My Diary… Hell here on Earth... Spirit Guides on Strike? ... Racism on the rise... Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead ... Trance - You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't

                                                                      

                                                             My Diary…

August…

2^nd –  A short twenty-mile drive to the Free Spirit Spiritualist, Church, Kilmarnock.

7^th – A bit further afield to the Coatbridge Spiritualist Church.

10^th – As always a great welcome from the committee and members of Perth Spiritualist Church. (SNU)

15^th – Back to Ayrshire and to the Cumnock Spiritualist Church. 16^th – ASK Neilson Spiritualist Church.

16^th – My shortest journey of the month – 10 miles – the Neilston Spiritualist Church.

17^th – I took the service at Kilmarnock Spiritualist Church (SNU).  This is a big year for the church 

as they celebrated their 80^th anniversary.

                                                           

                                                                Hell here on Earth.

HELL is not in another dimension.  HELL is here on earth for many people. 

When we think of all the technology, money and medicines we have at our disposal in this day and age, we should be ashamed at the suffering we have all around us.

A three-hour truce was arranged for the Syrian city of Aleppo to let humatarian supplies into the city.  After those three hours it was OK to use chlorine gas, drop oil drum bombs and Internationally banned cluster bombs on to markets.    Innocent men, women and children are maimed and killed on an hourly basis.  One day this month it was reported that there were two-hundred airstrikes on the city.  

For those civilians managing to flee the city and the country their plight is not over by any means.  For some it is to the safety of refugee camps in neighbouring countries, but their future looks bleak many will be destined to live the rest of their lives in these camps.  We have to praise two small neighbouring countries, Jordan and the Lebanon.  Both countries have set up massive refugee camps on their territories and doing their best to make them as comfortable as they can for the refugees.  It is shameful that other countries in the area are refusing to help in this humanitarian crisis.

                                                       

                                                                     
                                                                  Spirit Guides on Strike?


 The pioneers of modern day Spiritualism used to look upon the link with the Spirit World and this dimension with awe, wonder and respect.  Today it is looked upon as a cash cow and a road to fame.  This priceless communication link is being abused by all and sundry these days – or is it?

We constantly hear that “mediumship’ is not the same as it used to be”.  Could that be because Spirit is not participating as fully as they did in the past? Our Guides are willing to work on a long-term partnership with us, but are not willing to be used and abused?  In some cases, not participating at all at some demonstrations? 

The more we put in – the more we get back.  Could that be the cause that both mental and physical mediumship not being as strong and as accurate as in the past?

Mediums are not taking the time to learn, understand and slowly develop a close relationship with our guides and the Spirit World?

Few mediums are willing to sit alone in a room quietly linking with the Spirit World before they take a service like they did in the past.  I am guilty of this also and the few times I take that solitude the link is usually stronger.

Think of it – a loved one who feels the need to make contact from the Spirit World through a medium – what options do they have?

A church where there is reverence and respect and a lovely atmosphere or a pub setting where drink is available and even a cabaret where the medium/psychic is only part of the evening’s entertainment.  The other acts could be fire-eaters, belly dancers and so much more that is associated with entertainment.

This wonderful link between our different dimensions is far greater than the whole Internet set-up so this should be used for good – not abused.

If there is to be a non-profitmaking communication 

 

                                                                      Racism on the rise.

My two sisters and I were brought up never to judge anyone by the colour of their skin or their religion.  To judge someone on their actions or what they said was a different matter.  But… with the latter only after we found out why they were talking or acting in such a way we felt was wrong.

Alas – after of appearing to be going in the right direction racism and religious intolerance is rearing its ugly- head again.  The backlash is that so many innocent people will suffer.  Innocent people who just want to lead a normal life.  Political leaders around the world are using these intolerances to suit their own agenda and making the situation worse.

The human race is abusing the freewill it has been given instead of using it to make life better for all. 

                                                        

                                        Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead, 

Spiritual Mediums serve people both living and dead, they bridge the gap” were the first words I got out on a talk on Spiritualism and before I could say anything else - the following comments came from those in front of me.

“That gap 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”.

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.  The medium brings forward Joe Smith to communicate because his wife is sitting in the church that particular evening.  If Joe is to come forward, then he must think that there is great need for him to communicate.

                                                                  

                                 Trance - You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't

I keep seeing posts about courses that 'teach' trance mediumship. I stand to be corrected but in my view you can't teach trance. You've either got the ability (some would say gift) or you haven't. I've run many development groups over the years but in my experience you can only encourage and facilitate what is already there. True trance mediumship is a high form of mediumship and quite rare, unlike other psychic abilities. I would never state that I could teach trance to anyone. Please tell me how you 'teach' a guide to connect with a medium? You can advise on how to attune and enter an altered state, but it spirit who have the control, not the sitter. So please, let's get real and make some attempt to return to proper teaching when it comes to this type of development, not pseudo 'teaching' that panders to the ego. Even Gordon Higginson, whom I have worked with and who knew a thing or two about trance, said that 'mediums are born, not created'. 

Encourage, guide, inspire but please, don't mislead. We want higher standards of mediumship, not lower.

Ron Goodwin

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.