In my line of work, each day brings a new story. I am continuously intrigued by the world of the supernatural. The idea that inanimate objects, from furniture to decorative trinkets, can have spirits attached to them is not new. Across various cultures and historical contexts, folklore and legends there are many stories of haunted items—each carrying its own unique narrative. In fact, many mediums use items like these to facilitate communication with their spirit.
I've personally never been someone who has enjoyed perusing through antique stores or thrifting markets. I own antiques, that were passed down from my grandparents, however I find, going into such environments often feels overwhelming. The energy of the objects can be intense, and I sometimes sense the stories and emotions tied to them all at once.
I have encountered numerous spirits who remain deeply connected to the items they once owned in life, and the intensity of these experiences often feels overwhelming. While many revel in the beauty and history of these vintage treasures, I find myself attuned to the whispers of spirits attached to these items. For me, it’s not just about admiring their craftsmanship; it’s about navigating the intertwining energies that come with them.
Does this mean that all of these items are haunted? No, but that can be very possible.
I had a client who purchased an antique dresser at an auction. It was beautiful. However, once she brought it home, strange things began to happen. Each night, after she went to sleep, her bedroom was chaos. She would awaken to the jarring sound of books crashing to the floor, items soaring through the air, slamming doors, and other unsettling sounds that were both unsettling and disorienting. She reached out to me for help.
It was clear that the dresser was not just a beautiful piece of furniture; the spirit of a woman who had once treasured it as a beloved family heirloom was attached to it. After connecting with her, I discovered that she felt betrayed by her family because they had sold the dresser. The spirit, inevitably trapped between worlds, was very upset and believed she had been forgotten by her family. This sense of abandonment unleashed her frustration, which manifested in the chaotic disturbances my client experienced.
I helped to cross her over by facilitating a heartfelt conversation between her and my client. The spirit was able to express her emotions and share her longing for recognition and love from her family. As my client listened with compassion, she reassured the spirit that she would cherish the dresser and take good care of it. By acknowledging the spirit’s pain and honouring her history, we were able to create a space for healing and for her transition to the other side, where her loved ones were waiting for her with open arms.
Signs of a Haunted Item
Here are several signs that may indicate a restless spirit is attached to an item—
- Unexplained Noises: Creaking sounds, whispers, or even laughter emanating from the item can be a red flag.
- Cold Spots: A sudden drop in temperature surrounding the object might suggest a paranormal presence.
- Feeling Observed: An inexplicable sensation of being watched when near the item can also indicate something unusual.
- Changes in Behaviour: Pets acting strangely or children expressing fears related to an object can be telling signs.
What to Do
You may consider letting go of the item—donating, selling it, or disposing of it in a respectful manner; however, that approach merely shifts the burden onto someone else. It’s important to recognize that many distressed spirits are tied to their belongings out of love, unresolved emotions, or a longing for connection, and simply discarding the item will not provide them the closure they seek. Sometimes, spirits need our help in letting go of their ties to the physical world.
Instead of taking the easy route, I recommend these more compassionate approaches:
- Cleansing Ritual: Engaging in a cleansing ritual can be a powerful way to offer peace to both the object and the spirit inhabiting it. Using sage, salt, or holy water to perform a spiritual cleanse can help release negative energies and restore harmony. Burning sage, known as smudging, is a common practice that effectively dispels unwanted energy while inviting in positivity. As you waft the smoke around the item, set an intention to purify it and create space for healing, which can aid in soothing the spirit attached to it.
- Spiritual Guidance: Seeking the support of a medium can provide invaluable insights into the nature of the haunting and the spirit’s needs. Just as I did with my client, a skilled medium can facilitate communication and create a safe space for the spirit to heal and ultimately cross over to the other side, providing closure for both the spirit and the new owner of the item.
Every item holds its own story, woven with the lives of those who once cherished it. While the idea of an object being haunted may provoke fear or skepticism, it’s so important to approach these experiences with compassion and understanding. By being attuned to the signs of a restless spirit, we open the door to opportunities for healing and closure. This approach allows us to deepen our understanding of the unseen world and fostering healing through the recognition of the past within our present.