Channeling And Mediumship - A Guideline

Introduction & Compilation by Lyssa Royal

In the past years, there has been a great surge of interest in the field of channeling and mediumship. Due to this interest, we have compiled some information that is useful in exploring this material.

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What Is Channeling And\Or Mediumship?

There is a very fine line (if any) between what is called "Channeling", and what is called "Mediumship". There is no one definition of the two that is universally accepted. Therefore, we will be as broad as possible.

"Mediumship" is a more traditional term that was used widely in the era of Spiritualism in the late l800's and is still used today. The belief system associated with this phenomenon is that the "medium" goes into an altered state, and another spirit "enters" the body of the medium, thus taking control of the vocal chords and some bodily movement. This process occurs by an agreement between the medium and the spirits. In this altered state, the medium and spirit can bring forth information that will be of service to the seeker. Generally, in this form of communication, the spirits tend to be personified spirit entities that have lived lifetimes on the earth plane. This is a common manifestation, however, not the rule. "Channeling" is a term that has gained popularity in the last twenty years or so. It seems to be a label under which we can lump many forms of spiritual communication. In a broad definition, we can say that channeling is the bringing forth of information from other levels of consciousness which may include any infinite number of dimensions. Art work, creative writing, and designing are just some examples of channeling one's own higher consciousness into physical reality. (Although there can be some outside help!) When you narrow the field into spirit communication, the term "trance channeling" is most applicable.

Trance channeling is very similar to mediumship in that the "channel" puts him/herself into an altered state. From that altered state (which can range from a totally unconscious "full body channeling", semi-conscious, or conscious but unfocused), the channel connects with the energy of another spiritual being. Most channels do not view it as a "habitation" of another spirit in their body, but as a blending between their two consciousnesses. The part of the human personality known as ego temporarily takes a back seat while the channel serves as the vehicle for the entity's communication. The subconscious of the channel is still intact, which accounts for the entity's knowledge of Earth life and customs. In the case of a full body channeling, the channel's consciousness is still connected with the physical body via the "silver cord". It is important to note that ANY form of mediumship can yield wonderful results. Neither style is "better" than any other. It is all a matter of individual choice.

There are as many differing viewpoints on this subject as there are people! However they all agree on one point -- that the phenomenon of bringing forth spiritual information is as old as history itself.

How Do You Find A Trance Channel Or Medium?

The best way of course, is by word of mouth. If that is not possible, go into any metaphysical/wholistic bookstore and ask if they have any information. Most establishments, such as The Bodhi Tree, do not endorse these individuals personally, but serve as a network for the information. You will find pamphlets and newsletters readily available.

How Do You Know If The Channel/Medium Is "Real", And The Spirit Entity Is "Of The Light"? Will They Provide "Proof"?

The ultimate judge of this is YOU. How does the information from the channeled entity affect you? Does it assist you in your daily life? Does it suggest that you are limited, or limitless? Does it invoke fear, or love? You will find that the spirits that leave you filled with love will be of more assistance to you than those who play on your fear or judgement. Each person will prefer a different type of presentation. Remember, if there was only one way, there would only be one person.

People may expect a dramatic display of supernatural feats in order to accept it as "true". Shirley Maclaine's experience in Out On A Limb, generally, is an exception, not the rule. There are many factors involved concerning an entity's desire and/or capability to perform these feats. One factor is how badly the seeker NEEDS proof. If the proof is needed before any spiritual information is listened to, chances are the seeker will be disappointed. One point to keep in mind is that perhaps the entity's agreement of service does not include "physical proof" but pure spiritual interaction. This does not make it any less "valid" but instead assists the entity in staying focused on it's path of agreement. Again, each and every scenario is unique. Go with an open mind and heart. With that, you won't be disappointed.

What Kind Of Questions Should I Ask?

Just like there are doctors specializing in certain areas of medicine, there are channels and entities who are more adept in specific areas. Edgar Cayce was an example of this. His focus was on medical diagnosis and treatment. When you are searching for a channel, it is your right to ask what the spirit's strong areas are. Look for one that suits your purpose.

An important point is that there are NO stupid questions. Feel free to ask anything from past life information, dream analysis, UFO encounters and spiritual philosophy, to career moves, and child rearing. They won't "give" you all the answers, but are there to assist you in a very loving and non-judgemental way. They have access to a wide variety of information, but at the same time are limited in WHAT they can tell you. They respect your life's processes too much. They don't want to do the "work" for you. Instead, they want to help you find the tools, and show you how to use them yourself to your naturally unlimited potential!

Where Do These Beings Get Their Information?

In their dimension, there is no language. Their form of communication is by telepathy, or thought-transfer. Therefore, in communicating with you, they form a link with your Higher Self (your higher consciousness, so to speak) and your Higher Self provides many of the answers that they share with you. That is why, if they can't "see" a particular lifetime, or share certain information with you, most likely it is because your own Higher Self is acting as a filter from your conscious mind. They only give you what you are ready for.

Other sources of information that they tap into range from the Akashic Records (the energy records of all that has ever occurred), to your spirit guides, and other spirit helpers. The sources are unlimited!

Books:

• Bashar--Blueprint for Change: by Darryl Anka
• Course in Miracles: by Foundation for Inner Peace
• Emmanuel's Book: by Pat Rodegast
• I Am Ramtha: by Ramtha
• Light of the Soul: by Alice Bailey
• Oahspe: by John Newbrough - Out-of-print - ask in our Used Book Branch
• Opening to Channel: by Sanaya Roman
• Right Use of Will: by Ceanne Derohan
• Seth Speaks: by Jane Roberts
• Star-Borne: by Solara
• Urantia Book: by Urantia Foundation

Some Well Known National And Local Channeled Entities:

LAZARIS, as channeled by Jach Pursel is a non-physical energy that has never experienced physicality. His perspective, techniques, and love have helped thousands move beyond limitations and into the joy of growing. For information contact Concept: Synergy, P.O. Box 3285, Palm Beach, Florida 33480 or call 407-588-9599.

ORIN, as channeled by Sanaya Roman. Sanaya and Orin are the co-authors of the book "Opening to Channel", and they conduct channeling workshops in the Bay Area of California. For information: 510-482-4560.

RAMTHA, as channeled by J.Z. Knight is a 35,000 year old Hindu warrior who stresses the God I Am, the God we all are. His teachings are known world wide through videos and published works. For information: 206-458-5201.

Basic Books  |  Channeling  |  Crystal Guide and List
Elvis Presley  |  I Ching  |  Malas, Rosaries, and Meditation Beads