Final Words Project: The Dying’s Final Words Hint at Afterlife
What can the final words, spoken by the dying, tell us about life’s greatest mystery? According to the findings of a long-term research project, a great deal.
Lisa Smartt is a linguist who, in 2012, became interested in the words spoken by the dying when she noticed peculiar changes in her father’s speech as he was passing.
“So one of the things I noticed when I was sitting bedside with my father, well the first thing was he started talking about angels in the room, and my dad was a hardcore scientist. So when I heard my tough, gruff, cigar-smoking Papa talking about angels in the room, I took notice. Being a linguist, I pulled out my pencil and pad and started taking notes. Three days before he died, he shared that the angels say ‘only, three days left,’ and indeed three days later he was gone. And what began to emerge in my notes intrigued me, and led me to the language of the dying, but there wasn’t much written. So I attended a workshop with Dr. Raymond Moody and together we established the Final Words Project.”
Since the project began, Lisa has collected 200 accounts of the last words of the dying from those at their bedsides. Throughout more than a decade of analysis of 2,000 final utterances, Lisa has come to see many universal patterns and recurring themes.
“Specifically you see patterns about a big event coming, someone might say, ‘oh, the big dance is coming’ or ‘the big art show is coming,'” Smartt said. “And then people also talk about traveling, some say ‘the ship is ready’ or ‘the boat is ready,’ feeling that something is kind of moving them along that’s bigger than they are. And then another way that this hybrid language appears is someone may say ‘get me my checkbook, I need to pay at the gate,’ as if they’re referring to Heaven’s gate, so they’re bringing pieces of this world and beginning to talk with the other.”
“People might start talking about things that some family members or loved ones might think are nonsense like ‘my husband (who had died 10 years ago) is standing at the edge of my bed.’ Now to some people they may think that’s nonsense, but it seems from our research and others that there actually are visitors standing at the bedside with those who are dying and that’s not nonsense,” she said.
One particularly fascinating implication is the glimpse these final words seem to provide of what may come after physical death.
“There’s a lot of repetition, you know one well-known example of this is Steve Jobs ‘wow, wow, wow’ before he died, I think those were actually his very final words, and you can only imagine, what did he see? What did that exclamation refer to? People definitely start talking about how beautiful it is over there. I’ve come in contact with so many people who have had near-death experiences and there’s such a sense of peace, and you can see this in some people even before they die. There is this energy that seems to be moving toward some kind of new emergence or a new state of being,” Smartt said.
Just what do these final words suggest about the nature of consciousness?
“In just metaphor, talking about angels in the room, and visions, and predeceased relatives or the walls looking like trees, seeing lights, and all kinds of things are a complete indication to me that there’s something going on as people are dying that is some reflection that consciousness continues. And that process of the transition, I do believe we return to source, to that light and love. A lot of people describe from their death experiences that ball of consciousness as light and love.”
Lisa points out that despite the many transcendent words spoken by the dying, the process itself is not always easy, and offers this advice for those at their bedsides.
“I suggest that people have a journal or log next to the person’s bed, or if you feel comfortable and they do, just put on your phone and record things,” Smartt said. “Begin to see if you see any themes or language or even references to visitors. Sometimes because of our own grief, and also because some things sometimes sound nonsensical out of context, we’re not really tracking the patterns of language or the themes that people are saying. If it’s possible to hold the whole experience as a sacred experience, even as difficult and challenging as it is, just hold it as sacred, and assume that what you’re seeing and what you’re hearing are actually sacred messages.”
For Lisa, this Final Words Project has been a truly profound personal journey and a great help in guiding her own mother through the dying process.
“When I speak to my mother and when she’s fearful I can say, ‘God’s holding you,’ or whatever you want to call that larger divine light, ‘the Light is holding you.’ I’m so grateful that I was exposed to all this material and to know so deeply some other-dimensional experience happens, I don’t know quite what it is, but it is, it exists,” she said.
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Ancient Symbols of Protection from Cultures Around the World
Throughout human history, people have searched for ways to safeguard themselves from negative energy, evil spirits, and other forces beyond their control. Across different cultures, ancient symbols of protection emerged to provide guidance, comfort, and spiritual protection. These protection symbols often reflect humanity’s close relationship with nature, the divine, and the mysteries of existence. They have appeared across continents, in various belief systems—from the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Celts to Native Americans, Vikings, Pagans, Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Each carries its own story and context, offering not only a symbol of protection against evil forces but also a source of good fortune, positive energy, and well-being in daily life.
If you feel drawn to these powerful protection symbols, it can be overwhelming to understand their origins and meanings. By exploring their cultural contexts and historical significance, you can discover which ancient protection symbols resonate most with you, whether you seek a protective amulet, a talisman, or a sacred sigil to incorporate into your spiritual practice.
