What type of spirit is near you. Have you ever felt a presence around you and wondered what it might be? Spirits can show up in many different ways, and each carries its own energy. Some feel gentle and loving, while others feel heavier or more intense. Learning to recognize these differences not only helps you feel safe, it also opens the door to deeper connection, guidance, and confidence on your spiritual path.
Crossed-over human spirits
These are people who have moved on and released their attachments to the living realm. They are often gentle and loving. When they are near you may feel a subtle shift in energy. The room might feel lighter. You might notice images, a phrase in your head, a faint smell, or a sudden emotion. These messages are usually peaceful. If you work with your clairs, you may get clear impressions like a picture, a small voice, or a memory. This presence rarely feels scary. It usually feels warm or comforting.
Non-crossed-over human spirits
These spirits feel more like they share the same plane as you. You may see shadows or glimpses. You may feel watched or like someone is standing next to you. Emotions from guilt to joy can come up. These spirits carry their life baggage. That is why you can feel a wide range of feelings when they are around. Sometimes they look as they did in life. Sometimes they appear as shadows or shapes.
Angels, guides, and divine beings
These are high-vibration presences. You may not always see them. When they are near you feel strong warmth or tingling. The energy around you lifts. Your vibration can stay higher for a long time afterward. Your psychic and mediumship abilities may feel clearer. You may notice light at the edges of your vision. If you look directly you might feel light in your eyes or a temporary blackout of vision. These presences feel sacred and empowering.
Lower-vibrational beings or dark forces
These lower energies feel heavy. The energy drops and you may feel fear, heaviness, or a sticky, yucky sensation you cannot shake. They feed on fear and negative emotions. They can cloud your thoughts and make it hard to think clearly or sleep. If you sense this kind of presence, treat it as serious. Protect yourself. Use grounding and protection techniques and get help from a trusted spiritual worker if it continues.
Non-human beings that are neither dark nor divine
Some beings are neither clearly divine nor clearly dark. They have personalities. They may be curious, mischievous, shy, or helpful. Their presence often feels middle-of-the-road. You might notice unusual shapes, a being you have only read about, or impressions that do not fit human or angelic descriptions. With your clairs open you may see or sense something new. These beings can range widely in intention.
How to tell the difference quickly
- Does the energy lift or drop? Lifting energy suggests a high or crossed-over presence. Dropping energy suggests something lower.
- Are you getting clear messages or images? Crossed-over spirits and guides tend to communicate with impressions, smells, or images.
- Do you feel fear or confusion? If so, take protection seriously.
- Is the experience brief and peaceful? That usually points to a crossed-over spirit or a guide.
- Is it persistent and invasive? Get help and strengthen your boundaries.
- Does the area around you feel cold or warm? Cold is something pulling energy out of the area. Warmth is a being radiating energy, typically a divine being.
Quick protection and response
- Ground with your feet on the earth. Breathe slowly.
- Say a clear boundary out loud. “Only loving, helpful presences may be here. Leave if you are not.”
- Call in protection you trust. Imagine a circle of white or golden light. Anchor it into the ground.
- If the presence feels harmful, contact a trusted spiritual practitioner or faith leader for support.
Short grounding (60 seconds)
Sit with feet flat on the floor. Breathe in for four counts and out for six. Picture roots growing from your feet into the earth. Say quietly, “I am safe. I am grounded.”
Every encounter with spirit is a chance to grow in awareness. When you recognize the signs, you begin to see that you are never truly alone. Loving spirits, guides, and even curious energies remind you that life is much bigger than what we can see with our eyes. Trust that you are supported, protected, and guided. With clear boundaries and an open heart, these experiences can deepen your connection to the divine and strengthen your own spiritual gifts.
Mantra
“I am surrounded by loving light. Only what helps may stay.”
Journal prompt
Describe the last time you felt a presence. Note the time, room, smells, sounds, and emotions. What did you sense most clearly? What do you want from this experience?