Monsters of Horror 10: The Poltergeist
The poltergeist, a type of ghost that can cause physical disturbances and harm to people and objects. But what is the origin of this terrifying phenomenon? And how can you protect yourself from it? In this blog post, we will explore the history, characteristics and examples of the poltergeist, as well as some tips to avoid becoming its victim.
The word poltergeist comes from the German words poltern, meaning “to make noise”, and geist, meaning “spirit”. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe cases of unexplained noises and movements in haunted houses. However, the concept of a noisy ghost dates back to ancient times, and can be found in various cultures and religions.
One of the main features of the poltergeist is that it is not attached to a specific place, but to a person, usually a young adolescent who is going through emotional or psychological stress. The poltergeist is believed to be a manifestation of the person’s subconscious energy, which can affect the environment in various ways, such as:
- Throwing or moving objects
- Making loud noises or voices
- Starting fires or causing electrical malfunctions
- Scratching or biting people or animals
- Levitating or teleporting people or objects
- Creating foul smells or cold spots
The poltergeist activity usually lasts for a short period of time, ranging from a few days to a few months, and then stops abruptly.
Some of the most famous cases of poltergeist activity include:
- The Bell Witch: In the early 19th century, a farmer named John Bell and his family were tormented by a malicious entity that called itself the Bell Witch. The entity made loud noises, threw objects, attacked the family members and even killed John Bell by poisoning him.
- The Enfield Poltergeist: In the late 1970s, a single mother named Peggy Hodgson and her four children experienced a series of disturbing events in their home in Enfield, England. The poltergeist moved furniture, knocked on walls, threw toys, levitated one of the daughters and spoke through her in different voices.
- The Amityville Horror: In 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings in their house in Amityville, New York. A year later, George and Kathy Lutz moved into the house with their three children, but fled after 28 days, claiming that they were haunted by demonic forces that caused them to hear voices, see apparitions and feel oppressed.
How can you protect yourself from a poltergeist? There is no definitive answer to this question, but some possible suggestions are:
- Seek professional help: If you suspect that you or someone you know is the focus of a poltergeist, you may want to consult a psychologist, a counselor or a spiritual advisor. They may be able to help you deal with the underlying issues that may be triggering the activity.
- Avoid negative emotions: Poltergeists are often attracted by anger, fear, resentment or guilt. Try to avoid these feelings and cultivate positive ones instead. Practice meditation, relaxation or prayer to calm your mind and spirit.
- Cleanse your space: You may also want to cleanse your home or workplace from any negative energy or entities. You can use methods such as burning sage, sprinkling salt or holy water, playing music or chanting mantras. You can also ask for the assistance of a priest, a shaman or a psychic.
© Colin Lawson Books