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When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits
In the bestselling tradition of Rosemary Altea and John Edwards comes the memoir of Mary Ann Winkowski, the real life "Ghost Whisperer" and consultant on the Top 30 CBS show "Ghost Whisperer" starring Jennifer Love Hewitt.Lights flicker on and off for no good reason. You feel drained and inexplicably irritable. Your four-year-old is scared to enter her bedroom.Tell these things to Mary Ann Winkowski, and she'll tell you that you have a ghost.A happily married, devout Catholic, suburban mother and full-time paranormal investigator, Mary Ann Winkowski has been able to see earthbound spirits, spirits that are trapped on earth and haven't "crossed over," since she was a little girl. Mary Ann works with these spirits to help them make peace with what keeps them here - whether it be people they can't let go of or homes they love.In When Ghosts Speak, Mary Ann will tell the amazing story of growing up with this gift, and will share tips on how to recognize when you're not alone, and what to do if you are in the presence of a ghost.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2007
127 people are currently reading
1388 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ann Winkowski
7 books28 followersA happily married, devout Catholic, suburban mother and full-time paranormal investigator, Mary Ann Winkowski has been able to see earthbound spirits, spirits that are trapped on earth and haven't "crossed over," since she was a little girl. Mary Ann works with these spirits to help them make peace with what keeps them here - whether it be people they can't let go of or homes they love. "
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
September 12, 2008
While this book contains great information as mentioned above, it also contains some not so good information. In Chapter 10, “Asking For Trouble“, Mary Ann mentions that the use of metaphysical tools and activities like tarot cards, pendulums, automatic writing, casting spells, séances and Ouija boards will cause the attention of earthbound spirits and eventually cause your house to attract a few. I have to say only about half of this is true. Tarot cards and pendulums are powered not by an outside source but from your own subconscious. You are not calling on anyone outside of you to help, therefore I do not believe it is dangerous to use them. I’ve used them for the past five years and I’ve not attracted any earthbound spirits from them. Now casting spells, séances, automatic writing and Ouija boards will grasp attention indeed, which is one reason it is very important to spiritually protect yourself before doing these activities. Also know what you are doing before you do it; dabbling is not a good idea.
She also mentions how entering into a meditative state or practicing “dark witchcraft” will attract earthbounds as well, but I think this is a rather faulty Christian attitude as neither meditation and witchcraft are dark practices, it is the ethics of the practitioner not the practice itself that determines its darkness. Just as one might claim to be a Christian and do bad things, so can anyone else. This is a cliché that everyone needs to learn to get over.
Her chapter on ‘How to Deal with Ghosts’ is very good, covering a wide range of protection available from earthbounds, but if you are really serious about this, I would suggest getting a book on psychic protection and spiritual cleansing to delve deeper into the topic and accompany her information. Her ritual for removing a curse or negative energy is also a gem of a find!
Some of the photographs which are in the book are very believable whilst some are highly unlikely and seem like something a skilled Photoshop user, like myself, could easily create. I’m not saying they aren’t real, or that they are, but I have to remain skeptical on something don’t I? ;)
Overall, this book is informative and sheds light on the world that resides within our own, but don’t pick up this book expecting the stories to play out like a Hollywood film, because you will be disappointed (hint: real ghosts aren’t like those in the movies).
She also mentions how entering into a meditative state or practicing “dark witchcraft” will attract earthbounds as well, but I think this is a rather faulty Christian attitude as neither meditation and witchcraft are dark practices, it is the ethics of the practitioner not the practice itself that determines its darkness. Just as one might claim to be a Christian and do bad things, so can anyone else. This is a cliché that everyone needs to learn to get over.
Her chapter on ‘How to Deal with Ghosts’ is very good, covering a wide range of protection available from earthbounds, but if you are really serious about this, I would suggest getting a book on psychic protection and spiritual cleansing to delve deeper into the topic and accompany her information. Her ritual for removing a curse or negative energy is also a gem of a find!
Some of the photographs which are in the book are very believable whilst some are highly unlikely and seem like something a skilled Photoshop user, like myself, could easily create. I’m not saying they aren’t real, or that they are, but I have to remain skeptical on something don’t I? ;)
Overall, this book is informative and sheds light on the world that resides within our own, but don’t pick up this book expecting the stories to play out like a Hollywood film, because you will be disappointed (hint: real ghosts aren’t like those in the movies).
June 22, 2024
I was, to be perfectly honest, fully prepared to make fun of Mary Ann Winkowski’s “When Ghosts Speak”, in the same way that I secretly make fun of people who are into shit like crystals and astrology and tarot readings. I was ready to be snarky and not-so-subtly judgmental in the same way I am with all those TV “reality” shows about ghost hunters and paranormal investigators, of which I often find myself watching and ridiculing. (And, yes, I am well aware of the hypocrisy of that.)
I was, however, completely unprepared to actually find Ms. Winkowski likable and sincere and down-to-earth. And I didn’t expect to find certain parts of her book moving and emotionally powerful.
To say that I found the book strangely spiritual is almost silly. It is, after all, a book about spirits. Of course, it’s spiritual. Quite literally.
For those who don’t know (and I didn’t before reading this book), Winkowski is the real-life basis for the TV show “The Ghost Whisperer”. She is also an executive producer on the show. I have never seen an episode, for reasons that should be obvious by now. (Hint: re-read the first paragraph of this review.)
Winkowski, besides being a ghost whisperer, is a wife and mother living in a Cleveland suburb. She grew up in Cleveland, and, from a young age, had the ability to see, hear, and communicate with the spirits of the deceased. She has, apparently, made a comfortable living out of attending funerals, visiting haunted houses, or going anywhere that is notoriously “haunted” in order to “clean” the place of spirits. “Cleaning”, by the way, is simply her way of convincing the spirit to enter into the Light that is present for all spirits.
Her supernatural abilities are described so matter-of-factly and nonchalantly that it’s difficult not to believe her. To her, it doesn’t really matter whether you believe it or not. It’s just a fact of her life.
Perhaps it’s because of this that I was won over by her. That, and the fact that she immediately dispels a lot of myths about ghosts and “hauntings” that Hollywood tends to perpetuate. Here are a few interesting facts about ghosts that I learned:
****All ghosts know that they are dead. As Winkowski says, they may not like being dead, but they are fully aware of the fact. She has never had to convince a ghost that he or she is, in fact, no longer among the living.
****Ghosts can not and will not harm a living person intentionally. The Hollywood myth of vengeful, homicidal ghosts is simply that: a myth. This does not mean, however, that ghosts, out of spite, can’t cause problems for the living. She has documented many cases in which the long-term presence of ghosts have created stressful situations for the living, wreaked havoc on marriages, and, in some cases, brought about illnesses.
