ASK THE MEDIUM

Suzane Northrop served as one of the original research mediums at the University of Arizona's Human Energy Systems Laboratory, the results of which were featured in the book The Afterlife Experiments by Dr. Gary E. Schwartz. Suzane, who hosts her own radio show, The Suzane Northrop Show, on Monday Nights, interviewed Forever Family Foundation founder Robert Ginsberg. Listen to their discussion on mediumship, the afterlife, and moving through grief.

 

 

QUESTION:

I have heard that at times the departed will make their presence known by “fooling” with the lights.

I think my father did that on the day of his funeral. The lights went off at the funeral home and then again at my sister’s house at dinner. Coincidence or wishfull thinking?
-JT

 

ANSWER:

Dear JT,

I love your question and I want to thank you for asking it.

First let me say that I do believe that our loved ones can (to use your term) “fool” with anything that has a flow of energy, i.e., lights, radio, camera, songs, car batteries ETC. Yes, that even means water! Anything that has a flow or current of ENERGY can be use by the other side to send a sign.
Why? Well when we cross over our spirit remains as a vibrational energy. Our spirit has a flow of energy. So if they wanted to get your attention, that would be the easiest way for them to reach you.

Now comes the question, “Is it coincidence or wishful thinking?”

Some wish to blow off such events because of the simple explanation that a light can go off because it’s current is weak and has nothing to do with the other side. Sometimes that is the case. Lights can go bad and flicker but there is something else that must be present to make it a sign; and that is our personal connection to that person and a reason why they want to say hi. That is why validation is so important during a reading. That is why validation for you should be important when asking the question, “Coincidence or wishful thinking?”

So when you get a possible sign, think of doing the following:
1. First thank them for the fact that they may be trying to reach you. It takes an incredible amount of energy to send a sign.
2. Ask yourself, “Why would they want to reach me on this date? Is it significant to them or personal to me in any way?”
3. Consider asking for another sign to back it up.
4. After you receive a possible sign, write it down and see if there is a true personal connection to you. See if there is a running theme with how the signs connect with you.

I believe that your dad was ringing through loud and clear to you. He wanted to let you know that he was still with you. This is very important. I am not suggesting that everytime a light goes off it’s a sign. The personal connection is what MAKES it a sign! Your dad’s amazing energy was present and he wanted to let you know he was there in a way that was personal to you.

What bonds us to those on the other side is the Love that remains. It is that love and that personal connection they will use to reach us. You can reach your loved ones better than any professional medium can! I feel when we get a sign, we are all Mediums at that point because we are picking up the vibrational energy of our loved ones.

I do wish you all the good fortune and success in continuing that Love Bond and relationship with your father. They are so amazing in their ability to want to reach us.

The best to you always,
Angelina Diana

Angelina Diana is available for private and group consultations through her website at www.angelinadiana.com or by calling 1 860 272-0181 . Angelina has been an active and proud volunteer of Forever Family Foundation for almost two years, has recently been elected to the Medium Advisory Board, is the Connecticut State Afterlife Discussion Group Representative, and has achieved recognition as a Forever Family Foundation Certified Medium.

QUESTION:

The truth of the matter is that I have never been really close to most of my family. ‘Dysfunctional’ probably should have been our last name. However, I have been close to many dogs that I have had over the years. So, my question is: Will I be with my pets in the afterlife, or will I end up in the same ‘neighborhood’ with a bunch of family members who only made my life miserable and never really cared about me.
Thank you,
JD

ANSWER:
Dear JD,
You ask an excellent question. Often times, the families we are born into on the Earth plane present challenging situations, while the relationships we share with our pets are often deeply spiritual and act as a salve.

Throughout many readings, I have found time and time again that pets come through lovingly and strongly. Often when I am connecting with someone who has crossed, he or she will let me and the sitter know right away that his/her pet was the first one to greet him/her on the other side. In addition, pets will come through with the message that they are waiting on the other side to greet their owners. It is clear that the unconditional bonds of love we share with our pets certainly bind us past death. Love is the strongest force there is. So to answer part of your question, your pets ABSOLUTELY will be waiting for you on the other side.

Now to the tricky part of your question. Often times, clients want to know whether or not they will be “stuck” hanging around family members that they shared difficult and sometimes painful relationships with while on Earth. Since Earth is a learning plane, the soul lessons we are trying to master while here are seldom easy. Everyone’s life path and soul lessons are different; some of us are here to help others we are connected to try to learn and master their lessons (such as how to truly love someone). Sometimes, we act as teachers; sometimes we are the students; most times we are both within each lifetime. One’s spiritual path is never easy, and sometimes people can step off their path of learning so to speak.

