Channeling is said to be a natural form of communication between a human and certain non-physical beings such as angels, aliens, nature spirits, ghosts and even dead pets. In channeling sessions, the channeler makes contact with these beings and communicates with them through non-verbal communication and translates what they have been told into words. The channeler acts as an interpreter or translator of the non-verbal communication that they have received.

The channeler chooses who they want to channel and, if the desired being is interested in communication, creates a link to that entity and communication begins. The channeler is said to receive information at a high sensory level that he or she then interprets.

Modern channelers do not fall into a trance nor are they completely taken over by the person being channeled, rather they can speak to the people gathered at a session at the same time.