Learn about what some call Family Ghosts.

The beliefs in family ghosts are quite remarkable, not so much that people believe in such ghosts, but the stories behind ghosts that are attached to families can be quite interesting.  It seems many families have ghosts in their closet, so to speak, and how they manifest differs.

Family ghosts are defined as spirits of deceased humans, as well as animals, that remain around certain families for a particular function.  Though stories of such ghosts abound, the reasons behind ghosts being linked to families do vary.

Often, family ghosts interact with their persons of interest, being protective, even nosy.  Some ghosts of families even warn of impending catastrophes, even of death.  Their appearances, being seen by different family members at different times, demonstrate that such guardian ghosts quietly watch over daily events.  But how could they know of future events?  Maybe, ghosts who are aware of things to come might not be ghosts but enlightened spirits.

Such spirits (spirits guides, angels) would differ from ghosts, in that they would visit from a higher place of perspective.  Some might choose to call their estate "Heaven."  Such an enlightened individual would certainly not be a traumatized earthbound spirit (a ghost).  For how could such a troubled spirit be aware of the future?

Getting back to ghosts, the belief in guardian spirits within various civilizations goes back thousands of years, including the ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures.  Beliefs in family ghosts are especially prominent within European countries, such as Scotland and Ireland.  Scottish family ghosts often are described as horrible-looking things, such as a dreadful hag (Hag of the Dribble), while Irish family ghosts can also be quite frightening (Banshees are believed to follow some descendents of the ancient Irish).

Manifestations of family ghosts are often described as apparitions, but can also be believed to manifest as strange sounds (the hoot of an owl, the sound of a dog, a bird against a window, etc).  Some ghosts of families are said to make their presence known by the cracking of pottery or dishes!

It is often believed that family ghosts cannot be laid to rest, or that they are at least very difficult to put to peace.  Such ghosts seem difficult to communicate with, or they may simply be unwilling. Perhaps, they feel they have a mission which they are unwilling to refrain from until it is complete.

Also See: Spirit Guides, Earthbound Spirits, Ghosts & Spirits

Further suggested reading: Family Ghosts, by Elliott O'Donnell