🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 86 (from laksa119)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa086.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/","crawl_time":1750261450,"first_indexed_time":1600107766,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,joincake!www,\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/ s443","src_root_hash":"12812129270666333686","history_drop_reason":"tooold","meta_title":"‘Visitation Dreams’ and Other Ways a Deceased Loved One Might Visit You | Cake Blog | Cake: Create a Free End of Life Plan","meta_descriptions":["Has a deceased loved one visited you in your dreams? Understand why visitation dreams occur and how to cope with this guide."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"It can feel downright unsettling and supernatural to have a deceased loved one visit you in your dreams.  It can make it seem as if you’ve had a visit from the other side, which can be exhilarating, confusing, and sometimes a bit scary. It’s also not something we fully understand, as  the entire notion of deceased loved ones visiting in dreams has yet to take hold in the scientific or medical community.  Jump ahead to these sections: When someone you love dies , you may experience different stages and  types of grief  that may lead you to have these types of dreams. Visitation dreams can sometimes provide comfort and healing to the bereaved. They’re also a window to the possibility of life after death and spirit communication. Post-planning tip:  If you are the  executor  for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a  post-loss checklist  that will help you ensure that your loved one's family,  estate , and other affairs are taken care of. What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’? Visitation dreams  are dreams in which a deceased loved one appears before you. They get their name because they're so vivid that you can confuse them for a visit from that person's ghost or spirit.  Such dreams may help you cope with your grief , loss, and sorrow. However, science hasn’t found a way to quantify them. Usually, they’re attributed to issues related to brain chemistry and derailed sleep cycles. Because science has no explanation, and religious and spiritual texts only refer to them in unverifiable parables, the medical community has not taken visitation dreams seriously. Instead, medicine generally leaves it up to parapsychologists and ghost hunters to give them some kind of meaning.  On the other hand, psychologists and grief counselors see dreams in which your deceased loved ones communicate with you differently. While they’re not necessarily messages from the other side, they are validation of your personal grief.  The famed psychologist Carl Jung coined the term “ Big Dreams ” to describe  experiences like  visitation dreams. He believed in his years of research that when a person dreams of their deceased loved ones, it’s a reflection of a person’s insight into different spiritual levels.  Jung  separates these episodes of profound significance from typical “little dreams.”  Some psychologists who’ve worked with patients having visitation dreams agree that there are specific characteristics attributed to them. Their  notes regarding the commonalities found in these dreams are not part of a formal study.  Instead, they’re observations of several encounters as reported by patients.  Here are some characteristics of visitation dreams:  They  feel real .  They seem authentic.  Your deceased loved one(s) visit.  They have a purpose.  They convey clear messages.  They are reassuring and calming.  They can warn of danger.  They comfort you.  They leave you feeling peaceful.  You feel as if your loved one was there. Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones? None of us know precisely why we have visitation dreams. Some people view them as  signs from deceased loved ones . They believe that your loved ones use the relaxed state of consciousness induced by sleep as a gateway into your subconscious mind, making it easier to communicate with you when you're sleeping.  The psychology community sees these dreams as more of a coping mechanism that the mind manufactures to help deal with the  pain and sorrow of grief .  Some would like to believe we experience visitation dreams because there are  angels who protect us  from harm or come to forewarn us. Others believe that our deceased loved ones are still living among us, only in a different realm or dimension. Whatever the reason for these dreams, know that you don’t generally have to be afraid of them.  Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams Sometimes,  a bereaved person may feel distressed when they have  visitation dreams . The following tips will help you cope with  them  so that you can learn to not only deal with  them  but better control them:  Regulate your emotions Maintain a  continuing bond with your loved one Increase your sense of hope and encouragement  1. Don’t be afraid Generally speaking, there’s no need to fear when you have vivid dreams about your deceased loved ones. This fact is reflected in the soothing, positive nature of most visitation dreams. However, your situation may feel different in the wake of a loved one’s traumatic death. In these circumstances, you may repeatedly relive the unpleasant details of that death in your mind. That’s just as true when you’re asleep as when you’re awake. As a result, your dreams may vividly recall the manner of your loved one’s death or otherwise disturb you. The desire to avoid such an experience is perfectly understandable. If you’re afraid of repeatedly seeing traumatic images of your deceased loved one in your dreams, consult a grief counselor for help.  2. Treat it as a gift Visitation dreams don’t happen to everyone. Sometimes, a person may be yearning to see their deceased loved one, but they can never get them to visit them in their dreams.  Others who might not want to get a visit from the other side may repeatedly dream of their deceased loved ones. Although it may be uncomfortable to get these types of dreams, consider them a gift that can stop at any time. 3. Seek counseling When visitation dreams become disturbing, or you simply can’t understand why you’re dreaming about a deceased loved one, find a counselor who specializes in  grief counseling  or a psychologist trained in dream interpretation.  They can walk you through some of the reasons why this may be happening to you and bring clarity to your situation. 4. Try continuing bonds therapy Continuing bonds therapy is a form of grief therapy that allows you to maintain the bond with your deceased loved one even after their death. This type of treatment can help when you are inconsolable over the loss of your loved one, particularly your child or spouse.  Continuing bonds therapy was first introduced in 1996, in a book called  Continuing Bonds: Another View of Grief . It went against traditional grief and bereavement models of treatment that required a bereaved person to detach from and let go of their deceased loved one.  Instead of detaching from your loved ones when they die, the authors suggest that a bereaved person continues the bond with their loved one in different ways throughout their lifetime. This book and other  books on grief  may help you process your bereavement experiences in a way that makes more sense to you.  5. Practice guided meditation Guided meditation helps you to plan out your dreams ahead of time so that you are not surprised by them. When you learn to control what you dream about, you’ll have less dream anxiety and are better able to face these types of dream visitations.  Guided meditation starts with setting time aside to sit quietly and contemplate on your deceased loved one. As you focus on your breath, allow your thoughts to go to memories of your loved one. You can practice recalling what they looked like, what they felt like, how they smelled, etc. Once you’re in a relaxed state of mind, guide your subconscious into your dream state with thoughts of your loved one in mind. 6. Ask your loved one to visit you Sometimes you’ll want your deceased loved ones to visit you. It may be that you need to get advice from your grandfather, or you miss your mom and want to talk to her about your upcoming wedding plans.  You can make it a daily habit to speak to your loved ones and ask them to visit you in your dreams.  7. Take notes When you’re prepared to have these types of dreams, you’re better able to remember the details of things you want to talk about to your loved ones.  Leave a notepad by your bedside so that you can write down what you want to address with them in your dreams. Note-taking can also help you remember the details of your conversations with departed loved ones upon waking. Most of the time, the messages received are hard to forget.  8. Ask for peace and protection If you’re facing a particularly tough situation, ask your deceased loved ones for peace and protection.  Whether you believe in angels or life after death, it may feel comforting to know that you have angels watching over you, protecting you from harm.  9. Explore the meaning of dreams Educate yourself about what’s happening to you by reading books on grief and dream interpretation.  The more you learn about why these things occur, the less anxious or fearful you’ll be to have these types of dreams.   10. Seek religious or spiritual counseling Religious or spiritual explanations are not for everyone. Depending on what your personal beliefs are, you may want to consider talking to a religious or spiritual leader about the dreams you’re having.  They can help you better understand them in this type of context as opposed to what medicine, science, or parapsychologists have to say about them.  11. Allow these dreams to come Relaxing into your dream state and allowing visitation dreams to come through without worrying too much about what they mean may give you much-needed rest rather than stressing over their more profound meaning.  When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways?  Just as some people feel that their deceased loved ones visit them in their dreams, some also feel connected to those who have passed on in different ways. Here are some examples.  Smells Some people say they feel their loved ones are close when they smell a particular scent. Symbols  Butterflies or cardinals are often viewed to be symbolic of spiritual visitors. Some people see symbolic numbers repeated throughout life that remind them of their loved ones. Other feelings Some people say they can feel their loved one’s spiritual presence. They may feel a touch that can’t be explained – or see something move.  