When the Veil is Thin: How to Connect With Spirit Guides & Loved Ones
The veil is thin, but the love is strong. Open your heart to their presence.
The Veil Is Thinner This Time of Year
Have you ever felt something stirring in the air as October ends… a knowing, a whisper, a presence just beyond the veil?
October’s end is more than pumpkins and costumes—it’s a sacred portal. At Samhain, when the veil is thin, the invitation to connect with spirit becomes even more profound...
Samhain (pronounced SOW-in) is an ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, traditionally celebrated from sunset October 31 to November 1st. It’s long been considered one of the more potent times of year to connect with the spirit realm, ideal for honoring ancestors, receiving intuitive guidance and connecting with spirit guides. Over time, many Halloween customs—like lighting candles for the dead, carving lanterns, and wearing masks-have stemmed from Samhain's rituals of protection and remembrance.
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, something else begins to shift—something you can’t quite see, but can often feel. Many spiritual traditions speak of a veil between worlds: a gossamer boundary separating the physical from the spiritual. And right now, that veil is at its thinnest.
A Season of Remembrance
This is the sacred season of remembrance. Learn how to recognize signs from spirit and communicate with loved ones—or beloved pets—who've passed, especially during this powerful time of year.
Cultures across the globe have long honored this time of year as one when the spirit world draws close. From Samhain, the Celtic root of Halloween, to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico, and ancestral festivals in Asia and Africa, autumn has always been a time for reconnecting with those who’ve passed beyond the veil.
It’s not just a superstition—it’s an energetic truth.
Nature is slowing down. The harvest is complete. And as we turn inward, we naturally become more attuned to the unseen—our feeling senses. It’s during this quiet, mystical space between seasons that our ability to sense, feel, and communicate with spirit becomes heightened.
Whether you’re hoping to connect with a loved one or pet who’s passed, receive guidance from your ancestors, or simply feel less alone—this time of year invites you to listen in a deeper way.
Why Spirit Communication Happens More Easily Now
In the stillness of fall, when nature begins to slow and soften, we often find ourselves doing the same. There’s a natural pull inward—a longing to reflect, to remember, and to reconnect. That slowing down creates an opening. Our energy becomes more receptive. Our senses, more tuned to subtle frequencies.
That’s why this time of year is so powerful for spiritual connection.
The spiritual realm doesn’t require elaborate rituals or psychic gifts to reach you. Spirit speaks in quiet nudges, subtle impressions, and moments of meaningful synchronicity. But we’re more likely to notice those things when we’re not racing through life—when we’re grounded, reflective, and gently curious.
You might suddenly think of someone you’ve lost, feel their presence in a dream, or sense a wave of comfort you can’t quite explain. These moments are not your imagination—they’re invitations. Your loved ones, guides, and ancestors are always nearby. But when the veil is thin, it becomes easier for both you and them to meet halfway.
And in that meeting space—between worlds, between thoughts, between heartbeats—you may feel something profound.
And while this season offers a natural opening, spirit communication can happen anytime. You don’t need a special date on the calendar—just a quiet moment and an open heart.
So what should you be listening for? Spirit has its own gentle language, and once you understand how it works, you'll start noticing the messages that have been there all along.
How Spirit Communicates
Spirit rarely shouts. More often, it whispers.
Communication from the spirit world is usually gentle, symbolic, and deeply personal. It might arrive when you least expect it—while you're washing dishes, walking outside, or just about to fall asleep. What matters most isn’t where or when it happens, but how it makes you feel.
Here are some of the most common ways spirit tries to reach out:
Dreams or visitations in sleep – You might dream of a departed loved one, or pet, and wake up with a sense of peace, closure, or deep recognition. These aren’t just ordinary dreams—they feel very vivid, significant, and emotionally real. Watch for the upcoming blog on dreams where I will go deeper into this. Make sure you are signed up to receive my newsletter so won’t miss it [Sign up for Newsletter]➝.
Repeating numbers, songs, or phrases – Seeing the same number patterns (like 222 or 1111), hearing a song that reminds you of someone, or noticing a repeated word or phrase in different places could be a nudge from beyond. I wrote more about this in my blog [Angel Numbers Explained]➝
Sudden chills or temperature shifts – A cool breeze in a still room or a warm sensation around your heart may signal the presence of a spirit nearby.
Familiar scents – Smelling a loved one’s perfume, tobacco, or a scent associated with them—when there’s no logical explanation—can be one of the clearest signs.
