spirits types & Animal Guide

spirits types & Animal Guide
There are too many classifications of ghost to list but here are descriptions of the most known ones. There are alternative classification systems based on the 'spirit' theory of hauntings, such as 'earth bounds' or 'elementals'. However the scientific approach states that theories must be supported by compelling evidence. To my knowledge investigations have not produced any convincing evidence to prove that ghosts are spirits.

Messengers
This type of ghost is the most common. Messenger spirits are sometimes referred to as ‘crisis apparitions’. Some spirits appear shortly after their deaths to people close to them. They are aware that they have passed over and can interact with the living. Often these spirits bring messages to say that they are well and happy and that loved ones should not to grieve for them. This can provide great comfort to those still on the earth plane. These ghosts appear briefly and usually only once. Some argue they intentionally return with messages for the express purpose of helping the living cope with their departure or to say farewell. Messenger spirits sometimes make apparitional visits when the living are in life threatening situations. Messenger guides often appear quickly and leave as soon as the message they are trying to convey is understood. Messages can be of a spiritual nature or a warning. They can relate to a mundane aspect of your life or a wake up call to actions you must take. Messenger guides can give positive and negative messages as they are totally impartial. They can also cause delays or unforeseen support.

Ghost
This is the most popular term used to describe paranormal occurrences. Parapsychologists prefer to call ghosts apparitions. For details on activity synonymous with ghosts see the section on apparitions as the two are the same. Most ghosts are seen in houses and buildings rather than in graveyards as some believe.

Apparition
Apparitions are the supernormal appearance of a dead person or animal. It is possible to see apparitions of a living person too far away to be within the normal perception of the observer. Apparitions are quite uncommon and are rarely seen more than once. Apparitions that frequently appear at a location over a period of time are referred to as ghosts. Many reports of apparitions are more likely to be associated with the living than the deceased. There are few visual sightings as many involve a person sensing a presence and feeling that they are being touched, hearing noises such as thumps and moaning, as well as unexplained odours.

Some people see apparitions that appear quite normal and solid in appearance. Others see faint images or patches of light that look like streaks or blobs. Some argue that orbs are now as frequently reported as apparitions. Orbs are normally solid in shapes of white appearance that appear and disappear just as suddenly as apparitions. There is some scepticism around orbs as they only seem to appear on photographs taken with digital cameras and rarely on 35mm film.

Poltergeists
The word poltergeist comes from the German language. Polter means to knock. Geist (Gist) means ghost. A literal interpretation would be knock ghost. Poltergeists make their presence known by being malevolent and mischievous. They are one of the most talked about form of paranormal entity and possibly one of the most misunderstood. This type of haunting is one of the most feared by people because it has the greatest ability to affect our physical world. Poltergeists are blamed for unexplained noises such as wall banging, rapping, footsteps and sometimes even music. They are capable of taking our possessions and hiding them, only to return them later. They also have the ability to turn on faucets, slam doors, turn lights on and off, and flush toilets. They have been known to throw things across rooms and pull on people's clothing or hair. Other poltergeist activity includes stone throwing, levitating, pinching, punching, moving furniture and repeatedly dialled numbers on a telephone. The malevolent ones even slap and scratch the living.

Some investigators take the view that these "mean-spirited" manifestations are poltergeists that are demonic in nature. Some believe that poltergeists can react to people and events. Poltergeist activity starts and stops very suddenly. The duration of poltergeist activity can range from a few hours to years however it rarely lasts longer than a few months. There are poltergeists, earth spirits and energies which just exist and are not from a person who once lived on earth. Other investigators believe that ghosts do not cause poltergeist activity at all. Poltergeists are not the spirit of anyone that has lived on the earth plane and passed on. They claim that the activity is caused by living people that are under stress and are commonly linked to children, adolescents and/or people with emotional problems. In an attempt to relieve emotional stress the living unknowingly causes physical disturbances using mental forces. The mental mechanism that allows the poltergeist agent to unconsciously cause these physical disturbances is called psycho kinesis.

Projections
Sceptics, if they acknowledge any haunting experiences, argue that ghosts are all in our mind or a product of our own mind. They argue that ghosts are psychological phenomena and we see them because we want or expect to see them. An example could be that of a grieving husband. He needs reassurance that his deceased wife has moved on and is happy and at peace. His mind produces the experience in order to help cope with the stress of the loss and grief he is feeling. Some would ague that it is possible to produce physical manifestations such as apparitions and noises that others can see and hear. The sceptics argue that these manifestations are not ‘real’ but a figment of powerful imaginations. Since we know so little about the power and capacity of our own minds one cannot prove or disprove any of this.

