Spirits That Follow: Why do spirits follow me?

Ever wonder “Why do spirits follow me?” —and what on earth it wants?

This is exactly why understanding spiritual stuff matters. When we stay in the dark, spirit activity can feel overwhelming or even hijack our emotions. Learning how to recognize when a spirit is nearby or following you (and what to do about it) helps you feel safe, clear, and empowered—not spooked.

Like I’ve shared in past posts, spirits have free will. They show up for many reasons. Here are a few I’ve learned from experience:

• You’re naturally open. Sensitive people—intuitives, empaths, mediums—send out a kind of “open for messages” signal. Spirits notice and try to communicate. Boundaries are your best friend here.
• You’re in their place. Some spirits linger where they felt at home, had strong emotions, or where an important event happened. You just happened to walk into their familiar space.
• Unfinished business or need for help. Some spirits are confused, lost, or want to get a message across before crossing over.
• Emotional resonance. If you’re carrying grief, anxiety, or heavy feelings, a spirit with a similar frequency may be drawn in—like tuning into the same radio station.

A Personal Story

On one Memorial Day, years ago, we visited a cemetery to pay our respects. I enjoyed the time with my family and didn’t think much of it. Not long after, I sensed a presence following me. I began to feel a heavy loneliness—lost, unsure, and sad. I assumed, “If I ignore it, it’ll go away.”

About a week later, I saw a man walk into our bedroom. My husband looked at me and said, “I just saw a man walk into our room.” Okay… message received. It was time to do something.

I spoke to the spirit with compassion, helped him find peace, and guided him to cross over. Once he went, the heavy emotions left. I felt like myself again. 🕯️

Now imagine being naturally open but without training: you feel emotions that aren’t yours and catch a glimpse of a spirit by your bed. That would be terrifying if you don’t know what’s happening. This is how spiritual presences can affect us emotionally—and why understanding the signs and having a plan is crucial.

Signs a Spirit May Be Near

• Feeling watched or like someone just stepped into the room
• Sensing a figure standing beside or behind you
• Shadowy movement at the edge of your vision
• Emotions that don’t feel like your own (sudden sadness, anxiety, hopelessness)
• Vivid dreams or visitations
• Noticing your clairs (clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, etc.) activating with specific messages
• Temperature shifts, gentle taps/footsteps, or subtle pressure changes
• Electronics flickering or acting odd
• distinct smells (tobacco, perfume, flowers) with no physical source

What To Do When You Sense a Spirit

Backtrack the origin.
Did you visit a cemetery, historic site, antique store, hospital, or a friend’s house with “activity”? Did you do a reading recently? Move homes? Travel? Pinpointing the origin helps you understand what you’re dealing with.

Document your experience.
Note dates, dreams, emotions, physical sensations, and any messages. These details help you (or a professional) build a clear picture.

Ground + clear your field.

• Put both feet on the floor; breathe down into your belly.
• Visualize roots from your feet into the earth, releasing all energy that isn’t yours.
• Take a salt bath or shower (imagine the water washing away any energy that doesn’t belong to you).
• Lightly cleanse your space—sound (clapping, bells), smoke (where culturally appropriate), selenite, or a simple prayer.

Set firm, compassionate boundaries.
You can speak out loud or in your mind:

“Only beings of the highest love and light may be near me or my home.”

Know when to call a pro.
If things intensify, you feel afraid or unwell, or you’re unsure what you’re dealing with—contact a reputable medium or spiritual practitioner. If your mood, sleep, or functioning are significantly affected, consider speaking with a mental health professional too. Spiritual care and mental health care can absolutely work together.

Important: If you’re not experienced with spirit work, don’t try to “force” a crossing or challenge unknown energies. That can backfire and create attachments. Get help for you and for the spirit.

Prevention: Spiritual Hygiene & Boundaries

• Daily quick reset: A 2-minute grounding breath and “return-to-sender” intention.
• Regular space hygiene: Sound, prayer, windows open, sunlight, and clutter clearing.
• Energetic boundaries: Decide when you are “on” and “off.” You’re not a 24/7 spirit hotline.
• Protection practices: Wear or carry what feels supportive (e.g., a small stone, a protective prayer).
• Discernment: If you sense a new presence, check in with your body—does it feel calm, neutral, or heavy? Trust that read.

What About Non-Human Spirits?

Besides human spirits (the most common that follow), there are other kinds of energies. The same rules apply—clear boundaries, compassion, and discernment—but with extra caution and a stronger emphasis on calling in trained help. And remember: guides, angels, and benevolent beings feel supportive, expansive, and loving. Confused human spirits usually feel heavy or unsettled—not evil, just not at peace yet.

Myths vs. Facts

• Myth: If a spirit follows you, it’s automatically bad.
  Fact: Many are simply lost, curious, or trying to communicate.
• Myth: Strong emotions mean it’s yours.
  Fact: Sensitives often feel what spirits feel. Check if the emotion belongs to you.
• Myth: You have to put up with it.
  Fact: You’re allowed to say no, set limits, and get help.

Mantra

“I am grounded, protected, and sovereign. Only love and light belong in my space.”

Journal Prompt

• When I sensed a presence, what did my body feel first?
• Which boundaries or routines help me feel safest and clearest?
• If a spirit needed help crossing, how would I compassionately respond—and how would I know when to call in support?