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Mediumship

A We get asked many questions about mediumship and Spirit communication within the Church. Answers to some of the most common questions are posted here. Please note that it is best to speak to an official at the Church for a more detailed answer.

Q. What is meant by mediumship?

Spiritualism embodies the main ideas in most religions that there is life after death, immortality and the existence of a God. Spiritualism differs from other religions in that proof of survival of death is provided by a process of communication referred to as mediumship. Those who have died communicate through individual people called mediums, and endeavour to provide evidence of their continued existence in the Spirt world.

Spirit communication is often through the medium’s mind. The medium sees, hears or senses pictures, sounds or feelings within his or her mind first then relays the information to a recipient. Mental mediumship is by far the most common form of communication used today and the general public are becoming increasingly aware of the terminology used to describe this type of mediumship.

CLAIRVOYANCE is a term used to refer to an individual’s ability, “to see clearly” this being a translation from French. Some Mediums may have Clairaudience (to hear clearly) and Clairsentience (to sense clearly). Clairvoyance is a well known term now because of the many public demonstrations in venues other than Spiritualist meeting places.

Q. What's the difference between mediums, clairvoyants and psychics?

Some people describe themselves as MEDIUMS, CLAIRVOYANTS or PSYCHICS but may not be Spiritualists. Spiritualist mediums study and train to become controlled or directed routes for Spirit communication so that the source of any information received is known to be sound and genuine. Spiritualist mediums will seek to give evidence of survival of death for those who are mourning. They do not predict the future.

PSYCHICS or CLAIRVOYANTS who work in the public domain often advertise their services. Some, while very sincere, may have little if any training and so may be open to unknown Spirit influences. As well as contacting the Spirit world some will often seek to concentrate on an individual’s personal situation and foretell future events for them. Money is charged for this service with individual clairvoyants setting their own fees.

The Church cannot recommend mediums, clairvoyants or psychics.

Q. When can I attend a demonstration of mediumship within the Church?

Please see our information on services.

Q. Does the Church offer private sittings?

A private reading in our Church is a confidential service, especially for those who have been bereaved and are seeking comfort and upliftment.

It may be possible to book a private reading with a Church medium.
We request that people who would like to arrange a private reading speak in person to a member of the Church Committee shortly before/after one of our services. 
(We do not book private readings by phone or email.)
 
Private readings are given by Church mediums and the sittings last for half an hour. You are welcome to record your sitting, but please bring your own equipment.

To gain the most benefit from this service, we recommend that you visit the Church in person and attend several of our services. In this way you become familiar with how mediums provide evidence of survival and are better prepared for your reading.

All our mediums are volunteers so any charge for a private reading goes to Church funds. In individual sittings, the Church always explains to people that if they are not satisfied with the evidence given for WHATEVER REASON there is no charge. All communication must be considered as an experiment as mediums cannot guarantee to contact individuals in the Spirit World, but can only pass on any information provided by Spirit.

All mediumship is governed by UK consumer protection regulations (following an EU directive). The Church operates within this framework.

Frequently Asked Questions: Spiritual Development.

Q. Do we all have a psychic ability?

Everyone has a psychic faculty. Some people are more aware of it than others. Many have been aware of it since childhood. Usually awareness decreases as children move into adulthood and other material interests occupy their thoughts. Many people try to understand and work with this awareness and decide to act as channels for spirit entities without guidance or consultation and no real understanding of what is happening or who is communicating.

Initially working can be fun and often there is a belief that others can be helped with the information that comes from these spirits. However, sooner or later, some people who have fostered communication with spirit beings in this way may become uncomfortable, or worse cannot close down the links that have been established. Only at that stage when there is the wrong connection do they seek guidance or help. Several things must now be understood. The world of Spirit has many dimensions and channelling or mediumship as it is called in Spiritualism is not lightly undertaken and then only under the guidance of experienced workers. Many spirit beings, for a variety of reasons, wish to establish communication with people and if thoughts are open to them they will use any channel they can find. If the channel lacks the training to control the messages they are receiving then some problems may arise.

Q. What is meant by 'Development' within the Church?

For Spiritualists, developing their psychic faculty is undertaken as part of developing personal spiritual awareness. The two go hand in hand. A medium in the Spiritualist Church learns how to open their thoughts to spiritual beings who are carefully directed to that individual medium by other Spirits referred to as guides. But of equal importance they are taught how to close their mind to communication. In this way a medium works in a controlled situation at agreed times and knows who is permitted to communicate through their mediumship.

Development circles train Spiritualist mediums and if you really feel you want to develop your awareness then you must find a circle leader who would be prepared to take you into their circle at this stage. You would have to approach Spiritualist organisations in your region and talk with the circle leader. Portobello Spiritualist Church’s Development Circle has a Christian perspective and takes church members who have attended the church on a regular basis and have an understanding of Spirit communication in that context. Other organisations may have a different policy so it is worth investigating further.

For further information:

The Spiritualists’ National Union (email: [email protected]
is another source of information and advice or can possibly refer you to other contacts.