How to tell if you have a ghost

The following are some descriptions of ghostly activity, and thus are common phenomena found in hauntings.

It is important to not be afraid and understand that a ghost is a person who is most likely wanting to be recognized for assistance.

The following phenomena are not all-inclusive:

1)Cold spots. The manifestation of a ghost requires energy, and thus the area could be cold from the ghost using the energy of a specific location.

2) Electrical disturbances, such as flickering lights and radios turning off and on.

3) Movement of physical objects, such as doors.

4) Items missing or moved.

5) Water turning off and on.

6) Goosebumps, chills, the feeling that you are being watched, or touched.

7) Sounds, such as foot steps, music, voices, whispers, rapping, banging, something being dropped, etc.

8) Balls or orbs of light that appear and float around.

9) Shadows moving about a room or in the corner of one’s eye.

10) Odd behavior from a pet. Animals are very in tune with spirits around them.

11) Unexplained or known fragrances of the deceased.

12) Levitating objects.

13) Mists, or vapors that appear.

How Can Mediums Talk to Ghosts?

First, I think we are all capable of talking to ghosts, but we don't work on the skills that would be needed to do this. And most of us don't want to see, hear or feel a ghost! It would be rather unnerving, if not terrifying, to look up from a moment of respite and see some blank eyed little girl starting at you, mouthing something you can't hear. Visions of The Shinning become all too real at this point and nothing we want to mess with.
But then, there are those that are born natural Mediums. Their ability to detect outside the normal human frequency, like many animals, is heightened. Their E.S.P., or extra sensory perception, extends beyond the normal physical senses. They simply are able to tune into a frequency band greater than most. Some can see ghosts; some can only hear them, while other Mediums are shown visions and guidance in their mind's eye, or "third eye" from the beyond. These are the John Edwards of the world, or the crime solving specialists on the fascinating show, Haunting Evidence on Court TV.
If you personally are interested in learning the skills of the Medium, there are things you can do.
First, visit haunted places. It doesn't have to be a frightening place which will close you down to the experience, but a location were many lives had crossed over, like an old battle field, a cemetery, or a known haunted hotel. There are plenty of books out there that detail these places throughout the United States, Europe and elsewhere.
Second, find a place where you can be very quiet and still. You are trying to open up that sixth sense which has been dormant for a very long time. We all have this capability, but like any muscle, it's become weak over time, maybe an entire life-time.
Third, start shutting out the thoughts in your mind that are racing about. You need an open receptacle (the quiet mind) to allow very soft utterings from beyond. You can't hear if you're too busy talking in your own mind (much like any conversation). The more you go into a meditative state, known as Alpha, the more you'll open up to hearing frequencies not normally heard.
Next, after you are quiet, calm, and clear, extend a request that a positive entity make itself be known to you. Then, just relax, wait and listen. If the situation is right, they will try and make themselves be heard in some way. And hearing is easier to attain than breaking through the physical dimension with actual matter, so expect that. It will probably be something short and perhaps blurted out, so don't expect a huge dialog, more like one or two words, or a hurried rush of whispering.
The few times I've heard ghosts, I was quiet and calm. Usually coming out of sleep, meditating, or spending time alone in a quiet and solitary state --all ideal for extended communications with the dearly departed.
Of course, once you open this type of ability, you may have started a new journey for yourself and one you may not entirely want! So be sure this is the type of thing that really interests you. If not, keep that TV going and stay away from the cemetery!

What Is the Difference Between Ghosts and Angels / Demons?

If we adhere to theory -- ghosts are deceased humans, while demons and angels are not of earthly origin. Both are known to have stronger powers than your average ghost. You'll find a demon more apt to move objects and possess the human body, just as you'll find an angel more awe inspiring and willing to help the suffering human condition than a ghost.
Why would a demon be stronger than a ghost, or deceased human? Depending on our beliefs, we can understand why angels, blessed with powers from higher dimensions are maybe stronger than deceased humans, but why a demon? In fact, why either entity since we too are of the same cosmic fabric? If I had an answer it would be "experience" or that they have been in that realm for so much longer. When we cross over, that is relatively new territory for many souls. For demons and angels, this is their long endured habitat and home. The demon is cunning and the angel enlightened. Really, you can think of it as a good/bad adult (demon/angel) dealing with an inexperienced child (ghost). They hold the experience we lack and are full of tricks (demons), or miracles (angels) of which either inspire or frighten us. also think miracles and tricks are inherent in us too, but they are more readily accessible and producible by these beings because this is what they have been doing for many life-times. I think our abilities and faults are a microcosm of theirs.
With this said, it doesn't mean that ghosts cannot be the very thing angels and demons are. An entity, once human, can descend or ascend into either characteristic. A child, once loved on earth, can come back and lift the spirits (literally) of those most dear to it and be called an angel. A person who has crossed over from irreparably painful circumstances can spiral into negativity and do demonic things.
We can surmise that to be demonic or angelic, versus ghostly, is an advanced stage of positive or negative, while a ghost is more inexperienced and neutral. In time, we too will be angelic or demonic, depending on the path our soul takes.

What Exactly is a Ghost?

It doesn't matter what part of the world you come from or what religious faith you belong to, people all over the world are fascinated with death and the possibility of an afterlife. Most live in hope of "something" after this life. Some claim to have seen such entities or have photographic proof of their existence. More often than not these specters have evil inclinations and create fear at a primeval level. But what exactly is a ghost?
Is it the residual energy left in a certain location or a recurring echo doomed to rerun its own show for eternity? Is it a hellish demon masquerading as a mortal casualty? Or is it simply a lost soul abruptly taken and trying to find an exit without realizing its own tragic fate? Whatever ghosts are they remain a fascination and continue to captivate us in our everyday life, in books, through orally related tales and on the silver screen.
So when exactly did the deceased take on such a macabre persona? In order to evade further rhetoric we must look into our ancient past. Imagine being one of the first people in existence. Frolicking in nature and never taking notice of lifelessness even when killing other beasts to feed your hungry body. Taking your continuing existence for granted. Breeding, loving and raising your own offspring. Suddenly something unthinkable happens. One of your favorite offspring is killed by one of the beasts you regularly dine upon. Dystopian heart tearing sadness fills your being. A dark empty void is left where an integral warm piece used to reside. Unwilling to let go, you continue to speak with the memories to your cherished one. Continue to wish that they would return and that things could be as they were before this constant sorrow. You want it so strong that you start to believe it possible and eventually you make it a reality.
Through the use of hallucinogens shamans believed they could speak with the dead and summon powers beyond this earthly realm. The common folk thirsted for such hope and these elemental sorcerers commanded both fear and respect from their simple followers. They were a necessary comfort and aided in creating a stable content society. Believing in a hereafter gives purpose to an otherwise pointless and trivial life journey. In these times our expired relatives were looked upon with tremendous awe and great respect.
Ghosts, I'm afraid, as spooky as they have been portrayed, remain an object of our ever fascinated and overactive imaginations.