Individuals may spend not just one, but many lifetimes trying to master a soul lesson; perhaps that is why our relationships (especially within the families we are born into) can be difficult. From what the other side has told me, however, we agree to be placed in certain situations before we come to the Earth plane. Sometimes, through pain, we learn the value of love.

Once we cross to the other side, we each have a life review where we are able to see clearly what the lessons were and how we affected others. Often times it is not the outcome of a situation that mattered, but how we embraced it. If we embraced a situation with love, hope and forgiveness, our soul “grows;” if we responded with anger, bitterness, or resentment, our soul’s energy vibration shrinks. There is no way to “fail” a soul test; there are just different paths of learning, and this is what we get to finally see and understand during our life review.


I have found that many times during readings, family members who have crossed come through with apologies; on the other side, they have gained a new perspective and understanding as to how their actions affected the people they were connected to. For example, once you cross, the father who may have been abusive to you may have grown and changed while on the other side. He may have come to understand the pain he caused, and the beauty he missed out on. More than anything, he may want forgiveness. This is because soul lessons continue after we leave the Earth plane. Souls continue to grow and learn on the other side. So, once you cross, yes, you will probably be surrounded by the souls you were connected to while here, but only if they have grown. Remember, you too will have a new perspective and begin to understand things you never could while on the Earth plane. The biggest lessons we can learn are always love and forgiveness.

It is my belief that pets are the universe’s way of teaching us about unconditional love and the power it holds. Perhaps they are the light that is meant to lead us all into a deeper understanding of the bonds we share with each other, and the potential each of us has to spread love and light into the world. You can be sure, any pet you have loved is never lost and will be awaiting your arrival on the other side.

In love and light,
Lynne Jackson

Lynne Jackson is recognized as a Forever Family Foundation Certified Medium and is available for private consultations via email at lynneclair@hotmail.com. (www.lynnejackson-medium.com)


QUESTION:

Note: In order to share a better understanding of mediumship, the original question has been broken into parts, all of which are addressed by medium Janet Mayer


G.P. writes: Hello, I have a question that I’d love to have answered by one of your mediums that has been bothering me for over a year. My niece Jennifer died suddenly, tragically and unexpectedly while working in February 2004. At the exact time this tragedy was taking place, approximately 1:55 A.M., I awoke from a sound sleep, sat up in bed, looked at the clock (on the VCR) and had a feeling something wasn’t right....

I believe that often when you are close to someone and something happens to them we can “pick up” on them psychically. Because you were sleeping at the time your “radar or antenna” was open, thereby allowing you to “feel” anything out of the ordinary from someone that you feel close or connected to. An example would be walking into a room after two people had an argument; you can “feel” something is off and it makes you feel a certain way because the energy is still lingering. Another example would be when you fall and get bumped and scraped; you are slightly injured but you “feel” that event as well as the minor trauma. In your case, your “feelings” were amplified by the tragic event and trauma, even though you may not have understood it at the exact time of waking. I believe Jennifer came to you because of the “connection” the two of you had, and sent these feelings to you.

I had a difficult time going back to sleep. When the clock radio alarm went off for my husband to get up for work, I heard a news report mention a shooting involving a male victim who died at the scene, and a female victim admitted to a hospital in extremely critical condition. I knew then that the female was my niece. She died about 12 hours after the shooting. Was she trying to tell me something and/or contact me when I woke up at 1:55 A.M.?...

Yes, this is where you put two and two together through your feelings. As soon as you heard the news you “knew” because you felt it and it held the same feeling or energy as when you woke up.

It’s very possible that she came to you to “let you know” what happened, so when her passing did take place she left someone behind to let others know she was aware of what happened and sent a message to you that she is ready to move on and is OK.

A couple of nights after her passing my husband saw something or someone leaning over our son Brendan’s bed (he was 6 yrs. old at the time). Jenny was his Godmother...was this Jenny checking up on Brendan?...

Yes, they often stop by to check on loved ones and friends. You may or may not be able to see their exact form. At times you may see a shadow of them or even a very clear form of them; it just depends on how they are personally able to manifest at that time. For example, both of my grandmothers have passed and one comes to me completely in form where I can see her whole body. My other grandmother sometimes drops in from the shoulders up! Sometimes I don’t see them, I just “feel” them. It is possible one of your best psychic gifts is the fact that you can “feel” them, and possibly your husband can “see” them. Put together, it creates a greater picture. You, your husband and son were blessed by her message. She is alive on the other side and doing well!

I strongly believe in life after death, that there has to be something more for us to do when life on earth is through. Exactly five weeks after my niece passed away, I had a dream where she hugged me and told me “everything’s going to be all right, I’m okay.” When I awoke from this dream I felt much peace and happiness....

