Haunting or Mundane?

Are You Being Haunted? Six Signs to Rule Out First

As a witchcraft teacher, I've noticed one topic consistently ruffles feathers: distinguishing a genuine haunting from other explanations. I get it; no one wants their experiences dismissed, and they ought not be.

My role as a spiritual guide means I can't always give people the easy answers or tell them what they want to hear. When dealing with spirits, taking the path of least resistance or avoiding discomfort can actually lead to more harm than good. I'm not here to put on a show; I'm here to help people navigate real spiritual challenges. I won't stand by and let someone get hurt because I was afraid to say the hard truth upfront. My priority is your safety and ensuring I can genuinely help. My end game is to see you happy and thriving!

Today, we're going to explore why it's so vital to differentiate between a true spiritual haunting and more mundane occurrences, and how you can be sure you know exactly what you're facing. It is important to rule these out especially prior to perhaps discussing with someone you know will be skeptical and give you a hard time about it.

Why It's Crucial to Investigate

So, why bother checking if a potential haunting is really a spirit? You might think, "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck, right?" Well, the spiritual world isn't always so straightforward. There are common signs of a spirit's presence: moving objects, disembodied voices, unexplained noises, or glimpses of figures out of the corner of your eye. One would assume these signs confirm a haunting.

Unfortunately, my years of experience as a witch have taught me it's far from that simple.

The truth is, these "haunting" symptoms can be caused by a wide range of unrelated, non-spiritual issues. Sometimes, these occurrences are relatively harmless—maybe your kids found a hidden crawl space, causing those bumping sounds, or perhaps your old house is just settling. However, in many cases, the underlying mundane causes can be quite dangerous. What if those flickering lights aren't a ghost, but a serious electrical problem that could lead to a house fire? What if those phantom scents signal a neurological issue? Unexplained noises could point to a significant structural problem. Many strange experiences that make a house seem haunted are actually mundane problems that could seriously harm you if ignored!

Just because some reader or your best friend who likes to throw some tarot cards about said you have been cursed or have an attachment, does not mean it is true.

This is why my first response to any report of spirit activity is to dig deep into whether it's truly a spirit. That being said, I can personally just "look" and it really is that easy for me, but it's not that easy for others, so these explainations are necessary. It's not because I believe people are lying, crazy, or incapable of recognizing a spirit. It's because I refuse to risk overlooking a dangerous mundane problem. If I spend weeks applying magical solutions to a "spiritual" problem that isn't spiritual at all, I've essentially left you in a potentially perilous situation for longer than necessary. In some cases, an extra week or two can be deadly. This is no exaggeration! Some common mundane causes of "fake" hauntings are lethal if not addressed quickly. I'd rather cause a thousand minor offenses than allow someone to remain in a potentially deadly or harmful situation.

"But I'm Sure It's a Spirit!"

Think about it: if, by some chance, your "haunting" is actually caused by something mundane like an insect infestation or carbon monoxide, all the banishing spells in the world won't help you. This is the core issue. I fully support using magic and as already mentioned I have the ability to just "look" to solve problems, but we (you) can't effectively address any problem, magical or otherwise, until we understand the truth of the situation. I can give you a million spells and cleansing rituals to get rid of a spirit, but if you're dealing with toxic gas in your home, none of that will be effective.

As witches, we must always remember that our power stems from reality. To wield any power effectively, we need to be grounded in reality. If we don't know the truth of a situation, there's no way to respond appropriately, magically or otherwise. This applies to all areas of our lives and our craft. Power comes from truth, from being firmly rooted in the reality of our situation. When we understand our current reality, it becomes much easier to determine the right actions, the right magic, and the right mindset to move from where we are to where we want to be. By refusing to assess our reality, we deny ourselves the power to create genuine change. In short, if you want to resolve a spirit haunting, you need to understand every aspect of your current situation. Without that, you'll be blindly taking shots in the dark instead of simply turning on the light to see what's around you.