Residual
Residual hauntings are "recordings" of an event in time that are left at a location. They are played back at a later time and can be replayed over and over again on a never ending loop. They are normally repeatedly experienced in the same location. Many hauntings are thought to be residual in nature. These can include manifestations such as foot steps in hallways, battles on battlefields or seeing someone walking down a certain staircase to name but a few.Examples of the ways these impressions are left on a location include traumatic events happening at the location, or by someone doing an action over and over at a location causing it to be imprinted there. A traumatic moment in time leaves an impression on a building or area. Many people have reported seeing soldiers fighting battles on old battlefields. Upon investigating they learn that there were no re-enactments going on that day. By someone repeating an action over and over in an area they can leave an impression on the location. Common examples include when people hear footsteps walking down hallways yet no one is there, or when people see apparitions walking up or down staircases.

Anniversary
Anniversary ghosts do only appear on an anniversary of some significance such as deaths, birthdays and times that held some meaning for the deceased or that hold an historical significance to them. One could argue that this is a form of residual haunting as they appear re-enacting a certain event on a particular day or night.

Intelligent
Unlike residual hauntings, these types of ghosts are not stuck on an endless loop replaying events. They appear to have intelligence and are interactive. Sometimes their interaction verges into the territory of the poltergeist. They may create odours, move objects or make noises such as footsteps, slamming doors, or moving and hiding objects. This is usually an attempt to attract attention.

Bogey (or Bogey man)
Bogey, which is also referred to as the bogey man in British folklore are classed as horrible or evil spirits which love to be mischievous. Sometimes they are synonymous with the devil. The bogey spirit is said to be big and nasty and will normally scare young children. The threat of calling the bogey man was used by parents to frighten children into good behaviour.

Doppelganger
Doppelgangers (Doubles) are normally the ghosts of living people or animals that are exact duplicates. Some argue that this could be a projected out of body experience either consciously or unconsciously. Some also believe Doppelgangers are a death omen. They are seen by others that are far away when typically the individual in question is about to die or has died.

Ekimmu
This is the evil ghost of an individual who is denied entrance to the underworld and is doomed to walk the earth for eternity. Ekimmu means "that which is snatched away." One could become an ekimmu by dying an unsavoury or violent death such as murder or drowning. The ekimmu can sometimes attach itself to a living person and is widely feared because of this and the fact it is very difficult to eradicate (exorcise).

Earth Spirits
Earth spirits include all types of animal energies, elementals, fairies, divas, goblins and land spirits. They can occasionally attach themselves to a person or place and can have a very mischievous energy. They must be treated with care at all times.

GUARDIANS AND SPIRIT GUIDES
Guardians
The Guardian or Guardian Angel as it is sometimes known is the most important spirit looking after us. They are often understood to be the most enlightened spirit helping us at an individual level. More highly evolved spirits help groups, countries and planets. Guardians are responsible for the overall spiritual guidance we receive. They are usually with us for the whole of our physical life. The Guardian has access to the "akashic record" or what is sometimes called the "Book of Life". Guardians are the one that reminds us about our past lives. Another job they have is to help protect us when we intentionally or unintentionally leave our bodies when we have out of body experiences or are astral travelling. They will be there to help us get to the spirit dimension when we pass on.

Spirit Guides
Spirit Guides can manifest themselves through meditation and other transcendental states. Some people may be aware of their influence in every day life. They often appear to support, help or teach us. Sometimes they are with us for a specific reason. When they are no longer needed will disappear leaving space for other Guides. It takes time to be consciously aware of Spirit Guides. They are not permanently with us so it is a good idea to set aside set times for communication. The more you practice the easier it will become. They tend to make their presence known when we are ‘receptive’ or when they feel their attempt at guiding us will help us. Once you've built up a good line of communication, the psychic abilities of the conscious mind will be evident.

Spirit Guides are spirits of like spiritual age to us. This is based on the principle of "like attracts like". Like the Guardian, Spirit Guides often share a love link with us. They may have known us in this and/or previous lives. They may have been a relative in this or a past life.

