The Three Most Common Types of Haunting
-By Steven Sztabor
During the course of your investigations, odds are that you will experience little or no activity, however,
should fortune smile upon you and the paranormal is making itself known it is a good idea to be able to recognize
the type of activity that you are encountering. The following brief descriptions should give you the basics
about the types of haunting that is presenting itself. But remember, this isn’t a made for T.V. movie or the latest
DVD release, forget all the Hollywood hype and pay attention to your surroundings. This is for real.
The Residual Haunt- A Level 1 haunt is nothing more than a memory or data impressed
into the surroundings. You being there has no effect on whether or not it plays itself out. The activity is on a self
timer, if you will, and plays back when all the conditions are met. The event begins at any place in the memory
and runs in a loop. Repeating the same actions over and over again. There is no interaction between you and
the memory as it is simply a visual and /or audio playback. In many instances the playback is at regular intervals,
meaning that the playback mechanism could very well be organic in nature and not necessarily spiritual.
Mineral bearing rock containing gold or quartz seem to be responsible for initiating the activity. Quartz as
we all know is used in time pieces because of it’s unique property to give off pulse signals at precise intervals.
Perhaps this is the alarm clock that wakes up the activity. This
type of haunt can be frightening when first encountered, but rest assured there is no danger so roll with it and
enjoy.
The Intelligent Haunt- The Level 2 haunt, also referred to as the interactive haunting, differs from the
residual haunt is so far as the entity is aware of your presence. You may see light streaks, orbs or spirit mists.
Hear voices, footsteps, bangs and knocks, even spy an apparition. All the things that the residual haunt holds
for you. Except there is no set pattern for the activity.
The spirit will interact with you by answering questions, sometimes audibly, but mostly through your recording
devices in the form of EVP’s. It also may knock on command or move an object. You feel cold spots that
move and drifting EMF readings. Smells that come and go or that can only be sensed by certain individuals
amongst your team. Being touched and feeling the psychic cold bring pins and needles to your flesh can be
extremely unnerving.
Whatever the encounters may be, keep in mind that they are not your friends and in no way invite them to
come along with you on your investigation no matter how benign or likeable this spirit is. Many an investigator
has brought home something they didn’t intend to.
Final thought is to remember that you really don’t know who or what you’re dealing with, as even a demonic
presence can act friendly and kind even to the point of portraying a family member long deceased. Even the
bible tells us: “ Do not trust every spirit,” (1 John 4:1). When translated from Greek text it says: “ Do not believe
every spirit.”
The Inhuman Haunt- The Level 3 haunt is the most dangerous and few people are trained to deal with this,
both physically and psychologically. These non-human entities, more commonly known as demons or devils
are deceptive and can cause you great harm. They may appear passive at first but will eventually show their
true colors.
They interact easily with us as they pass between the world of the living and the realm of the dead. Their
soul purpose is to hate who we are and to attempt to corrupt us by any means possible.
One of their calling cards is the number 3. Three scratches, three touches, three knocks or bangs, anything
to mock the Holy trinity.
Do not confuse them with other types of haunting as they are deceptive in nature and will
disguise themselves to seem more appealing. Don’t just go off all confident and begin contacting spirits without
understanding what your up against. Do find someone experienced in the field that is willing to guide you
through the right way. Safely.
Remember, paranormal investigating can be challenging and rewarding when done with caution and respect.