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What Does It Mean to See a Ghost During a Near-Death Experience?

  • Writer: Desirae-Haunted Traverse
    Desirae-Haunted Traverse
  • Mar 1, 2023
  • 4 min read

Updated: Feb 25

Death is a universal experience that affects us all, and it often comes with a mix of emotions, including fear, sadness, and uncertainty. But for some people, death can also bring comfort and a sense of peace, especially when they experience the phenomenon of visioning-or the experiencing of spirit or ghost during the time near death. What does it mean when we experience spirit so close to death?



A spirit visitation when a person is drowning nearer to death.
We often Witness Loved Ones Interacting With The Spiritual World Near Their Deaths

Near Death Visioning and Visitation Studies


There are several studies that focus on how the dying have interacted with loved ones that have passed on before them. In 1926, Sir William Barrett published findings on this phenomenon. In the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Karlis Osis of the American Society for Psychical Research published, At the Hour of Death, a case study of 1,000 doctors, nurses, and staff that also witnessed the Vision Phenomenan while caring for dying patients.

These studies are inspired by the dying’s experience and those that they leave behind to witness what some in short may liken to a miracle, a phenomenon, or a paranormal experience. And a sense of comfort to those that are passing and those that are grieving the loss of a loved one.



Many people who experience visions of loved ones also seek tools that bring reassurance and spiritual connection, such as books on the supernatural for better understanding.


I recommend this book for Reading:

My Own Witnessing of Seeing a Ghost During a Near-Death Experience


I myself have witnessed my mother in hospice in my two sisters’ home, interact and describe her experience of loved ones coming to visit her. She also recounted an interaction with a young girl coming and standing in the corner of her bedroom. A spirit that my sisters have witnessed in their home long before our mom went to end the last months of her life in. Like so many others experiences along with that of my mother’s, investigators and researchers classify this phenomenon as Visioning.

Visioning is a common experience reported by individuals who are near death, where they see loved ones who have passed away, often appearing as if they are still alive. This experience can occur during the dying process, or in some cases, people may see these visions in their dreams or in a state of deep meditation.

Many people who experience visioning report that these visions are incredibly vivid and lifelike and that they bring a sense of comfort and peace during what can be a very stressful and difficult time. The visions may involve loved ones who have recently passed away, or they may involve people who have been gone for many years.


Wall Art of Orbs and Spirit with Comforting Message for those that are spiritual
Wall Art Found in my Haunted Traverse Etsy Shop

Theories About Near Death Visitations


There are several theories about why visioning occurs. Some experts believe that it is a natural part of the dying process, as the mind and body are in the process of letting go of this life. Others believe that it is a way for the mind to cope with the loss of loved ones, and to help the person find comfort and peace during the dying process.

In some cases, visioning may also be related to religious or spiritual beliefs, as some people believe that loved ones are appearing to guide the person to the afterlife. Others believe that it is a manifestation of the collective unconscious and that people who experience visioning are tapping into a shared pool of memories and experiences that exist outside of time and space.


Most Haunted Places in America



For many, writing down or exploring others’ accounts of comforting near-death experiences helps people process their own — so many readers find value in this activity.


I recommend this writing journal for grieving:

Regardless of the reason behind visioning, it is clear that for many people, the experience can be incredibly comforting and bring a sense of peace during a difficult time. Whether it is a manifestation of the mind or a glimpse into the afterlife, the visions of loved ones near death can provide comfort and help us to find meaning during this final journey.


Wall Art of Orbs and Spirit with Comforting Message for those that are spiritual
Find this Comforting Wall Art in my Haunted Traverse Etsy Shop by Clicking the Image

Near Death Ghostly Visitation Conclusions


In conclusion, visioning is a phenomenon that is experienced by many people who are near death, where they see visions of loved ones who have passed away. While the reasons behind visioning are still the subject of much debate and speculation with each new study, each new experience, many have come closer to realizing that there is indeed something more to the life and the ending of it than we understand.

If you have witnessed this phenomenon, I would love to hear more. Please feel free to leave a comment. If that is too public, a private communication via email is welcomed also!

