A haunted feeling can strike anywhere at any time, but it’s more common during the night when we’re at our most vulnerable. Those who believe in ghosts report feeling like they’re being watched, hearing footsteps and voices, and experiencing unexplained paranormal activity that can be frightening and even painful.
There are different types of hauntings, and one of the most terrifying is a poltergeist. These frightful spirits can make loud noises, move objects around, and even manifest as full apparitions. Poltergeists can also cause doors to open and close on their own, as well as furniture to shake and move on its own.
Other signs that a house might be haunted include strange smells, like perfume, cologne or cigar smoke. It’s important to note that these aromas can be due to something other than a supernatural presence, however. Phantom smells can be caused by anything from sinus infections to certain medications.
Another possible sign of a haunting is feeling cold air, especially during a warm day. This may be a sign that the ghost is energetically trapped in the space, but it could also be a result of carbon monoxide poisoning or other environmental causes.
Psychic medium and paranormal investigator Greg Newkirk, who has appeared on TLC’s Kindred Spirits and Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum, describes three kinds of hauntings: intelligent, residual and intentional. An intelligent haunting is when a spirit has personality and interacts with people, such as a poltergeist. A residual haunting is where the ghosts simply appear to be there, and an intentional haunting is when living humans put so much energy into believing a place or object is haunted that they actually create a haunting.