Back in the summer of 2009, I decided to choose 50 places that are commonly reported haunted, all across the US. I took those 50 places and looked for common features. Then, I started the agonizing part of making sense of all that I found. From this, I created a first version of a haunted formula that took 5 aspects and checked the sites to find out how many of the features they possessed to give it a haunted score. I thought that knowing the features most commonly found, I could identify potentially haunted locations by giving them a rating before even going to check them out. I am going to share the findings of that study below and then discuss some other features that have come to light since then -
Caves are amazing vessels. They are surrounded by stone and metals, often times created by volcanic activity, disrupted by seismic activity, utilized to provide shelter, to stash treasures and hide away to die. If a home can be haunted, can a cave be even more so? And why?
I always dreamed of having an old historic building to convert into a Bed and Breakfast, perhaps have a 10 o'clock scary story telling in front of the fireplace while sipping brandy with the guests.
There is something interesting about having guests in a haunted location for the night. When I was growing up, it seemed that weirdness came out in droves during the night for visitors. One time, my brother's friend awakened to something often encountered in the house, a blue mist forming overhead and icy cold temperature drop. Another friend was playing hide and seek with me, hid behind a berm and a ghost man in a war uniform on horseback leaped over her, disappearing in mid air. Another time, a visitor went upstairs to check on her baby and screamed. She saw the dark shadow figure in the hallway.
In Missouri, there is a place called the Haunted Castle House and it has been turned into a bed and breakfast.
This place is apparently quite active with lots of phenomena and has even had investigators and psychics give it a visit and proclaim the place is haunted.
The place allows for ghost investigation teams, has tours, and haunted rooms. And, once every month they have a fun event (I've done one before and they are fun) - a murder mystery act.
For all my Midwestern buddies or those on road trips trekking through this region, you might want to put this spot high on your list.
Living in a home that has unexplained activity can cause stress, anxiety, fear, and even anger for the homeowners. It can cause arguments and unease between family members. It can create sleep disorders, eating disorders, panic attacks, depression, and even manic-like behavior. Interestingly, those existing dynamics can also bring activity to a home. We can study what kinds of homes tend to have activity and which ones that do not report activity to determined a bit about what you should avoid.
Mess/Clutter/Darkness: In Feng Shui terms, this is attracting negative energy. Cul-Du-Sacs in the home and packed corners, boxes, crowding, and no open pathways create a place for that negative energy to sit and reside. Energy is pretty much universal in that it appreciates an easy open path to keep moving. As well, packed content can cause a lot of disruption when you consider the energy that each object contains, especially objects handled by many people. You end up with a conflict that can cause bad feelings, unease, and other negative feelings.
Residents moving in and out: The very composition of the living within the house can create a chemistry that supports issues or alleviates. It helps to keep a watch on who is in the home when incidents happen and if activity began or ended with a person's addition or absence in the home. If this is the case, time usually readjusts everything. It is much like the "renovation" phenomena. Dynamics create disruption and harmony and stasis helps things to calm down. In this case, it's a waiting game for things to stabilize.
Poor or no communication between occupants: Ironically, the one time you need good communication is when you are having issues in the home, but lots of families/roommates become more detached, separate, silent and brooding. Actually talking out loud about what is going on can sometimes dismiss the action. If this brings a family or roommates together rather than dividing them, the home becomes less interesting. Do not ever let ghostly activity separate you - that is the attraction to the spirit realm. In groups, we are less intriguing. Do not become culled from your herd!
Lack of good air/negative ions: Part of keeping away bad activity is to keep the people in the home healthy. This is vital because sickness and mental illness can create a tension and vulnerability that allows for more activity. So, I always advise if you can to keep the environment clear of smoke, have house plants to clean air, and if you can put in an ionic air cleaner or waterfall fountain; they both give off negative ions that give people a "feel good" sensation.
