GHOSTS
My Journey From Fear to Empathy
Once ghost stories were confined to campfire tales, comic books and bad B movies. Now it's a regular staple of reality based TV shows. In the past people were reluctant to discuss their paranormal experiences for fear of being called crazy. But today even well-known celebrities are willing to go in front of the cameras and tell their stories.
We all love to hear stories of things that go bump in the night. For those of us who are psychic - and others who are sensitive - these stories are a regular part of our existence.
It's not uncommon for children to have experiences with the paranormal. Young children are naturally more open psychically. My own experiences with ghosts began as a child. I was around 3 years old when I had a friend only I could see. Of course, my parents called her my "imaginary" friend. Whenever I requested a snack for my friend and I, my mother would kindly 'indulge' me. My older sisters were not so kind. They loved to tease me and tell me my friend was only 'make believe'.
When I was 5 my mother passed away. She left behind 4 young children, aged 2 - 13. She was a very loving and attentive mother, and even in death felt it was her duty to look after us. I saw her, on numerous occasions, watching over us. When I excitedly tried to point her out to my sisters, I was met with ridicule and mocking. I soon realized they were unable to see her.
At first I didn't find these experiences frightening. But around 7 years of age my feelings and thoughts on the spirit world began to change. My religion, as well as TV shows and movies, began to present a more frightening and threatening image of spirits. I soon became terrified of these ghostly encounters. I tried to shield myself from spirit, using prayers and my connection to God as a 'protection'. The activity quieted down, but never completely stopped. I always had the sense I was not alone. It unnerved me.
Years later I began a spiritual quest, seeking the answers I felt my religion did not provide. As I opened myself up spiritually I began to notice an increase of spirit activity. Around this time I moved into a 6 unit apartment building that was once a boarding house. It was a nice little apartment, but from day one, my cats and I sensed something was "off". There were nights when I would be watching TV in the living room, and my cats and I would hear noises from the bedroom. My cats would stand frozen in place, staring toward the bedroom, as we listened to what sounded like someone opening the closet, or dresser drawers. I would go check it out, only to find no one was there. I tried to reassure myself that the noises I heard were coming from neighboring apartments. Until one night I had an experience I couldn't deny.
I was in a sound sleep and had the sensation of someone saying "wake up!" Mind you, I didn't hear anyone say that, I simply had the sensation of urgency of someone trying to wake me. I woke up, startled, eyes wide open, instantly alert. And what I saw terrified me. An apparition stood at my bedside, only a few feet from where I lay. It appeared as a neon outline of a person. It was not facing me, but instead facing the closet by the end of the bed.
We all love to hear stories of things that go bump in the night. For those of us who are psychic - and others who are sensitive - these stories are a regular part of our existence.
It's not uncommon for children to have experiences with the paranormal. Young children are naturally more open psychically. My own experiences with ghosts began as a child. I was around 3 years old when I had a friend only I could see. Of course, my parents called her my "imaginary" friend. Whenever I requested a snack for my friend and I, my mother would kindly 'indulge' me. My older sisters were not so kind. They loved to tease me and tell me my friend was only 'make believe'.
When I was 5 my mother passed away. She left behind 4 young children, aged 2 - 13. She was a very loving and attentive mother, and even in death felt it was her duty to look after us. I saw her, on numerous occasions, watching over us. When I excitedly tried to point her out to my sisters, I was met with ridicule and mocking. I soon realized they were unable to see her.
At first I didn't find these experiences frightening. But around 7 years of age my feelings and thoughts on the spirit world began to change. My religion, as well as TV shows and movies, began to present a more frightening and threatening image of spirits. I soon became terrified of these ghostly encounters. I tried to shield myself from spirit, using prayers and my connection to God as a 'protection'. The activity quieted down, but never completely stopped. I always had the sense I was not alone. It unnerved me.
Years later I began a spiritual quest, seeking the answers I felt my religion did not provide. As I opened myself up spiritually I began to notice an increase of spirit activity. Around this time I moved into a 6 unit apartment building that was once a boarding house. It was a nice little apartment, but from day one, my cats and I sensed something was "off". There were nights when I would be watching TV in the living room, and my cats and I would hear noises from the bedroom. My cats would stand frozen in place, staring toward the bedroom, as we listened to what sounded like someone opening the closet, or dresser drawers. I would go check it out, only to find no one was there. I tried to reassure myself that the noises I heard were coming from neighboring apartments. Until one night I had an experience I couldn't deny.
