Hollow Hill

How to Find Haunted Cemeteries – Video Lesson

Are you looking for ghosts? Start with haunted cemeteries. Many of them aren’t just haunted… they’re very haunted.

This video will help you learn the basics and find haunted cemeteries near you.

Tips for Finding Haunted Cemeteries

People drive by cemeteries every day and don’t notice them. The more ignored the cemetery is, the more likely it is to be haunted. Abandoned cemeteries and neglected graveyards are among the best for your research.

Haunted cemeteries are often in the middle of nowhere or — at the opposite extreme — they’re near strip malls, motels, home improvement superstores, and used car lots. Always look in back of malls and superstores. You may be surprised at what’s behind them or nearby.

For some reason — I don’t know why, yet — the left side (or back left corner) of haunted cemeteries is often odd. The fence is broken, or that corner of the cemetery is neglected, or it’s strangely dark in that corner.

You’re also looking for 19th-century graves or evidence that the cemetery was at its peak in the 19th century. Those cemeteries and graves are often the most haunted.

(If you’re looking for information about specific cemeteries online, remember that people sometimes misspell “cemetery” as “cemetary,” “cemetry” or “cementary.” Use those spellings at search engines and you may find ghost stories, too.)

Once you’ve identified a cemetery that might be haunted, it’s time to explore the graves and headstones (usually in daylight, at first) for places to research.

How to Find Haunted Graves

Here’s a video with real-life examples, to help you find haunted graves.

More tips for finding haunted graves.

Gravestones that indicate money, power, tragedy, or drama. Inscriptions and artwork can reveal a lot about the person and the circumstances of his or her death.
Graves with multiple spouses, especially if the gravestone is unusual.
Family plots that are missing some headstones, or have one or more unmarked graves.
Grave markers that aren’t aligned with the other headstones in the cemetery. Generally, headstones in 19th-century cemeteries (or earlier) are aligned in an east-west direction. If one or more aren’t, investigate why.
Look for unmarked, neglected, abandoned, and old, vandalized graves. (Avoid recently vandalized graves. They’re not worth the potential trouble from the living and the dead.)
Generally, look for anything odd about a grave or a family plot.

Haunted cemeteries can be the best places for paranormal research. Though “creepy” cemeteries can be worth checking, some of the best haunted graves are in cemeteries that are simply overlooked or neglected.

The photos in this video are from a cemetery on Rte. 3, just north of the Tilton (NH) outlet malls, and a nearby cemetery at Arch Hill in Northfield, NH.

For more videos about ghost hunting, see my YouTube channel, Ghosts and Haunted Places, with Fiona Broome.

If you’re interested in learning more, read my book, Ghost Hunting in Haunted Cemeteries.

In that book, you’ll discover:

How to find “forgotten” cemeteries in your area.
Exactly what to look for (and where the “hot spots” usually are).
What gravestone inscriptions and artwork can mean, and…
How to uncover the ghosts’ real stories.

You’ll also learn tips to help your ghost hunting team get the most from each investigation.

Haunted cemeteries are among the best investigation sites for beginners and pros, alike. It’s where the ghosts are!

Possessed? Need help?

“I am possessed. Please help me.” “My sister needs an exorcism.” “I think my house has a demon.”

That’s what’s in my email most days.

Unfortunately, replying to those emails takes time away from my real research: Documenting and predicting phenomena that could explain ghosts, hauntings, and other possibly related anomalies.

(My work does not include demons, alien abductions, or Bigfoot research. I doubt that it ever will.)

So, I cannot answer emails or comments about dark, malicious, or demonic entities and possessions.

Here’s what you need to know…

Ghost Hunter's Survival Guide by Michelle Belanger — Excellent personal advice and academic research about spiritual dangers in ghost hunting.

Demonic possessions are very serious. The good news is, they’re also rare.

Other things can look like demons or possessions. In the vast majority of cases, the person is not possessed, is not tormented by demonic entities, and the best help does not involve an exorcist.

