In a compelling discussion on the Open to Hope podcast, hosts Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley welcomed Julie Ryan, a psychic medium and medical intuitive, to explore the fascinating world of spirit communication and the transition between life and death. Ryan, who combines her background as a surgical device inventor with her spiritual abilities, shared insights into how people can connect with departed loved ones and understand the process of transitioning to the afterlife.

From Business to Spiritual Practice

Ryan’s journey into the spiritual realm began thirty years ago when she discovered Carolyn Mace’s book “Anatomy of the Spirit.” As a successful entrepreneur in the hospital supply industry, she maintained a scientific mindset while exploring the possibilities of medical intuition. After six years of formal study and a successful business career, she dedicated herself to helping others through her psychic abilities.

Understanding Spirit Communication

According to Ryan, everyone possesses the innate ability to connect with spirits. She explains that our heads function like satellite dishes, receiving and transmitting frequencies. The key elements for successful spirit communication include:

  • Raising one’s vibrational level
  • Setting a clear intention to connect
  • Trusting the first thoughts that come to mind
  • Maintaining an open mindset
  • Time doesn’t exist in the spirit world. Time’s a human creation.

The 12 Phases of Transition

Ryan’s book, “Angelic Attendance: What Really Happens as We Transition from This Life Into the Next,” outlines the process of dying and the spiritual support present during this transition. She describes how individuals are surrounded by angels, deceased loved ones, and pets during their final moments.

This knowledge has proven particularly valuable for families dealing with terminal illness, as it provides comfort knowing their loved ones are not alone during their transition. Ryan’s work has been adopted by various religious institutions and hospice organizations to help families understand and cope with the dying process.

Connecting with Lost Loved Ones

For those grieving, Ryan suggests several approaches to maintaining connections with departed loved ones:

  • Requesting dream visits, as sleep allows for natural elevation of spiritual frequency
  • Recognizing everyday signs and synchronicities
  • Working with qualified mediums for initial contact
  • Maintaining awareness of subtle communications

Research supports the healing potential of these connections, with studies showing that 90% of people near death experience visions of deceased loved ones. Additionally, communication with the departed has been shown to aid in the grieving process.

Finding Legitimate Spiritual Guidance

When seeking professional spiritual guidance, Ryan recommends:

  • Trusting your intuition about practitioners
  • Seeking recommendations from others
  • Reading verified reviews and watching demonstrations
  • Avoiding social media solicitations
  • Only working through official websites

The conversation concluded with an emphasis on hope and healing, reminding listeners that no one dies alone and that connections with loved ones continue beyond physical death.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can anyone develop psychic or medium abilities?

Yes, everyone is born with the ability to connect with spirit. While some may have a natural inclination, these abilities can be developed through practice, study, and maintaining an open mindset. The key is learning to trust your intuition and raise your vibrational frequency.

Q: How can I tell if a spiritual message is genuine?

Genuine spiritual messages often come as immediate thoughts or feelings and may include specific details that would be impossible for others to know. The key is to trust your first impressions and look for validation through specific details or meaningful coincidences that resonate with your personal experience.

Q: What should someone expect during their first medium reading?

During a first reading, you should expect the medium to provide specific, evidential information about your loved ones without prompting. The experience should feel comfortable and authentic, with messages that provide comfort and confirmation of your loved one’s well-being. Be open to receiving information but maintain healthy skepticism of any requests for additional money or services.

Read more by Dr. Gloria Horsley: Kathleen Gilbert: Couples Coping with Child Loss – Open to Hope

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Gloria Horsley

Dr. Gloria Horsley is an internationally known grief expert, psychotherapist, and bereaved parent. She started "Open to Hope" to help the millions in the world with grief. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and has worked in the field of family therapy for over 20 years. Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated internet radio show, The Grief Blog which is one of the top ranked shows on Health Voice America. She serves the Compassionate Friends in a number of roles including as a Board of Directors, chapter leader, workshop facilitator, and frequently serves as media spokesperson. Dr. Horsley is often called on to present seminars throughout the country. She has made appearances on numerous television and radio programs including "The Today Show," "Montel Williams," and "Sallie Jessie Raphael." In addition, she has authored a number of articles and written several books including Teen Grief Relief with Dr. Heidi Horlsey, and The In-Law Survival Guide.

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