Made popular by a movie by the same name, a poltergeist is a ghost or demon that manifests itself by making inanimate objects move. Many times, these creatures are reported as evil, but this is not always the case. A poltergeist is not seen, like a typical apparition, but is only seen through movements of objects it influences.

Most people believe that a poltergeist needs a person (called the agent or focus) in order to appear. Many times, the agent is a child, but this is not always the case. It is almost as though the poltergeist is haunting this specific person. One theory regarding poltergeists is that they are not actually separate beings but rather an unconscious ability of a person to move objects with his or her mind.

Poltergeists are often billed as temperamental, mischievous ghosts or fairies. Those who believe this often feel that poltergeists are self-aware, a trait not shared by many kinds of ghosts. For this reason, most poltergeists are seen as evil and easily angered. Some believe that poltergeists are demonic.

The earliest reported poltergeist was in the year 858 when an evil spirit attacked a farm by throwing stones and shaking walls. This type of apparition is not easily recorded on white noise recorded (EVP) or by using electromagnetic devices or thermal cameras. Instead, the evidence is physical, with people – even skeptics – seeing objects being moved around the room.

The idea that poltergeists are real is not embraced by all, but for many, this type of apparition (or something similar) is very real. Since poltergeists have agents, they cannot be left behind by moving and exorcisms are common. Not all poltergeists are bad, but for those with first-hand experience, poltergeists can be really scary.