In the 1800s and earlier, people had a variety of responses to ghostly experiences. Some people believed in the paranormal and sought out ways to communicate with ghosts or spirits. Others used spiritual practices such as prayer or rituals to protect themselves from the supernatural. Additionally, many simply chose to ignore the experiences and carry on with their lives as best they could.
Some of the most common experiences included seeing ghosts or spirits, hearing strange noises, experiencing poltergeist phenomena, and sensing an unexplained presence. People also reported seeing unusual lights or mists, receiving messages from the supernatural, and having prophetic dreams.
Those who experienced the paranormal often turned to religion for explanations and guidance. Many believed that supernatural occurrences were manifestations of the divine or the work of evil spirits. Some sought the help of religious leaders, such as priests or ministers, to exorcise or banish these spirits. Others turned to folk remedies, such as charms or talismans, to protect themselves from the supernatural. Spiritualists or mediums who claimed to be able to communicate with the dead were also sought out, as they provided guidance or insight into supernatural occurrences. Additionally, some people may have simply tried to ignore or avoid the paranormal experiences they had.
The belief that seeking help from religious leaders could banish spirits was a common practice in the 1800s and before. Many people believed that religious leaders had the power to exorcise or drive away evil spirits through prayer or other religious rituals. However, whether or not this practice was actually effective in banishing spirits is a matter of personal belief and faith. Some people may have found comfort and relief in seeking help from religious leaders, while others may not have experienced any change as a result. Additionally, some religious leaders may have used the belief in their ability to banish spirits as a means of control and manipulation over their congregations.