You’ve just decided you would like to go ghost hunting. You’re absolutely positive that you’re are ready to catch the next paranormal phenomena to enter your grandma’s basement.
However, you realize that you forgot a dowsing rod. Now what? Where do you even begin to look for one? 
If you’re in the market for a dowsing rod but aren’t sure what one is best, you’ll be an expert on dowsing rods by the end of this article. 
What is a Dowsing Rod?A dowsing rod, also known as a divining rod, is used primarily to find water wells, various metals, and even gemstones underwater. 
However, in some past cases, people used them to track missing people who were buried in unmarked graves. This makes dowsing rods an incredible item for ghost hunting because it can see the unseen and guide you to various energies. 
People have been using sticks, twigs, coat hangers, and wires for years as dowsing rods. Traditionally, they were called Y-rods because they were a Y-shaped branch or twig from a tree or a bush.
Depending on the person using the Y-rod, the kind of tree used will differ. Hazel, witch-hazel, willow, and peach tree twigs are the most commonly used. 
With a Y-rod, the twig should move in a twitching like motion when it comes across the conductor. 
What Makes a Good Dowsing Rod?There are a few aspects that make a rod better than others. Firstly, you must have two identical pieces that are the same length. They should be no longer than two feet and no shorter than one foot. 
Some of the most functional dowsing rods have an L-shape on the end to make a comfortable handle.
Without a doubt, the most popular and effective material for a dowsing rod used for ghost hunting is copper. 
Copper is quite expensive but it is one of the better options due to its conductivity. It’s the second most conductive metal on planet earth, which makes it great for finding different energy sources. 
Copper rods are truly one of the most powerful conduits into the world of spirits. 
Now that you know what makes a good dowsing rod, there are a few more aspects of dowsing rods you should know. 
To make sure you get the best results possible with your dowsing rods, be sure to know how they work and how to get the most out of them. After all, the best dowsing rod you can use is the one you’re most comfortable with. 
How To Use A Dowsing RodIn this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know when using a dowsing rod. This includes your stance, grip, mindset, energy usage, and more. 
Get FamiliarOnce you have your dowsing rods, it’s incredibly important to get familiar with them. Learn how they feel, how they move when you move and how they stand when you are still. 
Ask the rod questions while taking it to various spots to see how it reacts. Take the dowsing rod into areas where you know wells are present to understand how the rods will react. 
Then, make sure you take them into an area that has definitive ghost activity to learn how it will react to that type of energy. 
One of the best methods to practice is to have a friend or family member burry a piece of relatively conductive jewelry or a water bottle somewhere in your backyard. You can practice using the rod by walking around until you get a reaction. 
Your StanceWhen using a dowsing rod, it’s recommended to stand relatively still, legs spread slightly and arms held close to your sides. Keep the rod extended out in front of you. 
Relax your legs, relax your arms and take slow and deep breaths. When using your dowsing rods you can think of it and treat it like a meditation. 
You want to be relaxed with a clear mind. If you are stressed, the rods are going to react differently than they normally would. 
The GripMuch like your stance, your grip on the dowsing rods is incredibly important. Everything about this experience needs to be relaxed. 
The minute you start to get tense, the rods will react in a way that you are not expecting, therefore they will produce results you don’t want. 
You should hold the rods tight enough that they won’t fall, but loose enough that they can move freely in your hands when they conduct.
Hold the rods so that rods are parallel to the ground. You want to hold the rods in this position until you start moving. 
Once you’re ready, you can lightly tilt your hands so that the rods are now pointed downward on a subtle angle. Make sure they aren’t pointed downward more than ten degrees or gravity will pull them right from your hands. 
This is where your grip becomes extra important because it’s working with the pull of gravity. Not too loose, and not too tight. 
The MindsetWe’ve already discussed the need to keep the body relaxed and the mind empty. However, it is just as important to go into it with no expectations. 
Entering any type of ghost hunt with a head full of expectations is never a good idea. When you ask a question don’t expect a certain answer, and when you walk into a certain area don’t expect a certain reaction. 
When it comes to ghost hunting, expectations are trouble. The mind is a powerful thing and your energy alone could potentially cause those dowsing rods to move.
The ‘X’ ShapeTake the rods to a place where you know there is ghost activity. Walk around closely until your rods start to form the shape of an X. 
The rods cross and uncross in the shape of an X when magnetic fields, ghosts, water, and other elements beneath the ground are conducted. Once that has happened, you know there is some strong energy coming from something such as a ghost. 
Once you have found the strongest energy source, drop one of your rods on the spot and ask the ghost if they would like to talk. 
This is where your understanding of how the rods react to yes or no will be important. Depending on the answer the rods give you, continue with your questions respectfully or leave the spirit alone. 
Yes or NoOnce relaxed, it’s time to establish how the rods will react to simple yes and no questions. You will need to ask the rods a series of questions to get an understanding for this, but once you are done you can start ghost hunting. 
Typically, if the dowsing rods swing open that is a yes. If they cross into an x that is a no. The best way to establish a yes or a no is by test runs. 
Find some kind of material like a water well, a coin, a gem or metal of some sort and place it on the ground. 
Get in your position and start talking to the rods. Start by asking the rods to lead you towards the object. As you start walking, they will react to the conduit and from there you can establish your yes and your no. You’re almost ready to start ghost hunting!
Never ShareIt may seem harmless to let your buddies use your dowsing rods. However, these rods are incredibly sensitive to different energies and do adapt to how you use them. 
You should never let your dowsing rods be used by another human being, no matter who they are. The energy of a different person will confuse the rods and you’ll get various results that could throw off your hunt. 
Keep your rods to yourself and take good care of them for the best results. 
Conserve Your EnergyWhen you start ghost hunting, be wary of how many questions you ask at first. Especially in the beginning, you will want to take it slow. 
The spirits will be using your body and all of your energy sources in order to connect with the dowsing rod and communicate back to you. 
The more spirits you reach out to and the more questions you ask, the more likely you are to exhaust yourself. Take it slow, only ask a few questions, rest up, and move onto the next spot. 
Picking A Good Dowsing RodWhen looking for a good dowsing rod, you should start with the material. 
Natural materials such as twigs and sticks will work just fine but the best results are done with copper. Copper is such an amazing conduit, if you can afford it, there’s no reason not to go for it. 
Spirits can sometimes be quite sensitive to different materials and will avoid materials that are toxic. When looking for a dowsing rod, make sure that the copper is 100% through and through. 
The last thing you want is cheap materials that are coated in copper. These usually contain high amounts of lead that are incredibly toxic to humans. Whether you ingest it through your mouth, the air, or water, it can be fatal. Ghosts will want to avoid it and so should you. 
Additionally, copper is incredibly smooth and lightweight. You will be less likely to experience any type of fatigue from walking around holding them all night. 
The smooth feel of the rods will help to avoid splinters, cuts, and scrapes which might be more common when using twigs and sticks. 
Taking Care Of Your Dowsing RodsWhen it comes to tools that work with energy, taking good care of them is an important aspect that is often overlooked. You can’t just throw these rods in your dresser drawer after a long night of ghost hunting, you have to treat them like gold. 
Energy is a sensitive thing. Little tiny specs of dirt and bad energies can interfere with results. Not only should they be cleaned and stored well, but they also should be charged with your positive energy.
If you are working with copper, wash your dowsing rods in warm and soapy water. Don’t use any harsh chemicals and don’t let them soak.
Dry them off immediately with a really soft and non-abrasive cloth. Be careful not to scratch them up with steel wool or a rough drying rag. 
Recharging Your Drowsing RodsThe best way to recharge and infuse your rods with your energy is to keep them around you. Keep them close to you during the day and sleep near them at night. 
If you happen to be in a bad mood or think any negative energies might be negatively affecting their ability to work, you can cleanse them.
The process of cleansing your dowsing rods is simple. Simply place your dowsing rods into a ziplock bag with sea salt. 
Make sure the roads are coated in the salt, seal it shut and let the rods rest in the bag for a night or two.
Remove the rods the next morning, clean them off with a non-abrasive cloth, and you are good to go ghost hunting!
The 5 Best Dowsing RodsNow that you know a little more about dowsing rods, it’s time to start ghost hunting! First things first, you will need a good set to use out on the field. Here are our top picks of the best dowsing rods available in 2019.
1. Intuitive Doodlebug Dowsing Rod SetCheck current price on Amazon.
One of the best dowsing rods available online is the Intuitive Doodlebug Dowsing Rod set by FPK products.
These dowsing rods are made out of brass and feature copper and tortoiseshell on the handles. 
These dowsing rods are 13.5” in length and the handles are 4.5”. This is the perfect length for a dowsing rod because they are over 12” long but under 15”. Anything above 12 inches and under 15 inches is highly sensitive and will be more likely to pick up on any energies in the area. 
In addition to the rods, the product includes a pendulum. The pendulum is made out of crystals that contain similar benefits as Ruby and Zoisite. 
The company claims that this combination will help improve your ghost hunting abilities by increasing your own body’s energy field. 
2. Copper Dowsing RodCheck current price on Amazon.
The most impressive dowsing rods are almost always made out of copper.
Any metal will do just fine, but the conductivity in copper is hard to argue with. This set is no exception. 
Made by FM&OT, these dowsing rods were designed specifically with ghost hunting in mind. They are made entirely in the United States. However, the included pendulum is imported from an undisclosed country. 
This dowsing rod set is priced on the lower end, but the quality is not. The handles are 5” long and are made out of copper. The rods are 13” and also made entirely out of copper.
There are no copper coatings, hidden traces of lead, and no cheap materials trying to be covered up here. 
Additionally, the company has included instructions on how to improve your dowsing skills. They also include two glass bottles that you can fill with water or other materials to improve your dowsing accuracy. 
3. Boao 2 Pack Dowsing RodsCheck current price on Amazon.
Next up is the affordable dowsing rod set by Boao. These rods are extremely well priced and make a great option for any beginner. 
They are made entirely out of solid alloy from the handles to the rods themselves. 
These rods are incredibly compact which makes it very easy to sleep with them and keep them close by, which increases their functionality. 
The rods can retract between 5.90 inches and 21.65 inches. This is great because you can pick and choose how much space you need between you and your hunting grounds. While 13” is one of the most ideal lengths, if you need that extra space you have it.
This set comes with a velvet storage bag to keep your rods protected and comfortable. It may seem odd, but the way you take care of your dowsing rods is just as important as the rods themselves.
Storing them in a velvet bag keeps them from getting scratched up.
4. Copper Dowsing Rods with Bag & BookletCheck current price on Amazon.
Here we have another copper dowsing rod set. It is no surprise that two copper sets have made our list since copper is without a doubt the best material for dowsing rods. 
These rods are made by a company called It’s Your Journey, LLC. They are made with top of the line materials and more affordable than many others. 
The rods come in at 9 inches long which is kind of short for a dowsing rod, but would be a great set for those tight spots. The handles are about 4 inches long which is quite average. 
The rods come with a storage bag to keep them safe and a booklet to learn how to use them. 
While the rods themselves are made out of solid 1/8 inch in diameter copper, the handles are made with a copper tubing so that the energy will flow smoothly. This isn’t as ideal as solid copper throughout, but the handles aren’t all that important so they will still be effective. 
5. Enchanted Jewelry Divining RodsCheck current price on Amazon.
Last but not least, we have the dowsing rods from Enchanted Jewelry. These rods made the list for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the company is incredibly reputable and know their stuff. 
Furthermore, the design of the rods is incredible. They are made with copper, although we are unsure if it’s solid or coated. 
The rods come in at 12” long and have a 5” handle. They are pretty heavy which can be beneficial and also problematic. If you have weaker wrists, we wouldn’t advise you to buy these ones. 
However, heavier rods can be beneficial when hunting in bad weather or if you are a heavy walker. They are less likely to move because of wind or because of how your body moves. 
These rods get a lot of praise because of the design. They look great, but function even better. The rods move incredibly smoothly because of a ball-bearing-like construction. 
Combined with a good grip, this should allow you to get the most accurate readings in sensitive environments. 
When buying a dowsing rod, you definitely want to look at how the rods move. If the attachment is cheap it can sometimes be too loose or too stiff which will alter your results. 
Related Questions Is a dowsing rod better than a pendulum?A dowsing rod and a pendulum are actually two different products, but they are quite similar. 
While a dowsing rod responds to ghosts by swinging in and out of an X shape, the pendulum swings back and forth. 
They are both capable of yielding the same type of results with a different sort of method. A pendulum can be used for dowsing, but many have claimed that the dowsing rod is more direct. 
Are there any ways to confirm the dowsing rod picked up on a ghost?Unfortunately, there is no way to ever know if what we are in contact with is truly a ghost. 
However, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to get the most accurate answer possible. 
For starters, find some maps that will show water sources and any underground structures or wells in the area. They shouldn’t be hard to come by if you contact the city or property owners. Even doing a quick search on Google can help you figure out what might be under there. 
If you have eliminated a well, the next step would be to figure out if there are any other conductive materials down there such as gems. Do research on the local area to figure out if that general area has any minerals that would be commonly found. 
If you can’t access any of that information, your last step would be to dig. Dig as deep as you can legally dig and see if anything is down there. If not, you might just have yourself a ghost. 
Any history around that site should be researched to figure out if it’s a burial ground or if there is a known haunted area in that region. 
Last but not least, use other tools to confirm your findings. An EMF reader, infrared thermometer, and voice recorder are a few great tools that can help you determine if what you are dealing with is a natural phenomena or a ghost. 
A lot of ghost hunters will point the EMF reader in the direction where the dowsing rods reacted to see if there is any other activity in the area.
If you are getting EMF signals in the middle of the woods, it is worth looking into. 
Is copper more effective than hazel twigs?When it comes to conductivity, copper is definitely more effective. However, when it comes to dowsing, there is some speculation. Some have claimed that the material is only as effective as the dowser.
You can use the best copper in the world, but if you don’t have a good method, don’t practice, and are uncomfortable or tense the entire time, you aren’t guaranteed to yield any results – good or bad. 
If you are really relaxed, have mastered the perfect stance and grip, and have practiced in different conduits for a few days or even months – a twig might yield more results than you could have ever expected. 
It is more about practice and understanding than it is materials and tools. 

