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Writer's pictureDr Iain M Lightfoot

Blog Post: When the Spirits Speak: Why Having the Right Questions Ready Matters

What should we ask a ghost
Ask questions to a spirit

As a paranormal investigator, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of getting intelligent responses from a spirit. One of the most fascinating and straightforward methods is through cat balls, a simple but effective tool that lights up when a spirit interacts. However, it's great when it happens but here’s the thing: when you're standing in the dark, adrenaline pumping, and you suddenly realise you have a spirit responding intelligently, it can be surprisingly hard to think of the right questions on the spot.


It's almost like your mind freezes for a moment. You’re in the middle of a rare and potentially valuable moment, but then what? You might feel the pressure of making sure you ask the "right" questions to get as much information as possible. Sometimes, you find yourself asking the same basic things over and over: "Are you here with us? Can you make the ball light up again?" There's so much more potential for gathering real information.


The Pressure of In-the-Moment Communication


I’ve had plenty of those moments where the connection is flowing, and suddenly, I’m scrambling for something to ask, it happened just last weekend. It’s a challenge to balance the need for deep, meaningful questions with the excitement of just getting any response at all. After all, how often do we really get the chance to communicate so directly with an intelligent entity or spirit?


Here’s what I’ve learned: you don’t need to improvise every time. In fact, having a list of pre-planned questions can be so beneficial. It takes the pressure off, allowing you to stay focused on the responses rather than worrying about what to ask next.


A Ready-Made, Right Questions List for Those Critical Moments


So, to take that pressure away, I’ve put together a list of yes/no questions that are perfect for when you have a spirit interacting intelligently. These questions will help you dig deeper into who they are, why they’re there, and what they might want to communicate.


Here’s a list to keep handy next time you’re using cat balls or any other tool that responds to touch, a list of 40 yes or no questions organised by potential to gain meaningful information:


Priority 1: Basic Identification and Presence


These questions establish the spirit’s awareness, identity, and connection to the space.


  1. Are you aware of your current surroundings?

  2. Were you once a living person?

  3. Are you connected to this land, rather than this building?

  4. Did you live in this location during your lifetime?

  5. Did you pass away in this building?

  6. Are you the only spirit in this room?

  7. Are there other spirits nearby?

  8. Are you trying to communicate with us for help?

  9. Are you aware of the current year?


Priority 2: Life History and Personal Connections


These questions seek to uncover the spirit’s life experiences, such as family, career, and events during their life.


  1. Were you married?

  2. Did you have children while you were alive?

  3. Did you serve in the military?

  4. Did you work in this area during your life?

  5. Were you born before 1900?

  6. Did you live in this area as a child?

  7. Did you die as a result of illness?

  8. Did you die unexpectedly?

  9. Did you die in an accident?


Priority 3: Emotions, Intentions, and Comfort


These questions are useful for understanding the spirit’s emotional state, purpose, and how they feel about interacting.


  1. Were you happy during your life?

  2. Are you comfortable with us being here?

  3. Do you enjoy communicating with people?

  4. Are you afraid of something here?

  5. Are you at peace now?

  6. Are you trying to tell us something important?

  7. Are you here to protect someone?

  8. Do you feel safe in this space?

  9. Are you connected to someone currently in this room?


Priority 4: The Spirit's Current Situation and Abilities


These questions determine what the spirit is aware of, their current capabilities, and if they need help.


  1. Can you move objects?

  2. Can you see the people in this room?

  3. Do you know how many people are in this room right now?

  4. Do you need assistance moving on?

  5. Are you aware of the current year?

  6. Do you visit this place often?


Priority 5: Exploring Specific Details


These questions aim to gather detailed and specific information about the spirit’s personal history and current situation.


  1. Did you leave behind unfinished business?

  2. Did you pass away in the last 50 years?

  3. Did you have family members that you cared about?

  4. Do you know the names of anyone present?

  5. Did you die in an accident?

  6. Did you serve in the military?

  7. Are you here to protect someone?


This structure prioritises establishing a basic understanding first (identity, presence), followed by personal connections, emotional state, and specific details, allowing for a logical progression of the investigation. I would also suggest using questions to deepen and explore, they would come if you imagine that you are interviewing someone.


Keeping It Simple, Keeping It Useful


The trick is to focus on yes or no questions. It’s easy to overthink when you’re caught up in the moment. But having a simple, structured list keeps things flowing. And remember, every response matters. Even if it’s just one knock or a lit-up ball, it’s communication, and it’s valuable.


In paranormal investigation, preparation is key. We spend time setting up equipment, researching locations, and getting the environment just right. So why wouldn’t we prepare the most important tool, our questions?


So next time you’re out in the field, don’t feel the pressure to come up with questions on the spot. Use this list, or create one that works for you, and you’ll find that those moments of communication will feel much more fluid, and maybe even more revealing.


Happy investigating.





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