The following is an excerpt from The Great Big Book of Ghosts written by Robert J Dornan. It is used with permission for this website only.
We have all watched ghost videos or seen photos that challenge our belief system, but we always look for a reason to debunk a photo or prove it is fraudulent. We need to open our minds to possibilities instead of looking for the negative. Hopefully this book will enlighten many who have sat on the fence for too long and make them believe the unbelievable.
The history of ghosts and their origins is a fascinating subject that is alive and kicking in every country and culture on Earth. Ghosts, also called spirits or specters, are believed to be the souls or consciousnesses of deceased individuals that continue to exist in some form after death. The concept of ghosts has existed in various forms since ancient times, and interpretations and beliefs about their existence have evolved over the centuries. No one knows for sure when the first ghostly experience occurred. We rely on the words written on walls and tablets, but they are often subject to interpretation, translation, or the belief systems of the time. Regardless, every country or civilization has its own tales of ghosts, which is interesting because the appearance of ghosts or spirits in ancient civilizations has been documented in different countries at the same time.
Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Mesopotamians, and Greeks strongly believed in the existence of spirits or “shadows” of the deceased. The Egyptians, for example, believed that the soul was composed of several parts, including the “ka” and the “ba.” The ka was the life force or life essence, while the ba represented the individuality and personality of the deceased. If proper rituals and ceremonies were not performed, the ba would be agitated and become a ghostly entity.
In ancient Greece, the belief in ghosts was deeply tied to their understanding of the afterlife. The Greeks believed that the souls of the deceased traveled to the underworld, a world ruled by Hades. However, some spirits were thought to remain on Earth as restless entities. The most famous tale of ghosts in Greek mythology is that of the shadow of the prophet Tiresias, who appeared to Odysseus in Homer’s epic, “The Odyssey.” (In Greek mythology, a shadow referred to the spirit or soul of a deceased person that resided in the underworld. Shadows were considered dark and insubstantial, existing as ethereal beings without a physical body. They were considered the remains of the deceased, retaining a semblance of themselves but lacking the vitality and life force they possessed in life. The concept of shadows in Greek mythology influenced later literary works, where the term “shadow” was associated with ghosts or spectral entities.)
In Eastern cultures, such as China and Japan, the concept of ghosts has been deeply rooted in their traditions for centuries. In Chinese folklore, ghosts are considered the spirits of ancestors or people who have died in tragic circumstances. The Chinese also celebrate the Ghost Festival, a time when spirits are believed to return to earth, and elaborate rituals and offerings are made to appease them.
Japanese ghost lore is rich and diverse, with many types of spirits known as “yokai” or “yurei.” Yurei are vengeful spirits that often appear as pale, long-haired women in white kimono. These ghostly figures are believed to haunt specific locations or seek revenge on those who wronged them in their lifetime. Japanese folklore and literature, such as Lafcadio Hearn’s “Kwaidan,” have popularized these ghostly tales.
In Western cultures, the belief in ghosts has existed since ancient times and is often associated with religion and specific cultural beliefs. In Christianity, for example, the concept of ghosts is linked to the existence of an immortal soul and the idea of an afterlife. The Bible mentions apparitions and spirits, including the famous story of the prophet Samuel’s ghostly appearance to King Saul.
During the Middle Ages, ghost stories became common in European folklore. Belief in ghosts was closely linked to the concepts of purgatory, where souls were believed to be temporarily confined until they could achieve salvation. Ghostly apparitions were often seen as souls seeking prayers or help from the living to ease their passage to heaven.
The Victorian era saw a surge in ghost stories and a fascination with the supernatural. With the rise of spiritualism, the belief in communication with the dead through mediums gained popularity. The famous Fox Sisters, who claimed to communicate with spirits, played a significant role in the spread of spiritualism and the interest in ghostly phenomena during that time. (Chapter 4)
It is important to note that while many people strongly believe in ghosts, skepticism and alternative explanations also exist. Some interpret ghostly encounters as psychological manifestations, tricks of perception, or simply as products of popular culture and imagination.
Interpretations of ghosts have varied across cultures and time periods, but the fascination and intrigue surrounding these ethereal beings have endured throughout history. Whether one believes in the existence of ghosts or approaches them with skepticism, the stories and beliefs associated with them continue to captivate and inspire our imagination. Have fun and learn what we have known for years.
All Robert J Dornan books can be found on every major platform and in thousands of libraries. Many are also available in French, Spanish, German, and Tagalog
Fiction:
23 Minutes Past 1 A.M. (Bestseller)
Gwydion
Lost in Jack City (Coming Soon)
Non-Fiction
Lucky You: The Ultimate Book of Fortune and 100 Spells
Everything You Need to Know About Aries
Everything You Need to Know About Taurus
Everything You Need to Know About Gemini
Everything You Need to Know About the Zodiac Sign Cancer
Everything You Need to Know About Leo
Everything You Need to Know About Virgo
Everything You Need to Know About Libra
Everything You Need to Know About Scorpio
Everything You Need to Know About Sagittarius
Everything You Need to Know About Capricorn
Everything You Need to Know About Aquarius
Everything You Need to Know About Pisces
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Rat
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Ox
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Tiger
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Rabbit
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Dragon
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Snake
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Horse
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Goat
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Monkey
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Rooster
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Dog
Everything You Need to Know About the Chinese Sign, Pig
Birthday Books – January 1 to December 31 (in progress)
100 True and Terrifying Ghost Stories
The Great Big Book of Ghosts
50 of History’s Most Sinister Demons – Part One
50 Stories and Legends About Vampires
50 Famous Exorcisms
Hexed and Hallowed: The True Story of Witches, Then and Now
Whispers from the Past: 50 Astonishing Reincarnation Stories
Blood and Shadows: Canada’s Darkest Crimes and Tragedies
Blood and Shadows: England’s Darkest Crimes and Tragedies
Blood and Shadows: Scotland’s Darkest Crimes and Tragedies
Blood and Shadows: Ireland’s Darkest Crimes and Tragedies
Blood and Shadows: France’s Darkest Crimes and Tragedies
Hell 101: A Journey Through Hell Across Time and Culture
Heaven 101: A Journey Through Heaven Across Time and Culture
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