****The Light is a real thing. Winkowski says that it is present at all times, but some ghosts, for various reasons, refuse to enter it. According to Winkowski, the Light is available for all ghosts, even the spirits of people who have committed horrible crimes such as murder or rape. She doesn’t know what exists on the other side of the Light, only that it is a portal to somewhere. (Winkowski, by the way, is a devout Catholic who believes in heaven and hell, but even she acknowledges that the Light may not be a direct conduit to either place. It may very well be the entrance to a huge after-life waiting room or a Purgatory. She doesn’t know. I like that answer because it is honest.)
****Winkowski says that, while extremely rare, evil spirits do exist. She believes that they are not human and never were. She has deduced this from experience, based on the fact that she can’t talk to them, they are (unlike ghosts) repelled by the Light, and that when they leave a place, she has no idea where they go, because it certainly isn’t via the Light. (This was, by far, the creepiest chapter in the book.)
****My favorite part of the book: animals have spirits, too. Winkowski says that she has seen, frequently, ghosts of household pets that stick around the living out of a sense of loyalty. This makes me happy and, I’m not gonna lie, a bit teary-eyed. I have always believed that all animals have souls, and Winkowski clearly believes this, too, in complete contradiction of Catholic dogma. She says that she sometimes has to trick animals into going into the Light by throwing a toy in the direction of the Light. I don’t know why, but I find this strangely sad and endearing.
****One can actually “make” the Light appear by thinking positive thoughts and sending out waves of love. (I know. I know. This is bordering on New Age-y feel-good shit, but whatever.)
****Apparently, quince seeds placed in doorways can keep ghosts out of the house.
Am I a spiritual convert after reading “When Ghosts Speak”? Probably not, but, then again, my skepticism and cynicism about the ghost realm and the paranormal belies the fact that, deep down, I truly do want to believe.
I was, however, completely unprepared to actually find Ms. Winkowski likable and sincere and down-to-earth. And I didn’t expect to find certain parts of her book moving and emotionally powerful.
To say that I found the book strangely spiritual is almost silly. It is, after all, a book about spirits. Of course, it’s spiritual. Quite literally.
For those who don’t know (and I didn’t before reading this book), Winkowski is the real-life basis for the TV show “The Ghost Whisperer”. She is also an executive producer on the show. I have never seen an episode, for reasons that should be obvious by now. (Hint: re-read the first paragraph of this review.)
Winkowski, besides being a ghost whisperer, is a wife and mother living in a Cleveland suburb. She grew up in Cleveland, and, from a young age, had the ability to see, hear, and communicate with the spirits of the deceased. She has, apparently, made a comfortable living out of attending funerals, visiting haunted houses, or going anywhere that is notoriously “haunted” in order to “clean” the place of spirits. “Cleaning”, by the way, is simply her way of convincing the spirit to enter into the Light that is present for all spirits.
Her supernatural abilities are described so matter-of-factly and nonchalantly that it’s difficult not to believe her. To her, it doesn’t really matter whether you believe it or not. It’s just a fact of her life.
Perhaps it’s because of this that I was won over by her. That, and the fact that she immediately dispels a lot of myths about ghosts and “hauntings” that Hollywood tends to perpetuate. Here are a few interesting facts about ghosts that I learned:
****All ghosts know that they are dead. As Winkowski says, they may not like being dead, but they are fully aware of the fact. She has never had to convince a ghost that he or she is, in fact, no longer among the living.
****Ghosts can not and will not harm a living person intentionally. The Hollywood myth of vengeful, homicidal ghosts is simply that: a myth. This does not mean, however, that ghosts, out of spite, can’t cause problems for the living. She has documented many cases in which the long-term presence of ghosts have created stressful situations for the living, wreaked havoc on marriages, and, in some cases, brought about illnesses.
****The Light is a real thing. Winkowski says that it is present at all times, but some ghosts, for various reasons, refuse to enter it. According to Winkowski, the Light is available for all ghosts, even the spirits of people who have committed horrible crimes such as murder or rape. She doesn’t know what exists on the other side of the Light, only that it is a portal to somewhere. (Winkowski, by the way, is a devout Catholic who believes in heaven and hell, but even she acknowledges that the Light may not be a direct conduit to either place. It may very well be the entrance to a huge after-life waiting room or a Purgatory. She doesn’t know. I like that answer because it is honest.)
****Winkowski says that, while extremely rare, evil spirits do exist. She believes that they are not human and never were. She has deduced this from experience, based on the fact that she can’t talk to them, they are (unlike ghosts) repelled by the Light, and that when they leave a place, she has no idea where they go, because it certainly isn’t via the Light. (This was, by far, the creepiest chapter in the book.)
****My favorite part of the book: animals have spirits, too. Winkowski says that she has seen, frequently, ghosts of household pets that stick around the living out of a sense of loyalty. This makes me happy and, I’m not gonna lie, a bit teary-eyed. I have always believed that all animals have souls, and Winkowski clearly believes this, too, in complete contradiction of Catholic dogma. She says that she sometimes has to trick animals into going into the Light by throwing a toy in the direction of the Light. I don’t know why, but I find this strangely sad and endearing.
****One can actually “make” the Light appear by thinking positive thoughts and sending out waves of love. (I know. I know. This is bordering on New Age-y feel-good shit, but whatever.)
****Apparently, quince seeds placed in doorways can keep ghosts out of the house.
Am I a spiritual convert after reading “When Ghosts Speak”? Probably not, but, then again, my skepticism and cynicism about the ghost realm and the paranormal belies the fact that, deep down, I truly do want to believe.
May 22, 2008
I think what compels the reading of this book is everyone's deep desire to KNOW what happens when we die. Anyone who professes to have some sort of inside information draws us in. I also think that from "creepy feelings" to "dreams" to seeing something unexplainable, each of us has had some sort of experience with the "other side" and we want to put some sort of meaning to those experiences.
Terribly written (writing is obviously not her gift), I found this to be an interesting look into one woman's ability to communicate with, what she calls "earth bound spirits," or those who haven't crossed over into the light.
Some of the things were a little out there for me and hard to believe. I did find fascinating the comparison between what she says happens after we die and my own belief system. They were similar in many ways. She referred to the age of 8 as the age of "accountability" for spirits. I also loved what she said about very young children and babies who pass on. True or not I found it comforting.
I did skip the chapter on evil spirits and demons- It was scary enough contemplating being surrounded by earth bound spirits (there was an especially scary picture of an earth bound spirit that freaked me out), I just couldn't take the discussion of EVIL earth bound spirits.
Three stars, could have been four had it been better written.
Terribly written (writing is obviously not her gift), I found this to be an interesting look into one woman's ability to communicate with, what she calls "earth bound spirits," or those who haven't crossed over into the light.
