Do You Believe in Ghosts?
By Victor Fuhrman
A real-life paranormal investigator answers your burning questions about ghosts, spirits and things that go bump in the night.
The interest in ghostly activity is high this Halloween.
A trend I call “paranormania” is running rampant in popular media. Television shows such as Ghost Hunters and The Ghost Whisperer, and the movie Paranormal Activity, are stirring the pot of public interest--and even instilling some fear. In my experience, ghosts are not to be feared, just understood.
What is a ghost?
Ghost is a generic term for the disembodied spirit of a person or animal. Every nation and culture has stories of ghosts dating back more than 2500 years. Ghost activity may range from unexplained sounds such as footsteps and voices to the “holy grail” of paranormal activity, a full bodied apparition.
What is the difference between a ghost and a poltergeist?
The word poltergeist (German for noisy ghost or spirit) is used to describe nuisance activities such as objects being moved, disturbed or broken in the home without natural explanation. Parapsychologists studying poltergeist activity theorize that this is actually caused by psychic energy given off by a living person, usually an adolescent under stress, rather than by disembodied spirits.
How do I know if there is a ghost?
The presence of a ghost, referred to as a “haunting,” can take on several forms, including:
1. Apparitions--a visual image of a full or partial form ranging from a full, life-like, image of the deceased to shadow figures and mists.
2. The unexplained movement of objects.
3. Unexplained sounds (footsteps, banging) and voices (laughter, whispers, words).
4. An unexplained dramatic fall or rise of temperature, usually in an isolated spot.
5. Unexplained electrical phenomena (lights turning on and off, devices turning on and off, etc.).
6. Unexplained feelings ranging from a heavy feeling or sense of dread to physical touching.
Note: The use of the word “unexplained” means that these manifestations cannot be accounted for by the normal laws of nature or science.
Can ghosts follow us from place to place?
Hauntings have been documented to follow specific individuals or families from place to place. These are usually associated with a deceased relative and often are tied into the bereaved being unable to let go of the strong emotional bond with the relative. Ghosts may also be tied to a specific place. Battlefields such as Gettysburg and prisons such as Pennsylvania’s Eastern State Penitentiary are famous for “residual haunting”, an etheric record of events that are “replayed” over and over again.
How can I communicate with a ghost or spirit?
The key to all paranormal or subtle energy communication is quieting the mind. A practice of some form of meditation will make one more receptive to subtle energy and information.
Some people try to communicate with “Ouija Boards” but more often than not, the planchette or pointer is moved not by spirit but by the user’s unconscious desire to make contact with a departed loved one.
There are also many sincere and ethical professional mediums that make their living reaching out to the other side. As with all services, let the buyer beware! If a medium asks for inordinately large sums of money, uses scare tactics or asks you do to do something that goes against your grain or makes you feel uncomfortable, you are probably more psychically gifted than they are, so politely walk away!
Why do hauntings sometimes happen out of nowhere?
Hauntings are often associated with specific physical objects. Antiques often contain the residual energy of past owners and when the object is brought into the new home, the spirit of the former owner comes with it. Additionally, spirit energy of the recently deceased may remain and result in a haunting. Building renovation has been known to “upset” previously quiet spirits who are confused or disturbed by the changes being made and may make their displeasure known!
Is it true ghosts interact with us?
This is called an “intelligent” haunting. It is the classic case of a disembodied person not knowing that he or she is dead. Animal spirits have also been known to remain with their former owners. People have described feeling spirit cats and dogs brushing against them, especially in the days, weeks and months after passing.
Is there something I can do to clear my home of ghosts?
There are several methods of clearing spirits from the home including religious and spiritual, Feng Shui and smudging. Knowing that each of us has the ability to simply ask these spirits to leave is very empowering. If you are uncertain of what to do or feel danger or fear, consult with your clergy or spiritual advisor.
What should I do if I fear a spirit wants to harm me?
Popular media has sensationalized and engendered the idea of haunting being connected to malevolent spirits, demons and the like. Rarely has anyone truly been harmed by a spirit and quite often, any physical or emotional injury is caused by fear rather than the spirit. If someone is truly concerned of harm or young children are involved, contact your personal clergy, spiritual leader or a competent and professional paranormal investigation team.
How can I connect with loved ones who have passed on?
The number one reason people are drawn to paranormal studies and groups is because they have either experienced some form of contact with departed loved ones or want to know if it is possible. If you sense the presence of deceased family or friends, here are a few techniques to try to establish communication.
1. Meditate or sit quietly in a room or place where you've spent time together.
2. After relaxing, sense or visualize their presence as if they were still alive and sitting with you. See them as you knew them happy and healthy rather than at the end of life.
3. Begin a natural conversation with an open heart. Use this as an opportunity to heal any unfinished business, to forgive or ask for forgiveness and to express love. 4. With each statement, quietly listen for an answer or sign either externally or internally.
Remember that spirit is generally etheric and subtle and be patient. Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts
Learning about ghosts and other paranormal activity can be a lot of fun and often diffuse fear. There are literally hundreds of books, local psychic clubs and adult education Paranormal studies throughout the United States. Knowledge is power and you will be able to sing the famous line from the Ray Parker Jr. song, “I ain’t fraid of no ghosts!” Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!
My take on this article.
I do not believe in ghosts per se. I really don't like the word "ghost". I do believe that there are, indeed, earthbound spirits that for one reason or another have not crossed over. But I don't see this as something to fear. These spirits all too often are wondering just what has happened to them, needing our understanding and calm much more than our hysteria. Whether or not you believe this is happening, it really doesn't hurt to offer up a few prayers. That's what I do. If I'm watching "Ghost Hunters", "Ghost Adventures" or hear or read about a haunting or ghost somewhere, I asked my Heavenly Father to help these souls come to Him in the Light. Prayer Never hurt anybody.
In the section"How Can I Communicate With A Ghost or Spirit", the original picture was of a Quija board. I replaced it. OUIJA BOARDS ARE DANGEROUS! Do not use them! If you have one in your home, destroy it! The author does not condone these boards;he only used a picture of one. But I won't.