The first professional reading I ever did was for a woman whose husband had passed away five years prior. This experience was significant for many reasons; not only was it my first paid reading (which added an extra layer of pressure to ensure I got everything right), but it also stood out because of the multi-faceted lessons I learned throughout the session.
lesson 1: spirit determines how the reading unfolds
I initially believed that as a medium, each reading needed to progress in a specific manner: first, I would identify the spirit I was connecting with, then present three or more key pieces of evidence to affirm their presence, and finally deliver a message. However, this particular session, things did not go according to my plan. Instead of following that structure, when I opened the connection, I simply heard the word "accident." Nothing else.
I sat quietly, holding on to the word, and tried to get more information. I had no idea who I was connecting with. There were no signs, or symbols or any other impressions coming through to validate the presence of her loved one throwing me into a spiral of self-doubt and fear of failure. There was only a word. I was ready to close down the session and refund my client when I heard, "Tell her it was an accident." So I did. I told her that I was uncertain about who I was connecting with and felt blocked; I was so sorry, as all I had received was a single word: "accident."
lesson 2: one word is enough
When I shared this with her, she let out a profound sob and leaned forward in her chair, tears flowing. She wept heavily, and amidst her tears, she thanked me over and over again, saying that was exactly what she had been seeking from the reading. It was all she needed. It was all she wanted to know. As I helped her to navigate her grief, she told me a story about her husbands passing. He passed away in a motorcycle accident, and his best friend firmly believed that it was a suicide, as he had often mentioned wanting to leave this world on his own terms while riding his bike. He had tried to convince her of this as well. Except it had never made sense to her, it hadn't felt like the truth. Her husband was not suicidal, there was no note, nor was there any indication that he intended to take his own life.
While it may have seemed too simple, that single word carried immense weight. This woman had been grappling with the belief that her husband had committed suicide, and hearing "accident" not only alleviated her doubts but provided the closure she desperately needed. She felt an overwhelming sense of relief, allowing her to move forward in her life. Just one word can be enough change the trajectory of someone's journey.
lesson 3: validating spirits presence happens throughout the session
Once she had a chance to catch her breath, I continued with the reading. From this point forward, everything flowed. All my senses where in full receiving mode and I was able to further validate his presence, sharing memories and information she had not revealed during our initial conversation, and offering his guidance on important decisions she was looking to make for her life.
This only further comforted and supported her but also reaffirmed for me that validating a spirit’s presence is an ongoing process throughout the session—not just a one-time confirmation. As the reading progressed, it became evident that the spirit was continually communicating, encouraging her to embrace life. This interaction illustrated that the connection can evolve in real time, bringing evidential and validating information and comfort as the session unfolds.
lesson 4: don't complicate it
When you first begin your journey as a medium, it’s easy to become enamored by your own expectations. Symbols can feel complex, and simplicity can lead to feelings of inadequacy, making it seem like you aren't receiving anything at all. There is also the pressure to provide elaborate interpretations, which can further complicate the impressions you receive. The core of mediumship is rooted in honestly conveying what you receive and allowing the meaning or significance to unfold naturally.
The truth is that clear and straightforward messages often hold the most power. Don't complicate it. This will not only streamline your communication but also enhances the flow of energy between you and the spirit world. Seemingly simplistic messages can profoundly impact the lives of those they reach.
practical tips
- Stick to the basics: When starting out, concentrate on the fundamental aspects of the messages. Be observant of colours, feelings, or simple phrases that resonate during your sessions. Share everything you experience with your sitter. What you receive may not make any sense to you what-so-ever, and yet can hold incredible meaning for your sitter.
- Trust that what you receive, is meant to be shared as it is. Often, the simplest messages stem from the purest connections, carrying profound significance. Simple insights allows you to create a genuine bond with the spirit world, even the smallest pieces of information can hold great value and meaning for your sitter.
- Breathe, and recenter yourself. If you find yourself starting to slide into self-doubt or fear of failure, take a moment to breathe and re-center yourself throughout the reading. This can help clear mental clutter and allow for a more focused, simple delivery.
- Reflect and Learn: After each reading, reflect upon your experience. What is something new that you learned? What were your wins? Write this down. Be sure to also record any new symbols and their meaning into your spirit legend. Over time, you’ll refine your ability to communicate simply and effectively.
Remember, sometimes less is indeed more—especially in the sacred art of mediumship. So, as you continue on your path, embrace the power of simplicity and watch your connections flourish.