Many paranormal web sites have useful lists that discuss what paranormal investigators should do and not do on a ghost hunt. 

Always high on these lists are: do get permission from the owner of the property, don’t ghost hunt alone, do take a first aid kit, do wear soft-soled shoes, don’t wear perfumes/cologne or use scented soaps, don’t drink alcoholic beverages before a ghost hunt—these recommendations are too numerous to list all here…


When preparing a checklist of dos and don’ts take these factors under consideration: which items you place on your list depends upon what kind of investigation your group is doing. 

For instance, the dos and don’ts change if you are investigating outside as opposed to indoors. They change if you are investigating a large hotel as opposed to an individual residence. So your lists should be revised accordingly.

Below are some of my universal dos and don’ts. Let’s start with some don’ts that apply to all investigations:

Don’t ever discuss what evidence you may or may not have caught during or directly after the investigation with your client. 

The reason for this being you really don’t know if you captured anything until you have time to review the evidence carefully, use a process of elimination to rule out man-made causes, compare notes with your team, and then determine if you caught anything you consider paranormal in nature.

Don’t walk into an investigation expecting paranormal activity will occur.

Don’t share your personal experiences with others on your team until they have had a chance to discover them for themselves.

Don’t ever act unprofessionally during an investigation. Keep in mind the impression you leave with the client can help your team get an additional investigation. Word of mouth can make or break your reputation.

Don’t allow pets or children at an investigation whether they are yours or the clients.

Here are some of my dos that apply to all investigations:

Do keep a positive attitude when investigating. Some spirits can figure out if you are vulnerable and use it against you.

Do get plenty of rest before an investigation and eat a balanced meal.

Do help your fellow team members with all necessary tasks to guarantee the investigation is a success.

Do learn to use all of the equipment properly—before you attempt to use it on an investigation.

Do form a bond of trust with your team members. It is essential that you know you can depend on each other.

Do you have any others to add?

​https://seeksghosts.blogspot.com/2011/05/dos-and-donts-of-ghost-hunting.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR32NfFjNVM2fc51psn2Dxq2gK4MrDDeZoVRimmFL4_irXvO7CoIa45D7VE

