Absent Healing: Healing that takes place when the healer is not in direct contact with the person to be healed.

Acupuncture: Traditional Chinese medical practice that involves sticking needles into specific locations on the body. Apparently related to tapping into and manipulating energy centres.

Akashic Records: A cosmic gallery of pictures and the records of every thought, action and feeling since the world began. Many believe that these records can be contacted in certain psychic states of consciousness. If you are interested in this line of enquiry I recommend reading The Field by Lynne McTaggart.

Alien Abduction Experience: Reported experiences of being abducted by alien creatures, often into spacecraft. Abductees often experience lost time and suffer loss of memory.

Alpha Rhythm: Electrical activity in the brain (about 10 cycles per second) associated with a state of mental relaxation.

Altered State of Consciousness (ASC): A term used to refer to any state of consciousness that is different from "normal" states of waking or sleeping. May include states of hypnosis and trance.

Ancestor Worship: Religious practices involving the veneration of dead ancestors.

Angels: Benevolent spiritual beings believed to help people in need.

Animal Magnetism: A putative force capable of being transmitted from one person to another.

Apparition: The paranormal appearance of someone that is distant or ‘dead’. This is a visual phenomenon that usually happens spontaneously. The appearance of an apparition seems to be motivated by the particular anxiety on the part of the entity. The need is felt to deliver an urgent message of perceived danger, worry, death or illness. Apparitions seem more likely to manifest in moments of crisis. The perception of an apparition is not restricted to the wee hours of the morning or to those who are in some private place. It can occur at the most unexpected moments and publicly.

Apports: The entry or appearance of various objects through an apparent penetration of matter. Apports are related to movement caused by spirit entities or unknown forces of energy. An apport is an object that appears in a closed area, such as a room in which a séance is taking place. Apport is the dematerialization of an object that then passes through obstacles such as walls and then re-materializes. Objects differ in size, may be living or inanimate and appear not to be harmed by their strange journey. With live apports it is thought that they are not dematerialised but rather the obstructing structure is dematerialised. Inanimate objects are often reported to feel hot when they arrive, although some have been reported to be cold.
Spirits within our Circle have told us that Stonehenge was created in this way. The stones being brought through a portal enabled through Druid mediums by Spirit and natural earth energies. They say that Stonehenge was never completed.

Animism: Religious practices based on the belief that all living things and natural objects have their individual spiritual essence or soul.

Anomalous Experience: A general term referring to unusual experiences that cannot be explained in terms of current scientific knowledge.

Asport: An asport is the apport phenomena in reverse. It is the disappearance of objects from a closed room and their re-appearance in another room. Objects may be removed by Spirit (through dematerialisation)…..then returned many years later.

Astral Projection: A condition in which there is separation between the physical and etheric body. Astral projection often occurs during sleep. Some have learned to consciously enable and control astral projection, and there are instances where information has been brought back and then verified. A cord connects the physical body to the etheric or astral body. This cord is often referred to as the “Silver Cord.” Also refer to Out of body Experiences….and Remote Viewing.

Astrology: A theory and practice which attempts to identify the ways in which astronomical events are correlated with events on earth.

Atavism: Re-emergence of ancestral characteristics; a genetic throwback.

Atmosphere: The gaseous mass or envelope surrounding a celestial body, especially the one surrounding earth. There is evidence that there is an aura or special atmosphere that surrounds all living bodies.

Aura: An energy field or field of radiation that surrounds the human body. Said by those who can see it, to consist of bands of colour. Investigation done by Dr. W. J. Kilner showed this energy field to vary in brilliance and colour during illness and mental or emotional stimulation. The aura shrinks to nothing near the time of death. Mediums have confirmed these findings and often discern impending changes by studying a person’s aura. Apparently pinks, lilacs, golds and bright blues denote a pleasantly healthy and happy person. Dull colours may be indicative of ill health, unpleasant disposition or unhappiness. The depth of aura is supposed to indicate whether a person is healthy, outgoing and friendly….they may have a wider aura than someone who is narrow minded, unfriendly or unwell. Some psychics can see or sense the aura around people. Some say that this aura can be photographed. See: Kirlian Photography.

Automatic Speaking: The use of the vocal cords without the volition of the conscious self. Spontaneous speech without the control of the conscious self, taking place in trance or in the waking state.

Automatic Writing: Written or typed material produced without the control of the conscious self. It is a flow of intelligent writing produced in a disassociated state. This is a common form of mediumship, but is also not always true mediumship. Automatic writing is a source of countless cases of self-delusion. When it is reliable it can open up a direct channel of communication from the Spirit World. The content is very important and can determine whether the writing is automatic or from the mind of the writer. Therefore, in judging such scripts, the standard of evidence should be very strict.

Automatic writing may be in another language and the term for this is Xenoglossy. It can be backward, upside down or horizontal. It may be so minute that a magnifying glass is needed to read it or very large and speed across a page.

Automatic writing can occur while the medium is conscious and engaged in other mental activity such as conversation or reading. The medium Leonore Piper wrote with both hands at the same time while carrying on a conversation. All three communications were on different subjects.

Automatism: The body functioning is not under the control of the conscious self. This control can be by either the subconscious self or by a discarnate entity. It encompasses automatic drawing, speaking, writing, painting, playing of musical instruments, dancing and even surgical operations. Sensory automatism includes clairaudience and clairvoyance.

Autoscopy: Looking back at one's own body from a position outside of the body.

Ba: Ancient Egyptian concept of a person's essence, believed to be be immortal.

Bardo: In Tibetan Buddhism, an intermediate state of existence, usually referring to the state between life and rebirth.

Billet Reading: Usually done in a public demonstration where the audience write down messages to their departed friends or ask questions on pieces of paper. The medium who is blindfolded or is in some other way unable to physically see the questions (questions placed in envelopes) then answers the questions and provides facts of an evidential nature. A similar form of this work involves sealed envelopes being placed within a séance room setting. The envelope when opened has shown written reply.

Bilocation: The ability to exist simultaneously in two places at once.

Cabinet: An enclosure used within a séance situation. Usually when a Medium is working with ectoplasm. The physical elements of ectoplasm come from the Medium. The ectoplasm is incredibly sensitive to light and if suddenly exposed, flies back into the Medium and can cause severe burns and damage to his/her body. This is why these circles tend to be held in blackout conditions.

The reason for the cabinet is that as the spirit energy & ectoplasm are created, it starts off as a kind of 'mist' & enclosing it all in a cabinet, helps keep it contained where it can more easily be manipulated and controlled. Sometimes as well as being within the cabinet, a Medium may wear a bag over their head, which allows for small quantities of ectoplasm to be held and used.

Over time, the need for the containment becomes less but as both the Medium and the Spirit team are developing together, the cabinet helps everyone.

Our spirit team have told us that their aim is to achieve phenomena but in lit conditions. This means that we will start to work more and more in red light and then dim white light so that the observers will be able to actually see the phenomena occurring with their own eyes. To do this they intend to blend other energies with the pure ectoplasm. They say this will be safer for the Medium.

Why is it usual to restrain the Medium when seated within the cabinet? The reason for the restraints are two fold. Firstly, we intend in the future to invite guests to join the Circle so that they too can witness the events and experience first hand physical, evidential proof beyond all reasonable doubt as to the existence of the continuation of consciousness beyond physical death.

In order for them to believe what they see, all opportunity for doubt must be removed. If they personally tie the Medium into the chair using unbreakable restraints on ‘his’ arms and legs, and personally tie a rope around his middle, and phenomena still occur, then it is either being fraudulently created by the other sitters (one has to ask why) or it's being created by Spirit.

Aside from these restraints acting to convince others, we Circle members are developing as a team (spirit, medium and sitters). We also need to be 100% convinced of what is happening. With such complex precautions we, as a team, become more trusting of each other as phenomena increases

Cartomancy: Fortune telling using cards.

Chakras: Also known as energy centres or spiritual centres. According to Hindu and occult concepts these are centres of psychic power situated in the subtle body that penetrates the physical body. There are said to be seven main chakras that ascend from the base of the spine. Various authorities actually differ on the number of chakras. Much like the aura, some psychics and mediums say that they can see these centres, which are a mixture of colour of varying brightness. The various centres usually are described red at the base; orange at the spleen; yellow at the solar plexus; green at the heart; blue at the throat; Indigo at the brow; and violet at the crown chakra. Some authorities differ on these colours. Certain spiritual healers say that chakras are like wheels and they consider themselves able to work on the chakras to stimulate healing of the physical body.