When Your Loved Ones Visit in Dreams  Visitation dreams are sometimes a welcome respite from longing or yearning for your loved one who has died. Whether you believe these dreams are real, from the divine, or something straight out of science fiction - a visit from the afterlife can be healing to your soul. If you're looking for more about spirituality and the afterlife, read our guide on  dreaming about death  and the  best spiritual books for beginners . Sources: \"Dreams as a Source of Supernatural Agent Concepts.\" Frontiers in Psychology. March 19, 2015.  https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2015.00283\/full \"Big Dreams & Archetypal Visions.\" Dream Studies. November 14, 2008.  https:\/\/dreamstudies.org\/big-dreams-archetypal-visions\/ Barlé, N., Wortman, C. B., & Latack, J. A. (2017). Traumatic bereavement: Basic research and clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 27(2), 127–139. Doi.org Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (1996).  Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief.  Taylor & Francis.","attrs_markdown":"**We use cookies to improve your experience.** By accepting, you agree to our [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/privacy-policy\/). [Learn about opting out](https:\/\/support.google.com\/accounts\/answer\/61416).\n\nAccept\n\nMenu\n\n[![Cake's logo](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/CakeLogo_Periwinkle_LogoMark_NoClearspace.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/welcome\/)\n\nEnd-of-life planning\n\n###### Search for a specific topic\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-online-memorial.svg)](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\n\n### [Online memorials](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\nFree memorial pages\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-plc.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\n### [Post Loss Checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\nYour guide after loss\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-will.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n### [Will Maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\nCreate your legal will in minutes\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n### [End-of-life Wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\nCreate your end-of-life plan\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\n\n### [Forum](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\nAdvice from the community\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-pulse.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n### [Advance Directive Forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\nFind your state's form\n\n[Contact us](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/contact\/) for additional help.\n\n##### Topics\n###### Finance\n- [Wills & Estate Planning](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/wills-and-estate-planning\/)\n- [Life Insurance](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/life-insurance\/)\n- [Power of attorney](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/power-of-attorney\/)\n\n###### Health\n- [Advance directives & living wills](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/advance-directives-and-living-wills\/)\n- [Hospice & palliative care](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/hospice-and-palliative-care\/)\n- [Alzheimer's & dementia](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/)\n- [Serious & terminal illness](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/serious-and-terminal-illness\/)\n- [Eldercare](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eldercare\/)\n- [Death & dying](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-and-dying\/)\n\n###### Legacy\n- [Legacy projects](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/legacy-projects\/)\n- [Digital afterlife](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/digital-afterlife\/)\n- [Genealogy & family history](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/genealogy-and-family-history\/)\n\n###### Funeral\n- [Funeral Preplanning](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationeol)\n- [Funerals & memorial services](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funerals-and-memorial-services\/)\n- [Celebrations of life](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/celebrations-of-life\/)\n- [Cremation](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/cremation\/)\n- [Burial](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/burial\/)\n- [Eco-friendly funerals](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eco-friendly-funerals\/)\n- [Cemeteries & graveyards](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/cemeteries-and-graveyards\/)\n- [Headstones & gravestones](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/headstones-and-gravestones\/)\n- [Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\n###### Relationships\n- [How to get loved one to plan](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-get-loved-one-to-plan\/)\n- [How to share your wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-share-your-wishes\/)\n\nLoss & grief\n\n###### Search for a specific topic\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-online-memorial.svg)](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\n\n### [Online memorials](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\nFree memorial pages\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-plc.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\n### [Post Loss Checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\nYour guide after loss\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-will.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n### [Will Maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\nCreate your legal will in minutes\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n### [End-of-life Wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\nCreate your end-of-life plan\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\n\n### [Forum](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\nAdvice from the community\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-pulse.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n### [Advance Directive Forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\nFind your state's form\n\n[Contact us](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/contact\/) for additional help.\n\n##### Topics\n###### Types of Loss\n- [Mother](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-mother\/)\n- [Father](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-father\/)\n- [Spouse or partner](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-spouse-or-partner\/)\n- [Child](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-child\/)\n- [Miscarriage & stillbirth](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/miscarriage-and-stillbirth\/)\n- [Grandparent](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-grandparent\/)\n- [Sibling](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-sibling\/)\n- [Friend](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-friend\/)\n- [Pet](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-pet\/)\n\n###### Grief Support\n- [Support groups & counseling](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-support-groups-and-counseling\/)\n- [Quotes, prayers & more](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-quotes-prayers-and-more\/)\n- [Coping with grief](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/coping-with-grief\/)\n- [Grief & relationships](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-and-relationships\/)\n\n###### Sympathy & Condolences\n- [Memorial store](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/store\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationlg)\n- [Funeral flowers](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funeral-flowers\/)\n- [Sympathy gifts](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/sympathy-gifts\/)\n- [Condolences & what to say](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/condolences-and-what-to-say\/)\n- [Funeral etiquette](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funeral-etiquette\/)\n\n###### Estate management\n- [Wills & probate](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/wills-and-probate\/)\n- [Closing & managing accounts](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/closing-and-managing-accounts\/)\n- [Death certificate](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-certificates\/)\n- [Home & belongings](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/home-and-belongings\/)\n\n###### Funeral planning\n- [Funeral Preplanning](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationlg)\n- [Funerals & memorial services](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funerals-and-memorial-services\/)\n- [Celebrations of life](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/celebrations-of-life\/)\n- [Eulogies](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eulogies\/)\n- [Obituaries](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/obituaries\/)\n- [Death announcements](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-announcements\/)\n- [Headstones & gravestones](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/headstones-and-gravestones\/)\n- [Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\n###### Remembrance\n- [Memorials](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/memorials\/)\n- [Memorial donations](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/memorial-donations\/)\n- [Keepsakes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/remembrance-keepsakes\/)\n- [Death anniversary](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-anniversary\/)\n\nExplore mortality\n\n###### Search for a specific topic\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-online-memorial.svg)](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\n\n### [Online memorials](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\nFree memorial pages\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-plc.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\n### [Post Loss Checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\nYour guide after loss\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-will.