Coping with scary ghosts
©2006 by Fiona Broome
Are you living with ghosts? It doesn't have to be as scary as portayed on TV shows and in movies.
If the ghost isn't territorial or a nuisance, you may get used to him (or her). Mostly, it's a matter of getting used to each other.
As experienced ghost hunters, we suggest talking out loud to the ghosts. They'll usually respond favorably if you talk to them in a normal tone of voice, as if you're talking to another adult in the room.
Explain the "house rules" to them. Tell them when they can--and can't--make noise, and how noisy they are allowed to be. Talk to them about moving objects, hiding objects, breaking things, and frightening visitors. Explain that it's not safe for them to turn on utilities such as the stove, and they cannot adjust the thermostat to make the home warmer or colder. Advise your ghosts that turning the TV or radio on (or off) is not amusing.
You may have to remind them of the rules more than once. You may need to talk to them with small, simple words, as if they're little children. But, most spirits respond to polite (but firm) requests.
Try not to let it degenerate to the point where you're doing things that annoy the ghosts, to teach them a lesson. Frankly, that rarely works and they often retaliate; that's not a healthy cycle.
After awhile, you'll probably forget that your home is haunted.
If that's not enough - short-term help for hauntings
Some places are too haunted to live in. The Myrtles Plantation (in Louisiana) is one of them.
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That successfully paused the manifestations for a few minutes, so that I could jot a few notes about what was happening.
(I have no idea why such a silly folk remedy works, but it does.)
That can also solve a short-term problem at an inn or hotel. I also recommend it if your sleep is being interrupted at home.
But, if you want to continue living in a house that's "too haunted," that may not be enough.
Space clearing in haunted houses
For problem cases, we recommend space clearing. It's a very simple process.
If you're going to try this on your own, I recommend a book like
Space Clearing A-Z : How to Use Feng Shui to Purify and Bless Your Home
I use Lillian Too's Feng Shui Space Clearing Kit
(You can use Feng Shui tools without believing in the spiritual aspects, the same as you can benefit from yoga as exercise, without practicing an Eastern religion.)
However, in a pinch, you could vacuum (hoover) your entire home. Be sure to vacuum every corner, especially near the ceilings, whether they're dusty or not. According to space clearing experts, the noise plus the electrical energy seem to banish ghosts.
Likewise, any incense can work, as long as it gets into every corner in every haunted room.
If you're afraid of ghosts
Generally, ghosts don't hurt people. Poltergeists can cause mischief. They may throw things at you, or push you when you're walking. However, there is no real evidence of a ghost killing someone.
However, if you are truly frightened, don't stay in the house. Visit friends or family, or check in to a local hotel for a couple of days.
(After a few good nights' sleep, the situation may look much better.)
If that's not enough...
If none of these remedies help and you have a severe problem, we recommend
John Zaffis, author of "Shadows of the Dark
(We get nothing for referring people to John Zaffis. He's a trusted friend, and we'd rely on him if we had problems beyond our expertise.)
For poltergeist phenomena, we recommend Pete Haviland of Lone Star Spirits. (He travels outside his home state of Texas.) He's done some extraordinary research in this field, and his results are astonishing.
Or, if you've recently moved into a house that's too haunted and can't stay in it, you may need legal advice. See our Hollow Hill article, Buying or selling a haunted house - When to see a lawyer.