Grief is a universal and common reaction to the lost of a love one. Losing a parent, spouse, friend, child or pet can be devastating. In current times more and more bereaved individuals and families are utilizing spiritual mediumship via a medium as an effective way to help their grief and come to a better understanding of the passing of their loved ones. According to a recent USA Today/CNN/Gallup Poll, almost 70 million Americans believe that it is possible to communicate with the dead, and millions of people in the world have experienced a visitation. More and more people are feeling safe to speak openly of these encounters and to experience the healing messages from their love ones.

What is a medium? A medium is able to receive communication from those who have physically died, similar to how a radio receives transmissions. Mediums provide evidence that our consciousness survives our physical death. Mediums are not therapists, however to communicate with departed loved ones is perhaps the most effective form of grief therapy. To know that your loved one lives on and is in a better place can bring an immense amount of healing and peace.

How does a medium communicate with the other side? Mediums have the ability to be part of the electromagnetic force that souls use to transmit their messages. Many mediums hear spoken words or phrases; others describe recognizing words telepathically. Some mediums receive visual images as if a movie is being played. They may describe an image or symbol, or interpret according to their own frame of reference. Some mediums describe having physical sensations that are communicated by spirit entities as well as picking up scents that are connected to specific spirit entities.

Are all mediums the same? No. Unfortunately some people claim to be mediums, and some may have psychic abilities and ESP talents, but cannot actually connect to those on the “other side.” Many so call mediums need information from you in order to begin or carry forward with the session. If a medium is a true channel to the other side, you do not need to tell them any information. You may answer “yes” or “no” but your loved ones should provide all the necessary and specific details. Authentic mediums will welcome skeptics because it is in the communication with departed loved ones that provides the evidence .

How can I learn more about mediumship or find a medium? The Windbridge Institute for Applied Research in Human Potential is an independent research organization consisting of a community of scientists with varied backgrounds and interests that investigates what our bodies, minds, and spirits are capable of and how that information can best serve all living things. In addition, the Forever Family Foundation recognizes the extreme importance of safeguarding the public and identifying those who truly have mediumship ability. They currently have a medium certification program and a forum where individuals and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one can turn for support, information, and hope through state-of-the-art information and services provided by ongoing research into the survival of consciousness and afterlife science.

When is the appropriate time to make contact after a loss? There is not a set time because souls can communicate immediately after passing, However, a session will be more healing and effective when you have had time to gain some acceptance and understanding of the passing first, and when you are in a better place emotionally.

What is a spiritual mediumship session like? A session may be done in person or over the phone and it usually lasts one hour. It is helpful to think or meditate about the person or persons in the spirit world before the reading. A thought is energy. The spirit world can sense your energy, and in return make the connection stronger in the reading. Sometimes others from spirit will come through first, even your animal companions, and often will have a healing or helpful message for another family member or friend. Loved ones chooses their words carefully and appropriately especially during your time of grief. Your loved ones’ only interest during a reading is to bring you comfort, peace, and an understanding that their life has not ended, and that they continue in a better place. Their main objective is to let you know they are okay to restore hope to you.