Residual Hauntings

A residual haunting is where no actual spirit is involved. This seems to be the most common type of haunting, it is a playback of events that have previously occurred.

Many people report their homes being haunted, although a residual haunting may hold certain characteristics of an actual haunting. Residual hauntings can sometimes be portrayed by way of strange sounds like footsteps or knockings. Certain occasions may even see apparitional figures moving across an area then suddenly vanishing, of course those who witness this type of event will automatically assume they have a ghost. Residual energy does not interact or change its pattern of events, the actions are basically played over and over again.

Also known as the 'Stone wall' effect, residual energy is believed to be made by the living. Every living person and animal emits energy of some degree. The places we visit or encounter may be touched by our energies. Emotions are a strong type of energy, this too can have effects on our surroundings.

Energies of an emotion or an event can sometimes become entrapped within the fabric of a building. Electromagnetic fields and ideal atmospheric conditions maybe the cause of this type of phenomena.

We are all encapsulated by an electromagnetic field, most commonly known as the aura or auric field. This energy field by its very nature and make-up holds a residue of information which belongs to us, such as emotions, illness and personality. The aura is continually moving and it moves into and away from our physical body, therefore over time it will encounter its surroundings, such as furniture, walls, etc. This residual imprint can be felt or seen through the faculty of clairvoyance, clairsentience or both depending on the person perceiving the residual energies.

Video and audio tapes capture images and sounds on a film of special material that has been oxidised or rusted. Certain building materials such as slate, stone structures and iron nails used in many older buildings have properties similar to that of the tapes.

When a traumatic event or a time of heightened emotions these materials can record the event for future playback. We are not sure what causes the playback of events. What we do know is that everything is made of energy and energy cannot be destroyed. So is it the right weather conditions, Witness energy or some type of energy release? This still remains to be a mystery.

Return to: Ghost Theories