Devil possessions and demonic possessions — two different things — have been studied for centuries from a variety of theological and practical viewpoints.

Generally, no one wakes up one morning and is suddenly possessed. It doesn’t happen. There were always many warning signs of increasing intensity, and they built up over a period of time.

What you can do

If someone does transform overnight, suspect a medical issue. Call the person’s doctor.

If the person seems to be transforming gradually, and turning from happy and normal to dark, brooding or even malicious, you’ll still want to alert the family physician. The cause might be something physical, such as a reaction to food or a medication.

However, I also recommend contacting a professional in the spiritual/religious community. It doesn’t have to be someone at a church that you (or the victim) go to… or even believe in. It simply needs to be a traditional and/or mainstream church: When you might be dealing with a malicious spirit, you need someone with spiritual experience.

Was a Ouija board involved?

In most cases, the problem started with a Ouija board — or some other divinatory technique — in the hands of someone who didn’t understand the risks. (I’ve already weighed in on that subject, in other articles.)

Whatever you do, do not burn the Ouija board… or anything else that might be possessed.

Consult a demonologist about how to dispose of it, safely.

Are you in danger?

Are you afraid for your personal safety, or the victim’s? If this issue has been building for awhile, but you thought it’d go away on its own, contact a demonologist, a priest or a minister right away.

Don’t keep searching the Internet for answers. If anyone is in danger, contact someone in your community today. If they don’t have enough expertise to deal with the issue, see my Recommended Resources list, below.

**If your house may have a demonic entity**

If something odd is going on and you feel in great danger, get out of that house.

Never stay in a situation where you feel in danger. Even if it turns out to be something normal — such as EMF issues from unshielded electrical wiring — your safety must come first.

Possessions are rare

Remember, the answer to strange behavior — especially sudden and dramatic personality changes — is rarely anything demonic.

If you aren’t sure, contact someone who can determine your level of danger.

Recommended resources

If you need help, find out more at: If You’re Frightened and Need Help.

When you contact a demonologist, expect them to eliminate normal (if odd) issues, first. This may include consulting a medical doctor or other professional.

Don’t feel insulted. It’s nothing personal.

In fact, those early steps are routine. Just like a “haunted” stairway might simply be out of alignment, some “demonic” activity can be triggered by drug interactions, a food sensitivity, etc.

The demonologist isn’t trivializing what’s going on. He or she is simply ruling out the odd (but normal) things that can look remarkably like something demonic.

I’m sure there are other excellent professionals in this field, but I only recommend people I know well and have worked with in real life.

My best recommendations are listed, above. Dark, malicious, and demonic possessions are outside my expertise. If you think you’re possessed, contact experts in that field. Stop looking for answers, online. Get help now.

Exorcisms and Demons

Exorcisms date to earliest times. The belief in demons and demonic influence is documented in many pagan cultures, beliefs and practices.

However, not all demonic possessions were attributed to evil spirits. For example, in classical Greek, daimonan merely means to be mad or insane.

The treatment for that kind of demonic problem is less than — and very different from — the rituals used to drive out malicious entities or spirits.

As I explained in Possessed? Need help?, the vast majority of so-called demonic possessions have nothing to do with demons… or even ghosts.

Before deciding that you’re dealing with demons, calmly evaluate the situation.

What you’ve seen on TV is often created to make the show more sensational and increase ratings. That’s entertainment, not reality.

Modern and historic exorcisms range from simple to complex, but they generally have one element in common.

Pagan and earth-based rituals often involved salt and/or water, or herbs, or some blessed object, plus a casting-out ritual invoking the name and assistance of Deity.

Modern-day rituals also use holy objects plus the name or names of Deity to empower the rite.

In other words, most traditions recognized that spiritual assistance is necessary to cast out — or reject the influence of — an entity with evil intentions.