This is a perfect example of how it works! When you first felt her come to you, it was while you were sleeping, which in turn woke you up. What better way for her to come through to you than how she came to you before her passing? She knew that if she could get through to you once she could again, and so she did. Keep in mind that often we ask for signs from our loved ones after they pass and we “assume it should be one way;” so often we can miss them. In the dream state we are more “open” to receiving messages, and this is why many

times they come to us while we are sleeping or when we have just awakened.

I would really appreciate any answers to any one of these questions, if at all possible. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this e-mail message. I hope it isn’t too long.
-G.P.
With Blessings,
Janet Mayer

Janet Mayer is a member of the Medium Advisory Board of Forever Family Foundation and can be contacted for personal phone readings via her website at www.janetmayer.net, or through the mail at P. O. Box 510426, St. Louis, MO 63151.

Janet also offers this advice: Often many believe they have missed a sign from a loved one who passed or they never received a sign to begin with, but if you feel this way, ask for another! And LET GO! Don’t assume it needs to come in a specific way because the person who has passed would only do it this way or that! That’s NOT true. They often come HOWEVER they can get through to you! Don’t disregard a message; instead say thank you.
 

 

QUESTION:

When communicating with those who have departed the physical life, do you hear their voices? Please describe the process of communication.

ANSWER:

Mediums may answer this question differently according to how "they personally" see something. Although we often get the same answer, sometimes we are shown something in a way that connects to our own personal perception.

For myself, most often I can hear them in my head talking to me, but not hear an actual voice. However, there are times when I hear a voice outside my left ear. Mostly, they speak to me "within" my mind. I see many pictures that flash through what I call my "minds eye." Think of when you see lightening flash in the sky. It's gone quickly, but it sort of leaves an imprint in the eye for a couple of additional seconds. That is how I see.

I don't think that there is only one answer to this question...our loved ones can come through in many ways. When my grandmother on my father's side comes through, I always see her and she is always wearing this flowered dress. After I see her appear, I start to see flashes in my mind and she usually sends me warning. Now my grandmother on my mom's side I don't see, but I sometimes "smell" her perfume or cigarette smoke. I have to admit that when I do actually "hear" a voice, it isn't often, but I pay attention to what they have to say.

Another example would be when I was driving in my car to my sister Debbie's house and I heard in my left ear: "Matt's sick." Yes, I actually heard the voice that time! Well, I thought, "rubbish!" I had just dropped him off at my other sister Cathy's house and he was fine! By the time I got to Debbie's house, Cathy had already called to say Matt was sick! (So I heard!) Whether you hear the actual voice or not, I do believe they give signs. Sometimes we can't change the situation; sometimes we can.


-Janet Mayer


Janet Mayer is a research medium who has done extensive work with the Human Energy Systems Laboratory at the University of Arizona. Janet Mayer is also amember of the Medium Advisory Board of Forever Family Foundation and can be contacted for personal phone readings via her website at www.janetmayer.net, or through the mail at P. O. Box 510426, St. Louis, MO 63151.

 

QUESTION:

Please help clear up some confusion I have. I keep hearing about closure; what does this mean exactly? This site talks about families and love continuing, especially in the case of someone losing a spouse. Then I am also hearing that we need to let go so the person who has passed can also let go and move ahead with their work in the afterlife. Several mediums' columns have mentioned closure. I don't understand if they will always be with us and we can continue communication with them, or if at some point we are supposed to stop. In the case of a life mate here on earth and what was a great relationship filled with love- and we believe we will be with that person that has passed again someday- what feelings have others incountered about how this mate wants us to continue our lives here? Thanks.

-JF

ANSWER:

Regarding the question of "closure."....


Closure is perhaps one of the most misundrstood expressions used by some mediums.

If the term closure is not used and explained in the proper text, I find it almost hurtful and insulting to say it to those who are grieving.

The very idea of closure implies that there is some form of total ending or permanent conclusion to the process of grief, the death experience and the emotions that are connected to it.

As you know this is an on going process that will never end...nor should it. The fact that grief is still felt in a "healthy way" suggests that the person/people affected are in touch with their feelings...and are still connected on a very real level to their loved one..beyond their memories ..but are connected to the soul directly ... yes ... it is part of the language spoken to and from the other side ... it is an expression of the connection as much as joy and happiness are! Remember it is energy ... that love ones feel ... just like in life ....

Grief and joy both help draw a soul to communicate ... that is why we often refer to the idea that "your love one really needs to talk." ... they sense your needs ... and they also sense their own needs as well ....

When closure does matter is the following...

