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Posts by Kristian von Sponneck:

July 30 2020

How Spirits Communicate

vonsponneck Mediumship communication, medium, mediumship, spirit, spirits 0

Understanding the Language of the Other Side

How spirits communicate: If you’ve ever had a gut feeling, a vivid dream, or a coincidence that felt too perfect—you may have already received a message from spirit.

One of the most fascinating (and frequently asked-about) topics I cover in my courses and live events is how to communicate with spirit.

But there’s another side to that connection:
How do you know what spirit is saying back?

Signs You’re Already Receiving Messages from Spirit

Chances are, spirit has already been reaching out to you—perhaps without you even realizing it. That passing thought. That dream that lingered all day. That uncanny coincidence that seemed perfectly timed.

Many people walk through life unaware that these quiet nudges are spirit in communication.

But receiving a message is only half the story. What happens if you misinterpret it? Worse, what if you’re giving a reading for someone else and get it completely wrong?

Let’s explore how spirits communicate—and how you can better understand the messages coming through.

First: What Spirit Doesn’t Sound Like

Before diving into the how, let’s clear something up:
If you’re hearing scary messages or seeing disturbing images, you’re likely not connecting with true spiritual guidance.

Messages from spirit are typically:

Loving

Supportive

Helpful

Deeply aligned with your personal growth and healing

Authentic communication uplifts and offers insight—it doesn’t provoke fear.

Spirit Speaks Through Energy (Not Words)

Spirit doesn’t speak in full sentences or clear speech the way we do. Instead, spirit communicates energetically, and it’s the medium’s job to translate that energy into words, impressions, or feelings.

There’s a kind of “meeting in the middle” that happens:

Spirit lowers its frequency

The medium raises theirs

The clearer and higher your energy, the less your personal beliefs, biases, or emotions interfere with the message.

The Four Primary Ways on How Spirits Communicate

Let’s break it down into the four main forms of spiritual communication:

Symbols and Imagery

Spirit often speaks through signs—symbols that hold meaning either for you or the person you’re reading for. Over time, you may build a personal symbol “language” with your guides.

For example, seeing a rose might mean love, or it might refer to a specific person in someone’s life. Context is everything.

Mental Impressions and “Downloads”

You may suddenly know something without knowing how. This is called claircognizance, or clear knowing. Some mediums describe this as receiving a “download”—a stream of insight or understanding that feels like it just drops in.

It’s fast, subtle, and often incredibly accurate.

Emotions and Sensations

Spirit can share how they felt emotionally or physically during their life—or even how they passed away. If someone died of heart failure, you might feel a momentary tightness in your chest.

Don’t worry—these sensations are gentle and brief.
Spirit can also send waves of love, joy, or peace that move through your body, letting you know they’re near.

Visual and Auditory Cues

Sometimes you’ll see an image, hear a word, or receive a memory. A spirit might show you a beloved object (like a watch or a pet), or repeat a saying they were known for in life. These details often carry deep emotional weight and meaning.

Tips for Better Interpreting Spirit Messages

Don’t jump to conclusions. Let the message unfold fully before assuming what it means.

Stay neutral. Your ego or emotions can cloud the translation.

Build a relationship with your guides. They’re your greatest allies in spirit communication—and they’ll help guide you when things feel unclear.

Keep the Connection Strong

Like any relationship, your connection with spirit deepens with time, trust, and effort. The more consistently you show up for your practice, the clearer and stronger the communication becomes.

One important thing I’ve noticed over the years:
Mediums who get complacent stop growing.
Stay humble, stay curious, and keep showing up with intention.

Final Thoughts

Spirit is always speaking. It’s up to us to learn the language.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or refining your skills, remember: interpretation takes time. Be patient, stay grounded, and trust that with practice, your understanding will expand.

And the next time you feel that unexplainable nudge, take a moment. Spirit might be saying hello.

For information about my Psychic Medium services, visit my homepage

August 21 2019

Remembering Sylvia Browne

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Psychic, Medium, Teacher, and Cultural Icon

Remembering Sylvia Browne: There are psychics who touch a handful of lives quietly, and there are those who become cultural phenomena, household names recognized even by people who never sought out a reading. Sylvia Browne was the latter.