I was in a sound sleep and had the sensation of someone saying "wake up!" Mind you, I didn't hear anyone say that, I simply had the sensation of urgency of someone trying to wake me. I woke up, startled, eyes wide open, instantly alert. And what I saw terrified me. An apparition stood at my bedside, only a few feet from where I lay. It appeared as a neon outline of a person. It was not facing me, but instead facing the closet by the end of the bed.
|
What really made it creepy was the outfit it was wearing. It looked like some sort of alien from an old fashioned syfy movie. I thought I would die if this thing turned to look at me! So I quickly closed my eyes, trembling with fear, doing my best to lay as still as possible while in my head wishing it away, thinking at any moment it was going to reach over and grab me. I don't know how long I lain there saying my silent prayer. But I must have been very tired, because the next thing I remember I was waking up and it was morning.
|
This photo of firefighters in Britain in the 1930's is very similar to what I saw the apparition in my apt wearing. Imagine the fright of seeing someone in an outfit like this at your bedside in the middle of the night!
|
I was about to write the experience off as a bad dream. But as I was getting ready for my day I couldn't help wondering, if my experience was real, who was this spirit? I immediately heard a voice say the name "Robert" next to my right ear, and got the impression he died in a fire in the 1930's. I checked into the story and found out there was indeed a young man who lived in my apartment in the 1930's when it was a rooming house. Robert J. was a volunteer firefighter. He perished fighting a blaze.
This experience helped me to put my ghostly experiences in a new light. I realized these spirits were once people just like you and me, they had lives, hopes and dreams, jobs, families, people whom they loved and who loved them. Just the same, it wasn't before I had developed a trusting relationship with my own set of spirit guides that I was able to feel calm and fearless in the presence of a ghost.
WHAT IS A GHOST? ~
A ghost is the soul of a person who, for whatever reason, has decided to stay on this plane of existence. Why do they stay? The reasons vary - sudden traumatic death, attachment to a place, fear of judgement or punishment. And sometimes, emotional attachment from those of us who are still on this plane will hold the spirit of a loved one here.
Spirits are everywhere. There may be sites that have a greater occurrence of paranormal activity, but let me assure you, I have experienced ghosts in the unlikeliest of places. And I have seen and experienced them at all hours of the day and night.
FROM FEAR TO EMPATHY ~
I've never had an experience with a spirit that would be called negative or demonic. Often when people sense ghosts they say there is a negative energy in the room. The energy they are experiencing is really neither negative or positive, simply 'different'. But if they are unaccustomed to these energies it may feel uncomfortable, so they label it 'negative'. Movies and tv shows depict ghosts harassing home owners by making noise and controlling electronic or mechanical devices. But usually this is the only means a spirit has of making you aware of it's presence. I've had some experience with this phenomenon, but once I acknowledge the ghost, the activity usually subsides.
My experience with 'Robert' taught me an important lesson. Instead of fearing ghosts as other-worldly spooks, I began to think of them as people. As an adult I've grown to have empathy for these spirits and now they again feel like a very natural part of my life.
DO'S AND DONT'S OF DEALING WITH GHOSTS ~
Do protect yourself ~
Before initiating any contact with a ghost, say a prayer, call in your angels and protect yourself with Divine White Light. Visualize the Divine white light surrounding and shielding you. Nothing negative can penetrate this shield. Any negativity you feel around you is transmuted into love and sent out from you. This will help protect you, keep you calm and give you focus. This also promotes peace and healing for the spirit.
Do not yell or curse ~
I understand you may feel frightened, but yelling or cursing at the ghost isn't going to help you or the spirit. In fact, this will typically have a negative effect on the situation and create more of a problem. Instead, talk to the spirit in a respectful and calm manner. If you are being disturbed by a ghost, usually all it takes is talking to them openly and sincerely to get them to settle down. If you want them to leave your home, claim your space. In a calm, but firm manner, let them know this is your space now. You are not comfortable sharing your space with them and they must leave. If you are too frightened to do this on your own, do some research and find a recommended psychic with some experience in this area.
And most importantly ~
DON'T EVER PLAY WITH A OUIJA BOARD!!! - It's not a game. Unless you are experienced in working with your Spirit guides, and understand the proper way to create boundaries with the spirit world, I would not recommend playing with a ouija board. Using a ouija board is like opening a door for any and all spirits to enter. Some of these souls had serious issues in their lives and are very troubled. You wouldn't want to invite that energy into your home. And once in, they may not want to leave.