Channeler: A person who acts as an intermediary and through whom communication from the Spirit World is passed to those in the physical world. Also referred to as a Medium or a Vessell.

Channeling: Spirit Communication. May refer to any form of mental mediumship.

Clairaudience: This is a French word that means clear hearing and is the ability to hear sounds that are removed from natural hearing conditions or the environment. Parapsychology refers to it as extra-sensory information received as sound. To the person who experiences this it is as if someone’s voice is being heard orally. The sound, however, is not audible and the physical ear does not receive it. It is closely allied to clairvoyance but the impressions are heard rather than seen and it could be likened to hearing with the spiritual ear or mental hearing. Often the words heard are not those regularly used by the receiver or have a different style of phraseology.

Clairsentience: This is a form of impressional mediumship. The medium senses the physical makeup, personality, health condition, emotions, and the likes and dislikes of the spirit entities when they were on earth.

Clairvoyance: A French word meaning clear seeing. It is a paranormal mode of perception in which visual images are presented to the conscious mind. The perception may be of objects, people and/or scenes, and can be from the present, past or future. The clairvoyant experience may be spontaneous or induced as through meditation, scrying or other methods of divination.

Cold Reading: A reading given with no prior knowledge of the sitter. Often a mixture of very general statements which could apply to anyone, together with inferences made from cues presented by the sitter.

Cold Spots: Breezes, cool currents, and cold spots with a significant drop in temperature. They are often associated with etheric energy, an apparition or a spirit entity.

Collective Unconscious: Concept refering to a level of unconscious thought and experience shared collectively by humans.

Colouring: A term used to describe a message purported to come from spirit that has been influenced by the medium’s own thoughts and ideas. A medium is trained to give what they receive even if they do not understand the message. They are trained to guard against trying to interpret or translate a message to assure that their own thoughts and views are not placed into the message.

Communication, After Death: The departed bring messages to friends and relatives. Normally the intent of these messages is to comfort the bereaved and let them know that the loved one who has made their transition is all right and very much alive. A message may also be brought due to unfinished business and in order to bring closure to some unresolved issue.

The following are signs of spirit communication:

Sensing A Presence: This is the most common form of contact. But many people discount these experiences, thinking, "Oh, I’m just imagining this.” It’s a distinct feeling that your loved one is nearby, even though he or she can’t be seen or heard. Though most often felt during the days and weeks immediately after the death, you may sense his or her presence months and even years later.

Hearing A Voice: Some people state they hear an external voice, the same as when a living person is speaking to them. However, the majority of communications are by telepathy – you hear the voice of your relative or friend in your mind. When you have two-way communication, it is usually by telepathy. In fact, it’s possible to have an entire conversation this way.

Feeling A Touch: You may feel your loved one touch you with his or her hand, or place an arm around your shoulders or back, for comfort and reassurance. You may feel a tap, a pat, a caress, a stroke, a kiss, or even a hug. These are all forms of affection, nurturing, and love.
Smelling A Fragrance: You may smell your relative’s or friend’s favourite cologne, after-shave lotion, or perfume. Other common aromas are: flowers (especially roses) bath powders, tobacco products, favourite foods, and his or her personal scent.

Visual Experiences: Appearances range from "a transparent mist" to "absolutely solid" with many gradations in between. You may see only the head and shoulders of your relative or friend, or someone you love may make a full appearance to you, and you will see the entire body as well, which will appear completely solid. Some visual experiences occur in the bedroom, next to or at the foot of the bed. Others may happen anywhere – indoors or outdoors – even in a car or aboard a plane. Typically he or she will be expressing love and well being with a radiant smile. Loved ones virtually always appear healed and whole regardless of their cause of death. Verbal communication may take place, but not always.

Visions: You may see an image of a deceased loved one in a "picture" that is either two-dimensional and flat or three-dimensional like a hologram. It’s like seeing a 35-mm slide or a movie suspended in the air. Visions are usually in radiant colours and may be seen externally with your eyes open or internally in your mind. Communication may occur, especially during meditation.

Twilight Experiences: These occur in the alpha state – as you’re falling asleep, waking up, meditating, or praying. You may have any or all of the above types of experiences while you are in this state of altered consciousness.

Experiences While Asleep: Sleep-state experiences are much more vivid, intense, colourful, and real than dreams. They are very common. Both one-way and two-way communications are typical. You usually feel your loved one is with you in person – that you’re having an actual visit together. These experiences are not jumbled, filled with symbols, or fragmented the way dreams are.

Physical Phenomena: People who are bereaved often report receiving a wide variety of physical signs from their deceased relative or friend, such as: lights or lamps blinking on and off; lights, radios, televisions, stereos, and mechanical objects being turned on; photographs, pictures, and various other items being turned over or moved; and a long list of "things that go bump in the night."

Symbolic message: People frequently ask a Higher Power, the universe, or their deceased loved one for a sign that he or she still exists. Many receive such a sign, though it may take some time to arrive. Occasionally these signs are so subtle they may be missed, or they may be discounted as mere "coincidences.” Common signs include butterflies, rainbows, many species of birds and animals, flowers, and a variety of inanimate objects such as coins and pictures.


Concentration: One's attention, or the mind, is kept continuously on one point of focus without distraction. This can be difficult, but it is a good exercise for the stilling of the mind, which is necessary to receive psychic impressions. Meditation encourages the development of a clear mind and uncluttered thoughts.

Contact Healing: Healing where physical contact is made between the patient and the healer. Also called “laying on of hands” healing and spiritual healing. Often healing hands are held a short distance from the body of a patient and energy is transferred. Alternatively a healer may be used as a chanel for enabling spiritual energy to be used for healing purposes.

Corn Circle: Circular (or more elaborate) formations found in growing crops, most commonly in Southern Britain. Sometimes they are associated with UFO sightings. Many formations appear to have been intelligently created and to have some symbolic meaning. Despite several "confessions" made by various individuals and groups, the crop circle mystery remains unsolved.

Control: The spirit in charge of a medium or a séance proceeding. Often called “guides.” The control guide directs the operation of the communication; with the medium being the instrument of the communication or physical phenomena.

Cosmic Consciousness: A blissful experience in which the person becomes aware of the whole universe as a living being.

Crystal Gazing or Scrying: A very old form of divination done by gazing at a crystal ball, pool of water, mirror or other reflective surface. After a time of cloudiness, pictures and scenes are said to appear. This is the form of divination said to have been used at the time of the Greek Oracles and also by Nostradamus. Spiritualist mediums rarely, if ever, use this type of tool as it is felt that a developed clairvoyant does not need aids.

Crystals Crystals store energy. They may be used within charkas alignment work. They may also be used within a séance setting as a back-up energy source.

Death-bed Visions: There are countless reports of “death-bed visions” in which the person, before dying, reports seeing the appearance of deceased loved ones and relatives. A curious feature of these visions is that the dying only reports seeing deceased persons. If this were a function of the dying brain one would expect that the visions would be of living persons as frequently as deceased ones.

Dematerialization: The disappearance of matter or a materialized form. Parts of the medium’s body have been recorded as temporarily disappearing during séances in which physical phenomena has taken place. Small objects have also disappeared and if they reappear elsewhere they are known as asports.

Development Circles:
Open Circle - This is a development circle primarily for beginners. It is a circle that anyone can join - the number of sitters will vary from week to week. This is an ideal circle to join to get an idea of how spirit work.
Closed Circle - This is a development circle for more advanced mediums, who may or may not still be in training. To join a closed circle you must first be invited by the circle leader and there may be a trial period to make sure that you are right for the group. Strong committment and dedication are required to sit in a closed circle, which has the same number of people every week and the same sitters each time.
Physical Circle - This circle is primarily for the development of physical mediumship, such as trance, transfiguration and direct voice, to name but a few. Often this circle will be held in total darkness, although a small light may be used.
Spirit Rescue Circle - This circle is dedicated to the task of helping spirits who are 'stranded' - either because they are afraid to pass over, or because they do not realise they have died, or because something is holding them back from moving on into 'the light'. This circle requires a strong mind as the work can be emotionally and physically draining.
Healing Circle - A circle which will sit each week to send out remote healing to those in need.