Some of the things were a little out there for me and hard to believe. I did find fascinating the comparison between what she says happens after we die and my own belief system. They were similar in many ways. She referred to the age of 8 as the age of "accountability" for spirits. I also loved what she said about very young children and babies who pass on. True or not I found it comforting.
I did skip the chapter on evil spirits and demons- It was scary enough contemplating being surrounded by earth bound spirits (there was an especially scary picture of an earth bound spirit that freaked me out), I just couldn't take the discussion of EVIL earth bound spirits.
Three stars, could have been four had it been better written.
September 7, 2016
I absolutely loved this book!! It is written by Mary Ann Winkowski who is the renowned paranormal investigator behind the tv show Ghost Whisperer. Winkowski can only see earthbound spirits - those that haven't crossed over into the light yet. This is different from mediums who can see spirits who have crossed over. I guess even paranormal gifts have their own categories. Her gift also includes being able to 'cross over' earthbound spirits by creating a white light and sending them into it, bringing the spirit peace.
This book is extremely well structured and very informative. With chapter headings such as: 'the truth behind ghosts' 'why some souls stay behind', 'animals' etc the book covers all aspects of earthbound spirits, from why they stay, to how to protect yourself from attracting them and how to get them to cross over. Winkowski relates particular cases to illustrate her point and she remains on topic. She even lists the most common places to find earthbound spirits, who feed off the energy of the living, and the most popular occupations for attracting earthbound spirits.
I could go on and on about this book, because I'm still thinking about it even though I finished it a few days ago, and some of the stories were very touching. Even if you're a non-believer, it would be hard not to be touched by the impact she has on people's lives and how she brings peace to so many spirits and people. I thoroughly recommend this book.
This book is extremely well structured and very informative. With chapter headings such as: 'the truth behind ghosts' 'why some souls stay behind', 'animals' etc the book covers all aspects of earthbound spirits, from why they stay, to how to protect yourself from attracting them and how to get them to cross over. Winkowski relates particular cases to illustrate her point and she remains on topic. She even lists the most common places to find earthbound spirits, who feed off the energy of the living, and the most popular occupations for attracting earthbound spirits.
I could go on and on about this book, because I'm still thinking about it even though I finished it a few days ago, and some of the stories were very touching. Even if you're a non-believer, it would be hard not to be touched by the impact she has on people's lives and how she brings peace to so many spirits and people. I thoroughly recommend this book.
August 1, 2022
Fascinating! I loved her stories about the ghosts she has encountered and how she has helped them. I am sure she is a comfort to the families of the spirits she has helped. I don’t know much about the science behind it and the tools she describes but I feel that what she does is a great service for those who need it. Her stories are so interesting and I loved all the happy endings she described.
May 17, 2009
I loved this book so much. It tells you a lot about spirits and what they do after they pass on. It gives a good look into the after life. I thought it was a very touching book. It helped to comfort me a little and helped me to deal with the loss of some of my close loved ones.
January 14, 2022
Audiobook. I stumbled upon this memoir/book, it was available to listen and so after a second of thought I downloaded it. I’m glad I did! I do like thrilling movies and books usually, however, the beginning of January didn’t sound like an ideal time for a spooky ghost read but I was not creeped out! Mary Ann is very matter of fact, sharing her experiences as if we were sitting around just shooting the breeze and sharing stories-it is so interesting and thought provoking! I am loving that this is Mary Ann’s true account. I’ve never watched the tv show ghost whisperer…I guess this lady’s experiences and talent in seeing and speaking with ghosts is the inspiration for that yet the show has been hollywood-ized she says. She’s part housewife, part Odd Thomas and down to earth. In writing this memoir, she’s trying to demistify the world of earthbound spirits and help people understand that there is often no need to fear ghosts! Hah! She even includes a how-to guide and tips for recognizing an earthbound spirit that might be attached to you and/or avoiding negative energy into your life. Practical??..maybe! But the most important thing to learn is that when your time is up…go to the light!!
June 4, 2020
Nothing personal Ms. Winkowski but as much as I love ghost stories and the idea of them...I really don't care to have afternoon tea with one...and I probably would question the sanity of someone that reported that they have tea with their very own personal ghost on a daily basis. As Stephen King once wrote..."Sometimes dead is better". The book is interesting and highly entertaining rather you believe in ghosts or not...Ms. Winkowski obviously does and so do the people that ask for her advise. The thing that has always bothered me about the people that actively invite them to come into their lives...the ghost hunters...the mediums and so forth...is that they are really dealing with an huge unknown quality and it's odd that no supposed haunting is really ever the same. If this is possible...and I say a big "IF"...it seems that what you have encouraged may not be your sweet old aunt...your loving child...or anything you would would really want to entertain and may not be able to send back.
Actual rating was 3.5 stars
Actual rating was 3.5 stars
June 19, 2017
interesting quick read-The one thing to remember is that we will all die and the right thing to do is cross into the white light. Earthbound spirits are all around.
September 22, 2020
I read this book a few years ago. It’s fascinating to hear about how ghosts affect us and where they go to feed off of our energy. Mary Ann really paints the situations and stories perfectly and she makes a lot of sense. Ghosts aren’t as scary as they are in the money and demons aren’t as common. (I believe she said she has only seen/spoke to a demon twice).
October 16, 2010
I read this trying to get into the mood for halloween--and of course I'm somewhat interested in the topic of ghosts as well. This was a fun read. She sounds sincere and believable, for the most part. I'm not 100% sold that she's telling the truth, but she sounds more sincere than some other people who allegedly see ghosts. She left a lot of questions unanswered, though, and that is what caused me some hesitation.
I was all with her when she explained her "gift" and her childhood, growing up with this ability. And she explained that well. But when she started explaining about the quince seeds, totems, amulets, smudge sticks, etc., I was a little turned off by the fact that she didn't explain how she knew about these items, or why they did what they supposedly did.
Her knowledge about ghosts seemed to be more experiential: I see ghosts, and I don't know any more about them than what I see and what I've heard. But then when talking about this metaphysical items, she just says "this does this." Where in the world did she come up with that? She never says.
So, like I said, I was much more interested in the experiences with what she has seen. Not so interested in methods, rituals, and items which are supposed to have effects on the "other world" since that stuff doesn't seem to be based at all on her experiences with ghosts. In reality, these tidbits are probably just things she has leared from other so-called paranormally-gifted people.
I was all with her when she explained her "gift" and her childhood, growing up with this ability. And she explained that well. But when she started explaining about the quince seeds, totems, amulets, smudge sticks, etc., I was a little turned off by the fact that she didn't explain how she knew about these items, or why they did what they supposedly did.
Her knowledge about ghosts seemed to be more experiential: I see ghosts, and I don't know any more about them than what I see and what I've heard. But then when talking about this metaphysical items, she just says "this does this." Where in the world did she come up with that? She never says.
