Dear Julia:

Can you describe the process you use to do a reading? What steps do you take? How do you even begin? Also, what does it feel like to be able to connect consciously with Spirit like this?
Joann

Dear Joann:

I'm not sure we can describe this extraordinary process with ordinary words, but I'll do my best. As nearly all my reading work is done via email, that's the format I'll describe here.

First I begin by addressing the practical details like reviewing the questions and setting an appointment. Then on the appointed day, I'll sequester myself in my reading room and make sure that I won't be interrupted. I put anything I'm going to need (such as tarot cards) within reach. Then I close my eyes, relax, and "reach out" for the client by mentally trying to connect and opening my heart to their hopes and dreams, fears and concerns.

I take a few minutes to consciously connect with Spirit. Any thoughts or concerns of my own that have been running through my mind will bubble up at this point. As I was trained to do, I take my own concerns, mentally wrap them up and put them high on an invisible shelf in the corner of the room so I can focus all my attention on the person I'm reading for.

I then settle into this very comfortable mental state where I just AM. It feels very quiet, light and peaceful. It's also timeless; I release my usual "go, go, go" state of mind and try to just "be." I know when I'm there because I'm no longer thinking about pushing forward to get my work done. This peaceful feeling signals me that I'm centered and ready to begin the reading. All of the above usually takes me about five minutes.

I then begin to fill my body with light from above. I envision an inverted pyramid like a funnel above me, channeling a sparkling divine white light into the top of my head. Like a warm, thick liquid, this white light flows down through my head, neck, heart, arms, etc., throughout my entire being. I then say the prayer I was taught by Elaine Thomas, the founder of the School of Spiritual Healing and Prophecy, where I received my formal training in mediumship. It goes, "Oh God, as we open the doorway of communication, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, the Great I AM presence of the Universe, we give thanks for we know that the words spoken (or written) will be filled with the Love, Truth, Wisdom and Understanding of the Highest." I add to this whatever comes to me - it's different for every client. For example: "Spirit, please help me to do my very best work for Joann. Help me to deliver answers and insights that lead her to new peace and well-being, new personal power and joy."

Then I visualize a light in the distance on my mental screen. I ask Spirit to send me whatever energy my client needs, and as I'm very visual, this comes to me symbolically as light and color. For one person I may perceive a vortex of jet black and quicksilver energy shooting toward me, and for another, I may perceive swirling clouds of pastel colors. Each time is as unique as each person I read for. The energy is always moving toward me, and eventually will connect with me at the point of my third eye. I usually experience a jolt of energy that literally makes me twitch or jerk physically upon contact. As I continue to connect, I may jerk or twitch involuntarily.

I've not seen this twitching happen to any other mediums, so don't worry if it doesn't happen to you. For me, it's a sign that I'm connected to a higher energy. These twitches are totally involuntary; they seem to happen TO me. I also usually experience a swirling sensation in my aura at the third eye, just beyond my skin, which is a sensation that other clairvoyants have reported.

I am then flashed an image that tells me my guides are ready to work with me. This is usually an image of an angel pointing out a path to a child, but again, this is my own personal sign. It's like I have an agreement with Spirit: Show me that image, and I'll know you're there. This is also so subtle that it's almost like it's in the periphery of my INNER vision. I never look directly at this angel mentally; I just note that image there, like the background in a movie. At this point, my connection process has probably taken ten to fifteen minutes.

Please note that connecting doesn't have to take this long. You can establish your own process for instant connection. I do this because it always works for me, and because I like to feel confident that I'm 100% connected and ready to do my very best work. I've learned over the years that if I'm connected properly, the reading will just flow. If I try to hurry the process or skimp on this initial "set-up," I'll end up stretching for answers instead of having them just flow to me effortlessly.

I will then get sort of a jolt that tells me it's time to begin. I focus on my client's questions again, and even though I usually begin my readings with some tarot, I'll start receiving answers from Spirit immediately. I will type up notes and themes that come to me right before turning to the cards. I'm usually given a "theme" for the reading right at the start. This is a key phrase or word that sums up the reading for the client. Examples of themes may be: "surrender," "learn to say no," "change your approach," "no regrets," "relax, it's in the works," etc. While this may not seem like a lot of information taken out of context, when used as a summary of a very long and involved reading, it ends up encapsulating the "answer" the client really needs in an easy to remember way.

From there, everything just flows. I lose track of time, of where I am, etc. I will lay out tarot cards in spreads intuitively, read and interpret various questions, sometimes jumping down to the bottom of the reading to jot down direct messages from Spirit. The second half of the reading is then all direct communication. I will ask Spirit deeper questions like, "How can she create the happiness she desires?" "What does she need to know that she's not aware of?" I may also ask for more concrete details too, like, "How will she know him when she meets him? What does he look like? Where will they meet?"

If the client has expressed a desire to speak with a certain someone in Spirit, I will also open up to loved ones to come through at this point, and I always ask for verifying details first: information that confirms that this is really the loved one being sought. As I'm very visual, this usually comes through in images. I'm often shown pictures of the loved one as they appear in family photographs - usually photos in the possession of the client. I may hear names or be shown memories that were shared with the client, or see pieces of jewelry/family heirlooms that are now in the client's possession. After I get those details, I'll ask for the spirit's message for the client, and the message is usually simply one of love and reassurance. If past life information has been requested, this is when I'll ask for that. Past life information comes through like watching a mental movie. It's like a daydream.

At some point, everything will just sort of wind down, and the reading just feels "done." I will then ponder what my client really needs and formulate a prayer for them. I summon those energies in my heart and mind, and I send them along with the reading. This prayer may read something like, "Sending you prayers for peace, faith, personal power, success, abundance, freedom, love and a light, joyful heart!" I visualize my client feeling satisfied, peaceful, hopeful and empowered, and then I let it all go and move on to my next task.

I encourage you to develop your own relationship with Spirit, and your own personal way of accessing divine guidance!

- Julia