Blog #2: Is Mediumship Real? How to Tell if You're Getting a Genuine Reading (And Not Just What You Want to Hear)

This post is part of our “Top 10 Questions About Mediumship” blog series — where we answer your most common questions about readings, Spirit, and what really happens in a session.

Let's be completely honest here. If you're considering a mediumship reading, this question is probably keeping you up at night: "Is this actually real, or am I just going to be told comforting lies?"

It's not just a fair question - it's the right question to ask. And honestly? We're glad you're asking it.

The spiritual industry has its share of people who prey on grief and vulnerability. So how do you tell the difference between genuine mediumship and someone who's just really good at reading people and telling them what they want to hear?

After so many readings over the years, here's what we've learned about recognising authentic spirit communication.

What Real Mediumship Actually Looks Like

Genuine mediumship isn't about making you feel good - it's about delivering truth. When we connect with your loved ones in Spirit, the information that comes through is often surprising, specific, and sometimes even challenging. Real spirit communication includes:

• Details only your loved one would know: Not general statements like "they're at peace," but specific information about their personality, how they lived, what they cared about, or even mundane details about their daily routines.

• Information you might not immediately understand: Sometimes Spirit shares things that don't make sense until you talk to other family members or do some digging. This is actually a strong sign of authenticity — a cold reader would stick to information that gets immediate validation.

Red Flags: How to Spot a Fake Medium

Before we talk about what's real, let's address what isn't. Here are the warning signs that should make you run:

• They ask you lots of questions upfront: Genuine mediums receive information from Spirit, not from interrogating you.

• Everything is vague and positive: Real life isn't all sunshine and rainbows, and neither is genuine spirit communication. If everything is generically positive without specific details, you're likely being fed empty comfort.

• They claim to remove curses or demand extra money: This is always a scam. Always.

• They make you dependent on them: Real mediums empower you to trust your own intuition, not convince you that you need them for every decision.

• They fish for information: Watch for statements disguised as questions like "I'm getting something about a heart condition?" followed by reading your reaction.

What Does Genuine Spirit Communication Feel Like?

Here's something that might surprise you: real mediumship often doesn't feel like what you'd expect from movies or TV.

Clients often tell us they feel a deep inner knowing during their session - a sensation of truth or recognition that can’t be forced or faked. That’s not just emotion - that’s "truth".

• The "knowing" feeling: Most clients describe a deep sense of recognition when something is true. It's not just emotional — it's a knowing that goes beyond.

• Unexpected emotions: You might find yourself laughing at something you are told or crying from the relief of feeling seen.

• Physical sensations: Many people experience goosebumps, warmth, or even the sensation of being hugged a reading.

• Information that unfolds over time: Some details might not make sense immediately but become clear days or weeks later when you reflect on them or talk to others.

We believe that you know deep down when something is real. The connection, the language, the energy — it’s undeniable when it’s coming from the right place.

What's your biggest concern when considering a mediumship reading?

• Worried it's not real - just generic statements
• Afraid of being emotionally manipulated or scammed
• Scared the information will be too confronting/overwhelming
• Doubting my ability to recognise if it's genuine

See All Options

You can vote for more than one answer.

How We Work Differently at Evolve Spiritual

• We don't use tools or tricks. No tarot cards, crystals, or cold reading techniques. Every piece of information comes directly through our connection with Spirit and our trusted spiritual guides.

• We never force information. If something doesn't make sense to you, we can then give the information in a way that makes more sense to you. Spirit speaks with honesty, and so do we.  Often saying it a different way helps in understanding.

• We record sessions when possible. This isn't just for your reference — it's because we're confident in the authenticity of what comes through. A fake medium would never want permanent evidence of their session.

• We encourage questions and verification. Real mediums want you to understand the information you are given. We're not threatened by questions.

The Science Behind Why It's Real (Even When It Seems Impossible)

Look, we understand scepticism. The idea that our spirit survives physical death challenges everything people have been taught about how the world works.

But here's what we know from both research and experience: Energy doesn't disappear — it transforms. This is basic physics. The energy that was your loved one doesn't just vanish when their body stops functioning.

But honestly? You don't need to understand the science to recognise truth when you experience it.

