aznewage

Poltergeists

      A poltergeist is a noisy or trickster type of energy, from the German words, "poltern" (to make noise or rattle), and "geist" (a ghost pr spirit)..  Poltergeists have been documented since the 1600s, and, until recently,  were believed to be demonic or evil spirits.  

The most recent research, however, indicates it is the product of some sort of "psychic energy"  generated (unconsciously) by a very-much-alive individual,  possibly a member of the family.  Middle-age children, specifically, go thru a lot of hormonal changes as the approach and enter their teen years.  Often the hormonal changes of puberty are accompanied by the growth or unleashing of a certain kind of psychic energy called PK or psychokenetic energy.  Some have likened this to a "crack in the mind" resulting in this powerful emotionally-charged energy leaking out and producing PK phenomena..This PK energy can cause very real objects to move around, especially if the source, often a young person (usually female) is nearby. 

This is why no one ever sees a "ghost", just the phenomona. The poltergeist activity seems to be erratic and unpredictable, with objects flying around in a meaningless manner  When the individual who is the source of these effects grows up or moves, the poltergeist activity ceases at that location.

The young person is usually unaware they are causing this PK activity, and is just as fearful and upset as is the rest of the family.  The hormonal  changes may not be the only or true cause of the Poltergeist activity.  It may also be a time in this young person's life when they feel stifled or misunderstood, as the repress this emotion, it leaks out as PK phenomena.. Living in a home with a poltergeist can be a very frightening experience.  Cupboards fly open, dishes fly across the room and break, wall hangings rattle or fall, items disappear and then reappear at another location..  And sometimes, a specific member of the family will be targeted, with bleeding scratches inflicted even under their clothes. 

Adding the accepted history of poltergeists as negative or even demonic spirits, and people are usually frantic to move or rid their house of such a frightening spirit or energy.

     Author Marilyn Martin offers the following advice:

     If you live in a house with poltergeist activity, you need to first examine your own family members.  Do you have a young teen or preteen girl under stress?  Do you notice more poltergeist activity when this young person is present?  Don't jump to conclusions, and certainly don't punish this young person, who may not even know they are causing the poltergeist activity.

      Start by observing your family dynamics, and what's going on with thisyoung person when the poltergeist activity starts up or gets worse.  Is Dad lavishing praise on his favorite child, while the child possibly causing the PK effects is silentely steaming and feeling resentful nearby?  Does this poltergeist activity burst out when you and your spouse are fighting in front of the kids?  Or they can clearly hear you arguing from another room?

      Does the poltergeist activity drop off if this PK-child is happy, the center of attention, or using his/her energy in joyous fashion, like dancing or singing-along to a favorite song?  Is the poltergeist activity worse at night, after you've scolded the PK-child to "turn off that noise and go to bed"?

       Moving will not be a "cure", as you are taking this confused and resentful young person with you as part of your family.  By realizing that the PK-child will eventually grow out of it, by maturing and "growing into understanding", may make your current frightening circumstances more bearable.

        There are also special ways of handling this PK-child, to diminish or eradicate their poltergeist energies early, by channeling their excessive energy into more positive avenues.  Maybe you can rearrange the chores the PK-child is expected to do, to let them do chores more to their liking and interest.  Let that budding chef be your prep-cook, assembling ingredients for you to put together for a family meal.  Let your young outdoor-lover do garden chores, or mow the lawn. 

         Encourage your PK-child to participate in activities that direct their energies into more positive outlets.  If not after-school sports, gymnastics or martial arts, let them crank up their stereo to dance or sing along before 7PM (or whenever the Quiet Time starts in your household, for everyone to calm down for sleep). 

        Take more of an interest in your PK-child's life, talk to them about hobbies they've always wanted to start, or special talents they have but are not pursuing.  Maybe you can find special classes or expert tutors (even college kids), for this PK-child to pursue more unusual hobbies they are passionate about, like studying astronomy or playing jazz.  Your mopey PK-child really wants to study rocketry or learn to tango?  Put an ad in the paper or on a college bulletin board for a tutor.

        Remember, you love this child, just as you love all your children, bad habits and all.  Armed with knowledge and some creative ideas, you and your PK-child can both end up happier, and bonded closer by your understanding and willingness to help them thru this difficult time.

Marilyn Martin has been a Learning Specialist in private practice since 1991 and has developed and applied successful interventions for students of all ages with dyslexia, language processing disorders, NLD and other learning difficulties