Earthbound spirits are the spirits of people who have died, but have not yet made the transition to the other side. They are more commonly known as ghosts and their presence is often referred to as a haunting.
Visiting Spirits vs. Earthbound Spirits
Visiting spirits have accepted their death and made the full transition to the next realm. They have the ability to freely travel between their "home" and ours and frequently visit loved ones to provide comfort or share in earthly pleasures such as the birth of a child, a wedding or other milestones.
Unlike visiting spirits, earthbound spirits have not accepted their death and are unable or unwilling to transition to the other side. Because they are trapped in our physical world, they cannot travel between realms. Some earthbound spirits choose to resist passage while others remain because their life ended abruptly or they believe they have unfinished business on earth.
Recognizing an Earthbound Spirit
Earthbound spirits tend to be noisy and restless. They often make their presence known in an aggressive manner as an effort to attract attention. Any encounters with an earthbound spirit can be alarming or even frightening. Hearing slamming doors or heavy footsteps, having a feeling that you are being watched and noticing pets behaving strangely are signs that an earthbound spirit may be present.
Often this can be an indication that the spirit is asking for help in completing its transition. When a spirit feels trapped and confused, it may have difficulty communicating clearly or doesn't behave sensibly or rationally.
Why Some Spirits May Remain Earthbound
Some spirits remain earthbound because they are upset at having passed before they felt ready. Others may be angry at a person or event which took place while they were living. This typically occurs when a person's life ended abruptly because of an accident or act of violence.
In some cases the living can "hold" a spirit to the earth plane when they don't follow the normal grieving process or become obsessed with a loved one who has passed. The intensity of their emotions may cause a spirit to be reluctant to move on as it attempts to alleviate guilt, right wrongs or help loved ones come to terms with their loss.
If you believe you've encountered an earthbound spirit, resist showing fear and instead try to understand its feelings of anger or confusion. You can help it transition to the other side by simply telling it that they no longer live on the earth, are not welcome in your home and must move on. Some spirits will immediately follow your directions while others may take a stubborn stance and need several reminders.
Readers who would like to learn more about ghosts and spirits may enjoy:
- How to Remove a Ghost and Its Negative Energy From Your Home
- What is the Difference Between Ghost and Spirits?
- How to Recognize and Identify Spirit Contact
Sources:
- Linda Williamson, Ghosts and Earthbound Spirits: Recognize and Release the Spirits Trapped in this World, Platkus books, December 2010.
- Helping Ghost: A Guide to Understanding Lost Spirits from Angels & Ghosts, CreateSpace, May 2010.
- Mary An Winkowski, When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits, Grand Central Publishing, October 2009.
Danielle McGinnis - Danielle McGinnis is the mother of a college freshman and full-time freelance writer.
