Betwixt the Sea and Sky

You'd think sharing your home with a ghost would be full of the
dramatic events we often see in movies or on tv, but that isn't
always the case. Certainly those big moments can happen, but
often the presence of spirits is more subtle and the realization
that we are "haunted" comes about more slowly, over time.

When paranormal activity isn't "in your face" obvious, it can
take months, even years, of odd or unusual experiences to realize
that something extraordinary is happening. If strange events are
occurring at home, it's very likely they will need to be repeated
several times before anyone begins to question what is happening.

So, if you have some unexplained moments nagging at you and
you've been wondering if things aren't exactly "normal" at your
house, check the list below to see if you have experienced some
of the milder signs of paranormal activity.

Subtle Signs of Paranormal Activity:

1) Things missing and then being returned to the original (or
an unusual) location.

2) The slight feeling of being watched when no one is there.

3) Seeing a smoky mist that's there one minute and gone the
next.

4) Doors and windows open when you thought you closed them
and vice versa.

5) Some unexplained knocking and rapping noises.

6) Unusual cold spots in rooms.

7) Anomalies showing up in photographs that weren't visible
when the photo was taken.

8) Lights, tvs, radios, etc. being turned off or on by
themselves.

If you or your family members are experiencing any of these
events on a regular basis you should first check and recheck for
logical explanations. For example, if an item keeps turning up
missing or a door/window keeps opening, check with other family
members to make sure they aren't your "ghost." If you have no
other plausible explanations, don't panic. Activity of this
nature is generally non threatening and many people actually
learn to enjoy sharing their home with this type of energy.

Now, on to the more high profile and energetic type of spirit
activity. If you are experiencing this type of haunting behavior,
chances are you already know you have something unusual or even
"ghostly" going on. But, just in case you are deeply in denial,
you can check the list below for verification that you are,
indeed, "with ghost."

Not so Subtle Signs of Paranormal Activity:

1) Seeing orbs. These can be pinpoints of light or larger,
quickly coming and going. Sometimes they can be seen out of
the corner of your eye, sometimes they can be seen straight
on. Note: Orbs don't always indicate the presence of a ghost
but they certainly can.

2) Moving, shadowy shapes, sometimes seen out of the corner
of your eye, sometimes seen directly in your line of vision.

3) Feelings of being touched, hair pulled, or tugged on when
no one is nearby.

4) Things moving on their own or appearing to be thrown in
plain sight.

5) Seeing doors or windows open or close by themselves.

6) Hearing voices, hearing your name called when no one is
nearby.

7) Hearing music, or an instrument playing by itself.

8) Feelings of discomfort, nausea, or unease in areas of the
home. A strong feeling of being watched.

9) This one is obvious, seeing an apparition or a person
appear and disappear.

While some of this activity could be interpreted as playful and
non threatening, others may be experienced as very negative and
intimidating. If that is happening to you and you want the ghost
or presence to leave, here are some things you can try:

First, take ownership of your home. Ghosts of a dark nature like
to frighten you and feed off of your fear so, as calmly as
possible, tell it you want it to leave and why. You could say:
"This is my house and I don't like it when you--fill in the
blank--, so please leave this house immediately.<WBR>" The more firm
and less afraid you are, the better. Ghosts rarely have any
significant power in our world and they rely upon the fear they
can generate in you as one of their biggest weapons so try not to
provide it for them.

If you have told the ghost to leave several times (it could take
a few tries) and it still hasn't left, you may either have a
ghost that doesn't know that it is dead or a ghost that needs
something before if can leave. Try telling the ghost that it is
no longer physical and needs to move on, toward the light.

Still not gone? Try asking it what it needs and see if you can
discern an answer. Admittedly, not everyone can communicate with
ghosts so if you are stuck here, maybe it is time to seek outside
help from a ghost investigator or psychic. Not only can they
document your ghost's presence and validate your experiences,
they may also be able to communicate with your ghost and get it
to move on.

Sharing your home with a ghost can be many things--fun,
uncomfortable, frightening, interesting, or exciting--depending
on your outlook and the type of spirit present. While some people
are quite happy about it, there are probably just as many, if not
more, who are not. No matter which way you feel, it's important
to look, beyond your fear or excitement, at what is actually
happening in your home.

If, upon inspection, you discover an unwanted presence, try using
the previously mentioned removal suggestions since they have been
found to be fairly effective. If that doesn't work, try to
educate yourself about the ghost, the house and various removal
techniques, as much as possible. Since knowledge is power, using
this knowledge can boost your confidence, lessen your fear, and
provide you with the information you will need to restore your
home back to the welcoming and safe environment you want it to
be.

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=== About the Author
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Copyright Natalie Lynn, 2006. Natalie Lynn is a founding member
of The Traverse City Paranormal Society.

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