Direct After-Death Communication
It is possible for a spirit to communicate directly with a living person, such as a bereaved loved one. The person may sense a presence, hear a voice, or see a vision. Typically, the person feels a sense of connection and receives messages of reassurance, comfort, or resolution. Such communications are quite common. According to a 2023 Pew Research Center report, half of U.S. adults (53%) say they’ve been visited by a dead family member in a dream or some other form.
The term “after-death communication” (ADC) was introduced and popularized by Bill and Judy Guggenheim in their 1995 book Hello from Heaven!, which is featured in the Science-Based Awakening Library, below. However, this term can be misleading since it excludes spirit communication through an intermediary such as a medium, who effectively facilitates after-death communication by serving as a link between spirits and the living. I have titled this resource page Direct After-Death Communication to clarify that it excludes intermediaries.
Note: The terms “medium” and “mediumship” have been in use since the 19th-century Spiritualism movement. For more information, see the Mediumship resource page.
Possible Elements of Direct After-Death Communications (DADC)
Manifestations of after-death communications are varied. They include one or more of the following:
- Sensing a presence: A distinct feeling that the deceased is nearby, even without seeing or hearing them.
- Hearing a voice: Hearing the voice of the deceased, either externally or within the mind.
- Feeling a touch: Experiencing a physical sensation, such as a hug or touch, from the deceased.
- Smelling a fragrance: Detecting a familiar scent associated with the deceased, such as their perfume or aftershave.
- Visual experiences: Seeing the deceased, ranging from partial to full visualizations.
- Dreams and visitations: Vivid and realistic dreams of the deceased that feel different from ordinary dreams.
- Symbolic experiences: Encountering symbols such as coins, feathers, or birds that hold personal meaning and are interpreted as messages.
- Electronic phenomena: Lights flickering, electronic devices acting erratically, or receiving phone calls without a clear explanation.
Some people may dismiss these experiences as imaginary or coincidence, but it is helpful to remember that the majority of U.S. adults believe they are real. Research suggests that DADCs are often perceived as positive and comforting for the bereaved; DADCs also reduce the fear of death, increase belief in an afterlife, and aid in the grieving process.
For more information, see General Books about Direct After-Death Communication in the Science-Based Awakening Library, below.
Deathbed Visions (DBVs) and Shared-Death Experiences (SDEs)
A deathbed vision (DBV) is a variation of a DADC experience that occurs during the last stage of a person’s dying. During a DBV, the dying person sees and sometimes interacts with deceased loved ones and may also see pleasant scenes. Typically, after a DBV, the dying person’s mood is peaceful and serene.
Accounts of DBVs have been verified by people who were in the presence of the dying person. DBVs are quite common, with studies generally estimating a range of 50% to 80% of dying individuals having them. About 80% to 87% of these visions involved seeing deceased family members or friends.
Note: Death following a deathbed vision differs from a near-death experience (NDE) in which a person’s consciousness leaves the body temporarily and then returns to the body, which then recovers.
A shared death experience (SDE) occurs when someone dies, and a living loved one, caregiver, or bystander reports that they sensed, observed, accompanied, or assisted the dying in their transition into a postmortem existence. The dominant theme of an SDE is a journey or movement, often ascending toward a luminous light. Common themes expressed by experiencers of SDEs (SDErs) are love, understanding, and belonging, as well as strong bonds or connections between the SDErs and the dying person. SDEs have features similar to near-death experiences (NDEs), suggesting that both experiences share a common landscape. There are two types of SDEs: bedside and remote. Bedside SDEs happen when the SDEr is in the same room with the dying; remote SDEs occur when the SDEr is in a different location.
For more information, see Books about Deathbed Visions (DBVs) and Shared-Death Experiences (SDEs) in the Science-Based Awakening Library, below.
Terminal Lucidity (End-of-Life Rally)
Terminal lucidity is another deathbed phenomenon. It does not involve direct after-death communication; however, it merits mention here. Terminal lucidity occurs in the last stages of a person’s life, often within their last few days, when they suddenly have an unanticipated burst of energy or mental clarity or physical function. For example, this sometimes happens to people with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other forms of dementia when they suddenly regain their memories and personalities shortly before death. This can provide a wonderful opportunity for family members and friends to reconnect with the person they knew before their decline into dementia.
After-Death Communication Resources
Video Presentations
- I See Dead People: Dreams and Visions of the Dying | Dr. Christopher Kerr | TEDxBuffalo” (17:25 minutes)
Books about Direct After-Death Communication
The DADC books fall into the following categories:
- General Books about Direct After-Death Communication
- Books about Deathbed Visions (DBVs) and Shared-Death Experiences (SDEs)
General Books about Direct After-Death Communication
Note: Book titles are linked to amazon.com, which offers numerous book reviews.
Anderson, Karen A.
