According to Wikipedia: "Spirit Rescue is typically performed by a Spiritualist medium who will attempt to communicate with the discarnate spirit and explain their condition to them, reassure them or explore whatever it is that holds them within the earthly dimension of existence."
**************************************************** I'm often called out to places that are haunted. After an investigation, and after ruling out any possible explanation I then communicate with any spirit present to find out who they are and why they are making their presence felt and if they need my help.
There are many reasons why spirits seem trapped on the earth plane, perhaps they have had a traumatic passing or maybe they have some unfinished business or a message that they needed to get through to someone. It could even be that they want to put their story across or to set the matter straight.
One of the questions that I ask the home owner on arrival is if there has been ouija board used in the house to their knowledge, or if they have ever used one themselves. The reason I ask this is because this type of communication with spirit is not a party game and should only be used if you know what you are doing. Using a ouija board is like opening a door and allowing just anyone to walk through. You would not leave your front door wide open and let people to just wander in and out if you dont know them would you? A ouija board acts in the same way, and without the proper control, that doorway (portal) that you open is not being manned nor is it being shut after you have finished. This can cause all sorts of problems as this creates a portal for spirit to use.
Occasionally, hauntings are like a video replaying over and over. Some spirits do not even realize that their body is dead and need to be gently guided towards realization. Whatever the reason, I am there, with my Spirit Guides to help.
Spirit can also attach themselves to someone or 'something', particularly if they feel a connection. This happens for a variety of reasons, perhaps through a near death experience, illness, or trauma. However they could also feel attached to a particular piece of furniture or object. Whatever the situation our spirit guides are always there to advise me on how to proceed.
If we cannot visit in person, we have methods that we use for remote spirit rescue/release and have had many successes with this in different countries around the world.
My aim is always to treat the spirit and the situation with respect and understanding. It is vital to us that I connect with the spirit to find out why they appear to be reluctant to release themselves from their earthly plane of existence and to point it in the right direction towards the spirit world . Its what I like to think of as spirit counselling (aka Ghost Therapy).
**************************************************** Notes From A Class I Held Regarding Earthbound Spirits:
WHAT ARE EARTHBOUND SPIRITS?
Earthbound spirits are disembodied people who have remained attached to the physical realm, having not moved on beyond it, after their physical bodies have expired. Simply stated, earthbound spirits are ghosts. Some paranormal enthusiasts wish for a ghost to hang around them or their residence without knowing what they are asking for - a ghost is a lost soul, no matter how pleasant the ghost may be. When the body dies, the spirit of the person should move on and away from the earth plane by entering into the white light, where loved ones are waiting and feelings of peace, love, and joy are experienced. This is also a healthy, cleansing process for the spirit, and the ones greeting the recently departed bring comfort, aiding the newly disincarnate to adjust to the spirit world. Let's call it a "reset" or "spiritual vacation" of sorts.
After the initial dying experience, a life-review ensues and life-issues are worked through, bringing closure which further acts as a cleansing process. Spirits choosing to remain earthbound are found void of this cleansing and closure process, and thus, remain with those of us on earth in an unclean state, experiencing little peace, love, or joy.
A crossed-over (or clean) spirit may visit loved ones from time to time for various reasons and can even become a spirit guide or messenger (think angels). Clean spirits are from the light and are of it. In contrast, earthbound spirits (ghosts) are in darkness and are lost. Darkness does not necessarily mean a ghost will have ill-intent, it simply means the condition of the disembodied spirit is unhealthy. Those who pursue ghosts need to understand disembodied spirits are still hurting people, though unseen. (I remind earthbound spirits they are not helping their loved ones, they are haunting them.)
If a person’s spirit does not proceed into the light after death of the physical body, that person will remain earthbound. The condition of the person before passing will be the remaining condition of the disembodied spirit. Emotional traumas, as well as physical pains and afflictions are still felt, even though the spirit is no longer within a body. If the ghost was addicted to drugs, sex, or alcohol for example, then those same addictions also remain. In fact, these addictions and traumas can drive the disembodied spirit into trying to find relief, even though relief will not be found in the physical realm. As the ghost looks backward to the past by remaining earthbound, the prison is complete, as the future becomes lost and not seen as the way out - the light and loved ones (trying to rescue the ghost) become invisible to the disincarnate. To learn more about how we can help earthbound spirits, I recommend the books: Helping Ghosts: A Guide to Understanding Lost Spirits or Toward the Light: Rescuing Spirits, Trapped Souls, and Earthbound Ghosts (both are available in the store’s Lending Library)
Some disembodied spirits remain earthbound to watch over loved ones, possessions or as an attempt to get a final message to the living. Some of the ghosts believe they are actually helping their loved ones by bringing guidance and strength and seem oblivious to the unintentional harm they may be causing them. In all cases, there is never a good reason for a spirit to remain earthbound, as remaining in darkness is suffering for both those in and out of bodies, no matter the good the intention of the ghost. In comparison, spirits who have crossed over into the light can return and visit those in the earthly realm. They do not negatively affect those who are in physical bodies as ghosts often do, but bring hope, love and encouragement.
What are the most common signs of a haunting? Unexplained noises; Doors, cabinets, and cupboards opening and closing; Lights turning off and on; Items disappearing and reappearing; Unexplained shadows; Strange animal behavior; Feelings of being watched; Mild psychokinetic phenomena; Feelings of being touched; Hearing cries or whispers; Cold or hot spots; Unexplained smells; Moving or levitating objects; Physical assault; Unexplained writing or handprints on walls; Apparitions. PLEASE REMEMBER, NOT EVERYTHING IS PARANORMAL!