Mental Illness/Emotional and Hormonal turmoil/Sleep issues: The vulnerable are not just attractive to para activity, but it is entirely possible they can activate the situation with their very brain activity and chemistry. Poltergeist activity is noted to be higher for those with temporal and parietal lobe issues. Always remember, your home is only as strong as your weakest link. Proper medications are important to balancing the hormones and electrical activity in the brain to lessen para events. Sleep, as well, is a state in which the brain goes into alpha waves as it drifts into true sleep. During that falling asleep and awakening states, communication is very easy between the "realms." This is exactly why the dead visit us in our sleep. The key to handling bedtime "intruders" is understanding that you are better able to perceive what is there than when you are alert. There is no need for fear, simply know that visitor pass back and forth in your perception. Good sleep hygiene is critical because this is most likely to happen when you are drunk, medicated or overly sleepy.
No focus for positive: A "power center" is a very potent home addition and every home should have one, ghosts or not. A table used as a kind of "altar." It's not for worship, so much as gathering a lot of positive energy that you believe in, that feeds your soul and makes a place that is utterly unattractive for anything disruptive. This table can contain anything from religious text, photos of loved ones, stones, gems, geods, seashells, pine cones, plants, flowers, symbols of religious or spiritual significance, items of loved ones who wished you well, happy memories, incense, candles and more. All of it must have meaning to you, to make you feel empowered, loved and protected. The placement is ideal in a room where sun might light it up occasionally, in a main room that is central. If you have sleeping difficulties, put it in your bedroom.
Peace, serenity and faith: Playing happy music, hanging up happy family photos, and leaving religious text open on a table are all pleasant, protective and empowering energies. A home becomes less attractive when there is love, peace and faith.
Reclaiming your home: The simplest and often the most effective method to safeguard your home is to take it back. Out loud, as a group, announce that it is your home, there is no place for others, you will not tolerate further harassment, it is time for them to move on. Be sure you get everyone to come together for this so that it shows numbers.
Cleansing/Blessings: Most people take the route of a blessing or cleansing for their home, hoping that will quell the negative, but it only works if you believe, as well. It is your continued belief in the practice that makes it have the power of lasting. A Catholic blessing for a Protestant is going to be pretty much, no help. So, stay within your own spiritual practices. Those who wish to burn sage, need to start in the rear of the house, work their way through the house to the open front door and out. The problem with saging is that it can work a few months and then you're back to issues again. My suggestion is simple - sage lightly the house and then do so daily. Nothing elaborate. A fast cursory going through. Do it daily for a whole month. What happens is that instead of the place wearing off, it keeps it at a constant level long enough to be obnoxious. You might also want to do a search for protective stones, protective incense, protective symbols, and more. I have found as a psychometrist (a psychic who reads objects) that stones/gems/crystals/geods have energy. It can be a powerful repellent. Some of the best protective ones are black obsidian, amber, labrodorite, malachite, cat's eye, and more.
Journal: This is one of my favorite methods. Keep a spiral notebook open. When something happens, note the time/date, where it happened, who witnessed it, who was in the house, and if there were any issues among family members that day-like argument or sad mood, etc. Do this for a month or more. What happens is a few things - one is that it is openly known to everyone that events are being documented and you go from being a victim to being an observer and archivist, a "narc," telling on the ghosts. It is not only empowering, but it takes the fear out of the factor and makes the occupants of the home no longer an easy target.
Conclusion
There are many ways to resolve living in a haunted home, but the most important things to know are that there are tools for you to use and sometimes the best thing you can do is consider it a Scooby Doo mystery. Instead of hiding from it, start observing it, poking around, being curious. It's kind of like you're saying "hey, what are you up to in the living room?"
Dating back to 1799, this charming historic cabin was said to be occupied for 50 years by a woman named Laura. She is said to be a protective and motherly type who might playfully mess with the lights or tuck you in. The cottage has one bedroom, one bathroom, and sleeps 4. It is also nicely within walking distance of restaurants, museums, theaters and more.
