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Ghost Types Defined, Finally!
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There are several types of ghosts out there in yonder dimensions and it's important to know them for the purpose of advanced knowledge & research. You will find below a brief explanation of several types of ghostly phenomena along with it's basic characteristics and a photo depicting it's normal appearance. It's important to understand that the definitions below are the present thoughts on the types listed and may be subject to change as new information becomes available.    

See the bottom of this page to suggest a ghost type and your comments: 
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Ectoplasm, Ecto-mist, vapor, ghostly mist

Appearance & Characteristics: Cloudy vaporous mist
The term was originally used to describe the substance that oozed from spirit mediums during a séance from days gone by. It is now associated and referred to as a mist or fog, and it usually displays a swirl effect within a vaporous cloud. It normally appears several feet off the ground and can linger or travel quickly at will. It's usual colors are gray, white or black but has also been seen and photographed in several other colors. Ecto has been caught on both video & all types of cameras. It's important to note however, that a camera can inadvertently create this effect artificially in cold weather by a person exhaling to close to the lens when taking the picture. The exhaled breath looks similar to ectoplasm but without the swirls. Oh, and we certainly don't want to be smoking during a ghost hunt for obvious reasons.

Locations spotted:
All locations but most generally spotted outdoors and most particularly at cemeteries, battlefields & historical sites. 

Speculations:
Believed by many to be the soul or spirit of those that have passed on from this life. It has been speculated that the spirit will transform to this vaporous state before appearing as a full-bodied apparition. 

Picture: Ecto-mist with lot's of great looking swirls
                 

Orbs, spears, globules, balls of light, globes  

Appearance & Characteristics:  
Orbs are the most photographed anomalies captured on film by ghost hunters. They most often show up as transparent or translucent balls of light hovering above the ground. It used to be considered a prize photo if the photographed orb/s would show up on film with an inner substance and a spot (nucleus or brain) within the substance. We are finding out now however, that some digital cameras will produce false orbs with these characteristics and they can no longer be counted as authentic. An impressive feature is  when they are captured on film with a lingering trail. This trail indicates they were traveling at a fairly fast rate of speed at the time of the flash, which further indicates it's authenticity.  Some experts say that 85% of photographed orbs are created inadvertently by circumstances and weather conditions at the time of the flash. We at Ghoststudy believe this number is a bit high but probably close to being factual. Orbs have also been seen on video hovering in the same position for short periods of time but most often are caught traveling erratically through the air in a rather care free pattern.

Locations spotted:
They have been seen in about every location imaginable. Temperature changes and different climates do not seem to affect them. They are however, most often seen outdoors and especially seem to be drawn to historic surroundings.

Speculations:
Believed by many to be the soul or spirit (human & animal) of those that have passed on from this life. The orb shape is obviously the most convenient way for them to travel around in their present state. There are other theories about orbs as well. One would be that they are a separate life form all together and are undetectable to the human eye because of their finer tissue. The other theory that I have read about is that they could be nature spirits. Most especially tree spirits. They are said to come out particularly at night when the tree is at rest and return when they are needed. Hey, I’m just telling you what I have read.  :)

Picture: Orb with great looking substance
           

Vortex, funnel ghosts 

Appearance & Characteristics:
 A vortex is a very strange and mysterious phenomena. They usually take on the appearance of a swirling funnel shape when moving about. They can also appear in pictures as being long and narrow and having a tread like design within their body. They are readily confused with a speeding orb when they slow down and take on this straight & narrow look. It's not presently known if a vortex has ever been captured on video tape. It should be noted that they are often felt as a cold spot. 

Locations spotted:
 They are most often spotted inside homes & old buildings. At times they can also be spotted outdoors but that is very rare. 

Speculations:
There are many theories as to what vortices are exactly, including a visiting relative or a former resident of the home. It is also believed by some that it is a vehicle to transport spirits in the shape of orbs from their realm to ours.

Picture: Long husky vortex
                    

Shadow ghosts, dark entities  

Appearance & Characteristics:
These ghosts usually appear as a shadow of sorts. They look a bit like Ecto-mist but with form and are normally reported to be two feet in length or longer and tend to travel at a height of two to ten feet. In photographs it's easy to confuse them with natural shadows so be careful. They are usually sneaky and evasive. When they are spotted it's usually out of the corner of your eye or as they are darting through a wall. They are often spotted in a mirror as well.

