How to Connect with Spirits in 4 Steps (Even if You’re Not a Medium)

Ever feel like someone’s trying to get your attention, but when you turn around… crickets? Or maybe you’ve had a dream so vivid it felt like a message from beyond?

If you’ve ever wondered how to connect with spirits, you’re in the right place. Spoiler alert: You don’t need a crystal ball, a spooky old mansion, or a dramatic séance to make it happen.

Mediumship ability and learning how to connect with spirits isn’t reserved for a chosen few—it’s a gift that can be nurtured and strengthened (kind of like a spiritual Wi-Fi connection that gets stronger with practice).

In this guide, we’ll dive into the powerful techniques and practices that will help you confidently develop your ability to communicate with spirits, no ghost-hunting gear required.

What is Mediumship & How Does It Work?

Before diving into spirit communication, let’s clear up some myths—mediumship isn’t just about whispering messages to a room full of candles while a ghost flickers the lights. It’s actually a natural ability that many people have, but don’t realize.

Mediumship is the ability to connect with and relay messages from spirits.

Spirit communication isn’t hard, but it takes practice. The more you practice talking to spirits, the stronger your mediumship skills will become…

Think of it like tuning into a spiritual radio frequency—some people naturally pick up signals, while others learn to fine-tune their reception over time.

Types of Mediumship

• Mental Mediumship – This is the most common type of mediumship, where messages come to you through thoughts, images, and impressions. Instead of hearing a ghostly voice, you might suddenly get a name, a memory, or even a feeling that doesn’t seem to come from yourself. It’s like receiving a text message from the other side, except there’s no phone involved—just your intuition.
• Physical Mediumship – In this type, spirits interact with the physical world in ways that can be seen, heard, or felt. This could be unexplained knocks, objects moving on their own, flickering lights, or even changes in temperature. Some mediums (including myself) experience spirit-induced sensations, such as tingling or a shift in energy when a presence is near.
• Trance Mediumship – This happens when a medium allows a spirit to speak through them, usually by shifting into a different state of consciousness. In a light trance, the medium stays aware but delivers messages with more clarity and flow. In a deeper trance, the medium may step aside entirely while the spirit speaks through them—sometimes changing their voice, mannerisms, or even writing automatically. It takes practice, trust, and a strong energetic foundation, since you’re temporarily sharing space with spirit energy.

Discovering your strongest connection style will help you learn how to connect with spirits in a way that feels natural and aligned with your energy.

Signs You’re a Natural Medium

Ever get the feeling you’re not alone—even when you are? Maybe the hairs on the back of your neck stand up for no reason, or you just know things before they happen.

If any of this sounds familiar, you might already be tapping into your natural mediumship abilities without realizing it.

Here are some telltale signs you’re more connected to the spirit world than you think:

• • You sense presences around you. Whether it’s a shift in energy, a warm or cool sensation, or the feeling that someone is near, you may be naturally attuned to spirits.
  • Your dreams are vivid and feel like more than ‘just dreams’. Many mediums receive visits from spirits in their sleep, bringing messages, guidance, or even glimpses of the afterlife.
  • You experience unexplained sounds or movement. Ever hear voices, whispers, or see shadows from the corner of your eye? Spirits often use subtle signs to get your attention.

• • You have an uncanny ability to know things. This isn’t just strong intuition—it’s claircognizance, one of the main psychic senses that mediums use to receive messages. (👉 Your Spirit Guides play a huge role in strengthening this ability—learn how to recognize their presence.)

• Electronics tend to glitch around you. Lights flicker, devices turn on or off unexpectedly, or your phone battery drains quickly when you’re deep in thought or emotional—these are all common signs of spirit energy interacting with you.
• You pick up on others’ emotions intensely. If you feel drained after being around people or find yourself absorbing emotions like a sponge, you may have natural empathic and clairsentient abilities, key traits of a medium.
• You catch flashes of light, orbs, or movement out of the corner of your eye—only to turn and see… nothing. Spirits love to make themselves known in subtle ways at first, almost like a gentle ‘hello’ before they get more direct. If this keeps happening, don’t brush it off—it’s likely a sign they’re trying to get your attention!
• You hear your name being called when no one is there. This is often an early sign of clairaudience, a psychic ability that allows you to hear messages from the spirit world.

If any of these sound familiar, you might already be learning how to connect with spirits without even realizing it!

