Dear Friends,

I am frequently asked questions about mediumship. My original intent was to place a question or two on this page every week. However, the Reverend Lena Barnes did a very good job of addressing 100 mediumship questions many years ago. I have taken the liberty of answering the same questions, with an updated understanding where necessary. Since a great many new readers will turn us on over the coming months, I have decided to simply put all the questions on the page for your reference. I hope you will find it beneficial.

Question 1 ~ What is Spirit Mediumship?
Answer 1 ~ The defination accepted by the National Spiritualists Association of Churches tells us that "a Medium is one who is sensitive to vibrations from the Spirit World, and through his or her instrumentality, those functioning in that world are able to convey messages and produce the pheneomena of Spiritualism."

Question 2 ~ Do you believe that Mediums are born as mediums, or can mediumship be developed?
Answer 2 ~ Many people have tried to convince the public that only certain people have mediumship ability. This is not true. There are many phases of mediumship, and each and every person is born with some ability. As with any natural talent, some people may be strong in one area, while others may be strong in another. Development under the experienced mind of a good teacher will help develop your specific ability.

Question 3 ~ Why is it that our loved ones in spirit must use a Medium to communicate with us?
Answer 3 ~ The original belief was that only a medium could receive spiritual messages. However, my experience shows that everyone has mediumship abilities, and as a result many lay people do receive messages from spirit and simply are not aware of it. If you are noticing spirit manifestations, or sensing a spiritual presence, a visit to an HONEST, QUALIFIED, Medium is a good place to start. They can help with the initial communication, and teach you how to maintain contact with your friends or loved ones on the higher side of life.

Question 4 ~ Is the development of mediumship harmful to a person?
Answer 4 ~ Since mediumship is a natural and innate talent, developing it is no more harmful than exercise for your muscles is harmful to them. Mediumship is all about understanding. If you understand it, it is the most wonderful experience which we have been given here in the physical plane. However, like the exercise program, it should be started slowly, and under the watchful eye of a qualified trainer. Once you have made mediumship a daily part of your existence, it will change your life as no other thing can.

Queston 5 ~ Do you believe that a person is liable to become obsessed by evil spirits if they try to develop mediumship?
Answer 5 ~ ABSOLUTELY NOT! God made nothing evil. There are developed spirits and undeveloped spirits, just as there are people with high standards, and people with low standards. A discarnate spirit (those spirits without a physical body) can never possess an incarnate (those spirits within a physical body) unless the owner of the body allows it. It is then a matter of passive influence, and one that can be reversed with a simple prayer or affirmation. P.S. If you call to higher spirits, only higher spirits will come.

Question 6 ~ What are some of the things essential to good mediumship?
Answer 6 ~ The most essential characteristic necessary for good mediumship is integrity. Only through an integrous vibration can we manifest a sincere channel. Also, an understanding of mediumship, a sincere desire to be of service to mankind, and perhaps a life full of diverse experiences. The combination of these energies will place you in understanding with almost any messages received from spirit.

Question 7 ~ Who was the greatest medium ever known?
Answer 7 ~ Many people believe that Jesus was the greatest medium of all time, and I don't disagree with that. However, the phase of mediumship that the great Essene exhibited the most was not clairvoyance, but healing. The sacred text the Bible is filled with his presentations of mediumship, but the most profound examples involve his healing abilities. This was a attribute he learned from the Essenes. (P.S. It isn't Sylvia Brown, James VanPraage, or Char)

Question 8 ~ What Natural Law controls all phases of mediumship?
Answer 8 ~ The Law of Vibration is the control for all phases of mediumship. All things in the universe are vibrating. The rate of vibration determines their nature. The medium uses the strength of their vibration to attract desired vibrations (individuals), and to encourage spirit manifestations.

QUESTION 9 ~ What would you advise as the best means of developing spiritual mediumship?
The development seance circle or class is the best way to learn to use your mediumship. Be sure that the circle or class is led by a qualified individual, and that you don't simply spend an hour sitting in the dark. It is important that the class or circle is of mixed sexes, and that it meets at the same time each week with the same people participating.

Question 10 ~ What are the best times and conditions to sit for unfoldment?
There is no specific time or condition which is better than any other, providing that everyone is participating willingly. It is important to remember that being tired, hungry, over full, sick, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or simply over stressed, can effect the outcome of your effort. It is best to sit when the conditions are harmonious.

Question 11 ~ You say not to sit too often or too long ~ why? What effect would this have?
Answer 11 ~ In order to attain contact with the higher vibrations of spirit, we must separate ourselves from the denser, slower, vibrations of the physical realm. To do this, we must raise our engery level more closely to that of spirit. It takes effort to do this. As with any effort, it takes time to build up your stamina or endurance to extending this energy. Too much, too soon, or too often, can cause physical and mental fatigue, and may actually cause you to skip sessions which would be helpful to you. Also, like any other effort, there is a law of diminishing return. Too much effort could result in a poorer quality result.

