What Is Mediumship/Channelling
Mediumship
can be defined as follows: The process whereby a human instrument, known
as a MEDIUM or CHANNEL, is used by one or more discarnate, spirit
personalities for the purpose of:
Presenting information, verifiable or otherwise.
Causing so-called paranormal activities to occur.
Channelling forth certain types of energies.
Manifesting themselves for objective examination and/or identification.
From this definition, we see the following:
Mediumship involves a cooperating effort between a person on the Earth
plane (the medium or channel) and a person in Spirit (the communicator).
There are several objectives behind the manifestation of mediumship.
In addition to this, we see that mediumship is used by those in Spirit
for the following purposes:
To present information, which may or may not be verifiable.
To cause certain types of paranormal activities to occur.
To channel forth certain types of energies.
To manifest themselves materially.
Therefore, mediumship involves the cooperation between at least two
individuals:
An Earth-plane channel or medium
A spirit communicator or operator.
You will note that we distinguish between a spirit communicator and a
spirit operator.
If you look at what has been said, thus far, concerning mediumship, you
will see that two distinct types of phenomena can occur through mediums:
Communication
Manipulation of energies and energy systems.
A spirit who uses a medium for the purpose of communication, either
verbally or visually, is known as a spirit communicator. A spirit who
uses a medium for the intent of working with and/or manipulating
energies or energy systems is called a spirit operator. This distinction
is very general, and it should be noted that a spirit operator can, and
often does, communicate.
Thus, mediumship can be distinguished as two basic types:
Mental Mediumship
Physical Mediumship
Mental mediumship involves the relating of information, through
communication, via the varied aspects of thought transference, or mental
telepathy. Mental telepathy is the relaying of information via thought,
without using any of the five physical senses. Mental mediumship takes
place within the consciousness of the medium. The results are expressed
verbally and must pass through the medium's mouth. Because of its
telepathic nature, mental mediumship is sometimes referred to as
telepathic mediumship.
In a demonstration of mental mediumship, it is the medium who hears,
sees, and feels what the spirit communicators are relating. Furthermore,
it is the medium's function to relate the information, with minimum
personal influence and prejudice, to the recipient of the message, also
known as the sitter. The medium receives this information under various
states of control.
Physical mediumship involves the manipulation and transformation of
physical systems and energies. The spirit operators, in this case, are
causing something to happen upon the Earth plane. What it is that
actually happens varies with the style of mediumship involved, but the
results can be seen and heard by others
What Is Trance Communication
Trance mediumship or channelling, like so many
other forms of spirit communication, is very much misunderstood. In
recent years, a number of mediums have called themselves "trance"
channels, when, in fact, they were not working in a genuine trance
condition. This has been a source of great confusion for many people.
When spirit links with a medium, the spirit communicator exerts various
degrees of control, or overshadows the consciousness of the medium to a
greater or lesser degree. This varies, depending upon the intent and
conditions of communication, as well as the ability of the medium to
lend himself or herself to be overshadowed or controlled.
Trance is considered the strongest degree of control. Yet, even here,
there are various degrees of trance control: from light trance to very
deep trance. Deep trance is used primarily in physical mediumship.
There are many factors which indicate genuine trance control, and
parapsychologists have used various tests to determine whether, in fact,
a medium is under trance control; and, if so, to what degree.
Genuine trance is a strong sharing of mental and physical energies and
consciousness between the medium and the spirit communicator. There is
generally -- although not always -- manifested, within the medium, the
following:
A slowing of the heart rate.
A slow, deep, and steady breathing pattern.
No rapid eye movement, or REM.
A lowering of body temperature.
A greatly reduced reaction to touch and pain.
Various degrees of unconsciousness.
Furthermore, because in the trance condition the spirit communicator is
speaking directly through the consciousness of the medium -- rather than
the medium relating what is being mentally given to him or her -- the
voice pattern, inflection, and general manner of speech differ from that
normally exhibited by the medium.