How to Prepare for Spirit Communication & Connect with Spirits

Learning how to connect with spirits requires the right mindset, setting, and approach—but don’t worry, you’ve got this!

Whether you’re dipping your toes into the spiritual realm for the first time or looking to deepen your connection, these steps will help you open the door to spirit communication with confidence and clarity.

Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: How to Ground & Protect Your Energy Before Spirit Work

Before you jump into the deep end of spirit communication, it’s important to set up some energetic boundaries—kind of like putting on sunscreen before heading outside.

Protecting your energy keeps you grounded, balanced, and safe.

Simple Grounding & Protection Techniques

• Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine yourself wrapped in a warm, protective light—golden, white, or any color that feels safe to you. Picture this light forming a strong, impenetrable bubble around you, shielding you from any unwanted energy while allowing only love and positivity to flow through. You can also visualize roots extending from your feet deep into the earth, keeping you grounded and stable as you open yourself to spirit communication.
• Crystals: Certain stones act like spiritual bodyguards, helping to keep your energy field strong and protected. Black tourmaline is great for absorbing negative energy, while amethyst enhances intuition and creates a protective shield around you. Selenite is another fab choice for clearing and raising your vibration. Keep these crystals nearby, wear them as jewelry, or hold one in your hand while connecting with spirits to enhance energetic protection.
• Prayer or Intentions: Setting a clear intention before connecting with spirits is like locking the doors before going to sleep—it keeps out unwanted visitors. A simple prayer, affirmation, or statement of intent can create an energetic boundary. Try saying, ‘I welcome only high-vibrational, loving spirits who communicate with clarity and respect.’ You can also ask for guidance from your Spirit Guides, angels, or higher power to ensure your connection remains safe and positive.

Step 2: How to Create a Sacred Space for Spirit Communication

Creating a sacred space for spirit work helps set the stage for clear, focused, and meaningful connections. Think of it as setting the mood for a deep conversation with a friend—you want the right atmosphere!

Tips for Creating a Spirit-Friendly Space

• Choose a Quiet Spot – Find a space where you feel calm and undisturbed. This could be a corner of a room, a meditation nook, or even a small table dedicated to spirit work.
• Incorporate Meaningful Items – Candles, incense, crystals, or objects with personal significance can enhance the energy of the space.
• Cleanse the Area – Use sage, palo santo, or sound cleansing (like bells or singing bowls) to clear stagnant energy and invite in high-vibrational spirits.
• Comfort Matters – Have a comfortable seat or cushion so you can relax while remaining focused. The more at ease you are, the easier it will be to tune in.

The goal is to create a space that feels safe, uplifting, and energetically supportive of your spiritual connection.

Step 3: How to Raise Your Vibration to Connect with Spirits

Spirits operate on a higher frequency, so if you want to meet them where they are, it helps to boost your own energy field. Think of it like tuning into a radio station—you need to be on the right frequency to pick up clear signals.

Raising your vibration makes talking to spirits smoother, clearer, and more natural.

Simple Ways to Boost Your Energy Before Spirit Work

• Meditation & Deep Breathing – A calm mind is like an open door for spirit communication. Taking a few deep breaths before a session helps clear mental clutter and allows messages to flow more freely. Daily meditation—even just five minutes—can strengthen your ability to tune in.
• Listening to Uplifting Music – Sound frequencies can shift your energy. High-vibrational music, solfeggio frequencies, or binaural beats help raise your frequency and put you in an open, receptive state.
• Practicing Gratitude & Positivity – Gratitude is one of the highest vibrational emotions. Keeping a gratitude journal, focusing on positive experiences, or simply appreciating the present moment can naturally elevate your energy, making it easier to connect with spirit.

By following these steps, you’ll create a strong foundation to confidently learn how to connect with spirits.

How to Connect with Spirits: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve set the stage for safe and meaningful communication, it’s time to build your connection with the spirit world. But don’t worry—you don’t have to try everything at once.

Think of this as a step-by-step process where you can start small and go deeper as you gain confidence. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Strengthen Your Psychic Senses (Clairvoyance, Clairaudience & More)

Spirits communicate in different ways, and your strongest psychic senses (a.k.a. ‘clairs’) will determine how you receive messages.

