Imagine Heaven Podcast with John Burke
Episode: A Witch's NDE: What She Saw Changed Everything
Release Date: July 8, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of the Imagine Heaven Podcast, host John Burke delves into the profound near-death experience (NDE) of Savannah Muse, a 29-year-old woman whose tumultuous journey from witchcraft to Christian faith was forever altered by her encounter with the divine. Savannah's gripping narrative not only sheds light on her personal transformation but also explores the broader themes of faith, redemption, and the afterlife.

Savannah Muse’s Background and Early Life

Savannah Muse's story begins with a childhood distant from organized religion. Her early years were marked by an interest in fairy tales and horror movies, which subtly paved the way for her later involvement in witchcraft and paganism. At 14, Savannah briefly joined a church youth group, not out of devotion but for social connections. This period took a tragic turn at 17 when she was sexually assaulted during her time at the church, leading her to abandon her faith entirely.

Savannah Muse [01:57]: "I got raped. And what went through my mind was, why would a loving God let that happen to me? So I left the church."

This traumatic experience fueled her descent into depression and anxiety, pushing her away from God and into the world of occult practices as she sought solace and power through witchcraft.

Descent into Witchcraft and Paganism

In her early twenties, Savannah’s curiosity morphed into a deep-seated involvement with witchcraft and paganism. Influenced by her cousin and immersed in tarot cards, crystals, and pagan rituals, she began practicing black magic, believing it would protect her and grant her control over her circumstances.

Savannah Muse [06:07]: "I was just curious. Just curiosity. I had no real ill intentions of anything. Just I was just curious."

Her involvement intensified as she started selling metaphysical items, believing she was helping others. However, after another assault at 27, her reliance on curses and spells led to severe PTSD and further estrangement from any semblance of peace.

Health Crisis Leading to NDE

Savannah’s life took a dire turn in August 2023 when she experienced a severe health crisis. Battling undiagnosed and persistent illness, she underwent multiple hospital visits without a clear diagnosis. Her condition deteriorated to the point of renal failure, requiring intense dialysis and resulting in a traumatic brain injury.

Savannah Muse [15:14]: "I was just white as a ghost. So they rushed me to the ICU and my mom told me that my cardiac arrest happened on August 14, 2023."

On August 14, 2023, Savannah's heart stopped for 16 minutes, thrusting her into a near-death experience that would change her life forever.

The Near-Death Experience

During her 16-minute clinical death, Savannah recounts a vivid journey that began with observing medical staff from an otherworldly vantage point. She then transitioned into a picturesque paradise, described with lush greenery and vibrant wildlife, including a tiger that guided her through this heavenly realm.

Savannah Muse [20:04]: "I remember seeing a bunch of doctors. It was as if I was above and looking down and seeing just all these doctors and nurses just in and out."

Her paradise felt overwhelmingly real and joyous, filled with love and free from all pain and suffering. Among the surreal beauty, Savannah encountered her miscarried brother and, most poignantly, Jesus Christ Himself.

Savannah Muse [33:20]: "He says, I love you. I love you. You are so worthy. You are so loved that you are mine."

This divine encounter left Savannah with an indescribable sense of love and worthiness, fundamentally shifting her understanding of faith and existence.

Return to Life and Physical Recovery

Upon returning to her body, Savannah woke up fully conscious after 10 days on life support. Her immediate reaction was a simple, human desire for normalcy, evidenced by her first words being, "Can I have a Dr. Pepper?"

Savannah Muse [40:57]: "All the things to say. That's what came out of my mouth."

Though physically debilitated, suffering from neuropathy and renal failure, Savannah embarked on a challenging recovery journey. With unwavering faith and dedicated physical therapy, she regained her health within a year and a half, defying medical expectations.

Spiritual Transformation and Newfound Faith

Savannah's NDE catalyzed a profound spiritual transformation. Reconnecting with Christianity, she immersed herself in church activities, formed prayer groups, and eventually got baptized twice—each baptism symbolizing her rebirth and renewed faith.

Savannah Muse [53:08]: "It was such an incredible moment because I was able to walk through my church, stand in front of everybody and say, hey, I'm Savannah. I clinically died for 16 minutes. I encountered Jesus Christ and he saved me in every way a person could be saved."

Her story underscores the power of faith in overcoming personal demons and physical ailments, emphasizing that divine intervention can manifest in miraculous ways.

Insights and Reflections

John Burke and Savannah Muse engage in a heartfelt dialogue, reflecting on the significance of her experience. They discuss the vividness of her paradise, the symbolic nature of her encounters, and the broader implications for understanding heaven as described in the Bible. Savage's testimony aligns with John’s research on NDEs, highlighting common themes such as unconditional love, a sense of peace, and encounters with divine beings.

John Burke [62:02]: "He creates us to love God and to walk through this life with God, and so he makes a way."

Conclusion

Savannah Muse's near-death experience is a testament to the transformative power of faith and divine love. Her journey from darkness into light exemplifies the profound impact that encountering the divine can have on an individual's life trajectory. Through her story, listeners are invited to contemplate their own beliefs about the afterlife, the presence of God, and the possibility of redemption and renewal.

John Burke concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to seek a deeper understanding of near-death experiences and their connection to biblical teachings, urging them to explore the Imagine Heaven podcast for more enlightening stories and insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Savannah Muse [01:57]: "I got raped. And what went through my mind was, why would a loving God let that happen to me? So I left the church."
• Savannah Muse [06:07]: "I was just curious. Just curiosity. I had no real ill intentions of anything. Just I was just curious."
• Savannah Muse [20:04]: "I remember seeing a bunch of doctors. It was as if I was above and looking down and seeing just all these doctors and nurses just in and out."
• Savannah Muse [33:20]: "He says, I love you. I love you. You are so worthy. You are so loved that you are mine."
• Savannah Muse [53:08]: "I was able to walk through my church, stand in front of everybody and say, hey, I'm Savannah. I clinically died for 16 minutes. I encountered Jesus Christ and he saved me in every way a person could be saved."
• John Burke [62:02]: "He creates us to love God and to walk through this life with God, and so he makes a way."

Savannah Muse's story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of faith. Her encounter serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating that even in our darkest moments, there is a path to redemption and divine love.