Differentiation: Differentiation is used here to describe the process of changing the nature of energy. A person is thought to receive non-physical energy via the finer bodies of Self, and to change that energy for use in the physical. In differentiation, spiritual energy issuing from Infinite Intelligence is differentiated or transformed through the intelligent application of natural law to create visualized aspects of reality according to intention. It is through this process that an individual is thought to create his or her reality.

Direct Voice: A voice heard in space without any visible source or agency. The voice often emanates from a trumpet, which serves as a condenser and amplifier for the voice. But with sufficient energy the voice can be heard from any part of the room and a trumpet is not necessary. The theory of how this is done is that ectoplasm is withdrawn from the medium’s or from the sitter’s body to produce a larynx or artificial voice box. The voices may be human sounding or the sounds of animals. Many and varied experiments have been conducted to prove the validity of this phenomenon. Ventriloquism and the “throwing of voices” were ruled out.

Direct Voice: Within the cone or trumpet, the spirit guides are able to produce simulated vocal cords out of a light and moldable substance called ectoplasm, which is a lighter form of protoplasm, that is emanated from the Medium as well as from some or all of the sitters during the séance. The cone or trumpet also amplifies their voices. The vocal chords are said to be structured so as to enable the living voice of the speaker to be recognized more reliably then when a Medium’s vocal chords are being used..

Direct Writing: In Direct or Independent writing the script is obtained without any physical contact with the medium. Partially materialized hands have been seen, in some instances, writing these messages. Writing has been obtained in sealed boxes. A form of this phenomenon is known as “slate writing” where writing appears between a pair of sealed slates. Direct typewriting has also occurred and there have been reports of written messages being received on computers that were not connected to the Internet. These messages were not written by anyone in the household. Photographic paper can also be impressed with direct scripts.

Discarnate: A spirit person who has died in the earthly sense. Not incarnate. Not possessing a physical body.

Divination: Deliberate pursuit of knowing the future or the discovery of things that are hidden by various practices. Some of the most common are: dowsing, astrology, numerology, palmistry, crystal gazing and various cards used for divination such as the Tarot. These tools are not a part of the practice of Spiritualism, however spontaneous prophecy is.

Dowsing: Using a rod, twig or pendulum to find water or other materials.
Crystal pendulum dowsing may also allow spirit to respond to questions requiring a simple ‘yes or no’ response.

Earthbound Entity: A term often used to describe spirits who are still operating close to earth conditions because of habits, attachments or ignorance of their true state. Earthbound spirits are often held responsible for haunting type activity. Rescue circles help to enlighten such spirits and assist them in finding help and move on to their natural domain in the Spirit Planes. Rescue work is usually managed with the help of a trance medium who has suitable abilities.

Ectoplasm: From the Greek ektos and plasma: exteriorized substance. A subtle matter present in the physical body that is primarily invisible but capable of assuming various vaporous, liquid or solid states and properties. It emanates from the body of mediums and is manipulated by either discarnate intelligences or the subconscious, to produce phenomena including partial and complete materializations. Ectoplasm is usually a whitish sticky substance that emerges through the pores and any of the natural orifices of the body.

Spirit Ectoplasm often has a smell similar to ozone. It can also smell like mushroom compost. It can appear in many different forms, colours and conditions although it is most often described as a whitish colour. It is sensitive to light and can also affect the general temperature of the room.

Ectoplasm possesses some of the properties of a living substance in that it has the ability to change, move and assume form.

The medium, Mme. d’Esperance, said that she could feel fine threads being drawn out of the pores of her skin and that her first impressions were of being covered with spider webs.

This substance is said to be responsible for the production of physical phenomena. In addition to materialized forms spirit operators build elastic or rigid rods to produce movements in objects, raps, artificial voice boxes, levitation of tables and other objects.

Ectoplasmic formations are potentially dangerous to the medium. If the materialized formation or the medium is touched or subjected to light, the ectoplasm rapidly returns to the body of the medium and can cause severe injury. has described ectoplasm as similar in make-up to mushroom.
Protoplasm: Contents of a living cell. Strictly speaking it includes all the discrete structures (organelles) in a cell, but it is often used simply to mean the jelly like material in which these float. The contents of a cell outside the nucleus are called cytoplasm.
Ectoplasm: Granule free cytoplasm of amoeba, lying immediately below the plasma membrane.

Electronic Voice Phenomena or EVP: The appearance of supernormal voices and messages on recording equipment. Experimenters have reported receiving messages from loved ones who are dead on various types of recording equipment. The voices are often not heard until actual playback of the media that has been recorded; however, many report hearing voices in and around the recording equipment. Headphones are normally used to listen to the recordings.

Elemental Spirit: A spirit associated with one of the classical four elements (fire, earth, air and water).

Emanations: Science now knows of many kinds of emissions or radiations. Those not yet known or understood could be responsible for such faculties as dowsing and psychometry.

Empathy: The ability to understand the experience or emotional state of another person or animal. Often used to refer to an apparently psychic ability to experience another person's sensations, pain or emotions.

Entering the Silence: A quite period that usually lasts a short time. It is often observed in Spiritualist church services. It is a brief time for meditation or attunement to the spiritual influences. Most séances require a period of silence at the beginning of a séance.

Entity: An individual. This term often refers to a discarnate personality.

Etheric: All things pertaining to non-physical reality.

Etheric body: A counterpart of the physical body that lives on after the change called death. Also known as the spirit body.

Etheric Plane: The region where we go after passing through the change called death. There is gravitation to those of like mind and spiritual development. This is the plane contacted by mediums for evidence of survival. The surroundings in the near locale of the Etheric Planes are said to resemble the earth but are more responsive to thought. Spirit tells us that there are many planes of existence.

Evil Spirits: Spiritualists believe that “spirits” are just like us only they abide in a different sphere, atmosphere and awareness. They are no more evil than we are. Calling spirits evil is in general caused by a fear of the unknown. In truth most “evil spirits” would be better called misguided, ignorant or undeveloped. Testimony from Spiritualist and others who do rescue work would confirm this.

Experimenter Effect: Influence that the experimenter's personality or behaviour may have on the results of an experiment.

Extradimensional: Originating outside our normal space-time reality.

Extra Sensory Perception or ESP: Communication or perception by means other than the physical senses. Professor J. B. Rhine conducted thousands of experiments, which produced statistical evidence of the existence of a telepathic function in some individuals. There are differences between ESP and mediumship. ESP is a partial or complete correspondence between the mental patterns of two persons, a sender and a receiver. In mediumship the information is often unknown by the sitter at the time and in the absence of a “transmitter” the ESP explanation does not fit for what is happening in mediumship unless we say that the sender is in the Spirit World.

Faith: Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. This is expected of most religious beliefs. This is not expected in Spiritualism where proof is offered.

Faith Healing: Healing which is said to happen due to a healing recipient’s belief or faith in Divine power. This is the type of healing that has taken place at Lourdes and other such places. Faith Healing is different from spiritual healing. With spiritual healing the recipient does not have to have faith to be healed. An animal can be treated and cured, which rules out faith as the necessary factor.

Ghost: An energy field that repeatedly appears in the same location and is often perceived as a “living presence.” The appearance of a ghost is often accompanied with a drop in temperature.

Ghosts are considered to be entities that are held earth bound for various reasons. Due to misinformation from former education, or religious beliefs, the entity may not be aware that he or she is dead. There may be an emotional tie from the past that is not understood and that binds them to the earth plane. Mourners who do not stop talking and thinking about someone who has died can hinder that person’s movement into the Spirit World. A ghost can receive energy from an environment that holds emotional ties regarding its past life.

A ghost can also be nothing more than an astral shell. Earthly desires and habits may be so strongly engraved that the shell can hold its human like form for a considerable length of time. This form of ghost is often not responsive to people.

Glossolalia: Speaking in tongues unknown to the medium or person doing the speaking. This occurs sometimes when a Medium is in their early training for trance development.

Guide: A continual, benevolent, protective influence who acts in a protective and or instructive capacity. They are said to be advanced spirits who voluntarily return with a purpose in mind. Some guides say that they are only the mediums for even higher or more advanced entities.

