Fiona Broome researches ghosts, especially in her native New England, in Ireland, and throughout the U.K. She specializes in haunted locations that are open to the public.

Her website was one of the first to provide free, how-to information for ghost enthusiasts, and to list haunted public places that people can explore on their own.

Fiona has written several books, including "The Ghosts of Austin, Texas" (Schiffer Books, 2007), and her stories have appeared in Fate magazine and in collected works such as "Weird Hauntings" (Sterling, 2006).

Ms. Broome is also a respected Celtic historian, specializing in faerie lore, Glastonbury (England) legends, and Irish history.

Fiona Broome was the model for the character, Fiona, in the 2007 "Charmed" novel, Trickery Treat.

"People often like to label me as 'ghost hunter' or 'witch' and miss the larger picture. What fascinates me is the unexplained.

"Labels are convenient but often highly inaccurate.

"If someone from the 14th century used time travel to visit the 21th century, he might label much of our science 'magick'.

"For example, if he saw me approach my house and all the first floor lights turned on 'by themselves', he'd be convinced that I'd used a spell or something mystical. He might not have seen me click the switch on my keychain that, with radio waves, sends the 'lights on' signal to my first floor lights.

"That's how I view my studies, from faeries to ghosts to... well, whatever 'paranormal' subjects interest me this week. I think that the vast majority of these phenomena can be explained by very normal science.

"I believe in parallel universes and quantum physics. (My favorite movie about this is 'What the Bleep...' but I also like many parts of the slightly dated NOVA episode, 'The Elegant Universe".)

"I believe that, for every decision we make, at least one other universe exists in which we (or our 'we' counterparts) make a different decision.

"In my opinion, this is what life's all about: Learning and growing. It's about experiencing the effects of our decisions, perhaps on a broader scope than many people can conceive.

"Maybe there is a universe in which 20th century fascism succeeded on a broad scale. That's illustrated in the movie of Shakespeare's 'Richard III' starring Sir Ian McKellen.

"I like to think that there's at least one universe where alchemy wasn't a secret science, but became a popular practice. (After all, alchemy can be a metaphor for perfecting our lives, transforming lead into gold.)

"Perhaps another universe has developed alchemy to improve the quality of life and practices time travel... from a 'fantasy' world represented by our Renaissance Faires.

"I also believe that, in many parallel universes, it's possible to cross planes (or membranes) to visit other universes. This explains some, but not all, of our 'ghost' encounters; they're still alive in their own time, but visiting our time and reality.

"Remember: In a parallel universe, there may be someone whose identity and general history closely match people who lived in our world. But, significant aspects of his (or her) life -- or even his appearance -- do not match what was recorded in our world. So, his 'ghost' (from another reality) may have characteristics that confuse people who want simple, straight-line logic.

"While some ghosts can be explained in the classic way, I think it's important to think beyond simplistic labels and concepts.

"I also believe that there are several universes in which magick is better understood as a quantum science. In some worlds, Hogwarts is a typical school for children who are gifted or interested in this kind of science.

"In our world, I believe that what we call magick -- especially correspondences -- are ways to draw upon energy from parallel universes. We just don't understand how or why, yet.

"All of this is no more 'mystical' than gravity is, if you look at it from a scientific stance. After all, science is proving that gravity is leaking into our universe (or out of it) via membranes.

"I believe that earth-based, cyclical living -- whether you follow it for spiritual, agricultural, health or mundane reasons -- brings us closer to what makes each of us unique and gifted. That's where we find our 'mission' and life's meaning.

"That's not so much about religion as it is about living with awareness of our environment. But, they can work hand in hand.

"For example, eating food that's 'in season' is one aspect of this, and what benefits the body often benefits the spirit as well.

"When we get lost in the busyness permitted (or perhaps encouraged) by technological advances, we lose touch with who we really are, and the world around us. A simple example is mobile phones. How often to people miss a lovely sunset because, as they drive, they're busy talking on the phone?

"How much inner peace is lost because, instead of going out for an after-dinner walk, people stretch out on the sofa and lose themselves (perhaps literally) in TV drama or some vapid sitcom?

"I think that the answers to many of these questions (but not all of them) are within our reach. I think that the pattern of ghosts and haunted places will help us understand that phenomena better. Sure, some ghosts are people who lived in our world but have remained for their own reasons. But, I don't think that explains all of them.

"Likewise, I think that 'magick' and science will eventually find common ground that more clearly explains both.

"I'm not rejecting traditional explanations for ghosts and 'paranormal' topics. I'm not rejecting technology, either.

"Instead, I think that we need to look far beyond simplistic, one-size-fits-all answers. In doing so, we embark on a fascinating adventure filled with 'what if' questions.

"I think of myself as an explorer of ideals and theories that may connect science, spirituality and the paranormal.

"The answers may be far simpler than we expect."