For decades, her name was synonymous with the word “psychic.” With her unmistakable husky voice, unfiltered style, and fearless approach, she became one of the most famous — and controversial — spiritual figures of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her life was a blend of charisma, controversy, comfort, and contradiction. She was a best-selling author, a church founder, a television star, and to many, a spiritual teacher who offered hope where hope seemed lost.

To remember Sylvia Browne is to remember a woman who straddled the line between entertainment and spiritual ministry, who attracted devoted followers and sharp critics alike, and who embodied the eternal human longing to know: What comes after this life?

Childhood in Kansas City: A Gift Revealed Early

Born Sylvia Celeste Shoemaker on October 19, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sylvia’s earliest memories included visions, dreams, and an awareness of the spirit world. By her own accounts, she could see apparitions and sense the presence of loved ones who had passed on before she was even school-aged.

Unlike many psychic children who hide such experiences out of fear of ridicule, Sylvia was encouraged. Her grandmother, Ada, was also believed to have psychic gifts and played a pivotal role in validating Sylvia’s experiences. Ada often reassured her granddaughter: “You are not strange. You are gifted.”

This foundation gave Sylvia the confidence to embrace her abilities rather than fear them. It also instilled in her the belief that psychic gifts were not random quirks, but part of a spiritual lineage — something she would later emphasize when speaking about psychic children and generational intuition.

From Ordinary Life to Extraordinary Calling

Before she was “Sylvia Browne, Psychic Medium,” she was Sylvia Shoemaker: wife, mother, teacher, and counselor. She lived an ordinary life for decades, balancing family responsibilities with an inner knowing that her spiritual gifts were meant for more.

In her thirties, she began offering psychic readings more openly, gradually building a reputation. Her early clients spread word quickly — they spoke of her accuracy, her blunt honesty, and her ability to say things no one else could know.

These sessions, initially private and local, laid the groundwork for her later career. People sought her not only for predictions but also for comfort in times of grief and uncertainty. For many, she provided exactly that: a sense of connection to something greater, and the reassurance that life was not random chaos but a purposeful journey.

Novus Spiritus: A Church for Seekers

By the mid-1980s, Sylvia’s work had grown far beyond one-on-one readings. In 1986 she founded the Society of Novus Spiritus, a church and spiritual organization headquartered in San Jose, California.

The purpose of Novus Spiritus was to provide a spiritual framework for those who resonated with Sylvia’s teachings but did not feel at home in traditional religious settings. It blended Christianity with metaphysical philosophy, reincarnation, and teachings from what Sylvia described as her spirit guide, Francine.

At the heart of Novus Spiritus was a central philosophy:

Life on Earth is a school, a place where souls incarnate to learn lessons.

The Other Side is our true home, a place of beauty, love, and eternal growth.

Suffering, while painful, is often tied to lessons chosen by the soul before incarnation.

Death is not an ending but a return, a homecoming.

These teachings gave structure to people searching for answers beyond dogma. Novus Spiritus provided rituals, community, and a sense of belonging, particularly for those who felt caught between traditional religion and New Age spirituality.

The Montel Williams Show: Psychic to the Nation

Sylvia’s local fame became global recognition when she became a regular guest on The Montel Williams Show in the early 1990s. Her appearances would span nearly 20 years, cementing her place as one of the most recognized psychics of all time.

Her style was unforgettable: long manicured nails, bold jewelry, a direct gaze, and that gravelly voice that made every pronouncement sound weighty.

Audience members would stand nervously, asking questions about missing loved ones, relationships, health, or the future. Sylvia would listen intently, then deliver answers with remarkable confidence. Sometimes she offered comfort, sometimes hard truths, but always with certainty.

For viewers at home, Sylvia was mesmerizing. Whether or not one believed in her abilities, she was undeniably compelling to watch. Her partnership with Montel Williams was key: he treated her with respect, defended her from critics, and provided the platform that made her a household name.

Her segments became cultural touchstones — people still recall the tearful reunions, the shocked faces, and the unforgettable cadence of her readings.

