Hauntings & Ghosts - questions frequently asked
*Children should seek their parents permission before contacting a Ghost Hunter/Ghost Hunting Group/Psychic.
On this page:
"What types of Hauntings are there?"
There are two main types of hauntings, or continuous activity over a certain period of time:
1. A residual haunting, which is an event a person sees of the past that plays over and over again, same situation and occurrence. Sort of like an imprint in time of a situation which occurred that was very traumatic or highly emotional. It plays over and over, like a movie when you stop-rewind-play, and so on. This is the haunting many people confuse with the "Live" type of hauntings.
2. A "live" haunting, is an actual entity whom has stayed behind for some particular reason in an area, home, place, etc. Occurrences are sporadic and different, and may not always be constant.
"Why do Ghosts haunt?"
A spirit which has not passed over correctly, into the light, the next level, Heaven or whichever way through your belief's you wish to call it. The reasons why they remain behind are diverse; unfinished business, ( a message need be told to a loved one, finger a murderer, etc. ), afraid of passing over, ( fear of being judged, Hell, what's on the other side, the unknown, etc. ), a sudden or unexpected death, ( leaves the spirit confused, or in denial of their own passing ), guilt or grief, ( not wanting to leave that special someone or loved one, the grief of a loved one of whom they wish to comfort ), etc. Once a spirit is satisfied it has accomplished it's goals it will eventually move on, or remain because it simply likes where it's at, and comfortable is the area in which it haunts. They are not bound to that place or area, and can move on when they wish, but that, entirely depends on them, and if they wish to, or not, leave this world, or plane of existence.
"How do I know if my house is haunted?"
Since there is no definitive proof of the paranormal, it makes it hard to tell if one's house may be haunted or not. However, if strange occurrences happen on a regular basis, one idea is to start a journal and record all what you think is 'strange' and going on. Write down what the occurrences may be, times they take place, any changes within the area things occur, ( ie. cold spots, visible anomalies, etc. ), try to take pictures, something may show up in them to help determine if you may have a problem, ( or not ) weather conditions, tape recordings for strange sounds, video recordings, etc. You can also write down any information you can get about the place you live in, area, history, and anything that may have occurred there that is NOT of paranormal origin which may be the root of your problems - and those that may be. We also have to keep in mind that some hauntings are like a "photograph" of an occurrence of the past, that plays over and over - like a recording and not an actual "live" haunting.
Sometimes sounds like the water heater, wooden houses expanding/contracting, weather changes, etc. can cause all sorts of sounds that may seem spooky, but are all perfectly normal things and can often be mistaken for paranormal phenomena. ( Fluffy the cat jumping on the furniture, chasing a rat, it's tail or it's own shadow can do just this ). The human imagination has plenty to do with this, we often see or hear things that aren't what we think they may be, a nightmare, scary book, movie, story, can all help to influence your imagination even further. The journal will help you determine whether or not an actual paranormal occurrence is taking place, through your notes.
If it comes to be that you are really sure that a paranormal occurrence is happening, find some experienced ghost hunters in your area, ( children shouldn't do anything without their parents consent ), who can help you out with your situation. Show them your notes, ( what-when-how-where ), explain to them in detail what the occurrences are, your religious beliefs, things you, ( or your friends/family members), may have done to cause the haunting, ( summoning spirits through the Ouija board for example ), if you have done anything, ( prayer, house blessed, sea-salts, holy water, holy oils, etc. ), to try and stop the haunting, if you are sensitive or any other family member.. ( some spirits come about because they know that you can sense them ), if the problem started there, or at a previous residence, if the problems started with the previous tenants, etc. so that they can know exactly what the situation is about and help you. Most ghost hunters offer free services, and if an actual paranormal occurrence is present, can gather more information and possibly help you with your situation, ( depending on their services ). Don't challenge the spirit or anger it, that will not help your situation and may only cause more problems.
"How do I get rid of a ghost in my house?"