Development of exorcisms

Over many centuries as religions emerged, very precise and effective exorcism rituals were developed. In the Jewish faith, exorcisms were fine-tuned and included specific names, varying with the situation.

From the 1913 edition of The Catholic Encyclopedia:

“The chief characteristic of these Jewish exorcisms is their naming of names believed to be efficacious, i. e. names of good angels, which are used either alone or in combination with El (= God) … it was considered most important that the appropriate names, which varied for different times and occasions, should be used.

“…It was a popular Jewish belief… that Solomon had received the power of expelling demons, and that he had composed and transmitted certain formulae that were efficacious for that purpose.” (emphasis added)

In other words, there are specific rituals that work. Others can do more harm than good. That’s important to keep in mind.

Today, many exorcists rely on the rituals documented in church history. Whether they believe in Jesus Christ or not, many exorcists note that the use of Jesus’ name seems to be among the most effective for banishing a demonic presence.

However, inexperienced ghost hunters and paranormal researchers usually don’t know the difference between a demonic possession and the far more dangerous devil (or Devil) possession.

They are two different issues, and must be treated differently.

Types of Christian exorcisms

Christian exorcisms trace their roots to the ministry of Jesus.

There are three kinds of exorcisms in the historic church:

Baptismal exorcism, performed when someone is accepted (baptized) into membership in the church.
Simple exorcism, including the blessing of a house.
The Rite of Exorcism, used to cast out demons or the Devil from a human.

A traditional baptismal exorcism includes phrasing that is the basis for many other kinds of exorcisms.

The following text is from the 1894 book, The Glories of the Catholic Church – The Catholic Christian Instructed in Defence of His Faith.

Then the priest proceeds to the solemn prayers and exorcisms, used of old by the Catholic Church in the administration of baptism, to cast out the devil from the soul, under whose power we are born by original sin. ” I exorcise thee,” says he, ” O unclean spirit, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, that thou mayest go out, and depart from this servant of God, (name of the afflicted) ; for He commands thee, O thou cursed and condemned wretch, who with His feet walked upon the sea, and stretched forth His right hand to Peter that was sinking. Therefore, O accursed devil, remember thy sentence, and give honor to the living and true God. Give honor to Jesus Christ His Son, and to the Holy Ghost, and depart from this servant of God.”

Those kinds of prayers and rituals were developed over many centuries, and refined to work as quickly and effectively as possible.

A well-researched book with a wider range of spiritual protections.

Other religions and spiritual traditions may use different approaches.

However, most demonologists explain that exorcisms rarely work on the first try. The person may seem to be free of the demons, but relapse later. It’s not unusual to require ten or more rituals of exorcism, and each one of them can be excruciating and exhausting for everyone involved.

In addition, treating a non-demonic situation as if demons are involved can be dangerous. It can trigger mental, emotional, physical and spiritual issues that weren’t a problem before the attempted exorcism.

For this reason, physical and mental illnesses must be ruled out before an exorcism begins. No one, including the afflicted person, should have to go through an exorcism if other treatment — medical or pastoral — is more appropriate.

Experience matters

Even it appears that a demonic entity is the cause of the problem, the solution isn’t always simple.

In the hands of someone inexperienced, exorcisms can go horribly wrong. The methods and rituals that can drive away malicious spirits that were once human, and cause lesser demons to cower, can make things worse if a more powerful presence is involved.

Currently, the biggest liability is the example set by TV show and movies.

Even when they’re presented as “reality” shows — a loophole that allows networks to pay far less than an actor would earn in a regular TV show — what you’re seeing may not be reality… or anything even vaguely like it.

Waving a cross and walking briskly through a “possessed” house is not a Rite of Exorcism.

In addition, deciding that something is definitely demonic after just one visit… that’s not what really goes on in this field, either.

One of our biggest concerns is the number of people who see something on TV and think that’s what real paranormal researchers do.