Even if you're 100% convinced you're dealing with a spirit, I still urge you to follow the process I'm about to outline for eliminating potential mundane causes. I do this every time I help a student with a spirit issue, even after practicing for over four decades. It's not about experience, knowledge, or being a "good enough" witch. It's about firmly rooting yourself in reality so you can solve problems from a place of true power.

So, Is It Really a Spirit?

Okay, so how do we determine if something is a spirit or something more mundane? Our first step is to eliminate the usual suspects. There are six common mundane causes that can mimic spiritual experiences. We need to check for each one, systematically, until we're sure none of them are at play.

For now, take these one step at a time. Don't rule anything out until you've verified it's not an issue, and approach this with an open mind. As you go down this list, note any symptoms you or anyone in your home (including children and pets) might share with those listed. If you find common symptoms, proceed with the suggested tests for that potential problem.

1. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning or a Gas Leak

The first thing to check for is carbon monoxide poisoning or a gas leak. This is a seriously insidious problem, claiming hundreds of lives annually because people don't recognize the signs. Symptoms include: dull headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, blurred vision, strange smells (especially sulfur), fatigue, chest pain, depression, nosebleeds, ringing ears, dying plants, loss of consciousness, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms often disappear or lessen when you leave the affected area, leading many to believe an unhappy spirit is trying to make them leave. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause brain and organ damage, and even death! Please take this very seriously.

If you have carbon monoxide detectors, ensure they're functional. If you don't, and you're experiencing any of these symptoms, get everyone (including pets) out of your house immediately. Do not use open flames, wall outlets, or light switches. Open all windows and let the space air out for several hours, regardless of the weather outside—air circulation is crucial. When you return, observe how you feel. Have the symptoms disappeared? Does the space feel better? Can you breathe easier? If so, you MUST have your home checked before taking any spiritual action. Call emergency services or your local gas emergency service (this service is often free) to inspect your house.

2. Mould Contamination

Next on the list is mould contamination. We know mold isn't good, but many don't realize how truly toxic it can be. This is especially concerning in older homes and buildings in warm, humid climates. Short-term symptoms may include: headaches, exhaustion, frequent coughing (especially at night), sinusitis, allergic reactions, chest colds, fever, and difficulty breathing. Long-term effects can include hair loss, anxiety, confusion or memory loss, numbness in hands and feet, stomach pains, light sensitivity, unexplained weight gain, and muscle cramps. Again, long-term exposure can be very harmful and should not be dismissed if you're experiencing location-based symptoms.

If you see visible mold growth in your home, you and your family should vacate immediately until a professional can evaluate and remove it. Not all mold is easily visible; it can grow inside walls and other hidden places while still having toxic effects. If you don't find visible mold but are experiencing related symptoms, get your home tested. You can buy home mold test kits online relatively cheaply, or call a professional service to check your home.

3. Heavy Metal Toxicity

We all know heavy metals are bad, but most of us don't realize how common exposure is. Old houses often have lead in the paint and plumbing that's difficult to remove. Mercury from broken thermometers or lightbulbs must be cleaned up meticulously, or it lingers, slowly poisoning anyone who comes into contact with it. Recent reports have even found unacceptable levels of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead in baby food! My point is, exposure to these toxins is far more common than most people realize, and the consequences can be life-altering. Here are just a few symptoms these common heavy metals can cause:

• Mercury: Irritability, anxiety, shyness, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, numbness or tingling, psychosis, confusion, and more. Mercury is known to cause severe mental instability. The "Mad Hatter" trope from Alice In Wonderland is based on a real phenomenon in the 18th and 19th centuries where hat makers, exposed to mercury, literally went insane.

• Lead: Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, stuttering, aggression, impulsiveness, irritability, hypertension. Homes built before 1978 often had lead paint, and even if the original paint was removed, dust may have settled in the home or on the surrounding land. If you garden, definitely test your soil to ensure you're not growing heavy metal-contaminated vegetables.

