I decided to share this incredible book with all of you today as we are approaching Halloween! It does totally fit and some stories… oh my!!! Enter this post at your OWN risk……

Fellow local Cleveland native Mary Ann Winkowski wrote:” When Ghosts Speak–Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits” back in 2007 but I recently found it at the library. She has been a speaker at many Holistic events I know of but never have had the pleasure of talking to her. I just had to pick up this book as it intrigued me along with knowing her name. Besides sharing her incredible gift since the age of 2, it also depicts the difference between those spirits still in the earthly body and those who have crossed over onto the side of light. She works with the earthbound ones who choose to stay for various reasons. Mary Ann is a parent who has one daughter with her gift, she’s fostered many children over the years, and was a dog/cat groomer by profession. She shares her stories of going to funeral homes with her grandmother at a very young age so she’s been practicing now for over 50 years! The television show Ghost Whisperer was based on her experiences after she developed a friendship with gifted medium James VanPraagh. He wrote the forward for her book along with Rebecca Rosen’s book “Spirited.”  I acknowledge that one in my book as well as quoting from it.

Much of this topic was very new to me and the book is incredibly addicting. I am used to signs from those who have passed into the light so there are “myths” worth discussing. Those who haven’t “gone into the light” will hang around and once called upon, she makes the light for them to cross over. Here are some differences:

~~~ Earthbound spirits need other human bodies and their energy to “survive.” They DON’T hang out in cemeteries contrary to popular belief. No physical life there.

~~~ They thrive on places that bring out lots of people like: malls, concerts, hospitals, nursing homes, police/fire departments, sports arenas, hotels, movie sets/theaters, airports, office buildings, restaurants, colleges, stores, gyms, law offices, and especially bars. She jokes about bars with being the seedier the better. Did you ever wonder where the saying “Wine and Spirits” comes from? I think I know now! It sounds like they are EVERYWHERE! Most are harmless though but negative entities are not. They were never human. Yes, she works with those too…..

~~~ They are all not wanting to seek justice, revenge, or being negative. Some just become attached or want to comfort those they have left behind.

~~~ They need lots of energy to manipulate electrical appliances but it isn’t for the same reasons as those crossed over. Playing “tricks” takes on a whole new level with those still earthbound. Having them around can cause health problems for you, your loved ones, or even bad vibes with a place.

~~~ They will not intentionally harm to end a life. A huge one often depicted in things we see on television.

Spirits have free will and can choose to stay on earth, CRAZY huh?! There are many stories where she explains that some spirits just move from place to place and she doesn’t know where they go after refusing the white light. They can still stay around forever if they like!  She states that the “white light” is available from 72-80 hours after their death but some miss their chance. All seem to be present at their funerals and graveside services so if a spirit missed the light, they can always find it there! She has worked with law enforcement and medical detectives all around the country on many cases by making the “white light” for earthbound spirits. Some stories are comical and some SCARED me a little! Some also are heartbreaking like kids who forgot or who are afraid. The revenge stories are NUTS but she does her job that has been asked of her. It does take some convincing on her part at times but most agree to finally go. It amazes me how she gives details on they way she talks to them in her mind to get information about their deaths or why they are there. Some are shocked she can hear them! Because they still have a physical body, they can’t do those things depicted in movies like walking thru doors, walls, or even people. They can’t hear someone else’s thoughts except hers….  People gifted such as Mary Ann can see them but others can’t. Can you just imagine???

Whether or not you believe and yes, there are photos in the book but I find it all so astonishingly amazing. She even talks to animal spirits! They obviously need a different way to go into the light. Can you say “FETCH!” That’s for a dog of course…. We do need to become more educated and open-minded to spiritual phenomena tricky to understand. She does advise against using some types of tools that will invoke evil forces so please be careful!!! She does give tips for protection near the end of the book and steps to take if you feel threatened by an earthbound spirit. If you are curious or perhaps know about earthbound spirits, pick up Mary Ann’s book. You won’t be disappointed. A little SPOOKED out but not disappointed….. HAPPY SPIRIT HALLOWEEN!!!!

~~~ Next week, I just might talk about forgiveness, a REAL hard topic for everyone but we will be in the month to be grateful here in the U.S.~~~ Thanksgiving so stay true SPIRIT friends!!!

~~~ALSO,  SO SUPER EXCITED to share my RADIO interview link for anyone interested in hearing about how intuition can influence your life or more about my book: Spirit and Belief.

http://rss.gnclive.com/americaTonight/?p=archive&cat=all&pgn=4 ~~~ You need to scroll down to October 10th, Hour 2 and I am at the 27:11 mark, 12 min. long, Kate Delaney of America Tonight

http://www.maryannwinkowski.com  ~~~ Mary Ann’s website for all her stories and info. She does even have a Youtube channel as well so check her out if you are interested in hearing more about her work with earthbound spirits!