How Guides manifest themselves.
Spirit Guides are energy which could be called the soul. There are many different types of guides and they can appear in many different guises. Human guides often manifest themselves as Native American Indian because this is representative of the way they lived in harmony with the Earth, Sisters of Mercy because of their selfless and peaceful attitude, and Egyptians because of their vast knowledge. Do not be worried if you don't see your guides like this as they do appear in many, many forms.

Quite often relatives will also communicate with you. Again this is nothing to be concerned about. All you have to do is allow yourself to be enveloped in the love and knowledge they bring to you. Not all Spirit Guides will be in human form and it is likely that you will encounter both human and non-human spirits. Again there are many types. Other forms include Angels, Animal Spirits and Nature Spirits (e.g. fairies & elves). Often these are the guardians of nature.

Guides for specific tasks.
Apart from the different forms Spirit Guides manifest themselves some Spirit Guides have a special purpose too. Here are just a few:

Teacher Guides – These guides often deal with growth and spiritual development. They are not limited to working with just one person. Teacher/Doctor Guides help improve our understanding and can be beneficial when studying. They also help channel the energy required to be a spiritual healer.

Protectors – These are large spirits with enormous energy and strength that protect us.

Gatekeeper – These guides share some similarities to Protectors. While working in the Spirit Realm they keep negative energies away and they ensure that the guides provided to perform certain jobs are the right ones.

Joy Guides - To bring you happiness and laughter to uplift you.

Doorkeeper Guides
If one undertakes a channelling aspect of mediumship that involves us getting in and out of our physical bodies then a spirit is often appointed to help. The spirit guides us to enable us to enter and exit or physical bodies safely. The Doorkeeper Guides also prevent other spirits taking over our physical bodies (known as possession). Most spirits show themselves to people who have clairvoyant sight as some "form". They usually take on the human form and can be a physical image they had in one of their previous lives. What you must remember is that although they have taken on a form they are a spirit and a spirit is a spirit. The reason Doorkeeper Guides take on a form is because it makes identification easier. If Doorkeeper Guides remained in their spirit light form it would be more difficult to tell one spirit light from another. A number of people who are beginning to see clairvoyantly see spirits as lights and don't know what is going on. This should finally resolve as seeing images in time. Asking our Guides to show us the image they wish to be identified as can help with this. Once you have identified the form your Guide will use they will usually look the same whenever you see them. Changing their appearance may lead you to think you have more Guides around you than you actually have. Practical considerations usually govern how guides look. They will usually take on a form we associate with happiness in a past life. When we have many guides they may take on forms from different cultures so we can differentiate between them all. If a spirit person has had a life with you as a monk and also as a soldier and they want to help you spiritually, the former memory is the form that would be encouraged. Many of these things are discussed "Spiritualist" groups/churches.Spiritualism can be a complex subject and the advice that I would give anyone studying it is not to replace the dogma of orthodox sectarian religion for, intentional or unintentional, Spiritualist dogma. If you question and use common sense in the physical world continue to do so when a "spirit" tells you something. Listen to what a message says, NOT who gave it. Any dead person can "claim" they are "wise". If you want to consciously communicate with spirits then you should learn how to do this in a properly run group. As things can go wrong you should ideally read some of our books on psychic protection and ask your guides for sleep guidance. Some people learn these things in a spiritualist group. Guides will stay with you for different lengths of time from minutes to hours to days and, in some cases, years. Hopefully this has begun to give you an understanding of Spirit Guides. You will find meditation will help you get in touch with your Spirit Guide although you will have to practice. Always remember when communicating like this 'if you give out love, you will get love back'.

Earth Spirits
Earth spirits include all types of animal energies, elementals, fairies, divas, goblins and land spirits. They can occasionally attach themselves to a person or place and can have a very mischievous energy. They must be treated with care at all times.

Animal Spirit Guides
In order to explain about animal guides it is necessary to give some background of where the idea of animal guides comes from. According to American Indian beliefs humans were created to be caretakers of the Mother Earth. They hold all things of creation sacred. The people respected Nature and understood they were only a small part of the whole circle of life. Humans know each part of creation plays a significant role in the contentment and survival of the other. They accept the divine idea that all things were created equal and no animal or man was dominant over other parts of creation. Humankind knew if they attempted to conquer Mother Earth they would bring themselves great suffering. Humans knew that Nature was a benevolent friend. Then because of religious dogma many began to think humans are the greatest and most important part of creation. Humans began to see Nature as ‘fallen’ and sinful. To the detriment of Nature and all its creations, humankind attempted to divorce themselves from Nature. American Indians, also known as the People of the Land, traditionally and historically hold a special knowledge of the land and its inhabitants. This knowledge combined with their belief system considered all things of creation equal, necessary and worthy of respect and honour. American Indians first domesticated over half of today’s world food resources. A vast majority of the world’s medicine (healing medicine) came from American Indian knowledge of plants. Our knowledge of plant medicine, healing stones, healing clay, and animal wisdom is unmatched in among any people in history.