Native American Protection Symbols
Native American tribes traditionally embraced ancient symbols of spiritual protection connected to the natural world. Animal totems, for example, represent protective powers derived from the wearer’s guardian spirit. Some of the most common animal symbols include:
- Bear: Represents leadership, physical strength, courage, and the ability to face challenges head-on.
- Crow: Embodies wisdom, intelligence, and keen awareness.
- Eagle: A revered bird symbolizing courage, wisdom, and strength; it also connects the earthly realm to the divine.
- Deer: Offers guidance to safety, gentleness, prosperity, and shelter.
- Gila Monster: Portrays preservation, resilience, and survival.
- Dragonfly: A sign of happiness, speed, and purity, often seen as a symbol of positive transformation.
- Lightning (Thunderbird): Associated with a legendary spirit of power, rain, and renewal.
In addition to animal totems, other Native American symbols provide spiritual protection:
- Arrows: These can signify defense, direction, and the warding off of evil spirits. An arrow pointing to the left often signals protection, while a downward-facing arrow can represent peace. Arrowheads carry protective properties, symbolizing alertness and focus.
- Cacti: Embody warmth, endurance, and maternal love, persisting even in harsh conditions.
- Drums: Used in sacred ceremonies to communicate with the Great Spirit, invoking divine protection.
- Eagle Feathers: Central to rituals and prayer, representing truth and spiritual activation.
- Medicine Bags: Typically made of animal hide and containing items like sage, tobacco, minerals, or a pipe, these bags were believed in ancient times to offer divine protection and good luck, especially in battle.
Ancient Egyptian, Celtic, Christian, and Greek Protection Symbols
Ancient Egypt, Greece, Celtic lands, and early Christian societies also developed significant ancient protection symbols. Within these various cultures, certain motifs recur, bridging continents and belief systems:
- The Cross: While often associated with the Christian faith, the cross also appears in many contexts. The ancient Egyptian symbol known as the ankh signifies eternal life and spiritual reflection. In Greek traditions, a cross represents the four directions and natural balance, much like in Native American symbolism.
- Eyes: In Egyptian culture, the Eye of Horus—an ancient Egyptian symbol resembling the right eye of the falcon god Horus—represents healing, protection, and the harmonizing of masculine and feminine energies. Similarly, the Eye of Ra symbolizes cosmic order and the sun’s protective force. Across cultures, the eye often appears as a symbol of protection—for example, the evil eye, a belief found in the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and beyond. Depictions like the nazar (a blue-eye-shaped amulet) are used to ward off evil forces and bad luck.
- The Hamsa Hand: Originating in the Middle East, North Africa, and regions influenced by Islamic and Jewish mysticism, as well as some Christian sects, the Hamsa hand is a protective amulet. Often used to repel the evil eye, it symbolizes divine guardianship, good fortune, and spiritual resilience. The Hamsa appears prominently in Arabic, Hebrew, and ancient Egyptian contexts, making it a potent emblem of spiritual protection.
- Wreaths: In early Christianity, wreaths represented eternity and the unending circle of life. Some believe displaying a wreath invites the spirit of Christ into the home. In Ancient Rome, wreaths were hung on doors after victorious battles. Today, wreaths can symbolize resilience, continuous growth, and persistent life force amid adversity.
Pagan, Wiccan, Norse, and Occult Protection Symbols
Beyond religious traditions, protection symbols from around the world appear in Pagan, Wiccan, Celtic, and Norse cultures. These symbols often focus on nature, cosmic cycles, and positive energy:
- Labyrinths (Wiccan/Pagan): Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual journey symbolizing wholeness, renewal, and guidance. One cannot get lost in a labyrinth, reflecting the soul’s steady path through life’s challenges.
- Yggdrasil (Norse): This great Viking tree of life connects all realms, symbolizing stability, wisdom, and cosmic order. It serves as an anchor of spiritual protection and unity.
- Powerful Protection Symbols in Norse Traditions:
- The Helm of Awe: A famed Viking symbol for protection, this Icelandic protection symbol (or Icelandic sigil) consists of eight rune-like arms radiating from a center point. It’s believed to protect the wearer from harm and instill fear in enemies.
- Thor’s Hammer (Mjölnir): Another Norse emblem, representing strength, courage, and the safeguarding of humanity. Mjölnir often symbolizes good luck in battles and marriages, as well as blessings for new ventures.
- Wiccan Protection Symbols:
- The Pentagram (Pentacle or Five-Pointed Star): Revered in Wicca, this shape can ward off evil spirits and negative influences. It often reflects the balance of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
- Mistletoe: Rooted in Celtic tradition, mistletoe is considered a protector against evil forces, ensuring good luck and prosperity for the community, livestock, and children.
- Runes and Other Amulets: Runes, ancient alphabetic symbols used by Viking and Germanic tribes, can serve as talismans, focusing positive energy and offering guidance. In many belief systems, wearing certain runes or sigils helps ward off negative energies and attract good fortune.