• Arsenic: Unhealthy or pale skin, irritability, cancer, carbohydrate intolerance or insulin sensitivity, racing heart, mental anguish, weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet. Arsenic was widely used in agriculture and building in the past, and that contamination easily finds its way into our lives. Rice is particularly good at accumulating arsenic, making it the single biggest source of inorganic arsenic in our food supply.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's worth getting tested for heavy metal toxicity. I recommend researching the Andrew Cutler Chelation protocol. His books discuss safe hair testing methods (the safest way to test) and how to safely remove heavy metals from the body.

4. Rodent/Insect Infestation

Next on our list of potential spirit imposters are rodents and insects. Signs you might have them include: strange noises like bumps and scratching in the walls at night, odd odors, erratic pet behavior, droppings, holes and gnaw marks, dying plants, or dead insects/rodents. These critters can be very destructive to homes and can carry diseases, so please call a pest control expert or inform your landlord if you notice these signs.

5. Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis is one of the most common "faux spirit hauntings" I encounter with clients. Waking up in the middle of the night with wild visions certainly feels like you might have a ghost or even a demonic haunting. I mean, sleep paralysis is terrifying! Symptoms include: an inability to move when falling asleep or waking (lasting seconds to several minutes), being consciously awake but unable to speak, frightening hallucinations and sensations, feeling pressure on the chest, difficulty breathing, a sense of impending death, sweating, headaches, muscle pains, and paranoia.

Episodes often involve seeing shadow people moving in the room, someone watching you, or "hag riding" where a person or creature sits on your chest, immobilizing you. It's easy to see why sleep paralysis might be confused with a spirit!

Despite this, sleep paralysis is not a spirit problem or ghostly presence; it's a sleep disorder. I've been doing this for a long time, and while a ghost's presence can certainly be felt when waking, sleep paralysis usually isn't it. Sleep paralysis is a stress response that causes the transition into or out of REM sleep to become out of sync with the brain. You're essentially bringing a taste of the dream world into what feels like waking life, but you're not fully awake yet, so your body can't move. I've experienced it myself, and while it's harrowing and can certainly seem like an obvious spirit manifestation, it's more akin to a night terror than anything from the spirit world.

HOWEVER, in some cases, it can actually be spirit provoked...

Solving this problem requires better stress management and sleep hygiene. For more information on how to solve sleep paralysis, you can research effective strategies.

For those experiencing sleep paralysis, here are some magical steps that won't necessarily banish it like a spirit, but can help you feel safer and calmer in your space:

• Protective Floor Wash: Boil 1/4 cup of salt and a handful of Solomon's Seal root in water for nine minutes. Let it cool and use this to mop the floor under your bed if possible. If you have carpet, you can flick the water around the room, anoint the baseboards, and wash your sheets in the water.

• Crystal Caution: DO NOT sleep near crystals like Herkimer diamond, amethyst, shaman's stone, moonstone, or moldavite. These stones enhance dreaming, and moonstone and moldavite can worsen nightmares. Stones to use for improved sleep include hematite, albite, and angelite. These three are excellent for inducing truly restful sleep.

• Bedtime Tea Potion: Before bed, make a simple tea potion with chamomile or "sleepytime" tea and honey. Magically, chamomile prevents nightmares and has a soft, soothing energy, while honey sweetens your dreams. Physically, chamomile is relaxing, and the sugar in honey down-regulates cortisol production before bed, allowing for deeper, more restful sleep.

6. Psychiatric Problems

While often an unpopular opinion in spiritual communities, mental illnesses can cause symptoms that resemble spirit activity, and this should be ruled out first. If you have a personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, you should start by seeing a medical professional who has good religious tolerance; they can help you differentiate between the two.

I have met plenty of "readers" over the years who genuinely believed they were Psychic Medium but honestly no more than another human with mental health issues, delusionally using intuition, hence being hit and miss or completely wrong in predictions.

Symptoms are wide-ranging and can present in many ways, but delusions, seeing/hearing people or beings that aren't physically there, and paranoia are red flags. One criterion to help you is to check if all the beings you sense are specifically victimizing or antagonizing you. This can be a sign of paranoid delusion, as the mind creates external evidence of internal struggles. Another indicator is if you are the only person who experiences these beings' presence. If another person has also experienced the spirit's presence, then it's likely not a mental disturbance. However, if you're the sole perceiver of the spirit, it might be time to consider if this applies to you.