The Pet I Can’t Forget: Finding Hope and Healing With Signs From the Afterlife
by Karen A. Anderson, 387 pages (2023)
Karen A. Anderson is a bestselling and award-winning author. Her book The Amazing Afterlife of Animals is listed in the Mediumship Science-Based Awaking Library.
Arcangel, Diane
Afterlife Encounters: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Experiences
by Dianne Arcangel, 332 pages (2005)
Botkin, Allan L., PsyD, and Hogan, Craig
Induced After Death Communication: A Miraculous Therapy for Grief and Loss
by Allan L. Botkin, PsyD, and Craig Hogan (2014)
Website: Induced-ADC.com
Video: Allan Botkin, PsyD, Chicago IANDS Classics, February 8, 2014 (1:30:42)
Cardoso, Anabela
Glimpses of Another World: Impressions and Reflections of an EVP Operator by Anabela Cardoso, 223 pages (2021)
Note: EVP stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena, that is, communication from spirits that can interact with the physical world through electronic devices.
Electronic Contact with the Dead: What do the Voices Tell Us?
by Anabela Cardoso, 146 pages (2017)
Anabela Cardoso retired as a senior career diplomat to devote her life to Instrumental and Transcommunication (ITC), a method in which communication with spirits of the deceased happen via radio equipment, televisions, computers, phones, and other electronic devices. She has received thousands of communications.
Website: Independent.Academia.edu/AnabelaCardoso3
Video: Learning From the Voices of Instrumental Trans Communication with Anabela Cardoso (57:07)
Cohen, Alan
Friends in High Places: A Breakthrough Guide to Interdimensional Communications
by Alan Cohen, 245 pages (2021)
Cohen has written over two dozen inspirational books that have been translated into over thirty languages.
Website: AlanCohen.com
Dillard, Sherrie
I’m Still with You: Communicate, Heal & Evolve with Your Loved One on the Other Side
by Sherrie Dillard, 204 pages (2021)
Galland, Leo, M.D.
by Leo Galland, M.D., 140 pages (2018)
The spirit of the author’s deceased son appears and shares ancient wisdom with his father.
Guggenheim, Bill and Guggenheim, Judy
Hello from Heaven: A New Field of Research-After-Death Communication Confirms That Life and Love Are Eternal by Bill and Judy Guggenheim, 353 pages (1995)
Website: BillGuggenheim.com
Haraldsson, Erlendur, Ph.D.
The Departed Among the Living: An Investigative Study of Afterlife Encounters
by Erlendur Haraldsson, Ph.D., 264 pages (2012)
This Icelander is known worldwide for his field research.
Website: In Memoriam: Erlendur Haraldsson (1931–2020)
Video: 01 SRF Conference 2017 PART 1 Prof Erlendur Haraldsson (51:59)
Hart, Silvia
When Spirits Come Calling: The Open-Minded Skeptic’s Guide to After-Death Contacts
by Silvia Hart “Wright, 241 pages (2002)
Website: SylviaHartwright.com
Jackson, Laura Lynne
Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe
by Laura Lynne Jackson, 288 pages (2019)
New York Times bestselling author Jackson teaches how to recognize and interpret messages from loved ones on the Other Side.
Kagan, Annie
The Afterlife of Billy Fingers: How My Bad-Boy Brother Proved to Me There’s Life After Death by Annie Kagan, 191 pages (2013)
Billy’s ongoing after-death communications take his sister on an unprecedented journey in the wonder of life after death.
Martin, Joel and Romanowski, Patricia
Love Beyond Life: The Healing Power of After-Death Communications
by Joel Martin and Patricia Romanowski, 513 pages (1997)
This is a first-generation book on Direct After Death Communication that includes research based on 3,000 accounts.
Moody, Raymond A., M.D., Ph.D. and Perry, Paul
Proof of Life after Life: 7 Reasons to Believe There Is an Afterlife
by Raymond A. Moody, M.D., Ph.D. and Paul Perry, 210 pages (2023)
Moody, who coined the term “Near-Death-Experience”, is the world’s leading expert on NDEs. Some of his other books can be found on the Near-Death Experience resource page library under his name.
Website: LifeAfterLife.com
Video: Proof of Life After Life with Dr. Raymond Moody and Paul Perry (1:20:04)
Moody, Raymond, M.D., with Paul Perry
Glimpses of Eternity: Sharing a Loved One’s Passage from This Life to the Next
by Moody, Raymond M.D., Ph.D., with Perry, Paul, 166 pages (2010)
Ragan, Lyn
Signs from Pets in the Afterlife: Identifying Messages from Pets in Heaven
by Lyn Ragan, 123 pages (2015)
Number One Amazon bestseller
Website: LynRagan.com
Raudive, Konstantin, Ph.D
Breakthrough: An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead by Konstantin Raudive, Ph.D., 391 pages (2021)
Originally published in 1971, this book describes the early experiments of Electronic Voice Phenomenon (EVP) also called Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC).
