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From the editor October 2013 If you’re living in the UK or Europe, you’ll probably have noticed that autumn has begun to sneak in through the back door. It’s the season I love best – the leaves as they turn to wonderful shades of red and gold, the mists over the fields, the smell of wood smoke in the air as people light their first fires to warm the increasingly chilly evenings. return to the high street newsagents. In doing so, we’ll be reaching a far wider readership than has been possible for many years, with the vital message that we are spiritual, eternal beings who can never die. You’ll notice that we’re launching two new regular columns this month. Medium and author Craig Hamilton-Parker is an expert on dream interpretation and has published numerous books on the subject. Each month he’ll be interpreting a selection of your dreams. Details of where to send them are on page 19. Nic Whitham is an expert in complementary therapies and healing. Fully qualified in numerous therapies, he is co-owner and director of the Banyan Retreat in Kent, a spiritual centre with an emphasis on holistic health. Each month, Nic will concentrate on a particular therapy, beginning this issue with Reiki healing. John Keats summed it up perfectly in his wonderfully atmospheric poem, To Autumn... Derren Brown - what makes him tick? Anyone interested in the paranormal, whether they believe in it or not, whether they are religious or not, has probably heard of Derren Brown, writes Kay Hunter. He is a hypnotist, illusionist, magician and mentalist, and believes that the practice of these arts can seriously influence the minds of others. Yet he does not set out to harm; merely to display what might crudely be called 'the tricks of the trade', and by doing so illustrate how easily we can be deceived. Did minister see angel on security camera? A WEST VIRGINIA evangelical minister believes he caught an angel on his home security camera. Preacher Charles Shelton, 48, installed the security system because of the increasing amount of criminal activity in his district. Drug addicts were on the streets and there were reports of people having been killed... BBC TV documentary follows teenage 'exorcists' THREE young women from Arizona visited the UK in September to 'exorcise' our demons, writes Kay Hunter. They blamed the Harry Potter books – and made the headlines. Brynne Larson and Tess Sherkenback (both 18), and Tess's sister Savannah, 21, believe London is "a centre for witchcraft". Their visit was covered in newspapers and TV as they pronounced J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books largely responsible for the UK's "corruption". Bridging the gulf between medicine and spirituality THE 4th British Congress on Medicine and Spirituality will take place in London in November. In announcing the event, Dr Marlene Nobre, Medicine President of AME-International draws attention to the growing academic interest in exploring the links between the medical sciences and spirituality in religious practices and individualised beliefs. Lady Victoria's five lives DURING a lengthy interview with Jane Gordon of the Daily Mail, socialite and model Lady Victoria Hervey revealed that she believes she has had several incarnations. She said "a reliable psychic" at the Coachella Music Festival in Palm Springs gave details of her past lives. Doga's popularity grows DOGA – or Yoga for Dogs, has had a rapid rise in popularity, and despite the inevitable criticisms, not all participating dog owners are barking mad, writes Kay Hunter. It started in America when yoga enthusiasts who were also dog owners sought a way of combining human exercise and canine companionship. Now Doga has crossed the Atlantic and its popularity is growing in the UK. New clues at Stonehenge THE origin and purpose of the construction of Stonehenge have always puzzled researchers. They have now discovered new clues to its mysteries. Theories have abounded about this megalithic monument near Salisbury, estimated to have been built between 3000 and 1520 BC. English Heritage, constantly pursuing investigations, has now announced "a missing piece in the jigsaw". Samsung and IBM mind power experiment THE South Korean firm Samsung is experimenting with a mind-control tablet. It hopes this will shake up the way people interact with their devices. Along with American researchers, Samsung has demonstrated how people can launch/make a selection on a Galaxy tablet by concentrating on a blinking icon. They say it would be invaluable for people with mobility problems. Lily Dale inspires new musical THE SPIRITUALIST community of Lily Dale, New York, was the inspiration for a new prize-winning operetta by writer and lyricist Michael McFaden, of Nashville, Tennessee. The new operetta, City of Light, had its origins in McFaden's annual pilgrimage to Lily Dale, which he describes as "a ramshackle Victorian town that has seen better days, where you meet the most interesting people". Houdini's scrapbook been found? HARRY HOUDINI'S 1925/26 Spiritualism scrapbook, missing for 83 years, apparently turned up earlier this year in the hands of a Southern Californian antique dealer. It has been suspected of being a possible hoax. Author David Haden, an expert on author H.P. Lovecraft, a collaborator of Houdini, says it could be a hoax, but the photographs look genuine. Inspiration, development and a spiritual removal company! Kingswells House, in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a remarkable spiritual centre. Overseen by evidential and trance medium Eileen Davies, it's dedicated to a whole lot more than mediumistic development, writes Sue Farrow. Though mediumship is certainly a part of its spiritual curriculum, Kingswells' primary emphasis is on development of the whole person – spiritual development. Did Diana give permission for screen portrayal? ACTRESS Naomi Watts believes the late Princess Diana has given permission from the spirit world for Naomi to portray her on screen. Interviewed in the Mail on Sunday the star of Oliver Hirschbiegel's new movie Diana said she has so immersed herself in the role that she felt a spiritual connection with the late Princess of Wales. Sally Morgan delivers a surprise MEDIUM Sally Morgan shocked a TV interviewer during her summer tour of Australia by announcing his wife's secret pregnancy. Tom Williams, interviewer on Australia's new show Daily Edition, and his wife, fashion designer Rachel Gilbert, had kept their happy event to themselves, and even Tom's colleagues were in the dark. Exploring your Mediumistic Potential through Hypnosis – a workshop with Chris Connelly This fascinating new workshop took place at Banyan Retreat on 21st and 22nd September, writes Nic Whitham. Chris employed the use of hypnosis to enhance mediumship and communication. All students had prior knowledge and experience of mediumship, enabling Chris to focus on hypnotherapy techniques during the first day. Swimming for serenity DO you find meditation difficult? Can you swim? If you answer "Yes" to both questions, Madonna Gauding, author of The Meditation Bible, can help with a beginner's guide to meditating while swimming. Spirit plan fulfilled on J.V. Trust week Psychic artist Coral Ryder tell the extraordinary story of a spirit plan that saw an 'ownerless' psychic portrait find its home at last. I have heard numerous tales from my parents about the Arthur Findlay College, Stansted, and the many hours of fun and learning they've enjoyed within its walls. They've shared so many accounts of people they've met, friends they've made and phenomena they've witnessed, and as a result I have always wanted to go there. It was with delight, then, that I discovered I had been offered a place on the annual J.V. Trust week, and I would like to thank all those who had a hand in organising and running such a wonderful, empowering week. Understanding your dreams CRAIG HAMILTON-PARKER, Spiritualist medium, TV host and author of seven books on dreaming, begins a new monthly series on the rich world of dreams. Each month, from our November issue onwards, Craig will be here to interpret your dreams. Details of where to send them are given at the end of this article. Here, he begins by explaining the meaning of dreaming and how psychics and mediums can use dreams to access their hidden powers. The PN jargon-buster What does it all mean? Every special interest group has its own quirky language – jargon – often unintelligible to anyone else. Just look at the medical profession – or the game of cricket! Sadly, Spiritualists are no exception, with a plethora of weird and wonderful words relating to mediumship and spiritual matters, most of which would never arise in 'normal' conversation. So, by popular request, each month we'll attempt to demystify some commonly used Spiritualist terms, so that everyone is fully in the loop! Sixty years and counting Angela Redditch reports on her recent visit to the diamond jubilee celebrations of the Churches' Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies, at which a great and much-respected man, Dr Martin Israel, was commemorated. The CFPSS gathered at Robert Grosseteste University in Lincoln early in September for a very special conference. The Fellowship, founded in 1953, is celebrating its diamond jubilee this year. Spectacular evidence at 'September Spectacular' Ann Harrison reports on the visit of talented UK psychic artist Sandy Ingham to the Acacia Centre in Murcia, Spain. 'A September Spectacular' was the heading on the posters announcing Sandy Ingham's first visit to Robert and Barbara McLernon's Acacia Centre in the Murcia region of Spain – and spectacular it certainly was. Having hosted physical mediums David Thompson, Scott Milligan and Kai Mügge during the past two years, this was another first for Robert and Barbara – an outstanding psychic artist. Would you want to come back as a ghost? Leading paranormal investigator and medium Ewan Irvine looks at some of the reasons why the 'dead' might be reluctant to leave the old familiar territory of earth. Have you ever asked yourself why anyone would want to come back as a ghost ? Why would someone want to stick around in this world when there is a world beyond it after we die, the heaven we all hope is waiting for us? it’s a question i was asked a few weeks ago – one that I really had to ponder and think about. The extraordinary gifts of a dog London-based writer and spiritual worker Wendy Stokes considers some of the wonderful gifts and abilities of the species known as "(wo)man's best friend". Many dogs are trained in a special role – some to use their eyes for blind people, some to be the ears of their deaf human companions. Others are trained to fetch and carry for disabled people, to detect the imminent onset of an epileptic fit in the vital minutes before it happens, to sense when a diabetic person is low on insulin, and even to detect cancer through their extraordinary sense of smell. Travelling in the body of light (Out-of-body experiences) Continuing our six-part serialisation of Craig Hamilton Parker's critically acclaimed guide to the next life A great many people write to me at my newspaper and internet columns and claim to have travelled outside their bodies. Out-of-body experiences (OBEs) are surprisingly common. Surveys have yielded different results showing that between 25-60 per cent of people questioned claimed to have experienced an OBE. Whatever the true figure, it is clear from surveys, and my bulging mailbag, that this is certainly not an uncommon The Rector, the Vicar and the ghost of Old Jeffrey Trevor Davey tells the story of the Wesley family's very determined 'visitor' The Reverend Samuel Wesley became Anglican rector of the parish church of Saint Andrews, Epworth (at that time in North Lincolnshire), in 1695. He was also responsible for the smaller parish of Wroot. This was under the benevolence of Queen Mary II, although Wesley's ways of thinking were not to the liking of the locals. Thinking outside the trap New Zealand medium and teacher Ken Pretty responds to a letter from reader Bob Berry, first published in our August issue. The answer to Bob Berry's "confusion" (Issue 4106) lies in the fact that far too many students are taught using a set pattern, and no matter how long they work for spirit, they never stray or move on from its rigidity. As such, they are unaware of the trap of what I call common denominators. From mediumship to Near-Death experiences Lew Sutton reports on a conference that's seen the Society for Psychical Research making a welcome return towards its roots. Three interesting accounts of mediumship were on the agenda at this year's Society for Psychical Research's (SPR) conference. In recent years many of the presentations have been perhaps of more interest to professional parapsychologists than to Spiritualists in general. However, this year amongst such material we saw a greater selection of presentations on mediumship, both traditional and the Electronic Voice Phenomena type (EVP), plus intriguing Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). Where are we now? by David Hopkins In the first of two articles looking at what Spiritualism is, David Hopkins explains why its primary purpose is about living life to the full. Psychic News is in the early stages of a new chapter in its history as it is once again becoming available to the general public through newsagents, rather than its more traditional outlets through groups and individuals connected with or having an interest in Spiritualism, whether in specific or general terms. Fighting for every heartbeat together A BIG Charity Night at Rawtenstall SNU Church raised £820 for the British Heart Foundation. It all began when medium and healer Adam Berry discovered his partner was suffering from heart failure, and decided to do something to support research. From Cassadaga to Glasgow – with some strange encounters on the way! GATESHEAD medium Stewart Robertson, recently returned from a successful visit to Florida, had an unexpected non-spiritual encounter while he was there. "One afternoon I opened the door of the first-floor flat where I was staying, to be confronted by a four-foot long brown snake whose head was just outside the door," he told Psychic News. Diamond anniversary at Wood Green IT IS 60 years since Wood Green Christian Spiritualist Church, North London, came into existence. The influence of its founder is still very much in evidence today. Mrs Ida Stenning, a committed and gifted medium who devoted her life to Spiritualism, was responsible for the origins of the church and healing sanctuary. The project developed until during the 1970s the church doors were opening to a congregation of a hundred. Psychic questioned by police THE family of Claudia Lawrence, 36, who went missing in March 2009, called in the police, following a psychic's "grossly intrusive" behaviour. Claudia, a chef in York University's kitchen, has not been seen since she walked to work from her home in Heworth, York. From the archives This month: Harry Edwards scores a TV triumph Healing praised by press critics but 'spirit doctor' invites ridicule By Roy Stemman
Speaking of new features, we’re launching yet another in this issue. It’s called Behind the Scenes and each month it’ll give you the chance to find out what really makes some of our best-known spiritual workers tick. First up is clairaudient medium Steve Holbrook, and you’ll find him on page 28...
Much as I dislike nationalistic pride, as a tennis fan I can’t fail to be a bit elated that after a 77-year wait a Brit has finally managed to win Wimbledon! UK tabloid The Sun summed up Speaking of pride (which of course is not very spiritual), the PN team and I confess to having just a little bit of it concerning our decision to go double-size and monthly. Of course 64 pages mean we can include a far wider range of material than we’ve so far been able to do. As you’ll see from this packed issue, we’ve news and features on everything from palmistry to experiments with mediumship, from animal healing to psychic spying! A Sheffield man, thrown across the street by a gas explosion, claims his life was saved by an angel. Self-employed window-cleaner Agostinho Jesus, 36, said it was “miraculous” that he survived the blast which demolished his house... As Michael Jackson’s family’s court battle rumbles on, matters have now taken a bizarre turn. The judge has allegedly accepted evidence from a ghost. Randy Phillips, of the concert firm AEG Live, claimed that Michael Jackson had insisted from beyond the grave that his death had been an accident. If that proved to be true, it would clear Jackson’s doctor, Dr Conrad Murray, who was jailed for allegedly killing Jackson by administering a fatal drug overdose... Entertainer, bender of spoons, psychic prankster, or serious spy? his talents are wide ranging, but it is the latter activities that are the subject of a new BBC documentary which has set news-rooms buzzing. The film, The Secret Life of Uri Geller – Psychic Spy, had its premiere at Sheffield’s Doc Fest on 13th June, attended by Geller. Film-maker Vikram Jayanti discovered while making the film that there is another side to Uri Geller, and there is proof of his espionage activities.... A team of rescuers in Seattle, Washington State, carried out a difficult horse rescue after the animal, a fjord pony, was located by an animal psychic. Gemma, a four-year- old pony with a history of escaping, disappeared from Saddle Rock Stables. Her owner, Barbara Linstedt, led a search party and spent hours trying to find her... Having bought your manor house, you must next acquire your ghost, writes Kay Hunter. The Duchess of Cambridge’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, have done just that. Research reveals that their local restless spirit is not new. She was first recorded in 1898, and is not resident in their house, but in a nearby lane adjacent to the original Manor House, which was demolished... We must all have met – or even owned – a dog said to understand every word we say, writes Kay Hunter. If that is true, then there must be doggy thoughts. Then comes the inevitable question as to what those thoughts might be... An Egyptian relic, said to be 4,000 years old, has started to move of its own accord in its Manchester Museum display case. Some think there could be “a spiritual reason” behind the mystery. The 10-inch-high black statuette, which has created worldwide interest, gradually turns around to face the rear of the locked glass cabinet, and has to be turned around by hand to face the front. Nothing else in the cabinet is disturbed... In what is almost certainly a ‘first’ in the history of physical mediumship, 40 coins (one for each of the sitters) were apported during a séance held at Banyan Retreat on Friday 21st June, writes Sue Farrow. Though I was not present myself, I understand that tight séance room controls were in place at the Kent centre owned and run by Nic Witham and Steven Siu... Deep in the Mexican jungle, hidden for more than 1,000 years amid the rain forests, archaeologists have made an exciting discovery. The heavily forested area has yielded up its secret in the form of an ancient Mayan city they named Chactun, meaning ‘Red Rock’ or ‘Large Rock’. Chactun was probably at its height during the late Classic period of Mayan civilisation, between 600 and 900 AD... Back in March, BBC Radio 4 broadcast a short series of half-hour programmes by Jolyon Jenkins. The series bore the overall title Out of the Ordinary, and dealt with topics not everyday in nature. One programme concerned the electronic voice Phenomenon (evP) and was reported in PN by Angela Redditch. in not quite thirty minutes it covered a large number of aspects of this controversial field. Since the broadcast, both Jolyon Jenkins and the BBC’s complaints department have received angry emails from specialists in Instrumental Transcommunication, of which EVP is a major sector. What has caused the protests? The view of the complainants is that the BBC’s presentation was weighted in favour of sceptical scientific opinion, allowing far too brief a slot for EVP and deliberately making use of weak, unclear clips of EVP recordings as though these were typical... Stansted Hall played host to a rare experiment on 2nd June, writes Sue Farrow. Any good medium knows that stepping on to the platform can be nerve-wracking, no matter how experienced you are. You want to be the best you can, giving evidence that has real meaning to the person it’s intended for. Imagine, then, how much harder it must be when you’re asked to get up there and give that evidence to an empty chair. And which empty chair, when there are 60 or so to choose from? My interest in the paranormal has been lifelong and I have always been fascinated by the subject of ghosts. I recall tuning into Arthur C. Clarke’s Mysterious World on television, which for many years was the only programme dedicated to the stranger side of life. Now, of course, the subject of the paranormal is much more prevalent in newspapers, magazines and television, and often a topic of social discussion. Ask anyone if they’ve had a paranormal experience and the answer will be either that they have, or know someone else who has. So, it’s not surprising that interest in the subject is high. The chance to explore a reputedly haunted location is exciting, and completely different from the work I usually do up and down the country as a medium... I asked James when he had first become aware of his healing gift. “It was in 2005 when suddenly, and without even knowing why, I had the urge to take up a Reiki course,” he told me. “Although I learned a lot from this popular Japanese technique, after a while I hit the wall, couldn’t progress more and gave up healing. Only after discovering Spiritualism and walking past the gates of the London Spiritual Mission did I realise that I could be a proper channel for healing energy.”
Dear Tony, I would like to do automatic writing so that I can spread the truth of life after death. Could you please tell me how to go about it, and what is required of me? Dear Mrs A.F.H., The first thing I would like to say is that, with most if not all forms of communication from spirit, our own minds can influence the messages that we mediums receive. For most of us older ones, our first experience of mediumship was at a local Spiritualist church or a demonstration in a local hall or theatre by a nationally-known medium. How times have changed! Increasingly these days the introduction to Spiritualism is through seeing a demonstration on TV, classified as ‘entertainment’ to satisfy the media regulatory authority or the policy of the TV company. Unfortunately, along with this regulatory requirement comes an apparent necessity for so-called ‘balance’ by giving airtime to sceptics to put their supposedly rational or scientific alternative explanations for mediumship... Imagine an idyllic summer’s day deep in the Kent countryside. Butterflies flutter past as the sun glints on the waters of a still, clear lake. The surrounding fields and trees are vibrantly green after weeks of rain in this south-eastern English county known as the Garden of England, writes Sue Farrow. In the grounds of Lake House, home of the Banyan Retreat, marquees are laid out on the lawns, each host to some form of spiritual activity. In one, palmistry and tarot, with Toni Jode, seem to draw a constant stream of people. In another, healing is offered under a copper pyramid. The largest marquee holds a vast array of items for sale – everything from carved buddhas to crystals, from séance trumpets to multi-coloured butterfly sun-catchers... The very last expectation I had as I fell into a wave of overwhelming grief when my husband died suddenly and unexpectedly, was to receive any kind of message from the other side of life. And yet, just six hours after his physical body expired, he began sending me images of white light portraits of himself to reassure me he was already transforming and healing his spirit-energy self. The first image was quickly followed by a white light sphere, revealing the spirit world where he now found himself. Over the following weeks, whilst I was pretty much switched away from my own normal physical level of being, a continual flow of images, messages and inspiration came through from him to me... Internationally renowned palmist Johnny Fincham (who will take no money before a sitting and only accepts it at the end if a client is fully satisfied) explodes some age-old myths for editor Sue Farrow. Ever wondered if palmistry is for real? Or have you (like me) seen it simply as end-of-the-seaside- pier entertainment, performed by a wizened crone complete with sequinned headscarf and big hoop earrings? In Part 1 of this article I touched on things that lie behind us. I mentioned the centenary of the Derby- Day 1913 event when Emily Davison died for the suffragette cause. Then there were references to two outstanding Spiritualists and mediums, both long-time friends of mine, Gordon Higginson and Robin Stevens, and finally some ‘paranormal’ happenings I witnessed or know about through my family. Before I get to the ‘forwards’ section of this two- part series I am still in ‘looking back’ mode. As a child I had the opportunity of visiting the then-local physical medium Alec Harris and of knowing people who sat regularly with him. Alec always gave a ‘party’ around Xmas for Lyceumists from Cardiff church... I count myself a progressive Spiritualist, more interested in the scientific side of Spiritualism than the religious side. It appears there are some on the other side who think in the same way. I was prompted by them with thoughts put into my head, which started, strangely enough, while I was in the smallest room of the house. Spirit don't seem to worry about such things as privacy! I've experienced inspiration in a similar way with automatic writing in the past. This time they put their words and thoughts into my head and left me to type them out on the computer. Whether you agree with their message or not, it does contain some interesting points... The plays and poetry of William Shakespeare have made him the brightest light in English culture. But when a writer uses paranormal themes, we can't assume he or she endorses them. Tolkien wrote in detail about elves, goblins and hobbits, but he was a Roman Catholic. Denis Wheatley described magical rites, but did not indulge in them, and used his novels to express hostility to mediumship. So however many entities appear in Shakespeare, that does not mean he believed in them. A second problem these days is that few know Shakespeare’s work as a whole. Today it’s possible to go through education without ever reading a Shakespeare play. There is also a decline in the public’s general level of historical knowledge behind the plays... By any standards this has to count as one of the most intriguing book titles that has ever crossed my desk, writes Sue Farrow. Itshouts from the rooftops that death is not a state of terminal unconsciousness and inactivity as so many believe, but rather an active and exhilarating new phase of life. Its author, Tricia J. Robertson, has thirty years’ experience in researching the paranormal and much of her book contains original material previously unseen by anyone. Tricia has also tutored for many years along with her colleague, the late Professor Archie Roy, in the Department of Adult Education at the University of Glasgow, a course entitled An Introduction to Psychical Research... My journey with Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) started around 2005. I had read a story in a magazine written by a lady named Judith Chisholm. She told how she had communicated with her son who had passed away, using a tape recorder that had captured his voice. This fascinated me and I needed to know more, especially as I had lost my own son Michael in 1995, aged just 25. I have been a member of Wolverhampton Spiritualist Church since 1991 so I have a good understanding of spirit. I've also have been aware of spirit myself since I was very young. I now felt it was time to extend my knowledge through new adventures. Little did I know that spirit were behind me... The Sarasota Centre of Light in Florida (SCOL) has recently undergone some significant changes, Gerald O’Hara told Psychic News. On 25th May, the Rev Tom Newman, who has had connections with the centre for 50 years, retired to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Rev Drew Vogt, from San Francisco, has now been appointed Senior Pastor. Members of the congregation held a Hawaiian Luau (Colourful Fun) farewell party for Tom, with traditional Hawaiian singing and dancing. A lavish buffet was provided, and a bench in the Healing Garden was dedicated to Tom's work. President of the governing board is English-born Kathy Curtin, who gave an address in the garden. Also born in England, the Rev Lisa Johnson, who trained with Harry Edwards, was on hand to offer healing... Reader Ashley Hook has sent us an unusual photo and we’d like to know what you make of it. Ashley writes: “I was washing up yesterday and had just washed my coffee cup (hence the beige water) when I happened to look in the sink and saw this. I know my granddad is around me and it actually looks like him. I’m a Spiritualist and believe that he is just letting me know he is there. Unfortunately, I was staring at it too long, and a bubble dropped off my finger!” The amount of money dedicated Spiritualists and spiritual workers raise for various charities would be impossible to assess. The total must run into millions. Behind all the generosity of time and effort, so willingly given for the benefit of others, there are many inspirational personal stories which occasionally find their way to Psychic News. One such story is that of Scottish medium Graeme McLaren, who describes himself as “a working class boy from Glasgow who lives in Edinburgh”. One look at medium Andrew Dee’s itinerary for the rest of 2013 and the indication is that this former RAF officer doesn’t touch down anywhere for very long. As part of his tour, Spiritual Awakenings, he was at Darwen, Lancashire, on 8th June, before hitting Colchester on 20th June, to be followed by visits to Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Shrewsbury, Banbury, Peterborough, and Oswestry, Shropshire... Physical mediumship researcher Robin Foy, now living in Spain, contacted Psychic News to let us know about his broadcasts. “Back in March, I was a guest for two hours on the Supernatural Girlz Radio Show,” he said. “I know some of you listened in and enjoyed that programme.” It's not long until medium Andy Byng embarks on his gruelling 500-mile charity walk across Spain to raise funds for WaterAid, the Spiritualists’ National Union’s 2013 charity partner. This epic journey was due to take place in August. However, there has been an unforeseen hitch, as Andy explains... A school drop-out, a young man from kesang Tua, Malaysia, has made up for his lack of academic progress by becoming a sought-after spiritual healer. The rich and famous flock to the home of K.M.Thinageswar, 28, to seek a cure for their ailments, including such afflictions as tumours and gangrene... A man described by the Daily Telegraph as “a Christian faith healer” has been jailed for two years for indecently touching three women patients. George Boak, 70, treated the women at his home near Halifax. His wife of 34 years was in the house at the time... Subtitled Spirit Work in the Norse Tradition, the history of Shamanism as told here goes back a long, long way. Towards the end of the last Ice Age, the Norse, Germanic and Anglo-Saxon peoples followed the receding glaciers. Theirs was a harsh, unremitting, hand-to-mouth existence. They were grounded in the sheer physicality of daily living. Yet they came to possess a strange, practical spirituality they thought crucial to their survival. They forged links with the Gods (spelt with a capital letter throughout) and the spirits of nature. These they worshipped, appeased, nourished, sacrificed to, and bargained with...
