An Ancestor Reading for RuthAnn

What is an Ancestor Reading?

Ancestors are family members (or friends) that have passed away but choose to 'come through' for you in times of need so that they can offer you guidance in the form of a message. I will request specific information from your ancestor so that you can positively identify them. I will sometimes see your ancestors, hear them, or feel their presence along with their name and I will do my best to capture whatever message they have for you. It can be reassuring to know that you are being watched over and loved by those who truly care for your well-being.

Spirit Guides are wise teachers and guardians from another dimension that advise and protect us. They are dis-incarnate spirits (ie. animal totems, angels, nature spirits) that can act as spiritual counselors or protectors for us, during our time of need.

How is it done?

I work to prepare myself energetically and physically through yoga, meditation and chakra balancing. I work with oracle cards of my own design along with healing crystals in response to your questions. I request from Spirit an open heart and a clear channel to provide you with information that is only of the highest, deepest and most profound good for your soul.

You can learn more about my readings here - http://KathyCrabbe.com

An Ancestor Reading for RuthAnn Dickinson

*This reading was done for RuthAnn in late August, 2009 and is published with kind permission - you can read her comments at the end of this post.

This reading is in response to your wish for a connection with Jeffrey, Geraldine or Bill.

I believe that it is Jeffrey that I am connecting with at this time.

- Jeffrey makes me smile – he has a wide face, very open to everything and smiling.

- He really wants to play!

- I see him with straight, short hair that was blonde when he was young and then it darkened to beigey-light brown when he got older.

- He appears to be a bit pudgey (overweight), but comfortably so.

- I’m also getting an image of you wearing tall black boots and he’s picking you up off the ground.

- Someone named ‘Jimmy’ is around too.

- He shows me the backyard (grassy) where he used to play. I also see trees changing color (Pennsylvania?)

- Was he your older brother?

- I am getting the number ‘51’ in relation to his death.

- He did like sports, but was good at other things as well – such as accounting.

- He was a warm man and liked to flirt too, but that got him in trouble!

- His wife appears quite plain (Ann?) with straight blonde hair. She appears practical and simple and he says, “She was a good mother to our kids… (I see three) …whereas I didn’t always do what was good for me!”

For you RuthAnn, he says, “I always admired you. You knew what your were doing.”

- I’m also seeing that he may have sensed his own death ahead of time.

- In regards to how he died, I get a sense of pinching (of veins, arteries?) and shrinking, a caving in on himself.

- He comes really close (to me) to say that he “always loved you.”

- I’m also seeing some sort of blue-grey ring with a flower petal like silver lacing around it. Then he says, “Remember me dear heart” and he clutches your hand and the ring.

- I say good bye to him and I see him leaving with a small fluffy white ball of a dog and he waves goodbye (he may be riding a bike also).

RuthAnn's Comments are in red below:

This has been the most emotional reading yet… a release of tears that I so dispiritedly needed. I yearn for more time with him. I need to find a way to contact him myself. I have been trying to do so for 32 years. I still trust him alone to guide me… for he knew what he was doing.. only he didn’t know that.

I can not thank you enough for this reading… emotions that I have buried far too long are being released... although it is sad, it is also cleansing. Thank you.

I believe that it is Jeffrey that I am connecting with at this time. I am so happy it was Jeffrey that you connected with.

- Jeffrey makes me smile – he has a wide face, very open to everything and smiling. Jeffrey was always smiling and made all that were around him smile

- I see him with straight, short hair that was blonde when he was young and then it darkened to beigey-light brown when he got older. His hair was almost white when he was a toddler , and turned a dark brown as he grew up

- He appears to be a bit pudgey (overweight), but comfortably so. Jeff was only 5’5” and we like to say “sturdy” or “stocky.”

- I’m also getting an image of you wearing tall black boots and he’s picking you up off the ground. I use to jump into his fishing waders and get stuck.. so he’d have to lift me out

- He shows me the backyard (grassy) where he used to play. I also see trees changing color (Pennsylvania?) We grew up in eastern PA… he and I would play in the backyard which blended into a large grassy field.