One way to get rid of ghosts is to ask the ghosts out loud in a firm yet respectful tone, to please leave and stop their activities. According to many stories and witness accounts, this seems to be the most effective way of dealing with the situation. No one, or anything, wishes to be disrespected, yelled at, etc., so treat it the way you'd like to be treated or treat a good friend. Many times, ghosts are just passing through, just wish to be noticed, and not mean any harm. Don't panic, take a deep breath and explain what your problem is and ask if they could stop. Try to remain calm and avoid fear and negativity, none of it will help you with your situation.
"Will the spirit actually leave?"
Only if it wishes to go. It may be afraid to leave, not wish to leave, ( being comfortable where it is at ), etc.. Again, you can also find ghost hunters in your area to help you with the situation, but this does not mean the spirit will leave. Some ghost hunting groups have a psychic/sensitive who is a part of the team and can help to move the spirit on and also tell you why the spirit may be there. Then again, you may not wish for it to go and can live and deal with the situation fine, accepting the spirit(s) for what they are and realizing that there is no reason to fear them. It all depends on you - and your spirit.
"I am the only one experiencing a haunting - am I loosing my mind?"
Not everyone in a house may experience a haunting, this doesn't mean you are loosing your mind. Try to take hold of yourself and the situation at hand, again, write in your journal, gather the 'evidence' and people may assist you. Many people have gone through this, especially while growing up, being the only one in a family experiencing paranormal phenomena. Some seek schools, groups or centers to educate themselves and learn how to Handel these situations. Others have another person, or people whom also go through the experiences, ( or separate experiences ), and so may all help each other. Some ghosts hunters can even help educate you living with ghosts.
In the times we are living now, paranormal phenomena though not widely accepted, has branched out to the point where you can find help or assistance almost anywhere. Even on the net, e-mail groups, message boards and websites offer their opinions, comfort, friendship, investigations, information and help. Just be careful of whom you choose to share experiences with, be it of the paranormal nature or not - many people are out there that bode no good or any help, choose carefully.
If seeking a ghost hunting group, ask questions until you feel sure they understand your situation and meet your needs. Be sure they are experienced, meet with them, talk with the leader and/or each member, review their website and see what they've done in the past, procedures, investigating journals, etc. Also check their references, fees, ( some may charge for their services, others ask for a donation for cost of film, travel, lodge, etc. ), and if their prices are too high, move on to the next group until you find the one who you feel most will assist your needs and has dealt with a situation like yours, or similar and can evaluate your situation and gather unbiased evidence. If they have a sensitive working with the group, make sure the team checks where the sensitive claims is something, to back up said claim, that they use their equipment, ( EMF meters, take pictures, etc. ), to study the area which is claimed to have activity by the sensitive or to validate the sensitive's impressions, and will make you feel more comfortable with both the team and sensitive.
"No one believes me - or - how do I get other's to believe?"
You cannot force someone to believe in paranormal occurrences, there will always be skeptics and non-believers whom no matter how much "proof" you show, how much you swear on your "dead aunts grave," still won't believe you. Remember that journal, and notes, The "who-when-what-why" to back up your claims, and also to keep in mind MANY NATURAL things may have caused the experience, be sure of that also. And still, not everyone will believe, so put yourself in their shoes and think of something you wouldn't or don't believe in, and try to understand their perspectives on the situation. You will find who will believe, and that's great, again be careful of whom your trust and not be scammed.
"Do ghosts have feelings?"
They just may do. Think of those cases where the supposed ghost came back to tell who murdered them, or that have lingered and haunted an area, place or home, until their last wishes were made done, or that have come back to save that family member or friend/stranger from danger, to comfort a loved one who grieves for them, or to wait until that loved one passes and joins them. All this denotes emotion though not yet proven to be so. Best not to hurt, summon, or manipulate them and consider them as you would your best friend or Loved one or stranger.
"Why can't everyone see ghosts?"
