In this episode of Psychics and Sidekicks, Shaun welcomes Ben Stimpson, a therapist, author, and student of history, folklore, witchcraft, and magic. Originally from North Wales and now residing in Wiarton, Canada, Ben shares his fascinating journey and insights into ancestral veneration practices and psychic experiences.

Key Topics Discussed:

- Ben's debut book, "Ancestral: A guide to ancestral veneration practices," aimed at helping people develop relationships with their deceased ancestors through journal prompts and guidance.

- Shaun's personal journey of discovery working with a psychic medium and his interest in paranormal investigations and ITC.

- The importance of understanding one's beliefs and engaging in discussions, especially with skeptics, to ensure practices align with one's worldview.

- Ben's transition from social work to becoming a psychotherapist and writing his book during the pandemic.

- The diversity of psychic abilities and how individuals experience them differently.

- Managing expectations about psychic experiences and the potential for disappointment when experiences don't match preconceived notions.

- Ben's training and involvement with Santeria, a spiritual tradition that works with spirits and ancestors, and how it helped him develop skills to pick up on subtle messages from the dead, or "ancestral whispers."

- Varying degrees of visualization abilities and the condition of aphantasia.

- The speaker's experiences with unexpected reappearances of people from their past and heightened sensitivity to signs and premonitions.

- Exposure to diverse psychic traditions and practices through involvement in psychic fairs and living with a priest of the Lakumi tradition.

Key Takeaways:

1. Ancestral veneration practices can help individuals develop meaningful relationships with their deceased ancestors.

2. Psychic abilities manifest differently for each person, and it's essential to manage expectations about psychic experiences.

3. Engaging in discussions with skeptics and understanding one's beliefs can help ensure practices align with one's worldview.

4. Sensitivity to signs and premonitions can develop through exposure to various spiritual traditions and practices.

5. Visualization abilities vary among individuals, and some may experience difficulty visualizing, a condition known as aphantasia.

Links:

Ben Stimpson's website: benstimpson.com

Keywords:

Ben Stimpson, Psychics and Sidekicks, Shaun Bennett, ancestral veneration, psychic experiences, spiritual traditions, Santeria, Lakumi, psychic fairs, paranormal investigations, ITC, aphantasia, visualization, premonitions, synchronicity, ancestral whispers, psychotherapy, folklore, witchcraft, magic, North Wales, Wiartone, Canada, pandemic, book writing

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