NOTHING TO FEAR ~
We are all spirits having a human experience. We share our world with spirit - whether they be angels and spirit guides, our loved ones who've crossed over, or those who died yet remain on this plane. Keep in mind the law of attraction - send love out and love is what will return. You will only attract to you what you put out. Be loving with all beings.
This experience helped me to put my ghostly experiences in a new light. I realized these spirits were once people just like you and me, they had lives, hopes and dreams, jobs, families, people whom they loved and who loved them. Just the same, it wasn't before I had developed a trusting relationship with my own set of spirit guides that I was able to feel calm and fearless in the presence of a ghost.
WHAT IS A GHOST? ~
A ghost is the soul of a person who, for whatever reason, has decided to stay on this plane of existence. Why do they stay? The reasons vary - sudden traumatic death, attachment to a place, fear of judgement or punishment. And sometimes, emotional attachment from those of us who are still on this plane will hold the spirit of a loved one here.
Spirits are everywhere. There may be sites that have a greater occurrence of paranormal activity, but let me assure you, I have experienced ghosts in the unlikeliest of places. And I have seen and experienced them at all hours of the day and night.
FROM FEAR TO EMPATHY ~
I've never had an experience with a spirit that would be called negative or demonic. Often when people sense ghosts they say there is a negative energy in the room. The energy they are experiencing is really neither negative or positive, simply 'different'. But if they are unaccustomed to these energies it may feel uncomfortable, so they label it 'negative'. Movies and tv shows depict ghosts harassing home owners by making noise and controlling electronic or mechanical devices. But usually this is the only means a spirit has of making you aware of it's presence. I've had some experience with this phenomenon, but once I acknowledge the ghost, the activity usually subsides.
My experience with 'Robert' taught me an important lesson. Instead of fearing ghosts as other-worldly spooks, I began to think of them as people. As an adult I've grown to have empathy for these spirits and now they again feel like a very natural part of my life.
DO'S AND DONT'S OF DEALING WITH GHOSTS ~
Do protect yourself ~
Before initiating any contact with a ghost, say a prayer, call in your angels and protect yourself with Divine White Light. Visualize the Divine white light surrounding and shielding you. Nothing negative can penetrate this shield. Any negativity you feel around you is transmuted into love and sent out from you. This will help protect you, keep you calm and give you focus. This also promotes peace and healing for the spirit.
Do not yell or curse ~
I understand you may feel frightened, but yelling or cursing at the ghost isn't going to help you or the spirit. In fact, this will typically have a negative effect on the situation and create more of a problem. Instead, talk to the spirit in a respectful and calm manner. If you are being disturbed by a ghost, usually all it takes is talking to them openly and sincerely to get them to settle down. If you want them to leave your home, claim your space. In a calm, but firm manner, let them know this is your space now. You are not comfortable sharing your space with them and they must leave. If you are too frightened to do this on your own, do some research and find a recommended psychic with some experience in this area.
And most importantly ~
DON'T EVER PLAY WITH A OUIJA BOARD!!! - It's not a game. Unless you are experienced in working with your Spirit guides, and understand the proper way to create boundaries with the spirit world, I would not recommend playing with a ouija board. Using a ouija board is like opening a door for any and all spirits to enter. Some of these souls had serious issues in their lives and are very troubled. You wouldn't want to invite that energy into your home. And once in, they may not want to leave.
NOTHING TO FEAR ~
We are all spirits having a human experience. We share our world with spirit - whether they be angels and spirit guides, our loved ones who've crossed over, or those who died yet remain on this plane. Keep in mind the law of attraction - send love out and love is what will return. You will only attract to you what you put out. Be loving with all beings.
BELOW ARE A FEW OF MY PERSONAL PHOTOS SHOWING SOME OF
THE SPIRIT ACTIVITY I'VE DOCUMENTED.
CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A LARGER VIEW AND CAPTIONS.
(I would also recommend you check out my Gallery page. I've posted photos of the orb activity
we captured during my Paranormal Investigation Workshop.)
THE SPIRIT ACTIVITY I'VE DOCUMENTED.
CLICK ON THE PHOTOS FOR A LARGER VIEW AND CAPTIONS.
(I would also recommend you check out my Gallery page. I've posted photos of the orb activity
we captured during my Paranormal Investigation Workshop.)