Question 12 ~ How often should one sit for unfoldment?
Answer 12 ~ A person seeking to develop spirit communication should sit in an unfoldment class, or sit alone for unfoldment, about once a week. However, each day, the initiate should sit in the quiet and let their spirit seek contact with spirit guides and loved ones. Usually, 5 to 15 minutes a day is more than enough.

Question 13 ~ Is it possible to receive messages from spirit which are not uplifting and of high moral character?
Answer 13 ~ When communicating with spirit, the Law of Attraction is the controlling energy. It says that "Like attracts like". Just as we have undeveloped and undesirable people here in the physical, so too, those types of entities exist in spirit. Spirits who have not learned how to progress will remain in the lower realms. Your life, your thoughts, your actions, and what you ask for, will determine the level of spirit messages which you receive.

Question 14 ~ Why do some spirits become confused when asked to give a message regarding time?
Answer 14 ~ Time and distance, as we know them here in the physical, do not exist in the realm of spirit. Those spirits making a random, or infrequent contact with the physical realm may not be able to relate to hours, days and weeks. However, they may be able to identify reference points, if you sit at the same time each day or week. Because of their frequent contact with the physical, your spirit guides are much more closely attuned to the physical energy, and will probably be able to pin-point timetables of events occuring in the future.

Question 15 ~ Do you believe it is necessary for a Medium to be educated, aside from his or her spiritual development?
Answer 15 ~ ABSOLUTELY YES! You must remember, "Like attracts like". The more intellectually developed we are, the higher our vibration will be. This will draw higher entities into our vibration. Also, many of the mistakes made in spirit communication are the result of a misunderstanding of the information sent to the medium from spirit. Knowledge is the fuel of understanding. The more you know, the higher energy you will attract, and the higher level of accuracy you will gain in receiving spirit messages.

Question 16 ~ Does the mental and moral status of the medium have anything to do with whom they are able to contact in the Spirit World?
Answer 16 ~ Yes, it does. As was previously discussed, the moral status of the medium can influence the messages which are received. More important is the mental condition of the medium. A seer who is worn out, sick, or distracted, should limit their efforts in gaining spirit contact until they are able to focus more clearly. If not, the results could be less than satisfactory.

Question 17 ~ What do you believe is the most important teaching derived through mediumship?
Answer 17 ~ The most important lesson to be learned from spirit communication is that our life continues after the change called death. It is this certainty that gives purpose to our existence in the physical. Of course, many other great lessons are given. Lessons on the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of Man, Living in harmony with the Earth and our universe, and love. Where would we be without these gifts?

Question 18 ~ How do we receive spirit guides?
Answer 18 ~ Spirit guides are drawn to us by the Law of Attraction. Each of us are given 5 or 6 guides (depending on who you ask) to help us deal with the day-to-day trials of the physical existence. As you develop different phases of mediumship, you will find that you will be given another guide to help you with it. The purpose in our having spirit guides, is so that they can help us overcome our weaknesses. We, in turn, can help them by using our instrumentality to help relay communications from spirit to our fellow man.

Question 19 ~ The Bible tells of of Spiritual Gifts. do you consider Mediumship to be a gift?
Answer 19 ~ In the purest sense of the word, "yes". A gift is generally an acknowledgement from someone who loves or appreciates us. God, has given us this gift. (To adequately discuss God's love for us could take pages to cover)Mediumship, however, is an innate gift. Everyone has it. Yet, like an appliance with a great many features, sometimes people don't use all the features. This wonderful gift assists us not only in our day to day existence, but through the blessings of music, art, science, medicine, and other creative expressions which are often guided from spirit. Read 1st Corinthians, Chapters 12 and 14 to discover more information about these gifts.

Question 20 ~ Into what classifictions do we divide Mediumship?
Answer 20 ~ Mediumhip is divided into two (2) classifications. Physical Mediumhip and Mental Mediumhip QUESTION 21 ~ What are the Mental phases of mediumship subject to?
Answer 21 ~ Mental Mediumship includes those phases of medumhip which take place in the mind of the medium. These are events which no one but the medium can see. As such, they would be subject to the physical, moral and mental faculties of the medium.

Question 22 ~ What are the Physical phases of mediumship subject to?
Answer 22 ~ Physical Mediumship involves those phases of mediumship which can manifest outside the body of the medium. These include; levitation, materialization, transfiguration, stigmata, and many others. These are occurances which can be seen by everyone involved in the phenomenen circle. Since Physical Mediumship must manifest in the physical, it is subject to the same considerations as Mental Mediumship, coupled with the Laws of Nature. These manifestations involve the use of the natural elements of the atmosphere, and the earth.

