Things going bump in the night? Strange noises in the home, or things going missing and then inexplicably turning up again? Or perhaps you, or often, your children, have seen shapes or shadows or things which freak you out?
For many people, the discovery that their home may be haunted is unnerving to say the least. Even those who are interested in the psychic world and in paranormal activities can still be spooked or scared, and it’s not always easy to decide what to do. Here’s our guide to finding out if your home is haunted, and your options, if it is.
Rule Out Natural/Rational Explanations
Often things which seem to be paranormal can actually be easily explained away. If you are new to your home, this is especially the case. You may not yet be used to the noises your house makes as it heats up and cools down, or there could be something in the yard which knocks or bangs, or a patch of damp which makes the temperature fall. Go over your experiences (in daylight!) with your rational head on, and see if you can find any possible explanations.
When You Can’t Explain Events
If you cannot find sensible explanations, then work on the assumption that your home is indeed haunted. Do not panic! What happens next depends on your view of these things, but if you’re reading this you’re probably intrigued and, although spooked, not necessarily in a hurry to get rid of your visitors.
Children are more aware of ghostly goings on than we adults are, so a good place to start is with your children. Typically, kids are less frightened by paranormal events than we are too, so unless your children are very scared, then gently ask them to describe to you what they have seen and experienced. This can often shed light on who might be causing the activity in your home – it may be a deceased relative, for instance.
Getting Your Home Cleansed
Many people offer home cleansing services, where they will come along and bless the house, and essentially ward off spirit activity. However, before having this done, think carefully. If your home is haunted by a deceased relative, do you really want to send them away? A better option might be to ask an experienced medium to call around and to communicate with your spirit visitor. If they can provide you with evidence that it is a spirit loved one, than you tell them, via the medium, that they are very welcome in your home but would they please stop doing things which frighten or upset you.
A Paranormal Investigation
If you are into all things paranormal, then you might want to ask a paranormal investigation team to come into your home and conduct some experiments. There is often no charge for this, or only a nominal charge, and the team will keep you fully informed as to what they discover. They may capture video evidence of something happening, or they may be able to rule out any spirit activity and unearth a rational explanation you hadn’t considered.
Co-Existing with Your Visitors
In most cases, sudden bursts of ghostly activity are a spirit’s attempt to attract your attention. Once they have your attention and have been acknowledged, activity usually decreases. As mentioned, you can ask your spirit residents not to frighten you or your children, and if this works, then you can co-exist quite peacefully.
Occasionally, if the spirit is a former owner of the home, for instance, they may not welcome your presence in what they see as their property. The best solution for this is to communicate via a medium; the medium can help the spirit to understand that it is your home now, and to leave you and your family alone.
Whoever is keeping you company, there are ways to either welcome them or to get them to leave, so don’t worry – if your home is haunted, you’re in a privileged position to see the power of the spirit world which, once you get over the fright, can be a truly amazing thing to experience.
