researchers’ other senses can be
heightened in the dark. They have to rely

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on sounds, smells, and so on.

There may be other reasons for turning
off the lights, but those are the ones that
make the most sense, as a field
investigator.

When you’re on an investigation,
leave the lights on as much as possible.

That’s for safety, so you can see where
you’re walking, where stairs or openings
are, and so on.

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83. Why do the Ghost Adventures
team lock themselves inside haunted
places?

This is a common plot device in many
stories, books, plays, and movies about
haunted places. It’s also used in some

“scary haunted houses” created for

Halloween.

On TV shows, I think it increases the
tension. The site may be so terrifying,
team members might try to leave before
the investigation is completed. That’s the
impression they’d like to give, anyway.

(Does anyone else wonder if the
producers provide a room with sofas
and food? Or, a discreetly concealed

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porta-potty for the team’s use?)

Some Ghost Adventures locations
look dangerous. That has nothing to do
with ghosts. During filming, I’d lock the
doors to keep vagrants and drug dealers
out. Making that part of the story line —
as if they’re trapped inside the site,
overnight — is an added bonus.

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84. Why did Grant Wilson really
leave the Ghost Hunters TV show?

It seems like this question just won’t
go away.

On the show and at the TAPS website,

Grant explained why he left the show. It
wasn't a sudden decision. It wasn’t
related to interpersonal relations with
fellow cast members. Grant simply
wanted more time for “other aspects of

[his] personal life.”

His decision did not surprise me.

Grant has always been an excellent
paranormal investigator. However, I
believe that his talents are greater in
music and visual arts.

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Several years ago at the Spalding Inn, a few of us were sitting around. I was
completing a landscape painting on the
hotel's porch. I said, “When I get to the
end of the road, I won’t say, ‘Gosh, I
wish I’d investigated one more haunted
location’. I’m more likely to say, ‘I wish

I’d painted one more painting’.”?

Grant paused and said quietly, “So
true.” I wasn't sure if he was simply
agreeing with me, or if what I said
resonated with him. For many of us in
the arts, it’s difficult to balance
paranormal research and our creative
interests.

Ghost hunting, like many other

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interests, can be a fascinating hobby.

That hobby can evolve to the
professional level. However, whether
you’re a professional or hobbyist, your
interests may change. Many ghost hunters
find the answers that brought them into
ghost hunting, in the first place. Others
conclude that there are no real answers.

At that point, the person may quit ghost
hunting or continue with renewed
interest.

I haven’t a clue if that was a factor in

Grant’s decision. Nevertheless, I
applaud Grant’s decision. He was ready
to reprioritize. Many people reach that
point when their careers become too

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demanding. That’s especially true when you want more time with your spouse
and family.

Grant hasn’t vanished from ghost
hunting. He still appears at some ghost-
related events and conference. He’s just
reorganized his time to have more time
for what he loves most.

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85. How do I contact the Ghost

Hunters’ TV show?

Visit the site the Syfy.com website.

Click on the link for the Ghost Hunters

TV show. You’ll find several options,
from direct contact with Syfy, to related
forums.

To become a TAPS Family member,
visit the TAPS website. That's at
http://www.the-atlantic-paranormal-
society.com/

If you want to be part of a show like

Ghost Hunters, look for casting calls at
the Syfy.com website. Or, search online
using phrases such as "casting calls,”

“ghost TV shows,” and so on.

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86. What locations have been used for ghost hunting TV shows at

Halloween?

Around Halloween, lots of TV shows
feature haunted locations. As they say,

“‘Tis the season!”

Usually, those sites are chosen
because they look creepy. They're well-
known haunts. Something dramatic (and
perhaps scary) is likely to happen at
least once during the show.

Those same locations can be great if
you’re looking for nerves-of-steel
investigation sites, too.

Here are some of them:

- Buffalo Central Terminal, Buffalo,

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NY

- Campbell House, Eugene, OR

- Essex County Sanitarium, Cedar

Grove, NJ

- Fort Delaware, Delaware City, DE

- Hill View Manor, New Castle, PA

- Letchworth Village, Haverstraw, NY

- Moon River Brewery, Savannah, GA

- New Mexico State Penitentiary, Santa

Fe, NM

- Pennhurst State Hospital (originally
named the Eastern Pennsylvania State

Institution for the Feeble-Minded and

Epileptic), Spring City, PA

- Queen Mary (luxury liner), Long

Beach, CA

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- Sorrel Weed House, Savannah, GA

- Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (later
called the Armand Auclerc Weston State

Hospital), Weston, WV

- Waverly Hills Sanitorium, near

Louisville, KY

- West Virginia State Penitentiary,

Moundsville, WV

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87. How can I pitch a story idea to a ghost hunting TV show?

Would you like to be a location scout
for ghost-related TV shows and movies?

It’s best to wait until ghost hunting TV
shows request locations and story
suggestions.

You’ll find those online. Look for
specific paranormal TV shows and the
production companies that cast and film
them. Also check casting calls listed at
websites including
http://www.realitywanted.com/ and
http://www.must-see-
tv.com/forum/reality-tv-show-apply-
here/

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You may also find opportunities on the HARO lists.

http://www.helpareporter.com/

For the best success, you should:

- Know the history of the location.

- Know if it’s ever been featured on a

TV show (of any kind) in the past.

- Know who owns the site, and exactly
how to contact them.

- Take lots of photographs at the location
in daylight and during the hours the show
would probably be filming.

- Have a list of witnesses to the ghostly
phenomena. They must be willing to talk
to TV producers about their experiences,
even if they’re not paid for their time.

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Many production companies like to
film several shows in the same vicinity.

