James Van Praagh: Bringing Clarity from the Other Side

How useful is it to connect with those

who have passed on? Can they give us information that can change our life now? 

To find out, James Van Praagh, is the person to talk to. He is known throughout the world as the pioneer of the mediumship movement. For almost 35 years he has regularly connected people in his audiences with people who have messages for them from the other side. While not everyone who attends his events is able to do that, he has told us in previous interviews that those who have passed on want us to know they are still around. His mission is to show us this life is not the end.

We wondered, if there are common themes people from the past have for us? Do they have perspectives that can make our life—or maybe our society—more at ease or less stressful? Perhaps even be hopeful?

Steve Hays:  Thank you for answering our questions. I’m wondering first if our introduction still accurately represents what your purpose is or if you want to add to that.

James Von Praagh: I believe that my purpose is to act a conduit for the spirit world, and as you mentioned in the intro, to share the message that death is an illusion, and that love – like life — never dies. To add to that, I want to disprove of the idea that the living and the dead are very different from one another and, to demonstrate that, first and foremost, we are all souls. Those of us who are here on earth right now are “souls having a human experience, and not the other way around.” Those of us who have the ability to communicate with ALL souls, living and dead, can prove to the world that death and separateness are the two biggest illusions that we harbor. In fact, there is no end, and we are all one.

You’ve said that the main thing relatives or close ones want to tell us is they are all right and “everything” doesn’t end. Are there other common messages or themes they communicate?

When we pass, we go through a soul review where we have a chance to revisit our words, thoughts and deeds and see the affect we had on others while we were here. It’s not unusual for the dead to come to me after they have their review, longing to make amends — to share the love, understanding or forgiveness that they weren’t able to communicate in life.

How do people react to hearing a message like that? What’s it like for those who don’t get a personal message?

From the audience perspective, a message from the other side is such a precious thing! People often tell me that they feel a great weight is lifted when they know that their loved one is safe and well — and still with them. Many of the messages I convey give people permission to move beyond grief and find their true purpose.

And the funny thing about my evening events is that there might be hundreds of people there — and only some of them will receive an individual message — but no one goes away unaffected. Just being in that energy, and experiencing the shift when they see evidence of life after death, is so powerful and life-changing!

Yes, okay. A lot of people describe the strife and disagreements going on in our society and governing process right now as very chaotic and stressful. It’s difficult, it seems, to keep it from spilling over into our lives. Do you teach people what to understand about it or how to build better cocoons?

First of all, I tell people not to focus so much on social media or watching the news. Energetically speaking, that can be very toxic! It’s easy to get caught up in worry and fear, and that isn’t healthy for you or the people around you. We always have the choice. Next time you’re tempted to share an article or bring up a topic of conversation, ask yourself this: “Am I spreading love or fear?”

We always have the choice. Next time you’re tempted to share an article or bring up a topic of conversation, ask yourself this: “Am I spreading love or fear?”

Another thing to remember is that our time here on earth is just the tiny tip of the iceberg in relationship to our soul’s lifetime. When you realize that, it makes it easier to understand what’s really important (like empathy, compassion and kindness) and not worry about every single tweet and news story.

How people can lessen their fear?

I think the more perspective you have, the more you can manage fear. Be a beacon of love and light by sharing acts of kindness with others. And don’t forget to take care of yourself! Live in the moment as much as you possibly can, leave your phone at home and go outside, meditate, dig in the garden, or go for a swim.

Remember you always have a choice. You can “tune” your frequency like tuning into a station on a radio—so choose to send out a frequency of love, instead of broadcasting fear. A simple way to change your frequency is by being mindful of the positive things in your life. Gratitude can shift your focus in an instant!

I also believe in the power of positive affirmations. This one is perfect for the times when worry and negativity threaten to take over: “The Universe Conspires for your Highest Good.”

We’ve had contentious times before, any other thoughts that will help us come together again?

Life here on earth offers so many challenges —but that’s why our souls have been sent here. Times of hardship give us the opportunity to learn, grow and evolve, and our souls will carry the lessons we learn here into future lifetimes.

I know you’ve recently opened The James Van Praagh School of Mystical Arts. Is that for people who feel they may be intuitive and want to expand or develop their insight? Perhaps be teachers? I’ve wondered if perhaps it’s a way of responding to the many “gifted” people that are coming in now that you’ve talked about before. Please tell us about your school.

It has always been my dream to create a Spiritual community where like-minded people could connect, explore, and learn. In 2016 I made my dream a reality. The James Van Praagh School of Mystical Arts is an online school dedicated to helping anyone discover and enhance their spiritual gifts, unleash their soul’s power, and fulfill their soul’s destiny.

The school offers a variety of online learning experiences, from professional certifications, to audio or video courses, to meditations and mind journeys. I offer advanced mediumship courses where I mentor students via live calls and workshops, as well as providing video and audio lessons.

This year, my Mediumship Level 3 students even got the chance to join me onstage at events and on Hay House Radio. And hundreds of spiritual seekers were able to enhance their natural intuition and open up their spirit connection with courses like Predict Your Future with Your Soul Self, and Life Tools for the Highly Sensitive Person. There is something for everyone. You can find out more at www.jvpschoolofmysticalarts.com.

Lynn Probert will be joining you at your event in Encinitas. How is different when she joins you? What can people expect?

Lynn is such a gifted medium — she’s classically trained and is now a teacher at the Arthur Findlay College in England. She has a naturally empathic style combined with the ability to capture amazing details in her readings. Plus, she’s a lot of fun! We love to work together and we always have a great time — and so does our audience. Two mediums on stage at once opens up a larger channel to the Other Side, so our audience can expect lots of Spirit connections!

An internationally-known bestselling author, James joins Lynn Probert, a renowned medium from the UK, for an evening at Seaside Center in Encinitas in September 14. He has another event in Coronado next month.

James has recently launched the James Van Praagh School of Mystical Arts.

Find more details about both visit vanpraagh.com Read previous interviews with James Van Praagh here (June 2017) and here (May 2016)