Family Ghosts
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Information

The beliefs in family ghosts are quite remarkable, not so
much that people believe in such ghosts, but the stories behind ghosts that are
attached to families can be quite interesting. It seems many families have
ghosts in their closet, so to speak, and how they manifest
differs.
Family ghosts are defined as spirits of deceased humans, as
well as animals, that remain around certain families for a particular
function. Though stories of such ghosts abound, the reasons behind ghosts
being linked to families do
vary.
Such spirits (spirits guides, angels) would differ from ghosts, in that they would visit from a higher place of perspective. Some might choose to call their estate "Heaven." Such an enlightened individual would certainly not be a traumatized earthbound spirit (a ghost). For how could such a troubled spirit be aware of the future?
Getting back to ghosts, the belief in guardian spirits
within various civilizations goes back thousands of years, including the ancient
Egyptian and Greek cultures. Beliefs in family ghosts are especially
prominent within European countries, such as Scotland and Ireland.
Scottish family ghosts often are described as horrible-looking things, such as a
dreadful hag (Hag of the Dribble), while Irish family ghosts can also be quite
frightening (Banshees are believed to follow some descendents of the ancient
Irish).
Manifestations of family ghosts are often described as
apparitions, but can also be believed to manifest as strange sounds (the hoot of
an owl, the sound of a dog, a bird against a window, etc). Some ghosts of
families are said to make their presence known by the cracking of pottery or
dishes!
It is often believed that family ghosts cannot be laid to rest, or that they are at least very difficult to put to peace. Such ghosts seem difficult to communicate with, or they may simply be unwilling. Perhaps, they feel they have a mission which they are unwilling to refrain from until it is complete.
Also
See: Spirit Guides, Earthbound Spirits, Ghosts &
Spirits
Further suggested
reading: Family Ghosts, by Elliott
O'Donnell