For best success, be ready to present
three or four other haunted locations in
the same town or nearby.

If you’re just scouting locations, the
producers might not involve you in the
filming. This means no screen credit,
unless you negotiate for that.

My advice: Present the one story that
most interests you. Then, mention that
you have several other nearby locations
equally suited to the TV show.

Before you reveal those other
locations:

- Get a written agreement that’s signed

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by someone authorized by the production company. (Email and phone agreements
do not count.) This is especially true if you’re dealing with Gurney Productions.

- Hire an entertainment lawyer to
review the contract.

- Be sure you’re allowed to use your
professional work as a credential on
your CV or resume.

- Be very clear about your continued
obligations to the show or producers.

For example, they may expect you to
appear at events. Know how much time
they expect, and who will pay for your
expenses.

- Make sure you’ll receive full benefit

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of — and credit for — all of your work and creativity.

- Understand what you can (and can’t)

say during and after the show airs. Know
how long your non-disclosure terms
extend, after the final episode.

Remember: Some people are eager to
be involved in a TV show. They can be
so excited by what sounds like a great
opportunity, they’ll assume things they
shouldn’t. Production companies will
take advantage of that, if they can.

Are you happy to work for nothing,
just to know you were part of a TV
show? If so, go for it.

However, no matter what is implied,

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make sure you have it in writing, on real paper (not a printout). Be sure it’s
signed by someone with the authority to
make that agreement. (Not that I spent
about three weeks driving all over NH,
locating hidden haunted sites, and never
got paid for it, mind you. Ahem. Learn
from my mistakes.)

Even well-known TV stars have put
together great show ideas. They’ve
lined up everything necessary for a
successful TV series. Then the show
was given to someone else. I can think
of two instances of that. There are
probably many others that I never heard
about.

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TV work is like a lottery. You have a slim chance of winning, but – if you did

– it could be great. If that’s not good
enough for you, make sure everything
you expect is guaranteed, in writing, in
an iron-clad contract.

Most of my friends who work as
production consultants also ask for at
least half of their fees, up front. Their
out-of-pocket expenses are extra, and
covered as they go. They receive the
other half of their fees when they
complete the job.

And, one friend insists on payment in
full before she does anything at all.

(She’s hired regularly, anyway. So,

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don’t think you’re being “too difficult.”

If your information is unique and
valuable, you’re the one calling the
shots.)

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88. How can I get my own ghost
hunting TV series?

Ratings for many ghost hunting shows
have declined over the past decade.

Today, few networks or production
companies will sign anyone new to star
in a ghost hunting TV show.

First, decide why you want to have
your own ghost hunting TV series.

The Paycheck

If you think stars of ghost-related TV
shows are well paid, think again. Many
of them probably earned less per hour
than they would working at a fast food
restaurant.

Most of my friends who star on

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paranormal TV shows… they never quit their day jobs. When they're not filming,
they work at normal jobs, just to pay the
bills.

A one-hour TV show can involve up
to two travel days, then jet lag when you
reach the site, followed by two or three
days of filming.

After that, you’ll analyze the evidence,
and film the reveal. That will require
additional days. With all of that
completed, add another day or two to
return home.

In other words, while it might sound
great to be paid $500 for a one-hour TV
episode, you might need a week or 10

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days to complete just one episode.

You’ll often film shows back-to-back.

Expect to work seven days a week,
including weekends and holidays. You
won't get time off for your mom’s
birthday or your child’s school
graduation. Even if you’re miserable
with a stomach bug, you’re still expected
to show up on the set and act as if
everything’s fine. As they say, “the show
must go on!”

Fame

Is fame that important to you? If so,
here are my suggestions:

Look for casting calls for existing
ghost hunting TV series. See if you can

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get on just one show, even for 5 minutes.

Use that 5 minutes to your advantage.

Treat it like an audition. You should
seem so interesting, producers will want
to include you in future shows.

When your particular episode is about
to air, make sure people know that you
are on it. (Check your contract to be sure
you can talk about the show.)

Also, you should have your own
website, and it should look terrific.

Have you been on two or three ghost
hunting shows? If they haven't called you
back, get additional exposure on non-
paranormal TV shows. Look online for
casting calls. Anything on camera is

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good. Get work as an extra if you must.

Plan your networking carefully. Earn
the respect and interest of both the cast
and the production company. However,
the cast rarely have much input into the
show. Impress the filming crew and any
producers on the set. They might be
involved in scouting and hiring.

After you’ve been on three to five TV
shows, start looking for a theatrical
agent. You'll have enough experience for
an agent to promote you as a future star.

This can take months or longer. Attend
ghost-related conferences with
presentations by casting agents and
producers. You'll learn more about

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breaking into TV. You may also make a connection that leads to work.

Never forget that this field is full of
overeager ghost enthusiasts who'd do
almost anything to be on TV. Many of
them are pushy and obnoxious. Most
seem almost oblivious to the realities of
working on TV… until they’re actually
on a TV show, that is. Then, they can’t
voice their disillusionment because they
signed a non-disclosure agreement.

Distance yourself from starry-eyed
and self-aggrandizing aspiring stars.

Stand out as a confident professional.

That’s the best way to hear from more
producers than you’d ever want to talk

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to. Really.

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89. What are your favorite haunted houses?

My favorites vary. It depends on the
current activity at each site.

At the moment, my three favorite
haunted buildings are: Falstaff’s

Experience/Tudor World (Stratford-
upon-Avon, England), The Myrtles

Plantation (Louisiana, USA), and the

Witch House (Salem, MA, USA).

In the United States, in addition to the

Myrtles Plantation, I like the ghosts of

Houmas House. Both sites are in

Louisiana.

