All poltergeists are ghosts, but not all ghosts are poltergeists.   I know, its confusing. 

Ghosts are the sentient remnants of dead people (ok, animals too). They are what is left after the body dies. Most of the time this soul (for lack of a better word) goes on to the next thing, whatever that is. However, sometimes it stays put, for whatever reason. This is a ghost.

Some ghosts can move things. Some ghosts can make noises. Some ghosts can manifest into balls of light, or other forms of energy, like vortices and even apparitions. Some ghosts can speak. Some communicate with the living in a timely and sentient manner.

Now, a poltergeist fits all the above criteria for a ghost, EXCEPT, poltergeists seem to not have a personality. They cannot manifest into an apparition. They cannot communicate in a sentient manner, i.e., they cannot have a conversation with the living. You wont hear a poltergeist speak, or call your name EXCEPT (and this is very important) as a mimic. A poltergeist can mimic noises it hears, kind of like a very talented parrot.

I tend to think of poltergeists as the remnants of people who never had a chance to develop their identities. Like infants or mentally disabled people.

Some think that poltergeist activity is a type of involuntary psychokinesis manifested by a teenager, usually a female. This may be. I think in some cases psychokinesis plays a part, but I also think that the spirit is enhanced and attracted by the chaotic energy of the adolescent.

So, if you see the ghost, its not a poltergeist. If the ghost communicates with you, whether it be verbal, with a ouija board or automatic writing, its not a poltergeist.

Confused?     ~Kriss

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