Is it possible to connect with loved ones after they’ve moved on from this lifetime?

Sure, it is common to have witnessed ghosts or felt the presence of otherworldly spirits at some point in life, but those experiences are often spontaneous or fleeting.

Some believe that they can contact those who have passed away through spiritual sessions and séances, but another way of achieving this has been around for hundreds of years. It's called the psychomanteum and its modern variant, mirror gazing, was developed by Dr. Raymond Moody. He has spent a large portion of his career researching near-death experiences and believes this process has yielded positive outcomes.

In ancient Greece,For people to contact their deceased relatives' spirits, they would visit a Necromanteion, a ziggurat-like temple devoted to Hades, Persephone, and the dead. The most famous Necromanteion is the Temple of Ephyra, which translates as "oracle of the dead.

There would be a ceremonial meal, a series of rituals, and animal sacrifices during a ceremony. There was a long hallway in the Necromanteion which would hold a bronze cauldron filled with water and polished frequently to make it more reflective than possible. The corridors would be dimly lit by lamps that cast flickering light and diffuse reflections on the water, creating a reflective surface like a mirror in which the Greeks believed they could see the spirits of the dead.

Dr. Raymond Moody’s Mirror Gazing

As a way of contacting the dead by using a mirror and without animal sacrifice, Dr. Raymond Moody revived the idea of the psychomanteum in recent history. One of the most famous philosophers, physicians, and psychologists in history, Moody coined the term near-death experience. He has dedicated his life to studying NDEs and spiritual contact.

As with scrying, mirror gazing with a psychomanteum is sometimes referred to as catoptromancy, or the use of a reflective psychic medium, similar to the stereotypical fortune teller looking into the crystal ball. As well as divination, it is used to discover messages related to personal development, epiphanies, and prophecies.

The following are Moody's recommended steps for a successful mirror-gazing session to contact the dead at home or anywhere, armed with the necessary tools:

Avoid caffeine and dairy the day before, and eat simple meals leading up to your session, like fruits and vegetables.

Place - Find a quiet place in your house where you can truly relax. Unplug all clocks and phones.

Remove all jewelry, including watches; wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Place a large mirror in front of a comfy chair. It's best not to be able to see your reflection in it.

Sit in a chair with your head supported.

Become aware - Ease into your altered state of awareness.Take a moment to relax your posture.

You can stimulate awareness by looking at art or listening to soft music for about 15 minutes in order to soothe your mood.

Keep in mind memories - Gather pictures and personal items of the person you wish to contact. Touch them and remember. Imprint your loved one firmly in your mind. Family films and videos can also help.

At twilight, light a candle behind you and adjust the light so that it is dim but not too dim. For first-timers, twilight is best because it tends to trigger altered states.

After following these instructions, you should begin to sense your arms and hands become heavy, along with a tingling sensation. Moving into a relaxed, dream-like meditation is important, and Moody states that the mirror may start to seem misty like the sky. It's critical to be at ease in this moment - if you attempt to steer or direct the experience it will interrupt your hypnagogic state. Asking yourself a question before starting this practice can be helpful, but resist inquiring within the session itself as this could disrupt the journey.

According to Moody, experiences usually last only a few minutes, but more advanced practitioners can experience them for longer periods of time. You can experience the spirits of loved ones, enter the mirror, or even see the future during mirror-gazing sessions. It is said that Nostradamus' visions came from using a psychomanteum like the Greeks did.

As a result of his process of preparation, he says that 85 percent of clients that have gone through his process of preparation have been successful in obtaining visions. After trying to contact the deceased through mirror gazing, his clients frequently see or experience contact with them later in the day or week.