The Phantom slowly, gravely, silently approached … Scrooge bent down upon his knee, for in the very air through which this Spirit moved, it seemed to scatter gloom and mystery. Â
— Charles Dickens, “A Christmas Carol”
Do you think you have a ghost? Do you want it to go away?
No, that’s not a dumb question.
Some people don’t mind spirits being around. In fact, I am one of those someones. However, I’ve never had a bad experience with a ghost. If you don’t mind them, you can learn to “tune them out,” much like you might tune out the noise of a train that passes close to your home. Some commercial businesses, such as restaurants and hotels, actually appreciate them because they can help their business.
However, if you want the ghost to go away, you can try a couple of things. Also, make sure you read what you should NOT do.
To Do:
- The easiest way to get rid of a ghost is to ask it to leave. Use a firm voice and tell the ghost precisely what you want and why. You might say something like this: “This is my house, and it bothers me when you are always around. Would you please leave?” Remember, the physical world is your domain, and ghosts rarely have power in it.
- Ghosts don’t always know that they are dead. You may have to explain that they are dead, that they no longer belong in the physical world, and that they’ll be better off moving toward the light.
- Sometimes, you may have to ask what the spirit wants. This is often the case with someone who has recently passed over and may be attempting to communicate with you about something. Afterward, they are happy to leave.
- Use your imagination to “see” loved ones, angels, or guides coming to take them to the light.
DO NOT:
- When telling the ghost to “go away,” do not yell or sound angry.
- Do not give the spirit recognition by talking about it in your home; avoid talking about it altogether. This provides the spirit with energy, making it more powerful.
- Try not to show fear. It is your home, and the spirit can do you no harm. Fear can also provide the spirit with energy.
- DO NOT use Ouija boards, Tarot cards, séances, or witchcraft when dealing with anything supernatural. These items may increase spiritual activity and/or “open doors” that invite demonic and other unwanted spirits.
©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated October 2026.
As long as the stories multiply… and so few are positively explained away, ignoring them is a bad idea.Â
– William James, American psychologist, in a lecture
Also See:
Legends, Ghosts, Myths & Mysteries
See Sources.