Into the Land of Whispers

On May 22, 2024, Whispers from the Light held its first Retreat at the House of Prayer, a lovely retreat venue in central Minnesota. While simply titled “Introduction to Evidential Mediumship” our five days together might be considered a “Boot Camp” for new mediums. Mindfulness walks, lectures and discussions, psychic ability exercises, meditation, regression hypnosis, and plenty of mediumship development practice drew forward each and every one of the 12 participants in the unfoldment of their innate abilities. It was thrilling to observe! What follows is an overview of the retreat program, and if you get to the end, you’ll be able to read what a few attendees had to say about their experiences.

DAY 1: Hello! Mindfulness and The Big Ideas

A perfect spring day matched the upbeat moods of these 12 intrepid spiritual explorers as they arrived in ones and twos from around the country: California, Texas, Colorado, Virginia, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Once registered and unpacked, we headed out for our first experience: a mindfulness (silent) walk in a nearby arboretum. Why start there? I felt it important, especially for the city dwellers in our group, to get out into a natural setting, to be emotionally refreshed and physically nurtured by the fresh spring breeze, the gentle sun, the earthy energy of the prairie and wetlands, the sound of the birds and reptiles and insects. Mediumship relies on a keen attunement of the senses. Our hike through meadow, marsh and forest was the perfect way to begin the conscious process of paying close attention to each of the body’s physical senses, just as we would soon be doing to our inner senses in our mediumship work. “What do you see? What do you hear? What do you feel? What do you smell?” I asked them. “What thoughts, reflections, memories or connections come to mind?”

It was a transition, a reset and a preparation to enter the Land of Whispers.

I’m a firm believer in setting a philosophical foundation upon which to work as mediums. To that end, I provided the participants with a pre-retreat reading list designed to introduce a variety of expansive concepts regarding the nature of our existence as souls and the universe itself. So our first evening was spent in the very cozy living room of the venue exploring what I like to call, “The Big Ideas”:

• What’s the relationship between Body/Ego and Soul consciousness?
• What happens to our Loved Ones after transitioning to “The Other Side”?
• How can we, how do we, how should we communicate with Spirit?
• What happens in the process of Mediumship?
• What is this interplay between Pre-Destiny and Free Will?
• What is Karma, and how do we work with it?
• Why do we choose to incarnate on Earth?
• How might past or parallel or probable lives impact this life or one life to another?

With such a bright, curious group of people, coming together with rich and diverse perspectives, you can probably imagine how lively and exciting the discussions were! We could have talked all night, and though we barely scratched the surface of these topics, what we explored together and shared with each other set the tone for the days ahead: Let’s break through boundaries, limitations, and social conditioning. Let’s expand the sense of possibilities and capabilities. Let’s open our hearts and minds to the process of Spirit Communication because it’s a natural ability and we are right to develop it!

In the midst of The Big Ideas, my favorite astrologer, Pippa Kate from Australia zoomed in to talk to us about the powerful and expansive Sagittarius Full Moon that would dominate the external energy of the retreat. The upshot? We couldn’t have landed on a better week for the work ahead. It was an amazing validation for all of us from the Universe.

DAY 2: The Energy Body, The Psychic Mind and the Gateway of Psychometry

Working as a medium means working with energy — your own, your client’s, and that of the Spirit Communicator. Understanding the intricacies of the energy body, including the Chakra System is the first step in learning how to manage and manipulate one’s own energy, whether to pull in for protection from noisy frequencies or negative energies, or to expand and open in our connection to others here and in Spirit. Chakra and energy-body (auric) colors can also be the perfect shorthand for Spirit’s more complex messages. Some pretty fun pair exercises helped to illuminate the energy body and our powers of mind to manipulate it.

The Psychic Mind exercises tested the ability to tap into information received telepathically or from another’s aura or outer energy body, within which lies information about life events, motivations, and paths of another. While mediums all have psychic abilities, not all psychics work mediumistically, receiving information from Loved Ones. This exercise is not a predictor of mediumistic ability; some people are simply better at it than others. Rather, it’s one more aspect of self-awareness important to the medium.