They either emulate what they’ve seen acted-out on TV, or — if they’re clients — they expect the team (or expert) to do what was shown on TV.

Both are unhealthy approaches, and they can even be dangerous.

For that reason, we recommend contacting an experienced demonologist if someone is dealing with a potentially dangerous possession.

Remember that a demonologist is someone with expertise in the field of demons. A demonologist may also be an exorcist, but many demonologists work with exorcists and do not initiate the rituals themselves.

Exorcists must know how to identify an actual possession — since most cases appear to only mimic possession — and which rituals and practices to use at each level of actual possession.

—

Illustration modified from a photo by Ricardo Ortiz

Poltergeists – What They Are, and Famous Stories

Poltergeists cause unexplained noises, and move objects with unseen hands.

At many hauntings, those mischievous (and sometimes angry) spirits throw things… sometimes vigorously.

On TV, one of the most famous examples was in the Ghost Adventures episode filmed at the Goldfield Hotel.

Though I can’t clearly see enough to claim it’s a genuine event, Zak Bagans continues to refer to it as one of the scariest moments in the show’s history.

If he had reason to suspect it was a hoax, I doubt that he’d keep revisiting this topic. He’d probably hope people forgot it.

So, I take this seriously. (Note: Often, Zak – or the show’s producers – and I have very different views about ghost hunting and safety issues.)

Ghost Adventures Flying Brick 1080p HD

Goldfield, Nevada, Goldfield Inn evidence of paranormal. Brick flying across room from unknown force captured in 2008 by Zak B. and Nick G. during their firs…

According to Wikipedia,

In folklore and parapsychology, a Poltergeist (German for ‘noisy ghost’ or ‘noisy spirit’) is a type of ghost or other supernatural entity which is responsible for physical disturbances, such as loud noises and objects being moved or destroyed. They are purportedly capable of pinching, biting, hitting, and tripping people. Most accounts of poltergeists describe the movement or levitation of objects such as furniture and cutlery, or noises such as knocking on doors.

Professional opinions

Among paranormal researchers, opinions vary widely. Some insist that a ghost – and only a ghost – causes the activity.

Others believe a living person triggers it, and is sometimes the target of particularly vicious physical attacks.

And some dismiss poltergeists entirely. They point to hoaxes, and vibrations from sources such as a passing train or heavy truck.

No simple, single answer that applies to all cases.

In my opinion, people who casually shrug off all poltergeists have never witnessed much poltergeist activity.

I’ve seen enough to believe it’s real, and sometimes very dangerous.

When poltergeist activity is infrequent or not especially dangerous, a bowl of salt seems to reduce or eliminate the problem. Place the salt where most of the activity occurs.

Of course, if the activity puts anyone at risk – especially physically – it’s important to get professional help quickly. I refer people to spiritual advisors such as priests and ministers.

However, avoid leaping to idea that the activity is demonic. That’s very rarely the case.

Meanwhile, some scientists are aggressively studying psychokinesis (PK), which may explain some poltergeist activity. So, we may have better answers, soon.

More about poltergeists

The following references may be useful:

Colin Wilson – Ghost Sightings

This book reads like a children’s series of “ghost stories.” But, it’s actually filled with unique and fascinating information about ghosts and poltergeists.

He was the first researcher I heard mention an eerie connection between poltergeist activity and water, especially unexplained water residues.

Often overlooked by researchers, this book is among my favorite resources for unusual insights about the spirit world. I keep a copy by my desk. Though the stories and descriptions seem light, Wilson includes some unique and useful insights.

Also, I agree with Wilson when he says, “…the evidence is that we do continue to exist. And I don’t think that there’s any possible doubt about it.”

Winchester Mansion (aka Winchester Mystery House) – Wikipedia entry

One of the world’s strangest and most haunted houses. Often, its poltergeist activity is accompanied by small, unexplained pools of water. Those pools occur in rooms with no windows and no adjoining plumbing.