You’ve just decided you would like to go ghost hunting. You’re absolutely positive that you’re are ready to catch the next paranormal phenomena to enter your grandma’s basement.
However, you realize that you forgot a dowsing rod. Now what? Where do you even begin to look for one? 
If you’re in the market for a dowsing rod but aren’t sure what one is best, you’ll be an expert on dowsing rods by the end of this article. 
What is a Dowsing Rod?A dowsing rod, also known as a divining rod, is used primarily to find water wells, various metals, and even gemstones underwater. 
However, in some past cases, people used them to track missing people who were buried in unmarked graves. This makes dowsing rods an incredible item for ghost hunting because it can see the unseen and guide you to various energies. 
People have been using sticks, twigs, coat hangers, and wires for years as dowsing rods. Traditionally, they were called Y-rods because they were a Y-shaped branch or twig from a tree or a bush.
Depending on the person using the Y-rod, the kind of tree used will differ. Hazel, witch-hazel, willow, and peach tree twigs are the most commonly used. 
With a Y-rod, the twig should move in a twitching like motion when it comes across the conductor. 
What Makes a Good Dowsing Rod?There are a few aspects that make a rod better than others. Firstly, you must have two identical pieces that are the same length. They should be no longer than two feet and no shorter than one foot. 
Some of the most functional dowsing rods have an L-shape on the end to make a comfortable handle.
Without a doubt, the most popular and effective material for a dowsing rod used for ghost hunting is copper. 
Copper is quite expensive but it is one of the better options due to its conductivity. It’s the second most conductive metal on planet earth, which makes it great for finding different energy sources. 
Copper rods are truly one of the most powerful conduits into the world of spirits. 
Now that you know what makes a good dowsing rod, there are a few more aspects of dowsing rods you should know. 
To make sure you get the best results possible with your dowsing rods, be sure to know how they work and how to get the most out of them. After all, the best dowsing rod you can use is the one you’re most comfortable with. 
How To Use A Dowsing RodIn this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know when using a dowsing rod. This includes your stance, grip, mindset, energy usage, and more. 
Get FamiliarOnce you have your dowsing rods, it’s incredibly important to get familiar with them. Learn how they feel, how they move when you move and how they stand when you are still. 
Ask the rod questions while taking it to various spots to see how it reacts. Take the dowsing rod into areas where you know wells are present to understand how the rods will react. 
Then, make sure you take them into an area that has definitive ghost activity to learn how it will react to that type of energy. 
One of the best methods to practice is to have a friend or family member burry a piece of relatively conductive jewelry or a water bottle somewhere in your backyard. You can practice using the rod by walking around until you get a reaction. 
Your StanceWhen using a dowsing rod, it’s recommended to stand relatively still, legs spread slightly and arms held close to your sides. Keep the rod extended out in front of you. 
Relax your legs, relax your arms and take slow and deep breaths. When using your dowsing rods you can think of it and treat it like a meditation. 
You want to be relaxed with a clear mind. If you are stressed, the rods are going to react differently than they normally would. 
The GripMuch like your stance, your grip on the dowsing rods is incredibly important. Everything about this experience needs to be relaxed. 
The minute you start to get tense, the rods will react in a way that you are not expecting, therefore they will produce results you don’t want. 
You should hold the rods tight enough that they won’t fall, but loose enough that they can move freely in your hands when they conduct.
Hold the rods so that rods are parallel to the ground. You want to hold the rods in this position until you start moving. 
Once you’re ready, you can lightly tilt your hands so that the rods are now pointed downward on a subtle angle. Make sure they aren’t pointed downward more than ten degrees or gravity will pull them right from your hands. 
This is where your grip becomes extra important because it’s working with the pull of gravity. Not too loose, and not too tight. 
The MindsetWe’ve already discussed the need to keep the body relaxed and the mind empty. However, it is just as important to go into it with no expectations. 
Entering any type of ghost hunt with a head full of expectations is never a good idea. When you ask a question don’t expect a certain answer, and when you walk into a certain area don’t expect a certain reaction. 
When it comes to ghost hunting, expectations are trouble. The mind is a powerful thing and your energy alone could potentially cause those dowsing rods to move.
The ‘X’ ShapeTake the rods to a place where you know there is ghost activity. Walk around closely until your rods start to form the shape of an X. 
The rods cross and uncross in the shape of an X when magnetic fields, ghosts, water, and other elements beneath the ground are conducted. Once that has happened, you know there is some strong energy coming from something such as a ghost. 
Once you have found the strongest energy source, drop one of your rods on the spot and ask the ghost if they would like to talk. 
This is where your understanding of how the rods react to yes or no will be important. Depending on the answer the rods give you, continue with your questions respectfully or leave the spirit alone. 
Yes or NoOnce relaxed, it’s time to establish how the rods will react to simple yes and no questions. You will need to ask the rods a series of questions to get an understanding for this, but once you are done you can start ghost hunting. 
Typically, if the dowsing rods swing open that is a yes. If they cross into an x that is a no. The best way to establish a yes or a no is by test runs. 
Find some kind of material like a water well, a coin, a gem or metal of some sort and place it on the ground. 
Get in your position and start talking to the rods. Start by asking the rods to lead you towards the object. As you start walking, they will react to the conduit and from there you can establish your yes and your no. You’re almost ready to start ghost hunting!
Never ShareIt may seem harmless to let your buddies use your dowsing rods. However, these rods are incredibly sensitive to different energies and do adapt to how you use them. 
You should never let your dowsing rods be used by another human being, no matter who they are. The energy of a different person will confuse the rods and you’ll get various results that could throw off your hunt. 
Keep your rods to yourself and take good care of them for the best results. 
Conserve Your EnergyWhen you start ghost hunting, be wary of how many questions you ask at first. Especially in the beginning, you will want to take it slow. 
The spirits will be using your body and all of your energy sources in order to connect with the dowsing rod and communicate back to you. 
The more spirits you reach out to and the more questions you ask, the more likely you are to exhaust yourself. Take it slow, only ask a few questions, rest up, and move onto the next spot. 
Picking A Good Dowsing RodWhen looking for a good dowsing rod, you should start with the material. 
Natural materials such as twigs and sticks will work just fine but the best results are done with copper. Copper is such an amazing conduit, if you can afford it, there’s no reason not to go for it. 
Spirits can sometimes be quite sensitive to different materials and will avoid materials that are toxic. When looking for a dowsing rod, make sure that the copper is 100% through and through. 
The last thing you want is cheap materials that are coated in copper. These usually contain high amounts of lead that are incredibly toxic to humans. Whether you ingest it through your mouth, the air, or water, it can be fatal. Ghosts will want to avoid it and so should you. 
Additionally, copper is incredibly smooth and lightweight. You will be less likely to experience any type of fatigue from walking around holding them all night. 
The smooth feel of the rods will help to avoid splinters, cuts, and scrapes which might be more common when using twigs and sticks. 
Taking Care Of Your Dowsing RodsWhen it comes to tools that work with energy, taking good care of them is an important aspect that is often overlooked. You can’t just throw these rods in your dresser drawer after a long night of ghost hunting, you have to treat them like gold. 
Energy is a sensitive thing. Little tiny specs of dirt and bad energies can interfere with results. Not only should they be cleaned and stored well, but they also should be charged with your positive energy.
If you are working with copper, wash your dowsing rods in warm and soapy water. Don’t use any harsh chemicals and don’t let them soak.
Dry them off immediately with a really soft and non-abrasive cloth. Be careful not to scratch them up with steel wool or a rough drying rag. 
Recharging Your Drowsing RodsThe best way to recharge and infuse your rods with your energy is to keep them around you. Keep them close to you during the day and sleep near them at night. 
If you happen to be in a bad mood or think any negative energies might be negatively affecting their ability to work, you can cleanse them.
The process of cleansing your dowsing rods is simple. Simply place your dowsing rods into a ziplock bag with sea salt. 
Make sure the roads are coated in the salt, seal it shut and let the rods rest in the bag for a night or two.
Remove the rods the next morning, clean them off with a non-abrasive cloth, and you are good to go ghost hunting!
The 5 Best Dowsing RodsNow that you know a little more about dowsing rods, it’s time to start ghost hunting! First things first, you will need a good set to use out on the field. Here are our top picks of the best dowsing rods available in 2019.
1. Intuitive Doodlebug Dowsing Rod SetCheck current price on Amazon.
One of the best dowsing rods available online is the Intuitive Doodlebug Dowsing Rod set by FPK products.
These dowsing rods are made out of brass and feature copper and tortoiseshell on the handles. 
These dowsing rods are 13.5” in length and the handles are 4.5”. This is the perfect length for a dowsing rod because they are over 12” long but under 15”. Anything above 12 inches and under 15 inches is highly sensitive and will be more likely to pick up on any energies in the area. 
In addition to the rods, the product includes a pendulum. The pendulum is made out of crystals that contain similar benefits as Ruby and Zoisite. 
The company claims that this combination will help improve your ghost hunting abilities by increasing your own body’s energy field. 
2. Copper Dowsing RodCheck current price on Amazon.
The most impressive dowsing rods are almost always made out of copper.
Any metal will do just fine, but the conductivity in copper is hard to argue with. This set is no exception. 
Made by FM&OT, these dowsing rods were designed specifically with ghost hunting in mind. They are made entirely in the United States. However, the included pendulum is imported from an undisclosed country. 
This dowsing rod set is priced on the lower end, but the quality is not. The handles are 5” long and are made out of copper. The rods are 13” and also made entirely out of copper.
There are no copper coatings, hidden traces of lead, and no cheap materials trying to be covered up here. 
Additionally, the company has included instructions on how to improve your dowsing skills. They also include two glass bottles that you can fill with water or other materials to improve your dowsing accuracy. 
3. Boao 2 Pack Dowsing RodsCheck current price on Amazon.
Next up is the affordable dowsing rod set by Boao. These rods are extremely well priced and make a great option for any beginner. 
They are made entirely out of solid alloy from the handles to the rods themselves. 
These rods are incredibly compact which makes it very easy to sleep with them and keep them close by, which increases their functionality. 
The rods can retract between 5.90 inches and 21.65 inches. This is great because you can pick and choose how much space you need between you and your hunting grounds. While 13” is one of the most ideal lengths, if you need that extra space you have it.
This set comes with a velvet storage bag to keep your rods protected and comfortable. It may seem odd, but the way you take care of your dowsing rods is just as important as the rods themselves.
Storing them in a velvet bag keeps them from getting scratched up.
4. Copper Dowsing Rods with Bag & BookletCheck current price on Amazon.
Here we have another copper dowsing rod set. It is no surprise that two copper sets have made our list since copper is without a doubt the best material for dowsing rods. 
These rods are made by a company called It’s Your Journey, LLC. They are made with top of the line materials and more affordable than many others. 
The rods come in at 9 inches long which is kind of short for a dowsing rod, but would be a great set for those tight spots. The handles are about 4 inches long which is quite average. 
The rods come with a storage bag to keep them safe and a booklet to learn how to use them. 
While the rods themselves are made out of solid 1/8 inch in diameter copper, the handles are made with a copper tubing so that the energy will flow smoothly. This isn’t as ideal as solid copper throughout, but the handles aren’t all that important so they will still be effective. 
5. Enchanted Jewelry Divining RodsCheck current price on Amazon.
Last but not least, we have the dowsing rods from Enchanted Jewelry. These rods made the list for a number of reasons.
Firstly, the company is incredibly reputable and know their stuff. 
Furthermore, the design of the rods is incredible. They are made with copper, although we are unsure if it’s solid or coated. 
The rods come in at 12” long and have a 5” handle. They are pretty heavy which can be beneficial and also problematic. If you have weaker wrists, we wouldn’t advise you to buy these ones. 
However, heavier rods can be beneficial when hunting in bad weather or if you are a heavy walker. They are less likely to move because of wind or because of how your body moves. 
These rods get a lot of praise because of the design. They look great, but function even better. The rods move incredibly smoothly because of a ball-bearing-like construction. 
Combined with a good grip, this should allow you to get the most accurate readings in sensitive environments. 
When buying a dowsing rod, you definitely want to look at how the rods move. If the attachment is cheap it can sometimes be too loose or too stiff which will alter your results. 
Related Questions Is a dowsing rod better than a pendulum?A dowsing rod and a pendulum are actually two different products, but they are quite similar. 
While a dowsing rod responds to ghosts by swinging in and out of an X shape, the pendulum swings back and forth. 
They are both capable of yielding the same type of results with a different sort of method. A pendulum can be used for dowsing, but many have claimed that the dowsing rod is more direct. 
Are there any ways to confirm the dowsing rod picked up on a ghost?Unfortunately, there is no way to ever know if what we are in contact with is truly a ghost. 
However, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow to get the most accurate answer possible. 
For starters, find some maps that will show water sources and any underground structures or wells in the area. They shouldn’t be hard to come by if you contact the city or property owners. Even doing a quick search on Google can help you figure out what might be under there. 
If you have eliminated a well, the next step would be to figure out if there are any other conductive materials down there such as gems. Do research on the local area to figure out if that general area has any minerals that would be commonly found. 
If you can’t access any of that information, your last step would be to dig. Dig as deep as you can legally dig and see if anything is down there. If not, you might just have yourself a ghost. 
Any history around that site should be researched to figure out if it’s a burial ground or if there is a known haunted area in that region. 
Last but not least, use other tools to confirm your findings. An EMF reader, infrared thermometer, and voice recorder are a few great tools that can help you determine if what you are dealing with is a natural phenomena or a ghost. 
A lot of ghost hunters will point the EMF reader in the direction where the dowsing rods reacted to see if there is any other activity in the area.
If you are getting EMF signals in the middle of the woods, it is worth looking into. 
Is copper more effective than hazel twigs?When it comes to conductivity, copper is definitely more effective. However, when it comes to dowsing, there is some speculation. Some have claimed that the material is only as effective as the dowser.
You can use the best copper in the world, but if you don’t have a good method, don’t practice, and are uncomfortable or tense the entire time, you aren’t guaranteed to yield any results – good or bad. 
If you are really relaxed, have mastered the perfect stance and grip, and have practiced in different conduits for a few days or even months – a twig might yield more results than you could have ever expected. 
It is more about practice and understanding than it is materials and tools. 