I’ve a few things on my mind this week. First off, an international hunger summit, held in London last weekend, was attended by politicians, scientists and welfare organisations from around the world. The purpose of this extraordinarily important gathering was to address the shocking levels of malnutrition affecting an estimated 37 million children worldwide. It was supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, set up by the billionaire founder of computer giant Microsoft in 1994, which has given hundreds of millions of dollars to vital global causes... Jenny Mansell, a member of Longton Spiritualist Church, has passed to spirit. She was 63 and had been suffering from cancer. Jenny was a committed Spiritualist who served Longton church in a number of capacities. She leaves behind John, her husband of 41 years, until recently vice-president of Longton church, and one son. The couple have another son who passed to spirit eight years ago. No doubt mother and son will now be enjoying a wonderful reunion... Medium and Christian Spiritualist Susan Moss was recently ordained as a minister at the first ceremony of its kind in Hereford. Susan, a 69-year-old mother of three, says she specialises in helping people “who have lost souls.” Her group, Seeking the Light, meets weekly at Hereford Town Hall.She has been running her own Spiritualist centre since 2007, and has raised £15,200 for local charities. Referring to her ordination she told the Hereford Times: “I feel very humbled by it all. It’s a big thing to be bestowed upon you.” Actor William Roache, 81, made a second appearance in court on 10th June, charged with historical sexual offences against five girls. At Preston Crown Court the fresh charges put to him concerned two alleged indecent assaults in relation to a 14-year- old girl, and one to a 16-year-old girl in 1965. He faced five charges of indecent assaults involving four girls aged from 12 to 16. The second hearing was brief, lasting only six minutes. He denies all charges, which he says are deeply upsetting, and vowed to protest his innocence vigorously... One of our PN competition winners has written to say how delighted she was with her unusual prize, writes Kay Hunter. Margaret Michell, from Stoke-on- Trent, was a winner in our regular Sudoku competition. Her prize was in the form of a ticket for a Saturday open day of events at the Arthur Findlay Centre in Stafford. Margaret certainly had a full agenda for her visit, and said she was “absolutely inspired by the wonderful demonstrations throughout the day”... If you have a thing for butterflies, you’d have been like a kid on Christmas morning at the Butterfly Fellowship’s auction on 25th May, writes Sue Farrow. A total of 60 new items, all butterfly- related and donated by members, were up for grabs. The Fellowship was founded by medium John Conway in 2008, in memory of much-loved Spiritualist Heather Hatton. Heather, who loved butterflies, passed to spirit in June 2007... Seafordspirit, an independent Spiritualist church in the small seaside town of Seaford in East Sussex, recently hosted New York Medium Richard Schoeller. Church president, medium Robin Hodson, met Richard through their work with the International Spiritualist Federation and a plan was hatched to bring Richard to the UK and have him serve the church... Sue Farrow introduces extracts from an outstanding demonstration of philosophical trance mediumship given by Eileen Davies at the Arthur Findlay College earlier this month. Make no mistake – true trance mediumship is rare. I’ve written often about clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience and so on, and occasionally referred to that most widespread of all the ‘clairs’ – clairdelusion. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the field of trance. Visiting numerous demonstrations as part of my job, I’ve not yet made use of all five fingers on one hand to count genuine examples of what I believe to be entrancement of a medium by a spirit entity. I’ve listened to everyone from ‘Jesus’ and ‘Michael Jackson’ (allegedly) to an alien from the future who, strangely, sounded remarkably like ET! Medium Gaynor French has been through a lot in life, but her enthusiasm for pushing the boundaries of her mediumship and experimenting with new ways of working is stronger than ever, writes Sue Farrow. Her story so impressed us that we decided to share it in the hope that other mediums might be Tinspired to step out of their own comfort. This story started because I was puzzled by a tutor who told off a student for linking in with spirit a few minutes before going on a platform to demonstrate. This seriously knocked the confidence of the student and so her experience on the platform was far from positive. That made me think about some of the research I had carried out regarding the pioneers of mediumship... Reader Eleanor Landreau, who lives in france, shares the results of a fascinating experiment (which included a visit from a curious psychiatrist) in the meditation circle she leads. For some time I have been holding regression workshops at the Spiritualist Association here in Paris, and the reason these came about was because of the results we’d been having with our meditation circles, during which people claimed having sensed being someone else in a past life... By James McQuitty In the spiritual world of trance, and in all forms of mediumship, discernment is needed. I say this because there are many ‘funny’ people in this world, Entranced by a dog? Some people will believe almost anything. For instance, I know a female medium who was asked to sit as a guest in a circle where on regular occasions one of the sitters supposedly went into trance and was taken over by a dog. (If she’d known this in advance she wouldn’t have gone!)... New Zealand spiritualist, author and neurotherapist desmond Long responds to the views of ken Pretty and June Godfrey I very much respect the views of my neighbour Ken Pretty (Issue 4101), but admittedly I don’t agree with everything he says, any more than I agree with everything said by June Godfrey (Issue 4099). I am almost certainly the only person to have explored the afterlife with an amalgam of clairaudience and Induced After Death Communication (IADC®), a neurotherapeutic trance modality developed by psychologists in the USA. I have been clairaudient since childhood, and personally developed a self-IADC delivery mechanism in consultation with the lead scientist, Dr Allan Botkin. Reincarnation was regularly discussed with spirit during the nine months I was involved, although initially I disagreed with some of the information... Reader Frederick Kenward shares What is it that we seek the survival of in the current widely-held desire for change in Spiritualism? Is it our local churches and commercial bodies, with their mediocre psychic demonstrations, striving to meet financial liabilities and interests? I think it certainly has nothing to do with the substance of Spiritualism. I have visited a lot of churches down the years and have found little anywhere to stimulate enthusiasm in understanding what Spiritualism is to me... In the first of a two-part series, David Hopkins looks back on some great mediumship and on people who sacrificed their lives for justice. In part 2 he’ll consider how those people and events can take us forward into the future. Looking back is a pastime we all indulge in. Each year there are major world events to remember, national and international occurrences to recall, and personal experiences to relive and review...
What kind of world are we living in? Apparently a world in which adherence to a so-called ‘religious’ creed affords you carte blanche to hack someone to death with a machete on a London street in broad daylight. Drummer Lee Rigby, of 2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, joined the Army in 2006. A husband and father, he was just 25 years old when he was brutally killed outside his barracks in Woolwich, south London. Media reports tell us that Drummer Rigby, a lifelong Manchester United supporter, had always wanted to be a soldier. In what seems like a particularly cruel irony, he was wearing a ‘Help for Heroes’ T-shirt as he was murdered... Harrogate Spiritual Healing Church is hosting a double event on 2nd July, featuring psychic surgery and psychic art. Psychic surgery will be demonstrated by Gary Mannion, still in his twenties, who believes his hands are guided by Abraham of the Old Testament. At the age of thirteen Gary was taken to a Spiritualist church by his father. He remembers hearing a voice telling him he could do the work the medium was doing... he topic of same-sex marriages rumbles on. It’s reported that MPs are considering whether or not humanist weddings should be given legal status. Humanism, a movement based on ‘reason and humanity’ rather than religion, has around 40,000 followers in Britain. Some 600 humanist weddings are carried out each year in England and Wales. For these unions to have legal validity the couples must additionally be married by a registrar. The possibility that this would not be necessary under new legislation is ringing alarm bells rather than wedding bells... Much-travelled British medium Robert Brown has sent news from America, where he was taking part in Our Soul Life Conference at Virginia Beach. The weekend event took place at the headquarters of Edgar Cayce’s Association for Research and Enlightenment, and was apparently sold out. Guest speakers included Suzanne Giesemann, interviewed in Psychic News in 2010, author of nine books, perhaps the best known being Messages of Hope... Musical medium, the late Rosemary Brown, is undoubtedly the inspiration for a play performed by TheatreSquared, Arkansas, USA, writes Kay Hunter. Written by Robert Ford, artistic director of TheatreSquared, the play, The Spiritualist, which opens the 2013 season, introduces the character of Rosemary Dunn, an English widow and school dinner lady who takes dictation of classical piano works, given to her by composers from the next world... “Information transmission from one person to another without using any of our known sensory channels or physical interaction.” I’ve quoted that as a simple description of telepathy, writes Kay Hunter. According to reports, the US army aims to take us into the realms of ‘synthetic telepathy’ – a means of telling machines what to do by telepathic thinking... Breatharianism is defined as the belief that humans can live on light instead of consuming food and liquids, writes Kay Hunter. If that is true, by learning how to adapt, we could transform the entire global economy. International trade in foodstuffs would disappear. Supermarkets and restaurants would go out of business, with chefs and waiters in the dole queue. Obesity and its grim side effects would vanish, but on the downside this would probably be cancelled out by a severe increase in anorexia, so any clinical advantage would be lost...
Talented psychic artist Sandy Ingham shares her experiences of sitting with physical medium Stewart Alexander. I first sat with Stewart about four years ago and have often wondered how I came to be there and who arranged it for me. That night started an amazing journey for me – one I will never forget... The Churches’ Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies will shortly celebrate 60 years of work. But as Leslie Price reveals, its founder had recently become a prominent figure in Spiritualism. On 5th November 1949, a new contributor appeared in Psychic News identified only as a “Fleet Street Journalist”. He had lost his wife the previous Christmas and been saved from despair by investigating Spiritualism and receiving remarkable evidence of her survival. Within a few months, he was known to be Colonel Reginald Lester, a leading freelance journalist. At the time, Lester was editor of three journals (one weekly and two monthlies) and wrote a weekly column for a London daily newspaper. He had written fourteen books. He was already on the council of the Institute of Journalists and would eventually become its president...
Roy Stemman’s letter suggests in Issue 4100 that a newly- born baby’s spirit must have been pre-existent. I can only ask – why? I can see no reason to believe in pre-existence of that little spirit – it comes into the world with no knowledge whatsoever, gradually developing through experience. We come into this life a new and ignorant spirit bringing no former experience with us. What appears to be evidence of the recent doctrines of reincarnation can be explained by subconscious conditioning and expectation...
The ethical issues of a vegetarian diet, or the me only three months to live.” Prof Plant remembered stricter vegan diet, tend to dominate discussion whenever the matter is raised, be it in the Spiritualist press or elsewhere. Strong views are almost invariably expressed. whether for or against vegetarianism. But so often missing from the argument is scientific evidence concerning the health issues of a diet that doesn’t rely on protein derived from animal or fish products. Recent months have brought awareness to the general public of the increased risk of serious health problems through regularly eating processed meat products. The evidence has been pointing this way for some time, but knowledge has only been readily available to the general public through publications such as What Doctors Don’t Tell You (WDDTY). This monthly magazine includes reports on worldwide health research. More importantly, it tries to establish who is funding reports, which, as we will see, is crucial to the reliability of such reports. Until recently WDDTY was only available on subscription but is now stocked by larger newsagents... You may well have read that a well-known film personality has announced that she has had an operation called a double mastectomy. This means that both her breasts have been surgically removed. This was done not because the breasts were diseased but because there was a chance that they might become diseased. The prognosis was that there was an 87 per cent chance of this happening. I have read further reports that this may not be the final operation this person is going to undergo; the next one will also be based on what might happen. This saddens me very much. Of course I feel sympathy for this woman but I have far more concern that this could become the standard on which women (and men) base future decisions. Is it also an indication of how the medical profession intends to ‘guide’ patients in the years ahead? Do we now face the prospect of ‘preventative medicine’ being based on ‘cut it off’ or ‘cut it out’ just in case something develops at a later date? What a frightening thought that is!
“In a fully scientific view of the world, only material things are real.” This was the political philosopher John Gray in his ten-minute talk The Limits of Materialism in the Radio 4 series A Point of View on 5th May. Such scientific materialism is not John Gray’s own world view, it seems. His ten-minute talk gently and courteously pointed out to those of a strictly materialist turn of mind that their “creed...is actually a contradiction, for science isn’t a fixed view of things, still less a dogmatic faith.” For John Gray, the “distinction between what’s natural and what’s not isn’t as straightforward as it seems...Many religions don’t distinguish between nature and the supernatural. For animists and polytheists, the natural world is full of spirits.” For Christians of various denominations, as for adherents of several other major world faiths, it’s important to honour the spirits of the dead... An American whose heart stopped beating while he slept awoke in hospital, claiming to have witnessed angels and spoken to God. Don Houston, 62, of Oklahoma City, had a history of heart problems. His wife, Rita, woke one night around Christmas last year, to find he had stopped breathing. She immediately phoned 911 and was given lifesaving CPR instructions until the paramedics, Frankie Burch and Carey Crump, arrived... New research in America has found that belief in God or a higher being significantly improves the condition of patients suffering from depression. The research was carried out at McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, to investigate the relationship between a patient’s level of belief in God, their expectations of treatment outcome, and the actual outcome... Actor William Roache, 81, who has often appeared in the pages of Psychic News because of his interest in spiritual matters, was arrested at his Cheshire home on 1st May. He is charged with raping a 15-year- old girl 46 years ago, a charge he strenuously denies. After receiving an immediate custodial prison sentence of four months for a sexual offence, a Norfolk healer has successfully appealed against it. William Workman, aged 77, of Sprowston, who attended Norwich Crown Court with the aid of a walking frame, admitted sexually assaulting a woman who visited him for treatment. After sentence was passed by Judge Nicholas Coleman, Mr Ian James, acting for Workman, lodged an appeal, saying prison would have a devastating effect upon his client, given his age and physical difficulties... AnA West Sussex church has celebrated 20 years of service to spirit and the local community. East Grinstead Christian Spiritual Church of Love was founded on 11th April 1993 by Sigrid Humerston and her late husband Eric, along with Rose Dixon. Eric was a lifelong Spiritualist and Sigrid had sixteen years’ experience of chairing and committee work with Tunbridge Wells Christian Spiritual Church. Rose Dixon was a medium who joined the couple to support their new venture... Late news has reached us of a very special birthday celebrated in April, writes Kay Hunter. Mrs Edith Morgan, described by Coventry Minister Lynette Coulston as “one of Spiritualism’s most senior stalwarts”, reached the age of 103 on 29th April... One of Spiritualism’s most popular evidential mediums is to launch a new initiative to help UK churches and student mediums. Paul Jacobs, a professional medium of many years’ experience, has been a long-time tutor at the Arthur Findlay College and as a young medium was mentored by the legendary Gordon Higginson... David Hopkins sets out some home truths about genetic modification of food, patenting age-old medicinal plants for profit, and calls for Spiritualism to return to its radical campaigning roots. London-based writer and spiritual worker Wendy Stokes introduces medium Tom Colton, president of the Spiritualist Union of Ireland. As a child, Tom communicated and interacted with spirit. He was very close to his great grandmother, who was psychic, but adds that “this wasn’t talked about in Catholic Ireland in those days. “When my uncle Richard died in 2001, I reconnected with spirit and spent nine years studying a wide variety of disciplines, both in Ireland and the UK. I became a reiki master and completed the National Federation of Spiritual Healers’ qualification and then advanced my mediumship by studying at the Arthur Findlay College, Stansted.” Our parents are no doubt unwittingly the architects of our destinies, and from the earliest moments of our life on this planet our future is essentially in their hands. In fact, from a very early age our parents programme us and chastise us by imposing upon us their likes and dislikes, effectively creating us psychologically, emotionally and sometimes spiritually in their own image, in very much the same way their parents did to them. However, if we’re fortunate enough to have well- grounded, intelligent and far-seeing parents, it’s a fairly safe bet that we will do well in life, circumstances permitting. Even so, there are other psychological factors to be considered, such as the impressions made on us by our peers, and how much we are influenced by the people we mix with... Lou Gentile – compassionate investigator Lou Gentile was a name I’d never heard until a recent repeat of a TV programme. He was an investigator into the paranormal in the USA, based in Philadelphia. A broadcaster with his own radio show, he (and a number of assistant researchers) spent many years trying to help and support people who felt they were being in one way or another persecuted by malicious discarnate entities. Some four years ago Lou and his work as a “demonologist” were the subjects of an investigation by Derren Brown, who spent several days in and around Philadelphia accompanying Lou as he visited people in their homes, and other locations, where seemingly paranormal – and certainly frightening and unpleasant – events appeared to be taking place...
From the editor THAT KILLING HABIT...
Last week, as I browsed on Facebook, I saw a captioned photo that made me stop in my tracks. I have a dog. She’s the centre of my universe. Like each dog (though naturally mine is the most beautiful!) she has a unique personality and character. She feels happiness and occasionally sadness, has strong opinions and makes her own choices on everything from people to other dogs, trees, types of grass, food, toys, places to sleep, etc... An appeal has gone out to Psychic News readers from Julie Beischel PhD (pictured right), Director of Research at the Windbridge Institute, in Tucson, Arizona. Dr Beischel, a respected scientist, has devoted many years of sympathetic research to mediumship, and has now begun an important new project which needs support... Gateshead-based medium Stewart Robertson, now in his 38th year of service to Spiritualism, reports the March re-opening of the local Conan Doyle Club, writes Kay Hunter. Nearly 40 people came to the inaugural evening, including several who had never previously attended a Spiritualist meeting. The clairvoyance of popular medium Lynda Bland, of Trimdon, was, he says, well received. Some newcomers have already started to attend nearby Wrekenton church. (Wednesdays at 7pm in the Community Centre.) We’re delighted to announce that physical medium Scott Milligan is to give a physical séance specially for Psychic News readers, writes Sue Farrow. The event will take place on Thursday 20th June at the fabulous Banyan Retreat. Nic Whitham and Steven Siu, who founded and run this beautiful spiritual centre in the Kent countryside, have kindly made their purpose-built séance room available to PN for this very special sitting. Scott, just 30 years old, is a hugely gifted physical medium, and has generously made his services available for the benefit of PN... Cambourne Christian Spiritualist Church, Cornwall, has reason to celebrate. Founded 39 years ago, it has finally achieved a home of its own. The new meeting place is the former register office in Roskear, known as Jane Hooper House. The church was able to purchase the building, and after gaining consent for a change of use, held its first service there on 18th March... Yes, of course many of you can recite the Spiritualists’ National Union’s Seven Principles, but have you ever thought of them in visual terms? For instance, how would you depict The brotherhood of Man, Personal Responsibility, or perhaps number three – The Communion of Spirits and the Ministry of Angels? If you are sufficiently inspired by any of the seven to attempt to illustrate them, you should consider entering the photographic competition organised by the Arthur Findlay Centre, Stafford. Entry is free and open to everyone, but those under 18 must have parental permission... There were many dedicated and determined people responsible for founding Spiritualist churches, and guiding them through their early days. We would do well to remember the work they did, often against great odds, writes Kay Hunter. Duncan Leadbetter, a former president of Windsor Spiritualist Church (pictured right), has told Psychic News his recollections of two very special ladies who have important places in the history of their church. One was Kittie Simpson, who founded the church in 1930...
Nick McGlynn, medium, maverick and passionate supporter of physical mediumship, has passed to spirit, writes Sue Farrow. For those who don’t remember her personally, Doris Collins was a world-famous medium and healer who demonstrated to an audience of thousands at London’s Royal Albert Hall, writes Sue Farrow. The first sign of Doris’s exceptional gift came at the age of twelve, when she heard a disembodied voice giving information that saved her sister Lily’s life. Though Doris didn’t know it, this opening burst of clairaudience signalled the start of a remarkable link with the spirit world which would see Doris demonstrating spirit communication all around the world... New Zealand-based medium, healer and teacher Ken Pretty (pictured right) joins the ongoing reincarnation debate in response to reader June Godfrey’s letter of Issue 4099. Quick reincarnation, and for someone to come back to the same family, is, in my long experience, rare. Indeed, it’s said that most folk rarely know their family further back than two or so generations (a generation is about 30 years). Certainly, after four or more generations, virtually nobody on either side of life would know one another, so contact would no longer be an issue. I am not dogmatic about this – it’s just common-sense logic...
The concept of colour having the power to affect our bodies, minds and spirits is far from new. The ancient Egyptians employed coloured bottles of water containing gem stones, and used to place them in the Spiritualist medium Margaret Davis has been fascinated by colour since childhood. She both sees and senses the aura, and gives colour readings to individuals, drawing with pastels as she works. I asked her how it all began. “Colour has always been part of my life,” she told me. “During my school holidays one year they decided to change the whole colour scheme. When we went back for the new term,the subdued colours had been replaced with strong, vibrant blues, oranges and so on. In some of the classrooms there were three different colours.”
What Tom Harrison wrote in his book ‘Life after Death – Living Proof’: “Dr J.B. Rhine – renowned USA psychologist, was on a UK visit in the late 1940’s, and was staying in the Middlesbrough area. “A good friend of Sydney’s [Sydney Shipman, home circle member], Mr Waddington, was Dr Rhine’s agent at that time, and arrangements were made for Mr Brittain Jones [hospital surgeon who used infra-red photography at the Harrison circle] and Mr W. Fletcher, Headmaster of Middlesbrough High School, to meet Dr Rhine and tell him about our circle... “The meeting with Dr Rhine was on a Wednesday and he was due to sail back to the USA at the weekend on the Queen Mary. After a number of telephone calls between us, my mother agreed to sit on the Friday evening, the only evening available to us all, including Mr Fletcher. We had understood this would be suitable for Dr Rhine, only to be told that he had a meeting in Glasgow that evening – so he never attended the circle.”
The subjects of the paranormal and the afterlife often seem to divide people, rather than bring them together. There frequently appears to be a no-man’s land between the trenches of the believer and the sceptic. Sometimes, we pluck up the courage to join each other for a short time, but more often than not we are back in our respective trenches before the day is out. Science is not keen on topics such as the afterlife. Indeed, I have found that most studies look at the need to disprove the existence of an afterlife, rather than at proving it. I have never been sure why this is. After all, science has been proved wrong so many times throughout history. We only have to look at the early scientists who said the world was flat to see a perfect example of this...
THE GAY GOSPELS: Good News for Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and Transgendered People As much as I greatly enjoyed reading The Gay Gospels, and am deeply grateful to the author for putting together numerous key issues in a stimulating and clear way, I was torn between ‘recommending’ or ‘highly recommending’ it. It was the writer’s conviction that he had arrived at the only possible conclusion that left me slightly disappointed in one or two places. For instance, that the hotly debated issue around the disciple Jesus loved had no other interpretation than being a gay relationship. There are about five perspectives taken by various authors on who that disciple was...
A few weeks ago I received a letter from someone who had lost their partner of many years. It’s not the first time I’ve had such a letter, and will almost certainly not be the last, but generally the writers are asking me to recommend a medium, or to direct them to a Spiritualist church or centre, which I’m always pleased to do. In this case, the writer was naturally distraught at the physical loss of someone so much loved, but already had a belief in the afterlife and a connection with a church. So why were they writing? This, I suspect, is a question that bothers many of us who have lost a beloved partner. We long for the familiar life we shared, and the loss of that shared life is in its own way as great a bereavement as the loss of the partner him or her self...
Edith Holden, perhaps better known as the Edwardian Lady who wrote a famous, and best-selling Country Diary, has been making her spirit presence felt. What was not widely known about Edith was that she came from a family with a great interest in Spiritualism. All seven children of Emma and Arthur Holden had mediumistic gifts. The family held sittings in order to contact their mother Emma, after she had passed in 1904 ..
Mediums Bill Parkins and Nick Kenning have worked together for eight years. They serve Spiritualist churches in and around Bill’s home town of Stevenage and Nick’s district of Norwich. Together, they also teach trance and mental mediumship workshops, and give private sittings here and in Europe, especially in Sweden...
Forget those terrifying winter heating bills writes Kay Hunter. Turn off the radiators, pack away the electric blankets and rejoice! Help is at hand. Researchers have discovered the perfect no-cost central heating system, described in one word – meditation. Meditation is an accepted and valuable technique, particularly in the field of spiritual healing. But imagine what it could achieve if pursued on a far more mundane and unworthy level...
Bournemouth can mark up 108 years of Spiritualism, an anniversary which Bournemouth Spiritualist Church celebrated at a memorable service on 16th March. At the same event, the church was rededicated by David Bruton, president of the SNU, who paid a special tribute to its pioneers. The rededication was symbolised by the handing of the church keys to President Al Potts.
Among the 31,000 London policemen are four mediums, two Pagans and a Druid. These facts were revealed following a Freedom of Information request for details of ‘non mainstream’ religions practised by police officers in ‘The Met’. The MailOnline announced the results and briefly explained the ethos of each group. Two thousand years ago, the Romans claimed that Druids practised human sacrifice. Modern Druidism – called neo-Druidism – focuses on the worship of nature, especially trees...
Talented overtone singer, sound healer and multi-instrumentalist instrumentalist Rami Shaafi returns to the UK for a short tour during April and May, offering healing journeys and workshops. Places are limited and are taken quickly, so don’t wait too long before booking one of these wonderfully uplifting events, writes Paul Brett. Rami, 37, works in concord with the spirit world – which he has been aware of since he was a child. Before leaving the UK last year he told Psychic News, “I have been involved with Spiritualism for a long time, and have served two Spiritualist churches as a healer and committee member for years...
