This week, Kanani Soleil sits down with J. Allen Cross, psychic medium and author of The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal, to talk about what really happens in haunted homes.
J. Allen shares how his abilities emerged in childhood, what it’s like growing up “turned on” psychically, and how he found purpose working with paranormal investigation teams across the Pacific Northwest. Together, Kanani and J. Allen dive into ethics in psychic work, why surprise readings are a terrible idea, and how compassion should always lead communication with the dead.
They also break down the four types of hauntings, how to tell if the spirit in your house is harmful or harmless, and why setting boundaries with spirits is just as important as setting them with the living. From dream communication to poltergeist energy and trauma manifestations, this conversation explores the intersection of magic, mediumship, and emotional responsibility.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your home is haunted, or how to handle it safely and ethically, this episode is your field guide.
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BIO
J. Allen Cross is an American folk magician, author, and educator best known for his practical, accessible approach to traditional witchcraft and Appalachian conjure. Blending folklore, spirit work, and hands on craft, Cross focuses on demystifying magic while honoring its cultural roots. His work often emphasizes hearth magic, protection, ancestor reverence, and the power of everyday ritual.
He is the author of The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal and American Brujeria, books that explore folk magic traditions through a modern lens while maintaining respect for lineage and lived experience. Through writing, workshops, and digital content, Cross has built a reputation for grounded spirituality that balances skepticism with belief. He encourages practitioners to engage critically with sources, question sensationalism, and cultivate relationships with land and spirit through direct experience.
Cross’s practice is rooted in American folk traditions, particularly those influenced by Appalachian and Southern conjure. His teachings frequently highlight the importance of regional magic, oral history, and the preservation of working class spiritual customs. Rather than framing witchcraft as aesthetic or performative, he centers it as a living, breathing tradition shaped by community, necessity, and resilience.
In addition to his published works, Cross is widely recognized for his educational presence online, where he discusses folklore, hauntings, spirit work, and magical ethics with a calm, research informed tone. His approach bridges the gap between paranormal curiosity and serious magical practice, making traditional craft approachable for modern seekers while maintaining deep respect for its historical foundations.
Order The Witch’s Guide to the Paranormal here
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