A serene meditation space with ethereal light streaming through windows creating a peaceful atmosphere for spiritual connection
Published on August 11, 2024

In summary:

  • True connection for closure is an active process of preparing your own energy, not just passively receiving messages.
  • Spirits often communicate through symbols and feelings, requiring you to learn a new form of “symbolic literacy.”
  • Discernment is crucial; knowing how to spot scams and manipulative tactics protects your emotional well-being.
  • Mediumship can offer comfort, but it should complement, not replace, psychological grief processing and therapy.
  • The ultimate goal is to integrate spiritual insights with emotional and physical healing for holistic closure.

The silence left by a loved one’s passing can feel vast and insurmountable. In the depths of grief, the desire for one last conversation, a sign of peace, or an answer to a lingering question is a deeply human ache. It’s a desire that has fueled a significant spiritual services industry; in fact, the industry is experiencing remarkable expansion, with psychic services projected to reach $2.4 billion by the end of 2024. Many who seek comfort are told to “be open” and wait for a sign, like a feather or a familiar song. These moments can be beautiful, but they often leave us feeling like passive observers in our own healing.

This feeling isn’t unusual. The search for connection is common, with research showing that approximately 21% of Americans believe some people can communicate with the dead. But what if the key to a truly healing connection wasn’t about passively waiting for a message through a third party? What if it was about actively, safely, and consciously participating in the conversation? This guide moves beyond the platitudes. It proposes that meaningful closure comes not from just hearing from the other side, but from understanding the language they speak, preparing ourselves to listen, and learning to discern authentic guidance from emotional exploitation. It’s a path that empowers you to be a partner in your healing, integrating spiritual comfort with the essential work of psychological and emotional recovery.

Throughout this article, we will explore the practical steps and crucial mindsets needed to navigate this journey safely. From understanding the symbolic nature of spirit communication to recognizing the red flags of fraudulent practices, you will gain the tools to seek closure with confidence and peace.

Why Spirits Communicate Through Symbols Instead of Direct Sentences?

One of the most common sources of frustration when seeking a connection is the expectation of a clear, verbal conversation, like a phone call to the other side. When messages come through as a feeling, a fleeting image, or a seemingly random symbol, it can be easy to dismiss them. However, this is the primary language of Spirit. Communication from those who have passed is not a transmission of words but an exchange of energy and consciousness. Their higher vibrational state doesn’t easily translate into the dense, structured grammar of human language. Instead, they use a more universal medium: symbols, emotions, and sensory memories.

Think of it as trying to explain a color to someone who has never seen. You would use metaphors: “red is like the feeling of warmth, or the sound of a trumpet.” Spirits do the same, using the “database” of your own memories and experiences to find the perfect symbolic equivalent for their message. A memory of baking bread with your grandmother might be their way of sending love and comfort. A sudden scent of your father’s cologne could be his way of saying, “I’m here.” This requires us to develop a form of symbolic literacy—learning to interpret the personal meaning behind these energetic nudges. This form of connection, while subtle, has been shown to bring profound comfort. A recent study from Durham University found that people attending psychic events reported a sense of hope and closure, and over half of attendees agreed attending eased their grief, regardless of their skepticism.

The first step is simply to declare your willingness to listen in this new way. As renowned medium Laura Lynne Jackson suggests, making a conscious declaration is a powerful act: “I am all in, I am open, and I am willing to start receiving more… I open my arms and heart to it.” This isn’t about blind belief; it’s about giving yourself permission to notice the subtle, symbolic language of love that transcends words.

How to Prepare Your Energy to receive Messages From a Specific Ancestor?

While a gifted medium can facilitate a connection, you are not a passive bystander in the process. Your own energetic state plays a crucial role in the clarity and quality of the communication. Grief, stress, and skepticism can create a kind of “energetic static” that makes it difficult for the subtle frequencies of Spirit to get through. Preparing your energy is about consciously and lovingly creating a clear, receptive space for a specific loved one to connect with you. This is an act of energetic sovereignty, where you actively invite in the connection you seek.

To do this, you can create what is known as a ‘vibrational beacon.’ This involves intentionally surrounding yourself with the unique energetic signature of your loved one. This could mean cooking their favorite meal, playing music they loved, or simply holding an object that was dear to them (a practice known as psychometry). These sensory activities attune your energy field to theirs, making it easier for them to draw close. It’s like tuning a radio to a specific station; you have to align your frequency with the one you wish to receive.