So, like I said, I was much more interested in the experiences with what she has seen. Not so interested in methods, rituals, and items which are supposed to have effects on the "other world" since that stuff doesn't seem to be based at all on her experiences with ghosts. In reality, these tidbits are probably just things she has leared from other so-called paranormally-gifted people.
January 27, 2015
This was a very interesting book! Mary Ann Winkowski is the inspiration for the show The Ghost Whisperer. Mary is not a psychic who can look into the future or visit crime scenes and get visions of what took place there, but she can see ghosts!
In this book you will learn about the many reasons people choose to become ghosts and how it effects those being haunted. You will be shocked by some of the reasons that people would choose to be ghosts instead of moving on to be with their loved ones in the light.
The only complaint I have with this book and others like it is that it only told a little bit about possible non-human spirits (what some call demons). I understand that she can't talk to them because they simply refuse to talk to her but she did say that she convinces some to move on into the light. It would have been nice if she could have told about getting one of those non-human spirits into the light, and her first encounter with one.
Over all this was an excellent read that held my interest until the very end.
In this book you will learn about the many reasons people choose to become ghosts and how it effects those being haunted. You will be shocked by some of the reasons that people would choose to be ghosts instead of moving on to be with their loved ones in the light.
The only complaint I have with this book and others like it is that it only told a little bit about possible non-human spirits (what some call demons). I understand that she can't talk to them because they simply refuse to talk to her but she did say that she convinces some to move on into the light. It would have been nice if she could have told about getting one of those non-human spirits into the light, and her first encounter with one.
Over all this was an excellent read that held my interest until the very end.
December 20, 2023
I had this book on my Amazon wishlist for ages, and was pretty excited to read it. Unfortunately I was very disappointed and I'll be honest, this is a pretty brutal review. Read at your own discretion.
What I liked:
Some of the stories were interesting, in the way a fictional story would be interesting. As someone who does similar work, I know these stories have been dolled up for an audience.
What I disliked:
It was incredibly repetetive. Whilst each chapter had a different theme, the reader does not learn anything new about what Mary is doing, how it is done, or why it is done. After the first chapter it is just the same story with different faces on it.
There are a few OMG WTF moments that made me actually hate this book and I will include them here.
- Pg 164: "Of all the ways to die, taking your own life can create the most dramatic ripple effect. However, people who commit suicide are generally doing it for selfish reasons and usually aren't concerned too concerned wtih the mess they are leaving behind for others to sort out."
WOW. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Now this was published in 2007, so maybe we have to give 'some' leeway for age. And she's obviously from an older generation herself. But I am still gobsmacked an editor didn't take this out. There is an entire chapter on murders and suicides (as if they're even remotely similar) and this 'sentiment' continues throughout.
As someone who has struggled with depression and suicide ideation AND lost friends and family members to suicide, this sentence is apalling to me.
- Pg 205: "The evil spirits I address in this chapter, on the other hand, are specifically used in negative ways - for instance, to give people power when practicing the dark arts such as certain forms of black magic or satanism"
My main gripe here is the racial connotations around the work 'black magic' and 'dark arts' but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt being that this was published in 07.
- Pg 206: "Any number of rituals can be used to summon spirits. While ouija boards generally attract the attention of earthbound spirits, they can occasionally invite other entities into a home."
further down the page and onto page 207 she goes on to talk about a couple who purchased a home and upon renovating "when they took down the wallpaper, they discovered pentagrams drawn on the walls." they also apparently found a mirror decorated with 'symbols they couldn't recognise' and a ouija board hung up on the wall inside a closet.
"I explained to the couple that the pentagrams on the wall might have been intended to serve as portals. Portals are energy openings between the mortal and spirit worlds that allow spirits to come and go at will. They are usually created in rituals involving specific symbols drawn on walls or floors. Those dabbling in black magic or black witchcraft often use the symbolism without fully comprehending the powers they are invoking."
I won't bother to type out the rest of the nonsense on this page but this was enough to make me throw the book at the wall in frustration.
TELL ME YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WITHOUT TELLING ME.
As a professional witch, psychic and divination expert this was so uneducated and cringeworthy to read. It seems like she makes her assumptions on this based on her own religious (catholic) world view and doesn't actually understand what she's talking about.
Pentagrams are symbols of protection, but she'd know that if she even bothered to do a simple google search, or you know, ask a magical practitioner. Instead she's perpetuating the stereotypes we see in pop culture that negatively impact real witches, Wiccans and occultists the world over.
- Page 211: "Do not dabble in black arts, dark witchcraft, or satanism. Do not play with ouija boards of any type. Do not perform spells intended to summon a spirit to grant you greater power or wealth or fame.
*eye roll*
- Page 257: "As I've said before, I'm not sure why quince seeds work for me, but they certainly do."
She's mentioned putting quince seeds in your pocket, or above doorways about a hundred times in the book for 'protection' yet she doesn't know why?
- Page 258: "I still don't know how my relatives energise the seedsto discourage ghosts from entering houses, but I continue to have faith in their power to keep earthbound spirits at a distance."
I don't know, maybe a phone call would help you fill in this gigantic hole in your information. "Hi, I'm doing research for my book. Those seeds you send me, why/how do they work?" is all you need to do. The fact that you didn't is a big red flag for me and you shouldn't be 'teaching' anyone anything.
Continued on the page; "Smudge Stick. Another simple technique for removing energy and reducing the effects of earthbound spirits in your home or business environment is to cleanse the atmosphere with a smudge stick."
She goes on for 2 more pages about 'smudging' saying it will make the ghosts leave.
Firstly; way to misappropriate a sacred practice from the indigenous peoples of Canada. What she's describing is not the sacred act of 'smudging' but a very generic smoke cleansing.
Smoke cleansing also does not remove spirits or entities, and in fact can make matters worse in a haunting. Banishment is what's needed for removing spirits.
She also lists some protective things such as tobacco and marigolds which made me laugh audibly, seeing as those are very typical offerings for spirits and will likely entice them.
Over all, I hated this book and think the author has no idea what she's talking about and is perpetuating negative and harmful stereotypes and information. It was repeptitive, and honestly felt like a money grab of a book. There was no heart, no feeling and no connection within its pages.
If you want to educate yourself on ghosts and spirits, do yourself a favour and find an actual expert like J. Allen Cross, Mortellus or M. Belanger
What I liked:
Some of the stories were interesting, in the way a fictional story would be interesting. As someone who does similar work, I know these stories have been dolled up for an audience.
What I disliked:
It was incredibly repetetive. Whilst each chapter had a different theme, the reader does not learn anything new about what Mary is doing, how it is done, or why it is done. After the first chapter it is just the same story with different faces on it.
There are a few OMG WTF moments that made me actually hate this book and I will include them here.
