Mediumship Lessons For The Initiate
There are a great many misunderstandings about the wonderful gift of mediumship. Periodically, I will add information regarding an aspect of mediumship, or a phase of mediumship, in an effort to "set the record straight" so to speak.
All information will be in concert with the teachings of the National Spiritualists Association of Churches. This is the same information which is presented in my mediumship class each week. Of course, if you have questions, you can e‑mail me at mystiqueswest@sbcglobal.com
The Purpose of Mediumship and its Phases
While there are many benefits offered by the use of mediumship, its primary purpose is the proof of the continuity of life after death.
While many "alleged" mediums will profess to have developed their powers through being born with a vail or having a near death experience, the truth is, mediumship is a naturally occurring gift that everyone has. Of course, many of us have developed different phases of mediumship, but everyone has at least one phase available to them. It is through the instrumentality of the medium's channel that those spirits near the portal to the higher side of life are able to come through and communicate with those of us still living on the physical plane. This not only gives us the ability to gain peace from knowing that our loved ones are safe and secure in their new existence, but also provides us the opportunity to work with our spirit guides and teachers (Guardian Angels to our Christian brothers and sisters) to improve our life here on the Earthplane. Learning to use this innate ability is very easy when taught by someone with experience. I hope that I can offer you some insights which will help in your own development. Surely, if you learn to establish communication with the higher side, your life will find peace and balance. Also, if you meet someone who tries to present themselves as an "all knowing, all seeing" individual, do yourself a favor and walk away. I have found that beginning students in my classes are far more accurate than the people who have to constantly beat their own drum. The good mediums never have to say they are good. Their clients will say it for them! A closing thought on mediumship. Mediumship has advantages over every form of reading because it is an interactive form of communication. This means that if you don't understand an impression, you can say, who, what, when, where or why, to get clarification. It makes your impressions a great deal more accurate.
The Phases of Mediumship
Clairvoyance, Clairaudience, Clairsentience, Psychometry, Healing, Levitation, Transfiguration, Materialization, Automatic Writing, Aura Reading, Trumpet Mediumship, Trance, Inspired Writing, Billet Mediumship, Direct Writing, Psychic Surgery, Spiritual Photography, Clairnostig, Auric Healing
Clairvoyance
Clairvoyance is one of the most common phases of mediumship. The term "Clairvoyance" is actually derived from two French Terms, "Clair" meaning clear, and "Voyance" meaning vision. In essence, Clairvoyance means "Clear Vision". In the use of Clairvoyance, the medium actually receives pictures of situations or events that may be part of the message. These impressions can be in actual images of the events, or in symbolic images. For example. When I work with my guide Sister Sarah, her impressions are always actual pictures. When I work with Virgil Perkins, the impressions are always symbolic. If he is showing me an event which will take place in an elementary school, he will show me a one‑story school. This is because I went to a one‑story elementary school. If he show me a two‑story school, I know that the message is involving a middle‑school. Why? Because I went to a two‑story Junior High. Through practice, we have developed a complete understanding of the symbolism. Of course, every once in a while I still have to say, "What is this?" but generally, we are on the same wave length. I would suspect that each of you has experienced Clairvoyance at some time or other. It generally occurs as a picture presented in the upper portion of your mind, near the front of your head. Look for it next time you wonder what might be in store for you. return to top
Clairaudience
Clairaudience is a phase of mediumship which is quite prevalent in our society today. It simply relates to "Clear Hearing" of voices from spirit. As Mediums, we are equipped with two types of auditory senses. Our physical ears, and our spiritual ears. Clairaudience can be heard in either of them. When spirit speaks to us, depending on the spiritual vibration, and/or the existing conditions, you may hear the voice in the same manner as if it were being spoken by someone who is living and speaking to you. In this case, it would be heard in your physical ear. Still other circumstances allow that spirit will speak to your spiritual ear. In these cases, the voice is heard within the body, usually in the head, and will seem more like you are sensing the words than actually hearing them. Clairaudience is a wonderful way to speak with your loved ones or spirit guides. Simply find a time when you can sit in a relaxed format, without the probability that you will be disturbed, and where quiet is the watchword. Then simply listen. If you have questions which you would like answers to, ask them and then be quiet, and listen. Even without these preparations, spirit can speak to you. In the case when you may not be paying attention, or are in a precarious situation, you may hear the voices Many times, the first experience of Clairaudience takes place when you are sleeping, and hear someone calling your name. This is very normal, so don't be afraid. The next time you hear voices, pay attention. You may receive an important message from the higher side of life. return to top