Although there are over five hundred American Indian tribes, speaking more than one-hundred and fifty languages, there is a consensus surrounding some beliefs that crosses cultural boundaries. These shared basic beliefs are:

Never take more than you need;

Thank the Creator for what we have or what we will receive; Use all of what we have;

Give away what we do not need.
American Indians know to respect Nature and kill only what they need to eat. They use every part of the animal. We do not waste life nor disrespect their spirits but honour and thank them for providing us with life and comfort. American Indians ask their spirit guides to lead them to the spirit of the animal they killed for food. They pray in thanksgiving to its spirit. American Indians honour their cousins by leaving a gift where the animal fell. Today American Indians give special recognition to the power of the animal spirits. They wear their skins and feathers as part of ceremonies and dance. They paint them on their bodies and carry parts of them in their medicine bags. Animals are painted on the walls on our homes and they wear animal fetishes. These practices allow American Indians to remain connected to the animal guides so they may teach their powers and give lessons of life. The American Indian way of life reminds us that all things in creation are our equal, and more importantly, our teachers and friends. As humans, we too are animal spirits. American Indians view all things in creation as having spiritual energy. All things are connected and worthy of our respect. Our way is to seek balance and harmony within the complex the Great Circle of Life. As we move within the circle the truths of everything on earth is alive, has a purpose, is connected and should be embraced are emphasized. As all things are connected we are all related to everything within the circle. All things on Earth and in the Universe are capable of being Spirit Guides. This is because the Spirit of the Creator is in all things. Each thing on Earth and in the Universe has its own unique appearance, traits and distinguishing qualities. In a general way, we can draw certain lessons from these traits and qualities for each object or thing in the universe. American Indian beliefs allow for infinite meanings and interpretations and we call that "Spiritual Freedom." In the same way every thing of creation is different from all other things, so is the same with American Indian spiritual beliefs as they are founded within the uninhibited nature of all Creation. Some say knowledge of the natural power of animal guides has been lost. This is not so. Many people think animals are not spiritual as they have no spirit or soul. Some people think animals are less intelligent than humans, are savage and exist without society or conscience. This is not so. It is said that humans once spoke with the animals. However, humans lost this ability and other powers when they placed themselves above the animal kingdom as the master of the earth and being dominant over all things. The intellect of animals is different from that of humans. Animals are taught differently and speak in different ways. When intelligence is measured in human terms animals do not score well but if the test were reversed, humans would fail to measure up to animal standards. Animals know the when and where to migrate but humans cannot find their way without a compass or the stars. Animals live well without the need of tools or weapons yet humans cannot. Animals are happy and contented in their environment and humans are never satisfied with theirs. Animals have found the right way to live with their limitations and skills and humans have not.

TALK TO THE ANIMALS
Humans have long attempted to re-establish communication with animals while trying to teach apes, dolphins and other animal species sign language and human sounds of speech. Why? Animals do not possess the physical or mental ability for human speech. If humans are so intelligent, would it not make more sense for humans to learn animal speech? Thinking in this way we must acknowledge that many animals do not always communicate between themselves and other species through sound. We must remember, animals also communicate by touch, smell and body movement as well. There are two other forms of animal communication. The first is sub-spirit or psychic (mental) telepathy and the second is spirit. American Indians use these two methods as well as the other more physical forms of communication to talk with animal guides. Animals have an instinctual awareness of human personality and moods. It is often said that animals can ‘smell’ human fear. To the best of our knowledge this idea has never been scientifically proven. Anyone who has ever worked with animals extensively knows this to be correct. Animals not only ‘smell’ the single emotion of fear but can also pick up on a large range of human emotions and personalities. The American Indians believe animals do not ‘smell’ human emotions but use a form of ancient mental telepathy or method of thought transference not understood by modern man. Animals communicate with people by receiving mental messages and they carry this ability with them in spirit as they die. Communicating with animal spirit guides is not easy. Animals have a different consciousness and perceive things differently than humans. American Indians view animals as sentient beings but they have a different consciousness from our own. When dealing with animals one should never assume that they are exactly the same as a human nor treat them like an inanimate thing. As a consequence some messages from animal spirit guides may be confusing, if not impossible to understand without much practice and patience.