Intimate meditation corner with personal mementos creating sacred space for spiritual connection

As the image above suggests, creating a small, sacred space with mementos can be a powerful focal point. The key is intention. Before you begin, set a clear and loving invitation, such as, “I lovingly invite my grandfather, [Name], to share messages of love and healing with me, for my highest good.” This sets a boundary, ensuring you are creating a safe and protected space for connection, rather than just opening up to any stray energy. By taking these preparatory steps, you transform from a hopeful spectator into an active participant in the reunion.

Psychic vs. Medium: Which Professional Do You Need for Grief Support?

In the search for spiritual guidance, the terms “psychic” and “medium” are often used interchangeably, but their functions are distinct, especially in the context of grief. Understanding this difference is vital to finding the right support. A psychic attunes to the energy of a living person—you. They read your auric field to provide insight into your past, present, and potential future paths. While this can be helpful for general guidance, their focus is on your life’s trajectory.

A medium, on the other hand, specializes in acting as an intermediary between the living and those who have passed into the spirit world. They are specifically trained to raise their vibration to connect with the consciousness of the departed and translate their symbolic messages. If your primary goal is to receive a message from a specific loved one for closure, a medium is the appropriate professional. Their skill set is tailored to facilitating that unique, three-way conversation between you, them, and the spirit communicator.

Choosing the right professional is not just about terminology; it’s about aligning the service with your deepest need. For those deep in the grieving process, the comfort of a perceived connection can be uniquely powerful. A 2014 study revealed that grieving individuals experienced less intense grief after a reading with a spiritual professional compared to a visit with a mental health professional in some contexts. This doesn’t suggest one is “better” than the other, but highlights that mediumship can fulfill a specific need for connection and evidence of continuity that traditional therapy may not address directly. The key is to be clear about your intention: are you seeking guidance on your own path (psychic), or are you seeking a message from a loved one who has passed (medium)?

The Cold Reading Trap: How to Spot a Fake Medium Using Grief Tactics?

While many practitioners are genuine, the vulnerability of grief can attract those who would exploit it. The most common tool of a fraudulent medium is “cold reading”—a technique based on high-probability guesses and psychological manipulation, not spiritual connection. A cold reader will throw out vague statements that could apply to almost anyone (known as Barnum statements) and watch your reactions. They might say, “I’m sensing a father figure who was very proud but had trouble expressing his emotions.” This is a common dynamic, and if you react, they will follow that thread, making it seem like they have specific knowledge.

As James Underdown of the Center for Inquiry explains, the illusion of accuracy is created by focusing only on the successes while ignoring the failures. In his analysis of the technique, he notes, “Because the majority of time during a reading is spent dwelling on the ‘hits’ the reader obtains, while the time spent recognizing ‘misses’ is minimized, the effect gives an impression that the cold reader knows far more about the subject than an ordinary stranger could.” This is a psychological trick, not a spiritual gift. Another tactic is “hot reading,” where the person has researched you online beforehand. It’s wise to use a different name when booking an appointment to guard against this.

Peaceful consultation room showing ethical mediumship practice environment

An authentic mediumship reading feels different. The information should be specific and verifiable, things the medium could not possibly know—a private joke, a specific memory, a secret nickname. A genuine practitioner creates a safe, compassionate space, as depicted above, and will never use fear or urgency to control you. Be wary of anyone who claims your loved one is “stuck” and needs their help to cross over for a fee, or that you must act now or lose the connection forever. These are emotional hostage-taking tactics and a clear sign of fraud. A true connection is rooted in love, not fear.

When to Seek Therapy Instead of Another Mediumship Session?

Mediumship can be a powerful source of comfort, providing a sense of peace and continuity. However, it is not a substitute for the psychological process of grieving. Relying solely on mediumship sessions for relief can sometimes lead to a phenomenon known as spiritual bypassing—using spiritual experiences or beliefs to avoid dealing with painful human emotions and unresolved psychological issues. It’s crucial to recognize when a session is providing comfort and when it’s becoming a crutch that prevents true healing.