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n### [Will Maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\nCreate your legal will in minutes\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n### [End-of-life Wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\nCreate your end-of-life plan\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\n\n### [Forum](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\nAdvice from the community\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-pulse.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n### [Advance Directive Forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\nFind your state's form\n\n[Contact us](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/contact\/) for additional help.\n\n##### Topics\n###### Media & Art\n- [Books](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/books-about-death\/)\n- [Movies](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/movies-about-death\/)\n- [Quotes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/quotes-about-death\/)\n- [Songs](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/songs-about-death\/)\n- [Poems](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/poems-about-death\/)\n- [How to talk about death](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-talk-about-death\/)\n- [Symbols of death](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/symbols-of-death\/)\n\n###### Find Meaning\n- [Bucket list](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/bucket-list\/)\n- [Gratitude](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/gratitude\/)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/relationships\/)\n\n###### Religion & Culture\n- [Buddhist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/buddhist-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Christian](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/christian-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Hindu](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/hindu-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Jewish](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/jewish-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Muslim](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/muslim-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Chinese](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/chinese-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Greek](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/greek-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Irish](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/irish-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Italian](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/italian-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Native American](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/native-american-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n\nFind a funeral home\n\n###### Search for a specific topic\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-online-memorial.svg)](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\n\n### [Online memorials](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/obituaries\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigation)\nFree memorial pages\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-plc.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\n### [Post Loss Checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\nYour guide after loss\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-will.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n### [Will Maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\nCreate your legal will in minutes\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n### [End-of-life Wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\nCreate your end-of-life plan\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-planning-tool.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\n\n### [Forum](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/forum\/)\nAdvice from the community\n\n[![tool icon](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/icon-pulse.svg)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n### [Advance Directive Forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\nFind your state's form\n\n[Contact us](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/contact\/) for additional help.\n\n##### States\n###### States (A-M)\n- [Alabama](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AL\/)\n- [Alaska](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AK\/)\n- [Arizona](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/arizona\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Arkansas](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AR\/)\n- [California](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/california\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Colorado](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/colorado\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Connecticut](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/CT\/)\n- [Delaware](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/DE\/)\n- [Florida](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/florida\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Georgia](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/georgia\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Idaho](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/idaho\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Illinois](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IL\/)\n- [Indiana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IN\/)\n- [Iowa](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IA\/)\n- [Kansas](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/KS\/)\n- [Kentucky](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/kentucky\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Louisiana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/LA\/)\n- [Maine](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/ME\/)\n- [Maryland](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/maryland\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Massachusetts](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/massachusetts\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Michigan](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MI\/)\n- [Minnesota](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/minnesota\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Mississippi](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MS\/)\n- [Missouri](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MO\/)\n- [Montana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MT\/)\n\n###### States (N-Z)\n- [Nebraska](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/NE\/)\n- [Nevada](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/nevada\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [New Hampshire](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/NH\/)\n- [New Jersey](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/new-jersey\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [New Mexico](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/new-mexico\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [New York](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/new-york\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [North Carolina](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/north-carolina\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [North Dakota](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/ND\/)\n- [Ohio](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/OH\/)\n- [Oklahoma](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/OK\/)\n- [Oregon](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/oregon\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Pennsylvania](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/PA\/)\n- [Rhode Island](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/RI\/)\n- [South Carolina](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/south-carolina\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [South Dakota](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/SD\/)\n- [Tennessee](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/tennessee\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Texas](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/TX\/)\n- [Utah](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/UT\/)\n- [Virginia](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/virginia\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Washington](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/washington\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [West Virginia](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/WV\/)\n- [Wisconsin](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/wisconsin\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Wyoming](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/WY\/)\n\n[Service directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/directory\/)\n\n[Memorial Store](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/store\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationlg)\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/account\/login\/)\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/account\/login\/)\n\n[End-of-life planning](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/)\n\nFinance\n\n- [Wills & Estate Planning](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/wills-and-estate-planning\/)\n- [Life Insurance](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/life-insurance\/)\n- [Power of attorney](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/power-of-attorney\/)\n\nHealth\n\n- [Advance directives & living wills](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/advance-directives-and-living-wills\/)\n- [Hospice & palliative care](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/hospice-and-palliative-care\/)\n- [Alzheimer's & dementia](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/alzheimers-and-dementia\/)\n- [Serious & terminal illness](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/serious-and-terminal-illness\/)\n- [Eldercare](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eldercare\/)\n- [Death & dying](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-and-dying\/)\n\nLegacy\n\n- [Legacy projects](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/legacy-projects\/)\n- [Digital afterlife](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/digital-afterlife\/)\n- [Genealogy & family history](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/genealogy-and-family-history\/)\n\nFuneral\n\n- [Funeral Preplanning](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationeol)\n- [Funerals & memorial services](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funerals-and-memorial-services\/)\n- [Celebrations of life](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/celebrations-of-life\/)\n- [Cremation](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/cremation\/)\n- [Burial](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/burial\/)\n- [Eco-friendly funerals](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eco-friendly-funerals\/)\n- [Cemeteries & graveyards](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/cemeteries-and-graveyards\/)\n- [Headstones & gravestones](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/headstones-and-gravestones\/)\n- [Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\nRelationships\n\n- [How to get loved one to plan](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-get-loved-one-to-plan\/)\n- [How to share your wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-share-your-wishes\/)\n\n[Loss & grief](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/)\n\nTypes of Loss\n\n- [Mother](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-mother\/)\n- [Father](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-father\/)\n- [Spouse or partner](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-spouse-or-partner\/)\n- [Child](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-child\/)\n- [Miscarriage & stillbirth](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/miscarriage-and-stillbirth\/)\n- [Grandparent](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-grandparent\/)\n- [Sibling](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-sibling\/)\n- [Friend](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-friend\/)\n- [Pet](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/loss-of-pet\/)\n\nGrief Support\n\n- [Support groups & counseling](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-support-groups-and-counseling\/)\n- [Quotes, prayers & more](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-quotes-prayers-and-more\/)\n- [Coping with grief](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/coping-with-grief\/)\n- [Grief & relationships](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-and-relationships\/)\n\nSympathy & Condolences\n\n- [Memorial store](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/store\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationlg)\n- [Funeral flowers](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funeral-flowers\/)\n- [Sympathy gifts](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/sympathy-gifts\/)\n- [Condolences & what to say](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/condolences-and-what-to-say\/)\n- [Funeral etiquette](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funeral-etiquette\/)\n\nEstate management\n\n- [Wills & probate](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/wills-and-probate\/)\n- [Closing & managing accounts](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/closing-and-managing-accounts\/)\n- [Death certificate](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-certificates\/)\n- [Home & belongings](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/home-and-belongings\/)\n\nFuneral planning\n\n- [Funeral Preplanning](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navigationlg)\n- [Funerals & memorial services](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/funerals-and-memorial-services\/)\n- [Celebrations of life](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/celebrations-of-life\/)\n- [Eulogies](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/eulogies\/)\n- [Obituaries](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/obituaries\/)\n- [Death announcements](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-announcements\/)\n- [Headstones & gravestones](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/headstones-and-gravestones\/)\n- [Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\nRemembrance\n\n- [Memorials](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/memorials\/)\n- [Memorial donations](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/memorial-donations\/)\n- [Keepsakes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/remembrance-keepsakes\/)\n- [Death anniversary](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/death-anniversary\/)\n\n[Explore mortality](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/)\n\nMedia & Art\n\n- [Books](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/books-about-death\/)\n- [Movies](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/movies-about-death\/)\n- [Quotes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/quotes-about-death\/)\n- [Songs](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/songs-about-death\/)\n- [Poems](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/poems-about-death\/)\n- [How to talk about death](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/how-to-talk-about-death\/)\n- [Symbols of death](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/symbols-of-death\/)\n\nFind Meaning\n\n- [Bucket list](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/bucket-list\/)\n- [Gratitude](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/gratitude\/)\n- [Relationships](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/relationships\/)\n\nReligion & Culture\n\n- [Buddhist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/buddhist-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Christian](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/christian-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Hindu](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/hindu-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Jewish](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/jewish-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Muslim](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/muslim-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Chinese](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/chinese-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Greek](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/greek-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Irish](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/irish-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Italian](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/italian-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n- [Native American](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/native-american-death-traditions-rituals-and-beliefs\/)\n\n[Find a funeral home](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/)\n\nStates (A-M)\n\n- [Alabama](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AL\/)\n- [Alaska](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AK\/)\n- [Arizona](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/arizona\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Arkansas](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/AR\/)\n- [California](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/california\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Colorado](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/colorado\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Connecticut](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/CT\/)\n- [Delaware](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/DE\/)\n- [Florida](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/florida\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Georgia](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/georgia\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Idaho](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/idaho\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Illinois](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IL\/)\n- [Indiana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IN\/)\n- [Iowa](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/IA\/)\n- [Kansas](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/KS\/)\n- [Kentucky](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/kentucky\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Louisiana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/LA\/)\n- [Maine](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/ME\/)\n- [Maryland](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/maryland\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Massachusetts](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/massachusetts\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Michigan](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MI\/)\n- [Minnesota](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/minnesota\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [Mississippi](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MS\/)\n- [Missouri](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MO\/)\n- [Montana](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/MT\/)\n\nStates (N-Z)\n\n- [Nebraska](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/NE\/)\n- [Nevada](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/locations\/nevada\/?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=navdd)\n- [New Hampshire](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/NH\/)\n- [New 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[Connect with a funeral preplanning advisor](https:\/\/www.afterall.com\/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=banner).\n\n[Blog](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/)\n\n\/\n\n[Coping With Grief](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/coping-with-grief\/)\n\n# ‘Visitation Dreams’ and Other Ways a Deceased Loved One Might Visit You\nUpdated 12\/28\/2023\n\nPublished 08\/20\/2020\n\nDC![Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, JD, CT](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/alejandravasquez.