“Can you reach out to dead people at will?” I was recently asked. “Or is it totally random?”
The answer is that I can’t summon someone who has passed, but it’s not exactly random.
If I’m working with someone who has recently lost a loved one, I will pick up the energy and memories of that person—their cologne, favorite flower, maybe a facial expression or something they always said.
But that’s not the same as getting a message from a spirit.
When I do get a message, they’re typically ones of love and reminders that they are always with us and are happy to be called upon for comfort, support, or help.
Although from time to time, when I’m relaxed, a spirit will come through. That’s been happening more frequently lately as the veil thins between the world of the living and the world of those who have passed.
Hallowe’en is strongly connected to the Celtic ritual, Samhain. And although it is celebrated at the same time as the Day of the Dead (día de los muertos), it is not related to that festival.
Day of the Dead originated with the Aztec, Toltec, and Maya about 3,000 years ago. They believed that death was a part of life, that it should be celebrated rather than feared. They also believed that the dead traveled and relied on the living for supplies like food and water. This developed into the modern tradition of building alters (ofrendas) at home and also leaving food and drinks at the gravesite.
Samhain was one of four quarterly Celtic fire festivals. It marked the beginning of the dark half of the year. The Celts believed that the threshold between the living and dead was thinner at this time of year, and they would leave offerings outside the villages for the fairies. It was also believed that ancestors might cross over.
The Catholic Church jumped on the bandwagon (as they so often did), and declared November 1st All Hallows’ Day (which is now known as All Saint’s Day) making October 31st the eve of All Hallows’ Day, or Hallowe’en. November 2nd is All Souls Day, a day to commemorate those who have passed.
Many other countries have celebrations around this time—Poland, the Philippines, Romania, Nigeria, and Cambodia, to name a few, so there must be something to it, right?
I can attest to that. As I said, lately, spirits have been coming to me more than usual when I’m not busy. It’s that time of year.
But I should mention that your loved ones who have passed are always there for you. Invite them in. Thank them for making sure you were born. You are here for a reason. Ask them how you can fulfill your soul contract and this part of your family legacy.
And no, they don’t spy on you in the shower.