It is believed that everyone has the potential to see ghosts. Some people are more open minded, or on "the right brain wave usage" to see them, ( like sensitive's/clairvoyants/psychics ). Denial, fear, emotions, distress at seeing one, religious beliefs, etc., can all cause a person not to see one. Maybe they have seen one, and yet still won't admit to it.
It all depends on beliefs, sensitivity, emotions, etc., that will determine if you'll ever see a ghost or not. Sometimes you may capture an anomaly on film in an area you were in and never see or sense anything - Luck? That may play a role in this!
Not everyone "sees" a ghost in the same ways. Some see with their "third eye," others with the naked eye, or from the corner of their eye. You may see a "wisp" of smoke, a shadowy figure, an orb, a streak of light, or ectoplasm, a movement of an inanimate object, a full blown apparition to sounds or voices and still many other different ways to explain or express the "seeing" of a ghost.
"Why do ghosts appear to us as they do?- or -Why do ghosts look as they do?- or - Why do ghosts take on different forms?"
There are 3 kinds of manifestations:
A. Psychic holograms or residual hauntings - a kind of recording left behind, usually due to powerful emotions. These are the vast majority of "hauntings". They are characterized by repetitive actions, ie. the manifestation always does pretty much the same things in the same ways over and over again.
B. Actual spirit visitations or "live" hauntings. Rarer than the recordings because it takes a relatively powerful spirit to manifest itself, ( show itself in full form ), to incarnate humans, especially in human form and appearance. Orbs, balls of light, and things like that are easier and take less power/energy. Also, most incarnate humans are not sensitive enough, or have conditioned themselves to not perceive such manifestations.
C. When a spirit appears in a frightening or gross form, it is usually to get the human's attention and shock them for the purpose of teaching or telling them something, or it is one of the recordings.
- Think of it this way, if you are shocked, you WILL pay attention, the message will be passed on, for they'll have your complete and utter attention. Then again, it may cause you to faint or run away, in the case they may wish you to go away, off of what they consider as their property and you are invading on their space, etc.. If they are angered spirits, have a mean disposition, etc., can be another reason in which to appear to you in this form.
Be it that some spirits are "playful" or "mischievous," they may also do it to get a good laugh at seeing you run away - VERY quickly, scream - just be frightened to the point it amuses them. They can have that "power" over you through your fears.
"Can Animals come back?- or -Will, ( or can ), my dog come back and be with me again?"
There have been many stories and witness accounts to animals coming back and being with their owners, if only for a short time, or until the owner themselves pass on, and to comfort a grieving owner. To help, or save a former owner, or loved one, person, warn of danger, etc..
In some belief's, animals don't pass on, while in other's they do, ( or come back as another dog, cat, etc., or being ), so perceiving a pet may also come down to your belief's of the afterlife.
Then there is folklore of Black Dogs, cats and other such animals which are said to be evil and cause or do harm, warn of impending danger, appear before a bad situation or occurrence, etc..
An animal spirit may be perceived in full form, as a shadow, a touch, sense, smell, etc. It all depends on the person perceiving said spirit.
"Why can children perceive ghosts?- or -Why do children see ghosts more than adults?"
The innocence of children, being that their minds have not been conditioned not to believe in such things, open mindedness, the "wanting of a playmate or friend," ( hence the imaginary friend factor - who may not be so imaginary after all ), being curious of things and surroundings, all help and influence children to see ghosts easier than adults do.
As children grow older, teachings of parents, schools, adult figures, religion, being sensitive, belief's of other children, etc., will all influence if the child will continue to see spirits or not, or later on learn to accept or fear them also - or both.
If a child is taunted or made fun of, or called "evil" for saying he or she sees ghosts, may cause the child to either begin to disbelieve or doubt what they are seeing, think of themselves as different or "weird," make them keep to themselves what they see, ( block what they are seeing ), or stop seeing/believing all together. It may also later affect them to the point they feel there is something wrong with them or the "I am loosing my mind" feelings of distress.
