There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in our philosophy.
W. Shakespeare
Hamlet
I see dead people. Not the constant parade of souls that young Cole experienced in The Sixth Sense, but still I see them on a fairly regular basis. But it is not always “seeing”, sometimes it is sensing their presence. Frequently I can sense or “hear” their thoughts and emotions, which may include intense anger, malevolence, love, and astonishment.
I’m a regular guy: raised a family, had a sub-contracting business for 30 years, walk the dogs every day, go shooting up in the hills…that kind of thing.
And I see dead people.
img src: here
When I first started experiencing the deceased I was fortunate to also discover that the famous pioneering psychologist, Carl Jung, had contact with the dead as well. It was reassuring that such a luminary as Jung communed with the dead and had the courage to write about it. Nowadays, what with “Long Island Medium” and the like, it’s not such a taboo subject. But back then? You might as well be a witch.
Jung shared in Memories, Dreams and Reflections an experience he had at his home “one bright summer day”: “The whole house was filled as if there were a crowd present, crammed full of spirits. They were packed deep right up to the door, and the air was so thick it was scarcely possible to breathe”. These good spirits prompted Jung to write a treatise he entitled the Septem Sermones. Jung stated that, “From that time on, the dead have become ever more distinct for me…”.
Upon reading of his experiences I felt validated and reassured that I was not the only one who had experienced something like this. The dead are distinct for me too. Sometimes I see these departed souls as they looked when they were living.
At other times I see only a shimmering energy (spirit). Only once have I seen more than one spirit at a time. I was privileged to see a group of about 50 ancient Piute (Native American) elders, all men, as one of them addressed me. Believe me, I know it sounds weird. But it happened.
At other times I don’t see anything but am very aware of the presence of a departed soul. Usually when I feel a presence I also receive a transfer of profound emotion or knowledge from the deceased. Case in point: This last October (2017) I went on a solo camping trip down to Mono Lake in California. I came across an old abandoned ranch and decided to do some exploring. As I wandered around the outbuildings and main yard looking at things I began sensing a presence. I began getting impressions of not only what this ranch looked like when it was in its prime but of the absolute profound love the woman who I was sensing had for the place.
The lady's name was Mary DeChambeau and she lived there as the matriarch of the family from 1905 to 1937. I basked in the love she had for the place. But there is more. Mary was able to transfer to my mind the intense feeling of joy and sense of home she had for the ranch. By the time she was finished with me I felt like this was the most desirable place on the planet to live. I was overwhelmed with the indescribable sense of belonging, of home. It made me weep with the profundity of it all.
Anyway I was there for several hours and finally headed out to my truck, loaded up the dogs and started to leave when Mary came and stood on the front porch of the ranch and waved to me. This is one of those instances where I did not see her as she was in life but saw her spirit essence. I heard in my mind, “Don’t go. Come on in and have something to eat and visit for a while.” There was no hesitation on my part. I parked the truck and went back to the main ranch house that was all boarded up. I found a back entrance that was open and went into the house. I learned the heart of the ranch and Mary’s heart was the kitchen and dining area. This is where the family and friends shared meals, life and love. Mary prompted me to look up at the ceiling in the pantry. It had been painted a very pleasant dark blue. Mary’s favorite color.
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I toured the house and knew how it was back in the day when there was a family living there. It was quite moving. Even as I write this I tremble with emotion. The “knowing” was so intense I’ve wondered if perhaps I might have lived there in another lifetime. But I don’t think so. Somehow Mary was able to bless me with the joy and love she still has for that place.
I made my way back to the truck and went into the small town of Lee Vining close by. I wanted to get some flowers and return to the ranch with them as a gift to Mary. I found some blooms and returned, but to my great disappointment Mary had gone. I left the flowers on the front porch in a water bottle and departed with the promise I would return one day soon.
When I got home I immediately got on the computer and looked up the ranch.
I found a real treasure: Mary’s grandson gave a presentation to the local Mono County Historical Society as they all met together at the ranch. He shared that his grandmother used to stand on the front porch and wave to passersby and call out to them to stop and have something to eat, and share a cup of coffee and visit for a while. He pointed to where she stood while she waved. Everything he said was exactly as I experienced it. Amazing.
When I have these experiences I always ask myself several questions: What just happened? Am I sure it actually happened or was it my imagination? Am I exaggerating or embellishing anything? Is it the truth? These questions are important to ask. I don’t want to fool anyone, especially myself. I believe anyone could develop this ability, if they desired to do so. It’s not something I do often. But when it comes, I treasure the experience.
I have met two souls who were very angry and vengeful. One of them was actually what I would call evil (he actually put a good scare in me). I don’t think it’s really productive or useful to talk about these instances.
Another time I came upon a head on collision and was the first person to get to the scene to see if I could help. I came upon a man who appeared dead, but I sensed his spirit still in the car. He was stunned and confused, and then he was gone. I somehow felt like I had helped him to let go--as if he needed permission to leave. I got the distinct feeling that he was a dear soul, a beloved family man, simple in his needs and ways but very caring and loving. A few days later as I searched the obituaries I found his. Remarkably the wording commemorating his life was nearly exactly as I described him above!
What does this all mean? First of all I have absolutely no doubt in life after the death of the body. Also, it’s cool to know the other side is so close and at times open to us. And finally like Shakespeare said, “There are more things in heaven and earth…than are dreamt of in our philosophy”.
*images from highdesertdrifter.com and monobasinhistory.org
I like you post
Thanks. Lots more on the way.
Thanks for writing this! I can share in some of the things you're saying, though my experiences have been different . Its nice to have someone write about it.
I have read your posts. We seem to be going in the same direction. We'll have to keep in touch on here.
Thanks Enlyten (like the name). Lots more good stuff coming up. Good luck to you.
This is a really interesting story. I have never had these experiences, but I know people who have. I had no idea one of them was my own Dad! :0)
I see living people too, but seeing dead people is more interesting... usually.