Hi Echo
[quote]Having so long to wonder about them, I've invented and discarded several theories of what they are. I don't think they are the spírits of the deceased. I've had one experience which I know was a spírit of a deceased loved-one, and it was rather different in nature.

They could also be other dimensional travellers.

[quote]I've wondered where exactly do the taken objects go? The most severe case was a cup and plate which disappeared from a completely clear kitchen table, in the few seconds I was glancing at a newspaper. That one caused a family argument.

I have wondered the same thing, and thought possibly into the ether. The biggest thing that disappeared was a sugar cannister full of sugar. It reappeared 2 weeks later in the same spot it was taken from.  

[quote]And if they can take any object they wish, what stops them from taking people as well? Maybe I might want them to take me, depending on where it is they take things.

They (is really an enigma) are they other dimensional travellers, or spírits.  Other dimensional travellers could be/or are aliens, and they abduct people regularly.

[quote]If they wanted my attention, they've had it for a long time. So if they could manage to communicate, we might be getting somewhere.

I totally agree Echo.... I think the same thing.  They have had my attention for years, but stíll waiting for the communication.

[quote]I do have interesting dreams. There are beings in them who have been delívering a message, but it's such a tragic message that it's been difficult to accept.

I think we have to use discernment and our inner wisdom.  To me any being delívering a tragic message may not be of the good type.  I would be very wary Echo. Some dreams however are spíritually sent.  You know those when they cóme, they are very lucid.

[quote]Well considering that I don't know what they are, why they are here, or how they do the things they do, it might be awefúlly dangerous of me to make requests of them. The slightest bit of miscommunication might cause anything to happen.

I agree with you..... you don’t know how they wíll understand the message and what the implications of doing that are.

Pen