Cases: The Drummer of Tedworth, Enfield Poltergeist

(I will write more about these events, later, and include previously unreported facts. They may shed new light on these famous poltergeist stories.)

Movies: The Entity

This movie — difficult to find as a DVD, since the movie studio discontinued it — is one of the most notorious stories of poltergeist activity.

It also claims it’s based on a true story. Frankly, I’m not convinced, and I don’t recommend it. The content in this film is very disturbing, and sexually explicit. And, oh yes, not very realistic.

Produced in the early 1980s, the movie is dated. Those who’ve watched it consistently describe it as sick, and too realistic for entertainment.

That may be why the movie was discontinued. Or, the atmosphere it created around viewers may have attracted annoying – or even worrisome – entities.

Books: Harry Potter books, by J. K. Rowling

The poltergeist, Peeves, appears during every school year. However, when he is visible, he generally looks solid. (That’s not common among poltergeists. Few appear in visible form.)

Other Hogwarts spirits, such as Nearly Headless Nick, usually look translucent and slightly glistening or pearlescent. They’re more likely to be ghosts, not poltergeists.

Note: Peeves wasn’t in the Harry Potter movies, but he is in a video on YouTube:

In general, I regard poltergeists as mischievous spirits, sometimes given energy by emotional people (especially young teens) in the general vicinity.

Ignored, their activity may seem to get worse, briefly, and then stop or occur infrequently. So — in the long run — it’s best to give them minimal attention, before taking more aggressive steps to deal with the situation.

Salem Witch Hangings, Proctor’s Ledge, and Gallows Hill

The mystery may have been solved.

According to recent research, Gallows Hill Park in Salem, Massachusetts, isn’t where the accused “witches” were hanged. It seems that the real location might have been nearby Proctor’s Ledge.

I’ve been waiting for this announcement since October 2008. Despite my ley line map that seems to point to Gallows Hill Park, I’ve suspected that the real 17th-century crimes took place a block or two away. (It was one of those “gut feelings” you’re likely to experience once you’ve been ghost-hunting for a while.)

Of course, I’m chagrined that my ley line map is no longer as straightforward and tidy as it had been, before this discovery. However, I’d rather have the truth… and a genuine history to work with, for future Salem investigations.

Meanwhile, the media describe Proctor’s Ledge as “at the back of a Walgreens.”

Technically, that’s true. However, the neighborhood is mostly residential, with a Walgreens store & pharmacy at the foot of the hill.

If you investigate around Proctor’s Ledge, remember that much of the surrounding area is private property.

In addition, I’m not sure you need to hike into the slightly wooded area to conduct ghost research. A quiet stroll around the neighborhood— not disturbing the residents— may provide the paranormal experience you’re looking for. (See my story, below.)

More news reports

- Researchers confirm site of Salem’s hangings (Boston Globe)
- Actual Site of Salem Witch Hangings Discovered (CBS Boston)
- Researchers confirm site of hangings for Salem witch trials (Chicago Tribune)

My story

Since Halloween (Samhain) eve in 2008, I’ve been waiting for this announcement. That’s when psychic Gavin Cromwell — not related to me, as far as I know — and I wandered around the neighborhood between Salem’s Essex Street, Boston Street, and Gallows Hill Park. [Map link]

Earlier that afternoon, we’d filmed a TV segment at Salem’s “Witch House.” Then, we’d left the film crew to pack up their gear and probably find their way to one of Salem’s many wonderful cafes, pubs, and restaurants.

Instead of relaxing over a hearty meal, Gavin and I wanted to witness Salem’s annual Samhain celebration. The circle and ceremony at Gallows Hill Park are legendary. That evening, it was open to the public and—as usual—attracted a very large crowd.

With nothing else to do before the gathering, Gavin and I went for a walk.

In other words—and for the benefit of skeptics—we had no audience. It was just the two of us. There were no cameras. Gavin had no reason to invent stories to impress anyone; I already knew he was psychic.