- Pg 164: "Of all the ways to die, taking your own life can create the most dramatic ripple effect. However, people who commit suicide are generally doing it for selfish reasons and usually aren't concerned too concerned wtih the mess they are leaving behind for others to sort out."
WOW. I couldn't believe what I was reading. Now this was published in 2007, so maybe we have to give 'some' leeway for age. And she's obviously from an older generation herself. But I am still gobsmacked an editor didn't take this out. There is an entire chapter on murders and suicides (as if they're even remotely similar) and this 'sentiment' continues throughout.
As someone who has struggled with depression and suicide ideation AND lost friends and family members to suicide, this sentence is apalling to me.
- Pg 205: "The evil spirits I address in this chapter, on the other hand, are specifically used in negative ways - for instance, to give people power when practicing the dark arts such as certain forms of black magic or satanism"
My main gripe here is the racial connotations around the work 'black magic' and 'dark arts' but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt being that this was published in 07.
- Pg 206: "Any number of rituals can be used to summon spirits. While ouija boards generally attract the attention of earthbound spirits, they can occasionally invite other entities into a home."
further down the page and onto page 207 she goes on to talk about a couple who purchased a home and upon renovating "when they took down the wallpaper, they discovered pentagrams drawn on the walls." they also apparently found a mirror decorated with 'symbols they couldn't recognise' and a ouija board hung up on the wall inside a closet.
"I explained to the couple that the pentagrams on the wall might have been intended to serve as portals. Portals are energy openings between the mortal and spirit worlds that allow spirits to come and go at will. They are usually created in rituals involving specific symbols drawn on walls or floors. Those dabbling in black magic or black witchcraft often use the symbolism without fully comprehending the powers they are invoking."
I won't bother to type out the rest of the nonsense on this page but this was enough to make me throw the book at the wall in frustration.
TELL ME YOU HAVE NO CLUE WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT WITHOUT TELLING ME.
As a professional witch, psychic and divination expert this was so uneducated and cringeworthy to read. It seems like she makes her assumptions on this based on her own religious (catholic) world view and doesn't actually understand what she's talking about.
Pentagrams are symbols of protection, but she'd know that if she even bothered to do a simple google search, or you know, ask a magical practitioner. Instead she's perpetuating the stereotypes we see in pop culture that negatively impact real witches, Wiccans and occultists the world over.
- Page 211: "Do not dabble in black arts, dark witchcraft, or satanism. Do not play with ouija boards of any type. Do not perform spells intended to summon a spirit to grant you greater power or wealth or fame.
*eye roll*
- Page 257: "As I've said before, I'm not sure why quince seeds work for me, but they certainly do."
She's mentioned putting quince seeds in your pocket, or above doorways about a hundred times in the book for 'protection' yet she doesn't know why?
- Page 258: "I still don't know how my relatives energise the seedsto discourage ghosts from entering houses, but I continue to have faith in their power to keep earthbound spirits at a distance."
I don't know, maybe a phone call would help you fill in this gigantic hole in your information. "Hi, I'm doing research for my book. Those seeds you send me, why/how do they work?" is all you need to do. The fact that you didn't is a big red flag for me and you shouldn't be 'teaching' anyone anything.
Continued on the page; "Smudge Stick. Another simple technique for removing energy and reducing the effects of earthbound spirits in your home or business environment is to cleanse the atmosphere with a smudge stick."
She goes on for 2 more pages about 'smudging' saying it will make the ghosts leave.
Firstly; way to misappropriate a sacred practice from the indigenous peoples of Canada. What she's describing is not the sacred act of 'smudging' but a very generic smoke cleansing.
Smoke cleansing also does not remove spirits or entities, and in fact can make matters worse in a haunting. Banishment is what's needed for removing spirits.
She also lists some protective things such as tobacco and marigolds which made me laugh audibly, seeing as those are very typical offerings for spirits and will likely entice them.
Over all, I hated this book and think the author has no idea what she's talking about and is perpetuating negative and harmful stereotypes and information. It was repeptitive, and honestly felt like a money grab of a book. There was no heart, no feeling and no connection within its pages.
If you want to educate yourself on ghosts and spirits, do yourself a favour and find an actual expert like J. Allen Cross, Mortellus or M. Belanger
July 14, 2023
One thing that really bothered me about this book is that the author called people who commit suicide selfish and said they don't consider the mess they leave behind. See, this is why people kill themselves. You can be in so much pain that you push past that survival instinct and the truly selfish people are still thinking of themselves.
The author mentions that many of her experiences with earthbound suicides are people who killed themselves to make a point. I believe that, because those that took their own life to end the pain probably went into the light quickly in order to get away from this "Me! Me! Me!" society.
The author mentions that many of her experiences with earthbound suicides are people who killed themselves to make a point. I believe that, because those that took their own life to end the pain probably went into the light quickly in order to get away from this "Me! Me! Me!" society.
January 8, 2009
Great book! Really made me think about things. I would suggest this book to ANYONE who has experienced or is experiencing the paranormal. It will provide you a lot of insight into this world. I believed every word she wrote. Very well written also and easy to read. ALso a page turner.
February 17, 2012
This stories shared by Mary Ann is this book are fascinating, enlightening and overall informative of life after death to say the least. For those who may wonder what happens after we leave this body yet before we step into the light this is a must read. C'mon Mary Ann, tell us more!
May 7, 2009
Great book! And after reading this I will now watch what I say at funerals!!!
September 30, 2009
straightforward account from a woman who's been seeing & interacting with ghosts her whole life ~ she is the inspiration & consultant for the tv show Ghost Whisperer
September 1, 2020
I read this book specifically because I thought it might provide useful information on earthbound spirits. Unfortunately, the author's primary focus is telling stories that focus much more on the drama of what she does and her time consulting with the show Ghost Whisperer instead of conveying much in the way of useful information.
One thing that needs to be pointed out is that the author is not a trained spiritual medium. The information presented in the book all appears to be the result of her having tried to figure things out on her own through observation. This unfortunately leads her to make several statements that are incorrect. One particular recurring one is that she distinguishes between communicating with spirits that haven't crossed over and those who have. She is only able to do the former. Someone who was trained in spirit mediumship could tell you that there is no real difference between the two. If you are trained to do one, you can easily do the other.
Her lack of familiarity with mediumship in general also causes her to make incorrect statements about attracting spirits. She states that any number of things such as tarot cards, having a seance, or even meditating can attract negative spirits. Doing some of the things she talks about can attract negative spirits, when used incorrectly or used by someone who isn't trained, but when used properly they don't attract negative spirits, a clarification she never makes. She also states that most spirits attend their own funerals and appear soon after death when they frequently don't. These kinds of blanket statements, seemingly made without consulting with anyone else in her line of work, make the rest of the book seem less credible, including the parts at the end where she talks about advice for encountering earthbound spirits.
