Shadow People
Tina Gilson
April 02, 2026
Often during consults or everyday conversations, people will mention seeing shadows or “shadow people”. It is not uncommon for them to assume these figures are negative or evil, but that is not always the case. More often than not, they are not harmful at all.
So, what are shadow people? There is a lot of lore, and if you look online, you will find various interpretations and a great deal of ominous and fear-inducing stories. More often than not, these figures are simply spirits passing through or an energetic imprint, like a memory in shadow form. That said, there are several common types of shadow people.
Shadow people usually present as a humanlike form that you see in your peripheral vision but can also be formless shapes. Most of the time, we tend to react and look quickly in that direction, which makes the figure disappear. If you pause and hold your peripheral gaze, you are more likely to get a longer look at it. These tend to be transient, passing through with little to no concern with your presence. They are elusive and tend to go as fast as they come.
Some shadow people are connected to the space they are seen in. They are more aligned with what most of us would consider a “haunting”. A home someone passed in, for example, could be a location others may see shadows in.
There are those who have reported seeing shadow figures prior to a terrible event. They are seen as an omen or messenger of death or destruction. This could be a natural disaster, family members passing or catastrophic accidents, for example. After the event occurs, the shadow person is not seen again.
During an encounter, it is best to stay calm and ground yourself. Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that it will pass and you are safe. Fear will not help the situation and, in some cases, may amplify the intensity. Turning on a light will generally make the figure disappear. If the figure is a recurring presence, assert your authority and demand that it leave. Smudging your space can help rid negative energy from it. If it does not do so, seek professional help to remove it.
Having had a conversation with a client about this topic recently, I would add an aside related to this and any other topic of the magical, mystical, and mundane: Be cautious and use discernment when doing your research. Use multiple sources, use critical thinking, and don’t blindly assume something is accurate just because you found a source that states something as a fact. There are many variables, different experiences and interpretations, and no single person or resource has all the facts and evidence. Keep an open mind, use a healthy dose of skepticism, and trust your own experiences and beliefs. Most importantly, be safe.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Hive Wellness Collaborative, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
So, what are shadow people? There is a lot of lore, and if you look online, you will find various interpretations and a great deal of ominous and fear-inducing stories. More often than not, these figures are simply spirits passing through or an energetic imprint, like a memory in shadow form. That said, there are several common types of shadow people.
Shadow people usually present as a humanlike form that you see in your peripheral vision but can also be formless shapes. Most of the time, we tend to react and look quickly in that direction, which makes the figure disappear. If you pause and hold your peripheral gaze, you are more likely to get a longer look at it. These tend to be transient, passing through with little to no concern with your presence. They are elusive and tend to go as fast as they come.
Some shadow people are connected to the space they are seen in. They are more aligned with what most of us would consider a “haunting”. A home someone passed in, for example, could be a location others may see shadows in.
There are those who have reported seeing shadow figures prior to a terrible event. They are seen as an omen or messenger of death or destruction. This could be a natural disaster, family members passing or catastrophic accidents, for example. After the event occurs, the shadow person is not seen again.
During an encounter, it is best to stay calm and ground yourself. Take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself that it will pass and you are safe. Fear will not help the situation and, in some cases, may amplify the intensity. Turning on a light will generally make the figure disappear. If the figure is a recurring presence, assert your authority and demand that it leave. Smudging your space can help rid negative energy from it. If it does not do so, seek professional help to remove it.
Having had a conversation with a client about this topic recently, I would add an aside related to this and any other topic of the magical, mystical, and mundane: Be cautious and use discernment when doing your research. Use multiple sources, use critical thinking, and don’t blindly assume something is accurate just because you found a source that states something as a fact. There are many variables, different experiences and interpretations, and no single person or resource has all the facts and evidence. Keep an open mind, use a healthy dose of skepticism, and trust your own experiences and beliefs. Most importantly, be safe.
Sacred Spirit Wellness is located at The Hive Wellness Collaborative, 21 Barton Street in Bradford, VT. They can be reached via email at sacredspiritwellness1@gmail.com, on their Facebook page or www.sacredspiritwellness.com
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