Most people like to believe that every soul crosses peacefully into the light after death. It’s comforting to think of the afterlife as an automatic process — like taking your last breath here and your first breath in a heavenly realm.
While most souls DO cross over quickly and effortlessly, as an intuitive counselor, I can tell you — that’s not always how it works.
Some souls don’t cross over right away. Some refuse to leave. And some don’t even realize they’ve died.
Earthbound spirits — or “stuck souls” — aren’t evil. They’re simply lost, confused, or clinging to the life they left behind.
Let’s explore why this happens, how to recognize it, and most importantly — how you can help them move on with love and compassion.
Why Some Souls Don’t Cross Over After Death
Not every soul is ready to leave this world.
There are many reasons a spirit might linger after death, including:
- Sudden or traumatic death (accidents, violence, or unexpected illness)
- Fear of judgment or punishment in the afterlife
- Strong attachment to a person, place, or possession
- Unfinished business or unresolved guilt
- Not realizing they have passed (this doesn’t happen often but it does happen.)
Sometimes these souls feel trapped. Other times, they stay because they’re trying to protect loved ones or complete something they feel is unfinished.
But staying earthbound drains their energy — and the energy of the living around them.
The Signs of a Spirit Who Hasn’t Crossed Over
Wondering if you’re dealing with a stuck spirit?
Here are common signs of an earthbound soul:
- Cold spots or unexplained temperature changes
- Electrical disturbances (flickering lights, devices acting up)
- Feeling like you’re being watched
- Unusual dreams or sensing a presence at night
- A heaviness or sadness in certain rooms or locations
- Repeating thoughts or emotions that don’t feel like your own
- Pets acting strangely or avoiding a space
If a spirit is particularly attached to you or your home, you may feel tired, emotionally drained, or even anxious for no clear reason.
This isn’t about fear — it’s about awareness.
Why Souls Get Stuck Between Worlds
From what I’ve seen in my work, stuck souls often fall into three categories:
1. Souls Who Don’t Realize They’ve Died
These spirits continue their routines as if they’re still alive. They might wander familiar places, visit loved ones, or even try to communicate — not understanding why no one responds.
2. Souls Who Are Afraid to Move On
Fear keeps them earthbound. Fear of judgment. Fear of punishment. Or fear of losing control.
These souls need reassurance that crossing over leads to peace, not punishment.
Remember: The afterlife isn’t about punishment — it’s about healing, release, and love.
3. Souls Waiting for Justice
Sometimes souls who were murdered stick around for a bit to try to help police or loved ones figure out what happened to them. They will often send you signs to indicate who killed them.
How to Help a Stuck Soul Cross Over (Safely and Respectfully)
If you sense a spirit hasn’t crossed, you can help — but always approach this with respect, compassion, and clear boundaries.
Here’s how:
1. Speak to Them Aloud
Yes — really. They can hear you. Gently acknowledge them. Say something like:
“You’ve passed on, and it’s time to move into the light. You are safe. You are loved. You are free to go home.”
2. Call in Their Spirit Guides or Loved Ones
Ask their guides, higher self, or deceased loved ones to come forward and help them cross. They will be glad to assist you.
This sounds like this, “I would like to invite the (spirit guides, higher self, angelic energies or deceased loved ones) of this troubled spirit to come now and guide them home.“
3. Visualize the Light
Imagine a beautiful light opening above them — a direct path to peace, healing, and home.
4. Set Clear Boundaries
If the energy feels overwhelming or frightening, lovingly but firmly state:
“This is my space. I ask all spirits to move into the light now. I release you with love.”
5. Cleanse the Space
Use tools like sage, palo santo, bells, or prayer to clear residual energy once the spirit has crossed.
Final Thoughts
Not every soul crosses over immediately after death — and that’s okay.
This doesn’t mean the spirit is bad or harmful. It means they need compassion, understanding, and sometimes a little guidance.
We can help them — not by fearing them — but by honoring their journey, and lovingly encouraging them to move toward the peace they deserve.
And if you ever feel out of your depth, there are intuitive practitioners and spiritual healers (like myself) who can assist.
The veil between worlds is thinner than we think. But love travels freely — on both sides.