Our afternoon and evening was taken up with Psychometry exercises. Objects once owned by or made by a Loved One in Spirit (or were a gift from a Loved One) can still hold their residual energy and can serve as a catalyst for psychic information flow or as a gateway to mediumistic information reception. In this exercise, each object was placed in a separate paper bag and sealed, so that no physical senses, beyond weight or relative size, may inform the medium. The bagged objects were then passed around small groups and each “medium” in turn was invited to share impressions as they held the bag, either of the object itself or of the Spirit connected to the object. Close attention was paid to HOW the information was coming into the “medium” offering the message. Did s/he see? hear? feel? sense? know? One’s own sensory mode of receiving communications may change in time, but figuring out if you’re primarily clairvoyant (seeing), clairaudient (hearing), clairsentient (sensing), or claircognizant (knowing) will determine how you work with the intended target of the communication (the Sitter).

By the end of Day 2, people were already starting to put it together. The look of amazement on their faces as they received positive (and often enthusiastic) validation from the owner of the hidden object is why I love teaching so much. In truth, every human body is wired to receive information from Spirit, but being validated in one’s abilities is nearly always a big surprise. We’re socialized to not pay attention to this “woo-woo” ability of ours, to not trust it, to shrug it off. Even though we’ve been sent messages and shown signs from our Loved Ones and Guides in Spirit our whole lives, we may not have realized their true origins. Rather, we may have simply classified these messages as our own ideas or mere coincidence, not recognizing the Spirit influences at play. Until one sits at a piano, or picks up a tennis racquet, or tries their hand at painting, she or he might never know the level of innate talent possessed. The lack of opportunity to try out our “Spirit antennae” is often the only thing holding us back!

Day 3: Past Life Exploration and the Mediumship Tools

Meditation and Hypnosis are mind-relaxing and opening tools that we employed fully at the retreat, both of which are known to enhance one’s mediumistic abilities. On the morning of Day 3, the participants experienced the first of two Past Life Regression hypnosis sessions. For about half of the participants, it was the first time experiencing this new level of consciousness.

Past Life Regression affords the opportunity to explore many aspects of our soul’s journey, e.g., the history of a current relationship, the attraction of a particular career path or interest, the potential cause of an emotional or physical health issue, and so much more. Dr. Brian Weiss, a Yale-trained psychiatrist, made past life regression therapy accessible and understandable to millions through his books Messages from the Masters, Many Lives Many Masters, Only Love is Real, and others. Building on basic clinical and metaphysical hypnosis certifications, I received advanced hypnosis training in Past Life Regression from Dr. Weiss in 2006 and have utilized it successfully with clients since. For this retreat, I regressed the participants to a childhood memory or event, to their time in utero (in the mother’s womb before birth), and to three past lives–each life focused on a different aspect of the soul’s journey. Immediately after our sessions, participants journaled, recording all they could recall, beginning to make the all-important connections. Group processing revealed enlightening stories and revelations, adding a new level of awareness to each individual’s experience in this lifetime, in this body, here and now, and a new level of appreciation for some of those “Big Ideas” we discussed on Day 1!

In the afternoon of Day 3, with the mind a little more open, it’s right back to Mediumship Development, but without the focus on objects and photos. I introduced an information system I use in my readings. We soon put it into practice in short One-on-One mediumship readings in a round-robin setting. Fast-paced but rigorous, participants began to employ the basics of Evidential Mediumship, asking for and trusting in the information coming through.

“Spirit never wastes a thought!” I told them – a phrase the late Barbara Farewell, one of my own mediumship teachers, liked to say. We just need to understand how to interpret those “thoughts”. The heightened energy in the room was tangible: laughter, tears, joy and excitement told me these budding mediums were beginning to flower!

Day 4: Life Between Lives and Practice, Practice, Practice!

While Past Life Regression allows one to explore a soul’s past life, Life-Between-Life Regression brings the soul consciousness to that time and space between lives, where meeting Guides, members of one’s Spiritual Council, and Loved Ones in Spirit is all possible. This method of regression hypnosis was perfected by the late Dr. Michael Newton, author of Journey of Souls and Destiny of Souls, both groundbreaking works that serve to puzzle together the story of our soul lives on The Other Side via subjects under hypnosis. The opportunity to gain an understanding of one’s own pre-incarnation life planning process and decisions around the choices we make around our bodies, families and friends, careers and abilities exists in this type of hypnosis, and it is therefore powerfully healing and instructive in the messages it holds. Just six participants at a time underwent their regression; the other six participants practiced One-on-One readings elsewhere and however they wanted to: with objects or photos, hidden or exposed, or using nothing but the information protocol they were learning.

