My Diary... Scotland's Proud History... Your comments on Mr Quastel's Vision on Spiritualism... “We Are all Equal"… We are all on the frontline...

                                                               

                                                           My Diary…

July…

3^rd - I was off to the Kingdom of Fife to take the service at the Dunfermline Spiritualist Church (SNU) 3 Lady Campbell Walk, Dunfermline, KA12 0QH.

10^th / 11^th -  Further north this time to the usual great highland welcome from committee and members of the Inverness Spiritualist Church (SNU) Smithton Hall, Smithton, IV2 7NP.  I hope that those attending the workshop on Sunday enjoyed it as much as I did.  Tremendous enthusiasm by the members of this church to understand their psychic abilities, knowledge on how Spirit work with us and about their religion.  The committee have an excellent training programme that nurtures and helps this enthusiasm to slowly mature rather than a quick conveyer belt process.  On the Monday evening the biggest turnout I have seen at this church and I have been going up there for the past fifteen years.

17^th – Back to Fife.  This time to ASK 30 Mercer Pl, Dunfermline KY11 4UG.  This is another church that takes a lot of time in giving structured teaching to their circle members.

                                                       

                                                  Scotland’s Proud History.

While in Waterstone’s bookshop in Inverness a German tourist holding a book on Scottish History started asking me about certain aspects of the contents.  Once she left I had a quick look through the book I suddenly thought, “Something is missing”.

That something was “Spiritualism”.  Modern-day Spiritualism started in 1848 in the US when the Fox sisters heard tapping sounds.  Only eight years later in 1856 the Glasgow Association of Spiritualism opened its door and they have stayed open since. This year Alloa Spiritualist Church celebrated its centenary and there has been a Spiritualist church in Aberdeen for over 100 years.   Scotland has a long and proud history with Spiritualism.

                                                    

                                                 

                                                       Your comments. 

I have received many comments on the vision Mr C. I Quastel (President, of the Spiritualist National Union 1958 – 1965) ,  experienced in1961  On Spiritualism's future.      

KL – “If this gentleman had a vision in all those years ago of what Spiritualism would be like today then surely it came from Spirit.  Maybe it was not a warning, but the way spirit was guiding our movement towards?”

A good point – but maybe also to warn us and prepare us we have a fight on our hands to save our religion from entertainment and financial gain.

LC “If this was known by the Spirit World over half a century ago Spirit had plenty of time to change it if they had wanted too”.

They can make us aware and guide us – but in the end we have free choice and personal responsibility.

Ramos “Tom, move with the times or leave”.

Ramos – I have thought of walking away several times recently and it may happen sooner or later.  Then I think “Why should real Spiritualists surrender”.

PT – I have been so sickened with what has been going on with the movement over the past few years and I doubt I will ever go back.  Many are now in it solely for the money and if your main aim is the £ then you will follow that rather than being true to spirit.  Mediums cancelling long standing engagements because they suddenly get a better financial deal elsewhere.  Churches putting those on the platform who are entertainers and business people rather than true spiritualists”.

PT – the churches have the power to stop Spiritualism dropping into the mire if only they would use it.

Laura – “Mediums giving free tuition with the intention of the students when they return home are expected to arrange workshops for their tutors.

A vast majority of Spiritualists cannot afford or have the time to attend Spiritualist colleges and the tutor coming to their area is a good thing.  As long as the events and tutors are not advertised in the media as a celebrity.

In hindsight we can now see little heed was taken and now we are left with a real mess.  In trying to progress Spiritualism I think that too many in a position of power at all levels have taken their eye off the ball.  Fully concentrating on education, diplomas and adhering too strongly to rules that were initially meant as guidelines.  etc.    That is maybe where the Independent churches have stolen a march on the larger Spiritual organization.  They have not taken their eye off the ball of the needs of those who enter our churches. 

Yes – we need education about our religion – but not that it takes over everything else.  And we must not forget the cost of workshops and training courses mean that many cannot afford them.

                                                 

                                                           “We Are all Equal"…  

As the world mourns a famous person, there are many others making the transition to the Spirit World.  And yet most of these will move over almost unnoticed, on your side of the divide.

In the sight of the Lord/God/Great Spirit, whatever name you wish to use for the Creator.  Everyone is equal.

The Spirit World gives as much attention to those who had nothing on the material, as those who seemed to have everything.

Never feel you are better than anyone else.  Never feel that anyone is better or lesser than you.  In the eyes of the Creator everyone is the same.

One may not be a star, or top of the tree at something that is in the glare of publicity. 

However, to a lonely person we can be a star, or top of the tree, with just giving them a smile or a little bit of recognition.  

