TodayFriday, June 05, 2026

The word wraith is sometimes used interchangeably with the word ghost or apparition. However, a wraith is actually a special kind of apparition in that it is the exact likeness of a living person, usually seen shortly before the person’s death. In most cases, the wraith is also a crisis apparition, which is an apparition that occurs when a living person is sick, seriously injured, or otherwise in crisis. An example of a crisis apparition is the 1918 case of eighteen-year-old British pilot David McConnell, who appeared to friends, looking as he normally did, at the same time he was experiencing a fatal plane crash miles away. In this case, the apparition only exchanged small talk before leaving the room, but in other cases the wraith might deliver a warning or other message. More commonly, however, it says nothing.

SEE ALSO:

  • Apparitions

SOURCE:

The Greenhaven Encyclopedia of Paranormal Phenomena – written by Patricia D. Netzley © 2006 Gale, a part of Cengage Learning

PRODUCTS

We're excited to share THIS LIST of spellcraft and witchcraft guides. Whether you're just starting out or deepening your practice, these books cover everything from wicca to hoodoo to demonology.CLICK HERE

Follow