The Spiritualists’ National Union has held a special service to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of its longest-serving president, writes Sue Farrow. Minister Gordon Mons Higginson, who made his transition to the higher life on 18th January, 1993, was president of the SNU for almost 23 years, and for much of that time principal of the Arthur Findlay College, Stansted. Welcoming 150 guests to the College sanctuary on 3rd April, SNU president Minister David Bruton invited them “to share this special tribute to the life and work of arguably one of the greatest pioneers of Modern Spiritualism”.
Folk tales can be divided into two categories: narratives dealing with actual beliefs, yet purely fictional; and legends which are believed to be based on events that actually occurred, witnessed by people and accounted for in parish and court records, and in newspapers. As with all stories regarding paranormal figures or events, there is always an element of Chinese Whispers at work, from the witnessing of the event to the time it was actually recounted on paper...
James McQuitty explains some basics about this world and the next for those who are new to the spiritual journey. If you enjoy sci-fi, Dr Who may have come to mind when you read this title. What you may not realise is that you, just like Dr Who, undertake adventures in time and space...
by Ann Bridge Davies ~ Paperback There are three ways, as a psychic artist, to draw those on the other side of life who wish to communicate with loved ones: by sensing their presence using clairaudience or clairsentience, and drawing whatever you sense or hear; by allowing an amanuensis to guide your hand, otherwise called automatic drawing; or by drawing what you can see clairvoyantly. I say “you” because after describing how she herself works, Ann Bridge Davies shows how all aspiring psychic artists may do likewise...
When teaching students about mediumistic development we are often faced with ideas, views and demands that can challenge us and make us question ourselves. One particular area of concern can be that students have already made up their minds about how their own particular unfoldment can or should be brought about. Another area needing consideration is how some teachers can be more interested in pushing their own ideas about development, rather than investigating what is actually happening with the student and seeing what is the best way forward for them. Instead, room needs to be found for the spirit world to bring forward their influence, intelligence, wisdom and abilities, which may not have anything to do with individual desires and agendas...
Sometimes I’ll sit down to write my editorial knowing exactly what I’m going to say. After all, I’m usually on my soapbox about something! At other times, though, I’ll have Sitting at my computer earlier today, that spark of inspiration had still not arrived and I had no idea what I would write about – a nail-biting situation for any writer confronting a blank desk, made coffee and turned on the news. And then I knew exactly what I had to write about... Northampton Spiritualist Church has lost one of its most respected members with the recent passing of Harry Franks, DSNU. Harry served the church for more than 23 years in many capacities. He was a fine healer who for the past 16 years was deputy healing leader. He was also a very popular church president. In addition to the work he did for his own church, he served many other churches as a dedicated platform medium... Edgar Evans Cayce, youngest son of the great American psychic Edgar Cayce and his wife Gertrude, passed away peacefully on 15th February at the age of 95. His earliest recollection of being helped by his psychic father was a physical reading given when he was seven years old. He was standing near a fireplace when the leg of his pyjamas caught fire. It was rapidly dealt with by his mother, who smothered the flames with a shirt. The accident caused serious burns from his ankle to his back. A remedy described in a psychic reading by his father successfully treated the injury... The Mail Online was one of several newspapers carrying the story, relating to an episode shown on 17th October last year. This episode featured ghosts at Chatham Dockyard, with medium Derek Acorah “possessed” by a number of spirits, including that of a woman who had murdered children. It was screened by Pick TV, which is owned by Sky... George Catlin (1796–1872) has been described as “an amateur artist,” yet his output was prolific, and the subject of many exhibitions, writes Kay Hunter. The latest showing of his work in the UK opened at London’s National Portrait Gallery on 7th March, and will run until 23rd June. The last time such a substantial collection of Catlin’s portraits of American Indians came to London, it was brought here by the painter himself and exhibited at the Egyptian Hall on Piccadilly... When Leslie told assistant secretary and medium Don Galloway that he intended to leave the role, Don observed: “You’ll go, but you’ll come back.” Coronation Street actor William Roache (pictured right) has apologised after appearing to suggest sex abuse victims are paying for their misdemeanours in previous lives. The 80-year-old actor made the controversial comments in an interview with New Zealand’s TVNZ. During the interview, in which the recent sex abuse scandals were referred to, Roache said, “If you accept that you are pure love, and live that pure love, these things won’t happen to you.” The SNU’s charity fundraising has had to change course for legal reasons. The Charity Commission advised that Spiritualist Aid was not legal, on the grounds that the SNU was raising money in advance of knowing where it would be donated. SNU Public Relations Officer, Minister Steven Upton, told Psychic News: “As a result, it has been decided to select a ‘Charity Partner’ for the twelve-month period from one AGM to the next – July to July. For this year, ending at the July AGM, we chose WaterAid. Next year’s choice will be Crisis.” It was a really wonderful experience for us to come and be part of the London Spiritualist community. We are dedicated Spiritualists and work hard for our local churches in Adelaide... Out of the Ordinary was the title of a series of half-hour programmes by Jolyon Jenkins on “out-of-the-way topics” broadcast recently on BBC Radio 4. The 25th March programme As I understand it, EVP researchers use a blank tape to record from a radio tuned to an unused frequency (ie between stations) so that the only sound to be heard during the recording is the hiss of ‘white noise’. When the tape is played back there may (or may not) be sounds in addition to the white noise. If extra sounds are present, they may resemble spoken words or phrases, and researchers claim that the voice or voices on the tape may sometimes be identifiable... It was, he said in the 12th April 1969 edition, “one of the most brilliant books on Spiritualism ever to be published”. The author was an SNU member, Dr G.K. Nelson, a university sociologist, and the book was entitled Spiritualism and Society... Rewritten by K. Jackson-Barnes ~ Paperback It is thirty-six years since the enchanting The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady was first published. The lady of the title was Edith Holden, an artist and illustrator, who recorded in words, sketches and paintings the countryside around the family home at Olton, Warwickshire. What readers would not have known is that she was a natural-born medium, as was her sister Evelyn, a gift they inherited from their mother, Emma. Readers would also not have known that Emma too kept a diary, but on the other side of life... A TALE OF TWO CHURCHES When I was born, I arrived late – something that seems to have become part of my nature! I shall blame that aspect of my character on my mum, knowing she will Hydesville babe or April Fool? However, even at two weeks late I didn’t last out that extra day. Had I managed to do so, many Spiritualist meeting places would have had a big celebration on my birthday. They would have disguised it by calling it Hydesville Day, of course, but I could have accepted that! You may well be thinking that in just one more day I would have been an April Fool - but I shall despatch that idea to the recycle bin!
What would you say are the most important qualities necessary in politics, in religion, or in any other ‘public service’ for that matter? For Ability must of necessity include the possession of sufficient knowledge and skill to carry out the job in question. Training will help, provided there is at least some Integrity is (hopefully) self-explanatory – it encompasses honesty, good intention, trustworthiness, kindness, self- awareness and personal responsibility.... American clairvoyant and medium James Van Praagh (pictured) recently filed papers in a Long Island federal court to prevent his sister Lynn from using the family name of Van Praagh for her own psychic business activities. It is forty years since Lynn took her husband’s name of Gratton. She now uses the name Lynn Van Praagh-Gratton on her website... It is 20 years since Philip Rossell and his mother Dawn set up a fund- raising group in their living room in Hornchurch, Essex. The idea was not only to raise money for local charities, but to do so with the attraction of monthly evenings of clairvoyance. These proved so popular that eventually the house became too small. New premises had to be found, and Hornchurch Christian Spiritualist Church was launched in a rented hall owned by the Labour Party... Michael Ireland, 60, of Stockport, a so-called healer, was jailed for 16 years at Manchester Crown Court on 5th March. His website advertised his services as “Psychic Clairvoyant & Reiki Master; Teacher and Shamanic Healer”. The site added: “I have been serving Spiritualist Churches and Psychic Centres for over 40 years. I have worked with some of the most respected mediums.” Mrs Hilda Thorpe, a lifelong member of Belper Spiritualist Church, passed away peacefully at Derby Royal Hospital on March 1st, aged 94, attended by her family. When one month old, the former Hilda Kerry was named in Belper Church by Mr Ben Carter. Hilda was a Lyceum pupil between the ages of four and fifteen. She joined the choir of which her grandfather was founder and conductor. Because some church records were stolen, the earliest account of Hilda’s church connections only date from 1957... Life after Death: Living Proof, Tom Harrison’s well-known book about the extraordinary materialisation mediumship of his mother Minnie, was first published in 2004, writes Angela Redditch. It proved so popular that a revised and expanded edition was brought out in 2008. Since then, the book’s fame has spread far and wide. Saturday Night Press Publications, founded by Tom and his wife Ann, has now brought out a third edition – but this time, not in English... I was invited to conduct a psychic weekend at the newly-owned Hotel Commodore in Llandrindod Wells, mid-Wales, a picturesque but remote mountainous part of the beautiful Welsh landscape. The 19th-century hotel had once been the home of Archdeacon Henry De Winton, a respected yet bigoted man who, it was said, had fathered thirteen children. The new proprietors, Andrea Murdock and her husband Rohan, took over the hotel in 2012, knowing full well that the now-tired building was in great need of updating. Faced with the arduous task of extensive refurbishment, the couple soon learned there was far more to the historic building than they had realised... ALL IS WeLL ~ By Louise L. Hay & Mona Lisa Schulz The largest publisher of books in the Mind, Body and Spirit category is Hay House. Its best-selling author – more than 40 million books – is its founder, Louise L. Hay. Some three decades ago she wrote Heal Your Body: The Mental Causes for Physical Illness and the Metaphysical Way to Overcome Them. A best-seller, it helped many overcome health problems by making simple affirmations. One person it helped was Mona Lisa Schulz, a medical student in the early 1990s. The rigours of medical training, and the constant worry of taking out loan after loan to finance it, resulted in sinusitis, post-nasal drip and sciatica... Concluding Sue Farrow’s coverage of theSNU’s Scienceand Spirituality Day, held at the Arthur Findlay Centre, Stafford, on 16th February. Pope Francis (the first to choose that name and the 266th to hold the office) is said to be a simple man, spurning his palace in Argentina for a modest abode where he cooked for himself, used public transport instead of his chauffeur-driven limousine and worked to help the poor and disadvantaged...
Kay Hunter ~ March 2013 Despite the fact that the media largely ignores or dismisses Spiritualism as a religion, we are accorded our occasional moments of fame. These moments occur when the purveyors of news show a sudden consuming interest if a member of our Brotherhood of Man is hauled into a court of law. Editors rub their hands. Spiritualists make good headlines. The crimes occasioning such flashes of limelight can range from the comparatively trivial to the extremely serious, but whatever the degree of criminality, the newshounds make sure that readers know when these offences are committed by ‘a spiritualist’ with a small ‘s’... THE renowned operatic soprano Ava June has passed to spirit, writes Sue Farrow. The 82-year-old made her transition on 22nd February, following a short illness. Ava had a glittering career spanning almost 30 years, during which she worked with many of the world’s finest conductors and graced the platforms of some of the world’s greatest opera houses... JULIE BEISCHEL and Mark Boccuzzi met at a conference, and agreed to participate in an experiment in telepathy. Both are co-founders and Directors of Research at the Windbridge Institute for Applied Research in Human Potential in Tucson, Arizona... THE founder and leader of a Coventry Spiritualist Church group has been jailed for 26 months and banned from working with children. Gareth Edwards, 33, set up and ran the Society of Spiritual Friends Church in Holbrooks, Coventry. He admitted one charge of sexual assault and four of making indecent images... TWO large cheques were distributed in February to Hampshire charities. Annette Blann and her husband Colin, facilitators of the Woolston Spiritual Centre, Southampton, went to Sutton Scotney, Winchester, to visit Naomi House Children’s Hospice, A NEWLY OPENED shop attached to a spiritual centre was a winner in a Christmas window display competition. The Sacred Spirit of Healing centre in Whickham, Tyne and Wear, came joint second with Barnardo’s in the ‘Brighten up Whickham’ Christmas competition, organised by the local Rotarians... EVIDENTIAL MEDIUM John Conway has returned to public demonstrating after a long period of illness, writes Sue Farrow. He stepped on to the platform at Stourbridge National Spiritualist Church on Saturday 17th February, having agreed to stand in at short notice following an unavoidable cancellation... Trance mediumship is an increasingly popular form of spirit contact. Edgar Cayce, Maurice Barbanell, Ivy Northage, Eileen Garrett and many other prominent Spiritualist mediums were trance specialists. When we can access information and philosophy from elevated spirits, we gain on both personal and societal levels. Spiritualism offers a valuable resource which other religions ‘of the book’ fail to offer, i.e. a method of gaining spiritual knowledge which can stay abreast of the modern world... NEXT year the Spiritualist community of lily dale, New york, will host the Historic World Congress of Spiritualists 2014. Among the delegates will be representatives from the UK, who will join others from around the world to help secure the future of Spiritualism... TICKETS have been selling quickly – and are now sold out – for a special March event at Carpenders Park Christian Spiritualist Church, Hertfordshire. The church opened on 2nd March 1997, and as part of its birthday celebrations they decided to hold a shamanic workshop at the end of the month... by Billy Roberts Although the saying “Mediums are born, not made” has become something of a cliché, it’s now an established fact! As I mentioned in one of my earlier articles, the scientific research began in Russia in 1903, when a notable neuroscientist became so fascinated with the unusual mental abilities of a ten-year-old Russian orphan that he compromised his professional integrity by devoting seven years to studying the young boy, and others who were brought to him during the research project... by Glyn Edwards Strictly speaking, mediumship’s prime purpose is to prove survival after death of the physical body. But is that all mediumistic development is about? For if all life – including not only the realms of human existence but also therealms of nature and creation – is an expression of the spirit, then it seems to me that we need to expand our understanding of the spirit world to encompass wider spheres of awareness. This will enable us to recognise numerous important areas of spirituality that profoundly link with mediumistic unfoldment... There are some things we should only ever try once in a lifetime. You know the sort of thing you really enjoy, so you do it a second time. Then you have a huge disappointment because the second time didn’t meet your expectations. So I had some hesitation about booking a place on the second Science Meets Spirit session at the Arthur Findlay College, after having had such a wonderful time last year... Discerning readers may be wondering why I’ve chosen the title of a classic Arthur Findlay book to headline this article. When Findlay was writing of the two worlds, he was of course referring to the meeting of the spiritual and physical realms through mediumship. That, however, was not the main point of the SNU’s Science Day, held at the Arthur Findlay Centre in Stafford on 16th February, when the two-world meeting was of a rather different kind...
Not built in a day? That is what we have been told repeatedly about the great city of Rome. At the moment, however, it seems that our Italian cousins are hell-bent on going in the opposite direction at a break-neck speed. It can take a century for a tree to grow but it can be cut down in minutes. Rome yet again seems to be the centre of attention for people across the globe. This time it is not concern that armed warriors are going to sweep across the country and take over our many nations by open force; what is happening in that part of the world is going to have consequences of equal magnitude...
From the editor February 2013 So hungry you could eat a horse? his past couple of weeks the UK news has been dominated by a scandal in the food industry. Following a discovery by trading standards officials that horse meat had been found in beefburgers sold by supermarket giant Tesco, further revelations emerged daily. Little by little it became clear that numerous outlets had been selling allegedly pure beef products that were anything but. We were warned that Findus lasagne contained horse... Since Harry edwards founded the Sanctuary in 1946, it is impossible to say how many patients have benefited from healing given there... AN Ohio Congressman is recommending meditation as a means of seeking a slower pace of life and promoting clear thinking, writes Kay Hunter. Tim Ryan, 39, of Youngstown, Ohio, has a 30-minute meditation ritual each morning, slowing his breathing and clearing his head of clutter... THE Spiritualists’ National Union, along with many other Spiritualists, is mourning the physical loss of one of its best-loved members, writes Sue Farrow. Violet Kipling FSNU, known to most as Vi, passed to spirit on Wednesday 16th January. She held the Union’s highest honour – a Fellowship – which she was awarded in 2004... SAGB vice-president Stella Blair responds to some of the questions posed by Sue Farrow in the previous issue of PN regarding the sale of its property in London’s exclusive Belgrave Square. In her article about the sale of our Belgrave Square premises, editor Susan Farrow quite rightly raises a number of questions (Issue 4095). We are delighted, and welcome the opportunity to answer them. Regarding the artefacts formerly housed in Belgrave Square, Spiritualists can rest assured that these are safe and sound. Indeed, some of them are on display at our current home in Belgrave Road... Medium and teacher Glyn Edwards continues the story of his life-changing meetings with the Indian spiritual master Sri Jammu Maharaj. In the first part of my article I described my early visits to Jammu, which made a huge impression on me and my friend Stephen Wollaston. I related how fruit and herbal remedies would materialise in I recall that on another occasion I talked to a young, wealthy and well-educated Indian couple in the waiting area. They told me the story of how they had come to see Jammu and had become great devotees of his... by David Hopkins Director Steven Spielberg’s latest epic shows how President Abraham Lincoln persuaded Congress to adopt the 13th Amendment. Following the Emancipation Proclamation, it finally prohibited slavery across America. Historians generally take a less-flattering view of Lincoln: that he affirmed white supremacy, condemned interracial marriage and considered shipping the freed slaves to other countries. Whatever the truth, the story behind the story of the abolition of slavery, as told by Spiritualists who played a part in it, is all but forgotten. by James McQuitty The following is a quote from a White Eagle book entitled Walking With The Angels: “In spiritual life, do not expect to catalogue everything, for by so doing you are limiting the universal. try to conceive the heavenly state as being a perfect fitting-in and harmonious outworking of exact law; but never limited, always expanding. We do not like to make things too set, so that a sense of limitation comesover, or a closed-in comprehension of the truth. Remember that you enter infinity when you are in the world of spirit...
PN’s Kay Hunter wonders whether psychic ability may have had a hand in the recent discovery of Richard III’s remains. We English appear to be very untidy with the mortal remains of our early kings, writes Kay Hunter. We leave them lying around and then lose track of them. Those of King Richard III were, as we now know, discovered underneath a Leicester car park, having started off in a church on the site, long since demolished. How the monarch’s resting place was pinpointed so precisely is almost as interesting as the discovery itself... by Carolyn Molnar and Benjamin Gleisser The Rev Joe Brown, CSNU, founder of the Divine Light Learning Center in Ajax, Ontario, grudgingly calls himself “a rebel”. But he adds that all great Spiritualist leaders should probably think of themselves as rebels, because they step out of their own comfort zones and do their best to educate people about the spirit world... PART TWO BY GEOFF GRIFFITHS Describing a sitting, Stainton Moses wrote: “During the whole time this communication was written, my spirit was separated from the body. I could see, from a short distance, the hand as it wrote. The next thing I remember was standing in spirit near to my body which was seated holding the pen. I saw that my body was there, and that I was joined to it by a thin line of light...
Mission’s guiding light passes The London Spiritual Mission’s guiding light for the past 53 years has passed to spirit, writes Sue Farrow. Rosalind Cattanach, who stepped down as the famous church’s resident secretary in 2011, passed at a nursing home on 18th December following a long period of illness. She was 92.Ros, as she was widely known, first visited the Mission in 1953, after a bereaved friend had begun to attend services there. At that time she had a successful career in banking, being one of the first women in the field to rise to managerial level... Following an undercover investigation by the BBC, a spiritual healer claiming to cure cancer has been She has now removed price list and treatment details from her website... Science Day programme unveiled The Spiritualists’ National union has unveiled the programme for its forth- coming Science Day, writes Sue Farrow. As previously reported in PN, the event is the brainchild of SNU president David Bruton, who told us that the Union’s long-term aim is “to further our understanding of where we are in relationship to current scientific thinking and develop both dialogue and understanding which will potentially support future research in the field.”
Dr Julie Beischel, co-founder and director of the Windbridge Institute in Tucson, Arizona, has just produced a book entitled Among Mediums, in which she discusses her 10 years of research. The Windbridge Institute is an independent research organisation investigating the capabilities of body... 'Truly miraculous' says spiritual healer’s patient “Truly miraculous!” is how Anita Perry describes the results of spiritual healing. In November 2011, Anita, of Bury St. Edmunds, suffered a mini-stroke. The most debilitating symptoms seriously affected her before and after the stroke, but spiritual healing achieved a remarkable result. Anita told Psychic News about her experiences and hope for the future... The world-renowned composer Sir Richard Rodney Bennett has died, writes Sue Farrow. The 76-year-old passed in his adopted city of New york on 24th December. He was responsible for 50 or so film scores, three of which were nominated for an Oscar. But his compositions were not confined to the movie genre. He wrote numerous classical works, including three symphonies, seventeen concertos and five operas, along with chamber music, choral pieces, jazz and keyboard music...The Man who wrote Spiritualism’s ‘Bible’ Part One by Geoff Griffiths Back in 1872, Mrs Stanhope Speer, the wife of a doctor, read a book by Robert Dale Owen, The Debatable Land.Intrigued, she asked her young son’s tutor, an ordained clergyman, if he knew anything about the subject of Spiritualism. He replied that he did not and – although he knew the view of the Anglican church – said he would nevertheless investigate on her behalf.... In the first of a two-part series, medium Glyn Edwards talks about his life-changing periences with the unique Indian spiritual master, Sri Jammu Maharaj. Twenty-one years ago, the spiritual author Stephen Wollaston (aka Santoshan) and I made our way down a dirt-track alley in the back-streets of Ilford, Essex. We climbed up a rusty iron staircase in order to enter what we had been told by some respected Indian friends was a place where we would be able to meet a renowned Indian Tantric master...Angela Redditch reviews The Big Book of Reincarnation by Roy Stemman A tantalising subject, reincarnation, to which Roy Stemman has devoted many years of study. The result of his labours is this handy-sized paperback which has a touch of the Dr Who and Harry Potter worlds about it: open it, and you find it’s much bigger than you’d think. It covers succinctly a far wider range of topics, and in more detail, than could be guessed from its weight and shape. For a bookworm, this is a tasty and satisfying read.... The history of London’s College of Psychic Studies London’s College of Psychic Studies has been in the news lately. It’s been a time of change, with a new president, vice- presidents and principal. But what is the College, what does it do, and where did it come from? Leslie Price explains....Earth Energies and Dowsing and how to use a pendulum Dowsing, sometimes known as divination, has been used for hundreds of years to locate underground water, oil, minerals, and even lost items. usually carried out using rods or a pendulum, no one is sure exactly how it works. london-based writer Wendy Stokes spoke with dowser and past-life consultant Vicky Sweetlove to find out more. She began by asking how long vicky had been dowsing, and how useful she’d found the process...Personal Opinion: DIVINE LAW IS TOTAL LOVE For reader Gary Lammin, it’s simple – total love would change the world Have you ever wondered why it should be that no one seems able just to come forward and apply a little common sense to what we all know in our hearts to be true, yet struggle so hard to articulate?We are living in very difficult times. Wars, conflicts and the breakdown of society prevail. It’s happening in any town, city or country you care to mention, yet we seem to be trying to put out these raging fires of conflict and dispute by throwing gasoline on them... Volunteers by David Hopkins In a period when we are enduring pretty difficult times financially, as individuals and as a society, much emphasis is being placed on the work of volunteers, part of the so-called ‘third sector’.Spiritualism has always been part of that sector, as it is volunteers who have helped develop and maintain the structure of organisations at local, regional and national level...
'Truly miraculous' says spiritual healer’s patient “Truly miraculous!” is how Anita Perry describes the results of spiritual healing. In November 2011, Anita, of Bury St. Edmunds, suffered a mini-stroke. The most debilitating symptoms seriously affected her before and after the stroke, but spiritual healing achieved a remarkable result. Anita told Psychic News about her experiences and hope for the future... Christmas Eve was a very special one for Scots medium June Field. She was pro- nounced winner of the Ukrainian TV show, International Psychic Challenge, and awarded the £19,000 prize. An excited June told Psychic News: “I took 50 per cent of votes from the Ukrainian people, even though they had a Ukrainian participant. “I am the only English speaking participant ever to win this competition.” It was not an easy assignment as it meant spending six months in Kiev, away from her home in Dundee. But she won, and June, 52, never failed a task or a challenge... Chairman’s book makes an unexpected TV appearance Psychic Press chairman Roy Stemman (pictured below) has found himself unexpectedly in the spotlight, writes Sue Farrow. His latest book, The Big Book of Reincarnation, published in 2012, was seen by millions of BBC viewers in an episode of a popular comedy series. Writing on his blog paranormalreview. com Roy commented: “The big event for me in 2012 was publication of The Big Book of Reincarnation and the biggest surprise was to see it featured on a TV comedy programme. It turned up in an episode of BBC Three’s Cuckoo... Comedian takes a look at poltergeist activity A report about bizarre poltergeist incidents in Enfield, north London, in the late 70s left comedian Al Murray (aka The Pub Landlord) with some questions, writes Kay Hunter. He wondered why the supernatural seems to have become suburbanised, affecting not only ancient castles, but extending to modern housing estates. On New Year’s Day this year, three decades after the ghostly events, Al Murray was guest editor on Radio 4’s Today programme, and wanted to know more about poltergeists... Sadness follows charity fundraising event Portland Street Spiritualist Church, Southport, held a special evening of mediumship on 17th November 2012. The occasion was to raise funds for Queenscourt Hospice on behalf of the Rev Glenys Clarke, minister of Portland Street Church, who had the benefit of wonderful treatment at the hospice. She was hoping to lead the demonstration herself, but due to failing health was unable to do so. A drier touch of The Healing Weekend for Cumbria Elaine Fenton’s annual Healing Weekend, at Secret World Wildlife Rescue, Somerset, proved to be the most challenging she’d ever faced. Elaine, who took over as custodian of the weekend following the death of its founder Bill Harrison in 2008, told Psychic News: “We have many hundreds of Spiritualists come, and so faithful are they through thick and thin! The rain came down and did not stop. We suffered floods and were ankle deep in mud – but through it all people came, and many went home saying it was the biggest testament to spirit they had ever seen... Andy Byng prepares for mammoth task to raise funds for WaterAid Andy Byng, chairman of the SnU’s Spirit of Youth, is planning a mammoth task that most of us wouldn’t even think of attempting. on behalf of more than a billion people who can’t perform the simple act of turning on a tap and having a drink of water, he’s going to walk 500 miles. if you believe a drink of water is a fundamental human right, read what Andy has to say... Searching for ghosts Ewan Irvine tells of his logical approach to searching for the existence of ghosts Ask anyone and they will either claim to have had a paranormal experience or to know a person who has. Ghosts have been part of our human existence since the beginning of time, yet we still spend our lives searching for the ultimate proof that they are ‘real’, and I guess I am one of those people. Ask anyone and they will either claim to have had a paranormal experience or to know a person who has.