The hotel dates back to 1917 and is in a charming downtown Prescott, Arizona area. It's got a wonderful porch for rocking in a seat and sipping drinks and is within walking distance of the Whiskey Row bars and restaurants as well as the beautiful historic courthouse. Abby's room is called that for a woman who allegedly was living there back in the TB outbreak times. She was supposedly very weak and sick and new owners of the home, allowed her to stay. Her husband reportedly went for medicine but never came back. Abby passed away of consumption and it is said she and her cat both haunt the room. I have stayed here several times and the room does indeed seem to be haunted. She tucked my feet in during the night and scratching sounds in the closet made me wake up. I took a photo of the closet before going to bed and during the night when I heard the sounds. In the morning, I got up and the closet door I had left closed the night before was still closed. But, when reviewing my photos, the one with the flash taken during the night, showed the door wide open. The room has a melancholy and very warm feel to it. It has a queen-sized bed and bath. I love this inn. It is a wonderfully comfortable and easygoing place with beautiful events, drinks downstairs and a great atmosphere and location.
This castle in the UK has been widely watched on ghost shows for its hauntings. But, it rents out apartments in many portions of the castle with access to the grounds. I cannot think of a single place I'd like to stay more! This historic building has a number of known ghosts listed here.
This gloriously picturesque lighthouse B&B is my ultimate #1 must-go-to stay. I refuse to go until I have a romantic interest to take along. You can rent the lighthouse keeper's home that can sleep up to 15. Rooms can be rented overlooking the Pacific. It is the ultimate in romance and they are famous for their 7-course breakfasts! The lighthouse is known for a curious ghost called the Gray Lady who can be quite mischievous.
This gorgeous picturesque hotel opened in 1909 has developed a reputation for its haunts. In fact, it's been on pretty much all the ghost hunting shows and offers a Ghost Adventures Package where you get to use equipment and do an investigation.
In one of my favorite places in the gorgeous state of Massachusetts, this inn on the water is truly gorgeous and has a charming sea captain's ghost walking the halls. Even the lobby surveillance cameras they've caught a ghostly figure in white robes a few times. They offer spa services, lots of luxury and amenities.
This gorgeous bed and breakfast inn was built in the 1700s is on the historic register. It has been featured on "If Walls Could Talk" and "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" show. Reportedly, a rather classic haunting location. The breakfasts alone should make up for any sleepiness from a night kept up and alert.
This hotel has a deliciously dark and gothic feel to it, but it isn't just the visual atmosphere that is a delight for ghost hunters, it also has ghosts! Many guests have shared photos from their experiences, sporting the infamous orbs, but there are also many other types of reports of activity. The third floor is felt to be the heart of it. On the fourth floor, a room is said to be haunted by Miss Mary Lake. I adore San Francisco and this hotel would be my choice with all the dark and spooky atmosphere and beautiful Victorian Era look.
A turn-of-the-century gorgeous Victorian home awaits you. There are seven rooms, a manageable size for guests. Ghostly voices in the guest rooms have been reported as well as activity in the basement. This is considered ideal for an outdoor enthusiast in the beautiful state of Michigan.
This 167-year-old brick home is quite impressive. Breakfast is served in an impressive dining room and each guest room has a cookie jar. They also have a cottage out back for rent. There are five spirits reported in the building. It was a Civil War hospital and also had some past owners who died there. Having jammies tugged on or seeing a foggy figure is not uncommon.
Tunnels and bridges aren't just ways to get somewhere, but they are riddled with dark histories. Let's take an extensive look at the troublesome tunnels first -
Sensabaugh Tunnel, Kingsport, TN
The legend goes that a man named Sensabaugh lived near the tunnel with his family. It is said that he killed his entire family and threw their bodies into the creek within the tunnel. If you enter the tunnel and turn off your car engine, it supposedly will not restart and if you look into your rearview mirror, you will see Mr. Sensabaugh approaching your car. Then, as he approaches, your engine will start again.
Bunny Man Bridge
This one is from my hometown of Fairfax, VA. There are a lot of versions of this story including the urban legend of a man in a bunny suit killing people with an axe. There is also a legend of long ago, a mental hospital transported their patients to a new facility and a man escaped. He left half eaten bunny carcasses in the woods and killed kids who came near the train bridge tunnel. All legends had been disproved, but still the creepy legend continues on. In fact, I did one of my candlelight tales based on the story -
Silver Run Haunted Train Tunnel, Cairo, WV
A lady in white apparently appears at the opening to the tunnel. Others report strange fog, whispering voices, train sounds with no train.