Haunting: Paranormal disturbances usually attributed to the spirits of the dead. Various phenomena are reported including moving objects, strange noises, lights, cold spots, unpleasant smells, and the appearance of ghostly figures. Most hauntings are attributed to those who have suffered some sort of violent death.

It may be that the violent energy surrounding a death does electrify the atmosphere. This may imprint the event within the surrounding area…rather like making a recording onto a tape. In certain conditions this recording may be activated and re-played. This re-play may be referred to as a ghost.

Healing
There are many different types of healing, but here are a few examples:
Spiritual Healing - This is the type of healing that is most likely to be carried out in a Spiritualist church (although some churches may offer a wide range of healing). The healer channels energies from spirit (they usually have a guide specifically for this work) which can be used to provide the healing as required. Spiritual healing can treat physical symptoms and ailments or it can be used to help a person who is low in spirits. Absent healing (or remote healing) works along the same principles, but the person is not present (obviously!). To find a Spiritual Healer in your locality, please visit the National Federation of Spiritual Healers website from the Links page. Crystal Healing - Crystals have their own energies and properties and these can be used to restore the right balance in our own energies. Each crystal has different properties, and is capable of treating different ailments, whether in mind, body or spirit.
Reiki - Reiki is the use of cosmic or universal energy, channelled through the healer to provide the necessary healing.
Chakra Healing - Similar principle to crystal healing - and is used to restore the balance of the chakras. For individual Chakra healing, a crystal appropriate to the individual Chakra is used and is placed on the Chakra for 5 to 30 minutes. For complete Chakra healing, 7 clear quartz crystals are placed on the Chakras and left for the same amount of time.

Hierarchy of Spirit: A term describing the integration between the different Spirit Planes of existence. Information from one to the other does not pass directly but by means of a system of delegation and a chain of communication. The higher spheres are said to be aware of the lower adjacent planes, which they are able to interact with and impress. But knowledge of the higher can only be revealed through the mediumship of spirits at the lower level.

When speaking with spirit, such as through a trance Medium, it is evident that those from a lower plane do not hold the knowledge of those from a higher plane.

Communicating Spirits don’t necessarily ‘know everything’ and may ask those higher up for advice.

Home Circle: A group of friends who meet on a regular basis usually in a person’s home to develop their psychic powers. They believe that spirit helpers and guides are ready to assist their efforts. A developed medium is usually present but not always. Some circles sit for specific purposes such as absent healing, meditation, spirit rescue, psychic development, trance development, astral projection or physical phenomena.

The ideal number of persons for a home circle is supposed to be seven, as for a séance.

Hypnotism: A peculiar state of consciousness artificially induced, a kind of sleep state that seems to liberate the subconscious powers of the subject. The subject executes suggestions made by the hypnotist as long as they do not conflict with deeper instincts. These suggestions may even be delayed to take affect after the subject comes out of the hypnotic state. The hypnotic state also can be self-induced in order to attain greater self-confidence, self-control, or management of pain.

Past Life Regression: A technique whereby a subject being lightly hypnotized is able to recall details of events that happened in their distant past. Hypnotists have regressed the memory of subjects to events before their birth. The substantiation of these events is advanced as evidence for the theory of reincarnation.

Impersonation: The medium can temporarily take on the past conditions of the communicator. These can be physical conditions such as difficulty breathing, a bad leg or any number of situations. This often provides very evidential information.
Impersonation can also mean something else. A spirit may imitate another spirit or say that they are someone that they are not. This can happen in mediumship and also in Electronic Voice Phenomena. One’s passing to spirit life does not make one immediately illuminated or in anyway automatically more advanced than in earth life. Spirits may impersonate for attention or as a prank. Communicators that seem pompous or make claims of being some important personality should be approached carefully and supporting information must be obtained to substantiate any claims that seem out of the ordinary.

Impression: A process by which entities can impart information to the mind of a person with mediumistic ability. The impression may be visual or more like a thought. There may be an urge to take a certain course of action or to perform some sort of task. May also be referred to as clairsentience.

Infinite Intelligence: In Spiritualism, the Prime Creator, First Cause, God, Highest Power or whatever you think of when you think of the force that started reality in the first place, is known as Infinite Intelligence. Yes, it is correct to say that Infinite Intelligence is God. Spiritualists often do believe in God. But there are a few important differences in the way Spiritualists understand God. Infinite Intelligence is not a father figure that offers rewards and punishment to his children.

Inspiration: An agency, such as a person or work of art, which moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention. In Spiritualism this is more of a psychic state in which one is receptive to creative spiritual influence. Inspirational speaking, writing and drawing have been done by mediums who have no training in these fields and who also lack any natural ability. The results are often exemplary.

Inspirational Speaking: An extemporaneous oral communication by mediums in various states of trance with the resulting communication frequently surpassing their own abilities.
Inspirational Writing and Drawing: Recording written or drawn mental impressions that are super normally received.

Intuition: The act or faculty of knowing or sensing without the use of rational processes; immediate cognition; a perceptive insight.

Instrumental TransCommunication (ITC): Images and messages that are received from spirit entities through televisions, radios, telephones, computers, and other devices.

Invocation: Summoning benevolent spiritual beings.

Joy Guide: A member of the Inner Band or guide whose function is to bring light-heartedness and joy. Assists a person in their balance between work and recreation. A Joy Guide is usually seen as a very young person of either gender.
Often within a séance setting this entity lightens the atmosphere and is a fun-style negotiator.

Karma: A principle in Theosophy, Buddhism and Hinduism that states that we are the cause of our present conditions. These conditions are governed by the Law of Action: for every action there is a reaction with our deeds, acts and attitudes creating our future and making one ultimately responsible for oneself.

Kirlian Photography: Photographs of the emanations surrounding people, plants, animals and objects made possible by a high voltage camera invented by Semyon and Valentina Kirlian. These emanations are not detectable through normal human sight. The camera converts non-electrical properties into electrical properties, which are then captured on film by means of high-voltage spark discharges. It is believed that the emanations detected by this method are representative of the aura.

Kundalini: Yoga teaching regarding a psychic force coiled at the base of the spine. This force is dormant until awakened through Yoga teachings and techniques. The force then ascends to the chakras, or energy centres in the body, activating them and creating psychic abilities appropriate to the centres activated.

Laws of Nature: Spiritualists believe that all things including phenomena proceed according to Natural Law. Phenomena are not considered miracles. They simply happen according to natural laws not yet discovered or understood. Phenomena may be supernormal but not supernatural. It has been said that North American Indians and Druids (amongst others) held awareness and abilities now mostly lost to mankind.

Levitation: To rise or cause to rise into the air and float in apparent defiance of gravity. A form of physical mediumship in which objects such as chairs, tables and even human beings, are lifted into the air without any physical agency. The medium, D. D. Home, was famous for levitation. One eyewitness account tells of his floating out a third story window and then returning into the room through another window.

Life: Predominately considered to be a characteristic of humans, plants and animals. However, even inert matter is in constant movement and change. We continue to find life in places that we did not believe that it could exist, such as on the bottom of the sea floor around thermal vents. Perhaps our ideas of what is living and what is non-living are flawed and merely the measure of our ignorance and restricted powers of observation. Many consider that the earth is alive. This view about life is more in accordance with information received from spirit communications. All things pulsate and are basically ‘energy mass’.

Lower Astral: A term often used to describe the part of the Spirit World nearest to earth. This is said to be the level of ghosts and other spirits who would be considered earthbound or lost.

Lucid Dreaming: Dreaming in which the person is aware that the experience is a dream. Often associated with feelings of aliveness and freedom, and with the ability to control dream events.

Luminous Phenomena: These frequently occur in association with physical mediumship. A survey of cases seem to conclude that psychic lights have a chemical origin and are derived from the body of the medium or the sitters and are similar to the organic lights observable in nature, such as luminous insects. The lights can vary in brilliance, size and are sometimes coloured. They appear as semi-solid objects that float about the room. Phosphorus smells have been said to accompany these lights.

Magic: The practice of using charms, spells or rituals to attempt to produce supernatural effects or control events in nature. Most primitive peoples practiced magic. White magic is magic undertaken for beneficial purposes. Black magic is magic exercised for evil intention. Psychic phenomena are supernormal; in other words they work in accordance with natural laws and are not supernatural.