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=100&q=25)\n\n[Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, JD, CT](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/authors\/dr-alejandra-vasquez-jd-ct\/)\n\nCertified Grief Counselor\n\n[Author bio](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/authors\/dr-alejandra-vasquez-jd-ct\/)\n\n![Has a deceased loved one visited you in your dreams? Understand why visitation dreams occur and how to cope with this guide.](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/jad-limcaco-fRggLY1DQTM-unsplash.jpg)\n\nCake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict [editorial process](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/editorial-process\/) to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our [affiliate disclosure](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/affiliate-disclosure\/).\n\nIt can feel downright unsettling and supernatural to have a deceased loved one visit you in your dreams. It can make it seem as if you’ve had a visit from the other side, which can be exhilarating, confusing, and sometimes a bit scary. It’s also not something we fully understand, as the entire notion of deceased loved ones visiting in dreams has yet to take hold in the scientific or medical community.\n\n#### Jump ahead to these sections:\n- [What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’?](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/#h_19951363621598302619993)\n- [Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones?](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/#h_475264236201598302624588)\n- [Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/#h_868720543361598302630697)\n- [When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways?](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams\/#h_6708225428891693596043299)\n\nWhen someone you love dies, you may experience different stages and types of grief that may lead you to have these types of dreams. Visitation dreams can sometimes provide comfort and healing to the bereaved. They’re also a window to the possibility of life after death and spirit communication.\n\n**Post-planning tip:** If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.\n\n## What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’?\n![Image with explanation of visitation dreams](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-1\\(1\\).png)\n\n[Visitation dreams](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2015.00283\/full) are dreams in which a deceased loved one appears before you. They get their name because they're so vivid that you can confuse them for a visit from that person's ghost or spirit.\n\nSuch dreams may help you cope with your grief, loss, and sorrow. However, science hasn’t found a way to quantify them. Usually, they’re attributed to issues related to brain chemistry and derailed sleep cycles.\n\nBecause science has no explanation, and religious and spiritual texts only refer to them in unverifiable parables, the medical community has not taken visitation dreams seriously. Instead, medicine generally leaves it up to parapsychologists and ghost hunters to give them some kind of meaning.\n\nOn the other hand, psychologists and grief counselors see dreams in which your deceased loved ones communicate with you differently. While they’re not necessarily messages from the other side, they are validation of your personal grief.\n\nThe famed psychologist Carl Jung coined the term “[Big Dreams](https:\/\/dreamstudies.org\/big-dreams-archetypal-visions\/)” to describe experiences like visitation dreams. He believed in his years of research that when a person dreams of their deceased loved ones, it’s a reflection of a person’s insight into different spiritual levels. Jung separates these episodes of profound significance from typical “little dreams.”\n\nSome psychologists who’ve worked with patients having visitation dreams agree that there are specific characteristics attributed to them. Their notes regarding the commonalities found in these dreams are not part of a formal study. Instead, they’re observations of several encounters as reported by patients.\n\nHere are some characteristics of visitation dreams:\n\n- They [feel real](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2015.00283\/full).\n- They seem authentic.\n- Your deceased loved one(s) visit.\n- They have a purpose.\n- They convey clear messages.\n- They are reassuring and calming.\n- They can warn of danger.\n- They comfort you.\n- They leave you feeling peaceful.\n- You feel as if your loved one was there.\n## Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones?\n![Image with explanation of why we dream of deceased loved ones](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-2\\(1\\).png)\n\nNone of us know precisely why we have visitation dreams. Some people view them as signs from deceased loved ones. They believe that your loved ones use the relaxed state of consciousness induced by sleep as a gateway into your subconscious mind, making it easier to communicate with you when you're sleeping.\n\nThe psychology community sees these dreams as more of a coping mechanism that the mind manufactures to help deal with the pain and sorrow of grief.\n\nSome would like to believe we experience visitation dreams because there are angels who protect us from harm or come to forewarn us. Others believe that our deceased loved ones are still living among us, only in a different realm or dimension. Whatever the reason for these dreams, know that you don’t generally have to be afraid of them.\n\n## Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams\n![Image with tips for coping with visitation dreams](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-3\\(1\\).png)\n\nSometimes, a bereaved person may feel distressed when they have visitation dreams. The following tips will help you cope with them so that you can learn to not only deal with them but better control them:\n\n- Regulate your emotions\n- Maintain a continuing bond with your loved one\n- Increase your sense of hope and encouragement\n### 1\\. Don’t be afraid\nGenerally speaking, there’s no need to fear when you have vivid dreams about your deceased loved ones. This fact is reflected in the soothing, positive nature of most visitation dreams.\n\nHowever, your situation may feel different in the wake of a loved one’s traumatic death. In these circumstances, you may repeatedly relive the unpleasant details of that death in your mind. That’s just as true when you’re asleep as when you’re awake.\n\nAs a result, your dreams may vividly recall the manner of your loved one’s death or otherwise disturb you. The desire to avoid such an experience is perfectly understandable. If you’re afraid of repeatedly seeing traumatic images of your deceased loved one in your dreams, consult a grief counselor for help.\n\n### 2\\. Treat it as a gift\nVisitation dreams don’t happen to everyone. Sometimes, a person may be yearning to see their deceased loved one, but they can never get them to visit them in their dreams.\n\nOthers who might not want to get a visit from the other side may repeatedly dream of their deceased loved ones. Although it may be uncomfortable to get these types of dreams, consider them a gift that can stop at any time.\n\n### 3\\. Seek counseling\nWhen visitation dreams become disturbing, or you simply can’t understand why you’re dreaming about a deceased loved one, find a counselor who specializes in grief counseling or a psychologist trained in dream interpretation.\n\nThey can walk you through some of the reasons why this may be happening to you and bring clarity to your situation.\n\n### 4\\. Try continuing bonds therapy\nContinuing bonds therapy is a form of grief therapy that allows you to maintain the bond with your deceased loved one even after their death. This type of treatment can help when you are inconsolable over the loss of your loved one, particularly your child or spouse.\n\nContinuing bonds therapy was first introduced in 1996, in a book called *Continuing Bonds: Another View of Grief*. It went against traditional grief and bereavement models of treatment that required a bereaved person to detach from and let go of their deceased loved one.\n\nInstead of detaching from your loved ones when they die, the authors suggest that a bereaved person continues the bond with their loved one in different ways throughout their lifetime. This book and other books on grief may help you process your bereavement experiences in a way that makes more sense to you.\n\n### 5\\. Practice guided meditation\nGuided meditation helps you to plan out your dreams ahead of time so that you are not surprised by them. When you learn to control what you dream about, you’ll have less dream anxiety and are better able to face these types of dream visitations.\n\nGuided meditation starts with setting time aside to sit quietly and contemplate on your deceased loved one. As you focus on your breath, allow your thoughts to go to memories of your loved one. You can practice recalling what they looked like, what they felt like, how they smelled, etc. Once you’re in a relaxed state of mind, guide your subconscious into your dream state with thoughts of your loved one in mind.\n\n### 6\\. Ask your loved one to visit you\nSometimes you’ll want your deceased loved ones to visit you. It may be that you need to get advice from your grandfather, or you miss your mom and want to talk to her about your upcoming wedding plans.\n\nYou can make it a daily habit to speak to your loved ones and ask them to visit you in your dreams.\n\n### 7\\. Take notes\nWhen you’re prepared to have these types of dreams, you’re better able to remember the details of things you want to talk about to your loved ones.\n\nLeave a notepad by your bedside so that you can write down what you want to address with them in your dreams. Note-taking can also help you remember the details of your conversations with departed loved ones upon waking. Most of the time, the messages received are hard to forget.\n\n### 8\\. Ask for peace and protection\nIf you’re facing a particularly tough situation, ask your deceased loved ones for peace and protection.\n\nWhether you believe in angels or life after death, it may feel comforting to know that you have angels watching over you, protecting you from harm.\n\n### 9\\. Explore the meaning of dreams\nEducate yourself about what’s happening to you by reading books on grief and dream interpretation.\n\nThe more you learn about why these things occur, the less anxious or fearful you’ll be to have these types of dreams.\n\n### 10\\. Seek religious or spiritual counseling\nReligious or spiritual explanations are not for everyone. Depending on what your personal beliefs are, you may want to consider talking to a religious or spiritual leader about the dreams you’re having.\n\nThey can help you better understand them in this type of context as opposed to what medicine, science, or parapsychologists have to say about them.