The average spirit is generally not heavily antagonistic and is usually easy to banish. A delusion, however, will likely be controlling, mean, or antagonistic, and will NOT go away with spiritual intervention. If you try to banish it and nothing happens, seek help with a professional and failing them, a 2nd opinion, including a Medical Professional (just in case)... my only issue with this, is not everyone is a genuine spiritual practitioner and that is where you must be careful. Just because they believe they are, does not mean they are... depending on the type of spirit or demon, entity you are dealing with, there is no guarantee, that they will go away forever, so this is another thin line.

There's no shame in seeking help for mental struggles, and while we may not like to admit to such severe symptoms, the right medical treatment can help these symptoms subside and significantly improve your quality of life.

What if All These Tests Are Negative?

If you carefully consider and eliminate all the above mundane causes of "faux" spirit hauntings, then congratulations, you probably have a real, bona fide spirit on your hands. Now what? How you handle this spirit will depend on the spirit itself and your personal approach to the spirit realm. Spirits are as diverse and unique as people are, and dealing with them often requires an individualized approach. You may need to cleanse residual energy, find a spirit medium to communicate for a peaceful resolution, or find ways to banish negative energy if it's less than peaceable.

What next?

So, You've Got a Ghost. Now What?

Alright, you've done your due diligence, and it's official: you're truly haunted. This spirit could be tied to your home, a friend's place, your workplace, an object, or even to you personally. Don't worry if you're clueless about its origins—that's totally fine! We're going to walk through the essential steps for managing a spirit haunting.

While I generally advocate for a moderate approach, your comfort and peace of mind are paramount. If a gentle method doesn't feel right, or if you're genuinely scared, we'll also cover more assertive techniques to ensure you feel safe and in control.

Step 1: Is This Spirit Truly Aggressive?

The absolute first step is to assess the spirit's aggression level. When I say aggressive, I mean genuinely threatening. This isn't about spooky noises, eerie feelings, or even bad dreams. True aggression means the spirit is making direct threats or has attempted to cause physical harm to you, another person, or your pets.

In short: does this spirit pose a direct threat to anyone's well-being? If the answer is a resounding yes, skip directly to Step 6 and take magical action immediately. Aggressive spirits should not be tolerated. The moment a spirit crosses into true aggression, you need to decisively and magically remove them. No exceptions.

Anything less than genuine aggression is usually manageable. Many spirits act out because they're confused, irritable, scared, or simply don't know any better. Often, these situations can be resolved gently, potentially leading to a peaceful coexistence or even a spirit that assists you. You might even help them move on or reach an understanding that allows them to leave willingly. My goal is always the best possible outcome for everyone, including the spirit. Honestly, some spirits can just stay as they may not even mean you any real harm... might actually be the opposite.

Step 2: Determine Your "Spirit Tolerance"

Assuming the spirit isn't aggressive, your next consideration is your personal tolerance for spirits. Some people have zero tolerance. They might be afraid, overwhelmed by the idea, have past negative experiences, or simply lack the time or energy to deal with a spirit. If you fall into this "zero-tolerance" category, proceed directly to Step 6.

If you have some level of tolerance, think carefully about how much you're willing to engage. Someone with low tolerance might be okay with a calm, reasonable spirit but not one that's upset or demanding. A high tolerance, like mine, means you're generally open to most things short of direct threats. Take a moment to gauge where you stand; your tolerance can shift based on life circumstances, available energy, or your confidence in your magical practice. If at any point your tolerance is breached, and you can no longer cope, initiate magical action to resolve the situation. Your well-being always comes first, regardless of your desire to be understanding.

Step 3: Why Is the Spirit Here?

Now, let's try to figure out why the spirit is present. If you can communicate with spirits and this one is receptive, a simple conversation might suffice. If not, it gets a little more complex.