On that late afternoon in October 2008, Gavin and I hiked up and down the residential streets near Gallows Hill Park. Gavin felt drawn to that neighborhood, not the more famous landmark just a block (or so) away.

I’d love to claim that I was the one who first suggested that the Proctor’s Ledge area was the real gallows site.

I didn’t.

In fact, Gavin not only announced it first, he seemed absolutely confident it was where some of the accused “witches” had been hung.

After that, we walked back and forth around the area he focused on. As usual, we bounced our psychic impressions off one another, fine-tuning the history we sensed.

By the time we noticed others arriving at the nearby park, both of us were convinced that some (not necessarily all) of the victims of the Salem Witch Trials had been executed at that location.

And then we went to the Samhain celebration.

(Note: We agreed that something else — something not very nice — had happened at Gallows Hill Park, not just in the 17th century, but later, as well. So, that park is worth investigating if you’re in the area.)

Proctor’s Ledge video

The following video was filmed in 2012 and posted on YouTube by thedevilshopyard. Hiking into the wooded area is a good way to see what the ledge actually looks like.

However, as you can see, the site is close to at least one busy street. So, especially if you’re hoping to investigate after dark, make sure you have permission. Neighbors and passing cars will notice flashlights, and call the police.

(If the site is open to the public and you explore that area, be prepared for poison ivy and very uneven ground.)

Ghost Investigations and Touching

“Touching” occurs at some ghost investigations. The sensation of touch is among our five (or six) senses.

It’s one way that spirits may attempt to make contact… literally.

Normal touching

During a ghost investigation, you may feel:

A ghostly hand touch or brush your face or neck.
A gentle brush, as if you’re walking through spiderwebs, even when you’re sitting still.
Isolated hot or cold areas, often measured with a thermometer.
A ghostly breath, particularly near the investigator’s face.
A slap, push, or shove. Nothing too aggressive.
Something leaning into you, encouraging (or forcing) you to move in a certain direction.
Hair brushed, tugged or pulled.
Clothing grasped or tugged.
A sensation that the air is denser, as if you’re walking through water or molasses.
A feeling that the air is pressing on you, in one direction or from all sides.
Tapping on a shoulder or back.
Letters of the alphabet “written” with a ghostly finger, especially on the back of your hand or on your back.

There are many variations of these sensations. All are routine – but can also be rare – at ghost investigations. Usually, they’re nothing to be alarmed about.

If you’re uncomfortable with that, ask the ghost (or ghosts) to stop. In most cases, they will.

Also, let others know what happened right away, so they can check the area for EMF surges or other paranormal activity.

Inappropriate touching

If the ghost is touching you inappropriately, you must bring that to the attention of others in your group.

This is a rare occurrence, but it happens now & then. Though more women seem to be “touched” than men, it’s not a gender-specific issue.

It is not okay for a ghost to ignore your boundaries. Keep in mind, most ghosts are from an era when touching — especially of a sexual nature — was even less acceptable than it is now.

Times have changed, and so have the cues

As the song, “Anything Goes,” reminds us:

“In olden days, a glimpse of stocking
“Was looked on as something shocking.”

Likewise, in the early 19th century, a kiss was considered so significant, some expected a marriage proposal to follow immediately.

Through the early 20th century, a single man and woman would avoid being together (but otherwise alone) in a room with the door closed.

That was against the rules of propriety.

By the late 20th century, the rules had changed again. In some eras and cultures – especially the hippie community – “love the one you’re with” was okay. Others sternly disapproved.

So, the range of what’s inappropriate is even broader when you’re dealing with a ghost.

Depending on his or her context, any touching could be a warning sign for investigators.

What ghosts expect

Some of our most colorful investigations (and ghost stories) are related to locations that were once bordellos.

Wunsche Cafe in Old Town Spring, Texas, is one.

Oilcan Harry’s in Austin, Texas, is another.