ANIMAL SPIRIT GUIDES & TOTEMS
FINDING YOUR ANIMAL TOTEM
You do not choose an animal guide as your personal spirit guide. The animal chooses you and they decide to whom they will reveal themselves and make their friend. Do not fall into the trap of saying, “Gosh, I think the wolf is a smart, good looking and powerful animal, so the wolf will become my animal guide.” It does not work this way. Animal spirit guides cannot be chosen for you by another person either.Each Animal has its own Medicine which is unique to that specific creature as gifted by the Great Mystery. Its spirit cannot be chosen. Discovering who your animal guides are is a process of paying attention to the spirits around you and following the signs. It is a process of developing your inner knowledge and spiritual understanding. What happens if you want an animal spirit guide and one has not come to you? You can pray or you can accept what does or does not come to you. What will be will be.

MENTAL OR SPIRITUAL?
American Indians see animal spirit guides as powerful guardians of the land and of the spirits of living animals. Some psychologists claim that a vision or message from an animal spirit guide may be certain aspects of the human psyche resurfacing from the pre-conscious ancient human mind. For example, fish living in the sea are associated with the unconscious mind and symbolize a deep mind. By meditating on the various qualities of reptiles and their mythical associations it may be possible to access the reptilian aspects of the mind that correspond to the limbic system in the brain. This part of the brain deals with sensory impressions, pleasure and pain. By meditating on various mammals a path is opened to the mammalian aspects of the human psyche corresponding to the thalamus and the hypothalamus in the brain associated with the emotions, a sense of community, and instinctual wisdom.

THE POWER OF ANIMAL SPIRITS
The natural power of animal spirit guides has not been lost. The knowledge and power of animal guides is alive and can be effectively used to improve our lives and all creation. American Indians call the process of connecting with animal guides and other parts of creation as being ‘at one with Nature.’ American Indians argue that connecting with your animal guide will make you a better person. You will be healthier physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You will see the world and all things in it with more clarity and understanding.

Animals are wondrous happy creatures. There is no doubt that animals have beautiful, balanced emotions. They love and defend one another just as they feel sorrow. Yet there has never been a war between animal species. They know nothing about greed, envy, and hate. Aspects of humankind we should all learn to live without. Animals live their entire lives without sin. Animals have amazing powers and use those powers only to benefit their kind and not to overcome their opposition. There is a reason why the Creator put all of us together on the same planet. A part of that reason is to learn from one another. Animals are here to teach humans. They have many powerful lessons to teach. They remind us that we are only a small part of creation and that each part of creation has a place and each creature has its own wisdom and skill. For the learning process to begin we must develop a relationship with one or more animal guides and this requires time and patience. This does not mean you must be with the animal physically. Instead one has to learn about the traits, habits, skills and spirit of the animal from afar. As with any new knowledge, practice is important to hone learning into a useful skill. The rewards will be understanding, love, light energy, skilful knowledge and wisdom. The reward is having a powerful spiritual friend. Both domesticated and free animals offer an immense heritage of myth, folklore and symbolism. As we learn about animals it’s important to know their symbolic meaning as a point of reference and comparison. We must remember that symbols are cultural in nature and differ from place to place, from time to time and may not reflect the nature of the animal as you feel it. Give time to the study of their characteristics, habitat and position in the eco-system.

ANIMAL WORSHIP AND NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS
American Indians recognise their dependency upon the animal kingdom and respect animal's superior strength, speed, and other qualities. Some cultures held the animal sacred because it was an important part of their lives. Various types of animals, especially snakes and birds, were held in very high regard by early people around the world and many cultures adopted prayers, rituals and built temples in which to worship them. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Hindus, Buddhists, Aztecs and other cultures worshiped various animals, birds and reptiles. However, there is an important distinction between these cultures and North American Indians. Most North American Indians were careful not to worship any part of creation but hold the whole of creation as sacred. They do not have temples etc to worship any particular animal.

