Supernatural fans, beware: these are the classic signs of a poltergeist.

Poltergeists

What exactly is a poltergeist?

Friends, let’s get something straight.

Not every ghost floats around moaning and turns the thermostat down to 58. Some ghosts are loud. Angry. And very, very real.

They’re called poltergeists. The word comes from the German poltern (to make noise) and Geist (ghost). Put that together? You get a noisy ghost. Very noisy.

These spirits don’t just hang out quietly in the attic. They crash. They bang. They throw your grandma’s vase across the room like it owes them money.

But what makes a poltergeist different from your average ghost in a bedsheet? Let’s break it down.

Poltergeist 101: Crash Course (Literally)

A poltergeist is the prankster at a supernatural family gathering.

They make noise—knocking, stomping, and whispering. It’s like they’re stuck between radio stations. They move things, your keys, your books, that one remote you always lose. Yep, them. They create chaos—doors slam, lights flicker, and furniture walks around like it pays rent.

Unlike other spirits that seek visibility, poltergeists crave attention. And they will cause a scene to get it.

Signs You Might Have a Poltergeist (Sorry.)

I’m not saying you’ve got one. But if these things are happening… well, let’s say I’d light a candle and take notes:

- Unexplained noises — Banging, footsteps, whispers when no one is there. Self-moving things include flying cups, blinking lights, and disappearing objects that come back. -

Weird water — Puddles or drips with no source. -

Physical contact — Slaps, shoves, or that eerie feeling that someone just brushed your arm. -

Electrical madness — Lights flipping on and off, appliances going full Exorcist.

Where does all this energy come from?

Poltergeist activity is often linked to emotional turmoil.

Some researchers believe it’s not a ghost at all. They think it’s energy from a real person under a lot of stress. Usually, a teenager (because puberty plus paranormal is a match made in horror).

Poltergeists in History: A Few Famous Freakouts

1. The Enfield Poltergeist (London, 1970s): Beds shook. Chairs flew. Voices spoke from nowhere. It made headlines. Movies. Nightmares.

2. The Bell Witch (Tennessee, 1800s): The Bell family faced terror. They endured physical attacks, heard creepy voices, and experienced full-on haunting chaos. This one? It bit. Hard.

3. The Rosenheim Poltergeist (Germany, 1967): Phones rang with no caller. Lights flickered. The law firm it haunted, brought in scientists. No one could explain it.

What to do if you've got one. This part is important. Read it twice.

Step 1: Document Everything. Start a notebook. Log: - Date and time - What happened - How long it lasted - Who was present.

Step 2: Rule Out the Obvious. Drafty vents? Faulty wiring? Cat on the shelf? Start with the normal before jumping to the paranormal.

Step 3: Try to communicate with the poltergeist. Caution that this is not for the faint of heart. But if you feel safe: Set the scene: quiet, calm, lights low. - Stay grounded: deep breaths, no fear. - Ask clear yes/no questions: - Use a pendulum. - Try a flashlight twist-on for yes. - Listen for knocks—one for yes, two for no.

Always record your sessions. Notes. Audio. Even video. If it gets too intense? Back out. Respectfully.

When to seek help

If you feel any form of danger—physical, mental, or emotional—don't face it by yourself.

Call a paranormal investigator, a spiritual advisor, or clergy. There’s no shame in backup.

WRITERS: Here's Your Prompt
Write a 500-word story — or longer if the spirits move you — about a poltergeist encounter.

Use anything from this post. A sound. A flicker. A flying knife. Drop it in the comments; I want to read what you summon.

You’ve got stories in you. Scary ones. Real ones. Let’s bring them into the light.

The Vault Is Open… For now,

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Final Thoughts

Have you had a run-in with a poltergeist? Do you believe this stuff? What would you do if it happened in your house?

Drop your thoughts below. I read every single one.

Thanks for coming back to the Vault. Until next time… Keep it spooky. Talk soon, friends. — Bill 👻