https://paranormalschool.com/dowsing-rods-ghost-hunting/?fbclid=IwAR1qftDiwoj66y5Peyeu651pdB1Mv0Jnmu56_esC22xExGYK87qbj2EZdWI​

Ghost Hunting Equipment, Tips & Processes

Since the beginning of time man has been curious about the afterlife. What happens to us after we pass? That 'haunting' question has plagued him and driven him to seek a better understanding through both spiritual/philosophic examination and scientific research.Generally speaking, the field of paranormal investigation has been led by those who prefer to rely on spiritual and psychic means. With advancements in technology and civilizations growing more sceptical many are turning their efforts to focus more on a scientific platform. As paranormal investigators our goal is to provide undeniable proof of paranormal activity and study means in which to advance our knowledge of what lies beyond our current scope.
I will below outline the technologies that can be used for the purposes of paranormal investigation and ghost hunting. Keeping in mind that the field of paranormal research is completely theoretical at this point, we can only speculate as to what can be used and provide advice from people who have experimented which each. I have collected tips and advice from fellow paranormal investigators and noted them in this site, which I hope will provide you with a basis from which to conduct your own research into the paranormal.
Ghost Hunting vs. Paranormal InvestigationsFirstly, I should probably explain the differences between Ghost Hunting and Paranormal Investigations. Although it may seem like the same thing, there is a big difference in the methodology and objectives of each.
Ghost HuntingGenerally speaking, Ghost hunting refers to the action of setting out to find proof of afterlife-based paranormal activity. This is typically done in a location previously deemed as active (or full of 'ghosts').
Paranormal InvestigationA paranormal investigation, however, is performed by a team who sets out to collect evidence to prove or disprove claims or suggestions of paranormal activity. This is typically performed as a result of a client requesting assistance in validating or debunking claims of paranormal experiences.


Before The InvestigationFact Gathering & ResearchThe best tool at your disposal is 'the facts'. Our job as paranormal investigators is to gather as much information as possible. This information will be pertinent in conducting a professional, efficient and accurate investigation.

• Learn as much as you can about the location your are going to be investigating
• Research the history of the location including possible catastrophes
• Interview the client and people who are involved with the location including residents, employees, owners - whomever might have knowledge of potential activity (for the sake of the client's confidentiality, get their permission before contacting others)
• Know your team - know their strengths and weaknesses

Required Ghost Hunting GearFor safety and proper documentation I suggest having at the very least the following items on each person for every investigation.

• Audio Recorder - An audio recorder is a must-have for any investigation - particularly on a client investigation. This is primarily to document the entire investigation as well as protecting yourself and your team in the event the client makes claims later that you said or did something you did not. Having an audio documentation of the entire proceedings should protect you in this event. See more information on types of audio recorders below. I like to call out the time to my audio recorder (called 'tagging') every 20 minutes or so. This is helpful when later reviewing the evidence.
• Flashlight - A must-have for any investigation, particularly at night and in darkened areas.
• Lots of Batteries - Because most equipment utilized during an investigation is portable and requires batteries, make sure to have a stockpile on hand of every type you may need.
• Notebook and Pen - This is particularly helpful when interviewing clients, jotting down areas of interest on an initial walkthrough and documenting activity as it occurs.
• A Watch - A watch is required to 'tag' your audio recorder and to note the time throughout the investigation. One with a backlight is particularly helpful.

Standard Ghost Hunting Equipment & GearAudio RecordersAudio recorders are a handy tool, not only for recording EVP (electronic voice phenomena) but also for documenting your investigation. In addition, this audio documentation can prove to be helpful in the event a client claims you have said or done something you have not.
As noted, the main reason for having an audio recorder on hand during an investigation is to record potential EVPs. This phenomena occasionally is heard when an intelligent being is attempting to communicate with us. This can come through as a voice, taps, or other audible disturbances. This is particularly notable when heard as a response to a question or a request for signs of one's presence.
There are two main types of audio recorders including:
Digital Audio Recorder
Digital audio recorder, a more recent technology, uses an internal hard drive to record audio. This gives you the ability to record many hours depending on the size of the internal drive. They are typically very small and include a manner in which to plug the device into your home computer to retrieve the audio data - typically via a USB connection. This audio is typically in a standard format such as MP3, WAV, or WMV - again, depending on the type of recorder you get. Most recorders will also allow you to separate out audio into folders making it easier to note which segment is for what.

EVP Recorder Wrist Band - Easy to use EVP audio recorder you wan wear on your wrist like a watch. It's easy to use and super 'handy' (haha hand puns).
Most digital audio recorders require a separate USB cable. There are, however, models that plug right into your computer via USB without the need for a cable. I prefer this route as I am prone to losing things and I have enough random cables as it is. I don't need another one.