A Prolific Author: Spirituality in Print

While television made her famous, Sylvia Browne’s books made her ideas accessible to millions worldwide. She authored or co-authored more than 40 books, many of which became New York Times bestsellers.

Some of her most influential titles include:

The Other Side and Back (2000): A guide to life after death and communication with the spirit world.

Life on the Other Side (2001): An exploration of reincarnation, soul contracts, and the journey between lives.

Adventures of a Psychic (1999): Her autobiographical account of growing up psychic and building her career.

End of Days (2008): A provocative look at prophecies and predictions about the future of humanity.

Psychic Children (2005): Co-written with her son, Christopher, focusing on children with intuitive gifts.

Her writing style was conversational and approachable, echoing the way she spoke on television. Readers often described her books as “comforting,” like sitting down with a wise aunt who wasn’t afraid to tell it like it is.

For many, Sylvia’s books were gateways into exploring spirituality, reincarnation, and life after death. They were passed between grieving friends, gifted to those facing illness, and read quietly in moments of doubt.

Controversy: The Psychic Under Scrutiny

With fame came scrutiny, and Sylvia Browne faced more than her share of criticism.

Skeptical investigators, most notably James Randi, frequently challenged her accuracy and methods, accusing her of using cold reading and exploiting vulnerable people. Critics documented cases where her predictions proved false or misleading.

The most infamous incident involved Shawn Hornbeck, a missing boy whose case Sylvia addressed on The Montel Williams Show in 2003. She told his parents he was dead. In reality, Shawn was found alive in 2007, having been held captive. The heartbreak of that moment led to harsh condemnation, as many felt Sylvia’s words deepened the family’s pain.

Other high-profile errors fueled further criticism, and skeptics argued she should not have been involved in missing persons cases at all.

To her supporters, however, Sylvia was human — fallible, like anyone else. They argued that her decades of comfort, guidance, and inspiration should not be dismissed because of her mistakes.

Her legacy remains a complex one: she was both a source of healing for many and a lightning rod for controversy.

Predictions That Echo Through Time

Sylvia Browne made thousands of predictions over her career, but one in particular reignited public interest years after her death.

In her 2008 book End of Days, she wrote:

“In around 2020, a severe pneumonia-like illness will spread throughout the globe, attacking the lungs and the bronchial tubes and resisting all known treatments.”

When COVID-19 struck in 2020, this passage circulated widely online, with many stunned by the apparent accuracy. Some dismissed it as coincidence, others as prophecy fulfilled. Regardless of interpretation, it thrust Sylvia Browne back into the public conversation seven years after her passing.

Cultural Legacy: A Bridge Between Worlds

Sylvia Browne was more than a psychic; she was a cultural bridge. She brought mediumship into mainstream households, normalizing conversations about the afterlife.

She paved the way for later psychics and mediums who found platforms on television, from John Edward to Theresa Caputo. She also contributed to the explosion of paranormal interest in the 2000s, influencing the rise of ghost-hunting shows and the popularization of New Age ideas.

Perhaps her greatest legacy, however, was the comfort she provided. For people navigating grief, Sylvia Browne’s unwavering message was that their loved ones were not gone — they had simply transitioned. That assurance, whether believed literally or not, gave people strength to carry on.

Final Years and Passing

Sylvia Browne continued to write, teach, and appear publicly into her later years. Health issues began to slow her, but she remained active, still commanding attention wherever she went.

On November 20, 2013, Sylvia Browne passed away in San Jose, California, at the age of 77. Her death was reported widely across national and international media. Fans mourned, sharing stories of how she had helped them through loss. Skeptics, while maintaining their critiques, acknowledged her enormous impact on popular culture.

Like her life, her passing sparked both love and debate.

Closing Reflections: Sylvia Browne’s Place in Spiritual History

Remembering Sylvia Browne is not simple. She was a woman of contradictions: a spiritual teacher and a television entertainer, a comforter and a provocateur, an icon to some and a target of skepticism to others.

But perhaps that complexity is fitting. The psychic world has always been one of mystery, debate, belief, and disbelief. Sylvia Browne embodied all of it.