\n\n### 11\\. Allow these dreams to come\nRelaxing into your dream state and allowing visitation dreams to come through without worrying too much about what they mean may give you much-needed rest rather than stressing over their more profound meaning.\n\n## When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways?\n![Image with others ways a deceased loved one visits](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-4\\(1\\).png)\n\nJust as some people feel that their deceased loved ones visit them in their dreams, some also feel connected to those who have passed on in different ways. Here are some examples.\n\n### Smells\nSome people say they feel their loved ones are close when they smell a particular scent.\n\n### Symbols\nButterflies or cardinals are often viewed to be symbolic of spiritual visitors. Some people see symbolic numbers repeated throughout life that remind them of their loved ones.\n\n### Other feelings\nSome people say they can feel their loved one’s spiritual presence. They may feel a touch that can’t be explained – or see something move.\n\n## When Your Loved Ones Visit in Dreams\nVisitation dreams are sometimes a welcome respite from longing or yearning for your loved one who has died. Whether you believe these dreams are real, from the divine, or something straight out of science fiction - a visit from the afterlife can be healing to your soul.\n\nIf you're looking for more about spirituality and the afterlife, read our guide on dreaming about death and the best spiritual books for beginners.\n\n#### **Sources:**\n1. \"Dreams as a Source of Supernatural Agent Concepts.\" Frontiers in Psychology. March 19, 2015. <https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/articles\/10.3389\/fpsyg.2015.00283\/full>\n2. \"Big Dreams & Archetypal Visions.\" Dream Studies. November 14, 2008. <https:\/\/dreamstudies.org\/big-dreams-archetypal-visions\/>\n3. Barlé, N., Wortman, C. B., & Latack, J. A. (2017). Traumatic bereavement: Basic research and clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 27(2), 127–139. [Doi.org](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/int0000013)\n4. Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (1996). *Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief.* Taylor & Francis.\n\n###### Categories:\n- [Coping With Grief](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/coping-with-grief\/)\n- [Grief & Relationships](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/category\/grief-and-relationships\/)\n\n### You may also like\n[![](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/arturo-castaneyra-tPE60iK97qw-unsplash.jpg)What to Do When Someone Reminds You of a Deceased Loved One](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/seeing-someone-who-looks-like-someone-who-has-died\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/ian-schneider-PAykYb-8Er8-unsplash.jpg)25+ Unique Memorial Service Ideas to Try](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/memorial-service-ideas\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/kerri-shaver-MvgC0CbkJLQ-unsplash.jpg)How to Show Sympathy After a Death: 15 Ways](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/how-to-show-sympathy\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/mike-scheid-0iqkntLw93A-unsplash.jpg)12 Ways to Support a Family in Mourning From a Long Distance](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/what-can-i-do-for-a-family-mourning-long-distance\/)\n\n[![Cake's logo](https:\/\/joincake.imgix.net\/cake-logo-white.png)](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/welcome\/)\n\n© 2025 Cake, All Rights Reserved.\n\nCONNECT\n\nAbout\n\n[About Cake](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/who-is-cake\/)\n\n[FAQ](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/faq\/)\n\n[Press](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/press\/)\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/careers\/)\n\nTools\n\n[Memorial pages](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-memorial-pages\/)\n\n[Will maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n[End-of-life wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n[Post loss checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\nResources\n\n[Blog & Knowledge Base](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/)\n\n[Advance directive forms by state](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n[COVID-19 Advance Directive forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/l\/form\/ariadne-covid\/)\n\n[Trusted decision maker form](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/trusted-decision-maker\/)\n\n[Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\nOther\n\n[Terms of use](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/terms\/)\n\n[Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n\n[Editorial process](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/editorial-process\/)\n\n[Affiliate disclosure](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/affiliate-disclosure\/)\n\n[Code of conduct](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/code-of-conduct\/)\n\n[Account help](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/account-help\/)\n\nAbout\n\n[About Cake](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/who-is-cake\/)\n\n[FAQ](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/faq\/)\n\n[Press](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/press\/)\n\n[Careers](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/careers\/)\n\nTools\n\n[Memorial pages](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-memorial-pages\/)\n\n[Will maker](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/online-wills-welcome\/)\n\n[End-of-life wishes](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/profile\/)\n\n[Post loss checklist](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/post-loss-checklist-start-here\/)\n\nResources\n\n[Blog & Knowledge Base](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/blog\/)\n\n[Advance directive forms by state](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/advance-directives\/)\n\n[COVID-19 Advance Directive forms](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/l\/form\/ariadne-covid\/)\n\n[Trusted decision maker form](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/trusted-decision-maker\/)\n\n[Funeral home directory](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/funeral-directory\/)\n\nOther\n\n[Terms of use](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/terms\/)\n\n[Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/privacy-policy\/)\n\n[Editorial process](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/editorial-process\/)\n\n[Affiliate disclosure](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/affiliate-disclosure\/)\n\n[Code of conduct](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/code-of-conduct\/)\n\n[Account help](https:\/\/www.joincake.com\/account-help\/)\n\nCake offers its users do-it-yourself online forms to complete their own wills and generalized educational content about wills. 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Boilerpipe Text	It can feel downright unsettling and supernatural to have a deceased loved one visit you in your dreams. It can make it seem as if you’ve had a visit from the other side, which can be exhilarating, confusing, and sometimes a bit scary. It’s also not something we fully understand, as the entire notion of deceased loved ones visiting in dreams has yet to take hold in the scientific or medical community. Jump ahead to these sections: When someone you love dies , you may experience different stages and types of grief that may lead you to have these types of dreams. Visitation dreams can sometimes provide comfort and healing to the bereaved. They’re also a window to the possibility of life after death and spirit communication. Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate , and other affairs are taken care of. What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’? Visitation dreams are dreams in which a deceased loved one appears before you. They get their name because they're so vivid that you can confuse them for a visit from that person's ghost or spirit. Such dreams may help you cope with your grief , loss, and sorrow. However, science hasn’t found a way to quantify them. Usually, they’re attributed to issues related to brain chemistry and derailed sleep cycles. Because science has no explanation, and religious and spiritual texts only refer to them in unverifiable parables, the medical community has not taken visitation dreams seriously. Instead, medicine generally leaves it up to parapsychologists and ghost hunters to give them some kind of meaning. On the other hand, psychologists and grief counselors see dreams in which your deceased loved ones communicate with you differently. While they’re not necessarily messages from the other side, they are validation of your personal grief. The famed psychologist Carl Jung coined the term “ Big Dreams ” to describe experiences like visitation dreams. He believed in his years of research that when a person dreams of their deceased loved ones, it’s a reflection of a person’s insight into different spiritual levels. Jung separates these episodes of profound significance from typical “little dreams.” Some psychologists who’ve worked with patients having visitation dreams agree that there are specific characteristics attributed to them. Their notes regarding the commonalities found in these dreams are not part of a formal study. Instead, they’re observations of several encounters as reported by patients. Here are some characteristics of visitation dreams: They feel real . They seem authentic. Your deceased loved one(s) visit. They have a purpose. They convey clear messages. They are reassuring and calming. They can warn of danger. They comfort you. They leave you feeling peaceful. You feel as if your loved one was there. Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones? None of us know precisely why we have visitation dreams. Some people view them as signs from deceased loved ones . They believe that your loved ones use the relaxed state of consciousness induced by sleep as a gateway into your subconscious mind, making it easier to communicate with you when you're sleeping. The psychology community sees these dreams as more of a coping mechanism that the mind manufactures to help deal with the pain and sorrow of grief . Some would like to believe we experience visitation dreams because there are angels who protect us from harm or come to forewarn us. Others believe that our deceased loved ones are still living among us, only in a different realm or dimension. Whatever the reason for these dreams, know that you don’t generally have to be afraid of them. Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams Sometimes, a bereaved person may feel distressed when they have visitation dreams . The following tips will help you cope with them so that you can learn to not only deal with them but better control them: Regulate your emotions Maintain a continuing bond with your loved one Increase your sense of hope and encouragement 1. Don’t be afraid Generally speaking, there’s no need to fear when you have vivid dreams about your deceased loved ones. This fact is reflected in the soothing, positive nature of most visitation dreams. However, your situation may feel different in the wake of a loved one’s traumatic death. In these circumstances, you may repeatedly relive the unpleasant details of that death in your mind. That’s just as true when you’re asleep as when you’re awake. As a result, your dreams may vividly recall the manner of your loved one’s death or otherwise disturb you. The desire to avoid such an experience is perfectly understandable. If you’re afraid of repeatedly seeing traumatic images of your deceased loved one in your dreams, consult a grief counselor for help. 2. Treat it as a gift Visitation dreams don’t happen to everyone. Sometimes, a person may be yearning to see their deceased loved one, but they can never get them to visit them in their dreams. Others who might not want to get a visit from the other side may repeatedly dream of their deceased loved ones. Although it may be uncomfortable to get these types of dreams, consider them a gift that can stop at any time. 3. Seek counseling When visitation dreams become disturbing, or you simply can’t understand why you’re dreaming about a deceased loved one, find a counselor who specializes in grief counseling or a psychologist trained in dream interpretation. They can walk you through some of the reasons why this may be happening to you and bring clarity to your situation. 4. Try continuing bonds therapy Continuing bonds therapy is a form of grief therapy that allows you to maintain the bond with your deceased loved one even after their death. This type of treatment can help when you are inconsolable over the loss of your loved one, particularly your child or spouse. Continuing bonds therapy was first introduced in 1996, in a book called Continuing Bonds: Another View of Grief . It went against traditional grief and bereavement models of treatment that required a bereaved person to detach from and let go of their deceased loved one. Instead of detaching from your loved ones when they die, the authors suggest that a bereaved person continues the bond with their loved one in different ways throughout their lifetime. This book and other books on grief may help you process your bereavement experiences in a way that makes more sense to you. 5. Practice guided meditation Guided meditation helps you to plan out your dreams ahead of time so that you are not surprised by them. When you learn to control what you dream about, you’ll have less dream anxiety and are better able to face these types of dream visitations. Guided meditation starts with setting time aside to sit quietly and contemplate on your deceased loved one. As you focus on your breath, allow your thoughts to go to memories of your loved one. You can practice recalling what they looked like, what they felt like, how they smelled, etc. Once you’re in a relaxed state of mind, guide your subconscious into your dream state with thoughts of your loved one in mind. 6. Ask your loved one to visit you Sometimes you’ll want your deceased loved ones to visit you. It may be that you need to get advice from your grandfather, or you miss your mom and want to talk to her about your upcoming wedding plans. You can make it a daily habit to speak to your loved ones and ask them to visit you in your dreams. 7. Take notes When you’re prepared to have these types of dreams, you’re better able to remember the details of things you want to talk about to your loved ones. Leave a notepad by your bedside so that you can write down what you want to address with them in your dreams. Note-taking can also help you remember the details of your conversations with departed loved ones upon waking. Most of the time, the messages received are hard to forget. 8. Ask for peace and protection If you’re facing a particularly tough situation, ask your deceased loved ones for peace and protection. Whether you believe in angels or life after death, it may feel comforting to know that you have angels watching over you, protecting you from harm. 9. Explore the meaning of dreams Educate yourself about what’s happening to you by reading books on grief and dream interpretation. The more you learn about why these things occur, the less anxious or fearful you’ll be to have these types of dreams. 10. Seek religious or spiritual counseling Religious or spiritual explanations are not for everyone. Depending on what your personal beliefs are, you may want to consider talking to a religious or spiritual leader about the dreams you’re having. They can help you better understand them in this type of context as opposed to what medicine, science, or parapsychologists have to say about them. 11. Allow these dreams to come Relaxing into your dream state and allowing visitation dreams to come through without worrying too much about what they mean may give you much-needed rest rather than stressing over their more profound meaning. When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways? Just as some people feel that their deceased loved ones visit them in their dreams, some also feel connected to those who have passed on in different ways. Here are some examples. Smells Some people say they feel their loved ones are close when they smell a particular scent. Symbols Butterflies or cardinals are often viewed to be symbolic of spiritual visitors. Some people see symbolic numbers repeated throughout life that remind them of their loved ones. Other feelings Some people say they can feel their loved one’s spiritual presence. They may feel a touch that can’t be explained – or see something move. When Your Loved Ones Visit in Dreams Visitation dreams are sometimes a welcome respite from longing or yearning for your loved one who has died. Whether you believe these dreams are real, from the divine, or something straight out of science fiction - a visit from the afterlife can be healing to your soul. If you're looking for more about spirituality and the afterlife, read our guide on dreaming about death and the best spiritual books for beginners . Sources: "Dreams as a Source of Supernatural Agent Concepts." Frontiers in Psychology. March 19, 2015. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00283/full "Big Dreams & Archetypal Visions." Dream Studies. November 14, 2008. https://dreamstudies.org/big-dreams-archetypal-visions/ Barlé, N., Wortman, C. B., & Latack, J. A. (2017). Traumatic bereavement: Basic research and clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 27(2), 127–139. Doi.org Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (1996). Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief. Taylor & Francis.
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[Log in](https://www.joincake.com/account/login/) [Log in](https://www.joincake.com/account/login/) Funeral preplanning is easier with a personal guide. [Connect with a funeral preplanning advisor](https://www.afterall.com/funeral-planning-tailor-made-for-you.html?utm_source=joincake&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=ongoing&utm_content=banner). [Blog](https://www.joincake.com/blog/) / [Coping With Grief](https://www.joincake.com/blog/category/coping-with-grief/) # ‘Visitation Dreams’ and Other Ways a Deceased Loved One Might Visit You Updated 12/28/2023 Published 08/20/2020 DC![Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, JD, CT](https://joincake.imgix.net/alejandravasquez.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=edges&w=100&q=25) [Dr. Alejandra Vasquez, JD, CT](https://www.joincake.com/blog/authors/dr-alejandra-vasquez-jd-ct/) Certified Grief Counselor [Author bio](https://www.joincake.com/blog/authors/dr-alejandra-vasquez-jd-ct/) ![Has a deceased loved one visited you in your dreams? Understand why visitation dreams occur and how to cope with this guide.](https://joincake.imgix.net/jad-limcaco-fRggLY1DQTM-unsplash.jpg) Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict [editorial process](https://www.joincake.com/editorial-process/) to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our [affiliate disclosure](https://www.joincake.com/affiliate-disclosure/). It can feel downright unsettling and supernatural to have a deceased loved one visit you in your dreams. It can make it seem as if you’ve had a visit from the other side, which can be exhilarating, confusing, and sometimes a bit scary. It’s also not something we fully understand, as the entire notion of deceased loved ones visiting in dreams has yet to take hold in the scientific or medical community. #### Jump ahead to these sections: - [What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’?](https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/#h_19951363621598302619993) - [Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones?](https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/#h_475264236201598302624588) - [Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams](https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/#h_868720543361598302630697) - [When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways?](https://www.joincake.com/blog/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams/#h_6708225428891693596043299) When someone you love dies, you may experience different stages and types of grief that may lead you to have these types of dreams. Visitation dreams can sometimes provide comfort and healing to the bereaved. They’re also a window to the possibility of life after death and spirit communication. Post-planning tip: If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, it's tough to handle both the emotional and technical aspects of their unfinished business without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of. ## What Are ‘Visitation Dreams’ or ‘Big Dreams’? ![Image with explanation of visitation dreams](https://joincake.imgix.net/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-1\(1\).png) [Visitation