In New Orleans’ French Quarter, I
always stay at the happily haunted Hotel

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Monteleone. I dine at Brennan's

Restaurant where the Red Room has an
eerie, ghostly history. And, based on my
ley line research, I spend time in a park
on the edge of the Quarter… but there’s
no house there, haunted or otherwise.

I’ve been very impressed by the
ghosts of the Salem Inn in Salem,

Massachusetts. Also, I’m fascinated by
the old pirates’ tunnel beneath Essex

Street. Several buildings adjoining it
have dramatic ghost stories. Salem’s

Witch House is an interesting case with
surprising physical phenomena, even in
broad daylight.

In nearby Danvers, I’m drawn to the

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remains of Rev. Mr. Parris’s home, as well as Whipple Hill (aka Witch Hill)

near Endicott Park… but the hill has no

“haunted house,” either.

In England, I like the Falstaff’s

Experience. I also like Warwick Castle,
just a few miles away. So far, Falstaff's

Experience is the most intensely haunted
site I’ve been to, anywhere in the world.

Also around Stratford-upon-Avon, I
like the Falcon Hotel and Ettington Park

Hotel.

York (city) has more eerie and
interesting haunts than I can list here.

The Golden Fleece is the tip of the
iceberg.

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And, though it’s not quite a haunted house, I like the Tower of London. Each
part of the Tower complex has
fascinating ghost stories. Usually,
visitors can see physical evidence
supporting the Tower's paranormal
history.

As you can see, only a few haunted
houses and hotels stand out among my
favorites. However, my list of haunted
cemeteries, parks, and lakes, and
haunted beaches would be a lot longer.

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90. If they really solved the Lizzie Borden case, would she still haunt her
house?

If Lizzie actually haunts the house
now, I think she would stay even after
the crime was solved. Everything that

I've learned about her point to a quirky
personality. She probably likes the
attention.

When I visited the Lizzie Borden
house, I received very strong
impressions. They’ve been confirmed by
other psychics, and one Lizzie Borden
historian. I’m not sure the house is
actually haunted. Not by a ghost,
anyway. When I was there, wiring-

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related EMF issues were a problem. I haven’t been back.

In my opinion, more than one person
was involved in the murders. Also, I
think several people went to
considerable lengths to prevent Lizzie’s
conviction. Close friends did their best
to protect her. That may have included
murder.

For me, the most intense impressions
came from the basement. Those below-
ground rooms have a gruesome history.

They could have inspired horror stories,
even without the lurid murders upstairs.

In addition, the basement has physical
evidence best seen with Luminol

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(C8H7O3N3) or fluorescein and black
light. It is not for the squeamish.

Yes, there are logical explanations for
that much blood. It’s also a great
smokescreen for something more
sinister.

If Lizzie haunts any one room, it’s
probably the room nearest the front door.

If you visit Lizzie's famous house and
have an opportunity to sit on the sofa, do
so. If you’re sensitive to psychic
impressions, I think you’ll be impressed.

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91. Was there really a Canterville ghost?

The story of the Canterville ghost was
created by Oscar Wilde. It’s fiction. He
based it on stories he'd heard from his
mother, Jane Francesca Agnes, Lady

Wilde. She was among the leading
experts in folklore of the British isles.

As far as I know, no haunted 19th-
century British home is or was named

Canterville Chase, and no town in

England is named Canterville.

The plot is a solid template if you’re
writing ghost stories, especially with a
romantic twist.

My favorite movie version is the one

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with Sir John Gielgud. He’s every bit as cranky as some ghosts I’ve encountered.

The tale makes ghosts less scary to
children. That's a very good thing.

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92. What’s it like to live in a house that’s really haunted? Do people
always have to leave their haunted
houses if the ghosts won’t leave?

Most haunted houses are benign. I’ve
lived in a few.

Generally, it’s like living with an
invisible roommate. Some ghosts can be
annoying. That's especially true if the
ghost likes to turn lights on and off,
adjust the volume on the TV, or turn a
faucet on and leave the water running. I
don’t mind ghosts in my house. I do mind
any inconveniences they create.

One of the most persistently annoying
ghosts haunts downtown Houston, Texas.

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She is Mrs. Pamelia Mann, one of

Houston's most famous madams.

Many evenings, Mrs. Mann strolls
around the Market Square block she
once owned. She visits ladies rooms in
modern-day clubs and restaurants on that
block. Once in each ladies room, she
locks the door so others cannot enter.

Then, she vanishes. The staff are not
amused, because they have to keep
unlocking the door at the request of
impatient patrons.

However, the living and spirits of the
dead usually find ways to stay out of
each other’s way.

At some locations, such as the Myrtles

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Plantation, the staff regard the ghosts as friends. Many people who live in
haunted houses feel the same way about
their ghosts.

I know one homeowner in Salem

(MA, USA) who is extremely protective
of “her” ghost. Although the first floor of
her haunted home is a shop, she won’t
allow anyone inside if she thinks they’re
looking for her ghost. That’s a little
extreme.

Many TV shows and movies present
scary ghosts. Reality is very different.

Once people become accustomed their
ghosts (and vice versa), some seem to
forget they live in a haunted house.

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When I’ve lived in haunted houses,

I’ve been unable to forget they’re there.

Not for long, anyway. Sometimes, I've
been startled by an apparition floating
across my kitchen. Unearthly footsteps
still surprise me when I’m tired,
especially if the ghost has been silent for
a while.

Despite that, living with ghosts can be
easier than living with roommates.

Ghosts don’t steal your food, come home
drunk at night, or leave the seat up. I’m
okay with that.