These units I suggest as they do not require a separate cable.
Olympus - Compact digital audio recorder has a built in USB plug (does not require a cable) and records with great quality up to 272 hours of audio.
Tape Recorder
Tape, recorders, unlike digital audio recorders utilize an analog tape to record. Some stand by this older technology claiming it records in a more natural environment. I, for one, prefer the ease of use and efficiency of the digital. In addition, because of the moving gears used in tape recorders, they tend to pick up sounds generated internally by the device. This can be detrimental to your evidence collecting.
How Do You Transfer Audio From Your Digital Recorder To Your Computer?I get this question a lot. Now that you've gotten your digital audio recorder, how do you get the audio off the recorder on to your computer an clip out what you want. Since, all manufacturers do things slightly different you should really read the manual that came with your device for instructions on how to get the audio onto your computer. That aside, you can generally follow these basic steps:

• Plug your digital audio recorder into any available USB slot. If you're not sure what that is, basically plug it in anywhere it will fit.
• Macs and most PCs with Windows 2000, XP or Vista will automatically detect the device
• Find your device and where the audio files are located.
  • MAC: Open your Finder. You should see a mounted drive in the top left corner indicating the device. Click on that and browse into the folders to find your audio files (typical formats include MP3, WAV, or WMV). Double click the file to listen.
  • WINDOWS: Go to My Computer. You should see a mounted drive somewhere indicating the device. Double click on that and browse into the folders to find your audio files (typical formats include MP3, WAV, or WMV). Double click the file to listen.

How Do You Clip Out Sections Of The Audio And Edit?Now that you've gotten the audio file onto your computer you're ready to review the evidence. Once you've found something particularly interesting you'll most likely want to clip out that section to send to your team for review or put up on the internet, right? To do this, you need a program capable of this. There are many out there, so here are a few I suggest:

• Audacity: A great application for simple tasks like clipping and cleanup PLUS it's FREE!
• SoundForge: This is my favorite application for advanced audio tasks.
• Adobe Soundbooth: The standard Adobe suite for production editing. Works seamlessly with Adobe Premier for integration with video and Flash.

With each of these applications you can visually see the audio levels while you're listing to it. To clip out what you want, simply select the preferred area with your mouse and Copy/Paste that section to a new file. Some applications may also have an option to save the selected area to it's own file.
TIP: When clipping possible audio for evidence, select at least 30 seconds before and after the focal area. This helps those listening to get a better idea of what is happening during the time of the activity.

CamerasOne of the basic function tools of every investigation is a camera. They can be used not only for detecting paranormal activity but for documenting your investigation. There are a number of types of cameras out there serving different purposes.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras are, of course, the easiest to use. Because you can transfer high quality photos directly from a digital camera right to your computer it saves time and money in having to process film. The drawback, however, is that many are not as flexible with their settings and have (in many cases) and long lag period when taking photos.
Camera Modifications (IR/Full Spectrum)

Cameras can be modified to see further into the light spectrum than we can see with our naked eye. On one end of the spectrum is Infrared (or IR) while on the opposite end is Ultraviolet (UV). Cameras can be modified through adjusting or removing filters to see deeper into either end of the spectrum. Conversion of the camera to see deeper into both IR and UV is called Full Spectrum.

There are different theories as to what constitutes good Full Spectrum. In some cases the filter is removed and in others it is replaced to see IR and UV but NOT the visible spectrum. I consider the latter (where visible light is blocked) as a multi-spectrum modification, not Full Spectrum. While this method may be practical for daylight uses where bright visible light can overlap the IR and UV this is not an issue when conducting nighttime paranormal investigations in mostly dark.

Suggested Cameras:

Full Spectrum Digital Camera - Takes quality Full Spectrum photos and video with the convenience and ease of a compact digital camera

Infrared (IR) Digital Camera - Takes quality IR photos and video with the convenience and ease of a compact digital camera

EMF Meters (Electro Magnetic Field)EMF meters measure fluctuations in electromagnet fields (or EM fields). These fields are a direct result of electrical appliances in home, cell phones, power lines outside and even fluctuations in solar activity and weather. Beyond that, a primary theory in the paranormal world is that entities can manipulate these fields in their attempt to manifest themselves or interact with our world. The units of measurement registered on an EMF meter is called milligauss.
There are a large number of EMF meters on the market with various features. The two main differentiation are Single Axis and TriField (or tri-axis) explained below.
Single AxisSingle axis EMF meters, like all EMF devices measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields. These meters, however, read these fluctuations in one direction. Typically this direction is directly ahead of you (as you hold the device in front of you with the display up).
Suggested Single Axis Meters:
Rook EMF Meter - As far as single axis meters go, I prefer this one. It has an audio and visual alarm to alert you when higher readings are detected. Additionally, this meter is built to be less susceptible to interference.
Digital EMF Meter - This meter has a digital display in documenting specific readouts.
TriField MetersTriField meters on the other hand, measure fluctuations in electromagnetic fields but in 3 axis - X, Y and Z. These devices measure in all directions.
TriField Natural EM Meter - This meter is considered the best for paranormal investigation. This meter measures magnetic, electric and radio/microwaves focusing mainly on naturally occurring 'DC' fields. These currents are considered in the field more so indicative of paranormal activity.
TriField Meter - This meter offers magnetic, electric, and radio/microwave detection in one package. Includes an analog readout and an adjustable audio alert. This meter, however, focuses mainly on 'AC' or man-made electrical and magnetic fields. This meter is moreso effective in detecting man-made currents to debunk claims of 'being watched' which can be caused by faulty wiring and/or electrical leakage. For detecting paranormal activity, you're better off with the TriField Natural EM Meter above.


Camcorders / Video Cameras
Another basic tool for every investigation is some kind of video capture device. Camcorders (or handheld video cameras) have become a staple mainly along with the more recent affordability of them. They can be used not only for detecting paranormal activity but for documenting your investigation. There are a number of types of camcorders, modifications and accessories to mold it to your use and investigation style.
Full Spectrum Camcorders and Cameras
Most camcorders can be modified to see further into the light spectrum than we can see with our naked eye. On one end of the spectrum is Infrared (or IR) while on the opposite end is Ultraviolet (UV). Cameras can be modified through adjusting or removing filters to see deeper into either end of the spectrum. Conversion of the camera to see deeper into both IR and UV is called Full Spectrum.

There are different theories as to what constitutes good Full Spectrum. In some cases the filter is removed and in others it is replaced to see IR and UV but NOT the visible spectrum. I consider the latter (where visible light is blocked) as a multi-spectrum modification, not Full Spectrum. While this method may be practical for daylight uses where bright visible light can overlap the IR and UV this is not an issue when conducting nighttime paranormal investigations in mostly dark. Since ghost hunting and paranormal investigating is typically done in the dark, you need all the light you can get.
The PHOTO to the right is a comparison of 'OUR' Full Spectrum and 'The Other Guys' that block visible light. This quick test makes it quite obvious that, in dark situations, blocking visible light can be quite detrimental to documenting anything.

Suggested Camcorders for Ghost Hunting:
Full Spectrum Camcorder - Full Spectrum HD Camcorder and camera. This video camera offers 4K quality needed to capture clear evidence. This camcorder has been professionally developed with UV and IR sensitivity to view the full spectrum of light including light not seen with the human eye.
Dual-Use Camcorder - The benefit of this camcorder is that it can be used for ghost hunting in addition to every day use. This camera has night vision (full spectrum) and normal light modes.Accessories
All cameras (just like our eyes) require a good light source. Many can be attached directly to your camera using a shoe mount or tripod mount. The type of light source depends on the kind of camera you are using. An Infrared (IR) sensitive camcorder should be accompanied by an IR light source which is essentially a light that gives off only Infrared light. A Full Spectrum camera should be accompanied by a special Full Spectrum light source. Some people will use a bright white light source with a Full Spectrum camera. The downside to that is lighting up the whole room while you're investigating. This can be distracting to everyone in the investigation group.
Suggested Lighting:
Full Spectrum Light - Specially made for Full Spectrum video capture this Full Spectrum light has Infrared, Red, Blue, Green, and Ultravoilet LEDs for true full spectrum illumination. No white or clear light are emitted from them helping maintain a low light room while investigating.
Infrared Camcorder Light - This light has 36 LEDs for a good IR light source. It will attach to just about any camcorder via a shoe or tripod mount.

Laser Grid
Have you ever caught movement on camera and you can't quite make out it's shape or whether it even has a mass to it? Using a laser grid helps determine both!

