by James Van Praagh: When I connect with the spirit people, one of the most comforting messages they share is that they are still with us, and death is just an illusion!
It may feel as if our loved ones are gone, but in fact they are continuing their soul journey—and are still available to comfort, assist and guide us.
Often when I appear in public, people come up to me and share beautiful stories of how the dearly departed make their presence known. They want reassurance that those signs are really their loved ones reaching out to them. Of course, my answer is always “Yes, yes, yes!”
The dead try to connect with us every day. To receive guidance and comfort from them, we only have to be open and aware of the signs they send us. Here are 10 of the most common ways spirit contacts us:
1. Dream Visits
The dead often speak to us, clearly and vividly, in our dreams. There is nothing frightening about these visits—they are a wonderful way for the departed to spend time with you, providing guidance and support.
2. Visions
You might see a loved one or pet in the room, or in your mind’s eye, when you are fully awake. They may look transparent, semi-transparent, whitish or in full color. A vision might come in the form of a loved one’s face in the mirror, a window, or even briefly superimposed on another person’s face!
3. Scents
Unexplained scents or the aroma of anything that you associate with the departed person—their favorite flower, perfume, even cigar or pipe smoke—is their subtle way of letting you know that they are near!
4. Sounds and Music
A sure sign from beyond is hearing your loved one’s voice calling your name either “internally” inside of your head or “externally.” You might even hear a voice warning you of something. Music is a sign, too. Musical signs can come in the form of a meaningful song being played in your head or a song being played on the radio at an opportune time that is very meaningful to you.
5. “God-Incidences”
Lucky and amazing coincidences are what I call “God-incidences,” meaning that the coincidences or synchronicities are really special blessings from God in answer to your prayers and/or your loved one’s prayers for you. Your loved one may very well have helped in setting up the God-incidence for you.
6. Sensing a Presence
Sensing a strong or heavy energy presence in the room or a breeze going by you can be a sign that a spirit is reaching out to you. Some people feel a sensation of love and peace, a sudden weight on the bed, or wake up at the exact time that a loved one has passed.
7. Butterflies, Dragonflies and Birds
Your loved one may have sent a winged messenger from the other side as a sign that they are always by your side.
8. Rainbows
Rainbows that appear after you have asked for a sign from your loved one, or on a significant date, are beautiful, light-filled signs from beyond.
9. Numbers
Look out for meaningful numbers that show up on license plates, sales receipts, food checks, etc. It may be your loved one’s birth date, anniversary or date of passing showing up. When you see one, take comfort in that fact that your loved one is reaching out to say “hi.”
10. Recognition
Seeing someone who looks like your loved one when you have been thinking about them and needed to see them is a sign that they are near.
These are some of the most common ways the dead connect with the living, but they have countless other ways of making their presence known. Open up your soul to receive these signals, and you will always feel your loved ones nearby!