For those who loved her, she was a voice of comfort, telling them their loved ones were safe on the Other Side. For those who doubted, she was a cautionary figure about the dangers of misplaced faith. For everyone, she was unforgettable.

In the end, Sylvia often said that when we die, we return to a world of love and reunion, a place where truth is clear and souls are at peace. If that vision is real, then Sylvia Browne herself has returned there — free from the debates, the spotlight, and the skepticism — reunited with those she loved, her famous voice echoing once again:

“Don’t be afraid. We never really die.”

Sylvia Browne’s name remains alive, her books continue to comfort, and her legacy continues to spark conversation. In that sense, she accomplished what every spiritual teacher hopes for: she made people think, she made them feel, and she made them believe — if only for a moment — that the veil between worlds is thinner than we imagine.

For information about my Psychic Medium services, visit my homepage

August 21 2018

Are Psychics Real?

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A Psychic’s Perspective

This is a question I hear more than almost any other: “Are psychics real?”

It’s asked with curiosity, with scepticism, sometimes with hope, and sometimes with outright disbelief. I understand why. Psychic ability has been portrayed in so many ways—through films, television, stage performances, and, more recently, social media. It can be hard to know what to believe.

As someone who has worked for many years as a psychic medium, I want to share my perspective. Not to convince anyone or to “prove” something that is, by nature, deeply personal and often difficult to measure, but to offer a window into how I understand psychic ability and how it shows up in real life.

What Do We Mean by “Psychic”?

The word psychic simply means “of the soul” or “of the mind.” In practice, it refers to people who are able to sense information beyond the five physical senses. This can manifest in different ways:

Clairvoyance – seeing images or symbols that hold meaning.

Clairaudience – hearing words, names, or sounds not audible to the ordinary ear.

Clairsentience – feeling emotions, sensations, or physical impressions connected to another person or spirit.

Claircognizance – an inner “knowing” that arrives without logic or reasoning.

Some people are naturally more sensitive to these impressions, just as some people are naturally gifted musicians or athletes. Others develop their abilities through training, practice, and trust in their intuition.

My Own Experience

For me, psychic ability has never been about fireworks or theatrics. It’s not about predicting lottery numbers or dazzling people with parlor tricks. It’s about connection, awareness, and tuning into the subtle information that is always around us but often ignored.

When I sit with a client, I might sense details about their life path, their relationships, or the challenges they’re facing. Sometimes images flash in my mind, sometimes words come through, and sometimes I simply feel a strong sense of knowing. When I share what I’m receiving, it often resonates in ways that surprise the client—and sometimes me as well.

Does that mean I’m always “right”? No. Psychics are not infallible. What we receive can be symbolic, fragmented, or coloured by our own interpretation. That’s why I always tell people: psychic information is not about fortune-telling or handing over your power. It’s about guidance, possibilities, and new perspectives.

The Skeptical View

Of course, there are sceptics who dismiss psychic ability altogether. They argue that what we do can be explained by psychology, by body language reading, by lucky guesses, or by something called “cold reading.” And yes, I acknowledge that some so-called psychics do rely on tricks and techniques rather than genuine sensitivity.

I don’t shy away from that reality. There are fakes out there. There are people who exploit grief, vulnerability, or curiosity for money. That’s one reason the question “Are psychics real?” is so often asked.

But just because frauds exist doesn’t mean the genuine article does not. History is full of examples of intuition, premonition, and extrasensory perception that defy easy explanation. Countless people—across cultures, religions, and centuries—have reported psychic experiences. To dismiss them all as coincidence or imagination is, in my view, far too simplistic.

The Scientific Question

Science, by its nature, likes things it can measure, repeat, and verify. Psychic phenomena are difficult to capture in that way because they are spontaneous, subtle, and deeply personal. Still, there have been studies into ESP (extrasensory perception), telepathy, and remote viewing that suggest something more is happening than chance.

While mainstream science remains cautious, there are areas—like quantum physics and consciousness studies—that are beginning to explore ideas that once seemed impossible. I believe that one day, science may find the language and tools to explain what psychics experience. Until then, it remains an open question.

