What is a ghost?

We at SRI don't use the term "ghost" to identify anything.  We understand that, traditionally, most people have used the term "ghost" to explain any paranormal activity, such as seeing a strange shadow (moving or not), hearing a voice or unexplained noise such as knocking or footsteps on stairs, seeing a variety of light displays, seeing an apparition of any kind (intelligently communicating or just repeating the same behavior over again), poltergeist-like activity such as manipulating electrical appliances or transportation of objects to other places, or simply having a sense of presence of another around oneself when you are alone.

But, there are better, more specific terms that apply to these types of paranormal activity, phenomena and entities.

Here are some of the more common entities we identify for clients who may only know how to describe what they have encountered as a "ghost":

Earthbound - this is a spirit that was once human and is still manifesting on the earth plane, having not moved on to another vibrational level than everything that is here at this level.

Residual - This is an energy form that resides in a particular area, either it is a recorded event, triggered to repeat when conditions are identical to its recording, or it is simply a form of energy that reacts to certain vibrational energy around it, such as what might happen when there is intense energy expended during a traumatic event, this energy may be detected by a person when they are in a compatible frame of mind or energy level, meaning a state where they are more open or unguarded from outside influences. 

Non-Human Entity - There are numerous types of these, all of which have never lived on the Earth plane.  Non-Human entities would include what some call "demonic" entities, which are malevolent, mean to do harm mentally and/or physically to humans and animals.  These can be dark spirits that are capable of changing their appearance and deceive people into trusting them or thinking they are harmless, such as taking the form of a child, frail old person, or small animal. 

Not all Non-Human Entities are malevolent.  There are also "angelic" entities that are benevolent or helpful, or show up to deliver messages or intervene when a person is in danger.  They may not always communicate with people directly, but their actions and energy define them.

Spirit Guides - These are spirits that have lived on the Earth plane but now exist on a higher vibrational level, and are multidimensional, able to travel between dimensions or vibrational planes of existence.  They are intelligent, gifted with abilities we may not totally understand, and benevolent in nature toward humans and other living things on Earth. 

This is not a complete list of entities or phenomena.  We are in the process of reviewing and revising a Glossary of Terms that may be helpful for those interested in understanding the point of view of the SRI team when it comes to identifying what is causing "ghostly" activity.

Those like Irene who deal with these entities and spirits learn to identify what they are.

When performing a clearing of entities and energies for people, Irene explained that her own vibrational level adjusts to match whatever she is dealing with.  She said it feels like her whole being, emotionally and spiritually, morphs, until she reaches a point where she completely identifies with the level of vibrational energy she feels from the other entity.  This is how she can communicate and influence it.  This is done automatically, and not through any routine or ceremony on her part.

Lon explained that when Irene conducts a clearing, he has felt an intense sensation.  He feels her presence projecting, but his only physical connection and focus is on the target, not Irene.  Lon says he becomes very highly intuitive when working with Irene, seeing the action and feeling the same sensations as Irene simultaneously.  This kind of thing has also been experienced simultaneously with some clients during clearings.

Allswell

 

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TERMS

 

Apparition

A supernatural appearance of a spirit, spectre or phantom.

Crisis Apparition

Spirit of a person known to the witness that appears at a time of crisis, such as a life threatening incident or as death is about to occur.

Malevolent Infestation

Non-human entities capable of causing mental and/or physical harm to people or animals. These can be dark spirits with the ability of changing their appearance and deceiving their victims into trusting them or thinking they are harmless.

Possession

The body and mind of a human victim is controlled by a malevolent human or non-human entity that has the ability to manifest into hysterical and hallucinogenic behavior.

Ectoplasm and Ecto Mist

The supposed emanation from a spirit during manifestation.

Intelligent Haunting

The perceived and/or physical interaction between a spirit and a person on this earth plane.

Messenger Spirit

An entity that appears to family members, to herald the death of another family member.

Orb

Possibly the visible energy of a spirit that manifests in real-time or in photographs that varies in size, shape and colour. In photography these images are not to be confused with dust, rain or moisture.

Poltergeist

Usually a mischievous and occasionally a malevolent human or non-human entity which manifests it's presence by making noises, moving objects, and assaulting people and animals. Some of this activity may be unexplained and can involve actual spirits. In other cases the phenomena may be produced by subconscious of an individual.

Residual Haunting

An energy form that resides in a particular area. It is either a recorded event triggered to repeat when conditions are identical to it's creation, or it is simply a form of energy that reacts to certain a vibrational force around it. This may be the result of intense energy expended during a traumatic event and may be detected by a person when they are in a compatible frame of mind or state where they are more open to outside influences. The energy can dissipate over time.

Shadow People/Dark Shadows

Supernatural shadow-like figures describe as dark humanoid forms or evasive spectres that are seen mostly in peripheral vision and commonly regarded as malicious or evil spirits though, in some instances, this is not necessarily the case.

Step in/Walk in

There are three scenarios where a Step in/Walk in can occur.

• Occurs when an entity/soul of a person who has recently died, the life cord has been cut and the body is now vacated for a split second.

Normally the 'Step in/Walk in' occurs when the body/vessel has had a cardiac arrest, car accident, or operation and is in the process of being resuscitated.  The family/friends of the person who has had a near death experience will often report that the person they knew "just doesn't seem to be the same".  Often the person involved appears to have a completely different view of life and behaviour.

Vortex

A multidimensional gateway between the physical and spirit realm, usually light in colour and funnel-shaped, as opposed to a 'portal' which is a morphing but stationary pathway to another dimension or alternative universe.