I suppose I have been asked this question multiple times from many different people. Some think Ghosts are simply our imagination, others think of ghosts as Guardian Angels, and there are others that think ghosts are the devil or evil demons. In all my investigations I have come up with my own conclusion by eyewitness accounts, investigations, study, and scientific explanation. I do not know the answers to everything and I know I never will, but I will try to offer you the best detailed explanation I can.
Ghosts are the remnants of what was once human beings. At one time they had substance like we do but they no longer carry the vehicle in which we call the physical body. From what I have witnessed myself it is safe to assume that ghosts still carry all the emotions, ego's, intelligence, and personality that they had while living.
Everything that we see, hear, touch, taste has energy. Some form of energy that dissipates when we die, but where does this energy go? I believe ghosts are that energy that no longer has physical boundaries. It is still complete with all that we were but without the body. Simply because we cannot understand this form of energy does not mean we should dismiss it as fake.
(Read Science Section)
It is a strict belief that there is a destination that all men will go after they die. We cannot confirm or deny this, and it has nothing to do with religion or faith. There is a place Heaven/Hell where our souls or spirits will reside for all eternity. However, through research and science we know that there is much phenomenon that cannot be explained as natural. It is not my intention to make believers out of anyone, but rather, to shed light on alternatives that explain the strange bumps in the night.
Why are they here?
Ok, we have ghosts around us but why are they here and more importantly What do they want? As with anyone else, I cannot answer that question 100%, I can only offer theory from countless hours of investigation and experience. As always my findings are based on a scientific basic and not theology or belief. I acknowledge the existance of theological theories but I can only base my findings on a scientific basis rather than beliefs and assumptions. As of this writing no one knows exactly why we experience paranormal activity but I can only offer suggestions and theories and let you draw your own conclusions.
One theory of a ghost's existance may be that the spirit does not realize that they are in fact dead. Experiencing a sudden death, they may not realize this, or deny their death, and may not pass to their final destination. Denial may be the key. There have been many documented cases whereby a caregiver or member of a family is seen or heard in their previous homes. Sometimes engaging in activities they used to perform like washing dishes, reading, and looking over sleeping children. With the multitudes of documented cases I think this is a very worthwhile theory.
Another theory may be because of a violent death. Seemingly the ghost will not (or refuses) to pass to their final destination until they feel justice is served. Again, another case involving ghosts have actually being seen, (leading) people to clues that was instrumental in their death. I read once an article on the internet about a farmer who always saw a female apparition in the woods apparently searching for something. As time went by he became more curious and was slowly led to a stream which ran through the woods. Upon searching himself out of curiosity a knife was found hidden in the weeds and was traced back to a man who later confessed to the killing. Thus the spirit was then able to rest in peace.
Lastly, I think some spirits refuse to let go of certain places, or people because of emotional or (other) attachment. I also think this could be the cause of pet hauntings. Of course I cannot scientifically explain this phenomenon but it seems that this is a very likely reason for some activity.
There is not enough room on these pages to fit the hundreds and thousands of eyewitness accounts pertaining to the above reasons. But the rest is up to you..
Where do they go?
Ghosts have no physical boundaries. Ghosts can be anywhere at any time, at any moment. Alot of the time it seems that the reason they are here coincides with the places they can be found. The age of a certain building can sometimes help you find ghosts. Usually the older the establishment, the more likely there has been events in the place that could account for hauntings, including death, murder, accidental deaths, emotions, and sorrow. Also, old buildings can bring a familiar sight to a ghost in an ever changing world.
Any place that yields strong emotional content of sudden deaths could also bring ghost sightings. This could include battlefields, memorials, or crime scenes.
Cemetaries, hospitals, grayeyards, mental institutions could all have bearings on hauntings as well since death is sometimes a daily happening, a place of grief and sorrow, and a place of great emotional feeling.
Whatever your endeavor, it is important to remember that ghosts can be everywhere and it is your job as a Ghost Hunter to seek them out and learn.