Magnetic Healing: Some individuals possess a superabundance of energy or vital force. This energy can be passed on from the healer to those with low amounts of vital force and a healing can take place.

Magnetic Phenomena: Mediums may influence compass needles and magnetized items in experiments.

Mantra: A sacred sound used in meditation.

Materialization: A form of physical mediumship where temporary ectoplasmic forms are observed in diverse phases of completeness and solidity. This may be the most difficult phase of physical mediumship. A large abundance of ectoplasm is necessary. The ectoplasm is a substance, normally invisible, which flows from a physical medium and is added to by the sitters who are present. The spirit entity is able to use the ectoplasm to manifest a body, which is a replica of the physical body that they had when they were on the Earth Plane. The spirit entity manifests apart from the Medium and can be observed by everyone present. In the best cases of Materialization the entity walks, moves and has even been able to speak. This phenomenon has been investigated many times under laboratory conditions and proved to be genuine. This form of mediumship is rare and there is a need for discernment as this phenomenon usually is demonstrated in darkness. Events of fraud surrounding this type of phenomena in the past have done great harm to the true cases where this phenomenon has taken place.

Matter Through Matter: This phenomenon has been produced on many occasions with a variety of items being removed or introduced into sealed jars and locked containers. Clothing that has been sewed up has been removed from mediums. Rings of wood, leather, iron and other matter have been linked together. Items have been reported passing through tables and in and out of closed séance rooms. See Apport and Asport.

Medium: One whose organism is sensitive to vibrations from the Spirit World and through whose instrumentality intelligences in that world are able to convey messages and produce phenomena.
There are two kinds of mediumship, mental and physical. Some of the phenomena included under mental mediumship are clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, trance, inspirational speaking and writing, spiritual healing, prophecy, and psychometry. Some of the phenomena included in physical mediumship would be materialization, apports, transfiguration, direct or independent voice and writing, trumpet, EVP, spirit photography, ITC, rappings, levitation, and luminous appearances.

Mediumship: How do Spirits make contact?

Basically, Spirit are able to manifest into this plane of existence in a number of different ways. Through thought, influence and occasionally through apparent physical effects.
But to reach us reliably, regularly and 'on demand' they need to come through a 'medium'.

There are 'mental' mediums, who link by telepathy (is the closest description to what happens) and pick up images, feelings, thoughts, and pass them on to whoever the 'messages' are intended for.

Then there are 'trance' mediums, who go into a kind of meditation state or 'altered state' of awareness and then Spirit can come very close to them, and rather than giving them mental images, instead give them the words to use. This can give the appearance of the spirit actually talking through the medium, as if they were temporarily inhabiting the mediums body (they are not, but just 'inspiring' the medium to talk).

Some ‘trance’ mediums develop an ability to work in a deeper state of altered consciousness, and may change in facial appearance as well as enabling communication that strongly resembles the voice of the Spirit communicator. They may also ‘pick up’ on any physical health issue relating to a spirit person, and perhaps then display features related to this. Most such mediums remain aware to some extent of the proceedings.

Then there are the 'deep trance' mediums, who are not conscious of the proceedings at all. In this state, the Spirit (nearly always a guide of the medium) will take over the verbal/auditory systems and communicate directly with the others present.

Then there are the 'Physical Mediums'. These are mediums whom the Spirit can take into deep trance and then manipulate aspects of their energy systems and physical make up to enable physical phenomena. There are different forms of this energy, but the most common and 'traditional' form is for the spirit to create a semi-spirit, semi-physical energy form known as ectoplasm. They can the use this physical energy to create physical forms of themselves, move things around, create external 'voice boxes' that will allow them to 'speak' directly to listeners. This is known as direct or independent voice.


Mental mediumship is considered subjective in nature as it appeals more directly to the intellect. It is felt that the spirit control operates the medium’s subconscious mind as an instrument of expression. Mental mediumship stems from the base of the brain, which is the centre of the cerebrospinal nervous system, controlling all conscious actions

Miracles: Events that are considered supernatural. Spiritualist do not believe in the supernatural but have a substantial amount of evidence of the supernormal which does not contest natural laws.
Molds, Psychic: Molds have been obtained by the materialized form dipping its hands into molten wax, then water and then dissolving to leave a thin glove like impression behind. Duplicates of these are impossible to reproduce by normal means. Other kinds of molds, or impressions, have been taken of materialized forms during séances.

Morphic Resonance: Refers to the way in which the "morphogenetic field" (underlying form) of an object or organism may influence distant fields.

Mummification: This is an unusual form of mediumship where perishable objects are preserved due to contact with the medium’s hands or by passes made with the medium’s hands. Decomposition of plants and animals has been slowed and cut flowers have been preserved for many days. Bacteria of various types have also been destroyed with this same method.
Music, Supernormal: Beautiful, unaccountable sounds of singing or instruments being played. Music from invisible sources has been reported being heard at religious revivals and at deathbeds. With mediumship it is rare without some sort of musical instrument being present. Instruments of various kinds have been played paranormally during the séances of many different mediums.

Natural Law: Natural Law is defined in Spiritualism as an “ascertained working sequence or constant order among the phenomena of nature.” Natural laws are simple statements of the orderly working of the universe and all that is in it. They represent the constant outward expression of what we can expect to happen in any given situation.

Newspaper Tests: Ingenious experiments devised by spirit entities to eliminate the possible claim that telepathy was an explanation for spirit communication. Names and dates were given that would be published in certain columns of a newspaper yet to be printed. Astonishing results were obtained in this manner through the mediumship of Mrs. Leonard.
Due to some evidence related to the existence of life within other planes of existence, there is also theory that time may be irrelevant. Therefore past, present and future may be otherwise than we presently understand.

Nonphysical: Not of this physical reality, which is sometimes referred to as the Physical Plane of existence. This is not simply a matter of something that has not yet been defined by science. The working hypothesis is that there are levels or aspects of reality that are energetically different from our aspect of reality.

However you think of it, the idea is that there is one reality, but that this reality has aspects. Our physical universe is one aspect of reality. Here, we are referring to the greater reality beyond our physical universe as "nonphysical" reality.

Numerology: The study of the meanings of numbers and their supposed influence on human life.

Objective Phenomena: Phenomenon that has external reality and that can be perceived and observed by others. Physical mediumship enables objective phenomena.

Occam's Razor: The principle that we should always prefer the simplest explanation of events.

Occultism: Esoteric systems of belief and practice that assume the existence of mysterious forces.

Oracle: An answer to a question, believed to come from the gods.

Ouija Board: A small wooden board with letters of the alphabet. A pointer is placed under the medium’s hand and on the board. Under spirit control, messages are spelled out. Often attracts lower forms of spirit communication.

Overshadowing: A medium is controlled by a spirit entity. Most often used when the range of control is slight.

Palmistry: Divination through the configuration and lines of the hands. Not a mediumistic faculty.

Parakinesis: The movement of objects with contact insufficient by itself to explain the motion observed. Perhaps reaching to touch a glass….then to see it floating away!

Paranormal: Beyond the range of normal experience or scientific explanation; supernormal. In Spiritualism, The Principles of natural law are thought to be continuously applied throughout reality. As such, while something may be outside of "normal" experience, it is not outside of what is normal or natural in the larger view

Parapsychology: The study of the evidence for psi phenomena, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, and psychokinesis, which are unexplainable by science.

Pendulum: A body suspended from a short cord so that it swings freely back and forth. Dowsers use this instrument. Spiritualist would say that the results received are possibly due to the psychic powers of the operator, the pendulum simply acting as a focus of attention.

Personality: All of the characteristics, which make up the physical and mental being and make us each individuals. The characteristics that distinguish one person from another incorporated into a stream of consciousness. The question of survival cannot be decided until the continuance of personality as a stream of consciousness is proved.

Phantom: Something apparently seen but having no physical reality such as a ghost or an apparition. The evidence for this is overwhelming.

Planchette: A small handrest on castors in which a pencil is fixed. This device was invented in France in 1853. The medium (or group of sitters) place their hands on the device and writing or drawing may result that originates from spirit entities.