Animals as messengers – Birds, butterflies, dragonflies, or other creatures may show up in uncanny ways, often when you’re thinking about someone you’ve lost. I covered this in depth in the blog [What It Means When Animals Cross Your Path]➝
Flickering lights or electronics acting up – Spirit can sometimes manipulate energy to get your attention, especially through lights, devices, or unexpected glitches.
The key is to pay attention to what feels meaningful to you. These signs don’t always follow a universal language—they often speak through memory, emotion, and personal resonance. They can be subtle, gentle, and deeply personal—as you’ll see in my story about Bella.
If you’ve experienced something like this, you’re not imagining it. You’re being loved and guided—even now.
A Quiet Sign I’ll Never Forget
When my soul dog passed, it was hard to know if I’d made the right decision. Her spirit was still bright, and she was happy—but her body had started to fail.
The day we put her down, the vet wrapped her in a blanket covered in four-leaf clovers. My friend commented on it, and in that moment, I felt a deep sense of peace. I felt this was a sign it was the right time.
A few weeks later, I told the animal chiropractor who’d worked with Bear that she was gone. She messaged me later saying:
“Bear is so grateful. 😊She loves you deeply.✨🍀💖”
She added a four-leaf clover emoji—without knowing anything about the blanket. No one uses that emoji. I knew this was not a coincidence.
I asked her why she used it, and she simply said, “That’s what I heard from Bear.”
It was quiet, clear, and unmistakable. Spirit always finds a way.
I talk more about these unmistakable signs in my blog —including how spirit finds a way to let you know it’s really them. [8 Ways Departed Loved Ones Send Signs]➝
Simple Ways to Reach Out
Just as spirit may reach for you, you can reach back.
You don’t need to be a medium or attend a séance to connect. Spirit communication is not about control—it’s about relationship. When approached with openness and reverence, it becomes a beautiful and healing exchange. Below are a few simple and heartfelt ways you can invite connection:
Speak their name aloud.
Whether it's a whisper before bed or a greeting during your day, saying their name creates an energetic bridge. It lets them know you're thinking of them—and invites their presence closer.
Light a candle with intention
Candles have long been used across traditions to symbolize the soul. Light one for your loved one or guide, and offer a silent prayer, a memory, or a simple “I’m here.”
Create a small altar or memory space
Place a photo, object, or item that reminds you of them in a sacred spot. You might add flowers, notes, crystals, or anything that feels meaningful. This becomes a quiet portal for connection.
Journal or try automatic writing
Sit in stillness, ground your energy, and write a question. Then allow your pen to move without overthinking. Sometimes messages come through in surprising and gentle ways.
Use a guided meditation or visualization
Imagining a safe meeting place—like a garden or sacred space—can open a door in your inner world where you can sense, hear, or feel their presence. I offer private guided meditation➝ by phone or you can download the Rose Meditation.➝ 10 minutes to help you center and focus.
Go to a place you shared together-ask for a sign
Visiting somewhere you used to go together (a favorite walk, beach, or café) can stir up a sense of closeness and invite a meaningful sign or memory.
These practices are not about conjuring something—they're about creating stillness and receptivity. The spirit world responds to love, not fear. To openness, not force.
Even if you don’t feel anything at first, know that your invitation has been received.
Want more personalized guidance? Spirit often comes through in my intuitive sessions. [Book Your Intuitive Reading »]
About Me
I'm Janet Rae Orth, and for over 30 years I've been helping people understand the spiritual language all around them. As an intuitive consultant who's guided thousands of clients, I've witnessed countless beautiful moments when the spirit world reaches through the veil to offer comfort, guidance, and confirmation of love that never dies.
My own experiences with spirit communication - from meaningful dreams to unmistakable signs like Bear's four-leaf clovers - have taught me that when we slow down and listen with an open heart, we're never truly alone. Through my readings and spiritual guidance, I help people recognize, trust, and decode the messages that surround us every day.
Whether you're seeking connection with a departed loved one, validation of the signs you're receiving, or simply want to strengthen your spiritual awareness, I'm here to help you navigate this sacred conversation between worlds.
📧 Stay connected to the signs around you. Join my newsletter for spiritual insights, stories of spirit communication, and guidance for recognizing messages from beyond. Plus receive a discount off you first session. [Subscribe →]
What It Feels Like (And What to Watch For)
Spirit connection rarely feels dramatic—and that’s part of the beauty. More often, it’s subtle, emotional, or quietly affirming. You might not hear a voice or see a figure, but you will feel something shift within or around you.