When ADC does take place with strong validations through a qualified medium, it can help bring closure to the concept that their loved one is gone forever ... it can help bring closure to the idea that once you die ... you die ... that's it ... finished ... etc.... This is when the use of closure has a positive sense ... a healing effect ... not when it is used to hurry the idea along that someone should be "over it."

Real closure is the death of the idea of permanent loss .... The true understanding of closure brings an enlightened awareness that brings peace to your soul ... not mind ... of an ongoing .. relationship .. that truly exists .. between, through and across the boundaries of the physical death. Closure or the death of improper thinking can be very freeing!!

With respect .. Namaste

Robert

Robert E. Hansen is available for private and group consultations through his website at www.robertehansen.com. He also is a 7th degree black belt in classical Ju-Jitsu and is the head instructor of Silent Flute Self Defense Center In Wantagh, New York.

QUESTION:

My daughter passed On September 2, 2004. I so want to get a sign from her, but nothing has happened yet. My husband saw her in a dream a couple of weeks after she passed. He said she told him that she was all right and she was happy. I'm trying so hard to communicated with her but it doesn't happen. Am I holding her back, and, am I trying too hard? Please help me to understand and find some peace.

ANN

 

ANSWER:

My deepest respect and prayers regarding the death of your daughter.

Communication between the soul of a departed family member to a living family member can often be a very sensitive, emotionally charged experience. The energy that is required for a "soul" to speak or express itself is very much and individual case by case situation. It affects the sitter, the medium, and the soul on a very deep level ... a psychic level .... much deeper than emotion or thought.

In some cases, communication is quite brief with a few very solid validations and affirmations; and in other cases, the communication can last for hours with scattered validations and repetition of information. As a medium, we can only "ask" or "request" that the soul be more clear, however, this is a process of energy, language, and interpretation that is very unique and varies from soul to soul.

I have had situations where I had read families for more than three hours!

I have met many family members who have often been quite frustrated that they never seem to have contact of any type, even through a qualified medium or sensitive. These families feel very ready. They explain that they are heartbroken and have a great desire for the contact ... and yet nothing? Why is this?

Readiness is the answer.

Although you may "feel" or "think" that you are ready, it does not mean on a psychic level that you are. In other words, in some cases the "receiving system" for some people is simply not open enough for a soul to push information through.

Often the desire or the demand for communication can be a hindrance in itself. That is why communication often happens in the dream cycles when the sub-conscious is more open and the conscious or ego mind is quiet.

Please understand emotional desire is not enough for contact. The receiver system must be open with the person. When a soul sense the "psychic block" within their loved ones ... even in the dream state ... they often create a secondary emotion within their loved ones that seems to drive them towards a medium. Why is this? Simply because the soul senses ... knows ... feels ... the presence of the medium, and recognizes that a particular medium can "read" or interpret for them.

Not all mediums can read all people or all souls. They will select a medium, not you!

Ann, ... please understand it is not your daughter's choice not to come through to you. She must sense that a part of you is being protected from psychic entry, which may really unsettle you on another level. She may realize or feel that through your husband she can find clear entry. It is simply a safe doorway for her; that's all!

DO NOT CONFUSE THIS PROCESS AS A LACK OF LOVE!

Your daughter came through you at birthtime. Her deepest senses are firmly and permanently connected to you ... you know this! She did not come through your husband at birthtime; therefore his connection on the soul level needs more strengthening!

Like a rainbow or butterfly ... when she senses that you are open psychically ... she will make her energy felt directly. Until then, she will enter and send her love through other comfortable doorways.

Please remember that transition on the other side is also guided. This is not some helter skelter process. It is all happening as it is meant to on the other side as well as here ... for you and her ... the pain ... the sorrow. All of it is guiding her in god's great light. have faith and be still ... and before you know it ... when you least expect it ... she will enter. But until then, she is asking you to trust her process that she knows is right for her.

Respectfully,

In the Spirit ...

Robert

Robert E. Hansen is available for private and group consultations through his website at www.robertehansen.com. He also is a 7th degree black belt in classical Ju-Jitsu and is the head instructor of Silent Flute Self Defense Center In Wantagh, New York.

Future questions have been posed to our mediums and will appear in coming issues of Signs of Life. All members are mailed our quarterly newsletter, Signs of Life. Membership is free. If you would like to become a member of Forever Family Foundation, Inc., click the link below.

Become a Member

If you have a question you would like answered, please email us at foreverfamilyfoundation and put "Ask the Medium" in the subject line.

Please keep your questions brief and directed towards gaining insight into mediumship. It is not the intention of this column to contact departed souls, which is best left to personal sessions with reputable mediums. Feel free to visit our certified mediums page for links to Forever Family Foundation Certified Mediums.