Letting someone feel that others care for them, can mean so much to them.  A smile can be worth its weight in gold.

Never feel superior.  Treat others, as you would like others to treat you

Alan.

                 We are all on the Frontline.

The latest terrorist attack in France is something I have always feared.  Terrorists using not guns or bombs, but something more readily available to cause carnage and death.  This makes it so much harder for the security forces to detect individuals or groups hell bent on taking innocent lives.  A new chapter in our lives has now opened up where more and more will fear for their safety going about their everyday lives.  Massive armies and sophisticated weapons are impotent in such a war that terrorists are waging at the moment.  We can only hope and pray that good will overcome evil.  At the same time, we should not condemn all of those who are the same religion as those who commit the terrorist acts.  They are not immune to the suffering and death from terrorism that is occurring around the world. 

                                      

My Diary ... I am Now a Committee Member ... 1961 - Vision of Spiritualism in the Future comes to Pass... Real Comedy Writers are Becoming an Endangered Species ... One Hundred Years and Still Going Strong...

My Diary....

                     

May...

16^th – I took an evening of clairvoyance at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU)

17^th – I had a most interesting night giving a talk on Spiritualism and then a Q & A session at the Ascension Spiritualist Church Maryhill, Glasgow.  That was the last night at the old venue and from 24/5/2016 the church has a new home at  the    .Maryhill Education Comunity Centre.35 Avenuepark Street Maryhill.G20 YTS 

26^th - I was over in the East Coast to the usual warm welcome from the committee and members of the Arbroath Spiritualist Church SNU.

29^th – A short journey south the bright and friendly Ayr Spiritualist Church (SNU) where a warm welcome awaits all who enters through its doors.

June...

5th – I travelled 165 miles north to the Aberdeen Bon Accord Spiritualist Church (SNU).  Great hospitality and enthusiasm from this church which has been serving  Spiritualism in Aberdeen for over one-hundred years. 

I am now...Now a Committee Member...

Anne Strachan President of the Glasgow Association of Spiritualist asked me if I would like to become a committee member of the Association.  So as from the beginning of the month I am now a committee member of the Glasgow Association.

                                                 

                1961 - Vision of Spiritualism in the Future comes to Pass...

Looking through some old issues of The Beacon – the Glasgow Association of Spiritualist’s magazine of November 1961 I came across a most interesting article.  It was by Mr C. I Quastel president, of the Spiritualist National Union 1958 – 1965.  Mr Quastel looked into the future of Spiritualism and got it spot on.

Thus, it is that in these days’ voices which have heard a loud and uncompromising against any dilution of the original purpose which inspired the creation of the ‘Spiritualist National Union’ come from the hardy northerners.

I have no hesitation,  therefore, I’ve no doubt as to the action, and writing of my fears for the future of what is called the “Spiritualist Movement” in Great Britain, with the hope of arousing a national determination to make such a prophetic possibility just a hideous nightmare.

I see so clearly, a vision of the future where in every city there will be dozens of psychic businesses, staffed by professional mediums and healers, which by means of “enticing advertisements” draw to the premises people of all classes, eager to obtain relief from the woes and ailments - at any price...

The only people unable to gain access to these commercialised “sanctuaries of healing” will be - in my opinion - the poor and the needy who will be unable to pay the high fees for “for “consultations” or unable to leave liberal “donations”.

Many of those are we are at this moment  aware of the existence of at least one widely advertised centre where the main activity is the provision of private interviews, in almost endless succession, to selected clients who are able to pay the fees demanded for this ‘service,.

Such a prospect is terrible only if the growing emphasis on the practice of mediumship as a “box-office attraction” detracts from the essential purpose of Spiritualism.

Please do not misunderstand me. Mediumship is needed to provide evidence of survival, and I, in common with every other official, wish to have the help of the most capable mediums in our psychic activities.

But the practice and the results of good mediumship are only means to the greater end – to emphasise the help that is constantly given to us by our spirit friends and guides, using the power of the Almighty, in order that through our own, or through co-operative action, we may bring peace and harmony to the world, by doing our utmost, in always possible, to abolish fear of death, loneliness, poverty and insecurity – whether in the home or in the International field of politics.

Spiritualism’s purpose should, and must, be emphasised as a sequel to any effort to demonstrate “survival”, or even to heal the sick.

Without this “religious” attitude, which truly involves human and divine relationship through the life-giving power of God, our movement would consist of activities conducted by (a) those who profit financially; (b) those who voluntary help makes it possible for the “professionals” to do the work.

