I had a great time teaching a mediumship class of 30 eager-to-learn students, many who were beginners curious about developing their intuitive gifts. (One fellow once played in a band with John Lennon – now how cool is that?) Though every class is different, I can always count on hearing some version of this question: "How can we protect ourselves against the dark forces?"

Once asked, I have to tread carefully, because I don’t want to scare anyone from opening themselves up and experiencing the gifts of communication with spirit. Yet at the same time, I believe there is negative energy out there. I’ve met spirits that were what some might call "dark" – but they weren’t Stephen King creatures created by Hollywood special effects technicians to scare us at the movies.

No, the dark spirits I’ve met were lost, lonely, confused and tormented souls who, for one reason or another, were afraid of crossing into the light. Most of them believe God won’t let them into "heaven" because of errors they committed while alive. Other spirits don’t know they’re dead, or don’t want to accept the fact that they’ve left the Earth plane. And a few are full of anger and have no way to get rid of that negative energy. So they hang around as poltergeists and play tricks, and occasionally latch themselves onto a Ouija board and try to lure people astray. (Which is why I avoid Ouija boards.)

These spirits need to be treated with love and compassion. I know several rescue mediums who feel guiding lost souls into the light is a noble calling. These strong-willed mediums are fearless and possess powerful spirit guides. And they don’t take their jobs lightly.

There are two key words here: fear and power. So, whenever anyone asks me about protecting themselves from "the dark," I remember those two words. Because fear feeds negative energy. And power – belief in the strength of your self-confidence, self-esteem and self-love – will defeat anything.

Many people are told to visualize pure, white light, which acts as a shield to protect themselves in certain situations. White light is often seen as a symbol for the Divine, and calling white light is asking God or the energy of love to be with you. I also believe white light symbolizes the power of our higher self. And what makes up our higher self? The knowledge that we are strong, wise beings with a deep sense of confidence and commitment to expressing the love of the universe, which flows in us and through us.

So: How can you protect yourself against the darkness? By turning on a light – your light. By strengthening the light within you, and understanding that you can shine as bright as the sun. Meditate on this, and repeat this mantra often: "I am in control of my life. I control my light."

Questions about protection don’t just come from students; my clients ask about it, too. Their enquiries encouraged me to create my guided meditation CD, Strengthen The Light Within. It is a tool that, I hope, will help people master their personal power, and at the same time encourage and support their psychic development.

Believe in yourself. You have the power, and it is limitless!