Clairsentience
Clairsentience is one of the most prevalent forms of Mediumship. Ladies call it, "Women's Intuition". Guys call it a "Gut Feeling". Any way you look at it, Clairsentience, is a sensation that something is either amiss, or going to happen. How many times have you looked at the phone only seconds before it rang, or known who was calling before you picked up the receiver? Perhaps, like me, you have this uncanny way of knowing that there is a police office waiting around the next bend, with their radar poised. These are examples of Clairsentience. Somewhere in our make up is a translator. This is an energy, or a capability that transfers our senses into realizations of pending occurrences. When we feel that something is going to happen (this generally occurs in the area of the heart) somehow, that feeling is related to our mind in an understandable format. For the beginner, only a sense of danger, or happiness, good or bad, may be impressed. For a person who is well trained, they can generally discern greater detail regarding the feeling. Not so long ago, there was a study which indicated that the heart, like the brain, was capable of logical deductions. This was proven because even when disconnected from the brain, the heart seems to be able to function on its own. Now, I'm not a doctor, but from the point of mediumship, the logic of that possibility can be expressed in the impressions received through Clairsentience. If the feelings are received in the area of the heart, perhaps it is the heart and not the brain which is making the deduction. return to top
Psychometry
Psychometry is a widely used form of mediumship, and involves holding an object, and discerning events which may evolve around the object's owner. This is possible, because if we remember our 7th grade science, we know that nothing is solid. Rather, things are just matter or atoms, somewhat pressed together, with space in between them. You may also know that everybody gives off energy. This energy is often expressed as an aura. As the energy is emitted from a person, it is absorbed in the spaces between that matter or atoms. A Psychometrist will hold the object and discern information from that energy. Most people will be able to sense or feel something from holding certain objects. This "something" is the energy, and a medium skilled in psychometry will be able to translate that energy into events which may be related to the object and its owner. In a pure Psychometry reading, the medium will only be able to relate the history of the object. In a "complete" psychometry reading, the medium will not only be able to tell those facts, but will use that energy link to tie into the vibration of the querient and foretell events in their future. Psychometry is a skill which can be developed. It is necessary to work with this phase of mediumship so that you can tell the difference in the energy, if more than one person has owned the object being held. The best objects to use are those which are frequently worn next to the body. However, pictures, clothing, or even personal items can also be used. The best way to develop Psychometry is to work with a friend and ask them to bring an object that you know nothing about. Hold the object for a few moments, trying to sense an energy, and then give out the impressions which you receive. return to top
Healing
The art of healing is one of the tremendous blessings which God has given us in this existence. The strength of the loving, healing energy was most notably expressed by the Master Jesus, so long ago. While each of us have healing energies, these energies can be magnified or enhanced through training. As Jesus studied with the Essenes, so the successful healer of today is also well trained. Healing is one of the few phases of Mediumship that fall into the classification of Physical Mediumship, and Mental Mediumship. It is Mental Mediumship because the channeling takes place within the mind or body of the Medium. It is Physical Mediumship because it has an effect which can be seen outside the Medium's body and which others can see or experience. Spiritualism teaches of three (3) different forms of healing. 1) Magnetic Healing ~ This involves the transfer of our natural physical energy to another in an effort to bring about a return to natural health. The liability of this form of healing is that it is limited by the physical constitution of the person performing the healing. 2) Spiritual Healing ~ This form of mediumship is the most successful in that the medium simply serves as a channel to the healing energies sent through them from spirit. In this phase, the spirit doctors will provide the energy and the guidance to help restore natural health. 3) Spirit Healing ~ This form of healing is used for sending healing energy to someone far away. Time and distance do not exist in the realm of spirit, so when you ask in prayer for healing energy to be sent to someone far away, you can expect that your prayer will be heard and acted upon. In this case, when you ask for healing, the spirit doctors take it from there. It is this form of healing which makes our healing circle so successful. Other forms of energy healing used world‑wide are Johrei (see our calendar of events for our Johrei schedule) and Reiki. You will also note that there are a number of "faith" healers working in Christian based religions. All are seeking to tap into the energy that comes so naturally in spiritual union. *Please note that Ray Fraser offers free healings at Mystiques by appointment or as time allows. return to top
