The first clue lies in the energy of the experience.
When the spirit of someone we love draws near, the feeling is almost always gentle and familiar. Many describe it as if a warm blanket has been wrapped around their shoulders. A sense of safety, peace, or even joy often washes over the heart. It feels like love itself reaching out across time and distance.
Other energies, however, tend to stir the opposite feelings. Instead of comfort, there may be unease. Some report sudden chills, a heaviness in the room, or a feeling of being watched. Instead of warmth, there is a coldness. If you walk away from the moment unsettled rather than uplifted, chances are it is not the presence of your loved one.
2. The Nature of the Signs
Loved ones who wish to connect often use personal, meaningful signs. These signs usually have deep ties to your shared history:
The sudden scent of your mother’s favorite perfume when no bottle is near.
A song on the radio that carried special meaning in your marriage.
A cherished photograph falling from a shelf at a moment when you were thinking of them.
These signs carry intimacy. They remind you of specific moments and memories, as if your loved one is whispering, I am still with you.
By contrast, other forces may cause disturbances that feel random and unsettling—loud knocks, flickering lights, shadows that do not match any source. These events lack the personal touch. They feel disconnected from your story, offering no comfort or reassurance.
3. The Emotional Impact
Perhaps the clearest difference is in your emotions afterward.
Encounters with the spirit of someone who loved you in life often bring tears, but not of fear. They are tears of release, gratitude, or even joy. Many people describe these experiences as profoundly healing, easing the heavy burden of grief.
Other forces tend to leave the opposite effect. Instead of peace, you may feel drained, anxious, or unsettled. Your body may tense, and your heart may race. True love rarely inspires fear. If an encounter leaves you frightened rather than comforted, it is more likely an external energy unrelated to your loved one.
4. Timing and Context
Spirits of loved ones often appear at meaningful times. You may feel their presence on anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, or during life events when you long for their guidance. Their arrival seems intentional, almost as if they are reminding you that you are never truly alone.
Other energies, however, tend to appear suddenly, without any connection to your personal journey. Their timing can feel disruptive—like an interruption rather than a gift. That difference in context can be a vital clue.