It was a busy, exhausting morning for the participants, but the lunchtime conversation was abuzz with the recounting of experiences. I heard a lot of “No wonder, I…” and “That makes so much sense to me that…” Know thyself!

After further instruction on Mediumship basics and Circle protocol, we headed back into our warm, cozy workshop room, to open a whole-group Development Circle and practice bringing messages to each other. All of the lecture information, processes and evidential mediumship protocols learned over the 4 days came together in this session. After a Mantra to raise the energy, I opened the Circle and invited Loved Ones to come through. Slowly, in fits and starts, the messages came, always with the required evidence, always with love. As each medium’s confidence grew, messages with greater literal and emotional content began to flow. Powerful 3rd party messages (for those not present) also came through. For some, it came easier than for others. That’s expected. We are all on our own timeline, with our own unique gifts and styles of receiving information. Each developing medium learns in time what works best for them and to be patient with the process.

Day 5: Our closing Circle brought another round of messages forward, a final opportunity to experience Mediumship with a group of people who had grown very close in a few short days. The caring and compassion evident in the room was a testament to the bonds formed and the trust nurtured in situations that might otherwise have one feeling vulnerable. I couldn’t have been more proud of each and every one of them. They worked so hard, so diligently and joyfully. I got lucky with this group, my first retreat group. And they will forever hold a huge place in my heart.

It won’t be long before we pick up again though — our Zoom class start next week!

Here’s what a few attendees had to say about their experiences:

RW from California

I cannot say enough good things about Renee Buck and her Whispers From the Light Mediumship Retreat in Minnesota. It was an amazing and life-transforming experience; unlike anything else I’ve ever had the privilege to attend.

Renee did a spectacular job of developing the material, rolling it out in a logical and progressive manner. She was always very approachable and encouraging in her coaching/teaching style and the entire retreat was very organized. I would not have changed a thing: from the fantastic location, the great food, the helpful support materials, and the intense yet fun practical exercises which allowed our mediumship gifts to unfold in front of our eyes. Wow, what an experience.

I highly recommend that any budding medium attend any and all of Renee’s classes and retreats – you’ll be glad you did!

Sarah from Minnesota

I typically approach all things “woo woo” with a healthy dose of skepticism, and talking to dead people is no exception. I value evidence and strive to understand how things work, so I approached the “Introduction to Evidential Mediumship” retreat with Renee Buck with both curiosity and caution. To my surprise, my need for evidence was more than satisfied, providing undeniable proof that consciousness persists beyond human death.

Before the retreat, I believed in the ability of mediums to communicate with the deceased, but I doubted my own potential. I held onto hope but never imagined I could actually connect with those in spirit. To my amazement, I experienced bringing forth evidence of these communications, and it was profoundly healing. The joy of contacting loved ones and the emotional release it brought to everyone involved was incredible.

The retreat was an intensive five-day experience that pushed us to our limits and exceeded all our expectations. Renee worked us hard, and we appreciated every minute because we were there to learn and grow as much as possible.

One of the most remarkable aspects was the support from the group. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who also wanted to communicate with their deceased loved ones was comforting. Unlike the usual experience of people avoiding conversations about grief, this environment was different. Everyone was eager to learn about each other’s loved ones in spirit, offering unwavering support and love.

I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone open to the possibility of communicating with those in spirit. Even if you’re a skeptic, the love, support, and understanding you will experience from the group can soothe and heal your grief in unimaginable ways. Additionally, Renee is an amazing teacher, highly knowledgeable, and respected in the mediumship community.

I 1000% recommend this retreat!

Stuart from Illinois

I am so glad I had the chance to attend Renee’s retreat in Minnesota. It truly marked a turning point in my life that I could not have fully anticipated.  There is a “before” and an “after”, and I could not have been more surprised at this retreat’s impact. 

Like many, I had my doubts about the validity of mediumship and the survival of consciousness after death. With a background in healthcare and medicine, I always had a keen eye on the science of things and seeking out evidence wherever possible. However, at the same time, I have had enough personal experiences and shared experiences with others to realize that not everything fits neatly into a readily explainable box.  Despite how far we have come in our understanding of the universe, it is humbling to experience such moments as we all did during this retreat when the universe continues to reveal itself in its mysterious ways. 

