Quick answer: Some mediums describe the dead as falling into types (the newly passed who linger near a place or person; the “aware” who come through easily; “angelic” spirits with power to intervene; “returning” spirits about to reincarnate who are hard to reach). This is a vocabulary for explaining why a reading does or does not produce the person you hoped for, and it cannot be checked. What it is useful for is expectations: knowing beforehand that a medium may say your person “could not come through” or “came with a guide” lets you decide in advance how you will feel about that. The rest of the preparation is in getting ready for a medium reading.
The four types, and what each explains
| Type | Description in the vocabulary | What it is used to account for |
|---|---|---|
| Newly transitioned | Stays close to a place or person; animals sense them | Why a reading soon after a death is vague or unsettling |
| Aware ones | Know they have died; may come with a guide who “speaks first” | Why the medium starts with general messages before specifics |
| Angelics | Advanced, powerful, able to intervene in events | Why good things happening are attributed to the dead |
| Returning ones | Preparing to reincarnate; hard to contact | Why the person you wanted did not come through |
Notice that every type explains an outcome after the fact and none predicts one. That is what an unfalsifiable vocabulary looks like, and it is worth recognising, not to spoil the comfort a reading may bring, but so that “they couldn’t come through because they are returning” is not followed by “but another session might reach them”.
Using this before a reading
- Decide now what you will do if the medium says your person did not come through. Continue with someone else, or stop? Either is fine; deciding beforehand keeps it your choice.
- Decide now how you will feel about a “guide” speaking first, or about general reassurance with nothing specific. If that would leave you empty, a reading may not be the right thing this year.
- Keep grief support outside the reading. The National Institute on Aging’s guide to grief describes when to seek help; a medium is not a substitute.
- Treat any suggestion that the dead are “unsettled” and need paid help as the removal script adapted for grief.
Nothing in this vocabulary has evidence behind it; the bond you feel with someone who has died is real, and it does not depend on any of it.
Booking a medium?
Our guide covers how a session actually runs, what to decide beforehand, questions that help, money rules and warning signs.
While the descriptions of spirits are fascinating, it’s essential to consider cultural beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. Different cultures interpret these experiences uniquely, which adds depth to our understanding of spirituality.
‘Angelics preventing tragedy’? Why haven’t they stopped any natural disasters then? Maybe they’re just on vacation while we deal with our problems down here! Hope they packed sunscreen!
‘Death is not permanent’? That’s quite an optimistic view considering how final it feels for many. It’s comforting but also raises questions about what truly happens when we pass on.
‘Optimistic’? More like wishful thinking! If death isn’t permanent, why does everyone act so scared of it? Maybe we should embrace it instead of fearing what we can’t control.
‘Returning Ones’? Sounds like a bad sequel to a movie nobody wanted! If they come back for more life, I just hope they remember where they parked their souls last time!
I found this article incredibly insightful! It opened my eyes to the different types of spirits and their roles. I always believed in the afterlife, but now I have a better understanding. Thank you for sharing this!
Honestly, this whole concept seems far-fetched. The idea of spirits taking different forms sounds like something out of a cheesy horror movie. It’s hard to take any of this seriously without solid evidence.
I disagree with the portrayal of ‘Angelics’ as solely benevolent beings. Not all spirits are inherently good or helpful; many can have their own agendas that don’t align with human interests, which is often overlooked.
‘Newly Transitioned’ spirits just hanging around? Great! Can’t wait for them to start ghosting me in my living room too. What a fun party that would be—dead relatives mingling with living ones!