[Elspode]

As with communicating with deity, one does not require an intercessionary. However, if you aren't quite sure how to go about such things, or indeed how you realize when it is happening (communicating with the dead rarely takes place in a manner similar to person to person communication amongst the living), then someone who is a bit more in tune with such matters can be valuable to you.

I don't know that John Edwards is that person. However, if you have $150 to blow, then go see him. Be cautious in what you say to him and give him to work with. Make it come from him, not you. The tricks of hucksters have certain tricks in common, some of which my estimable Cellar associates have already noted. Study up on cold readings and the like before you go. Learn how to avoid stepping into things, and then see how Mr. Edwards does.

It is perfectly valid for him to ask for you to visualize the person in question, or to ask you to picture some time spent together or conversations you might have had, or even to ask to hold something the departed owned. Again, don't give away anything extra, but have an open mind. Just because the guy got famous doesn't necessarily mean he doesn't have a knack. However, just because he *is* famous, doesn't mean he's any more able to commune with the Universe and all it holds than you are.