Question 23 ~ What are the most common phases of Mental Mediumship?
Answer 23 ~ Clairvoyance (Clear seeing), Clairaudience (Clear hearing), Clairsentience (Clear sensing), Inspiration Writing and Speaking, Psychometry, and Mental Healing

Queston 24 ~ What are the principle phases of Physical Mediumship?
Answer 24 ~ Trumpet, Levitation, Materialization, Dematerialization of Matter, Slate Writing, Automatic Writing, Magnetic and Spiritual Healing, and Spirit Photography.

Question 25 ~ Does the success of the circle depend entirely upon the Medium?
Answer 25 ~ No. No matter how good the medium is, unless the circle is comprised of positive thinking, committed individuals, it may not manifest the desired results. A successful circle is the result of a co-operative effort between the medium, spirit, and the remaining sitters.

Queston 26 ~ Do you believe that a medium can contact any spirit they wish?
Answer 26 ~ No. Any medium who says that they can contact any spirit they wish is not being totally honest. Spirit comes at our behest, but unless the desired spirit happens to be in the vibration and desireous of coming through, it won't happen. Reality is more like leaving a spiritual voice mail, whereby we ask to contact a spirit, and at THEIR convenience, they make it through. Patiently requesting contact, and then sitting at the same time, on a regular basis, will increase the opportunity of contacting the desired spirit. Also, those spirits closest to the channel may make their presence known when in a seance sitting. Remember to welcome them into your energy.

Question 27 ~ What is the first step toward developing Mediumship?
Answer 27 ~ To develop the art of meditation.

Question 28 ~ What is concentration?
Answer 28 ~ Concentration is the ability to focus the mind on a thought or object and to hold the thought to the exclusion of all else. As you develop your level of concentration, you will find yourself becoming more and more oblivious to outside influences. In time, you will be able to develop perfect concentration.

Question 29 ~ How do you attain concentration?
Answer 29 ~ By sitting in the quiet and practicing. Absolute relaxation of the mind and body is the first step. Trying to shut out all sight and sound of the material world is the next. Once you have acheived these conditions, visualize your concentration object or thought in as much detail as possible. Each time you use the same thought or object, add more details to your vision. Finally, when the thought or object is the complete possessor of your consciousness, try and attune yourself to your higher mind. When deeply in concentration look around your mind for the spark of the Great Divine Mind. You will find it there.

Question 30 ~ Can all people attain this ability the same way?
Answer 30 ~ No. Some people can concentrate in the quiet, some can concentrate while writing, others by listening to music, or using visualization. Some people gain concentration by using self-hypnosis. Whichever way you choose, if it works for you, keep doing it. Question 31 ~ What do we gain by concentration?
Answer 31 ~ The ability to concentrate is a great asset to business and professional people, as well as to a Medium. Concentration teaches them to focus their energies toward the accomplishment of one effort at a time. When Mediums have developed the ability to concentrate, they can direct their focus toward divine revelations.

Question 32 ~ What is a Clairvoyant?
Answer 32 ~ In common terms, a Clairvoyant is one who can see into the future. This insight comes to them via Clairvoyance (Clear Seeing) Clairaudience (Clear Hearing) or Clairsentience (Clear Sensing)

Question 33 ~ Can all three phases of mediumship be developed by one Medium?
Answer 33 ~ Yes. These are the phases of Mediumship which are most common. However, many initiates will focus only on one phase of development. As they gain experience and understanding, they may search for an additional channel. Some people find themselves limited to one phase, others can develop many.

Question 34 ~ Can you give a Bible reference which proves Clairvoyance?
Answer 34 ~ Yes, indeed! In St. John, Chapter 4, verses 16 to 19, Jesus reads clairvoyantly for Mary at the well; in II Kings, Chapter 6, 17th verse; in Chronicles, 26th Chapter, 16th verse; in Daniel, Chapter 8, verse 3, where Daniel has a clairvoyant vision. There are many, many, more in the Bible.

Question 35 ~ What is Clairvoyance?
Answer 35 ~ Clairvoyance is the ability to see, with your spiritual eyes, those person, places, or events which are being presented from the higher side of life. These impressions can be seen either as they actually are, or symbolically. Clairvoyance is also known as soul-seeing, or lucidity.

Question 36 ~ What do you mean when you speak of symbols?
Answer 36 ~ Nearly all Mediums receive symbolic messages from their guides. Each symbol means a certain thing. In order to be accurate, one must work with the sending guide over a period of time to correlate the symbol with the meaning. Each guide may have a separate code.