Are Psychics Real? My Answer

So, are psychics real? From my perspective, absolutely yes. I know, because I experience it every day.

When I sit with someone and describe a personal memory of theirs that I couldn’t possibly have known, or when I sense a situation in their life that later unfolds exactly as described, it reaffirms my belief in this work. When a client tells me that something I said brought them comfort, clarity, or the courage to move forward, it reminds me why I do what I do.

But I also believe that psychic ability is not reserved for a chosen few. In my view, we all have intuition. We all receive nudges, gut feelings, or dreams that reveal more than coincidence. The difference is that some of us choose to notice, trust, and develop that natural sensitivity.

A Balanced Perspective

It’s important to hold both truths:

Yes, psychics are real. There are genuine, gifted people working with integrity and love.

Yes, frauds exist. Just as in any profession, there are those who take advantage of others.

That’s why discernment is so important. If you seek out a psychic, look for someone who is transparent, compassionate, and clear about what they can and cannot offer. A real psychic will never try to scare you, pressure you, or claim to have all the answers.

Final Thoughts

For me, being psychic is not about labels, it’s about service. It’s about helping people see their lives from a wider perspective, reminding them of their own power, and, when possible, offering messages from loved ones in spirit.

So, are psychics real? I believe we are. Not perfect, not superhuman, not magical fortune-tellers, but people with a sensitivity to energy and information that lies just beyond the ordinary senses.

Whether you believe or not, I encourage you to stay curious. Pay attention to your own intuition. Notice the hunches, the dreams, the little whispers of guidance you feel inside. You might be surprised by just how “psychic” you are yourself.

For information about my Psychic Medium services, visit my homepage

March 29 2017

Psychic vs. Medium

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Psychic vs. Medium by Kristian von Sponneck

One of the most common misunderstandings I encounter in my work is the difference between being Psychic and being a Medium. The two terms are often used interchangeably, and while they are connected, they are not identical. As a working Psychic Medium, I operate in both capacities, yet I am very clear about the distinction. I do not work with a spirit guide, nor do I attribute my connection to an external being directing my interpretations. My work is grounded in my own intuitive faculties, my own awareness, and disciplined development. Understanding the difference between Psychic ability and Mediumship helps people approach readings with clearer expectations and a more grounded perspective.

At its core, being Psychic relates to perceiving information through heightened intuitive senses. Being a Medium specifically relates to communication with Spirit, particularly those who have passed from the physical world. While all Mediums are Psychic, not all Psychics are Mediums. That distinction matters.

What Does It Mean To Be Psychic?

Psychic ability involves heightened perception beyond the standard five senses. It can include clairvoyance, which is clear seeing, clairaudience, which is clear hearing, clairsentience, which is clear feeling, and claircognizance, which is clear knowing. These faculties allow a Psychic to tune into a person’s energy, emotional state, patterns, and potential life direction.

When working psychically, I may sense relationship dynamics, career shifts, emotional blocks, or future possibilities based on the energetic trajectory of the individual. This does not require communication with Spirit in the sense of connecting to someone who has passed. It is an intuitive reading of energy as it currently presents.

Psychic perception is often subtle. It may come through impressions, mental imagery, sudden thoughts, or emotional resonance. It is not theatrical. It is focused and controlled. Without discipline, psychic impressions can become confused with imagination, so development and self-awareness are essential.

What Does It Mean To Be A Medium?

Mediumship is the specific ability to communicate with those in Spirit. A Medium acts as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. In this role, the focus is not on predicting life events or analysing current energy patterns, but on evidencing survival beyond death.

As a Psychic Medium, when I work in a Mediumship capacity, I aim to bring forward identifiable information that validates the presence of a loved one in Spirit. This may include personality traits, memories, shared experiences, or specific details that confirm their identity. The purpose is reassurance and evidence.

Mediumship requires a different focus than psychic work. Instead of reading the aura or emotional field of the living, I shift my attention toward perceiving the presence and communication of Spirit. I do not call upon a spirit guide to manage this connection. I rely on my own senses and my own responsibility to interpret accurately.