Phenomena: Any manifestation of non-physical energy into physical reality. As a convention, "Phenomena" with a capital "P" is used for non-physical phenomena. Otherwise, "phenomena" with lower case "p" refers to mundane or physical world manifestations of nature. Here, Phenomena is generally thought of as an intrusion of subtle energy--usually called spiritual energy in the Spiritualist church--into our physical awareness. This energy is sometimes referred to as etheric energy. Typical examples include:
Mediumship: a medium is a person who is able to sense the presence of a non-physical entity, either through the physical senses or by way of thoughts and impressions conveyed by the entity. From the most fundamental perspective, this non-physical information is spiritual energy (etheric energy but of intelligent origins) that is emanated by entities residing beyond the veil. Mediumship, then, is the act and process of conveying this energy into the physical realm.
Clairvoyance : a clairvoyant is a person who is able to psychically sense non-physical energy and is able to project his or her awareness to other locations, physical or non-physical. As such, clairvoyance (clear seeing) is though of a the ability to project awareness beyond the persons physical location. A modern trend is to refer to this as remote viewing.
Spiritualists believe that such Phenomena is not supernatural or miraculous in any way, but that it operates according to the Principles of natural law.

Phenomena of Spiritualism: The Phenomena of Spiritualism include prophecy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, speaking in tongues, spiritual healing also known as laying on of hands or therapeutic touch, visions, trance, apports, levitation, raps, automatic and independent writings and paintings, direct or independent voice, materialization, spirit photography, psychometry, electronic voice phenomena and any other manifestation proving the continuity of life as demonstrated through the physical and spiritual senses and faculties of man.

Physical mediumship: Is described as objective in nature because it generally affects physical objects and can be observed by one or more of the five physical senses. Mental mediumship stems from the base of the brain, which is the centre of the cerebrospinal nervous system, controlling all conscious actions. Physical mediumship is centred in the solar plexus, which controls the sympathetic nervous system and regulates all unconscious functions of the body.

Planchette: A small platform on casters generally used with an attached pencil to produce automatic writing. May also refer to the 'pointer' used with an ouija board.

Planes of Existence
There are said to be five planes of existence and each vibrates at a higher vibration than the one before it (see 'Vibration' below). Each level co-exists with the others, but most people are not aware of anything other than the first plane - the Earth plane.
Earth Plane - The most familiar! This is the plane on which we exist, and is the densest of all the planes.
Etheric Plane - When people 'die' their spirits will pass through this plane to reach the plane of existence where they belong. However, some spirits remain for quite some time in this plane, until they can accept their condition and move on - or to put it another way, until they are ready to accept 'the light'.
Astral Plane - This is the plane where the spirit who are most likely to make contact with a medium are situated.
Celestial Plane - This is the highest level of all and this is the plane where those we come to know as our guides and teachers exist.
The more spirit progress, and the longer they have been in the spirit world, the higher the plane in which they exist.

Poltergeist: A mischievous entity who throws objects, makes noise, breaks things and has even been known to cause fires. This type of phenomenon is spontaneous and usually occurs around young people near the age of puberty.

Possession: A developed form of motor automatism in which the personality of the automatist is temporarily substituted by a discarnate spirit. The possessing personality aims to establish communication through the entranced medium by speech or writing.
Unfortunately the term possession has come to mean in popular culture a state of being dominated by evil spirits. Trance mediumship operates on the same principle but is the result of cooperation between an intelligent spirit and the medium. Consideration and respect is shown on both sides and the medium’s normal self is only in temporary abeyance during control.
In unwanted possession, the best treatment is to reason with the entity. The futility and damage that the possessing entity is doing should be pointed out to them. They must be made aware of the positive possibilities that are inherent in their departure to the sphere of existence that they truly belong in. They need to learn and understand that progression will still continue for them in that sphere. Some mediums work in this specialized area.

Prayer: A mental or vocal communication directed to a higher power or spirit intelligence. A mental attitude of reaching out to a greater awareness of spirituality. Spiritualists would say that the form is not important, but that the sincerity and spiritual value of the motive behind the prayer is.

Precognition: Knowledge of something in advance of its occurrence, especially by extrasensory perception; clairvoyance.

Prediction: The foretelling of any kind of future event; a prophecy.

Premonition: A presentiment of the future; a foreboding. This is the lowest degree of prophecy, as in premonitions precise details of the event are not outlined.

Prodigies: Infants who exhibit mature powers of technical or artistic perfection.

Prophecy: A prediction of the future, made under divine inspiration.

Protection: Usually a prayer and assertion which is stated, along with a request for protection against contact from uninvited entities, before entering into a séance situation.
A form of self-protection is considered to be beneficial to those who work with spirit communication. Self assertion. Strength of mind.

Psychic art. Artistic expression without the control of the conscious self. Sometimes this is done in complete darkness and at great speed. The subject and quality of this type of art is varied.

Psychic: That which is mental. Descriptive of supernormal phenomena. A person responsive to psychic forces. A Psychic is not necessarily a Medium. A Psychic may be able to foretell the future, excel in psychometry and be clairvoyant but would not say that this information was coming from a control or spirit entity. Mediums are most often psychic but it is possible for a medium to simply be an instrument for communications from the other side and have no psychic ability.

Psychic Photographs: There are two types. First there are photographs produced by normal means for psychical research. These include pictures of ectoplasm, levitation, telekinetic phenomena, materialization, and other manifestations. Secondly there are pictures produced by supernormal means often called Spirit Photographics. This type of photo often shows strange lights, mists, orbs and entities.

Psychic Surgery: Actual or simulated surgical procedures carried out by psychic or spiritual healers.

Psychograph: The supernormal appearance of some text or writing on photographic material. The Scole experimental group put factory-sealed photographic film into a locked wooden box. After spending time within a séance setting this film was shown to display pictures and words.

Psychokinesis (P. K.): The production or control of motion, especially in inanimate and remote objects, by the exercise of psychic powers. This is a term used in parapsychology.
Psychometry: By touching an object, or an area, information is gained that was not known before about the object and/or the owner of the object. This information is often perceived through the palms of one’s hands. The article can also be held up to the forehead or against the solar plexus area to gain information. Objects that have been involved in an emotional trauma, or that have been used repeatedly, are most easily read. Psychometry does not provide information about the future, as this information has not been imbedded on the object.

Psychometry
Psychometry is mediumship using an object; the person for whom the medium is reading does not have to be present when the reading takes place. Some mediums can psychically determine different things about a person from the object; others can link to spirit connected to the owner using the object (see 'Link' above). Psychometry is an especially useful method to use if they know the people for whom they are reading well.

Radiesthesia: The theory that dowsing operates by the instrumental detection of subtle radiations from the hidden substance.

Raps: A common feature of physical séances. Noises are heard as knocks, pops, cracks, and bangs. Coded communication is possible. The phenomenon is said to be produced by flexible ectoplasmic rods striking furniture, floors, walls or various objects in the room.

Rapport: Relationship, especially one of mutual trust or emotional affinity. Spirit entities have advised of the importance of rapport within a circle wishing to develop physical phenomena.

Raudive Voices: Intelligible voices recorded on magnetic tape under conditions of silence which are heard only when the tape is played.

Reality: There is one reality, but there are many aspects of the one reality. We exist in the physical aspect of reality. As such, non-physical reality is the rest of reality. Related terms are personal reality or environment and local reality.

Receptivity: A mental condition necessary for mediumship meaning, “capable of or qualified for receiving.” Only by becoming quiet and stilling one’s thoughts can one begin to hear the first beginnings of communication coming from those in the spirit realms.

Reincarnation: The rebirth of the soul in another physical body. The belief that beings who have passed over and who have spent a period of time in the beyond, return. Spiritualists are divided on this belief. Many have difficulty in accepting this rigid law of return and favor the idea of a measure of personal free will. So what do those on the other side say? Surprisingly information brought through mediums from spirit entities also is split. Some say reincarnation is a fact. Others say that we make the decision once there, whether to return or not. And still others say that there is no such thing as reincarnation. Some of the evidenced advanced for the theory of reincarnation is memories of former incarnations, hypnotic regression before birth, prodigies and information from those in spirit.

