Witch and spiritual medium Lesley Shiels says she has been speaking to spirits since childhood, but last Christmas she started sharing their messages on Facebook.
"I did it last year for the first time," Shiels told BuzzFeed News. "I had a spirit ask me if they could leave a message for Christmas and so it started from there."
At Christmas, she recently told the Newcastle Chronicle, she finds those in the afterlife to be especially active.
Shiels decided to begin posting the messages she says she receives on Facebook in the hope that they would make their way to the right person.
"There are so many people on Facebook so it's a great way to spread them," she said.
Shiels said that the process can be quite emotional, and that most spirits want to say "sorry," "I miss you," or "I love you".
But being able to pass on the messages, which Shiels does free of charge, and knowing they might have reached the right person makes it worth it, she said.
"I believe I am providing comfort for the ones who need it," Shiels said.
"Some people need a reason to move on to the next day and that can give them the push they need."
She said that the families who have made contact with her tend to be "relieved."
And for those who don't get in touch, Shiels hopes the messages will reach their intended recipient one way or another. "I'm just the starting block," she said.
Here in the living world, Shiels plans to spend Christmas with her son and his partner, eating, watching Christmas films, and seeing friends.
Next Christmas she plans to keep providing her spirit message service on Facebook.
"As long as there are spirits with messages for their loved ones!" she said.
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