[Previous articles have discussed the nature of ghosts, how people usually perceive hauntings, and typical preparations for an investigation of a haunted site.]
Here's what happens when the investigation team gathers for a "ghost hunt":
We usually meet somewhere for a cup of coffee ahead of time. This gives us a chance to meet anyone who's new, and to discuss our plans and expectations for the investigation. We compare maps, and review any photos taken at the site on previous visits. After an hour or so, while it's still light out, we drive to the haunted site.
Getting to the site
Generally, we take more than one car. There are many good reasons for this. Ghosts can play pranks with anything electrical. It's never a surprise when someone's car abruptly quits running, or won't start, at a very haunted location.
Also, if new ghost hunters are included in the group, they sometimes discover that they aren't really ready for the range of things that can happen on an entirely routine ghost investigation. With an extra car, nervous people can leave the site early and not disturb the research.
However, cars aren't the only electrical systems affected by the paranormal. For example, at Gilson Road Cemetery in Nashua, New Hampshire, we've discovered that cell phones usually won't work within the cemetery walls. Five feet outside the cemetery--in any direction--the phones are suddenly fine again.
Cameras--especially video cameras--seem to fail in very haunted settings, too. Many of us carry more than one camera, so if one won't work, another might.
Getting our bearings
When we arrive at a site, if someone has been there before, he or she gives the group a quick tour, pointing out important landmarks, and hazards such as irregular terrain or snakes.
Bug spray is administered to those who discover that they need it. Spare EMF meters, pendulums, compasses, and other tools are distributed to the researchers who don't have their own.
Then everyone spends about ten minutes looking around, and getting their bearings.
Next, we begin our work.
Research and study
Some people may have brought scientific and psychic detection devices. Many of them must be used while daylight remains. These can include EMF meters, compasses, heat sensors, or metal detectors. Psychic tools include Ouija boards, pendulums, Tarot cards, and paper for automatic writing.
Some people will simply walk around and see what they sense, either with the normal five senses, or psychically.
Still others begin taking pictures, since the hour before dusk can be just as active (for paranormal phenomena) as later in the evening.