- Was he your older brother? Yes, 4 years older than me and my hero.. he always looked out for me.

- I am getting the number ‘51’ in relation to his death. hmmm the only thing that comes to mind is that I will be 51 in 2 months

- He did like sports, but was good at other things as well – such as accounting. He played football and fished. He also liked using an abacus

- He was a warm man and liked to flirt too, but that got him in trouble! Boy, did it ever get him in to trouble... that makes me smile… his flirting was in such a giving manner.

- His wife appears quite plain (Ann?) with straight blonde hair. She appears practical and simple and he says, “She was a good mother to our kids… (I see three) …whereas I didn’t always do what was good for me!” His wife’s name was Susan and she has blonde hair and looks like Joanne Woodward. They did not have children, but I have 3.

For you RuthAnn, he says, “I always admired you. You knew what your were doing.” Jeffrey was the only one of my family that believed in me and supported me unconditionally.

- I’m also seeing that he may have sensed his own death ahead of time… Yes, for he committed suicide.

- In regards to how he died, I get a sense of pinching (of veins, arteries?) and shrinking, a caving in on himself. *tears* for his internal suffering in life and in death. It is good to know he is the happy-go-lucky Jeffrey in his eternal life.

- He comes really close (to me) to say that he “always loved you.” I never doubted his love.. not even now.

- I’m also seeing some sort of blue-grey ring with a flower petal like silver lacing around it. Then he says, “Remember me dear heart” and he clutches your hand and the ring. I shall be on the look out for that ring, a day does not go my without him in my heart… always... always with me.

- I say good bye to him and I see him leaving with a small fluffy white ball of a dog and he waves goodbye (he may be riding a bike also). I so wish he would come visit me.. I miss him terribly.. I do need him

To see more Sample Readings please click here and to purchase an Ancestor Reading please go here.

Our Special Club - What To Do if Your Child Sees Dead People

Jamie sees ghosts...all the time. So when her oldest son started seeing them too, she knew it was time to face facts and admit what was happening, not just for her own peace of mind, but for her son's sake as well. This is her story.

"Our Special Club" - Jamie's Story

Something I have spent the majority of my life avoiding is ghosts. I have had interactions with them for as long as I can remember and if you ask my mom, even before I can remember. I have avoided them partially out of fear built up over the years, but originally I avoided them because of the stigma and the loneliness I experienced being that kind of “different”.

I’ve decided to stop avoiding them. I’m taking baby steps to embrace this ability and learn what I need to learn to still feel in control of my pragmatic life. Why now? What changed?

My son. My gifted oldest is my main "Why". I have 2 sons, but only one has exhibited signs that are all too familiar to me. It began in his infancy. He woke up many nights screaming and trembling and seeming genuinely frightened by something. He would also tell us how “shadows were pinching him” and how all the talking in his room was keeping him awake. We’ve also watched him play and interact with people we couldn’t see. He has been able to answer questions or complain about orders that haven’t been spoken out loud, but were being thought of at that exact moment. This particular skill has lessened over his five years, but we still have a kid with an extraordinary gift on our hands.

I want him to feel supported and accepted. I want him to know that someone understands what he’s dealing with, but first, I must allow myself to accept my own “gift”. How can I lead and support him unless I do?

In the beginning, my husband and I decided to listen to him and his experiences and make sure he felt heard and never tell him he was wrong or imagining things (because that's what caused my stress as a kid). I didn’t want to ask leading questions or make a big deal of it. I thought just listening would be enough.

I was wrong.

His anxiety continued to grow. What I didn’t take into consideration was the rest of the world’s reactions to his stories. As a parent, sometimes I forget that I am not the entire world to this baby (excuse me, five year old…) anymore. He was still terrified of the dark and being alone and he still seemed hesitant to share what he was experiencing.

The constant feedback he was receiving from the world in general (friends, grandma, television, etc.) was that ghosts aren’t real. Imagine how confusing this must have been for him! What I realized was that I was not helping by simply listening to him without judgment. He needed validation.

