Dowsing requires a Y shaped branch from a tree (preferably ash or willow). You hold the branch in your hand and ask a question. The dowsing rod should then twitch. Left to right is a yes, up or down is a no.
Table tipping is a little more interesting. You and a group of several friends sit around a table, hands palm down on the top. Everyone concentrates while one person asks a question. The table should begin to tip one way or the other, almost as if it is levitating. If it tips one way the answer is yes, another way the answer is no.
Automatic writing is a bit more interesting. One person sits down with a pen and a pad of paper, closing his or her eyes and concentrating on being open and receptive to spirits. The person should keep the hand relaxed. When he or she feels the impulse to write they should do so, keeping eyes closed and mind open. People should feel free to ask them questions and the spirit will respond through the random scribbles of the person in a trance.
Most of the methods listed above require no purchase, just using objects you probably already have around the house, so you won’t have to invest anything except a little bit of time.
These next two methods require you to go out and buy some specific tools and they do give a more precise series of answers rather than just “yes” or “no.”
The cheapest method is an Ouija Board, which costs about $20 and can be found at most toy stores. Using an Ouija Board is also a group effort, and is similar to table tipping, but gets a more accurate response. The group lays their hands on the planchette and then asks questions. The little triangle should start moving on its own, spelling out answers to questions using letters on the board. Sometimes the answers can be extremely specific and almost eerie. So be prepared if you go this route for the fact that some people may be spooked by this experience.
Getting Scientific
Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) is one of the most frequently used forms of communication that professional paranormal investigators swear by. You need to buy a nice, high quality digital voice recorder, the higher the quality, the less static interference. Cost $150 to $250.
To experience EVP, go to a room or place you suspect to be haunted and sit down and ask a question. Your digital voice recorder should be recording the whole time. When you are done, listen carefully to the recording. If a spirit is present, you should hear answers to your questions. It’s hard to top EVP when it comes to impressive results when you speak to the dead.