Common Doubts (And Why They're Actually Normal)

"What if I'm just hearing what I want to hear?" This is why specificity matters. Generic comfort messages might be what you want to hear, but “feeling” the truth of detailed information is critical. That's not wishful thinking — that's evidence.

"How do I know it's not just coincidence?" When multiple specific details feel right to you - your childhood experiences, your parents behaviour, critical periods of your life, blockages and why they exist - we move well beyond the realm of coincidence.

"What if the medium is just really good at reading people?" Cold reading techniques rely on general statements and fishing for reactions. Genuine mediumship provides specific information – you will know the difference.

Questions to Ask Any Medium Before Booking

Protect yourself by asking these questions:

• How do you receive information from Spirit?

• What happens if the information doesn't make sense to me?

• Do you record sessions or allow note-taking?

• What's your policy if I'm not satisfied with the reading?

A genuine medium will welcome these questions and answer them transparently.

What to Expect During an Authentic Reading

• The beginning: We'll explain our process and set clear boundaries about what we can and cannot do.

• Initial reading: Spirit will often come through with initial information about what is blocking you in your life, where it is from and how to move beyond.

• Questions: You'll have the chance ask any question about the information throughout the session or any other question you have.  If there are questions Spirit wont answer they will tell you and tell you why.

• The ending: We'll close the connection with our guide and discuss any information that needs clarification.

Why Some Information Might Not Make Sense Immediately

• Linear time. They might reference future events or past situations you haven't thought about in years.

• Different perspectives. Your may receive information that you don’t initially understand.  With thought from another person’s point of view you can understand.

• Generational differences. Older spirits might reference things from their era. An experienced medium should be able to explain the meaning.

• Closed mind – our openness if a function of our fear.  When we are in a reading we may not have the relaxation needed to comprehend the real meaning. When relaxed it will make sense.

This is actually a good sign — fake mediums stick to information that gets immediate validation.

How to Prepare for a Genuine Reading

• Come with an open but questioning mind. Be receptive to receiving.

• Don't provide information upfront. Let the medium give information from Spirit first.

• Take notes or record it. Details that don't make sense now might be significant later.

• Bring questions. See what comes through naturally before asking specific questions.  Often the questions are answered before they get asked!

• Plan for emotional processing time afterward. Mediumship Readings can be deeply moving and require time to integrate.

The Difference Between Hope and Truth

The key is to feel the difference between authentic information and empty comfort.

Real mediumship provides:

• Specific information about your life

• Details that can surprise or confirm what you felt

• Messages that are accurate and “hit the mark”

• Information that you know can help you change from feeling stuck

Ready to Experience Authentic Mediumship?

If you're tired of wondering and ready to experience a genuine Mediumship Readin for yourself, we'd love to help.

Book a free 15-minute discovery call where you can ask questions, get a feel for how we work, and decide if you'd like to schedule a full session. No pressure, no sales pitch -  just honest conversation about what you can expect.

Many clients tell us they knew from that first call whether the connection felt authentic. Trust that inner knowing — it's usually right. Get in touch with Michelle@evolvespiritual.com.au or Michael@evolvespiritual.com.au 

Frequently Asked Questions About Authentic Mediumship

How can I verify information that comes through in a reading? 

We encourage you to fact-check details with family members, look through old photos, or research family history. Authentic information stands up to scrutiny.

What if some information is wrong? 

No medium (or person) is 100% accurate all the time. We're human interpreters of spiritual communication. However, genuinely gifted mediums should be accurate on the majority of specific details they provide.

How long after someone passes can they communicate? 

There's a waiting period of between 6-12 months depending on their period of judgement and learning.

Can multiple loved ones come through in one session? Absolutely. You can ask to connect with more than one. There is a great comfort in connecting to a loved one. But remember a reading is for you and your growth.  You will get much better help from the Mediums guide

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👤 About the Authors

Michael Dee and Michelle Dee are Accredited Mediums and Spiritual Counsellors based on the Mornington Peninsula, Australia. Through their practice, Evolve Spiritual, they help clients uncover emotional and spiritual blockages, reconnect with loved ones in Spirit, and receive deep, compassionate guidance through Mediumship readings and Spiritual Counselling.