Finally, much research has been conducted around the language patterns
of dialogue exhibited during trance communication. There is very often a
broken speech pattern, a reversal of sentence structure, and an overall
change in grammar usage. This is very evident in the Cayce readings, the
Seth material, in Eileen Garrett's trance communications, and in our own
Rev. Stephen Fulton's trance communications.
One final point needs to be mentioned: that of control. What does it
mean to be controlled by spirit? First of all, it does NOT mean that the
medium is, in any way, possessed by a spirit personality. Possession --
or attachment (apparently a new and, in my opinion, disturbing buzz
word) -- is extremely rare. Nor does it mean that the medium leaves his
or her body and the spirit enters therein.
Mediumistic control means a sharing of mental and physical energies
between the medium and spirit communicator or operator. Control
signifies a telepathic rapport between the two. How strongly en rapport
they are determines the degree of control. Control can range from
inspired thought, to conscious control, to light trance, to deep trance,
to very deep trance. It all depends upon the work at hand and the mental
and physical energies available to the spirit communicator or operator.
What is Trance Communication
Why Spirit Communication
Evidential Mediumship
Why would someone wish to communicate with their
spirit loved ones? What does this accomplish, for them as well as for
the loved ones in Spirit? Why would spirit wish to "come back" and
communicate to their earthly loved ones? What type of information does
spirit seek to impart to those of us on the Earth plane?
These are just a few of the questions which people ask when they
consider mediumship and spirit communication. It all boils down to one
basic question: Why? Why should spirit in the body seek to establish
communication with spirit out of the body, and vice versa?
Let's examine some of these questions.
First: why seek spirit communication, through a medium? Spirit
communication helps bring together that which seems to have become
separated and lost, through death: love and interaction with our loved
ones. We seek spirit communication because we want to know: do our loved
ones survive death; if so, where are they, and are they the same people
that we knew and loved while together on earth?
Mediumship answers both of these concerns with a resounding YES. YES,
our loved ones survive death. They go to a place not separated by
distance, but by dimension. And YES, they survive, as we knew them on
earth. The only thing they leave behind, through death, is the physical
body and earthly treasures; everything else goes with them.
This, alone, gives tremendous comfort to the grieving. And as wonderful
as this revelation is, there is one even more wonderful: we, too, shall
survive this elusive experience which we call death.
Our work with mediumship has shown us, clearly, that communicating with
spirit loved ones can be a tremendous source of resolve, closure, and,
especially, healing. How often have we seen loved ones, reaching across
the doorway of life, in order to express how sorry they are for the
errors of the past. This applies not only to those in the body, but in
Spirit as well. The opportunity to say "I'm sorry" can bring with it an
amazing healing for all concerned. Although death does not suddenly give
us insight into all of life's wonders and mysteries, it does change
things. Spirit perceives things from a different perspective. The very
fact that an individual awakens in Spirit, alive and well, can be a most
amazing revelation in itself. Thus, spirit is anxious to relate to their
earthly loved ones what they have come to see and how they have changed
since their passing.
In many ways, death can be likened to a journey. If you take a trip to a
foreign land, or move away from those whom you love, what would be your
first order of business, when arriving at your destination? Most of us
would want to call home and let our loved ones know that we arrived
safely. Thus it is with death. Spirit wishes to convey to us that they
have made the journey and are OK. Mediumship can be the telephone line
through which this communication takes place.
Finally, what would spirit wish to communicate to us? Obviously, no one
can make categorical statements, here, but just think about it for a
while. Some mediums pride themselves at being able to give names,
addresses, telephone numbers, license plate numbers, and other such
trivial information. As interesting as all this may be to the observer,
what does it actually prove or demonstrate? Certainly, it is impressive.
Certainly, it proves that some type of psychic link has been established
between the medium and the sitter. But, does it really prove survival?
Does it really prove that the medium is in contact with your spirit
loved one? Not necessarily.
In order to explain our reasons here, let me ask you a question. If you
were to die and were suddenly given an opportunity -- perhaps the only
one -- to communicate to your earthly loved ones, what do you think you
would want to say to them? Would you really want to given them your old
address or telephone number? Would you really want to talk about money
and romance? Would you not rather wish to convey who you REALLY are: the
nature of your personality; your likes and dislikes; what motivated you
in life; memories of things you did with your loved ones while on earth?
