Meditation A lot of people misunderstand this. First and foremost most people think that you must clear your mind - WRONG! You cant! It's not possible. Our brains or minds are far to complex for that, what we can do is alter the level of our awareness. 2nd point, we cannot shut out background noise, in many ways it would be dangerous to do so. So quietly play some soothing new age type music to help you relax. Even if you can hear traffic or people just keep going. Now there are two ways you can proceed, either imagine a place that you feel happy in, like a beautiful garden with flowers etc. Or, for now just let your own thoughts go by and be aware of them, but not judgmental of them, just let thoughts go through you as if you were just a viewer, an invited one person audience. With either of these two techniques you may find your thoughts drifting in all directions, while it isn't wrong it's good to learn some control. So gently without getting annoyed adjust your thinking back to where you want to be, and if your thoughts start to drift again, then once more gently steer them back on track. It's important to try and remain passive, if you get annoyed STOP! Try again later. Things improve at the proper pace, images get clearer, they stay in sight longer, you can follow them and get more. But it takes time and practice, just like anything worthwhile!

Contacting your spirit guide Our expectations of how spirit contact us can often be too high, spirit existence can best be described as thought energy. So it makes sense for them to contact us through our own thoughts, but how do you tell the difference? The thoughts will sound like your own, but they may also be of better clarity, more structured and eloquent in delivery. If you can still your mind, as with meditation for example, you may be able to detect these thoughts better. Ask questions, but don't ask for predictions for your own life, and see what thoughts come to you. We also have to be patient sometimes, a lesson in itself. Spirit will be working with you, but on their understanding not yours. They often wait for us to remove doubts, blockages and other distractions that may undermine the very work they strive to teach. If, through your meditation and perception, you sense or see someone in the distance, this is often a new guide waiting to join you, waiting for you to be ready. This could be a guide who will stay with you for the next 40 years, one who through your mediumship will teach not only you, but many people through you. A guide who has waited for you since you were first born. How wonderful that is. Would you wait and be patient for such a guide? I am not saying that is the case, just an example of how to alter your thoughts, expectations and how to have patience. All things happen in their own time.

Clairvoyance: When we meet someone, for the first time or otherwise, we generally give him or her a look over, a visual an*lysis, so to speak. From this visual image, we either know who it is or we create a visual memory image for future meetings. When a medium links with a spirit communicator, the communicator generally prefers to be seen, thus giving the medium some visual image which can be related to the sitter. This ability to perceive visually those in Spirit, as well as images which they may project, is known as clairvoyance. From a more general perspective, clairvoyance is defined as the ability to see, with the inner vision, that which is not perceived by the physical eyes. This can include perception of spirits, auras, energy fields, visions, etc. Since we are dealing specifically with mediumship, we shall limit our discussion of clairvoyance to seeing the spirits. A question which naturally arises is: how does the medium actually see what he or she sees? To understand this, it is important to accept that, when a medium attunes with spirit, his or her state of consciousness alters. The mind of the medium, thus the focus of consciousness, shifts away from the three dimensional Earth plane to the realms of the spirit world. Once this shift of consciousness takes place, it is no longer the physical eyes which see, even though, from the perspective of the medium, it looks as if he or she is observing with these eyes (especially if the medium's eyes are open). Clairvoyance involves stimulation of the inner vision.

What exactly is a physical medium? A physical medium is a person, on the Earth plane, who can be used by a spirit operator for the purpose of manipulating physical systems. This manipulation of physical systems is done either to demonstrate the reality of physical mediumship or to identify the spirit. The reason a person is able to become a physical medium is that he or she offers the spirit operators a certain vital, magnetic energy which is necessary for those operators to make a direct impact upon the Earth plane. Regardless of how, where, or under what cir tances any physical phenomenon occurs, there must be a physical instrument, or medium, somewhere in the area to offer the necessary vital energy and to act as a vehicle, or transformer, through which the spirit can operate upon the Earth plane. Apart from offering vital energy to the spirit operators, some physical mediums are very fluid in their etheric bodily make-up; consequently, they can offer a materializing substance which can be used by the operators to manifest. This we shall discuss very shortly. Very often, the signs of physical mediumship appear quite early in life; in particular during the period of rty. The signs range from unusual happenings and sounds, to movements taking place in the vicinity of the child. Sometimes the occurrence of such happenings intensifies as the child matures; sometimes, they subside until a decision is made to sit regularly for the proper development of mediumship. During the turn of the century, when physical mediumship was quite common, there were many young people giving public demonstrations of physical mediumship. The pressures placed upon these young vessels for spirit was intense, and many simply could not handle it. Physical mediumship requires a tremendous expenditure of vital energy. Many such mediums 'burn out' fairly early in life, because they simply do not control, within proper limits, the use of their mediumship. Physical mediumship is relatively rare in occurrence, and people are anxious to witness it. The physical medium must learn to say 'no' when the pressure to produce phenomena becomes too great. If he or she does not, the temptation to cheat-- and, over the years, it has, to a great degree -- may present itself.

