Pew Report Indicates People's Supernatural Experiences

A recent and extensive new survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life (November 2009) detailed statistics on religion in America and explored the shifts taking place in the U.S. religious landscape. It also revealed the percentages of people who had supernatural encounters or beliefs.
The Pew Forum survey was based on interviews with more than 35,000 Americans age 18 and older. Here are some interesting highlights:
* 29% interviewed said they have been in touch with the dead
* 18% interviewed said they had ghostly experiences
* 15% interviewed consulted a psychic
THE REPORT STATES: The proportion of Americans who say they have interacted with a ghost has doubled over the past 13 years (9% in 1996 compared with 18% today). The number saying they have felt in touch with someone who has died has also grown considerably, from 18% in 1996 to 29% today. There has been no change, however, over the past 20 years in the proportion of Americans who have consulted a fortuneteller or psychic, with a steady minority of roughly one-in-seven continuing to say they have done so.
Evangelical Protestants are the group least likely to say they have felt in touch with a dead person (20%). Members of other religious traditions are much more familiar with this type of phenomenon, with 37% of black Protestants, 35% of white Catholics, 31% of the unaffiliated and 29% of white mainline Protestants saying they have felt in touch with someone who has died. Differences between evangelicals and other religious traditions are smaller on the questions of ghostly experiences and consultations with fortunetellers.

Related Mysticism answers:
* 26% said they believe in spiritual energy in trees, nature, etc.
* 25% believe in astrology
* 24% believe in reincarnation
* 23% believe in Yoga as a spiritual practice
* 16% believe in casting of curses (i.e. "the Evil Eye")
FOR THE ENTIRE REPORT GO TO: http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=490#4

Grieving During the Holidays? Spirits Don't Want us to...

Many people choose to pass away around the holidays, why, I don't know. They just do. That makes the holidays even more difficult to celebrate for those of us left behind. So, I want to provide some insight from spirits (people who have died and passed into the light) about celebrating the holidays.
They don't want you to be miserable. They want you to celebrate the season. This is the time of the year, more than any other, that you need to tap into the positive energies of the season. They're happy where they are. It was their time, and they knew that before they were born. I've learned so much about life with this ability, and one thing I've learned is not to grieve forever.
I've seen how many times my dad has come back with signs that he's fine and he still checks in (and helps my mother out). Tom and I have seen signs from someone close he knew that passed around Christmastime. That person has proven that he's still around, and he's no longer having the problems he had when he was alive. He's achieved a much happier, higher form of life, and he's full of love, just as all are that pass on and move into the light.
All of those loved ones we know who have passed on want you to experience that love here on Earth while you can. So, decorate that Christmas tree, write those cards, help people, give to homeless pets, show people the love that you have. Hidden love is of no value. It needs to be shared, just like our dogs Dolly and Franklin always wag tails and kiss us. They let their love out, and it looks great on them. Now go home and wrap a package!