In other words, would you not prefer to convey: "It's really me; I am
here with you; I am OK"?
This is precisely the difference between a medium and a psychic. A
psychic can give names and addresses. But, only a medium -- one who has
touched and linked with the spirit of your loved one -- can convey the
true essence, love, and spirit of that person. And that bears with it
the greatest of evidence and comfort to one who is grieving.
Thus, we have one of the most profound reasons why people seek genuine
spirit communication. We also have one of the greatest sources of
disappointment for people who visit mediums.
It's the difference between looking at a picture of your loved one and
actually having your loved one there, sharing the experience of that
picture with you. Mediums must come to understand this. They must
nurture sensitivity: not only to the vibrations of those in Spirit, but
to the reasons why spirit seeks to communicate with spirit. Thus it is
with evidential mediumship
Helpful Hints on Consulting a Medium or
Psychic
Some Practical Do's and Don'ts and
What to Look Out For and How Not to Get Cheated.
Contrary to popular belief, mediums and psychics are not machines which
can be randomly turned on and off. Many subtle factors are involved in
the channelling of information. Sometimes, everything falls very nicely
into place and a strong communicative link is established. At other
times, this may not be the case. The failure to establish or maintain a
strong link with Spirit may have nothing to do with either the medium or
the sitter; so, we must never judge any sensitive's work based upon one
sitting.
The question is: how can you determine whether you should visit a
particular medium or psychic. Here are some helpful hints:
First and foremost: know whether you wish to sit with a medium or a
psychic. Each works on a different level and offers a different type of
information. A medium offers communication from Spirit; a psychic
attunes to and interprets the energies from the sitter.
If a sensitive promises you the world, be careful.
If a sensitive charges an unreasonably high fee, then you can be pretty
well assured that his or her primary motive for doing the work is
financial. Of course, the service offered by a good medium or psychic is
invaluable, and you should expect to pay a reasonable rate for his or
her time; but, outlandish fees should be avoided. Use good judgment
here.
Be careful when a medium says that he or she will promise communication
from particular spirit loved ones. No one can make that guarantee. If
conditions are right, and if that particular medium is suitable for your
loved-ones to link with, then, very likely, you will get what you hope
to receive. This is determined at the time of the sitting, not prior.
So, be cautious of guarantees made in this work.
Be cautious of sensitive's who charge per question or per communicator.
In our opinion, this is too much like grocery shopping and not the way
in which sittings should be conducted.
During a sitting, be discerning when it comes to predictions. It is true
that what we shall do tomorrow is being planned, spiritually, today, and
the energy of those plans are within the aura; but, nothing of the
future is etched in stone. Always use your good judgment concerning the
future.
Understand why it is that the Spirit loved-ones wish to communicate
through a medium. Is it to tell us about career, romance, and finances?
No. That is not their job. Spirit comes, first, to let us know that they
are OK and that there is life after death; then, to guide and inspire
us. Spirit does not come to live our lives or to make decisions which we
should be making. The same applies to psychics. Do not turn over the
responsibility of your life into the hands of another.
Be very careful of sensitive's who ask personal questions, either before
or during your sitting. Very often, they fish for information and return
that information, either as a message from Spirit or as part of the
psychic reading. No medium or sensitive needs to know anything about
you, except your name (even this is not really required). If he or she
asks for additional information, do not offer it. You do not have to
provide your date of birth or anything of that nature beforehand. The
only question which a sensitive should ask, during a sitting, is whether
or not you understand or can accept a piece of information given to you;
then, answer only YES or NO; do not give any additional information.
The time you spend with a psychic or medium is YOUR time. If ever you
are told that you cannot
tape record a sitting or reading, stay clear!
Finally, please avoid those dreadful psychic hot lines, which,
thankfully, in the United States, are quickly becoming a thing of the
past. Trust us on this one: for $240 an hour, you are NOT making any
kind of a friend.