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93. How much does it cost to go into real haunted houses?

If you’re simply touring a haunted
house, the admission price should be
consistent with local museums.

Is it a ghost hunting event? Ticket
prices should reflect these features:

- The quality of the guest speakers or
investigators.

- Food and entertainment.

- How small or exclusive the event is.

That is, will you be elbow-to-elbow
with beeping EMF meters and swinging
dowsing rods? Or, will you be able to
conduct research, undistracted, with a
small group of people?

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- How much individual attention you can expect from the professional ghost
hunters.

Is it a simple overnight vigil? The
price should match moderately priced
hotels in that same area.

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94. Why do some haunted houses
require waivers?

Some sites have waivers due to
dangerous areas that visitors must avoid.

The fact is, some ghost enthusiasts take
risks anyway. A waiver protects the site
owners from lawsuit.

Usually, waivers are designed to
create a scarier atmosphere. It's simply
good theater. Consider the waiver and
posted warning signs part of the set
dressing. It’s performance art.

Whether they’re “set dressing” or not,
don’t ignore those signs. They might just
be legitimate.

Sometimes, liability insurance

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requires waivers. When you are
investigating in the dark, it's easy to
bump into something, trip over a loose
carpet, or lose your footing on stairs.

The same thing could happen if you’re
wandering around an unfamiliar not-
haunted house in the dark.

Take precautions, whether you’re
asked to sign a waiver or not. If you see
someone stumble on uneven stairs, tread
carefully. Old houses and other haunts
can present risks like that. That’s
expected.

However, if you're ever hurt at a

“haunted” site due to the owner’s
obvious negligence, see an attorney. It

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doesn’t matter if you’ve signed a
waiver. There’s a big difference
between an accident, and poor site
maintenance.

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95. How should I write a ghost
story?

Writing convincing ghost stories can
be challenging. You might think you can
get away with more in fiction than
nonfiction. That’s not necessarily true.

You’re competing with accomplished
writers like Jane Goldman, Heather

Graham, Stephen King, and Nora

Roberts. Past greats include Edgar Allan

Poe, Henry James, and Shirley Jackson.

Fiction

If you’re writing fiction, read lots of
ghost stories. Don’t skip children’s
literature. Those can be the best stories
to study.

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Watch classic movies based on
haunted houses, and compare them with
later remakes. There are formulas for
haunted house stories. You can find them
online.

Take careful notes during your
favorite ghost-related movies. Do the
same as you’re reading ghost-themed
books. (I take scene-by-scene, page-by-
page notes to understand the structure.)

Do on-location research. Use a voice
recorder to capture what you notice at
every point during your visit.

Keep your voice recorder (or your
phone set to record, easily) by your bed,
afterward. If you wake up with

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nightmares or fears related to the
haunting, those are useful points to
include in your story.

However, if you aren’t already a fan
of the genre, think carefully before
proceeding. Fans of ghost stories have
certain expectations. They can seem like
hidden standards, but they’re important.

And, the reading audience is widely
segmented. Some readers love a scene
where the heroine goes down to the
basement though it’s clear she shouldn’t.

However, some readers will give your
book a terrible review if you include
that cliche.

Know your audience. Deliver what

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they expect, and a few things they don’t.

They’ll love you for it.

Nonfiction

If you’re writing nonfiction,
thoroughly research the site, people, and
relevant time periods.

If possible, visit the location. Explore
historical sites and living history
museums for additional insights.

Interview people with first-person
stories. Investigate the site with a
professional ghost hunting team, if you
can.

Your story should include all of the
elements that have made ghost stories –
true and fictional – enduring and

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successful.

Get waivers from everyone you might
quote in your book. You may also want a
release form signed by the owner of the
haunted site. These precautions protect
you from later lawsuits.

In paranormal niches, nonfiction
readers may have fewer expectations.

Your book can succeed if you tell them
something new and interesting or useful.

Include as many details as you can.

Experienced ghost hunters are looking
for specific cues and clues, even if you
don’t consciously add them to your
book.

In a book about poltergeists, I’m

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looking for research notes from the
kitchen, bathroom, and basement. The
author doesn’t need to make a big deal
about that. I know the signs of a credible
tale.

Regional cues can be important. An

Irish or Scottish ghost is likely to protect
the house or castle, as well as the
family. An English ghost is more likely
to care about lineage, honor (even
among thieves), and the portrait gallery.

Are your ghost stories set on the coast?

To take smuggling legends seriously, I’ll
expect some reference to tunnels.

Research your stories thoroughly,
whether they’re fiction or nonfiction.

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Then, your stories will impress readers who are experienced ghost hunters.

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96. How should I begin a realistic novel about ghost hunters?

First decide whether your story is
primarily character-driven or plot-
driven.

If it’s character-driven, outline a rich
array of characters that your readers will
care about. Shirley Jackson's novel, The

Haunting of Hill House, is a good
example of a character-driven ghost
story.

The first movie in the House on

Haunted Hill series is a good example
of a story that’s primarily plot-driven.

Many characters were shallow and
unsympathetic. Viewers didn't really

427
care when each died a terrible death.

(Towards the end of the movie, we care
more about the characters surviving than
what’s going on in the house. Whether
we loved them or hated them, we wanted
to know what happened next.)

Nevertheless, the House on Haunted

Hill franchise presented clever plot
elements with superb timing. It’s not
quite a “puzzle story” like The DaVinci

Code or National Treasure. Still, the mysterious sequence of events held our
interest more than the characters. In that
respect, plot-driven ghost stories are
similar to mysteries. The reader (or
audience) try to guess “the real story”

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before the reveal at the end.

