The name 'Poltergeist' is coined from the terms 'Poltern' which is German for 'to rumble or make noise' and 'Geist' which means 'ghost or spirit'.  So essentially Poltergeist is the name given to a spirit or ghost that chooses to manifest itself by making noise, etc.  most commonly in the form of moving or influencing otherwise lifeless objects.

Many people claim to have experienced Poltergeist activity and the majority of those that experience it, would rather be rid.  But how do you get rid of a Poltergeist?  It's not like you can just ask it to leave.  Or can you?  Actually many people claim this to be the most effective way or alternatively by simply ignoring the Poltergeists presence -  Poltergeists are said to thrive on attention, with activity getting worse the more its presence is acknowledged - so by ignoring it it might just get bored and go away.

However Poltergeists are not always as compliant as this, so what else can you do to get rid of a Poltergeist?  Salt is thought to be effective at banishing evil spirits throughout many religions from Christianity to Buddhism, in fact 'Salt' is the root of the word 'Salvation' in the Catholic church.  Sprinkling salt around the area affected by Poltergeist activity is said to banish the Poltergeist and other evil spirits.

The burning of 'Sage' a small evergreen shrub with grayish leaves and purplish flowers is also commonly thought to be effective at removing evil spirits.

But what next?  You've burnt the sage and you've sprinkled the salt and you've tried ignoring it, but the Poltergeist still refuses to depart.  Then it's time to bring out the big-guns, 'Exorcism'.  Exorcism is the practise of casting out an evil spirit from a person, a place or an object.  Usually carried out by a member of the clergy or by somebody believed to be in possession of special gifts or powers and commonly known as an 'Exorcist'.

But finding an Exorcist and then convincing said Exorcist to pop round to perform the sacred rights at your house when things start to go bump in the night can be easier said then done.  So it looks like you're on your own again, so how can you get rid of a Poltergeist?  The exorcism carried out by a holy man is known as a 'Solemn Exorcism'.  There is however another type of exorcism known as the 'Simple Exorcism' which can be carried out by a layman, specifically you.

The power of prayer, that's right and assuming you've seen some pretty strange things during your period of Poltergeist activity then it's time to put two and two together and become a believer real fast.  Virtually every recorded case of Poltergeist activity has reached its conclusion due to religious intervention.  i.e. it's time to ask help of the big guy upstairs.  The 'simple' exorcism involves asking for help from above by reciting the prayer of Saint Michael.

Saint Michael's Prayer

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, thrust into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen".

Interestingly it was Saint Michael who is said to have appeared to the boy known as 'Roland Doe' to banish the demon in the notorious exorcism on which the 'Exorcist' movie was based.

Simple exorcisms can be carried out on people, places and objects and it is said that the most important thing to remember when carrying out a simple exorcism is to remember that you are never to address the demon or poltergeist directly i.e. instead of something like, "I rebuke you demon of anger" we must say, rather, something like, "Father in Heaven, please rebuke this demon of anger." thus avoiding the use of 'I'.

So how do you get rid of a Poltergeist?  That's how!