Last night while I was working on another post for my blog, Ian came into the studio and told me he was uncomfortable in the bedroom where he was playing with our ferret, Bosley. He said there was the spirit of a dead man who suddenly appeared, his flesh bloated and rotting. Ian told me the smell of death and decay was overpowering; the man was huddled in the corner, just staring at him. He was a suicide by gunshot, the exit wound visible at the top of his head. Maggots wriggled on his skin, and his eyes were bulging from the impact of the bullet expansion within his skull at the time of death.
I immediately lit the sage smudge stick we keep on the altar, and opened the door to the bedroom. My gift of discernment activated and I knew instantly that this spirit was in need of help—he was stuck in his death state and needed compassion and guidance crossing over. He couldn’t let go of the moment he pulled the trigger, trapped by the violent way he died.
With the burning sage in hand, I spoke to the man and told him that he was dead and needed to leave, and that I would help him. With my hand outstretched for the man to take, I told him to follow me and the smoke from the sage. In a gentle and loving voice, I walked to the kitchen door which leads outside to the carport, telling the man that I will help him cross over to be with those he loves, and who love him. He followed willingly, and joined me in the carport at the edge of the driveway, where he stood by my side. Ian stayed in the doorway, watching us.
I prayed to Jesus and called upon the Blessed Virgin Mary:
“Oh, Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, I call upon you to help this man, your child, who is suffering in death. He needs your help to cross over into Heaven. Please help guide him into your kingdom, and into the arms of those whom he loves. Embrace him with your loving arms, oh Lord, and have mercy on him. Welcome him into Heaven to be with those who love him. In the name of God the Father, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Making the sign of the cross, I ended my prayer.
As I spoke these words, I felt energy tingle at the crown of my head and along my back. When I asked Ian if he had indeed crossed over, he said, “Yes. He’s becoming translucent and starting to disappear. He turned, smiled and waved.” As Ian left to go back into the kitchen, the man reached out to touch his back to, I believe, thank him for helping release his spirit. This action left two vertical scratches along the center of his back and a bruising sensation, which continued the following day. My belief is that no harm was intended, however. Only a “Hey, I’m leaving—thanks!”. (I get a distinct physical sensation—which is complex to describe—in the event of the presence of a malevolent entity; this I did not feel with the suicide man.) This man could have died two weeks ago, or many years past. But however long, what a horrible way to remain as a spirit. No one knows the circumstances which drove him to do what he did. It saddens me.
I interceded on this man’s behalf with Jesus and Mary. The suicide man appeared to Ian because he was attracted to his talent being open, and needed love and compassion. Ian said he had never seen a spirit so bloated before; the agony this person was enduring was overwhelming and significant. Now, he is in the arms of our Lord, and surrounded by love and peace.