Reincarnation (a second explanation)
Whether you believe in reincarnation is a matter of personal choice - the jury is still very much out on the subject and those with an opinion of reincarnation are divided. Those who believe in reincarnation hold the belief that we each return again to the Earth plane from spirit to learn a set of lessons in order to progress and advance in the spirit world. Some believe that we return to the Earth to set right past wrongs - the law of Karma (in the simplest terms 'what goes around, comes around'); for example, if you were wealthy and cruel you may return as someone who is very poor and the victim of cruelty. Many people have 'past life experiences' - they may get a feeling of deja vu when visiting a place they have never been before - or they may have dreams of people and places they do not know. Often they will have undergone Past Life Regression under hypnosis, from which many details may be given and verified - often with a high degree of accuracy. Those who do not believe in reincarnation account for 'past life experiences' as shared experiences with another member of their Soul Group.

Religion: Is the service and worship or the commitment or devotion to faith or observance. Religion might also be defined as scrupulous conformity to a personal set or institutionalised system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices. Finally, religion may be a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.

Rescue Circles: Formed for the purpose of making those who have died and are stuck in the earth sphere aware of their condition. These stuck entities are often referred to as “earth bound.” Guides and helpers tell us that these earth bound entities can be difficult to reach and help from the higher planes and that it is far easier for us to reach them from our side.

Retrocognition: Awareness or knowledge of facts of past events or persons acquired by means of psychic ability.

Revelation: Something revealed especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized.

Sacred Writings: There are many scared texts and books. Spiritualism contents that all scared texts are important and none are more important than any other. Revelation and inspiration can be drawn from many literary sources. Spiritual truth is not confined to one religion or to any particular set of writings.

Sceptic: A person inclined to discount the reality of the paranormal.

Scrying: See: Crystal gazing

Séance: Sitting done for the purpose of obtaining psychic manifestations or for establishing communication with the dead. The presence of a medium is required. Sitters need not have psychic powers but the phenomena will be stronger if they do. The sitters should be limited and well chosen. It is said that a number of sitters between six and eight are best. The establishment of a favourable environment is necessary for success and the rapport between the sitters should be the foundation for this environment. Most authorities say that there should be a balance between male and female energies. Scepticism does not prevent success but the presence of a hostile mind can be destructive.

Seer: A natural prophet or Clairvoyant.

Self: Self is the term used here in reference to the true "I" of the continuum of consciousness of an individual. Self is your point of view. In popular terminology, we are conscious or unconscious. We have a physical body and we have a Soul. However, in the terms used here, we are Self occupying a physical body during this lifetime. We, as Self, are multi-level entities.

Sensing: A term that is often used by mediums when perceiving information coming from a spirit communicator, or from a psychometry article.

Sensitive: A person possessing psychic powers but who does not necessarily have the ability to establish communication with the departed. A sensitive may excel in clairvoyance, psychometry and telepathy, and be able to see the future yet they may not claim that the information received comes from those in the spirit realms.

Shaman: A member of certain tribal societies who acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible Spirit World and who performs rituals for the purpose of healing, divination, and control over natural events.

Sitter: The attendees of a séance or sitting, other than the medium.

Sixth Sense: A power of perception seemingly independent of the five senses; keen intuition. Tardy de Montravel first put forward this theory saying that this sixth sense was the source and sum of all our senses. The theory has been advanced in the past as a convenient explanation for most phenomena and as an alternative to spirit communication. There may be some truth to our having a sixth sense, but there is also a wide variety of evidence that supports the evidence of spirit communication.

Slate Writing: Once a popular phenomenon in séances. Today it is rare. Two slates were sealed with a piece of pencil between them. During the séance a message would be written between the slates and disclosed after they were opened.

Smells, Psychic: Many different kinds of smells have been reported that are of supernormal origin. They range from the wonderful smells of flowers and perfumes to the very unpleasant ones reported in haunting situations. Sulfur and ozone smells have been reported accompanying some phenomena.

Solar Plexus: An area situated behind the stomach. It is associated with one of the chakras or psychic centres related to emotion. Thought of as the point in the human body at which cosmic energies are transmuted into usable physical energy. Sitters sometimes experience a curious pulling feeling in the solar plexus area during the production of phenomena.

Soul: The indestructible spiritual part of a person. The animating and vital principle in human beings credited with the faculties of thought, action, and emotion and often conceived as an immaterial entity. The spiritual nature of human beings, regarded as immortal, separable from the body at death, and susceptible to happiness or misery in a future state. Spiritualists believe that the soul leaves the physical body at death and continues to function in the Spirit World.

Soul Group
A soul group is the 'family' of souls to which we belong - although we do not necessarily inhabit the Earth plane at the same time as any other member of our Soul Group, it is to this group that we return when we pass to the spirit world. The Soul Group helps the returning member (soul) to review the life that they have lived and to reaclimatise to the spirit world.

Spheres: The subsequent realms of spirit life following that of earth. The higher levels are invisible to those in the lower levels. The nearest environments are similar to that of earth but disease and physical deterioration are absent. There have been many attempts to define and name the different spheres. In any event there seems to be an infinite gradation of levels from those closest to us to those in the celestial spheres. The celestial area is said to be full of harmony and light and is inhabited by very spiritually advanced beings.

Spirit: An entity. The vital principle or animating force within living beings. The indestructible essence of self-conscious life. The word spirit is often used to describe a discarnate person. However, we are all spirits. The difference would be only in the type of body we presently inhabit be it physical, astral, etheric, etc.
When etheric energy is said to be derived directly from Infinite Intelligence (God) and undifferentiated by any other entity, it is said to be coming from Spirit. Here "Spirit" is written with a capital "S." In common usage, "spirit," written with a lower case "s," is a reference to a non-physical entity.
As examples:
I might say, "May Spirit be with you." By this, I would mean that I intend that the formative energy issuing forth from Infinite Intelligence will be available to you in great abundance. (Of course, it always is, but I am attempting to add my vote in the matter.)
I might say, "I sense a spirit near you." In this case, I am referring to an entity that I sense near you. This will usually be a rather undefined sense on my part. Otherwise, I would be more specific, such as, "I sense a lady near you."

Spirit Children: Children who have gone to the other side may choose to continue to grow and develop in the Spirit Worlds. Many children tell us about playmates that are in spirit.

Spirit Communication or Channeling: Energy flows through a person from other dimensions to this one. This energy can be used for communication, healing or for other purposes. Information may be received through automatic writing, trance, clairvoyance, clairaudience, or by other means. In some cases the person may be tapping into the highest level of their own psyche, in others the communication can come from those in spirit or from energy coalitions that say they are from other dimensions. Those who say that their source is extraterrestrial are usually called contactees.

Spirit Guides
These are highly evolved spirits who have chosen to guide and help you as you progress through life. They are wise and loving, and will never let you down. Everyone has at least one spirit guide, whether they are 'into' spiritualism or not. They might otherwise be referred to as 'Guardian Angels'. Spirit Guides can change as you go through life - but some are with you throughout your life and have been with you since you were born. They are not all necessarily Chinese or Native American, for example, but I believe that it is down to the individual's perception. Spirit do not have a 'form' as such, and your guide will appear in the form that you will be most able to accept and understand. Therefore, if you expect to see a Native American, you probably will. Some were genuinely Native Americans in their previous lives, but others may simply choose that form because it is what is expected. Others do not identify themselves with any given form - do not 'show themselves' - but are there nonetheless as pure energy. They may be members of your Soul Group.

Spirit Hypothesis: The theory that the intelligence, which directs the phenomena of the medium, is who and what they say they are, a disembodied spirit. It is the only simple theory that covers every phase of manifestations. It is also the one which is being consistently put forward by the invisible communicators.

Spiritual Healing: Mediums may channel energy just as well as words. Spiritualist healers believe that their healing power comes from spirit doctors or others in the Spirit World who are able to co-operate with them and pass the needed healing energy to the patient through them. There are two main methods, contact healing and absent healing. Many fashionable sounding idioms have come along in recent times such as etheric healing, energy healing, aura cleansing, and energy balancing.

Spirit Helper: A discarnate entity who is eager to assist the subject. They may be under the direction of a control. They are usually the more recently deceased and are often friends and relatives of the subject. They are different from guides who have a greater understanding and experience of spiritual matters.

Spirit Lights: see: Luminous Phenomena.