This may all seem like a lot of warnings. But, today, we are inundated
with countless mediums and psychics who make outlandish claims, charge
even more outlandish fees for their services, and promise people the
world
Helpful Hints on Developing Mediumship and
Channelling
The development of mediumship requires, time,
rather hard work, study, and, above all, patience. Despite what so many
weekend intensives may promise, there is nothing "instant" about
mediumship.
If you are interested in developing mediumship and channelling, here are
a few suggestions which will help you get started:
ONE: Always work with a group of people who share your interests.
Mediumship is developed in what is known as a "development" or "spirit"
circle. The development circle should, if at all possible, be under the
guidance and direction either of a qualified medium or someone who has
studied mediumship and knows the "ins and outs" of mediumistic
unfoldment and development. It is called a "circle" because people sit
in a circle.
How many people is a matter of choice or circumstance. We feel that
sitting with fewer than four simply does not offer adequate energy and
opportunity to work with Spirit. Seven or eight is ideal. Of course,
where two gather in the name of God, Spirit will join in. There is
really no hard and fast rule concerning numbers.
TWO: Decide what type of mediumship your circle will work with. It is
not advisable for any person to sit in more than one circle or to have
your circle working with more than one form of mediumship. The circle
should sit either for the development of mental mediumship or physical
mediumship. Each requires a specific general format and a very specific
type of energy to be present.
THREE: Once the group has been established and you have determined which
type of mediumship you will be working with, decide upon the day and
time you will be sitting. This is very important: meet at the same day
and time every week. Ideally, circles should meet once a week. People
should arrive at the meeting a bit early and be prepared to sit at the
appointed time of your meeting. You are making an appointment with
Spirit. They will be there; you should be on time.
The seating arrangement should be determined at the first meeting. Each
person has an assigned seat, which should not change unless the circle
teacher feel that a shift in energy is necessary. In time, others may be
invited to join the circle, and a change in seating might be necessary
then.
FOUR: Every circle leader has his or her preferred circle format.
Regardless of what that format may be, the circle meeting should consist
of the following segments:
Opening prayer.
Call to God and Spirit.
An exercise or guided meditation which will help stimulate sensitivity.
A period of message work, where the students work with Spirit and Spirit
messages.
Closing prayer.
Some teachers prefer to place the period of message work before the
meditation and sensitivity exercise. We have worked with both formats,
with equal success.
Keep the exercises varied and challenging. Remember, the purpose of the
circle is to stimulate development and challenge the sitters to step
beyond their current limitations.
FIVE: Circle meetings should run at least one hour, but no longer than
75 minutes. When the circle is closed, all people should stand up and
depart from the designated circle area. This helps dissipate the
energies formed during the circle meeting.
SIX: Patience is so important. Mediumship is a most beautiful pearl of
the Spirit. But, like any pearl of great price, its growth and maturity
require time, patience, hard work, and discipline. Work hard, study
hard, be patient, and you should see results.
And remember you are working with Spirit. Mediumship is a cooperative
effort. God is the ultimate Guide, and you and your Spirit guide work
together in this great adventure. Never forget this all-important fact.
Finally, here are some other important pints to consider.
People should plan to arrive around 10-15 minutes before the circle
meeting begins. This will allow them to unwind a bit and relax.
Conversation should revolve around mediumship, not the cares and/or
worries of the day.
Do not have refreshments available before the circle meeting, as it
tends to encourage chitchat; furthermore, the caffeine can act as a
stimulant which may interfere with the evening's work. Refreshments can
be served following the circle.
Following the circle, discussion should be on mediumship and what people
learned while in circle. DO NOT DISCUSS THE SPIRIT MESSAGES which were
received during the circle meeting. This tends to foster dialogue and
give information which may end up as a message the next time you meet.
One rule we adhere to with the greatest of stringency is: once the
circle is closed, NO MORE MESSAGES.
company your circle work with study; not just in mediumship, but in
other related areas of thought. Our study guide on mediumship and
channelling is an excellent source for study and offers some very good
suggestions on how to work within the circle.
MEDIUMSHIP PSYCHICS MEDIUMS SPIRITUAL HEALERS