Renee’s retreat provided much more than just the “evidence” that I was seeking to uncover.  It revealed the very human, spiritual, emotional and soulful nature of “all that is”. This experience helped me understand that this type of work goes beyond simply “making the connection”.  It is a means of helping others, both on this side and on the other, to gain understanding, closure, and a deeper sense of unity and connectiveness with everyone and everything in it.  To feel and experience the joy and love that those on The Other Side have for those who are still here (on the Earth plane) is overwhelming. To see the happiness and satisfaction of those here who receive a meaningful message from their loved one is equally overwhelming. I left this retreat not only with the validation that something bigger is at play, but also with a greater sense of place regarding where I fit – and where we all fit – in this thing we call “life”.  

It was quite remarkable that this was Renee’s first retreat.  She planned and executed it with exceptional detail: there were well-laid-out reading materials, activities and exercises that all built on one another.  The group work and team activities helped foster further synergy and learning with all who attended; and despite working with a group of this size, she was still able to connect, coach and instruct each of us individually.  I am sure that as Renee leans into her skill and natural ability as an instructor that her workshops will become even better with time.  If given the opportunity to attend one of her events, I strongly encourage you to explore a side of you that is just waiting to make itself known.  Renee will undoubtedly provide you with the means to get there.

Linda from Texas

If you have an opportunity to attend a Whispers From the Light retreat, run don’t walk! I felt very comfortable from the beginning. We began with a series of group zoom calls leading up to the retreat so everyone was prepared and comfortable. On the first day of the actual retreat, I felt such a peace and calm come over me and felt I was surrounded by some very special people. The good thing is that most were coming from different states, levels in our journey and backgrounds. Some attendees experienced deep losses, some wished to grow deeper in their gifts and others were there to contribute their knowledge and experience. The setting was lovely, the meals super healthy, and plenty of opportunities for sunrise walks and yoga. I would not hesitate to recommend Renee Buck, the Whispers Retreat and I am thrilled our group of 12 has desired to remain connected. We made some lifelong friends.

Julia from Colorado

All of my life, I’ve carefully avoided my tendency toward mediumship. Explore everything else? Absolutely! Willingly talk to our departed? Nope.

But finally, there comes a time when everything aligns, and it is simply time.

I’d found Renee during the pandemic, when I was looking into the Forever Family Foundation. There followed a wonderful reading, and that was that. At least until April of this year, when the Universe said, “See what Renee is up to.” Within a week I was registered for the retreat, and I could not be happier to have attended.

Renee created a safe, welcoming environment for twelve absolute strangers to come together and learn and grow over five very intense days. She pushed us, challenged us, comforted us, and encouraged us. Under her guidance, the mediumship I’d been avoiding for decades began to show itself, and now I finally look forward to continued learning and growth in this area.

The group was wonderful, and as one student put it, it was incredible that we’d all come together in grief, one way or another, and gone on to explore these amazing things together.

It was an amazing, life-changing experience that is leading to ever more wonderful things. Thank you, Renee!

Angie from New York

Renee’s Intro to Evidential Mediumship retreat was a transformative experience that opened my heart and mind to my own potential as a medium. For those who are new to Renee, not only is she a brilliant medium, she’s a gifted teacher, who puts her whole heart into all she does. We first met in 2021 for an Akashic Records reading and when I learned that she was leading a retreat, I jumped at the opportunity to work with her in person. Unlike some retreats, which can feel big and impersonal, Renee created an intimate environment for us to learn and grow in. With only 12 students in our group, I always felt safe and supported as Renee guided us through her meticulously crafted curriculum, which included lectures, development circles and deep meditations. These exercises taught me how to trust my intuition and understand my soul’s purpose across lifetimes. This was more than just a retreat, it was a spiritual boot camp that helped me kickstart my development as a medium. I look forward to continuing my journey with Renee in Tuscany this August!

Are you ready to sign on to a Whispers Retreat? Will you join me in Tuscany this August? There are still a few spaces open. We’ll work hard in Tuscany too, but we’ll also have time to play and explore and discover what Tuscany has to offer. Check it out!