Dear Stewart, We would like to start a physical circle with four sitters and I have a few questions I hope you might be able to help with. First, please could you tell me if four will be enough? And second, does it matter if there’s not an equal mix of male and female? Also, three of us are clairvoyant mediums, so how do we decide who sits in the cabinet to try and develop physical phenomena? Thank you in advance for any advice you can give us... LIFE AS A SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER The term ‘Shaman’ was first applied to the ancient religion of the Turks and Mongols, but the shamanic practice of reaching altered states of consciousness (sometimes with the aid of drumming and other traditional instruments) in order to communicate and interact with the spirit world is thought to date back thousands of years. In essence, shamans work with she soul, healing illnesses at a soul level. Traditionally they have a close connection with nature and work with the spirits of humans and animals. Here, Geoff Hutchison talks to PN about his strange journey from miner to shamanic practitioner... A GOOD READ The Potential of Mediumship There has always been a gulf between mediumship and orthodox religion. Why, when all religious people believe in the continuity of life in one form or another? Why would they not welcome the opportunity to prove their beliefs? Perhaps because they fear those beliefs might not match up to reality. Happily, more and more people are becoming open to other possibilities, such as discovering truth for themselves. It is for such people that Glyn Edwards’ book provides an accessible stepping stone to evidential spirituality.
NO TIME TO DIE, Wim Grotenbreg’s Story ‘AS THeY SAiD He WAS DeAD He KnoCKeD AT THe DooR,’ ran the newspaper headline. The year was 1945 and the war was over. An elderly Dutch couple were entertaining two British officers at their flat in Haarlem. The conversation turned to their nephew, who they knew had been active in the Dutch Resistance, been captured by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp. “We have heard nothing from him,” said the uncle, “and can only assume he is dead.” Willem Grotenbreg, however, had survived – just about – after years in the camps. Liberated by the Americans and held by the British, he was desperate to return to what was left of his family...
As a regular contributor to Psychic News, I have an unusual opportunity to have my say on a variety of topics related to Spiritualism, and more widely. I also have the luxury of saying those things to an audience which does not have too much opportunity to get back at me! Because of this I try not to take up space in the ‘Comments’ section, though quite often I do want to comment. So in this contribution I am going to add my sixpennyworth on some items that have appeared in recent issues, with discussion on the Seven Principles...
Giant of inner and outer space journeys on Professor Archie Roy, the renowned Scottish academic who inspired countless students to explore astronomy and psychical research, has died at the age of 88. He made an enormous contribution to both subjects and it is difficult to write a tribute to this modest man without using a host of superlatives. As Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at Glasgow University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh he enjoyed a long and distinguished career, conducting research in areas such as astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, archaeoastronomy and neural networks...
Medium launches online educational courses Medium and author Stephen O’Brien has launched a range of online educational courses for people who are unable to attend his Swansea Academy of Psychic and Spiritual Studies, now in its ninth year. Stephen is founder and principal of the academy. His new certificated correspondence courses are designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of mediumship and other psychic and spiritual subjects...
An extraordinary case of absent healing Medical intuitive and healing therapist Carol Everett, of Crediton, Devon, has sent Psychic News an account of a recent extraordinary case of absent healing. Carol was in Spain and her patient, whom she calls Phyllis, was in Devon. She has helped Phyllis and her family...
Vice-President (Spiritual) stands down from office Minister Judith Seaman has stepped down from the position of Vice- President (Spiritual) of the Spiritualists’ National Union for health reasons. The news was received with regret by SNU president, Minister David Bruton, who issued the following tribute to Judith’s long service...
Census shows 20.5 per cent increase in Spiritualists The citizens of England and Wales appear to be turning their backs on organised religion, according to The Guardian. Asked what faith they followed, 6,242 answered Heavy Metal, 1,893 said they were Satanists and 650 signed up as New Age...
Study reveals long-lasting effects of meditation A new study has concluded that mindful meditation may produce lasting effects on the brain’s emotional processes. Writing on Brainblogger. com, Jennifer Gibson, clinical pharmacist and medical writer, reports that 51 adults aged between 25 and 55, all with no prior experience of meditation, underwent mindful attention training (MAT), cognitively- based compassion training (CBCT), or participated in a health discussion group.
News from the North-East of England Medium returns from USA Gateshead-based medium Stewart Robertson is back from a return visit to churches in Florida. He gave PN an account of his stay, as well as news from churches in the North-East of England...
Gordon Higginson Memorial Scholarship launched A new scholarship has been created to honour the memory of one of the greatest mediums of all time. “Anyone who has studied the Spiritualist religion will be aware of arguably one of its greatest modern day exponents, Gordon Mons Higginson,” says SNU president, Minister David Bruton...
SPIRITUALISM: Gerard smith discusses what it has to offer the world Gerard, you were brought up as a Catholic, not a Spiritualist. What changed? Well, at the age of 17 I had a major loss in my life and couldn’t find any answers or comfort within Catholicism. Attending my brother’s funeral service and burial, I just couldn’t think that he had gone. Catholicism to some extent helps people to think about the afterlife, but when I asked questions the priest just wasn’t prepared to answer them...
The Seven Principles of Spiritualism There has been a lot of discussion recently about the Seven Principles of Spiritualism and whether they should be updated to be more in tune with the modern world. I think this would be a good idea, provided we do not lose their original meaning...
New light on the man who changed Arthur Findlay’s life Arthur Findlay’s On the Edge of the Etheric is by any standards a Spiritualist classic, writes Sue Farrow. Together with his later book, Where Two Worlds Meet, it gives detailed accounts of the Scottish direct voice medium, John Campbell Sloan, whom he met in September 1918. Sloan’s mediumship quite literally changed Findlay’s life and set him on the road to becoming one of Spiritualism’s greatest ever ambassadors...
A GOOD READ The Meditation Lifestyle by colum Hayward What exactly is meditation? Many people believe they have some idea, but is that belief correct? For example, meditation takes time, which many believe they can’t spare. Yet if life really is too busy, meditation is just what is needed! “Meditation is for busy people,” says David Barclay, and he should know. Vice-chairman of merchant bank Kleinwort Benson, he is also deputy chairman of the John Lewis Partnership...
Plumbing The Depths, Scaling The Heights As one year ends and another begins, it’s customary to review the preceding twelve months. Not always a traditionalist, I’ve decided to follow that custom this year...
Thank you, Jim - for a job well done! Psychic News would like to thank Jim Howat for his sterling work in promoting the magazine during this summer.
Church organ's precarious weekly
Tribute to David Nason
Fair raises £710 for Water Aid
Remembering Marjorie Heath
Dear madam editor...
There were of course many more entries offering impressively interesting ideas than there were prizes available.
From the editor
I'm writing this while sitting on a third-floor balcony overlooking the sea in Eastbourne, on the south coast of England. There's a gentle salty breeze and the sun is shining, the weather almost freakishly warm for late September in the UK. ‘What a hard life!' I hear you cry. ‘Why is she not at her desk?' Actually, I am... at least in a way. I'm in Eastbourne to cover what must be an almost unprecedented event - a full week of physical mediumship, trance and evidential mediumship, organised by the Gordon Higginson Fellowship.
Resentment as church is blamed for halting bridge's completion
Church officials are now at war with the council over the matter, as the church is being blamed for the delay. Blackburn's £12 million ‘Bridge to Nowhere' will finally have a destination six years after construction started. A deal worth up to £800,000 to buy the local Spiritualist church opened the way for £7 million to be spent completing Blackburn's orbital road.
Derek Jameson and Spiritualism
He and his wife Ellen attended the annual Psychic News Dinners as invited guests. Mr Jameson passed recently, aged 82, as the result of a heart attack. He leaves his third wife Ellen and four adult children. He rose from an impoverished childhood to become one of Fleet Street's most successful and colourful personalities.
Then and Now: Horwich celebrates 90 years
Committee member Trina Parr told Psychic News that the origins of Spiritualism in Horwich can be traced back 113 years, to 1899, when meetings were held over a small shop in Siemens Street, half a mile from the present church. The banner currently displayed in the church was always carried between venues.
‘Call a Psychic' fraudster jailed A Leeds fraudster has been jailed for his part in a ‘Call a Psychic' phone scam, reports the Yorkshire Evening Post. Paul James Jones was paid thousands of pounds in commission for calls made on premium-rate numbers to five psychics who turned out to be completely bogus. Not only did Jones pocket the commission money, he left phone companies with more than £30,000 of unpaid bills after he failed to pay the phone accounts he used to call the psychics requesting ‘readings'. Leeds Crown Court heard that he was caught after inquiries were made into unpaid accounts in various names at his home, and it was discovered he had run up thousands of calls himself to the five psychics.
All go at Leicester Progressive Church
Leicester Progressive Spiritualist Church and Training Centre (LPSC) has informed Psychic News of a lively table-tilting event held recently. The workshop, when no less than nine tables were in action, took place on Friday 30th August and closed the summer calendar at the church. LPSC has maintained a very busy and varied schedule since its inception in the mid-1960s.
Seeking the wonder of Spiritualism
Who is this Andy Byng? Who is this ‘boy'? What does he know at his age? At 27 years old, or so, Andy Byng is chair of the SNU Spirit of Youth Committee and has a better handle on the Spiritualist movement than many of the ‘old codgers' who have been at it for donkey's years.
A Journey of Psychic Discovery
The name of Alan E. Crossley will be familiar to some readers as the author of The Story of Helen Duncan (1975). He was more than qualified to write her biography, having not only attended her séances, but also those of other great physical mediums of the period.
Out-of-Body and Near-Death Experiences
Neuropsychiatrist Dr Peter Fenwick, as president of the SMN, introduced the conference's theme by commenting that this was a wonderful time for examining phenomena associated with the subtle body, as there are now people trained in neuroscience with experience of meditative techniques and altered states of consciousness. The observations of such people make it possible to begin to infer what changes are taking place when the phenomenon occurs.
A bittersweet task...
An adjudicator‘s task is bittersweet. In my several years of adjudicating in essay competitions (I'm not a member of PN staff, by the way) the task has always been at one and the same time a privilege and a torment, a delight and a nightmare! For the PN competition there were so many bright, pithy entries, so many different and interesting ways of defining the purpose of mediumship. Conversely, so many hopefuls who had obviously tried hard at the task, but waffled on far beyond the word-limit, wandered off the point, or - alas - didn't actually "answer the question as set", that traditional pitfall for exam and competition candidates down the generations.
KARMA - THE REAL GOD?
But is it true that cheats never prosper? I think not. ‘But then, punishment for a misdeed may not be delivered in this lifetime,' say the righteous and spiritually minded. Some expert cheats and professional rogues most certainly do prosper, and the ones that get caught don't always learn from their mistakes and go on to repeat their crimes.
From the editor
In our survey earlier this year, we asked whether you regarded Spiritualism as a religion. A resounding 77 per cent of you did not. Most of that 77 per cent saw Spiritualism simply as a way of life. But whatever our individual views, Spiritualism is a legally recognised religion here in the UK, and we have literally hundreds of Spiritualist churches and centres, plus many more worldwide.< One feature common to all religions, whether Spiritualism, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism or any other, is ordination. Each has its own ministers, priests, rabbis, etc - in other words, people whose life and work are dedicated to leadership and service of their own particular religious community. The ordained person's role is one of huge responsibility, since it involves direct pastoral interaction with the vulnerable, such as the sick and newly bereaved. It also includes the conduct of religious services such as weddings and funerals, offering advice and guidance, providing a safe and confidential listening ear, visiting prisoners, putting forward the religion's teachings coherently and appealingly, and many other related tasks...
Writing competition winner announced
For a chance of winning, we asked you to tell us, in no more than 150 words, what you believed to be the purpose of mediumship. Not surprisingly, we received a huge number of entries and were really impressed with the way you expressed your thoughts on such an important topic...
All new at Hoddesdon Having been based at the Quaker Meeting Hall in Lord Street for more than 70 years, Hoddesdon Spiritualist Church had to find alternative premises. Since April it has operated from the Mayhem Function Hall, Brewery Road, Hoddesdon, with a new committee and several new features. President Pauline Wing told Psychic News that the church now has its own Facebook page and website, plus a quarterly newsletter to keep everyone updated. "The church is proud to welcome everybody through its doors," said Pauline. "Those who have never visited a Spiritualist church before, and do not know what to expect, will not be disappointed...
SNU buys Adult Education Centre
According to local sources, Walkley Adult Education Centre was sold to the Union by Sheffield College. Situated next to St Mary's Church, it was erected as a church school in the 1870s, but has since been used for adult education. The property was on the market for £325,000, though a spokesperson for SMC Chartered Surveyors told PN that the SNU had not paid the full asking price...
Meditation and the elderly
Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles revealed these findings after an eight-week programme of studying the effects of meditation on the elderly. An account of the 2005 study is published in the current online edition of the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity. In the study, which involved 40 adults between the ages of 55 and 85, it was found that nearly 60 per cent of people aged 70 and over experience some type of loneliness. This is not just an emotional issue. It is a form of stress that has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease, Alzheimer's, depression and earlier death...
HEAVY BLOW TO ESOTERIC STUDIES
Nicholas, just 59, who held the specially created Chair of Western Esotericism at the University of Exeter, passed after a short illness. The pain of his passing is felt acutely by his 120 past and present postgraduate students, because his courses made it possible for them to explore subjects such as Theosophy and the Hermetic Tradition in a sympathetic but academically rigorous environment. His books, dealing with pioneers such as Blavatsky, Paracelsus and G.R.S. Mead, are on the shelves of many libraries.
Paignton celebrates 100th anniversary with rededication Lew Sutton has been a member of Paignton Spiritualist Church for 18 years. Here, he reports on its 100th anniversary service and gives a potted history of what is a thriving seaside Spiritualist community.
Psychic art discovery
We could find nothing about the artist(s) in our archive, and asked if you could shed any light on who they were. Thanks to long-time reader, Edgar Goatcher, we can now reveal that ‘Cedric' was none other than Cedric Bagnall, who, says Mr Goatcher, "was an established artist and illustrator in the early 1950s for Eagle and Victor comics...
Passing inspires new generation to continue spirit work
Fred and his wife Deidre had run the centre for eight years, but Fred's passing, far from meaning the end of his influence, heralded the formation of a new centre, founded in his memory. Gaye Newby, daughter of Fred and Deidre, told Psychic News that her father had said he didn't want anyone who had no personal knowledge of him to conduct his funeral, and he asked Gaye if she would do it for him...
Can there be a brotherhood without God?
BEAR ARMS – YOU’RE IN THE ARMY NOW!
The extraordinary exploits of Wojtek (pronounced Voycheck) have become the subject of a book, which will appeal especially to animal lovers. Why? Because Private Wojtek was not a human, but a supremely intelligent bear...
MY JOURNEY INTO SPIRITUALISM
Spiritualism's Who's Who remembered
The beautiful church, tucked away in a quiet west London street, was built in the early years of the twentieth century on land purchased by the Beard family, following spirit direction which guided them to stables belonging to William Whiteley's Store. A Trust was formed and the church was consecrated in September 1912...
Death – Question or Answer?
That is usually how things go. Recently, however, a death was reported that probably produced a different response - "Thank goodness." Who was it that we were so glad had died, and why should we have been so pleased at his death?
From the editor
Recent news headlines in the UK have been dominated by the unexpected death of Tony Nicklinson, from pneumonia, for which he refused treatment. Tony, who had endured ‘locked-in syndrome' since 2005, when he suffered a massive stroke which paralysed him from the neck down and robbed him of the power of speech, passed just days after learning that his application to the High Court for the right to have assistance in ending his life had been rejected. Communicating via his blink-controlled voice synthesiser after the court judgement was handed down, tears poured down Tony's cheeks, wiped away by his wife, as the world's media recorded his heartbroken reaction to the news that the judges had turned down his application. "I am crestfallen, totally devastated and very frightened," the machine communicated for him. "I fear for the future and the misery it is bound to bring."
Historian casts doubt on Crookes' spirit photos
Spiritualist historian Paul J. Gaunt has recently published an article in Psypioneer Journal, of which he is editor, throwing new light upon the famous photographs of Katie King. The experiments of William Crookes with medium Florence Cook took place over three years. The materialised Katie King claimed to be the daughter of Sir Henry Owen Morgan, ex-buccaneer and Governor of Jamaica under Charles II. For some reason never satisfactorily explained, he took the name of John King.
Hollywood actor experiences the healing side of Glastonbury
Award-winning actor and director Nicholas Cage was recently spotted emerging from the Bridget Healing Centre (pictured below) in Glastonbury, where he is said to have spent an hour. Later, he and his wife, Alice Kim, are reported to have met up at the Abbey Tea Rooms for lunch.
Spiritualist kayaker killed by lightning An Essex Spiritualist was killed when struck by lightning while kayaking in the sea near his home.
Irene Sowter joins her husband Gerald in the spirit world
Together with her husband Gerald, a former Methodist preacher, she founded the Reigate Centre for Psychic and Spiritual Studies.
Spirit worker loses battle against cancer Ronald Stein has informed PN of the recent passing of Agnes Freeman - medium, healer, astrologer and author. He writes:
She went on to be trained as an artist, sculptress, poetess and opera singer. Unfortunately she did not have a good singing teacher, and hearing her strained voice as she sang to him...
Star no longer shines in Devon
Described by the founders, Suzy Hilton and Julie Miles, as "an open-hearted meeting place for like-minded people who have an awareness of the spiritual aspect of living and of Mother Earth," and as "fun and friendly," the centre served local Spiritualists for three years. Suzy told PN: "The centre has been forced to close due to my ill health and our family commitments. It has been a difficult and emotional decision to make. We both love the centre, and thank everyone who has either served or attended Shining Star over the years."
£440 worth of tickets to be won for
The 10th anniversary show promises more than ever before with a new Experience Zone running sessions throughout the three-day event. With tai chi, belly dancing, pilates, yoga and salsa on the menu, visitors will be positively Hula-Hooping their way home. The fun-packed weekend event is a great way to experience new and exciting things, and the perfect pick-me-up. On offer is an eclectic assortment of complementary health, spiritual awareness, and personal development...
SWANS spreads its wings
The group is based in West Sussex, and was launched by Denise Mascherpa, Teresa Mummery and Nicola Collins, all trained mediums and healers. President Denise is also a reiki master/teacher, while Teresa and Nicola are reiki level 2. The aim of S.W.A.N.S., as Denise told Psychic News, is "to help people understand more about Spiritualism, the spiritual realms, and to prove survival of the soul. We are dedicated to spreading the spiritual message and bringing comfort and enlightenment to as many people as possible."
Paratroopers present Queen's birthday greeting to Spiritualist
Life member Mrs Hazel Swift celebrated her century with a party for family and friends, and received a birthday card from the Queen which, in view of her former military connections, was formally presented to her by two Paratroopers. Hazel was born on 24th June 1912, together with her twin brother whom she has survived.
New physical phenomena in home circle
Freda then asked me to take hold of Stewart's left hand and June to take hold of his right. I noticed that his eyes were firmly closed as Freda began to speak. (I had by this point completed 15 pilot copies of my first book on the circle's work, along with its accompanying cassette tape). Freda thanked me for the work I had done and added that it was only the very beginning of what was to come. She then invited me on behalf of the spirit team to become an honorary member of the Alexander Home Circle. You can imagine how delighted I was to accept such a wonderful offer.
The Spirit Whisperer
I'd certainly not describe myself as an ordinary man, in that I don't get up and go to work in the morning, sit at a desk all day, work in a shop, or anything like that. When I get up, my days are quite different. A totally different language governs my whole world rather than what many people are probably used to. It's a special language that transcends time and space - a language that's not constrained by the limitations of mere words - but one that consists of signs, symbols, energy and thought. A language that can only be heard when one truly listens. It's the language of The Spirit Whisperer, which in my case is another way of describing myself as a medium. In my first book, Born Knowing, I explained how I came to terms with, and learned to accept and embrace my spiritual gifts as a psychic medium; and how people could develop their own intuitive psychic abilities. I was born in the tough suburbs of Boston, USA, and like many kids around my area, I coped with a difficult childhood. Except that in my case my family and society ridiculed me, leaving me often feeling isolated due to my psychic abilities. I refused to acknowledge my gift until a near-fatal car accident amplified my abilities to the point where I had to learn how to control what was once pushed away...
Peace of Mind A short time ago I read an article in which ‘Peace of Mind' was presented as the ultimate in spiritual gifts. I would like to suggest that it is not a gift but an achievement. It is a condition realised only when the mind is released from conflict; when much of emotional disturbance is due to our own activities we shall only be released from it when we have given the necessary attention to its causes. Conflict arises from many causes - anger, greed, impatience, intolerance, outrage and desire for revenge, to name but a few. These often arise from activities and circumstances beyond our control and not of our own making. We must ask ourselves whether any of those reactions is going to alter the cause of our discontent. Unless they are able to do so, we must recognise that fact and consider other measures. That more constructive manner of thinking will almost immediately reduce the level of stress and tension, bringing us nearer to the peace of mind we seek.
Launch party for book
Eric, a former president of the SNU, was president of Stourbridge National Spiritualist Church for almost 40 years, and has been a member since 1947. He is now its honorary president. The newly published book is a personal history of the church he has served for so long, and which is seen by many as one of the brightest stars in the Spiritualist firmament. The book's production has been a labour of love which has taken more than a year to complete, interrupted by frequent periods of ill-health...
Guest editorial
What are we to make of the Immortality Project which has received $5 million (£3.19m) funding from the John Templeton Foundation. Exciting? Possibly.Ground-breaking? Maybe. Conclusive? Unlikely. The outcome is likely to be disappointing on several levels, however optimistic we may be that it will provide decisive proof of what Spiritualism teaches. Spending £1m a year on an exploration of life after death, over a three-year period, sounded promising when I first learned about the project. And I was encouraged by a statement from the University of California, Riverside, USA, where the Immortality Project will be led by Prof John Martin Fischer, its Distinguished Professor of Philosophy. It made all the right noises...
Professor receives $5 million to study life after death
A grant of $5 million has been made to the University of California, Riverside, to undertake a rigorous examination of the question of immortality Countless millions of us believe in the afterlife and offer our proof of its existence. Adherents of the world's major religions believe in "the life everlasting," from reincarnation to resurrection in the next world. Convincing anecdotal reports of glimpses of an afterlife abound, but there has been no comprehensive scientific study of the subject...
Celebrating 50 years at Yardley
President and trustee Mrs Doris Couchman reported an attendance of 32 for the afternoon service and 31 in the evening. "We had mediums Chris and Virginia Richards of Coventry, plus songs and music," Mrs Couchman told Psychic News, "and there was plenty of food for everyone!"
Telephone calls from the dead
There have since been many radical changes and developments in the telephone and communication systems, yet people continue to receive anomalous messages. Callum Cooper (pictured above), pursuing doctoral research in psychology and parapsychology at the University of Northampton, has decided to bring the work of Bayless and Rogo up to date. Cooper presented some of his findings at a recent London meeting of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR), based on his new book, Telephone Calls from the Dead.
Vice-president commemorated with special evening at Woking
Spirit activity at Newcastle's famous keep
Trainee medium Julie Hempsall caught a man's face on camera, against a wall in the former castle gaol. Later she felt someone slowly trying to tighten the scarf around her neck, and in no uncertain terms ordered the spirit to leave!
Ask a medium Colin Fry answers your questions on aspects of mediumship
Unicorn workshops for children
The ethos is that there are many children already living spiritual lives through their elder family members, or simply those who wish to develop, who will benefit from welcoming and fun monthly meetings. The workshops are run by Michelle O'Brien and Carol Holmes, both members of the Spiritual Workers Association. Children fall within the codes of conduct covering vulnerable people in the community, and on this basis parents or carers must accompany children, and stay during the workshops.
Spiritualism has influenced the Church of England, new book concludes by Leslie Price
This was a critical moment in the unskilful C of E response to Modern Spiritualism, the movement which began in Hydesville, New York State, in 1848, and reached England by 1852. There had been many such enquiries into Spiritualism - including those of the Dialectical Society in 1870, the Seybert Commission in 1887, and the Church of Scotland in 1923. Only the C of E one was kept secret.
