Losing someone you love can cause immense emotional suffering. There is no correct way to move through the grieving process, and healing is an individual experience that often leaves grievers feeling alone or misunderstood. For some clients I work with, the loss of a loved one causes them to awaken to their own spiritual journey and seek a deeper spiritual connection to their loved one in the Spirit World. Many have felt, sensed, heard, or seen signs from deceased loved ones that they believe are messages from Spirit. Others begin to notice synchronicities, dreams, or moments that make them wonder whether a loved one who has passed is still nearby.

Your loved ones that have passed to the Spirit World are always with you and want to bring you the comfort of knowing that they are still present in your life. If you are open to receiving them, they may send signs from the Spirit World and other validations of their presence. It takes energy for your loved ones to communicate, and often these signs may be subtle, which is why they can be easy to miss.

 

 

 

Do Deceased Loved Ones Try to Communicate?

One of the most common questions people ask after a loss is whether their loved one is still around them. In my experience as a psychic medium, many people report receiving signs that feel deeply personal and meaningful. These experiences may include dreams, synchronicities, sensing a loved one’s presence, hearing a familiar phrase, or encountering symbols associated with them.

There is no set time period after losing a loved one that you can begin receiving signs from them. When my grandmother passed a few years ago, I saw an image of her pop up in my peripheral vision. She was looking young and healthy and she said “whoop-de-doo!” This was a common playful phrase she threw around that could mean anything from hello, goodbye, or come have a seat by me. I called my mom to let her know and she confirmed that yes, my grandmother who had been in the hospital for months had just passed.

If you don’t feel you are receiving signs from your loved one who has passed right away, that's nothing to worry about. We are each on our own unique grief journey and for reasons we may not know about, the Spirit World chooses the perfect and most meaningful time to connect with us. Communications from loved ones who have passed may be experienced more frequently around special events such as birthdays or anniversaries. I believe what makes these times special is not only the calendar date, but the fact that our loved ones are very much on our mind. So if you always enjoyed a beach day with your dad and you visit a beach the two of you loved, that may create wonderful energy to receive a sign or feel his presence as well.

There is also the consideration that when we are in deep grief, we may not be as open or prepared to communicate in that way or receive a sign from the Spirit World. This never means they are not thinking of us or don’t love to connect with us. It may simply be that the timing is not right. Everyone's grief journey is unique.

 

 

How Can I Communicate Back?

 

You can communicate with a deceased loved one as much or as little as you like. Especially when you feel their presence, sending a thought or even speaking to them out loud can help you feel more connected to them. I have a client who sets the table for her husband around his birthday or the anniversary of his passing and cooks his favorite meal. She says this helps her feel closer to him during these occasions.

You could also try writing a letter to your deceased loved one that you either keep or leave someplace meaningful. When I visited St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, I lit a candle for my Scottish great-grandmother and felt her presence with me. You might decide to create an altar in your home that helps you feel connected to a loved one who has passed.

An altar can serve as an energetic center in your home where you intentionally connect with the Spirit World, your Spirit Guides, or your deceased loved ones through prayer, reflection, memories, or quiet contemplation.

 

How to Communicate With a Deceased Loved One

  

You may already feel a strong connection to your deceased loved ones, but if you don’t, know that it is natural to feel anxious when trying to communicate with a deceased loved one for the first time.

One of the most important things to know is that when we pass to the Spirit World, we do not take our physical, mental, or emotional illnesses with us. In my experience as a psychic medium, when I connect with someone in Spirit, they will often show me aspects of their personality, life experiences, or struggles, but they are no longer limited by many of the beliefs and ailments they experienced on Earth. In the Spirit World, we exist as whole, healthy, loving, and infinitely wise beings.

If you feel called to connect with a loved one in Spirit, I recommend setting aside a specific time and writing it in your calendar. When the day comes, find a quiet place and surround yourself with anything that feels soothing or meaningful. You might light a candle, place a photograph nearby, gather items that belonged to your loved one, or hold a favorite crystal.

Set a clear intention to connect with them by name. Close your eyes, take a few cleansing breaths, and allow yourself to settle into a space of calm and stillness. The connection may feel subtle or like you are making it up at first, but stay with it. Notice any feelings, thoughts, images, sounds, memories, or impressions that arise and make note of them.

Keep your first session brief and try again when you feel ready. Building a connection with the Spirit World can take time and patience. If you would like additional support, you may enjoy this guided meditation to help connect with a deceased loved one.

 

 

 

How to Recognize Signs that Your Deceased Loved Ones are Visiting

 

1. You Feel Their Presence

 

Your body is like an antenna for energetic, psychic, and spirit information. When you are experiencing something profound that expands your consciousness, you will feel it. You may have a physical sensation when receiving a sign that your loved ones in Spirit are around. Some people say they get “chills” or feel a difference in body temperature. Sometimes it may be that you simply feel a subtle change in the atmosphere, and emotionally you may feel very loved or loving. 

