Communicate with the dead. Years before I became a practicing astrologer and occult columnist, my first.

foray into the “strange and unusual” was through my deep fascination with ghosts. Ever since I can remember, I’ve

been enchanted by the spirit world: I read every collection of scary stories I could get my hands on, and hosted a séance.

for my ninth birthday and loved spending time in any space considered “haunted.” Simply put, the paranormal was my thing.

Spooky people like myself are amused by all that is macabre, but contacting spirits isn’t a parlor trick.

Communicating with the dead is serious business and requires advanced expertise. Mediums are professional.

connectors who facilitate dialogue between the living and the dead. According to Jessica Lanyadoo, an astrologer.

Communicate with the dead | TalK to the ancestors | Speak to the Fathers | Unleash the spiritual powers|

In her work as a psychic medium, Jessica creates bridges between worlds. Just like our mortal conversations, and dialogue.

with the dead can range from profound to petty. Spirits won’t always offer specifics or say what you want to hear.

(ghosts can be jerks, too). And since Jessica receives messages from spirits constantly, she works hard to create.

healthy boundaries in both the physical and spiritual realms: “I’m a huge believer in privacy and don’t like to invade

others’ space and am not a fan of others [dead or living] invading mine.

In preparation for this column, I reached out to dozens of individuals who have sat with psychic mediums. Their stories

are rich, diverse, and — perhaps most importantly — extremely specific. One individual, Jackie, did not know her ex-

the lover had passed until a medium channeled his spirit: [The medium] kept telling me there was a young man who was.

They might close their eyes frequently or they might be half-open. Facial muscles may relax, and the jaw can drop.

Skin can become very pale. Breathing can alternate between loud rasping breaths and quiet breathing.