Frequently Asked Questions: Mediumship

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 can furnish conclusive evidence of their continued existence in another 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 and upliftment for those who are mourning. They do not predict the future. Evidence of survival is usually provided at church services, when any collections or donations usually go to church funds to cover any expenses.

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.

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

Please see our timetable of services.

Q. Does the church offer private sittings?

Is is possible to book a private reading with a church medium. (Click here for further information.) 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 the Fraudulent Mediums Act. This church works within the provisions of the Act with all monies collected through our services going to church funds.

Q. Do we all have awareness of 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 however, try to understand and work with this awareness and decide to act as channels for spirit entities but 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 people, who have fostered communication with spirit beings in this way, become uncomfortable or worse, and cannot close down the links that have been established. Only at that stage when there is a strong connection do they seek some 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 the problems 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: info@snu.org.uk website: http://www.snu.org.uk) is another source of information and advice or can possibly refer you to other contacts.