A ghost is the disembodied spirit of a person that is no longer alive. Like the living, they can be either malevolent or benevolent.

The belief in ghosts has existed throughout history in all cultures. They haunt houses and other buildings, as well as outdoor areas, and are especially noticeable in old and lonely places. Ghosts that are unable to break their ties to this world haunt the places that were important to them in life, and their place of death or burial.

They remain to settle injustices, both those that they have committed and those that have been committed against them. They also remain in order to deliver urgent messages to their loved ones, such as the location of money or important documents.

They can appear at any time of day or night, but are easiest to see after dark and close to midnight. Indications that a ghost is near include a sudden drop in temperature, a candle flame burning blue, a dog whining or showing signs of fear for no apparent reason, and loud unexplained rattling or rumbling noises.

Ghosts rarely appear to more than one person at a time, even if there are several people in the room during the event, and they cannot speak until spoken to. Sometimes it takes years before the ghost can persuade someone to acknowledge his presence.

The ghost often has an urgent message to deliver. Refusing to acknowledge him may cause the haunting to increase in intensity, you may see him appear in horrific forms or even suffer physical attacks that cause permanent bodily harm.

To speak with the ghost, simply ask him who he is and what he wants. You may need to repeat the question three times. When he finally begins speaking do not interrupt him, delivering his message is very important to him. He will ask you to take care of some earthly business for him.

If you are unable to complete the task, he will persist. When the task is completed the haunting should cease, and the ghost may thank you by revealing some secret that will be helpful to you in life.

Not all ghosts have a message or a score to settle. They may be bound to the living world by some emotion such as love, hate or guilt, and be unwilling or uninterested in breaking that bond. Some have promised to materialize to a loved one after death, and will remain until they are able to do so. Others appear for no reason apart from frightening away unwanted visitors who might disturb their rest, especially in cemeteries.

You can see ghosts easily on Halloween but never on Christmas Eve. They wear the same kind of clothes that they wore when they were alive, unless they appear in a cemetery, then they might be wearing all white. Ghosts of animals are also described but not as often.

Also known as apparitions, specters, spirits, and souls.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Incorporeal

References

Brand, John, & Ellis, Henry. Observations on Popular Antiquities. London: Charles Knight and Co., 1842.