 

2. Signs Arrive at the Perfect Time

 

Signs, synchronicities, and validations are likely to come to you when you are struggling, in need, or ask for help from the Spirit World. Your loved ones may send you a sign to let you know that you are “on the right path” or validation for hard choices you’ve had to make, when you’re trying something new, going through a major change, taking a leap of faith or learning about spiritual topics. 

 

3. Signs Through Nature: Birds, Butterflies, Cardinals, and Dragonflies

 

Many people associate birds, butterflies, dragonflies, cardinals, feathers, and hummingbirds with signs from deceased loved ones. If you observe a hummingbird quickly flutter from one beautiful place to the next or the translucent, angelic-seeming wings of a dragonfly, it’s easy to see why. When my grandmother was alive, she loved cardinals, and I often associate these sweet birds with her presence. They remind me of days spent looking out the window at her garden bird feeder and the joy they brought her.

You may have specific signs that hold unique meaning between you and your loved one. Being in nature can restore your energy and allow you to feel the natural vibration of the earth and elements. Just as your deceased loved ones have a Spirit, you yourself have a Spirit, and both are energetically connected to all life, including plants and animals.

Being in nature allows you to be immersed in life that is ever-changing, and many people feel they receive signs from deceased loved ones when they are outdoors and connecting in this way. Perhaps a butterfly lands on you, an animal comes unusually close, or a cardinal appears at a meaningful moment and causes you to think of someone you love. Many people notice shapes, patterns, and synchronicities in rocks, leaves, feathers, or even the clouds. Try to remain open and unattached as you allow these signs to come to you.

Want to dive even deeper into synchronicities? Uncovering Intuition: The Course is a two-part, self-paced course guiding you through practical, inspiring exercises that'll help unlock your inner wisdom so you can live with more power, truth, and intention.

 

4. Being Present Helps You Receive Signs

 

Over-focusing on, and constantly looking everywhere for specific signs, can limit your ability to receive them. There is no limit to how often we can “ask” for signs, but once you do, allow the universe time to respond. Being overly focused on a specific idea of the sign you want or trying to control the process does not lead to more signs and is never helpful in creation. You create your life from the present moment, from now. Constantly looking forwards or backward leaves no time to experience the present moment, which is when you are able to connect with your loved ones who have passed, your guides, or the universe. Set your intention to receive signs and then go experience life.

 

5. Repeating Numbers and Synchronicities

 

Many people notice numbers, patterns and synchronicities. The exact number you see repeating isn’t important; rather, it’s the importance you place on it. If you associate a certain loved one with the number “77” and you see that sign on a license plate in front of you when you are having a particularly tough day, you get to your office and notice you have 77 new notifications, the following week you are meeting a new client and notice their address is 77. You can be sure this synchronicity is a sign from your loved one that they are around you supporting you. Numbers don’t need to appear in synchronicity to be meaningful, simply having the thought that you miss your friend and then noticing the time is 4:44pm can be meaningful especially when accompanied by a feeling or knowing. Try not to become overly focused; simply be open to these signs and allow them to be brought to your attention.  

 

6. Songs, Music, and Electronic Signs

 

You turn on your car radio and a special song that reminds you of your loved one happens to be playing. You go out to dinner with a friend and tell a story about your beloved Grandmother and then notice a song from her favorite musical is playing softly in the background of the restaurant, or perhaps you wake up in the morning with specific song lyrics playing in your mind. Lights flickering, the TV going on, static on the radio, a song that plays at just the right time. Electronic devices produce currents of energy that allow the Spirit World to communicate with you, and these can all be signs from your loved ones who have passed. 

 

7. Familiar Scents and Smells

 

One of the most common signs from deceased loved ones is suddenly smelling a familiar scent that reminds you of them. You might catch the scent of a loved one’s perfume, cologne, cigarette smoke, flowers, favorite food, or another distinctive smell associated with them, even when there is no obvious physical source.

In my work, I have heard countless stories of people experiencing meaningful scents connected to loved ones who have passed. A friend whose mother loved lilies often smells their fragrance at moments when she feels her mother’s presence. I have worked with families who associate a loved one with the smell of a barbershop, fresh coffee, or cigarette smoke and notice those scents appearing unexpectedly.

For me, one of the scents I associate with my grandmother is the smell of sunshine, sunscreen, and the warmth of her skin after a day spent outdoors. When that familiar scent comes to mind unexpectedly, I often feel a strong sense of her presence and the memories we shared together.

Many people also report smelling a beloved pet after they have passed, even when no animals are nearby. As with all signs from the Spirit World, the scent itself is only part of the experience. Often it is the feeling, memory, or sense of connection that arrives with it that makes the moment meaningful.