Start by noticing how you naturally pick up on intuitive information:

• Clairvoyance (Clear Seeing) – Receiving mental images, symbols, or visions.
• Clairaudience (Clear Hearing) – Hearing messages in your mind or external sounds.
• Clairsentience (Clear Feeling) – Feeling emotions, sensations, or spiritual presence.
• Claircognizance (Clear Knowing) – Instantly knowing information without logical explanation (gut feelings).
• Clairalience (Clear Smelling) – Detecting scents connected to spirit (like perfume or tobacco).
• Clairgustance (Clear Tasting) – Experiencing tastes connected to spirits or past memories.

Step 2: Use Spirit Journaling to Track Your Messages

Journaling is an easy and powerful way to track and validate your spiritual experiences. Try this practice:

• Set a Clear Intention: Start by setting a clear intention or asking a direct question, then let your pen move freely across the page. Don’t overthink it—just write whatever words, images, or emotions come up, even if they don’t make sense at first. Over time, patterns may emerge, and you’ll begin to notice recurring messages or insights from spirit.
• Describe Mental Images & Symbols: If you receive mental images, symbols, or flashes of color, take a moment to describe them in as much detail as possible. What do they remind you of? How do they make you feel? Sometimes, spirits communicate through visual metaphors, so writing down even the smallest details can help you understand their messages later.
• Record Your Dreams: Dreams can be a powerful way for spirits to communicate. When you wake up, jot down anything you remember—locations, people, feelings, or symbols. Even if the dream seems random at first, looking back over time may reveal patterns or recurring themes that hold deeper meaning.
• Watch for Synchronicities: Pay attention to synchronicities in your waking life, too—like hearing the same phrase multiple times or repeatedly seeing the same number sequence. These could be spirit messages trying to get your attention.

Step 3: How to Use Divination Tools (Pendulums, Tarot & Crystals)

Once you’re comfortable with tuning in and journaling, you can explore divination tools to enhance your connection (totally optional, but fun):

• Pendulums – A simple yet powerful tool for yes/no answers, pendulums respond to energy by swinging in specific directions. Start by holding it steady and asking, ‘Show me yes’ and ‘Show me no’ to see how it moves for you. This is a great way to receive quick clarity from spirit.
• Tarot or Oracle Cards – These cards act as a bridge between you and spirit. Shuffle the deck while focusing on a question, then pull a card and interpret its message. Over time, you’ll develop a unique relationship with your deck and recognize recurring symbols and themes.
• Automatic Writing – A practice where you allow spirit to guide your hand as you write. Begin by setting an intention, then relax and let words, phrases, or even images flow onto the page. The key is to stay open and not judge what comes through—some of the most profound messages arrive this way.

Step 4: Ask Spirits for Signs & Learn to Interpret Them

You don’t have to wait for spirits to show up—invite them in!

While spirit signs can show up unexpectedly, you can also invite clearer communication by setting an intention. Here are a few ways to do that:

• Ask for a Specific Sign – Pick something meaningful, like a white feather, a song, or a repeating number. Say, “Spirit, if you’re here, show me [chosen sign] within the next few days.” Then, be patient and observant. The sign might show up in unexpected ways!
• Stay Open to Subtle Messages – Spirit communication isn’t always dramatic. It could be a sudden thought, a strong feeling, or an object moving slightly. Pay attention to gut instincts, unusual sensations, or images that pop into your mind.
• Validate and Express Gratitude – When you receive a sign, acknowledge it! Say a simple “Thank you, Spirit!” Gratitude strengthens your connection and encourages further communication.

Remember, talking to spirits is a two-way street. The more open, relaxed, and trusting you are, the easier it becomes to recognize their messages.

How to Strengthen Your Mediumship & Spirit Connection

Mediumship isn’t something you master overnight—it’s a journey, not a destination. The more you practice, the stronger your connection with spirit becomes.

Here’s how to keep developing your abilities and growing your confidence as a medium:

1. Why Consistency is Key in Mediumship Development

Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each week to practice, even if you don’t feel like you’re getting strong messages at first.

Learning to develop mediumship abilities is like strengthening a muscle —the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

• Set a Spirit Journaling Routine – Try setting a weekly or daily spirit journaling practice to track progress.
• Meditate Daily – Meditate for at least 5-10 minutes a day to keep your mind clear and receptive.
• Practice with Others – Work with a friend or join a development circle to get validation and build confidence.