Locations spotted:
Most often spotted in homes. Have also been seen outdoors at a distance.

Speculations:
I guess the general consensus would be that they are ghosts in one of their forms. Some would say that they are demonic spirits but that doesn't seem to be the case. See the demonic spirits category for more on that.

Picture: large shadow ghost in the room          Back to Ghost types list

      
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Apparitions, disembodied spirit

Appearance & Characteristics: 
Certain gifted psychics see them on a regular basis but as for the rest of us it's a most RARE occurrence. Catching an apparition on film is what every ghost hunter aspires to but seldom, if ever sees. They show up in a transparent human form and wear the clothing of their period. You might also note that they normally appear faint and disfigured as in being incomplete. It should be said that an apparition can pose directly next to you and it still will not necessarily show up on film (99.9% of the time)

Locations spotted:
They are most often reported being seen in older homes, hotels, theaters and cemeteries.

Speculations:
It's unsure why they are able to show up on these rare occasions. Your opinions on this will be most helpful. Some comments will be posted. It should be noted that visiting relatives from the spirit world could also be considered an apparition. 

Picture: A possible apparition
 
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Ghost lights

Appearance & summary:
Ghost lights have been seen and recorded in every country and civilization. The mysterious lights are usually seen as white or blue balls or yellow spheres (though occasionally as bobbing candle flames) glowing in the darkness. Although some scientists have suggested that the lights are caused by swamp gas, electricity, magnetism, or some phosphorescent material, so far no definitive natural source has ever been discovered for the sightings. There have been attempts, of course, to trap a ghost light for examination, but pursued, they always seem to be just out of reach. At some point, they acquired the Latin name "ignis fatuus," meaning "foolish fire," because it's considered foolish to try to follow or capture such a phantom light. According to some legends, the light of an ignis fatuus is the ghost of a sinner who is condemned to wander the world for eternity. In parts of Britain, it's sometimes called the will-o'-wisp and is known to be a death omen. Some believe the lights are playful beings, trying to lure travelers to follow them to get them lost in the dark. This type of ignis fatuus is often known, especially in Britain, as the jack-o'-lantern. Legend has it that the light is the soul of a person who's been shut out of both heaven and hell and must roam the earth endlessly. According to the British folk tale about the jack-o'-lantern, Jack was a man so ornery and mean that heaven wouldn't take him and the devil didn't want him. 
(submitted by Telley@grlmail.com)

Characteristics:
Glowing lights that sometimes appear to blink and are always seen at a distance. Colors are usually white, blue or yellow.

Locations spotted:
Normally seen in remote locations

Speculations:
See beginning statement (Appearance & summary)

Picture:
No picture currently available         

Streaming ghost energy

Appearance & summary: Streaming lines of energy

      

Rods, swimmers

Appearance & summary: 
See Jose's official ROD website: Official web site  or skeptic site: click here

 
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Energy rod, Light rod

Appearance & summary: 
A small rod or shaft of light

 
This one is exiting through the glass

Evil spirits, Demons   ( under construction )

Appearance & summary: 
O

Characteristics:
T

Locations spotted:
T

Speculations:
B

Picture: As seen by a viewer.
               Back to Ghost types list

Crowd Demons

Appearance & summary: 
What we refer to as crowd demons are strange characters in a photograph. 
Example of a crowd demon picture
 

Looks like a dinosaur spirit biting a head in the crowd 

Poltergeist activity     ( under construction )

Appearance & summary: 
O

Characteristics:
T

Locations spotted:
T

Speculations:
B

Picture:
No picture available               Back to Ghost types list

Residue haunting      ( under construction )

Appearance & summary: 
O

Characteristics:
T

Locations spotted:
T

Speculations:
B

Picture: Photo from Art Bells web site
               Back to Ghost types list

Spirits, Soul        ( under construction )

Appearance & summary: 
O

Characteristics:
T

Locations spotted:
T

Speculations:
B

Picture:                    Back to Ghost types list

Angels, Visiting Spirits     ( under construction )

Appearance & summary: 
O

Characteristics:
T

Locations spotted:
T

Speculations:
B

Picture:
No picture available               Back to Ghost types list