Photo by Mitja Juraja

Messages from the grave feature heavily in David Tuttle’s Soul Licensed: Tips and Tales, but the idea of communication between the living and the dead is a common theme in many cultures and religions across the world.

There are plenty of different ways in which this phenomenon is said to occur, including but not limited to dreams, visions, and other experiences that are typically considered paranormal, i.e., outside of natural causes.

How the Dead Can Talk to the Living

Ideas of communicating with the dead span many disparate and related cultures and centuries. There are people who believe that the occurrence of vivid dreams, especially those that feature departed loved ones or the sudden onset of inexplicable sensations, is reliable proof that someone or something is attempting to pierce through the veil between the living and the dead to communicate with an individual.

There are some others who insist that there are living persons who have the ability to converse directly with the spirits of the afterlife, acting as mediums and becoming intermediaries between the living and the spirit world. It is often said that their paranormal abilities are gifts from powerful nonhuman entities.

Some situations are also said to be opportunities for the dead and the living to communicate with one another. This can be seen in the observation of particular holidays like Halloween or Día de Muertos. Near-death experiences are also considered special situations. Regardless, these moments offer profound insights into the nature of the spirit and the afterlife.

With the sheer diversity and range of how messages from the grave may come and go, this article will only focus on the most common phenomena.

A graveyard in the morning.
Every culture receives messages from the grave.

Photo by Mike Bird

Dreams of the Dead

A very common and almost universal approach is that the dead are believed to come into the world of the living to communicate with individuals. Many people report having vivid dreams in which they are interacting with deceased loved ones. These dreams are very emotional and provide a sense of comfort and closure. This could be a way for the deceased to pass on their final words to their loved ones.

From a more scientific perspective, there are a number of different theories about how dreams work. One theory is that dreams are a way for the brain to process information and emotions. Another theory is that dreams are a way for the subconscious mind to communicate with the conscious mind. It is possible that dreams are a way for the dead to communicate with the living by tapping into the subconscious mind.

Visions of the Dead

Another common way that the dead are believed to communicate with the living is through visions. Visions are similar to dreams, but they are typically more intense and vivid and do not strictly happen while the individual is asleep. Visions can be of deceased loved ones, or they can be of otherworldly beings that dwell in the underworld.

From a more scientific view, there are a number of different theories about how visions work. One theory is that visions are a way for the brain to create images that are not based on reality. Another theory is that visions are a way for the soul to leave the body and travel to other realms. It is possible that visions are a way for the dead to communicate with the living by sending messages to the soul.

A person looking at a wall that’s covered with black hand-prints.
Every culture receives messages from the grave.

Photo by cottonbro studio

Messages from the Grave?

There is no scientific evidence that definitively proves that the dead can communicate with the living. However, there is some scientific evidence that suggests that there may be something more to the afterlife than we currently understand.

If you believe that you have been contacted by a deceased loved one, it is important to remember that there is no scientific proof that this is possible. Of course, what we did not touch upon in this article is the existence of spirit guides, which we have talked about at length in some other articles on this website. Feel free to search for them if you like.

However, it is also important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently. If you are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one, it is important to seek professional help.

For a more personal note on receiving messages from the grave, Soul Licensed: Tips and Tales is available for purchase in all major online bookstores, but if you’re looking to grab a copy now and learn what it takes to personally communicate with the dead, click this link to take you to the order page.

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