~Dez





Explore More About Ghost Sightings

With more articles about ghosts on HauntedTraverse.com/Blog




Thank you for reading! A few links are affiliate links where if my readers click and buy, I do receive some funding to keep fun and informative articles such as this being manifested into the known. Thank you for your support. Read on for other ways you can show your support...


Thank you for your support, ~Dez
Thank you for your support, ~Dez

Visit my Crone in a Haunted Woods Substack

For a more personal and intimate reflection on these type of subjects, I explore further on my Substack here →https://croneinahauntedwoods.substack.com



10 Comments


Troubled
Feb 28, 2025

Seeing my daughter like she's here with me, she passed in 2016, 29 yrs old passed couple yrs. Off and on she's here, last 6 months more like 2,3 times a month, I talk to her for hrs. She looks great, but she doesn't talk, couple times almost made her laugh. Been hospitalized 4,5 times past 2 yrs for pneumonia, and she pushes me back, saying I can't leave my son alone, who's 45, I will talk to her for hrs like talking on phone, and then wake up and house is a mess, I won't even leave the house til everything is perfect, in place .WTH is going on ??

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Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Mar 17, 2025
Replying to

First, I am so sorry for your loss. Next, we need to approach your life holistically. The danger is in compartmentalizing your loss, paranormal experiences, and self care. Even though, with the loss of my father, I would experience his spirit around me from time-to-time, I still sought out resources of self care to help me mourn my loss. For example, this may be speaking about your loss to a close friend, a religious leader, or mental health professional. Next, understand that when we grieve we may get so wrapped up in the loss that we chose to hold on to death instead of moving toward life. I think the fact that you shared that your house is a mes…

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Guest
Jul 05, 2024

My entire life, I see spirits that look like people who are still alive several times. Not long after, that person dies. Believe these spirits are here to collect themselves. Once the person passes, the spirit is gone and replaced with another. This doesn’t happen every day but often enough. Can’t find a thing on this phenomenon.

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Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Mar 17, 2025
Replying to

Hello and thank you for the comment. This sounds like a theory where maybe our dimensions cross each other. It's an interesting possibility but completely outside of any scientific proof at this time. It's definitely not a common enough occurence to make it into any paranormal channels of understanding or observations had by others. Maybe your comment will help others come forward with similar experiences. Thanks again for sharing. `Des with Haunted Traverse Tour Co

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Guest
Nov 30, 2023

I had a vivid image of my wife days before she passed in my vision she was in perfect health and beautiful in the middle of the day while working and she’d been in the hospital several weeks it was real I said love why didn’t you call me to pick you up and went to hug her and she vanished

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Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Mar 17, 2025
Replying to

Hello and thank you for sharing. I am sorry for your loss but happy you have this memory. `Dez with Haunted Traverse

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Guest
Aug 16, 2023

Im taking care of a 92yr lady and she sees and talks to people all day some times yells at them, she has had dementia for over 2 yrs now.seems like she is yelling out more.

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Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Mar 17, 2025
Replying to

Hello-this is a hard time to be her and for you to care for her. First, please make sure you are getting the support you need. My great grandmother had dimentia and would yell constantly for help. As a child, I would have to sit with her so I understand how challenging this can be for you. It is a theory toward the end of ones life, we become more sensitie to spirit and that souls may come to help us make this transition. There was a French study that was able to statistically validate this phenomenon. So there are at least 2 possibilities that I see happening here. #1. Spirit are coming to help her transition over. #2. T…

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Guest
Aug 16, 2023

Yes my mother at the end seen people in her room and before she passed away she raised her arm up and said im ready and passed .

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Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Desirae-Haunted Traverse
Mar 17, 2025
Replying to

Thank you for sharing and I am sorry for your loss and happy your mother was not alone during her passing. ~Dez w Haunted Traverse

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About the Author

Desirae (Dez) is a paranormal investigator, haunted tour operator, and founder of Haunted Traverse. Her work focuses on documenting haunted locations, investigating orb phenomena, near death experiences and preserving paranormal case histories.

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