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Types of Ghosts
Dr. Hans Holzer - "A ghost is a human being who has passed out of the physical body, usually in a traumatic state and is not aware usually of his true condition. We are all spirits encased in a physical body. At the time of passing, our spirit body continues into the next dimension. A ghost, on the other hand, due to trauma, is stuck in our physical world and needs to be released to go on."
Apparitions, disembodied spirit
- Appear in transparent human form and wear the clothing of their period. Normally appear faint and difigured as in being incomplete.
- Apparitions have been known to hold conversations with people and even interact, but then will suddenly disappear
- It has been reported that certain odors have been smelled prior, during, and after the sighting of an apparition.
- May hear voices, music, footsteps, etc. Smell odors which sources cannot be found (i.e. pipe tobacco when no one smokes).
- Considered an earthbound spirit – stuck here for reasons such as tragic sudden death, fear of moving on, guilt or unfinished business.
- Could also be here visiting loved ones or to warn or pass along a message.
- These human spirits are the same as they were in life, so they may be good or bad, but not really evil.
- They will try to get your attention any way they can...many times terrifying the person by turning on and off lights, items moving, noises, etc.
- In haunted residences, the ghost may be just a prankster or maybe they want you to leave the old home or not to change something in the home. They have all the same motivations you and I would have.
- These human spirits account for a majority of the hauntings encountered and are relatively harmless. Yes, there are extreme cases and sometimes they can cause dangerous situations, but this is not the norm and is rare.
Doppleganger
- Means “double goer” in German.
- A ghost that is a perfect double, often appears to a family member at the moment of death.
- Dopplegangers of people still living have been seen, this is possibly either a residual haunt in the making, or an example of bilocation
- Reported as being solid or transparent
- People have even claimed to see their own doppleganger, this is usually considered a death omen.
Ectoplasm
- Appears as a mist or fog, usually displaying a swirl effect within a vaporous cloud.
- Normally appears several feet off the ground and can linger or travel quickly at will.
- Usual colors are gray, white or black but has also been photographed in several other colors.
- Has been caught on video and all types of cameras.
- Speculated to be the soul or spirit – transforms to this vaporous state before appearing as a full-bodied apparition.
Family Ghost
- Ghosts that are connected to a particular family.
- Banshees are the most well known of this phenomenon
Ghost lights
- Appear as white or blue balls or yellow spheres glowing in the darkness.
- At some point acquired the Latin name “ignis fatuus”, meaning “foolish fire”, because it is considered foolish to try to follow or capture them.
- According to some legends, the light of an ignis fatuus is the ghost of a sinner who is condemned to wander the world for eternity.
- In Britain, it’s sometimes called the will-o’-wisp and is known to be a death omen.
Orbs, globules, balls of light
- Show up as luminous of light hovering above the ground. Sometimes show up as streaks of bright lights on camera if a long exposure was used.
- True orbs give off their own light. Often confused with the "orbs" caught on digital cameras which are result of dust or moisture. (see Orbs Explained)
- Speculated to be the soul or spirit travelling around in its most convenient state.
Poltergeist
- A noisy spirit that can manipulate the environment around it.
- Reported as being invisible.
- Phenomena may be caused by a teenager unknowingly using psychokinesis.
Shadow ghosts / dark entities
- Appear as a shadow but with form.
- Normally reported to be two feet in length or longer and tend to travel at a height of two to ten feet.
- Usually sneaky and evasive.
- Most often spotted in homes, and often spotted in mirrors
Vortex
- Takes on the appearance of a swirling funnel shape when moving about.
- Appear in pictures as being long and narrow and having a thread-like design within their body.
- Unknown if a vortex has ever been captured on video tape.
- Often felt as a cold spot.
- Most often spotted inside homes and old buildings. Rarely spotted outdoors.
- Some theories about vortexes are that they are a visiting relative or a former resident of the home.
- Some "vortex" photos taken are the result of a camera strap in fron of the lens as the photo was being taken
A couple of ghost hunting tips I decided to throw in:
- To visually capture evidence of a ghost, it is suggested they are best detected at the darkest times of the night. The theory is that it takes too much energy to make themselves visible in daylight.
- Also, EVP works better at night since sound is clearer and can be heard from longer distance due to the effects of a phenomena known as sound wave refraction.
- Not to mention, of course, that there is less distractions and interruptions at night to deal with!