Seeman, Erik R., Ph.D.
Speaking with the Dead in Early America
by Erik R. Seeman, Ph.D., 329 pages (2019)
Tate, Audry Sloan
A Guide to Afterlife Communication: How to Heal from Loss and Connect with Your Loved Ones on the Other Side
by Audrey Sloan Tate, 133 pages (2021)
Vaudoise, Mallorie
Honoring Your Ancestors: A Guide to Ancestral Veneration
by Mallorie Vaudoise, 213 pages (2021)
Video: 110. Honoring Your Ancestors
Weaver, Kim
Website: KimWeaverChanneling.com
Video: Kim Weaver – Death Is Not Goodbye (6:21)
Willis-Brandon, Carla, Ph.D.
Heavenly Hugs: Comfort, Support, and Hope from the Afterlife
by Carla Wills-Brandon, Ph.D., 248 pages (2013)
Dr. Wills-Brandon has published 13 books including a Publisher’s Weekly bestseller. She has collected nearly 2,000 cases of departing visions and visitations from deceased relatives and friends.
Barrett, Sir William
Deathbed Visions: How the Dead Talk to the Dying
by Sir William Barrett, 136 pages (2011)
Coon, Kenneth
1,000 Deathbed Vision Stories: As Told by Families and Friends
by Kenneth Coon, 151 pages (2025)
The author collected content from 1,000 YouTube videos created by people describing their loved ones’ deathbed visions. He states that he is a “Certified Death Doula and 47-year nuclear power official.”
Fenwick, Peter and Elizabeth
The Art of Dying
by Dr. Peter Fenwick, neuropsychiatrist, and Elizabeth Fenwick, 251 pages (2008)
Video: End-of-Life-Phenomena | At Home with Peter Fenwick (59:20)
Keane, Colm
We’ll Meet Again: Irish Deathbed Visions – Who You Meet When You Die
by Colm Keane, 217 pages (2013)
This book includes some near-death accounts in addition to the death-bed visions.
Video: Colm Keane on Death -10 Things (Brendan O’Connor Show) (16:12)
Kerr, Christopher, M.D., Ph.D.
Death Is But a Dream: Finding Hope and Meaning at Life’s End
by Christopher Kerr, M.D., Ph.D. with Carine Mardorossian, Ph.D., 248 pages (2020)
Dr. Kerr is a hospice doctor who draws on interviews with over 1,400 patients. He reveals that pre-death dreams and visions are extraordinary occurrences that humanize the dying process.
Kessler, David
Visions, Trips and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die
by David Kessler, 163 pages (2010)
Website: Grief.com
Video: Visions, Trips and Crowded Rooms – CNN – David Kessler (5:38)
Miller, J. Steve, Ph.D.
Deathbed Experiences as Evidence for the Afterlife
by J. Steve Miller, Ph.D., 230 pages (2021)
Website: JSteveMiller.info
Video: Death Bed Experiences and Near Death Experiences with Dr. J. Steve Miller (1:03:53)
Moody, Raymond A., M.D., Ph.D., with Perry, Paul
Reunions: Visionary Encounters with Departed Loved Ones
by Raymond Moody, M.D. with Paul Perry, 213 pages (1993)
Moody, who coined the term “Near-Death-Experience”, is the world’s leading expert on NDEs. Some of his other books can be found on the Near-Death Experience resource page library under his name.
Website: LifeAfterLife.com
Video: Proof of Life After Life with Dr. Raymond Moody and Paul Perry (1:20:04)
Morse, Melvin, M.D. with Perry, Paul
Parting Visions: Uses and Meanings of Pre-Death, Psychic and Spiritual Experiences
by Melvin Morse, M.D. and Paul Perry, 206 pages (1994)
Osis, Karlis and Haraldsson, Erlendur, Ph.D.
At the Hour of Death: A New Look at Evidence for Life After Death
by Karlis Osis and Erlendur Haraldsson, Ph.D., 250 pages (1997)
There are 20 editions in 13 countries. This book is mostly about apparitions.
Peters, William J.
At Heaven’s Door: What Shared Journeys to the Afterlife Teach about Dying Well and Living Better
by William J. Peters, 247 pages (2022)
Website: www.SharedCrossing.com/WilliamPeters
Video: At Heaven’s Door: Q&A Session with William Peters (1:03:51)
Varga, Josie
A Call from Heaven: Personal Accounts of Deathbed Visits, Angelic Visions, and Crossings to the Other Side
by Josie Varga, 191 pages (2017)
Website: JosieVarga.com
Video: A Call from Heaven: Personal Accounts of… by Josie Varga • Audiobook preview (37:23)
Vlahos, Hadley, R.N.
The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters during Life’s Final Moments
by Hadley Vlahos, R.N., 259 pages (2023)
New York Times bestselling author