Ghost hunting equipment can be useful in any haunted setting.
Some researchers confirm anomalies using cameras, EVP recorders, digital thermometers, compasses, EMF devices, and so on.
Others focus on psychic readings with Tarot cards or other divinatory tools.
Some people use dowsing rods and pendulums, which some claim are psychic tools, while other point to their scientific support.
(I no longer recommend any divinatory tools, including dowsing rods and pendulums, except to rule out underground streams or electrical wiring that could produce false anomalies. Since 2021, there’s been a dramatic uptick in demon-like activity in connection with divination, and not just Ouija boards.)
But, the question remains:
What tools must every beginner have for ghost hunting?
Here’s my answer: Nothing!
You need no special equipment, not even a camera.
You don’t need special training, either.
Really.
If you’re a beginner – or just curious – you should be able to show up at a place that’s haunted and sense something odd there.
That’s what ghost hunting is.
You go to places that might be haunted, and see if you sense anything odd there.
If it doesn’t make sense or can’t be explained, it’s called an anomaly.
The more often you go on ghost hunts, the more sensitive you’ll become to ghostly anomalies. It’s that simple.
What to Expect on a Ghost Hunt
On a successful ghost hunt, you may experience an eerie feeling, a chill, or hair lifting on the back of your arms.
Some people hear things, which can range from noises that everyone hears – tapping, for example.
You may hear strange sounds that no one else does.
(Here’s a good way to ask others about it, without tipping your hand: Ask “Did you notice anything odd?” or “Did you hear something?”)
Some people receive strong impressions, or see something flicker, off to one side. Or, they may detect a perfume or an aroma.
Any of the five senses can be involved, or you may have a ‘sixth sense’ experience.
Those are the experiences that will make the biggest impressions. That’s what confirms that a site really is haunted.
Never feel that you must own or invest in ghost hunting equipment.
Sure, your phone may have a great camera for ghost hunting. Or a voice recorder for EVP.
But what if it doesn’t…? Or what if your phone quits working at a haunted site? (It happens, often. Some of us blame that on quirky EMF levels.)
Just go and enjoy the ghost hunt!
Ghost Hunting is About Observing
On 90% of investigations, ghost hunting is about the experience.
When you’re ready to add ghost hunting equipment – and you never have to – go slowly.
Experiment. Borrow others’ equipment for a few minutes on a ghost hunt. See if it works for you.
- Some people never seem to get anything interesting in photos or videos.
- Others see no results with EMF detectors.
- Me…? I’ve never had much success with EVP. I have a voice recorder for ghost hunting but rarely use it.
No two researchers are the same. Don’t invest in equipment unless you’re sure that it’s useful for you.
Meanwhile, don’t worry that you’re missing out on anything.
ALL You Need is an Interest in Ghosts
There are no tools and there is no training that you absolutely must have to be a successful ghost hunter.
Sure, courses can help shorten your trial-and-error phase, and you can learn from team leaders and even ghost hunting TV shows.
However, I want to make this very clear: You need no equipment at all to be a successful ghost hunter.
Just get out there with a friend or two. Start investigating.
No tools. Just your five (or six) senses.
That’s all.
With each investigation, you’ll become more accomplished as a ghost hunter.
Here’s an “insider” secret.
Many – perhaps most – professionals in this field aren’t impressed when someone talks about their ghost hunting equipment.
First tell us what you experienced. Then – and only then – if you have EVP to share, or you can describe simultaneous EMF spikes, or have other evidence to support what you witnessed, we’re interested.
What matters is when you can state confidently, “This is what happened,” and then tell us the story.
Ghost hunting equipment going wonky…? It could mean anything.
Or it might mean something we can’t fully understand, yet…
What matters is your experience.
And, for that, you don’t need ghost hunting equipment.