Exploring the Different Types of Ghosts and Spirits
August 12, 2024 | Katrina van Wyk
The supernatural is vast and mysterious. It has many different entities. They have fascinated humans for centuries. Among these entities are ghosts and spirits. Their hauntings and apparitions hold a prominent place. They are often the focus of folklore and paranormal investigations. So, let us explore all the kinds of ghosts and spirits.
Interactive Personalities
Firstly, ghosts and spirits are fascinating because they are thought to interact with the living. Interactive Personalities are a fascinating and often unsettling type of spirit. They are believed to be conscious entities that go beyond simply making their presence known and actively try to engage with the living.
Their interactions often have a purpose. They try to convey a message to relay info about themselves, their past, or to warn of danger. They may also come to visit when they are seeking assistance in resolving unfinished business or finding peace to enable them to move on.
Poltergeist Entities
Secondly, another type of ghost is a Poltergeist. They are spirits that tend to cause trouble. People believe poltergeists are manifestations of psychokinetic energy. They are often sparked by the emotions of a living person. This is especially true for adolescents in turmoil.
They usually appear as unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and even physical disturbances. Knocking, scratching sounds, and disembodied voices are all hallmarks of poltergeist activity. If you have ever seen lights flickering or temperature changes, then you may have been dealing with a Poltergeist. Some also claim physical assaults such as scratching or biting occur.
They can be scary. But, poltergeists are not seen as evil. They are more pranksters than harmful spirits .
Residual Ghosts
In contrast to interactive ghosts, there is another category known as Residual Hauntings. These types of ghosts are not considered to be intelligent entities, but rather imprints or recordings of past events.
They are not believed to be aware of the living or capable of interaction with the 3D world. And they tend not to respond to questions, follow people, or show any signs of intelligence. Their only function is to simply keep repeating their “recording.”
People often report residual hauntings through their senses. They see visual apparitions, like fleeting figures, lights, or objects that vanish quickly.
They may also hear unexplained noises like footsteps, voices, or music that seems to come from another time. Unexplained scents are out of place, like perfume, tobacco, or food. They are also often a sign that a residual ghost is around.
Ectoplasm/Mist Ghost
Another type of ghost or spirit is the Ectoplasm or mist ghost. Indeed, these are supernatural manifestations. They take on a semi-corporeal form. They often appear as floating mists, orbs, or glowing masses of vapor.
These entities are believed to exist on a different plane. They are not seen as fully formed spirits or ghosts. Spirits are said to try to materialize and interact with the world. This is when ectoplasmic manifestations appear.
Orbs are a type of anomaly. They are sometimes attributed to ghosts or spirits. They are usually captured as circles or spheres. This happens in photos or videos taken in allegedly haunted places.
Some believe these orbs are spirit energy. Others argue they are just dust, pollen, or water droplets reflecting light.
Many believe that the orb represents the stage before ectoplasm. It is when the spirit is trying to manifest but has not fully materialized. They are debated in ghost research. Are they paranormal evidence or just photo errors?
Bhoota/Bhuta
Bhuta is a term used in Hindu mythology to refer to a type of ghost or spirit. Bhuta are believed to be the souls of people who have died an untimely or violent death. This includes those who were murdered, committed suicide, or died in an accident.
Bhutas are often shown as dark, shadowy figures. They haunt the living to seek revenge or finish unfinished business from their mortal lives. In Hindu folklore, bhutas are evil spirits. They bring misfortune, illness, and death to those who encounter them.
To ward off bhutas, Hindus may perform rituals. They may also wear amulets or consult with spiritual healers or exorcists.
Onryo
Finally, the onryo is a type of vengeful ghost from Japanese folklore. Onryo are the spirits of people who died unjustly. This includes those who were murdered or who committed suicide.
A deep resentment towards the living and a desire for vengeance drives these spirits. People believe that Onryo have the power to harm, make ill, or even cause death to those who wronged them or their loved ones in life.
Onryo has been a big influence in Japanese literature, film, and popular culture for centuries. Some of the most famous examples of onryo include the spirits of Lady Rokujō in The Tale of Genji and Oiwa in the kabuki play Yotsuya Kaidan.
In Conclusion
To conclude, the world of ghosts and spirits is a diverse and complex one, with many different types and classifications. It includes interactive entities and imprints. It also has mists and orbs. The paranormal realm covers a wide range of supernatural things.
Indeed, much remains uncertain about these entities. But, the study of ghosts and spirits continues to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.
Astrology has been my passion since I first got my hands on a Linda Goodman book as a child. I have always found it fascinating being able to understand people on a much deeper level thanks to the knowledge the stars provide us. I spent most of my 20s in the modeling industry, but in 2017 I decided to follow my gut as well as my passion and enrolled myself in an Astrology short course, and from then on, I was hooked! I ended up doing a three-year certificate course under the guidance of esteemed Astrologer, Rod Suskin. Through my passion for Astrology, I also found a passion for writing and helping others understand themselves better using this ancient art form.