March 2014
PSYCHIC ADDICTION
When you work in a service industry, as I do, it's important to have repeat customers. Repeat customers are a sign people are happy with the quality of the service you provide. So I'm always happy to see familiar faces, clients who I get to know on a first name basis, returning for a session. Some clients return once or twice a year, others a bit more often. But some are back almost every week. If this becomes a pattern, it can turn into an addiction that can become a very real problem.
WHAT IS PSYCHIC ADDICTION?
It's understandable that during life's difficult times, we can sometimes feel out of control, unsure of our next step. For some people, trying to deal with the stress of making the right decision can be an emotionally overwhelming challenge. Scared, they turn to psychics for the answers.
Psychic Addiction is when an individual becomes co-dependent upon their readings. The psychic becomes a crutch for the person who is unable to process their fears, stress or emotional turmoil.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PSYCHIC ADDICTION?
Some of the signs of Psychic Addiction include:
THE DANGERS OF PSYCHIC ADDICTION
Psychic addicts are people who have developed an emotional dependency on their readings. Usually the client is working with an issue or problem that is going to take time to resolve. But they are in almost every week, sometimes having multiple readings with other psychics, to get their psychic 'fix'. The readings have a band-aid effect on the client - their fears are calmed temporarily. But again, within a couple of weeks, or less, they are back looking for 'comfort' from the reader.
One of the biggest dangers of this behavior is the clients' lack of growth - both emotionally and spiritually. We're here to learn a set of lessons so our souls can grow and evolve. I've had clients come in almost every week, asking about every decision they are making, no matter how big or small. It's not Spirit's job to help you micro-manage your life. The purpose of a psychic reading is to serve as a guideline to help you make better decisions. But it is always up to you to make the choices that will effect your own life.
There is such a thing as “over focusing” on a particular goal. Believe it or not, that can cause the outcome to be extended and delayed. People often come in for frequent readings as if they are trying to coax or hurry along the desired outcome. A reading is not a magic bullet for making things happen. Dependency impedes your own progress through the problem or situation you are trying to resolve.
Spirit's time table is rarely in sync with ours. When you come for a reading you are asking for Spirit's direction - you're saying, 'I trust you'll help me stay on track, working in accord with my highest good to achieve my goal'. You must surrender - shift your focus from worry to trust - worry throws you off course. One of the most difficult lessons we all must learn is to get out of our own way. Detach from the outcome. Be still, remain in the present and trust Spirit is working on your behalf. But that doesn't mean there's no work for you to do.
I find clients who tend to come in for frequent readings are usually trying to avoid being in the present. It's their way of avoiding the self work that needs to be done to improve on their situation. There may be difficult issues they need to face, or they simply need to learn the lesson of releasing, detaching from the outcome, letting go, or facing their fears. Self work is sometimes difficult and/or painful. But it is necessary for your emotional and spiritual growth.
Use the time of waiting to align yourself with your desires. Clean house so to speak - de-clutter your life, release what no longer serves you. Make way for something better.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
If the problem has grown to the point it threatens your emotional, physical or financial well-being, then you need to seek the help of a professional counselor or therapist trained and licensed in helping persons with addiction issues.
As I explained in the first paragraph of my READINGS page: "The purpose of a reading is for you to receive guidance from your spirit helpers. The intention of that guidance is to inspire you to action."
Working with Spirit's guidance in my own life has empowered me, and given me the confidence to grow in ways that I never could have imagined. I want my clients to experience that joy. So I've made it my goal in a reading to offer my client insights and strategies for growth and moving forward. But it is up to the client to accept that help and do the work. You are the captain of your own ship. The role or purpose of a reading is not to make decisions for you. You must allow time for the choices and decisions of your own making to unfold.
So what are some of the self-help steps you can take to empower yourself between readings?
Sept 2013
WHAT IS PSYCHIC ADDICTION?
It's understandable that during life's difficult times, we can sometimes feel out of control, unsure of our next step. For some people, trying to deal with the stress of making the right decision can be an emotionally overwhelming challenge. Scared, they turn to psychics for the answers.
Psychic Addiction is when an individual becomes co-dependent upon their readings. The psychic becomes a crutch for the person who is unable to process their fears, stress or emotional turmoil.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PSYCHIC ADDICTION?
Some of the signs of Psychic Addiction include:
- Seeing a psychic more than once or twice a month for the same question or issue.
- Going to multiple psychics within the same month (or week) to 'clarify', or 'validate' what the others have told you.