A healthy approach views mediumship and therapy as complementary partners in your healing journey. A medium can offer evidence that the soul continues, which can soothe the existential ache of loss. A therapist, in turn, provides the tools to process the complex emotions of grief: the anger, the sadness, the guilt. They help you rebuild your life and identity in the physical world without your loved one. One provides a message for the soul; the other provides a roadmap for the self.

Ask yourself: Do you feel a temporary “high” after a reading that quickly fades, leaving you craving another session? Are you using messages from the other side to avoid making your own life decisions? If you’ve had multiple readings but still feel emotionally stuck, it may be a sign that the deeper psychological work of grief needs attention. The goal is grief integration, not grief avoidance. A mediumship reading should feel like a supportive hug along the way, while therapy is the steady hand that guides you down the path of rebuilding your life with strength and resilience.

Why Your 12th House Planets Reveal What You Hide From Yourself?

While connecting with others is a goal, the journey of grief inevitably turns us inward. In astrology, the 12th House is known as the house of the subconscious, self-undoing, and hidden things. It represents the parts of ourselves we don’t see, the emotions we suppress, and the patterns that operate just below the surface of our awareness. When we are grieving, this hidden inner landscape is often brought into the light. The loss of a loved one can act as a key, unlocking doors to rooms within ourselves we never knew existed.

Planets in your 12th House can indicate the specific nature of what you hide. For example, a 12th House Moon might suggest a deep, unacknowledged need for emotional security, while a 12th House Saturn could point to hidden fears of failure or unworthiness. Grief has a way of activating these sensitive points. The profound sorrow of loss can amplify these hidden feelings, making them impossible to ignore. This isn’t a punishment; it’s an invitation. It’s an opportunity to finally see, acknowledge, and heal the shadow aspects of your own psyche.

Why is this relevant to connecting with the departed? Because our own unhealed wounds and subconscious noise create immense “energetic static.” If you are hiding a deep well of anger or fear from yourself, that powerful emotion can obscure the subtle, high-frequency messages from Spirit. By understanding your own 12th House placements, you can begin the work of conscious self-excavation. Through journaling, meditation, or therapy, you can bring these hidden parts into your conscious awareness. In doing so, you not only heal yourself but also clear the channel, making you a much more receptive and discerning vessel for any spiritual communication you wish to receive.

Why “Curse Removal” Services Are Almost Always a Financial Scam?

In a state of deep grief or despair, you are emotionally vulnerable, and unfortunately, this vulnerability can be a target for the most predatory of spiritual scams: the “curse removal” service. This tactic preys on fear. A fraudulent practitioner will perform a “reading” and claim to discover a dark energy, a generational curse, or a negative attachment that is the source of all your problems. Conveniently, they are the only one who can remove it—for a substantial and often escalating fee.

This is a cruel form of emotional manipulation. It shifts the power entirely away from you and creates a cycle of dependency and fear. You are told that your suffering is not a natural part of life or grief, but the result of a malevolent external force that only the practitioner can defeat. This is fundamentally disempowering. For decades, skeptical organizations have challenged such claims. The James Randi Educational Foundation, for example, famously offered a million-dollar prize for anyone who could demonstrate paranormal abilities under scientific controls. No one has ever claimed the prize.

The Million Dollar Challenge: A Test of Authenticity

The James Randi Educational Foundation’s challenge stood for decades as a powerful statement. It offered a substantial prize (up to one million dollars) to anyone who could provide proof of psychic or supernatural abilities under agreed-upon, controlled testing conditions. Countless mediums and psychic practitioners were invited to participate, yet none were ever able to pass the preliminary tests and claim the prize. This long-standing, open challenge highlights a crucial point: when subjected to rigorous, unbiased investigation, claims of extraordinary powers, like curse removal, have consistently failed to produce verifiable evidence.

The truth is, you hold the power over your own energetic space. You do not need to pay someone thousands of dollars to “clear” you. You can reclaim your energetic sovereignty with simple, powerful, and free rituals. Instead of outsourcing your power, you can learn to become your own spiritual protector. The following actions are practical steps you can take to cleanse your energy and reinforce your sense of safety and control.