Sooner or later, under these conditions, the voluntary workers would refuse to give their labours and thus all workers and officials would become salaried, and finances only would determine the justification of any effort.

Such a situation is already threatening – as an example - what once was a flourishing, idealistic youth movement  in this country, and we see signs, too, in our Spiritualist organisations where the burden of VOLUNTARY CHARITABLE work falls on the frail but determined shoulders of the ever decreasing numbers of old but loyal servants of God.

So much depends on our Church leaders and holders of S.N.U Diplomas and other credentials.

They MUST – at every public service – speak of our  purpose as a religious, charitable union of Churches.

They MUST read and referred to our Seven Principles which present, so simple and clearly, everything with which the  true Spiritualists can identify.

I APPEAL, almost desperately, to those who once joined us – as Church members, as Healers, as Mediums – to remember their vows of unselfish service to the Movement – to be humble and honest in the of dedication of self to the common cause.

There is so much to do – new places of worship to be created for the new religion of the world, based on psychic truths and Spiritualist ideals – social problems to be solved – international friendships to be made.

Spiritualism needs YOUR help – and the World needs Spiritualism.

Let us, and all members of the S.N.U.., never cease to strive towards a Utopian goal of peace on earth. Failure will only come when we cease to strive.

                                                                 

              Real Comedy Writers are Becoming an Endangered Species...

Comedy is not what it was like in my young days.  The likes of “Hancock's Half Hour” “The Army Game” and “Dad's Army” only to mention three, could be watched by the whole  family.  Real comedy scriptwriters do not need to revert to obscene language or scenes to get a laugh.  Today not only is so much smut added to comedy programmes, at the utterance of certain words, the audience bursts out laughing. Real comedy scriptwriters and comedians are on the edge of extinction.   

Real comedy does not make fun of;-

Cancer.

Self harm

Weight.

Appearance

Bullying

Disabled

Race

Religion

Sexuality

Suicide

Rape

Death

Cut these out and maybe in sixty years time, the comedy of today will still be repeated on TV.


                                                

                                          One Hundred Years and Still Going Strong...

Another Scottish Spiritualist Church has passed a tremendous milestone this year.  This time, it is Alloa Spiritualist Church which celebrated its 100^th anniversary a few weeks ago.  

My Diary ... Hollywood or Hounslow an ex-President or a plumber ... Capital Punishment ... Reality of Today ... Your emails.....

                                                                   

                                                               My Diary...

April...

28^th ASK Dreghorn, KA11 4EQ.

A quiet month as far as church services are concerned.  I planned it this way to concentrate on workshops, lectures, and my psychic research work.  Also, sitting in the congregations of our churches.  Something I had got out of the habit of doing.

                                                          

                   Hollywood or Hounslow an ex-President or a plumber

I was over the moon when the Psychic News came back to life in 2011.  Then, and still to this day the first pages I turn to is the David Hopkins column and the letter’s page.  Yet, as each month goes by I am getting more and more disillusioned with the magazine.  It is becoming more like many magazines and newspapers these days in spending so much time reporting on celebrities.

Just look at the headlines for articles during the months of March and April;-

“We Become Beverly Hills Mediums”, Tony Warren, Corrie’s Creator, saw actress’s ghost on TV set”, Nancy Reagan reunited with her husband”, Tarot prediction scares Coleen Nolan”, “Dave Stewart: old or new soul”, Energy healer cured Michael Flatley”, “Our Beverly Hills Adventure”.   

The path the magazine appears to be taking does not show true Spiritualism and must give a new reader a false impression of our religion. The Psychic News was founded in 1932 as the global mouthpiece for Spiritualism.  That has waned considerably in the past few years and it looks like it will not be long before newsagents place this magazine among the other celebrities magazines.

it is Hollywood or Hounslow an ex-President or a plumber Spirit will look on all as equal.     

                                                              

                                                      Capital Punishment.

I have been asked constantly "As a spiritualist what’s your views on capital punishment?"  

As far as capital punishment is concerned – I am totally against it. I’m against it for one reason, one innocent person executed for a crime they did not commit is one too many.  Over the years there have been too many mistakes with innocent people being executed.   I really believe that one of the worst things that can happen to a human is being found guilty of a crime they did not commit. Then, they spend many years in jail or are executed while the guilty party roams free.

I constantly hear individuals in the spiritualist movement say “They will be punished when they get over to the other side”.  I don’t agree that we should leave it to the Spirit World to punish those who have done wrong in this dimension. We have to take personal responsibility and police our own dimension keeping the vulnerable safe from those who would do them harm. 

                                                    

Reality of Today.

May you always have work for your hands to do.

