The room was silent as a school on Sunday, and yet, there was movement. Even as I stared down at the page in my book, I knew there was movement beside me.  I was a typical child growing up in a typical midwest suburb. I'd never heard of Shadow People and only a bit about ghosts, but I knew there was something in that house. I knew there was movement in the shadows on the walls and that sometimes these shadows took on odd shapes. Not exactly the same shapes that are spoken of now--a cat, a spider, a tall man wearing a broad-brimmed hat--but odd shapes just the same. Most of the time they simply seemed to move, ever so slightly, and never when I looked directly at them. It was a movement seen only out of the corners of my eyes...

Oddly enough, as soon as you explain Shadow Folk, or Shadow People to someone, they mention they have probably--or likely--seen such shadows before. I first blogged about shadow people two years ago and was amazed by the number and variety of responses, and the stories I've heard! Shadow people are generally seen as very thin shapes, though like tornadoes that hide deep within a storm, Shadow Folk are often spotted lurking within other shadows, making them more difficult to identify. Their height ranges from six or seven feet to just a few feet off the ground. Their appearance is quick--sometimes lasting no more than a few seconds. They move through material objects as easily as they do through thin air. Some witnesses claim to see glowing, red eyes. Others claim the eyes are yellow. Sometimes the shadow appears to be smoke or wispy blackness, but most observers see only a moving shadow.

There are many theories about Shadow Folk. Some believe they are ghosts with a different form of energy than most other spirits. I've often wondered if perhaps they are an immature form of a ghost. Others claim the Shadow Folk are demons, time travelers, aliens, or a previously unidentified type of being trapped in the wrong dimension. The subject is a favorite one on paranormal forums and the experiences reported are as varied as the theories on the origin of these fascinating beings. The only consensus seems to be over the fact that they are, indeed, dreadful.  

Apparently, it's the red eyes and feeling of dread and fear they leave behind that makes Shadow Folk stand out from other apparitions. Nevertheless, I would have a difficult time using this criteria to differentiate between a Shadow Person and a ghost. If I stood alone in a darkened, shadowy room and suddenly felt a tapping on my shoulder I would feel just as much dread as if I saw a shadow suddenly take on the shape of a man. Unfortunately, Shadow People aren't limited to brick and drywall and often appear in woodland areas, as well, so even a peaceful camping trip could turn into a nightmare.

I no longer believe my cat was playing with Shadow Folk when she would purr and roll onto her back in my bedroom closet because animals react with fear and hostility toward Shadow People. I never tried to communicate with the shadows in my childhood home and to the best of my knowledge they never tried to communicate with me, but I clearly remember feeling dread and apprehension in that house, especially when home alone. I understand why people rarely try to communicate with the Shadow Folk considering the emotions evoked by their presence. A visit from the Shadow Folk is not something I will actively seek. I can't imagine their purpose in visiting has any positive aspects considering the emotional responses they inspire.