What Part of the Spirit Are Mediums Communicating With?

Every medium is different in how they receive messages from spirit. But what exactly are we accessing during spirit communication? There are countless theories and beliefs about what happens to our spirit or consciousness after we die—reincarnation, a heavenly realm, a fiery realm, becoming one with a grand consciousness, transitioning to a new plane of existence, or even simply returning to the earth.

That said, people often ask me, “How are you speaking with my loved one if they’ve already reincarnated or moved on to another realm?” And the honest answer is: I don’t know. But I have my own theories.

The version of ourselves that exists here on Earth is just a spark of our greater consciousness—a piece of the whole that connects to the All (whatever that may be or mean). I believe our consciousness is multifaceted and can exist in multiple places at once. For example, our dreamscape may be another realm altogether. Some say this life is a dream, and that when we die here, we awaken in another reality. So, it’s possible we are already living in several existences simultaneously.

As a medium, I feel confident in saying that what we are accessing is a spark of the spirit or consciousness that remembers this life. It’s an essence that holds insight, perspective, and awareness. It’s the part that has separated from the ego and the body and can now see the bigger picture. That’s what I connect with.

Still, I acknowledge that what I perceive may be an oversimplification—or a limited view—of the full spiritual experience. The energy I receive messages from seems aware of things far beyond this existence. They often speak of future events, the role our ancestors play in our growth, and how our success helps them evolve as beings. They’ve even mentioned current responsibilities or “jobs” they have in spirit, suggesting there’s a whole system at work on the other side.

I’ve had many deep, sometimes wild, conversations with both people and spirits about what happens when we die. I’ve also asked these questions directly to deceased loved ones. The consensus—or more accurately, the emotional response I often get—is a mix of gentle humor and slight irritation. Spirits often say something like:

“Why are you so focused on the afterlife? You’re here to live this life, fulfill your purpose, and complete your soul contracts. When you die, you’ll know.”

This response makes me feel that common fears about a “hellish realm” for so-called bad people might be misplaced. If our loved ones in spirit are telling us not to worry, perhaps there’s nothing to fear.

One fascinating idea I’ve come across is from The Tibetan Book of the Dead. It describes a “hell realm” not as a pre-existing punishment, but as something created by the individual soul. If someone believes they deserve damnation, they manifest that experience. But this realm is not permanent—the soul can leave once it realizes it created this suffering and is not bound by it.

Modern physics even suggests that multiple realities may exist simultaneously, overlapping our own. So what if, when we die, our spirit transitions into another reality that’s invisible to the physical eye—but still close enough that we can access the consciousness that lived this life?

I don’t see myself as a finite being. I don’t believe there’s only one true path or a single correct answer. Much of this may be beyond human comprehension, or open to personal interpretation. Perhaps we’re all glimpsing the same truth through different lenses.

I believe that I personally won’t truly understand what happens to the spirit after death until it’s my turn. And even then—will I have all the answers?