For example as a parent will tell a child, "There's no such things as Ghosts," or one of the most famous, "The bogeyman will get you," will also factor into how the child will react to seeing a ghost, fearing, accepting, believing or disbelieving also.
There are also certain parents, families, etc., who will nurture the child's gift's or abilities and teach them to accept, not fear, handle the seeing of such spirits.
It all comes down again to the teachings the child receives in life and their belief's, the people around them, being strong or weak minded, which all will influence if they continue to see or not later on into adulthood.
"Can ghosts follow you?"
- Ghosts are usually attached to a specific area or location and won't follow you, or pass the boundaries of said place or location. ( For example, cemeteries, houses, etc. ).
- Being that you are a sensitive, you may see, sense, or encounter ghosts in your home or many other different areas and so think or feel as being "followed." Ghosts are everywhere and are "drawn" to people who can see or sense them.
- Also there's the situation of a ghost being attached/binded to an inanimate object and so will go where said object or item goes.
- Being attached to a Loved one may also cause the spirit to "follow" or move where that person goes.
- If a spirit is bound to you for any other reason, ( a summoning you did for example ), may cause said spirit to follow you also.
"What are visiting spirits?"
These are spirits that are passing through on their way to a certain area or place, and being drawn to your energy or sensitivity, or being curious, will stop and appear to you, enter your home, cause some sort of distraction, weird occurrence, etc. ( Again it brings up the topic of being summoned ). These "visitations" usually last for a moment to a few days or weeks and then the spirit moves on.
Ghosts - other common questions ( summary ):
Being that everyone has their own belief's of the afterlife, this adds to theories and the "why" spirits may come back to haunt an area and not pass onto the other side as they should have.
Q. "Are ghosts evil?"
A. Yes and No.
People are realizing that spirits they see are not usually harmful in any way. ( Just like you getting that orb or shadow/mist picture in a cemetery and yet nothing happened to you while in said cemetery ). You see a ghost and being it's unexpected, the fear of the situation may make you relate to it as being evil or religious beliefs also play a role for some teach that all said entities are evil. They usually just wish to be noticed or pass through a place, be in a place they are comfortable in since they don't wish yet to move on, or not ready to move on because of any other reason.
An evil entity can be encountered, and do exist, and one of the reasons respect and care to all places should be observed and followed through. Although some spirits may be harmful, having a mean disposition, angered, you did something to anger it, entered in a place or area which they take as you being on their property, summoning it, etc.. This is not to scare you, but to make you aware that even as you meet good and bad people in life, same goes with spirit entities in death.
Q. "Are Ouija Boards and Seances a connection to evil?"
A. Using any form of summoning of spirits, without experience, is an invitation to trouble and you may get more than what you bargained for. You may be summoning, ( giving permission to enter, calling upon, etc. ), any entity in the area - or beyond - with whom you may not be able to handle. All summoning's of spirits require the summoner to close the opening, etc., of what they have opened, and a non-experienced person whom has no knowledge in these things will then have a spirit who will stay with them, or the area in which it was summoned. A professional medium or psychic can help you to summon a loved one with the knowledge of what to do after the summoning, which may help you to communicate with whom you wished to without inviting in or binding uninvited entities.
Q. "Are only old houses, areas with history, or where a murder or natural death has occurred will be haunted?"
A. Spirits haunt an area because of many different reasons and not only because it's old, has history or a death will they haunt it. Unfinished business, a loved one, etc. can all make a spirit remain in an area. Objects and items can also retain a spirit, being that they really loved their home, car, desk, etc..
Q. "If I don't see ghosts, then the area or home cannot be haunted?"
A. Ghosts are around us all the time and everyone "sees" ghosts differently. You may perceive them through smells, inanimate objects moving, sounds, items disappearing or misplaced, feeling of being touched, etc.. Then again, the ghost may not wish to present itself to you and so you may never perceive it, or because of your beliefs, or ways of thinking/perceiving you may never see one . It all comes down to you, and the spirit - if your open minded and if it wishes to be known or seen.