In a plot-driven tale, get right to the
action. Reveal the characters and make
them endearing — or dislikable – in a
story that has already begun.

Your main characters should not be
cliches or stereotypes. Don't base any of
them on modern-day stars of ghost
hunting TV shows, or the shows they’re
on, either. Not closely enough to be
sued, anyway. The shows are considered

“intellectual property.” They’re
protected by trademark laws and highly-
paid attorneys.

If you need more ideas for rich,
dimensional characters, study ghost

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hunting in the past. The subject has been popular in the 1960s, the 1920s, and
throughout the spiritualist era of the 19th
century. You'll find plenty of material
and some biographies to inspire you.

Those can help you with your characters
as well as your story line.

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97. What’s the best haunted house attraction at a theme park?

Without a doubt, Disney’s Haunted

Mansion is one of the world's most
popular haunted house attractions. I like
the classic style of Gracey Mansion (the
real name of the first Haunted Mansion
attraction) at Disneyland.

For size and grandeur, Disney’s

Haunted Mansion at Disney World is in
a class of its own. The company
constantly improves and expands the
decor, too. I’m always impressed.

If you’re a Haunted Mansion
enthusiast, be sure to see the 1963
movie, The Haunting. It inspired many

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elements you’ll see in Disney’s Haunted Mansion attractions.

For fans of “Hidden Mickeys” at

Disney theme parks, learn their locations
before you visit the Haunted Mansion.

The Haunted Mansion is wall-to-wall
images of ghosts and haunted places.

Prepare to be overwhelmed during a
first visit. Also, don't overlook the first-
ever “Hidden Donald”; it’s also at the

Haunted Mansion.

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98. Is Disney’s Haunted Mansion
really haunted?

For years, Disney’s Haunted Mansion
attractions have been connected with
ghost stories. The Haunted Mansion
attraction at Walt Disney World has the
most haunted reputation. I’ve heard
compelling first-person stories from cast
members who worked there. However,
in at least 100 visits, I’ve never
encountered anything genuinely ghostly.

For a better answer to your question,
ask former Haunted Mansion cast
members. Some have websites. Also see
true stories at TheShadowlands.net and

Doombuggies.com.

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For the latest ghost stories, ask cast members dressed as Haunted Mansion
staff. You’ll have the best luck
immediately outside the Haunted

Mansion’s exit. Some cast members are
more chatty than others.

Remember, Disney’s Haunted

Mansion attractions' ghosts are “all in
good fun.” That attraction is designed to
entertain the entire family. For lurid
ghost stories (real or imagined), you’ll
have more success outside Disney theme
parks.

One more tip: Ask about ghosts at the

Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

Some first-person stories from former

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cast members seem credible and
fascinating. That attraction may be even
more haunted than the Haunted Mansion.

Don’t overlook Universal Studios’

theme parks in Florida, too. Search
online (look for “USF ghosts”). Look for
ghost stories about the Back to the

Future attraction, later redesigned as

The Simpsons. Some say it’s one of the
most interesting haunts in Orlando.

(Ghost reports from the old

Kongfrontation attraction are
unreliable. Universal is meticulous
about safety for workers as well as
guests.)

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99. Do they ever film ghost stories in really haunted places?

Yes, they do. It’s happened many
times.

The 1963 movie, The Haunting, used
the Ettington Park Hotel in Stratford-
upon-Avon (England). It’s supposed to
be delightfully haunted. The hotel is
elegant and reminiscent of the famous
movie.

Trivia: That movie’s original — and
perhaps haunted — spiral staircase
reappeared in the 1999 remake of The

Haunting, too.

Another old movie, Hush, Hush,

Sweet Charlotte, wasn’t exactly a ghost 436
story. They filmed it at Houmas House, one of Louisiana’s most haunted houses.

Not far away, several movies were set
in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, at the edge
of New Orleans’ French Quarter. They
include Easy Rider and Cincinnati Kid.

Producers filmed Interview with the

Vampire at other haunted New Orleans
locations.

The Hollywood movie set for the
original movie, Psycho, was supposed
to be haunted. I’m not sure if paranormal
encounters happened before, during, or
after the initial filming. At night, people
were visible near upstairs windows…

when there was no floor to walk on, and

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no possibility of a light near the
window, either. Those may be urban
legends, but I heard enough first-person
stories to think they might be true.

Session 9 was filmed at Danvers State

Hospital, Danvers, MA (USA). The
former hospital and the town of Danvers
have many ghost stories, often
overshadowed by nearby Salem.

The haunted Yankee Pedlar Inn in

Torrington, CT (USA) inspired — and
later became a set for — The

Innkeepers.

I’m sure you’ll find many other
movies listed, online. Look for “movies
filmed at haunted places.”

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100. How can I buy a haunted
house?

Weirdly, early in 2013, a haunted
house in France was listed at eBay for
one Euro. I missed the listing, so I’m
not sure what happened, but the details
appeared on several respected news
websites in the EU, UK, and US.

So, you may want to set up a Google

Alert for “haunted house for sale” or
something like that.

In many states in America, anyone
selling a haunted house must report that
the site has a ghost. So, start by checking
the laws of the state where you'd like to
live.

439

If it’s among the states requiring
disclosure, visit a few realtors and
explain your interests to them.

However, remember the practical
side of this. Most people don’t want to
live in a haunted house. So, some sellers
conceal paranormal activity if they can.

If that’s likely, phrase your questions
carefully.

- Act as if you don’t believe in
ghosts. Make a big deal over the great
location, the swimming pool, or the
quality of local schools.

- Casually ask if the house has any

“charming legends” or “colorful tales”

connected with it.

