Fiona Broome: Paranormal researcher
She has written several ghost-related books, including The Ghosts of Austin, Texas.
She also appears at annual events such as Dragon*Con.
She's the founder of the ghost-related websites, Yankee Haunts (1997 - 1999) and Hollow Hill (1999 - present). She also reviews ghost books, movies and TV shows at GhostHuntingBooks.com.
To book Fiona for an event or workshop, contact Ideal Event Management.
Fiona Broome's ghost hunting blog
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Fiona talks about ghosts and haunted places in her Hollow Hill podcasts.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byMore about Fiona Broome
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.In the 1990s, 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.In Trickery Treat, the concluding novel in the Charmed series, Fiona was the "guest star" of the story.
In this fast-paced and entertaining tale, Fiona is -- of course -- a ghost hunter. She helps the Charmed sisters untangle a series of problems from other realms, which threatened to wreak havoc at their annual Halloween party.
Are you a believer?
Fiona Broome on ghosts, magick, science and life
We interviewed Fiona about her research. Here's what she said.
"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."
Fiona's references
Books and videos related to Fiona's studies
Richard III
Sir Ian McKellen in a startling version of Shakespeare's 'Richard III' set in a world where fascism and the Nazi movement were more successful.
What the Bleep!? - Down the Rabbit Hole (QUANTUM Three-Disc Special Edition)
A somewhat New Age explanation of how we create our realities. Includes an excellent demonstration of parallel worlds.
NOVA - Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond
String theory and parallel universes, which led to today's quantum physics concepts.
Links: Fiona Broome
Webpages by or about Fiona Broome
- Hollow Hill, the ghost website
- Hundreds of articles about ghosts, haunted places, and paranormal research.
- Fiona Broome
- Fiona's personal website.
- Ghosts of Austin, Texas
- Information about Fiona's 2007 book about haunted Austin, Texas.
- Ghost Hunting Books
- Reviews of ghost-related books, movies and TV shows.
Blog posts about ghosts and haunted places
- Hauntings at Moundsville State Penitentiary | Ghost Eyes
- One of the most talked about of the ghosts that haunt the prison was not a prisoner at all but a mai...
- SportingNews.com - The Sporting Blog
- This is despite the fact that A: ghosts don't exist and B: (see A). Somehow, for some reason, the fe...
- Ask A Ghost Hunter – Haunted Bathroom? | LivingInTheLandOfOdd.com
- I have been ghost hunting for over 15 years, started the ParaResearch Foundation in 1998 and current...
Fiona recommends...
Books and movies related to real ghost hunting
The Haunting
This is what a night in a haunted house is really like.
Weird Hauntings: True Tales of Ghostly Places
Fiona's wrote just a few of the great stories in this book.
Conjuring up Philip: An Adventure In Psychokinesis
Does believing in a ghost make it real? This test suggests it.
The Encyclopedia of Ghosts and Spirits
Excellent reference, updated and thoroughly researched.
Ghost hunting in the U.K.
Fiona recommends these books
The Good Ghost Guide: A Gazetteer of over a Thousand British Hauntings
Comprehensive guide to haunted, public sites throughout the U.K.
Walking Haunted London: 25 Original Walks Exploring London's Ghostly Past
If you're visiting London, take this book to find haunted places.
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