For all of the reasons above, this book didn't do much for me. The main people who might be interested in it are fans of the Ghost Whisperer show or people who might enjoy reading her stories about interacting with spirits. If you can suspend thinking about whether or not the stories she tells are true, some of them can be interesting to read (although they do get a bit repetitive). The stories she tells focus on the phenomena and drama of spirit communication, such as learning an earthbound spirit's story and why they are still here and how this relates to the living people around them. However, this book shouldn't be taken as a source of information about spirit mediumship.
One thing that needs to be pointed out is that the author is not a trained spiritual medium. The information presented in the book all appears to be the result of her having tried to figure things out on her own through observation. This unfortunately leads her to make several statements that are incorrect. One particular recurring one is that she distinguishes between communicating with spirits that haven't crossed over and those who have. She is only able to do the former. Someone who was trained in spirit mediumship could tell you that there is no real difference between the two. If you are trained to do one, you can easily do the other.
Her lack of familiarity with mediumship in general also causes her to make incorrect statements about attracting spirits. She states that any number of things such as tarot cards, having a seance, or even meditating can attract negative spirits. Doing some of the things she talks about can attract negative spirits, when used incorrectly or used by someone who isn't trained, but when used properly they don't attract negative spirits, a clarification she never makes. She also states that most spirits attend their own funerals and appear soon after death when they frequently don't. These kinds of blanket statements, seemingly made without consulting with anyone else in her line of work, make the rest of the book seem less credible, including the parts at the end where she talks about advice for encountering earthbound spirits.
For all of the reasons above, this book didn't do much for me. The main people who might be interested in it are fans of the Ghost Whisperer show or people who might enjoy reading her stories about interacting with spirits. If you can suspend thinking about whether or not the stories she tells are true, some of them can be interesting to read (although they do get a bit repetitive). The stories she tells focus on the phenomena and drama of spirit communication, such as learning an earthbound spirit's story and why they are still here and how this relates to the living people around them. However, this book shouldn't be taken as a source of information about spirit mediumship.
October 4, 2024
Kennt ihr noch die Serie „Ghost Whisperer“? Inder Serie konnte Melinda Gordon mit verstorbenen Menschen sprechen und ihnen helfen ins Licht zu gehen.
Turns out, die Serie basiert auf den ‚wahren‘ Erlebnissen von Mary Ann Winkowski, die seit Jahrzehnten als Medium arbeitet und eben genau das macht: Geister ins Jenseits schicken. Und Mary Ann hat natürlich auch ein Buch darüber geschrieben.
„When Ghosts speak“ ist irgendwas zwischen Biografie und frequently asked questions.
Ich weiß nicht so wirklich was ich erwartet habe; ob ich wollte das sie mich von Geistern überzeugt, mir eine neue spirituelle Welt eröffnet oder sie sich als verrückte Spinnerin entpuppt. Es ist weder noch passiert.
In dem Buch ist generell nicht viel passiert.
In dem Buch erzählt Mary Ann, wie sie Ihre Gabe verstorbene Menschen zu sehen entdeckt hat, ihrem Leben, wie sie das „Licht“ ins Jenseits erschafft und von den spannendsten Fällen, die sie begleitet hat.
Sie erzählt aber auch von den Dingen, die sie in all den Jahrzehnten, in denen sie schon mit Geistern spricht von ihnen und über sie gelernt hat.
Das Buch ist gefüllt mit Wissen, das du in der Regel auch als „Laie“ (oder Person, die schon einmal in ihrem Leben ein Film mit der Thematik gesehen hat) bereits besitzt. So wie: Geister sind Seelen verstorbener, die nicht ins Jenseits gegangen sind oder Geister sind Energien und die kannst du spüren.
Sehr viele von den Geschichten im Buch ähneln stark einzelnen Ghost Whisperer Folgen. Das hat mir gefallen.
Es gab aber auch Dinge in dem Buch, von denen sie berichtet hat, die ich extrem spannend fand. Ich weiß natürlich nicht ob irgendetwas aus dem Buch stimmt. Aber insgesamt liest es sich ein wenig Emotionslos und es werden ständig dieselben drei Dinge wiederholt. Teilweise kommt es mir vor wie ein künstlich aufgebauschtes Gratis-E-Book von einem x-beliebigen Coach.
Es war insgesamt ganz nett, aber ich hätte nichts verloren, wenn ich es nicht gelesen hätte.
Turns out, die Serie basiert auf den ‚wahren‘ Erlebnissen von Mary Ann Winkowski, die seit Jahrzehnten als Medium arbeitet und eben genau das macht: Geister ins Jenseits schicken. Und Mary Ann hat natürlich auch ein Buch darüber geschrieben.
„When Ghosts speak“ ist irgendwas zwischen Biografie und frequently asked questions.
Ich weiß nicht so wirklich was ich erwartet habe; ob ich wollte das sie mich von Geistern überzeugt, mir eine neue spirituelle Welt eröffnet oder sie sich als verrückte Spinnerin entpuppt. Es ist weder noch passiert.
In dem Buch ist generell nicht viel passiert.
In dem Buch erzählt Mary Ann, wie sie Ihre Gabe verstorbene Menschen zu sehen entdeckt hat, ihrem Leben, wie sie das „Licht“ ins Jenseits erschafft und von den spannendsten Fällen, die sie begleitet hat.
Sie erzählt aber auch von den Dingen, die sie in all den Jahrzehnten, in denen sie schon mit Geistern spricht von ihnen und über sie gelernt hat.
Das Buch ist gefüllt mit Wissen, das du in der Regel auch als „Laie“ (oder Person, die schon einmal in ihrem Leben ein Film mit der Thematik gesehen hat) bereits besitzt. So wie: Geister sind Seelen verstorbener, die nicht ins Jenseits gegangen sind oder Geister sind Energien und die kannst du spüren.
Sehr viele von den Geschichten im Buch ähneln stark einzelnen Ghost Whisperer Folgen. Das hat mir gefallen.
Es gab aber auch Dinge in dem Buch, von denen sie berichtet hat, die ich extrem spannend fand. Ich weiß natürlich nicht ob irgendetwas aus dem Buch stimmt. Aber insgesamt liest es sich ein wenig Emotionslos und es werden ständig dieselben drei Dinge wiederholt. Teilweise kommt es mir vor wie ein künstlich aufgebauschtes Gratis-E-Book von einem x-beliebigen Coach.
Es war insgesamt ganz nett, aber ich hätte nichts verloren, wenn ich es nicht gelesen hätte.
July 2, 2023
I bought this audiobook through a discount sale. I’ve always had an interest in the paranormal and life after death and this held my attention during an all day drive. The author, Mary Ann Winkowski narrates her book which I prefer.
She talks about her years growing up and having a “gift” to see ghosts. She, along with her grandmother and her daughter, share this gift.