Levitation
Levitation is a physical form of mediumship which is becoming increasingly difficult to find these days. The term physical mediumship refers to those forms of mediumship expression which take place outside the body of the medium, and which can be seen by others in the seance room. In the scientific community, Levitation is often referred to as "Telekinesis", the ability to move objects with your mind. However, Mediumship takes a little different look at the lifting or moving of objects. While we agree that the mind of the medium plays an important role in the movement of objects, there is also the involvement of spirit. In the matter of Levitation, the mind of the Medium serves as the channel for the spiritual energy. As you will also note when we discuss Transfigurations, and Materializations, spirit uses a substance called ectoplasm to perform physical tasks. Ectoplasm is a substance which is created from the natural elements of the universe. It is colorless, and until it becomes very dense, it is also invisible. When spirit wishes to move an object, they draw the elements to create ectoplasm from the Medium, the atmosphere, and the other sitters in the seance circle. They then wrap the object to be moved in ectoplasm, and lift or move the object. One of the greatest Levitation Mediums to ever live, was a man by the name of D. D. Home. He was able to lift or levitate many objects, and actually was able to levitate himself under extremely controlled circumstances from one building to another. Levitation Mediums are somewhat rare these days, but are still available. return to top
Transfiguration
Transfiguration (also known as Impersonation) is somewhat of a rarity in modern mediumship circles. It involves a deep trance situation where the controlling spirit entity uses ectoplasm to create a mask over the face of the entranced medium. The medium would then appear to look similar to the disembodied spirit. Generally, when a medium is experiencing a Transfiguration, there is a message from spirit which will be presented to the seance circle once the mask has been formed. return to top
Materialization
A materialization is similar to a transfiguration in that they both use ectoplasm and they both represent the controlling spiritual entity. This phase of mediumship is even more rare than transfiguration these days. If you read through the Bible, you will note that Jesus materialized to the Disciples in the upper room after his crucification, and to Thomas. It is important to remember that ectoplasm is light sensitive, and touch sensitive. Turning on a bright light, or touching the materialized image can cause the ectoplasm to quickly dissipate. This can cause distress for the medium. If the controlling spirit gives approval (as in Thomas' case) you may touch the materialized image. Otherwise, do not. As with a transfiguration, a materialization is usually accompanied by a noteworthy message from spirit. return to top
Automatic Writing
Automatic writing is a physical form of mediumship. This means that all who are present when it is taking place, can see it happen. In the case of Automatic Writing, the hand of the medium (writer) is guided by a controlling spirit entity. The medium may be in a light, or deep trance, and their hand will move without their own effort. In most cases, the information presented is of a beautiful or uplifting nature. It may or may not contain information with which the medium is familiar. Though it is becoming somewhat rare, it is still a phase of mediumship which is available, and which can be developed. Automatic writing should not be confused with inspired writing. In the case of inspired writing, the writer has control over what is written. In Automatic Writing, spirit has control. return to top
Aura Reading
Aura reading is a from of mediumship which allows for the viewing of the spiritual energy being emitted by an individual or an object. Aura mediums see auras in one or two ways. The first, and most common is clairvoyant viewing, in which the medium views the colors in their mind, and the second, which is actually viewing the colors with their physical eyes. In most cases, those mediums seeing the colors with their physical eyes, see them using their peripheral vision. Usually, the client sits in front of a dark cloth, and the medium can read their colors. Aura reading can be used to determine health and emotional states, and also in directing healing efforts. A well trained aura reader can work wonders in discerning the color distribution in a persons physical structure. All things have energy and as such, an aura medium will be able to read not only people, but also objects. return to top
Trumpet Mediumship
Trumpet Mediumship is a phase of mediumship which utilizes a tin or aluminum cone, called a trumpet, to amplify direct voice from spirit. Sound, of course, is created through vibrations. In the case of conversation, voice is created by air passing past our vocal cords causing them to vibrate and resonate sound. The volume of sound which we hear is controlled by the amount of air passing over the cords. It takes a tremendous amount of energy to create sound from spirit. It is for this reason that spirits often use the physical body of a deep trance medium to communicate. When the energy is not strong enough, a spirit trumpet is often used to "magnify" the sound so that it can be heard. In trumpet mediumship, strands of ectoplasm are stretched over the small end of the trumpet, and spirit uses these to communicate with us. In some cases, if the controlling medium also is adept at levitation, the trumpet may move around the seance room to address the receivers as they get their messages from the higher side of life return to top