dreams](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00283/full) are dreams in which a deceased loved one appears before you. They get their name because they're so vivid that you can confuse them for a visit from that person's ghost or spirit. Such dreams may help you cope with your grief, loss, and sorrow. However, science hasn’t found a way to quantify them. Usually, they’re attributed to issues related to brain chemistry and derailed sleep cycles. Because science has no explanation, and religious and spiritual texts only refer to them in unverifiable parables, the medical community has not taken visitation dreams seriously. Instead, medicine generally leaves it up to parapsychologists and ghost hunters to give them some kind of meaning. On the other hand, psychologists and grief counselors see dreams in which your deceased loved ones communicate with you differently. While they’re not necessarily messages from the other side, they are validation of your personal grief. The famed psychologist Carl Jung coined the term “[Big Dreams](https://dreamstudies.org/big-dreams-archetypal-visions/)” to describe experiences like visitation dreams. He believed in his years of research that when a person dreams of their deceased loved ones, it’s a reflection of a person’s insight into different spiritual levels. Jung separates these episodes of profound significance from typical “little dreams.” Some psychologists who’ve worked with patients having visitation dreams agree that there are specific characteristics attributed to them. Their notes regarding the commonalities found in these dreams are not part of a formal study. Instead, they’re observations of several encounters as reported by patients. Here are some characteristics of visitation dreams: - They [feel real](https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00283/full). - They seem authentic. - Your deceased loved one(s) visit. - They have a purpose. - They convey clear messages. - They are reassuring and calming. - They can warn of danger. - They comfort you. - They leave you feeling peaceful. - You feel as if your loved one was there. ## Why Do We Have ‘Visitation Dreams’ About Deceased Loved Ones? ![Image with explanation of why we dream of deceased loved ones](https://joincake.imgix.net/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-2\(1\).png) None of us know precisely why we have visitation dreams. Some people view them as signs from deceased loved ones. They believe that your loved ones use the relaxed state of consciousness induced by sleep as a gateway into your subconscious mind, making it easier to communicate with you when you're sleeping. The psychology community sees these dreams as more of a coping mechanism that the mind manufactures to help deal with the pain and sorrow of grief. Some would like to believe we experience visitation dreams because there are angels who protect us from harm or come to forewarn us. Others believe that our deceased loved ones are still living among us, only in a different realm or dimension. Whatever the reason for these dreams, know that you don’t generally have to be afraid of them. ## Tips for Coping With Visitation Dreams ![Image with tips for coping with visitation dreams](https://joincake.imgix.net/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-3\(1\).png) Sometimes, a bereaved person may feel distressed when they have visitation dreams. The following tips will help you cope with them so that you can learn to not only deal with them but better control them: - Regulate your emotions - Maintain a continuing bond with your loved one - Increase your sense of hope and encouragement ### 1\. Don’t be afraid Generally speaking, there’s no need to fear when you have vivid dreams about your deceased loved ones. This fact is reflected in the soothing, positive nature of most visitation dreams. However, your situation may feel different in the wake of a loved one’s traumatic death. In these circumstances, you may repeatedly relive the unpleasant details of that death in your mind. That’s just as true when you’re asleep as when you’re awake. As a result, your dreams may vividly recall the manner of your loved one’s death or otherwise disturb you. The desire to avoid such an experience is perfectly understandable. If you’re afraid of repeatedly seeing traumatic images of your deceased loved one in your dreams, consult a grief counselor for help. ### 2\. Treat it as a gift Visitation dreams don’t happen to everyone. Sometimes, a person may be yearning to see their deceased loved one, but they can never get them to visit them in their dreams. Others who might not want to get a visit from the other side may repeatedly dream of their deceased loved ones. Although it may be uncomfortable to get these types of dreams, consider them a gift that can stop at any time. ### 3\. Seek counseling When visitation dreams become disturbing, or you simply can’t understand why you’re dreaming about a deceased loved one, find a counselor who specializes in grief counseling or a psychologist trained in dream interpretation. They can walk you through some of the reasons why this may be happening to you and bring clarity to your situation. ### 4\. Try continuing bonds therapy Continuing bonds therapy is a form of grief therapy that allows you to maintain the bond with your deceased loved one even after their death. This type of treatment can help when you are inconsolable over the loss of your loved one, particularly your child or spouse. Continuing bonds therapy was first introduced in 1996, in a book called Continuing Bonds: Another View of Grief. It went against traditional grief and bereavement models of treatment that required a bereaved person to detach from and let go of their deceased loved one. Instead of detaching from your loved ones when they die, the authors suggest that a bereaved person continues the bond with their loved one in different ways throughout their lifetime. This book and other books on grief may help you process your bereavement experiences in a way that makes more sense to you. ### 5\. Practice guided meditation Guided meditation helps you to plan out your dreams ahead of time so that you are not surprised by them. When you learn to control what you dream about, you’ll have less dream anxiety and are better able to face these types of dream visitations. Guided meditation starts with setting time aside to sit quietly and contemplate on your deceased loved one. As you focus on your breath, allow your thoughts to go to memories of your loved one. You can practice recalling what they looked like, what they felt like, how they smelled, etc. Once you’re in a relaxed state of mind, guide your subconscious into your dream state with thoughts of your loved one in mind. ### 6\. Ask your loved one to visit you Sometimes you’ll want your deceased loved ones to visit you. It may be that you need to get advice from your grandfather, or you miss your mom and want to talk to her about your upcoming wedding plans. You can make it a daily habit to speak to your loved ones and ask them to visit you in your dreams. ### 7\. Take notes When you’re prepared to have these types of dreams, you’re better able to remember the details of things you want to talk about to your loved ones. Leave a notepad by your bedside so that you can write down what you want to address with them in your dreams. Note-taking can also help you remember the details of your conversations with departed loved ones upon waking. Most of the time, the messages received are hard to forget. ### 8\. Ask for peace and protection If you’re facing a particularly tough situation, ask your deceased loved ones for peace and protection. Whether you believe in angels or life after death, it may feel comforting to know that you have angels watching over you, protecting you from harm. ### 9\. Explore the meaning of dreams Educate yourself about what’s happening to you by reading books on grief and dream interpretation. The more you learn about why these things occur, the less anxious or fearful you’ll be to have these types of dreams. ### 10\. Seek religious or spiritual counseling Religious or spiritual explanations are not for everyone. Depending on what your personal beliefs are, you may want to consider talking to a religious or spiritual leader about the dreams you’re having. They can help you better understand them in this type of context as opposed to what medicine, science, or parapsychologists have to say about them. ### 11\. Allow these dreams to come Relaxing into your dream state and allowing visitation dreams to come through without worrying too much about what they mean may give you much-needed rest rather than stressing over their more profound meaning. ## When a Loved One Dies, Do They Visit You in Other Ways? ![Image with others ways a deceased loved one visits](https://joincake.imgix.net/deceased-loved-ones-visiting-in-dreams-4\(1\).png) Just as some people feel that their deceased loved ones visit them in their dreams, some also feel connected to those who have passed on in different ways. Here are some examples. ### Smells Some people say they feel their loved ones are close when they smell a particular scent. ### Symbols Butterflies or cardinals are often viewed to be symbolic of spiritual visitors. Some people see symbolic numbers repeated throughout life that remind them of their loved ones. ### Other feelings Some people say they can feel their loved one’s spiritual presence. They may feel a touch that can’t be explained – or see something move. ## When Your Loved Ones Visit in Dreams Visitation dreams are sometimes a welcome respite from longing or yearning for your loved one who has died. Whether you believe these dreams are real, from the divine, or something straight out of science fiction - a visit from the afterlife can be healing to your soul. If you're looking for more about spirituality and the afterlife, read our guide on dreaming about death and the best spiritual books for beginners. #### Sources: 1. "Dreams as a Source of Supernatural Agent Concepts." Frontiers in Psychology. March 19, 2015. <https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00283/full> 2. "Big Dreams & Archetypal Visions." Dream Studies. November 14, 2008. <https://dreamstudies.org/big-dreams-archetypal-visions/> 3. Barlé, N., Wortman, C. B., & Latack, J. A. (2017). Traumatic bereavement: Basic research and clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 27(2), 127–139. [Doi.org](https://doi.org/10.1037/int0000013) 4. Klass, D., Silverman, P. R., & Nickman, S. L. (Eds.). (1996). Continuing bonds: New understandings of grief. 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