TYPES OF ANIMAL GUIDES
Symbolic of the four sacred directions, four seasons, and the four colours of man, there are four basic types of animal guides. Animal guides can come to you through dreams, signs and symbolic events, or actual events. It is important to determine if the guide is a Messenger Guide (Totem), Shadow Guide, Journey Guide or Life Guide. The meaning and lessons an animal guide brings will differ according to the type of guide it may be. Learning to differentiate between the four types of animal guide is critical to knowing how to react and the actions you will take when an animal totem makes itself known to you. Remember that all animal guides are powerful.

A Messenger Guide
quickly comes into your life and then leaves once a message is understood. The time a Message Guide stays in your psychic is relative to you seeing and accepting the message. Sometimes the animal messenger will come during an unusual event and make a powerful statement and others come on the wind as a whisper.

A Shadow Animal Guide
is one that invades you with fear. Its purpose it to teach a lesson you have not learned from repeated mistakes because of anger, greed, insecurity, or negative thoughts. A Shadow Guide will return again and again bearing strong feelings of fear until its message is acted upon or a change in lifestyle or actions become a part of your life. The Shadow Guide is powerful. It can help you to overcome fear by bringing truth and turning fear into a helper animal guide or spirit animal guide. If the Shadow Guide is ignored the Shadow it can become dangerous and its powers will have a negative effect on your life. The Shadow Guide lives in the spirit world and usually arrives during a testing time in your life.

A Journey Animal Guide
appears when you reach a crossroads in your life. When a decision is made to follow a certain path in life the Journey Guide is there to serve as a guide along the way. It represents a path that may take months or years to complete. It can make a friendly travelling companion if the path is right. If you become lost along the way the Journey Guide will help lead the way back. Unlike a Messenger Guide who comes and leaves quickly, the Journey Guide remains at your side until the current cycle in your life has changed.

A Life Animal Guide
is also called a Spirit Guide as it remains a part of you throughout life and reflects your inner-spiritual self. You may have more than one Life Guide and new ones may come over time. Usually a Life Guide does not move away or disappear but remains an integral part of your life. There are instances when a particular Life Guide is no longer needed and is replaced with a new one. Its powers are always there for you and serve as a constant reminder of your inner powers and oneness with nature. If for example your Life Guide is Bear you should be a person who is a solitary dweller, a seeker of knowledge and truth and you are well grounded. A Life Guide will often call upon other animal guides found within its domain to assist in giving you special messages from time to time.

MEETING YOUR ANIMAL GUIDE
After you understand what type of animal guide has come into your life it is necessary to learn fully about the nature of the animal. Learn about its habitat, life cycles, what it eats, physical characteristics, special skills and traits, social and mating habits. Go to places where your animal guide can be found in real life. Study it in nature. Gaining insight into the nature of your animal guide will help you to understand its messages with more clarity. Meditate on this knowledge and discover your animal guide’s power and medicine.After you learn various ways to work with the medicine of your animal spirit guide the medicine becomes a gateway to connecting with other spirit guides found within its domain. Your animal spirit guide will teach you how to align with other spirit guides and beings. A spirit guide must be harmonious with the person.

Communication with your animal spirit guide requires respect and knowledge of the ways of the animal guide. You must find ways to honour your spirit guide. The more importance you give to the animal guide, the more they will respond to you. Most spirit guides do not immediately acknowledge themselves to the person as they are cautious of your intention and knowledge. Animal guides are sensitive to moods, current events, and a person’s life path. They must first trust you and learn your needs and wants. You must learn to trust them and understand their needs and wants. It takes time, patience and practice.

Do you have a Ghostly Guest?
Now we have looked at the types of ghosts and guides check this paranormal checklist to see if you might have a ghostly visitor in your home.

1. Is there any room or area in your home that you really don’t want to go into or that you would rather not spend too much time in?

2. Do you ever feel you are being watched or that someone is standing right behind you but when you look around you are on your own?

3. Ever catch a strange scent or odour that doesn’t belong in your house i.e. perfume, tobacco, flowers?

4. Do you have any cold spots in the house with no physical cause?

5. Do your lights dim, TV channels or volume change or batteries drain despite no one being near appliances or switches?

6. Do your clocks stop or chime too many times?

7. Would your dog appear anxious, stare in space at nothing in particular, or howl for no reason?

8. Do you have nightmares or wake up startled during the night? Does this occur more than once a week?

9. Have you heard your name being called but when you answer or turn around you realise there is no one there?

Ok, if you answered YES to more than 3 of these questions, you might have a ghostly guest!