Why The Confusion Exists

The confusion between Psychic and Medium often arises because both use intuitive faculties. From the outside, the process can appear similar. A client sits down, information is delivered, and insight is gained. However, the source of that information differs.

A Psychic reading may focus on your current relationship challenges and the energetic patterns surrounding them. A Mediumship reading may involve your grandmother in Spirit stepping forward with memories and validation. Both require sensitivity, but they serve different purposes.

In popular culture, the word Psychic has become a broad umbrella term. Television and media rarely distinguish between the two. As a result, expectations can become blurred.

Can Someone Be One Without The Other?

Yes. It is entirely possible to be Psychic without being a Medium. Many individuals have strong intuitive perception yet do not connect with Spirit communication. Conversely, Mediumship inherently requires psychic sensitivity, because perceiving Spirit involves intuitive faculties.

In my own experience, psychic awareness often develops first. Sensitivity to energy, emotional atmospheres, and intuitive knowing tends to precede structured Mediumship. With discipline and focus, that awareness can then be directed toward Spirit communication.

The Role Of Interpretation

Both Psychic and Medium work require interpretation. Information does not arrive as a perfectly narrated sentence. It comes as impressions, symbols, feelings, or fragmented images. The responsibility of the Psychic Medium is to interpret these accurately and without ego.

Because I do not rely on a spirit guide, I am fully accountable for my interpretations. There is no external being to attribute mistakes to. This keeps the work grounded and focused. The integrity of both psychic readings and Mediumship depends on honesty and clarity.

The Purpose Behind Each

Psychic readings often aim to provide guidance, clarity, and perspective on life circumstances. They can help illuminate blind spots, confirm intuitive feelings, or highlight potential outcomes. Mediumship readings, on the other hand, focus primarily on evidencing survival beyond physical death and bringing reassurance.

While both can be emotionally powerful, their objectives differ. Psychic work leans toward life navigation. Mediumship leans toward connection and proof of continuation.

Emotional Impact And Responsibility

The emotional impact of Mediumship can be profound. Reconnecting someone with a loved one in Spirit carries immense responsibility. Accuracy and sensitivity are essential. Psychic readings also carry responsibility, particularly when discussing life decisions or future possibilities.

A grounded Psychic Medium understands the weight of their words. Information should empower, not create fear or dependency. Neither psychic ability nor Mediumship should remove a person’s sense of autonomy.

Misconceptions And Scepticism

Scepticism often arises because of exaggerated claims or unethical practice. When Psychic readings are framed as absolute predictions or Mediumship is presented theatrically, credibility suffers. From my perspective, authenticity lies in subtlety and consistency.

Psychic information reflects probability, not fixed fate. Mediumship reflects connection, not spectacle. The reality of both is far quieter than media portrayals suggest.

Development And Discipline

Developing psychic ability requires learning to differentiate between intuition and imagination. Developing Mediumship requires learning to differentiate between personal thoughts and Spirit communication. Both demand patience and emotional maturity.

Because I do not work with a spirit guide, my development has always centred on strengthening my own awareness and discernment. This has required continuous reflection and grounding. There is no shortcut to clarity.

Why The Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between Psychic and Medium helps manage expectations. If someone books a psychic reading expecting contact with a loved one in Spirit, clarity beforehand avoids disappointment. Likewise, if someone seeks Mediumship evidence but expects predictive life guidance, confusion can arise.

Clear language builds trust. Knowing what you are seeking allows the session to remain focused and meaningful.

Conclusion

Psychic vs Medium is not a competition. It is a clarification. Psychic ability relates to perceiving energy, patterns, and potential within the living world. Mediumship relates to communicating with those who have passed and evidencing their continued existence.

As a working Psychic Medium who does not rely on a spirit guide, I operate in both capacities with grounded responsibility. The key difference lies in the direction of focus. Psychic work reads the energy of the present. Mediumship reaches beyond the physical to connect with Spirit.

Both require discipline, integrity, and emotional balance. Both can offer clarity and comfort when practised responsibly. Understanding the distinction allows you to approach each with realistic expectations and an open, yet grounded, mind.

You may like the previous post I wrote, click the following link to read are tarot card readings real?