Question 37 ~ Do you believe that a Clairvoyant can fortell future happenings as well as read the past?
Answer 37 ~ In responding to this question, I am assuming that the term "Clairvoyant" means a Medium. In this case the answer is "Yes". Mediumship is an all-encompassing vision, which is also intereactive. This means that we get to ask questions. These are who, what, when, where and why, questions. Not only about the future, but the present and past as well.

Question 38 ~ Do you believe that spirits can foretell death?
Answer 38 ~ Spirit tells us that they have no more certainty of the date of a person's passing than we have here in the physical realm. However, they are able to notice the gathering of Spirit Guides and ministering Angels. This would give an indication that the passing is near.

Question 39 ~ Do you believe that we can create thought images which are so strong that we can confuse them with messages which we receive clairvoyantly?
Answer 39 ~ Yes. The ability to visualize is a component of clairvoyance. Many Earthbound or inexperienced readers often mistake their own visualized images as spirit communication. Experience and practice offer the ability to discern those messages which are truly from spirit, from those messages which are born from our own visualized thoughts.

Question 40 ~ How can we best develop clairvoyance?
Answer 40 ~ Clairvoyance can be developed in a number of ways. Most good clairvoyants are also quite desciplined. They learn early to sit in the quiet at the same time each day or week, and to try and visualize images received in their spiritual eye. The best time to sit is when you can sit in the quiet and put aside all of the material cares for the day. I recommend daily sitting. Use invocations, calling to your spirit guides, teachers or loved ones to help with your development. It also helps to find a reputable class, with a qualified teacher. Question 41 ~ Do you believe that we are clairvoyant while sleeping?
Answer 41 ~ Yes. The sleep, or dream channel, is one of the first channels which many people open as they unfold their mediumship. If you prepare for sleep with an attitude of expectation, you may find that it is rewarded. This is so, because during sleep, our conscious mind sleeps and allows our super-conscious or subconscious mind to roam and communicate with the higher realms.

Question 42 ~ What is Clairaudience?
Answer 42 ~ Clairaudience is "Clear Hearing". A Clairaudient will often hear voices, or be able to speak with their Spirit Guides. Unlike a Clairvoyant who will see pictures or symbols, a Clairaudient will hear the message either in their phyiscal ear, as we hear, or in their spiritual ear.

Question 43 ~ Do you believe that spirits can become annoying to a medium by constantly trying to talk to them?
Answer 43 ~ In some cases they might. However, this is not necessary. Mediums are not required to listen to the voices of spirit any more than we are required to listen to voices on the Earthplane. Simply having a corrective conversation with the disruptive spirit, or controlling your thoughts will tune you in only at the times you desire.

Question 44 ~ Can everyone become Clairaudient?
Answer 44 ~ No. Clairaudience is only one phase of mediumship. Not everyone has the spiritual make-up to hear voices from spirit. I know of a person who is a tremendous healer, but wishes that he could see pictures. His channel is more closely attuned to healing energies. Find the phase that best suits you.

Question 45 ~ What conditions are essential to the development of Clairaudience?
Answer 45 ~ Freedom from all material thoughts, absolute quiet and a passive mind that one may listen with that spiritual ear for the higher vibrations of sound coming from spirit.

Question 46 ~ What is Clairsentience?
Answer 46 ~ Clairsentience is the most common phase of mediumship exhibited by the clairvoyant. Many people get their messages this way, neither hearing, nor seeing information, but sensing it. This is the common feeling which is referred to as "woman's intuition", or for the guys, "a gut feeling". It involves a sensation of events or circumstances, which are translated through our senses into a knowing impression.

Question 47 ~ How can we differentiate between the real message of spirit and our own thoughts?
Answer 47 ~ As mentioned earlier, practice, experience, and working with your spirit guides and teachers is a strong plus. However, in a simpler term, generally the first impression which you receive is from spirit. The longer we think about the message before giving it out, the more likely it is to be colored with our own consciousness.

Question 48 ~ What is Psychometry?
Answer 48 ~ Technically speaking, the word means "measuring". Psychometry is the mediumistic phase which measures the vibrations emanating from an object. Psychometrists will hold an object, and be able to discern events for its owner.

Question 49 ~ Is Psychometry the same as Clairvoyance or Clairaudience?
Answer 49 ~ No. As previously stated, Clairvoyance is the development of the spiritual eye, Clairaudenience the development of the spiritual ear. Psychometry could be more closely related to Clairsentience since both phases involve impressional sensing.

