New York, NY: 2004.  267pp  HB $24.00

Research has confirmed that channeling/ mediumship can provide information that is accurate. Gary Schwartz (2002) performed a careful content analysis of readings by five prominent mediums, including Suzane Northrup, the author of this book. The probabilities that these readings could have occurred by chance are less than one in two and a half billion.

Channeling/ mediumship has been popular for well over a century in the Western world, well accepted by the public, but held in great skepticism by the majority of the medical and scientific community. Skeptics suspect that the gullible are being misled by clever charlatans who are preying on the emotions of the bereaved. Most of the people I have spoken with who have consulted good channels have been pleased and satisfied with the opportunity to communicate with loved ones who have transitioned into spirit existence. They are comforted in being able to clarify unfinished business, and reassured that the end of physical life is not the end of conscious existence.

In this book, Suzane Northrup brings us a wealth of practical experience and advice about the processes of consulting a channel, and even more helpful, discussions on the meanings of life in the light of these communications. A wealth of heartwarming and enlightening clinical examples illustrate the discussions. I fully agree with the thread of discussion on everyone having soul purposes that guide our lives.

What is unusual in my reading of such books is Northrup’s encouragement to readers to open to developing their own abilities to communicate directly with their departed family and friends. She suggests simple, practical ways that we can all potentially learn to do this.

I was also pleased to see discussions on bereavement and on the channeler’s ethical responsibility to use careful judgment in conveying information that is received – which may be important for the channel to know but may not be appropriate to share with the client. Communications with pets who were dear to us are often also deeply meaningful, yet neglected in discussions of channeling.