Q. "Seeing a scary movie, reading about ghosts, studying about ghosts, gathering information about ghosts will make my home haunted?"
A. It may make you more open minded and so better to perceive a ghost, but not attract it ( unless again, you summon it ). Click here for more information.
Q. "Are "Demons" and Ghosts the same thing - or haunt an area?"
A. No. A Demon will possess an area, home, place, person, item etc., but is totally different in relation to a ghost. A ghost is from human origin while a "demon" is an entity of a whole different classification.
Q. "How do I communicate with a Ghost?"
First know there are two types of answers to "Should I communicate with a Ghost?"
A. YES AND NO.
Yes:
- If you feel or are aware the spirit is a loved one or friend, you can start by trying to say out loud in a nice tone of voice, "Hi! How are you?"
No:
- If you feel the presence is of malicious intent, leave it alone, don't try to communicate with it on your own and seek professional help. Younger Children, seek the permission of your parents BEFORE contacting Any Ghost Hunter/Ghost Hunting Group/Psychic.
Q. "How can Ghost's/Spirits communicate with you?"
A. There are several ways ghosts/spirits may attempt to contact you. Messages through our dreams, is an example. The dream(s) are usually not scary, but may seem so to see a loved one, friend, ( or neither - just a stranger ), who has passed on in our dreams. If you receive a message in this form, you may have just been visited by a spirit. Other ways to sense a spirit communicating are; messages written on objects, such as paper or mirrors, scents that were common of the deceased, ( or not, and neither of the room/area you are in ), your name being called, voices such as laughter, being or feeling touched, knocks or rapping on doors and/or windows and other objects, lights being turned off and on, etc. ( And I don't mean an electrical problem or loose floorboards etc! ) You can also try EVP, as it has produced great results! Just remember to always be patient, and they just might communicate with you - and then again, they may not. It all depends on the spirit.
Q. "What if a Ghost doesn't wish to be communicated with?" or "How will I know if it is ok to communicate with it?"
A. You have to remember to always consider the presences feelings, for they were once fully bodied, ( alive ), as you are. If you speak to it in an angry tone, it is liable to get angry with you! Some, as they may have been in life, ( or because of the cause of death ), have mean dispositions, and don't wished to be bothered with - period. Communication with this sort of presence may only anger it more and cause it to 'lash out' at you. Each spirit and haunting is different so you must analyze all carefully before attempting to have any involvement with them to avoid such problems. Seek professional help before attempting to communicate with such entities. Other's may wish to be left alone, ignore you, and not be communicated with. It really all depends on the spirit. Best to cease, and if it should change it's mind, it will be sure to find a way to be noticed/communicate with you. Remember to be aware of the ways it may be trying to, and that YOU aren't the one not noticing!
Q. "How can I find, (these things) out about the ghost/haunting I am having?" or "How can I find out whom is haunting my home/area?"
A. Do research! Start with your home/area to find out why the ghost(s) are there. Check with your local library or newspaper for the information you may need. Some spirits, it is believed, will stay on because of violent deaths, wrong doings, still have missions to accomplish, waiting for a loved one, unfinished business, comfort to a loved one, etc. There may be many reasons why your home/area may be haunted - only way to find out is to actually do the research! Also, we cannot forget, if you are a sensitive to ghosts, even if the home or area is NOT haunted - they may 'seek you out' or be seen/noticed by you, just because YOU CAN notice them! Some spirits LIKE to be noticed, and some even like the companionship, and knowing someone can communicate, see, or sense them. Again, see why you SHOULD NOT try the Ouija Board, Automatic Writing, or Séances above, and "How do I know my home is haunted?"
Q. "What areas are most likely to be haunted?"
What are the Differences between Ghost and Demon Possessions?