 

8. A Familiar Face or Voice

Sometimes a sign from a deceased loved one comes through another person. You may hear someone laugh, notice a familiar gesture, catch the sound of a voice, or see a face that instantly reminds you of someone you love who has passed. While the person is not literally your loved one, the experience can create a powerful feeling of connection and bring them vividly to mind.

I often think of my friend Josh, who passed away when we were young. Occasionally, when he is on my mind, I will hear someone speak or catch a glimpse of the side of someone’s face and be instantly reminded of him. The feeling can be so strong that it stops me in my tracks.

One of the most striking experiences I have had was while flying home from Holland. A man standing in front of me reached up to place his suitcase in the overhead bin, and for a moment I was convinced I was looking at my grandfather. The resemblance was uncanny. He looked so much like him that I quietly took a photograph because I could hardly believe what I was seeing.

When these experiences happen, pay attention to how they make you feel. Often it is the sudden recognition, the flood of memories, or the feeling of closeness that makes the moment meaningful. Sometimes a familiar face or voice can remind us that the people we love continue to influence and touch our lives long after they have passed.

 

9. You Hear Their Wisdom in Your Own Thoughts

 

Sometimes a sign from a deceased loved one is not something you see or hear at all. Instead, they simply come to mind at exactly the right moment.

Perhaps you are facing a difficult decision and suddenly find yourself thinking about what your father would have said. Maybe you are struggling and remember a piece of advice your grandmother used to give you. Or perhaps you find yourself acting with a kindness, generosity, or sense of humor that reminds you of someone you loved.

In my experience, this is one of the most common ways people remain connected to their loved ones after they pass. We often dismiss these moments because they seem ordinary. We tell ourselves we are simply remembering them. But sometimes a memory arrives with a feeling of presence, comfort, encouragement, or knowing that feels different from ordinary thinking.

The people we love shape us throughout our lives. Long after they have passed, their wisdom, values, and love continue to influence our choices. When a loved one unexpectedly comes to mind and their presence feels especially strong, consider the possibility that the connection is not one-sided. Sometimes the sign is simply that they are thinking of you, too.

 

10. Visitation Dreams From Deceased Loved Ones

 

When we dream, we are most connected to our subconscious mind and so our intuition and connection to the Spirit World all have more direct access to us without our conscious mind interfering. In visitation dreams, your loved ones in Spirit are actually visiting with you. Two of the common elements of these dreams are that they feel very real, and that your loved ones are not angry, sick, or hurt. Instead, they are loving, whole, and have usually come to let you know they are okay. I used to have these dreams of my grandmother where I would hug her on the beach, feel the warmth of her skin, and smell the oil she used to put on. I could see in detail the side of her face and feel her take my hand. Things I’d forgotten about suddenly were back like the shape of her arthritic curved hands in mine. I could feel them colder at the fingertips and warmer in the middle. I could see the ridges yellowed on her nails from having taken off the polish and laid in the sun. These images are perfectly clear to me even now. I can recall them easily and see it almost as if she were here next to me.

 

 

What Does it Mean When a Loved One Visits You in a Dream?

    

When a loved one visits you in a dream, it is most likely to let you know that they are okay. To reassure you that they are whole and healed on the other side. They may also wish to put your mind at ease and let you know that they are a witness to your life and your journey. This can be a way for them to form a closer connection with you or to validate the feelings you have about wanting to connect with them. While every experience is unique, many people report that visitation dreams leave them feeling comforted, peaceful, and deeply connected to their loved one.

 

  

Do the Dead Know We Miss and Love Them?

    

Yes. In my experience as a medium, our loved ones in Spirit are aware that we love and miss them. The Spirit World possesses a divine love and intelligence. They are aware of most things in your life and have the vantage point of being able to see the past, present, and future for the divine plan that it is. They know you love and miss them and want to be a presence in your life as you continue on your journey. It may not feel the same as when they were physically present with you on the earth plane, but your loved ones may wish to continue a relationship with you from the other side.

  

 

  How Do I Know My Deceased Loved One Is Okay?

 

 Your deceased loved ones are whole and healthy in Spirit. Through my experience as a Medium and my connection with the Spirit World over the past 40 years, I have never encountered a Spirit person who was lost or suffering. 

My confidence in this belief was strengthened by my own near-death experience in 2004. During that experience, I was able to see and experience the Spirit World firsthand. I was reunited with a relative who had Alzheimer’s disease during life and found them to be completely lucid, peaceful, and well on the other side.

Sometimes we project our own human fears, beliefs, and ideas onto the Spirit World, but in my experience this is not necessary. Not everything exists as good or bad, punishment or reward. While I have encountered Spirit communicators who express regrets, wish to grow on a soul level, or seek to make amends, I have never experienced them as suffering. They are okay.

I spoke in greater detail about my near-death experience on The Psychic Matters Podcast.