The unification of Spiritualists
Here, Eddie talks to editor Sue Farrow about the work of US, and its hopes for the future.
Win a signed copy of Journey Into The Light
Reviewed by Graham Jennings in issue 4082, the author recounts her experiences of rescue work in circle - and offers advice on how to start and run one yourself. For your chance to win one of the five signed copies, complete the spiritually-inspired crossword puzzle below, created by Jean Stevens, and send the completed crossword or just the answers to...
The True Comforter: In October 2010 I received a phone call from a friend who had just lost his father. The father was 90 years old when he passed and my friend is 67. I know they were extremely close because my friend, whom I shall call Louis, was an only child and lived with his parents his entire life. So he saw his father every day for 67 years. I must add that I have never in my entire life seen anyone grieve over the loss of a loved one as much as he did. He advised me when the wake and funeral would take place, and knowing how close he was to his father, I decided that I must go, at least to the wake. I frequently attend such things because I know that seeing familiar faces and letting the bereaved know you care can really make a difference in helping that person deal with such a great loss...
DAMNED IF YOU DO AND DAMNED IF YOU DON'T
Personal Reflections on the SNU AGM
As I write, the UK is in the grip of full-blown Olympic fever. Whether it’s profiles of the athletes (looking dazzlingly fit, tanned and ready to fight with all their might to win that coveted gold medal), film footage of the Olympic Park, front-page headlines about the problems of G4S, or supermarket aisles choc-a-bloc with sponsored products bearing the Olympic logo, the games are inescapable. I confess I’m not much of a sports fan, but I can readily understand why people around the world are so fired up about the Olympics and Paralympics. They’re a demonstration of the brightest and best in human physical achievement – years of training and dedication have been necessary for each and every one of those athletes to be selected for the world’s most prestigious sporting event...
Maori healing labelled ‘witchcraft’
Christian prayer and traditional Maori healing are to be offered at Wanganui Hospital, New Zealand, as part of a natural therapy service. Some members of the medical profession have denounced the service as “bizarre”, “witchcraft”, its values unproven. The new facility is focused on spirituality and the healing and strengthening of the mind. Reiki, massage and meditation will also be available. Maori health director Gilbert Taurus says: “This isn’t about trying to replicate or duplicate anything our medical practitioners are providing. It’s trying to deal with the person as a whole – a holistic approach. We’re trying not to normalise, but encourage people to think about those natural ways that have been used for years.”
Doctors go public on amazing spirit return of patient
Writing on his website (www.paranormalreview.com) Roy Stemman has reported that when the husband of author Faye Aldridge was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, both Faye and her husband Burke, devout Christians, put their faith in God to perform a miracle. “I expressed my faith,” said Faye. “I covered Burke in the word of God. I read the Bible to him every day.” Just 21 days after the diagnosis, 53-year-old Burke passed away, and there was indeed a miracle, but a most unexpected one. Within hours of his passing, and before they had been informed of it, two members of the medical team who had treated Burke received a “visitation” from him in their own homes...
Newport medium sentenced
Newport medium Karl Lang, 49, (pictured) has been jailed for two years for what a judge described as “an abuse of his position” by making “naïve” women perform sex acts for him. Sentencing Lang at Cardiff Crown Court on July 20th, Judge Patrick Curran said Lang had an “almost hypnotic ability to make his victims overcome their inhibitions” for his own sexual gratification. He was found guilty of 12 counts of causing two women to engage in sexual activity without consent between November 2005 and September 2009. During a week-long trial in June (reported in PN issue 4081), a jury heard how two grieving women – one who had lost her father, the other her grandfather – asked Lang to help them to get in touch with their late relatives.
‘Why would anyone believe in life after death?’ professor thinks aloud “Why would anyone believe in life after death?” asked Professor Laurie Taylor, on his regular BBC Radio 4 programme Thinking Allowed. A man of many facets, Laurie Taylor was professor of sociology at York University, visiting professor at Birkbeck College, London, and is editor of the New Humanist magazine. His recent broadcast proved to be very controversial, infuriating a Church of England priest and bringing forth 130 comments online. The Rev Dr Peter Mullen responded in the Daily Telegraph. Former Rector of St Michael’s, Cornhill, and St Sepulchre-without-Newgate in the City of London, Dr Mullen has written for many publications. Professor Taylor mentioned the Society for Psychical Research, stating that among its members were eminent philosophers, the co-inventor of the theory of evolution Alfred Russel Wallace, and other “notably intelligent men”, so how could they be foolish enough to believe in a life after death?
Doncaster’s special evening of mediumship for the deaf
Tuesday 10th July was a landmark in Doncaster, in the north of England, when the National Progressive Spiritualist Church held a special evening of mediumship for the deaf. Organiser Mike Jameson told Psychic News: “It was aimed at the deaf community who would not normally be able to access a mediumship demonstration. It was very much an experimental evening which we believe to be the first of its kind in our area.” As well as local people, the audience of 43 included those who travelled from Huddersfield, Leeds, York, Sheffield and Lincoln. Presiding over the evening was SNU South Yorkshire District Council president Minister June English, accompanied by her husband Don. They said it was a unique experience for them to connect and pass on messages with the aid of British Sign Language. This was provided by BSL communicator Helen Riley.
New Spiritualist sanctuary for Scotland Make sure your diaries are clear for Sunday 12th August so you can attend the opening of Scotland’s latest Spiritualist meeting place. The Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary is the brainchild of medium Elizabeth Halliday, member of the SNU since 1998 and of the Glasgow Association for almost 30 years. Milngavie town is in East Dunbartonshire, at the northwestern edge of Greater Glasgow. “There is a great need for a Spiritualist sanctuary in this area,” Elizabeth told Psychic News. The Sanctuary will open its doors every Sunday at 1.15pm and a Divine Service will start at 1.45pm. Double suicide at Spiritualist camp Two people were found dead in a house at Florida’s Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp on 15th July. No foul play is suspected. “A woman and her adult son are dead by their own hands,” reported the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the house in the evening, in response to a request for a well-being check. Neighbours had not seen the residents since 11th July. Their car had not been moved and the rubbish had not been emptied.
Is science catching up with intuitive animals?
If you’ve shared your life with a pet, chances are you’ll know very well how psychic and intuitive animals can be. Now it seems that science may be catching up with the idea, as Angela Redditch found out when she attended a talk by veterinary surgeon Dr Jenny Remfry. Read on... Many people have paranormal experiences; they can talk about them. Many of those who listen to their anecdotes would be willing to believe what they hear: just as many would be very sceptical: a third contingent would be undecided. But how about animals? Some animals seem to be able to predict their owners’ comings and goings without obvious tell-tale signals. Some seem to be able to predict earthquakes. True, or not? Dr Jenny Remfry tackled this intriguing topic at a recent meeting of the London branch of the Churches’ Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies (CFPSS).
THE WORK OF THE SNU TRUST
To many outside the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU), the SNU Trust is little known. It started life in 1926 under the name of the Building Fund Pool (BFP) and, according to those who were around soon after its creation, was set up to assist Spiritualist churches at a time when mainstream financial institutions were either unwilling, or decidedly reluctant, to grant mortgages or other loans to Spiritualist groups. Arguably, we now live in less prejudiced times and those from all religious groups are more likely to benefit from mainstream finance. With that in mind I asked the Trust’s chairman, John Blackwood, what specific benefits the Trust could offer its members.
CARRY ON CAMPING?
In the summer of 1875, the young English medium J.J. Morse, whilst visiting America, had the time of his life at Spiritualist camps, writes Leslie Price (pictured). There were demonstrations, lectures and fancy-dress parties, leading to “some comical and grotesque rencontres [encounters]” . According to Pat Deveney, in his new history of the camps, “The use of French by an English-speaking Victorian is a sure indication that something risqué was intended”(p31). And indeed Morse was so carried away he even proposed a resolution at one camp in support of free love, which was difficult to explain back home! Pat Deveney is the biographer of the medium Paschal Beverley Randolph (1997) and has a mastery of both American and British early psychic newspapers. He was also the first person to realise that Emma Hardinge Britten gave conflicting accounts of her early life in different interviews.
Both Worlds
by Susan Bond with Barbara Grant Ten-year-old Susan awoke at 5am. It was still dark and she switched on the light to read, hoping it would help her sleep again. Unable to concentrate, she just lay back with her thoughts. Suddenly, she was in the room no longer. She was on a bench beside a lake that she recognised, from a rare day trip, as Virginia Water. A car pulled up, and by the moon’s light she saw three men get out. They dragged an old, rolled-up carpet from the boot down to the lakeside and along the shore. Then they heaved it into the water where it slowly sank. The men raced back to the car and sped off.
A young man, Steven Levett came forward. Gordon quickly realised that he was interested not in receiving messages, but in learning how to develop mediumship for himself. Although he had seen clairvoyantly and subsequently sat for development, he had been taught badly. He expected to be presented with all sorts of images and sensations – the ‘messages’ that would demonstrate his gift...
Has psychic portraitist mystery been solved?
They showed his late mother’s three spirit workers, a Chinese gentleman (pictured right), a German Sister of Mercy and an American Indian. The portraits were dated March 1954, and said to be the work of “Cedric and Maurice”. One response came from Edward Parker of Eastbourne, who says: “I too have a collection of paintings by a similar artist – The Nun, The Priest, The American Indian, The Chinaman, The Egyptian and The Young Girl. “They were left to me about ten years ago by Ivy Gibbs, a well known Seaford medium. I understand they were painted by a French artist named Marcel while in trance...
Independent spiritual centre in Hatfield Medium Linda Wainwright, from Welwyn Garden City, has written to tell us about New Light, an independent spiritual centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. This is a Friday evening group which Linda not only attends regularly, but serves as a medium twice a year, and for two evenings of private readings. “For the rest of the year I just go to enjoy the company of friends, and to meet and see other mediums work,” she says. “Everyone is welcome and well received, and they enjoy an evening with like-minded people.”
The 2012 White Feather Gathering
There is surely something for everyone in this year’s line-up of speakers and demonstrators: Robert Goodwin (trance mediumship demonstration), Anthony John (Tibetan sound healing), Jaqui Worrall (aura photographs), Pam Brittan (mediumship), Di Merrick (animal healing) and Jill Cooper (Reiki). The entrance cost of £75 includes a three-course meal, tea/coffee, cold drinks and access to all demonstrations. The day starts at 9am and finishes at 5pm...
Prince Charles was right – plants can communicate
The Mail Online reports that “research has revealed how plants talk by modifying a cabbage gene which triggers the production of a gas emitted when a plant’s surface is cut or pierced”. The protein luciferase, which causes glow worms, lightning bugs and deep-sea shrimps to glow in the dark, was added to the plant’s DNA so that any emissions could be viewed on camera...
Paradise in Dudley
The group was founded 30 years ago by Moreen Walsgrove, and was known as Dudley & Great Bridge Spiritualist Church. Meetings were at Dudley Library. President Sebra Whittle has updated its history for Psychic News. In 2010 two local Spiritualist groups who held their meetings at the library decided to work together...
Will biblical secrets be revealed?
Thomson claims these can relate to the most controversial woman in religious history – Mary Magdalene. Temple Church, the site in question, is owned by English Heritage. Thomson has spent the last eighteen months in Bristol, researching places of faith. He believes 2,000-year-old artefacts relating to the beginnings of Christianity are buried within the grounds of Temple Church, in particular, evidence of the woman known as Mary Magdalene...
Florida church has a British seaside link
It lies about 20 miles west of the City of Orlando, Florida, an area well known for the tourist attractions of Disney World and Universal Studios. But it isn’t all entertainment. The district also caters for followers of a variety of religions, among them Baptists and Spiritualists. Kissimmee’s Church of Spiritual Awakening offers services, healing and a full programme for local people and visitors, the latter always finding a great welcome when they include the church in their tour...
Choose your meditation wisely
Advice is at hand. A new study suggests they may be using a method which is simply unsuitable for them as individuals. They should select a method that makes them feel comfortable, rather than choose a technique merely because it is popular. “Because of the increase in both general and clinical use of meditation, you want to make sure you’re finding the right method,” says study author Adam Burke...
Leicester looks at its Spiritualist history Although local newspapers cherish their archives, they seldom publicise their Spiritualist church when looking back at past events. Not so with the Leicester Mercury. In a ‘50 Years Ago’ article on Friday 29th June it celebrated the Golden Anniversary of Leicester Progressive Spiritualist Church, which moved to its current premises in 1962, as the Mercury recalled...
The view through a newcomer’s eyes
Call them what you will, the openings, revelations and messages just kept coming during my week of learning about Spiritualism at Arthur Findlay College. When the tutor introduced the subject of Colour, and its relevance to the spirit world, I was instantly reminded of a vivid dream. This dream occurred long before any thoughts of Spiritualism were even a twinkle in my mind’s eye. In the dream, I was visited by a wise and gentle figure who I immediately thought of as my ‘companion’. I did not exactly see my companion, as he stayed by my side throughout, but somehow I knew that he was male, and dressed in a long white robe. Behind the calm gentleness of his demeanour, I also sensed a huge energy which was ‘reined in’ to leave a tremor in the air, like an electrical charge...
A husband's tale Basil Brown shares the story of his beloved wife’s passing and subsequent return DUBLIN 12 April 1927: a baby was born in 97 Lower Baggot Street and christened Basil Brown. Family moved to London. Parents divorced in 1937 and Basil grew up a lonely fellow. On 22 April 1929 a baby was born in Paignton. Christened Jean Iris Martin. She grew up a very loving soul, and her life purpose was to spread love to others and to find her own voice. In her teens she looked after her mother who was slowly dying of TB, and she loved all animals, birds, nature, and especially leaves...
Sensing Spirit with Colin Fry Billy Roberts reports on Colin Fry’s recent visit to Cornwall as part of his Higher Senses tour
Although our paths have crossed many times over the last 25 years or so, I had only ever seen Colin Fry demonstrate his mediumship on television. And knowing just how such programmes are edited, when I saw that he was appearing at the Hall for Cornwall, Truro, my wife Dolly and I decided to go along to see him. I really do have to admit to being a little more than surprised at the spectacular demonstration he gave, showing beyond a shadow of doubt that he surely must be one of the best exponents of stage mediumship today. In fact, in my opinion his television programme does not in any way do Colin justice. He is entertaining, amusing, and as well as relaying one accurate message after another to members of the audience, his stage-craft, delivery and audience control show him to be one of the UK’s leading ambassadors for Spiritualism...
SWA keeps it professional
As previously reported in PN, the new BTEC level 3 advanced award is the first ever nationally recognised qualification for spiritual workers. It is backed by Edexcel, part of Pearson, the UK’s largest awarding organisation, and will be recognised across the UK. Simon Curwood of the SWA told PN: “The qualification does not teach one how to be spiritual but teaches spiritual people who want to work in the community (i.e. spiritual workers), how to do so in a manner that is professional as a business, and understanding their roles and responsibilities under UK law...
JOURNEY INTO THE LIGHT A review by Graham Jennings
We are all spiritual beings having a physical experience. When it ends, in what the world calls ‘death’, we know that our guides and loved ones will be there to meet us. Sadly, there are many who have no inkling of a more subtle existence and think that physical life is all there is. These earthbound entities find they can still move around and visit their old haunts. Their guides, of course, are ready to help, but they can only do so if those individuals are ready to be helped...
Congratulations and Jubilee...tions by David Hopkins
The reason for this outpouring of spontaneous gaiety was not, I must confess, my latest piece of writing for PN but something far more momentous – the journey of the Olympic torch, passing through Devon on the second day of its journey across the UK...
Both the Daily Mail and the South Wales Argus gave detailed accounts of the case. Lang (pictured) was finally found guilty at Newport Crown Court of twelve charges of causing women to engage in sexual activity without consent – in one case telling a victim to “perform like a porn star”.
Hadley: new revelations
A statement in the accounts booklet circulated to SNU members in advance of their July AGM reads: Post Balance Sheet Events On 13th April 2012 Mr A Hadley, a trustee, tendered his resignation following a Finance Committee meeting. Through its professional advisors the Union has sought guidance and conducted a full investigation of events leading up to the resignation. The Union has made a serious incident report to the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Registrar. Following professional advice the trustees consider that these events will not have any material effect on the 2011 accounts...
Explore, sample and enjoy Letchworth Festival
That was the open invitation to a Charity Open Afternoon hosted by Letchworth Spiritual Centre on 9th June. Featured as part of the Letchworth Festival, the event proved to be a great success and raised £620 for the local Garden House Hospice. For many people it was not only their first visit to the Grade II listed Vasanta Hall, but their first introduction to Spiritualism... Rose garden honours pioneers
This was officially dedicated to them by SNU president David Bruton, who also unveiled a plaque commemorating the occasion. After a meal prepared by the church social convenor Jennifer Barnett and helpers, David cut the birthday cake and, in his speech, praised the church for its memorial plaques honouring past presidents, and for preserving the historic photograph albums dating back to the laying of the building’s first brick in 1954 to the present day...
Dynamic duo bring comfort and proof of life after death to the bereaved
Young Steve rushed into his mother’s bedroom to tell her what had happened, learning later that his grandfather had passed away at 3.55am. For whatever reason, Steve’s mother made him promise never to mention the incident to anyone. Now the secrecy is unnecessary, and Steve shares his psychic gifts with a wide public. During a recent visit to Hull, he told the Hull & East Riding Mail how his mediumship developed...
Diamonds, bunting and the AFC’s best-kept secret
The demonstration, which formed part of the regular Wednesday evening service, was given to a near-full congregation in the college sanctuary as part of the annual Senior Citizens’ Week organised by the SNU’s Fund of Benevolence whose chairman is SNU honorary president Eric Hatton. Paul has been in development for many years but, under the guidance of Doreen Elston, a wise and experienced teacher now in her eighties, was not allowed to step onto a platform until he knew how to do his job properly...
Controversial book was channelled from author’s wife New Zealand psychotherapist and neurotherapist Desmond Long has produced what is said to be the first scientifically validated exploration of the after-death state. Through the eyes of a dying woman it examines minute by minute the process of detaching from the physical, then finding the breathtaking vistas beyond. Naturally, such a controversial book has been described in a variety of ways, but perhaps one statement sums it up. “A Pandora’s Box. Its contents are variously appalling, inspiring and beautiful, because no question exists for which an answer is not available. This Pandora’s Box can never be closed.”
Lisa Williams ordained British-born medium and author is now a minister with The Universal Life Church As well as being noted for her mediumship, Lisa is an international speaker, author and teacher. The Universal Life Church World Headquarters of Carabelle, Florida, announced her ordination by presiding bishop, Brother Michael. Lisa is now officially known as the Rev Dr Lisa Williams, DD. “I have had many life-changing experiences from which I have realised that my calling in life was to help others and to change lives,” Lisa states on her website...
Protecting the public and instilling confidence
When and for what reason(s) was UK Healers set up? In 2000 the House of Lords’ Science and Technology Select Committee produced a paper (the Sixth Report) that called for a number of complementary health therapies to introduce voluntary self-regulation for their practitioners. Healing was on this list...
The view through a newcomer’s eyes
A published writer, Christine is a relative newcomer to Spiritualism, approaching the subject with fresh eyes. In sharing her experiences and impressions with PN via this third in her series of articles, she hopes that some of her reflections “may strike a chord with readers and assist them in their own spiritual journey”.
PN Survey Results
We asked – you told us! Many thanks to the hundreds of you who took the time to respond to our 2012 Readers’ Survey. We received completed questionnaires from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Spain, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and India. Your answers have been frank and revealing. They’ve also brought some surprises – not least the fact that although 84 per cent of those who responded regard themselves as Spiritualists, a staggering 77 per cent do not regard Spiritualism as a religion. The vast majority see it as a way of life. If this statistic is reflected nationally and internationally, the implications for Spiritualist churches and centres are potentially far-reaching...
Beyond Reasonable Doubt A book review by Graham Jennings
With both parents and a grandfather being either Spiritualist ministers, mediums or speakers, the author says it was in his DNA to work for spirit. After nearly seventy years of study, development and mediumship, he has naturally acquired a wealth of knowledge which he presents here...
The Joy of Spiritualism by David Hopkins
For my dad the subject arose when he found out that folks he knew well and respected were Spiritualists. Eventually he was persuaded and went to their church, sitting as near to the door as possible – just in case...
“The Big Book of Reincarnation is a 300-page in-depth exploration of rebirth covering everything from early beliefs through to the latest and best-documented cases,” says Roy on his website www.paranormalreview.com...
Undershaw Saved Cheers all round as long battle to save Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s home succeeds
It has been a long hard struggle to save Undershaw, the Grade II listed home Conan Doyle designed for himself and his family in 1897, and where he lived for ten years. While in residence the author wrote thirteen Sherlock Holmes stories, including what is perhaps his most famous work, The Hound of the Baskervilles...
Leicester Progressive members develop their listening skills
Peter Keeffe, a college tutor and also a church member, explained that the short course was organised and delivered by the Adult and Community Education Faculty as part of the college’s community outreach and development...
New minister for Portland Street church
An ordained minister with the Association of Universal Healers and Spiritualists (AUHS), Glenys is also their deputy president. The organisation was started in Gateshead some 20 years ago by the Rev Stewart Robertson and his wife Christine, using the front room of their home for services and healing. Today, as a healing association, it has 200 members and is growing rapidly...
Author needs your help
He intends to feature psychic portraits of relatives and friends, together with comparable photographs and details of any messages received with the artwork or at a later date – perhaps even through a different medium...
Help needed – do you recognise psychic artist’s work?
John explains: “The lady was a German Sister of Mercy, the Chinese gentleman was a helper and the Indian was her guide.
Centenary celebrations at Castleford
A microphone and loop system had been installed, and a new carpet laid, ready for the great day. Special guests were SNU president David Bruton and vice-president (spiritual), Minister Judith Seaman, both of whom led the service...
True Spiritualism prevails as victim and family forgive driver The family of a Spiritualist pensioner who died after being hit by a new driver while on her way to church, say they bear the driver “no ill will”. Motorist Lee Harrison, 23, did not see 88-year-old Margaret Cowen as she crossed Stockton Road, Sunderland, on her way to a church service in June, 2011. Mr Harrison, who had passed his driving test just six weeks before the accident, had access to his stepfather’s car for a fortnight...
Wilton’s two-cake anniversary
The second anniversary celebrated the move 50 years ago from rented premises in Greencroft Street to the former Wilton Workhouse Chapel in 1962, when it was re-named The Chapel of Light...
MEDIUM RARE - The psychic life of Ena Twigg
Ena was taken with acute appendicitis into a Floriana hospital, in Malta, where Harry’s ship had docked. During an operation she “floated” out of her body and looked down at it as the doctors carried out the surgery. She should have made a normal recovery; instead her condition worsened. No one knew what was wrong with her. The doctors told her to pull herself together. She tried, but it was impossible. She felt sapped of her energy, rapidly lost weight, her glands and heart were affected...
For and against REINCARNATION
Here, Roy Stemman and Leslie Price get stuck into the thorny issue of reincarnation. To have your say on this subject, post a comment or write to the Letters pages... Ask a medium
Dear Colin, Please forgive my ignorance. I have been very interested in Spiritualism since shortly after my mother died, in 1983. I was 19 at the time (now 49). I have found learning about Spiritualism to be a long road, where I have sometimes drifted away, then come back again. I now have an overwhelming need to find and work with my spirit guide, and wondered how to start?
The unique Brighton National Spiritualist Church
Church secretary Michelle Lieberman asks, “Is this a record?” and suggests the reason for the long-stayers is that the church is unique, and “once you’re here you just don’t want to leave.” Michelle has been secretary for 14 years, and the current president, Joan Bygrave, LSSNU, has occupied the presidential position for 20 years...
Get ready for the year 2117! by David Hopkins
So – what is or was this event? The transit of Venus (pictured below) was what got scientists across the globe in a high state of anxiety and excitement. Here, it seems, was an amazing opportunity to extend our knowledge of the solar system and indeed of the universe itself, opening doors to greater understanding of how we all got started, where it began and where we might be headed...
What’s in a name? Multiple naming ceremony for Mansfield Spiritualists
Rare spirit wax moulds explained in new booklet
MEDIUM RARE - The psychic life of Ena Twigg
Charitable work continues as centre celebrates 6th anniversary
The view through a newcomer’s eyes
Our today shapes our tomorrow
It is sad, I feel, that some of the demonstrators on Spiritualist church platforms are so convinced of their competence that they are unwilling to face up to constructive criticism offered with good intention to help improve their performance. We have had a problem for many years now, but with accelerating frequency, with inexperienced and insensitive people managing circles for the development of mediumship...
A Path Prepared – The Story of Isa Northage A book review by Graham Jennings
Shirley Homewood, president of West Wickham Spiritualist Church, sent PN an example of the work of Debbie Dean from Crawley (pictured), who visited West Wickham on 7th March. The recipient of the portrait and accompanying messages was Shirley’s friend Kath Smith. Debbie told her “the blood test will be OK,” not knowing Kath had had a test that morning. Debbie also said that Kath’s late husband Fred (Frederick Harvey Smith) was with her, had his hands either side of her face and was kissing her. Debbie did not know the cause of his passing, but mentioned “a pain in his head”. Fred had fallen in the bath and bruised his head.
