What Is A Ghost?

All throughout history, in all different cultures, there have been many reports of people seeing ghosts or spirits.  Over time, many of the stories became exaggerated, and developed into myths and folklore.  Eventually, ghosts and spirits were seen as something to be feared.  Modern portrayals of ghosts in books, television or movies usually show them as scary or threatening entities.  However, research has shown that most hauntings are usually benign, and in some cases friendly and protective.  The mystery surrounding ghosts and the afterlife have piqued the curiosity of many, from everyday people to kings.  What happens to us when we die?  Where do we go?  What is the difference between a ghost and a spirit?  Why do they interact with us?  These are questions that we hope to answer through research.

A ghost is the apparition of a deceased person, frequently similar in appearance to that person, and usually encountered in places he or she frequented, the place of his or her death, or in association with the person's former belongings.

The word ghost may also refer to the spirit or soul of a deceased person, or to any spirit or demon.

A place in which ghosts are claimed to appear is described as haunted.

A related phenomenon is the poltergeist, literally a 'noisy spirit' that manifests itself by moving and influencing objects, though a widespread view today is that these occurrences are either fraudulent or manifestations of the psychic energy of, particularly, adolescent girls.

Phantom armies, ghost-animals, ghost trains and phantom ships have also been reported.

1. What is the difference between a ghost and a spirit? 

   A "ghost" is defined as a soul which has left the body, but has not gone on through the Light and into the Afterlife.  For some reason, it has chosen to stay behind.  A haunting by a ghost isn't necessarily always a friendly one. 
   A "spirit" is defined as a soul that went through the Light and on into the Afterlife.  These souls get 'processed', and are eventually allowed to return to the physical world to comfort or help loved ones who still live.  They are not trapped like ghosts are, but have the freedom to come and go between the physical world and the Afterlife.  They will appear only rarely in our lives, when we usually need assistance or great comfort. 
   Family spirits don't show up very often in our lives because apparently, time is different for them.  What can be a lifetime to us is only a few moments to them.  People who have experienced extreme NDE's have reported meeting family members before they are returned to the physical world.  They have stated that deceased family members will say things like, "I just got here, and now here you are" when the fact is that the deceased member passed on 30 years prior to the person experiencing the NDE.
    

2. Types of ghosts:  Various types of ghosts have been documented throughout history.  Apparitions, shadows, mists, orbs, and poltergeists are all different types of ghosts.  The following list is a definition of each of these types.
    

a:  Apparitions:  These are human-shaped and either appear as a full or partial in form.  They are usually white, grey or black in color.  "True" Apparitions are always either grey or white.  Shadow Ghosts are black.  Most apparition sightings are usually non-interactive, but many have been interactive in both positive and negative ways.

b:  Shadows:  These dark apparitions have been described in many ways.  They range from small, darting, "rat-sized, cat-sized or small-dog-sized" shadows that are seen out of the corners of our eyes, to large human-shaped shadows.  Shadow ghosts have also been described as misty and shapeless.  Human-shaped shadows also show variety, and have been described as "human-shaped", "robed", or as "wearing hats".  For more information on Shadow Ghosts, click on this link.

c:  Mists:  These are misty forms that can be very transparent, or very thick and dark.  When thicker, it's also referred to as "ectoplasm", and can become thick enough to form physical substance.  Mists are usually white, grey or black in color.  Black mists are often associated with feelings of dread or fear, and are considered a type of Shadow Ghost.
  
d:  Orbs:  Orbs manifest as colored or white globes, streaks or glitter.  They are the simplest form that a ghost or spirit can take, as making an orb uses very little energy compared to making an apparition.  Orbs are usually described as round or elongated, and most times are either transparent or bright white.  However, orbs of other colors have been captured on camera and seen with the naked eye.  Can these colors signify any kind of connection to that particular spirit's or ghost's aura?  Or do colors simply represent the mood or spiritual level of that particular orb?  Glitter may be another ghostly form altogether that isn't related to orbs, but until we know more about it, we'll categorize it with orbs.  Orbs are usually harmless, but this doesn't mean that the ghost creating it isn't.  It just means that there haven't been any orb attacks reported, so it could be that this form has no real power to expend other than to travel from one place to another.

e:  Poltergeists:  Meaning "noisy ghost", poltergeist activity is usually associated with some common denominators.  In most cases, there is usually a girl (sometimes a boy) involved who is at the age of puberty.  Whether the child is manifesting the poltergeist activity because of changes to their body and the energy created, or whether the poltergeist is attracted to their intensified energy at the time of puberty is debatable.  Poltergeist activity can become very bothersome, with rappings and occasional thumps evolving into constant banging and furniture being moved.  Poltergeists are known to stack items, move objects, make a variety of noises and are apparently not shy about letting you know when they're around.  Poltergeist activity can become very scary and dangerous, as there have been cases of contact such as pushing, scratching and other attacks.

1. Why ghosts appear:  Ghosts can haunt because of the following reasons:  Fear, unfinished business, unwillingness to let go of what has always been familiar, staying to comfort loved ones, or an unexpected sudden traumatic death where they were "not prepared" or felt "too young to die", or even addictions.

2. Why spirits appear:  To let us know that they're all right on the Other Side, and/or to comfort us. 

3. Signs of a haunting:  The signs of a haunting can include objects disappearing and reappearing; noises; odors; items being moved; radios, TVs and other electrical appliances turning on and off; water being turned on and off; toilets flushing when no one is in the bathroom; mysterious writing or images; the sensation of "not being alone" or of "being watched"; voices or footsteps when no one is present; sightings of apparitions, shadows, mists, or orbs; objects being thrown; cold spots; or being touched. Pets may act strange, from staring at or chasing things that aren't there, to growling, hissing or barking at "nothing".  In severe hauntings, one may experience being scratched, grabbed or shoved, but this is isn't very common.  Even more rare are sexual experiences, but they have been reported.

4. Communicating with a ghost:  You can speak to a ghost just as you would another human being.  When we cross over, we take our feelings with us, and so you should treat contacting a benign ghost with the same respect that you would show to another human being. 

5. Protecting yourself and your home:  It is possible to protect yourself and your home through prayer or other means.

6. Getting rid of a ghost:  There are various ways to be rid of a ghost in your home.  They range from simply asking it to leave, to performing exorcisms.   

7. Photographing ghosts:  Over the years, we've collected information on what equipment to use, and what tricks and tips work for attracting ghosts.

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