Question 50 ~ What is the best way to develop Psychometry?
Answer 50 ~ Take a letter, photo or object and hold it in your hand. Try to relax and tune into any vibrations it may have, and any impressions you may receive concerning its owner. You may also notice that while holding it, its energy may also attract interested spirits. Question 51 ~ Do you thing Psychometry can always be depended upon?
Answer 51 ~ Perhaps not at first. In developing any phase of mediumship, the Spirit is the sender and the Medium is the receiver. One must always give out freely what they receive from spirit. As with the previous phases of mediumhip which we discussed, over time, you will be able to discern distinct message regarding objects which you hold.

Question 52 ~ What is Trumpet Mediumship?
Answer 52 ~ Trumpet Mediumship involves the use of a spirit trumpet to amplify voices from spirit which are inaudable to the human ear. Sometimes Trumpet Mediumship involves the levitation of the trumpet as it is energized by spirit. The trumpet is designed to amplify direct voice from spirit. This is voice which is not channeled through a Medium.

Question 53 ~ Why do they use the trumpet?
Answer 53 ~ The spirit trumpet is used to amplify the voice of spirit so that it can be heard by those in the seance room. Most trumpets are designed of tin or aluminum, and can more easily accept the vibration of sound from spirit, if the energy of the voice is weak.

Question 54 ~ What Bible references can you give to prove that trumpet manifestations were known in those earlier days?
Answer 54 ~ Exodus 20, verse 18 to 23. In Exodus 19, the 16th verse, trumpet voices were received through the mediumship of Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Question 55 ~ Do you hear of instances of levitation very often in the history of Spiritualism and mediumship?
Answer 55 ~ Yes. D.D. Holmes, a noted Physical Medium, levitated his body many times, and passed through a window into another building across the street. This was accomplished under strict test conditions. Throughout history, tables and other furniture have been known to be levitated by spirit. In Ezekiel, Chapter 3, verse 8 through 11, and in Acts, Chapter 8, verses 39 and 40, there is reference to the levitation of Philip.

Question 56 ~ How is levitation accomplished?
Answer 56 ~ The majority of spirit teachers tell us that they draw a substance called ectoplasm (so named by Professor Richet of Paris) from the body of the Medium, in the same manner as they do in a Materialization. This substance is combined with chemicals from the other sitters and the atmosphere to create masses and rods which are used to lift the object being levitated. In the scientific community, this is known as telekinesis.

Question 57 ~ How are the voices in the trumpet produced?
Answer 57 ~ The sound vibrations, sent as voice from spirit, are funneled through the ectoplasmic vocal cords in the small end of the trumpet. This results in the voice becoming audible. A Medium who possesses trumpet mediumship can create the energy necessary for the formation of the vocal cords in the trumpet.

Question 58 ~ Why is it that the voices in the trumpet sometimes sound like the voices of the Medium or other sitters?
Answer 58 ~ Spirit entities have no physical vocal cords. Therefore in an intitial setting, involving an inexperienced spirit, they will often draw from the vibrations of those in the circle. This causes the voice, but not their words, to sound similar to those in the circle. Though repeated contact, the voice will assume the familiar tone heard in its earth life.

Question 59 ~ What effect does the skeptic have on this manifestation. Are their thoughts an influence to its success?
Answer 59 ~ Thoughts are powerful things. When a skeptic is in the room, it requires a skillful, or experienced Medium to penetrate the negative thought. Skepticism is healthy in a world of fraudulent presentations, and spirit recognizes this. It may make the presentation a little more challenging, but shouldn't interrupt the effort. Remember, there is no one who is more sure of what he has experienced, than a convinced skeptic.

Question 60 ~ What conditions are conducive to good results?
Answer 60 ~ A passive mind, a healthy curiosity, a dose of realistic skepticism, the ability to quiet the mind and body, and a serious desire to progress spiritually. These qualities will serve as a beacon to our guides and teachers in the higher side. Once recognized, they can begin adjusting our energy to develop our most compatible phase of mediumship. Question 61 ~ What do you mean by a test message?
Answer 61 ~ There are two schools of thought on test messages. Some believe that they are messages with information which can be verified. Personally, I call these "confirmation" messages. The second school of thought is that a test message is one in which the spirit will give information which may be totally irrelevant to the communication, in order to see is the Medium is on the correct wave length. When receipt of this message has been confirmed by the Medium acknowledging the message, then a "confirmation", or a message of fact follows.

Question 62 ~ What sort of questions should one ask of the spirit loved ones when attending a seance?
Answer 62 ~ Questions of a reasonable nature. People who do not understand often ask trivial questions or demand tests on trivial things. Our mental attitude makes a difference in spirit's ability to communicate. Lead into the conversation slowly and they will provide convincing evidence.