I have been using custom made laser grids for years to more clearly detect when movement happens and help define it's shape and whether it actually has some kind of mass to it. It's best to place a laser grid in front of a running camera throughout the investigation. Upon review if movement happens it will be obviously apparent by the breaking of the laser pattern. You can from there go frame by frame in the video marking where the pattern shifts thereby drawing an outline shape of the entity itself. If the pattern moves a certain way you can even determine if the entity has 3-dimensional mass and map that as well.
Suggested Lasers:
Laser Grid Scope - his high powered laser emits a grid of green dots useful for detecting shadows or general visual disturbances during an investigation. Set it in front of a running camera to catch potential evidence.

Laser Grid GS1 - Laser grid mapping system that creates an actual grid pattern for determining spatial measurements such as size, speed of movement and 3-dimensional volume (3D).

Motion Detectors
Ever received reports of footsteps or shadow people? It's relatively common. Motion sensors are a good way to detect movement.
A motion sensor detects movement within a given range ahead of it and alerts you to the occurrence through an audio or visual alert.
Suggested Motion Detectors:
Geophone Motion Sensor - This ultra-sensitive Geophone circuit 'listens' to vibrations in the ground. The LEDs with light up the moment any vibration or movement is detected. The closer it gets, the higher the LED reading.
Mel Meter Vibe - Simultaneous EMF, Vibration, Touch and Temperature Readout with Red Illuminated Display and Red Flashlight
ThermometersOne theory in paranormal investigations is that entities can manipulate temperature when attempting to manifest themselves or interact with us. You may find cold or warm spots in a room where no cause in apparent. This may be indicative of something trying to make contact.
To detect these anomalies, you will need a thermometer and a little common sense. If you find a cold spot, for instance, look for any possible source of the cooler temperature. Look for open vents, windows and fans as possible sources. Move the thermometer in every direction to find where the area starts and ends. If the anomaly is relatively concentrated in on area with no attachments to possible sources, you may have something attempting to manifest. This is the time to break out your cameras and audio recorders to attempt furthering your evidence with communication and/or visuals.
The biggest mistake people make with thermometers, however, is using the wrong type. Here are the two main types of thermometers:
Ambient ThermometersA probe thermometer includes a small metal rod or 'bullet' used to detect ambient temperature (air surrounding the device). This means you are detecting area around you looking for 'pockets' or abnormal temperature.

This ambient temperature is what you need to detect temperature changes directly around the sensor. Either set it down or move it around to find changes in temperature.
Example Probe Thermometer:
Mel Meter - Backlight probe thermometer with large display detects ambient temperature and EMF.
Infrared / Non-Contact ThermometersMany people mistakenly use an infrared/non-contact thermometer to detect ambient temperature. These devices read infrared radiation from whatever surface it is 'looking' at. This could be from across the room. Most include a red laser light so that you can see where the device is pointing. For this purpose, lets say you're pointing it at a wall directly across the room from you. The laser, itself, has nothing to do with the actual reading. It just allows us to get a better gauge of where we're pointing it. The signature takes the temperature of the surface area and reports back to the device. What you are doing is taking the temperature of the wall across the room - NOT the temperature around you. This serves little or no purpose in detecting cold spots. However, this is effective for detecting potential sources or abnormal temperature. For instance, if you notice a temperature change in the room you are in, you'll want to find a source of that. Point the infrared thermometer at every vent and window to see if colder air is coming through.
Don't get confused! Some infrared/non-contact thermometers do not have a laser on them. So although you may think it's a probe thermometer it may not be. Make sure to read the descriptions on the device before purchasing.
Best Of Both WorldsYour best bet for usage in paranormal investigations is to get an infrared thermometer that ALSO includes a probe (usually called a K probe). This way you can use both techniques discussed above to simultaneously to detect cold/warm spots around you and their possible sources.
Suggested Infrared/Probe Thermometers:
Trigger Thermometer with IR and Ambient Readout - Great compact infrared/probe thermometer includes a probe, backlight digital display and laser target for accurate positioning.

Advanced Ghost Hunting Equipment
BooBuddy Ghost Hunting Bear
The all-in-one TALKING ghost hunting companion with many tools.
BooBuddy is like having an entire kit of ghost hunting gear put together in a trigger object - a cute one. BooBuddy detections EMF, temperature and movement changes then response. Yes, it talks. BooBuddy will respond in a child-like voice to indicate change in the environment such as, "Brr, it's cold in here." and "That tickles." It will also ask EVP questions to promote a response.

• It talks!
• Detects EMF, temperature and motion
• Asks EVP questions

BooBuddy Ghost Hunting Gear - The all-in-one ghost hunting trigger object.
DVR Surveillance Systems (Digital Video Recorder)More info coming soon on...
PC-Based Systems
Stanalond DVR Systems
USB PC-Based Systems
Thermal Imaging CamerasMore info coming soon on...


Experimental
Ovilus
RT-EVP
Puck/The 'Box'Safety & Communication Equipment

• First Aid Kit - It's a good idea to have a first aid kit on-hand in the even anyone is hurt
• Cell Phone - For communication outside the investigation in the event you need directions to a location or need to call 911
• 2-Way Radios - Great for quick communication amongst the team when seperated on an investigation

https://www.ghoststop.com/Ghost-Hunting-101-a/144.htm?fbclid=IwAR3yiTUUbxNuO2BWhzXNKdt2LN2V6SjMEU7A2P94Ue3tmGDqwwdwjptb7SE

It is well-known that the Victorians were keen on science, engineering, and mad inventions. They had a morbid fascination with death, but they had a spiritual side, too. So it was only a matter of time before they became obsessed with spiritualism and the paranormal.
In doing so, they approached the unknown like any other scientific conundrum. They wrote up experiments, tried to attach philosophical treatises to their findings, and considered the illogical, the otherworldly, and the downright bizarre with inquiring and open minds.
Although, occasionally, they were also a bit nuts.
10 Maria Hayden
Maria Hayden was an American medium. In the mid-1800s, she became famous in England as the first medium to demonstrate the new art of rapping, shortly after the more famous Fox sisters had made such an “impression” (also known as a killing) back home.
It is probably fair to say that the media did not treat Hayden kindly. Several Victorian publications set out to ridicule her and her skills. This increased when it was revealed that her rapped-out messages only made sense when she was able to see the letters in front of her.[1]
When she was asked to turn her back, the messages were largely gibberish. This suggested the possibility that they were coming from Hayden herself and not from her spirit guide.
Hayden’s career as a medium seemed to end quite suddenly. She dropped out of the public eye completely and returned to America. There, she trained as a doctor and practiced for 15 years. It was said that she had “remarkable healing powers.” So good, in fact, that she was later offered a medical professorship at a US university.
9 Annie Horniman
Annie Horniman’s background was rather ordinary. Her family had come up with the idea of selling tea prepackaged rather than loose, which was less messy and much more lucrative.
Like all wealthy Victorian ladies, Horniman had a social project. She was instrumental in creating the arts scene in Manchester, working to bring the theater to the masses. She promoted the work of local dramatists, the benefits of which are still felt today as Manchester has the most thriving theater district outside of London.
But a lady has to have a hobby, too. Horniman was a believer in tarot cards and mysticism in general. She used card readings in all her business affairs, though not always successfully.
Along with Aleister Crowley and Bram Stoker, Horniman became a member of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn for the better understanding of the paranormal. She also believed that she could astrally project to other planets, which she visited as frequently as some people pop to the shops.
While on a tour of the universe in 1898, she encountered a “tall, dignified, and winged” man on Saturn. He was dressed in armor and told Horniman all about his “dying world.” However, the man was fearful of strangers. As a result, Horniman and her companion made themselves invisible so as not to alarm him.[2

 8 Annie Besant
Annie Besant was a singular woman. She boldly left her clergyman husband and two children because of her anti-religious views and became involved with a former clergyman, Charles Leadbeater, who was a member of Madame Blavatsky’s Theosophical Society. Besant was much interested in spiritualism of all kinds, believing as she did that “matter exists in states other than those at present known to science.”
Besant wrote a book called Thought-Forms, which was not so much about the paranormal as it was about color. Today, Besant would have been diagnosed with synesthesia as her book explained emotion in a table of colors and shapes. The work gave a fascinating insight into the synesthete’s mind. Apparently, passion is purple.
Later, Besant became an advocate for Indian Home Rule. She eventually settled there and adopted a son whom she believed to be the new Messiah and a reincarnation of Buddha.[3]
7 Helena Petrovna Blavatsky
In 1873, Helena Blavatsky arrived in New York from Russia. She was a philosopher, a student of the occult, and one of the founding members of the Theosophical Society. The aim of the society was to explore the divine powers she believed that humans possessed and thus save the world.
Blavatsky’s particular divine powers included visions, clairvoyance, and conversing with the dead. She claimed that she had disguised herself as a man to fight in the Battle of Mentana, where she was left for dead. But she supposedly used her powers to fight her way back to life. After that, she made a miraculous escape at sea after her ship was blown up.
However, her account lacked proof or credibility. She could not adequately explain why she, a Russian living in America, would want to involve herself in an Italian-French conflict in Rome. Soon, she let this story go.
Blavatsky’s biggest claim to fame was her book, The Secret Doctrine, which explained the birth of mankind from the four Root Races. The first (best) race was as white as the Moon, the second was gold, the third was red, and the fourth was brown which became “black with sin.”[4]