One day, I made a choice to have a conversation with him, an event that I thought would happen much later down the road, but I knew it couldn’t wait. It was sad and frustrating to watch him react in such an anxious way to his experiences and, it was bleeding over into all of his everyday experiences, not just the paranormal ones.

We sat down one afternoon and discussed the way he and I are “special”. I explained that I knew what he was seeing and hearing was real, but not everyone else agreed. As the words rolled off my tongue, I could see the anxiety being lifted. He and I had our own special club. For the first time in a while, I saw a child-like lightness in him. We talked about how some people just can’t see or hear what we do, so they don’t believe it’s real. And we talked about the people in our lives that DO believe us, and how maybe we should only talk to those people about our experiences. You may think that this was too much for a five year old to comprehend, but he clearly got it. The smile on his face showed me that.

He was so excited about our special club, that as soon as his daddy got home, he promptly told him that he and I had this club that daddy was not invited to be a part of because he was not special like us.

That simple conversation has changed things for us around here for the better. His general anxiety level with day to day things has lessened dramatically. Now, when he hears a “voice”, being the logical and analytical kid he is, he will check first to make sure it wasn’t another living person in the house. When he learns it wasn’t a friend or family member, he usually just shrugs and goes about his business. He now tells us these experiences in a very matter-of-fact way.

In the beginning it was my gifted son who was my "Why", but along the way I have collected several others and I continue to work with them in our special club on an ongoing basis.

You can participate in Jamie's Special Online Clubs at:

Her Website - ReluctantMedium.com

Her Facebook Page

Readings by Kathy Crabbe - Soul Reader: For those interested in a mediumship reading to connect with the dearly departed I do offer readings at http://KathyCrabbe.com

SharedBliss: Artist & Soul Reader Kathy Crabbe of LuLu Design

This blog article was originally written by Christine C. Reed for her blog BlissChick on May 13, 2009.

In the midst of someone's dying, it can be difficult to see anything but your own sadness over losing them. Your own grief that they will be gone -- or at least their gross self will be gone. Their subtle self is never gone.

A few years ago, though, I did not know that. Even after being given the gift of a near death experience, I still doubted, and I got to the point of utter denial. I got to that very soul deadening place of over-intellectualizing everything, and in thinking I was so smart, I was living pretty dumb. Then two big deaths came and cracked open my hardened heart. Thank God!

At the time, it felt like the crack might just do me in, but of course, it is that cracking open that allows the light to enter, allows the real life to begin.

With my newly opened heart, I decided to stop listening so much to my closed mind, and I headed, for the first time in my life, to a place near hear called Lily Dale to meet with a medium.

What?! My smarty brain self was saying. What the hell are you doing? Are you becoming some sort of freaking freak?

I told my brain, via my heart, that I would rather be a freaking freak with people who remain open to all possibility than to be closed off and cynical with the people who think they are so smart.

And that was that. I still fight that urge, sometimes, to question, to scoff, but mostly, deaths that felt so awful ended a part of me that needed to die.

People like Kathy Crabbe are here to help us with our hearts.

An artist and soul reader, Kathy Crabbe shows you where the cracks are and helps us to let the light in.

You can find her art here and you can even get a virtual reading through here.

Cards that Kathy designed and uses in her readings.

Describe the PrimaryBliss of your life. How did you come to know that this was your PrimaryBliss?

Currently, my primary bliss is working as a soul reader, psychic-medium, and spiritual healer in a one-on-one relationship with clientswho are seeking transformation and inner knowing so that they can live the life of their dreams.

Previously, I had been a full time artist, but when I started getting closer to age forty I started yearning for an even deeper connection with my clients. I wanted to communicate with them, not just on a visual level, but through words as well.

What types of choices and sacrifices did you make to be able to craft this bliss-filled life?

I made the choice to spend the majority of my time exploring soul, spirit, and the divine in ways that enabled me to express my own innate gifts and strengths. Instead of working with my weaknesses and trying to improve upon them, I decided to focus instead on my strengths. (The StrengthsFinder test that I learned about in my coaching sessions with Jenn Lee of Artizen Coaching helped me identify my strengths.)