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- Use the word “ghost” carefully. No homeowner wants to be forced to admit
his house has the “defect” of a ghost.

You may need to conduct your own
research to find likely haunted houses.

Then, see which of them display a “for
sale” sign.

In Austin, Texas, I’d look for any
brick home built by Abner Cook.

Almost every public building he built —
and several private homes — have ghost
stories. However, they’re just his homes
built with clay bricks from nearby Shoal

Creek. His all-wooden structures don’t
have the same reliable ghosts.

My ley lines maps that (literally)

441
connect the dots between haunted
houses. If a house is on one of those
lines, it may be haunted. Start with a
good ley lines map. Then drive around,
looking for realtors’ signs and
abandoned houses. (You’ll find links to
my ley line research at Ghosts101.com.)

Warning: Some haunted houses are
impossible to live in comfortably.

They’re rare, and should be avoided.

Local ghost hunting teams might be
another resource in your search. Often,
they've been called in to investigate a
house that the owners don’t want to sell,
but the site has activity they can’t live
with.

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If the team couldn’t resolve the ghostly problems, you may be in luck. Even if
the house hasn't been listed yet, you
might be the answer the homeowners
need. Generally, they don’t want to deal
with the challenges of trying to sell a
haunted house.

At the other end of the spectrum, a
homeowner might try to use the house’s
ghostly history as a selling point. When
that happens, the sellers ask an unusually
high price. That tactic usually backfires.

They won’t sell the house, but they’ll
have plenty of visitors. For them, it's a
free ghost tour.

After a while, the homeowner usually

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reduces the price just to get rid of the house. That’s the time to place a
realistic bid you’re comfortable with.

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101. What’s next in ghost hunting?

It’s difficult to predict what will
happen next in ghost hunting. These are
my guesses.

Media-driven attention is fading,
leaving mostly serious researchers in the
field. That’s a good thing.

TV producers and networks will seek
more sensational, adrenaline-spiking
ways to present ghost hunting. We’ll see
more silly series, and some unabashed

“freak shows.” (We’ve already seen too
many.) Finally, after exhausting every
possible idea, TV producers will move
on to something else.

I believe Ghost Hunters will be

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among the last canceled. It’s retained a large following of dedicated fans.

Look for independently produced TV
shows with very low budgets. They’ll
air on YouTube or streaming services
like Roku. Fans will have to find those
shows in an uncurated hodge-podge of
good and bad. Nevertheless, I think
they’ll replace traditional TV altogether.

Ghost-related films will maintain their
appeal. At Halloween, movies will
portray haunted places in extreme,
unrealistic ways. That’s what audiences
want.

In general, ghost hunters need more
reliable, educational resources. Too

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many people come into ghost hunting for fame, money, and power over others.

That's produces drama. It also attracts
con men and other criminals. We
reached that phase of the bell curve
around 2006. The good news is, now
that ghost hunting isn’t so trendy: many
charlatans have moved on to other
fields.

I’ve been in this field for over 30
years. The more I study ghosts, the more

I realize how little we know. I have to
revise my theories regularly. I spent six
years studying “ghost orbs,” and had to
admit my early theories were wrong.

Unfortunately, mine was one of the

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earliest ghost-related websites. So, my mistaken theories influenced a
generation of ghost hunters. That’s pretty
embarrassing.

Of course, I’m not alone in my
stumbles and mistakes. We’re all
throwing labels — verbal shorthand —
on phenomena we don't really
understand. We have no scientific
evidence that ghostly anomalies are
caused by actual ghosts.

We need to be flexible and open
minded. Avoid dogma. If we were on the
right track with this research, we'd have
seen clearer, more repeatable results at
least 10 years ago. We need to expand

448
our research to look at far more
phenomena that could influence our
results, not just anomalies.

We’ll learn more about haunted places
thanks to advanced ghost hunting tools
and techniques. We’ll see more
specialized cameras and voice
recorders. Reliable heat and cold
sensors and other devices will be within
most ghost hunters' budgets.

I’m interested in affordable infrasound
detectors. We’re overlooking an
important explanation for some
hauntings. Every site should be check for
elevated EMF, carbon monoxide, and
infrasound.

449

The on-off phenomena with loosened
flashlight connections is interesting. The
technique needs refinement and
standardization. In fact, I'd like more
devices that can return binary results

(on/off) for communication.

The subject of Frank Sumption’s
boxes, usually called "Frank’s boxes,” is
volatile. I don’t think we’ve even
scratched the surface of what’s going on
there. What makes some of those boxes

(and clones) produce astonishing results,
while others do nothing? So far, we
don’t know.

In general, we need to ask more “what
if..?” questions. I'm not certain we’ve

450
identified all categories of ghostly anomalies.

For example, as I’m writing this, few
people check subnormal EMF levels.

Hot spots receive scant attention,
compared with cold spots.

I’m continuing to focus on
geographical and historical patterns.

They might explain and even predict
paranormal activity. Repeating
paranormal patterns could show us why
some locations are haunted.

I’m also working on techniques to
better understand personal dynamics that
can influence hauntings. That's what my
paragenealogy research is about.

451

I believe we’ll gradually understand the broad spectrum of phenomena we
currently call "ghosts.” At the moment,
that goal isn’t anywhere in sight.

Shows like Ghost Hunters, brought
many new researchers into this field. We
have a tremendous opportunity to learn
more about paranormal activity in a
shorter amount of time.

I hope you’ll join us in this adventure.

452

About the Author

Fiona Broome is a researcher and
author. She describes herself as a “blip
analyst,” because she studies things that
are odd and unexplained, especially
ghosts. Most of her research focuses on
the U.S., Canada, England, Scotland, and

Ireland.

