Post-Cathedral Help

I could use some help. I finished the cathedral and got all 6 upgrade materials back from the Hero's Shrines. However, I'm still a ghost. From some light googling (trying to avoid major end-game puzzle spoilers), I understand that you're supposed to get your body back after finding all 6 shrines.

I haven't yet defeated the Heir. Do I have to do that first? Is there a step I'm missing when it comes to returning to corporeal fox form?