by Nene Adams

Created on: August 11, 2008

WHO YA GONNA CALL?

Ask around, and many people will admit they've had brushes with the paranormal at one time or another: the shuffle of footsteps in the night, a shadow flitting in the corner of an eye, the lingering of ghostly perfume in the air. Most of these encounters occur in homes.

Moving into a new house or apartment can stir up all kinds of things we'd rather not confront, so what can you do if you suspect you're not alone? First, determine what kind of haunting you're experiencing. Most of the time, the "haunting" isn't really a ghost at all (if we're defining ghost as an earth-bound spirit whose personality has, to some small extent, survived death). Residual energies can remain part of a structure for centuries.

Think of it like a recording set on automatic that plays over and over again without anyone consciously directing it. If the same events keep occuring, and there's no sign of escalation, you've probably got residual energy at work. If that's the case, there's absolutely no need to be afraid. Take a deep breath and let go of your anxieties. Let me repeat - you can't be harmed, so calm down. The best way to deal with residual energy is either to ask a priest to perform a house blessing, or if you're more inclined towards the pagan, do a cleansing ritual. You may have to repeat your chosen method a few times to clear out all the energies, but in the end, your dwelling place will be lighter and brighter, and you'll likely feel a lot easier.

However, if there is poltergeist activity (objects being moved or thrown, threatening apparitions, etc.), then you've probably got a ghost.

The first and foremost thing I urge you to do is not panic. Summon your courage and stand firm. This kind of spirit thrives on negative energies like fear and anger. The more you panic, the more afraid you are, the more powerful they become and the more they will try to frighten you. It's a vicious circle. Events can and will escalate, going from the occasional keyring being displaced to heavy furniture being rocked or moved across the room.

Keep this in your mind: a ghost cannot take your life, not directly. Sure, they can make you miserable. They can toss your great-aunt Gertrude's prized vase onto the floor. They can scratch you, pinch you, yank off your blankets in the night and make rooms freezing cold, but despite what you've seen in movies and television series, there is no ghost or earth-bound spirit which has the power to kill you. Only the living can do that. Armed

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