May your pockets hold always a coin or two.

May the sun shine bright on your window pane.

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.

May the hand of a friend always be near you.

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

~ Old Irish Blessing

                                                                                                         

A blessing so many these days wish was bestowed on themselves. 

Many a young person today does not have the chance of a full-time job with prospects.   

Coins in pockets for many are few.

So many do not have a place to call home, never mind having the sun shine on their window pane.

For many there never seems to be any light at the end of the tunnel, never mind a rainbow.

There is not always help those in need.  Of course, there is from the spirit world, but those in dire straits are not always aware of this.

Can we blame those who have nothing for thinking that God is only for those who have everything?

                                                          

Your emails.....

Leanne reminds us – “Spiritualism is not just about proving life after physical death.  It is about spirituality of self, learning through meditation, prayer and how to be a loving, forgiving and caring person. First, we must forgive ourselves for the damage we have done to others and our own spirits, intentional or unintentional.  Only then can we start to walk a spiritual pathway”.

Thanks Leanne...

Evans emailed - “That gap between us and the dead is not meant to be bridged”. “It is wrong, for those here to bridge that gap, in fact it is an evil act to try to bridge that gap”.


Evans - The gap cannot be bridged unless Spirit wants to make contact.  And as far as being evil, what evil is there in family and friends communicating from the Spirit World in a gentle friendly manner.  A medium has less power than many people think Spirit has got to want to communicate.

My Diary... Don’t Leave Our Mediums In The North Out in the Cold... Our Seven Principles Suggest As Individuals We Get Involved.... / Spiritualism Losing Members and Churches... Tracy Norton's Concern for the Future Of Spiritualism...

                                                            

                                                    

                                                                  My Diary / 

February...

22^nd – I always enjoy my visit to Inverness Spiritual Church (SNU)  Great enthusiasm in Scotland’s most northerly city as far as spiritualism is concerned.

28^th - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

29^th - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

March..

1^st - Glasgow Central Spiritual Church.  (SNU)

6^th - The Love and Friendship Spiritualist Church, The Couper Institute, Glasgow. G44 3DA.  A busy church which puts a lot of time into education and training.  In the past year this has paid off as several of the members are now taking services at other churches around Scotland.  President Maureen Winser and Karen Speake have taken time with those in their development circle, not rushing them but letting them matures in their own natural way.

10^th – The Pyramid Spiritualist Church, Leithlands Neighbourhood Centre Kempsthorn Road Pollock Glasgow G53 5SU  – A small church that is well supported by the local community.

15th -  ASK Cumbernauld – One of the busiest Spiritualist churches in Scotland. 

22^nd – A short journey to The Free Spirit Spiritualist Church, 22 London Road,Kilmarnock.

26^th – Falkirk Spiritualist Church (SNU)  Burnhead Lane, Falkirk,  FK1 1UG.  This church has been serving spiritualism in Falkirk for over fifty-years.

28^th – Again my second visit to Kilmarnock in less than a week.  This time to The Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU) Old Mill Road, Kilmarnock,

                                                                 

                   Don’t Leave Our Mediums In The North Out in the Cold.

February saw me travelling north east to take the service at Inverness Spiritualist Church.  (SNU)  This is a journey I always enjoy for the scenery and for the great Highland welcome and enthusiasm from the committee and members of the church.  In the fourteen years I have been travelling to this church the enthusiasm has not waned in the slightest, in fact it has got stronger.  This is down to the Inverness committee putting in place a lot into good development and training in clairvoyance, healing and knowledge of spiritualism.

Unfortunately, those who eventually end up on the platform have very limited opportunities as there are few churches in the north.  The Spiritualist churches up north have regularly brought mediums up from the central belt to serve their churches, they’ve had too.  But now that there are good mediums coming to the fore in the north they are not getting the chance to serve our churches further south.  In the central belt we have mediums from Northern Ireland and England taking services and workshops, so why not from the Highlands of Scotland?  Many may answer “The cost”.  But surely that does not wash as churches in the north have been bringing mediums from the south to their churches for decades. I have mentioned Inverness but we should not forget the Aberdeen area also.

                                                       

                         Our Seven Principles Suggest As Individuals We Get Involved.

I have often commented that I look on Spiritualism as a quiet religion.  Unlike other religions we don’t; - Get involved in politics...  Criticise certain groups of people... Tell our members that they will not get into the Spirit World if they don’t attend out churches every week... Nor do we hand out leaflets at street corners or put them through letterboxes.