Spiritual: Anything relating to Infinite Intelligence. In Spiritualism, God is generally thought of as Infinite Intelligence. A more analytical view might be that of a Prime Factor or First cause. It is reasonable and proper to refer to the purpose and origination of reality as spiritual. Thus, when etheric energy is considered as something that is managed by an intelligence outside of the Self, then it is often referred to as Spiritual in nature.

Reverence toward Infinite Intelligence; anything that is akin to Infinite Intelligence or a person who is striving to live in accordance with Natural Law.

Spiritual Maturity: Spiritual maturity can be defined as the understanding of Natural Law and living in accordance with those Principles. It is reasonable to say that people who are trying to understand the greater reality are seeking spiritual maturity. Thus, an "enlightened one" is a person with great spiritual maturity.

Spiritualism: Spiritualism as the Science, Philosophy and Religion of continuous life, based upon the demonstrated fact of communication, by means of mediumship, with those who live in the Spirit World.

Spiritualist: A Spiritualist is one who believes as the basis of his or her Spiritualist religion in the communication between this and the Spirit World by means of mediumship and who endeavors to mold his or her character and conduct in accordance with the highest teachings derived from such communication.

Spiritualism as a Science: "Spiritualism Is a Science" Because it investigates, analyzes and classifies facts and manifestations demonstrated from the spirit side of life.
Spiritualism as a Philosophy: "Spiritualism Is a Philosophy" because it studies the Laws of Nature both on the seen and unseen sides of life and bases its conclusions upon present observed facts. It accepts statements of observed facts of past ages and conclusions drawn there from, when sustained by reason and by results of observed facts of the present day.

Spiritualism as a Religion: "Spiritualism Is a Religion" because it strives to understand and to comply with the Physical, Mental and Spiritual Laws of Nature, which are the laws of God.
A follower of the Spiritualism may also be a Christian or hold any other form of religious
belief…or none.

Spiritualist Healer: A Spiritualist Healer is one who, either through one's own inherent powers or through mediumship, is able to impart vital, curative force to pathologic conditions.

Subjective Phenomena: Phenomena which arises within the mind, exclusive of external observation.

Subliminal: Below the threshold of conscious perception. Inadequate to produce conscious awareness but able to evoke a response.

Suggestion: The amazing power of suggestion has been shown through hypnotism. A successful suggestion can do astonishing things such as cure diseases or reverse a bad habit. It is possible for a suggestion to affect another person, even when that person be unaware that such suggestion has been made.
Suggestion may also affect or cause and event. Intent can act as a powerful and effective suggestion.

Supernatural: An event that violates the laws of nature. Spiritualism contends that all psychic phenomena are ruled by as yet unknown laws and rejects the term supernatural.

Survival: The continuance of the personality after the change called death. It is the fundamental doctrine of Spiritualism.

Symbolism: The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events or relationships. This is often the easiest way for spirit entities to convey information to the medium’s mind. Of course the problem with this is that the symbol may be misinterpreted by the medium. It takes practice and cooperation between the medium and the communicating spirits do develop a code so that this does not happen.

Synchronicity: Coincidence of events that seem to be meaningfully related.

Table Tipping or Table Turning: Sitters place their fingertips lightly on the top of a table. Supernormal energy makes the table tip and turn. A code can be established and messages can be spelled out.

Telekinesis: The movement of objects without normal, obvious, or perceptible means. Usually related to psychic ability. This is usually as a result of thought and intent, rather than of mental or physical mediumship.

Telepathy: The communication between minds by some other means than normal sensory channels. It is the transference of thought without the use of speech, gestures or other physical means. Telepathy could be called mind-to-mind communication and is obtaining the mental state or thought of another person in the here or hereafter.

F. W. H. Myers coined the term telepathy during research into the possibilities of thought transference. Myers defined telepathy as “transmission of thought independently of the recognized channels of sense.” May also include the hearing of words.

Touches: Tactile sensations represent a correlated phenomenon to the movement of objects. This phenomena is usually present at séances were telekinesis takes place and would appear to be caused by a similar means. The feelings of being touched can be hard or soft, warm or cold. They are always intentional and sitters are never touched by accident. The touch is always meant for the one who receives it. Touches can imitate contact with any known substance.

Trance: A spontaneous or induced sleep-like condition or altered state of consciousness that permits the subject’s body to be used by a discarnate entity for communication. With trance as with other phenomena it is important that there is evidence to show, without a doubt, that a discarnate being is in control and communicating and that it is not the subconscious mind or a separate or split personality of the person in trance.

Trance may be of a very light type in which there appears little difference than in total consciousness. Or it may be of a very deep type in which the medium is totally unconscious of their surroundings or of the messages that they are relaying. Upon coming back the person so entranced remembers nothing of what has happened while in the trance. To all intents and purposes the entity speaking and the person in trance are entirely different.

How does anyone go into trance? When a person decides they would like to experience trance for themselves it helps to develop some understanding.

Once you realize your nature as Spirit, that we are all in fact Spirit within a physical body, then communication becomes much more acceptable and therefore more straightforward and reliable.
Spirit is basically all one energy. But Spirit communicates as separate entities, because those entities which communicate retain varying degrees of connection to life in physical form.

Trance usually develops from meditation. The intent to meditate and to enable trance is where one begins the lesson.

Transfiguration: Recognizable portrayals of discarnate persons are built over the medium’s features. This phenomenon usually takes place in dim light as ectoplasm is used to produce the transformation. In good subjects the ectoplasmic material can be seen during the forming process.

Transfiguration may also result as a result of energy manipulation by those within the spirit world. This method does not use ectoplasm.

Transportation: The supernormal transfer of human bodies through closed doors and over a distance. It is a mixture of levitation and apportation. This is a rare phenomenon, but there are cases that have been well authenticated.

Transposition of the Senses: A distinctive feature of some trance states where the senses of taste, sight, and smell can be experienced by the fingers, toes, ear lobes, forehead or pit of the stomach.

Trumpet: A megaphone type instrument made of metal used for direct voice phenomena. The trumpet amplifies the voice. Voice phenomena without the trumpet is termed “independent voice.”

Universal Law: Principles that are necessary for the operation of this system of universes. They cannot be altered or done away with. All universal laws were created at the time of creation and are now in existence whether we have discovered them or not. Also known as Natural Laws

Unseen Force: The influence of etheric intelligences in the operation of physical reality. For instance, this may be the influence an Inner-band might have on an individual.

Vibration
Everything vibrates. The higher the vibration, the less dense the object. Spirit vibrate at a higher level to us - so in order to communicate with spirit, they need to lower their vibration as we raise ours to meet somewhere in the middle. A good example of how vibration works in this respect is a bee flying. You can see the bee, but you cannot it's wings. This is because the wings are vibrating at a high rate to keep the bee aloft and this high rate of vibration cannot be perceived with the human eye. The higher we raise our consciousness (our vibration), the wiser and more pure the spirit communicator.

Vision: There are two classes of vision, objective and subjective. Objective can be said to be the perception of material objects in accordance with optical laws and from a definite point in space. Subjective vision is independent of optical laws, space and objective existence. Clairvoyance would be classified as subjective.

Voice Box: Spirit operators create an instrument from ectoplasm so that the human voice can be reproduced. It has been photographed and is usually lying on the medium’s shoulder. It is also sometimes built inside a trumpet.

Voices, Supernormal: Direct and independent voice as well as voices from materialized forms would be considered supernormal. When one hears voices that others do not hear it is called clairaudience.

Working with Spirit
To work with spirit as a medium or healer requires a lot of time, effort, dedication and self-discipline. It cannot be done in five minutes, and there are no shortcuts. Spirit will only work at the pace that is right for you. Two other important personality traits in developing mediums are humour and humility. It is possible to develop on your own, but it is a good idea to find a development circle - that way, any questions that you have can be answered, and you should receive the proper guidance in order to develop at the pace that is right for you. I would also advise against meditating alone - it is safer if someone whom you trust can talk you gently into meditation and out again after the appointed time (start with short time-spans and build up) and sit with you while you meditate. That way should you go too deeply into meditation they can gently bring you back out again.

X-Ray Vision: Usually a power that is claimed by some healers. It is the ability to see affected organs within the body. Some sensitives also have claimed this ability and say it is how they read messages that are sealed in envelopes.