Question 63 ~ What is Materialization?
Answer 63 ~ A materialization is the formation of a lifelike image of a deceased spirit, as in Jesus' appearance to the Disciples after his death. Materialization is one of the rarest forms of Physical Mediumship, and is accomplished through the instrumentality of the Medium. Spirit chemists draw ectoplasmic energy from the atmosphere, from the Medium, and from the sitters in the group. They then form the ectoplasm soas to resemble the prior physical body of the controlling spirit.

Question 64 ~ How is the spirit able to manage and manipulate this body?
Answer 64 ~ They are able to control the materialization though their own will power. Verbal communication may be a part of a materialization, but the spirit may need to concentrate very hard on maintaining a presence. It is important that the materialized image not be touched or exposed to bright lights without the permission of the controlling spirit. Doing so will cause the image to dissipate.

Question 65 ~ What is an impersonation (transfiguration)?
Answer 65 ~ It is one of the lesser degrees of materialization. When the controlling spirit lacks the energy to fully materialize, they create an ectoplasmic mask of the face of the medium. This mask will appear as the face of the controlling entity.

Question 66 ~ What is etherealization?
Answer 66 ~ An etherealization is a transparent representation of a spirit. Some people call them an apparition.

Question 67 ~ Where do the spirits get the clothes they appear to wear during a materialization or an etherealization?
Answer 67 ~ Remember that the chemicals which create the ectoplasm are drawn from the atmosphere and from the people in the sitting. The chemicals from the clothing of those in attendance are altered to create the clothing the spirits appear to wear.

Question 68 ~ What is transfiguration (impersonation)?
Answer 68 ~ It is similar to impersonation. The body and features of the Medium become transfigured to resemble the manifesting spirit entity.

Question 69 ~ What reference can you give which proves that materialization was known in Biblical days?
Answer 69 ~ One of the most significant in the New Testiment is in Matthew, Chapter 17, Verses 1 ~ 3, where Moses and Elias materialize to Jesus and the Disciples. Not only were the spirits materialized, but they also talk about the use of "booths". Booths for materialization mediums are a common accessory. Also, Daniel, Chapter 5, Verse 5, St. John, Chapter 20, Verse 14, and Luke,Chapter 24. Read "Spiritual Phenomena in the Bible", by Moses Hull.

Question 70 ~ In what way can physical phenomena mediumship be harmful to the Medium?
Answer 70 ~ The operative word in this question is "harmful". Permanent harm is an extreme rarity. As a matter of fact, I have never known of anyone to be "harmed". However, when a medium has relinquished control of their physical body to an entity during a physical phenomena expression, his or her spiritual body remains connected to the physical body by what is often referred to as the "silver cord" or "golden strand". During the demonstration, the Medium's spirit is often in the realm of spirit, or in a place of rest. The nature of the presentation requires that ectoplasm is drawn in large quantities from the Medium. Ectoplasm is very sensitive to light and to touch. If a person were to touch the materialized figure, or flash a bright light, it may cause the image to disappear rapidly. This can cause the rapid dissapation of the ectoplasm and cause the Medium to be "snapped" back into the physical body. This can cause a feeling of shock or disorientation, to which the Medium is defenseless. For this reason, physical phenomena mediumship should only be undertaken by the most serious intitiates. Question 71 ~ Why is it that some spirits can come further out of the cabinet and seem to build a more lifelike replica than others?
Answer 71 ~ There may be several reasons for this. First, it could be the natural tendency of the spirit to be timid. Also, a lack of will power, or knowledge regarding the phenomena could hinder the development. Lastly, the possibility of negative energy being in the seance chamber could restrict the development. With each materialization, the spirit becomes stronger and more natural because they understand the laws better.

Question 72 ~ What classification of mediumship does healing come under>
Answer 72 ~ Healing actually comes under both the physical and mental phases of mediumship. The healing energy which is received from spirit, and the guideance of the placementof the hands, are mental. The actual transference of energy and the placing of the hands are physical.

Question 73 ~ We notice that the two terms, Spirit Healing and Spiritual Healing, are used. How do you differentiate between the two?
Answer 73 ~ These two terms are often confused, but the explanation is simple. Spirit Healing (also known as absent healing, or divine healing) involves the transference of energy directly from the spirit realm to the person needing a healing without the intervention of a Medium. Spiritual Healing uses the instrumentality of a Medium to channel and guide the healing energy. In Spiritual Healing, the Medium and the patient must be in the same location. The hand placement is guided by spirit doctors, and energy supplied to the afflicted area. In Spirit Healing, it is not necessary for the patient to be near, as the healing energy can be sent anywhere it is needed.

Question 74 ~ Can everyone become a healer?
Answer 74 ~ No. Not everyone has the vibration to be a healer. This should not discourage however, because if you lack the healing channel, you certain will be blessed with another.