Your Action Plan: Free Self-Clearing Rituals for Energetic Sovereignty

  1. Cord-cutting visualization: Sit quietly, close your eyes, and imagine golden scissors in your hand. Intentionally snip any invisible cords of energy that connect you to negative people, situations, or feelings, watching them fall away.
  2. Salt bath ritual: Add a cup of sea salt or Epsom salt to a warm bath. As you soak for at least 20 minutes, hold the clear intention that the water is purifying your energy field and washing away anything that is not for your highest good.
  3. Sound cleansing: Use sound to break up stagnant energy in your home and around your body. You can use bells, singing bowls, or even simply clapping your hands firmly in the corners of each room.
  4. Sovereignty statement: Stand tall and state aloud with conviction: “I reclaim my energetic sovereignty. I release all that does not serve my highest good, and I call all of my power back to me now.”
  5. Smoke cleansing: Use the smoke from burning sage, palo santo, or incense to cleanse your space. As the smoke drifts, visualize it carrying away any heavy or negative energy. Always ensure you have proper ventilation.

Key Takeaways

  • True healing from grief involves a holistic approach, integrating spiritual comfort (mediumship), psychological processing (therapy), and physical release (somatic work).
  • You are an active participant in spiritual connection. Preparing your energy, setting intentions, and learning symbolic language are empowering skills.
  • Your emotional and financial safety is paramount. Learning to recognize the tactics of fraudulent practitioners, such as cold reading and curse removal scams, is a non-negotiable part of this journey.

Somatic Energy Healing: Releasing Trauma Stored in the Body Beyond Talk Therapy

We often think of grief as an emotional or psychological experience, something that happens in our minds and hearts. We talk about our feelings, we process our thoughts. But grief is also a profoundly physical event. Trauma, loss, and intense emotion are not just abstract concepts; they are energetic events that can become trapped in our bodies. This is why sometimes, no matter how much we talk or think about our loss, we still feel a physical weight—a tightness in the chest, a knot in the stomach, an ache in the shoulders. This is trauma stored in the body.

Somatic energy healing offers a path to release this stored grief that goes beyond talk therapy. “Soma” is the Greek word for body, and somatic practices focus on the body’s internal sensations as the primary path to healing. Techniques like Somatic Experiencing, breathwork, or certain forms of yoga and body-based meditation help you to gently connect with these stored physical sensations without being overwhelmed by them. The goal isn’t to force the emotion out, but to create a safe space for the body’s natural healing intelligence to complete its cycle and release the trapped energy.

This is the final piece of the integrated healing puzzle. You can receive a beautiful, comforting message from a loved one through a medium, which nourishes your spirit. You can work with a therapist to understand and reframe your grief, which heals your mind. But if the body is still holding onto the physical imprint of that loss, the healing is incomplete. Somatic work allows you to address the root energetic signature of the trauma, finally allowing your nervous system to return to a state of balance and peace. It is the ultimate act of coming home to yourself—mind, spirit, and, most importantly, body.

Your journey toward closure is a deeply personal one, a tapestry woven from spiritual connection, emotional processing, and physical release. The next step is not about finding all the answers at once, but about gently and courageously choosing one thread to follow. Begin today to explore the path that feels most supportive for you right now.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mediumship and Grief

Do you feel a ‘high’ after a mediumship session that quickly fades?

This pattern suggests you may be using sessions to temporarily escape the pain of grief rather than processing it. Even in the glow of precious messages from the other side, the pain of loss still exists. A cycle of seeking temporary relief can indicate a need for deeper psychological support to integrate the grief itself.

Are you avoiding practical life changes and using messages as substitutes for your own decisions?

This indicates potential spiritual bypassing—using spiritual experiences to avoid the human process of grieving. True healing requires both spiritual comfort AND psychological processing. Relying on spirit messages to make life choices can prevent you from reclaiming your own personal power and resilience.

Have you had multiple readings but still feel stuck in the same emotional place?

This is a sign that the pain of grief needs to be addressed directly, not just soothed. When we focus too much on trying to deny, dismiss, or defeat the pain, we can hold true healing at bay. For the pain to be transformed, it must first be honored, embraced, and lovingly cared for, often with the help of a grief counselor or therapist.

Written by Elena Vance, Dr. Elena Vance is a Jungian Psychoanalyst and Evolutionary Astrologer with 15 years of clinical practice integrating natal chart analysis with depth psychology. She specializes in shadow work, emotional processing, and using astrology as a therapeutic tool for mental wellness.