Trance
Trance, is a term which is often thrown around by metaphysical people, who wish to appear more "powerful" or "all knowing", than their "average" counterparts. Unfortunately, like many of the aspects of Mediumship, it is a term which is frequently misused. Trance is often misrepresented as channeling. It is as widely misunderstood by those who profess to have its ability, as by those seekers who have no knowledge of what to expect in a trance situation. Even within our own organization, people believe that they are entranced, when in reality, they are only inspired. Trance is a condition. It has various levels, but for the most part, true mediums find themselves in a light trance when they perform their normal readings or healings. Some refer to this as an "enlightened state". It is a condition which occurs when the medium has elevated their vibration away from the heavy vibrations of the Earth, and closer to spirit. From this perspective, they can see coming events more clearly, and better converse with guides and teachers in the spirit world. They may also be able to sense the presence of an entity (a friend, loved one, or guide) who may be near to their vibration. The second phase of trance is deeper phase which would allow for communications with those spirits who wish to make their presence known. This can be two‑way communication, complete with questions and answers, and may cause the medium to find themselves in an etheric state, a condition of detachment from the physical world. In this state, they are still conscious of their surroundings, but have full view of the activities occurring in the spiritual vibration. The last phase of trance is the most profound, and the one used by many to make you believe they have powers which they do not. This is the phase of deep trance. In a deep trance condition, the medium relinquishes control of their physical body to a controlling spirit. In this condition, the spirit speaks, moves the body, answers questions, and generally provides profound information that you may not have access to by any other means. In many cases, the spirit will speak in their own voice, regardless of the gender of the medium, or the spirit. (I have heard distinctly male voices from female mediums, and visa‑versa) During the control, the medium rests in the spirit realm until the controlling entity has completed their mission. When the spirit us finished, the roles are reversed. It is in the deep trance state that Materialization, Transfiguration, and other forms of physical phenomena mediumship, usually occur. Sadly, many people think that if they close their eyes, they are in trance. What follows is a presentation of information, spoken from their subconscious, by some allegedly important figure (a Native, a President, a Queen, etc.). The presentation will often warn us to be good, or remind us that we are loved. Brotherhood is often stressed, spiritual paths are often encouraged. While all of these are honorable attributes, generally these are words from the mind of the speaker, and not from spirit. If you are fortunate enough to ever see a deep trance or control situation, one in which the medium has given over control of their physical body to spirit, I promise you, that you will never forget it. And, lastly, in a true trance situation, the medium will generally not be able to remember any of the message presented by the controlling entity. return to top
Inspired Writing
What a wonderful thing inspired writing is. Inspired Writing, like its counterpart, Inspired Speaking, brings us in touch with our higher selves and our spirit guides. In Inspired Writing, we do the work. We write (or if speaking, speak) words that have been impressed on our minds by spirit. This is often confused with "Inspirational" writing or speaking. Inspirational writing or speaking is designed to provide us with motivation to accomplish or exceed our goals. True Inspirational Writing involves us transcribing or speaking words, which have been given to us. Let me give you an example. I believe that it was my destiny that I write a book. Throughout my life I had been impressed with story ideas. I even wrote and recorded some earlier in my life. As I became an adult, I received increasing pressure from spirit (at the time, I didn't know where the pressure was coming from) to write a story that had been knocking around in my head for years. I had no formal training, so I had no idea of where to start. Spirit provided that in a dream, and once I wrote the first few paragraphs, I was on their timetable. It appeared that I would be motivated to write by some unknown force. Once I began, I literally couldn't stop. The ideas where dashing into my head faster than I could type them. Finally, after speaking into thin air to let me stop, the ideas would taper off until the next time. To make a very long story short, as I became enlightened into the ways of spirit, I found that I had a spirit guide by the name of Jane, who was a newspaper woman during the late 1920's and early 1930's. She is my motivator, and idea‑person. When she wants me to write, it is next to impossible not to do. Always, before I lecture, or prepare for a lecture, I ask all of my guides for input. I generally receive much more information than I could ever express in a reasonably allotted time. What is generally provided, as in my writing, is a template of information, each idea leading to another. Each topic with guidance to references. It is a wonderful thing. Of course, you can enhance your abilities by maintaining a strong working relationship with your guides and teachers. But, the next time you get an idea, it just may be from spirit. return to top
