Understanding the Difference Between a Spirit and a Ghost, and Other Spirit Beings

Let’s explore the difference between spirits and ghosts, and other terms for invisible entities, such as sylphs, nymphs, djinns, familiars, and even digital spirits.

Ghosts vs. Spirits
The term ‘spirit’ is translated into Mandarin as ‘shen’, which encompasses not only the essence and soul but also the multidimensional, energetic expression of a being—unbound by physical 3D reality or, in some cases, never having possessed a fleshly or carnal form to begin with. To be specific, spirits can be a catchall umbrella term for all unseen, animate forces, in which ghosts can fall as a specific category.

'Kuei' (‘Guei’), or ghosts, refer to the distinct spirits of the human dead, especially ones who are considered homeless, that is, between this world we call reality, and the realms where spirits dwell. Many times ghosts are not aware that they have passed on, or are lingering because they have not received the closure they are seeking before they leave this plane.