You’re lying in bed. It’s 3:13 AM. The floorboard near the closet creaks, but you’re the only one home. Maybe the air suddenly feels like it’s made of lead, or your dog won't stop growling at a perfectly empty corner of the hallway. Most people laugh this stuff off during the day, but when it’s happening to you, it isn't funny. It’s exhausting. If you’re looking into how to get rid of spirits, you’ve probably moved past the "it’s just the house settling" phase. You want your peace back.
The truth is, most "hauntings" aren't actually Hollywood-style demons. They’re usually just leftover energy or what researchers call "place memory." Sometimes, it’s just a drafty window. But when it feels heavy and personal, you need a plan that actually works.
First, Check the Pipes (Literally)
Before you go buying sage by the pound, let’s be real for a second. Fear is a physical response. High electromagnetic fields (EMF) can cause feelings of being watched, "heavy" air, or even hallucinations. Old wiring or a faulty fuse box can blast EMFs right through your bedroom wall.
Invest in a cheap EMF meter. If you find a "hot spot" where you’ve been seeing things, call an electrician, not a medium. Also, check for carbon monoxide. Low-level CO poisoning causes paranoia, visual disturbances, and a sense of dread. It’s rare, but it’s a lot more dangerous than a ghost.
Honestly, once you rule out the mundane stuff, you can focus on the energetic side of things without wondering if you're just losing your mind.
The Psychology of the "Uninvited Guest"
In paranormal research, there’s a massive distinction between an "intelligent haunting" and a "residual haunting." Think of a residual haunting like an old VHS tape playing on a loop. It’s an event—maybe an argument or a routine—that left a mark on the environment. These "spirits" don't interact with you. To get rid of this kind of energy, you don't need an exorcism; you need to change the "vibe" of the room.
Intelligent hauntings are different. This is where something seems to respond to you.
Renowned parapsychologist Loyd Auerbach often suggests that many of these encounters are actually "recurrent spontaneous psychokinesis" (RSPK). Basically, your own stress or intense emotions might be manifesting physical effects in the house. If you’re going through a divorce, a job loss, or puberty is hitting a kid in the house, the "spirit" might actually be a projection of that internal chaos.
How to Get Rid of Spirits Using Sound and Light
Darkness and silence are the playground for weird vibes. If a room feels "off," stop treating it like a tomb. Open the damn curtains.
High-Frequency Sound: Use a singing bowl, or honestly, just clap your hands loudly in the corners of the room. Static energy tends to "settle" where there is no movement. Break it up. Some people swear by 528Hz Solfeggio frequencies played on a loop. It sounds like New Age fluff, but it changes the acoustic signature of the space, which can shift your perception of the "heaviness."
The Power of Scent: Burning white sage (smudging) is the go-to, but it’s a bit overused and, frankly, smells like a dorm room. Many practitioners, especially in the Appalachian folk tradition, prefer dried cedar or rosemary. These are antimicrobial and have been used for centuries to "cleanse" a space of both illness and bad luck.
Salt Barriers: This is as old-school as it gets. Sea salt or black salt (salt mixed with charcoal or iron shavings) is traditionally placed at thresholds. You don't need a circle around your bed like a movie. A thin line across the windowsill or the doorway is a symbolic "keep out" sign.
Command Your Space with Authority
You’ve gotta stop being afraid. I know that’s easier said than done when the kitchen cabinets are rattling, but fear is fuel. Most spiritual traditions—from Hoodoo to Catholic house blessings—emphasize the "Will" of the inhabitant.
Walk through your house. Talk out loud. Say something like, "I live here now. This is my home. You are not welcome to disturb me, and you need to leave."
You don't have to be mean. Just be firm. It’s like telling a stray dog to get off your porch. If you’re hesitant or terrified, the energy persists. If you claim the space, the atmosphere shifts. This isn't just "woo-woo" talk; it’s a psychological anchoring technique. By speaking with authority, you stop being a victim in your own head, which often stops the perceived activity.
When to Call in the Big Guns
If things are moving, if you’re getting scratched, or if the "spirit" is actively causing harm, don't DIY it.
There are professional groups like the TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) or local paranormal investigative teams that don't charge money to come look at your house. If they try to charge you $500 for a "cleansing," they’re scammers. Run.
A real investigator will look for drafts, floorboard issues, and logical explanations first. If they find something they can't explain, they usually have a network of religious or secular "cleansers" who can help.
Why Some Spirits Stick Around
Sometimes, we’re the ones keeping them there. If you’re constantly talking about the "ghost," checking for it, and inviting friends over to "feel the creepy spot," you’re feeding the situation. You’re giving it attention.
To truly get rid of spirits, you sometimes have to ignore them into non-existence. Stop the "ghost hunting" apps. Delete the recordings of "EVPs." If you stop interacting with it, the energy often dissipates because there’s no longer a "circuit" between you and the phenomenon.
Actionable Steps for a Peaceful Home
If you want to clear the air today, follow this workflow. It’s a mix of practical and energetic "hygiene" that addresses the most common causes of hauntings.
- Deep Clean: Physically scrub the house. Clutter traps old energy and creates shadows that play tricks on your eyes. Use a floor wash with a bit of ammonia or lemon—both are traditional "clearing" agents.
- The "Bell" Method: Take a physical bell or even a metal spoon and a pot. Go to every corner of every room—especially closets—and make a racket. It’s hard to feel "haunted" when you’re making a ton of noise.
- Fix the Vibe: Change the lighting. Replace dim, flickering bulbs with warm, bright LEDs. Add plants. Living things (and the oxygen they produce) naturally lift the "weight" of a room.
- Set the Rule: If you feel a presence, state your boundary immediately. "You can stay if you're quiet, but you cannot wake me up." Or, "You need to move on now."
- The Mirror Trick: In many cultures, mirrors are "gateways." If a room feels weird, try moving the mirrors or covering them at night. It sounds superstitious, but it’s an easy fix that many people find brings immediate relief.
If the activity continues after you’ve cleaned, fixed the electrics, and stood your ground, it might be time to look into the history of the land or the building. Sometimes, understanding why something is there is the final key to making it leave. Knowledge is the ultimate "spirit" repellent.
Focus on your own mental health and the physical state of your home first. A well-lit, clean, and happy house is a very difficult place for a "spirit" to hang out in. You have more power over your environment than you think.