The key here is to avoid assumptions. Fear often makes us jump to worst-case conclusions. Don't let these assumptions cloud your judgment. While intuitive nudges can be valuable, scrutinize them rather than taking them at face value.

For those not psychically gifted, divination is your best friend. Ouija boards, for instance, were designed for this! If you're comfortable, use one to ask focused questions (not alone) and ensure you're speaking to the correct entity. If not, tarot cards, a pendulum, scrying, or any other method you trust can work.

Approach this with an open mind, avoid leading questions, and stay focused on the core issue. Spirits are often confused, which can make communication difficult. They might wander off-topic, so keep the conversation on track. Your main goals are to determine why they're there, what they're struggling with, and if they need your help.

Not every spirit needs "help" to move on. I often live with multiple spirits.

Remember, most spirits aren't trying to victimize you personally. They might just be tied to a location or object, and you happen to be nearby. Or, they might have chosen you for a non-nefarious reason. I once helped a woman who was terrified by a spirit, only to discover it was her great-grandmother struggling to communicate. This realization transformed her fear into a comfortable, productive relationship with an ancestral spirit. Try to set aside fear and assumptions, and approach the spirit with curiosity.

Step 4: Can This Be Resolved With a Conversation?

Many people jump straight to magical solutions, but often, a simple conversation is the easier path. Whether it's helping the spirit understand their confusion or showing them how their actions affect you, sometimes they're simply unaware they're crossing a boundary.

You don't need to hear or see the spirit to talk to it; they can hear you just fine! If they tend to appear at a specific time or place, that's your cue. Announce your intention to speak, then calmly tell them how you feel or offer your help.

Use plain language and try to keep your emotions in check. Spirits are energetic beings, easily influenced by their surroundings. Erratic or anxious energy can exacerbate their behavior. Direct interaction might also intensify their actions, but this usually means they're overwhelmed by finally getting a response, not that they're angry. Conversely, acknowledgment might help them calm down. Keep your divination tools handy in case they try to respond.

Step 5: Set Some Ground Rules

If talking hasn't resolved the disruptive behaviors, it's time for ground rules. Understand this crucial point about the spirit realm: you are more powerful than them. As beings inhabiting both the physical and spiritual realms, you have the upper hand over purely spiritual entities in this world. They're in your house, and what you say, goes. Many spirits are aware of this, though some might try to convince you otherwise to exploit your naïveté. Don't fall for it.

If the problem persists at this stage, you need to establish house rules. Create a clear list of behaviors the spirit must follow. If they break these rules, they're out. Announce these rules explicitly and make sure they understand the consequences. Here are some rules I use; feel free to adapt them:

• No hurting, scaring, or antagonizing anyone (people or pets) in my house.

• No breaking things.

• No stealing from me or anyone else.

• No interfering with my magic. (They can be involved if they ask politely, but tampering is strictly forbidden.)

• If they wish to communicate, they can do so in non-jarring ways (e.g., moving small objects, leaving messages) as long as it's not damaging.

I typically write these rules down, post them where the spirit is active, and announce them aloud. I then clearly state that if these rules are broken, they will not be allowed to stay. This isn't a threat; it's a clear statement of expected behavior and consequences. Most spirits comply, as they often prefer to stay attached to a place or person. By giving them clear guidelines, you're offering them every chance to remain.

Occasionally, a spirit might test the boundaries with minor infractions. This isn't outright defiance but rather seeing if you're serious. If you suspect a test, follow through. For instance, I might temporarily banish a testing spirit for a week, then let them back in with a warning that the next infraction means a month-long banishment. I've never had a spirit test me twice.

If a spirit completely disregards your rules and refuses to cooperate, then it's time to bring out the big guns and use some magic.

What's Next?

In many cases, these first five steps will be enough to build rapport and get the spirit to work with you. If you've gone through them and haven't seen improvement, don't worry. There's still plenty you can do!

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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered, medical or mental health advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or therapy by a qualified healthcare or mental health professional.

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