She focuses primarily on what she knows which are “earth bound ghosts”. The book talks about working cold cases with local and even federal law enforcement. Some requested her help, some the family and once an officer she knew came to her to share the location of his body and information on his killers. She’s assisted in about every scenario imaginable.
She is very specific on what she knows, what she doesn’t know, things she recommends and things she warns against relating to spirits. The end of the book goes into depth on talismans, crystals, salts, curses, etc…that was interesting but didn’t hold my attention as well as her stories. I enjoyed hearing her tell story after story of her communications between spirits and the living along with all that went well and which situations went very wrong.
Whether you believe in ghosts or life after death, I found the story at a good pace with interesting tales of encounters and even her working as the consultant on the TV show “The Ghost Whisperer”.
I meant to only try out a chapter or two but quickly found that I had finished the book. Holding one’s attention through an entire book gets a 4 from me regardless of what the book is about, true or not.
Give it a listen, or read and you might find her explanations of ghosts and life after death, interesting as well.
She talks about her years growing up and having a “gift” to see ghosts. She, along with her grandmother and her daughter, share this gift.
She focuses primarily on what she knows which are “earth bound ghosts”. The book talks about working cold cases with local and even federal law enforcement. Some requested her help, some the family and once an officer she knew came to her to share the location of his body and information on his killers. She’s assisted in about every scenario imaginable.
She is very specific on what she knows, what she doesn’t know, things she recommends and things she warns against relating to spirits. The end of the book goes into depth on talismans, crystals, salts, curses, etc…that was interesting but didn’t hold my attention as well as her stories. I enjoyed hearing her tell story after story of her communications between spirits and the living along with all that went well and which situations went very wrong.
Whether you believe in ghosts or life after death, I found the story at a good pace with interesting tales of encounters and even her working as the consultant on the TV show “The Ghost Whisperer”.
I meant to only try out a chapter or two but quickly found that I had finished the book. Holding one’s attention through an entire book gets a 4 from me regardless of what the book is about, true or not.
Give it a listen, or read and you might find her explanations of ghosts and life after death, interesting as well.
February 23, 2020
Audiobook
Story: C/C-, Narration: A-/B+
Not a review, just some thoughts for personal reference. Spoilers.
Mixed feelings. Do I really believe that MAW talks to ghosts? No. So, do I think she's an outright charlatan? Well, no. How do I reconcile those two things? I can't. And I'm ok with that.
If there's a 10-point scale for people who are attuned to another plane and unseen things, and MAW is at a 9.5/10, then I'm maybe a 0.5. I have the sensitivity of a rock. That said, I have seen/felt/dreamed things that make me reluctant to dismiss the possibility completely.
If she brings comfort to people and isn't causing harm, then I don't see the big deal. Plus, believer or not, I love ghost stories. Even the hokey, so obviously fake tv shows. (Zak: Did you hear that? Me: No. Zak: Let me replay it on this highly-accurate ghost recorder. Me: Still no. LOL.)
But, I would have liked more stories and more details. Many of the cases/incidents just weren't very memorable to me. And I really didn't need some of the information, like how to break a curse, but maybe some people would be interested.
Basically, I liked MAW. She seems like a genuine, decent person. Very practical and down-to-earth. She did a good job with the book narration, too. Obviously not trained as a speaker and wasn't polished, but it was still very listenable, like having a real person talk to you. And I loved hearing her Midwestern accent. Regional accents are becoming less defined these days and I think that's a loss.
So, whether I believed or not, I found this an entertaining read that went by quickly on my long commutes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2023
As many people who follow me know, I will read almost any genre, but I tend to veer towards the paranormal and horror genres the most. I love ghost stories, whether they are true or just a spooky imagined story. I've had experiences in my life that have led me down this path, and I probably keep turning these for answers.
This one falls under the non-fiction realm, you won't find it in the fiction section of your library, if you do, it is misplaced. Despite this usually being one of my favorite types of books, I just was not feeling the author. She is a psychic that has the sight and can see ghosts, according to her it runs in her family. I may just be put off due to all the other books I've read on the subject, and she throws most of that out the window in how she describes how she sees ghosts and what they really are and also how ghost hunters aren't always telling the truth. I may in the future change my mind about how she tells the stories, however it will take some author people to write about it in a similar way, when sharing their own experiences.
The thing I did like about the book was how she broke down the different types of ghosts, and how she goes about helping them if she can. It has an easy to follow layout and you can find what interests you the most quickly and effectively. Other than that, I am still a skeptic in some of the things she talks about, which is hard for me to say with my love on the subject of ghosts.
This one falls under the non-fiction realm, you won't find it in the fiction section of your library, if you do, it is misplaced. Despite this usually being one of my favorite types of books, I just was not feeling the author. She is a psychic that has the sight and can see ghosts, according to her it runs in her family. I may just be put off due to all the other books I've read on the subject, and she throws most of that out the window in how she describes how she sees ghosts and what they really are and also how ghost hunters aren't always telling the truth. I may in the future change my mind about how she tells the stories, however it will take some author people to write about it in a similar way, when sharing their own experiences.
The thing I did like about the book was how she broke down the different types of ghosts, and how she goes about helping them if she can. It has an easy to follow layout and you can find what interests you the most quickly and effectively. Other than that, I am still a skeptic in some of the things she talks about, which is hard for me to say with my love on the subject of ghosts.
October 31, 2018
Audiobook
5 STARS
I was skeptical about this one at first, only because listening and or reading about the spiritual world tends to open portals. Weird it must seem to you non believers for me saying that right? I really enjoyed this book. I know most people think spirit beings and the paranormal is a bunch of bull, but that’s only because you haven’t experienced it personally. Spirits are everywhere. I had a child attached to me for many years. She was not dangerous nor did she really bother me much. I just got used to her. I didn’t see her. I could only feel her and she’d knock on walls, giggle, and poke my husband in his sleep. Lol! After my youngest child was born, this spirit started to get a little ornery. Maybe jealous? I guess she was feeding off the energy of my family, because there’s a lot! When we were packing to move to a new home, I apologized and simply told her that she couldn’t come with us, and that it was time for her to go where she’s supposed to go. To the light, or to heaven to be with her own family. She caused some disruption for a few days, and I apologized again. I Told her we’d meet again in heaven when it was my turn to go. We moved, and she didn’t follow me. I think of her often, and sometimes I even miss her. If you have an interest in spirits, this is great insight!