Fiona’s paranormal research was first

453
published in Fate magazine in the 1980s. Since then, she’s been a reliable
resource for paranormal researchers in a
variety of fields.

She’s written or contributed to over a
dozen best-selling books, and she's been
a consultant for paranormal TV shows
and the stars on them. Fiona is the
founder of one of the Internet’s oldest
ghost-related websites, HollowHill.com

(now Ghosts101.com) and she’s written
more than 600 articles for magazines and
websites.

Fiona has been a speaker and panelist
at a wide range of international events
including the New England Ghost

454

Conference, GhoStock, Central Texas

Paranormal Conference, and Canada's
annual G.H.O.S.T.S. conferences. Since

2006, she’s been a frequent, invited

Guest and panelist at Dragon*Con.

Fiona’s past and current books
include…

- Ghost Hunting in Haunted

Cemeteries: A How-To Guide

- Is Your House Haunted?

- The Ghosts of Austin, Texas

- Ghost Photography 101

- Ghosts – What They Are and What

They Aren't

- Ley Lines for Ghost Hunters

She’s been a contributing author

455
for…

- Weird Hauntings

- Weird Encounters

- Armchair Reader: Weird, Scary, and

Unusual

- Kick’n' Back in Texas

For more information about Fiona,
visit FionaBroome.com. To learn more
about ghost hunting, start at

Ghosts101.com.

456

Bibliography

Broome, Fiona. The Ghosts of Austin –

Who They are and Where to Find Them.

Atglen: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 2007. Print.

“Ghost Hunters’ Grant Wilson shocking
announcement translates into ratings bump.”

Entertainment Weekly. N.p., 16 Feb. 2012.

Web. 2 July 2012.

<http://insidetv.ew.com/2012/02/16/ghost-
hunters-grant-wilson-rating/>.

“List of Ghost Adventures episodes.”

Wikipedia. N.p., 28 June 2012. Web. 28 June

2012.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Adventures_episodes>.

“List of Ghost Hunters episodes.”

Wikipedia. N.p., 18 June 2012. Web. 28 June

2012.

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_Hunters_episodes>.

457

“The Phobia List.” The Phobia List. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 June 2012.

<http://phobialist.com/>.

Rose, Carol. Spirits, Fairies,

Leprechauns, and Goblins – An

Encyclopedia. New York: W. W. Norton &

Company, 1996. Print.

Smith, Peter Alderson. W. B. Yeats and
the Tribes of Danu. Gerrards Cross: Colin

Smythe, 1987. Print.