2. How to Overcome Doubt & Trust Spirit Messages

Doubt was my biggest hurdle when developing my mediumship abilities.

I remember receiving clear, persistent impressions—words, images, and emotions that seemed to come out of nowhere—but I brushed them off as coincidences.

One time, I kept hearing the name ‘Michael‘ over and over in my mind during a reading, but I convinced myself it was just a random thought. Later, my client mentioned her brother Michael who had passed, and I realized I had ignored a spirit message out of self-doubt.

• Don’t second-guess impressions – Write them down and reflect later.
• Look for patterns – If you keep seeing, hearing, or sensing the same thing, it’s likely a message.
• Ask for confirmation – Spirit often repeats messages in different ways to validate them.

3. Books, Courses, & Resources to Improve Mediumship

Great mediums are always evolving. Mediumship isn’t a one-and-done skill—it’s a lifelong journey of discovery and growth.

Keep exploring new techniques, deepening your connection, and staying curious about the spirit world. That’s where the real magic unfolds.

• Read books on how to develop mediumship abilities and psychic ability– Learning from experienced mediums and spiritual teachers can provide insights and techniques to strengthen your connection. Look for books that cover different aspects of mediumship, such as strengthening intuition, understanding Spirit Guides, and delivering accurate messages.
• Experiment with new tools and techniques – Expanding your skills can help you discover what works best for you. Try working with different divination tools like scrying mirrors, runes, or automatic writing. You might find that incorporating energy healing, breathwork, or even working with specific crystals can enhance your mediumship abilities.
• Attend workshops, courses, or online classes – Surrounding yourself with knowledgeable mentors and like-minded individuals can accelerate your development. Look for courses on mediumship, energy work, or intuitive development. Online classes can also be a great option if you prefer to learn at your own pace.

4. Self-Care & Energy Management for Mediums

• Make Grounding a Daily Practice – Whether it’s walking barefoot on the earth, visualizing roots extending from your feet, or holding grounding crystals like black tourmaline or hematite, regularly grounding yourself helps keep your energy clear and stable.
• Nourish Your Physical Body – After deep spiritual work, grounding foods like root vegetables, nuts, or protein-rich meals can help bring your energy back into balance. Staying hydrated and getting enough rest are also key to maintaining your intuitive strength.
• Take Breaks When Needed – If you ever feel energetically drained, honor that feeling. Step back, spend time in nature, or engage in activities that recharge you. Mediumship should feel fulfilling, not exhausting.

5. Finding a Mediumship Development Circle or Support Group

Mediumship is a deeply personal journey, but it’s much more rewarding when you have people to share it with.

Connecting with a supportive community can make the experience more enriching, give you validation, and provide guidance when you need it.

• Join a mediumship development circle – Whether online or in-person, practicing with others helps validate your experiences and provides support as you grow. You’ll receive feedback, gain confidence, and strengthen your connection to spirit.
• Follow reputable mediums and teachers – Continue learning and gaining inspiration by following mentors who align with your values and teaching style. And of course, don’t forget to follow my blog, Intuitive Souls Blog, where I share practical tips, personal experiences, and insights to help you develop your mediumship skills.
• Share your experiences with trusted friends – Mediumship is way more fun when you have people to talk to about those ‘Whoa, did that just happen?!’ moments. Find like-minded friends who will support and encourage you every step of the way.

How to Connect with Spirits: Final Thoughts

Mediumship is a journey—one that unfolds uniquely for each person.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore your abilities or looking to deepen your connection, the most important thing to remember is to trust yourself. Learning how to connect with spirits isn’t about perfection; it’s about openness, curiosity, and growth.

Take your time, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to try different techniques to see what works best for you.

👉 If you’re looking for more guidance on safe and positive spirit communication, check out this helpful guide on how to talk to spirits safely. 

Some days, the connection will feel effortless, and other days, it might feel like you’re getting nothing—and that’s okay. Every step forward strengthens your intuition and builds confidence in your abilities.

Most importantly, enjoy the process of learning how to connect with spirits!

The more you practice connecting with spirits, the more natural it will feel. Spirit communication should be fulfilling, exciting, and empowering. The more you relax, trust, and stay open to the experience, the stronger and clearer your connection will become.

Keep going, and remember—your journey in learning how to connect with spirits is always supported!