Ghosts

I. What are ghosts?

One common explanation of ghosts is that they are some kind of auric recording left by a person who died a violent and/or unexpected death. This somehow "supercharged" the person's aura, and that aura, with its events, has become imprinted upon the area the ghost died in.

On the other hand, it also seems that at least some of the ghosts can be communicated with. Some psychics have found a ghost and then talked to it, telling the ghost that it was dead and it was time to move on to the other side. In some instances at least, this seemed to work. This would then indicate that at least some of the ghosts are actually intelligent spirits trapped on this plane, usually due to a violent event, but sometimes because they simply will not let go of their material possessions or of their control over others previously in their lives.

In either case, the existence of ghosts strengthens the case of those who believe in the continuity of the human spirit after physical death.

Ghosts are not, of course, the same thing as poltergeists, although they are often confused with them. Poltergeists are "mischievous spirits" who cause objects to be thrown around a room, at times hurting people in the process. Whether these are actual spirits, or some psychokinetic effect of adolescents living in the household has not yet been decided.

II. Detection

How are you going to detect a ghost? There are a number of traditional signs: a place in the building that seems to be intensely cold, although no draft from any window can be traced; mysterious sounds like footsteps going up a stairway when no one is there; and misty appearances that may at times resemble a human being.

The first step is the hardest: finding a ghost. This would entail checking through local stories, talking to friends, and possibly checking BBS (Bulletin Board System, a form of telecommunications network set up on computers) for information on local ghosts. Once you discover the possible existence of a ghost, you need to get the building owner's permission to try to find the ghost. Such permission is most definitely not automatically granted.

If you find a building with a ghost, and if you get permission to go ghost-hunting on the property, go prepared. You need physical equipment (if you wish to verify "scientifically" the existence of the ghost), including tape recorders, blank, unwrapped tapes, and cameras with black-and-white and color film. You may also decide other physical things are necessary.

However, there are non-physical needs, also. One is the right state of mind. You will be attempting to verify the existence of the ghost. You may also choose to attempt to help it realize it is dead, and should on to "the other side". Smudging yourself before going is a must. Perhaps a short fast and some meditation will also be in order.

III. Communication

Once you have determined the existence of a ghost that appears on a fairly regular basis, the next step is contact the ghost. Go to the spot where it seems most frequently to appear, and ask for it to appear. Give it some time.

If it doesn't work right away, then you'll have to wait for the ghost to appear on its own time. When it does, speak to the ghost softly. Explain that you do not intend to hurt the ghost, that the ghost is really a dead person, and that you wish to help the ghost move on. Your speech should be both physical and mental; think the words as you say them, and accompany the words with warm, positive feelings.

Visualize a strong beam of white light coming down from above, and various helpers from the other side coming with the light. Visualize them approaching the ghost. Tell the ghost that the helpers are here and will escort him or her to the light.

Then, basically, you need to see what will happen. The ghost may understand you, and accompany the helpers to the light. If this happens, don't ever expect to see the ghost again.

On the other hand, this may not work the first time, and may need to be repeated. Also understand that this is not a game. You should only do something like this if you sincerely wish to help the spirit move on. If not, just stick to reading about ghosts and leave the real ones alone.

This is making the assumption, however, that the ghost wants to move on to the other side. Many of the spirits choose to remain on the physical plane. They may wish to communicate with you, to your mutual benefits. In this case you really have no right to make any attempt to force the ghost to move on. If this should be the case, then just attempt to talk to the ghost as you would talk to a physical person. Think of all the history a ghost could reveal about an area or an event! Maybe the ghost even wishes to give you some good advice!

Consider carefully which seems to be the case: either the ghost wishes to remain, or it doesn't. If in doubt, just try communication. If it wants help, it will let you know.

Unsolved Mysteries episodes dealing with ghosts, and reviews of books on ghosts.