But although our religion does not get involved in such matters I feel that we as individuals have a duty to get involved in situations where we feel there is injustice.  If we feel we are being guided to a wrongdoing especially to another human being, an animal or the environment.  After a little research, to see if we have got the facts right then we should complain to the appropriate authorities.  Remember reading about an incident in a newspaper is not always an accurate version of what has happened.  These days’ newspapers often do not take time to give all sides of the argument or the management may have their own agenda.

If we eventually feel that it is right to do so, a letter /email to the appropriate place can work wonders, especially when a vast number take the time to voice their complaint also.  The old saying “The pen is mightier than the sword” is spot on,  Far more powerful than a march as often this can be hijacked by those wishing to cause trouble and in doing so they ruin the cause. 

I believe that our Seven Principles point us in the direction that I have mentioned above.  Not for the hierarchy of our Spiritual associations to stand up and complain, but for each individual to do so when they feel it is necessary.

1 - The Fatherhood of God - We recognise that there is a creative force in the universe. This force did not only created the universe which this planet is part, but all forms of life on this planet.  All forms of life which interacts with each other to make life as we know it possible.   

2 – The Brotherhood of Man - Because we all come from the same universal life source we are, in effect, one large family.  . This means that all mankind is part of a brotherhood and we have a responsibility in supporting our brothers and sisters wherever they are on this planet.  Remember, countries and borders are man-made.

3 - Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels - All religions believe in life after death, but only Spiritualism shows that to be  true by demonstrating that communication with departed spirits can and does take place. There are spirit people who are dedicated to the welfare and service of all mankind. This is where I believe the guidance comes from to look at a particular situation.  And if we decided it is right to do so, make our concern known.

4 - Continuous Existence of the Human Soul. 

5 - Personal Responsibility - This principle not only places responsibility on us all  for our wrongful thoughts and deeds.  It also means we should not stand back doing and saying nothing when we are aware of an injustice to others. Not putting ourselves or our families in the firing line, but as I have already said, an email letter can do so much.

6 - Compensation and Retribution hereafter for all Good and Evil Deeds done on Earth.  Personally I feel it is a cop-out when Spiritualists say “Leave it – they (wrongdoers) will have to answer for their bad deeds when they move over to the Spirit World.  We have to police our own dimension and keep the vulnerable safe.

7 - Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul – Taking time to care for others and make you point of view know will stand us in good stead for the new part of our eternal life when the time comes.

                                                   

An email from EDC “Tom, you comment on hearing others say that numbers at our services are dropping, but you do not notice it to be as bad as many say.  With my work I travel the country and try at least once a week to drop into the nearest spiritualist church.  I do notice less bums on seats than I did a few years ago.  Like you I believe the biggest danger to spiritualism is from within and I saw a comment the other day which I feel fits the loss in numbers. “When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower."

SPOT ON EDC.    I have been a little naive in only looking at Scotland as far as attendances are concerned and not that I look further afield I see UK wide there is a big problem.  We need to concentrate from within before it is too late.  In fact a lady said to me the other day “It is too late for Spiritualism”.  I don’t necessarily agree with that, but time is running out.... fast...

Tracy Norton also sees the danger.

 It has saddened me recently to see how some of our churches are struggling to manage with sparse committees and only a few volunteers to keep things running. As a result our beautiful churches are having to close their doors - many shutting on Easter Sunday, and another church we visit cancelling Sunday services due to lack of interest. This is devastating for our religion. I can't help but think that people nowadays don't value the roles the Churches play - they see the numerous roles within the church as being menial and unimportant - but without the Churches where would we mediums be?

When I first became interested in spiritualism over 20 years ago, people were honoured to play a part within the Church however menial - from making the tea, to chairing. Nowadays people are using the Churches rather than giving to them - using them for messages, using them for the training and development, but giving nothing back. The perception is that mediumship is the goal - people are seeking glory rather than a life of service. So if any of you have any time to spare - please remember that all the jobs for the spirit world are important. We don't want our beautiful religion to flounder due to the lack of volunteers. I have written the poem below to help us think about this. A life of Service

Could you be of service?

Is there something you could do?

There’s no need to be nervous,

We need people like you.

People who have time to spare

To help our church stay open

People who are willing to share

Their love and their devotion

So much goes on behind the scenes
and our hearts are always glad

When someone who is really keen

Offers to lend a helping hand

There’s more to spiritualism you see
than just being a medium 

We need folks like you and me

to keep our church doors open

There’s a role for each of us you see
within our beautiful religion
and if no-one worked behind the scenes
there would be no spiritualism

So think carefully what you can do
With love and dedication
knowing that your heart is true
and free from egotism.

Offer yourself in service 
to spirit and all mankind
working behind the scenes 
there are many ways to shine