Billet Mediumship
Billet Mediumship is a fairly common form of mediumship which somewhat resembles psychometry, in that it is the energy placed in a material item that the medium is able to discern. Billet Mediumship is also referred to as "pellet" mediumship by some practitioners. In a billet mediumship presentation, members of the audience write questions on a piece of paper and fold it up, placing the folded paper in a bowl or offering plate. The medium then holds the folded note and answers the question. The foundation of this phase of mediumship is the placement of energy into the paper by the seeker. It is this energy that the medium senses. In some cases the paper is folded "very" small, thus the term "pellet." Sadly, this form of mediumship can be fraudulently presented if not properly controlled. To an experienced observer, frauds can be easily detected by watching how the billets are handled. In the hands of a skilled medium, billet mediumship is a wonderful tool. return to top
Direct Writing
Direct Writing is a rare form of physical mediumship which is not seen too frequently in modern times. In Direct Writing, a writing instrument (chalk, pencil, charcoal, pen) is placed between two planchets, or writing surfaces. The writing surfaces are generally wrapped or bound so that there is no way that anyone could get between the writing surfaces and use the writing instrument. Once that is completed, the medium will channel a spirit which will write directly to the writing surface. This is different from "Automatic Writing," or "Inspired Writing," in that there is no physical intervention in the writing process. One the writing is completed, the writing surfaces are opened to reveal a message from spirit. In the case of chalk or charcoal writings, it has been said that you could hear the chalk scratching on the the slate as the message was presented. Direct Writing mediums are rare these days. return to top
Psychic Surgery
Psychic Surgery is a phase of mediumship which is often challenged by critics. There are a number of reasons for the questioning of this phase, but generally it is because it has never been fully verified by standard medical technology, and the type of surgery which is performed is often questionable. This differs from regular spiritual healing or X‑Ray Clairvoyance, which have often been verified. If anyone knows of a successful Psychic Surgeon, please let me know. return to top
Spiritual Photography
Spiritual Photography is a form of mediumship which is little practiced, but can still be found in modern society. It involves having an unexposed photographic plate, and a medium who is under the control of a spiritual entity. The medium holds the unexposed plate to their body (usually at an energy center)and the image of the controlling spirit is shown on the film when the plate is developed. With the advance of technology, this phase of mediumship can also be imitated, but in the hands of a true practitioner, it is an exciting presentation. return to top
Clairnostig
Clairnostig is a phase of mediumship which involves smells or odors which might be related to a spiritual presence. These odors can be pleasant or offensive, and can be from loved ones, or passing entities. Many people possess this phase of mediumship without knowing it. They may simply say, "Can you smell that?", to which their companion will often reply, "Smell what?" My wonderful personal experiences involving my parents frequently involve a clairnostic presence. For example, when I smell Lilacs, I know that my mother is present. She loved Lilacs. We had at least 20 bushes in our yard and when Spring would come‑‑man what a smell. She would fill the house with bouquets of them. Now, when I smell them, and the Lilacs are not in bloom, I know that she is near. Also, when my dad comes through, I often will smell Old Spice After Shave. Over the years he and I have talked so often that the smell is less frequent these days. Lastly, I also had an uncle that smoked cigars. When he comes through, the smell is very strong. The next time you smell an odor that seems to be out of place, perhaps it will be the scent of a deceased loved one making a return to your vibration. return to top
Auric Healing
Auric Healing is a phase of mediumship which is fairly common. It involves a auric medium transferring energy into a specific area of the aura. This energy will then modify the aura and promote an improvement in health, or well‑being. Some believe that the strands of light which make up the aura are actually hollow, like straws, and that you can send the energy through the aura directly into the afflicted area, thus bringing about a change in condition. In a successful presentation, the medium will be able to describe the ailment, and perceive when it has been eliminated. Like many other forms of healing, the ability to correct an imbalance depends on the exchange of energy between the healer and the seeker. return to top