Question 75 ~ How do we know what phase of mediumship we are best suited for?
Answer 75 ~ With effort, most people will be able to develop more than one phase of mediumship. The way to determine which is your primary phase of mediumship is to sit in the quiet, and attempt several phases. As you do so, you will note that a particular phase will be easier or more comprehensive than the others. This is the phase which you should initially attempt to develop.

Question 76 ~ Who was the greatest Spiritual Medium the world has ever known?
Answer 76 ~ Jesus of Nazareth. There is little doubt that this was his phase of mediumship. There are many incidents of his marvelous healing powers in the Bible. See, 1 Kings, Chapter 17, Verses 17~24. In these verses, Elijah is the healer. Also see, Acts, Chapters 13 & 14, and Matthew 10, Verse 8.

Question 77 ~ What Natural Law must be understood thoroughly by the spirit who is trying to heal?
Answer 77 ~ The Law of Vibration. As previously stated, this is effective in all phases of mediumship, but especially in healing. The spirit doctors will tell us that with mental or emotional conditions, the vibrations must be lowered. In cases involving physical healing, the vibration must be raised.

Question 78 ~ Does distance make any difference in Spirit (Mental) Healing?
Answer 78 ~ No. The spirit loved ones tell us that they can travel on thought waves at will, and also can send out healing energies upon the ethers, thus bringing about a return to natural health.

Question 79 ~ Why should healers always strive to keep every organ in their own body clean and healthy?
Answer 79 ~ For two reasons. First, the body of the healing Medium serves as an antennae for the healing energy. A clean and clear channel will help receive greater quantities of the purest energy. Secondly, we are told that the spirit doctors can drawn energy from the organs of a healthy healer. This will help bring the natural health which is sought.

Question 80 ~ Why must we always think right thoughts in order to assist in a healing?
Answer 80 ~ Because thoughts are things, very powerful things. Our thought processes are instrumental to bringing the right energy to facilitate a healing effort. If the healer is not having positive, uplifting thoughts, the healing may be negatively effected, because of the lower energy these thoughts might attract. Question 81 ~ I often hear the term Inspirational Writing used by Spiritualists. Is this a phase of mediumship?
Answer 81 ~ Yes, it is. It is one of the most prevelant, most beautiful and most constructive phases of mediumship. Inspirational writing involves channeling the thoughts given to the medium by spirit, and transfering them into written words.

Question 82 ~ How can this phase of mediumship be developed?
Answer 82 ~ By going into the silence and developing a prayerful attitude. This will help to contact the higher thought vibrations. Spirit will then attempt to use your instrumentality to help humanity. Write whatever comes to mind. As you work with this phase, and develop it, you will be better able to surpress your own thoughts and receive correct information from spirit.

Question 83 ~ Do you believe an inspirational writer must be educated in order to write well, or can they receive wonderful writings regardless of their own limitations?
Answer 83 ~ The transfer of information is influenced by the limitations of the medium. Just as electricity will flow poorly through a poorly conductive line, so to, the limitations of the medium will restrict or enhance the information received. This is not to say that spirit will not send the very high, very helpful words. It simply means that the lack of education may limit the understanding of the message from spirit. A person seeking this channel should work toward getting as much education as possible.

Question 84 ~ Do you believe that all public speakers are inspired?
Answer 84 ~ NO! Public speaking is not necessarily inspired speaking. However, if you have ever listened to someone who IS inspired, the transfer of energy in the message is extremely noticeable. Some of the great leaders of the Spiritualist movement, and our country, have been highly inspired speakers.

Question 85 ~ Why is it that when a medium returns from trance, they don't seem to remember what information was given by spirit, but in inspirational speaking, they often remember all that was said?
Answer 85 ~ In trance, the mind and personality of the Medium are entirely submerged. The spirit takes full control of the instrument and the Medium is unconscious of what they say or do. In inspiration, the Medium is fully conscious and in perfect control of their mind and body. They simply received their inspirations and give out the information which they receive.

Quetion 86 ~ Which phase of mediumship do you believe to be the better?
Answer 86 ~ many people prefer inspiration to trance. Because of the potential of an uneducated spirit assuming control, trance is generally sought only for materializations. However, from personal experience, I find that a highly developed Medium will draw a highly developed entity into their vibration. This allows the transference of amazing intellect from the higher side of life.

Question 87 ~ Do you believe that the great spirit teachers and lecturers of the past ages are apt to manifest though an illiterate and untrained, Medium?
Answer 87 ~ Absolutely not! Like attracts like. A master mind of spirit may see great possibioities in an untrained mind of earth and seek to develop it, but the human instrument must do their part to assist in the development by reading and studying and otherwise perfecting themselves. If they do not, spirit will choose another person whose mentality they can use.