The Gadsden Hotel in Douglas, AZ
Tunnels beneath this inn in the basement are said to have the headless ghost of Pancho Villa walking around. He is described by witnesses as a tall man, black pantsuit, and no head.
Church Hill Tunnel, Richmond, VA
In the 1800s, a collapsed killed a bunch of people. People report a man trying to get to the tunnel to retrieve the bodies and others report the faint sounds of a ghost train coming to the closed off tunnel.
The Moonville Tunnel, Moonville, OH
This legend began with a supposed brakeman on the train getting crushed by the wheels. Here's a song to get you in the mood for this -
Merritton Tunnel, St. Catherine's Ontario "The Blue Ghost Tunnel"
The "Blue Ghost Tunnel" was closed in 1915. Accidents, suicide and also sabotage have supposedly tainted the energy in this long-abandoned tunnel. A report in the St. Catherine's Daily said,
"On the Grand Trunk rail line near Merritton a serious and fatal accident occurred near the Merritton Tunnel today. The accident occurred around 7:03am. Engine Number 975 to leave from Niagara falls at 6:00am and run through to [the city of] Hamilton. The Engine Number 4 express train was scheduled to arrive in Merritton at 6:28am.
As nearly as can be learned it was 7:03 am when the ill-fated express train passed a small telegraph station near the tunnel, a few moments later Engine 4 and Engine 975 met with a terrible crash.
Both engines were in full steam when they met head on. The estimated speed of both trains was about 22 MPH (miles per hour) at the time of the collision.
Both engineers escaped with only broken limbs and minor cuts to face and arms while Mr. Charles Horning (firemen) for Engine 4 was killed instantly.
The reporter described the condition of the body as being jammed in the boiler, his body horribly mangled. When rescuers went to pull on the limbs of the man to try to free him, they broke off. When some of the remains were taken away, his mid-section was so tightly wedged that his remaining body could not be pulled free. It was noted that his wrist watch was still working.
The other firemen, Abraham Desult, from Engine 975 was smashed into the boiler of the train, and received burns to 90% of his body. He was rushed to the St. Catharines General Hospital where he died 5 hours after the accident."
Florida, MA The Hoosac Tunnel "The Bloody Pit"
This tunnel got the name of "the bloody pit" because back in the 1800s when it was being dug, over 200 workers died. They used nitro at one point to blast it, and killed more folks in the process. Then, 13 miners died in a gas explosion. Villagers nearby had heard moans and seen strange vaporous shapes. Another man was found stumbling around the area, lost for days, babbling about ghosts in the tunnel. Another man was electrocuted by the lines. The list goes on and on of bad things associated with the tunnel to the point that one comes to the wise conclusion - it is cursed.
St. Louis Ghost Train
If we're going to talk about haunted tunnels, how about a ghost train? This one is seen in St. Louis, Saskatchewan, Canada. A light is reported to run up and down over an old train railway, changing colors and intensity. These are often referred to by many as "spook lights" or "earth lights" but their correlation with the track makes many wonder if a ghost train is riding this old railway.
How about the bridges that cause trouble? Let's have a look -
Crybaby Bridges
There are so many reported haunted bridges that involve a child, that they are now lumped together as "cry baby" bridges. The legends involve either hearing a child crying or speaking or even their apparition on a bridge that has a legend involving a child dying in an accident, being thrown or jumping.
For example, in Doylestown, Ohio, there is a bridge on Galehouse Road referred to as Rogue's Hollow. Rogue's Hollow was once a bustling town but is now a ghost town. Lots of outlaws and rogues were rampant there and when it gets dark at night, many believe the phantoms appear in wisps of fog, hollow footsteps and whispered voices. Nearby mines were long ago sealed after accidents and the shadowy figures of rogues, victims and mine accidents are said to be seen from time to time.
Seven Gates to Hell
In Collinsville, Illinois, there are a series of 7 nasty-looking train bridges that have been vandalized by youths and carry a legend that if you drive through all seven tunnels and go through the last one at midnight, you will enter Hell.