I don’t feel as though sacrifice is a word that applies to my life. I prefer to work with the word ‘choice.’ I have chosen a life that allows me plenty of free time, solitude, peace, and quiet so that I can progress in a way that benefits my work and my clients.

How does your PrimaryBliss radiate out into the rest of your life?

My belief is that one should “walk their talk” so my hope is that by living my own life in a positive, caring, and soul centered way, it will inspire others to do the same for themselves.

What are some other activities that also give you this sense of bliss? Things that make you lose track of time?

Dancing, music, walking, swimming, being in nature, meditation, reading, laughing with friends, painting, sketching in nature, traveling with my husband, and playing with my dog.

What is your daily or weekly spiritual practice?

I work on soul readings 5 days a week. In preparation for a reading,  I work to center myself in the present through 15 minutes of yoga, followed by playing my Native American flute, meditation, and prayer. I end my readings with prayers and healing blessings. I also get out in nature and walk my dog every day, which to me is a spiritual practice!

What music is your bliss?

I really enjoy Celtic music and electronic trance/dance music.

Name books or authors/poets or people who are your bliss, who influenced your bliss.

My favorite author is Margaret Atwood, for her brilliance and biting humor, plus she connects me with my Canadian roots, as does the poetry of Al Purdy, another blunt, humorous and brilliant thinker, who also happens to write poetry about beer.

I love reading the Seth books in bits and pieces along with the astrological and channeled books of Barbara Hand Clow.

What advice would you give to someone who feels they have not yet discovered their PrimaryBliss?

Sometimes patience is all that’s required. It takes time to really understand what’s important. I never did find the perfect guide or mentor; I learned in bits and pieces from everyone and everything, taking and leaving what worked and what didn’t work – it’s all a patchwork quilt, every life is unique, so don’t expect any one person to have all the answers – that’s advice that pertains to me, but again, it may not pertain to you!

Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?

“When in doubt, twirl.” (Ted Shawn, Choreographer)

I think that may be one of my favorite quotes to show up in one of these interviews. I thought, yep, that would totally work -- just twirl.

I also love that Kathy points out something that is so obvious but that I think we forget in this perfectionist, Puritan-leaning culture: to do what comes naturally, to work with your strengths, rather than focusing on your weaknesses and trying, trying, trying to "improve" them.

Who said it was supposed to be that hard!?

We are sent here with natural gifts, and those gifts will lead us to our Great Work if we allow them to.

What would happen to your life if you simply focused on your strengths day to day, hour to hour?

Sample of a Soul Reading (no questions)

What is a Soul Reading?

During a reading guidance is received from the Divine in response to your questions about love, career, healing, and karmic destiny. In some cases your spirit guides and ancestors will also pop in to say hello and share a message or two.

I work to prepare myself energetically and physically through yoga, meditation and chakra balancing. I work with oracle cards of my own design along with healing crystals in response to your questions. I request from Spirit an open heart and a clear channel to provide you with information that is only of the highest, deepest and most profound good for your soul. My style of reading is down-to earth, honest, and informative with conscientious follow-up!

A Soul Reading (no questions) Sample

*This reading is being shared with client permission*

My First Impressions:
- The first thing I looked at in your reading was your overall energy pattern and I sensed quite a bit of the color red, indicating anger.
- I sensed that someone was trying to run from you and this is why you are angry.

I also pulled a card from my Goddess Zodiac Power deck and it is called the “Libra Goddess.”

Libra has a gift for relationships of all types. Your challenge is to learn how to handle conflict, and not to take responsibility for everyone’s happiness, but to support others’ rights to self-responsibility.

Libra Affirmation:
"I am in harmony with the universe."
"My inner scales are in perfect balance."
"I see beauty all around me."

- I suggest that you work with a gemstone called Blue Topaz to help you clear your energy and clear the air.

Blue Topaz can help you to feel and release your anger. This can help you gain a better understanding of why this emotional pain is necessary for you right now.

