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The Two Types of Ghost
Many people see what they call ghosts, and quite often their reaction is fright. Some are mystified, others intrigued, but virtually no-one ignores them, although some might deny the experience. If you would like to know more, then read on!
There are two types of 'ghost'. One is a form of spontaneous phenomena, commonly called a ghost or spectre, the other is the intelligent manifestation in the form of someone who lived on earth, but now exists in the realms of spirit. The latter cannot be called a ghost once the facts are known - when people die, the spirit separates from the physical body, which is subsequently interred or cremated, so this type of manifestation is not a physical body, but an etheric duplicate of it, which still exists. It is a 'Spirit' entity.
Many scientists accept that the brain waves emit an electrical field, which can have an effect on the surroundings. This is made in much the same way as a camera records a scene or person by mechanical and chemical means on a film. Kirlian photography shows clearly that this electrical field still exists after has decayed or been removed. This is nothing to do with the Spirit Self, but is a biological phenomenon. A ghost is rather like a photographic record, which is not always visible, often it is only 'sensitive' people who can see it. Thus the same scene is shown again and again in the same spot. There are thousands of recordings of this type of phenomenon. Sometimes those who see such an image get upset, thinking that the people concerned are trapped into doing the thing over and over again. This is not true; the real people, their Spirit Selves, have moved on after death into a new dimension of life.
The spirit entity is different. When the time of death comes, the spirit and the physical body part company. The spirit now manifests in an etheric body, going on to a new life in a different dimension to our material world; the lifeless physical body will be left on earth. Feelings and memories are retained by the spirit, which goes on, basically unchanged. The love we have for others does not die; neither do hates, hopes, ideas or prejudices. It is the same person living in a dimension not usually visible to the human eye.
Sometimes, when a person goes into the spirit world and leaves behind some matter that still seems to be of vital importance, they will make effort to convey this to others who are still living on earth. The most frequent sightings, which people, (who are not mediums), have of those passed on, are within days of their death. There are various theories about this, but perhaps during the first two or three days is the easiest time for the spirit to appear in the earth dimension. Usually it is for the purpose of saying a silent goodbye, or to let someone know that they have passed on. Perhaps to reassure them that they still exist! So it is easy to see that 'ghosts' are not necessarily evil, and seldom mean any harm.
The difference between the two types of apparition is that one is a memory imprinted onto a specific part of the earth's energy field, and the other is the spirit of someone who is now living a new life, but still has what they consider to be important ties with the earth. The first will show from time to time, but their behaviour does not vary. The second will either show themselves to particular people that they remember wherever they are, or to anyone that can see them. The latter is usually in the vicinity of where they lived or even worked.
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How should you deal with the experience?
The first thing is to identify which type of manifestation you have witnessed. The first can be very frightening, but is not likely to recur unless you live or work where the manifestation takes place. As there is no intelligence or intent behind the appearance, there is little that you can do; a photographic imprint exists! It will not disappear just because the person looking at it does not like the experience.
The second type of manifestation needs to be considered more closely. The spirit may have returned to convey a farewell, or just to be with you at a time when you may need their presence. Just remember the love which you previously shared. The memory will be felt by your loved one, who will be warmed by the reciprocal thought.
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Earthbound Spirits
It may be that none of these examples apply and you realise that the spirit is being held close to earth by thoughts of something left unattended to, perhaps trivial, but obviously important to them. They need help to break free of those thoughts, so that they can get on with their lives in spirit. You may be able to guess what they want, and complete this on their behalf. Let them know it will be done, so that they can let go of the concern and move on. If you don't like to speak aloud, then a strong thought directed to them will do the trick.
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However, You May Need Help!
Mediums are trained to be able to link with spirit entities who wish to make contact. It is part of their job. It makes sense, therefore, if you have a problem of this nature, to contact a reputable medium. They will try to communicate with the spirit, to reassure them and help them to move on. We know that the dimension of life after death is a continuation of this life. Sometimes this continuation is so natural that the spirit does not realise that they have 'died'. In such cases, the medium will send out thoughts to direct the departed one toward other spirits who know and love them, and they will draw close to be recognised, and will subsequently explain what has happened.
This is a very brief explanation of what are sometimes called 'ghosts'. It does not cover every variation, for there are numerous possibilities within the bare outlines described in this article. If you need help, then call the Spiritualist National Union, or us at York Spiritualist Centre, for we understand, and will be able to put you in touch with someone who can help you.
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