What is the difference between a ghost and a spirit?
What leaves our bodies when we die is our soul. What happens to that soul after death determines whether it becomes a ghost or a spirit. A soul that goes on to the Afterlife goes through a Life Review and learning process, in which they become enlightened, and are then called spirits. Spirits are normally benevolent and protective. They visit with us, especially during "family" times, such as weddings, births, holidays, and deaths. Spirits have the ability to come and go from the Afterlife, in order to visit us, comfort us, or protect us.
A soul that does not go on to the Afterlife after death, but chooses to stay attached to the physical plane, is referred to as a ghost. Ghosts can become "stuck" between the physical world and the Afterlife for many reasons. They may feel that they were "too young" or "not ready yet" to die, especially if it was a sudden death. They may be attached to a person, place or object and may not be willing to let go. They may be afraid of "punishment" for the way that they lived and may be afraid to move on. Perhaps they feel that they still have work to do, as in hauntings involving lighthouse keepers or soldiers. Ghosts can be benevolent or malevolent in hauntings.
Ghosts that are "stuck" can be encouraged to move on to the Afterlife, where they will continue on to become spirits and join with their loved ones.
