We take a look at some theories about ghosts...
At Angels & Ghosts, we have been collecting ghost pictures, ghost stories and other evidence in order to study and understand ghosts. In doing so, we have considered others' theories, as well as formed our own.
This section seeks to identify some of the theories concerning ghosts, as well as explain our own ideas we have formulated about spirits and ghosts. Most people believe ghosts to be the apparition of a deceased person, and approximately 32% of Americans believe in ghosts.
The following are ghost theories as to what a ghost might be or how they could come into existence. (Also see 8 Classifications of Ghosts for comparison.)
Ghosts: Undiscovered Energy Theory
Ghosts: Parallel Worlds Theory
Why Are There Not More Ghosts?
Our Theories on Ghosts
What are Ghosts Made Of?
Theories About Unresponsive Ghosts
We are going to seek to define theories surrounding ghosts by first explaining the various phenomena that often are labeled as being "ghosts" but are not true ghosts by our definition. For example, many believe that non-reactive apparitions of people that seem to do the same things over and over are some form of energy-imprint on the environment. To some ghost investigators, this type of ghost manifestation is known as a non-intelligent haunting, mental imprint manifestation, or residual haunting and is called such due to the lack of interaction between the ghost and the living. This type of ghost is not dissimilar to a moving picture playing over and over, ever seeming to repeat itself. This is the commonly shared belief by most ghost hunters regarding this type of phenomenon. Can these types of ghosts be produced by strong thoughts created by people while living, continuing to exist within the atmosphere in some form or fashion? Can residual-type ghosts be produced through the power of our thoughts while we are alive? (Can we Create Ghosts?)
The residual energy theory, as it relates to ghosts, remains unproven; so we have another possible theory as to what could cause such non-responsive entities. We wonder if it is also possible that this type of ghost is conscious but just trapped in time, unable to communicate or interact with the living due to severe emotional trauma - a dubious mental prison, if you will. If true, could a human condition as outlined truly be what many of us deem, hell? Both ghost theories regarding non-reactive ghosts have merit but will have to be worked on in the future to see which might be true.
Poltergeist Ghost Theories
Another type of ghost that people have experienced is called a poltergiest. There are many ghost investigators who believe poltergeists to be the projected psychokinetic energy of a living person that creates movement of objects and various noises. Although the word "poltergeist" is German for "noisy ghost," this type of phenomenon is not attributed to ghosts by those who have studied such accounts. It seems true, at times, that poltergeist haunting activity is typically centered around a female adolescent in the home who is unwittingly producing the disturbance. The disturbance typically ceases over time, as the adolescent ages. But, we also wonder if a poltergeist, which means noisy ghost, is just that: the soul of a human being who is attempting to make their presence known to the living.
What Are Spirits?
Spirits are the souls of people and animals. We believe we are finding that the spirits of people whose physical bodies have passed and gone unto the light often return to visit the living. Some may call these spirits from the light names, such as angels, spirit guides, messengers, light beings and even ghosts; but to call them ghosts would be a misidentification, we feel. Sometimes these spirits are seen visiting people during different times in their lives or even make themselves known through thoughts, dreams and other ways of communication. During the death of a person, many times spirits have been detected speaking with the person who is about to pass (see Messenger of Death story). Spirits come to ease the transition from this world to the next, and of course are human spirits who are loving and benevolant. Yet, these spirits are not ghosts, though closely associated, and maybe, this is why theories of ghosts at times seem blurred. We view spirits as enlightened or "lightened" human beings who have rid themselves of chains to the past. They are free and not trapped in this realm.