- Feeling confused due to conflicting information from multiple psychics.
- Getting anxious, upset or nervous when you are unable to book a reading within the following day or week.
- Spending money that is needed for your life's necessities on psychic readings.
- Being told by friends and family you have a problem with psychic addiction.
THE DANGERS OF PSYCHIC ADDICTION
Psychic addicts are people who have developed an emotional dependency on their readings. Usually the client is working with an issue or problem that is going to take time to resolve. But they are in almost every week, sometimes having multiple readings with other psychics, to get their psychic 'fix'. The readings have a band-aid effect on the client - their fears are calmed temporarily. But again, within a couple of weeks, or less, they are back looking for 'comfort' from the reader.
One of the biggest dangers of this behavior is the clients' lack of growth - both emotionally and spiritually. We're here to learn a set of lessons so our souls can grow and evolve. I've had clients come in almost every week, asking about every decision they are making, no matter how big or small. It's not Spirit's job to help you micro-manage your life. The purpose of a psychic reading is to serve as a guideline to help you make better decisions. But it is always up to you to make the choices that will effect your own life.
There is such a thing as “over focusing” on a particular goal. Believe it or not, that can cause the outcome to be extended and delayed. People often come in for frequent readings as if they are trying to coax or hurry along the desired outcome. A reading is not a magic bullet for making things happen. Dependency impedes your own progress through the problem or situation you are trying to resolve.
Spirit's time table is rarely in sync with ours. When you come for a reading you are asking for Spirit's direction - you're saying, 'I trust you'll help me stay on track, working in accord with my highest good to achieve my goal'. You must surrender - shift your focus from worry to trust - worry throws you off course. One of the most difficult lessons we all must learn is to get out of our own way. Detach from the outcome. Be still, remain in the present and trust Spirit is working on your behalf. But that doesn't mean there's no work for you to do.
I find clients who tend to come in for frequent readings are usually trying to avoid being in the present. It's their way of avoiding the self work that needs to be done to improve on their situation. There may be difficult issues they need to face, or they simply need to learn the lesson of releasing, detaching from the outcome, letting go, or facing their fears. Self work is sometimes difficult and/or painful. But it is necessary for your emotional and spiritual growth.
Use the time of waiting to align yourself with your desires. Clean house so to speak - de-clutter your life, release what no longer serves you. Make way for something better.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
If the problem has grown to the point it threatens your emotional, physical or financial well-being, then you need to seek the help of a professional counselor or therapist trained and licensed in helping persons with addiction issues.
As I explained in the first paragraph of my READINGS page: "The purpose of a reading is for you to receive guidance from your spirit helpers. The intention of that guidance is to inspire you to action."
Working with Spirit's guidance in my own life has empowered me, and given me the confidence to grow in ways that I never could have imagined. I want my clients to experience that joy. So I've made it my goal in a reading to offer my client insights and strategies for growth and moving forward. But it is up to the client to accept that help and do the work. You are the captain of your own ship. The role or purpose of a reading is not to make decisions for you. You must allow time for the choices and decisions of your own making to unfold.
So what are some of the self-help steps you can take to empower yourself between readings?
- Use an Oracle deck - this is a tricky one, and I was reluctant to mention it here. I have known people who have an issue with psychic addiction to pull cards repeatedly, and throughout the day. That is NOT the purpose of an oracle deck. I would recommend you pull one card every morning to start your day, and focus on your 'daily' message throughout the day. Use your own discretion here.
- Every morning ask Spirit to give you a sign that you are on the right track, moving forward, etc. Then be present and pay attention during your day. When you see or hear something you believe is a sign, don't question it. Instead, thank Spirit for the blessing. I would also recommend using a small note pad or journal to record the signs you are receiving. I've done this myself and found it to be very helpful and encouraging to read over when I am going through a tough spot. It helps to reinforce your confidence that Spirit is listening and working with you.
- Another thing you might want to try when you are feeling stressed or worried, is creating a sacred space. Perhaps you could find a corner of your home that you could dedicate for this purpose. Create an altar - you could use crystals, flowers and any religious icons that have meaning for you. Light a candle, burn some incense, play meditative music. Quiet your mind and ask for Spirit's direction. Trust what you receive. Spirit talks directly to you - you don't need me, or anyone else for the reassurance you are seeking. Your Angels are constantly whispering in your ear. You need to create a quiet, sacred space so you can hear them more easily. If you do you will find it both comforting and empowering.
Sept 2013