Most of what has been discussed, thus far, revolves around the cooperation between a medium and those in other realms of spirit. We stated that an evidential medium works with a variety of spirit personalities, while an inspirational medium works primarily with one or a small group of spirits. In this lesson, we shall introduce spirit guides, spirit controls, and spirit controllers. At this point in time, we shall discuss each very briefly and reserve Part II for greater insight into these specific spirit friends. Before proceeding, let us define each. Spirit Guide: This is a spirit teacher and guardian who works with the medium throughout his or her life; whose primary role is to help teach and inspire the medium and to assist him or her in the process of mediumistic development. Spirit Controller: This is a spirit friend and teacher whose primary role is to take care of and protect the medium, while working as a channel for spirit. He or she does this by helping control the energy field of the medium, the sitter(s), and any communicating spirit. The spirit controller may or may not be the same individual as the spirit guide. Spirit Control: A term used primarily in trance mediumship. This refers to the specific spirit communicator or operator who controls the consciousness of the medium during the condition of trance.

How To Develop Mediumship: A Working Guide to Unfoldment The Development Circle As stated in the Introduction to Part I, it is best for you to develop mediumship with a group of people, under the guidance of a qualified teacher. A group of people who meet regularly for the purpose of developing mediumship is known as a spirit circle or development circle. We shall refer to such a group simply as a circle. It is called a circle because people sit in a circular fashion. Why this is done will be explained later on. There are several reasons why sitting with a group is helpful in developing your mediumship: It creates a common ground with others, from which you can find nurturing and stability. It offers you the opportunity to share your experiences with others. It helps create discipline in your work. It offers you the opportunity to assist in the development of others' mediumship, while working with your own. It offers a good support group. It offers the assistance of a teacher who can guide you in your development.

How To Develop Mediumship: A Working Guide to Unfoldment Working With Spirit Cooperation is the Key Of primary importance in working effectively as a channel for those in Spirit is a clear understanding that a cooperative effort is involved. As a channel for a spirit communicator, you are expanding and/or extending your consciousness to the mental impressions and influences of another. Your mind becomes involved in the process of mediumship, to a greater or lesser degree, depending upon cir tances and conditions. You are working with the spirit friends. You, as well as they, have a role; both have to consider and respect each other in these respective roles. We discussed the importance of setting goals in mediumship. Furthermore, we asked you to consider why you wish to develop mediumship, what type of mediumship you wish to develop, and how much a part of your life you would like mediumship to become. We stated, further, that goal-setting helps set things in place. It is, now, time to consider other issues. There is a guide involved in your work. He or she, too, has hopes and aspirations. In considering the pathway of your development, you must, therefore, consider the wishes of your guide. The guide will attempt to work with you in any way he or she can; but, if the relationship is to be one of genuine cooperation, then each must consider the aspirations of the other. Another point to remember is this: your guide is intimately interested in your mediumistic unfoldment. Although circle meetings offer the opportunity to practice your inner sensitivity, the period between meetings is just as important. If you know or are aware of your guide, do not hesitate to consult with him or her during these periods. If you have a problem with your mediumship, seek the guidance of the circle leader and, by all means, take a few moments each day to sit in quiet meditation and ask for spirit's assistance. During circle meetings, you will receive comments, suggestions, and criticisms from the leader; between these meetings, you should consult your guide for his or her comments. Let your guides assist you in the development of your mediumship. Engage in open conversations with them. Be free and natural. Many developing mediums fall into the habit of feeling that their guides know everything that is going on with them. Our guides have other things to do besides guide us. Therefore, we must, from time to time, verbalize in our minds what is happening with us and share these thoughts and feelings with them. We must never assume that the guides automatically know everything about us and about what we are going through.