5 STARS
I was skeptical about this one at first, only because listening and or reading about the spiritual world tends to open portals. Weird it must seem to you non believers for me saying that right? I really enjoyed this book. I know most people think spirit beings and the paranormal is a bunch of bull, but that’s only because you haven’t experienced it personally. Spirits are everywhere. I had a child attached to me for many years. She was not dangerous nor did she really bother me much. I just got used to her. I didn’t see her. I could only feel her and she’d knock on walls, giggle, and poke my husband in his sleep. Lol! After my youngest child was born, this spirit started to get a little ornery. Maybe jealous? I guess she was feeding off the energy of my family, because there’s a lot! When we were packing to move to a new home, I apologized and simply told her that she couldn’t come with us, and that it was time for her to go where she’s supposed to go. To the light, or to heaven to be with her own family. She caused some disruption for a few days, and I apologized again. I Told her we’d meet again in heaven when it was my turn to go. We moved, and she didn’t follow me. I think of her often, and sometimes I even miss her. If you have an interest in spirits, this is great insight!
July 8, 2017
This was an interesting and educational book about earthbound ghosts and the author's experience and stories about releasing them into the light. I didn't find this book overly exciting and I ended it being a little more confused in regards to legit spirit visits who may appear ghostlike and actual ghosts. It seems there may be a fine line between the 2 as the author talks about the ghosts being able to come back in dreams and doesn't mention other ways spirits may come to visit.
I am and am not surprised as to the variety of ways that ghosts can haunt places and I am surprised there are so many ghosts around and how they can attach themselves to all sorts of things and just randomly come home with you. As if I need another thing to worry about, lol.
If you like this kind of subject matter you will find this book easy to read and the author's experiences interesting and sometimes downright awkward. Maybe this book will raise other questions for you, maybe not.
I am and am not surprised as to the variety of ways that ghosts can haunt places and I am surprised there are so many ghosts around and how they can attach themselves to all sorts of things and just randomly come home with you. As if I need another thing to worry about, lol.
If you like this kind of subject matter you will find this book easy to read and the author's experiences interesting and sometimes downright awkward. Maybe this book will raise other questions for you, maybe not.
July 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this down-to-earth book by Mary Ann Winkowski. In it, the author explains her views and experiences while making ghost-watching seem like a totally normal pastime. My favorite parts of the book entailed Mary Ann's firsthand accounts of ghostly conversations. The tips and suggestions were not my cup of tea, but might be interesting for someone who plans to try something like smudging. I read this for its entertainment factor and was pleasantly surprised by the amount of ghost stories it contained.
When Ghosts Speak wasn't spooky or scary at all. In fact, the author even points out that her career choice is disappointingly boring to many people. The writing style is simple and not polished, which lends an air of authenticity. I enjoyed this book and would like to see a larger compilation of the author's stories.
When Ghosts Speak wasn't spooky or scary at all. In fact, the author even points out that her career choice is disappointingly boring to many people. The writing style is simple and not polished, which lends an air of authenticity. I enjoyed this book and would like to see a larger compilation of the author's stories.
December 10, 2019
I picked this book up out of interest, as I watched the series
Ghost Whisperer
and the author, Mary Ann Winkowski, was the person Jennifer Love Hewitt's character was based on.
The book was very interesting with intriguing stories and possibly helpful tips on how to deal with Earthbound Spirits. I loved Winkowski's various anecdotes about what certain ghosts had got up to, along with the stupidity of some people that she has come across, who try to encourage spirits into their lives.
A good read and sure to be a great conversation piece with other people interested in the supernatural.
The book was very interesting with intriguing stories and possibly helpful tips on how to deal with Earthbound Spirits. I loved Winkowski's various anecdotes about what certain ghosts had got up to, along with the stupidity of some people that she has come across, who try to encourage spirits into their lives.
A good read and sure to be a great conversation piece with other people interested in the supernatural.
December 23, 2022
Fascinating book by a Cleveland, Ohio native. I learned the difference between earthbound spirits and those that have crossed over. The book is extremely educational. e.g. the spirit of almost every dead person is at the funeral and then it crosses over into the light. If, for some reason, it does not cross over then it is trapped here and it must look for high energy places to keep themselves active. Energy, negative or positive, is their “food.” Winkowski is a remarkable woman who has made a career of finding and helping earth bounds cross into the light.
March 7, 2017
I have to admit that I was skeptical before reading this book, as I always am with such works, even given my own experiences, connections, and abilities with the spirit world. However, overall, I was pleasantly surprised and did find a lot of useful information here. Mostly, I had it reinforced that my abilities usually do not entail communicating with earthbound spirits, but rather people who have crossed over, and then communicate through dreams etc. However, I have definitely had experiences while awake, though I do not see spirits as vividly or as often as Mary Ann. At any rate, I did find this book rather validating to my own experiences, with both regular and the more rare evil spirits... and I especially liked the information near the end about protecting yourself. I have had my own ways of doing that, but it's good to have more information.
At first when she mentioned creating the light for people to cross over, I thought she was sort of playing God in a way, but then better understood when she explained that spirits can find the light on their own too.
I will say, though, that as a mental health professional I was put off by her calling suicide selfish, as when people are in that suicidal state, they are often not thinking as they normally would (in many cases) and impulsively act because they just want the pain to stop. In other cases, maybe with chronic illness or mental illness, it has been planned out. Either way, I don't see the point in calling them selfish, despite the collateral damage that may be caused. I do acknowledge that some people do kill themselves to spite others, that may be a different story. I think the bottom line is I often cringe when I hear people call suicides selfish as a gross generalization of a really complex and complicated behavior.
Other than that, I did agree with most of what she said, though I wasn't aware that tarot cards could invite spirits into your house... I've never used them, but have never heard that before. Anyway, if you think you may have some spirit abilities/intuition, this is worth checking out and is just interesting in general.
At first when she mentioned creating the light for people to cross over, I thought she was sort of playing God in a way, but then better understood when she explained that spirits can find the light on their own too.
I will say, though, that as a mental health professional I was put off by her calling suicide selfish, as when people are in that suicidal state, they are often not thinking as they normally would (in many cases) and impulsively act because they just want the pain to stop. In other cases, maybe with chronic illness or mental illness, it has been planned out. Either way, I don't see the point in calling them selfish, despite the collateral damage that may be caused. I do acknowledge that some people do kill themselves to spite others, that may be a different story. I think the bottom line is I often cringe when I hear people call suicides selfish as a gross generalization of a really complex and complicated behavior.
Other than that, I did agree with most of what she said, though I wasn't aware that tarot cards could invite spirits into your house... I've never used them, but have never heard that before. Anyway, if you think you may have some spirit abilities/intuition, this is worth checking out and is just interesting in general.
November 29, 2017
If like me you believe that we exist beyond this life in spirit form you would enjoy this book. Very informative, this medium takes a lot of the mystery out of earthbound spirits we commonly refer to as ghosts. If she is honest, the author explains her gift, the nature of ghosts, separates fact from fiction, and how to accept that there is more beyond our known existence of this lifetime. If open minded you might enjoy this and make you think.
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