Spirits use a channeler, automatic writer, etc. - and even normal people, as vessels to communicate a message and move on. This can be done through far-seeing, psychic abilities, etc. This only lasts a few minutes to a few hours, and usually not longer. It also applies to channelers whom call on 'Spirit Guides.' The spirit speaks what needs to be heard, or relays their message to the channeler/psychic, and very rarely the spirit controls the person more than that for speaking in their place.
Ghost ''possession's" are believed to be, when the persons voice, language, characteristics, and sometimes even features may change to that of the spirit which is speaking through them, knowing and saying things that only the deceased person may know. For an Automatic Writer, their handwriting may change, and they may write in ways and even sometimes languages not common of the person themselves but of the spirit whom they are channeling, while the spirit temporarily inhabits their body.
Ghost's may 'possess' an object also for relaying messages. ( It's not so much a possession, but the spirits using, or channeling their energy, or feeding off the energy of the object to relay their message). For example: Your beeper goes off, and you find a message on it, from a Loved One who's passed on, telling you something in a short message, advising, or just saying 'Hello!', or happy anniversary. This goes the same with phones, radio, EVP, etc.. Not really a 'possession' but the use of their energy to pass these messages on to you through these electrical devises.
The use of inanimate objects can also be used to relay messages, of discomfort, happiness, etc. For examples; a picture falls to the floor because the spirit is angered or distressed, wants attention etc., or the TV turns on and off because the spirit likes to annoy - play tricks - or just in humor!
For an Angered or 'Troubled' Spirit, these 'possession's' can be disturbing for the person they may use to relay their message. Foul language/smells, writing, throwing of objects and/or people, banging, pinching, scratching, etc. may also take place. They wish to 'posses,' take charge of, keep as theirs an area, place, dwelling, object, etc.
A Demon Possession can be from a few minutes, to days, months or years. A Demon possession is where the entity takes over the body and controls it for an indefinite period of time. Making the person act, react, and do things they'd usually never do - because they are not really themselves. With this may come an anger, hate, hatred, violence, foul language/smells, voice - features and characteristic changes as well, amongst other things. These possessions can stop for days - to months, sometimes years, and then begin again from where it left off.
There are there 3 parts of Demon Possession:
1. Where the Demon merely manipulates the individual.
2. Where the Demon does favors, ( grant's wishes ), for the individual.
3. Full body possession. ( Full control ).
Poltergeist can also be listed here because of their use of Objects to relay their messages. They have been known to be and do things both good and bad as well in humor - all depending on the entity itself. They have not been known to actually 'posses' an individual, but to feed off a persons energy.
Derek Fitzpatrick Writes:
Hello,
I was recently visiting your site and came across your FAQ'S LIST. I have a comment on your "Poltergeist" definition. You forget to mention the rapidly accepted theory that a "Poltergeist" is a form of Hyper PK caused by a human agent (usually an adolescent female, under extreme amounts of stress). When counseled by a professional psychologist or psychotherapist, many times, activity ceased all together. Possibly caused by the fact that once the person becomes conscious of their subconscious and how it is manifesting, they take responsibility for the phenomenon causing the activity to cease. I hope that you will add this amongst your definition for what a "Poltergeist is". Thank you for your time. :)
-Many Thanks to Mr. Fitzpatrick!
Also view the 'Hauntings' link below for more information on Spirits & Types of Hauntings.
Also see:
The Exorcist pages 1, 2, 3
Other pages of interest:
Paranormal Events from all over the world pages 1, 2, 3
Bloody Mary - Story Pages; 1, 2, 3
Video Ghost pages 1, 2, 3
And many other you can find on our Home Page under 'Ghost's & Hauntings' with other Sections as well!
Where to find Ghosts?
Report a Haunt, pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions of all sorts of paranormal subjects.
Facts - Paranormal happening and Strange Occurrences.
Diverse opinions concerning the challenging of Spirits.
This page was made by and Copyright © of Winter Steel. Page made in collaboration of Shadow Walker, Grey Feather & Raven.
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