Psychic skills and sensitivity can be useful during ghost investigations. That’s our opinion at Hollow Hill, anyway; in the late 1990s, one ghost hunting ’society’ required members not to include psychics in research. (They’ve since changed their tune.)

But, simply being psychic–we believe that most people are psychic–isn’t enough. In fact, there is such a thing as being ‘too psychic’ on ghost hunts. If you’re picking up energy from other researchers as well as the ghosts, it can feel like a dozen radios are blaring at once.

Here are our tips to enhance your psychic skills for a ghost hunt.

Clear your mind

Before a ghost investigation, take out your planner or a sheet of paper, and jot down anything that you can think of that you need to do. Whether you need to remember that tomorrow is trash day, or if you have a book to return to the library, if that thought keeps swimming around your brain, write it down. Just a few notes may be enough. The point is to reduce or halt the self-talk in your head.

Eat well, but not too much

Before every ghost hunt, eat a light meal. Be sure to include some protein, since it digests more slowly than carbs and will prevent hunger pangs during your research. Never overeat; whether you get heartburn or just a heavy feeling, too much in your stomach can be a distraction. Likewise, avoid spicy foods if your digestion is sensitive.

Skip dessert. Carbohydrates can cause drowsiness or anxiety, and leave you less sharp for the investigation.

Avoid alcohol, too much caffeine, and unnecessary drugs

Alcohol can distort your perceptions more than you realize at the time. Caffeine ‘jitters’ can compound your anxieties during a scary ghost hunt. Unnecessary and/or recreational drugs can also alter your perceptions and impair your psychic abilities.

‘Wash off’ the day’s energy, if that helps

Do you have routines that help you shed the cares and worries of the workday? Some people take a drive with the windows open. Others like a hot shower or bath. For some, the answer is a few minutes in a comfortable chair with classical music playing. Or, you may enjoy a few minutes of a TV show or a DVD that helps you disengage from the day’s activities. If you need an activity that marks the closure of the workday and the start of your own time, be sure to include that, no matter how rushed you are.

Do some psychic warm-up exercises

Immediately before going on a ghost hunt, you may want to do some psychic ‘warm ups’ so that you’re more receptive. While we advise against using Ouija boards during ghost hunts, any divinatory tool can be helpful for some brief exercises to open your psychic centers. (However, if this makes you uncomfortable or conflicts with your religious beliefs, don’t use divinatory tools.)

We especially like to use a Tarot deck with light, simple images. Choose a subject that won’t make you worry, such as a three-card spread (past, present, future) about the weather, or what’s likely to happen on your favorite TV show.

Or, use a pendulum to ask a couple of light, yes/no questions. For example, ask if you’ll need an umbrella tomorrow.

These kinds of exercises can open that ‘third eye’ or however you think of your connection to the unseen world. Keep this short, simple, and light, and you may enjoy better results during your ghost hunts.