What are Ghosts?

I've been reading a lot of books lately: When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits by Mary Ann Winkowski, The Spirits' Book, Inspiration and Resolution for the Questioning Soul by Allan Kardec, and Strangers Among Us by Ruth Montgomery.

Mary Ann Winkowski is a paranormal investigator who sees earthbound ghosts with her physical eyes like the character, Melinda Gordon, played by Jennifer Love Hewitt on Ghost Whisperer. In fact, Winkowski provides consultation for the writers of the CBS show produced by John Gray. Mary Ann is an authority on earthbound spirits, while Kardec's writing is a compilation of messages channelled to mediums, and Montgomery received her information from her guides via automatic writing.

These credible works confirm what I believe about the afterlife. Ghosts that do not cross over into the Light upon "death" are not much different than human beings--they just don't have a body. Their personalities, likes, dislikes, motives, etc. are much the same as  they were while in a body. Some kind beings stayed behind to help loved ones; others stayed behind to wrack havoc in the lives of humans.

However, what I was confused about prior to my research was the hierarchy of spirits. Why are some more elevated or powerful than others? From these channeled writings, I learned that there are levels through which a soul ascends as it achieves purification. The closer to the Creator a soul becomes, the more power and authority that soul has. Those in the higher realms can assist those not as purified, but those of a carnal nature that only intend harm are not allowed to access the realms enjoyed by the higher spirits.

There is work to be done in the afterlife, but since a soul is not hindered with the confines and ailments of a physical body, this works is accomplished without struggle or suffering. The work has to do with assisting the will and plan of the Creator to help others evolve.

Since there is free will at every level, a soul can choose whether or not to cross over upon departure from the human body. Winkowski's grandmother started taking her to funeral homes when she was four years old to communicate messages between the "deceased" and their loved ones. She reports that there is a tunnel of light open to every newly departed soul, but this opportunity exists for only a few days after the memorial service. Those who miss this chance to cross over will find a second chance available at funeral homes wherever a body lies in state.

Another point she makes is that earthbound loved ones can hear and see us, but they cannot visit us in dreams. Those who cross over typically appear to us in dreams and may drop in to visit from time to time.  This view of the afterlife and the cycle of evolution is so assuring and loving that I could never again embrace fear-based religions that teach we have to get it right the first and only time in order to avoid hellfire and damnation.