Question 88 ~ What is Automatic Writing and what phase of mediumship does it fall under?
Answer 88 ~ In automatic writing, the hand of the Medium is controlled by the spirit. Spirit writes whatever they choose, but generally the information is of beauty or upliftment. It is a physical phase of mediumship because the message which is written is entirely independent of the mind of the Medium.

Question 89 ~ We also hear of a phase of mediumship called Slate Writing. Is this similar to inspirational or automatic writing?
Answer 89 ~ Neither. The slate writer is a physical Medium in the same manner as the automatic writer. But, in the case of the slate writer, the Medium does not do the writing. In slate writing, spirit does the writing, using the psychic strength of the Medium.

Question 90 ~ What great Bible character can we liken to our slate-writer of today?
Answer 90 ~ Moses. It was he who received the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone. See Exodus, Chapter 24, Verses 12 ~ 18. Question 91 ~ Must one always place pencils in the slates?
Answer 91 ~ No. Many Mediums are able to receive communications in colors as well as in pencil with no crayon or pencil in the slates. The spirit entity is able to draw the necessary color pigments from the atmosphere and the surrounding materials. This does not seem strange when we stop to realize that everything which constitutes matter can be found in our atmosphere.

Question 92 ~ Is this a very common phase of mediumship?
Answer 92 ~ No. It is rather uncommon. While we hear of many slate writers, there are comparatively few who are well known and psychically tested.

Question 93 ~ Who were some of the best known slate writers in America?
Answer 93 ~ L. Pierre, O.E. Keeler and Mrs. Laura Pruden, of Cincinnati, Ohio who recently received for Horace Leaf, of London, a most convincing message from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Question 94 ~ What is prophesy and are prophets fortune tellers?
Answer 94 ~ Prophesy is the phase of mediumship which allows us to peer into the future and forecast coming events. The spirit who gives these forecasts must have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the universe in order to forecast accurately. A prophet is not a fortune teller. A fortune teller reads by the cards, stars, or the palms, while a prophet receives their message through spirit communication.

Question 95 ~ Did we have prophets in Biblical times?
Answer 95 ~ Yes, we did. But, none were greater than the prophets which we have now. Unfortunately, today we don't honor our prophets as they did in Biblical times. Check Psalms, 84, Verse 9, Samuel 28 and Matthew 26 for more information on prophets.

Question 96 ~ How can we best develop this phase of mediumship?
Answer 96 ~ By using one of the forms of receiving discussed earlier, and then giving out exactly what is received from spirit. Whether you receive pictures, hear voices, or sense things, relaying the messages which you receive will allow spirit to know that you have received them.

Question 97 ~ If they can see into the future and foretell coming events, doesn't that prove predestination?
Answer 97 ~ No, not at all. A prophesy is ususally the direct result of the law of cause and effect, the spirit seeing the cause being enacted, and through their knowledge of Natural Law, knowing the expected results.

Question 98 ~ What is Spirit Photography?
Answer 98 ~ Spirit Photography is a physical phase of mediumship which allows a Medium to produce the faces or images of those entities living in the spiritual realm, on photographic film. It is a very rare phase of mediumship. One of the best know Mediums with this capability was Mr. William Hope of England.

Question 99 ~ What do you mean when you say that a spirit can pass matter through matter?
Answer 99 ~ Through the instrumentality of a physical phenomena Medium, spirit can alter the molecular makeup of physical items so that they can literally pass through other material items. This can take place over long distances, and has been very well tested.

Question 100(a) ~ Of what advantage has mediumship been to the world?
Answer 100(a)~ Mediumship has brought comfort to the breaved of Earth and has saved many from the pain of grief or temporary depression. It has taught men how to live and to understand and follow the laws of God and the Universe, and has taught us not to fear the change which we call death.

Question 100(b) ~ What do you believe regarding the progression of mediumship in the coming years?
Answer 100(b) ~ I believe that in the coming years, our Mediums will have to be fully trained, educated and developed before they are allowed to appear in public. The fraudulent presentations of the glory seekers will be a thing of the past. Mediums will be returned to a place of honor as the societies in which we live continue to degenerate and people see proof that religion is not the answer. The development of Mediumship will be more difficult due to the continued atmospheric polution caused by technological advancements. Spirit interaction will become a common occurance in our lives, and those who understand it (the Mediums) will be called upon to keep things on an even keel. If you have additional questions, or would like an elaboration on those shown herein, you can feel free to attend our mediumship class, or send us an email at mystiqueswest@sbcglobal.net. We'll be happy to answer any question which you may have.