What Are Earthbound Spirits?

Earthbound spirits are believed to be the spirits of deceased people who remain tied to the earth for a variety of reasons. They may be referred to as ghosts, spirits or intelligent hauntings, but are generally thought to possess the same personality and traits as the person who has passed on. Religious sects claim that all spirits are of the devil and are here to perform trickery and lead people down the wrong path, but others declare that as we pass from this life, our sprit can remain earthbound. It is unclear whether earthbound spirits can see and hear the world around them. Some are able to interact with the living, but many require the assistance of a psychic or medium to communicate.

Reasons for remaining earthbound vary, probably due to the life circumstances at the time of death. It is believed that the majority of earthbound spirits remain out of choice. Some may be confused souls seeking assistance in reaching the afterlife or have unfinished business that must be completed before passing to the next realm.

Lack of Awareness

Some spirits remain earthbound because they are not aware they are dead. Quick untimely death may have left them confused and they may not be aware of their passing. At the time of death, the spirit and body may separate so quickly that the person is not even aware it has taken place. This earthbound spirit believes it is still bound to an earthly body and attempts to live a normal life. In the movie The Sixth Sense, Bruce Willis played the part of an earthbound spirit who passed from life quickly and failed to realize he had died. He was able to interact with the living in subtle ways by disturbing the surroundings or talking to his wife in her dreams, but did not understand why she did not respond. He was not able to move on until he accepted his own death.

Unfinished Business

Other earthbound spirits know they are dead, but remain on earth because they have unfinished business to complete. This may include saying good-bye to those they love, finishing a project or simply watching over a loved one until they are sure they are okay. Once the business is completed, the spirit is free to move on. These spirits likely require assistance from the living to provide closure and to release them to the next realm. In the movie Ghost, Patrick Swayze played the part of an earthbound spirit who remained partially to protect his wife and partially to disclose the deeds of the murderer and his shady business dealings.

Guilt

Sometimes a spirit remains due to guilt over their death. They may feel they have abandoned their family or that they are responsible for inflicting pain on those they love with their death. This is common when the death is the result of suicide, death from an accident where the spirit feels he was irresponsible for or simply dying too soon. This type of earthbound spirit may try to interact with loved ones, but may be unable to communicate effectively. He seeks forgiveness for his perceived guilt and moves on only when he is sure that forgiveness has been given.

Fear

Another group of earthbound spirits remain out of fear. They may be afraid to pass on to the next realm for fear of punishment for their earthly deeds. These spirits choose to stay on earth indefinitely because they are not ready to face the unknown. They may fear that they will cease to exist or that they will be sentenced to a life in hell if they move on. With guidance from the living, fear can be eased allowing them to move on.

Earthly Ties

Occasionally, spirits remain earthbound because those they left behind are unable to let go and bind them to this world. These spirits may be torn between their desire to move on to a peaceful life and remaining on earth to support the living. Once those who remain gain the strength to let go, the spirit is free to move on.

No one knows for sure if earthbound spirits exist or why, but psychics attest to communicating with these spirits and assisting them to enter the light and move to the next realm. Whether you view that as heaven, or simply another plane of existence, nearly everyone wants to believe their loved ones move on to a place of peace and comfort. Sometimes that means helping them resolve life issues they have left behind.

Sources:Earthbound Spirits: What are earth bound spirits?
Why Do Some Spirits Stay Earthbound?