Residual Hauntings

Many ghost sightings are very similar. In fact, some witnesses report seeing the exact same ghost in the exact same place at different times. This is referred to as a “residual haunting,” which is like a past event being played back over and over again.

It’s believed that the “ghosts” involved in residual hauntings aren’t really ghosts at all, and what the witnesses are seeing is actually a “recording” of a past event. It’s as if the witnesses are seeing a “glimpse” of the past, at a time when the “ghost” or “apparition” was still alive. The event plays itself over and over again throughout time.

The Tower of London is well known for its residual type hauntings. Anne Boleyn has been seen over and over again throughout the centuries, as well as Catherine Howard. Another place famous for residual hauntings is Gettysburg. There have been many reports of witnesses seeing Civil War soldiers. Some believe that the soldiers are still “fighting” as if they don’t know they’re already dead, while others believe it’s all part of a residual haunting. Some paranormal experts believe that what is actually being witnessed is the battle itself as it happened, because the event has been “recorded” and is being replayed over and over again for all time.

So why are these events being played back for us to watch? And how is it that we can still catch a glimpse of the past, so to speak? Perhaps the only answer we have is that, during traumatic events, a lot of energy and emotion is given off and is some how “stored” in the material surroundings. But why are some people able to see the play backs and others aren’t? It could depend on a number of things: maybe some people are more sensitive or psychic, maybe it depends on the circumstances or time, etc.

If you ever find yourself witnessing a residual haunting, don’t be afraid. Remember, what you’re seeing isn’t really a “spirit” or a “ghost”. You’ll be seeing an event from the past, at a time when the apparition gave off enough energy to stand through the tests of time. It’ll be almost as if you’re watching an event on the news, only with residual hauntings, there is no television involved.