ACCESSING YOUR INTUITION
When Is the Right Time to Have a Mediumship Session? BY ANNIE LARSON
Death is simply a shedding of the physical body like the butterfly shedding its cocoon. It is a transition to a higher state of consciousness where you continue to perceive, to understand, to laugh, and to be able to grow. — Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D. The question I am most often asked as a medium is, “How long should one wait after a loved one’s passing before having a mediumship reading?” This has no right or wrong answer. Mediums serve as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm; they offer a unique ability to connect with those who have passed on and are ready. With a belief that spir- its exist in a realm intertwined with our own, mediums connect with those in spirit waiting to communicate with us, which may be comforting during times of mourning. They can affirm our loved ones continue to exist and care for us from beyond the veil. Some people may find comfort in connecting with a medium soon after a loss, while others may need more time to process their emotions. The decision to have a mediumship session is a personal choice, influenced by various factors surrounding grief, emotional readiness, cultural and religious views, beliefs about the afterlife, communication preferences, and criteria for selecting an appropriate medium and setting. Here’s how un - derstanding all these elements can help individuals determine the most appropriate time to see a medium. Grief in Stages Having an initial understanding of grief and its five stages — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — can be crucial in determining when to seek a medium. Often referred to as the Kübler-Ross model, this widely-accepted framework es- tablished by psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross outlines the emotional responses individuals experience when dealing with loss of a loved one. In her 1974 book, Questions and Answers on Death & Dying , she stressed people experience the stages in different orders, or revisit certain phases multiple times as they navigate through their grief journey. Each grief stage presents its own challenges and emotional hurdles. For instance, during the denial stage, individuals may struggle for a variety of reasons to accept their new reality or need more time to process their loss, making it difficult to en - gage in a session with a medium. Conversely, those who have reached the acceptance stage may feel more at peace and ready to explore the messages the spirit world may hold for them. It is important to take the time to process each stage thoroughly. Emotional Readiness Taking the time to understand and experience each stage of grief helps build the emotional readiness needed for a medium- ship session. This readiness is central, as it opens your heart and mind, enhancing the experience to receive messages from
the other side. During times of crisis, or significant life events, such as birth - days, anniversaries, or holidays, many people seek reassurance that their loved ones remain present in some form. Therefore, timing is important. Some people may find comfort in connect - ing relatively soon after a loss, while others may need more time to process their emotions. Recognizing where you are in your emotional journey can guide you in deciding the best time to consult a medium. Cultural Perspectives On Mourning Rituals and After- life Beliefs Cultural customs and social rituals significantly influence how individuals grieve and when they may seek a mediumship ses- sion. Across societies, established rituals, mourning periods, and ceremonies serve as a framework for processing loss. Some cul- tures prefer private reflection while others emphasize commu - nal remembrance through gatherings. For example, in Japanese Buddhist traditions families quietly honor their ancestors with rituals that include cleaning graves, offering food, and lighting lanterns to guide spirits. The Mexican Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos , celebrates annual reunions between the living and the departed, with families traditionally visiting cemeter- ies, leaving flowers, and telling stories in remembrance of their loved ones. Jewish customs center around communal support during the seven-day observance of sitting Shiva. Regular activities are paused to focus on remembering the deceased, followed by the unveiling of a headstone after one year to mark the close of for- mal mourning. Catholics, too, have a nine-day period of reciting prayers called a “novena” to intercede on behalf of the departed to be guided to the afterlife. Japan’s Toro Nagashi (floating lanterns) is a ceremonial send-off for the spirits of ancestors. The paper lanterns visually represent the spirits’ return to the after life. Photo source: Embassy of Japan in Canada Facebook page.
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PATHWAYS—Spring 26—17
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