Signs and Possible Causes of Poltergeist Activity

The word 'poltergeist' is loosely translated to 'noisy ghost'. It comes from the German world 'poltern' which means 'rumble' or 'noise' and 'geist' which means 'spirit' or 'ghost'. Even though the word comes from the German word for 'ghost', paranormal experts hypothesize that a poltergeist is not a spirit or a ghost but rather some sort of invisible force. The 'spirit' for lack of a better word, is generally mischievious and sometimes malevolent.

They make their presence known by making noises, moving objects and sometimes assaulting people or animals.

The nature of a poltergeist is the subject of much debate within the paranormal community. They certainly differ from the typical 'ghost'. When we think of a ghost, we think of the spirit of a person who has been trapped or decides to stick around perhaps for revenge or retribution and perhaps to watch over the living that remain. Poltergeists are very different. Poltergeists are able to interact with objects in our world, sometimes with a surprising amount of force.

Often times Poltergeists appear to make noises or throw objects. Sometimes their force is seemingly harmless, almost as though it is purely done for their amusement. Other times the nature of the activity is more malicious. Some have theorized that poltergeists are possibly influenced by demons. This was a popular belief held in ancient times due to the superstitious atmosphere at the time

Generally, poltergeist activity starts and stops abruptly. It may last several hours or months, but there are documented cases reported to have lasted several years. Most of the time the activity takes place at night. Some activity that is typical of poltergeists is moving objects, including large pieces of furniture, tapping sounds, loud noises, whispers, odd smells and shrieks. They have also adapted to the development of technology and can interfere in telephones and electronics, turn lights on and off, turn appliances on and off. There have also been reports of poltergeists physically and sexually attacking the living.

There is another theory that suggests that the activity may be produced by a subconscious psychokinesis involving a human being, typically a female in her teen years and under emotional stress, referred to as the 'agent'. The general consensus is that the agent is unaware that they are causing this type of activity. With psychological help, the activity may lessen or completely disappear over time.

Poltergeist activity is surprisingly commonplace. It can occur at any time and can be triggered by a living persons trauma. Poltergeists have the potential to be extremely dangerous, both in a physical and mental capacity. Leaving the site of the activity does not always make it end. The problem often persists even in a new environment.