How To Develop Mediumship: A Working Guide to Unfoldment Mediumistic Development The Phases of a Communication Many of the difficulties encountered by the student of evidential mediumship arise from a lack of understanding concerning the three phases of a typical message. This very often causes the developing medium to feel that he or she must have a complete message formulated within the mind before standing to give it to the sitter. Let us look at the three phases involved: Phase One: This first phase occurs when you begin the message. The spirit communicator has made the initial link with you, through your energy field, and begins to draw closer to you. The information which the communicator imparts to your consciousness may not be very clear, because the link is not yet very strong. As you pass on each little bit of information to the sitter, the communicator feels more comfortable with you and is, consequently, able to draw even closer. This, in turn, allows additional information to come more clearly. Phase Two: This middle phase occurs while the communicator maintains as strong and complete a link with you as possible. This is the period in which the real substance of the message is given, because you and the spirit friend are as close as you will become during this particular communication. The information comes through quickly and clearly here. When the essence of the message is given and the communicator feels satisfied, he or she will then begin the withdrawal process. Phase Three: This final phase occurs while the communicator is stepping away from you. The information begins to become a little less clear, because the control gradually weakens and the energy fields begin to become separated. The message should come to a close during this phase of the communication. The problem arises when, during the first phase of the message, the student does not work hard enough to establish a stronger link with the communicator and, thus, get into phase two. It is at this point that many developing mediums encounter difficulty and either stand in complete silence or give up and conclude the message, without offering any tangible evidence or information. This can be very frustrating, because the worker did not give the spirit communicator ample opportunity to get close enough to relate the substance of the message. As a developing medium, you must understand that the initial stage of a message may not be very clear. The spirit communicator is still feeling his or her way around and trying to blend with your energy field. At this stage, you must work hard, maintain some form of verbal interaction, and attempt to strengthen the link, so that you and the spirit friend can pass onto the next stage of the communication. Be brave and give whatever bit you get, so that the communicator will be given the opportunity to draw closer and work with you even more strongly. This requires that you work hard and not give up! Unfortunately, today, stud

students are simply not trained to work hard at their developing mediumship. Everyone expects instant results. Make me a medium this weekend is the plague of this New Age of frivolous channeling. This is why we insist that you work at giving the three elements of a message: a communicator; a description; and the message. Evidential message work is spontaneous. The bottom line is this: you never know how the message will come about, until you open your mouth and begin speaking. This is where you must exhibit trust and faith and understand that the harder you work at giving a message, the better and more clear it will be.

How To Develop Mediumship: A Working Guide to Unfoldment Effective Circle Leadership In this lesson, we shall attempt to address several issues with which circle members may struggle during their development. Although the insight given in this lesson speaks to circle leaders, it should offer, with equal clarity, helpful hints on the potential problems which can arise in the development circle. The development of mediumship is not quite as easy as some may think. For many, it challenges whole belief structures; for others, it causes them to look at what service and sacrifice really mean; for yet others, it brings to the surface a wide variety of emotions and feelings. The human struggle is a very natural part of mediumistic development. The manner in which a circle deals with it and the problems which arise from it, can, quite frankly, make or break the circle. No problem is so insignificant that it does not warrant at least some attention. There is a natural tendency for the professional medium to forget the struggles of early mediumistic development. This can very easily develop into a lack of sensitivity to the basic needs of the beginner. We addressed the need for the developing medium to nurture patience. This applies, equally, to the circle leader. You must be patient with your students; yet, you must also know when too much patience, on your part, begins fostering complacency and laziness within the circle.

Sensitivity is vital. This course deals with one form of sensitivity: mediumistic sensitivity. As circle leader, you must also be humanly sensitive. Mediumistic sensitivity does not necessarily preclude human sensitivity. There are many talented mediums who are very insensitive in their interactions with people. The issue of psychic sensitivity and human sensitivity is very important to all mediums, regardless of what stage in their work they happen to be. In choosing which issues to address, we looked at the various circles with which we have worked over the years. We cannot consider every problem; each circle is unique in its work and in its interactions. By addressing some of the problems with which you might find yourself confronted, we hope to offer greater insight, understanding, and sensitivity. Some situations will involve individual circle members; others will involve the circle as a group. Before we continue, let us, yet once again, remind you that whenever a circle member or the group has a problem with mediumistic development, seek the guidance of Spirit. There is a wealth of insight and love available from those friends and companions in Spirit. Do not hesitate to take advantage of it. Furthermore, ask God to help guide you and the group in resolving any conflict which may arise. Remember: God is the Guide to Whom all guides look for ultimate guidance. The issues addressed in this lesson are not solely for working mediums and circle leaders. Students and beginners can benefit and receive assistance in addressing some issues which they, themselves, may end up encountering.