Having the power to bring police in for questioning
Mr Alan Power (left) seeks permission to circulate a questionnaire to their police stations to ascertain police knowledge of the law in relation to psychics, and relevant Acts of Parliament. As previously reported in Psychic News, Mr Power, of Birkenhead, was dismissed from his job in 2008, and firmly believes the reason was his interest in psychic and spiritual matters. An employment tribunal in 2009 rejected his claim for unfair dismissal, and the judge dismissed the case at a further employment tribunal in April 2011...
Spiritualist given bravery awards for fighting off armed attacker A West Midlands Spiritualist has won two police awards for bravery.
Sonya Pugh, of Stourbridge Spiritualist Church, didn’t hesitate to rush to the aid of a teenager who was being attacked. What makes her courageous actions all the more remarkable is the fact that Sonya suffers from the painful and debilitating disease Fibromyalgia and now walks with the aid of crutches. Sonya, 41, told PN editor Sue Farrow that she felt no pride in receiving the award. “I honestly don’t, because I didn’t even think about what I did. I dropped my children off at school as I do every morning and watched them go through the gates. I parked my car and saw a young gentleman who looked like he was hitting a young girl who goes to the school. She had a school uniform on.” Sonya subsequently discovered that the girl was fourteen years old...
Belper’s anniversary at the Jubilee
On this special occasion an anniversary service will be held on Sunday, 24th June at 3pm, when the church will be re-dedicated by SNU president, David Bruton. President Mrs Joan Sladden, the committee and members have declared their intention to maintain the heritage and enthusiasm of the church’s founders. A history of the development of Spiritualism in Belper has been traced by David Morgan...
Clairvoyance, Compassion and Congregations Anji Wylde on the vital importance of compassion in mediumship, and why “the medium will always be the organ grinder and not the monkey”.
I’m sure most of us would agree that the cornerstone of Spiritualism is spirit communication. Without it, Spiritualism would be only a faith and not the incredible truth we share as Spiritualists. Clairvoyance, along with other mediumistic faculties, offers comforting knowledge to those who seek to bridge the gap, however briefly, between this world and the next. Mediumship in our churches and centres provides much-needed healing for the bereaved, and is generally the reason why people are drawn to what I believe is the most miraculous phenomenon imaginable...
The view through a newcomer’s eyes
A published writer, Christine is a relative newcomer to Spiritualism, approaching the subject with fresh eyes. In sharing her experiences and impressions with PN via a series of articles, she hopes that some of her reflections “may strike a chord with readers and assist them in their own spiritual journey”. After a public demonstration at my local Spiritualist church, I overheard two women talking. It had been an excellent evening, they agreed; the medium was really good. Then one woman screwed up her face, cast a disparaging look around and added “but I don’t agree with the religion”.
W.T. Stead
A dizzying whirl of a working life: pioneering innovative journalist, passionate reforming campaigner against major injustices, pacifist, energetic advocate of the rights of women, founder, publisher and editor of newspapers and magazines, promoter of Esperanto as an international language, compassionate helper of the bereaved, zealot to inform and educate the widest possible readership across all social classes. A man so wholeheartedly active in so many fields that he seems – from the distance of a century – to have been living several different lifetimes all at once. So, who was this unstoppable arch-communicator?
Psychic News Spiritualist of the year
The Spiritualist movement is full of amazing people. Outstanding orators, healers, mediums, teachers, circle leaders, church and centre members – all sorts of dedicated people who go the extra mile for Spiritualism, whatever the cost to themselves. Every year for decades Psychic News recognised the achievements of women and men who, in one way or another, had enhanced the progress and profile of Spiritualism by their dedication and the quality of their work...
Sandy Ingham's Psychic Art
Before telling my story I would like to give you some background on my very special dad. I am the eldest of five children. Two of my brothers have special needs. My parents also fostered children for over thirty years, giving more than one hundred youngsters the opportunity to come into our loving family home. My dad treated each and every one of them as his own, and years after leaving my parents’ care they continued to visit, bringing updates on their progress. My dad was hardworking and ensured that we had the best of everything, including college, helping to shape the future for us. He was at his happiest when he had his family around him...
Questions answered through trance medium in West Yorkshire
He was accompanied by his circle leader Gerald O’Hara and circle members Margaret Hodge and Ayse Kukkulyu. Eric, who has been sitting for development for eighteen years, has a number of spirit guides, notably William and Lucy who both passed over as children. They introduced themselves and took metaphysical questions, following their answers with evidential personal messages.
Transcendence A book review by Graham Jennings
by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal ~ Paperback 303 pages ~ £12.99 ~ Hay House In 1955 the late Maharishi Mahesh Yogi set out on his mission to bring Transcendental Meditation (TM) to the world. The technique is thousands of years old and was taught to him by his master in the Himalayas. We are told that he afterwards extracted it from its religious context and “distilled it to its essence, which he believed could be of value to people of all creeds in many situations”...
David (pictured), who was 68, had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in February and underwent a course of radiotherapy to try to shrink it. He was nursed at home by Shelly, his wife of more than 45 years, and made his transition in the early hours of 25th April. Shelly and the couple’s two children, Paul and Melanie, were at his bedside. David was a third generation medium, grandson of Rose Phillips and son of the internationally renowned Jessie Nason, the first medium ever to demonstrate proof of survival on television...
First ever state-sanctioned professional
The brand new BTEC level 3 Advanced Award in Business Management of Spiritualistic Services is the brainchild of Simon Curwood, Operations Manager of the Spiritual Workers Association. Simon told Psychic News that he and SWA office manager Miranda Curwood had been delighted to receive confirmation of the new BTEC course three weeks ago...
Father still speaks to tragic Amy
Mitch Winehouse, devastated when his 27-year-old daughter died of alcohol poisoning in July last year, says he is still in contact with her, and she is delighted with her family’s efforts to help others through the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which they set up in her memory. Mr Winehouse made the announcement in New York, at the launch of the US branch of the Foundation. Also present were Amy’s mother Janis and younger brother Alex...
World’s largest shared acupuncture experience is held in New York
A recent experiment in New York has changed all that, as Meryl Davids Landau explained in The Huffington Post. She received an invitation to “the world’s largest shared acupuncture experience.” It was to be held in a Miami hotel ballroom, and was sponsored by a top medical school. “I knew I was in for something deep when I entered the room,” wrote Ms Landau. “Only as I was lying on the floor next to 185 other participants – needles stuck in all our arms and legs – did I understand it was actually more of a spiritual happening...
Trance mediumship demonstration available for all on DVD
Michael Courtney-Hunt, of Peterborough, has been promoting this facility for some years, graduating from basic recording equipment to the very latest. “I originally started off in 1998,” he told Psychic News. “Together with close friend Neil Stroud I formed ‘Spiritsinc’. I was then using two video recorders from which I produced video tapes. I then moved on to computers to edit later productions which are now on DVD.” There were two reasons for launching this idea. “One was to bring comfort to those who had lost loved ones,” explained Michael. “The other was simply to find answers relating to the reasons for our existence, and to pass on this information."
Co-founder of German spiritual college passes
Tina, the German wife of British medium John Olford, made her transition on 10th March following a long battle with cancer. Medium Robin Winbow, a long-time friend and colleague of Tina and John, told Psychic News: “They were co-workers for spirit, creating their own spiritual teaching college. It is sad to see them separated, for they were so close in their spiritual and material union. I am glad that I went over and was there with them...
Community spirit at Southport Unitarian/Spiritualist Church
Formerly known as Pathways Spiritual Centre, the group is now named Portland Street Spiritualist Church. It has been an independent Spiritualist church since 2011. Officers of the church have expressed the warmest thanks to their “wonderful congregation” who helped to decorate and furnish the building. It has been very much a community effort by individuals and groups, who have not only donated furnishings and money but also their time, in order to create an up-to-date comfortable environment...
PN and horses to the fore as medium packs Spiritualist church Peter Keeffe reports on some “stunning mediumship” at Leicester Progressive Spiritualist Church and Training Centre. Psychic News was to the fore at Leicester progressive Spiritualist Church and training Centre recently when medium Nicky Alan demonstrated stunning mediumship and brought moving evidence to a packed church. Our favourite Spiritualist paper was featured on the ticket desk and on a stand in the body of the hall attracting first time buyers and one or two returning readers. We asked a selection of folk who bought the paper what their first impressions were and everyone who bought a copy commented favourably on the colourful layout and attractive content of the new look PN... Church and Training Centre president Marian Sawczuk, who chaired the Saturday evening 28th April meeting, introduced the medium, saying: “How can we describe Nicky Alan? Very gifted, down to earth – comical and full of fun! Nicky was an enormous success when she visited us last year and we have been eagerly waiting for this return visit. Nicky works with huge names such as Colin Fry and demonstrates and teaches all over the UK and on television.”
At one with Matisse
Reading a recent issue of the Scottish Society for Psychical Research (SSPR) magazine I came upon Roy Stemman’s article ‘A Vincent van Gogh Now Adorns My Wall’ which reminded me of an experience I had when I was fifteen or sixteen. Roy’s article reports how the Brazilian medium, Florencio Anton, has been producing works by deceased painters such as Renoir, Picasso, Modigliani, Miro, and van Gogh, and using these works to raise funds for a school for the poor belonging to a Spiritist group...
Devon Spiritualist School
Here, she shares her huge enthusiasm for the lively and innovative spring seminars run by the Devon Spiritualist School. Sun-kissed or windswept, the mood cannot be dampened at the Devon Spiritualist School. High on the cliff edge at Babbacombe, in Torquay, with panoramic views as far as the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis and Portland, stands an elegant hotel reminiscent of the days of Victorian ladies descending upon Torbay to take the waters...
Metaphysical You ~ The Aura by Billy roberts The word ‘aura’ is frequently used with little or no knowledge of its true meaning, when, for instance, we say that someone has “an aura of calmness” about them, or that a house has “an aura of warmth”. But as the majority who read this will probably know, the word ‘aura’ is far more than a descriptive term; it is now a scientific as well as a metaphysical fact, and with the use of modern sophisticated devices can even be photographed, scanned and monitored. Although mediums frequently speak of the aura with some authority, there is little doubt that what the majority are actually seeing is only a minute part of an even greater whole. The aura is quite extensive and radiates beyond the parameters of the visible spectrum. But what is this metaphysical phenomenon that has mystified us for thousands of years?
Where do I stand on Christianity? by David Hopkins As a Spiritualist, I am often asked where I stand on a range of issues. Living in what is historically a Christian country, my views on Jesus and Christianity are sometimes sought. As with all matters, I give those views without claiming that they represent all who call themselves Spiritualists. To remind you of the First World War story about the message that went back from the front: ‘Send reinforcements – we are going to advance,’ which turned into: ‘Send three-and-fourpence – we are going to a dance’ by the time it reached HQ. Then think of games of Chinese Whispers and the fun we had when a simple statement was whispered amongst a group, ending up nothing like how it started.
A personal experience of spiritual healing: by PN reader Richard Marshall
In 1990 I had an accident at work that culminated in a back injury as well as sciatica, both extremely painful conditions. My wife and I went along to the Mind Body and Soul Exhibition in London. There was an array of different therapies on offer. The National Federation of Spiritual Healers had a stand, and I was in so much pain that I was willing to try anything at that point...
Andrew Hadley, controversial chairman of the Arthur Findlay College, has resigned. Or has he? writes Sue Farrow. A statement posted on the SNU website on Friday 13th April 2012 reads:
Former mining town is a magnet for mysticism
Stanley, as the local Evening Chronicle describes it – “built on grit, sweat and the blackened brows of men down the pit” – is becoming a magnet for mysticism. As well as a Spiritualist church there are dream workshops, astrology and tarot card readings, dream interpretations, and psychic workshops. One shop, Cauldron of Destiny, provides all this plus astrology advice, and the Chinese art of I Ching. There is also a mystic reference library. Cauldron of Destiny shares its premises with the local hardware shop. Owner Rikki Blythe, 47, from nearby Catchgate, said: “We want people to know there are many people interested in mysticism and Spiritualism, and are finding their path...
Still going strong after two major earthquakes and 8,000 aftershocks
A recent message from Minister Phyllis Fleming conveys the good news that despite all adversities the church is very much alive and well. She writes: “We have been lucky to have one of the few remaining churches still standing. Although we have damaged walls and floor, we are still able to conduct our services each Sunday...
Conan Doyle and Houdini correspondence goes on show
The museum, in Charleston, USA, is housed in an old Methodist church. It is home to a series of manuscripts from the private collection of real-estate magnates David and Marsh Karpeles. Admission is free. The glass cases, edged around the pews and pulpit, contain exhibits ranging from pages from Roget’s original Thesaurus to Sir Ernest Shackleton’s sketched map of the Antarctic...
Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary travels north to Southport
Toni Jode (left), Healing Services Manager at Burrows Lea, reports the success of a Regional Healing Day at Southport Spiritualist Church. “This church has been dedicated to Spiritualism for over a century, and proved to be the ideal venue,” she said. “The aim of our Regional Healing Days is to provide an opportunity for those who write to us for distant healing, and cannot visit the Sanctuary for healing from Harry Edwards Registered Healers...
Silver Birch’s real name revealed in new booklet
But what do we actually know about the legendary guide, who communicated such profound and beautiful philosophical teachings through the trance mediumship of Psychic News founding editor Maurice Barbanell? One thing we do know is that Barbanell was a decidedly reluctant trance medium. “I was not keen on the trance condition,” he wrote, “probably through my vanity in wanting to know what was said and done through my bodily mechanism.” Tutor offers a culinary job with spiritual prospects
Sheila French was a Sunday School teacher until she was 21. She first heard of Spiritualism when her mother-in-law sought healing while suffering from Motor Neurone disease, a terminal illness. She had a Spiritualist funeral, after which Sheila decided to join a circle. This was followed by the beginning of her development at the College, immediately after the passing of Gordon Higginson...
British medium to take a spiritual look at historical places
The Aegis Film Group seeks answers to a series of questions asked for generations, such as Where is the Ark of the Covenant buried? Where is the true final resting place of Mary? Where is the final resting place of her son Jesus? What was it like in the final hours of Pompeii? What did Nostradamus really want to know? In its advance publicity for the series, Aegis Film Group says, “Dead History takes a page from time itself and marries it with an intriguing twist – the psychic. With this pairing of history and present-day psychic interpretation, we hope to present historical events through re-creation, current investigation and in-depth analysis, and in the process perhaps uncover the truth behind events surrounding historical mysteries.”
Ask a medium Colin Fry answers your questions on aspects of mediumship
Dear Colin, My wife is a working medium and sat in a development circle for many years before starting to work on platforms. She has always seen spirit, but a few months ago she started to hear things clairaudiently. This is great, but she says the communications are very faint and usually just a few words. Could you advise her about the best way to develop this gift that has come in? Best wishes, Derek How many of us calling ourselves Spiritualists, and criticising the quality of many of today’s mediums, really think about the true meaning of Spiritualism and being a Spiritualist? Have we stopped to ask ourselves why, after over 150 years, relatively few people take us seriously or have any respect for the movement? Is it perhaps that so many calling themselves Spiritualists have their attention focused on the theatrical aspect of Spiritualism?
Is There Anybody There? A book review by Graham Jennings
It is not only humans who are met at the time of physical death by friends and loved ones. Medium Bryan Gibson (pictured) recalls how he once came to a lady in his local church to tell her that her father in spirit had a cat with him. “Yes,” she said. “It only died one hour ago, just before we came to church. It was run over.” “The lady’s father,” writes Bryan, “assured her it was okay, and then described a tabby cat, which was apparently another cat which had disappeared at the same time. The lovely lady had lost two cats in the previous hour, but her father did his best to reassure her that they were all right, telling her that the one with him was well and purring in spirit.”
Dowsing and your intuitive potential
One psychic skill that has gained a level of acceptance is dowsing. In addition to its use by many farmers to find water, especially in Australia, dowsers around the world have received substantial payments for successfully finding valuable ore and oil deposits...
What a difference a day makes... by David Hopkins
What a difference a day makes…says the song. To remain topical I thought it interesting to take news stories on one day and look at them in the light of Spiritualist philosophy. I have chosen Tuesday 17th April 2012, for no reason other than it was the day I began this article. It was the second day of the trial of Anders Behring Breivik. What an appalling series of events we saw unfolding last July. A bomb exploding, killing eight in Oslo, seemed bad enough, but then we had thrust into our vision pictures of those sixty-nine people being massacred unmercifully by a cold-blooded killer – like the horror films or violent computer games so popular with many young men...
The meaning of a Spiritualist life by Frederick Kenward How many of us calling ourselves Spiritualists, and criticising the quality of many of today’s mediums, really think about the true meaning of Spiritualism and being a Spiritualist? Have we stopped to ask ourselves why, after over 150 years, relatively few people take us seriously or have any respect for the movement? Is it perhaps that so many calling themselves Spiritualists have their attention focused on the theatrical aspect of Spiritualism?
“Just as Spiritualism was on the cutting edge working towards the abolition of slavery in the 1850s, and embraced women and women’s rights at a time when society was fighting issues of equality with a vengeance, so does Spiritualism today embrace those searching honestly and purely for their own spiritual truth and place in society – regardless of their sexual orientation. So says Todd Jay Leonard, a full-professor at Fukuoka University of Education, Japan, where he is a faculty member in the Department of Education. His observations appear in his paper, “Messages From Heaven” published in the 2012 Annual Proceedings of the Association for the Scientific Study of Religion – Southwest (ASSR-SWI)...
Widow reveals war hero’s spirit messages
Now Christina (pictured above) has written a book about their life together which reveals a new dimension to the story: spirit messages from Oz have convinced her that he is still very much with her...
Remembering one of Titanic’s most famous victims
Stead was one of the 1,514 passengers and crew who perished after the giant “unsinkable” liner hit an iceberg. His death made headlines around the world. As well as being an eminent Spiritualist, he was also an editor and pioneer of investigative journalism. Memorials to Stead were erected on London’s Victoria Embankment and in New York’s Central Park...
Plenty to celebrate on anniversary of Hydesville
It’s hard to believe, looking at the line-up of smiling faces, that a month earlier the SNU closed the church in response to a request from its committee. Declining attendance at the church, which has been in existence for over two decades, was said to be the main reason...
Magazine pays tribute to Lodge’s ‘Spiritual Grandmother’
By the time she completed her earthly life, on 7th September, 2011, having held many positions of responsibility within the White Eagle Lodge – including being its first general secretary – she had become its “Spiritual Grandmother”. Her passing was referred to in our feature, “The Way of the White Eagle Lodge” (Psychic News, 31st December 2011, Issue 4068). Her life has now been celebrated in the pages of Stella Polaris, the Lodge’s magazine which she edited for more than four decades...
Dalai Lama wins top award
Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, who describes himself as “nothing more than a simple Buddhist monk”, is the second Templeton Prize laureate to have also won the Nobel Peace Prize. The other recipient of both awards was Mother Teresa...
Oscar-winning actress is out on a limb at Downton Abbey
On her return, Shirley gave a telephone interview to Mark McLemore of Arizona Public Media while she was looking for a parking space in Los Angeles. She spoke about her live shows where she spills the beans by sharing her back-scene stories with film accompaniment...
Rise in demand for psychic advice
Elizabeth Fotinopoulos, a 64-year-old New York “seer”, boasts of her powers. “I run people’s lives,” she told the New York Post. “I run their marriages, help them make money. People have changed careers, left relationships or adopted children because I told them to do so.” Some even move home or change careers. George de la Pena, an actor, was told by Elizabeth to change direction and he accepted a post running a department at the University of Iowa in 2005. When psychic Maria Papapetros told Jane Greer, a 52-year-old marriage and family psychotherapist, that her husband needed immediate medical attention, the couple went to see a doctor. He was rushed into open-heart surgery, just in time...
Protecting spiritual standards
Do you find that there are still quite a few misconceptions and misunderstandings about the 2008 law? Very much so. There is an incredible amount of ignorance about it. In respect of mediumship generally or in respect of healing? Most people are either psychics, mediums or healers; they fit into one of those three categories which could then be broken down into 80-odd plus sub-categories. We like to call them spiritualistic workers, but whatever you want to call yourself – psychic, medium, healer – if you charge a fee or receive a donation you are classed as a trader and you take full responsibility, as does any other trader.
Through the tunnel… and back Martin Brofman, developer of the Body Mirror System of Healing, recalls the NDE that changed his life
I was told that I had to have an operation immediately, and that if I lived through the operation I might come out of it a quadriplegic. When I asked if I had time for a second opinion, I was told that if I coughed or sneezed at that time, I might die. Naturally, I agreed to have the operation in a few hours... When is a medium not a medium? Billy Roberts asks why preacher is allowed to give ‘messages’ on TV
The programme was obviously a psychological ploy designed to entice people to become devotees of the Billy Graham-style preacher and his London-based church. On conclusion of the preacher’s evangelical sermon, he began taking telephone calls from some of his followers, the majority of whom spoke concisely and very clearly, but were obviously in need of advice and spiritual guidance...
Six reasons why meditation appears so difficult By Meditation and Yoga Nidra adepts Ed and Deb Shapiro
It was a loud and annoying noise that continued – stopping and starting – while the owner did repair work. It reminded us how English church bells can ring all day and during meditation retreats we would often be confronted with the question: How do you stop the bell? Answer: Become the bell! An old monk in England once told us he was teaching next to a building site and a loud pneumatic drill started up. He said, “We had to become the drill”, for meditation is not about forcing the mind to be absolutely still. Rather, it’s a letting go of resistance to whatever arises. Listening to the noises outside or the incessant chatter in our head are just two of the many reasons why meditation can appear difficult or even challenging. We easily get bored if we do nothing for too long, even if it’s only 10 minutes, and even more so if we are unclear as to why we are doing it. But what is it about something as simple as sitting still and watching our breath that evokes panic, fear and even hostility?
Comments and views
As an individual, I believe I have a right to have views and express comment on any matter which interests me or about which I have concerns. I have never lived in South Africa and certainly did not while Nelson Mandela was in prison. Does that mean I cannot have views on apartheid? I have never murdered anyone or had links with anyone who has murdered or been murdered or links with any families involved, as far as I know. Does that mean I cannot discuss capital punishment? Have you ever been to the cinema or theatre and at the end expressed a view on how good the film or performance was? Could you only do that if you were a professional actor or otherwise associated with that profession? Clearly a silly idea. We all express views on all sorts of issues with which we do not necessarily have direct personal experience or knowledge...
A book review by Graham Jennings Less Incomplete by Sandie Gustus ~ Paperback 321 pages ~ O Books ~ £15.99 Was ever a book’s title so apparently uninspiring, yet so perfect in its description of the subject matter – a more evolved human? Everyone inhabits a physical body, an energy body, an astral body and a mental body. All are manifestations of individual consciousness, not just the physical. Yet most people still think the physical is all there is, which is why they are incomplete as consciousness human beings. The few, however, who learn how to utilise the extra-physical bodies become progressively, well Less Incomplete. Moreover, only by learning how to utilise these bodies can we begin to explore the multi-dimensional universe in which we live. To do this it is necessary to leave the physical body for a while...
Two-and-a-half million readers of The Sunday Times have been given an unprecedented insight into the workings of The Arthur Findlay College – and much of it is far from flattering. The feature by Katie Glass, headlined “Play mystic for me” (18 March, 2012), paints a picture of rather strange individuals seeking to develop mediumship, possibly attracted by the fact that “psychics are building business empires from speaking to the dead”. The journalist explains that she was at the Stansted college “training to become a professional medium”, having enrolled on “the Professional Mediumship Course, £440 for a week”...
Former AFC chairman no longer a Class B member
Duncan Gascoyne (pictured), Andrew Hadley’s predecessor as chairman of the Arthur Findlay College and also the Spiritualists’ National Union president for nine years, has not renewed his Class B membership of the Union. The fact that Gascoyne has ended his direct involvement with the Spiritualist organisation he ran for so long has led to much speculation among his former colleagues...
Survivors appear to be suffering from
Two weeks after the devastating killer wave had come and gone, there were the first reports of people being haunted by ghosts of those who had perished in the dual onslaught of earthquake and tsunami. One of those who experienced a haunting was a 36-year-old building contractor. Under the assumed name of Takeshi Ono he gave The Times reporter Richard Lloyd Parry an account of his experiences...
Sound Healing Journeys: Is this your last chance to catch popular overtone singer in the UK?
Multi-instrumentalist Rami, 36, (pictured) has been aware of the spirit world since he was a small boy. Later in life he learned to work with it through healing, meditation, mediumship, clairvoyance, sensitivity and trance. He has been devoted to making sounds and music since early childhood, and today travels extensively both performing and teaching overtone singing, Mongolian and Tuvan throat singing (Khoomi), didgeridoo, Tibetan singing bowls, gongs and Native American flutes...
Winifred Wilson - Some Reminiscences
During my pre-school days in Nottingham, my parents became interested in Spiritualism. A close friend, Mr McCaig, who had introduced the subject to them, passed on. One day I surprised my mother by walking into my parents’ lock-up shop, about a mile from the house we shared with my Christadelphian grandmother. Mother exclaimed, “Weren’t you afraid to come all this way alone?” To her amazement I replied, “No, I had Mr McCaig and all my dead people with me.”
Colin fights back at the Spiritualist critics
Colin Fry (left) is known to millions around the world through his televised demonstrations of mediumship. A Spiritualist from the age of fifteen, he has nevertheless sometimes been criticised by fellow Spiritualists for his TV work. Currently on a nationwide tour, he speaks frankly to PN editor Sue Farrow about his commitment to Spiritualism, his imminent ordination as a minister and his passion for revitalising today’s Spiritualist movement...
