A question or two to consider.

But in death- are we really that vulnerable?

Does it take guts to vilify the dead?

Does it take courage to assume the worst?

No. It doesn't.

For the dead are silent.

What can the dead say,when their lips are mute? Can they defend themselves against the vicious, overbearing, arrogant, know it alls, so selfish that they cannot see past their noses - the LIVING?

No. They cannot. For the LIVING are cruel, crude and vile. They would do anything to propel their theories and suggest the things most convenient and comfortable- FOR THEM, on THEIR level.

What chance do the dead have against the multitudes of talking heads, so quick in judgement?

None. But they should, for we are all living in the world of the dead. They nurture the very ground we walk. We are but guests in their domain, and yet we treat them with hostility, horror and disdain. But, when our time comes, would they take us in kindly?

They will - for it is the circle of life and death, and there are rules. Like, treat those who come after, with kindness, for one day they will be you for the next to come.

Every worthy medium, every psychic I believe would agree with me here: the dead are more forgiving than the LIVING. Is it because they know something that we do not? Probably. The most fundamental thing is, the dead cannot harm the LIVING, while the LIVING constantly humiliate the dead.

It's not only about the murder victims or suicide victims - it starts when the person stops being a person and becomes a corpse. It starts with the police, reporting the death, it continues with the medical staff that attends to the body, and the coroners, who make the final decisions. Once the person becomes the corpse, it no longer exists in human world.

But death doesn't rob of dignity. Dying might. People might - and they do, for in the case of violent deaths, there are always two sides - the killers and the killed. And everybody talks about the killers.

So the question is, why and how did that happen ? The dead were sacred in so many traditions, death was sacred- how did the society lose this respect for death and the dead?

A grim topic, yes, but it troubles me.

So let me say this.

I've known the dead - some of them are still hanging around, and they are always respectful. It's certainly not because of the Hecate statue in my room, or those of Hades and Persephone, or my connections to the gods of the underworld. They are respectful because they are RESPECTED.

I might occasionally prefer their company to the LIVING, because…well, you know what people can be like. Whereas the dead…they are compassionate. They share stories, wisdom and support - although it might sound weird.

When I was working on the knights, they were constantly around. And when I asked why, they said,

We are protecting you.

When the time came for the knights of the air, the formidable English and Australian pilots who perished here, they went out of their way to assist me.

Like, a place would appear in the documents, or people would turn up, and they would be related. I remember the fantastic Michael Barrett telling me of the weird occurrences happening to him precisely at the time I was investigating his uncle's story.

And they would always say, it the array of accents,

We're gonna fly through this. You got this. We're right here for you.

And the LIVING…well. Some would ignore me, some would refuse. Luckily, Michael didn't.

Then, you know, Montague.

He would check on me in dreams. Drenched wet, pale but still handsome. Leading me on to books, to forums, to memories. And when I'd ask, why, he'd say,

You are like me. Find me.

And I'd go on.

Hallie Rubenhold I believe, is of the same mind here. For me, her knowledge is outstanding not only because of her research, but the depth of contact with the women of 1888.

She knows them. Personally. Because - here's the surprise- THEY WANT HER TO KNOW THEM.

Nothing that concerns the dead ever happens without their knowledge or approval. Sometimes though, the living are quick. And they build theories, weaving in names - constructing the fake lives and events just to have their theories backed up.

What does it do for the dead? Nothing good.

Dickens was pretty right there, by the way. Returning to A Christmas carol each year, is a perfect practice. For many reasons, including the dead.

Don't be Victorian.

Coming from me, that's something.

Don't be fascinated with death and morbidity. Admire the lives without making spectacle out of the dead. Think twice before assuming something of the dead.

One day you'll join their ranks. Let this keep you sane.

With love,

~ Victorian Hell.