Before you go chasing ghosts, you might want to gear up. There’s a lot to learn
The Fox Sisters
Modern paranormal investigation traces its roots to March 1848 in Hydesville, New York, where the infamous Fox sisters (Maggie, Kate, and Leah) who claimed they could communicate with a ghost through mysterious “rapping” sounds. According to their story, the spirit was that of a murdered salesman buried in their basement. Eventually, Townspeople dug up the cellar and found bone fragments and a wooden box, fueling their obsession with the paranormal and national attention which started the Spiritualist movement and changed how people viewed the possibility of life after death.
Although Maggie later confessed in 1888 that the rappings were nothing more than her toe joint cracking and sleight of hand, she quickly retracted her statement, and the bones were nothing more than a collection of animal bones. But this controversy only added to the mystery and our fascination with ghost stories.
From these early days to now, the world of ghost hunting has evolved from simple parlor tricks to high-tech devices designed to detect what might be lurking beyond the veil. So if you are into the supernatural or looking for modern ghost hunting equipment, there’s a tool and price range for every investigator.
Ouija Boards – Spirit talk and a right of passage for all teens
The Ouija board, patented in 1891 by Elijah Bond started as a harmless game. But with the rise of spiritualism, it took on a darker reputation, especially after the 1973 horror classic The Exorcist. In the movie, Regan casually mentions that she has been “playing” with the board and communicating with someone she calls Captain Howdy. This seemingly innocent connection becomes the chilling doorway for demonic possession, making the Ouija board synonymous with occult practices and spiritual danger.
To use a Ouija board, players lightly place their fingers on the planchette and wait for messages to be spelled out, allegedly by spirits. Some of the most unsettling stories come from real-life events, like the St. Louis family whose sessions inspired The Exorcist novel or the Pennsylvania teens who reported strange knocks and cold spots after attempting to contact a spirit. In my own experience, I’ve had situations with the Ouija while growing up in a Haunted house in NYC. You can read my free novel here (Haunted and Waiting), or even listen to the PODCAST with Gary from the EyeOpenerSociety, where he interacted with a spirit in the same house when we were tweens.
Can a Ouija attract evil? Well, that’s for you to decide. But they are easily available (Usually in the $20-30 range) in most toy stores and can be fun as long as you use them respectfully.
EVP & Spirit Boxes – Voices Beyond the Static
While Ouija boards are old-school, EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) and Spirit Boxes are the modern-day cornerstones of paranormal research. These devices allow investigators to record or “hear” ghostly voices that are said to exist beyond normal frequencies. The process is simple but eerie: you ask a question, record the silence, and play it back, listening for words or whispers hidden within static or white noise.
The fascination with EVP isn’t new. In 1959, Swedish painter and filmmaker Friedrich Jürgenson claimed to capture the voice of his deceased mother while recording bird songs. Inspired by his discovery, Latvian psychologist Konstantin Raudive conducted thousands of experiments, eventually publishing Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead, a book that brought EVP into the public eye. Today, devices like Spirit Boxes sweep through radio frequencies, producing fragmented sounds that some believe spirits can manipulate to form responses. Whether it’s auditory pareidolia or something truly otherworldly, EVP remains one of the most compelling and accessible tools in ghost hunting. What’s great about them is you are not limited to just YES/NO questions. And that’s a plus. In using one once I asked, “Did you live here?” and i got a clear, “HOUSE” in response. That type of affirmation just adds to it’s credibility.
Spirit Boxes range from very inexpensive (Under $20) to the hundreds, so you can explore what fits your budget. But honestly, although I own a few, I resort to using my cell phone. Just find a quiet area where there isn’t a lot of background noise, press record, and ask your question, then wait a few seconds before asking your next question. The hard part, play it back through a noise-cancelling headset. You will be amazed at how much you may find. What’s not easily heard in real time often comes out in the playback. If you have any stories, please share them here or on my FB group.
Dowsing Rods – From Wells to Ghostly Whispers
Long before high-tech gear, dowsing rods were the tools of choice for those seeking hidden energy. Originally used in the 1500s to find underground water or minerals, they were later adopted by spiritualists to detect spirit presence or ley lines. By holding the rods loosely and asking questions, many believe spirits can manipulate the rods, causing them to cross or shift in response.I’ve heard countless stories of their use in haunted battlefields like Gettysburg, where rods reportedly crossed over soldiers’ graves. One of my favorite documented cases comes from Vermont, where a woman used dowsing rods to ask her deceased grandfather where he had hidden his money. Following the rods’ movements, she found a box of old coins under a loose floorboard. For more on this folklore, check out this post on dowsing and magic. However, there are limitations; you can only ask YES/NO questions. The best part about these is that they are pretty inexpensive and fun to use. (Cost $10-50).
EMF Meters and Thermal Cameras
Let’s get to the good stuff
EMF meters were never designed for ghosts. They were built for electricians to detect electromagnetic fields from wiring. But by the 1980s, ghost hunters began noticing that EMF spikes often coincided with alleged paranormal activity. During a ghost hunt in Gettysburg, I was told to hold the meter high above the ground and away from walls to avoid electrical interference. And I quickly noticed if I went near any wall, this would happen. So I started holding he meter away from any wall or appliance, when the needle suddenly jumped in the middle of a kitchen, where a woman was reportedly murdered, it was enough to make even the skeptics pause. EMF’s are fun- plain and simple. The cost varies from ($30 -200).Then there are thermal imaging cameras, used to spot unexplained cold or hot spots. I don’t own one, but am considering it. These devices are based on the belief that spirits can change ambient temperature. In May 2025, paranormal investigators explored the Dixie House in Florida, a place known for shadow figures and unexplained voices. You can read their full report here: The Dixie House Ghost. The cost ($200- thousands).
REM-Pods – Modern Paranormal Alarms
One of the most fascinating pieces of modern ghost hunting technology is the REM-Pod. This small device creates an electromagnetic field around its antenna. When something disturbs that field, let’s say, a spirit’s presence, it emits a tone or flashes colored lights. Unlike older tools, REM-Pods provide immediate, visible feedback, which is why you’ll often see them on popular ghost-hunting TV shows. Sometimes they are placed inside of teddy bears or dolls to make them “Ghost-child” friendly. I’ve used one during late-night sessions, and there’s nothing like watching those lights flicker in direct response to a question you just asked. Once again, only for YES/NO questions. (Price range $30-200) depending on sensitivity.
Do Ghost Hunting Tools Really Work?
The truth is, none of these devices, whether Ouija boards, EMF meters, Spirit Boxes, or REM-Pods are backed by hard science. But for believers, they are bridges to the spirit world. They transform ghost hunting into a tactile, immersive experience, giving investigators a way to ask questions, validate feelings, and connect with what might lie beyond.
If you’re curious about paranormal research, I invite you to follow my adventures on Facebook (Haunted and Waiting) or TikTok @annLund. A PODCAST is also available HERE on YouTube or the EyeOpenerSociety.
Haunted and Waiting 
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