The Hydesville Debate - Has the Spiritualist movement failed?
by Leslie Price Modern Spiritualism officially began in March 1848. The Fox family in Hydesville, New York State, were troubled by unexplained raps. It was learned by means of a code that they came from a murdered peddler. Recently the Australian Spiritualist scholar Lis Warwood found a near-contemporary newspaper which named the peddler. She graciously permitted a reprint in the monthly journal Psypioneer in January 2012, whose editor Paul Gaunt had found an early book which gave a different name. Both names differ from the one used by the SNU, which derived from Emma Hardinge Britten. A fourth name appeared in a later American newspaper. In fact the peddler may not have existed outside a misleading message to the Fox family. If so, the man accused in the message of his murder had even more reason to be aggrieved. Fortunately over forty of his neighbours had promptly signed a testimonial affirming his innocence, and he was never charged...
Spring has sprung and what’s not to like?
We’re Spiritualists, part of the world’s most optimistic religion, science and philosophy. The daffodils are all out apart from those that Alice our cocker spaniel puppy sat on in the back garden. You can see how sorry she was from the photo below! And, if you’re lucky, the sun may well be shining while you read this. If it isn’t, it soon will be...
To See Ourselves...
Most of us have an idea of the English ‘translation’ of Burns’ famous lines: the wish that God had given us the facility to “see ourselves as others see us”. I wonder what we would really make of some of their views. I was prompted to raise this issue when I heard about a vociferous attack on a British-born medium, living in Sweden, who has built a good reputation in that country over some years. The medium had booked a local hall, leading to an article criticising the authorities for allowing a public demonstration to take place...
The birth of a new Spiritualist church is always exciting, and founder president Valerie McGowan (known as Val) told Psychic News how the church had its beginnings. “In 2001 I was travelling in my friend’s car en route to a local Spiritualist church,” said Val. “All of a sudden I announced, ‘I’m going to start a church.’ No one was more surprised than myself...
New online catalogue from The Swedenborg Society
The society was founded in 1810 to publish the works of Swedish scientist Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772, shown left), the Swedish scientist who reported his perceptions of the spirit world in his 1758 book Heaven and Hell, written in Latin. Swedenborg’s writings greatly influenced Andrew Jackson Davis and other pioneers of Spiritualism in the 1840s. Since 1925, the society has been located at 20-21 Bloomsbury Way, London, and on 23rd February this year the first section of its catalogue’s 2,600 items went online...
A positive move for Erdington Christian Spiritualist Church
Linda Wilson, co-founder trustee and president of the church, states on the church website that they have received “nothing but positive and loving feedback” from visiting mediums and congregation. Erdington is the only independent Christian Spiritualist church/healing sanctuary within the Erdington area of North Birmingham. Spirit-inspired guidance through the mediumship of co-founder and chairman of the trust Ray Wilson enabled the church to open its doors for the first time at 1A Edwards Road, on 1st January 1990...
The passing of Ron Pratt by Sue Farrow
Over the six decades of his association, Ron served the church in many capacities – as speakers’ secretary, vice-president, and, together with his long-time partner Ted, a member of the social committee...
Worksop prepares for Diamond Jubilee
Spiritualism in Worksop has been active since the 1930s, and like so many pioneering groups, it had no permanent home and had to meet in various hired rooms around the town. Perhaps Worksop is unique in the fact that one of its venues was above a tripe shop!
The Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary The UK’s healing jewel in the crown by Sue Farrow
Anyone who has visited Burrows Lea, the world-renowned Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary, will know that from the moment you turn into its long driveway you are met with a view so beautiful that it takes your breath away. Parking my car about twenty metres in, I stared out across the Surrey Hills from my high vantage point and stood for a moment absorbing the absolute stillness. It’s easy to see why in 1946 the legendary healer chose Burrows Lea as his home and workplace. It’s a setting so serene and remarkable that I felt moved to phone a friend and try to describe it before going into the house to do the interview I’d come for. I was there to meet Toni Jode, the Healing Services Manager, a trained nurse who first arrived at the Sanctuary as a volunteer in 2003, initially working just one day a week. She became full-time in 2005 and took on her present role in 2007. I began by asking about her first encounter with spiritual healing...
Ask a medium Stewart Alexander answers your questions on all aspects of physical mediumship
Dear Stewart, Our circle has been sitting every week for four years. Two months ago our trumpet moved for the first time. It did not go far (just a few inches off the ground) but we could all see it because of the luminous strip on it and we were so excited. Since then it has not moved at all and we are a bit puzzled. The sitters and the room and the music are all exactly the same as when it did move. Did this happen to you when you were developing? Can you explain why it could move once in our circle but not any more? Tim
Planetary Consciousness and Earth Energies by Billy Roberts
Although the suggestion was made by amateur archaeologist Alfred Watkins in 1921 that ley lines geographically align places of historical significance such as megaliths and other ancient monuments, natural ridge-tops and water fords, much of what the majority now knows of these alleged sacred channels is based on supposition and conjecture. Watkins further suggested that ley lines had been created in Neolithic times for navigational purposes and ease of travelling at a time when much of the landscape was covered with forest. I have no doubt that the theory put forward by Watkins is quite feasible, but it does not account for the mystical occurrences that have been attributed to these channels for thousands of years. Today, followers of the New Age tradition regard ley lines as being responsible for spiritual and mystical phenomena, with a belief that they are associated with mystical land forms, earth energies and even Feng Shui...
Mediumship and spiritual surgery A Personal Experience by Louisa Sullivan
On 2nd March 2012 Ray Brown and Warren Day joined together for the first time to demonstrate their amazing gifts to 75 members of the public at the atmospheric White Horse Hotel, four hundred years old, in Hertingfordbury. The event had been planned since October 2011, so interest had built up locally and nationally. Advance ticket sales exceeded all expectations, and guest flew in from Iceland and India for the demonstration. Ray Brown is an award-winning and renowned spiritual surgeon who has been working with his spirit guide ‘Paul’ for 45 years. Paul is ‘Paul of Tarsus’, who was on the earth 2000 years ago in the time of Christ. It is Paul who, through an entranced Ray, performs the spiritual surgery on patients who are in pain. Ray has been featured many times on TV, has had several books published and treats patients all over the world who have not been able to gain relief via conventional methods...
Free-thinking Spiritualism by Andy Byng
In fact, free-thinkers generally held the view that we could understand the world by examining nature, hence we should formulate arguments on the basis of science, logic and reason, and not authority, tradition and dogma. It is correct, however, to state that Spiritualism is a free-thinking religion, as it is grounded in reason, logic and science, and does not allow dogma and authority to influence it...
Spirit Gems - A book review by Graham Jennings
by Glyn Edwards & Santoshan “The true Self,” writes Santoshan, “is all-loving, compassionate and understanding, and dwells in the hearts of all.” Throughout the ages, all the truly spiritual teachings have proclaimed this simple truth. When it is time to leave the physical body, it is the true self that continues to exist in what we call the spirit realms...
 There are many issues to consider when dealing with abortion, and this article will touch on some of them. When you have finished reading, you might want to consider this emotive and sensitive matter in a slightly different light. Certainly there will be no attempt to reach a definitive standpoint on the morality or ethics of abortion. As in all things, we have personal responsibility for the view we take; I have no right to say that the ideas I express have any more validity than anyone else’s. I simply ask you to take time to assess your own views.
Abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy before normal birth, thereby ‘killing’ the foetus, the unborn child. It must be an extremely difficult and painful process for any woman who faces the dilemma of whether or not to have a termination carried out, both at the time and subsequently... Golden Jubilee for Telford First
The story of the church itself began in 1958, through the foresight of its founder, A. William Hollis, who had been a member of Wellington Spiritualist Group for many years. “He realised that with the expansion of what was then Dawley New Town an extra Spiritualist meeting would be needed for the newcomers,” Christine Hollis, daughter of A. William Hollis, told Psychic News. Christine is herself a founder member of the church, and has been its pianist and organist for 54 years. “There were already many Spiritualist churches in the Birmingham area, which is where the new people would be coming from.”
Medium’s book is now a valuable collector’s item  Medium Ronald Hearn’s (left) first book, The Little Dutch Boy, published by the Book Guild in 1993, has become a collector’s item.
The highly sought-after volume is being used as an authoritative text book by students in various countries who are interested in studying mediumship and spirit communication. Second-hand copies are being sold at inflated rates and an autographed first edition is now being advertised for sale on the internet at £62...
A spirited break beside the sea
“This certainly is the festival everyone wants to be at!” he told Psychic News proudly. “It’s just what I hoped for when Keith Charles (below)and I conceived the idea twelve years ago – Spiritualists of all ages and stages of progression attending a weekend with a packed programme of workshops and letures by top mediums.”
The development of trance mediumship
How did you first become aware of your own trance potential, and what was your initial reaction to being entranced? After several months of attending a Spiritualist church and being informed on a weekly basis through different visiting mediums that I should join a development circle because I had work to do, I was asked to sit in a group run by Arthur Phelps, a well-known and respected local medium. I did so, believing that I might be able to develop as a spiritual healer, something that interested me at the time...
The Mediumship & Psychic Art of Sandy Ingham |
Do you believe that animals have souls? And if so, do you believe that every animal has a soul, or just those we in the western world have chosen to make our domestic companions?
Unless you live on a remote island with no access to TV, radio or newspapers, you're unlikely to have missed coverage of the Church of England General Synod's extraordinary and head-scratchingly baffling decision not to allow its already ordained female clergy to become bishops.
The tradition of holding ‘Christmas Tree' séances (festive parties with presents around the tree for visiting spirit children) dates back to the early years of the 20th century. Here is Fleet Street journalist Hannen Swaffer's wonderful account of a very special festive party, attended by guests from both worlds.
Some say it's like the moon. Others say it resembles Mars. The place is unlike anywhere seen in North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, which are all the continents I've visited. In short, the landscape is unique to Iceland.
A bishop is a person who has oversight in the Christian church. In some traditions, he (yes, he) may be called a superintendent. According to the King James Bible: "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach." (I Timothy 3.2.) 
In 2002 Anita Moorjani was diagnosed with cancer, which slowly spread throughout her whole body. Within four years she had tumours from the base of her skull all the way down to her abdomen. By February 2006, her organs began to shut down and she slipped into a coma. Doctors informed her family that she was in her final hours of life, and would not make it through the night. It was, apparently, the end and yet an incredible event occurred that changed her life forever and those of her family and doctors. 
How does mediumship ‘work'? An unsolved puzzle for many, many people over a hundred years and more. A research report recently published online may at last be shedding some light on the mystery... There are ten heroic mediums on the other side of the Atlantic, all Brazilian, all with the gift of automatic writing. They volunteered to take part in an investigation, undertaken by researchers from universities in Brazil and Pennsylvania, which aimed to discover what is going on in the brain of a medium while her or his hand is writing under the control of what the medium believes is a spirit communicator.
The team consists of four paranormal investigators. Mick and Sue Churchill, a husband and wife team with a spiritual background, have performed over 200 clearances and numerous paranormal investigations. Mick can actually stand outside a building and tell you which room is affected. 
A Spiritualist wedding with a difference took place at Hampton Hill Spiritualist Church, south-west London, when Martin Twycross and Linda Wright married in a unique ceremony involving owls, candles and a demonstration of mediumship. 
An ancient Somerset tithe barn was the recent scene of a major row, when Nailsea town councillors sought to axe the booking of a Spiritualist group.
Milngavie and Bearsden Spiritualist Sanctuary opened its doors for the first time in August and is already popular with the local community.
It was ‘hands across the ocean' in Edinburgh on Sunday 4th November when two special services, at 11am and 1pm, attracted packed congregations at Edinburgh Association of Spiritualists (EAS). 
Many people start to think about their Christmas shopping around now. Instead of giving friends and loved ones a single gift this year, why not give them a gift every fortnight for the WHOLE YEAR! 
A highly successful psychic charity night in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, on 9th November attracted a large audience of 175 people to the Craigbank Community Centre. 
Northern Irish medium Brian Lynch hails from a Catholic background, but says that his grandmother was psychic and mediumistic. He first became aware of spirit on a boyhood visit to her house. "I was a wee bit clairvoyant and saw two spirits," he says, "but I certainly wasn't able to communicate with them at the level I do now."
Is your life mapped out? 
Not many Spiritualist churches have at different times built three churches on the same site during the past 65 years. The SNU church at Bitterne, Southampton, has done just that.
Stephen Chapman, elected by the trustees of the College of Psychic Studies (CPS) as its new president at the September AGM, is looking to a review of fresh practices combined with the best of the old.
For over 40 years I have made an in-depth study of the Spiritualist movement, particularly in respect of all aspects of historic physical mediumship and its phenomena. During that time I have amassed an extensive library of books (many long since out of print) and also paraphernalia relating to the subject.
Those who saw a recent Panorama programme featuring the work of Professor Adrian Owen might well have pondered this question. The programme was about people who had been classified as being in a ‘vegetative state' for periods of up to a dozen years. Professor Owen's research has led to the development of tests which look not just at the physical responses of a patient (the method used for many years) but directly assessing responses of the brain using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment.
The weekend of 27th October saw a gathering of mediums, speakers andSpiritualist programme facilitators at Leicester Spiritualist Church and Training Centre.
Guiding Light, Devon’s newest Spiritualist centre, opened on 25th September, reportedly in response to public demand. It was instigated by medium, healer and Reiki Master Sonia Clatworthy, together with healers Marlene Mitchell and Pauline Powel.
When Judy Simmance and her family moved from Kent to Norfolk in 1987 their dream was to have a big and beautiful garden, but things turned out very differently. 
At the end of October, facing a three-week tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand, the Duchess of Cornwall (pictured) prepared herself in advance by visiting a southern Indian holistic health centre.
If someone had told me that feet can hurt this much, I would have thought they were grossly over-exaggerating. Having enjoyed excellent foot health all my life, despite being an obsessive hobby photographer who often walks for hours on end hunting suitable subjects, it came as a nasty surprise when one day, standing for ten hours on the same spot at work, a feeling started and quickly increased as if someone from down below was pushing an enormous sword tip-first into my heels, like a magician's trick gone wrong...
Exploring the Threshold – Life as a Medium
Contemporary Spiritualism is cited as having been started by the Fox Sisters in 1848. However, spirit communication existed in America long before the raps were heard in Hydesville. From my interactions with Lakota American Indians, I discovered that the Lakota (also know as Teton Sioux) were working extensively with spirit long before Western culture invaded their society. Spiritualists probably did not have much contact with these Indians because the latter were busy fighting battles with the United States government.
In part 1 of his exclusive interview concluding PN's coverage of the Gordon Higginson Fellowship's (GHF) physical mediumship and trance week, Glyn Edwards talked with Sue Farrow about his mediumistic development through the tuition and mentorship of Gordon Higginson. Here, he explains why he decided to found the GHF and offers some frank opinions on the state of mediumship and teaching today. 
The art of flowersentience was demonstrated at the London Spiritual Mission (LSM) on Saturday 20th October, writes Sue Farrow.
Has an American doctor experienced the afterlife?
In September a group of Spiritualists and healers made a prominent journey through Preston on an open-top bus.
A 19-year-old student at the University of Pittsburgh told the Huffington Post she was "stupefied" when President Barack Obama suddenly walked into the shop where she was working. 
A spiritual yoga class, banned from a Southampton Catholic church hall in September, has been offered a new home by Spiritualists, writes Sue Farrow.
The Society for Psychical Research (SPR) has held its 2012 conference at the University of Northampton, writes Lew Sutton.
Continuing her series of articles on the Gordon Higginson Fellowship's (GHF) physical and trance week, Sue Farrow speaks to Glyn Edwards, respected evidential medium and founder director of GHF. Glyn begins by describing his highly unusual first meeting with Gordon Higginson
In 1976, after I'd suffered a lengthy and serious illness, a good friend suggested I should see a well-known healer who was holding a clinic in Bath Street, Southport. I agreed and an appointment was made. Since my friend was driving me there, he also made an appointment for himself. 
A Roman Catholic priest has banned yoga from a Southampton church hall because the class was "not compatible" with the Catholic faith. 
Reader Elissa Rattigan, a dedicated worker for the welfare of animals, has alerted PN to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary's petition concerning a proposed badger cull which has been widely reported in the UK media.
In 1991, a group of people banded together to bring Spiritualism to Seaford, a growing south coast seaside town between Brighton and Eastbourne.
Family members, friends and colleagues gathered on 29th September at a service to celebrate the life of medium and healer David Nason.
A special event in a Plymouth church has raised a magnificent sum for the SNU-nominated charity WaterAid.
Members and friends of Longton Spiritualist Church in Staffordshire are mourning the physical loss of one its most dedicated and longest-serving members.
Hello again! We're happy to be back with Psychic News, and looking forward to doing our best to keep you informed of what's happening in Spiritualism across the pond. 
Tell My Mother I'm Not Dead by Trevor Hamilton 
The five prizewinning entries in your recent competition encapsulated eloquently - and, amazingly, in 150 words or fewer - major themes within the purpose of mediumship.
They say that the Law of Karma is in constant operation all through our lives, that we reap what we sow, not as a punishment for what we have done wrong, but because the effect must always follow the cause. The masters of wisdom always affirmed that even accident is the result of ignorance, and is due to the working of laws whose presence was unknown or overlooked. 
A Lancashire Spiritualist church has played a major role in negotiations regarding the completion of a half-built bridge.
IT is perhaps not widely known that former Fleet Street editor and radio host Derek Jameson was a great supporter of Spiritualism, writes Kay Hunter.
This month a special party was held to mark the 90th anniversary of Horwich Spiritualist Church, Lancashire, at its present building in Chorley New Road.
Andy Byng's feature Where has all the wonder gone? in Issue 4085 has certainly kept Psychic News' mailbag overflowing recently - see this issue's letters pages. Here K. Patrick Moody from Southampton shares his own opinions on seeking the wonder of Spiritualism. 
A Journey of Psychic Discovery by Alan E. Crossley ~ Paperback 
The Scientific and Medical Network's latest conference looked at the nature of and evidence for non-physical counterparts of the physical body. In Spiritualistic terms, this includes the etheric and mental bodies together with phenomena such as Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs) and Near-Death Experiences (NDEs). The conference's title ‘Scientific and Spiritual Perspectives on the Subtle Body' may seem a bit obscure to many!
Dear Competitors all,
"The great Law of Karma is ok, as long as it doesn't affect me," said one cynic. And that's exactly my sentiment too! But what exactly is Karma? ‘What goes around comes around,' they say, and ‘Cheats never prosper'. These, I think, are more or less Karma.
In Magazine Thirteen we offered you the opportunity to win a fantastic prize - a free full week-long mediumship course at the fabulous Ershamstar, on the Kent coast. The prize, worth £400, was generously donated by medium and tutor Sheila French, who runs Ershamstar.
The Spiritualists' National Union has added another property to its growing portfolio.
Older people who take up meditation could boost their immune systems and reduce feelings of loneliness.
The community of esoteric scholars around the world has been left desolate by the passing on 29th August of Professor Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, writes Leslie Price.
In the first few years of the 20th century the Paignton Spiritualist Society started on their project of building their own church. By 1912 sufficient funds had been raised to start procedures and trustees were appointed. A local builder, H.P. Rabbich, had given them a great incentive with the gift of an excellent site on the coastal road linking Paignton to Torquay. What a golden opportunity it must have been to build the first Spiritualist church in Devon in such a prominent position...
Regular readers may remember that in Magazines Fourteen and Sixteen we published some spectacularly beautiful psychic portraits, signed ‘Cedric and Maurice'.
A diagnosis of brain cancer in October last year, caused Fred Dartnall to retire from the Pure Spirit Centre in Corringham, Essex.
The Polish armed forces, soldiers and airmen, produced countless heroes during the Second World War, but perhaps the strangest story to emerge is that of Private Wojtek of the 22nd Company of the 2nd Polish Corps.
I was introduced to Spiritualism in the early 1950s and though I did not attend a service again until late 2011, I have had many discussions about the subject, and may have had psychic experiences, though these would be very difficult to prove. I have spoken at length with a former president of the Society for Psychical Research and read several academic journals on the subject...
From its earliest days, the London Spiritual Mission (LSM) has been renowned as a venue for the highest quality mediumship and philosophical speaking.
The triple alliance of scientist William Crookes, medium Florence Cook, and the materialised spirit of Katie King, forms an eternal triangle; eternal in the sense that they never cease to cause controversy, and probably never will, writes Kay Hunter.
Even the famous appreciate the benefits of spiritual healing, which could explain the surprise sighting of a Hollywood celebrity leaving a Glastonbury healing centre.
We regret to report the passing of Irene Sowter, highly respected healer, evidential and trance medium.
Agnes was born in June 1940, née Pollak, in wartime Budapest, Hungary, and exhibited from a very early age her psychic abilities by being able to reveal the information inside sealed envelopes that came to her parent's house. 
It is with sadness that we announce The Shining Star Centre in Exmouth, Devon, closed its doors for the last time after the service on Sunday 19th August.
"Bigger and better" and "back with a bang!" promises the flyer for the popular London Mind Body Soul (MBS) exhibition at Olympia this September.
Founded in June last year, S.W.A.N.S. (Spiritual Workshop And Nurturing Sanctuary) is beginning to grow and serve the community.
News has reached us from Colchester Spiritualist Church that one of its members celebrated her 100th birthday this summer.
It was just over ten years ago when Freda Johnson in spirit (speaking through Stewart Alexander in trance) asked me to stay behind with June Lister at the end of a guest séance held in Hull, on the east coast of England. Following her instructions, the red light was switched on and the other sitters quietly left the room. 
Saturday 11th August saw the official launch of the long-awaited second book by Minister Eric Hatton.
"Our little life is rounded with a sleep," wrote Shakespeare. But what happens to us after that? The official scientific version of that "sleep" and its consequences is about to be investigated, writes Kay Hunter.
The 50th Anniversary celebration of St Michael's Healing Sanctuary in Yardley, Birmingham, on 17th June, attracted larger than usual congregations.
It is more than 30 years since Raymond Bayless and D. Scott Rogo wrote their ground-breaking book, Phone Calls from the Dead.
Woking Spiritualist Church recently commemorated the passing of its vice-president, Eric Wright Smith (pictured), with a special evening of clairvoyance.
There was no lack of reported spirit activity recently, when Gateshead medium Stewart Robertson organised an overnight charity fundraising vigil in the famous castle keep in Newcastle.
Dear Colin,
Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is the venue for re-launch of a series of children's workshops, to awaken or increase their spiritual awareness.
The United Spiritual Fellowship was founded in 1996, under the title United Spiritualists (US). It now also encompasses United Spiritual Healers. In the words of its president, Eddie Braim (pictured): "The 20 founding members were people who had belonged to other spiritual organisations in the past and for various reasons had become disenchanted and disheartened. United Spiritualists grew steadily over the next fifteen years and we currently have nearly 600 members. To mark our fifteenth anniversary we donated £1,000 to each of fifteen major UK charities." 
Psychic News is giving readers the chance to win one of five signed copies of Journey Into The Light by Iris Wright (pictured). 
Already the author of several best-selling books on mediumship, Gordon Smith’s inspiration for his latest – Intuitive Studies: A Complete Course in Mediumship – came, fittingly enough, after a demonstration, writes Graham Jennings.
In Issue 4080 we published three portraits sent to us by reader John Hocking, who was seeking further information about them. He hoped readers might be able to help.
The 2012 White Feather Gathering will take place on Saturday 11th August at the Cotswolds Conference Centre, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7LJ.
He was slammed for it and publicly ridiculed, but it seems Prince Charles was right after all. It’s official now – plants not only have feelings, they can communicate.
What better place for Spiritualists to meet than a Paradise Centre? That is the significant name for the building which is now home to Dudley Spiritualist Centre in the West Midlands.
John Thomson, a former journalist/producer at ITV Scottish Television, is calling on English Heritage for permission to investigate an ancient site of faith in Bristol where he believes there is evidence of buried biblical artefacts.
Kissimmee? Where is it? Members of Bournemouth Spiritualist Church could give an immediate answer. Their church has been twinned with The Church of Spiritual Awakening in Kissimmee for some years.
More often than not, the first ventures into meditation are difficult and frustrating. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to reach the peaceful plateau offered by meditation, many novices simply give up, deciding that it is not for them. 
The Spiritual Workers’ Association (SWA) has announced full details of its new professional qualification for the spiritual industry.
by Iris Wright ~ Paperback
Apologies to Sir Cliff! Recently there have been numerous reasons for flag-waving, personal and community pride, and general happiness. Somewhat unusually, a parade went past the end of my road a few Sundays ago. The pavements were lined with cheering locals and visitors, all ages and backgrounds, mixed in joyous celebration, the television cameras whirred and there was much excitement.
The Spiritualists’ National Union says it has filed a Serious Incident Report with the Charity Commission in connection with a former trustee of the SNU Trust, writes Sue Farrow.
“Explore Spiritualism, sample spiritual healing and mediumship, and chat to those who believe in it.”
Croydon Spiritualist Church found an unusual way to celebrate its 86th birthday on 16th June. Members created a rose garden in honour of the church’s many pioneers and workers.
Clairaudient medium Steve Holbrook (pictured) was nine years old when his grandfather appeared at his bedside at 4am to tell him he had “gone” and had come to say goodbye.
Medium Paul Brereton (pictured) has given an outstanding demonstration of survival at the Arthur Findlay College, in Stansted, writes Sue Farrow.
British born renowned medium Lisa Williams has become an ordained minister in Florida.