458

Document Outline

Contents

101 Ghost Hunting Questions, Answered

Dedication

Introduction

1. What are ghosts?

2. What are some terms that refer to ghosts?

3. What is a ghost hunter?

4. How do I start ghost hunting?

5. How can I join a ghost hunting group?

6. How can I start a ghost hunting group?

7. What’s the best place to go ghost hunting?

8. Why do most ghost hunters investigate at...

9. What can you do to attract ghosts?

10. Can ghost hunting groups investigate things...

11. Why do some people become ghosts?

12. Why do ghosts usually inhabit old, creaky and...

13. Can a ghost follow you?

14. Are some people more receptive to ghosts?

15. When did people start believing in ghosts?

16. What is the main reason ghosts haunt?

17. What makes one house more haunted?

18. What happens if you see a ghost?

19. What’s the difference between a haunted house...

20. How can you find a nearby haunted place?

21. How can you tell if a place is really...

22. What happens if a ghost gets close to you?

23. Can ghosts hurt people?

24. Has a ghost ever killed anyone?

25. What phobias are related to haunted houses?

26. How can I get over a fear of haunted houses?

27. How can I get over my fear of ghost hunting?

28. Are all really haunted houses scary?

29. Are there ghost animals?

30. Is a banshee a ghost?

31. Is Halloween the best time for ghost hunting?

32. Is it good to go ghost hunting on Friday the...

33. If you’re going on a date, should you suggest...

34. How can you catch a ghost?

35. How can you kill a ghost?

36. Is a ghost alive or dead?

37. Could ghosts exist as energy waves?

38. What’s your theory about alternate dimensions?

39. Is it OK for Christians to watch ghost TV shows?

40. Why don’t people go ghost hunting in Jewish...

41. Does the Bible mention ghost hunting?

42. Can an Atheist believe in ghosts?

43. What are the most important ghost hunting tools?

44. What’s the best kind of equipment for a...

45. How do cameras photograph ghosts?

46. How many cameras should you carry?

47. Can you use any digital camera for ghost hunting?

48. What are the best camera settings?

49. What do ghosts look like in photos?

50. How do video cameras show ghosts?

51. What’s the best kind of video camera?

52. Who sells the best high tech equipment?

53. What does EMF have to do with ghosts?

54. What’s the best kind of EMF detector?

55. How does white noise help some people hear...

56. Do ghost hunting apps work?

57. How much should I budget for ghost hunting...

58. How do ghosts turn flashlights on and off?

59. How do people use dowsing rods in ghost...

60. How do people use pendulums in ghost hunting?

61. What do scientists think about ghosts?

62. Is there scientific proof of ghosts?

63. What did ghosts do before electricity and...

64. If ghosts are just energy, how can they...

65. Besides Ouija boards, how do people talk to...

66. What's the connection between ghosts and...

67. Are shadow people demons? Are they dangerous?

68. Are there any grants for paranormal research...

69. What’s the difference between a ghost hunter...

70. Is the ocean haunted?

71. What happens to ghosts after a fire?

72. What’s the difference between a haunted...

73. How do ghosts affect the afterlife?

74. Has a ghost ever reincarnated?

75. Do ghost hunters ever become ghosts?

76. What are good books about ghost hunting?

77. What are the best TV shows and movies about...

78. Which TV show is the best, Most Haunted,...

79. What’s the worst TV show about ghosts?

80. Have TV shows ever found real ghosts?

81. Do TV shows give credibility to ghosts?

82. Why do Ghost Hunters, etc., turn off the lights?

83. Why do the Ghost Adventures team lock...

84. Why did Grant Wilson leave Ghost Hunters?

85. How do I contact the Ghost Hunters TV show?

86. What locations have been used for ghost...

87. How can I pitch a story idea to TV?

88. How can I get my own ghost hunting TV series?

89. What are your favorite haunted houses?

90. About the Lizzie Borden case,...

91. Was there really a Canterville ghost?

92. What’s it like to live in a haunted house?

93. How much does it cost to visit real haunted...

94. Why do some haunted houses require waivers?

95. How should I write a ghost story?

96. How should I write about ghost hunters?

97. What’s the best haunted house attraction at a...

98. Is Disney’s Haunted Mansion really haunted?

99. Do they ever film ghost stories in really...

100. How can I buy a haunted house?

101. What’s next in ghost hunting?

About the Author

Table of Contents

Contents

101 Ghost Hunting Questions, Answered

Dedication

Introduction

1. What are ghosts?

2. What are some terms that refer to ghosts?

3. What is a ghost hunter?

4. How do I start ghost hunting?

5. How can I join a ghost hunting group?

6. How can I start a ghost hunting group?

7. What’s the best place to go ghost hunting?

8. Why do most ghost hunters investigate at...

9. What can you do to attract ghosts?

10. Can ghost hunting groups investigate things...

11. Why do some people become ghosts?

12. Why do ghosts usually inhabit old, creaky and...

13. Can a ghost follow you?

14. Are some people more receptive to ghosts?

15. When did people start believing in ghosts?

16. What is the main reason ghosts haunt?

17. What makes one house more haunted?

18. What happens if you see a ghost?

19. What’s the difference between a haunted house...

20. How can you find a nearby haunted place?

21. How can you tell if a place is really...

22. What happens if a ghost gets close to you?

23. Can ghosts hurt people?

24. Has a ghost ever killed anyone?

25. What phobias are related to haunted houses?

26. How can I get over a fear of haunted houses?

27. How can I get over my fear of ghost hunting?

28. Are all really haunted houses scary?

29. Are there ghost animals?

30. Is a banshee a ghost?

31. Is Halloween the best time for ghost hunting?

32. Is it good to go ghost hunting on Friday the...

33. If you’re going on a date, should you suggest...

34. How can you catch a ghost?

35. How can you kill a ghost?

36. Is a ghost alive or dead?

37. Could ghosts exist as energy waves?

38. What’s your theory about alternate dimensions?

39. Is it OK for Christians to watch ghost TV shows?

40. Why don’t people go ghost hunting in Jewish...

41. Does the Bible mention ghost hunting?

42. Can an Atheist believe in ghosts?

43. What are the most important ghost hunting tools?

44. What’s the best kind of equipment for a...

45. How do cameras photograph ghosts?

46. How many cameras should you carry?

47. Can you use any digital camera for ghost hunting?

48. What are the best camera settings?

49. What do ghosts look like in photos?

50. How do video cameras show ghosts?

51. What’s the best kind of video camera?

52. Who sells the best high tech equipment?

53. What does EMF have to do with ghosts?

54. What’s the best kind of EMF detector?

55. How does white noise help some people hear...

56. Do ghost hunting apps work?

57. How much should I budget for ghost hunting...

58. How do ghosts turn flashlights on and off?

59. How do people use dowsing rods in ghost...

60. How do people use pendulums in ghost hunting?

61. What do scientists think about ghosts?

62. Is there scientific proof of ghosts?

63. What did ghosts do before electricity and...

64. If ghosts are just energy, how can they...

65. Besides Ouija boards, how do people talk to...

66. What's the connection between ghosts and...

67. Are shadow people demons? Are they dangerous?

68. Are there any grants for paranormal research...

69. What’s the difference between a ghost hunter...

70. Is the ocean haunted?

71. What happens to ghosts after a fire?

72. What’s the difference between a haunted...

73. How do ghosts affect the afterlife?

74. Has a ghost ever reincarnated?

75. Do ghost hunters ever become ghosts?

76. What are good books about ghost hunting?

77. What are the best TV shows and movies about...

78. Which TV show is the best, Most Haunted,...

79. What’s the worst TV show about ghosts?

80. Have TV shows ever found real ghosts?

81. Do TV shows give credibility to ghosts?

82. Why do Ghost Hunters, etc., turn off the lights?

83. Why do the Ghost Adventures team lock...

84. Why did Grant Wilson leave Ghost Hunters?

85. How do I contact the Ghost Hunters TV show?

86. What locations have been used for ghost...

87. How can I pitch a story idea to TV?

88. How can I get my own ghost hunting TV series?

89. What are your favorite haunted houses?

90. About the Lizzie Borden case,...

91. Was there really a Canterville ghost?

92. What’s it like to live in a haunted house?

93. How much does it cost to visit real haunted...

94. Why do some haunted houses require waivers?

95. How should I write a ghost story?

96. How should I write about ghost hunters?

97. What’s the best haunted house attraction at a...

98. Is Disney’s Haunted Mansion really haunted?

99. Do they ever film ghost stories in really...

100. How can I buy a haunted house?

101. What’s next in ghost hunting?

About the Author