Here are a few ways you might recognize it:
A wave of warmth, emotion, or peace
You may suddenly feel comforted, as if wrapped in love. Tears might come for no clear reason—not from sadness, but from something deeper.
A familiar presence
Some people describe it as “knowing” someone is with them, even if they can't explain how. You might feel a gentle pressure on your shoulder or a quiet stirring in your heart. Trust this feeling.
An unexpected sense of clarity or calm
After asking for a sign or connection, you may feel lighter, steadier, or like something has resolved—even if no obvious message came through.
Synchronicities immediately afterward
You might hear their favorite song, see their name, or encounter a shared symbol within hours or days. Like a butterfly or a rainbow. Something that had meaning to both of you. These are validations. One client did a reading with me where we talked about her departed loved one and her grief. Afterward, she went for a walk and a friend snapped her photo. When she looked at it later, there was a column of light beaming right onto her from above. She knew it was a “hello”—and it brought her deep comfort.
This moment held everything we’d talked about: the peace, the clarity, the synchronicity.
There’s more about signs and synchronicities in my blog [Signs & Synchronicity]➝
It’s also normal not to feel anything right away.
Spirit doesn’t operate on our timeline—and sometimes our own grief or expectations can cloud the connection. That doesn’t mean they’re not with you. Often, their presence comes when we’re least trying to force it—when we’re simply being.
Here’s what spirit communication does not feel like: fear, urgency, or confusion. Spirit presence is calm, loving, and familiar. If something feels off, pause, ground yourself, and trust your instincts.
You are in charge of your energy field—and true connection will always feel like love.
How to Know a Message Is Real
When we open ourselves to the spirit world, it’s natural to wonder: Is this real? Or am I just making it up?
True messages from spirit carry a distinct energy. They often feel:
Peaceful and grounding—even if the message is emotional, there’s a sense of calm or love beneath it.
Clear and simple—not overly complicated, dramatic, or confusing.
Resonant—something in your body or intuition says, yes, this is true, even if your mind can’t explain it.
In contrast, ego-based thoughts or emotional projections usually feel:
Anxious or urgent
Overly detailed or chaotic
Driven by fear, doubt, or the need for control
Spirit doesn’t speak in riddles or fear. The language of the soul is subtle, loving, and unmistakably gentle. Often, it’s less about hearing words and more about feeling a presence, receiving a quiet knowing, or noticing a synchronicity that brings clarity or comfort.
If you’re unsure, take a breath and tune into your body. Spirit speaks to the heart—not the ego. The more you listen, the easier it becomes to recognize what’s real.
When to Ask for a Sign—And What to Do With It
Sometimes we long for reassurance. We want to know: Are you still with me? Can you hear me? Is this just wishful thinking? Asking for a sign from spirit is not only okay—it’s a powerful way to open the door to connection.
You might say something simple like:“If you’re near me, can you send me a clear sign today?” Or even: “Let me know you’re okay. I’d love to feel you close.”
The key is to ask with an open heart—not demand, not test. Spirit responds to love, not control.
Once you ask, pay attention:
Do you see a specific symbol more than once?
Does a certain animal show up at a strange time?
Do you keep hearing a song or phrase?
Does someone mention them out of the blue?
These are not coincidences. They’re confirmations.
Spirit signs don’t always show up in the way you expect. But they always arrive in the way you need.
You’re Not Alone
Love doesn’t end when someone leaves their body. It changes form—but it never disappears.
Whether you’ve felt their presence a hundred times or you’re still waiting for a sign, trust that the connection is real. Your loved ones, spirit guides, departed pets, and ancestors are closer than you think. They may visit in dreams, stir your heart during quiet moments, or send you signs just when you need them most.
You don’t have to do anything fancy. You don’t need proof. Just be open. Be willing. Be still.
This season—when the veil is thin—is a beautiful time to remember that your story is still unfolding with them, not apart from them.
No matter the season, love always finds a way to reach you. The signs don’t stop when the leaves fall or the holidays end—they’re with you all year long.
You don’t have to wait for Samhain to connect with spirit. But when the veil is thin… listen closely. Love never dies—it just changes form.
Ready to Connect More Deeply?
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"I got so much out of it and found it so helpful, healing and hopeful for me during this new chapter. I love that my dog was able to come through too. So beautiful. You are truly gifted." - GR
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You are always more supported than you realize. Trust the feelings and your knowingness. It is real.