So, some ghosts may not realize that investigators – particularly women – cannot be treated as the people who once worked at the brothel.

If you have concerns, state the rules and boundaries out loud.

Also remember that women in trousers were regarded differently prior to the early 20th century. In general, women’s bodies were far more concealed – by corsets, bustles and loose-fitting clothing – than today.

Language considered crude (in the ghost’s era) can also send a confusing signal to ghosts. In fact, speaking directly to a ghost – without introducing yourself first – could be considered very forward, in their world.

The ghosts may not reply (since, as far as they’re concerned, you’re being rude) or think it’s an invitation for something you weren’t expecting.

It may help to announce your name, what you’re doing there, and the year you’re in, each time you investigate a different room or part of the site.

State the rules and boundaries out loud

It’s always better to be too careful than too casual, if you have concerns in a haunted location. Set firm rules and boundaries at the start of each phase of the investigation, and explain them to the ghosts, out loud.

Then, if the ghost behaves inappropriately, he (or she) has no excuse for it. You’ll know right away that the ghost is ignoring your rules, if you’ve already made those rules clear.

If that happens, be sure you’re accompanied by several people, and that continued touching will not be tolerated.

Opportunistic touching

This additional issue is rare, but important.

Even one “problem” in our community is a risk to all of us, as professionals.

We’re often researching in the dark.

Groups split up to investigate.

It’s important never to be alone with someone you don’t know, or with someone who makes you even a little uncomfortable.

Even in a group or crowd, stay away from people who give off a “bad vibe” or seem to make excessive eye contact.

At the other extreme, be wary of anyone avoiding any eye contact at all.

If you feel very uncomfortable or uneasy, say something to a person in charge.

If the situation doesn’t improve, leave the investigation.

(Ask to be escorted to your car, by someone you trust. Never leave a group by yourself, if you’re already anxious about your safety.)

Before accepting someone on your team, no matter how likable the person seems, check his or her background. Ask for ID, so you know what name to research.

When I recently heard about a ghost investigator’s criminal record, I checked his name at the FBI’s National Sex Offender Public Website. There was no record of his past problems, though I’d heard about them from an impeccable source.

I realized that I don’t know his real name. It’s routine for researchers to use a “pen name” to distance paranormal work from their personal and professional lives.

Also, nicknames can be very different from real names. For example, Ted can be short for Theodore or Edward. Nellie can be a nickname for Helen. William is Bill and Robert can be Rob or Bob. Elizabeth can be Beth, Betty, Eliza, Liz, and so on.

So, sex offender lists aren’t 100% reliable if you’re checking on someone you might be alone with. (Check them anyway.) Always take precautions, and follow your “gut feeling” when you’re on a ghost tour or investigation.

I’ve always said: We have more to fear from the living than from the dead.

Use common sense

If your children want to go on a ghost tour or attend an event, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. That’s not just about the tour guides, but a concern about others attending the tour or event, who might see the darkness as an opportunity.

Here’s the rule: If you feel that you’ve been touched (or had a physical encounter of any kind) -by a ghost or someone in physical form – say something immediately.

If you’re not comfortable with what happened, say that very clearly, too.

Don’t think it was all in your imagination. Speak up, and let the other investigators (or guests) respond immediately.

After all, it might be a ghost manifesting so physically, we could catch an image in a photo. We might be able to record his/her voice in EVP, or measure other physical anomalies with EMF detectors, thermometers, and other tools.

Physical contact with ghosts is unusual in most haunted settings. Physical abuse by a ghost – slapping, pinching, or scratching – can happen, too, but it’s a major warning sign. That location isn’t safe, and the entity might be demonic.

Whenever it feels like someone has touched you, especially if it wasn’t necessary, speak up.

It might have been a ghost. Or it might have been someone in your group, and he, she, or they are using the cover of darkness for bad behavior.

Don’t just shrug it off.

Say something.