6 Alexis-Vincent-Charles Berbiguier De Terre-Neuve Du ThymAlexis-Vincent-Charles Berbiguier de Terre-Neuve du Thym, whom we will call Berbiguier, was born in France in 1765. It is probably fair to say that he was “troubled.”
In 1821, he published his autobiography in three volumes. It detailed his struggles with dark forces, which had earned him the title “The Scourge of Hobgoblins.” According to Berbiguier, he had destroyed as many of these creatures as possible but had discovered that killing them makes them angry.
Berbiguier refused to be examined for possible mental health disorders, believing all doctors to be ambassadors of the hobgoblin world. He increased his efforts to wipe out the plague of hobgoblins, filling his room with plants supposedly lethal to them as well as some empty bottles in which to trap them.[5]
Berbiguier published his volumes, all 274 chapters of them, which included pictures of the hobgoblins as drawn by him.
5 William Stead
William Stead’s main claim to fame was that he had been aboard the Titanic when it sank. Still, he was an interesting man in other ways. He had been a pioneer of what is now called investigative journalism, writing an expose on child prostitution that ultimately led to the age of consent for girls being raised from 13 to 16.
In 1892, Stead began to report on a different kind of story. He had been getting messages from “the other side.” In fact, he believed that he was receiving messages from a departed fellow journalist. He even employed a team of office staff to record the messages and pass them on to relevant loved ones.
Whether Stead was really getting messages from the dead, we will never know. However, it seems that Stead may have had something of a seer in him because he wrote a short story in 1886 about a ship that sank in the Atlantic.
In the story, the loss of life was so great because the lifeboats could only carry a third of the souls on the ship, leaving many to perish. He also included a warning: Although the story was fictional, it was entirely plausible.
William Stead was not one of the lucky ones who made it onto the boats when the Titanic sank.[6]


4 William Wynn Westcott
William Wynn Westcott was a doctor, Freemason, and occultist. He also worked as a coroner. He was even briefly considered a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case.
In 1887, Westcott claimed that he was given some mysterious documents by a man who promptly died. It was written in a secret code to which Westcott just happened to hold the key.
When decoded, the documents contained the instructions for an initiation ceremony, following which Westcott was “given permission” to found the Isis-Urania Temple of the Golden Dawn.
Westcott’s society took off, and several more temples were built. He was promoted to Praemonstrator of the Kabbalah. However, it seems that Westcott had upset some higher power. He left some of his papers in the back of a taxi one day, and his spare time activities came to the notice of his employers, who took a dim view of coroners being praemonstrators.[7]
Forced to choose between the secular and the divine, Westcott chose the one that allowed him to pay his bills and resigned from the society.
3 Dr. Hippolyte Leon Denizard Rivail
Dr. Rivail was a teacher, doctor, translator, and lawyer. Then he became Allan Kardec, “teacher of souls.” Kardec developed his own brand of spiritualism, which he called “Spiritism.”
After seeing a display of “table turning” in which the “spirit” causes a table to spin, he became convinced that the spirit was trying to communicate. However, three years earlier, Michael Faraday had explained the phenomenon of ideomotor response, in which muscles can move independently of deliberate thought and thus move tables.
Even so, Kardac wrote The Spirits Book, a guide to communicating with the other side. He believed that our bodies are just temporary containers for the spirit. In addition, the spirits of the departed are always with us, being reborn at different points along the ladder of spiritual rank.[8]


2 Daniel Dunglas HomeDaniel Dunglas Home believed himself to be exceptional. On developing an interest in spiritualism as a teenager, he decided not to follow the crowd. He held his seances in brightly lit rooms. Rather than the audience holding each other’s hands, he asked them to hold his hands to prove that he was not manipulating objects himself.
At first, his seances were fairly pedestrian—with messages from the dead and ghostly music emanating from nowhere. Then, around 1857, they began to get more interesting. He made spectral hands appear from the ether. Napoleon III’s wife was even said to have recognized the distinctive hand of her dead father because of a deformed finger.
By 1868, he was able to levitate—not just a few feet off the ground but through an open window three stories up. (Or rather, he went into another room by himself and was later seen outside the window, presumably due to levitation. Then he floated back in.)
Though all of this may seem inexplicable and impressive, Harry Houdini maintained that Home was merely a magician and that Houdini could replicate all of Home’s tricks. Nevertheless, Home was a celebrity of his time and had many wealthy admirers.
There was a certain amount of unpleasantness when a rich widow claimed that Home had swindled her. He responded that she had given him money for his “spiritualistic services” and only demanded a refund when she realized that he would not be performing services of a different kind. A trial ensued, and he was forced to reimburse her.[9]
1 Philippe Nizier-Anthelme VachodPhilippe Nizier-Anthelme Vachod (or his less formal name, Master Philippe de Lyon) was born in France in 1849. Apparently, he was marked for greatness from the moment of his birth. His mother was said to have experienced no labor pains and delivered him singing with joy. As if that weren’t enough, a raging storm was quieted and a shooting star appeared at the exact moment of his birth.
So, how did this greatness manifest itself?
Well, in 1874, while living in Lyon, Philippe worked in a pharmacy and was able to cure the sick without the aid of drugs. Then he studied medicine. But his fellow students were unimpressed by his healing powers, which they felt made a mockery of their profession, and his license was revoked.[10]
He became the personal clairvoyant to Tsar Nicholas II and was said to have predicted the birth of the tsarevitch as well as the forthcoming revolution. Philippe even managed to raise a child from the dead.
However, he was unable to repeat the trick when his own child died. When asked to explain this, Philippe said that he had allowed her to die to save the world from an unspecified and unprovable cosmic calamity.

​https://listverse.com/2019/03/31/10-victorian-explorers-into-the-paranormal/?fbclid=IwAR0H0J7fWAESxu3au1LWIEWG_DPGf9bxyC0FwsIqVqF_XzEb3987Zjw2Gq0

Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather together and be thankful for a multitude of things. Tables filled with food and centerpieces are a must each year. But, what about ghost stories?
Yes, ghost stories are usually tied with Halloween. There used to be traditions surrounding telling ghost stories around the holidays. What about Thanksgiving? A quick Google search for, “Thanksgiving ghost stories” doesn’t come up very plentiful.
Sometimes, the supernatural can shed light on the darkest of mysteries. In 1832, over 57 Irish immigrant workers disappeared near Malvern, Pennsylvania. They were almost erased from history.
Here’s how a Thanksgiving ghost story solved an old local mystery!
Grandpa’s TaleEvery Thanksgiving, twin brothers Bill and Frank Watson used to hear a ghost story from their grandfather. A former railroad worker, their grandpa would retell this spooky story of a place known as Duffy’s Cut, located in Pennsylvania.
In 1909, a man was walking home from a tavern. There, he saw blue and green ghosts dancing in the mist on one September night. The Pennsylvania Railroad kept a record of this incident too!
The man said, “I saw with my own eyes, the ghosts of the Irishmen who died with the cholera a month ago, a-dancing around the big trench where they were buried; it’s true, mister, it was awful. Why, they looked as if they were a kind of green and blue fire and they were a-hopping and bobbing on their graves… I had heard the Irishmen were haunting the place because they were buried without the benefit of clergy.”
After their grandpa died, the Watson twins inherited his old railroad papers. Turns out, their grandpa was the assistant to Martin Clement, the president of the Pennsylvania Railroad. From there, they were shocked to find so many correspondances with the blue and green ghosts in the area. According to Frank, one of the correspondances said, “X marks the spot.” Basically, the twins believed that perhaps there was a mass burial ground created when the landfill was made. This area was also the site of the original railroad bridge.
Digging for the Truth
Smoking pipe fragments excavated at Duffy’s Cut, Pennsylvania. Some of the pipes clearly made in Ireland. Museum location given. Duffy’s Cut was a massive project to basically fill in a ravine so that the railroad could come through. Think of it like leveling a hill. Philip Duffy was in charge of the project. Many of the workers came from Ireland, were poor, only spoke Gaelic and came from a Catholic background. By 1930, Duffy was housing Irish immigrants in his rental home.
So, in 2005, the twins decided to start digging around the area. They were searching for clues. There, they found remnants of a shanty as well as forks. Then, they found a pipe with an Irish flag on it. The brothers realized that they needed more help in order to find more information.
They brought in a geophysicist named Tim Bechtel. His work included earth scans, which is a critical tool to see what’s underground without digging or drilling. As Bechtel started to work on the area by shooting electrical currents through the ground. He soon realized that there were strange areas where the current would stop.
Solving a Murder
Early rail road track or strapping c. 1832, covered wooden stringers (lower). Railroad construction tool (upper). Found at Duff’s Cut near Amtrak Tracks, sort of near Malvern, PA. Location is for the display in Immaculata University. After researching, Bechtel pinpointed key areas to start digging. This turned into a massive excavation project. In March 2009, one of Bechtel’s students made a horrifying discovery; a piece of human bone.
Janet Monge soon joined the forensics team as a key person to help separate animal bones from human bones. Since the discovery, seven human skeletons have been found around Duffy’s Cut. The skulls had cracks in them that indicate that they died from a blow to the head, either from a bullet or an axe. It’s hard to conclude whether cholera was the culprit at the time of death. But it’s clear that cholera didn’t kill the men they’ve found so far.
Remembering the Forgotten
Enclosure near the Amtrak (formerly PRR) tracks near Malvern, PA, built as a memorial to Irish workers who died during a Cholera epidemic at “Duffy’s Cut” – mile 59. Enclosure apparently built with stones used in the 1832 construction, but it itself was built about 1909. When the cholera outbreak happened, many of the workers from Duffy’s Cut tried to run. But when they were looking for shelter, people were turning them away because they were fearful of getting infected.
Feeling lost, the men went back to Duffy’s Cut and the shanty where they were all living. According to the story, they were taken care of by the Sisters of Charity and a local blacksmith. As the men died, they were put in a mass grave, and the blacksmith burned the shanty to the ground.
Clement had been doing hard inquiries into the actual death toll of the cholera outbreak, and he was the one who found out about the 57 men who died. The newspapers clearly underreported those numbers. Perhaps they were silenced by the railroad company?
A Sad Ending
Grave marker at West Laurel Hill Cemetery to memorialize lives of Irish railroad workers lost at Duffy’s Cut in 1832. One of the skeletons was identified as 18-year old John Ruddy from County Donegal. He sailed from County Derry to the United States in 1832 in hopes of finding work. All of his countrymen he worked alongside with would die within two months of arrival, which is exceptionally tragic.
Today, the Watsons want to find every last body so that they can be identified and laid to rest. It’s likely that these men would secretly buried in a mass grave as a cover up so that the railroad company could continue recruiting new workers. The Watsons sorted through their grandfather’s papers in great detail. It turns out that many of these men were not recorded as having cholera, or ever really working for the railroad.
Ghosts Showing the Way
Now, you’re probably wondering; are the blue and green ghosts real? It’s hard to say, since the eyewitness testimony came from well over a century ago. I think there are a few possible theories to this, if the ghost story is true.
Maybe the 57 Irishmen were hanging out around their mass grave in hopes that someone would see them and finally lay them to rest.
Is it possible that the Irishmen didn’t really die from cholera and they were trying to communicate with whoever would notice them. If that is the case, my big question is why were they murdered? Maybe perhaps they died from an accident instead? There’s also the possibility that someone was killing them to prevent the spread of cholera to other people. It’s hard to tell.
Or, the eyewitness who saw the ghosts knew the truth of the men’s fates and was trying to give authorities a hint so that they would go digging and find the mass grave.
Sources
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/08/24/pennsylvania.graves.mystery/index.html
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/irelands-forgotten-sons-recovered-two-centuries-later-9194680/
https://alexmatsuo.com/how-this-freaky-thanksgiving-ghost-story-revealed-a-historic-murder/?fbclid=IwAR06j0UB08nvcs9N72Frx5VHUfEubS6f_PpHugaR8Uw_S0oBgx-nL72P530​

​It's not uncommon to hear investigators on ghost hunts report that their equipment has mysteriously ... Read more at https://www.higgypop.com/news/can-ghosts-drain-batteries/

​​7 Weird Paranormal Experiences That Almost Everyone Has Had And What They Really 
Mean By Brianna Wiest, May 22nd 2018
​
Almost everyone in the world has had at least one experience that they couldn’t explain. It could be a coincidence that seemed too particular to be happenstance. It could be a moment that had no realistic, or even rational, explanation.
What you will notice about these seemingly unexplainable instances is that a strong emotion is almost always evoked. In that lies the key to understanding what paranormal experiences are, and how they function in our lives.
Most supernatural phenomena can be chalked up to something called anthropomorphism. This is the way human beings attribute random, chaotic events to invisible, supernatural order. It helps to make sense of things – and to try to better control them – in an often unpredictable and random world.

This is reinforced by two psychological phenomenons: confirmation bias and anchoring effect. This is the way in which our brains pick out information that supports what we want to believe, and then grows to prefer that which we’ve already been exposed to. Through these two functions, we begin to insulate our lives to reaffirm ourselves.
The “paranormal experience” doesn’t matter as much as what it made the person think and feel. Their response to it is a projection of what they need to know.
This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, we can use these types of experiences to better understand ourselves, and even potentially expand the limits of our imaginations. Here are 7 of the most common ones, and what they might really mean about your life:
1.The experience: speaking to a psychic who predicted a life event down to an eerily specific detail. What it really means: Psychic readings tend to be just vague enough that it can apply to almost anyone. Self-fulfilling prophecy comes into effect, especially when we like what predictions were made. It’s common for people to cherry pick the aspects of a reading that affirm what they already want for their lives, and then made a deeper subconscious attempt to manifesting that.
What it could mean: Everything is energy. Time is an illusion of consciousness. It could very well be possible that some super intuitive people are able to pick up on events in an individual’s current timeline, or events that are happening concurrent to the reading, in another dimension. Some people also believe in fate, or “soul contracts,” which is that some aspects of human life were pre-agreed to, and the intuitive person can just feel what those are.
2.The experience: A tarot card reading that revealed the honest truth about a situation before you even knew it. What it really means: Tarot can be a very powerful process because it is more or less like a new age inkblot test. What you see in the cards says everything about your situation, far more than what they could actually represent.
What it could mean: Some people believe in divination, or the way that celestial beings interject into human life in order to impart wisdom or forewarning. Cards are a means of delivering a message through random means.

3.The experience: Seeing a token from a deceased friend or relative, like a certain type of flower that keeps showing up, or a feather that lands on your hand. What it really means: The brain is constantly picking up on and filtering through different stimuli available in your peripheral vision. That means that if you associate your deceased mother with lilacs, you’re going to be unconsciously seeking out lilacs and then drawing your attention to them, making the frequency of their presence in your life seem higher than normal.
What it could mean: A disembodied energy is drawing your attention to stimuli by making something innocuous (like a feather) come across your path. It is a harmless way to communicate their presence and to let you know that they are still with you.
4.The experience: Waking up in the middle of the night, not being able to move, and seeing or hearing disembodied spirits talking or interacting with you .What it really means: Sleep paralysis is a heavily studied medical phenomenon, in which the brain puts the body to sleep, but the mind stays awake. Hallucinations occur, often in the form of a demon or dark figure “pushing down on you” or holding you in place, which is likely a projection of the feeling that is being paralyzed.
What it could mean: This is also a way in which people report having out of body experiences, in which they meet and communicate with beings who have important messages for them, or get to experience a dimension parallel to this one.
5.The experience: A friend calling as soon as you think of them, as though you were communicating telepathically. What it really means: It’s likely that you’re falsely associating having thought of them with being contacted by them. There are likely dozens of times you’ve thought of them without anything happening further. It’s just another case of confirmation bias, most likely.
What it could mean: Given that everything is fundamentally and essentially connected, it’s not impossible to wonder if we have the potential to communicate through nonverbal means (groups of animals do this when they flock together). It’s not that outlandish that humans could, too.
6.The experience: A visitation from a ghostly figure, especially if it is repeated or randomly in the middle of the night .What it really means: It’s most probable that there’s some other kind of stimuli in your life that’s spooking you, and that fear response is heightening your sensitivity to small sounds, smells or flashes that are normally present, but this time, you’re piecing them together to create an idea of something else being present in your home. It’s more important to consider what’s happening in your life at the time, and why it would seem necessary for you to believe that there is an invisible force in your home terrorizing you (for example, consider what invisible emotion or idea is scaring you in reality).

What it could mean: You could be seeing glimpses of disembodied energy, whether you believe that is a particular soul, or just a pocket of energy that doesn’t have anywhere to go (especially if it’s been built up, like a poltergeist).
7.The experience: Receiving signs that you’re meant to be with a certain person, to the point that it appears undeniable that you’re soulmates. What it really means: The only sign that you are “meant to be with someone” is that you are with that person. When we are uncertain and scared when a relationship isn’t working out (or might not work out) we look to external, supernatural “signs” to give us a sense of control and certainty that does not inherently exist.
What it could mean: When two people are right for each other, many things synchronize. You have the same taste in music, interests, you’re in the same geographic location, you just “click.” It can be easy to feel as though all of these things mean some external force is telling you that you’re supposed to be together when in reality, you’re probably going to be together because all of these things are aligned