ACCESSING YOUR INTUITION
seen as one of rest and peace, free from earthly struggles, simi- lar to the concept of Heaven. What happens to the soul and when is not explicitly detailed in the Bible and beliefs around this vary. For some, the soul im - mediately reunites with its source (God or Godhead) or it en - ters an afterlife waiting area, such as Christian Purgatory or the Buddhist Bardo, for reflection, closure, or life review. For oth - ers, the soul may stay near loved ones, particularly if the death was sudden or there is unfinished business. Many people believe deceased loved ones can communicate through signs or visit in our dreams. Unusual weather phenom - ena, the appearance of certain animals, or electrical disturbanc- es like flickering lights are potential indicators of a loved one trying to reach out, adding to the sense of connection that many find reassuring. Other traditions maintain that spirit communication should occur only after the soul has completed its journey to the after- life, which may take weeks, months, or even years, depending on the faith. All of this is rooted in the idea that love transcends physical boundaries, allowing for a unique bond that persists beyond death. Ultimately, views on the afterlife differ among belief sys - tems. By understanding and respecting these diverse customs — whether rooted in ancestral veneration, reincarnation, or the belief in a final judgment — individuals can choose a time for mediumship that honors both their personal intentions and the spiritual values of their heritage.
Spirit Stages After Death — What Are They Doing on the Other Side? Considering where spirits are and what they are doing in the afterlife journey plays a role in the timing of a mediumship ses- sion. Spirits may be too engaged in their own afterlife journeys to interact with us. They might not have mastered the ability to use their energy to connect, or they may choose not to com- municate for various reasons, such as having already conveyed everything they needed to during their earthly existence. To get closure, they may return, or they may not feel the need (even if we do). They may decide to come back only when neces - sary — during our times of need. However, they might choose to do this indirectly, through dreams, symbols, or electrical anom- alies. You might not even realize they are attempting to reach out to you! There is an ongoing behind-the-scenes process I have en- countered over the many years in connecting, intentionally or not, with the departed. After someone passes away, they may remain earthbound in spirit. In various religions and cultures, we observe an initial transition phase, like a soul in limbo, which can last from several weeks to a few months. This time seems set aside for them to visit the living, possibly to say farewell. In Tantric Buddhism, for example, and as mention ed earlier, this transitional phase between death and rebirth is known as the Bardo , where consciousness persists after physical death. For an extended period, the deceased continue to experience and continued on page 20
PATHWAYS—Spring 26—19
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