Ten Common Signs that the Deceased Send to Loved Ones

After our loved ones cross over, they are very anxious to let us know they are okay and are aware of what is going on in our lives.  If we are not able to feel them around us, they will often give us signs that we cannot ignore. The person who is given the sign usually knows he or she is receiving a message from the other side. I always tell my clients that they do not have to look for signs – the signs will come to them. How do our loved ones come to us?
They come through as an animal. Our loved ones are able to use their energy to go inside of an animal, such as a butterfly, ladybug, bird, or dragonfly – for a brief period of time. The animal does something it usually would not do, such as land on us, peck at our window, scream at us, etc.
They place common objects such as feathers, coins, or rocks in our path. Our loved ones like to place things over and over again in our path that were significant to them. I have had clients come to me who have had jars filled with feathers, coins, and objects they have found in the most unusual places.

Smelling and Dreaming

They give off fragrances. We can often tell our deceased loved ones are around us when we smell their perfume, flowers, cigar or cigarette smoke, or any other familiar smell they had. There is usually no logical explanation of why the smell is there.
They make songs come on at the perfect time. We know they are around when their favorite songs come on at the right time with the exact words we need to hear. Often the same song is played in many different places.
They come to us in dreams. One of the easiest ways for them to come through to us is in our dreams. All we need to do is to ask them to come, and they will. However, we should ask them to wake us up after they come, or else we will not remember the dream.  A dream that is a true visitation will be very peaceful and we will know it is truly our loved one. We will remember this type of dream in detail many years later. (On the other hand, a subconscious dream may be frightening or feel bad. This type of dream is not your loved one.)
They show us the same numbers over and over. They loved to give us numbers that are relevant to them or you, such as birthdates, anniversaries – or repeating numbers, such as 1111, 2222, 3333, etc. These numbers may appear on clocks, billboards, or any other familiar place.

Peace and Pops

They allow us to feel peaceful for no reason. When our loved ones are in the room, they usually make us feel so loved and at peace. It usually happens at the most unsuspecting time, so there is no logical explanation for our sudden bliss.
They place thoughts in our head. Because they in spirit form, our loved ones don’t have an audible voice. Therefore, they give us messages telepathically. Pay attention to thoughts that just “pop” into your head. We can tell the difference between our thoughts and theirs by backtracking our thoughts. If you can find the thought that triggered the thought of your loved one, it is probably your thought. If something your loved one would say just pops in your head for no reason, it is probably him or her speaking directly to you!
They love to play with electricity. They turn electricity on and off, flicker lights, turn the television and radio on and off. And they make appliances beep for no apparent reason.
They make buzzing noises in our ears. Because our loved ones speak to us on a different, higher frequency, we may hear ringing in our ears when they are trying to get our attention.  This is a sign telling you to listen to what they are saying.

Ask and Receive Signs

The list can go on and on, but these are the most common ways they let us know they are around. If you haven’t received any of these signs, simply ask your loved ones to come to you to let you know they are okay.
Tell them to come to you in a dream and to wake you up after the dream. The more you are aware of the messages they are giving you, the more they will continue to allow you to know they are present. Be patient and persistent, and I promise that they will give you the signs you have always wanted.  They really are okay and want you to be too!
Angel blessings to you!

Frequently Asked Questions About Signs From the Deceased

How long after death do signs from the deceased usually come?
There is no universal timeline. Some bereaved people report receiving a clear sign within hours or days of the death, while others wait weeks, months, or even years for their first unmistakable sign. Grief itself can also make us less attuned to subtle messages in the early acute weeks. Be patient — the timing is rarely about us.

Why am I not receiving any signs from my deceased loved one?
The most common reason is that we are looking too hard or expecting a specific kind of sign. Signs from the deceased are often quiet — a familiar fragrance, a song on the radio, a thought that pops in from nowhere — and easily dismissed as coincidence. Slowing down, asking openly, and keeping a small “signs journal” tend to help. Grief brain can also make subtle signs harder to register; this does not mean your loved one is not present.

Are visitation dreams real, or just regular dreams?
Visitation dreams typically feel different from ordinary dreams. They are unusually vivid, peaceful, and remembered in detail for years afterward. The deceased usually appears healthy and whole, often delivers a clear message, and the dream feels more like an encounter than a story. Anxious or fragmented dreams, by contrast, are usually the subconscious processing grief — not visitations.

Can I ask my deceased loved one for a specific sign?
Yes. Many grievers find that asking openly — out loud, in a journal, or in prayer — opens the door. Some ask for a specific symbol that was meaningful to the relationship (a particular bird, song, number, or fragrance). Be patient and stay open: the sign may come in a form you weren’t expecting.

Do all deceased loved ones send signs?
Most bereaved people who actively look for signs eventually receive them. That said, the absence of an obvious sign does not mean your loved one is not with you. The bond between you continues regardless of whether you are receiving outward signs in any given week or year.

Should I see a medium to receive messages from my loved one?
Some grievers find a reading with a reputable medium deeply healing. Others prefer to nurture their own connection without an intermediary. There is no one right path. If you do consider a medium, look for one recommended by someone you trust, who relies on word-of-mouth rather than aggressive advertising. (See Are Psychics and Mediums Real? for more on what to look for.)

Editor’s note (updated 2026): This post remains one of the most-read pieces on Open to Hope. We have added the FAQ section above in response to questions our community sends us most often.

Karen Noe

Karen Noe is a renowned New Jersey-based psychic medium, spiritual counselor, and healer with a two-year waiting list. She is the author of "The Rainbow Follows the Storm: How to Obtain Inner Peace by Connecting with Angels and Deceased Loved Ones," "Through the Eyes of Another: A Medium's Guide to Creating Heaven on Earth by Encountering Your Life Review Now," and "Your Life After Their Death: A Medium's Guide to Healing After a Loss." She is the founder of the Angel Quest Center in Ramsey NJ, where she teaches classes, gives readings, and practices alternative healing. You can listen to Karen on The Angel Quest Radio Show by tuning to www.wrcr.com on the first Saturday of every month at 1.05pm Eastern. P

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