What is the function of a medium’s “doorkeeper”? I’ve heard various theories and would welcome your view – Massie Dawson, by e-mail.
This is a medium’s most necessary spirit guide. It is the doorkeeper’s duty to protect mediums from any untoward or unwanted spirit intrusion.
A medium’s sensitivity is visible to those on the Other Side. Some spirit entities find it an irresistible attraction. They believe that if they can enter the medium’s sphere of consciousness, they will be in a position of influence.
Some might do so with less than the best of intentions. It is the doorkeeper’s job to vet every spirit being before allowing communication via a medium.
I once heard of a woman in a development circle who was overjoyed to find that she had finally developed clairvoyance.
Instead of closing down properly, as she had been taught, she remained opened up, thus inviting spirit communication.
The woman arrived home still excited by her clairvoyance and continued to welcome spirit visitors. Weary at last, she went to bed and tried to sleep, but the communications – now unwanted – continued.
In desperation she phoned the circle medium in the early hours crying: “Help! It won’t stop. What shall I do?”
When not working, mediums close themselves down to spirit communication. Like everyone else they are entitled to a rest. It is also the doorkeeper’s duty to ensure they have it by preventing any spirit intrusion.
Some mediums are happy to hear from spirit visitors spontaneously when they know that access has been approved by the doorkeeper.
For instance, a medium friend and I were waiting for the curtain to rise at the London Palladium when a spirit being introduced himself to her as Max.
He told her that he had been a star of the 1930s and 40s, and wished to see the show. Older readers can probably work out who he was. My guess is stand-up comedian Max Miller, who was no stranger to the Palladium, where he used to top the bill.
Another time, we were at the Christmas choral concert in the local parish church. A spirit visitor told my medium friend: “My name’s Dyce. I come here every year for the concert.”
William Dyce was an early pre-Raphaelite and had been a churchwarden there. As it happened, his name was mentioned during the concert. Indicating the churchyard, the rector said, “He’s buried over there.”
“No he isn’t,” I told my friend. “He’s just been talking to us!”
Depending on the sort of work they do, a medium might have several doorkeepers for different purposes. I am thinking especially of those who lead development circles.
A group of people sitting in a circle sends out a subtle light, which attracts spirit visitors, but not all of them are welcome.
An experienced circle medium always has the necessary doorkeeper whose job it is to keep out intruders.
Such entities can be mischievous and even dangerous. I once met an accomplished trance medium who was able to leave his physical body to allow the guide to come in.
Once, he told us, while his doorkeeper was distracted, a malicious entity managed to enter. He seized a poker and threatened those present.
This incident also demonstrates the importance of development under the strict control of an experienced medium.
The fledgling medium is then taught how to close down properly and how to work with spirit guides. They will always include the all-important doorkeeper.