UK Healers (UKH) is a respected national umbrella body for numerous healing organisations. It is dedicated to setting and maintaining the highest standards of training and ethical practice. In this exclusive interview, its chair Colin Baker speaks to PN editor Sue Farrow about the early days of the organisation, accreditation and regulation of healers, and explains why he believes UKH is at a crossroads.
by Trevor Davey ~ Paperback 
Major American publisher Hampton Roads has released a new book by author and journalist Roy Stemman, an internationally acknowledged authority on reincarnation.
Spiritualists are among the many conservationists rejoicing that the former home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Hindhead, Surrey, is to be preserved.
Four members of Leicester Progressive Spiritualist Church and Training Centre have gained the Level 4 Mentoring Award after attending a course at South Leicester College.
After its recent refurbishment, reported by PN in May, Portland Street Spiritualist Church, Southport, based in the old Welsh Chapel, has appointed the Rev Glenys Clarke (pictured) as its minister.
Already the author of several books on various aspects of Spiritualism, James McQuitty (pictured) is planning a new book on psychic art and artists.
Inspired by our recent articles on psychic art, Psychic News reader John Hocking has sent us some outstanding portraits of his late mother’s spirit workers, along with a request for information.
Saturday 12th May was a perfect day in Castleford, West Yorkshire. The sun shone, and after weeks of decorating and preparations, so did the 100-year-old Spiritualist church, which was holding its centenary anniversary celebration.
The first Sunday in May brought a double anniversary ceremony to Wilton Spiritualist Church. It was 74 years ago that the church was established as Salisbury Christian Spiritualist Church, after a public meeting in Salisbury’s Assembly Rooms, now the upstairs of Waterstone’s bookshop.
Continuing Chapter one – The Misty People – from Roy Stemman’s newly republished account of the extraordinary medium Ena Twigg.
For and Against is a series in which two well-known commentators with opposing views on a particular spiritual or philosophical topic debate the issue.
During the 110 years of its existence, Brighton National Spiritualist Church in Edward Street has had only six presidents.
One of Britain’s oldest occult centres is under threat from pressures similar to those besetting Spiritualist groups, writes Leslie Price.
Mansfield Spiritualist Centre, Nottingham, was proud to hold a recent naming ceremony for seven members of its development group.
The history of spirit wax moulds is not clearly defined, but records suggest that they were first produced in the latter part of the 19th century, writes Kay Hunter.
Maldon Spiritual Centre in Essex never has an idle moment, and in addition to the ongoing process of learning, spreads its charitable work far and wide.
Will we ever learn the truth about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann? Medium Derek Acorah (pictured) is not the first psychic to announce his belief that the child is dead. In a recent interview with The Sun he gave his reasons.
Frederick Kenward is not a happy man when it comes to modern-day mediumistic development. Neither is he overly impressed with the average definition of Spiritualism. Whether you agree or disagree with him, he makes some challenging points. Our letters pages are ready and waiting...
News of a remarkable medium and psychic artist has reached us from one of our Kent churches.
A former officer of Greater Manchester Police has contacted Chief Constables of all 41 forces in England.
The Spiritualist church in the historic mill town of Belper, Derbyshire, will not only mark the 60th year of the Queen’s reign in June. It will be putting up the bunting to celebrate its own even longer ‘reign’ of 125 years.
Spiritualist, world-renowned journalist and social campaigner drowned in the Titanic disaster of 1912. Angela Redditch reports on a recent British Library conference held in his memory.
Maxine Pamphlett-Jones shares the story of her life-changing encounter with psychic artist Sandy Ingham (pictured).
Nearly a hundred people packed Dewsbury Spiritualist Church, West Yorkshire, on 21st April to hear York trance medium Eric Cargill.
The medium, healer and teacher David Nason has passed to spirit.
The father of singer Amy Winehouse (pictured) has revealed that he speaks to her through a medium.
You probably think going to an acupuncturist is like going to the dentist – in a private room, with one-to-one treatment from the practitioner.
Thanks to modern technology it is now possible to capture our healers and mediums in action on film, retaining unique recordings of them for all time.
Tina Olford (pictured), co-founder of the Lotus Spiritual College, in Germany, has passed to spirit.
Spiritualists in Southport, Lancashire, can rejoice in their newly refurbished home at the Unitarian church (pictured).
Liliana Alexandre has been a volunteer and researcher with the International Academy ofConsciousness in London since 1996. Here, she tells the extraordinary story of the ‘automatic’ painting of a Matisse figure through the combined hands of herself and her young brother.
Former SNU minister Margaret Preece (pictured) now describes herself as a “liberated independent Spiritualist”. 
I would like to share with Psychic Newsreaders my experiences of psychic surgery and distant healing.
Coal production has gone from the former mining town of Stanley, County Durham, and the community is reinventing itself as a New Age centre.
Christchurch Spiritualist Church in New Zealand has suffered the effects of two major earthquakes and more than 8,000 aftershocks during the last two years.
A fascinating correspondence between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the magician and escapologist Harry Houdini (pictured left) will be on view at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum throughout April.
Not everyone is able to attend the renowned Harry Edwards Healing Sanctuary. Now the Burrows Lea team of healers has extended its services to different parts of the country.
There can be few names in Spiritualism, or indeed in world-wide spiritual literature, as famous as that of ‘Silver Birch’, writes Sue Farrow.
A tutor at the Arthur Findlay College has overcome many obstacles in her life in order to convey Spiritualist teachings to others.
A new TV series now in preparation will provide a rare treat for those interested in the spiritual aspects of historical events and legendary geographical sites.
Is There Anybody There? ~ By Bryan Gibson 
Experienced dowser Jim Warwood is the leader of a Spiritualist mission in Adelaide, Australia. Here, he takes a look at the mysterious world of dowsing and explains why he believes it’s a psychic skill. 
Spiritualism does view issues from a more progressive point of view, and usually does precede everyday society in the general acceptance of current issues and controversies.
The story of Staff Sergeant Olaf (Oz) Schmid was remarkable enough. An improvised explosive device brought the life of this top bomb disposal expert to an abrupt end, at the age of 30, on the last day of a five-and-a-half-month deployment to Afghanistan, in October 2009. He was awarded a posthumous George Medal for his heroism, which The Queen presented to his widow, Christina, at Buckingham Palace in 2010.
The sinking of RMS Titanic on her maiden voyage to New York, one hundred years ago this month, robbed Spiritualism of one of its most impressive pioneers – William Thomas Stead.
A cake decorated with an image of the Fox Sisters was enjoyed by the congregation of Woolston Spiritualist Church, Southampton, Hampshire, on Spiritualism’s anniversary (31st March). They certainly had plenty to celebrate.
Ylana Hayward began life as the daughter of one of Britain’s most famous trance mediums – Grace Cooke, who for 70 years was the channel for White Eagle, a spiritual teacher who was the spokesman for the White Brotherhood.
The Dalai Lama, exiled spiritual and temporal leader of six million Tibetan Buddhists, has been awarded this year’s Templeton Prize, an honour worth $1.7 million. It is said to be the most prestigious award in religion.
We have just found out that Oscar-winning American actress Shirley MacLaine (pictured left) has recently returned to the US after spending some time in the UK filming her new role as Martha Levinson, the mother of Lady Grantham – played by Elizabeth McGovern – in ITV’s popular period drama Downton Abbey, writes Paul Brett.
How far should we allow psychics to control our lives? People often desperately need advice, and many look to mediums, psychics and seers to provide it, but the current trend in America is perhaps reaching unhealthy levels.
SIMON CURWOOD (left) understands why the UK government introduced its Consumer Protection Regulations (CPRs) in 2008 but, as operations manager of the Spiritual Workers Association, he is now leading a campaign for new legislation that recognises genuine mediumship and protects spiritual workers. He explains why to PN editor Sue Farrow.
I was at the Episcopal Hospital in Philadelphia. I had just been told that I had a “blockage” in my spinal cord, from the fourth to the seventh cervical vertebrae at the level of the neck, that had been responsible for the symptoms I had been experiencing. My right arm was paralysed, my legs were spastic and there were sensations like electric shocks running through my body when I moved my head.
We were teaching a meditation programme in North Wales, UK, in a quiet backwater near the hills. It was a peaceful day, everyone was happily seated and we had just rung the gong to begin the morning session when a motorbike started revving right outside the window.
If you fancy your spiritual refreshment to be a little bit different over the coming weeks, you’d be well advised to visit one of Rami Shaafi’s concerts and workshops before he leaves the UK for other shores to share his passion for divine service through sound, writes Paul Brett.
Winifred Wilson (pictured left) was the wife of prominent Spiritualist Percy Wilson. She was a woman with a first-class brain and a vast knowledge of Spiritualism. Here, we publish her recently discovered memoir for the first time.
Reader Peter Keeffe (pictured) takes a cheerful look at the coming of spring – not just in our gardens but in our churches and centres too.
Birthday greetings to Portland Spiritualist Church in Dorset, which celebrated its first anniversary on 6th March.
The Swedenborg Society, one of London’s oldest unorthodox centres, has taken a giant leap into the 21st century by putting its library catalogue and archives online for public access, writes Leslie Price.
After twenty-one years in its original home, Erdington Christian Spiritualist Church has successfully settled into new premises.
We regret to report the passing of Ron Pratt, a member of Stourbridge Spiritualist Church for 60 years, and its honorary vice-president since 2004. Ron, who was 80, passed suddenly at his home on Friday 2nd March.
Worksop Spiritualist Church, Notting-hamshire, is 60 years old this year, and will hold its Diamond Jubilee celebrations in September. 
This year marks a Golden Jubilee for Telford First Spiritualists’ National Union Church, which is celebrating its 50 years of affiliation to the SNU.
Derek Robinson (left), long-time president (now honorary vice-president) of Wimbledon Spiritualist Church, has declared himself delighted with the church’s recent festival at the Sand Bay Holiday Village, Weston-super-Mare.
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Magazine 5 11th February 2012 |
Sally Morgan press batterings are likened to a witch hunt
Sally Morgan (left), publicised as “Britain’s best loved psychic,” has demanded £150,000 from Associated Newspapers over a Daily Mailstory which cast doubts on her mediumship.
She was accused of cheating during a theatre performance by having previously gained information relayed to her through an earpiece. She has strenuously denied this accusation.
Sally Morgan, 60, who claims to have been a confidante of Princess Diana, is quoted as saying, “I spoke to her every day for four years.”
Paedophile self-styled psychic found hanged in prison cell
A convicted paedophile, self-styled medium and former TV psychic was found hanged in his Manchester prison cell on the evening of 23rd January.
Greater Manchester Police said the death was not thought to be suspicious.
Martin Smith (pictured), 46, originally from North Shields, was jailed for 16 years in March 2011 for raping a 16-year-old girl in Cumbria.
He was convicted of 11 counts of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault. It was said he used “hypnotism and violence” to groom and sexually abuse his victim, now in her 20s, over a period of 10 years...
Psychic services available at indoor market
Stevenage Indoor Market, which advertises some 50 businesses under its roof, now includes psychic services among its many facilities...
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity receives profit from circle’s work
Over a period of eleven years, Katie Halliwell (left) has painstakingly chronicled the work of Stewart Alexander’s circle, writes Sue Farrow.
The writing of her three books – known collectively as The Alexander Project Trilogy – has been a labour of love for which she has taken no payment at all. As a mark of appreciation, Stewart and his circle have now decided to donate all profits from the books and their accompanying CDs to a charity which has special meaning for Katie...
Stewart Alexander joins PN
We’re delighted to announce that physical medium Stewart Alexander will be joining Psychic Newsas a columnist. Stewart will advise on all aspects of physical mediumship, so if you have a question you’d like to ask him...
Mediumistic doctor is not afraid to speak out
North London GP Dr Ian Rubenstein (pictured) came to public attention in 2009 when he took part in a Channel 4 documentary about Walthamstow Spiritualist Church. In the first part of his PN interview he described the extraordinary events that heralded the awakening of his mediumship. Here, he talks to Sue Farrow about his development, a wholly unexpected first meeting with his spirit guide, and some of the ethical questions surrounding mediumship in a doctor’s surgery. Sue began by asking Ian if he was still sitting in a development circle...
Why I believe in an afterlife
Marc Berman’s psychic quest led him to TV mediums John Edward and Jeffrey Wands, among others. He now believes in spirit communication and life after death.
I will never forget that horrific moment when our lives were shattered forever. I was resting on my bed, an innocent teenager just three weeks shy of turning 20, when the doorbell rang downstairs.
Minutes later, two police officers were at our door and my mother was lying on the floor screaming, “Jeffrey was killed in a car accident.”
Council refuses to hire room to homeless church
Middleton Independent Spiritualist Church has been forced to hold its services in a room in a public house due to the local council’s refusal to allow its community centres to be used for religious events.
The church was formed in April 2007 by Diane Elliott, president, and Keith Hilditch, booking secretary. Thursday evening services have been held in The Scout Hut, Middleton, Manchester, for the past four years.
On 12th January, Keith went to open up the hall for the evening’s proceedings and was shocked at what he saw. “When I opened the door the floor was flooded up to three inches deep,” he told Psychic News....
Life Before Life
by Lis Warwood
The words ‘Life before life’ are not a reference to any reincarnation theory, but to the notion that every spirit has some form of existence in the spirit realms before entering into physical incarnation.
When looking into the subject, it was evident that pre-existence in the spirit world, its commencement, and what form it might take, has seldom been discussed or written about by Spiritualists. Yet, the idea raises important issues, and is relevant whether or not the concept of reincarnation has validity. Indeed, even if the human spirit does reincarnate, through personal choice, or by some as yet unexplained ‘compulsion’, the potential for a time of existence in the spirit world prior to that sequence of lifetime...
Colin Fry joins PN
We’re delighted to announce that medium Colin Fry will be joining Psychic Newsas a columnist.
Colin will answer questions on mediumship, so if you have something you’d like to ask him, email it to pneditorials@gmail.com and put Colin Fry in the subject box...
Ev or Rev?
by David Hopkins
As 2011 came to a close there were the usual reminiscences. For me, it is often the looking back at the lives of people and what they did (and why), that proves of real interest. One such review was a two-parter about a man I think played an enormously important role in the latter part of the century, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev...
When Emma came to Lancashire
by Leslie Price
“As my sister, Mrs Wilkinson, after being with us some time, at length felt obliged to return to England to rejoin her husband, who was unable to leave his engagement there, and our dear and now aged mother required the quiet and seclusion of home, we finally broke up our Boston practice, and took our beloved mother to England, there to rest and live peacefully with my sister and her husband.” Autobiography, Mrs Britten, p.225...
Impressions of a physical séance...
PN reader Freddie Giddings shares his personal impressions of a recent sitting with physical medium Bill Meadows (pictured left).
I first met Bill Meadows and his wife Colleen five years ago at the York Spiritualist Centre. Bill was just starting to demonstrate his mediumship and there was obvious physical potential, but I thought it needed refining and developing.
Moving on five years, I next had the opportunity to sit with him at Jenny’s Sanctuary in Autumn 2011. It was like night and day. There were 30 sitters (the maximum Bill’s circle will sit with) and all had a chance to witness and take part in the physical...
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Magazine 4 28th January 2012 |
Respected SNU minister resigns
In a move which is unlikely to bring much comfort to the upper echelons of the Spiritualists’ National Union (SNU), one of its ordained ministers has resigned, writes Susan Farrow.
Margaret Preece has been closely associated with the popular and successful Paignton Spiritualist Church and Centre for some twenty-five years. She has served the SNU in various capacities at both local and national levels and was ordained a minister in 2008.
She has also fostered strong links with other local faith groups via the Torbay Inter-Faith Forum, one of the oldest such groups in England.
Margaret’s resignation has come as a shock to many who know and respect her, but when asked to reconsider, she decided that she must stand by her decision...
Do animals have souls?
Your chance to read opposing views on a spiritual subject
and then join in the debate via our comments facility
Do animals have souls?
Against
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| by Andy Byng |
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The notion that animals are immortal may appear to be a truism. However, when we critically examine the issue at hand it becomes rather more clouded. The relationships we experience with our pets, and the appreciation most of us have for the animal kingdom, foster sentimentalism. This approach is problematic because it’s not based on reason or evidence provided through mediumship, which are the fundamental tenets of our philosophy.
It’s because mediumship provides insufficient evidence of animal survival, alongside the intellectual difficulties that such a claim creates, that Spiritualists ought to conclude that animals do not survive physical death. Indeed, if we read our early literature, most of the eminent thinkers of our movement have reached the same verdict. This is clearly reflected in two of the Seven Principles: ‘The Continuous Existence of the Human Soul’ and ‘Eternal Progress open to every Human Soul.’
For
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| by Sue Farrow |
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What is a soul? That’s an article in itself. For Wikipedia it’s the “incorporeal essence” – the non-physical part of ourselves. From the book Philosophy of Spiritualism it’s “the immortal spiritual component of a living being.”
I love animals, as Andy says he does. I have a dog who brought my soul (the essence of me) back to life after the death of my partner. She’s my best friend – the one who ignores my shortcomings and offers me unconditional love whatever I have done.
But what is ‘love’? Andy would presumably argue that what I perceive as my dog’s love and loyalty is pure sentimentality on my part, that she merely reacts to me in accordance with a set of instinctive and genetically programmed ‘pack’ responses. But doesn’t a ‘normal’ mother do precisely that towards her child?
Spiritualists tell of their ordeal on sinking cruise ship Costa Concordia
There can be few of us who did not stare in horrified amazement on Friday 13th January at the real-time television coverage of the sinking Italian cruise-liner, the Costa Concordia. The sight of such a massive ship listing ever closer to the water, its funnel almost parallel to the sea, was an awesome spectacle.
But if viewing the television pictures in the safety and comfort of our own homes was horrifying, it’s almost impossible to imagine what it must have been like to experience the events as a passenger on the stricken vessel...
A Hankering after Ghosts: Charles Dickens and the supernatural
by Angela Redditch
This is the title of a small, intriguing (and free!) exhibition showing in London at the moment. Why intriguing? Well, for any exhibition to feature the supernatural is, to say the least, unusual: and this one is in a major national venue – the British Library, no less...
Happy Release to Release the Unhappy?
by David Hopkins
Recently a Commission on Assisted Dying suggested that MPs should consider changing the law relating to assisted suicide in order to allow terminally ill people to end their lives at home with the help of a doctor, as long as strict safeguards are observed. These would include having two independent doctors being satisfied with the diagnosis, the individual concerned being made aware of all the help available and making the decision voluntarily without any pressure...
Found – the house that Emma built
Researcher Marc Demarest unearths Massachusetts home of Spiritualist pioneer Emma Hardinge Britten (left) and discovers it largely in its original form.
A new link been discovered in the much-travelled life of the great pioneer Spiritualist, Emma Hardinge Britten...
Mediumistic doctor keeps an open mind
Dr Ian Rubenstein is a north London GP with a difference – he’s a medium and makes no secret of it with his colleagues and patients. He studied medicine at Nottingham University, qualifying in 1978, and is also a medical acupuncturist and bereavement counsellor.
Since 1984 he has practised medicine at the Eagle House Surgery in Enfield. Sue Farrow put it to him that it might be an unusually open-minded surgery...
Part 2 of White Feather on reincarnation through
the trance mediumship of Robert Goodwin
In the previous issue of PN we published the first part of a philosophical trance address given at Stourbridge church by White Feather through the medium Robert Goodwin (pictured).
Part 2 of White Feather’s address is reproduced here, with Robert’s kind permission...
Lily Dale UK – a residential community for Spiritualists?
According to the story, he told Hilda, then still a working medium who had first arrived in Lily Dale over seventy-five years earlier, and after she’d fed him a nice lunch, that he didn’t believe a thing he’d heard. He added that he didn’t know how anyone could believe such nonsense...
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Magazine 3 14th January 2012 |
Pioneer’s gravestone has been discovered
UK Spiritualists are well aware of the tremendous effort led by Norwich Spiritualist Church president Linda Smith to restore the dilapidated grave of pioneer Emma Hardinge Britten.
New Zealand Spiritualists are showing a similar respect for one of their most remarkable pioneers, Jane Elizabeth Harris-Roberts (pictured) who passed in 1942...
Psychic News’ return was the ‘best ever Christmas present’
News of Psychic News’ resurrection has been received with great delight in New Zealand.
The Spiritualist Alliance’s Communicator leads its December issue with the headline: ‘Spiritualism’s Best Ever Christmas Present!’
Last minute reprieve for famous occult shop
A 113-YEAR-OLD esoteric bookshop, temporarily closed in February 2010, was rescued at the last minute by an American entrepreneur.
When reporting the story at that time we were not to know how closely it would resemble the future closure and rebirth of Psychic News itself...
David Thompson’s former circle leader on physical mediumship
Paul Barker (pictured) is an experienced and respected leader of physical circles, including David Thompson’s. He is known for his uncompromising determination that all things in a séance room, whether occurring in light or pitch dark, should be carried out with absolute integrity. He set out on his spiritual journey with a distinctly sceptical mindset, initially pursuing his search for answers as the result of a bet.
Here, he talks to Susan Farrow about the frequently misunderstood world of physical mediumship (PM). Sue began by asking him how he first became interested in PM...
Spiritualist or Survivalist: which are you?
by David Hopkins
I choose to describe myself as a Spiritualist and in so doing align myself with the religious philosophy of Spiritualism.
The long-running discussion of ‘religion’ or ‘way of life’ was tackled in The Religion of Spiritualism...
Spotlight on the churches:
Wimbledon Spiritualist Church - a family affair
by Paul Brett
A spirit message by way of a ouija board was all that Richard Arthur Bush needed to set up a regular meeting place for Spiritualists in and around south west London’s Wimbledon...
So you want to run an open development circle
by Jim Warwood
You want to help your Spiritualist church or centre develop, so you offer to run an open circle. You hope that people will find out more about their own potential whilst being exposed to the philosophy of Spiritualism. You have a good knowledge of Spiritualism, an understanding of psychic development and maybe some mediumistic abilities...
White Feather on reincarnation through
the trance mediumship of Robert Goodwin
We’ve all heard (or made) the complaint that today’s mediumship is not up to the standard of the past, and nowhere is that trend more apparent than in the area of philosophical trance communication.
The teaching that came from guides such as Silver Birch, Red Cloud and White Eagle is loved and revered by Spiritualists around the world, but which guide today can speak with a similar combination of gentle authority and great knowledge?
What can jigsaw puzzles teach us about spirituality?
by Lynda Flower
It’s hard to imagine that a jigsaw puzzle has anything in common with spirituality. But as anyone trying to investigate the spiritual side of life will tell you, it is often like putting together a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. Looking at the picture on the box, it seems straightforward and simple enough. But once you open the box, take out the pieces and start putting them together, it can be much more difficult than you first imagined.
So just what is the connection between a jigsaw puzzle and spirituality…
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Magazine 2 31st December 2011
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Sacked Spiritualist takes case to European Court of Human Rights
Spiritualist Alan Power, sacked from his job with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), for what he believes are his religious and psychic interests, has applied for his case for unfair dismissal to be heard by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
Mr Power, 64, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, lost his job in October 2008 after it was learned that he had tried to involve officers in his psychical research. Police cited “his interests in the psychic field” which were “not compatible” with his employment. Alan Power has always maintained that the case is one of religious discrimination…
Was red-top right to be uncomplimentary about ‘Our Ken’s’ 2012 views?
Actor William Roache, famous as Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow, has been described in the Daily Mirror as having given “a bizarre TV interview”.
Columnist Simon Boyle wrote that 79-year-old Roache “has gone Lancashire hot potty” in an appearance on Sky TV’s The Moore Show. Roache told host Kevin Moore that all humans will soon communicate by telepathy…
Spirit of Youth: how Andy Byng views the future
A glance around many of our Spiritualist churches and centres (and many orthodox churches, too) will quickly reveal that young people are heavily outnumbered by those from older generations.
It might be something we’d rather not talk about, but can we afford to ignore it? Without a steady influx of younger members a religion will inevitably wither and die…
Aboriginal Spirituality: respecting spirit presence
For the Aboriginal people of Australia, spirituality and an ongoing connection with their spirit ancestors have been a fundamental part of life for tens of thousands of years.
In an interview with Australian journalist Lynda Flower, Aboriginal senior man and academic Michael Williams gives a fascinating insight into the rich spiritual heritage which links past and present with unbroken continuity...
Have researchers found a skeleton in Emma’s cupboard?
Emma Hardinge Britten (1823-1899) is best known as the medium for the Seven Principles of Spiritualism.
She was the leading early Spiritualist historian, whose works are still indispensable today.
But she was also involved in a literary controversy, which has just been revived by a new book…
The way of the White Eagle Lodge
White Eagle Lodge is a worldwide spiritual organisation with centres in the UK, mainland Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The organisation, now a registered charity, was founded in 1936 by the medium Grace Cooke, through whom White Eagle communicated his gentle philosophy of spiritual living, attracting large numbers to his legendary trance addresses.
Colum Hayward is a grandson of Grace Cooke and is deeply involved in the day-to-day work of what is still in many respects a family-run organisation…
The Principles in a new light
by David Hopkins
It would be not unreasonable to assume that someone brought up as a Spiritualist and who has spent over fifty years as a member of the SNU would consider the Seven Principles sacrosanct and virtually untouchable, as they are so bound up with that body, its beliefs and its presentation.
How many times have I heard it said that the philosophy of Spiritualism is based on those Seven Principles? Well, what if we turned that on its head and said that the Principles are based on the philosophy of Spiritualism?...
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