 

If you enjoy exploring topics like signs from loved ones in Spirit, synchronicity, intuition, and the mysteries of the Spirit World, subscribe to my weekly newsletter, The Electric Curtain, where I share the magic and synchronicity I experience in my work and my life.

 

3 Tips to Help Navigate Your Grief

      

 

1. Explore Grief & Loss Support

Receiving signs from a loved one in Spirit can be comforting, but grief is still grief. Missing someone you love is a deeply human experience, and no sign, dream, or synchronicity can completely remove the pain of loss.

Over the years, both through my own experiences with grief and through working with clients, I’ve found that support, education, and connection can make a meaningful difference. If you are navigating the loss of a loved one, here are a few resources that may help.

 

What’s Your Grief is a place for grief education, articles, sharing, support, and more.

 

Hope Floats Healing is a bereavement and educational center for adults, children, teens, and their families who are grieving, dealing with illness, or facing other life challenges.

 

Refuge in Grief is a grief support and writing community. 

 

Be Ceremonial is the world’s first ceremony creation platform, empowering you to choose from secular and universal rituals to create a ceremony unique to you.

2. Learn About the Grief Experience & Seek Out Resources  

Grief can cause all sorts of physical symptoms we may not be aware of. Loss of appetite, fatigue, headaches, and nausea are all linked to grief. Learning more about the physical symptoms can help you make sense of the process.

  

Check out these articles to learn more about the physical symptoms of grief:

How Grief Affects Your Body

Physical Grief Symptoms

 

3. Read Top-Rated, Helpful Books on Grief & Loss

    

The Artist's Grief Deck

No matter where you are in your grief journey, The Grief Deck offers sensitive and supportive tools to help you process your emotions. It's 60 illustrated cards, created by a diverse array of artists and grief workers, offering thoughtful prompts, simple activities, richly textured artwork, and grounding resources for coping with loss.

 

It's Ok You're Not Ok by Megan Devine

Many people who have suffered a loss feel judged, dismissed, and misunderstood by a culture that wants to "solve" grief. Megan writes, "Grief no more needs a solution than love needs a solution". It's Ok That You're Not Ok is a book for grieving people, those who love them, and all those seeking to love themselves - and each other - better. In this book, you'll learn:

• Why well-meaning advice, therapy, and spiritual wisdom so often end up making it harder for people in grief

• How challenging the myths of grief - doing away with stages, timetables, and unrealistic ideals about how grief should unfold - allows us to accept it as a mystery to be honored instead of a problem to solve

• Practical guidance for managing stress, improving sleep, and decreasing anxiety without trying to "fix" your pain 

   

Atlas of The Heart by Brené Brown

A beautiful book, Brown takes us on a journey through 87 of the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. As she maps the necessary skills and an actionable framework for meaningful connection, she gives us the language and tools to access a universe of new choices and second chances - a universe where we can share and steward the stories of our bravest and most heartbreaking moments with one another in a way that builds connection.

     

Grief is Love by Marisa Renee Lee

A trusted grief expert shares this compassionate guide on how to manage grief after the loss of a loved one and helps lead you to a point of “understanding eternal love for another” (said by Elaine Welteroth, New York Times best-selling author).

   

What's Your Grief? by Eleanor Haley, MS and Litsa Williams, MA, LCSW-C

 

A friendly and accessible book of 75 lists that will help anyone experiencing a change or loss — for readers of Maggie Smith, Cheryl Strayed, and Katherine May — from the creators of the popular What's Your Grief website and community.

 

 

 

Going Forward 

 

Some people find that a Mediumship reading provides greater clarity around the signs they are receiving from deceased loved ones.

 

Your loved ones in Spirit want to communicate with you and let you know they are still present in your life. During a Mediumship reading, Spirit communicators will often provide evidence and validation of signs they have already been sending, or signs they intend to send in the future.

 

“Your husband says there was a bluebird outside your window this morning that made you think of him.”

 

“Your grandmother sends you cardinals.”

 

“Sometimes you smell smoke when your dad is around.”

 

“Your friend says he was with you when you saw that eagle. It was beautiful and immediately made you think of him.”

 

“Your mom loves drawing your attention to pennies, especially ones with the year you were born.”

 

“When your son is near, he says you smell sunshine on your face. It’s like you can feel his warmth.”

 

This type of evidence helps strengthen the connection between my clients and the Spirit World while offering reassurance that the love they share with their loved ones continues beyond physical death.

Whether you choose to explore a Mediumship reading or continue your grief journey on your own, remember that signs are often subtle, personal, and meaningful. The more open and present you become, the easier they can be to recognize.

 

You can also learn more about signs, intuition, and Spirit communication in my book,  Uncovering Intuition, Guidance, Inspiration, and Exercises to Unlock Your Inner Knowing.