- I see a priest, and you are talking to him for help.
- Getting lots of sleep and especially dreaming, will help you relax and work through things.
- I can see that your mother is there to help you also.

I pull a second card for you, to look further into the future and it is called “Kuan Yin – Capricorn Goddess.”

Capricorn seeks effectiveness, integrity, practicality and self-sufficiency.

Capricorn Resources: self-discipline, common sense, logic, patience, persistence, self-sufficiency.

- I can see you shaking your head as if to say, “No” – you want more than just to have three children. You have a fire in you!

A piece of my stone collection, called Petrified Wood was also calling to me, meaning that a spirit guide or ancestor wanted to come through.

Petrified Wood allows us to access our roots or beginnings, which are stored on a cellular level, drawing strength and knowledge from our ancestors and our lineage. This allows us to “speak” to those who went before and gain wisdom from them. Honour where you have been, release the old, and allow yourself to move forward in a new direction.

- Your Grandma Eilee (Ailee?) wants you to align with her. She was a very sensible woman and I see her wearing bits of white lace around her face.
- She also liked to cook fish!
- I see her wagging her finger at you and saying, “Don’t go with that boy!”

To end this soul reading I am sending you a blessing to surround you with clarity during this time of transition.

You can book a soul reading on my website - http://KathyCrabbe.com

How To Get Ready For Your Soul Reading

Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for your reading so that you can have the best experience possible.

Be Prepared

The clearer your questions are, the clearer my responses will be and I would definitely advise you to check out my areas of specialty beforehand. If one or more of these tools or techniques appeals to you please let me know. Also, be sure and take a look at these soul reading samples to see if my style of reading fits your needs. I want to make sure we’re a good fit before we begin. Most people find the experience of getting a reading to be fun, inspirational and healing.

Plan on receiving an excellent reading

If this is your first reading, or you're feeling unsure or skeptical please try and keep an open mind so that the reading can take effect, both consciously and subconsciously, in direct and subtle ways. After a few days, you can question and analyze your reading from a more intellectual point of view.

Keep an open mind and heart

Sometimes a client can be so resistant to an answer that they didn’t want to hear, such as, “Is this person my soulmate and will I be with them forever?” that they will not benefit from the overall message of the reading. Over time, the big picture will start to become more clear and you may discover that you already have your answer.

Will I be able to ask questions about past, present and future issues?

Yes you can, but my readings are also intended to be therapeutic and healing based. If you are looking for more of a 'fortune teller' or ‘entertainment style’ reading I can always direct you towards someone else. Ultimately the goal of a soul reading is to encourage you to go more deeply within yourself, so that you can begin making the changes necessary to lead a fulfilling and exceptional life.

How do you read cards if the client isn't handling them?

I don't read cards like a tarot reader does. I use the cards as a visual affirmation to confirm the insights I receive during the reading and I don't look at the cards until after the reading is finished. During the reading, I hold my hand over the card to sense it's energy and this usually confirms what I'm picking up about that person's situation/question/issue during the reading. (See the photo below.)

The artwork (I only work with oracle cards of my own creation) is meant to expand the reading into the visual realms, because I find that people resonate with artistic beauty on a whole different level than the written word. Because I have always been an artist I truly and deeply believe in the healing power of art.

The real work has just begun

During a reading you will often receive confirmation about something that you already know and this is wonderful, because it's Spirit’s way of giving you the thumbs up. Sometimes you will receive information that may throw you for a loop, and in that case it's best to give it some time. Very often clients will write to me a month later telling me that their reading finally makes sense. But information alone is not the sole purpose of my readings. My intuitive skills are just a diving board, and a preparation, encouraging you to take the plunge so that you can delve more deeply into the heart of things. Once you are aware of what you are dealing with, you can then move forward and actually do something about it.

How to book your reading

You can book your reading from my website, www.KathyCrabbe.com or, if you would prefer to email me directly with your credit card information that is fine too, we can do it in several emails for security purposes, or over the phone, if necessary.

You can read what my clients are saying about their readings here.

You can also read over 370 feedback responses to my readings in my Etsy Shop.